ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Parmalat started as a small family owned dairy shop in 1961 and grew to gigantic enterprise with over 30 branches in Italy. This business belonged to the Calisto Tanzi family who owned majority of the stake. It had significant impact on the world farm products market as well as the country’s economy. For example, about 5,000 farmers supplied milk to the company while 39000 were employed directly. However, the successful corporation was mismanaged and went bankrupt by 2003. The fall was mainly attributed to family members overriding internal control to commit fraud. A scandal ensued in Parmalat industry in late 2003 after a discovery that about $ 5.64 billion funds that were supposed to be in the Bank of America saving account were not available. Milan prosecutors opened a case against the founder of the organization Calisto Tanzi, his family members, and some other executive official on March 2004. Consequently, the Bank of America Italian branches, 29 people, and accountants in Deloitte and Touche and Grant Thornton were investigated for three months before judgment. The filed charges against the persecuted included false auditing, market rigging, and regulatory obstruction after a disclosure that about $ 21.15 billion was missing from the dairy group account. Three employees were jailed for their role in facilitating the fraud and law suit was filed against all the auditors involved. Despite the financial challenges, Parmalat is currently thriving in five continents. This paper discusses the happenings, cause and impact of fraud, and lesson learned from the fall of the business empire. What happened? Fraudulent activities, which led Parmalat to debts started in 1990s when a need for expansion into a bigger company arose. The company’s stock was made public to improve performance, attract investors and to propel it to international markets. In 1991, the founder bought Parma Football Club, which acquired fame rapidly but later recorded a huge deficit amounting to $ 77 million by 2002. Calisto expanded his market globally by starting Parmalat Milk Company and buying from his competitors. He bought Odeon TV network and started a tourism venture, which later messed up his finances. Tanzi spent about £130 million on the TV channel network and sold it at £30million, which was a great loss. Due to these challenges the company invested using falsified figures, taking bank loans, and altering the books. The company progressed aggressively and acquired properties using fabricated transactions from 1992. It obtained small enterprises from Hunga
Cases of homosexual homicides are commonplace. They involve murder of a homosexual, gay or lesbian, by their adversaries who may be of either sex. Victims in a lesbian relationship are murdered by another female. Knight (2004) notes that murders by homosexuals are very common and most of the times they involve both sexes, either as the victims or the assailants. Rocke (1996) adds that the number of homicides that are attributed to transient attachments, which in many instances result to jealousy, suspicion and murder, are very high in the United States. When homosexual murders occur they are overly brutal and characterized with an overkill appearance (Knight, 2004). Overkill in homosexuals and many lesbians is some form of sadist’s crime. Additionally, multiple stabbings and many other brutal injuries are very common with the victims. Meyer (2000) notes that many homosexual slayers lack a monopoly on violence, and most of their crimes are extremes of overkill and mutilation. Thus although many homosexuals often fall prey to gay bashing, most of them are likely to be murdered by another homosexual in love triangle crimes in relation to the accidental hate crimes associated with the bigoted straight men (Meyer, 2000). The evolutionary gay gene theory tries to explain the prevalence of gay murders. The theory argues that most murders are an effect of the genetic purpose by the gay couples to promote murders of the genetically dissimilar persons, which results from the impossibility of promoting births of genetically similar individuals (Lee, 2003). If the theory is anything to go by, then it explains why many homosexuals are more likely to murder. However the aspect of the gay theory has always been suppressed as it may create some scientifically supported homophobia amongst many people including its proponents (Lee, 2003). Studies from the U.S. department of Bureau of Justice report that almost 83% of homosexuals have been emotionally abused by emotional partners (Meyer, 2000). Moreover, it is reported that up to 11 per cent homosexual women and 23 per cent of men in similar relationships have been victims of stalking, rape or assault from another partner (Meyer, 2000). The prevalence of violence cases among homosexuals is reported to be double that of heterosexuals as reported by the government of Canada (Lee, 2003). Research by psychologists also notes that most homosexual partnerships are significantly more prone to dissolution in comparison to heterosexual marriages. The average homosexual relationship lasts for only two to three years. Lee (2003) notes the following in regard to homosexual marriages: domestic abuse is more rampant in the homosexual union but it is underreported. Additionally, male sex domestic violence has continually been reported in couples where one or both partners are HIV positive. Further, most homosexual marriages are distinguished by intimate partner abuse and violence; this includes humiliation and threat
