Utvrđivanje starosti potpisa: primjer iz prakse

The most common question that a handwriting expert is confronted with is to determine whether or not the signature or handwriting in question is authentic or forged. Moreover, in many cases, the request is to determine if the date on the document is the actual date the document was created or if the document has been backdated. Two methods of examination can be applied for the latter: the ink dating method as a destructive method or the signatures and handwriting dating method as a non-destructive method. This case study aims to show the changes that occur in a person\u27s signature over time. During the secret investigation phase, the Croatian State Prosecutor\u27s Office for the Suppression of Organized Crime and Corruption sent the Forensic Science Centre two Annexes to professional playing contracts containing two signatures in the name of Luka Modric. The experts were asked to determine if the questioned signatures were authentic and other facts relevant to the investigation (backdating etc.). The results obtained have shown clear variations/developments in known signatures over time without applying any destructive method.Najčešće pitanje s kojim se u svojem svakodnevnom radu susreću vještaci za rukopise je mogu li utvrditi je li sporni potpis ili rukopis autentičan ili krivotvoren. Štoviše, u mnogim slučajevima moraju i utvrditi je li datum na dokumentu stvarni datum kada je dokument izrađen ili je dokument antedatiran. Za ovu vrstu ispitivanja mogu se primijeniti dvije metode: metoda utvrđivanja starosti tinte kao destruktivna te metoda utvrđivanja starosti potpisa i rukopisa kao nedestruktivna metoda Cilj ovog primjera iz prakse jest pokazati promjene koje se događaju u potpisu osobe tijekom vremena. Ured za suzbijanje korupcije i organiziranog kriminaliteta u fazi tajne istrage dostavio je na vještačenja Centru za forenzična ispitivanja, istraživanja i vještačenja “Ivan Vučetić” dva ankesa ugovora o profesionalnom igranju s dva sporna potpisa Luke Modrića. Zadatak vještačenja bilo je utvrditi jesu li sporni potpisi autentični potpisi te ostale činjenice koje mogu biti bitne za samu istragu (jesu li potpisi možda antedatirani i sl.). Dobiveni rezultati pokazali su vidljive varijacije/razvoj u nespornim potpisima tijekom vremena i to bez primjene bilo kakve destruktivne metode

Latest trends in signatures and signature fraud detection

With the development of the digital society, forensic analysis of signatures, in addition to the traditional analysis of signatures written with a writing medium on a common writing base, has also expanded to the analysis of signatures that are digitally scanned or digitally captured. Digitally scanned signatures represent some authentic signatures that have been scanned and implemented in the disputed document using computer technology and can in no way be considered authentic, especially if the scanning was performed by a person whose name is not signed in the disputed signature. Digitally captured signatures are gradually replacing the traditional way of signing, especially in banking transactions both within the Republic of Croatia and internationally. They become part of the modern forensic analysis of signatures and represent the authentic signatures of a person who made the writing with his own handwriting with a pen on the signature plate. The paper aims to present the latest trends in the development of technologies used for signing and also to present the latest trends in signature forgery. Additionally, in this paper, we present the possibilities of analysing such signatures in potential real situations

Identification of Polymer of Counterfeit Documents

Modern identity and travel documents, such as identity cards, driver’s licenses, residence permits and passports are made entirely or partially of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate documents are well secured since polycarbonate enables the incorporation of various fraud-resistant security features. Due to a wide range of temperature resistance, it is possible to individualize polycarbonate documents by laser engraving. Various printing techniques, such as thermal printing, laser, and inkjet printing, have been used for individualization of counterfeit travel and identity documents made of polymer. However, counterfeit documents made of polymers that have similar general characteristics such as polycarbonate have recently been detected where laser engraving of the photograph and data of the holder has been used. The subject of this paper was to identify polymers used for production of counterfeit documents individualized by laser engraving. IR- spectroscopy was used for analysis of the qualitative chemical composition of the polymer of counterfeit documents. The obtained IR-spectra were compared with the IR-spectra of the document specimen, as well as with the IR-spectra available in the European Network Forensic Science Institute database, while the search was performed using “KnowItAll” software

International eDelphi Study to Reach Consensus on the Methotrexate Dosing Regimen in Patients With Psoriasis

