Saturday 2 July 2016

Reference updates 3

References ordered by chapter added April 2016

Chapter 2

BARA, F., MORIN, M., ALAMARGOT, D. and BOSSE, M., 2016. Learning different allographs through handwriting: The impact on letter knowledge and reading acquisition. Learning and Individual Differences, 45, pp. 88-94.

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether or not the style of handwriting that a child learns to use relates to their ability to read.  The findings suggest that some styles of handwriting are linked to better reading.

CASE-SMITH, J., WEAVER, L. and HOLLAND, T., 2014. Effects of a Classroom-Embedded Occupational Therapist-Teacher Handwriting Program for First-Grade Students. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(6), pp. 690-698.

A particular teaching method aimed at improving handwriting in children is described.

DZIEDZIC, T., 2016. The Influence of Lying Body Position on Handwriting. Journal of forensic sciences, 61, pp. S177-S183.

The position in which a writer signs a signature could influence the appearance of that signature.  For example, a patient in a hospital bed may produce a signature that differs from a signature produced in more normal circumstances.  This paper found that indeed some parameters of the signature did vary, such as pen pressure and height of letters.

KANDEL, S. and PERRET, C., 2015. How do movements to produce letters become automatic during writing acquisition? Investigating the development of motor anticipation. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 39(2), pp. 113-120.

The efficient execution of handwriting requires smooth pen movements that reflect the writer’s ability to anticipate the pen path required.  This skill leads to greater automaticity and the results of this study suggest that it improves in children between the ages of 8 and 10.

MALDARELLI, J.E., KAHRS, B.A., HUNT, S.C. and LOCKMAN, J.J., 2015. Development of Early Handwriting: Visual-Motor Control During Letter Copying. Developmental psychology, 51(7), pp. 879-888.

The connection between visual and motor skills in copying letterforms in children is studied.  The ability of young children to copy is found to deteriorate as the copying task becomes more challenging.

VAN GEMMERT, A.W.A. and CONTRERAS-VIDAL, J.L., 2015. Graphonomics and its contribution to the field of motor behavior: A position statement. Human Movement Science, 43, pp. 165-168.

The field of graphonomics is a multi-disciplinary one that brings together those interested in the processes of handwriting and drawing.  This article describes the current focus of some important research areas.

VANDENBORRE, D., VAN DUN, K., ENGELBORGHS, S. and MARIEN, P., 2015. Apraxic agraphia following thalamic damage: Three new cases. Brain and language, 150, pp. 153-165.

Apraxic agraphia was found in patients with lesions to the thalamic region of the brain whilst other linguistic skills were unaffected.  This paper is a technical discussion of the neurological aspects of this.

Chapter 5

AUBERSON, M., BAECHLER, S., ZASSO, M., GENESSAY, T., PATINY, L. and ESSEIVA, P., 2016. Development of a systematic computer vision-based method to analyse and compare images of false identity documents for forensic intelligence purposes-Part I: Acquisition, calibration and validation issues. Forensic science international, 260, pp. 74-84.

The authors describe a model for a vision-based system to identify fraudulent identity documents.  This paper sets out the conditions for acquiring the image so as to ensure that the data collected are comparable so as to produce valid results.

Chapter 7

XU, Y., ZHOU, X. and SHI, X., 2016. HPLC and HPLC/MS analysis of red ink on counterfeit 100-yuan notes. Forensic science international, 259, pp. 47-52.

This paper describes a method that not only can be used to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit banknotes on the basis of a chemical ink comparison, it also has the potential to link counterfeits to one another and to a suspect source.

Chapter 9

PARSONS, L., SHARFE, G. and VINTINER, S., 2016. DNA Analysis and Document Examination: The Impact of Each Technique on Respective Analyses. Journal of forensic sciences, 61(1), pp. 26-34.


Recovering DNA from a document can require the destruction of some of the document.  This paper considers strategies when examining documents for indented impressions of handwriting with ESDA, DNA analysis and other document examination types.

Reference updates 2

References ordered by chapter added January 2016


Chapter 1

KANG, T. and LEE, J., 2015. Multiform Korean handwriting authentication by forensic document examiners. Forensic science international, 255, pp. 133-6.
This paper examines the ways that experts interact with one another in the peer review process of assessing findings.  Peer review led to fewer incorrect opinions and this was mirrored in an increase in inconclusive opinions.  The authors also found that the greatest problems were to be found when examining disguised handwriting.

Chapter 2

LIN, Q., LUO, J., WU, Z., SHEN, F. and SUN, Z., 2015. Characterization of fine motor development: Dynamic analysis of children's drawing movements. Human Movement Science, 40, pp. 163-175.

This study finds that the capabilities of children to control the movement of a writing implement increases markedly with age in early school years.  There is a very useful summary of much of the published literature as background to the study.  Older children generally completed drawing tasks more efficiently in terms of time taken and the smoothness of movement as shown by reduced variability of pen velocity.  This reflects a greater automaticity of production in the older children.

