ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Summary Funny boy is a contemporary fictional story written by Shyam Selvadurai, a Canadian resident who was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The novel was initially published in 1994 by McClelland & Stewart and became a national bestseller having won the W.H Smith Books award in Canada, the Lambda literally award in the United States and was also named A Notable Book by The American Library Association (Selvadurai, 1997). The story is set in Sri Lanka, a country torn by war, where the author presents the coming of age of Arjie Chelvarathan, a Tamil boy growing up in an extended family in Colombo. Arjie’s life journey from the luminous simplicity of childhood to a more intricately shaded world of adults that is filled with challenges presents readers with various themes facing contemporary society. The novel is split into six chapters with the first five chapters describing Arjie’s relationships with various characters through which he understands his sexuality, the ethnic problem between the Tamil and Sinhalese people, and the political oppression in the country. Funny boy highlights the ethnic conflict prevalent in the society through the return of Radha aunty with whom Arjie develops a fond relationship. Her reluctance to honor the engagement of a fellow Tamil Rajan Nagendra and her secret relationship with a Sinhalese is met by great family opposition which shows the extent to which ethnic differences are entrenched in the social institutions. Radha aunty’s violent experience on her return from Jaffna influences her decision to accept the engagement by Rajan. Through these relationships, the reader understands the reasons why conflict persists in society through the writer’s pessimism on ethnic conflict resolution in Sri Lanka. In the novel, oppression of the masses is emphasized through the arrival of Uncle Daryl from Australia to investigate government torture in Sri Lanka. The uncle pays constant visits to Arjie and his mother in the countryside. Unfortunately, Daryl’s uncle dies in Jaffina under uncertain circumstances. Attempts to pursue justice for Daryl’s uncle’s death bear no fruits. Indeed, a civil rights lawyer discourages Amma claiming that the situation in the country demanded people to be passive in the evils that were taking place. Consequently, political injustices continue to dominate society with every effort aimed at freeing the masses being quickly eliminated. Arjie’s adulthood is characterized by controversy as his sexuality develops. The conflict between his sexuality and family expectations presents him with a dilemma over his own identity. Arjie has his first homosexual feelings towards Jegan who is employed at his family business. Just like the tension between Tamil and Sinhalese, the boy’s sexuality is presented as a major issue of concern which sees Arjie transferred to another school by his father in an attempt to ‘force him to become a man’ (Selvadurai, 1997 p 205). It is in this school that Arjie explores his sexuality with the help of his gay companion Shehan and amidst feelings of denial and loss of self-esteem, Arjie comes into terms with his sexuality. Conclusion T
What are collinearity and multicollinearity? The phenomenon that appears when in a multiple regression two predictor variables have a non-zero correlation is known as collinearity; at the same time, the effect when more than two variables are correlated with one another is recognized as multicollinearity. The latter phenomenon does not tend to influence the statistic variables such as p values, F and R 2 ratios, and also does not affect the regression model generally. Overall, multicollinearity should not produce an effect on the predictions that are made by the regression model. However, when one is interested on the individual predictors and their effects, multicollinearity is likely to represent a significant challenge [1]. How common is collinearity or multicollinearity? Multicollinearity or collinearity can be found in the vast majority of quasi-experimental and non-experimental studies when observational data is collected. The only type of study unlikely to have these phenomena is a designed experiment. However, the major issue is not merely the presence or absence of collinearity or multicollinearity but the effect they produce on the data analysis. In other words, in practice it may not happen often that two variables are in a perfect linear correlation, but in economic estimations it is often the case that multiple variables are in a strong correlation [2]. Causes for multicollinearity can also include:   * Insufficient data. The this is the problem, it is possible to address it by means of collecting more data   * Incorrect use of dummy variables. For instance, due to a researcher’s error one of the redundant categories my end up included; or the dummy variables may be added to some of the categories   * Combining two variables that are supposed to be separate. For instance, a researcher could use the variable of total investment income that is actually a combination of income from savings interest and income from stocks and bonds.   * Using two variables that are identical. For instance, one could by mistake include bond income and investment income and savings as two separate variables Types of multicollinearity Is it possible to distinguish between two primary types of multicollinearity:   * Structural multicollinearity – a mathematical artifact caused by the use of the existing predictors to ge
