ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The most exciting and intriguing thing that I have learned during this course is that the history of design is strongly dependent on the changes in society and the economy of different countries. In particular, I have learned that the roles of modern-day designers have become more complex since they have to achieve both utility and create aesthetic value for their work. This is probably the most fascinating aspect of this profession. Art and design are very sensitive to these changes. To get insights into their history, one should first understand the life of people during a particular time. This task seems to be both challenging and rewarding. I have learned that art and design can tell very much about people’s income level, social status, and their major concerns. In my opinion, a truly professional designer has to understand how different factors affect the work of designers. Without this knowledge, these professionals can hardly meet the highest standards, set for designers. For instance, by comparing the luxury decorum of the nineteenth century with the minimalistic design of the modern age, one can get a good idea about the lives of people or different generations (Figures 1 and 2). These examples show how exterior design has evolved within a century. The first image is Staircase Hall at St. James. This example represents an apartment of a person, who could afford extravagancies such as sculpture or oriental cooking utensils. Whereas the second image is Etenza House, designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen. One can see that its creators were primarily concerned with functionality, minimalism, and effective space management. Thus, one can see how the needs of people have changed over time passing. The most important distinction between these two approaches is the use of resources. The majority of nineteenth-century designers were primarily focusing on aesthetic, while modern professionals pay more attention to space management and cost-effectiveness. Hence, their task is more complex since they have to combine functionality and aesthetics. Apart from that, these people have to possess in-depth knowledge in many areas of study such as engineering, art, ecology, and so forth. Thus, understanding of social changes can throw new light on the work of modern designers. I was particularly interested to learn more about the history of design in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century because it reflected a lot of social and cultural changes. Moreover, those patterns, which emerged during that period, remain relevant for modern designers, especially the minimalistic approach and functionality. Hence, one should not suppose that this knowledge cannot avail future professional designers. In my opinion, people, living during that time witnessed a real breakthrough in design and its importance cannot be underestimated even nowadays. Overall, I can say that this course has greatly increased my knowledge about the development of art and design. Moreover, it has enabled me to better understand the requirements which are set for modern designers. Appendixes Figure 1. Staircase Hall. Box Hill. St. James, Long Island,
Performance appraisal is a process in which an employ contribution and worth to an organization is valued using accepted performance appraisal methods. There are a number of performance appraisal methods notably essay, forced distribution, graphic ranking scale, and behavioral anchored rating scale appraisal methods. However, this report is going to give much credence to the management by objective method, 360-degree performance appraisal, and forced ranking/distribution performance appraisal. A detailed explanation of the three methods will be done bringing into perspective features that these three performance appraisal methods share in common and how they contrast to each other (Stone 1). Forced ranking/distribution performance appraisal method This performance appraisal method tries to order employees by comparing them to their colleagues. This helps in assessment of employees divorced from the usual specific judgments done on basis of job components. When straight ranking is to be done it is expected of the evaluator in terms of those who have the best attributes to those who have the worst attributes and those who are effective in their daily undertakings to those who are least effective in the way they do their job. It is imperative in this respect that a criterion is used. Alternative ranking slightly differs from straight ranking in the sense that it has to be done in a specific manner. Ranking like any other comparative evaluation system is fast becoming unpopular because it is discriminatory. This is so because even if employees perform well, a group will always find itself at the bottom and another group highly ranked. Ranking can also not be used to fairly compare employees across different groups, it is absolutely difficult to conclusively say that an employee ranked second in unit X is as good as or better than that employee who has been ranked second in unit Y. Nevertheless, if an organization has limited resources with which they can conduct other performance appraisal methods, the best performance appraisal they can make use of is the ranking method because it can successfully help in differentiating among employees (Stone 1). In forced distribution, evaluators tend to rate subordinates in a given distribution. Forced distribution can be used in evaluation of myriad components of job performance as opposed to the ranking method that uses only one component. Forced distribution method is strictly used by managers who undertake to rate his or her subordinates in a given distribution. Some subordinates will fall into 10 percent low category, others in 20 percent below average, others 40 percent average, others 20 percent above average, and finally 10 percent high category. If there were 20 subordinates, 2 of them will be in the low category, 4 below average, 8 of them in the average, 4 in the above average category, and finally, 2 in the highest category. Forced distribution help
