Safety of Miners in the Opal Fields

Safety of Miners in the Opal Fields Summary This essay focuses on safety of miners in the opal fields. It looks at the major potential hazards in the opal fields and ways to ensure safety from these hazards. These hazards include explosives, unstable ground, shafts, machinery and dust. The claim is only as safe as the miners who are working on it. If miners can not follow laws and preventions outlined then the claim will not be as safe as it could be. Introduction Opal mining is an exciting but potentially hazardous occupation. A responsible miner should be able to identify and minimise risks. Many people can come onto a claim such as noodlers, miners and tourists. The claim can either be current with people working or it could be old and abandoned. The condition that the claim is left in has a major impact on the safety of any person who walks onto the claim. Specific laws and regulations have been set down by the government, which must be abided by to ensure a minimum safety standard is set. The top five potential hazards are explosives, unstable ground, shafts, machinery and dust. Content Claim Preparation Many risks arise from previously worked areas. Old workings such as drill holes and backfilled or covered shafts, which could be covered by vegetation, are potential risks. Shaft positions should be approximated if mining nearby. As these old shafts can collapse, it is advisable to leave a safe distance between shafts. If work is to be commenced in old shafts a number of checks should be completed. Drives, pillars and levels poor ground should all be checked and noted. Notes may include workings on two levels with the lower level directly beneath the upper. Large un-pillared areas, thin crowned pillars and fretting or cracking of pillars. Lastly cracks in the wall and roof and pillar size should also be checked. Claim boundaries are also a key point to avoid breaking into other neighbouring shafts. Explosives Experience in using and handling explosives can often lead to complacency. Inexperienced people not only can be potentially dangerous to them but can also pose risks with miss fires, unstable walls and fly rock. Licences to purchase, transport, store, handle and use explosives must be acquired and kept up to date. This ensures a minimum standard of safety is achieved. Not only are licenses important to ensure safety but storage, transport and use of explosives can be more important. Ensuring that all explosive equipment is stored appropriately is a must. Explosives should be stored correctly in a cool, dry place with detonators stored separately from explosive material. Other storage measures which should be met is that the explosive boxes are wood lined and locked. The boxes must be wood lined to ensure no static build up occurs and creates a spark. The storage areas of diesel and Nitropril should be well separated to ensure if there is a spill that they do not mix. Many laws are already put in place for the way explosives are transported, prepared and blasted. These laws are put in place for a specific reason which is safety, any deviation from the processes set out could result in a potential injury. Explosive Fumes Various gases are generated due to blasting. Gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides along and other noxious gases pose a potential health hazard after a blast. The reason these gases are dangerous is because they displace the oxygen available for breathing. For this reason adequate ventilation is required to release these gases before entering the blasted area. When a blast occurs a blast radius should be put in place to ensure the safety of other miners. In underground mines there is no law but it is recommended that miners do not stay underground. Gases generated from the blast can disperse throughout other shafts and may also cumulate their if there is inadequate airflow, the blast may also cause sections of the roof to collapse. Gases which are dispersed throughout the mine can cumulate in low or high cavities depending on the gas. Carbon Dioxide is heavier than air and can cumulate in low spots and floor cavities. Carbon Monoxide is lighter than air and can cumulate in high spots and roof cavities. Areas of known for having inadequate airflow should be checked after blasting to ensure the gas levels are at a safe level. Fans, blowers and other ventilation systems should be used to extract the noxious gases from the mine. These should be used in preference to natural ventilation as they are much quicker. Unstable Structures The geological structures of opal fields vary. There are some structures which can support a wide underground area, yet others are blocky material with faults which makes mining difficult and not recommended. Opal mining in South Australia is quite difficult as the general bearing rock is weathered, brittle and fractured. Each place in SA is different due to the stress distributions and rock types. With all of these factors it is up to the miner to decide weather it is safe to start underground mining in that area. In certain geological structures cave-ins can occur. A survey of the underground mining area should be done, noting old workings. Whenever underground a miner has to be constantly aware of the conditions especially the roof stability. An unstable roof which could be due to hidden faults could result in a rockfall which could be fatal. Weather conditions can also affect the wall structure and integrity. Air entering the mine can dry out ground and open up cracks, slides or faults. This drying of material can cause slabs of ground to fall. If a large amount of water gets into the mine the supporting strength of walls and pillars may be reduced. Care should be taken to identify if and fretting has occurred at the base of structures. Any operating shaft should have the entrance to it kept in good condition. Loose rocks, material and tools should all be cleared from the entrance as these can easily be knocked into the shaft. The likes of wind, weathering or even a blast close by could cause material to fall. For all of these reasons outlined with falling objects it is essential to wear a hard hat at all times. All of these factors can potentially be fatal, but these factors are generally overlooked as miners often become complacent and do not check the stability and strength of walls and roofs very often. These checks should become essential to a