SITA, J.C. and TAYLOR, K.A., 2015. Eye movements during the handwriting of words: Individually and within sentences. Human Movement Science, 43, pp. 229-238.

Very little has been published on the subject of eye movement during handwriting and this paper finds that eye fixation is routinely used by writers to assist in the process of handwriting production.  Fixations were longer and more frequent for handwriting that for reading the same word.

CHEN, X., 2015. Extraction and analysis of the width, gray scale and radian in Chinese signature handwriting. Forensic science international, 255, pp. 123-32.

This paper looks at computer-based analysis of Chinese signatures written as originals, freehand simulations, traced simulations or random non-simulated signatures.  Using appropriate quantitative feature extraction and statistical analysis the method was able to provide evidence that could perhaps add objective assistance to the document examiner.

KAM, M., ABICHANDANI, P. and HEWETT, T., 2015. Simulation Detection in Handwritten Documents by Forensic Document Examiners. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(4), pp. 936-941.

This paper looks at simulated handwriting (as opposed to simulated signatures) and seeks to discover whether document examiners are better at identifying genuine or simulated handwriting than lay persons.  In addition, the sample of lay persons was taken from a wider population than such studies often use (students and academics working in the research environment) as such may not be representative of the handwriting skills of the wider population.  The authors found document examiners to be significantly more competent than lay people at assessing genuine and simulated handwriting.

CHANG, S., CHEN, C. and YU, N., 2015. Biomechanical analyses of prolonged handwriting in subjects with and without perceived discomfort. Human Movement Science, 43, pp. 1-8.

This paper studies the biomechanics of handwriting in the context of writers that find prolonged writing to cause discomfort.  The authors find that certain biomechanical and ergonomic conditions may increase the likelihood of pain in handwriting which could assist occupational therapy remediation.

KÖMÜR, I., GÜRLER, A.S., BASPINAR, B., SAHIN, E., KANTARCI, M.N., EMÜL, M., KANDEMIR, E., AKIN, H.M. and ÜNER, H.B., 2015. Differences in Handwritings of Schizophrenia Patients and Examination of the Change after Treatment. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(6), pp. 1613-1619.

The handwriting of 29 schizophrenic patients were compared to that from 29 control subjects.  Handwriting from the schizophrenia patients was compared before and after some treatment to see what effects it had.  The schizophrenia patients had writing that tended to be larger and more erratic in letter use, re-writing, corrected errors and punctuation.

ALAMARGOT, D. and MORIN, M., 2015. Does handwriting on a tablet screen affect students’ graphomotor execution? A comparison between Grades Two and Nine. Human Movement Science, 44, pp. 32-41.

This paper assesses the impact that writing on a computer tablet screen with a plastic-tipped stylus has on young (year 2) and older children (year 9).  Pen pauses were affected in younger children and pen movement in the older age group.

Chapter 4

BRAZ, A., LOPEZ-LOPEZ, M., MONTALVO, G. and GARCIA RUIZ, C., 2015b. Forensic discrimination of inkjet-printed lines by Raman spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 47(4), pp. 411-420.

This paper uses a relatively standard piece of scientific kit produced mainly for the forensic document market (rather than more sophisticated and higher specification research machines that use similar analytical methods) and found that useful results can be obtained using them especially after surface enhancement (SERS).

GÁL, L., ORAVEC, M., GEMEINER, P. and ČEPPAN, M., 2015. Principal component analysis for the forensic discrimination of black inkjet inks based on the Vis–NIR fibre optics reflection spectra. Forensic science international, 257, pp. 285-292.

Black inkjet inks were examined using vis-nir (near infrared) fibre optic reflection spectroscopy which can be used directly on the paper.  Principal component analysis was used to analyse the data which were obtained both from solid blocks of ink and lines.  Three ink manufacturers were compared with useful results.

Chapter 6

TAKALO, J., TIMONEN, J., SAMPO, J., RANTALA, M., SILTANEN, S. and LASSAS, M., 2014. Using the fibre structure of paper to determine authenticity of the documents: Analysis of transmitted light images of stamps and banknotes. Forensic science international, 244, pp. 252-258.

The fibre structure of paper is determined using xray transmission and associated algorithms.  The paper of genuine and counterfeit documents is compared and differences assessed.

ITAMIYA, H. and SUGITA, R., 2015. Effects of printing and ninhydrin treatment on forensic analysis of paper. Forensic science international, 255, pp. 38-42.

This paper looks at the impact that either printing (such as from a computer printer) or ninhdrin treatment (to detect fingerprints) has on the forensic examination of paper.  The grammage and thickness of the paper were slightly altered, the elemental composition (shown by x-ray diffraction) was almost unchanged as was the appearance of the pulp fibres under light microscopy.

GWO, C., WEI, C., LI, Y. and CHIU, N., 2015. Reconstruction of Banknote Fragments Based on Keypoint Matching Method. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(4), pp. 906-913.

