ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been in the forefront in the liberalization of trade. This organisation has from time to time advocated for free trade where there are no restrictions to trade within and between countries (Barfield 2001). There are rules that WTO has formulated in a move to have trade liberated all over the world. However, various contemporary political problems have resulted in the slow progress in the implementation of the WTO’s goals (Deutch, Gunter & Bernherd 2001). This paper aims to address the political issues that have delayed the activities of the WTO since its inception in the year 1995. Tariffs The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is facing this challenge as a result of different nations imposing different tariffs on various goods. According to Schott (1998 p. 7), this challenge was foreseen during the inaugural of the WTO in 1995 where participating countries were required to embrace and implement the famous Uruguay Round. Among the items that have been imposed more differing tariffs include the textiles, apparels, agricultural goods and the electronics. The United States and the European Union still impose high tariffs on imported goods (Baldwin 2002, p. 30). This is hampering the agenda of the WTO, which is to create a free market where there is free and easy movement of goods within and between nations. Schott (1998, p. 8) admits that there are countries that do not fully embrace the idea of the WTO where free trade is advocated. The author continues to say that such nations are the most affected in terms of tariff application. A country like China may produce a good using a relatively lesser amount of resources, which implies that this product will be sold at a reduced price. However, the kind of tariffs that various nations impose on such a good increases the retailing price of the said product to amounts that are so high that the good becomes unavailable to the poor communities (Hoekman & Mavroidis 2014). This is a political issue that has been addressed by the WTO; however, there has not been a permanent solution to the problem. Baldwin (2002, p. 31) says that another contributing factor to this problem is the fact various political regimes face different economic goals. A tariff in a developed country cannot be the same as the tariff in the developing country. This is attributed to the fact that a developed country has achieved most of its economic goals such as infrastructure, industrialisation, and economic stability. However, most developing countries are stil
The book The Coming of the Third Reich written Richard Evans is aimed at examining the factors that could have contributed to the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany. The author presents a chronological account of the events that shaped the cultural and political landscape of this country in the first half of the twentieth century. Additionally, the scholar shows how Germany could be affected by various macro-environmental forces such as the global economic recession. However, at the same time, Richard Evans speaks about the individual narratives of people who witnessed the rapid transformation of the community. Their accounts can show how people’s lives were influenced by the political and economic upheavals. On the whole, one can say that the author gives a thought-provoking and interesting analysis of how the Third Reich came into existence. Admittedly, this book does not contain the information which has not been familiar to historians. The text was published in 2005, at the time, when thousands of books related to this topic had been written. However, this text can help the reader systematize his/her knowledge of this period; for instance, student can learn more about the political, cultural, social, and economic environment of Germany. This is probably the author’s main rationale for writing this book. Overall, this work can be of great interest to a wide reading audience. There are several themes that are of great importance to Richard Evans. One should focus on such a problem as the sustainability of democracy. In his book, the author attempts to analyze the reasons why the Weimar Republic was transformed into one of the most totalitarian states in the history of the twentieth century. Richard Evans pays attention to the confrontations and disagreements between the main political parties which played an important role in the Weimar Republic. For instance, one can speak the conflicts between the Social Democrats and the Communist Party. These political organizations were opposed to the Nazi party. However, they could not develop a common political agenda. In many cases, the legislative process in the Reichstag was extremely time-consuming (80). The author shows that these political organizations did not fully recognize the threat posed by the Nazis. This discussion helps the scholar demonstrate that the lack of political consensus can pave the way to the totalitarian regime. Additionally, one should not forget that the democratic government was often blamed for the results of the Versailles Treaty (75). The representatives of the Nazi Party emphasized the idea that the ratification of this treaty was an act of treason. Moreover, they laid stress on the notion that German liberalism led to the collapse of Germany (445). It seems that this evidence is quite valid because it can show how and why the National Socialist German Workers’ Party gained the trust of many voters. Certainly, the author does not argue that a democracy is essentially unstable. However, he provides an in-depth analysis of the
