Abstract
This paper examines taphonomy, the branch of science that investigates the decomposition process of the human body. It encompasses the study of phenomena such as biostratinomy, decomposition, diagenesis, and epibiont encrustation. A definition of the term 'decomposition' describes the process whereby the body is reduced into simpler forms of matter. The paper explains that the process of decomposition is affected in varying degrees by a number of factors. These include the following aspects in the order of their commonly assumed importance with regard to the rate of the decomposition process: temperature, bacteria, access by insects, burial and depth of burial, access by carnivores or rodents, humidity or dryness, body size and weight, and clothing.

From the Paper
"Rigor Mortis sets in within four hours of death. This is caused by the lack of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides the energy required for muscle contraction and relaxation. ((McLemore, J. 1993) Rigor Mortis is essentially the state that the dead body achieves when the oxygen supply to the muscles ceases. However, the cells within the body continue with anaerobic respiration. The result of this process is the production of lactic acid which causes stiffening of the muscles in Rigor Mortis. After 36 hours, depending on temperature and various other variables and circumstances, rigor mortis ceases. (Decomposition) At this time the cells in the body die and various enzymes are released which precipitate the process of decomposition."

Tags:rigor, mortis, taphonomy

Abstract
This paper describes and evaluates the use of landfills in waste management. It further looks at their complex composition, and how they are managed. The paper also discusses new bio-reactor technology which is being used to speed up decomposition of garbage. The paper concludes with a discussion of how some old landfills are being reconstituted as golf courses.

From the Paper
"... Landfills are not just places where anything can be dumped but are strictly controlled and the household trash landfill is kept dry so it won't contaminate surrounding or underground water supplies. First heavy machinery compacts the trash into blocks which are covered with a small layer..."

Tags:waste management, landfills, bioreactor, decomposition, garbage

Abstract
This is a writeup of chemistry experiments in synthesis, decomposition, single displacement and double displacement reactions with explanations of materials, methods and results. Discusses the procedures of the experiment.

From the Paper
"Each chemical equation represents a specific chemical reaction and identifies the reactants and products. Reactants appear on the left side of the equation and products on the right side separated by an arrow indicating the direction in which the reaction takes place. Equations must be balanced to be correct meaning the same number of each kind of atom must appear on each side of the equation. For example, when iron rusts it combines with oxygen to form a new compound iron oxide Fe O and..."

Tags:synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, double displacement

Abstract
This is a report on an experiment in chemistry on the law of definite proportions. It looks at the decomposition of potassium chlorate to potassium chloride with heating.

From the Paper
"The law of definite proportion states that different samples of a pure compound always contain the same elements in the same proportions by mass. For example, sodium chloride always contains sodium and chlorine by mass. In this experiment a sample of potassium chlorate was thermally decomposed to determine the mass percent of oxygen in the compound. A crucible containing g MnO catalyst was weighed and g KClO was added and the crucible and contents reweighed. A thermometer was placed in the crucible and..."

Tags:law, of, definite, proportions

Abstract
The paper asserts that an important part of conservation is preserving natural ecosystems for services they provide in sustaining the environment. The paper discusses how the concept of natural ecosystems, and their possible natural economic value, can be determined through the delivery, provision, production, protection, and/or maintenance of a set of goods and services that populations believe are important for support functions (Chee, 2004). The paper explains that this may include goods and services that are associated with the natural ecosystem, such as pest control, decomposition, water purification, pollination, foods, fibers, fuels, and drugs.

From the Paper
"An important part of conservation is preserving natural ecosystems for services they provide in sustaining the environment. The concept of natural ecosystems, and their possible natural economic value can be determined through the delivery, provision, production, protection, and/or maintenance of a set of goods and services that populations believe are important for support functions (Chee, 2004). This may include goods and services that are associated with the natural ecosystem, such as pest control, decomposition, water purification, pollination, foods, fibers, fuels, and drugs."

Tags:ecology, ecosystems, florida

Abstract
This paper explains that, at one time, there were no problems with landfills because trash, such as wood, paper, oxidizable metals and organic garbage, was biodegradable; now, Styrofoam and other plastic based wrappings and containers, in which almost everything is over-wrapped, survive decomposition for decades and decades even when crushed. The author points out the problems of trash handle in the 21st century are: (1) Landfills are filling up at an astronomical rate, (2) they are not decomposing at the rate they used to before non-biodegradable items were being added, (3) because of this inconsistent rate of biodegradability, many landfills are developing large pockets of methane gas and leachate or "garbage juice", which is a potential threat to the ground water and (4) companies are dumping highly toxic materials in the landfill. The paper stresses that the only ways we are going to make landfills nearly obsolete are by recycling, which must be supported by very strong recycling laws, and by seeking improved technologies for waste disposal and long-term chemical contamination.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Hazardous Waste and Landfills
Problems with Non Hazardous Landfills
Conclusion