Reconstructing torn or shredded documents is a difficult and time-consuming activity.  The use of computers to analyse images and search for feature keypoints that correspond to similarity between adjacent pieces of paper can assist the reconstruction process.

SASAOKA, S., SAITO, K., HIGASHI, K., LIMWIKRANT, W., MORIBE, K., SUZUKI, S. and YAMAMOTO, K., 2015. Design of one-dimensional power spectrum using two-dimensional fast Fourier transform for discrimination of paper-based kraft tapes. Forensic science international, 257, pp. 329-336.

This paper describes a method to compare adhesive tapes that have a paper base.  Light is transmitted through the tape and the resulting pattern of light obtained is analysed.
Chapter 7

LINS BORBA, F.D.S., HONORATO, R.S. and DE JUAN, A., 2015. Use of Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics to distinguish blue ballpoint pen inks. Forensic science international, 249, pp. 73-82.

The use of Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with data analytical methods is described to differentiate between blue inks.  The similarities between some inks is noted in their tendency to form clusters of similar ink types based on the analytical data.

SUBEDI, K., TREJOS, T. and ALMIRALL, J., 2015. Forensic analysis of printing inks using tandem Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Spectrochimica Acta Part B-Atomic Spectroscopy, 103, pp. 76-83.

Printing inks from both conventional printing methods such as offset lithography and digital printing such as inkjet were analysed using two methods in tandem to determine their elemental composition.  Results showed that inks could be distinguished using this approach.

LENNARD, C., EL-DEFTAR, M.M. and ROBERTSON, J., 2015. Forensic application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the discrimination of questioned documents. Forensic science international, 254, pp. 68-79.

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy is found to be a good way of discriminating between paper, pen inks, toner and inkjet inks.  This analytical technique has been used to examine various aspects of document production before by analysing the presence of different atomic elements and this paper adds Australian samples of paper to the body of tested materials.  The authors show that it is possible to differentiate between paper samples produced at the same mill but at different times, for example.


LI, B., 2015. Extraction percentage analysis of inkpad seals stored under different conditions. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 47(4), pp. 421-427.

Stamp pad inks were stored under three conditions, namely normal, heated and under ultraviolet light, for a range of time periods.  Extraction of the ink was then assessed as a means of determining the effects of these three conditions upon the ease with which ink can be removed from the paper.

HOSU, A., POP, B. and CIMPOIU, C., 2015. The Forensic Analysis of Pigments from Some Inks by HPTLC. Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies, 38(11), pp. 1109-1112.

The authors use high performance thin layer chromatography (hptlc) to compare pen inks.  The results can be used to ‘fingerprint’ different inks the data for which can be used to form a library of different inks.

LEE, L.C., YUNUS, I.S.M.D., FUAD,WAN NUR SYAZWANI WAN MOHAMAD, ISHAK, A.A. and OSMAN, K., 2015. Statistical discrimination of black ballpoint pen inks using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with principal component analysis. Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 70(3), pp. 374-377.

Use of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (which uses high specification materials to enhance separation of components in chemical mixtures) is used to analyse inks.  The output from the sensitive equipment is analysed using the statistical method of principal component analysis.

Chapter 8

KHAN, Z., SHAFAIT, F. and MIAN, A., 2015. Automatic ink mismatch detection for forensic document analysis. Pattern Recognition, 48(11), pp. 3615-3626.

This paper examines hyperspectral document examination using algorithms to automatically detect the presence of more than one ink on a document.

Chapter 10

WANG, S., LU, C. and WANG, G., 2015. Examination of the Sequence between Laser Printing and Rollerball Pen Writing Without an Intersecting Stroke. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(6), pp. 1594-1600.

This paper examines documents where the specific circumstances are alleged to be that a document signed using a rollerball pen is then passed through a laser printer to add text.  The idea is that the pen line may be distorted by the heat and pressure that are used in laser printers and that any microscopic extraneous toner from the laser printer drum may also be visible on top of the ink.  The authors report a good success rate in determining the sequence of events.

SAUZIER, G., GILES, P., LEWIS, S.W. and VAN BRONSWIJK, W., 2015. In situ studies into the characterisation and degradation of blue ballpoint inks by diffuse reflectance visible spectroscopy. Analytical Methods, 7(12), pp. 4892-4900.


Diffuse reflectance visible spectroscopy was used to analyse blue ballpoint pen inks kept under a number of environmental conditions.  The results were analysed using principal component analysis.  Aging and environmental factors could be determined.

Reference updates 1

The intention is to update this blog about every three months or so at the beginning of each calendar quarter, January. April, July and October.

On this page are some additional references ordered by date and then chapter as found in the book Foundations of forensic document analysis: theory and practice.
On yet other pages will be added some further casework examples to further illustrate the kinds of approach used in various examination types.


References ordered by chapter added October 2015


Chapter 2

ELARIAN, Y., ABDEL-AAL, R., AHMAD, I., PARVEZ, M.T. and ZIDOURI, A., 2014. Handwriting synthesis: classifications and techniques. International Journal on Document Analysis and Recognition, 17(4), pp. 455-469.

