ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly becoming a major community and public health issue. This paper looks into CKD as both a community and public issue and proposes how concerned stakeholders and partners can be mobilized to work together toward fighting the disease. CKD is regarded as both a community and public health issue as a result of four main reasons: firstly, the disease places a huge burden on the community, which continues to grow despite the numerous measures that have been put in place to control it. Secondly, CKD is unfairly contracted as various segments of a given population are known to be unequally affected (Couser, Remuzzi, Mendis, & Tonelli, 2011). Thirdly, there is sufficient proof that effective preventive measures could greatly reduce the burden caused by the health problem. However, the proposed preventive measures are still in process and not yet functional (Levey & Coresh, 2012). CKD is a common community and public health concern in the United States and many more other countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and even African countries. In the United States alone, there are more than 20 million people living with CKD. Although CKD already affects many people in the United States, the number is likely to increase by a huge margin in the future. The major burden caused by CKD in the United States is felt in terms of premature morbidity, mortality, low quality of life, and high costs of care for patients with the disease (Couser, Remuzzi, Mendis, & Tonelli, 2011). The health problem is also unevenly distributed in the country as it mostly affects minorities and less-fortunate families. However, there is evidence that preventive measures targeting political, economic, and environmental factors affecting the minorities and less-fortunate individuals could help reduce the burden caused by CKD (Levey & Coresh, 2012). Although the effects of the disease are so adverse, they are controllable. The most effective way to manage CKD is to implement various preventive measures, which should involve identifying individuals who are at risk at the earliest time possible. It is medically proven that earlier stages of CKD are easily detectable and treatable (Daugirdas, 2011). The relevant stakeholders should also try to improve the living conditions of the people who are at high risk of contracting CKD. This may include improving sanitation, campaigning against excessive alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking, ensuring they take enough and healthy food, and managing other heath conditions such as diabetes, which affect the health of the kidney. Consequently, the project should major on the two main strategies to reduce the burden of CKD (Tangri et al., 2012). To involve the relevant stakeholders and partners in the proposed project for reducing the burden of CKD, the project managers need to develop strategies that would convince the former to join hands with the latter. Firstly, the project managers may organize for workshops in which they can demonstrate to the stakeholders the importance of having the project. Secondly, the managers can hold meetings and seminars in which the stakeholders can be taught how
Introduction Organizations are faced with multiple challenges in their quest to pursue their objectives and hence they rely on their leaders to steer them on a path of growth. For the leader to develop the necessary set of skills to lead an organization, it is critical to evaluate their leadership ability (Northouse, 2015). The objective of this paper is to provide an evaluation of my leadership style based on one of the leadership approaches outlined in literature. The paper will also include a leadership plan that details the areas I need to improve to become an effective leader. Leadership Approach: Strengths and Weaknesses The leadership approach that I will use to assess my leadership is the skills approach, whose focus is on the skills and abilities that are possessed by an organizational leader. The skills approach model indicates that an effective leader should have three main sets of skills including technical, human and conceptual skills to ensure that they can manage the affairs of an organization and steer it towards the identified path of growth (Northouse, 2015). The technical skills embody the ability of a leader to possess specific knowledge and proficiency that is related to their work. The human skills ensure that the leader can work effectively with the human resources within the organization and communicate the goals and objective clearly to their teams (Froehlich, Segers, & Van den Bossche, 2014). The conceptual skills ensure that a leader can understand and make decisions as well as take the necessary measures that are relevant to their field of work. Based on the skills approach, I am convinced that I have both the technical and conceptual skills, which constitute my strengths as a leader. The completion of different reports during my field practicum enabled me to realize that I have the relevant knowledge related to the field of healthcare. As a leader, I was also able to make decisions on the different organizational issues that required specific knowledge. For example, when working in the health center, I could make various decisions on allocation of resources for the different operations. As a healthcare leader, I am also able to use the different technical tools that are available to facilitate the implementation of leadership strategies in an organization such as the tools for data analysis. Despite having these strengths, my area of weakness is related to the inability to effectively work with the human capital within the organization. I am unable to communicate effectively the specific actions that my team should take to ensure the realization of the organizational goals. For example, I found it difficult to communicate the steps that the staff were required to take when preparing a health education plan for patients who visited the facility. Leadership Plan For me to improve my human skills, it will be necessary for me to take various steps. The first step will be to part
