ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction In recent years, decreasing number of teachers become a real problem for educational establishments. The main problems affected teacher attrition involve low salary and lack of administration support, poor working conditions, and inadequate teacher preparation. The literature review will focus on these problems paying attention to current policies and teachers’ attitudes towards reforms. All researchers admit that there is increasing and strong interest among institutions in the position of teachers thus all of them lack a strategic approach to teacher retention strategies and careful planning of future initiatives. Compensation and Teacher Attrition The vast layer of literature focuses on compensation problems and low salaries proposed for educators. It is found that the remuneration policy of teachers does not meet state, province, and district policies. In his articles, G. Gaines states that the main problem in teacher attrition research is lack of data and statistical information concerning the real state of the matters on both national and regional levels. In two research articles, Focus on Teacher Salaries and Focus on Teacher Pay and incentives, G Gaines underlines that the main problem is that salary averages do not account for regional and national variations. Using only national and regional data, it is not easy to produce an acceptable system of the wage structure, especially if inflation increases and social values change. According to Gaines (2000), regional remuneration policy prevents many teachers around the country to be paid accordingly to their degree and experience. The research finds that: “Pay often is linked to the highest degree earned”. Recent policies do not establish a systematic means of relating rates of pay to jobs. In theory, remuneration policy is intended to arrive at a rate for a job (usually through negotiation) irrespective of the attributes of individual workers who are employed on the job. Although the scope of job evaluation is unlimited in principle, its applica­tion has been somewhat restricted to groups of relatively homogeneous jobs. The main problem with the current policy is that “two states could have the same salary schedule but different salary averages because one state has a higher percentage of teachers who have more than 20 years’ experience”. Salary ranges should be allocated to each class and sub-class of teachers. This is derived from the previous basic methods and is based upon a points system where points are awarded to significant elements of a job. Another layer of literature addresses the problems of technical problems and lack of government support. In The Report of the Teaching Commission, M. Cochran-Smith (2004) states that national and regional information systems do not take into account different retirement patterns in each state. For instance, teachers who retire usually
Introduction Concrete is a mixture of ballast, sand, cement and water mixed in an appropriate proportion. It is needed to build foundations, beams and other structures during the construction. For many years now people have been using concrete in the construction of storey buildings, bridges, roads and other structures. Many engineers have not tried to find means of making these structures stronger. This report seeks to explain the various methods of strengthening concrete and concrete structures. The strength of the structures constructed depends on the nature of the concrete. The stronger the concrete, the stronger the structures built. Thus, various reinforcement methods can be adopted to make the concrete stronger. Use of steel and other materials Steel structures can be constructed to support concrete works to ensure they last long. When constructing beams, one uses steal metals of appropriate length and diameter to strengthen the structures. Other materials with similar expansion and contraction behaviours can be used in the construction of the structures together with concrete. The diagrams below show how concrete pillars can be reinforced with steel depending on the shape and design of the pillar. The steel metal can be made into different patterns as shown in the pillars above. It is then able to strengthen the pillars made of concrete as the major component (Kim, 2007, p. 45). Proper proportions One way of obtaining strong concrete structures is by mixing the right proportions of the cement, ballast, sand and water. There are various aspects that affect the ratio in which they should be mixed such as the structure that the concrete is to be used to make. For instance, concrete for making beams usually contains components with different ratios from that for making floors and foundations. The appropriate ratios for each structure can be found in construction and material science books since they vary depending on the structure to be built. Such an example is the chart below (Schwartz, 1993, p. 76). Scarcity of one material could also see one reduce its proportion in the concrete which is what happens most of the time. However, this habit should not be encouraged as it produces weak concrete and the structures obtained from such concrete have a short lifespan. Hence, for strong structures the right proportions are needed (Nawy, 2001, p. 102). Impact of components used Water Another factor is the type of water used in making the concrete since it directly determines its strength. Water is a natural substance made up of hydrogen and oxygen as its major components and the presence of the hydrogen bond in water makes it a good solvent. As a result of this, water may dissolve substances like minerals and depending on where the water is obtained from, the concentration of the minerals will vary. For instance, rain water contains a different concentration of calcium compared to lake water.