Handwriting as an activity may be reduced as the use of the keyboard increases.  However, the value of handwriting in a number of domains, ranging from automated recognition of handwriting to the production of synthesised handwriting by a machine require a number of approaches to deconstructing and generating handwriting-like data.  This paper is a review of the methods used in producing synthesised handwriting.

AL-HADHRAMI, A.A.N., ALLEN, M., MOFFATT, C. and JONES, A.E., 2015. National characteristics and variation in Arabic handwriting. Forensic science international, 247, pp. 89-96.

This describes a study that sought to determine whether or not Arabic writers show regional variations in handwriting style which reflect different educational and cultural practices.

KANDEL, S. and PERRET, C., 2015. How does the interaction between spelling and motor processes build up during writing acquisition? Cognition, 136, pp. 325-336.

The cognitive demands of spelling and handwriting production are greatest for young children and diminish as automaticity is achieved.  This paper looks at a group of children in the age range 8 to 10 years old and finds that during this period handwriting processing becomes increasingly adult in character.  It also provides a useful review of much of the literature relating to handwriting development in children. 3, 2.

KAM, M., ABICHANDANI, P. and HEWETT, T., 2015. Simulation Detection in Handwritten Documents by Forensic Document Examiners. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(4), pp. 936-41.

The abilities of forensic document examiners were compared to those of non-experts in assessing genuine and copied handwriting.  The document examiners results were statistically better than those of non-experts.

Chapter 3

MOHAMMED, L., FOUND, B., CALIGIURI, M. and ROGERS, D., 2015. Dynamic Characteristics of Signatures: Effects of Writer Style on Genuine and Simulated Signatures. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(1), pp. 89-94.

Genuine and simulated signatures were analysed using a digitising tablet and software with a view to determining whether dynamic aspects of the simulator’s normal signature impact on the simulation that they produce.

 Chapter 4

FERREIRA, A., NAVARRO, L.C., PINHEIRO, G., DOS SANTOS, J.A. and ROCHA, A., 2015. Laser printer attribution: Exploring new features and beyond. Forensic science international, 247, pp. 105-125.

This describes a method for distinguishing between laser printed documents based on the textural information of the print.  The paper is very technical but it contains a useful description of the mechanism of laser printers.


Chapter 5


This is a very thorough survey of many issues facing those producing currency and how they take into account the capabilities of the counterfeiter.

Chapter 7

CHESSON, L.A., TIPPLE, B.J., BARNETTE, J.E., CERLING, T.E. and EHLERINGER, J.R., 2015. The potential for application of ink stable isotope analysis in questioned document examination. Science & Justice, 55(1), pp. 27-33.

Isotopic variations of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen and carbon were used to compare inks.  Pens within a pack were found to have similar isotopic ratios but pens from the same manufacturer but in a different pack bought from a different place differed.

DE SOUZA LINS BORBA, F., SALDANHA HONORATO, R. and DE JUAN, A., 2015. Use of Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics to distinguish blue ballpoint pen inks. Forensic science international, 249(0), pp. 73-82.

Use of Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with statistical tools for interpreting spectra for blue ballpoint pen inks is described.

ELSHERBINY, N. and AIED NASSEF, O., 2015. Wavelength dependence of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) on questioned document investigation. Science & Justice, 55(4), pp. 254-263.

This describes an analytical technique used to compare black gel pen inks.  The technique is near non-destructive and has been used in a number of forensic contexts including in artworks.

Chapter 10

KOENIG, A., MAGNOLON, S. and WEYERMANN, C., 2015. A comparative study of ballpoint ink ageing parameters using GC/MS. Forensic science international, 252(0), pp. 93-106.

The authors look at the loss of the solvent phenoxyethanol using GC/MS.  The authors found that the method was reliable albeit results are affected by ink composition and storage conditions as expected.  Contains a useful summary of the methods used for ink dating.



LI, B., 2015. Dating of inkpad seals using the oil diffusion (migration) method. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 47(1), pp. 95-103.

Inkpad inks (often associated with stamps used in some Asian countries in particular) were treated to test the amount of ink extracted for thin layer chromatography under normal, heat and UV treatments over different time periods.  The results showed the expected diminution of extractability with time, heat and exposure to UV and the authors tentatively suggest that their method is potentially helpful for examinations of this type given further research.

BRAZ, A., LÓPEZ-LÓPEZ, M. and GARCÍA-RUIZ, C., 2015. Raman imaging for determining the sequence of blue pen ink crossings. Forensic science international, 249(0), pp. 92-100.

Use of Raman spectroscopy was used to examine intersecting inklines and gave correct results in about 60% of cases.  Factors affecting the reliability of the method are given, such as the time lapse between the two lines being written.

LI, B., 2015. Dating of inkpad seals using the oil diffusion (migration) method. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 47(1), pp. 95-103.

Iron gall inks are still used in some parts of the world more than others and this paper looks at a dissolution/diffusion method for dating them.

