Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2009-07-29

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 0309142393

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Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.


The Turn of the Screw

The Turn of the Screw

Author: Henry James

Publisher: Aegitas

Published: 2024-08-22

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 0369411692

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The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is a classic ghost story that continues to captivate readers over a century after its initial publication. Set in the late 19th century, the novella follows a young governess who is hired to care for two young children, Flora and Miles, at the remote and eerie Bly Manor. As the governess begins her duties, she becomes increasingly convinced that the manor is haunted by the spirits of the previous governess, Miss Jessel, and her lover, Peter Quint, who both died under mysterious circumstances. The story unfolds as the governess tries to protect the children from the malevolent ghosts, while also questioning her own sanity and the motives of the children in their interactions with the spirits. One of the most intriguing aspects of The Turn of the Screw is its unreliable narrator. The story is told through the perspective of the governess, whose mental state and perceptions of events are constantly called into question. This creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, leaving readers to question whether the ghosts are real or just figments of the governess's imagination. James masterfully plays with the theme of perception and reality, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions about the events at Bly Manor. Another striking element of the novella is its use of Gothic elements. The isolated location, the decaying mansion, and the presence of ghosts all contribute to the eerie atmosphere of the story. James also incorporates psychological horror, as the governess's fears and paranoia intensify throughout the story, building tension and suspense. The Turn of the Screw is a prime example of Gothic literature, with its exploration of the dark side of human nature and the blurred lines between the living and the dead. One of the most controversial aspects of the novella is its ambiguous ending. The governess's final confrontation with the ghosts and the fate of the children are left open to interpretation, inviting readers to ponder the true meaning of the story. Some critics argue that the ghosts are a product of the governess's overactive imagination, while others believe that they are real and that the children are in danger. This open-ended conclusion has sparked countless debates and interpretations, making The Turn of the Screw a thought-provoking and enduring piece of literature. In addition to its literary merits, The Turn of the Screw also offers insight into the societal norms and expectations of the time period in which it was written. James explores themes of gender roles and class distinctions through the character of the governess, who is expected to be subservient and obedient to her male employer and to maintain the social hierarchy between herself and the children. The story also touches on the taboo subject of sexual relationships, particularly in regards to the ghosts and their influence on the children. Ultimately, The Turn of the Screw is a haunting and enigmatic work that continues to captivate readers with its complex characters, Gothic atmosphere, and thought-provoking themes. It is a testament to Henry James's mastery of storytelling and his ability to create a sense of unease and suspense that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for anyone interested in Gothic literature, psychological thrillers, or the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural.


The Serpent King

The Serpent King

Author: Jeff Zentner

Publisher: Ember

Published: 2017-06-06

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 0553524046

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Named to ten BEST OF THE YEAR lists and selected as a William C. Morris Award Winner,The Serpent King is the critically acclaimed, much-beloved story of three teens who find themselves--and each other--while on the cusp of graduating from high school with hopes of leaving their small-town behind. Perfect for fans of John Green's Turtles All the Way Down. "Move over, John Green; Zentner is coming for you." —The New York Public Library “Will fill the infinite space that was left in your chest after you finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” —BookRiot.com Dill isn't the most popular kid at his rural Tennessee high school. After his father fell from grace in a public scandal that reverberated throughout their small town, Dill became a target. Fortunately, his two fellow misfits and best friends, Travis and Lydia, have his back. But as they begin their senior year, Dill feels the coils of his future tightening around him. His only escapes are music and his secret feelings for Lydia--neither of which he is brave enough to share. Graduation feels more like an ending to Dill than a beginning. But even before then, he must cope with another ending--one that will rock his life to the core. Debut novelist Jeff Zentner provides an unblinking and at times comic view of the hard realities of growing up in the Bible belt, and an intimate look at the struggles to find one’s true self in the wreckage of the past. “A story about friendship, family and forgiveness, it’s as funny and witty as it is utterly heartbreaking.” —PasteMagazine.com “A brutally honest portrayal of teen life . . . [and] a love letter to the South from a man who really understands it.” —Mashable.com “I adored all three of these characters and the way they talked to and loved one another.”—New York Times


