ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
One of the recent controversies to enter into the public debate has been Apple Incorporated’s refusal to assist the government in unlocking the security features on an iPhone so that its data could be accessed for more information on the actions of domestic terrorists in California. What was interesting about this controversy was how people came out of the woodwork to express both support or opposition towards the refusal of Apple. Gaining the data is important, but to do so would have resulted in Apple potentially compromising the security of its phone systems which millions of people around the world are dependent on. Hidden among the back-and-forth arguments was the notion of the protection of personal privacy and the increasing amounts of government scrutiny involving an individual’s private actions. Violations of personal privacy have become all too familiar in this day and age; this was noted in the privacy violations by the NSA that were exposed by Edward Snowden. In fact, such actions are not as rare as you may think as seen in the case of the British government and its surveillance programs. Amnesty International even stated that such an act was a clear violation of the human rights of a significant portion of the UK population (Essers 9). This is surprising because the UK is supposedly a bastion for the protection of human rights. A Lack of Trust The origin of this problem lies in the current belief of governments that they know what is best for the community they protect and, as such, utilize methods that they believe would be best suited to prevent its destruction. This way of thinking is similar to what can be seen in the book “Are We All Scientific Experts Now” by Harry Collins wherein instead of a deteriorating belief of the public in the capabilities of scientists, what is present is a lack of trust of the government in its people. Yes, domestic terrorists do exist and yes they are a danger to the general public, but developing the notion that compromising a fundamental human right that would affect millions to prevent a threat that would only have an impact on a few dozen at most does not seem right. The increased amount of willingness of governments around the world to violate an individual’s right to privacy is not in accordance with their mandate of protecting their citizenry (Fabbrini 65). It is worrying and even an indication that there is a lack of sufficient moral oversight to prevent such actions from escalating even more in the future. The Power of Nightmares As seen in the iPhone debate, many stated that the government should have been given access since they needed it to prevent more terrorist actions. The basis behind their support is fear, and this fear can be boiled down into a single phrase: “The Power of Nightmares”. First stated by Adam Curtis in his BBC documentary seri
Introduction Formal analysis is a particular type of art description. It is an elucidation of visual art and of the techniques in which specific visual elements in a sculpture have been put together. It also explains how these work within a composition. Formal analysis is restricted to what the analyst observes. This paper will touch on a formal analysis of two photographs, one for a warrior and the other for a monk. It will describe this two sculptures in detail and try to determine the message the artist was trying to convey by the style and detail used for the artwork creation. Discussion Analysis of the warrior photograph The warrior stands with his two feet flat on a kind of platform, which itself lies on the ground. The right foot is positioned ahead of the left foot with the right lap slightly projecting. He is in only one garment. This garment is folded down to the hip level. The sculpture shows that it has been fastened on the shoulder with a piece of bronze. The upper and lower lids of the eye are narrow, and the lips are thin and tightly squeezed. The warrior is portrayed in a manner that shows that he is like walking. His posture, with his foot stretching towards us, generates a line and a means of access from our world into his. This sculpture is, therefore, simply categorized as of the late Classical period since the artists of those days were captivated with the structure of human bodies and their locomotion’s. The space shown directs back from the universe to the back of the sculpture. This confides in a way that so much of it is over shadowed by dark green trees. The margins of this work are not well defined with dark trees that are stranded on both sides. It seems to have been framed on the warriors’ figure in part of a greater scene, and this stresses the significance of the figure. When viewing this photo, ones eyes are likely to be focused on the concentrated and deep articulated looks on his face and the swords resting on his hands. This two bring to mind the image of a warrior. The upright position of the warriors’ body is a sign of discipline, organization, vanquish and triumph. The legs and feet of the warrior look bigger compared to the rest of the body. This is a clear sign of how the warrior st
The Delian League was an alliance made up of Greek city-states led by Athens with the determination to fight the Persian rule that had befallen unto them. Athens commanded the combined military forces, and this fact put them on top of the hierarchy. The league had ten treasurers of the Hellenes who were all Athenians; basically, they held all the upper echelons of vital offices (Cartwright, 2016). The league members were called “polis,” and the smaller ones often sided with the Athenian’s Proposals, and Athens ended up at the top of the command chain. The Athenians also punished defectors from the league while the other cities were suppressed into submission. The move of the treasury from Delos to Athens also solidified their rule. The Athenians took charge of the naval fleet as the other state saw it expensive to maintain whole ships for an entire year. They deemed it fit that they gave up their silver coins to Athens, and in return, Athens would build and maintain the ships (Planeaux, 2016). This practice was adopted at a time of war with the Persians, but Athens continued with the same practice of receiving pay for services after it was over. This practice has been adopted in the present times in international humanitarian organizations and trade blocs such as the United Nations and the European Union. Modern nations utilize unions for various significant purposes to help them in growth, security and other affairs affecting them. Athenian female citizens were advantaged compared to the way other nations treated their women. They were free but could not exercise power nor perform transactions over a specific laid limit. The women were cautioned to stay at home and do their duties; that was also the only place they could freely manipulate and enjoy total freedom (Che, 2017). Certain women from affluent families had more rights than the general woman. I would never want to become an Athenian woman because their lives were pretty much dull, confined, and powerless. That would be a miserable life to a modern individual who has been endowed with excess in freedom.