miners daily routine. Shafts Shafts are the key entry point to the underground sections of the mine. Keeping the shaft in good condition is essential to safety. Support structures at the top of the shaft, such as timbers and pipes, should be kept in good condition. When entering any new shaft weather it is blind or dead it is essential to ventilate the shaft to clear away gases. Underground areas must have at least two means of exit. This is in case one exit gets blocked for some reason which could be due to a rock fall. Having two exits requires regular maintenance to ensure that both mechanisms, which are subjected to corrosion and weathering, are safe to use. There is a significant risk of people falling down an open shaft. Not only are tourists at risk but also the miners. Small shafts can catch a persons leg or ankle and cause injuries whereas larger shafts pose risks of vehicles and people falling in. It is recommended to leave a ring of dirt around the shaft entrance to signify that a shaft is there. When a miner leaves the claim, it is their responsibility to leave the shaft and its surroundings in a safe condition. Manner Machinery When operating any machinery either above or below ground a pre-start check should be completed. This is to ensure the machine you are about to operate is in a safe working condition. Items which should be checked are fluid levels, tyre inflation and condition, track tension, gauges, lights, hydraulic rams, lines and buckets, brakes and steering. Any diesel machinery in operation gives off carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and other noxious gases. These gases are similar to blasting gases and can be fatal if inhaled in large concentrations. When in large concentrations these gases can not be seen or smelt. Care should be taken when operating any machinery underground ensuring adequate ventilation. Dust A major hazard when working at a mine is dust. Dust can cause or trigger numerous health problems such as skin irritation, allergies and respiratory damage. Generally particles of dust are caught within the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. A small amount of these particles however get into the breathing system, due to their size and shape. It is these particles which cause the most respiratory problems. Dust particles which are of a particular concern are silica. Silica is found predominantly in sandstone host rocks. High exposure to small silica particles can potentially cause a fatal lung disease called silicosis. Although all dust can not be tested for silica it is essential to restrict dust exposure to a minimum. Ways to control dust include extractors, collection systems and maximum airflow. Wearing a respirator or a dusk mask at the absolute minimum will help prevent the amount of dust that a miner will inhale. Although it is essential that the correct respirator or dust mask is used, as each one is different, depending on what cartridge is installed in the device. Electrical Operating machines or tools underground will generally use electricity. It is important to remember that electricity seeks the path of least resistance to earth. Most cases the path of least resistance is the human body as it is 80% water. It is vital that the design and installation of any electrical supply is safe. The miner can not come into contact with any live electrical component. Personal protective equipment Personal protective equipment (PPE) will help in protecting a miner from potential hazards. PPE is not a replacement for getting rid of a specific problem. It would be preferable to fit an extraction system for dust rather than wearing a dust mask. A number of items should be worn when working in a mining area such as hard hats, footwear, breathing, hearing and eye protection. Hard hats can be uncomfortable, fall off and restrict clearance in small spaces, but these inconveniences save lives. Footwear suitable for miners are steel capped boots. They provide much more support for ankles and grip when walking on loose and rugged surfaces. The steel cap provides protection for your toes if something drops or falls onto your feet. Breathing protection general comes from dust masks either rubber of paper. Both are designed to sit on a clean shaven face. If the miner has a bear or stubble the effectiveness of these masks is reduced. Hearing protection generally comes in two forms which are ear plugs and ear muffs. Ear protection only cuts out part of the noise, usually around 20db(A). Since only part of the noise is cut out it is important to ensure that the miner realises that higher levels of ear protection is required when working next to excessively noisy machines such as jack hammers. In general eye protection should be worn at all times. There is a constant risk of particles of some nature being airborne and possibly entering the eye. Damage to the eye may be something small like a scratch to actually losing an eye. Discussion These rules and advised safety precautions to be taken are put in place for a reason. It is solely to help protect the individual from getting injured or killed. But miners in the opal fields generally have the shell be right attitude. A large amount of preventions can be put in place to help ensure safety but if the miner does not follow them these are next to useless. They may think only a short amount of exposure to dust is fine, but if they continue to have exposure to dust containing silica they could cause the onset of silicosis. Not only can you do internal damage through various noxious gases and dusts, but a lot of damage can be done to the body itself. Cuts, sprains and broken bones are a number of things which can occur depending on how safe, cautious and or ignorant the miner is. Conclusions The top five potential hazards in opal field mining are explosives, unstable ground, shafts, machinery and dust. All of these potential hazards have laws, regulations and precautions put in place to ensure a minimum standard of safety. This minimum standard of safety is only reached if the person who enters the claim follows the guidelines. The bottom line being that safety in the opal fields comes down to each individual that enters the claim. If the miner is ignorant, complacent or plain lazy the safety of not only themselves but for others working with them could be at risk. It is the miners responsibility to ensure that not only are they safe but also fellow co-workers.

