ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Every religion has doctrines that act as its foundation. These doctrines govern the daily activities of believers. Religious foundation plays a significant role in bringing together all believers. It establishes rules that all believers observe, thus creating the feeling of oneness amongst followers of a given religion. The foundation gives meaning to believers and works as an inspiration by giving them the strength to press on. The majority of religions have foundations that touch on human life. Such foundations seek to explain why some phenomena like suffering, death, and other sad things happen in human life. In explaining the phenomena, the foundations articulate their teachings in a way that they give believers renewed hope for living. The teachings show that despite the sufferings, there is hope for a better life if one sticks to the established doctrines. Buddhism and Confucius are two religions that are built on strong foundations. Buddhism hinges on the four noble truths. On the other hand, Confucius is founded on Si Shu or the four books. This paper will focus on comparing the two foundations to determine the differences and similarities between the aforementioned two religions. The first noble truth that makes up the Buddhism foundation is the truth of dukkha . This truth is in most cases perceived to represent “suffering”. However, it has a broader meaning, which implies the fundamental unsatisfactoriness that is prevalent in all spheres of life. Buddhism believes that this unsatisfactoriness comes due to the ever-changing human life. The establishment of this truth does not intend to instill cynicism in human life, but to prepare people in order to overcome challenges in life. Buddha taught that life comprises of happiness and sorrow. Hence, he made people to understand that happiness will always be temporal. Buddha aimed at ensuring that people understand this truth, as it is the only way that they can stand a chance of addressing the challenge of unsatisfactoriness in life. Normally, people think that happiness emanates from external situations and circumstances and not from their attitude towards life. The truth of dukkha warns people against complacency by reminding them that life comprises of dissatisfaction. Understanding these truths would facilitate in achieving real happiness. While Buddhism believes that people can achieve real happiness by accepting the fact that dissatisfaction is part of life, Confucius has a different perspective regarding happiness in life. In one of the four books, viz. Lun Yu, Confucius posits that humankind can only achieve happiness through moral cultivation. Confucius believed that people could start nurturing an all-inclusive sense of good worth through ren . In a bid to nurture ren , individuals should establish a good relationship with their o
Introduction Companies need to practice strong business ethics and good corporate social responsibility. These aspects have a great impact on the operations of the business. In essence, these two concepts are critical for the company in its attempt to foster good relations, both the internal and the external, within the communities in which they operate (McWilliams & Siegel, 2000). Studies indicate that companies with strong business ethics and social responsibility have increased their efficiency hence improved their performance as well. In addition, business organizations with high ethical and socially responsible practices have enhanced customer satisfaction, which has, in turn, added more value to the company’s shareholders. As a result, socially responsible behaviors include relationships practiced within the firm. The two concepts encompass all those practices that the firms undertake to increase efficiency in the management of resources as well as enhance good relations with customers, employees, and shareholders (Rushton, 2002). This case presents circumstances where companies disregard their ethical and social responsibilities. BP studied, in this case, is a global multinational corporation that does not understand the importance of being ethical and socially responsible. In many instances, the company has flouted the ethical standards and neglected its social responsibility, not only to its shareholders but also to the communities and other parties involved. BP should understand that practicing social responsibility and putting in place strong business ethics have a direct influence on the company’s efficiency, reputation, as well as the employees’ relationships (Rushton, 2002). In addition, these practices are critical to their long-term growth and development (McWilliams & Siegel, 2000). Aspects of BP ethical culture that could have contributed to the Gulf Coast oil spill disaster One of the cultural aspects that could have contributed to the spill is the negligence of the regulations that have been put in place. BP has a history of flouting environmental and other legal regulations, as well as some questionable issues that could have contributed to the spill. The company has been involved in various criminal activities, particularly those that endanger the environment and communities in which the firm operates. Actually, these actions have been practiced for a long period despite the fact that they have contributed to the cause of other disasters. Practical negligence is a culture that the company has adopted to cut on the expenses and increase the total revenue. In this case, BP has paid no attention to several legal procedures. The regulations in the acts ensure perfunctory integrity and safety of the operations as well as the environmental well-being. Negligence of the environmental concerns as well as moral misbehaviors indicates that the company has a long history of failing to take into consideration the well-being of the stakeholders. While the company markets itself as the one upholding ethical standards and
