ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Federal government has the most expensive health care system. However, it still struggles to offer the best health coverage. In fact, countries like France and Canada offer better health care benefits than the United States. Issues of great concern include high cost of premium, among others. Health care reforms began in 1965 when Lyndon Johnson introduced the Medicare bill. Thereafter, numerous health care legislations, such as the COBRA act of 1985, SCHIP act of 1997 and the PPACA act of 2010, were enacted. The latest legislation came after a series of debates between presidential hopefuls in 2007. These debates were fuelled by Sicko, a documentary movie filmed by Michael Moore. Moore is well known for his outspokenness on issues affecting America. This paper will explore three policy issues and discuss efforts made by the Congress to address them (Moore, 2011, p. 1). Sicko Sicko is a documentary movie created by Moore in 2007. The movie scrutinizes health care system in the U.S. It focuses mainly on pharmaceutical industry as well as health insurance. Basically, it compares universal health care system in other countries to that of United States. According to Moore, about fifty million Americans are uninsured. This leaves over two fifty million others who are insured albeit with several complications. It accuses politicians of compromising basic health care needs for personal gains. Among the issues it raises include frauds in insurance companies along with the red tape. The documentary conducts interview with former employees of insurance companies, aggrieved public and citizens of targeted countries with presumed better health care systems, among others. Through this, interesting issues come up with regards to insurance companies. They are alleged to have employed cost cutting initiatives, which deny innocent victims the right to proper treatment and compensation. This is compared to other countries like France, where more healthcare support is provided for less than that of United States. Moreover, they provide universal care, which the movie proposes as a solution to American Healthcare problems (Policy Almanac, 2011, p. 1). Policy Issues in Sicko Health care reforms have been a major debating issue in United States. This reached its peak during the warm up to 2008 elections in which major components of health care reforms were debated. Interestingly, most of these issues were aforementioned in the movie. They included Managed care, National Health Care, Medicare/Medicaid and Abortion a swell as Euthanasia. Other policy issues discussed in Sicko included health care insurance coverage and health care spending. United States spends in excess of 1.1 trillion dollars annually in health care. This is higher than that of other countries like United Kingdom, France and Canada who offer universal health care. Surprisingly, these nations provide better healthcare to their citizens than United States. In fact, life expectancy of
Evaluation of the Student’s Work In the provided dissertation “A Quantitative Approach To The Organizational Design Problem”, the student Jesús A. Mena did quite well in the literature review chapter. The chapter discussed the problem under study as well as both the empirical and quantitative approaches used. However, based on Dr. June Schmieder-Ramirez’s guidelines, some of the issues were not exhaustively accomplished. Some of the components not properly included historical background of the subject and clear discussion of the broader perspective on the organizational design. Descriptions of shortcomings and flaws with the chapter The major shortcoming noticeable in this chapter is the exclusion of the historical perspectives of the problem. Historical perspective could clearly show the origin of the problem as well as the development and advancements of the approaches used. In addition, this could have created a better and broader perspective of the problem. This is a critical provision while evaluating the provided literature review. Suggestions To improve this chapter, there is need to include the omitted sections as discussed above. The review should be structured in such a way that the broader perspective of the problem under study is evident. This will narrow down the n narrowing on the particular issue to be addressed by the research. A section, with tables and charts, could have also been included that touches on the trends on the solution of the problem as well as why the method suggested in this study would be appropriate. It is preferable to use qualitative method in a small-scale research study where the concerned research endeavours to unveil specific reasons behind the existence or occurrence of a given variable. It requires the exact answer on a given study. This relates to the aspects of “why” with regard to an issue. This is a method of inquiry with the intent of attaining an in-depth understandin
Abstract This paper entails a comprehensive analysis of retail business analysis. Considering the fact that retail business analysis as an academic field is wide in scope, the paper focuses on the generic strategies. In an effort to understand how firms in the retail industry incorporate generic strategies, the researcher has taken into account a real business by conducting a study on Wal-Mart Stores Incorporation which operates in the United States. The paper is organized into a number of sections. The first part gives a theoretical background of what retail business analysis is all about. The second part gives a brief overview of Wal-Mart’s background. In the third part, the researcher defines market segmentation and how a firm can be effective in its market segmentation. The section also illustrates the segmentation strategy adopted by the firm. In its operation, Wal-Mart has adopted the cost-leadership strategy. This has enabled the firm to attain price