Introduction The National Guard unit (ARNG) has been mainly deployed around the world to support the active forces in wars and peacekeeping missions by providing medical and administrative personnel, as well as experts trained to work in chemically-soiled battlefields (Haskell 2017). As such, homeland security has not been its priority. However, the various security dangers that the U.S. has experienced since 9/11 have forced the Department of Defense (DoD) to modify its defense approach to prepare for these threats and to re-evaluate the role of the National Guard in homeland security. Consequently, the National Guard has been strategically positioned to assume the central military role in homeland security by acting as a first responder to the internal emergencies (Kahan 2013). In this paper, I assess the place of ARNG in supporting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), analyze the relationship between the two agencies, and suggest best ways ARNG can back DHS. The Role of National Guard The change in the security environment caused by international terrorist networks in the custody of sophisticated weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and means of shipping them over long distances has forced the US to modernize its military concept (Claus et al. 2015). The military must be equipped to protect Americans from attacks on home soil and overseas. The defense force structure must prepare for homeland security without overlooking the capacity of the armed forces to carry out international missions. The DHS, formed after September 11, was initially devoted to the challenge of terrorism and WMD (Kahan 2013). Nevertheless, the all-hazards approach was embraced after Hurricane Katrina occurred. Hence, DHS not only deals with terrorist threats, but also “major disasters caused by human behavior or cataclysmic mega-disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or tsunami as well as pandemics and cyber-attacks” (Kahan 2013, 4). The Guard members are the first responders in a national crisis and are well prepared to act when the homeland is under attack (Fronczak 2013). However, if the primary role of this reserve component is to reinforce active forces for international eventualities, the National Guard unit is not available to defend the homeland. Given the expeditiousness with which the country must respond to an attack, it is reasonable that the active forces reduce their reliance on the Guard so that citizen soldiers can focus on homeland affairs. In addition, the National Guard links local communities and the federal government.
The Grant Corporation case demonstrates typical issues and challenges in human resource information system (HRIS) implementation. Overall, the most important thing that Julia Woodland did right was to propose to the company to purchase an integrated HRIS. In addition to integrating with other systems, the suggested software solution would streamline and enhance efficiency in the management of personal data, benefits enrollments, performance evaluation schedules, compensation, and other staff information. Julia would have ensured adequate and meaningful participation and engagement with employees and the management to obtain their support and buy-in. Gaining continued support and commitment from these key stakeholders is critical to successful HRIS implementation (Kavanagh & Johnson, 2020). Julia failed to involve the correct people in the system deployment process. The potential vendors are important to this process in terms of their functional and technical expertise which might not be in the firm. It was important to include the HR staff, the management, IT and finance directors, and some employees because they are the primary stakeholders. For instance, working closely with IT Director would have ensured technical and functional considerations are included. Kavanagh and Johnson (2020) explain that technical, operational, economic, legal, and political feasibility is essential for successful HRIS deployment. The major error Woodland did with her staff was failing to involve them in the software acquisition. She had no time to discuss the project with her team right away, closed her doors, and made all key decisions by herself to fast-track the project and meet her deadline. These behaviors were detrimental to her team’s morale, consequently breeding resistance to change. The resistance manifested in the uneasiness and failure to get the exact information or documents she expected from her staff. Julia would have planned well and communicated the project effectively to keep her staff and other key parties on the same page and working toward the same outcome. Orientation to cha
Introduction The Unredeemed Captive by John Demos is a story exploring the life of John Williams, a Reverend, together with his family as captives in the hands of Indians during the 1704 war. After much struggle, the Indians finally released John Williams together with his children; unfortunately, Eunice, his youngest daughter, remained behind with the captors and regrettably married one of the Indian men. This is a very compelling story as John Demos uses rich writing styles like argumentative style, among others. This paper is a narrative summary analyzing the story and giving insights into religion, one of the outstanding themes in this story. Synopsis The kidnapping of John Williams emanated from the imprisonment of a French privateer by the English colonies. The French would do anything to free their privateer, but this was not an easy task. They tried to loot the English colonies without success. After careful and high profile consultations, the only way they could free their privateer was by giving a ransom; unfortunately, the ransom