bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skill Characteristics of Forensic Handwriting Examiners Associated with Simulated Handwritten Text
Authors: Bird Carolyne , Stoel Reinoud D. , Found Bryan , Rogers Douglas
Published: February 2025

The assessment of the process of production of handwriting (naturally written, disguised or simulated) is an important step in forensic examinations and may impact on any authorship opinion offered. However, there is currently little empirical data on the skill of forensic handwriting examiners in discriminating between disguised and simulated writing processes. The results reported here form part of a larger investigation to that end. The trial consisted of 100 pairs of handwriting samples, each with a naturally written comparison sample, and a questioned sample that was either disguised by the comparison writer, or written by another writer attempting to simulate the comparison writer’s handwriting features. The simulated writings were made with or without practice and with or without a direct model of the target text in the comparison writer’s handwriting. Analysis revealed no significant differences between the correct or misleading (erroneous) scores of any of the combinations of simulated writing types. Simulated writings attracted high misleading and inconclusive scores indicating that the predictor features that FHEs use to form opinions on the un-natural writing samples in this study were not effective.
Statistical Evaluation of the Reproducibility and the Influence of Paper on the Analysis of Black Gel Pen Ink Using Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Iqbal Aleem , Majcherczyk Paul , Weyermann Céline
Published: February 2025

Laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) has demonstrated to be an excellent analytical method for the forensic analysis of inks on a questioned document. The ink can be analysed directly on its substrate (paper) and hence offers a fast method of analysis as sample preparation is kept to a minimum and more importantly, damage to the document is minimised. LDI-MS has also previously been reported to provide a high power of discrimination in the statistical comparison of ink samples and has the potential to be introduced as part of routine ink analysis. This paper looks into the methodology further and evaluates statistically the reproducibility and the influence of paper on black gel pen ink LDI-MS spectra; by comparing spectra of three different black gel pen inks on three different paper substrates. Although generally minimal, the influences of sample homogeneity and paper type were found to be sample dependent. This should be taken into account to avoid the risk of false differentiation of black gel pen ink samples. Other statistical approaches such as principal component analysis (PCA) proved to be a good alternative to correlation coefficients for the comparison of whole mass spectra.
The Use of Simple Dimensional Measurements in the Analysis of Simulated Signatures: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Boshir Rukshana , Platt Andrew, W. G.
Published: February 2025

The ability of participants to simulate the width, height, and width: height ratio of simple and complex target signatures has been explored. The natural variation of the target signatures was evaluated over 29 and 28 signatures for the simple and complex signatures respectively. A group of 20 participants were provided 12 simulations of each signature on lined and plain paper. Paired t-tests show that the complex signature was more consistently reproduced than the simple signature. Single factor Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) tests showed that the complex signature was more easily simulated.
REVIEW OF The Neuroscience of Handwriting: Applications for Forensic Document Examination
Authors: Caine Raesin A.
Published: February 2025

Caligiuri, Michael P. and Mohammed, Linton A., (2012). The Neuroscience of Handwriting: Applications for Forensic Document Examination, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 247 pages, $139.95
An “Ideal” Methodology for Manually Assembling Crosscut Shredded Documents
Authors: Olson Larry A.
Published: February 2025

This paper outlines a procedure the author developed while working an “ideal” case—the reassembly of a small bag of crosscut shredded documents. The shredded pieces, or “shred” were made up of several colors of paper, with a variety of handwritten or printed entries.The author discovered that, by making some rudimentary measurements of the shredded particles, assembling a small portion of a document, and observing how the crosscuts occurred, it was possible to predict and visualize the pattern into which the document was shredded. With this pattern, and other techniques used to sort and arrange the shredded pieces, the manual reassembly of the document was successfully completed.
Imaging Methods and Quantitative Measurements for the Characterization of Digitally Printed Materials
Authors: Burge Daniel , Gordeladze Nino , Smith Kristin , Briscoe Jordan , Boatright Ryan , Reilly James
Published: February 2025

Over the last five years, researchers at the Image Permanence Institute at the Rochester Institute of Technology have been developing an imaging strategy and a set of quantitative measurements that can be used to characterize modern digital print materials (both images and documents). While the goal of the project has ultimately been to enable personnel in cultural heritage institutions to identify their collection materials, the approaches should also be helpful to the field of forensic document examination. The imaging methods include varying the angle of lighting as well as the level of magnification. Structures such as surface gloss and texture as well as dot morphology and pattern can be assessed and compared to known print types. Additional, unique traits such as colorant bronzing, differential gloss, anti-block layers, etc. can also be used to narrow down the identification of particular print examples. This paper will describe the main approaches used for both imaging and quantitative measurement of print samples along with descriptions of where support tools can be found online.
Are Simple Signatures So Easy to Simulate?
Authors: Cadola Liv , Margot Pierre , Marquis Raymond
Published: February 2025

