ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Each of these works of art employs a different method for abstraction, and uses a different viewpoint for the audience. There is even a difference in the scale of the subjects. The materials are presented in such a way as to focus our attention on what the artist is presenting before us, but from a different angle than usual and on a different scale. One thing all four works have in common is that they require a closer look in order to fully comprehend what we are seeing and what the artist is saying. In fact, it requires many looks for this. Perhaps these works say more about the audience than about the artist. The Chariot In the picture of the sculpture, The Chariot, the objects have been minimalized. And much of the original structure is gone. The sculpture is raised on blocks, to insure that we see it from below. From this viewpoint, the figure of the driver is almost not there, the body having been slimmed to a bare stick figure. The proportions appear wrong to our normal senses, and they probably are, but intentionally so. This is part of the artist’s message. The drivers legs are twice the length of her body, yet barely taller than the chariot wheels. She appears to be standing on huge feet which emphasize the triangular shape of the foot. The chariot wheels have only four spokes apiece, which is not accurate. It would make them totally unstable and weak. The metal of the wheels and axle looks wasted away and irregular, as if rusted or corroded. An attempt to analyze this sculpture depends upon what the audience brings to it. Different people will see different things and they will also attach meaning according to their own value system. Even the questions among the audience will be different, though there will definitely be some for everyone. I may not be bringing the right thing to this work. I see a woman who has probably given birth, because her breasts are sagging quite low. She has been created as an emaciated figure, but has quite substantial feet. She is driving a chariot, which women did not do historically. She is dwarfed by these huge wheels which cannot support much or take much punishment, but she stands firmly above them, and she has no horses to pull her. The wheels will not move anyway, as they are up on blocks, and it is doubtful they would go far without collapsing. So what is the artist saying? I really do not know. Has the mother conquered the wheel? Is the wheel more important? Is it that humanity and motherhood may diminish, but they will never disappear? Is technology going to rule or is man? We walk upright, because of the triangular foot, the wide angled hips (seen also) and walking upright is part
The book under discussion is the one written by an English author Roy Porter. The book called The Enlightenment appeared in 2001 and was a suggestion t sink into western philosophy. It belongs to the genre of non-fiction. Actually, my choice of this book was determined by the fact that this is the very book that gives an insight on the specific philosophic problems that concern not only some particular stage of mankind development but provides an observation of human nature as it is, which makes the epoch irrelevant. These are the people that matter, not the time they are living in. That viewpoint made me pick up The Enlightenment, and the choice that I have made has proved right because I loved the book immensely. To summarize the plot and retell it briefly, I would start with what the enlightenment was as a social phenomenon. The author suggests that this is the event that has triggered a bunch of the others nonetheless important. Porter claims that it has caused even the French revolution! The ideas that were soaring in the air as the events span harder and harder were much more liberal than the government of those times could afford. For some philosophers, like Kant, the point of enlightenment could mean only that the sunset would inevitably follow. Some other philosophers suggested that this was the beginning of the new era, the era of people more perfect than those of the XVIII century, No one could tell it for sure then. Porter emphasizes that this was the time when science stopped being obscure and turned into the field where a man could reign and make discoveries. Speaking of the politics of the Enlightenment era, Porter points out that “It lacked that quality they pretended to value most: experience” 1 . They simply were far too half-baked and unprepared for the journey they were heading for. Naturally, they were the first to start it, but those to continue it were to be awaited. The next point Porter dwelled upon was the relationship between the people and religion. Indeed, until then it had the greatest and the saddest influence, launching witch hunting, making autos-da-fe, and imposing their point of view as the only one possible. From the beginning of the Enlightenment era, things changed dramatically. The church was deprived of its power and influence, and it was no longer a scarecrow for sinners. Porter asks a very important question. Who was the Enlightenment? Was it Unity or