Sunday 17 May 2015

References

The intention is to update this blog about every three months or so at the beginning of each calendar quarter, January. April, July and October.


On this page are some additional references ordered by date and then chapter as found in the book Foundations of forensic document analysis: theory and practice.
On yet other pages will be added some further casework examples to further illustrate the kinds of approach used in various examination types.


References ordered by chapter added October 201


Chapter 2

ELARIAN, Y., ABDEL-AAL, R., AHMAD, I., PARVEZ, M.T. and ZIDOURI, A., 2014. Handwriting synthesis: classifications and techniques. International Journal on Document Analysis and Recognition, 17(4), pp. 455-469.

Handwriting as an activity may be reduced as the use of the keyboard increases.  However, the value of handwriting in a number of domains, ranging from automated recognition of handwriting to the production of synthesised handwriting by a machine require a number of approaches to deconstructing and generating handwriting-like data.  This paper is a review of the methods used in producing synthesised handwriting.

AL-HADHRAMI, A.A.N., ALLEN, M., MOFFATT, C. and JONES, A.E., 2015. National characteristics and variation in Arabic handwriting. Forensic science international, 247, pp. 89-96.

This describes a study that sought to determine whether or not Arabic writers show regional variations in handwriting style which reflect different educational and cultural practices.

KANDEL, S. and PERRET, C., 2015. How does the interaction between spelling and motor processes build up during writing acquisition? Cognition, 136, pp. 325-336.

The cognitive demands of spelling and handwriting production are greatest for young children and diminish as automaticity is achieved.  This paper looks at a group of children in the age range 8 to 10 years old and finds that during this period handwriting processing becomes increasingly adult in character.  It also provides a useful review of much of the literature relating to handwriting development in children. 3, 2.

KAM, M., ABICHANDANI, P. and HEWETT, T., 2015. Simulation Detection in Handwritten Documents by Forensic Document Examiners. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(4), pp. 936-41.

The abilities of forensic document examiners were compared to those of non-experts in assessing genuine and copied handwriting.  The document examiners results were statistically better than those of non-experts.

Chapter 3

MOHAMMED, L., FOUND, B., CALIGIURI, M. and ROGERS, D., 2015. Dynamic Characteristics of Signatures: Effects of Writer Style on Genuine and Simulated Signatures. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(1), pp. 89-94.

Genuine and simulated signatures were analysed using a digitising tablet and software with a view to determining whether dynamic aspects of the simulator’s normal signature impact on the simulation that they produce.

 Chapter 4

FERREIRA, A., NAVARRO, L.C., PINHEIRO, G., DOS SANTOS, J.A. and ROCHA, A., 2015. Laser printer attribution: Exploring new features and beyond. Forensic science international, 247, pp. 105-125.

This describes a method for distinguishing between laser printed documents based on the textural information of the print.  The paper is very technical but it contains a useful description of the mechanism of laser printers.


Chapter 5


This is a very thorough survey of many issues facing those producing currency and how they take into account the capabilities of the counterfeiter.

Chapter 7

CHESSON, L.A., TIPPLE, B.J., BARNETTE, J.E., CERLING, T.E. and EHLERINGER, J.R., 2015. The potential for application of ink stable isotope analysis in questioned document examination. Science & Justice, 55(1), pp. 27-33.

Isotopic variations of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen and carbon were used to compare inks.  Pens within a pack were found to have similar isotopic ratios but pens from the same manufacturer but in a different pack bought from a different place differed.

DE SOUZA LINS BORBA, F., SALDANHA HONORATO, R. and DE JUAN, A., 2015. Use of Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics to distinguish blue ballpoint pen inks. Forensic science international, 249(0), pp. 73-82.

Use of Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with statistical tools for interpreting spectra for blue ballpoint pen inks is described.

ELSHERBINY, N. and AIED NASSEF, O., 2015. Wavelength dependence of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) on questioned document investigation. Science & Justice, 55(4), pp. 254-263.

This describes an analytical technique used to compare black gel pen inks.  The technique is near non-destructive and has been used in a number of forensic contexts including in artworks.

Chapter 10

KOENIG, A., MAGNOLON, S. and WEYERMANN, C., 2015. A comparative study of ballpoint ink ageing parameters using GC/MS. Forensic science international, 252(0), pp. 93-106.

The authors look at the loss of the solvent phenoxyethanol using GC/MS.  The authors found that the method was reliable albeit results are affected by ink composition and storage conditions as expected.  Contains a useful summary of the methods used for ink dating.



LI, B., 2015. Dating of inkpad seals using the oil diffusion (migration) method. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 47(1), pp. 95-103.

Inkpad inks (often associated with stamps used in some Asian countries in particular) were treated to test the amount of ink extracted for thin layer chromatography under normal, heat and UV treatments over different time periods.  The results showed the expected diminution of extractability with time, heat and exposure to UV and the authors tentatively suggest that their method is potentially helpful for examinations of this type given further research.