Is it possible to perfectly simulate a signature, in the particular and challenging case where the signature is simple? A set of signatures of six writers, considered to be simple on the basis of highlighted criteria, was sampled. These signatures were transferred to forgers requested to produce freehand simulations. Among these simulations, those capable of reproducing the features of the reference signatures were submitted for evaluation to forensic document experts through proficiency testing. The results suggest that there is no perfect simulation.With the supplementary aim of assessing the influence of forger’s skills on the results, forgers were selected from three distinct populations, which differ according to professional criteria. The results indicate some differences in graphical capabilities between individuals. However, no trend could be established regarding age, degrees, years of practice and time dedicated to the exercise. The findings show that simulation is made easier if a graphical compatibility exists between the forger’s own writing and the signature to be reproduced. Moreover, a global difficulty to preserve proportions and slant as well as the shape of capital letters and initials has been noticed.
Do People Always Disguise Their Writing the Same?The Trilogy
Authors: Durina Marie E. , Drexler Steven G. , Vargas Rigo
Published: February 2025

Determining whether handwriting is naturally or unnaturally prepared is a common challenge for forensic document examiners (FDEs) and many variables must be taken into consideration during such an examination. Some issues include the writing instrument, writing medium, nature of the signature, age of the subject(s), health of the writer, and the date of the writing. The final answer being sought, however, comes down to one of three possibilities: the writing is genuine, the writing was forged by another via freehand simulation or tracing, or the writing was deliberately disguised by the subject (often called auto-forgery, or auto-simulation.) This paper discusses the results of a research project conducted to determine the most frequently used strategies writers use when attempting to disguise handwriting, whether writers tend to use the same form of disguise each time, and if the availability of deliberately disguised known specimen writing aided FDEs in their examinations.This research study focused on disguised writings and signatures prepared by subjects who intended to deny them at a later date. A deliberately disguised document was obtained from more than 50 subjects along with natural and disguised known specimen writings. These writings were collected by 3 forensic document examiners from 3 different geographic regions of the U.S. The specimens were then used in side-by-side examinations and comparisons with their disguised writings. Strategies used by the writers to disguise their writing will be discussed. Potential sources for error in certain problematic samples will also be discussed. The hypothesis of the forensic document examiners conducting this study was that, like one’s natural writing, a person’s disguised writing will contain individual characteristics that will be repeated again and again whenever an attempt at disguise is made. Two prior research studies have supported this premise, and these will also be discussed. It is also hypothesized that the comparison of said characteristics, in a side-by-side examination of questioned to known writings, also like one’s natural writing, can lead to the identification of a writer of disguised writing. If this theory is correct, it may be necessary to require that the collection of requested known exemplars include a set of “disguised”known samples as well as normal, natural writing specimens.
Revealing Writing that has been Covered Using Correction Tools
Authors: Guzowski Anna , Millner Kellen , Yue Christopher , Springer Eliot
Published: February 2025

One particular challenge encountered by the forensic document examiner is that of obliterations through use of correction utensils and opaquing solutions (eg. Wite-Out®). Underlying writing can be difficult to distinguish due to this type of obliteration. In the past, various methods have been implemented to deal with these types of evidence, such as physically removing the solution. However, this method has the potential to destroy the original evidence in the process (1,2). An alternate nondestructive method for the visualization of the underlying writing is preferred. ESDA® and the VSC® are both non-destructive techniques widely used in the analysis of questioned documents. The ESDA® was proposed and examined as a novel method for visualizing this type of obliterated writing. This nondestructive method was then compared to that of using the VSC® for this same type of examination. The evaluation was carried out through the use of a variety of writing instruments, inks and printing methods. A series of samples consisting of handwritten, typewritten, and non-impact printed material was prepared and sections of each were covered with a different correction tool. Both the ESDA® and VSC® were used to view the underlying writing. The ESDA® was able to distinguish the underlying writing from the front in three of the eight samples where the correction tape was used and from the back in three of the eight samples where correction fluid was used. Surprisingly, for all other samples, the ESDA® did not succeed in revealing the obliterated writing. In all cases, however, the VSC® was able to generate a legible image of the original writing. In short, the VSC® was exceptionally effective at visualizing writing obliterated by opaquing solutions. There might, however, be some situations where the ESDA® may be more advantageous.
In Situ Analysis of Ink Lines Made by Blue and Black Ballpoint Pens by Reflectance and Luminescence Spectroscopy Using the VSC6000HS
Authors: Alzaabi Saqar , Sharfe Gordon
Published: February 2025