Design and Implementation of Galvanic Skin Resistance

Design and Implementation of Galvanic Skin Resistance CAREER EPISODE 1 Introduction CE1.1 Chronology : 2007-2011 Name of the organization : Netaji Subhash Engineering College. Geographical location : West Bengal University of Technology, Kolkata, India Project Title : Galvanic skin resistance Position : Undergraduate Student (Bio Medical Engineer) Background CE1.2 This career episode reflects a brief summary of my contribution towards the successful completion of the project which I did in my 8th semester of my bachelor degree in Biomedical Engineering at Netaji Subhash Engineering College, Kolkata, India and how I managed the technical problems to the best of my knowledge. I ensured that I have provided genuine information and also ensured that I have mentioned every point of my experience. Aim and Objective CE1.2.1 The main aim of this project is to design and implement the Galvanic Skin Resistance. Organizational Chart CE 1.2.2 Roles and Responsibilities CE 1.2.3 Major areas of my responsibilities were as follows: As Bio medical engineer is actively working in numerous fields like designing, developing, aviation, and maintain equipment. Provide engineering and technical expertise on all matters related to innovative technology, especially in the process of planning, review and evaluation. Responsible for planning, scheduling and coordinating the technical aspects of projects. Discussion with the project guide and Head of Department on ways to improve the design and to optimize performance. Ensure effective engineering and project guide communications. Listing down the selected items for projects and testing them. Negotiate with team members to generate ideas and clarify specifications Perform other duties within the scope of the job and its technical capacity and expertise. Finally, I prepared a project report. Personal Engineering Activity CE 1.3 Based on my knowledge, I applied the ideas and concepts to forecast how to accomplish the project. My plan involved determining where to place the components and how to connect them, determining the size of the components used, subject to performance criteria such as the grade of service. Initially, I collected the substantial amount of information that provided me with sufficient knowledge required to commence the project work. Galvanic skin resistance CE 1.3.1 During this project, I studied skin conductance also known as GSR, EDR, PGR, SCR and SCL is a method of measuring the electrical conductance of the skin, which varies with its moisture level. The sweat glands are controlled by thesympathetic nervous system,so I used skin conductance as an indication of psychological or physiologicalarousal. I did research of electro dermal activity and dealt with spontaneous fluctuations or reactions to stimuli. Our device measures theelectrical conductancebetween 2 points and is essentially a type of ohmmeter. When correctly calibrated, the skin conductance can measure these subtle differences. CE 1.3.2 I checked there is a relationship between sympathetic activity and emotional arousal, although one cannot identify which specific emotion is being elicited. We calculated the resistance instead of impedance it’s measured in ohms and may includeresistance (R),inductive reactance(XL), andcapacitive reactance(XC). I used Resistance concept for DC (direct currents) whereas impedance is the AC (alternating current) equivalent. I considered the galvanic skin response (GSR) feedback instrument measures skin conductivity from the fingers and palms. I used GSR feedback in the treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhydorses), related dermatological conditions, relaxing and desensitization training. I used the polygraph or lie detector in police investigation which is especially used in the United States. The lie detector uses the galvanic skin response to determine if the subject is lying or not. Hypnotherapy CE 1.3.3 I have undertaken the Hypnotherapy with a subject in hypnosis. A person who is hypnotized displays certain unusual characteristics and propensities, compared with a non-hypnotized subject. I used Hypnotherapy in relation to childbirth and sometimes used during pregnancy to prepare a mother for birth, childbirth to reduce anxiety, discomfort and pain. Since sweat gland activity is controlled by sympathetic nerve activity, I considered this measurement as an ideal way to monitor the autonomic nervous system. We described to underlie theelectro dermal response(EDR) to sympathetic stimulation. Physiology of the skin CE 1.3.4 I considered the interpretation of skin conductance or skin potential requires some understanding about the structure of tissues and beneath the skin surface. I researched the most superficial layer is called theepidermisand consists of thestratum corneum, thestratum lucidum, thegranular layer, theprickle cell layer, and thebasalorgerminating layer. The surface of the corneum (i.e. surface of the skin) is composed of dead cells, while at its base one finds healthy, living cells. We increased the conductance results from the hydration of the corneum due to the flow of sweat across the duct walls. As a consequence the effective skin conductance can vary greatly, depending on present and past eccrine activity. CE 1.3.5 Later, I noticed that the loading of ducts with sweat can be taking place before any release of sweat from the skin surface or noticeable diffusion into the corneum. I noticed that the main function of the skin is to protect the body from the environment. One aspect is to prevent the loss of water by the body. However, at the same time, the evaporation of water as a means of regulating body temperature must be facilitated. I carried out the requirements by the stratum corneum as a barrier layer that prevents the loss of water to the outside except through the sweat glands, whose activity can be controlled. This in turn is mediate by the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system. I implemented the simple and basic concept underlying EDR and its application to psychophysiology. Electro dermal measures CE 1.3.6 I monitored the electro dermal response is associated with sweat gland activity is well established. And there are two major measures of the electro dermal response. I researched whether