BRAZ, A., LÓPEZ-LÓPEZ, M. and GARCÍA-RUIZ, C., 2015. Raman imaging for determining the sequence of blue pen ink crossings. Forensic science international, 249(0), pp. 92-100.

Use of Raman spectroscopy was used to examine intersecting inklines and gave correct results in about 60% of cases.  Factors affecting the reliability of the method are given, such as the time lapse between the two lines being written.

LI, B., 2015. Dating of inkpad seals using the oil diffusion (migration) method. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 47(1), pp. 95-103.

Iron gall inks are still used in some parts of the world more than others and this paper looks at a dissolution/diffusion method for dating them.


References ordered by chapter added January 2016


Chapter 1

KANG, T. and LEE, J., 2015. Multiform Korean handwriting authentication by forensic document examiners. Forensic science international, 255, pp. 133-6.
This paper examines the ways that experts interact with one another in the peer review process of assessing findings.  Peer review led to fewer incorrect opinions and this was mirrored in an increase in inconclusive opinions.  The authors also found that the greatest problems were to be found when examining disguised handwriting.

Chapter 2

LIN, Q., LUO, J., WU, Z., SHEN, F. and SUN, Z., 2015. Characterization of fine motor development: Dynamic analysis of children's drawing movements. Human Movement Science, 40, pp. 163-175.

This study finds that the capabilities of children to control the movement of a writing implement increases markedly with age in early school years.  There is a very useful summary of much of the published literature as background to the study.  Older children generally completed drawing tasks more efficiently in terms of time taken and the smoothness of movement as shown by reduced variability of pen velocity.  This reflects a greater automaticity of production in the older children.

SITA, J.C. and TAYLOR, K.A., 2015. Eye movements during the handwriting of words: Individually and within sentences. Human Movement Science, 43, pp. 229-238.

Very little has been published on the subject of eye movement during handwriting and this paper finds that eye fixation is routinely used by writers to assist in the process of handwriting production.  Fixations were longer and more frequent for handwriting that for reading the same word.

CHEN, X., 2015. Extraction and analysis of the width, gray scale and radian in Chinese signature handwriting. Forensic science international, 255, pp. 123-32.

This paper looks at computer-based analysis of Chinese signatures written as originals, freehand simulations, traced simulations or random non-simulated signatures.  Using appropriate quantitative feature extraction and statistical analysis the method was able to provide evidence that could perhaps add objective assistance to the document examiner.

KAM, M., ABICHANDANI, P. and HEWETT, T., 2015. Simulation Detection in Handwritten Documents by Forensic Document Examiners. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(4), pp. 936-941.

This paper looks at simulated handwriting (as opposed to simulated signatures) and seeks to discover whether document examiners are better at identifying genuine or simulated handwriting than lay persons.  In addition, the sample of lay persons was taken from a wider population than such studies often use (students and academics working in the research environment) as such may not be representative of the handwriting skills of the wider population.  The authors found document examiners to be significantly more competent than lay people at assessing genuine and simulated handwriting.

CHANG, S., CHEN, C. and YU, N., 2015. Biomechanical analyses of prolonged handwriting in subjects with and without perceived discomfort. Human Movement Science, 43, pp. 1-8.

This paper studies the biomechanics of handwriting in the context of writers that find prolonged writing to cause discomfort.  The authors find that certain biomechanical and ergonomic conditions may increase the likelihood of pain in handwriting which could assist occupational therapy remediation.

KÖMÜR, I., GÜRLER, A.S., BASPINAR, B., SAHIN, E., KANTARCI, M.N., EMÜL, M., KANDEMIR, E., AKIN, H.M. and ÜNER, H.B., 2015. Differences in Handwritings of Schizophrenia Patients and Examination of the Change after Treatment. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(6), pp. 1613-1619.

The handwriting of 29 schizophrenic patients were compared to that from 29 control subjects.  Handwriting from the schizophrenia patients was compared before and after some treatment to see what effects it had.  The schizophrenia patients had writing that tended to be larger and more erratic in letter use, re-writing, corrected errors and punctuation.

ALAMARGOT, D. and MORIN, M., 2015. Does handwriting on a tablet screen affect students’ graphomotor execution? A comparison between Grades Two and Nine. Human Movement Science, 44, pp. 32-41.

This paper assesses the impact that writing on a computer tablet screen with a plastic-tipped stylus has on young (year 2) and older children (year 9).  Pen pauses were affected in younger children and pen movement in the older age group.

Chapter 4

BRAZ, A., LOPEZ-LOPEZ, M., MONTALVO, G. and GARCIA RUIZ, C., 2015b. Forensic discrimination of inkjet-printed lines by Raman spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 47(4), pp. 411-420.

This paper uses a relatively standard piece of scientific kit produced mainly for the forensic document market (rather than more sophisticated and higher specification research machines that use similar analytical methods) and found that useful results can be obtained using them especially after surface enhancement (SERS).

