Mc Donalds and Burger King free essay sample

His seemingly endless enthusiasm and constant support helped me thru-out my program at Kent State University. I thank my other committee members Dr. Shawn Banasick and Dr. Chuanrong Zhang for their valuable comments and suggestions. I thank Dr. Milton Harvey and Mrs. Mary Lou Church for their affection and concerns. I am grateful to them and all my friends at McGilvrey Hall, for being the surrogate family during my years at Kent and their continued moral support thereafter. I thank Dr. MunroStasiuk, Dr. Schmidlin, Dr. Sheridan, Dr. Kaplan, Dr. Haley, Dr. Dymon, Dr. Bhardwaj and other faculty members in the Department of Geography for making the atmosphere in the department stimulating for research and academics. The Kent State University Library staffs are acknowledged for their efficiency and availability. A particular thanks to Edith Scarletto, Head of the Map Library, who helped me, gather the initial data required for the research. I would like to thank my friend Sathy for his help in formatting the entire text. We will write a custom essay sample on Mc Donalds and Burger King or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I am forever indebted to my family, for their blessings and love and who have supported and encouraged me to do my best in all matters of life. Particular thanks, to my husband, Harsha, for his tireless support, love and affection and without whom I would have struggled to find the inspiration and motivation needed to complete this thesis. ix Last but not the least, I dedicate my thesis to my Grandmother â€Å"Jhaiji† who’s Blessings and loving support has encouraged me throughout my academic career and life. Sadly, Jhaiji left for her heavenly abode just a few days before the thesis was submitted. x Chapter 1 Introduction There has been a growing interest among the academia and the private sector for the use of GIS techniques in the analysis and planning of retail store network. Almost without exceptions, various retail organizations need to plan for complex consumer markets and keep up with competitions. Over the past few decades the methodologies used for research of sighting of retail outlets have become more sophisticated as a result of applicable modeling procedures being developed with GIS. This study conducts a retail location analysis of the relationship between the fast-food store performance of McDonald’s and Burger King and the various spatial and socio-economic factors of their respective catchment areas. Analytical procedures in GIS and statistical techniques have been applied to carry out the analysis in this study. In particular, study areas have been partitioned into a set of Thiessen polygons and into various spatial configurations using variable buffer polygons to emulate various spatial configurations of catchment areas (i. e. , trade areas) associated with each fast food store. The socio-economic profiles in the partitioned polygons have been analyzed with a series of regression models. The result of the study brought out a better understanding of how location factors influence the performance of 1 2 the stores as well as how the socio-economic attributes of the catchment areas affect the store revenues. 1. 1 Research Objectives: The main objective of this retail location analysis is to develop and apply methodology for analyzing the relationship between fast food store performance and the various socio-economic and demographic factors with various spatial configurations of their catchment areas in Portage and Summit Counties. The traditional role of GIS in retail demand-and-supply analysis has been to analyze market characteristics such as consumer demand, geodemographics, traffic flow, competitor locations, etc. and to search for an optimal location for a new retail outlet or to close retail outlets in over crowded markets. Knowing the geographical distributions of retail demand and supply is important in conducting marketing analysis using GIS analytical tools. GIS can overlay different data sets onto one another in an integrated environment. GIS analytical tools have been widely applied for exploring the relationships between demand and supply in many types of business practices, including operations of fast food restaurants. However, perhaps due to relatively low real estate costs and flexible rentals or perhaps due to the all too often time lag in adopting newly emerging technology, many retailers do not make use of sophisticated location analysis methods that are now available. Many a times, retailers follow the location decisions previously made by anchor retailers. The choice of a store location has a profound effect on the entire business of a retail operation. For picking an optimal store-site, it is necessary to utilize data of the demographics of that area (income, family size, age, ethnic composition, etc of the population), traffic patterns, and similar kind of retail outlets or competition in the area. These factors are basic to all retail location analysis. GIS tools can help to find the right site along wit h market penetration, market share and trade areas by combining aerial photos/maps, competitors’ locations, geodemographic factors, customer surveys and census data. GIS market analysis tools can also help to determine whether the products match the lifestyle and buying patterns of the customers. In this study- Retail Location Analysis: A Case Study of Burger King McDonald’s in Portage Summit Counties, Ohio, an analysis of catchment areas of the analyzed restaurants has been done using a series of regression models to analyze socio-economic and demographic factors in various spatial configurations of the study area. The study area has been partitioned to a set of Thiessen Polygons and also to sets of spatial configurations by using different buffering zones surrounding the retail outlets