English for Everyone: English Vocabulary Builder

English for Everyone: English Vocabulary Builder

Author: DK

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2018-01-02

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 0744029554

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PLEASE NOTE - this is a replica of the print book and you will need paper and a pencil to complete the exercises. This absolutely essential language guide and workbook will expand your English vocabulary in no time. Spilling over with thousands of entries for useful words and phrases, this is the perfect study aid for any adult learning English as a foreign language. With 3,000 words across hundreds of pages, English Vocabulary Builder brings you everything you need to know and much, much more. From activities, family, holidays, science, and work to animals, feelings, health, sports, and weather, just about every subject in the English language is covered in eye-catching, illustrative detail. All the vocabulary is shown with both UK and US spellings, and every word can be heard with its own audio recording in the accompanying app available for download. Additional interactive exercises ensure language learning is an easy, entertaining, and educational experience. This book is part of DK's best-selling English for Everyone series, which is suitable for all levels of English language learners and provides the perfect reading companion for study, exams, work, or travel. With audio material available on the accompanying website and Android/iOS apps, there has never been a better time to learn English.


The UNIX-haters Handbook

The UNIX-haters Handbook

Author: Simson Garfinkel

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Incorporated

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 9781568842035

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This book is for all people who are forced to use UNIX. It is a humorous book--pure entertainment--that maintains that UNIX is a computer virus with a user interface. It features letters from the thousands posted on the Internet's "UNIX-Haters" mailing list. It is not a computer handbook, tutorial, or reference. It is a self-help book that will let readers know they are not alone.


Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls

Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls

Author: Beth McMullen

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2017-07-04

Total Pages: 235

ISBN-13: 1481490222

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A girl discovers her boarding school is actually an elite spy-training program, and she must learn the skills of the trade in order to find her mother in this action-packed middle grade debut that’s perfect for fans of Stu Gibbs. After a botched escape plan from her boarding school, Abigail is stunned to discover the school is actually a cover for an elite spy ring called The Center, along with being training grounds for future spies. Even more shocking? Abigail’s mother is a top agent for The Center and she has gone MIA, with valuable information that many people would like to have—at any cost. Along with a former nemesis and charming boy from her grade, Abigail goes through a crash course in Spy Training 101, often with hilarious—and sometimes painful—results. But Abigail realizes she might be a better spy-in-training than she thought—and the answers to her mother’s whereabouts are a lot closer than she thinks…


Engineering in K-12 Education

Engineering in K-12 Education

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2009-09-08

Total Pages: 595

ISBN-13: 030914471X

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Engineering education in K-12 classrooms is a small but growing phenomenon that may have implications for engineering and also for the other STEM subjects-science, technology, and mathematics. Specifically, engineering education may improve student learning and achievement in science and mathematics, increase awareness of engineering and the work of engineers, boost youth interest in pursuing engineering as a career, and increase the technological literacy of all students. The teaching of STEM subjects in U.S. schools must be improved in order to retain U.S. competitiveness in the global economy and to develop a workforce with the knowledge and skills to address technical and technological issues. Engineering in K-12 Education reviews the scope and impact of engineering education today and makes several recommendations to address curriculum, policy, and funding issues. The book also analyzes a number of K-12 engineering curricula in depth and discusses what is known from the cognitive sciences about how children learn engineering-related concepts and skills. Engineering in K-12 Education will serve as a reference for science, technology, engineering, and math educators, policy makers, employers, and others concerned about the development of the country's technical workforce. The book will also prove useful to educational researchers, cognitive scientists, advocates for greater public understanding of engineering, and those working to boost technological and scientific literacy.