Introduction Angelman syndrome (AS) is a disorder that impacts one’s nervous system (2). AS affects a single gene causing the mutation or deletion of the imprinted gene UBE3A (1). This disorder is characterized by the delays in the rate one’s development, speech impairments, intellectual disabilities, and limb tremulousness (1). Moreover, it also can bring movement and balance issues, sleep disturbances, and a uniquely positive demeanor that is defined by constant smiling, laughing, and excited reactions. Some affected persons also exhibit a range of less frequent symptoms such as drooling, widely spaced teeth, heat sensitivity, fascination with water and some sound-producing materials (for example, plastic). Developmental delay can occur with time and become noticeable in children from 6 to 12 months old. Other symptoms such as speech impairment become apparent later. Some young affected individuals may also be hyperactive. With time, the severity of some symptoms subsides, and older people may have better sleep patterns and be less active. However, speech impairment and intellectual disabilities rarely improve with age and stay on a similar level throughout one’s life. Mechanisms of the Disease In persons affected by this disorder, the UBE3A gene loses its usual functioning. A child usually inherits a copy of this gene from both parents, which allows them to function together in the growing body. However, if a copy from one’s mother is missing from the child’s body, then this individual develops AS. This gene is situated on the segment of the chromosome 15 of the mother. If this section is deleted or mutated, the individual does not inherit the necessary genes and develops AS. There can be some differences in the final results according to the person’s phenotype. Nevertheless, the majority of the most severe symptoms are to be expected in these people. A mutated UBE3A gene can lead to the development of the Angelman syndrome in children depending on the parents’ inheritance of this gene (1). The process of the mother giving the mutated gene to her children results in them having this genetic disorder, while the father’s mutation does not result in children developing AS but inheriting the same mutation to transfer to the future generations. The amount of the deleted or mutated chromosome region 15, shown in the figure below (2), can determine the severity of the disorder’s outcomes. Thus, larger deletions may lead to more severe problems with language and increase the possibility of developing autistic traits. The majority of deletions that result in the development of AS are small initiating at the region BP1 or BP2 and finishing at BP3. Less frequently occurring deletions may be more extensive. However, all of them have to modify or eliminate the gene UBE3A in order to cause the disorder to occur. Conclusion Currently, a cure for AS is not available to affected individuals (1). Furthermore, there are no specific treatments of genes for parents, although the disorder’s mechanisms
One of the most observable literary techniques in Flannery O’Connor’s short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find” is symbolism. In the plot, the author applies symbolism to add meaning to the narrative. Several symbols are evident throughout the story, and each stands out to represent specific themes or meanings in the storyline. For instance, the grandmother symbolizes negative traits of people; the tower is a symbol of danger, while the Misfit represents evil. Nevertheless, an in-depth analysis of symbolism shows that the weather is the most dominant symbol in the story, and every scene is described in a given type of weather. Arguably, O’Connor uses weather symbols in different scenarios to foreshadow the consequent occurrences in every scene. In multiple times, the prevailing weather condition is something that appears throughout the story. After his identification, the Misfit discusses the sky, “there is no cloud in the sky. I do not see the sun, but I also don’t see clouds” (O’Connor 147). Also, when Misfit describes his first time in the penitentiary, he looks up and says that it is cloudless (O’Connor 150). Surprisingly, in both cases, the weather is not cloudy and not sunny but empty. An in-depth analysis would reveal that an empty sky symbolizes a bad omen or a bad sign. After the car accident, the family is trapped in the middle of nowhere, and the members are desperate (O’Connor 149). They do not have hope of finding help and returning home, just like the empty sky. Similarly, the empty sky can also symbolize the character and meaning of Misfit. For example, he claims to have forgotten the crimes he had committed and keeps everything he signs. He is a desperate man with no moods, feelings, and hope for life. He does not have a family and murders people without feeling guilty. He is also a thief who does not care what other people feel when he steals from them. After the Misfit discusses Jesus and Salvation, the ready would think that he has finally become a civilized man. But within a few minutes, he shoots the grandmother three times, which shows that he is a man without respect for human life. Arguably, the Misfit is an empty man with no life, and that is why he only sees empty skies above his head. The weather can also symbolize the state of mind, as seen in various scenes in the storyline. For example, when Wesley and June realize that they have anything to do, they play a game by choosing a cloud and make the other two guess the shape each item suggests. Wesley’s cloud has the shape of a cow, which June makes a correct guess (O’Connor 36). John does not accept June’s correct guess and states it looks like a car, and they start fighting in front of their grandmother. Consequently, the cloud symbolizes the aura or state of mind that the two have, especially John Wesley’s unfairness in his mind. At the start of the journey, the sky is not empty but full of clouds. In this case, the family is full of hope that they will complete the journey successfully. However, they appear to have blocked thoughts, blind minds, and misinterpreted meaning. For example, the two children have wrong or blinded perceptions of the meaning of