Introduction The paper is looked at as a research paper. Every research paper is expected to present a problem or a research question. The paper aims at providing a solution to this research question. Similarly, the research would have selected a standard method for data collection, analysis of data, and then for interpretation. Based on the interpretation, solutions are reached by the researcher and presented in the paper. In this paper, a paper is selected for analysis. The selected paper is: ‘Banking and SME Financing in the United States. This paper is also looked at from the presentation point of view, in terms of coherence of information, the structure of the paper, and the way references are used along with the methodology adopted for concluding. This paper presents my observation of the research paper cited. Basic Structure of the Paper The paper aims at presenting a working paper on the status of SME financing particularly from the point of view of banks. However, the author is not specific about any problem or research issue which he is trying to solve using this research. Therefore, the paper can be looked at as an informative piece primarily, aimed at grouping the information, collect them, and present them statistically, helping those who might be interested in such data. However, there is a minor aim of the paper and that is to identify the major loan markets for small businesses in the US and in ascertaining the increased cost of funds for the small businesses. The paper also wants to point out the level of competition between the banks in funding small and medium enterprises. In the introduction, the paper presents a broad overview of the small and medium industry segment and its financial status. It also briefs on the funding needs of the SME industries as well as what are the major sources of funding for them. However, the author does not reinforce his target which is in identifying the loan market for the SMEs. The methodology adopted by the author is certainly noteworthy. He has taken information from various bank sources and surveys. Since the US Small Business Administration is a major source of all the information, and the author himself working in that, there is no dearth of data input for him. He
Introduction Over the years, many people, in an effort to lose weight the fast way, have practiced fad diets. These fad diets promise a miracle by helping to lose weight with minimal effort. This essay explores fad diets and their effectiveness and the usefulness of fat burners, right diet and exercise in reducing weight and staying healthy. Fad diet A fad diet basically advocates the intake of macronutrients in a particular proportion or the intake or avoidance of specific foods with the intention of losing weight. Fad diets include promoting or banning a certain food or food group, intake of ‘miracle’ pills, potions and supplements, short-term changes in eating and exercise habits. Fad diets promises quick or miraculous results based on dubious testimonials and are not backed by proper studies (Tim 2008.) Problem with fad diets Fad diets are popular with the general population because it supposedly promotes easy and fast weight loss. However, the weight loss that occurs is not from fat loss but mainly from the loss of water and glycogen. As soon as the person starts to eat normally, weight gain occurs. Other problems with fad diets include: dehydration, weakness and fatigue, nausea and headaches, constipation, and poor intake of vitamins and minerals (Tim 2008). A study of some fad diets reveals numerous cons. For example, the Atkins’ Diet, advocates severe restriction of carbohydrates but unlimited protein and fat. The focus is on eating plenty of meats and cheeses, butter, cream and mayonnaise etc. Although this causes short-term weight loss due to loss of water and glycogen stores, in the long-term the weight loss is the same as traditional diets. In addition, it can lead to lethargy, constipation, and poor concentration, as well as the risk of kidney disease and cancer in the long-term. The ‘Eat Right for your Blood Type’ diet advocates people with different blood groups should eat differently. For instance, those with blood type O should avoid carbohydrates
“Sophie Scholl and the White Rose” is a historical book describing the cruel politics in Germany during the 20th century. In their non-fictitious story, Annette Dumbach and Jud Newborn give a vivid description of young people who were against the Nazi regime. Controlled by superiority, greed, and cruelty Hitler stamped out all forms of democracy in Germany. However, Sophie, her brother, Hans, and other friends courageously established a resistance group against the Nazi party. By using a secret service, the young people initiated and spread a campaign against Hitler. Consequently, they faced the demeaning law, which mercilessly passed a death sentence to shut them down. Analytically, the perpetrators of the white rose group express the theme of courage. Although Hitler had established a barbarous and oppressive regime, Sophie and her friends courageously endangered their lives for the sake of the nation. Sophie, Hans, and their friends are young university students with a bright future ahead. On the other hand, Hitler is the most renowned vicious leader in the world. During his rule, he did not hesitate to kill his opponents whether it was lawful or not. He had silenced all the people who were against his rule. Therefore, the society did not expect remarkably young people to stand against him. Hitler’s dictatorship inspired the young minds to form a resistance group against his regime. Clearly, the group had the courage because they were not only sacrificing their lives but also their future. For instance, Hans as a member of the Nazi youth decide to form an opposition group within people who are loyal to the regime. If his colleagues had reported him to the authority as a traitor, then he would have faced treason charges. Despite knowing the risks involved, he selflessly resists Hitler’s laws amid his loyal supporters. Nazi spies were everywhere; therefore, everybody had to weigh his or her words adequately before speaking. Hitler’s racial discrimination and brutality against the Jews sparked Hans and his friends to oppose the Nazi party openly. First, the group resorted to passing messages using leaflets. The leaflets called for the Germany people to rise fearlessly against Hitler to gain their freedom and lost glory. Knowing of the impending danger, they supplied the leaflets in public places like telephone booths, mailed them to their professors, students, and to other universities (Dumbach and Newborn150). Surprisingly, spies and