In situ discrimination of blue and black ballpoint pen ink lines on paper was performed using the visible- infrared reflectance and visible-infrared luminescence spectroscopy functions of the VSC6000HS. Ink lines from 30 blue and 30 black ballpoint pens were examined. It was found that about 92% and 94% of the ink lines of the blue and black ballpoint pens respectively could be distinguished using these methods.The outcomes of this project demonstrated that this methodology of differentiating ballpoint inks did not only provide reproducible results, but also offered a satisfactory, simple, rapid, non-destructive and objective way of differentiating ink entries of blue and black ballpoint pens. The results have also demonstrated that the paper color has an effect on reflectance and luminescence spectra obtained by VSC6000HS. As a result, comparing ink entries on different colored-paper substrates by these methodologies is not acceptable.
Spatial Pyramid Matching-based Multi-script Off-line Signature Identification
Authors: Mandal Ranju , Pal Srikanta , Roy Partha Pratim , Pal Umapada , Blumenstein Michael
Published: February 2025

Among all of the biometric authentication systems, handwritten signatures are considered as the most legally and socially accepted attributes for personal identification. The objective of this investigation is to present an empirical contribution towards the understanding of a signature identification technique involving multi-script off-line signatures. In our experiment, SIFT (Scale-Invariant Feature Transform) descriptors with Spatial Pyramid Matching (SPM)-based approaches have been used for feature extraction of signatures written in multiple scripts. Support Vector Machines (SVMs) are employed as the classifier in this experiment. 300 classes from the publicly available GPDS[16] dataset consisting of 7200 (300 × 24; 24 signature samples in each class) genuine signatures, 300 classes from a Devnagari signature dataset consisting of 7200 (300 × 24) genuine signatures and 200 classes from Bangla signature dataset consisting of 4800 (200 × 24) genuine signatures have been considered for this experiment. The signature identification experiment is conducted on these three datasets separately as well as 800 classes from a combined dataset of English, Devnagari, and Bangla signatures. The identification accuracy on the datasets is encouraging and 99.32% accuracy was obtained on the combined dataset of signatures, while 99.95%, 99.25% and 99.57% accuracy were achieved on experiments conducted separately on English, Devnagari, and Bangla signature datasets.
Near-Infrared (NIR) lighting, in support of determining the sequence of non-intersecting media on documents: Ballpoint Pen Ink and Laser Toner entries
Authors: Dellavalle Francesco
Published: February 2025

Certifying the entry chronology of signatures or printed text on documents represents an important issue for the examination of forged documents. While in the case of intersecting signatures, numerous analysis techniques have been reported in the literature, much less is known about non-intersecting signatures, which also occur very often in practice.
Offline Signature Verification based on Centerline Similarities
Authors: Griechisch Erika , Németh Gábor
Published: February 2025

Digital signatures are becoming increasingly common in author identification. However, handwritten signatures play an important role in different aspects of life like business and the banking sector. Offline signature verification methods analyze the images and shapes of the signatures. Several methods use skeleton that is a frequently used shape descriptor that summarizes the general form of objects. Here, we present an offline signature verification method which is based on similarity measures designed for a comparison of 2D skeleton-like shape features. The proposed method was evaluated on the publicly available SigComp2011 and SigWiComp2013 databases. The results that we obtained are competitive with the systems submitted to two recent signature verification competitions.
Stability, Speed and Accuracy for Online Signature Verification
Authors: Parziale Antonio , Anatrella Angelo , Marcelli Angelo
Published: February 2025

We suggest a model of signature verification based upon handwriting generation studies and derive from it the characterization of the signing habits of a subject. Such characterization is given in terms of the signature’s stability regions, which are obtained by exploiting shape and temporal information conveyed by the genuine signatures captured by a writing pad. The effectiveness of the proposed method for characterizing the signing habits of a subject has been evaluated in a signature verification experiment on the Sabaci University Signatures (SUSIG) database. The experimental results, obtained by using very simple decision criteria in order to stress the role of stability regions on assessing the authorship of a signature, confirm that the proposed method captures to a large extent the behavior of the subject.
Measuring magnetic properties to discriminate between different laser printers
Authors: Herlaar Koen , Mieremet Miriam , Fakkel Mignonne
Published: February 2025