to create different proximity polygons for further analysis. Thiessen polygons define individual areas of influence around each service center, or in this case each fast food restaurant, in a set of points/locations of fast food outlets geocoded in such a way that any locations within a Thiessen polygon are closer to the polygon’s centroid (the retail outlet used to make up the polygon) than to any other retail outlet. Buffer polygons have been constructed around the fast food locations 4 based on various assumptions of how far the distances consumers may be willing to travel to receive fast food services. With the various spatial configurations of Thiessen polygons and buffer polygons as defined by the locations of retail outlets, regression models have been constructed to examine the importance of a set of selected socio-economic and geodemographic factors. The different regression models that use different independent variables as structured by both the Thiessen polygons and Buffer polygons have been done to see how well or poorly either of the two approaches capture the variations in the sales volumes of fast food stores. In today’s world of highly competitive market environment, it has become imperative that retailers must make use of spatial analytical technology to acquire new clientele, retain the existing/current customers, to enable market expansion, and to stay abreast with changing consumer tastes and requirements. Advances in GIS technology reiterates the fact that the future success of retail, real estate and restaurants will be determined to get a great extend by using this smart technology. 1. 2 Summary: Many successful businesses in the United States make use of GIS software to integrate, view and analyze data using geography. Use of GIS techniques enables retailers to understand and visualize spatial relationships and improves productivity and effectiveness of the business processes. The use of multiple regressions modeling in this study has been done to identify how the ethnic composition of population and median 5 household income in the service areas of Burger King and McDonald’s restaurants interact with one another to produce a specific sales outcome. Chapter 2 Problem Statements Retail location analysis is an important part in site selection of a retail store. â€Å"A trade area of a retail store is the geographical area from which it draws most of its customers and within which its market penetration is the highest†(Ghosh and McLafferty, 1987). Retail location analysis also helps to determine the focus areas for marketing promotional activities, highlights geographic weaknesses in the customer base and projecting future growth and expansion of the retail services (Berman and Evans, 2001). 2. 1 Size and Shape of the Retail Trade Area: The size of the retail trade area often depends on the nature of goods and services rendered at the retail outlets, along with the geographical distribution of other competing retail outlets. For instance, fast food restaurants like Burger King and McDonald’s sell goods and services that are popular, easily substituted and affordable by the majority of consumers create a smaller retail trade zone as compared to a specialty restaurant. Usually, retail trade zones are not geometrically regular, i. e. , a circle, a square or a polygon. Rather, the shape of the trade zone is based on road networks, geology and topography of the area, land use of the neighboring areas, etc. 6 7 When examining the way customers travel to make retail purchases, it is always necessary to take into consideration the distance that a customer has to travel. The distances that customers may be willing to travel are different, depending upon the type of object to be purchased. The number of trips undertaken by consumers and the travel time will be different based on specialty or commodity product (Salvaneschi, 1996). For purchasing a specialty product, which is generally expensive, unique or long lasting, the consumer is willing to travel over a longer distance. This tends to expand the trading area of that good or service. On the other hand, to purchase everyday supplies or common items consumers often prefer convenience, as the trips for such goods are frequent, distances are short and travel time is brief. For instance, people typically will not drive to another town for fast food, unless they are on way to or back from other destinations. According to consumer behavior studies the time availability of consumers is an important variable in the convenience and fast food market. Therefore, it should be an important part of market strategy (Darian and Cohen, 1995). In this thesis research, the study area is partitioned into polygons representing trade areas for further analysis. Several different approaches to creating trade areas are used. These include trade areas defined as buffer polygons surrounding fast food restaurants with widths of 1, 2 and 5 miles. In addition, partitioning the study area into a set of collectively inclusive but mutually exclusive Thiessen polygons with the restaurants as polygon centroid also generates trade areas. Generating buffers around features is a commonly used analytical procedure in GIS. Most buffering methods create simple-distance bound geometric buffers around the 8 features. Buffers surrounding retail outlets(or other service-rendering establishments) are also known as service areas, hinterlands or market areas and have useful in many geographical applications (Shaw, 1991; Sierra et al. , 1999; Van Wee et al. , 2001). A buffer delineates the area within a specified distance of a feature. It can be created from points, lines or polygons. The output buffers may be lines or polygons depending upon the features and their distance are specified in map units (Price, 2004). Concentric buffers represent the delineation of multiple levels of