Origin of HIV/AIDS The illness came into the limelight in the early 1980’s; since then it has caused havoc and stress while scientists have been struggling to find out where it came from. There are several theories that have been advanced to try explaining the origin of the vice with no certainty still realized. Several arguments have been provided since the 80’s. Despite the facts surrounding the origin of the vice, a wide variety of stakeholders have been blamed for the start and fierce spread. The question, which still remains unanswered, is where the origin lies ( Review of Hiv and Aids-Related Initiatives and Activities in Lesotho 44). First case to be recorded of AIDs presumptions were in the United States in the early 1980’s. It was detected among a number of gay men who began developing common ailments at the time with common symptoms. The ailments recorded seemed stubborn and highly resistant to the treatments administered and this aroused suspicion among the scientists. The problem came when the ailments could be registered in a common form among the men though, at the time, the name AIDS had not been devised for the scourge (National Aids Strategic Plan 2002/2003-2004/2005: A Three-Year Rolling Plan for the National Response to the Hiv/Aids Epidemic in Lesotho 68). Human Immune Deficiency Syndrome was later on discovered though a number still could not comprehend and understand the link that could exist between AIDS and HIV just as majority have still refused to realize the real nature and impact of AIDs even after research has proved so. The origin of HIV has as well been explained using several developed theories. The earliest known form of the virus was detected from a blood sample of a man in the Democratic republic of Congo, but the means with which this man got the virus is mystery up-to-date. The virus in the sample was identified as HIV-1 and it’s recorded to have branched from a sole virus in early 1950’s. The advanced by scientists for the virus before being renamed as HIV was HTLV-III and this was done by a bench of international scientists ( A Travel Survival Kit 30). Facts about HIV/AIDs HIV is a lethal virus which if left untreated, damages the cells of the body hence weakening the immunity of th
Over the years, human beings have contemplated on the possibility of existence of life in Mars. It is important to question the conventional assumption of the requirement for a planet to have to life (Grinspoon 304). In the history of mankind, people have told fictional stories about the Martians who had invaded the Earth at one time in history. Others have acted on movies to depict the presence of Martians, the people from Mars. This has increased peoples’ anxiety of knowing whether there is any form of life on Mars. Scientists have now moved from fantasizing about life on Mars and are now investing through telescoping and planned landings on this planet on the presence of life signals on the existing rocks, soils and its atmosphere. This essay endeavors to ague by scientific examples that there is no scientific evidence that indicate existence of life on Mars. Comparison between Mars and Earth Mars has several similarities to our planet Earth. It is also near the Earth in proximity. Astronomers have found that the length of a typical day in Mars is similar to that of the Earth. Scientists have also proven that Mars has seasons just like there are seasons on Earth. The only difference is that seasons in Mars are a bit longer compared to those on Earth. The two planets tilt almost at a similar angle, hence these similarities. However, earlier speculations of the existence of water in form of seas and canals were dismissed as illusions of the eyes (Percival 23). Absence of water therefore indicates that there cannot be any form of life in Mars. All living organisms requ
The Keto Diet has become huge over the last several years and more people have an interest in trying it. The results are staggering, so no wonder it might be tempting switching up one’s usual meal plan for one rich in fat. This diet showed its efficacy not only in weight loss, but it also helped with the reduction of seizures. However, it may not be as simple and safe as it may seem. I would stick to my well-balanced diet, which has more than 40% of carbohydrates. I believe it is essential to get a decent amount of carbs every day for keeping up energy levels high and fuel the brain. Diet also depends on one’s lifestyle and the type of activity, therefore people have to be very careful going Keto, as it may lead to fatigue and troubles with sleep. However, it is possible to note that “a ketogenic diet modified the risk factors for heart disease in obese patients” (Dashti et al. 202). It is always vital to check the sustainability of a diet before choosing it. According to Dashti et al., it is safe to follow Keto longer periods without worrying about possible side effects. Nevertheless, depriving myself of necessary carbs and protein, will not lead to positive outcomes. Minor shifts from this diet may cause certain stress to my body. I do think that consuming balanced meals that have all the necessary nutrients in them and being physically active as often as possible is a lot better than going to the extreme. If one still considers trying this or any other diet for that matter, he or she should always consult with a doctor first. Work Cited Dashti, Hussein M, et al. “ Long-term Effects of a Ketogenic Diet in Obese Patients ” Experimental & Clinical Cardiology, vol. 9, no. 3, 2004, pp. 200-205. Web.
