Gelatine lifting, a novel technique for the examination of indented writing

The limitations of the examination of indented writing impressions using electrostatic detection are often paper related. Paper types such as glossy paper, paper of high basis weight, and lithography or gravure-printed papers often give rise to problems resulting in a decrease in sensitivity or a lack of detection altogether. In this paper, a novel technique for the examination of indented writing is presented, which is in a sense complimentary to the technique of electrostatic detection as it is especially suitable for glossy-coated and printed paper types and can in some instances also deal with paper types of higher basis weight. Indented writing grooves will normally contain more particles than the surrounding nonindented areas due to damage of the surface layer resulting in a build-up of filler powder. The method presented uses black gelatine lifter slabs to lift the paper dust image off the surface of the paper. This image can quite easily be photographed using near-to-coaxial lighting. The gelatine lifting method outperforms oblique lighting for the detection of indented writing and is almost as sensitive as electrostatic detection if compared on the types of paper where both perform well. The main advantage of this new technique is, however, that it is especially suitable for those types of paper where electrostatic detection fails and is therefore a welcome addition to the range of methods available to a forensic document examiner for the examination of indented writing.     

Potentiality of 3D laser profilometry to determine the sequence of homogenous crossing lines on questioned documents

The determination of the sequence of line crossings is still a current problem in the field of forensic documents examination. Optical examination, lifting technique, ESDA technique, and electron microscopy are the most widely used methods for the determination of the writing order of crossing texts. However, at present many examinations of intersecting lines result in an inconclusive opinion, particularly if the same type and colour of ink is involved. This paper presents the potentiality of the 3D laser profilometry, which has been to determine the chronological sequence of homogenous "crossing lines". The laser profilometry, illustrated in this paper, has been developed on a conoscopic holography based system. It is a non-contact three-dimensional measuring system that allows producing holograms, even with incoherent light, with fringe periods that can be measured precisely to determine the exact distance to the point measured. This technique is suitable to obtain a 3D micro-topography with high resolution also on surfaces with unevenness reflectivity (usual for the paper surface). The proposed technique is able to obtained 3D profile in non-invading way. Therefore, the original draft are not physically or chemically modified, allowing a multi-analysis in different times. The experiments performed with line crossings database show that the proposed method is able of "positive identification" of writing sequence in the majority of the tests. In absence of a positive identification, the result has been "inconclusive" (no false determination did occur in this work).     

Hyperspectral imaging of gel pen inks: An emerging tool in document analysis

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a useful technique in the examination of writing inks, including gel pen inks, which combines digital imaging with % reflectance spectroscopy. This facilitates the detection of subtle differences between chemically similar inks. This study analysed a variety of blue, red and black gel inks on white office paper using HSI. The potential of the technique for ink discrimination compared to other analytical methods of examination is highlighted. Discriminating powers of 1.00, 0.90 and 0.40 were achieved using HSI for red, blue and black gel inks respectively. The overall discriminating power of 0.76 for the technique combined with its non-destructive nature and minimal sampling requirements demonstrates promise for this type of application.     

The forensic analysis of thermal transfer printing

Thermal transfer printing refers to printing processes that utilize heat to produce an image by either physical or chemical means or by a combination of both. As the technology has improved and the supplies have become less expensive, the use of thermal printing in the personal and business markets has increased significantly. Specifically, dye diffusion thermal transfer and thermal mass transfer have become predominant in the production of counterfeit credit cards, drivers' licenses, and other types of documents produced on plastic media. Chemical analysis by means of thin layer chromatography (TLC) has proven to be useful in characterizing various types of inks (e.g., writing and inkjet inks). In this study, the authors examined 81 different samples that included a total of 54 printer samples (43 photographic prints on paper and eleven plastic card samples) and 27 printer ribbons. A new TLC method was developed and tested utilizing a solvent system (80% n-hexane, 3% methyl ethyl ketone, and 17% ethyl acetate) that is capable of producing excellent resolution.     

A lifting process for determining the writing sequence of two intersecting ball-point pen strokes

The authors describe a technique for determining the order in which two intersecting ball-point pen strokes were made by means of lifting part of the ink with KromeKote paper. The KromeKote paper is applied to the intersection with the glossy side against the writing. The back of the lifting paper is rubbed with a blunt pointed instrument using moderate pressure. Study of the lift under low magnification discloses a pattern of edge markings with those from the last written line dominating the intersection. Results show a high percentage of accuracy.     