competitiveness. The section also explains how the firm has managed to implement the strategy. The fifth part gives the suggestions for improvement and the impact of generic strategies and segmentation on the firm’s marketing and positioning. The sixth part entails a conclusion to the study. Retail business analysis Retail business analysis entails a number of tasks and techniques which are aimed at developing a comprehensive understanding of the strategies, policies, structure and operations of business firms within the retail business industry. The core objective of the analysis is to identify areas where the management team of a particular retail firm should improve and to recommend solutions that will enhance the firm attain its goals. According to Carkenord (2009, p.2), retail business analysis also enables business firms in the industry to identify and take advantage of the various opportunities in the industry. This is attained by helping entrepreneurs to design the necessary procedures and structures. Company Background Wal-Mart Stores Incorporation is the leading retail firm in the world. Since its establishment in 1969 in the United States, the firm has managed to develop a high competitive advantage (Pahl & Ritcher, 2009, p. 22). The firm has incorporated the concept of internationalization which has enabled it to establish different outlets in different countries. In its operation, the firm has established a number of retail facilities which include Discount Stores, Sam’s Club Warehouses, Wal-Mart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets. Generic Strategies Wal-Mart has adopted a low-cost leadership strategy in its operation. This is achieved by eliminating middlemen in the process of distributing its products. Wal-Mart distributes its products directly to the consumer. This has played a significant role in improving the firms’ effectiveness in implementing a low pricing strategy. The resultant effect is that Wal-Mart is able to attain price competitiveness. Segmen
For health insurance to be effective, different aspects must be put into consideration. Universal coverage is a basic element of health insurance. Health insurance should cover majority of citizens in a particular country. In addition, health insurance should be continuous. Continuity allows early detection of a disease and uninterrupted treatment. Moreover, health insurance should be affordable to low income families and individuals (Gunnar, 2006).Affordability includes incentives, inflation controls and cost to offer cost-effective services. As a result, health insurance can be accessible to low-income individuals and families. Health insurance should promote health and well-being of those it covers. It should include mental health and preventive services. These elements can be summarized as: efficiency, effectiveness, patient-centered services, timeliness and equity (Quadagno, 2005). There are several associated with the use of employment based coverage. Quadagno states (2005) that research has made it evident that it is always cheap for a worker to get a health insurance through his employer than doing it himself. It is because the employer can negotiate prices with issuers because he represents many workers. This also becomes easy for the insurance company because it spends less per person as compared to insuring an individual. It is an advantage to the issuer in that the financial risks are spread over a group of people. In addition, the program ensures delivery of quality healthcare services. As a result, innovativeness is a key element in this program. Employer based health insurance has drawbacks too. First, all citizens cannot have access to it because employers offer coverage to their employees only. In addition, if an employee decides to quit his job or resign he losses his coverage. In addition, the choices of healthcare plans are limited because the company intents to minimize the costs. Employer based insurance lacks universal coverage. As a result, the program lacks portability and benefits are not transferable (Quadagno, 2005). There are basic elements which need to be incorporated in health insurance programs to ensure the poor and uninsured have access to insurance health. These elements should ensure services have the following characteristics: affordable, cost-shared, accessible, extended scope of benefits and financed. The best way that has been known to provide health care to the poor and non insured is through provision of affordable premiums. Statistics show that nine out of ten of the uninsured families and individuals are classified as poor or low-income group (Gunnar, 2006).The premiums off
Introduction The implementation of the labor laws and regulations in an organization is imperative as it leads to increased productivity. This ensures that there is low employee turnover due to worker satisfaction as well as motivation. The work environment should foster productivity through dealing with issues that affects workers motivation and productivity. The employment policies affect the organization’s profitability all the time. The essay is about the regulations as well as the implications on the company policies in relation to employee harassment. The discussion is about the Occupational Safety and Health Act as well as how the organization will align its policies with the United States of America Labor laws. The Important Harassment and Employment-Related Laws and Regulations Harassment of workers is a major issue where the senior employees act in a manner that emotionally or physically hurts other workers. This affects new workers who may do things that are unethical because they are not yet used to the new environment and the existing workers do not accept them. It also involves discrimination of workers based on the race, gender or religion. According to the United States labor laws, it is illegal to discriminate workers due to their gender, age, race or religion. This organization therefore will not discriminate anyone based on gender, race or religion. All the workers will receive fair treatment where compensation will be based on merit according to the agreed terms and conditions (Norman, 2008). Harassment
