Ear biometrics and naso-aural proportions of hausas and yorubas using an image-processing algorithm.

Abstract

Background: Anthropology is the study of human biology and culture. This study aims to develop an image-processing algorithm for computing anthropometric measurement s in forensic investigations in order to produce car biometric databases of Hausas and Yorubas of Nigeria. Materials and methods: Hausas of Kebbi State (150 males and 150 females, aged 18 to 36 years) and Yorubas of Osun State (150 males and 150 females, aged 15 to 33 years) were selected as subjects after their informed consents were obtained and when established as Hausas or Yorubas by parents and grandparents. Height, Bodyweight and cephalometric parameters (evaluated on car photographs) were measured on all subjects. The Akinlolu-Raji image-processing algorithm used in this study was developed using modified computer programming principle of row method. Ear Length, Length of Ear Insertion, Ear Breadth, Ear Index, Iannarelli System (1-12) of Ear Biometrics and Naso-aural proportion computed from readings of the Akinlolu-Raji image-processing algorithm was analyzed using z-test (P≤0.05) of 2010 Microsoft Excel statistical software. Results: Statistical analyses showed non-significant higher values (p>0.05) in Hausa and Yoruba males compared to females in most car parameters. Nonsignificant higher values (P>0.05) of car parameters were observed in Yorubas compared to Hausas in both genders. Naso-aural proportions were nonsignificant higher in Hausa males compared to females, lower in Yoruba males compared to females, higher in Hausa males compared to Yoruba males and lower in Hausa females compared to Yoruba females. Conclusions: The developed Akinlolu-Raji image processing algorithm can be employed for computing anthropometric, forensic, diagnostic or any other measurements on 2 -D and 3-D images, and data computed from its readings can be converted to actual or life sizes. Males have higher car sizes compared, to females in Hausas and Yorubas. In addition, Yorubas of Osun State have higher ear sizes compared to Hausas of Kebbi State in both genders.