Introduction The 21st century has been marked by a vast range of changes occurring at an increasingly high speed to all domains of people’s lives, the resurgence of the environmental movement being one of them. Because of the effects that the process of globalization has had on the environment, including the increase in the speed of global warming and the scope of its outcomes, environmental ethics has gained significance (Mies, 2014). Affected heavily by the rise in diversity levels within the global community, the identified alterations have opened new discussions such as viewing ecology issues through the prism of equality movements, particularly, feminism, and the possible threat of environmental racism (Hopkins, 2009). The identified concerns need to be addressed on a global level since they hinder the promotion of multicultural dialogue and the principles of equality. Ecofeminism and Ethics Being a theory that provides a framework for the analysis of sociocultural phenomena, feminism can be applied to the contemporary interpretation of environmentalism and the changes that occur in it. Ecological feminism is one of the ways of discussing the impact of current environmental ethics and ideas on women across the globe. Although the specified relationships need to be further contextualized with regard to a particular culture, general tendencies involving feminism and environmentalism can be observed (Mies, 2014). For example, the emergence of ecofeminism can be seen as an endeavor in challenging the status quo and playing an active role in restoring the environment. Conclusion Since the viewpoint that contemporary liberal feminists tend to hold in regard to environmental issues coincides with liberal ideas, in general, one can say that the identified approach borrows heavily from them (Warren, 2013). On the surface, liberal feminism does not add a strikingly different way of looking at the subject matter to the range of already existing ones (Hopkins, 2009). A closer look at its effects, however, will indicate that it increases the role of women in the promotion of sustainability. Radical and social feminism, in turn, focus on the flaws of patriarchy as a result of biological and social issues, thus, also challenging the existing environmental ethics and adding a new gender-related perspective to it (Merchant, 1990). As a result, one can embrace a greater range of opportunities in managing environmental concerns.
Introduction Culture-specific communication nuances are the subtle differences of distinction that occur in expression, meaning and response to various aspects of culture. This paper will evaluate the nuances of communication in various aspects of life such as academic, social and family settings. Nuances in the academic context Katz and Aakhus (2002) have illustrated communication nuances using an example whereby person snubs a person calling him or her on a mobile phone by pressing the “no” button to show that he or she is busy. Such behavior is common in learning institutions such as campuses and classrooms in which people do not actually mean what they say, which tends to cause a break down in communication. There is common behavior among students in which they communicate using nonverbal expressions such as nodding heads, show of hands and so forth. The subtle differences represented by the expressions may however lead to misinterpretation information. For instance, McGinty, Knox and Zusman (2003) note that ladies have a high tendency of nodding their heads when they talk to their colleagues. The nods are however understood differently by the recipients of the information. The nuances of communication are also reflected in relationships between stu
Introduction Arguably, the tablet personal computer emerged from the concept of laptop PC but evolved to incorporate a touch screen controlled by a stylus light/digital pen and hand calibration for finger sensitivity, thus making the mouse and keyboard feature of a laptop obsolete. The main reason why people prefer the tablet PCs is the ease of mobility and operability compared to the laptops and the desktops. The tablet PCs are in various shapes styles an types but the most common types are convertible tablets, slate PCs, booklet tablet PCs and the hybrid tablet PCs. Types of Tablet PCs The stale tablet PCs get its name and resemblance from the slate writing pads, which do not have any keyboard attachment or features. The data input occurs through hand writing recognition using the touch-pad pen/stylus or the finger touch. These tablet PCs are also user friendly and allow connection of various external peripherals such as keyboards in case the user needs them. The external devises use the latest wireless or USB connection features. Today, firms or industries such as the education sectors, health-care industries or manufacturers, who depend on mobility and constant communication with employees or clients, utilize the tablet PCs technology for full-time internet connections. The slate tablets are