死刑核准权归位后的程序正当性分析

死刑核准权归位是解决死刑核准权异化,根除下放所造成的立法矛盾和实务问题的惟一选择。死刑复核程序的诉讼化改造要求贯彻书面审和开庭审相结合,事实审与法律审相结合,书面审则实行阅卷与提审被告人相结合;立法应当明确赋予死刑复核程序中被告人的律师辩护权和当面陈述权;死刑复核程序仍然应当明确时限规定;检察机关有权对死刑复核程序实行法律监督,监督的方式是抗诉和检察建议;我国死刑复核程序不宜实行三审终审制改造,也不宜只实行法律审。     

Determination of the sequence of intersecting lines using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscope

The aim of this study was to verify that the combination of focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscope/energy‐dispersive X‐ray (SEM/EDX) could be applied to determine the sequence of line crossings. The samples were transferred into FIB/SEM for FIB milling and an imaging operation. EDX was able to explore the chemical components and the corresponding elemental distribution in the intersection. The technique was successful in determining the sequence of heterogeneous line intersections produced using gel pens and red sealing ink with highest success rate (100% correctness). These observations show that the FIB/SEM was the appropriate instrument for an overall examination of document.     

An esoteric technique useful in the identification of unidentified remains from the examination of faded,illegible hospital identification wristbands

A technique routinely used in the examination of questioned documents has been found to be of assistance when employed in the examination of faded and/or partially legible hospital identification wristbands found with unidentified remains (UIDs). A non-destructive test used predominately by forensic document examiners in the analysis of writing inks, handwritten alterations, and obliterations has proven useful throughout the years when confronted with this unusual type of documentary evidence. This discussion paper was prompted by the Tri-State Crematory disaster, Walker County, Georgia, from a request by investigators as to whether or not any information could be obtained from the examination of faded hospital identification wristbands where no information was readily discernable. Subsequent analysis by non-destructive infrared inspection, a standard technique used in the examination of questioned documents, proved useful in assisting with the identification of unidentified skeletal remains.     

An improved method for the determination of Y chromosomes in blood stains (author's transl)]

A new filter combination for fluorescence microscopy using SWP 440 interfernece filter for excitation and GG 455 as the barrier filter is described. In blind trials examining blood smears of 5 male persons and by examination of 3 weeks old blood stains a better Y chromosome demonstration has been obtained using this new technique in comparison with the "usual" filter combination: BG 12-530. In blind trials of up to 6 weeks old blood stains of one male and one female a reliable sex determination was made using the new technique.     

Analysis of microtraces in invasive traumas using SEM/EDS

Scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS) is a proven forensic tool and has been used to analyze several kinds of trace evidence. A forensic application of SEM/EDS is the examination of morphological characteristics of tool marks that tools and instruments leave on bone. The microtraces that are left behind by these tools and instruments on the bone are, however, often ignored or not noticed at all. In this paper we will describe the use of SEM/EDS for the analysis of microtraces in invasive sharp-force, blunt-force and bone-hacking traumas in bone. This research is part of a larger multi-disciplinary approach in which pathologists, forensic anthropologists, toolmark and microtrace experts work together to link observed injuries to a suspected weapon or, in case of an unknown weapon, to indicate a group of objects that could have been used as a weapon. Although there are a few difficulties one have to consider, the method itself is rather simple and straightforward to apply. A sample of dry and clean bone is placed into the SEM sample chamber and brightness and contrast are set such that bone appears grey, metal appears white and organic material appears black. The sample is then searched manually to find relevant features. Once features are found their elemental composition is measured by an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). This method is illustrated using several cases. It is shown that SEM/EDS analysis of microtraces in bone is a valuable tool to get clues about an unknown weapon and can associate a specific weapon with injuries on the basis of appearance and elemental composition. In particular the separate results from the various disciplines are complementary and may be combined to reach a conclusion with a stronger probative value. This is not only useful in the courtroom but above all in criminal investigations when one have to know for what weapon or object to look for.     

Locating,Identifying, and Comparing Sub‐visible Paint Particles

Forensic paint comparisons are generally conducted on samples which, while small relative to their source, are still visible to the unaided eye and are thus located and analyzed without great difficulty. Here we demonstrate that a more detailed examination of candidate transfer surfaces can capture materials (questioned samples), even when such traces are invisible to the unaided eye. While certain analytical details (such as layer sequence or a pure FTIR spectrum) may not be obtainable from such traces due to their size and condition, a detailed analysis of the sample characteristics that are analytically accessible may still provide sufficient analytical data to arrive at a probative result. Here we present the application of this approach to a suspected paint transfer case, involving particles of paint as small as 40 μm in size. Using a combination of stereomicroscopy, polarized light microscopy, infrared microspectroscopy, Raman microspectroscopy, and SEM/EDS, all performed on a single, subsample of the original minute particle, it was possible to demonstrate evidence of a two‐way transfer between the suspected sources. Furthermore, the transferred paint particle in one direction could be classified as automotive in nature based on a combination of polymer composition, microscopic texture, and pigment package (which included three specifically identified pigments). This work demonstrates (i) the potential for improving detection limits when searching for a questioned sample, (ii) the potential benefits of higher resolution analyses on samples that would be traditionally labeled as “sample‐size limited,” and (iii) the value of case‐specific interpretation over standardized, one‐size fits all report templates.     