The Ideal Problem Solver

The Ideal Problem Solver

Author: John Bransford

Publisher: W H Freeman & Company

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 262

ISBN-13: 9780716722052

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Provocative, challenging, and fun, The Ideal Problem Solver offers a sound, methodical approach for resolving problems based on the IDEAL (Identify, Define, Explore, Act, Look) model. The authors suggest new strategies for enhancing creativity, improving memory, criticizing ideas and generating alternatives, and communicating more effectively with a wider range of people. Using the results of laboratory research previously available only in a piece-meal fashion or in scientific journals, Bransford and Stein discuss such issues as Teaming new information, overcoming blocks to creativity, and viewing problems from a variety of perspectives.


The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers

The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers

Author: Johnny Saldana

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2009-02-19

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 1446200124

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The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers is unique in providing, in one volume, an in-depth guide to each of the multiple approaches available for coding qualitative data. In total, 29 different approaches to coding are covered, ranging in complexity from beginner to advanced level and covering the full range of types of qualitative data from interview transcripts to field notes. For each approach profiled, Johnny Saldaña discusses the method’s origins in the professional literature, a description of the method, recommendations for practical applications, and a clearly illustrated example.


Electronic Communication Across the Curriculum

Electronic Communication Across the Curriculum

Author: Donna Reiss

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 364

ISBN-13:

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This collection of 24 essays explores what happens when proponents of writing across the curriculum (WAC) use the latest computer-mediated tools and techniques--including e-mail, asynchronous learning networks, MOOs, and the World Wide Web--to expand and enrich their teaching practices, especially the teaching of writing. Essays and their authors are: (1) "Using Computers to Expand the Role of Writing Centers" (Muriel Harris); (2) "Writing across the Curriculum Encounters Asynchronous Learning Networks" (Gail E. Hawisher and Michael A. Pemberton); (3) "Building a Writing-Intensive Multimedia Curriculum" (Mary E. Hocks and Daniele Bascelli); (4) "Communication across the Curriculum and Institutional Culture" (Mike Palmquist; Kate Kiefer; Donald E. Zimmerman); (5) "Creating a Community of Teachers and Tutors" (Joe Essid and Dona J. Hickey); (6) "From Case to Virtual Case: A Journey in Experiential Learning" (Peter M. Saunders); (7) "Composing Human-Computer Interfaces across the Curriculum in Engineering Schools" (Stuart A. Selber and Bill Karis); (8) "InterQuest: Designing a Communication-Intensive Web-Based Course" (Scott A. Chadwick and Jon Dorbolo); (9) "Teacher Training: A Blueprint for Action Using the World Wide Web" (Todd Taylor); (10) "Accommodation and Resistance on (the Color) Line: Black Writers Meet White Artists on the Internet" (Teresa M. Redd); (11) "International E-mail Debate" (Linda K. Shamoon); (12) "E-mail in an Interdisciplinary Context" (Dennis A. Lynch); (13) "Creativity, Collaboration, and Computers" (Margaret Portillo and Gail Summerskill Cummins); (14) "COllaboratory: MOOs, Museums, and Mentors" (Margit Misangyi Watts and Michael Bertsch); (15) "Weaving Guilford's Web" (Michael B. Strickland and Robert M. Whitnell); (16) "Pig Tales: Literature inside the Pen of Electronic Writing" (Katherine M. Fischer); (17) "E-Journals: Writing to Learn in the Literature Classroom" (Paula Gillespie); (18) "E-mailing Biology: Facing the Biochallenge" (Deborah M. Langsam and Kathleen Blake Yancey); (19) "Computer-Supported Collaboration in an Accounting Class" (Carol F. Venable and Gretchen N. Vik); (20) "Electronic Tools to Redesign a Marketing Course" (Randall S. Hansen); (21) Network Discussions for Teaching Western Civilization" (Maryanne Felter and Daniel F. Schultz); (22) "Math Learning through Electronic Journaling" (Robert Wolfe); (23) "Electronic Communities in Philosophy Classrooms" (Gary L. Hardcastle and Valerie Gray Hardcastle); and (24) "Electronic Conferencing in an Interdisciplinary Humanities Course" (Mary Ann Krajnik Crawford; Kathleen Geissler; M. Rini Hughes; Jeffrey Miller). A glossary and an index are included. (NKA)