proximity. For example, different distances of 1 mile, 2 miles and 5 miles from the store can be used to generate buffer polygons around retail outlets. This type of concentric buffers may reveal patterns of market penetration in which the inner buffers often account for the largest proportion of customers while the density of customers decreases as one moves away from the outlet to the subsequent buffers. This distance-decay effect reflects the impact of geographic accessibility on store patronage. The actual size of the trade area for each store varies, depending on the location of the store. The sharper the distancedecay effect, the smaller would be the trade area for each of the fast food store. For this study a regression models are applied that relates sales outcomes (dependent variable) to many factors such as ethnic composition and median household income (independent variable) of population in the retail trade zones of the Burger King and McDonald’s in Portage and Summit Counties. These regression models show that Burger King’s annual sales are better explained by the included independent variables for buffers with widths of 1 and 2 miles than those of McDonald’s sales by the same set of variables. For a 5-mile buffer and Thiessen polygons, sales are better explained for 9 McDonald’s. Ethnic population and median household income for buffer polygons of 1 and 2 miles around the restaurants better explain annual sales for Burger King and polygons of 5-miles for McDonald’s. 2. Summary: Retail location analysis helps in site selection for a business outlet and in determining the performance of retail outlets in the trade area of the store. The trade area of the store reflects the socio-demographic characteristics of the clientele and is thus useful in determining the marketing strategies. The size and the shape of a retail trade area are determined by the nature of goods and services offered. Since fast food restaurants sell goods that can be easily substituted, majority of consumers form a small retail trade area. Ethnic composition of population and the median household income within the buffer polygons constructed around the fast food restaurants indicate how much time and distance consumers drive or travel to patronize these restaurants. Chapter 3 Literature Review During the past three decades, several important advancements have taken place in spatial-data analysis, data storage, retrieval and mapping. Geographic Information Systems have been very useful in tackling spatial analytic approaches and in forming an interface with the field of location science (Church, 2002). Several studies give an overview of the major impacts of GIS on works done in the field of location science in terms of model application, development and various methods that can be used for landuse suitability modeling (Malczewski, 2004). For example: GIS is now the most widely used software for analyzing, visualizing and mapping spatial data such as retail location analysis, transport networks, land-use patterns and census track data. Since GIS can be used to assemble large volumes of data from various sources with different map scales and in different coordinate systems, it is considered an important tool in location analysis. GIS can combine and simultaneously use several databases by transforming them into a common set of database (Pettit and Pullar, 1999). However, the use of GIS in location analysis involves the aspect of accuracy of representing real world situations in a GIS database. The notion of accuracy is the representation of geographical objects and representing socio-economic, cultural and political elements of the environment within which location analysis is done (Church, 2002). Not only is GIS used 10 11 as the source of input data for a location model, it has also been used as a means to present model results (Malczewski, 2004). . 1 GIS for Business and Service Sector Planning: The growing consumer orientation in business and service planning along with advances in GIS and spatial analysis techniques, have led to the promotion of the use of GIS in the area of business and service planning (Longley and Clark, 1995). Several books and articles assess the use of GIS for supporting business a nd service planning at the level of tactical and strategic decision-making (for example: Davies and Clarke, 1994; Benoit and Clarke, 1997; Clarke, 1998; Birkin, et al. , 2002). These studies aim to further explore and promote the use of GIS in the area of business and service planning by demonstrating the benefits of both methodological advances and evidence of benefits in GIS applications and spatial models in GIS. Business planning requires a critical review of geodemographic features and paying attention to requirements posed by endusers (Longley and Clark, 1995). By linking GIS and spatial analysis software, proprietary GIS can be applied to solving problems in several applications like retail location analysis, localized marketing, etc. This involves the integration of spatial models and GIS customized to the specific information needs of retail organizations for specific localities. Thus spatial modeling is used in the explanation and prediction of interaction between demand and supply for retail facilities and the search for suitable locations for retail outlets in an area. The major theme of these studies is the evolution of GIS towards a more flexible 12 and powerful spatial decision support system (DSS) or intelligent GIS (IGIS), applied in several service sectors, including retailing, financial services and health care. Marketing information systems (MKIS) are decision support systems targeted at marketingspecific decisions (Birkin, Clark and Clark, 1996). There is a realizable benefit in integrating GIS with MKIS because of its ability to provide map-based data presentation considered most effective for decision-makers (Ronald and Lawrence, 2004). 