There are a number of local business establishments which are characterized by a properly chosen JIT (just-in-time) philosophy and helpful approaches to manufacturing planning and obligatory control (Vollmann et al., 2005). Each industry develops considerably taking into account customers’ demands, expectations, and interests; and one of the most successful industries is considered to be the food one. Modern business environment undergoes numerous changes day by day, this is why each establishment has to take particular steps in order to grow and gain prosperity required. McDonald’s is the fast food business establishment chosen for the analysis in this paper. This company is one of the most successful examples of how JIT philosophy turns out to be helpful to organize services, satisfy customers, and create products in accordance with customers’ expectations. The essence of JIT philosophy is all about minimizing waste that is possible during the process of manufacturing in order to “subdivide waste into time, energy, material, and errors” (Vollmann et al., 2005, p. 301). The success of JIT is possible in case service operations remain repetitive, qualitative, and innovative. In other words, JIT philosophy that is used by the representatives of McDonald’s establishment has to involve all types of manufacturing-like operations and services. For this organization, it is not enough to demonstrate the quality of services and products in one particular place and time but promote this quality in broader meaning: for example, “in order to ensure process quality, it industrialized the servi
The main characters of Tobias Wolff’s story “The Rich Brother” are Pete and Donald. Although they are siblings, they differ significantly in appearance and personality. In the short period of their meeting, described in the story, readers learn much about them- their family, special character traits, attitudes to life, and much more. They are opposites, and, for this reason, it is easier for readers to choose a character they sympathize with. Even though the brothers see life differently, have contrasting financial statuses, and do not share personal beliefs, they cannot appreciate what they have in common. The first difference is the outlook and point of view that determined the life paths of the brothers. Pete followed in the footsteps of their parents – he is serious, distrustful, and responsible because he needs to take care of his disorganized brother. He tries to fill his being with thrills and expensive purchases. In turn, Donald is naive and incredibly trusting, and although he tries to be kind and help people, his actions do not always have good consequences. His days are full of religion, prayers, and attempts to save his soul and also his brother’s one: “Donald couldn’t content himself without worrying about his own soul” (Wolff 88). These contrasting approaches to life determine their subsequent differences. Another difference lies in their financial well-being – Pete’s status is very different from Donald’s. The elder brother has a stable job in a profitable sphere; the younger goes from one part-time job to another. Pete struggles to act wisely, gains knowledge and has no illusions about easy profit. These traits are clearly shown in a conversation with Webster, who tried to manipulate the brothers, playing on their sympathy and inventing stories about gold excavations (Wolff 95). In turn, Donald, previously expressing his desire to do business, but having learned nothing, gave the only money that he had to a stranger. He accessed it as a potential stake in the mine: “I invested it. I wanted a share, Pete” (Wolff 97). Pete’s reaction is not surprising – money for his working hours was lost due to his brother’s naivety. Without patience, they cannot understand and accept each other’s point of view and, for this, begin a conflict. One more significant difference is the religious view – Donald strives for spiritual richness, he is open to praying and searches for peace in God, and Pete, on the contrary, is an atheist. Donald’s search for soul salvation and helping others is undoubtedly important, but yet he cannot take care of himself. In contrast to Donald, Pete seems to be a soulless materialist following their parents’ example: “…neither of them [parents] had found it necessary to believe in anything. They managed to be decent people without making fools of themselves, and Pete had the same ambition” (Wolff 88). Nevertheless, Donald, focusing only on helping o
Introduction Aviation plays a pivotal role in the world today. It allows for transportation of a large number of individuals and significant amounts of cargo across the world with a very high speed. Every day, millions of people rely on the services of air travel companies in order to get to their desired destination. However, both the peculiarities of air transport and the scale at which aviation works makes it an appealing target for a variety of malefactors that may use an array of methods to attack airports or disrupt their operations (Benny 2013). In particular, one of the types of attacks which may be of great danger to the aviation industry is cyber attacks (Javaid et al. 2012). They might render the electronic and data storage and processing systems in an airport useless, thus paralyzing the airport and depriving it of the capability to launch and receive flights, coordinate the flights in progress, and communicate with other airports (Price & Forrest 2016). Even further, hacking the information systems in an airport might pose a danger to flights which are currently in progress, for flight dispatchers may be deprived of their capability to properly coordinate flights (Javaid et al. 2012). In addition, malefactors may gain access to personal data of aircraft passengers (which is collected by airports, e.g., for the purposes of