Oil futures are a specific type of contracts that are used in the modern economy. Buyers and sellers of crude oil enter the agreement to deliver a certain amount of physical substance on a determined period in the future (McNally, 2017). The price is also established during the negotiations. As for the gold futures contracts, they can be viewed as the most important tool for actors operating in different industries and the users of goal as they establish the global price and provide new trading opportunities. Thus, gold is usually traded in U.S. dollars per ounce (Tucker, 2020). If there is a price of $700 per ounce, the whole contract will have a value of $70,000. In such a way, it becomes a potent tool of the international economy as it helps to become less depended on inflation rates and other currencies. However, the change in the price for gold futures contract directly affects different industries, including the oil one. From the graph, one can see that the decrease in the value for gold contracts preconditions the corresponding decline in the value for oil contracts. It occurs mainly because the U.S dollar is also used in deals between crude oil producers and consumers (Tucker, 2020). When ounce is traded differently, and buyers are ready to pay more or less, the value of the dollar also alters, and, at the same time, the oil futures start to adapt to new conditions. In such a way, it is possible to conclude that there is a direct correlation between gold and oil future contracts. The gold is viewed as a uni
Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The Shed. Cultural and performing-arts space. 2008-2019. New York, United States. Photo by Iwan Baan. Norman Foster. The Reichstag Dome. A dome on top of the renovated Reichstag building. 1992-1999. Berlin, Germany. Photo by Angelo_Giordan. This slide depicts two works of architecture: The Shed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DSR), which opened in 2019, and the Reichstag Dome by Norman Foster, finalized in 1999. As can be seen, both buildings incorporate the elements of modernist architecture, such as the use of glass and steel, minimalism, and functionalism. The Reichstag dome was designed during the renovation process of the whole building. It aimed to use daylight as an architectural feature and implement efficient ventilation strategies, thus, bringing openness to the construction and optimizing energy consumption (“Reichstag, New German Parliament”). Therefore, the concepts of sustainability and functionalism are reflected in this work of architecture. At the same time, the Shed, designed 20 years later, extends modernist ideas even further. Aiming to accommodate cultural events and large-scale performances, the building features a retractable shell able to provide “a 17,200-square-foot light-, sound-, and temperature-controlled hall” for exhibitions and installations (“The Shed”). Due to bogie wheels and rails, it can transform physically to provide creative space for artists with diverse ideas and accommodate the continuously evolving works of art. The Reichstag cupola has become an established landmark of Berlin, symbolizing the rebirth of the German democratic process. The Reichstag dome appears futuristic with its double spiral staircase and mirrors used to reflect the natural light (“Reichstag, New German Parliament”). The Shed also embodies modernist ideas and utilizes glass and steel as primary materials to create a feeling of openness. However, the Shed’s utmost functionality and adaptability is undoubtedly an outstanding feature that takes modern architecture principles to a new level. Discussion Question What other buildings are unique or creative in their architectural decisions to support functionality? Works Cited “ Reichstag, New German Parliament. ” Foster + Partners. Web. “The Shed.” Diller Scofidio + Renfro . 2021. Web.
Class conflict is defined as the tensions and antagonisms that characterize a society. It means that various classes in society have conflicting interests, which results from socioeconomic positions and outlooks. Class tension plays a critical role in understanding the nature of society right from prehistoric times when feudalism was the only type of class struggle to the modern type of class conflict that is capitalistic in nature. Marx defined class conflict as a struggle between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat). This class conflict is inevitable in any capitalistic society. Bakunin based his analysis on the European enlightenment to argue that class conflict is a result of the struggle between the learned and the ruling class in society. He never believed that human beings are individualistic, which is a major difference between his views on class conflicts and the views of Marx. His view was that human beings are social beings and tend to live in communities in order to achieve efficiency. However, he supported the idea that individuals are guided by mechanical or natural laws meaning that they aspire to fulfill their selfish interests before they think of somebody else. This article compares the ideas of Marx and Bakunin. The comparison will focus on two major concepts, which include the idea of the dictatorship of the proletariat and political reform. Karl Marx was a German philosopher who has extensively written on society and the factors that make it the way it is. His focus was on economics, as well as what causes the ideology and politics of any nation to change and shift in the most unexpected ways. One of the central ideas of Karl Marx was the fact that the battle between different classes in society is born through people having private property and the amount, as well as the quality of the said attributes. The reality shows that there are many people who possess much more than is needed for the necessities of life. This can be said about any society, as there are always people who are more successful than a large portion of the population. An interesting fact is that this sort of natural law is true for any nation and country. There are places in the world that are considered the third world, but there are still people that are very wealthy and have enormous political or social status. This begs the question of how this happened and what are the results according to the greater good of society. One of the causes of such division is the number of opportunities that people are presented with. The conditions that exist for a certain individual become favorable in such a way that they are able to produce more gain with what they have. This leads to much faster development of an individual. The amount of capital that one has is a key instrument in the development of further resources. Mikhail Bakunin is another thinker who was from Russia. He was a person who addressed the issue of division between people, and the environment tha