Magnetism used to be a qualitative property to discriminate between different laser printers: magnetic single-component toners versus non-magnetic bi-component toners. Within the examination of security documents, quantitative measurements of magnetic properties are used to discriminate between genuine and counterfeited documents. The question has risen whether quantitative measurements of magnetism can also be used to discriminate between printers which use magnetic single-component toner. This paper presents a preliminary evaluation of this technology on normal laser printed documents.This study used 72 print samples from 19 different laser printers which all use magnetic toner. For each sample the flux and magnetic induction of the toner was measured on several locations with the Regula Magmouse Model 4197. Different comparison algorithms to discriminate between printers were studied within the Bayesian Likelihood-Ratio framework. Furthermore, repeatability and reproducibility of the Magmouse were studied. This study shows that this technology has the potential to discriminate between different printers. The Magmouse is easy to operate and measurements can be done quickly without contaminating, damaging or destroying other traces on the document. However, the range of application is limited to documents printed with magnetic single component toner.
Laypersons’ Performance in the Determination of Authorship from a Homogenous Group Of Writers
Authors: Durina Marie E. , Caligiuri Michael P.
Published: February 2025

In 2009, the authors reported a study involving 49 FDEs from 5 countries who attempted to determine authorship of writing samples from 52 writers who had grown up in the same neighborhood, attended the same school, and who had all learned to write using the Palmer method. In that initial study, FDEs were able to successfully attribute authorship with average accuracy scores of approximately 98%. A subsequent study was conducted involving a group of 46 Laypersons who were assigned the same comparison tasks as the FDEs involving the same writing specimens. This secondary study compared accuracy and error rates attained by the Laypersons with those attained by the FDEs. Findings demonstrated that the Laypersons in this study were able to determine authorship with average accuracy scores of approximately 76%. A comparison of error rates between the two groups showed an error rate of approximately 39% for the Laypersons Group, compared to approximately 3% for the FDE Group. Additional findings showed there were profound differences between both groups in the number of writing specimens that were problematic for the examiners, and in the strategies they used in examination and comparison of the handwriting samples.
The Challenge of Determining the Fraudulent Use of Postage Stamps
Authors: Leonard Paul
Published: February 2025

The policing of the worldwide use of postage stamps and items sent through the mail provides many challenges. Not only are millions of stamps used every day, the potential for fraud may take many forms. This technical paper considers primarily historically important philatelic material rather than assessing current counterfeit postage, although the methodology of analysis is similar.Around the world, there are individuals who will provide certificates that will provide an opinion on whether philatelic items are deemed ‘good’ or ‘bad’. To address this challenge, The Royal Philatelic Society formed an Expert Committee (RPSL) http://www.rpsl.limited/Home.aspx that seeks to establish a concluding opinion based on the evidence obtained at that time. This process will follow a series of analytical steps.The RPSL has extensive museum facilities and over 225,000 records of worldwide significance. Analytical techniques will be used extensively to aid opinions, whether from comparison of reference material, accessing material from other collections such as the British Library or undertaking tests using the Video Spectral Comparator, VSC6000 manufactured by Foster Freeman http://www.fosterfreeman.com/questioned-document-examination/vsc6000-hs-col-180-comprehensive-examination-system. html. This equipment has enabled comparison with previously published information and assessment of whether there are printing differences of philatelic material. Future work is likely to include international collaboration with other scientists, comparing analytical techniques on a weight of evidence approach to conclude with an opinion. Specifically on whether items are fakes, for example where a philatelic item has been manufactured to deceive the purchaser, forgeries where part of a stamp or envelope has been changed or in all aspects is considered genuine.
Kinematic Models of Subjective Complexity in Handwritten Signatures
Authors: Angel Miriam , Caligiuri Michael P. , Cavanaugh Melvin
Published: February 2025

This research seeks to develop a model using kinematic features that best explains variability in Forensic Document Examiner’s (FDE’s) perception of complexity. One hundred and twenty-three individuals provided five genuine signatures each. All signatures were collected on a tablet running MovAlyzeR® software, which recorded the kinematic data while the subject was signing. Scanned copies of the signatures were sent to five FDEs who were asked to rate the complexity on a five-point scale. For the purpose of this study, complexity was defined as how difficult it would be to simulate the signature without detection by an FDE. The effects of signature style on stroke kinematics were statistically significant for several variables, so separate models were developed for the three signature styles. Kinematic models ranging from three to eight parameters explained 71%, 76%, and 79% of the variation in complexity judgment for text-based, stylized, and mixed-style signatures, respectively. Our results confirm those from previous work that the number of strokes (or the number of turning points) in a signature is a strong predictor of FDE complexity assessment, adding that other kinematic variables such as stroke velocity, slant, horizontal stroke length, and total length of all segments of the signature, together with number of strokes, account for a greater portion of variability in complexity perception. These results underscore the importance of sensitive kinematic analyses of temporal and spatial features in understanding signature complexity.
Utilizing Data From Write-On™ 2.0 To Provide A Stronger Scientific Basis For Handwriting Examinations
Authors: Anderson Chris , Agius Anna , Storey Gary
Published: February 2025