3. 2 GIS as a tool for Retail Location Decision: A dynamic and uncertain environment characterizes retailing and retail organizations as needing to plan for the complex consumer markets, while anticipating and reacting to competitions. This competitive nature of retail environment and the large number of techniques made use of by the retailers in locational planning, has led GIS to be used as an aid in strategic retail decision making and applications (Davies and Clark, 1994). GIS is used not just for location and catchments analysis but also for other retail sector issues such as category management, merchandising, marketing communications and relationship marketing (O’Malley, Patterson and Evans, 1997). Existing literature contains a practical framework and other important issues involved in retail network planning. GIS has contributed immensely in improving the efficiency and precision of retail planning and marketing. Since the 1960s methodologies used for retail outlet location research have become more sophisticated 13 as a result of modeling procedures brought about by GIS (Birkin, Clark and Clark, 2002). The US experience shows that the effective utilization of geospatial databases, and the development of decision support systems (DSS), is becoming a significant source of competitive advantage for retailers over those without. Some retailers further explore information opportunities afforded by GIS technology for their business practices. Rather than relying on customer information alone, they are now combining data from several sources simultaneously in a bid to better support their process of decision-making (Birkin, Clark and Clark, 2002). 3. 3 GIS Methodologies for Retail Location Studies: For analyzing the spatial structure of retail activities with location data at micro scale, a number of technologies are now widely available and utilized. These include application of methods such as Probability Density Function (PDF), Decision Support Systems (DSS), Spatial Interaction Models, Network Huff Model, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (Byrom, 2005), MATISSE (â€Å"Matching Algorithm, A Technique for Industrial Site Selection and Evaluation†), and RASTT (Retail Aggregate Space Time Trip Model) (Baker, 2003), and others. The Probability Density Function (PDF) of the retail stores is a function of how densities of the subject matters vary over specified dimension. If the specified dimension is time, the probability density function describes how such matter changes their frequencies and distribution over time. Alternatively, if the specified dimension is 14 locations (or space), the probability density function then describes how such matters vary in their spatial patterns. The PDF has been used to analyze the spatial structure of retailing (Sadahiro, 2001). Sadahiro tested the validity of this method by applying this method to the locational data of retail stores in Yokohama. This approach helps to measure the degree of agglomeration, spatial patterns, the relationship between the size and function of retail agglomerations and analyzes the spatial structure of retail agglomeration. Retailers for sales promotion activities and long-term strategic decision-making are increasingly developing GIS as DSS. GIS merges endogenous database by retailers and the exogenous databases sources to introduce retail decision- making and systems implementation (Nasirin and Birks, 2003). As an example, the examination of the experiences of some of the UK based retailers reflecting GIS implementation in retail location analysis shows a highly organized series of process management that has resulted as a result of this application. The Network Huff Model is formulated on a network with the shortest-path distance as an extension of the ordinary Huff (based on Euclidean distance) (Okabe and Okunuki, 2001). This computational method can be used for estimating the demand of retail stores on a street network in a GIS environment. Extending from the gravity model, the original and network Huff models use distances (Euclidean or shortest distance over a network) between retail outlets as inverse weights to estimate divisions of the entire market area into individual trade areas of the retail outlets. The benefits of 15 these models are the ability to meaningfully divide the studied space into a set of trade areas to support retail business operations. MATISSE is a knowledge-based decision support system (KBDSS) based on decision tables that can be used by industrial decision-makers and planners to assess the suitability of potential sites (Witlox, 2003). Witlox explains how a relational approach to the modeling of the site suitability concept can be implemented and tried to find all possible locations that meet the spatial production requirements based on the organizational characteristics of the firm. The growing interest of urban geographers and economic geographers in applying KBS, DSS and integrated system has been largely attributed to the development of computer systems. Computers are able to store, organize and process enormous amount of data as well as make possible the availability and accessibility of the domain-specific knowledge underlying the spatial problem. Witlox has identified three major categories of location factors at the highest level of decision-making. These three conditions are site conditions, investment and operating considerations and make up MATISSE’S head decision table. He points out that the experience with the construction of the system indicates that the developed procedure of knowledge in acquisition worked quite well, however, there are some problems with capturing of compensatory decision-making in terms of the decision table formalism. Nevertheless, the system is at a stage where it can be used in a straightforward manner.

