Image manipulation: Fraudulence in digital dental records: Study and review

Abstract

Introduction:In present-day times, freely available software allows dentists to tweak their digital records as never before. But, there is a fine line between acceptable enhancements and scientific delinquency.Aims and Objective:To manipulate digital images (used in forensic dentistry) of casts, lip prints, and bite marks in order to highlight tampering techniques and methods of detecting and preventing manipulation of digital images.Materials and Methods:Digital image records of forensic data (casts, lip prints, and bite marks photographed using Samsung Techwin L77 digital camera) were manipulated using freely available software.Results:Fake digital images can be created either by merging two or more digital images, or by altering an existing image.Discussion and Conclusion:Retouched digital images can be used for fraudulent purposes in forensic investigations. However, tools are available to detect such digital frauds, which are extremely difficult to assess visually. Thus, all digital content should mandatorily have attached metadata and preferably watermarking in order to avert their malicious re-use. Also, computer alertness, especially about imaging software's, should be promoted among forensic odontologists/dental professionals.

Influence of Image Manipulation Restricted to Global Alterations on Diagnosis by an Oral Cytologist

“…Students and researchers should be educated about do's and don'ts of image enhancements. As suggested preventative measures such as attaching metadata and water marking of digital images should be done in order to avert their malicious reuse [3]. Undoubtedly, the entire imaging process in cytology needs to be standardized if digital images are to be fully espoused in the field of diagnostics.…”

“…There are various easily available software's which are routinely used to achieve cleaner and sharper images. This digital enhancement of images becomes a point of contention as there is a very fine line that delineates acceptable enhancements and digital fraud [3]. The root cause of this debate is the fact that digital imaging and its modifications are being explored extensively but there is paucity of guidelines to standardize the process.…”

“…Freely available software allows investigators to tweak their digital images as never before. Digital images can be produced either by merging two or more digital images, or by altering an existing image [3]. But, there is a fine line between acceptable enhancements and scientific delinquency.…”

A simple working type Integrated Rugoscopy Chart proposed for analysis and recording rugae pattern

“…[12345] Study of rugae is called as rugoscopy and rugae have been classified by various scientists according to the position, length, shape, direction, and unification. [678]…”

Gatekeepers of the academic world: a recipe for good peer review

“… 3 Thus reviewers and editors should be trained to adapt with the evolution in scientific publishing, and be aware that all digital pictures should mandatorily have attached metadata and embossed watermark. 4 …”