Profilers

In this compilation of expert articles internationally recognized homicide investigators, most of them pioneers in developing the science and the art of profiling, share their insights gained from years of experience tracking the perpetrators of some of the most notorious crimes. Among the subjects discussed are: dealing with hostage situations, child abduction and murder in the David Meirhofer case, interviewing Jeffrey Dahmer, autoerotic murder, the challenges of creating psychological profiles, the use of forensic linguistics to track the Unabomber, assaultative eye injury ("enucleation"), and geographic profiling. A must for readers of true crime, forensic investigations, and murder mysteries, this unique collection of revealing articles offers a chilling and unparalleled glimpse into the workings of the criminal mind.

What do detectives do if they need help identifying a body or a cause of death? Experts are called in to investigate! Learn how sketch artists use skulls or witness descriptions to figure out what a victim or perpetrator may have looked like. Follow the steps toxicologists take when examining bodies and crime scenes for traces of poison. Analyze bones as forensic anthropologists identify victims--all to help the police crack the case!

High-speed non-contact laser profilers have become the standard testing equipment for pavement management ride quality testing. The same technology used in the high-speed profilers is now being used in lightweight profilers for construction smoothness testing. The lightweight profilers have many advantages over the California 25-ft profilograph. Despite the many advantages of the lightweight profilers, there is resistance from the contracting industry toward eliminating the 25-ft profilograph for construction ride testing. One way to reduce or overcome the resistance is to evaluate and demonstrate the advantages/disadvantages of the lightweight profiler in actual field use in Iowa. The objective of the study was to purchase a lightweight profiler and to evaluate its suitability for construction smoothness quality verification and quality acceptance on Iowa projects. A lightweight profiler, an Ames Engineering, Inc. LISA single laser unit, was received in February 2003 for the study. Based on the work done during the 2003 construction season, the following conclusions can be made: (1) For hot mix asphalt surfaces, the LISA correlated well with the contractors' profilographs; (2) LISA results are significantly affected by longitudinal tining on portland cement concrete pavements, requiring a laser system upgrade to give accurate results; (3) A significant time saving was realized by using the LISA; (4) Increasing visibility and reducing time in the construction zone improved safety; (5) One person with limited lifting capabilities could set up and operate the LISA; and (6) With the current Iowa Department of Transportation specification, the LISA cannot totally replace the profilograph, since bridges and short segments with no adjoining pavement would still require a profilograph.

Streamline data analysis with an intuitive, visual Six Sigma strategy Visual Six Sigma provides the statistical techniques that help you get more information from your data. A unique emphasis on the visual allows you to take a more active role in data-driven decision making, so you can leverage your contextual knowledge to pose relevant questions and make more sound decisions. You'll learn dynamic visualization and exploratory data analysis techniques that help you identify occurrences and sources of variation, and the strategies and processes that make Six Sigma work for your organization. The Six Sigma strategy helps you identify and remove causes of defects and errors in manufacturing and business processes; the more pragmatic Visual approach opens the strategy beyond the realms of statisticians to provide value to all business leaders amid the growing need for more accessible quality management tools. See where, why, and how your data varies Find clues to underlying behavior in your data Identify key models and drivers Build your own Six-Sigma experience Whether your work involves a Six Sigma improvement project, a design project, a data-mining inquiry, or a scientific study, this practical breakthrough guide equips you with the skills and understanding to get more from your data. With intuitive, easy-to-use tools and clear explanations, Visual Six Sigma is a roadmap to putting this strategy to work for your company.

50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology uses popular myths as a vehicle for helping students and laypersons to distinguish science from pseudoscience. Uses common myths as a vehicle for exploring how to distinguish factual from fictional claims in popular psychology Explores topics that readers will relate to, but often misunderstand, such as 'opposites attract', 'people use only 10% of their brains', and 'handwriting reveals your personality' Provides a 'mythbusting kit' for evaluating folk psychology claims in everyday life Teaches essential critical thinking skills through detailed discussions of each myth Includes over 200 additional psychological myths for readers to explore Contains an Appendix of useful Web Sites for examining psychological myths Features a postscript of remarkable psychological findings that sound like myths but that are true Engaging and accessible writing style that appeals to students and lay readers alike