ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a federal approach to the management of disaster incidents. This system provides a template for disaster management regardless of scale, location, or complexity in the US. The main purpose of NIMS is to ensure that there is a clear approach to the management of disasters and other incidents. The NIMS guidelines encourage multi-agency cooperation in disaster management. The goal of this paper is to explore the application of NIMS guidelines in the management of the disaster emanating from the 2007 collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Overview of NIMS It is essential to start the discussion on the application of NIMS guidelines by looking at the essential features of NIMS. The four essential elements of NIMS are as follows. First, it is a federal level approach to disaster preparedness. NIMS looks at incident management from a universal perspective. It encourages all disaster preparedness and management stakeholders to prepare for incidents as part of a system, rather than in a localized manner. It is not a template for adoption by individual agencies. Rather, the principles enshrouded by NIMS encourage big-picture thinking in incident preparedness from a communal perspective. Secondly, it deals with incidents at various levels. NIMS does not just concentrate on large-scale disasters such as Katrina or the 9/11 bombing. Rather NIMS seeks to create the environment for dealing with incidents that require multi-agency participation. In this sense, managing a domestic fire in a municipality is just as important for NIMS as managing the effects of a hurricane. Thirdly, NIMS guidelines deal with management issues. Disaster management is very critical. The availability of finances, equipment, and community support is not sufficient when running rescue operations after a disaster. The emergency response teams must work in a very clearly articulated manner to leverage on their relative strengths. After the Haitian earthquake, the overwhelming outpouring of sympathy from the international community was not a substitute for proper management of disaster relief operations. The people of Haiti did not enjoy the full benefits of the goodwill of the international community because of disaster management bottlenecks. Finally, NIMS is a system. It defines relationships between state and private actors. It also addresses resource management issues. The disaster response initiative of any country or state depends on the ability of these parties to use their resources in the most efficient manner. In this sense, NIMS is a system composed of various actors and the resources they control. Summary of Events The focus of this paper is the effect of NIMS guidelines in the management of the 2007 disaster in Minneapolis. The main events that took place on that fateful day were as follows. First, the I-35W Bridge collapsed over the Mississippi river in the evening of August 1, 2007. The Bridge was forty years old, and was due for decommissioning in 2020. The bridge collapsed during the rush hour. At the time of the collapse, there were about 120
Introduction School-based assessment has brought lots of changes to Hong Kong education systems. It has changed the system from norm referenced to standard-referenced assessment which includes incorporation of school-based summative oral assessment elements into the English language for form four and five. According to SBA Consultancy Team, (2005) fundamental skills as well as knowledge required by form five students will also be indicated and there will be no competition among students. Under this system, teachers will be using a wide range of assessments like student’s performance in class as well as participation in other projects with the aim of promoting flexible learning environments. In addition, this system addresses all shortcomings encountered when students are judged based on only a single examination, apart from developing all-round students. This paper aims at reviewing and criticizing current literature, research and school practices related to the above mentioned assessment strategies and procedures used in English language learning contexts, which focus on productive skills from form 4-5. Just as Biggs (2007) and Shepard (2001) state, there is a need to align curriculum, pedology and assessment constructively to ensure that while teaching and assessment form the better part of curriculum, there should be conducive strategies that promote learning and development of all-round students. As a result, assessments should not only be used in gauging student’s performance, but also as a way of improving learning (Brindley, 1998). Curriculum Every learner of English should be provided with opportunities that can help him/her extend his/her knowledge as well as experience of other peoples’ culture along with opportunities that can help intellectual and personal development. The main objectives of English language curriculum includes provision of lifelong as well as independent learning opportunities through development of student’s ability to learn different skills apart from encouraging learner that involve problem solving and inquiry (Carless, 2005). At the end of this curriculum, students should be in a position to present information and ideas individually. They should also be able to provide intended meanings, attitudes, views as well as feelings in a manner that is clear, coherent and appropriate depending on the contexts. Students should also be able to participate effectively and efficiently in oral interactions. In writing, students should also learn strategies of presenting information, views, ideas, and attitudes along with feelings in a manner that is clear, coherent, and appropriate depending on textual context (Brindley, 1998). Review of Literature Normally after form 5, students are expected to sit for Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) in English Language which is provided in two versions. The first