Forensic document examination can fall prey to criticism regarding the lack of a proper statistical basis in handwriting examinations. The development of Write-On™ as a tool to aid forensic document examiners (FDE’s) in the analysis of handwriting has helped to address this situation. One facet WriteOn™ provides is a wealth of statistical data, however it seems to be largely under-utilized. The authors have developed methods to better exploit the statistical data produced by Write-On™, which gives the examination a stronger scientific footing. This research explores how to extract the data produced by Write-On™, export it into Microsoft Excel® (Excel) and use the data to demonstrate whether there is a sufficient quality and quantity of handwriting to conduct a proper and adequate comparison. Conveying this information in a report provides an improved scientific basis for the opinion expressed.
Global Review of Questioned Document Laboratories in the 21st Century
Authors: Brown Sharon , Anavi Geulit , Fuchs Batya
Published: February 2025

In light of the constant advancements in new technologies for the production and examination of authentic, forged and counterfeit documents, an interest was expressed to determine which capabilities, working methods and instrumentation are used in questioned document (QD) laboratories.Survey answers were collected from recognized document examiners around the world.The collected information demonstrated that document examination is relatively consistent across the globe. Furthermore, it may be utilized to suggest guidelines for a “best practice” setup for a QD laboratory.The smaller number of labs currently working in areas such as chemical testing of printing inks and dating of ballpoint inks may encourage other QD laboratories to consider new instrumentation or examination methods.
Application of Multivariate Statistics (PCA and HCA) on ballpoint pen ink Infrared spectra for dating of forensic relevant documents
Authors: De Carvalho Carina Maria Bello , Reis Moniquedos , Ortiz Rafael Scorsatto , Ferrão Marco Flores , Limberger Renata Pereira
Published: February 2025

In the normal casework of Forensic Document Examiners (FDEs), a common type of forgery is the alteration of the date of creation of a document through the erasure and addition of another date with ballpoint pen of color similar to the original. The chronology of manuscripts in a document has been a concern within the FDE community. Recently, Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and multivariate statistical analysis have been used to differentiate pens, but this paper aimed to develop an IR method that could also date a manuscript by multivariate statistic. Ballpoint pen lines from different brands made in different kinds of papers (office white and recycled), with variable ages, were analyzed by Infrared Spectroscopy with Total Attenuated Reflectance Accessory. The spectra obtained were analyzed with multivariate statistical analysis, especially Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). This study concludes that different kinds of paper do not influence the characterization of the pens by IR-ATR. The method was able to characterize the variables that were responsible for the discrimination of ballpoint pens from different brands/models and for differentiation of samples of different ages. The HCA and PCA were able to group pens with similar ages, and differentiate lines recently wrote from older lines. Within the loadings that are responsible for the differentiation, it was possible to identify absorption peaks from 2-phenoxyethanol, a solvent whose evaporation from the ink could indicate the line age. Further studies regarding other pen samples and multivariate statistical approaches could be conducted to confirm these findings.
Normal Course-of-Business Records versus Manufactured Records
Authors: Lines Sandra Ramsey , Tolliver Diane K. , Kelly Jan Seaman
Published: February 2025

In the case of handwritten business records, the Forensic Document Examiner (FDE) compares a disputed or questioned record with “normal course-of-business” records. A comprehensive examination of the factors observed in the record is considered. The totality of what is found, and often what is not found, may permit a definite conclusion with respect to whether or not the business record was prepared in the “normal course-of-business,” or manufactured in a manner not consistent with “normal course-of-business” practices. The data collected as part of this study supports the literature on examining business records by the recognition of specific factors when examining business records using a comprehensive checklist.
Microscopic Method for Determining the Size of Toner Particles in Page Substitution and Document Dating Cases
Authors: Aginsky Valery N.
Published: February 2025

Toner is typically a powder that is used in laser printers and photocopiers to form printed text and images on paper. During the printing process, toner particles are partially melted by the heat of the fuser, binding them to one another and onto the paper. This paper describes a microscopic method for determining the average particle size of the toner used to produce a printed (copied) document. The method can assist forensic document analysts in page substitution cases, as well as in document dating cases in which it is necessary to establish whether the toner was available on the date that the contested document bears.
Pantographs as a Security Feature: Why They Work, Why They Fail
Authors: Green James A.
Published: February 2025