the measurement is of the (tonic) background level (L), or the time-varying (phasic) response (R) type. I exposed simple ideas that lead to a number of specific measures, each described by a three letter-abbreviation. I used abbreviations to distinguish the type ofelectro dermal measurements and Structure of skin resistance with equivalent electrical circuit. I suggested the epidermis that consists of keratin derived from dead cells of lower layers arranged in a flattened irregular fashion. When a person is tense or emotional, the sweat glands become more active, increasing moisture on the skin; this allows the electric current to flow more readily. I used this response in relaxation training. Theoretical Considerations Basic Block Diagram Circuit Diagram Of +- D.C 15v Regulated CE 1.3.7 I checked every IC should be supplied with positive and negative dc voltages of +15 and –15 volts respectively. We measured the output at the pin-6 with respect to the breadboard ground. Pins 1 and 5 are used for output offset voltage compensation. These two pins are not required for normal applications. GSR SENSORS CE 1.3.8 GSR Sensors was believed a lack of salivation was attributed to anxiety and therefore guilt with today’s technology. I checked there is no need for rice as biomedical sensors can measure skin conductivity from the fingers and palms to provide a modern mechanism to measure emotions. I understood theGSR sensoris highly sensitive to emotions in some people and can be used as a polygraph, or lie detector test.I used theS220 Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) Sensor tomeasure the psycho-galvanic reflex. This reflex generates a change in skin conductivity during periods of stress, excitement or shock. Galvanic Skin Response GSR sensor is just a cut 9V LEGO motor wire and some aluminum foil wrapped around fingers with tape. WIRELESSS GSR SENSOR CE 1.3.9 I considered the Shimmer GSR (Galvanic Skin Response) to monitor skin conductivity between two reusable electrodes attached to two fingers of one hand. We connected the Shimmer GSR to the Shimmer main board via the internal connector pin, and it’s contained within the Shimmer enclosure, with two leads connecting to the fingertip electrodes. Pin Diagram of V-F Convertor CE 1.3.10 I checked LM231/LM331 family of voltage-to-frequency converters is ideally suited for simple low-cost circuits like analog-to-digital conversion, precision frequency-to-voltage conversion, and many other functions. I considered the inherent advantages of the voltage-to-frequency conversion techniques it’s easy to apply in all standard voltage-to-frequency converter applications. We divided the entire project work into several subdivisions and the work was done accordingly. The subdivisions includes the design and fabrication of the power supply unit, V-I conversion, V-F conversion and Skin response monitoring through calibration. The power supply unit CE 1.3.11 Our objective was to obtain a constant D.C current source from an A.C source. Initially the 220volt A.C power supply was allowed to pass through a Transformer. I used a step down transformer and obtained the desired output. It resulted in a stepped down current supply of about +-18volt which was in turn subjected to a bridge rectifier for rectification. We converted the voltage to current and I used two major integrated circuits IC741 and IC LM331. I involved the measurement of resistance or conductance between two electrodes placed in the demarcated region of the skin. I was responsible for tabulated the obtained results accordingly. From the obtained result, graphical interpretation was carried off and accordingly we carried out the calibration as per skin response. Calculation formulations CE 1.3.12 I found the load current IL passing through the load resistance RL. From Ohm’s law we can wrote, V= IL*RL. I found the output voltage through the potential divider carrying the previously calculated load current. I calculated the output voltage across the load resistance and from the rule of potential divider is Vo= (RL/(R+RL))*VCC†¦.where Vo= output voltage I tabulated the results with the above mentioned formulae by changing the skin resistance. I compared the Practical values and theoretical values and evaluated that practical values were very close to theoretical values. And I observed the output frequency from the previously calculated input voltage or the v-f conversion. Fout= (Vin/ (2.09*Vcc))*(Rs/RL)*(1/RtCt) CE 1.3.13 The successful completion of this project provided me an opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge into real time job application. I could accomplish this task successfully by studying every process of developing in detail with its specifications and implementation. I got positive approach and approval from guide for other projects. I had a meeting with the project guide and team members to understand the requirement. I had to complete this project within the given deadline based on the requirements. Technical Difficulties faced by me CE 1.3.14 I faced some difficulties like the validity of this technique has been much disputed, because there is no way of knowing for sure that the stimulus provided by the researcher (the advertisement) was the cause of the response. Its proponents argue that it is more objective than research that relies on voluntary responses like interviews or surveys. The other difficulties are Sources causes of skin resistance and its properties were providing certain difficulties to be understood and counteracted. Summary CE 1.4 Galvanic skin resistance, commonly called the GSR is the measurement of electrical resistance of skin. In the project we have produced a calibration curve by plotting frequency against the corresponding change of skin resistance. The errors that may have cropped up in the process such as Manual errors, Assumption errors, System and instrument errors, Ambient factors and external errors, Presence of sweat on skin and Presence Skin hair etc. We found the resistance of the skin by placing two electrodes on the epidermis and noting down the corresponding frequency. I checked the values from the calibration curve, the value of the resistance can be known. We designed a simple GSR was more or less successful as the practical results were very close to the theoretical values.