happened to be Reverend John Williams. After failing to get help from Native Americans, the French enlisted the help of Indians, and their strategy worked in their favor. John Williams lived in Deerfield, and on the night of the attack, the guards of this village were asleep allowing the Indians to execute their plans successfully. The men of this village had left to keep watch of the town, and this facilitated the kidnapping. Reverend John Williams and his family were among the many captives that ended in the hands of the Indians that night. A long journey to Montreal, Canada then started; however, it was a horrendous and tiring journey, and many captives died on the way. Unfortunately, Mrs. Williams, the wife of John Williams succumbed to the harsh conditions of the journey and died before reaching Canada. After entering Canada, the captives were divided into different groups each going with either the Indians or the French. John Williams, together with his family went with the Indians. After two years in captivity, John Williams, together with his family was released. Unfortunately, Eunice, his youngest daughter remained behind and married a French Indian man. The theme of religion clash sets in at this point where there is a clash between Puritanism, Catholicism, and Indian beliefs. John Williams made every effort to free his daughter but to no avail. His attempts were met with statements like, “we would rather part with our hearts” (Demos 146). This was a clear indication of how resolute the Indians were in their bid to keep Eunice as one of their own. Initially, John Williams thought the Indians wanted to keep Eunice of course after receiving responses like one aforementioned. However, as he continued to pursue the release of his daugh
Overview of Saudi Arabia Market Saudi Arabia is among the largest countries in the Middle East from the geographical perspective.The country’s economy mainly depends on oil exports. The Saudi government has diversified its economy to the private sector involvement especially in the food production. Saudi Arabia remains an attractive place for the foreign investors with regard to its low inflation rates, low taxes and availability of sufficient capital. IMF estimated Saudi Arabia’s growth by 3.7 percent in 2010 after finding an average of 3.1percent for each year during 2005-2009. Saudi government imports about 80 percent of its total food supply (Mousa 1). In addition, Saudi government has put in place objectives to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. However, this is a big challenge since it is among the world’s most scorched countries given the fact that it is located in the larger gulf desert. Insufficient agricultural production has caused persistent food imports and this trend is likely to increase in the future if nothing is done. Saudi Arabia is the world’s 19th largest food importer in value terms. Domestic food growth depends on scarce water resources. The latest agricultural development in Saudi Arabia is food production using technologies that consume less water. The agricultural sector represents only six percent of Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product (GDP) (Mousa 2). The general political condition in the country remains stable. The government’s continuous campaign intended at dislodging locally grown terror cells has shown results and many terrorist suspects have been arrested before executing their terror plots. In addition, Saudi Arabia has been a close associate, friend and business partner of the United States for over sixty years. However, the Saudi government and people are not pleased with the American bias towards Israel in the relentless political between Israel and its neighboring Arab countries. Supports for boycotts of the U.S. products are voiced whenever the Israeli-Palestinian conflict flares up. However, the country’s foreign policy has not had too much impact on its trade with the so-called ‘enemy countries’ like Iran and Israel. The country has imported a number of horticultural products from Israel (Saudia Online 2). The main drivers of the food sector in Saudi Arabia are its huge population and the increased growth rate. The demographic profile indicates that the larger population in Saudi Arabia is below 30 years. This has greatly influenced the consumption of processed foods from the local industries. During Hajj, the additional requirement from pilgrims and changes in lifestyle has driven the sale of ready to eat foodkinds of stuff (Saudia Online 1). Saudi Arabia’s food is acquired both locally and internationally. A well developed agricultural sector has significantly promoted local production, thus, making the country independent in a number of foodkinds of stuff. Saudi government has introd
Introduction Disasters are extreme events that exceed a community’s ability to cope with them. Hazards (whether originating from technological or natural environments) have significant negative impacts on the community. It is therefore important to identify, assess, and understand these social vulnerabilities. Social vulnerability perspective emphasizes on the people’s capacity to anticipate, cope with, resist and recover from the impacts of these natural hazards. It is concerned with the people’s behavioral changes and susceptibility to these changes. Social vulnerability is random and varies across various sections of the community. It is therefore important to understand these demographics. This paper will address the variability and demographics of these social vulnerabilities. Demographics of Social Vulnerability Overview The social impacts of disasters range from economic, psychosocial, political, and demographic impacts. Understanding these social impacts provides a basis for pre-impact predictions as well as the development of contingency plans that helps in the prevention of occurrence of