In recent years, many countries around the world have embarked on what scholars term as economic diplomacy with the view to achieving their national interest and sustaining their competitiveness in the global context. From the course readings, it is clear that economic diplomacy can be described as applying a wide range of economic tools of the state to attain its national interest by promoting trade, stimulating economic growth, attracting foreign investment, and supporting local business engagements. The present paper’s focus is to provide advice to UAE diplomats and recommendations on how to conduct business diplomacy in an increasingly globalized and networked economy. Advice and Recommendations To build a successful economic diplomacy platform, the UAE diplomats need to do more to encourage free trade and engagements with international trade organizations. Although countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom have destabilized global trade by seeking more protectionist policies for their respective economies, it would be prudent for the UAE diplomats to continue encouraging free trade in their foreign jurisdictions with the view to reinforcing the pillars that support the country’s economy. It is also clear that adopting an orientation that encourages free regional and international trade will ensure that the UAE can increase its volumes in trading services at the international level. To reinforce this point, it is important to note that the UAE has continued to attract millions of health tourists and international students due to its excellent facilities/institutions, political stability in a geopolitical region that is often characterized by acts of terrorism well as economic prudence. It is strongly advised that increasing free trade may help the UAE double its numbers in health tourism and higher education. Additionally, the UAE diplomats need to do more to tap into the high number of international passenger traffic for economic gains. Available documentation shows that, in 2015, more than 77 million international passengers passed through Dubai. The high number of international passengers entering or passing through the UAE means that the diplomats can work in liaison with the government to develop strategies and policy directives to help local companies in the hotel and hospitality industry to optimize their business opportunities by offering various types of services to the passengers. Suc
Physical activity, past and present Michael Joseph is a 70-year-old man from California. He is quite positive about physical health. He claims to be exercising on a daily basis. He walks around his home every morning. Additionally, he rides his bicycle around the neighborhood every evening. He is quite sharp and focused. He looks strong and healthy. He is quite eloquent. Mr. Joseph swims every weekend. His wife and grandchildren keep him company whenever he is out of the house. Mentally stimulating activities, past and present The fact that he rides a bicycle in an actively populated area confirms his ability to stay sharp. Additionally, Joseph admits that he plays board games on his computer to help him stay sharp. He also noted that he plays crossword puzzles with his grandchildren most of which are in colleges. However, he is not taking any course even though he has been thinking about it. He claims that the numerous meetings he attends keep him active. Social support and social interactions Mr. Joseph talks happily about his wife. He says that Catherine has been his only close contact apart from his children, grandchildren, and colleagues. He claims that the numerous numbers of appointments have stopped him from joining any social clubs or activities. However, he claims to have been invited severally to join social clubs or activities. Specifically, he claims that he was invited to be the patron of a religious community around his local area. Meaningful activities The old man says that he has considered every activity as meaningful. In this regard, he mentions his participation in teaching young people how to live meaningfully by helping their parents. Moreover, he mentions his past engagement in numerous social activities, which were aimed at conserving the environment. Additionally, since he is a religious person, Mr. Joseph claims to enjoy encouraging faithful at his local church. It is important to note that he participates in countrywide workshops aimed at encouraging the young generations. He also jokes that he has been trying to polish his basketball skills having been a renowned striker in his youth. He also admits that he is tied to his community and he tries all he can to assist the new generation. Recreational or leisure activities As mentioned earlier, Mr. Joseph was a renowned striker in the past. Therefore, he spends his free time playing basketball with his wife who is sixty-five. Moreover, he swims and rides around his home. He also plays crossword puzzles with his wife and grandchildren during his free time. Essentially, he is very active and tries to make use of every free time. He claims that this helps him to keep in touch with the new generation. Living environment The old man views his living environment as cool. He shares his evening tea with other old men in the community. This helps them to share ways of improving the lives of the young generation. He does not live in a retirement community because of the companionship