Introduction Just like any large-scale project and solution implementation, the plan for solving the problem of the uninsured can also face potential threats and pitfalls. Some of these can be uncontrollable and inevitable while others can be prevented and dealt with through good management practices, pre-planning, and by keeping a close eye on all such sources of threats (Battista). Solutions for the uninsured: Barriers, obstacles, and pitfalls One of the biggest potential barriers to the solution plan of this problem is the disapproval of congress. Right now, the Obama administration has proposed federal funding redirection and plans to talk with drug companies to increase discounts for institutions such as Medicaid. But these companies are influential enough to impact the thinking and decision-making of congress. Therefore it is important to work on a solution that satisfies all parties. Such legal and regulatory barriers can cause delays and in many cases potential failures of concerned solution plan modules. Another basic yet serious potential pitfall is corruption during the process. This can be both financial and misuse of authority. In such large-scale reforms and regulatory changes involving the restructuring of the budget plans and allocation of resources, there are many chances of corruption in many forms. Some may be related to the proverbial “cooking the books” which is common and controversial even at the governmental level. When large funds are being dealt with, even the slightest loophole in the control system can cause misplacement of funds and major problems. (Healthcare coverage in America: Understanding the issues and proposed solutions). Other barriers include resistance from the uninsured public, especially the minorities and immigrants who are quite resistant due to fear and the communication and cultural gap. These people prefer to be left alone and tend to stay behind the scenes as they have misconceptions about the US legal system and fear that they might be wrongly involved in other issues and conspiracies. Immigration laws and laws concerning minorities and immigrants might also hinder and contradict the measures taken to cater to the uninsured; therefore adjustments might be needed in several areas. Financial constraints are also a hindrance as the economy is suffering. Fund allocation might be difficult and large firms might not be willing to forgo profits during these tough times (ACHE). Human errors in large-scale financial processes are also possible. These involve control issues if done manually. The right way is to use computer systems and proper planning
This study seeks to critically analyse the current state of knowledge in the field of Defence medical Information system, as a unique profession, which I have been a part of, for the past ten years. Information systems are sometimes viewed as an academic discipline, but for purposes of this study, we will analyse it as a professional discipline. The concept basically works through the theoretical utilization of information, in a computational manner, such that, business models can be developed to aid basic managerial decision-making processes, across all levels of the organization. The working of the defence medical information system is based on people input, and specific procedures to be undertaken while utilizing it. However, data, software and hardware applications also play a significant role in the proper functioning of the system. The scope of the information system in the conventional work setting is within the organizational boundaries and across organizational borders. Comprehensively, the defence medical information system is used in areas relating to decision-making functions, processing of various financial transactions, office support functions, knowledge management processes and data management processes. Utilization of Knowledge Considering the fact that I work in the defence medical IT system, a number of knowledge bases that we use are health related. Knowledge is normally sourced worldwide. This means that the system relies on a relational based database system that comprises of medical history and experiences of all military servicemen across the board (throughout the course of their careers). Currently, the system is equipped with knowledge relating to more than 7 million servicemen, since the year 1990, and current decisions are based on the information obtained (relating to the military and medical experiences of all the servicemen from 1990) (Rubertone, 2002, p. 1). Past medical and military experiences are especially relied on by researchers in the field because such knowledge acts as the background for their research studies. This is therefore the starting point of all current and future studies in the field. Global knowledge is also relied on when operating the system because global comparisons are also made to gauge the type of