Patas Monkeys and Company :: essays research papers fc

Patas and Company   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A hip, hop, hibbety-hop, another quick jump, and the small yet very scared (LaRoe 84) monkey had gone from one tree to the next. With a fuzzy white stomach, small, pointy ears, and a â€Å"red hat† on top of his head, this was a renowned Patas monkey that lived in Kenya’s wild grasslands. The small monkey, with his big eyes wide open, searched around the neighbhoring trees for some nuts. He stretched his neck out as much as he could to look at every nook and cranny of the trees nearby, until he finally spotted a big juicy red nut (Woodland Zoo 1). His small snout immediately turned into a sort of grin, which the Patas are actually able to do. The little monkey (Clouting 138-139) suddenly got a running start from the branch and jumped like a bolt of lightning and hit the next tree. His quickness, jumping from tree to tree was amazing, with his small body and his long gummy like arms and legs (Woodland Zoo 2). After a couple of quick jumps and hops, he had arrived at the tree to be, the one with the big red juicy nut. He quickly grabbed it and jumped. Holding the nut in one hand, the little monkey hit the ground and took off running. The sunlight in the Kenya grassland had started to dim, and the little monkey knew he had to get home before it turned dark and all the bigger and scary animals came out to get their own food. As the little monkey was running, he noticed something in the clear distance. It was big, yellow, and had an uncountable number of black spots on it. Knowing that he would probably mean lunch for this yellow menace, he little monkey slowed down to a walk. The sun was seen less and less by the minute and it was halfway dark already. He had to think of a way around because the yellow menace did not look like it would be moving anywhere anytime soon, or anytime soon enough for the little monkey to get home before it got dark. The grass bushes of the Kenya grassland were very tall, and it was hard for him to see, but the made a run for it anyway. Jumping and running as quick as his little feet could carry him, the little Patas monkey tried to run around the danger ahead.

What is an Auteur? Essay -- essays research papers fc

What is an auteur? Answer this question with detailed reference to one film director: Alfred Hitchcock Studies of the Auteur Theory in film have often looked toward Alfred Hitchcock as an ideal auteur: an artist with a signature style who leaves his own mark on every work he creates. According to the theory, it does not matter whether or not the director writes his own films, because the film will reflect the vision and the mind of the director through the choices he makes in his film. In the case of Hitchcock’s earliest films when he was still under the control of his producers, there is still a distinct stamp upon these images. Hitchcock has said that he was influenced by the German Expressionists, and admired their ability â€Å"to express ideas in purely visual terms†. It is this expression of thought and psychology that Hitchcock achieves throughout his films, even early on. Even the psychology that is in the films can be particularly a signature of Hitchcock - critics have found throughout his films a fascination with wrongful accusation and imprisonment. They are present in even his earliest films. A particular sequence of Hitchcock’s 1935 film The 39 Steps bears the mark of Hitchcock through the visual expression of the fear of wrongful accusation and confinement.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the shot before the sequence, we see the crofter asking his wife what has happened to his coat, as it had his hymnbook in the pocket. She, offscreen, tells him that she gave the coat to Hannay. The crofter angrily walks offscreen toward her, and we hear her terrified scream - this scream suddenly becomes the sheriff’s offscreen laughter, as the next shot is of the hymnbook with the bullet hole in it. From the beginning of the sequence, Hitchcock transmits the feeling that there is something not quite right about the sheriff. As the scene in the police station begins, Hannay has just finished telling the sheriff that he is the one that the papers have been describing as a murderer, but that he is innocent of the crime. The sheriff laughs along with Hannay and seems to believe him, but as soon as the sheriff’s colleagues come in to the room, we learn that the sheriff has been just humoring him and thinks Hannay is a murderer. Hannay is forced to esc ape. The entire scene, through the lighting, angles, ... ...and framing, Hitchcock expresses the horror of wrongful imprisonment through visual devices. Hitchcock allows Hannay to escape the snare of the police into the open world, as Hannay finds himself outside in a parade. Hannay, now free from the confines of the sheriff’s office and walking amidst the people, is now vindicated, living momentarily in the comfort of anonymity. But Hitchcock re-plays his fears, so of course Hannay will soon be back in the binding spotlight in the next sequence. Yet it is more than the fear of police and confinement that is a mark of the Hitchcock film - it is the visual expression of these psychological states that are examples of the artistry of Hitchcock as an auteur. And as seen through the first shot of the chosen sequence in which the sheriff’s laugh is merged with the crofter’s wife’s screams, Hitchcock went beyond the German Expressionists that he admired, manipulating sound to express ideas in their purest, most subtl e forms.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bibliography: â€Å"The 39 steps† by Mark Glancy â€Å"Hitchcock on hitchcock† by Sidney Gottlieb â€Å"The Alfred Hitchcock story† by Ken Mogg   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Forensic

