Forensic Analysis of Security features in India Bank Cheque- Authentication & Recognition through Docucenter Nirvis

Cheque is one of the most important and commonly encountered financial documents by many individuals and banks for various financial transactions all over the world. Thus, the security and integrity of the cheque is the acute need. Different kind of security features are embedded in bank cheques in order to prevent fraud and counterfeiting of cheques and other bank security documents. Security features appended are in two different ways covert and overt features, some of which are watermarks, logo, serial number, A/c number etc. which can be viewed under different light sources and instruments for examination. In this study the embedded security features of Indian Bank Cheque are examined under instrument Docucenter Nirvis. After examination, deriving to the conclusion that the Indian bank note is appended with ample security features. Keywords: cheque, security features, embedded, examination, counterfeiting

A Study of Spatial Attention and Squeeze Excitation Block Fusion Improved ResNet for Identifying Bank Notes

Based on deep learning and digital image processing algorithms, we design and implement an accurate automatic recognition system for bank note text and propose an improved recognition method based on ResNet for the problems of difficult image text extraction and insufficient recognition accuracy. Firstly, a deep hyperparameterized convolution (DO-Conv) is used instead of the traditional convolution in the network to improve the recognition rate while reducing the model parameters. Then, the spatial attention model (SAM) and the squeezed excitation block (SE-Block) are fused and applied to a modified ResNet to extract detailed features of bank note images in the channel and spatial domains. Finally, the label-smoothed cross-entropy (LSCE) loss function is used to train the model to automatically calibrate the network to prevent classification errors. The experimental results demonstrate that the improved model is not easily affected by the image quality, and the model in this paper has good performance in text detection and recognition in specific business ticket scenarios.

Applied to anti-counterfeiting and flexible composite utilizing photoluminescence properties of CdSe/ZnS nanocrystal quantum dots via hot-injection

Quantum dots with excellent luminescence properties are being studied in a wide range of fields, such as displays, sunlight, and bio-imaging; although quantum dots are the same material, unlike bulk materials, as their size decreases their optical and electrical properties change due to the quantum confinement effect. In this study, CdSe quantum dots were synthesized by a well-known hot-injection method and a ZnS shell layer was formed on the surface of the CdSe quantum dot core to enhance the properties, thereby synthesizing the CdSe/ZnS core/shell structure. At this time, the quantum yield increased more than twice, and the emission line width decreased. When anti-counterfeiting ink was made using quantum dots with enhanced luminescence characteristics and applied to a bank note, it was impossible to check with the naked eye, but letters and emblems could be confirmed under UV light. In addition, a composite made by mixing with a silicon-based polymer showed excellent flexibility; and, when applied on a blue LED chip, a single wavelength and bright light peculiar to quantum dots were realized.

Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 virus and viral RNA in relation to surface type and contamination concentration

The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is likely to occur through a number of routes, including contact with contaminated surfaces. Many studies have used RT-PCR analysis to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces but seldom has viable virus been detected. This paper investigates the viability over time of SARS-CoV-2 dried onto a range of materials and compares viability of the virus to RNA copies recovered, and whether virus viability is concentration dependant. Viable virus persisted for the longest time on surgical mask material and stainless steel with a 99.9% reduction in viability by 122 and 114 hours respectively. Viability of SARS-CoV-2 reduced the fastest on a polyester shirt, with a 99.9% reduction within 2.5 hours. Viability on the bank note was reduced second fastest, with 99.9% reduction in 75 hours. RNA on all the surfaces exhibited a one log reduction in genome copy recovery over 21 days. The findings show that SARS-CoV-2 is most stable on non-porous hydrophobic surfaces. RNA is highly stable when dried on surfaces with only one log reduction in recovery over three weeks. In comparison, SARS-CoV-2 viability reduced more rapidly, but this loss in viability was found to be independent of starting concentration. Expected levels of SARS-CoV-2 viable environmental surface contamination would lead to undetectable levels within two days. Therefore, when RNA is detected on surfaces it does not directly indicate presence of viable virus even at high CT values. Importance This study shows the impact of material type on the viability of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces. It demonstrates that the decay rate of viable SARS-CoV-2 is independent of starting concentration. However, RNA shows high stability on surfaces over extended periods. This has implications for interpretation of surface sampling results using RT-PCR to determine the possibility of viable virus from a surface, where RT-PCR is not an appropriate technique to determine viable virus. Unless sampled immediately after contamination it is difficult to align RNA copy numbers to quantity of viable virus on a surface.