Ancient art plays a significant role in helping the individuals of the current generation explain the civilizations of the ancient past. Archaeologists preserved some early Greek art to show the civilization that these people underwent. Homilies on the Virgin is an old Christian Greek drawing representing the life of society in the 14 th century. Fresco painted the Bull-leaping fresco from Knossos art to depict the civilizations of the people. Both portray the people’s religion; however, Homilies on the Virgin shows Christianity, while Bull-leaping fresco from Knossos portrays god worshipping. The Homilies on the Virgin has more detailed features than the Bull-leaping fresco from Knossos. The latter has only three people and a bull, while the former has over ten people and even angels. A church building is found on the Homilies on the Virgin, while they do not represent the other drawing on a church. Homilies on the Virgin has more fine details compared to the other art. The finer details hint that the Bull-leaping fresco from Knossos is an older diagram than the other drawing. The civilization that both the two arts portray is a religion among the Greeks. Homilies on the Virgin portray the rising of Jesus on the Pentecost (Byzantine Illuminated Manuscript). The scene displays the ascension of Jesus in colorfully decorated colors. The drawing represents the day of Pentecost with people looking above at the risen Christ. This art shows that the ancient people had already begun the act of embracing the Biblical religion. The Bull-leaping fresco from Knossos shows three people, with one person leaping over the bull (Bull-Leaping Fresco from Knossos). One individual is in front holding the bull’s horns while the other is at the back. In the Minoan civilization, they considered the bull a sacred animal. Bull festivals were common among the culture and depicted the domestication of these animals. We can conclude that the religion of the people inspired both arts. The two arts are different because they represent different religions of the people during the periods of drawing. The Homilies on the Virgin features give a clue towards Christianity. The angels and Jesus are clear in the photo, with people observing the risen Jesus. It shows that the people had faith in God even at this historic time. The Bull-leaping fresco from Knossos has no link towards Christianity. However, it portrayed people as having other gods because, historically, the Minoan people regarded bulls as sacred animals. Both arts had an impactful way of representing the civilization that was undergoing in society. The Homilies on the Virgin used Jesus and angels to depict Christianity, while the Bull-leaping fresco from Knossos used bulls to show bull rearing and religion. Appreciating other people’s religions is a key part of being a Christian. Christians can view different art as a
Supreme Court decisions Judicial role both activism and restrains, and public opinion can be both dependent and independent in relation to supreme courts decisions. Judges have a role to decide on the case as regards the rule of law. However, their role is sometimes perceived as partisan by the public. The public will see the passing of some judgment as being biased to favor a certain side especially when it is a case regarding the executives. Judicial activism and restrain are sometimes dependent on public opinion and may not be so much obliged to follow the law. That is why a complex case will be settled by more than one judge. In any case, there is an opinion from the public on how it should be judged. On the other hand, there is the actual interpretation of the law that should be followed in deciding the law. This is most instances ties the judge in making a decision. An example is a case involving the United States presidential election in which there was a dispute over the Florida votes between Al Gore and George Bush. This was considered as a litmus test in the judiciary since there were two strong public opinions on who had won the race with supporters of both presidential candidates holding different opinions. The panel of judges in the high court overturned the earlier ruling of the Florida court which had reordered the recount of the votes. This shows how the judicial role and public opinion can be dependent and at the same time independent. If the two courts were applying the same law, why did they give a different ruling on the case? Sometimes judges are influenced by public opinions to make a ruling and a time
Introduction The company selected for the current assignment is Walmart Inc. that is based in the United States but operates in the global market. Walmart Inc. is included in the list of Fortune Global 500 companies. Walmart Inc. Overview Walmart Inc. is a retail company that has a chain of discount department stores, grocery stores, and hypermarkets in 28 countries. The headquarters of the company is in Bentonville, Arkansas. Walmart has 11,718 stores in different cities of the US, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Chile, etc. The main products of Walmart are grocery items, household products, movies, music, grocery, footwear, clothing, and home appliances, etc. The services offered by the company include Pickup Today, Walmart Pay, and MoneyCard, etc. Walmart’s four main divisions are Walmart International, Walmart US, Sam’s Club, and Global E-commerce (Walmart Inc., 2018). There are 2.3 million employees currently working worldwide, out of which 1.4 million are working in the US. Walmart Inc. is one of the largest retail companies in the world that have operations in different regions. The company has various strengths, including high brand recognition, strong financial support, and specialization in providing high-quality services. The efficiency of its operational team and proficient finance managers have enabled the company to become a leader in the global retail industry. Stock Symbol and Selling Price The stock symbol of Walmart Inc. is WMT that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The current share price of Walmart Inc. is $85.93. The share price is not fixed and varies according to the economic and stock market conditions of the US and other markets where the company operates. The beta value of 0.4 indicates that the company’s stock is less volatile than the market index (“Walmart Inc,” 2018). Therefore, it can be said that there is a low impact of market conditions on the stock prices of Walmart Inc. SEC Filings Available The recent SEC filings of Walmart are available for the last 10 years on its website. The financial statements of the company include “Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” along with Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Analysts or investors can assess the performance of the company’s shares by reviewing its financial performance in the last three years (“Walmart Inc,” 2018). The review of the financial performance and its comparison with competitors is the most effective way to assess the ability of a company’s stock to generate a positive return on investment. Every public company is required to publish its financial statements at least once a year. Moreover, companies also public quarterly reports, addendum, and proxy statements periodically. The annual report is the