identification) and use that data, for instance, to gain access to bank accounts (Price & Forrest 2016). Therefore, it is paramount to take measures aimed at ensuring that airports are properly safeguarded against cyber attacks (see Figure 1 below). However, given the nature of cyber threats and the capability of malefactors to target airports from virtually anywhere, opposing these threats requires the cooperation of multiple air companies, or even the whole aviation industry, to be effective (Tan 2015). Figure 1. Modern aviation increasingly relies on the use of information technologies, which dictates the need in cyber security (Military & Aerospace Electronics 2016). Thus, in December 2014, a number of international aviation organisations agreed to align their actions aimed at preventing cyber attacks (Abeyratne 2016). A document entitled “Civil Aviation Cybersecurity Action Plan” was signed so as to provide the basis for these aligned actions (ICAO 2014b). The current paper provides a discussion and a critical evaluation of the plans and measures which they developed in order to address the threat of cyber attacks on the aviation industry. Critical Evaluation of the Measures Aimed at Addressing Cyber Threats On the whole, the document entitled “Civil Aviation Cybersecurity Action Plan,” which was created and signed by such international aviation organisations as the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), Airports Council International (ACI), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Indust
Nuclear technology has always brought about heated discussion since it is a powerful source of energy and quite overt threat for the peaceful future. After the World War II, many countries in the world understood the importance of proper use of nuclear power, so numerous debates and summits have been held since then. One of the major results of such international discussions was the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which came into force in 1970. However, some countries in South Asia refused to join the treaty and continued developing nuclear technology in military and civilian purposes. Of course, such policy has evoked a lot of criticism and caused various restrictions as for trading with these countries. Apart from this, recent changes in U.S. policy towards India led to emerging of new concerns about the spread of nuclear threat from South Asia. India and Pakistan were actually those few countries which refused to join the treaty. Indian officials announced that the treaty is quite imperfect since it leads to many violations and unclear policies which presuppose that some countries have the right to possess nuclear weapon, and others, by some quite covert reasons, were deprived from this right. Moreover, India announced that having nuclear weapon was a strict necessity since its nearest neighbor, China, was in possession of such powerful weapon. Indian officials stressed that the state was going to use the weapon only in response to aggression (nuclear attack) from the side of China or any other country from the club of “nuclear haves”. In its turn, historical rival of India, Pakistan, announced approximately the same and continued developing its nuclear technology. Of course, the rest of countries criticized such policy and tried to convince the governments of the two countries to join the treaty and since it was impossible India and Pakistan were excluded from the world nuclear market. It goes without saying that it was harmful for the development of nuclear technology which India and Pakistan needed badly for solving energetic issues, but the two countries have led the same policy. Reportedly, India presumably possesses about 150 nuclear warheads and Pakistan about 100 warheads. Thus, the international community has also been anxious because of numerous conflicts between India and Pakistan, which could lead to nuclear disaster. However, recent changes in U.S. policy have evoked more concerns of other countries. In 2006 the United States and India started collaborating in terms of civilian nuclear power development. Despite criticism from many countries and overt violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the US started supplying India with products necessary for the development of nuclear technology. The
There are two parent-child relationships in “Everyday Use.” The closer relationship is between the narrator and Maggie. The more distant and fractious relationship is between the narrator and Dee. The narrator is referred to as “Mama,” and a mama she is. She cares about each of her children, but is forced to make a decision to favor one over the other as the story’s conflict comes to a head. Should Mama give an old, antique quilt with value she and her daughter Dee do not understand to Dee, who appreciates the history and heredity it represents? Or should Mama give that quilt, as promised, to Maggie. Dee has never been told no before, as stated by the narrator, so indeed this decision is filled with a palpable tension. Maggie is not very smart or pretty and renders pity from any reader. Dee is intelligent, bold, and self-involved—a character rich with the materials necessary to venture out into the world, but bad at maintaining the simplest of familial relationships. This short story turns out to be a hero’s tale of a mother who chooses to maintain a fair balance between her two, incredibly different daughters, by telling Dee no for the first time in her life, and staying true to her intention to hand the quilt down to her meek Maggie. This story is an example of how a parent’s love is often of a discerning nature. It makes the necessary choices between favoring the gifted, and the challenged, in as fair a manner as possible.