Despite historical and modern displays of racism as an intractable and pervasive reality in Canadian society, the overt denial of racism is delusionary because it allows Canadian to neglect the abhorrent reality in which a community is divided into white, privileged population and ethnical minorities. Indeed, the country ignores its rich historical background in which a rigid confrontation between the representative of the First Nations people and non-native population was presented. The Canadian residents and institutions function on the basis of collective denial of the existing racial confrontation, which admits the presence of democratic racism. Canadians have forgotten their racial issues, including laws, practices, and policies that previously shaped their political, social, cultural, and economic institutions for more than three centuries. The phenomenon of democratic racism will be analyzed through two lenses of social institutions – justice system and police to define how policy respond to the concerns of Aboriginal population and what role individual’s racial identity plays in their actions. In fact, police officers are law enforcers that should develop an objective, unbiased attitude to all groups residing in Canada, irrespective of their racial affiliation. Nevertheless, racialized practices and beliefs are often implicit to everyone, except to those individuals who face them. The situation appeals to the importance of the dominance of white population, which does not only premise on race, but also on the construction of social identity. However, victim’s testimonies and unrecognized experiences are still on the current agenda. Recently, a plethora of documentary films has been launched to discover the evidence of inappropriate treatment and give the experiences of the Aboriginal population to publicity. Specifically, the documentary Two World Colliding, centers on the story of Darrel Night, an Aboriginal man, who faced cruelties on the part of the police officers. The representatives of the police department dumped the man in the outskirts of Saskatoon in January 2000, when the temperature reached 20 º C below zero. However, Mr. Night managed to survive and testify to the cruelties he had to
In Jack London’s short story “To Build a Fire,” the main character struggles through repeating events in the arctic wilderness that gradually build to achieve his ultimate destruction. Although the story is built on the understanding that the man is heading to his camp, the way that the events continue to repeat themselves suggests that the man is really going nowhere because he cannot understand the importance of the natural world. “But all this – the mysterious, far-reaching hair-line trail, the absence of sun from the sky, the tremendous cold, and the strangeness and weirdness of it all – made no impression on the man” (London, 1908). He is given plenty of warnings regarding the dangerous nature of the cold – his spit freezes before it hits the ground, his fingers go numb too fast, the long-time prospector tells him to take shelter, and the dog doesn’t want to go further. “The trouble with him was that he was without imagination. He was quick and alert in the things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significances” (London, 1908). This is a common attitude today among all peoples, and the story can be read as a warning to all humankind regarding our need to listen to and respect Mother Nature if we hope to survive on this planet. Works Cited London, Jack. “To Build a Fire.” (1908). eFictions. Joseph Trimmer, Wade Jennings & Annette Patterson. New York: Wadsworth Publishing.
Abstract Introduction Many studies have been conducted about the prevalence of chronic low back pain in aviators. Other studies have been conducted about the prevalence of neck pain, with few types of research combining the two. This research investigates the relationship between the prevalence of persistent neck and backache in aviators. Methods The research constitutes an article review, with relevant articles being selected based on their discussion of the topic. A search conducted using the keywords resulted in 18 relevant articles. Results Most of the articles discuss the prevalence of low back pain in aviators, with others looking at neck pain in different types of aircraft pilots. Conclusion The results of the article review indicate a higher incidence of the symptoms in aviators compared to the general population. Helicopters have a higher incidence, with the civilian pilots having a relatively lower prevalence compared to military pilots. Introduction Aviation is an area that is linked with globalization. People can travel to different parts of the world at speeds that were at one time unimaginable. Some of the other benefits that the industry has introduced include growth in international trade and international migration. Careers have also been developed because of this industry, with one of the most prestigious of these occupations being piloting. Man’s desire to take to the skies became a reality in the 20 th century. After realizing this dream, the ingenuity led to the development of different types of aircraft. Speed has also been a factor in the aviation industry. As a result, aviators and engineers have constantly increased the speed and altitudes that flights can achieve. However, the industry has experienced several problems, especially to pilots who fly different aircraft. One problem that has been the subject of considerable discussion in different literature materials is the occupational hazards that the pilots in the various aircraft faced. Different researchers have looked at health issues related to flying, including deafness, visual disturbances, and hypertension. Some of the researchers also looked at the effects of being a pilot on back soreness and neck pain. Some factors that may cause injuries and chronic health problems in the aviation pilots include the vibration caused by the engines, the loud noises of the aircraft engine, the long hours required in some flights, and in some cases, the inadequate adjustment of seats