Although we will be focusing on the forensic sciences that typically take place in a crime laboratory, there are other types of forensic sciences that are specialized and focused on a particular area. In this section, we will briefly take a look at some of these specialty areas. Forensic Pathology/Biology Pathology is a science that deals with disease. Pathologists make use of autopsies to study the tissues and other parts of the human body for diseases. An autopsy is a dissection and examination of the body, often to determine why the person died. Pathologists may study samples like blood, tissue, and urine to identify and learn more about diseases in the body. Forensic pathology is the extension of this specialty to the criminal justice system. Forensic pathology studies sudden, unexplained, and violent deaths by using autopsies to determine the cause of death in an individual. The scientists in this field may work as medical examiners or coroners. One of the tasks that a forensic pathologist might have is to determine the time of death for a body. The medical examiner or coroner may participate in the criminal investigation by evaluating the stage of decomposition in the body. Following a person's death, the muscles of the body relax and then become rigid. Rigor Mortis, as this rigidity is known, occurs within 24 hours after death and goes away after about 36 hours. Liver Mortis also happens soon after death. This condition in the body happens as the blood stops pumping through the body and settles in the parts of the body lowest to the ground. This condition occurs within the first 12 hours after death. Another condition that can help determine the time of death is algor mortis, which is the gradual cooling of the body after death. Forensic pathologists have to consider factors like where the body is, the air temperature, and the size of the body to determine the time of death from its temperature. Forensic Anthropology Forensic anthropology specializes in the identification and examination of skeletal remains. Forensic anthropologists may also be called on to help identify the victims of disasters like fires, explosions, and plane crashes, where bodies may be burned or mutilated in some way. Forensic anthropologists help determine whether bones and skeletal remains are from a long ago burial that has been unearthed or whether they are from a more recent death, that may require investigation. Many have at least some training in archaeological methods. They also examine the bones to see if they can determine what the cause of death was. They use the bones to help determine the sex, race, and age at the time of death for the individual and in some cases, where the individual was from. Some forensic anthropologists may help with facial reconstructions, which can help identify who the person is that the bones belonged to. Forensic Psychiatry Forensic psychiatry focuses on the relationship between human behavior and criminal justice. During the course of a court case, issues of competence (whether someone is competent to stand trial or be executed) and mental illness can play a role. Forensic psychiatrists and psychologists offer insight to investigators, attorneys, judges, and juries about a suspect's mental state and their understanding of the crime committed. These scientists look at the past, present, and future of individuals. For example, they may examine whether the suspect was mentally sane at the time the crime was committed. They may also examine whether an individual is competent during a trial, such as being able to cooperate with their defense. Finally, some forensic psychiatrists examine the likelihood that an offender will repeat their crime for the purposes of probation hearings. In addition, some forensic psychiatrists may create behavioral profiles in order to help law enforcement officials identify and apprehend suspects. Forensic Entomology Forensic entomology uses the study of insects to help criminal investigations. This area is often involved with helping to determine the time of death when the situation where the death occurred is unknown. When decomposition begins, blowflies infest a body, laying eggs that eventually hatch into fly larvae (maggots). The larvae help to consume the body's organs and tissues if left alone. By studying the stage of larvae development and what type of flies and insects are present, scientists can give insight into when the death occurred. Forensic Odontology Forensic odontology provides insight into the identification of individuals through their teeth. In some cases, investigators may only have the skeletal remains, including teeth, of a body. Forensic odontologists look at teeth, their alignment, and other information to help determine who the person was. They can sometimes match the dental remains to dental records of a suspected victim. Forensic odontologists may also provide insight in cases that involve bite marks, analyzing the bite to see whether it matches that of a suspect's. As you can see, there are many different areas that forensic scientists specialize in. Each of these specialties helps the criminal justice system identify crime and the suspects that have committed the crime. This module has introduced you briefly to the world of forensic science. Forensic scientists use science within the criminal justice system. They collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes, give expert testimony, and train others about collecting evidence.