Steve Rogers Responsibilities of a Fitness Trainer A personal fitness trainer can be defined as a person who educates and trains clients in the performance of safe and appropriate exercises in order to effectively lead them to optimal health. The initial responsibility of a personal trainer is to develop a good relationship with the client. A fitness trainer should give their client confidence and courage so that the latter can take the project easily. Collecting the client’s data is very important because it gives the trainer a way to make a fitness plan in accordance with the client’s vitals. In the case of a runner such as Steve, the main responsibility of a fitness trainer is to focus on weight gain and muscle mass increase by making a perfect fitness plan according to Steve’s needs. The rationale for focusing on weight and muscle mass is that Steve has a skinny body and he wants to get some bulk, so a responsible trainer is bound to follow his requirements. Calculations BMI of Steve is 24.1. BMR of Steve is 23.78 (Normal weight). Through Karvonen formula Heart rate at 60% is 140bpm and at 80% is 167bpm. The normal range is 140-167bpm. Discussion Depending upon situations there are different methods for assessment of client’s fitness. In the present case, Steve’s athletic background and history of running are enough to assess the client’s profile and to make a decent fitness program. The rationale for assessing the fitness of client is that according to the fitness and health of the client, the plan will be made for him. The evaluation of Steve’s potential in terms of physical exercise is very necessary to sketch the training. The reason for assessment of client’s fitness is that by acknowledging needs of Steve, the trainer will be able to elaborate a dedicated workout plan. As the BMI of Steve is 24.1, it is clear that his metabolism is working up to the mark. Specific Conditions In the case of Steve, it should be taken into account that he is not used to resistance training. The workout will have to increase the load gradually. There is an important reason behind discussing specific conditions. As in the case of Steve, he has low resting heart rate so a trainer should keep it in mind while preparing for the work plan. Steve has BMR 23.78 which depicts that he can gain some weight. The trainer should keep in mind the range of heart rate 140-167bpm. The workload should be hard enough so that the heart rate could remain within normal range. Workout Program The workout plan is divided into three cycles:   * Week 1-3 – Initial training. Exercises given below are to be performed in a circuit fashion on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.   * Incline bench press: 2 sets 15 Reps, Slant bench: 3 sets 20 Reps   * Seated DB press: 2 sets, 15 Reps. Squats: 3 sets 20 Reps.   * Pull ups: 3 sets 25 Reps, DB shoulder press:2 sets 15 Reps.   * Close grip bench press: 3 sets 20 Reps. Front squats: 4 sets 15 Reps.   * Back extension: 2 sets 15 Reps, Cable pushdown: 2 sets 15 Reps.   * Aerobics: Tuesday/Thursday: 30 minutes run, Saturday: 30 sec
The overall tone of Robert Frost’s poem titled “Out, out” can be described as exceptionally dramatic. The author is rather emotional about what happens to the main character and the reactions that beholders display. This genuine feeling of empathy is what moves the narrative forward and makes the audience feel remorse as well. The poor fortune that a young boy had to meet when doing a grown man’s job seems to surprise Frost, as he is in deep sorrow and does not believe that child labor is still a problem in contemporary society. Knowing that none of the adults intervened to prevent the kid’s death, the phrase “I wish they might have said” perfectly outlines how the witnesses were responsible for the boy losing his life to a saw (“‘Out, Out—’ by Robert Frost,” n.d.). The tone of hopelessness takes over the poem and points out how unpredictable human life is in general. Even though people seem to forget the boy rather quickly, the tone of the second half of the poem makes it safe to say that Frost wanted to highlight how no child should be forced to do something that could only be assigned to an adult. The theme of child labor is the red thread that runs through the white cloth of Frost’s narration, causing the audience to become as horrified as the boy when he loses his hand. The main character of the poem reflects the idea of frustrations when he realizes that his manhood is going to be flawed with one of the hands being cut off. Closer to the end of the poem, the tone of narration changes one last time as soon as the severity of the wound becomes clear and the boy dies. The adult beholders were not interested since they “turned to their affairs” and went on with the errands (“‘Out, Out—’ by Robert Frost,” n.d.). Robert Frost made the audience read between the lines with this poem due to quite a few ideas being heavily concealed. Reference ‘ Out, out—’ by Robert Frost . Poetry Foundation. (n.d.).