VSC文检仪在文件鉴定中的应用研究

VSC文件检验仪具有不破坏被检验材料、高效、直观等优点,是目前文件技术检验中普遍使用的检验方法。本文利用该仪器较系统地对文件鉴定中常见的书写材料的光学特性,及其在文件鉴定实践中的应用作了较全面的研究,并对如何获得最佳检验结果和对检验结果如何作出科学的评价等方面进行了探讨,希望能为文件鉴定的实践及制定有关的技术检验规范时提供参考。     

Have you signed your electronic contract?

The ease with which business can be transacted over the Internet raises various issues, not least among which are writing and signature requirements. While it has been established that an electronic record is a functional equivalent of writing, the position appears to be less clear with regard to electronic signatures. This paper examines the signature requirement as it applies to electronic contracts, in particular the form of electronic signature that can serve the functional equivalent of a handwritten signature for the purpose of the English Statute of Frauds 1677 and its various re-enactments. Reference will be made to legislation, the relevant UNCITRAL Model Laws and UN Conventions as well as to the substantial body of case law on paper contracts for analytical and comparative purposes.     

我国体育新闻侵权的涵义界定及其路径解读

体育新闻侵权涵义的界定应以新闻侵权的定义为基础，对新闻本质的剖析有助于确定新闻侵权的涵义。依照属加种差的逻辑定义方法，结合体育新闻的特性，可将体育新闻侵权定义为新闻单位、出版单位、作者和体育新闻提供者，以体育新闻传播为目的，在采访、写作、编辑和报道的过程中，违法采访或不当报道侵害体育组织或体育个人的人格权益以及与体育相关的专有技术的行为。     

Medicare program; revised procedures for paying claims from providers of services--HCFA. Final notice

This final notice announces the implementation of a uniform payment policy and procedures for paying providers of services under Medicare Parts A and B. The revised payment policy allows providers to elect to receive claims payments through either (1) electronic funds transfer; or (2) hard copy checks sent directly by first class mail. The procedures allow intermediaries and carriers to pay providers through direct deposits into providers' bank accounts if the providers (1) are already electronic media claims billers; (2) accept an electronic remittance notice in lieu of a paper remittance notice; and (3) request electronic funds transfer in writing. The procedures are issued in response to requests from both contractors and HCFA regional offices to implement a policy for payment methods that treats all payees uniformly.     

A study to investigate the evidential value of blue gel pen inks

The aim of this project was to investigate the evidential value of blue gel pen inks in Europe. For this purpose, 33 blue gel pen inks, of different brands and models, representative of those available on the European market at the time of the study, were analyzed using three techniques: filtered light examination (FLE), Raman Spectroscopy (RS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). First, after visual examination (naked eye and stereo microscope), it was possible to classify the 33 inks into three groups described as: milky, metallic, and normal. This paper describes in detail the results obtained for the normal gel pen group. The ability of the techniques to discriminate gel inks between and within brands varied. The results indicated that RS and SEM were more discriminating than FLE. The greatest degree of differentiation was achieved when using a combination of RS and SEM techniques (discriminating power = 0.91). This study also highlights some problems concerning the identification of the brand of a gel pen from a written text.     

DVI-300微痕迹色差分析系统对激光打印文字与印章印文交叉时序检验的方法研究

目的研究常见的打印字迹与不同印章印文交叉时序的相关性,为检验提供依据。方法应用DVI-300微痕迹色差分析系统对制成的实验样本进行实体观察,并对微痕迹色差模型图进行特征分析。结果先墨后朱,交叉部位字迹边缘状态完整,等高线宽度、流向未见明显变化;先朱后墨,交叉部位中心字迹等高线排列出现游离状态,色料分布发生数字图形曲面变化。结论用本系统可以观察、分析朱墨交叉部位的微观特征和无损检验研究。     

书写习惯未定型成年人笔迹检验

目的研究书写习惯未定型成年人笔迹的检验方法。方法通过实例研究分析成年人笔迹变化的特点和原因,确定笔迹性质和检验方法。结果书写习惯未定型也是成年人笔迹变化的重要原因。书写习惯未定型成年人笔迹是成年人正常笔迹的例外,适用正常笔迹检验方法。结论本研究确立了检材笔迹与样本笔迹非本质差异的判断标准,适用于短时间内变化较大的成年人笔迹的同一认定。     

DNA Analysis and Document Examination: The Impact of Each Technique on Respective Analyses

Threatening letters, counterfeit documents, and anonymous notes can commonly be encountered in criminal situations. Such handwritten documents may encourage DNA to transfer from the writer's hands and lower arms when these areas come into contact with the document. As any DNA transferred is likely to be at a low level, sensitive low copy number (LCN) DNA analysis can be employed for testing document exhibits. In this study, we determine locations on the document that are most commonly touched during writing and handling and compare DNA recovery from these sites. We describe the impact of DNA sampling on subsequent document examination techniques including the ESDA^® and likewise the effect of the ESDA^® and two other document examination techniques on subsequent DNA analysis. The findings from this study suggest that DNA results can be obtained through targeted sampling of document evidence, but that care is required when ordering these examination strategies.