Introduction Written by Susan Glaspell, Trifles is a masterpiece rich in both historical and biographical elements. Glaspell hinges this story on a murder story she had to cover as a journalist and this offers the biographical part of it. The historical element of Trifles sprouts from some of the themes presented in this play. Therefore, Trifles is both a biographical and historical play. Short Synopsis As the play opens, police are investigating the murder of John Wright in his farmhouse. More people arrive amongst them the Sheriff, his wife, the county attorney, his wife and a witness. Controversy surrounds Mr. Wright’s death, whilst the attorney and police officers believe Mrs. Wright’s story that someone murdered Mr. Wright, as she was sleep, the women in this play suspect that Mrs. Wright was involved in the killing after collecting some ‘trifle’ evidence from this farmhouse. The men in this play cannot understand why women are always concerned about small things. For instance, they cannot understand why these women are so concerned about a guilt they have found in the house. In turn of events, these women find an empty birdcage, and after continued search, they discover a dead bird in a box; strangled just like Mr. Wright. At this point, Mrs. Hale reminisces how felicitous Mrs. Wright was, as a kid; how she loved singing and how miserable she became after marrying Mr. Wright. It appears that Mr. Wright killed his wife’s bird and in retaliation, Mrs. Wright murdered him. Nevertheless, these women sympathize with Mrs. Wright’s sufferings as a wife and they decide to hide this information from the police officers to cover Mrs. Wright’s guilt. Nevertheless, as aforementioned, the biographical and historical context of this play can give a better interpretation. Biographical Interpretation Written in 1921, Trifles is a chronicle of John Hossack’s controversial murder, which Glaspell happened to cover as a journalist “with the Des Moines Daily New” ( Holstein 2003, p. 29 ). On December 2, 1900, John Hossack was murdered. According to his wife of 33 years, “…was sleeping beside him and awoke to the sound of an axe twice striking something that turned out later to be her husband’s head. She leapt out of bed and ran into the living room, where she saw a light and heard the door closing…returned to her bedroom with her children and discovered him to be mortally injure” (Reuben, 2008, p. 13). The coroner’s results could not find any crucial information about the death. However, after rigorous investigati
What the tourist will do in 2030 The activities of tourists in 2030 will be determined by a myriad of factors. The most notable thing about their probable activities is the dynamism in their activities as determined by the changing needs and forcing factors. Prosperity among people and the affordability of vacations have been among the factors touted to promote tourism by 2030. Many people’s incomes have been improving, while the charges for the vacations have been noticeably falling. Events that happened all over the world are also a major influence on tourism, and in this technological era, it is very easy for tourists to follow up the events happening in all parts of the world. Apparently, countries with vast cultural capital benefit the most from tourists, since culture is one of the largest tourist attractions. Climate is another major factor. Countries with unique climates usually experience more visits compared to those with ordinary climates. However, future tourists will not just go to any place. They will make their choices basing on the impacts of the tours on their health and safety, image and branding of destinations, knowledge, and experience, individual tastes and preferences, age, work pressures, the authenticity of the events, and the extent of pleasure in the experiences. While on their tours, the tourists will do different things ranging from basking in the sun, swimming, and executing business deals among other activities. Therefore, the tourist in 2030 will be a very dynamic being who must consider a wide range of factors before knowing the best course of action to take. Tourism and socio-cultural conservation Tourism has several advantages, especially to the socio-cultural aspects of the concerned communities. Among these advantages is the promotion of peace, strengthening communities, bringing facilities closer to people, and fostering the re-evaluation of people’s cultures. Tourism is, usually, about moving from one place to another. In the process of moving to new places, tourists meet new people and understand their cultures and general ways of life. In the long-run, the interactions prevent conflicts due to cultural misunderstandings. In addition, tourism strengthens the ties among members of the community. Many times, they meet for the sake of preparing performances meant for tourists. This rejuvenates their relationships. Tourism also benefits the community by fostering the establishment of proper infrastructure. Many governments, usually, develop infrastructure with the view of benefitting tourists, but natives also benefit. Besides, tourism makes the community revalue their culture and see the need to conserve it since the natives develop a sense of pride in their culture.