Interwest hospice is a not-for-profit company that possesses 10 clinics distributed in three western nations. Cynthia Manzoni and Vijay Singh are organization’s chief of party and chief finance manager respectively, and the senior management of the 10 clinics work under the supervision of Manzoni. Singh is greatly alarmed as the hospice workforce is not being keen, especially when putting data into the organization’s electronic management system. The data comprises details on client admission, treatment, and discharge. This management system is utilized in compiling administration reports like those associating with the costs of different treatment methodologies. In addition, the electronic system is utilized in compiling a report that is needed by the national state organ under different fund plans. Singh understands that in the absence of plausible data, the administration and national reports are not valuable and perhaps misinforming. Additionally, the national state organ occasionally inspects Interwest and may stop funding if the report is considered not accurate (Brickley et al., 2009). Therefore, Singh is concerned regarding the decision-making implications and the possible discontinuation of national funding. Singh has succeeded in convincing Manzoni that there is a problem. She is in addition aware of the significance of a precise system not only for managerial purposes but also for keeping national funding. Seven months ago, Singh invited the hospice management and personnel from the chief financial department to a retreat at a resort with a view of communicating to the hospice management the challenges of the
The Crying of Lot 49 is a postmodernist novel by Thomas Pynchon. Oedipa Maas as the main protagonist of the novel attempts to investigate a centuries-old conflict between the mail distribution companies by opening windows to the world beyond the known sun. The narrative method used in The Crying of Lot 49 can be linked to a detective story, full of riddles, attempts to solve them and unexpected plot lines. Using a detective storytelling model was characteristic of postmodern novelists. From the opening episodes of the novel, readers are engaged into a detective-like search for the solution of the main puzzle. Oedipa Maas as the main protagonist of the novel acts as a detective investigating the case of centuries-old worldwide conspiracy. The main character can be associated with the girl from the picture Encuentro by a Spanish-Mexican surrealist painter Remedios Varo. The girl in the picture is sitting in an empty room with a box on the table. A face similar to her own is looking into the girl’s eyes from the box. The symbolic meaning of this box can be interpreted as the circumstances hiding the truth and answers to the main question surrounded with mystery. Lost in thoughts, the girl in Remedio Varo’s picture like Oedipa Maas from the Pynchon’s novel under consideration are searching to the answers for the mystery whereas the solution is closer than it might seem. However, analyzing the role of mystery in the plot of The Crying of Lot 49, it can be stated that the effect of mystery is produced with the structure of the novel and the intersection of the main plot lines I it. There is no strict line between randomness and strict pattern in Pynchon’s novel which intensifies the impression produced upon the readers involved into the process of detective investigation. Emerged into the investigation conducted by the main protagonist, readers as well as Oedipa herself are frequently unsure whether her findings can be true. Oedipa finds a lot of clues on her way, but frequently doubts their authenticity. As opposed to Varo’s surrealistic picture which does not claim for competing with reality, the plot of the novel under consideration depicts the absurdity of the world and can make readers to believe the author. Oedipa asks herself: “Shall I project a world?” (Pynchon 82). This rhetoric question reflects the character’s doubts regarding the authenticity of particular clues and evidence she finds in the course of her investigation. This uncertainty is inevitably shared by readers who question authenticity of the plot lines and the story of the conflict between the two mail distribution companies. Regardless of the fact that the novelist provides detailed explanation on how the WASTE mail system was originated which sounds rather reasonable and realistic, readers are left without clear answers to their questions. Looking for the answer, Oedipa has to consider even more than three traditional dimensions: “Now here was Oedipa, faced with a metaphor of God knew how many pa