Introduction The Global demand for mobile phones remains strong, no matter what the economic status of a country says. Europe is supposed to me most affected, but despite the economic uncertainty and recession in rich countries and lack of food and resource availability in poor countries, there is no affect in the mobile market. Consultancy firm Strategy Analytics says 282 million handsets were shipped worldwide in the first three months of 2008, up 14% from a year ago (News, 2008). The demand for the mobile phones was most in developing countries like Asia and Africa. The current statistical data shows that the demand will continue to rise but definitely at a slower rate. With the launch of new fashion phones with attractive features, people are more fascinated and thinking it as a long term investment and trying to overcome the stress level they go for it. Mobile phones are now considered as a status symbol, a fashion statement. Now the availability of GPRS and internet availability has made the phones more user friendly and people seem to be addicted to them. More than 50% of UK population would feel out of touch with friends and family if they don’t access the internet for a week (survey results published by Critical Path, Inc.). Partial equilibrium supply and demand analysis discuss what is happening in the market for mobile phones as disposable income is reduced by the current economic crisis The supply demand analysis shows that the product does not have a single market price, instead it must accommodate two market prices, i.e. one is for the market segment which includes the buyers and one is for the sellers that include the company and wholesalers. The partial equilibrium supply and demand analysis shows that the price of each commodity, here the mobile phones, the quantity sold to the customers and purchased, is determined by the equality of demand and supply. Thus equilibrium in the market is reached when the demand equals supply, i.e. when in a graphical representation they both intersect at one point. The cost to the consumer is most affected by the demand and supply of the mobile phones and the services the mobile operators provide to benefit them. Due to the current economic crisis the demand is affected and people are more focused to buy cheap mobile phones which are more users friendly and provide bes
Market segmentation is used by various companies to tailor their products and services to the target demographic or consumers who are thought to be most interested in these products and services. One of the research methodologies developed to segment people into different groups is called Values and Lifestyles (VALS). VALS segmentation model segments all US citizens into 8 distinct types, or “personas”: innovators, thinkers, believers, achievers, strivers, experiencers, makers, and survivors (US Framework and VALS™ Types, n.d.). Different groups are segmented according to motivations and financial resources in order to predict their behavior as consumers. The outcome of a VALS test is a certain persona assigned to the individual based on their responses interpreted by the VALS algorithm. In my case, the test results were not completely accurate. It part I believe it is due to the fact that the test is not a real representation of reality as it ignores context. In other words, the data obtained by the questionnaire is inconclusive and only some predictions, such as purchasing power, can be made. In the case of Costco Wholesale, a retail company chosen for the project, our target demographic is correlated with the general demographic of Costco. This fact is largely explained by the Costco business model, with the company’s stores open only to members and their guests. Costco customers are financially established since the average annual household income of its members is estimated at $156000 (Robins, 2015, par. 5). Costco members plan before their actions and are not influenced by what is popular since they enroll in a membership program. These two facts put Costco’s target market into the following VALS categories: thinkers and achievers. In the case of Costco, psychographic segmentation is important, because products sold at Costco should be aimed at consumers who visit these stores. Another segmentation model is Claritas’ PRIZM, which provides much detailed segmentation with 66 different profiles or personas (Segment details, n.d.). Different groups are segmented according to demographics and behaviors (Segment details, n.d.). The most common segments for ZIP Code 97006 Beaverton, OR are young digerati (wealthy younger family mix), money and brains (wealthy older family mix), American dreams upper mid younger family mix), urban achievers (lower mid younger family mix), and new beginnings (low-income family mix). The majority of households are comprised of 1 to 3 people, and about half of the people living in Beaverton have children. It is difficult for me to judge whether the data is actually representative of the real Beaverton population. PRIZM segmentation does appear to be more accurate than VALS due to a much larger pool of personas, which means the segmentation is much more detailed. In addition, the fact that the data is based on income, education, occupation, and home value, makes the segmentation scientifically valid. I would say that the data seems to be interpreted correctly for my hometown. The most difficult challenge faced by marketers today is finding the right demographic which will hel