also more resistant to harsh climatic conditions such as high humidity, dust, heat and accidental impacts such as dropping (Jacko, 34). On the other hand, compatible tablet PCs have a similar appearance to the laptops with touch mouse pads and keyboarding features but have incorporated the option of 180 o screen rotation. These PCs forms the bridge between the laptops and full tablet PCs since they offer both the keyboard usage options and the digital pen input options. In contrast, the booklet tablet PCs get their “book” name from the reasoning that pages of a book are written on both sides and this PCs have dual screen on either of their sides. They can therefore be opened like a book. They allow the touch detection mechanism as well as the digital-pen usage. The PCs are often preferred due to their support of internet TV, internet browsing, and electronic interpretations (Jacko, 34). Lastly, the Hybrid tablet PCs has high technological functions that both the slate tablet and convertible PCs have. It is referred to as the ‘Hybrid’ due to the incorporation of various features of earlier designs. The convertible features are evident when a keyboard is incorporated, while it acts as a slate tablet PC when the keyboarding features are removed (Jacko, 34). Current and promising Future types of Tablet PCs Among the tablet personal computers was the iPad launched in mid 2010. Various launches competed with the iPad and there was need to have a clear definition or identity of simple tablet computer. A tablet computer either has a touch screen feature or permits use of a virtual keyboard or writing recognition. The term ‘Virtual computer’ first emerged from Microsoft and it is arguable that the first operating system incorporated on tablet PCs was from Microsoft. Today the PCs use various operating systems from different companies. The e-readers have few
This paper discusses General Motors (GM) Company in the context of how the costs of its production systems affect its various operations. This is a critical provision since the company operates in a competitive industry where operational and production costs are soaring, overwhelming, and critical. There are numerous costs of production that the company faces in its business endeavors. These incorporate the costs regarding raw materials, labors costs, equipments, outsourced services, and other relevant production provisions that the company incurs their costs. In this context, there are short-run costs that the company incurs in its operations. This incorporates costs that vary with the demand for the company’s products (McConnell, Brue & Flynn, 2009). For example, when the company experiences increased demand for tracks, cars, and other motor vehicle models, it will need more materials and labor hence increasing its production costs. Nonetheless, this condition is temporal since it will change when the demand for such commodities diminish. It is crucial to consider such provisions in the contexts of their viability and applicability in the business realms. Precisely, short-run costs in this context incorporate the changing labor and raw material provisions depending on the demand of the concerned products. Concurrently, General Motors is being affected by the economic cost structures in the contexts of decision making. This occurs in numerous ways depending on the situation at hand. The company has to operate with viable visions, missions, and expenditures in order to enhance its returns in the business contexts. Additionally, economic cost structures assumed by the company has necessitated it to formulate viable business decisions in order to remain cost effective, competitive, and relevant in the automobile industry (McConnell, Brue & Flynn, 2009). Despite the production, economic, and market challenges, the company does not experience diminishing returns in its operations. Evidently, GM has been registering substantial returns in the past years despite the competition and economic challenges. In this respects, there are numerous factors that have led the company to decrease the prices of its commodities in order to capture and retain a considerable number of clients globally. This incorporates the aspects of competition due to the emergence of numerous motor vehicle manufacturing companies worldwide. Despite the high costs of production and the economic crisis experienced by numerous organizations, the company sets the prices of its commodities competitively in order to remain relevant and competitive in the market. In this aspect, the company makes its optimal business decisions in situations where Marginal Benefits equal the Marginal Cost experienced by the company (McConnell, Brue & Flynn, 2009). It is agreeable that consumers usually make rational decisions when purchasing automobile products. They consider the aspects of benefits versus costs. If the benefits of similar products tend to be the same, consumers tend to consider prices. Conversely, they consider the benefits in case prices are the same.