Subjects involved in Study The subjects involved in this study are Martin Gutierrez, a first generation immigrant from the Philippines who I met at the local Starbucks while the other is Kelly Twatwanaphong, also a first generation immigrant from Thailand who I met at a small local bookstore. It must be noted that the families of both Martin and Kelly hail from South East Asia and as such there should be a certain degree of cultural similarity which should manifest itself in the type of food eaten. My research into the types of food eaten within South East Asia reveals that rice consumption factors heavily into their diet along with seafood and vegetables (Mittal, 1999). Meat and chicken, while evident in plenty of Thai and Filipino dishes, is not considered a main part of their average meal as compared to other cultures such as those within the U.S., Canada and the U.K. In fact based on my research I can say that western cultures apparently have a greater predilection towards meals that are heavy on protein while Eastern cultures such as those in China and the South East Asia region have meals which are more inclined towards greater portions of carbohydrates (Roy, 2011). In terms of differences in ethnicity, my research into ethnic differences between Filipinos and Thai reveal that both races are actually quite similar in terms of ethnic origin with various theories stating that it was the same proto-culture with varying degrees of migration that created the individual cultures we see in the South East Asian region today (Bentley, 1986). Evidence of this comes from similarities in language tenses, verb usage, as well as genetic, physical and social similarities. What occurred during the interviews Overall, the interviews occurred in the homes of the subjects for this study with some of their relatives (mother, father, aunts etc.) providing details when necessary. The interview process went rather well with no problems whatsoever. In fact I found both groups rather inviting, which based on research into Asian customs, turns out to be a cultural predilection towards treating guests with respect, patience and great hospitality. Observations at Site When examining the kitchens of the Gutierrez and Twatwanaphong family, both of them looked modern enough yet each of them had baskets of garlic and onions located near the area where they prepare food. Upon asking them why there were garlic and onions located in baskets instead of in the refrigerator they actually responded similarly as well indicating that garlic and onions were the initial ingredients for most of the dishes they prep
Introduction   * Starbucks a multi-billion-dollar coffee company.   * Net revenues a record $6 billion.   * Innovative and profitable business model.   * Does not rely heavily on a franchise model.   * Wants to maintain control over quality and workplace culture in its stores. Starbucks has been increasingly successful in its market segment due to its innovative practices. It operates an international chain of coffeehouses that offers a variety of food products. Furthermore, it has created a coffee brand which is sold in grocery stores. The brand revolves around creating an atmosphere in its stores and its excellent quality of services delivered by frontline staff. Although company-owned restaurants result in higher operating expenses, Starbucks wants to maintain greater control. The staff should comprehend and practice the company’s culture and vision. The company believes that the only way to manage that is through company-owned stores. The official logo and brand symbol of Starbucks. Problems at Starbucks   * The corporation sought to respond to market competition.   * To increase satisfaction margin, training was introduced for its staff.   * However, Starbucks struggled to find an adequate training supplier.   * Training curriculums were purchased from multiple suppliers.   * As a result, the company staff was experiencing fragmentation and lacked critical skills to provide the perfect customer experience. The issue that Starbucks continued facing is a lack an adequate training system for its staff. This resulted in an undertrained and fragmented workforce, which reflected on the quality of offered products and services. Over 30 different suppliers initially offered a training course for the company. This was time-consuming due to the proliferation of certificates. Furthermore, it lacked quality or any value for the company’s business model. Adopted Framework   * Starbucks adopted the framework known as Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).   * A set of practices to enhance delivery of IT services to meet business demands.   * Increased quality of products and quantity of sales.   * Optimized and coordinated the supply chain management processes.   * Evaluation of IT service performance to enhance asset utilization. ITIL is a list of various processes, tasks
The word is a powerful thing. The Bible contains the first story of Creation. In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss, while a mighty wind swept over the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”, and there was light. God saw how good the light was. God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness he called “night. The very first word emanating from the mouth of God was perhaps the first miracle – the medium by means of which we can now see with our own eyes – everything in the universe that the Creator made for mankind (The New American Bible, 1971: 2). After the man had been given life, the Lord God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air and He brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name. The first coiner of words, therefore, was Adam. The famous linguist, Otto Jesperson, may unwittingly echo this anecdote taken from the Bible when he points out that “with most of our common words like house, grass, green, bird, never, etc., they go back to immemorial times and the change