Introduction Inflammation is an immune response that occurs when the immune system encounters harmful stimuli, which emanate from pathogens, irritants, and endogenous substances that can trigger an immune response. Immunologically, inflammation constitutes a non-specific immune response that is characterized by “increased blood flow, elevated cellular metabolism, vasodilatation, the release of soluble mediators, extravasation of fluids, and cellular influx” (1). Important biomolecules that mediate the process of inflammation are cytokines. Cytokines are special protein molecules that modulate immune responses during inflammation. “Cytokines are secreted mainly by leucocytes and behave as hormone-like proteins that are involved in signaling between cells” (2). Some of the common cytokines are interleukins, interferons, colony-stimulating factors, and tumor necrosis factors. Since cytokines have different functions in the immune response, proinflammatory cytokines are cytokines that enhance inflammation. The proinflammatory cytokines worsen the inflammation process because they cause unfavorable immune responses that destroy tissues and hinder the healing process. Therefore, this research paper examines the role of cytokines and their mechanism of action during normal immune response and osteoporosis. Cytokines and Inflammatory Response Cytokines are protein molecules that modulate inflammatory responses. Usually, cytokines have several functions such as activation of lymphocytes, stimulation of apoptosis, and destruction of pathogens. During the inflammatory response, cytokines activate leucocytes and stimulate the production of cell receptors, which are central in the inflammation process (3). Cytokines can either down-regulate or up-regulate immune responses associated with inflammation; hence, the existence of anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines. Tumour necrosis factor-β is an example of an anti-inflammatory cytokine, while tumor necrosis factor-α is an example of a pro-inflammatory cytokine (4). Depending on the nature of the inflammation, the immune system can either downregulate or upregulate inflammatory response by secreting certain cytokines. In essence, cytokines are immune switches that function by turning on certain types of immune cells, while turning off others during inflammation. Thus, cytokines modulate immune responses according to the nature of the harmful stimuli that the immune system receives. The mechanism of cytokine function is complex and multifaceted. Like hormones, cytokines act locally, work at very low concentrations, and are active within a short period. Although they are present in low concentrations, cytokines act at autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine levels. Autocrine action entails the binding of the cytokines to the receptors of the cells that produce them, while paracrine action involves the binding of cytokines to local cells that are near to the cytokine-synthesizing cells (5). Furthermore, cytok
On thinking about it, one realizes that we quite unconsciously use algebraic equations when making buying decisions from day to day. This is illustrated by the matter of determining value when scrutinizing prices at rival supermarkets. From where we live, we can readily drive to Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS and Eckerd easily. Since the latter are drug chains but Wal-Mart also stocks cold remedies, I wondered whether we were right to confine our cold remedy buying to the drug chains on the assumption that retail specialization would give better value to shoppers. Take Benadryl Allergy which comes in 100-capsule packs. The last time I checked, these retailed for $6.94 in Wal-Mart, $7.99 in Walgreens, $8.29 in CVS and $8.59 in Eckerd. Alright, so Wal-Mart has the cheapest price. That is only moderately surprising. But then I pose the question: if my sister went out to re-stock on her cosmetics and hygiene products, which she routinely does at Eckerd, is the price advantage at Wal-Mart enough to justify making the detour on the assumption that it applies to other health remedies our family buys regularly? I of course intuitively compute for the percentage difference between Wal-Mart and every other competitor using “Percent Savings = [(Rival X – Wal-Mart)/Rival Price] X 100.” Or, more symbolically, [(B-=A)/B] X 100. Now I learn that the biggest retailer in the country sells our favorite cold and allergy remedy 13%, 16% and 19% cheaper, respectively, than at Walgreens, CVS or Eckerd. So if I save as much as 20% on every one of five drugs we regularly buy and “total savings = $2.00 X five” = Discount = 0.20 (Quantity) is it worth the extra fuel cost to have to drive to Wal-Mart to take advantage of the savings? Now I solve for fuel cost as = miles travelled X (current retail price of gasoline/mileage of family car). Substituting the three-mile distance between Wal-Mart and the highest-priced competitor, gasoline at $1.50 to the gallon and our car’s published mileage of 15 miles to the gallon in city driving less a 15% factor for the age of the Chevy: Distance travelled X cost per mile D X (1.50/[original mileage – 15%]) =3 X (1.50/[15-15%]) = 3 X (1.50/12.75) = 3 X $0.12 = $ 0.36. This tells me that the value of making the extra trip to Wal-Mart = cost : benefit ratio = $0.36 to savings of $10.00. Clearly, it is worth it to patronize Wal-Mart for the given drugs. However, my sister disagrees because, being a working mother of three, she just does not have the time to make extra shopping trips. So in her case, the saving of $ 9.64 ($10 less $0.36) does not make up for the convenience of fitting more into her busy weekends by making all our health and beauty product shopping at Eckerd instead. Another practical lesson of this testing for value to shoppers is that, if I were to offer to do the shopping from a grocery list of hers and I noticed Benadryl as the day’s “hot buy” at $2.00 less and I happened to clip a coupon the day before for an additional $1 saving, I conclude I do not have to go to Wal-Mart any more.