1. “How did Camp Bow Wow think Global and act local” Camp Bow Wow has seen massive growth in ten years since initiating the first business in Denver. The thought of establishing a dog service business originated from the challenges that people undergo while caring for their pets. The trauma that pets experience in their closed kennels causes apprehension among owners. [1] Heidi Ganahl underwent similar experiences that informed her idea to offer dog owners opportunities to register their pets for day care services. Camp Bow Wow presently owns fifty million dollars stake in the American pet segment. [2] Within America, the firm controls two hundred franchises within forty states. The expansion of Heidi’s pet business has continued into Canada where it offers similar services. [3] The firm appreciates the importance of collaborations in escalating its business and encourages huge proportions of interested persons to adopt the business idea. This call has enabled people from diverse backgrounds to engage in pet care services by owning a franchise through the leadership of Camp Bow Wow. [4] 2. “How successful is this business after went on global, how many areas are covered right now and the achievement they got” Camp Bow Wow operations have taken place smoothly thus resulting into massive growth. The firm offers pet services and currently operates approximately two hundred franchises in America. Its international marketplace presence is currently in Canada where it operates a single franchise. Notably, further growth appears imminent through the implementation of aforementioned recommendations. The firm differentiated its services consequently initiating new processes basing on home behavior buddies. Furthermore, the growth of these new services also attracts additional clients thus escalating the firm’s client base. Camp Bow Wow plans to create additional five hundred franchises within four years. [5] Future growth also entails initiating branches in the international marketplace beginning with Australia and United Kingdom. Notably, Heidi’s pet service that began as a small business has grown to reach massive levels thus offering products in the local and global marketplace. [6] This development confirms that through local acts the business will eventually serve global clients. 3. “How big is the global market and what is their plan for global market”? “Basically connect with the second question and look up for the future plan” The company enjoys impressive growth as noted in the previous decade. Furthermore, the company ought to escalate its speed in order to create massive revenues and clients base. [7] In order to attain further growth, Camp Bow Wow has the following plans   * It focuses on enhancing prod
History is filled with controversy, which is often lost or disregarded through centuries. An average person of today relies on monuments and tales of the past as the primary source of information. As such, non-experts in history exist in a uniform informational sphere, which presents the facts in a simplified, one-sided manner. As a result, the field of history faces serious issues, which consist of imprecise interpretations of past events and personalities. Such misinformation often becomes embedded in the mindsets of the people, forming colossal myths and misconceptions within society. Consequently, the situation leads to a biased representation of history, which exaggerates the feats of privileged groups, while disregarding the input of the oppressed. Such a form of historical presentation is alarming, as it nurtures a twisted perception of the past, especially among less-educated individuals. Through this phenomenon, the link between the past and the present is revealed clearly. Accordingly, the misrepresentation of the past creates a favorable environment for oppression and discrimination in the present. In its general sense, historical archaeology implies the review of artifacts and written records through the prism of a broader social and political context. Historical archaeology considers such important variables as the stratification of society at a certain point in history, as well as propaganda and intentional twisting of facts. The physical presence of a certain artifact does not inherently suggest that it can be a reliable point of reference. On the contrary, it is not uncommon for prevailing social groups and entire civilizations to eradicate any signs pointing toward the feats of the oppressed. In regard to American history, the poor representation of African Americans’ achievements during wars and other pivotal events is a case in point. Because of the misrepresentation, a general resident incorrectly assumes that the country owes its greatest achievements to white citizens. Consequently, white supremacy is reinforced, having a direct impact on the current social landscape. Historical archaeology is instrumental in this regard, as its methods provide a broader context for discussion. Ultimately, the contemporary academic community increasingly relies on historical archaeology as the leading way of establishing historical accuracy. The issue of misrepresentation of the past is becoming particularly topical in the United States, as misinformed people continue to spread wrong ideas. Through the prism of bias and disparities, facts are twisted and distorted, resulting in a poor understanding of the truth. Historical archaeology effectively addressed this issue through rigorous research of relevant sources of information. Written records, statutes, and even personal correspondence may become a vital tool for reinforcing historical accuracy. The core principles of historical archaeology rely on democratic methods, which review each issue in the light of various social and political groups. Its findings enable an objective interpretation of history and its monuments, contributing to healthier relations withi