Child Battering Essays

Child Battering Essays Child Battering Paper Child Battering Paper Essay Topic: Whiplash Child abuse is the intentional use of physical force or intentional omission of care by a parent or caretaker that causes a child to be hurt, maimed, or killed. Child abuse covers a wide range of harmful actions, which generally vary with the age of the child. Infants and preschool children are most likely to suffer deliberately inflicted fractures, burns, and bruises. In 1997, over 3 million children were reported for child abuse and neglect to child protective service agencies in the United States. This figure represents a 1.7% increase over the number of children reported in 1996. Child abuse reporting levels have increased 41% between 1988 and 1997. In 1997, 1,054,000 children were confirmed by Child Protective Services as victims of child maltreatment. This represents 15 out of every 1,000 U.S. citizens (Wang). A recent survey commissioned by Prevent Child Abuse America found the following when surveying parents randomly by telephone. Thirty seven percent of American parents had reported insulting or swearing at their children within the past twelve months. Fifty percent of the parents had neglected their child’s emotional needs, with sixty percent of the respondents indicating that this neglect took place â€Å"almost every day.† Six percent had hit, or tried to hit their children with their hands or with a foreign object. One percent had kicked, bit or punched their children within the last twelve months (Wang). It may not sound alarming to say that one percent of parents report that they have kicked, bit or punched their children, but one percent of the estimated 103 million parents of children under 17 years of age still amounts to a large number of children. If you stop and think this only accounts for the parents who admit engaging in these behaviors, who knows how many more do it and do not admit to it. There are different forms of child abuse. Among them are physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. According to the 1997 survey, physical abuse represented 22% of confirmed cases, sexual abuse 8%, neglect 54%, emotional maltreatment 4% and other forms of maltreatment 12%. The most eye-opening statistic is that more than three children die each day as a result of child abuse or neglect. Child abuse is a real problem that plagues our society. Physical abuse, which constitutes twenty two percent of all substantial cases of child abuse, is the most visible form of abuse and may be defined as any act, which results in a non-accidental trauma or physical injury. Inflicted physical injury most often represents unreasonable, severe corporal punishment or unjustifiable punishment. This usually happens when a frustrated or angry parent strikes shakes or throws a child. Physical abuse injuries result from punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning or otherwise harming a child. While any of these injuries can occur accidentally when a child is at play, physical abuse should be suspected if the explanations do not fit the injury or if a pattern of frequency is apparent. The longer the abuse continues, the more serious the injuries to the child and the more difficult it is to eliminate the abusive behavior(Sedlak). Children who have been physically abused present with a multitude of psychiatric disturbance. Some of these may include anxiety, aggressive behavior, PTSD, depressive disorder, and poor self-esteem. If not treated for the abuse these children may become abusive parents themselves. What makes people abuse children? It is difficult to imagine that any person would intentionally inflict harm on his or her own child. Many times, physical abuse is a result of excessive discipline or physical punishment that is inappropriate for the child’s age. The parent may simply be unaware of the magnitude of force with which he or she strikes a child. Most parents want to be good parents but sometimes lose control and are unable to cope. Factors which contribute to child abuse include the immaturity of parents, lack of parenting skills, unrealistic expectations about children’s behavior and capabilities, a parent’s own negative childhood experience, social isolation, frequent family crises and drug or alcohol problems. Child abuse is a symptom that parents are having difficulty coping with their situation. One particular form of child abuse is Shaken Baby Syndrome. Shaken Baby Syndrome is when a baby is vigorously shaken, the head moves back and forth. The sudden whiplash motion can cause bleeding inside the head and increased pressure on the brain, causing the brain to pull apart and resulting in injury to the baby. This is one of the leading forms of fatal child abuse. A baby’s head and neck are susceptible to head trauma because his or her muscles are not fully developed and the brain tissue is exceptionally fragile. Head trauma is the leading cause of disability among abused infants and children(Sedlak). Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs most frequently in infants younger than six months old, yet can occur up to the age of three. Often there are no obvious outward signs if inside injury, particularly in the head or behind the eyes. In reality, shaking a baby, even for only a few seconds, can injure the baby for life. These injuries can include brain swelling and damage, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, developmental delays, blindness, hearing loss, and death. When a child is shaken in anger and frustration, the force is multiplied five or ten times than it would be if the child had simply tripped and fallen. Shaken Baby Syndrome often occurs because a frustrated parent or caregiver feels that shaking a baby is a harmless way to make the child stop crying. The number one reason a baby is shaken is because of inconsolable crying. Almost 25 percent of all babies with Shaken Baby Syndrome die. It is