Introduction John Searle argues against the view that a properly programmed computer could think. He goes ahead to describe the differences between strong AI and weak AI in the following manner. He says that according to strong AI (Artificial Intelligence), the computer is a mind if it is well programmed, that is, it can be said to understand things if it is given the correct programs. Therefore, it is not only used as equipment in the study of the mind. A computer that is instructed with the right programs can be useful in the explanation of the psychological interpretation 1 . However, strong AI is contradicting Weak AI (Artificial Intelligence), which is based on the belief that a computer is only a strong tool in the learning of the mind, but cannot think on its own. Its only advantage is that it can be used in the testing and formulation of hypotheses clearly and faster (Thorne, p. 36). According to Strong AI, the computer is expected to give similar answers just like a human would, if presented with the similar or same problem, story or question. In this view, the computer is not only imitating the ability of man to solve complex issues but also shows a clear understanding of questions, hence the ability to provide correct answers. It also assumes that computer and their installed programs illustrate the ability of humans to understand that the latter is able to interpret the same question in a similar way. However, it has been argued that not all information one feeds into a computer will be efficiently understood. The common reason given for this belief is that even a human being is in a position to follow instructions without clearly understanding anything (Searle 28). This view is also based on the belief that thinking according to strong Artificial Intelligence (AI) is linked to manipulation of certain symbols. Therefore, a well-programmed computer is in a position to think like a human being, portraying the real mind. Searle’s Chinese Room on the other hand is concerned with the claims of strong AI. One of the most concerns is the assumption that a computer does think or it will someday do just like humans. According to Searle’s argument, thinking is based on the truth of the mind and the brain, which computers do not possess. He states that a computer is just a machine that relies on programs, hence does not have a real mind and brain to think. In this argument, Searle states that Weak Artificial Intelligence is more convincing as a computer is not in a position to understand anyt
Introduction Setting goals is an essential part of a learner’s journey. However, at some point, these goals must be altered. In a way, a change in goals can be viewed as a part and parcel of a continuous process of personal and professional evolution. After all, it is only possible to pursue a particular goal as long as it alters with every new achievement unlocked by a learner. Despite the fact that my targets of becoming proficient in project management and developing the skills of a true leader remain in their paces, some of my goals have been shaped with regard to the educational progress that has been made; to be more particular, I pursue the goal of graduating from a project management course and getting a job that can be viewed as a decent start for my career in the United Kingdom as opposed to the previous goals of enrolling into the Project Management Course. Main Body The very first semester at the SNHU triggered a rapid change in the objectives, which I yet had to meet in order to reach my final goal. I must admit that the information retrieved from a range of sources, including the university lectures, the course materials, and the scholarly articles provided by the university library, has contributed to the process of learning and new skills acquisition to a considerable extent. Not only did I learn the basics of project management, but also discovered that to meet my goals, I will have to work on my personality and character traits. To be more exact, the consistent learning process has allowed for making links between project management and the existing leadership styles as the key tools in managing business projects. The discovery of the variety of leadership styles available for managing projects, as well as the existing options in terms of conflict management, are among the most important pieces of information that I have acquired in the process of learning, along with the secrets of time management. Consequently, my goals have been shifted from acquiring the knowledge necessary for becoming an expert in the specified domain towards trying the newly obtained information on a practical problem. In other words,
Abstract Sales of BlackBerry have declined significantly owing to a number of factors. These factors are poor execution of planned operations, technical delays, such as certification, distribution, and logistics, increased user fees, and failure to keep abreast with technological development. To overcome these factors, BlackBerry should formulate effective and practical strategies, foresee technical challenges and plan on how to overcome them, reduce user fees, and keep abreast with technological advancements. To enhance understanding of factors that BlackBerry faces, future research should examine how brand identity, quality of products, and operations influence sales and marketing. Data Analysis Poor execution is a factor that led to the decline in sales of BlackBerry in the smartphone industry. In January 2013, BlackBerry unveiled its innovative products, Z10 and Q10, which are smartphones that operate on the platform of the BB10 operating system. Owing to their uniqueness and attractiveness, BlackBerry was optimistic that these products would penetrate the competitive markets of smartphone industry. From the outset of design and innovation, these products had a competitive advantage in the smartphone industry. During the launch event, Thorsten Heins, then BlackBerry chief executive officer cited execution as a challenge in the sale of BlackBerry 10 smartphones. Lewis (2013) argues that BlackBerry has a history of product delay due to poor execution of marketing strategies and distribution of smartphones across the globe. Hamilton (2013) supports the argument that BlackBerry has a history of product delay because it delayed the launch of BlackBerry 10 smartphones. Analysis of the global markets and even in Manhattan, where the product launch event occurred, indicates that Samsung Galaxies and Apple iPhones dominate. Therefore, poor execution led to product delays, which hindered BlackBerry from marketing and selling its products in the smar