Introduction Various organizations exist that provide help to young people and adults. They aim to furnish such services that would enable individuals to transition from the violent setting and surrounding to a harmonious one. That is to say, these organizations serve as mediators and they ensure not only the psychological help but also assistance in overcoming the existing barriers. Overall Idea It is worth noting that to change the situation, one person with leadership traits will be enough to initiate activities and lead people towards achieving a mutual goal. A group of people, in turn, will be able to make a significant contribution due to a consistent strategy for resolving or preventing an issue. From youth violence, a group of individuals can have great potential since by influencing the situation at the local level (for instance, at the scale of their neighborhood), it will be possible to raise leaders who will continue this work and will promote the initiative further. The idea, which I would like to propose, is the social support of the younger generation at the level of community and educational institutions that are engaged in teaching the children of this neighborhood (Sundaram 17). In particular, the essence of the idea lies in the primary prevention of violence through an understanding of mechanisms of youth violence evolvement. Consequently, the main activity of the group will be to carry out preventive work to avert such social phenomena. It is crucial that people with any basic education who are willing to help the younger generation can engage in such activities. Their main task will be to prevent youth violence through the formation of a specific informational and cultural space for the life of minors (Sundaram 17). Notably, the cooperation with families and schools is essential for success. Justification It is important to mention that prevention should be a priority social task for society. Resolving the existing problem of violence requires intervention from a wide variety of specialists while preventive measures are available for everyone and anyone can contribute. Prevention is a capacious concept that encompasses all aspects of social life, and its successful application will contribute to the restructuring of consciousness and the psychology of young people (Sundaram 22). It will increase their internal culture and improve their interpersonal relationships and situation in the family as well as in communication with peers. In general, primary preventive measures will influence the value attitude of young people and form in them responsibility for their behavior and will help to establish anti-violent attitudes, which will radically change the life of society instead of trying to cure it. Consequently, the primary intervention will put the young person’s personality at the center of all activities and influence the main spheres of life and social environment. Based on these principles, the work will be aimed at conveying information about forms of behavior and opportuni
Definition A wide-ranging notion of the Internet of Things (abbreviated as the IoT) is associated with the idea that there are specific devices that are “talking” to each other to accomplish a common goal of either personal or corporate character (Boyes, Hallaq, Cunningham, & Watson, 2018). Therefore, the majority of IoT programs are made of interconnected devices that are expected to be combined by either end-users or corporate technical experts into automated systems that pursue different goals ranging from building a smart home to reducing production costs on large scales. Following the ideas shared by Boyes et al. (2018), the key benefit of the IoT systems is the ability to collect information automatically and create actions intended to support specific actions, such as machine learning. It was owing to the development of the IoT that smart mirrors and other numerous inventions appeared that focused on the utilization of available data and networking opportunities. The definition of the IoT would not exist without the concept of communication among numerous IoT networks either (Boyes et al., 2018). The idea behind such a hypothesis is that the IoT itself brings some IoT networks together and allows for the development of an interconnected world where operations are performed quicker, production costs are reduced, and more customers are kept contented. A Real-Life Example of IoT Application One of the best real-life examples of a company that successfully adopted the IoT and made the best use of it is DHL. Not so long ago, the company has introduced real-time sensors that could help logistics businesses monitor their supply chains instantaneously. Ultimately, DHL contributed to the development of the digital “twins” that stood for a virtual display of available physical assets and tended to update respectively when the asset itself changed (Magruk, 2016). According to the evidence obtained by DHL and shared by Magruk (2016), the use of IoT initiatives would lead to improved global supply chains while also potentially allowing logistics companies to use even more technologies in an interconnected fashion. One of the most probable future inventions is the elaboration of sensors that will respond to contamination or damage taken by containers, with the ability to monitor container status in real-time. DHL also mentioned that the overall cost could be one of the potential issues with the implementation of surplus IoT initiatives (Ranjan & Read, 2017). The perfect representation of physical assets presupposes a certain level of difficulty when it comes to gathering and processing data on available physical assets. The lack of expertise among staff members could also become an obstacle to the implementation of IoT, but the experience of DHL shows that t