Modeling the stability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on skin, currency, and clothing

A new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in the winter of 2019 in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread around the world. The extent and efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is far greater than previous coronaviruses that emerged in the 21st Century. Here, we modeled stability of SARS-CoV-2 on skin, paper currency, and clothing to determine if these surfaces may factor in the fomite transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2. Skin, currency, and clothing samples were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 under laboratory conditions and incubated at three different temperatures (4°C± 2°C, 22°C± 2°C, and 37°C ± 2°C). We evaluated stability at 0 hours (h), 4 h, 8 h, 24 h, 72 h, 96 h, 7 days, and 14 days post-exposure. SARS-CoV-2 was stable on skin through the duration of the experiment at 4°C (14 days). Virus remained stable on skin for at least 96 h at 22°C and for at least 8h at 37°C. There were minimal differences between the tested currency samples. The virus remained stable on the $1 U.S.A. Bank Note for at least 96 h at 4°C while we did not detect viable virus on the $20 U.S.A. Bank Note samples beyond 72 h. The virus remained stable on both Bank Notes for at least 8 h at 22°C and 4 h at 37°C. Clothing samples were similar in stability to the currency. Viable virus remained for at least 96 h at 4°C and at least 4 h at 22°C. We did not detect viable virus on clothing samples at 37°C after initial exposure. This study confirms the inverse relationship between virus stability and temperature. Furthermore, virus stability on skin demonstrates the need for continued hand hygiene practices to minimize fomite transmission both in the general population as well as in workplaces where close contact is common.

Modeling the Stability of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on Skin, Currency, and Clothing

A new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in the winter of 2019 in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread around the world. The extent and efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is far greater than previous coronaviruses that emerged in the 21st Century. Here, we modeled stability of SARS-CoV-2 on skin, paper currency, and clothing to determine if these surfaces may factor in the fomite transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2. Skin, currency, and clothing samples were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 under laboratory conditions and incubated at three different temperatures (4°C± 2°C, 22°C± 2°C, and 37°C ± 2°C). Stability was evaluated at 0 hours (h), 4 h, 8 h, 24 h, 72 h, 96 h, 7 days, and 14 days post-exposure. SARS-CoV-2 was shown to be stable on skin through the duration of the experiment at 4°C (14 days). Virus remained stable on skin for at least 96 h at 22°C and for at least 8h at 37°C. There were minimal differences between the tested currency samples. The virus remained stable on the $1 U.S.A. Bank Note for at least 96 h at 4°C while viable virus was not detected on the $20 U.S.A. Bank Note samples beyond 72 h. The virus remained stable on both Bank Notes for at least 8 h at 22°C and 4 h at 37°C. Clothing samples were similar in stability to the currency with the virus being detected for at least 96 h at 4°C and at least 4 h at 22°C. No viable virus was detected on clothing samples at 37°C after initial exposure. This study confirms the inverse relationship between virus stability and temperature. Furthermore, virus stability on skin demonstrates the need for continued hand hygiene practices to minimize fomite transmission both in the general population as well as workplaces where close contact is common.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Bacteria Isolated from Kenyan Bank Notes Circulating in Nyeri Town

Aims: The aim of this study was to characterize bacteria isolated from circulating Kenyan banknotes and also antibiotic susceptibility profiles within Nyeri County. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study and simple random sampling was used to collect 25 of each paper currency denomination. Place and Duration of Study: Samples analyses were done at Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital (OTRH) laboratory, between March, 2019 and April, 2019. Methodology: Total of 125 currencies of five different denominations were collected from different marketing sources such as Butcheries, Restaurants, Health facilities, Mpesa outlets and Transport Saccos and dropped in sterile bags. The bacterial isolates were characterized on the basis of their morphology, staining and biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique. Results: Total of 19 different bacterial species were isolated from five Kenyan Bank note currencies. Of these, 37 (52.2%) was Staphylococcus aureus followed by Staphylococcus sciuri ssp.lentus 7 (9.9%), Staphylococcus gallinarum 2 (2.8%), Staphylococcus intermedius 6 (8.5%), Micrococcus sp. 1 (1.4%), Staphylococcus schleiferi ssp.coagulans 2 (2.8%), Staphylococcus sciuri ssp.rodentium 1 (1.4%), Kluyvera ascorbata 1 (1.4%), Proteus penneri 1 (1.4%), Aeromonas media 3 (4.2%), Burkholderia cepacia ssp.komplex (1.4%), Aeromonas enteropelogenes 1 (1.4%), Enterobacter cloacae 1 (1.4%), Klebsiella oxytoca 2 (2.8%), Leclercia adecarboxylata 1 (1.4%), Raoultella ornithinolytica 1 (1.4%), Vibrio metschnikovii 1 (1.4%), Myroides odoratus 1 (1.4%) and Yersinia pestis 1 (1.4%). Overall gram positive and gram negative bacterial isolates exhibited resistance to vancomycin, clindamycin and amoxycilin with percentages 40 (71%), 28 (50%), and 37 (66%) and 9 (64%), 8 (57%) and 6 (43%) respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that Kenyan banknote currencies circulating in Nyeri County were contaminated with different pathogenic and potential pathogenic bacteria including multi drug resistant strains. Hence, great care must be taken while handling money during the preparation and handling of food to avoid cross contamination.