Peak Book Essay

In the novel â€Å"Peak† written by Roland Smith are conveyed the important of themes adventure, friends and family and betrayal. The novel â€Å"Peak† is a story about a young boy who began climbing and tagging, but this all changes when he is caught and is sent to juvenile detention. But when he gets to choose his sentence to either go to Thailand with this real father or stay in jail, his life changes. Firstly one of the important themes in the novel is friends and family. Friendship and family plays a very important part in the story. Peak finds and makes many friends while traveling to Thailand and also climbing the mountains with his real dad Josh, The family back home in America also played a important theme in the text and peak soon finds out that his mum, step dad and two sisters really do care about him, This is shown in the book from ‘Rolf’s letter’ when Peak finally realized that Rolf cared about him and his family. This is shown through â€Å"you don’t get to pick your name or your parents† changed peaks thoughts on family because he knew that they care about him and love him forever and always. The Friendship and family theme plays a major part in the book by allowing the characters to feel accepted loved and form friendships forever. The novel Peak focuses on the theme of betrayal throughout the book. When Peak finally realised that his real dad was using him for his climbing business to promote it because peak was over the news and popular in the climbing world. Through this experience of betrayal Peak realised whom he really loved. Again â€Å"you don’t get to pick your name or your parents† relates to this moment in the story. Betrayal is a major theme in the novel through Peaks dad josh not loving him and using him to promote his climbing business â€Å"Peak experience†. Finally peak plays a big part of one of the themes adventure all through out the book. The theme adventure is focused on a lot through the novel. The theme adventure is shown when Peak started to climb the skyscraper and began tagging buildings. Peak’s adventure had a disadvantage when he is caught tagging a skyscraper. The theme of adventure is shown when peak travels and goes on adventures to climb the ice mountains. Adventure is an important aspect of this book and is shown is the text in many different ways but mainly touring and climbing. Overall the book â€Å"Peak† is a story with major themes involved that are important in the novel â€Å"Peak† because it brings the readers interest, understanding and many  thoughts going thoughts there head. In audition friends and family relate to being an important theme because it creates a good feeling all the way throughout the book but also allows sadness through the story line. Betrayal is also a very important theme because it addresses conflict and disagreement. Adventure in the novel is also shown all the way through the book; this shows courage, bravery and a very creative and fun Character.

The eNotes Blog What are Prop 8 and DOMA and Why Do TheyMatter

What are Prop 8 and DOMA and Why Do TheyMatter This week, as the Supreme Court released its rulings on a variety of different issues, supporters of same-sex marriage were particularly anxious to hear an important piece of news: the Court’s ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8. What is the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)? The Defense of Marriage Act is a federal law that restricts federal marriage rights to opposite-sex couples. It was enacted on September 21, 1996 under the Clinton administration, though Clinton, among others who were involved in the law’s enactment, has since changed his position and advocated for its repeal. Supreme Court deems DOMA unconstitutional The law’s exact wording on the issue of marriage is as follows: â€Å"In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any   ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative   bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word `marriage means   only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife,   and the word `spouse refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is   a husband or a wife.† (Defense of Marriage Act) Among others, these are the benefits that have been denied to same-sex marriages under the Defense of Marriage Act: Insurance benefits for government employees Social Security survivors’ benefits Immigration benefits Joint tax return benefits What is Prop. 8? Prop. 8, or California Proposition 8, is a ballot proposition passed in California’s November 2008 elections. Much like DOMA, it declares that only opposite-sex marriages may be recognized by the state of California. The proposition effectively overturns a California Supreme Court ruling released in May of 2008 that found marriage to be a  fundamental constitutional right that should be granted to all couples. The timeline of same-sex marriage history in California is shown below: March 7, 2000: Proposition 22 is passed 61.4% to 38%, defining marriage in California as the union between a man and a woman. September 2, 2007: The California Senate approves Assembly Bill 849, a bill about fisheries-research measures that was amended to address the legalization of same sex marriage. September 6, 2007: The California State Assembly approves Assembly Bill 849. September 29, 2007: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoes the Assembly Bill 849, citing Proposition 22 as an indication of voter opinions on the issue and saying that the legality of same-sex marriage should be decided by the courts. May 15, 2008: The California Supreme Court strikes down Proposition 22 as well as a law passed in 1977, both of which denied same-sex marriage legal recognition. Governor Schwarzenegger pledges to oppose Proposition 8, which would be voted on in November of that same year. November 4, 2008: California voters pass Proposition 8 with 52% voter approval, essentially overturning the California Supreme Court’s May ruling. US Supreme Court hearings    Proposition 8:    The plaintiffs in this case were Kristin Perry, Sandra Stier, Paul Katami, and Jeffrey Zarrillo. Both same-sex couples were denied marriage licenses under Prop. 8 in May of 2009. Because both then Attorney General Jerry Brown and then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declined to defend Proposition 8 in court, the defendants for this case were two groups: ProtectMarriage.com, under the leadership of Dennis Hollingsworth, and the Campaign for California Families. They take the place of the Attorney General and Governor in the case. It’s worth noting that current Attorney General Kamala Harris and current Governor Jerry Brown both ran on platforms that included a declination to defend Prop. 8 in court.    