estimated that 25-50 percent of parents and caretakers are not aware of the effects of shaking a baby(Sedlak). Emotional abuse, which is four percent of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is commonly defined as the systematic tearing down of another human being. It is considered a pattern of behavior that can seriously interfere with a child’s positive development. Emotional abuse is probably the least understood of all child abuse, yet it is the most prevalent, and can be the cruelest and most destructive of all types of abuse. Emotional abuse attacks the psyche and self-concept and because of this the victim comes to see him or herself as unworthy of love and affection. Children who are constantly shamed, humiliated, terrorized or rejected suffer at least as much, if not more, than if they had been physically assaulted. An infant who is being severely deprived of basic emotional nurturing, even though physically well cared for, can fail to thrive and can eventually die. Less severe forms of early emotional deprivation may produce babies who grow into anxious and insecure children who are slow to develop or who might have low self-esteem(Hopper). There are different types of emotional abuse, which are as follows: 1.) Rejecting- Parents who lack the ability to bond will often display rejecting behavior toward a child. They tell a child in a variety of ways that he or she is unwanted. They must also tell the child to leave, call him or her names and tell the child he or she is worthless. They may not talk to or hold the young child as he or she grows. The child may become the family scapegoat, being blamed for all the family’s problems. 2.) Ignoring – Adults who have had few of their emotional needs met are often unable to respond to the needs of their children. They may not show attachment to the child or provide nurturance. They may show no interest in the child, express affection or even recognize the child’s presence. Many times the parent is physically there but emotionally unavailable. 3.) Terrorizing – Parents may single out one child to criticize and punish. They may ridicule him or her for displaying normal emotions and have expectations far beyond his or her normal abilities. The child may be threatened with death, mutilation or abandonment. 4.) Isolating – A parent who abuses a child through isolation may not allow the child to engage in appropriate activities with his or her peers. For example, the parents may keep a baby in his or her room, not exposed to stimulation or they may prevent teenagers from participating in extracurricular activities. Parents may require the child to stay in his or her room from the time school lets out until the next morning, or restrict eating to isolation or seclusion. 5.) Corrupting Parents permit children to use drugs or alcohol; to watch cruel behavior toward animals or to watch pornographic materials and adult sex acts. Parents may also permit children to witness or participate in criminal activities such as stealing, assault, prostitution or gambling(Hopper). Other types of abuse are usually identifiable because marks or other physical evidence are left; however, emotional abuse can be very hard to diagnose or even to define. In some instances, an emotionally abused child will show no signs of abuse. For this reason, emotional abuse is the most difficult form of child maltreatment to identify and stop. This type of abuse leaves hidden scars that manifest themselves in numerous ways. Insecurity, poor self-esteem, destructive behavior, angry acts, withdrawal, poor development of basic skills, alcohol or drug abuse, suicide and difficulty forming relationships can all be possible results of emotional abuse. It is very difficult for most people to talk about sexual abuse and even more difficult for society as a whole to acknowledge that the sexual abuse of children of all ages, including infants, happens every day in the United States. It is not an easy phenomenon to define, primarily because permissible childhood behavior varies in accordance with cultural, family and social tolerances. Sexual abuse, which is eight percent of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is defined as the involvement of dependent, developmentally immature children in sexual activities that they do not fully comprehend and therefore to which they are unable to give informed consent and/or which violates the taboos of society (Wang). A more simplistic definition would be abuse that involves any minor child that is intended for the sexual gratification of an adult. Sexual abuse is any misuse of a child for sexual pleasure or gratification. It has the potential to interfere with a child’s normal, healthy development, both emotionally and physically. Often, sexually victimized children experience severe emotional disturbances from their own feelings of guilt and shame, as well as the feelings which society imposes on them. Sexual abuse most commonly occurs by an individual known by the victim, parent or other family member. Rarely is the abuser a stranger. Interfamilial and incest sexual abuse is difficult to document and manage because the child needs to be protected from additional abuse and coercion to not reveal or deny the abuse, while attempts are made to preserve the family unit. Children themselves may also decide to recant their recent accusations of abuse due to fear of retaliation by the perpetrator or other family members. They may also recant out of fear of losing contact with the perpetrator who is commonly a family member or close friend tied to the family by various social means (Anderson). At the extreme end of the spectrum, sexual abuse includes sexual intercourse or its deviations. These behaviors may be the final acts in a worsening pattern of sexual abuse. For this reason and because of their devastating effects, exhibitionism, fondling and any other sexual contact with children are also considered sexually abusive.