Introduction Mammography is a great help not only in the medical field but also to women. With this procedure, many breast diseases can be detected early and a lot of women’s lives can be saved. Mammography is a special kind of imaging that is used to examine a woman’s breast to aid in detecting and diagnosing a breast disease in a woman at an early stage which uses a low-dose x-ray (Mammography). Mammography is not an invasive procedure that would cause pain. It is a procedure that helps in screening and detecting breast diseases in women especially cancer even without the presence of symptoms and this procedure also helps in the detection and early diagnosis to those who have symptoms as the lump in the breast, pain or nipple discharges (Mammography). Let us take a deeper look at what mammography is how it started, what its advances are and how it changed the medical practice and how it saved women’s lives. Historical Perspective In the year 1960, mammography already started but it was only in 1969 when modern mammography really existed when mammography machines are already available and by the year 1976 mammography became a screening device became a practice and became recognized as a diagnostic tool. It was very important as even lower doses of radiation are very helpful in the detection of potential problems at a very early stage. At the present time, research centers are trying to develop a higher-end technology to improve mammography (Mammogram, 1). Advances in Mammography At present, there are two recent advances in the field of mammography that came out and these two are the following: digital mammography and computer-aided second detection. Digital mammography offers almost instant results because it gives very readable computerized images of the breast. This type of mammography is a helpful tool for women whose breasts are dense and to those who have implants as well. This is also used to patients who are required to have diagnostic mammograms to be able to have a more accurate diagnosis. This kind of mammography also helps the physician in giving diagnoses because of its better view especially details near the skin line and it also offers a convenient time for busy women because they don’t have to wait for hours before they get their results(Advances in Mammography and Breast Imaging). The other tool is the Computer-Aided System or CAD that can be used for screening as well as for diagnosing. This system also helps the radiologists to look into the details of a mammogram for the second time to aid them in a more accurate diagnosis. The advantage of this procedure is that patients would not be required to undergo other procedures or testing. This was designed to have a clearer vision of the changes in the breast of a woman that may be suggestive of cancer and the chances of catching breast ca
Introduction The situation in the Middle East has been a matter of interest for centuries. It is a territory of a large geopolitical significance and the birthplace of the major world religions like Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The Middle East also has a serious economic impact on the rest of the world because of the rich oil deposits, especially in the countries bordering the Persian Gulf. Thus, the political, economic, and social conditions here in the light of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria interference are the topic to be discussed, for its influence, usually harmful, on the variety of spheres cannot be denied. The history of ISIS The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (also known as Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, ISIS, ISIL, or Daesh) is an international Islamic Sunnite organization, considered terroristic by the United Nations and the majority of world countries. At the moment, it is functioning mainly on the territory of Iraq and Syria, partially controlling their territory. It is an unrecognized state, known for its severity. The background of ISIS creation goes back to 2003 when Americans with alliance partners broke the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq. This situation was favorable for some foreign countries (like Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar) as well as for big radical (terrorist) organizations, one of which was Al-Qaeda. Iran was the most active in this respect. With the support of the Shiite majority of the Iraq population, it considerably influenced the Baghdad government. Consequently, the transport ways for military supply, fuel, and food to Syria were put through the territory of Iraq. Later it will have a significant impact on the situation with the conflict in Syria (Gerges 52). Ideologically, ISIS is rooted in the Jama’at al-Tawhid Wal-Jihad, an organization founded in Iraq in 2004 by a Jordanian Salafi-jihadi Abu Mus’ab al-Zarqawi. Later, he announced his loyalty to Osama bin Laden and renamed the organization to Tanzim al-Qaeda fi Bilad Al-Rafidayn (Al Qaeda Organization in the Country of the Two Rivers) (Rabil 7). This union is widely recognized as Al Qaeda in Iraq. The organization follows the ideology of Salafi-jihad, which calls back to the authentic ideas of Prophet Mohammad. The major idea is “tawhid (oneness/unity of God). This concept is divided into three categories: Tawhid al-rububiyah (Oneness of Lordship), tawhid al-uluhiyah (Oneness of Godship), and tawhid al-asma’ wal-sifat (Oneness of the Names and Attributes of God)” (Rabil 9). Still, those ideas are interpreted in a rather unusual way. In fact, Salafi-jihadists impose their perception of Islam and act to affirm jihad opposing to those governments, which do not function in accordance with God’s rules. The name and the status of the so-called “Islamic State” used to bring much confusion in the political arena. Its activity could not remain unnoticed. Actually, it became widely discussed in June 2014, when this group occupied Mosul, a city in Iraq. It has been headed by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi since 2010. In June 2014 he beca