Introduction   * The necessity to introduce technology to urban schools is urgent to prepare students for modern demands of technologically advanced workplaces;   * Low level of technology use is observed among teachers, which puts in question the quality of education;   * Teachers’ integration into a technological environment is explained by a limited access to high-quality professional development programs;   * Deeper understanding of using technologies can be achieved through the application of flexible approaches, such as case development. Literature Review: Theoretical Framework   * The research is based on Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) aimed at describing teacher skills and knowledge necessary for successful technological integration (Mouza, 2011, p. 3).   * The framework is grounded on three bodies of knowledge: content knowledge, technological knowledge and technology knowledge. It also underscores the connections between the se bodies.   * The model contributes to developing and enhancing teacher knowledge of technology (Mouza, 2011, p. 4).   * Efficacy of TPACK and case development has been evaluated to define whether these methods are applicable to the given study;   * Specific attention should be paid to the research conducted by Doering et al. (2009) who have managed to outline the main aspects of TPACK model and case development;   * Recent empirical studies prove that practice-oriented PD programs have higher probability to promote shifts in teacher learning, as well as enhance students’ outcomes;   * Schools with low level of technology integration are less likely to introduce teachers with high technology skills (Greenhow et al., 2009/2010);   * Social status of students influence their communication and technology skills. Methodology   * Participants – 8 teachers form urban schools with different teaching backgrounds and experiences;   * Teachers taught in diverse grade levels;   * 8 participants have been chosen out of 12 who were initially enrolled. 4 teachers failed to complete the pro
Customer value The value the company attaches to its customers contributed to its thriving into limelight of drug business in the year 1941. This was due to the mass production of penicillin which saved many lives during the World War II. This was then later followed by the manufacture of Viagra. Before the firm developed Viagra, it had to create around 1,500 chemicals, tested their effectiveness as compared to previous drugs and finally screened them to come up with the best quality for the consumers (Magretta 3-8). The firm also went as far as researching to find out which of the age groups suffered most from the erectile dysfunction (Hedman). The Viagra invention had the ability to cause erections only during sexual stimulation. This was contrary to other injection therapies provided by other companies which at times induced the patient to prolonged erections, making the patient uncomfortable. Hence, the invention of Viagra was so much encouraging to the consumers who expressed their willingness to continue with the treatment as it satisfied their expectations. The firm had a stated maximum prescription for each patient diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, this ensured reimbursement of up to 6 tablets per month for each patient 18 years and above. The plan ensured that consumers were protected from any form of misuse of the drugs and danger (Mahadavan 4).The use of Viagra was dropped from the formularies since it became one of the lifestyle drugs. This helped majority to cut on Medicaid expenses. The introduction of online sales made it possible for the company to reach so many customers within the shortest time possible. This helped in increasing the revenues of the firm; this included the consultation and the shipping fee offered by the company which was averagely $ 715 for one year supply (Magretta 3-8). Capabilities The Pfizer firm recorded the highest earnings growth in the Pharmaceutical industry, which was rated at 25% between 2000 and 2002. This growth rate was attributed to the strong drug pipeline and its stability in blockbuster drugs. The firm also had the lowest risk when it came to the market share loss from the drugs as compared to other pharmaceutical firms. This was due to the fact that most of its pharmaceutical sales were given to generic cannibalization before 2005. The firm’s capability to increase its research and development expenses saw it venture into new field of medicine. This enabled the firm to invent new pharmaceutical drugs and also open many operational facilities all over the world (Army). For the Pfizer firm to overcome the competitors they embarked on continuous launching of new products and aggressively acquiring the best possible strategies. They bought drug maker companies and also ventured into the consumer products, bought companies that produced hospital related products. The company also extended an invitation hand to other related companies which saw it merge with some popular companies like Warner-Lambert. The company ventured in the sale of the brand name from its operating groups to the consumers. The brand name g
The works of Van Gogh and his use of color have often been studied chronologically demonstrating the shift in his usage of colors from his early paintings, which were dark and pessimistic, to the paintings of his mature career, where he has used lighter tones and brighter colors. In the later stage, Van Gogh made a distinct use of complementary color scheme, which was a definite shift from the classical treatment of colors. This paper will compare and contrast two paintings, The Sower and The Night Café, and demonstrate the distinct style Van Gogh followed to use color for his paintings. Expressive use of colors in distinctive complementary schemes has dominated many of the masterpieces created by Van Gogh. His correspondences to his brother during the 1882-85 demonstrate his obsession with the use of color in his work. They demonstrate that Van Gogh’s concern and distinction between shades, tones, hue, and brightness of color, which formed the psychological basis of colors and themes of his paintings. The use of complementary colors, which became the signature of Van Gogh’s style, helped to intensify the mutual effect of the color scheme in the paintings. Van Gogh used basic colors and contrasting hues to increase firmness and depth of his paintings: These things that are relevant to complementary colors, to the simultaneous contrasting and the mutual devaluation of complementary colors, are the first and most important issue: the second is the mutual influence of two similar colors, such as carmine and vermilion, or a pink-lilac and a blue