Why Literatura by Mario Vargas - Summury Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why Literatura by Mario Vargas - Summury - Essay Example e computer, can replace the books and provide the readers with all the excitement, pleasure and the inherent relationship that he develops with the concerned author as well as with the characters. According to the author, while speaking at the Royal Spanish Academy, Bill Gates had even said that his ultimate goal ‘is to put an end to paper and then to books’. Is it really that easy? Llosa says that even though the technology has restructured the priority areas of human race, the relevance and importance of literature can never lose its basic essence of providing people with the opportunity of creative imagination and at the same time, help them to understand the wider scope of human psychology through the experiences of other people. The very appeal of the literature lies on the fact that it not only provides the reader with an opportunity to grow and learn but it also goes beyond the concept of time and space. One can even go so far as to say that one can actually observe the changes or evolution because we have gleaned the process of evolving times through the literature. Indeed, Homer, Socrates, Tolstoy, Shakespeare are as important a figure today as any other contemporary writers. We understand them because we can identify ourselves in their writing. Another very important aspect of literature is that it provides the human race with the means to express their deepest feeling that facilitates platform for the future generations to learn and expand on the various facet of inter-related imagery or the real life situations that directly or indirectly may have considerable impact on other people. The books can inflame the emotions of the readers and they can also be the greatest source of inspiration for those who wish to look beyond the petty selfness of racism, prejudices and religious bigotry. The author is saddened by the fact that the reading habit in people has declined drastically, though women readers have increased. According to a survey in US in

HCI Reading Journal- Peer Review #3 Research Paper

HCI Reading Journal- Peer Review #3 - Research Paper Example Unlike most phones that are rigid, it is true that the Samsung galaxy and other several android smart phones allow the users to group the apps based on their usability and relationship. I also keep all my social media apps in one folder and video and music in another. This way I am able to easily and conveniently access my files and applications. I agree with you that the ability to add distinct colors to each folder makes it cool and more organized. It is true to say that the design of this interface was purely user centered and it was anchored on satisfaction of the user needs. There is no better way that a user interface will be user friendly than when it allows the user a substantial degree of customization. The concept is not only cool but an eye opener. After watching the explanation from this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKnqECcg6Gw I was able to understand why the digital interface has the dark outline due to the fading between colors. I agree with ou that this is great in-depth info that I definitely will have to consider if I ever want to add this feature in my user interface. The only thing I can say about this observation is that the greatest mistake Microsoft made on windows 8 was to eliminate the start button. Each time I use windows 8 I keep asking myself whether Microsoft ever did a usability testing or evaluation. If so I must say that was a big flop is usability considerations. I agree with you that the elimination of the start button was a big let down to the users of the interface. Additionally the whole interface is more complex and needs a lot of memorizing. That is just increasing the users cognitive load something that Heim (2008) cautions designers against. The recent versions of MS office are more user friendly, well organized and basically cool just as you put it. This is one good example of great user interface design that is focused on simplicity and user friendliness. The

Protozoan or Fungal infection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Protozoan or Fungal infection - Essay Example It is one of the most common causes of endemic and epidemic (def) diarrhea all over the world. In the United States, it is the most commonly identified intestinal pathogen that is water-borne and this is evident from the fact that the protozoa has been detected in 80 percent of water supplies from raw sources and 15 percent of filtered water samples. Populations that are affected most commonly are children, travelers, homosexual individuals and those with immunodeficiencies (def). Until now, since 1960s, more than 90 outbreaks related to Giardia have occurred and these outbreaks have affected more than 23,000 individuals. There are some reports that the incidence of this infestation is more common in the Northern states. Internationally, Giardia is a major cause of childhood diarrhea epidemics in United Kingdom and other parts of the world. The prevalence rates are variable, between 4 to 42 percent. Giardiasis is not associated with mortality. Morbidity also is minimal and related to chronic infection. Transmission The life cycle of Giardia is simple and has 2 stages; the trophozoite (def) stage and the cysts (def) stage. The trophozoite exists in the small intestine of the human beings and the cyst exists in the environment. There are no intermediate hosts for this protozoa.

Identification of Unknown Compound using 13C NMR