Abstract Importance: A clear dosing regimen for methotrexate in psoriasis is lacking, and this might lead to a suboptimal treatment. Because methotrexate is affordable and globally available, a uniform dosing regimen could potentially optimize the treatment of patients with psoriasis worldwide. Objective: To reach international consensus among psoriasis experts on a uniform dosing regimen for treatment with methotrexate in adult and pediatric patients with psoriasis and identify potential future research topics. Design, setting, and participants: Between September 2020 and March 2021, a survey study with a modified eDelphi procedure that was developed and distributed by the Amsterdam University Medical Center and completed by 180 participants worldwide (55 [30.6%] resided in non-Western countries) was conducted in 3 rounds. The proposals on which no consensus was reached were discussed in a conference meeting (June 2021). Participants voted on 21 proposals with a 9-point scale (1-3 disagree, 4-6 neither agree nor disagree, 7-9 agree) and were recruited through the Skin Inflammation and Psoriasis International Network and European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in June 2020. Apart from being a dermatologist/dermatology resident, there were no specific criteria for participation in the survey. The participants worked mainly at a university hospital (97 [53.9%]) and were experienced in treating patients with psoriasis with methotrexate (163 [91.6%] had more than 10 years of experience). Main outcomes and measures: In a survey with eDelphi procedure, we tried to reach consensus on 21 proposals. Consensus was defined as less than 15% voting disagree (1-3). For the consensus meeting, consensus was defined as less than 30% voting disagree. Results: Of 251 participants, 180 (71.7%) completed all 3 survey rounds, and 58 participants (23.1%) joined the conference meeting. Consensus was achieved on 11 proposals in round 1, 3 proposals in round 2, and 2 proposals in round 3. In the consensus meeting, consensus was achieved on 4 proposals. More research is needed, especially for the proposals on folic acid and the dosing of methotrexate for treating subpopulations such as children and vulnerable patients. Conclusions and relevance: In this eDelphi consensus study, consensus was reached on 20 of 21 proposals involving methotrexate dosing in patients with psoriasis. This consensus may potentially be used to harmonize the treatment with methotrexate in patients with psoriasis

International eDelphi Study to Reach Consensus on the Methotrexate Dosing Regimen in Patients with Psoriasis

Importance: A clear dosing regimen for methotrexate in psoriasis is lacking, and this might lead to a suboptimal treatment. Because methotrexate is affordable and globally available, a uniform dosing regimen could potentially optimize the treatment of patients with psoriasis worldwide. Objective: To reach international consensus among psoriasis experts on a uniform dosing regimen for treatment with methotrexate in adult and pediatric patients with psoriasis and identify potential future research topics. Design, Setting, and Participants: Between September 2020 and March 2021, a survey study with a modified eDelphi procedure that was developed and distributed by the Amsterdam University Medical Center and completed by 180 participants worldwide (55 [30.6%] resided in non-Western countries) was conducted in 3 rounds. The proposals on which no consensus was reached were discussed in a conference meeting (June 2021). Participants voted on 21 proposals with a 9-point scale (1-3 disagree, 4-6 neither agree nor disagree, 7-9 agree) and were recruited through the Skin Inflammation and Psoriasis International Network and European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in June 2020. Apart from being a dermatologist/dermatology resident, there were no specific criteria for participation in the survey. The participants worked mainly at a university hospital (97 [53.9%]) and were experienced in treating patients with psoriasis with methotrexate (163 [91.6%] had more than 10 years of experience). Main Outcomes and Measures: In a survey with eDelphi procedure, we tried to reach consensus on 21 proposals. Consensus was defined as less than 15% voting disagree (1-3). For the consensus meeting, consensus was defined as less than 30% voting disagree. Results: Of 251 participants, 180 (71.7%) completed all 3 survey rounds, and 58 participants (23.1%) joined the conference meeting. Consensus was achieved on 11 proposals in round 1, 3 proposals in round 2, and 2 proposals in round 3. In the consensus meeting, consensus was achieved on 4 proposals. More research is needed, especially for the proposals on folic acid and the dosing of methotrexate for treating subpopulations such as children and vulnerable patients. Conclusions and Relevance: In this eDelphi consensus study, consensus was reached on 20 of 21 proposals involving methotrexate dosing in patients with psoriasis. This consensus may potentially be used to harmonize the treatment with methotrexate in patients with psoriasis.