Introduction The Cherokee are among the native Indians found in North America. They initially occupied the mountainous regions of North America and they were ordinary hunters and gatherers although they did practice minimal farming in order to supplement the food they obtained through hunting and gathering. This can be deduced from the work of Thornton et al (1990) who points out that ‘the aboriginal Cherokee environment indicates abundant food supply. The Cherokee had various wild plants at their disposal, had cultivated food and they had access to abundant animal life e.g. the bear and the buffalos’. This environment with plenty resources enabled them to lead a very comfortable and steady life dictated by their culture. As a tribal group they did not have a formal structured social, political, and economic organization and any other structures that are present in a complex society. As a tribal group they did not have a political leader and there was no private ownership of property and they shared all other characteristics of any tribal group which befits the term ‘primitive. All these changed once the white settlers invaded their land. The changes which were introduced to the culture of Cherokee by the Europeans are the one which served as the gate towards modern civilization and this argument will be carried all along my essay. Civilization can be described as a very complex culture whereby the society has a very complex social structure and organizations and people are engaged in very different economic and cultural activities. Some people are producers while others are consumers and there is a well established political structure with one head at the top. Discussion The Cherokee did not change their cultural way of doing things out of will, rather it was in response to the changes that were being forced to them by the western European settlers who wanted to occupy their land. Changes in their cultural fabric were as a result of relocation to other regions which were different from the mountain environment and this called for new ways of adaptation, new lethal diseases such as small pox which could not be cured using their traditional methods and introduction of market economy an new political alignments which were taking place in the 18 th and 19 th century. Political alignment saw unending wars between the Europeans i.e. Spain, England, and France as they tried to take control of the natives land. Cherokee men were recruited as soldiers and this means that they acquired guns and as we shall see later this marked the beginning of civilization. Also the flow of information from the elders to the youth was cut and their culture begun to disintegrate because the young people were not present. The Cherokee learned the art of combat war from the Europeans and they used the same tactics later on to attack their neighbors in the frontiers. This are still characteristic of civilization and in the modern era the most economically and politically powerful countries co
Introduction The myth of the racial inferiority has its roots leading to the 18 th century when many political and intellectual leaders interpreted the theory of the evolution in such a way that Africans due to their physical differences have been denoted as being on a lower rank than the white people. Although none of the world most wide spread religions ever referred to a discrimination based on the physical appearance, as we are all children of God, the inequality of people stayed long the pushing process for slavery. This essay is giving examples of several successful African-American individualities that made a contribution to the destruction of such myth. (Britannica 2008 Building the Myth) Analysis One of the prominent personalities could be considered Frederick Douglas who was grew as slave, but as he mentioned in his autobiography his endeavor to education made the difference toward what he accomplished. As he wrote in his autobiography, his learning of reading has been through various attempts in learning word by word from the friends during childhood. These attempts later resulted in him being one the illustrative examples that left a trace in American and particularly African-American history. (Douglass 1999 Narrative of the Life) Another example that could be compared to Douglas in terms of rising from being a slave and the popularity that was brought by writing a book is Harriet Jacobs who depicted her experience and struggle in the book that was later revealed by her publisher to be Autobiographical “Incidents in the life of a Slave Girl”. Similarly her example in writing the book and the style of the narration that she used is demonstrating her writing abilities which gave her readers a chance to follow her life journey. (Jacobs 1861 Incidents in the Life) The talk about fight for equity in rights has to mention Richard L. Davis a black organizer from Ohio who is one of the founders of the United Mine Workers. “Davis was elected to the national executive board of the United Mine Workers in 1896 and again in 1897. He often used verses from the Bible and examples of things that his fellow workers knew well from church to explain the importance of standing together to try to win greater rights, and to look for justice in this world as well as in heaven.” (Bair 2000, 296) This example shows the involvement of African-Americans in the organizational work in struggling toward equal opportunities in the society. The last but not least example is the story of James Forten. After attending Anthony Benezet’s school where he was taught to read and write, he signed as a powderboy on Stephen Decatour’s privateer “The Royal Louis”. He became a very successful sailmaker, as he was the youngest free black