Identification of Unknown Compound using 13C NMR Identification of Unknown Compound #15 using 13C NMR and IR Spectra Paired with Melting Point Analysis Abstract Given an unknown compound, infrared (IR) spectroscopy can be used to determine the functional groups that make up the compound. This can be supplemented with 13C NMR spectroscopy and melting point analysis to determine the identity of the unknown compound. After completion of the analysis methods, it was determined that the identity of the unknown compound (unknown #15) is p-Methylaniline (p-Toluidine), C7H9N (Figure 1). Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is extensively used instrumental technique in organic chemistry. It is the measurement of the wavelength and intensity of the absorption of mid-infrared light by a sample. Mid-infrared is energetic enough to excite molecular vibrations to higher energy levels. The wavelength of infrared absorption bands is characteristic of specific types of chemical bonds, and infrared spectroscopy finds its greatest utility for identification of functional groups within organic molecules (1). An infrared spectrophotometer is an instrument that passes infrared light through an organic molecule and produces a spectrum that contains a plot of the amount of light transmitted on the vertical axis against the wavelength of infrared radiation on the horizontal axis. In infrared spectra the absorption peaks point downward because the vertical axis is the percentage transmittance of the radiation through the sample (2). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) can be used to complement IR spectroscopy. While IR can determine functional groups, NMR can determine the molecular structure. Finding the melting point of the unknown can help to determine the purity of the compound. Results IR Data: Functional Group Molecular Motion Observed Wavenumber (cm-1) Literature Value Range1-3 (cm-1) Peak Intensity Peak Shape N-H Stretch 3333.85 3335 Weak Sharp C-H Stretch 2914.73 2780 Weak Sharp C=C Stretch 1621.28 1600-1430 Medium Sharp C-H Bending(in plane) 1274.33 1275-1000 Medium Narrow 13C NMR Data: Atom Atom Group Peak Observed (ppm) Peak Calculated (ppm) 1 C-N 144 144 2 and 6 CH 115 115.2 3 and 5 CH 130 129.60 4 C=C 127 126.7 7 CH3 21 21.26 Melting Point Data: Observed Melting Point Range ( °C) Literature Melting Point Range4 ( °C) Trial 1 44-47 44-45 Trial 2   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   44-45 Discussion The IR analysis of the unknown compound 15 determined that it consists of a benzene ring, amino and methyl groups. According to the referred literature (3) values of 3335-3400 range for stretches are evident which indicates primary amines. The spectrum shows primary amines stretch at 3333.85 Next can be noticed that CH stretches from the benzene ring occur at 3014.65 and 2914.73. C=C stretches are known to occur at the 1600-1430 according to literature, and in this spectra are illustrated at 1621.28 At 1274.33C-H bend is evident. This spectrum correlates well with literature values which confirms successful identification of p-methylaniline. The melting point analysis was used to determine the purity of the unknown sample. The literature values for p-methylaniline range from 44-45 °C (4) and the observed melting point values were 44-47 °C for trial 1 and 44-45 °C for trial 2. The trial 1 has a higher melting point compare to the literature values. This could be due to the amount of sample placed in the capillary tubes as well as the purity of the sample (4). Because trial 1 has such a large range, the sample may not be pure. The results from the 13C NMR showed that compound contained summetry. Two peaks of the same height were observed at about 115 and 130ppm and two other peaks at 144 and 127ppm. According to the literature values aromatic carbons appear between 120-160ppm (3), which helped to determine that this compound contains a benzene ring. It was noted as well that one other peak appeared much further downfield at 21ppm. Using an NMR predictor, the peaks for p-methylaniline were calculated to be 144, 115.2, 129.60, 126.7 and 21.26 ppm, which match the observed peaks. Conclusion After performing IR spectroscopy, melting point and 13C NMR analysis, it was found that unknown compound 15 is p-methylaniline. P-methylaniline contains a benzene ring, methyl and amine groups in a p- position. Based on slight deviations in the melting point, the sample could have some impurities. An error could be improper loading of the sample in the capillary tube. So to avoid this chemical error, a better laboratory technique could be used. References IR Spectroscopy:Mohrig J.R. et al. Techniques in Organic Chemistry 2nd Ed. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Skoog, D. A., Principles of Instrumental Analysis, 3rd Ed   Stawikowski, M. Experiment 2: Identification of unknown compound based on IR spectroscopy, melting point analysis and supplemental 13C NMR spectroscopy data; BlackBoard Smiley RA (2000). Ullmanns Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. John Wiley and Sons.

The role of the Catholic Church in Latin America :: essays research papers

The first Catholic priests came to South America with the conquistadors and through social and political force superimposed 16th century Catholicism upon conquered peoples and in subsequent generations upon slaves arriving in the New World. Catholicism has, likewise, frequently absorbed, rather than confronted, popular folk religious beliefs. The resulting religion is often overtly Catholic but covertly pagan. Behind the Catholic facade, the foundations and building structure reflect varying folk religious traditions. (2) This could be a result of so much territory with so little resources equals heresy and abuse. For most of Latin history, however, the number of priests has been insufficient to effectively minister to all the people. Religious vacuums have thus been created, especially in rural areas and on the outskirts of urban areas. Anthony Gill, who describes the religious economy of Latin America, writes, â€Å"The evangelization mission of the Catholic Church, to ensure all members of the population were inextricably bound to Catholicism, suffered due to the simple dynamics of restricted supply under a monopolized religious market† (1). People, rather than traveling great distances to visit a priest, turned to various forms of folk Catholicism to solve everyday issues regarding sickness, financial gain or loss, and romance. The saying that â€Å"Absolute power corrupts absolutely† seems to fit some accounts of the Catholic Church in Latin America. Far away from the authority and watchful eye of the Vatican, atrocities in the name of the Church had taken place. Though I believe it was not the norm but the exception. But with that said, some positive social changes have come about from the introduction of Catholicism to Latin America. In its true form, the church has been a source of basic human rights for the people. The church would often oppose the government’s unjust treatment of the people, who otherwise had no other representation. The church also formed a society to encourage cooperation with each other to develop a better civilization. The church would also provide a foundation for education, health care, skills for building and farming. The Catholic Church has played such a major role in the shaping of Latin American culture, that it cannot be separated from it.