A narcotics case involving an unauthorized, photocopied prescription form containing a “void” pantograph was submitted for examination to the author. The purported “original” prescription form in question was examined and it was quickly determined to be a machine-generated copy, although the “void” warning was not present. Research was undertaken to determine the cause of the failure of the “void” pantograph to appear on the photocopied form. The successful reproduction of the prescription, lacking the “void” pantograph, was attributed to the higher scanning resolution of the photocopier used for the fabrication.
Cognitive Human Factors and Forensic Document Examiner Methods and Procedures
Authors: Merlino Mara L. , Dahir Veronica B. , Edwards Charles P. , Hammond Derek L. , Freeman-Taylor Tierra , Dyer Adrian , Found Bryan J.
Published: February 2025

Here we report initial findings from an interdisciplinary study to empirically explore the reliability, measurement validity, and accuracy of established FDE methods and procedures, and to investigate the influence of possible sources of cognitive bias in the methods and procedures of forensic handwriting examination. This article reports findings of our analysis of the relationship between the position of the known signatures and the utilization of writing features in questioned/known signature comparison tasks. Forty-nine professional forensic document examiners from government labs and private participated in an eye-tracking experiment to investigate patterns in their visual behavior as they performed a series of handwriting comparisons. Eye-tracking results revealed a left-to-right and proximal-to-distal pattern of gaze behavior. Significant differences in mean gaze fixation counts were found according to whether the signatures were text-based or stylized; whether the signatures were high or low complexity; whether the signatures were genuine or non-genuine (ground truth); and whether FDE decisions were accurate or misleading. Binomial logistic regression analyses revealed that ground truth and utilization of the upper left known signature were significant predictors of FDE decision accuracy.
Cognitive Human Factors and Forensic Document Examiner Methods and Procedures: Writing Characteristics, Visual Context, and Handwriting Examination Decision Accuracy
Authors: Merlino Mara L. , Dahir Veronica B. , Edwards Charles P. , Hammond Derek L. , Al Namer Chandler , Al Namer Taleb , Schaar-Buis Denise
Published: February 2025

Ongoing research is needed to achieve transparency in the methods and procedures of forensic document examination, and to empirically support the creation of standardized education and training that will help forensic document examiners achieve the creation of best practices in all areas of the field. In February 2020, NIST published an extensive report prepared by the Expert Working Group for Human Factors in Handwriting Examination, titled Forensic Handwriting Examination and Human Factors: Improving the Practice Through a Systems Approach [1]. The report encourages interdisciplinary research efforts that embrace multiple research methods to study neurological, physiological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors that form the context in which handwriting examination
Surveys of Handedness
Authors: Welch John
Published: February 2025

A short account of studies which have provided information about handedness in humans in various cultures and across historical timescales
A Study on Signature Distortion in Photocopying Generations
Authors: Yadav Amrita , Singh Dr. Ranjeet Kr. , Tarannum Afreen , Sachdeva Prof. M.P.
Published: February 2025

Examining original documents is considered more relevant for signature and handwriting examination, but the effectiveness may decrease significantly when considering a photocopied version of the original document. This creates challenges for the Forensic Document Examiner as various levels of tampering can be performed during the process of photocopying. In this research paper, an effort has been made to study the effect of the photocopying process in five different subsequent generations on various line quality features such as breakage in line, initial and terminal strokes of letters or words, writing instrument features like ink gooping, and different other features related with the writer itself like pen lifts, tremors, retracing, merging of strokes, and printer effect like widening in line. In this study, 2550 genuine signature samples were collected from different individuals, using different types of pens with different brands on various types of papers which are commonly used for official purposes. This study has been conducted to help the Forensic Document Examiners in understanding the challenges which are frequently seen in the multi-generation copy of signature samples.
Technical Note: Signature Verification Algorithms: What They are, How They are Used, and How to Evaluate Them
Authors: Kulbacki Kevin P. , Kalantzis Nikolaos , Fuchs Batya Miller
Published: February 2025

Over the last decade there has been a significant shift towards conducting business in a paperless and digital manner. As part of this transition, the collection of Digitally Captured Signatures (DCS—a.k.a. biometric signatures, online signatures or dynamic signatures) has increasingly replaced traditional static signatures written on paper. Traditionally, digitization of signatures has been accomplished with flat (2 dimensional) scanning of a signature executed on paper, that leads to the creation of a bitmap1 file (i.e. static signatures) [1]. While static signatures represent visual information in the X and Y coordinates only (and hence lack information regarding the dynamic aspects of signing), dynamic signatures capture the X and Y coordinates as well as Time and Force. In conjunction with the faster pace of the digital world, businesses have had to adapt their fraud prevention efforts to handle not only more transactions, but also more sophisticated attempts at fraud. The numerical nature of the DCS data allows the contemplation of statistical methods to characterize a group of “known” DCS and then compare a “questioned” DCS versus that group, effectively performing a statistical evaluation of authenticity; various companies have invested in such algorithms that evaluate signatures in order to potentially determine whether or not a given signature was actually prepared by the purported author.This technical note discusses what these algorithms are, how they work and how they can be evaluated as per their forensic capabilities.
Line Quality in Non-original Documents Expert Opinions and Conclusions
Authors: Vaccarone Paolo , Mohammed Linton
Published: February 2025