Migration and globalization have encouraged the growth of multi-racial communities. These factors have contributed positively towards cultural diversity. However, they have contributed to issues of racism and discrimination (Schaefer, 2011). This paper analyzes the issue of white privilege. This issue has been notorious for sparking conflicts between races in the in America. This paper focuses on an article, “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Peggy McIntosh to analyze this issue. Individuals use the term “white” to refer to people of Caucasian descent. Further, they have coined the term “white privilege” to refer to the advantages, benefits, rights, and immunities granted to and enjoyed by white people, which are not available to other people in the community. McIntosh refers to white privilege as an invisible knapsack. According to her, white privilege is the same as a weightless knapsack of special provisions, maps, passports, codebooks, visas, clothes, tools, and blank checks (McIntosh, 1988). In her article, she explains that white people view the issue white privilege as a benefit that puts other races at a disadvantage and not as a benefit, which puts the white people at an advantage. She documents that white people are at times unconscious of their oppressive nature. McIntosh argues that white people have benefits that they do not utilize fully. For example, freedom to live in any neighborhood, being the majority, and many opportunities among others. I agree with Ms. McIntosh. This is because the idea she presents about the white privilege is true. White people grow up knowing that their natural privileges serve to disadvantage others. This means they have to ensure that their behavior, dress code, and speech among others are racially neutral. For the white people, it is always about caring not to hurt other races rather than enjoying the benefits of being white. However, whites should learn to look at the privileges they have as a benefit to them (Barlas, et al, 2012). Although being African-American or Latino has many disadvantages, it has several privileges. These races enjoy some benefits that are unavailable to the white people. These races are more tolerant, have numerous experiences, and boast of a rich history and culture. Skin color and history of oppression of African-Americans and Latinos act as a privilege for them. For instance, if there i
Is Change in Education Needed Educational systems need reforms of various kinds depending on the specific needs of the people that the system is supporting. Research has shown that schools and posts secondary institution have never addressed the needs of the people. This means that the curriculum has been superficial leading to uncoordinated policies in education sector. Historical, cultural and demographic differences have played a major draw back in policy making. In most cases, the curriculum has fallen on rocks and instead favored the constitution that always has political influence (Gerstner, V. L. 2003). A change is required in the education system so as to allow the learners to be attached to learning. History shows that the educational system has never allowed learners an opportunity to study what they want. This has been due lack of practical context in education. In most cases the curriculum focuses on theoretical aspects. Second is a high grade in enrolment which has made learning to shift from understanding to studying for examination (Peril, G. (2004). After exams the learners always remain slate. High workload on the instruction has denied individual attention. Education sectors has demoralized her workers through poor pays despite higher work load Changes the Government Has Introduced Into the Educations System The government has over the past 5 years tried to create a new conducive work environment for the educationalists, teachers and learners. This measure has involved the use of test scores to gauge the performance of teachers, stakeholders and students (Gerstner, V. L. 2003). Through this the government has encouraged involvement in leadership so as to create post-reform where all members are managers. In US there has been a campaign to boast accountability and achievement among the students. The quality of teachers have been strengthened this making security of the learning process to be increased the government has also addressed the authenticity of the learners by making them have large scope to choose schools since the expansion of schools. Their government has also passed a bill on educational act that has helped curb the then exam focused learning to knowledge based education. Students who fail have a chance to try again (Gary, L. A. 2006). Failing schools are therefore advice to shut down or be revised by providing support and resources to teachers and institutions. Government has also initiated bills that allow head teachers to have freedom in adopting the
The United States of America is seen as the terrain of infinite opportunities, which is deeply rooted in the history of this country. People came to the New World in their search for a better life ready to work hard and achieve the established goals. In fact, this is the essence of the American Dream that has two major components: hard work and success. The high stand of the nation is due to many people’s firm belief in their dream. American writers could not leave this important topic aside and devoted their works to this aspect of their people’s life. Some of the most recurrent and thought-provoking themes related to the American Dream include courage and satisfaction, as well as dissatisfaction. These ideas are properly highlighted in some works by Sherwood Anderson and Robert Frost. One of the most pertinent topics associated with the American Dream is taking the courage to act and seize the opportunity. Sherwood Anderson discussed human fears and reluctance (or sometimes terror) to make the first step. In his short stories, “Mother” and “Adventure,” the writer shows the feelings of those who do not dare to pursue their dreams. Regret and constant dissatisfaction make the life of a person miserable and meaningless. The mother who used to be quite a daring young creature wearing men’s clothes and accompanying different males visiting her city became a shadow of herself (Anderson, 2012b). She was almost permanently feeling unwell because “some obscure disease had taken the fire out of her figure” (Anderson, 2012b, p. 269). The disease had an actual name as it was regret and constant dissatisfaction. She did not realize her potential and felt d