GÁL, L., ORAVEC, M., GEMEINER, P. and ČEPPAN, M., 2015. Principal component analysis for the forensic discrimination of black inkjet inks based on the Vis–NIR fibre optics reflection spectra. Forensic science international, 257, pp. 285-292.

Black inkjet inks were examined using vis-nir (near infrared) fibre optic reflection spectroscopy which can be used directly on the paper.  Principal component analysis was used to analyse the data which were obtained both from solid blocks of ink and lines.  Three ink manufacturers were compared with useful results.

Chapter 6

TAKALO, J., TIMONEN, J., SAMPO, J., RANTALA, M., SILTANEN, S. and LASSAS, M., 2014. Using the fibre structure of paper to determine authenticity of the documents: Analysis of transmitted light images of stamps and banknotes. Forensic science international, 244, pp. 252-258.

The fibre structure of paper is determined using xray transmission and associated algorithms.  The paper of genuine and counterfeit documents is compared and differences assessed.

ITAMIYA, H. and SUGITA, R., 2015. Effects of printing and ninhydrin treatment on forensic analysis of paper. Forensic science international, 255, pp. 38-42.

This paper looks at the impact that either printing (such as from a computer printer) or ninhdrin treatment (to detect fingerprints) has on the forensic examination of paper.  The grammage and thickness of the paper were slightly altered, the elemental composition (shown by x-ray diffraction) was almost unchanged as was the appearance of the pulp fibres under light microscopy.

GWO, C., WEI, C., LI, Y. and CHIU, N., 2015. Reconstruction of Banknote Fragments Based on Keypoint Matching Method. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(4), pp. 906-913.

Reconstructing torn or shredded documents is a difficult and time-consuming activity.  The use of computers to analyse images and search for feature keypoints that correspond to similarity between adjacent pieces of paper can assist the reconstruction process.

SASAOKA, S., SAITO, K., HIGASHI, K., LIMWIKRANT, W., MORIBE, K., SUZUKI, S. and YAMAMOTO, K., 2015. Design of one-dimensional power spectrum using two-dimensional fast Fourier transform for discrimination of paper-based kraft tapes. Forensic science international, 257, pp. 329-336.

This paper describes a method to compare adhesive tapes that have a paper base.  Light is transmitted through the tape and the resulting pattern of light obtained is analysed.
Chapter 7

LINS BORBA, F.D.S., HONORATO, R.S. and DE JUAN, A., 2015. Use of Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics to distinguish blue ballpoint pen inks. Forensic science international, 249, pp. 73-82.

The use of Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with data analytical methods is described to differentiate between blue inks.  The similarities between some inks is noted in their tendency to form clusters of similar ink types based on the analytical data.

SUBEDI, K., TREJOS, T. and ALMIRALL, J., 2015. Forensic analysis of printing inks using tandem Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Spectrochimica Acta Part B-Atomic Spectroscopy, 103, pp. 76-83.

Printing inks from both conventional printing methods such as offset lithography and digital printing such as inkjet were analysed using two methods in tandem to determine their elemental composition.  Results showed that inks could be distinguished using this approach.

LENNARD, C., EL-DEFTAR, M.M. and ROBERTSON, J., 2015. Forensic application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the discrimination of questioned documents. Forensic science international, 254, pp. 68-79.

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy is found to be a good way of discriminating between paper, pen inks, toner and inkjet inks.  This analytical technique has been used to examine various aspects of document production before by analysing the presence of different atomic elements and this paper adds Australian samples of paper to the body of tested materials.  The authors show that it is possible to differentiate between paper samples produced at the same mill but at different times, for example.


LI, B., 2015. Extraction percentage analysis of inkpad seals stored under different conditions. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 47(4), pp. 421-427.

Stamp pad inks were stored under three conditions, namely normal, heated and under ultraviolet light, for a range of time periods.  Extraction of the ink was then assessed as a means of determining the effects of these three conditions upon the ease with which ink can be removed from the paper.

HOSU, A., POP, B. and CIMPOIU, C., 2015. The Forensic Analysis of Pigments from Some Inks by HPTLC. Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies, 38(11), pp. 1109-1112.

The authors use high performance thin layer chromatography (hptlc) to compare pen inks.  The results can be used to ‘fingerprint’ different inks the data for which can be used to form a library of different inks.

LEE, L.C., YUNUS, I.S.M.D., FUAD,WAN NUR SYAZWANI WAN MOHAMAD, ISHAK, A.A. and OSMAN, K., 2015. Statistical discrimination of black ballpoint pen inks using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with principal component analysis. Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 70(3), pp. 374-377.

Use of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (which uses high specification materials to enhance separation of components in chemical mixtures) is used to analyse inks.  The output from the sensitive equipment is analysed using the statistical method of principal component analysis.

Chapter 8

KHAN, Z., SHAFAIT, F. and MIAN, A., 2015. Automatic ink mismatch detection for forensic document analysis. Pattern Recognition, 48(11), pp. 3615-3626.

This paper examines hyperspectral document examination using algorithms to automatically detect the presence of more than one ink on a document.