Forensic Handwriting Examiners (FHEs) and Document Examiners (FDEs) are involved in legal cases where specific skills are required to analyse signatures and handwriting. The examiners are increasingly being asked to express their opinion regarding the authenticity of signatures and handwriting where non-original documents are involved. With this study, the authors tried to understand the expert perceptions and opinions regarding the quality of the line when the documents are in non-original format as well as whether the analysis of non-original documents also influences the final opinions rendered.
Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) for Paper Image Transmission as a Tool for Identification and Differentiation— Method Validation
Authors: Kunicki Marcin , Ferenc Anna
Published: February 2025

The aim of this paper is to validate the paper differentiation method using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). This method allows for visualization of a specific mesh pattern left by the production line machines during paper manufacturing. With this method it is possible to determine whether two compared sheets originate from the same source (the manufacturer), or not (from different batches of the same product or from different manufacturers). During the validation process, which aimed to confirm the method’s effectiveness and identify its limitations, a total of over 2500 comparisons were made of FFT paper samples. The samples were obtained from sheets of paper from the same manufacturer, as well as from different sources. Two algorithms were used for obtaining and comparing FFTs during the research. The obtained results indicated the high efficiency of the Fast Fourier Transform used, in both confirming and refuting the common origin of the compared sheets of paper. Document examination, paper comparison, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)
Visual Acuity and Myopic Near Point
Authors: Tanaka Tobin A
Published: February 2025

Myopia, colloquially referred to as near sightedness, is commonly explained as a reduced ability to discern objects at a distance, this is actually only a partial explanation. The near point of an observer with myopia permits superior visual acuity of small features and details when viewed at a short distance with the unaided eye.Common visual acuity tests, such as the Snellen eye chart, do not directly address the ability to view small objects with the unaided eye. The myopic eye can view small details of handwriting and certain document features such as microprinting at a close distance without the use of magnifiers.
An overview of myopia is provided along with an explanation of common visual acuity eye charts,near point and corrective lenses prescriptions.
A Close Look at the Significance of Margin Drift:What Does It Really Tell Us?
Authors: Bey Robert F. , Ryan Dennis J.
Published: February 2025

Many times the Forensic Document Examiner (FDE) is called upon to examine documents where there are multiple signatures of one individual. The question put forth to us as experts is, “Were these signatures executed at one sitting or were these signatures written on different occasions?” In order to answer this question, an FDE may look at a phenomenon called “margin drift” and use this as a factor in arriving at their conclusion. The critical problem that arises for the FDE is: How much weight do we give to this phenomenon? Moreover, can margin drift be a significant factor in indicating that a group of signatures were written during one sitting? This is the problem put forth in this paper.
Common Chemicals for Common Criminals: Check Washing Again
Authors: Licht Gary A.
Published: February 2025

The removal of several types of pen inks from personal checks is a simple process for the person who is willing to acquire checks that have been legitimately written. Using checks that have been written by the check owner provides the check washer with a model signature for each stolen check that is to be washed and rewritten. This can be confusing to the check owner when the check is finally processed at the home bank, since many bank personnel and customers can’t recognize a traced signature as non-genuine. This paper reports the results of experiments utilizing various types of common chemicals to remove inks from check stock.
Evaluation of Ozone Exposure from Use of the Electrostatic Detection Apparatus
Authors: Cameron Mark
Published: February 2025

Use of the Electrostatic Detection Apparatus in evaluating documents for hidden indentations creates ozone. Ozone can cause respiratory irritation and breathing difficulty. Ozone discharge was measured for an hour during continuous operation at two different locations. Results indicated that continuous use can generate ozone concentrations that will exceed the permissible exposure limit mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Ozone levels can be controlled by shutting the corona wand off when not in use and by using local exhaust ventilation.
Class Characteristics of Mexican Hand Printing
Authors: King Brittany H.
Published: February 2025