Native Americans Epidemics in New England Crosby decided that the epidemic that affected Native tribes was typhus because of the disease’s spreading patterns, which implied that it was carried by lice or fleas. Besides, one of the main symptoms of the disease were spots, which is a sign of typhus. The other disease that could have affected the Natives was plague. Indians viewed pilgrims as people that possessed the power much bigger than any Indians had. This was due to the technological advantage of the settlers such as their weapons. The inability of Indian healers to cure the disease caused a massive shift in their belief system. Indians used to admire the healers for their ability to find cures for diseases. When the healers did not succeed, the tribes’ reaction was violent, they attacked the healers. Pilgrims regarded Indians as savages that were punished by God and eliminated. The Indian custom to visit the sick, stay in small and very hot huts with them increased the contagion. Besides, their habit of visiting very humid and hot rooms and then diving into very cold rivers to heal diseases worsened the state of people with high fever. Samoset was the Native man that first came to establish contact between the Indians and pilgrims in 1621. He brought Squanto, a man that escaped to Spain and then came back to America. He acted as a middle man between both sides. Massasoit was the leader of the tribe, he offered his help to the pilgrims and their war with another Indian tribe. The plan to eliminate the settlers never came into practice because Massasoit fell ill and was healed by the English doctor. He was grateful and uncovered the plan to the people of Plymouth. Witchcraft Trials in New England In the late seventeenth century the society of Salem village faced a number of political, economic and social divisions. They experienced fights for land, political influence and religious privileges. As a result self-identification of the people weakened, they lost the idea of a mission, under the influence of general depression the next crisis that occurred was recognized as the influence of Satan that bewitched some girls in the village. There were five kinds of evidences for the trials. First one was the assumption that a witch would be unable to say a prayer, or be able to cute fits of the accusers through touch. Second was the testimony of people accusing their neighbors, third and fourth were physical imperfections on people’s bodies and faces. The last evidence was the confess
This essay summarizes my online visit to the Young Adults Support Group organized by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) in New York. Overall, that was a highly atmospheric and precious experience, as all those involved received enormous respect, assistance, and guidance with their problems. The population of the group was six people including a mentor. The central aim of the meeting was to deliver mental and psychological support to young adults that attend it (18-30), hence its name Young Adults Support Group (NAMI NYC, 2016). As a result of the meeting, its participants were to acquire the necessary support and the resources that would allow them to cope with inner and outer hardships. One of such resources was the ability to build trust-based relationships with friends and loved ones. The crucial aspect of the meeting was the opportunity to share difficulties with other attendants. Concerning the structure of communication, it was an open conversation between the participants. After listening to a partner, there was a chance for everyone to speak up and verbally support the person (NAMI NYC, 2016). The moment a person started talking, everybody including the mentor became an active listener to show respect to and the value of the other person’s experience. The meeting commenced with a regular check-up, in which the participants mentioned which topic they wished to discuss and the problem they had. After that, one by one they began to speak about their inner world: thoughts, troublesome feelings, and life challenges. The mentor held a key role in the group discussion. He was not a professional mental health doctor; rather, a volunteer who had already experienced similar troubles and thus was able to provide and advise the participants. He appeared to be very sensitive to other people’s problems: he was extremely patient and made the impression of being a very wholehearted person. Near the end, there was a time to play boarding games and socialize. The mentor encouraged the group members to go out together to the local bar to have a couple of drinks and get entertained with the games. Overall, the interaction between participants was based on confidentiality and mutual support (NAMI NYC, 2016). That is exactly what makes such support groups very effective. Everyone felt support and safety; everybody was assured that he or she would be listened to and understood. This in turn brought noticeable stress relief to the people involved. It was fascinating how the participants became so open about their feelings and emotions. Some individuals started crying during heart-breaking stories about horrible injustices they face daily at university, at work, or at home. One of the participants retold the story about his relationship with a father. In childhood, he did not feel loved by his dad, who was constantly angry at him for various reasons (mostly due to his low grades at school). The father was extremely critical and did not allow the neglected child to live freely and without fear. That story was emotional, and after the listening, most of the participants had their eyes wet, which showed t