Chapter 10

WANG, S., LU, C. and WANG, G., 2015. Examination of the Sequence between Laser Printing and Rollerball Pen Writing Without an Intersecting Stroke. Journal of forensic sciences, 60(6), pp. 1594-1600.

This paper examines documents where the specific circumstances are alleged to be that a document signed using a rollerball pen is then passed through a laser printer to add text.  The idea is that the pen line may be distorted by the heat and pressure that are used in laser printers and that any microscopic extraneous toner from the laser printer drum may also be visible on top of the ink.  The authors report a good success rate in determining the sequence of events.

SAUZIER, G., GILES, P., LEWIS, S.W. and VAN BRONSWIJK, W., 2015. In situ studies into the characterisation and degradation of blue ballpoint inks by diffuse reflectance visible spectroscopy. Analytical Methods, 7(12), pp. 4892-4900.



Diffuse reflectance visible spectroscopy was used to analyse blue ballpoint pen inks kept under a number of environmental conditions.  The results were analysed using principal component analysis.  Aging and environmental factors could be determined.

References ordered by chapter added April 2016


Chapter 2

BARA, F., MORIN, M., ALAMARGOT, D. and BOSSE, M., 2016. Learning different allographs through handwriting: The impact on letter knowledge and reading acquisition. Learning and Individual Differences, 45, pp. 88-94.

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether or not the style of handwriting that a child learns to use relates to their ability to read.  The findings suggest that some styles of handwriting are linked to better reading.

CASE-SMITH, J., WEAVER, L. and HOLLAND, T., 2014. Effects of a Classroom-Embedded Occupational Therapist-Teacher Handwriting Program for First-Grade Students. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(6), pp. 690-698.

A particular teaching method aimed at improving handwriting in children is described.

DZIEDZIC, T., 2016. The Influence of Lying Body Position on Handwriting. Journal of forensic sciences, 61, pp. S177-S183.

The position in which a writer signs a signature could influence the appearance of that signature.  For example, a patient in a hospital bed may produce a signature that differs from a signature produced in more normal circumstances.  This paper found that indeed some parameters of the signature did vary, such as pen pressure and height of letters.

KANDEL, S. and PERRET, C., 2015. How do movements to produce letters become automatic during writing acquisition? Investigating the development of motor anticipation. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 39(2), pp. 113-120.

The efficient execution of handwriting requires smooth pen movements that reflect the writer’s ability to anticipate the pen path required.  This skill leads to greater automaticity and the results of this study suggest that it improves in children between the ages of 8 and 10.

MALDARELLI, J.E., KAHRS, B.A., HUNT, S.C. and LOCKMAN, J.J., 2015. Development of Early Handwriting: Visual-Motor Control During Letter Copying. Developmental psychology, 51(7), pp. 879-888.

The connection between visual and motor skills in copying letterforms in children is studied.  The ability of young children to copy is found to deteriorate as the copying task becomes more challenging.

VAN GEMMERT, A.W.A. and CONTRERAS-VIDAL, J.L., 2015. Graphonomics and its contribution to the field of motor behavior: A position statement. Human Movement Science, 43, pp. 165-168.

The field of graphonomics is a multi-disciplinary one that brings together those interested in the processes of handwriting and drawing.  This article describes the current focus of some important research areas.

VANDENBORRE, D., VAN DUN, K., ENGELBORGHS, S. and MARIEN, P., 2015. Apraxic agraphia following thalamic damage: Three new cases. Brain and language, 150, pp. 153-165.

Apraxic agraphia was found in patients with lesions to the thalamic region of the brain whilst other linguistic skills were unaffected.  This paper is a technical discussion of the neurological aspects of this.

Chapter 5

AUBERSON, M., BAECHLER, S., ZASSO, M., GENESSAY, T., PATINY, L. and ESSEIVA, P., 2016. Development of a systematic computer vision-based method to analyse and compare images of false identity documents for forensic intelligence purposes-Part I: Acquisition, calibration and validation issues. Forensic science international, 260, pp. 74-84.

The authors describe a model for a vision-based system to identify fraudulent identity documents.  This paper sets out the conditions for acquiring the image so as to ensure that the data collected are comparable so as to produce valid results.

Chapter 7

XU, Y., ZHOU, X. and SHI, X., 2016. HPLC and HPLC/MS analysis of red ink on counterfeit 100-yuan notes. Forensic science international, 259, pp. 47-52.

This paper describes a method that not only can be used to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit banknotes on the basis of a chemical ink comparison, it also has the potential to link counterfeits to one another and to a suspect source.

Chapter 9

PARSONS, L., SHARFE, G. and VINTINER, S., 2016. DNA Analysis and Document Examination: The Impact of Each Technique on Respective Analyses. Journal of forensic sciences, 61(1), pp. 26-34.


Recovering DNA from a document can require the destruction of some of the document.  This paper considers strategies when examining documents for indented impressions of handwriting with ESDA, DNA analysis and other document examination types.