In the forensic examination of handwriting, document examiners must be able to distinguish between class and individual characteristics. If an examiner places too much emphasis on a characteristic that is common to a certain nationality or group of people, an erroneous conclusion may be rendered. With the migration of foreign-born individuals into the United States, it is important for document examiners to be aware of the class characteristics found in foreign handwriting. One of the largest growing cultural groups in the southwestern United States is that of the Mexican people. In this study, the class characteristics of Mexican hand printing are examined. Specific letter formations, which occurred often enough to be considered as class characteristics, are identified. The letter formations, as well as the statistical data are presented in this paper.
Sequencing Writing Impressions and Laser Printing or Inkjet Printing Using the ESDA
Authors: Mohammed Linton A.
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the possibility of determining the sequence of writing impressions and inkjet or laser printing using the Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA). It was found that the sequence of impressions and inkjet printing could be determined with a high degree of confidence. The sequence of impressions and laser printing could not be determined in the study.
A New Check Security Feature: Thermochromic Ink
Authors: Ware Charlotte W.
Published: February 2025

One of the newest check security features being utilized today is a logo or mark printed on a check using color-changing ink. This allows anyone to verify the authenticity of a document quickly and easily. By rubbing your finger over the mark, the document can be authenticated immediately, and can be repeated over and over again as the check is passed from person to person. But just how does thermochromic ink work? The chemistry of the ink and use of it both in document security and in other applications are discussed.
Tawhid Paradigm as Foundation in Islamic Education Philosophy: Theological-Normative Review Analysis
Authors: Rafliyanto Muhammad
Published: February 2025

This article aims to describe the concept of tawhid paradigm as a philosophical foundation in the study of Islamic education philosophy through theological-normative review. In its implementation, often the concepts and goals of Islamic education encounter problems that are not coherent with the dogmatic teachings of Islamic theology, where there are still many educational institutions that lead to western education. The purpose of this research is to describe the concept of tawhid which is used as a foundation of Islamic theology in the study of the philosophy of Islamic education. This research uses a qualitative method through a library research approach. The data collection technique used by researchers uses a type of content analysis technique. The results of this study explain that tawhid as the basis of theological studies in the philosophy of Islamic education provides a concept and idea not only in the field of education, in its implementation the essence of tawhid also aims to shape the morality of society, especially in Muslims. Then, the aspects of tawhid and education have a mutually bound relationship to provide aworldview that is oriented not only to worldly needs, but also ukhrawi. In epistemology, monotheism as the basis of theological studies is also the basis of activity for every Muslim and systemically will be built into a concept of manifesting Islam.
Implementasi Metode Halaqah dalam Pembelajaran Fiqih Santri di Ma’had Al-Jami’ah UIN Raden Intan Lampung
Authors: Fadhli Muhammad , Romlah Listiyani Siti , Hijriyah Umi , Sa'idy Sa'idy , Yusnita Erni , Baharuddin Baharuddin
Published: February 2025

The halaqah method is known as an effective traditional approach in teaching religious knowledge, especially in Islamic boarding schools, because it allows direct interaction between students and ustadz in an in-depth discussion atmosphere. This study uses a qualitative methodology, the study is included in the descriptive research category, by collecting data through observation, interviews, and documentation. The subjects of the study were students and teachers at Ma'had Al-Jami'ah UIN Raden Intan Lampung who participated in fiqh learning using the halaqah method. The results of the study showed that the halaqah method improved students' understanding of fiqh material, especially in daily worship practices. Some of the obstacles faced include time constraints and variations in the educational backgrounds of students. However, this method is considered effective in building the personality and skills of students in understanding fiqh in depth. These findings are expected to be a reference for the development of the halaqah method in other religious educational institutions.
Eksistensi Madrasah Diniyah Takmiliyah (Wustha, Ulya, dan Al Jami'ah)
Authors: Siregar Zulfahman , Rajab Rajab
Published: February 2025

The objective of this study is to examine the existence of Madrasah Diniyah Takmiliyah (MDT), particularly MDT Wustha, MDT Ulya, and MDT Al Jami’ah (Mandiri), which are worth maintaining as they are capable of shaping a generation that is faithful, devout, righteous, and of noble character. The identified issue is the current regulation that only covers MDT Ula (Elementary), while other levels of MDT, such as MDT Wustha, MDT Ulya, and MDT Al Jami’ah (Mandiri), lack clear regulations. This research employs a descriptive approach, with the research subjects consisting of principals, teachers, and students at Madrasah Diniyah Takmiliyah (MDT) in Padang City. The results of the study indicate that the existence of MDT, particularly MDT Wustha, MDT Ulya, and MDT Al Jami’ah (Mandiri), needs to be continuously maintained as they are capable of shaping a generation that is faithful, devout, righteous, and of noble character. Furthermore, the establishment of regulations for MDT Wustha, MDT Ulya, and MDT Al Jami’ah (Mandiri) is urgently needed to support the sustainability and development of MDT at all levels.