The Prop. 8 case, or Hollingsworth v. Perry, answered the following question as stated by the Court: â€Å"Whether it violates the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment for a State to use the ballot-initiative process to extinguish the state constitutional right of gay men and lesbians to marry a person of the same sex.† (Petition for Writ of Certiorari) This refers to Section One of the Fourteenth Amendment, which states that the law must provide all citizens with equal protection and cannot remove a citizen’s rights without due process: â€Å"No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.† (Amendment 14, Section 1) Many claim that there was no argument against Prop. 8’s unconstitutionality because the State has no vested interest in keeping same-sex couples from marrying. Defense of Marriage Act: In this case, also known as United States v. Windsor, Edith Windsor was the plaintiff. In 2007, Windsor was married to Thea Spyer in Toronto, Canada. But when Spyer died in 2009, at a time when New York legally recognized same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions, as it continues to do today, Windsor was required to pay $363,053 in federal estate taxes. Had the federal government recognized Windsor and Spyer’s marriage, Windsor would not have had to pay any of these taxes. Because the Department of Justice has declined to continue a defense of the Defense of Marriage Act, the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the House of Representatives (BLAG) will take its place. This group consists of five members of the House of Representatives. There were three questions presented in this case: â€Å"Whether the executive branch’s agreement with the court below that DOMA is unconstitutional deprives this Court [the Supreme Court] of jurisdiction to decide this case† (Writ of Certiorari). â€Å"Whether the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the United States House of Representatives has Article III standing in this case† (Writ of Certiorari). Article III standing allows a party to argue a case despite the fact that it is not directly impacted by the outcome of that case, in a legal sense. In a December episode of Hardball, Chris Matthews noted that the Lawrence Case Opinion (which deemed anti-sodomy laws unconstitutional), given by Justice Anthony Kennedy, potentially provides a basis on which to rule DOMA unconstitutional by its outlining of personal liberty: â€Å"Liberty protects the person from unwarranted government intrusions. Freedom extends beyond spatial bounds. Liberty presumes an autonomy of self that includes freedom of thought, belief, expression, and certain intimate conduct.† (Lawrence Case Opinion) Woman shows support for gay marriage Moreover, many pointed to the fact that the Supreme Court has deemed marriage a fundamental right on fourteen accounts, including the case of Loving v. Virginia, which declared the illegality of interracial marriages unconstitutional. The Loving v. Virginia case was referenced several times during the Supreme Court’s hearing and is expected to have held serious weight in the Court’s decision. What were the rulings? The Supreme Court released its decisions on these two cases the morning of Wednesday, June 26th. In the California Proposition 8 case, a 5 – 4 majority found, as NPR’s Carrie Johnson explains, â€Å"the petitioners [i.e. the defendants] lack standing so the court avoids the underlying issue, remands and wipes away the decision by the 9th Circuit Court of appeals, which means for now the lower court ruling invalidating California’s Prop 8 stands.† This means that same-sex marriage is now legal in California, though this decision does not have national implications for same-sex marriage. In the United States v. Windsor case, the Court found the Defense of Marriage Act to be unconstitutional, as it violated the Fifth Amendment by not granting same-sex couples the â€Å"equal liberty† that they are guaranteed. The decision, a 5 – 4 split with the majority opinion delivered by Justice Anthony Kennedy, requires the national government to recognize the federal marriage rights of same-sex marriages. It does not, however, require all fifty states to issue same-sex marriage licenses, as some had hoped would occur. Despite this, however, many proponents of same-sex marriage believe this decision to have been a great victory and a monumental step forward for marriage equality. Further Reading: Throughout both of these cases, many compared the civil-rights in question with those addressed by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail. You can find an online study guide for the letter here: http://bit.ly/1aNVhXw. : Matthews, Christopher. â€Å"Supreme Court to Legalize Gay Marriage? (December 7, 2012 – MSNBC),† YouTube video, 13:50, posted by HenryBloggit,   December 8, 2012, youtube.com/watch?v=WZYL6Gou-eE. Petition for a Writ of Certiorari, Hollingsworth v. Perry No. 12-144. Web. Accessed June 25, 2013. supremecourt.gov/docket/PDFs/Brief_in_Opposition_of_Respondent_San%20Francisco.pdf. Petition for a Writ of Certiorari, United States v. Windsor No. 12-307. Web. Accessed June 25, 2013. supremecourt.gov/docket/pdfs/brief_of_respondent_edith_windsor_%28jurisdiction%29.pdf. Wikipedia, s.v. â€Å"Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group,† accessed June 25, 2013. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipartisan_Legal_Advisory_Group. Wikipedia, s.v. â€Å"California Proposition 8,† accessed June 25, 2013. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_8. Wikipedia, s.v. â€Å"Defense of Marriage Act,† accessed June 25, 2013. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_of_Marriage_Act. Wikipedia, s.v. â€Å"Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution,† accessed June 25, 2013. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution Wikipedia, s.v. â€Å"Hollingsworth v. Perry,† accessed June 25, 2013. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollingsworth_v._Perry#Parties. Wikipedia, s.v. â€Å"Same-sex marriage in California,† accessed June 25, 2013. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_California#History. Wikipedia, s.v. â€Å"United States v. Windsor,† accessed June 25, 2013. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Windsor.