Heroism Around Us Media have created quite a specific image of a hero. Thus, a hero is a strong man / woman with certain abilities and specific attitude towards social rules. Of course, Superman and Batman are not the only heroes. There are various illustrations of heroic deeds of fictional athletes, police officers or special agents. However, these are not realistic illustrations of heroes. There are lots of truly heroic people in the real world. The heroic deeds of these people are overshadowed by fictional stories. However, they are worth more attention. A girl who sacrifices her life to save her friends, a single mother struggling with numerous constraints and a teenager who is eager to obtain education to help his/her relatives are all heroes as they are doing little heroic things each day, instead of waiting for the chance to save the world from aliens. Negative Impact of Fictional Heroes In the first place, it is necessary to note that heroes created by the modern media often have a negative impact on people’s lives in the long run. Thus, young people become inspired by daredevils and diehards. Young people often make silly things and take risks even when it is not necessary and harmful for them as well as for those who around them. A good illustration of the harm of media is Walter Mitty who was always daydreaming (Thurber n.p.). The man always tried to escape from reality and he created a whole world of his heroic deeds. Admittedly, Walter MItty borrowed those images from the media. His daydreaming has made him simply incapable of doing something really meaningful. True Heroes At the same time, lots of people have no time for daydreaming as they are busy doing worthy things. For instance, Kira, who was only thirteen, died but she saved her friends from a car accident (Kleinfield A15). She was not thinking of her heroism or right things to do. She only knew she had to save her friends. This is true heroism. Unfortunately, the price is too high. Thus, heroes often do not think about their own good or even about their lives, they act and sacrifice themselves. Some may say that it is madness. However, madness is often associated with heroic deeds. Thus, madness was once called “divinest Sense” (Dickinson n.p.). Some do not understand heroic deeds and call them crazy. However, it is obvious that heroic deeds are often called crazy simply because they are different from what people tend to do in their everyday life. These deeds stand out from the rest of people’s activities. This is why people do not understand some of these deeds. Sometimes the hero does not get killed, but he/she still sacrifices his/her life. For example, single mothers do not have a life of their own. They devote their lives to their children to help them find their feet. T
Summary In 2005, Michael A. Roberto and Lynne C. Levesque wrote an article titled the ‘ The art of making initiative stick’ . The article highlights critical area that management needs to implement to ensure the strategy assumed is successful. In this case, the article focuses on Customer Service enhancement (CSE). CSE is a strategy that was implemented by Apparelizm organization in 1990s to enhance organization performance. Though the initiative initial outlay was overwhelming, the successful phase was short-lived as the momentum eventually declined. The management failed to sustain the initiative that caused the organization performances to be out-paced by competitors. Later the organization management opted to reestablish the CSE but this time affected the shortcoming that hindered the initial implementation. This article is in line the knowledge gained in class since it focuses on requisites of effective implementation of the strategies. The main emphasis is built on focusing on team dynamic and enhancing employee cohesiveness. Once the team dynamics are enhanced, the management focuses on internalizing the organization initiative, experimenting and mobilizing employee to enhance performance. With this approach, the second implementation of the initiative bore massive outcome. Key Learning Points Effective implementation of the initiative requires the management to be resilient in implantation of the strategic initiative. The main issues that should be establishing baseline measure of assessing the organization performance in relation to the competitors. Second, the management should ensure participation on the entire team in implementation of the initiative. Third is identification of the reason why the initial initiative failed. The fourth area is internalizing the problem to have a first hand experience as is the case with consumers. To obtain the first hand information the management organized “mystery shops” where employee operates as the customer do. The other area of interest is identification of problem as formulation of solution mechanism. The management needs to define the problem and formulate the modernity to solve them. The first process is instituting core processes, fostering conducive working environment by mobilizing workers, to produce the require outcome. All these factors stimulate performances. Critical Analysis The article present systematic information on how any organization can effectively implement the organiz