From the Paper
"According to the group "Make Less Waste", waste prevention is any practice that reduces the amount or toxicity of waste, including making goods last longer, reusing products and reducing packaging. It's a good way to save money, reduce pollution and conserve energy. They point out some ways we can reduce the amount of waste we generate. Some suggestions include avoiding "over-packaged" products. We should look for the most purposeful, least wasteful packaging. We should re-use or refuse shopping bags and bring your own bags. One of the best ways of making less waste is to avoid disposable versions of razors, pens, lighters, batteries, plates, cups, napkins and diapers. We cam choose products made from recycled material and buy products in glass, steel, or aluminum because all of these products have some recycled content and can be recycled. If we buy concentrates, "economy" sizes, and products selected from bulk bin, we save on packaging waste. To reduce fast food packaging, ask that your fast food be wrapped only in paper and refuse bags and Styrofoam boxes. Instead of throwing them away, donate used items such as clothes, furniture and books to charitable organizations."

Tags:leachate, laws, packaging-reduction, non-biodegradable, chemical-contamination

Abstract
This paper discusses how the whole universe follows through a cycle of creations, causing a cycle of life and death. It looks at how concepts provided by myths can be applied to most of these issues at hand and how myths can be analogously related to almost all topics. It questions the universality of myths through an analysis of the myths of "Gaia and Ouranos" and "Rhea and Kronos" from Hesiod's "Theogony", along with comparative collections from the "Enuma Elish". The universality of these myths is addressed by applying Richard Caldwell's psychological approach in the areas of decomposition, symbolism, projection, symbiosis, and individuation.

From the Paper
"Psychoanalysis states that every thought is composed of hidden or unconscious reflections, which can be displayed in ones actions, which agrees with the universal fact that we quickly judge people by their actions whether conscious or unconscious. By decomposition we can derive the main latent content and relate it to several actions in the manifest. Several latent thoughts can be encompassed in a single manifest act, although there may be several ways of grouping them. These latent thoughts can contain a theme such as wishes or fears or both. In the myth of "Gaia and Ouranos", Ouranos fears that he might be killed by his son or his son-in-law. His hidden or unconscious thoughts are manifested by the act of hiding his children in Gaia's womb."

Tags:enuma, elish, gaia, ouranos, rhea, kronos

Abstract
This paper examines the similarities and differences, in a compare and contrast style, of the short stories, "Barn Burning" and "A Rose for Emily" written by William Faulkner. The paper contends that both stories are epitomes of contemporary Southern American values, both are set in Southern American settings in the wake of respective wars. The paper also claims that both stories vividly portray Faulkner's perception of the decomposition of society. The paper explains that the main difference between the two stories is that they vary in narration and that the concept of time is represented differently in the stories.

From the Paper
"William Faulkner is known as one America's greatest authors. In fact, his short stories, "Barn Burning," and "A Rose for Emily," are two of the best-known stories in American literature, and are both examples of the reflection of contemporary Southern American values in his work. Through these and other short stories, Faulkner explored geography, history, economy, and social and moral life. Moreover, he was especially skillful in creating characters with differing reactions to the same person or situation, which he used to make his readers recognize the difficulty of arriving at true judgments. However, despite the obvious similarities in his style and theme, there are various pronounced differences between these two short stories as well."

Tags:homer, barron, sartoris, snopes

Abstract
The paper will discuss the frequency of varnish in the techniques used by artists of every culture prior to the invention of the usually more waterproof and resilient varnishing products that are now commonly used. In many cases, older varnishes permit decomposition to occur underneath as they change their consistency and color through long term exposure to the air. Without lapsing into a too scientific discussion, what actually happens will nonetheless be described with attention to several kinds of usual varnishes found in various painted surfaces.

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the process of ritual mummification in ancient Egypt. According to the paper, mummification refers to the process by means of which a human or animal body was preserved in ancient times.

From the Paper
"The human and animal bodies were usually mummified the same way with the exception of a few things like linen and masks. Natron was used as the disinfectant and organs were usually removed to prevent internal decay. Heart was not removed however since it was considered the main organ of intelligence and hence sacred. Corpses were washed and wrapped in linen and bitumen was sometimes used for preservation. This was the practice during the Late Period and linen was normally provided by family of the deceased. Masks were used to cover the face of the deceased. Royal mummies were usually adorned with masks made of gold and silver while in other cases, wooden masks were also used. "

Tags:embalming, preserve, pharaohs, decomposition, Herodotus, internal, organs, sacred, animals