Introduction Age is one of the factors used by societies to dictate various roles, practices, moral values, and social interactions. People of a particular age bracket are expected to focus on specific roles. For example, individuals “between 13 and 19 years are known as teenagers” (Schniter and Shields 2014:21). The society expects its teenagers to focus on their studies. They should also have good morals. Individuals at the age of 60 and above are referred to as the elderly. Aging is, therefore, “a mandatory biological process that is experienced by all creatures” (Raina and Balodi 2014:734). This discussion clearly shows how societies use “age” and “aging.” Chronological Age The chronological age makes a huge difference in the life of every individual. The term chronological age refers “to the age of a human being from the day of his or her birth” (Schniter and Shields 2014:21). This kind of age “is measured in years, months, and days” (Schniter and Shields, 2014:23). Chronological age dictates the experiences, changes, and health problems experienced by different individuals. Age is a risk factor associated with various health complications and diseases. Many people also focus on their chronological ages in order to achieve their potentials in life. This fact explains why chronological age can make a huge difference in a person’s life. Many elderly people are expected to focus on specific duties and activities. Such “individuals might also disengage themselves from various social responsibilities” (Schniter and Shields 2014:23). Effects of Age on My Employment The society has unique definitions of age. This definition has affected my life directly. Recently I was looking for a new job in order to have a small income. The majority of the potential employers believed strongly that I lacked the required skills to complete specific tasks. They strongly believed that I was young and incompetent. I have also been denied various services because of my age. This fact explains why many societies “fix age with certain values and meanings” (Raina and Balodi 2014:735). My grandfather has faced different forms of discrimination because of his old age. The elderly usually face discrimination in their respective communities. Young people in society treat the aged as incompetent and weak individuals. Social Theories on Aging Many societies embrace various social theories on aging. For example, the disengagement theory (DT) treats the elderly as individuals who cannot complete various tasks. They are also seen “as antisocial persons who are unable to interact with other members of the society” (Wurtele 2009:1027). Studies indicate that many people in different Western countries use different chemicals in order to appear younger. Some societies are undertaking positive measures to support the social positions of the elderly (Schniter and Shields, 2014). Conclusion I strongly believe that our society will accord more esteem and value to the elderly in the future. This is the case because many social theories continue to support the aged in society. For ins
Many events and different actions caused the “new imperialism” in the late 19th century. The world required changes as developing it required more and more and the old system did not have any opportunities to satisfy the new needs of the countries. Economic, social, technological, and intellectual factors played a great role. The need for new markets and raw materials, missionary work, new military conflicts, and new ideology were the main reasons for the new imperialism. The countries needed new markets for goods. Additionally, a great many revolutions that ended in Europe caused the need for search new sources of raw materials and men’s power. Colonial countries were too poor to purchase European goods. Additionally, new materials were found in Congo, South Africa, Niger, China and Ceylon, India, and Indonesia. Missionary work based on the spread of Christianity is considered as the cause for new imperialism because of the religious revivalism in the 19th century in Europe. The tension between such countries as Britain and France was also important as new imperialism gave a push for development which was important in the leading in a wart conflict. It is necessary to remember the social role in the process of imperialism. Social Darwinism as one of the teachings encouraged people for changes. Herbert Spencer and Rudyard Kipling were the most famous ideologists of that time who applied their ideas to people. Moreover, the grooving population also required changes (Moore, 2009). Therefore, it may be concluded that new imperialism was provoked by the changes and moods in the society created by the necessity for development. Political, social, and economical reasons are important as they are the basis for the changes and new imperialism was not an exception. Reference List Moore, M. (2009). Kaplan AP European History 2009 . New York: Kaplan Publishing.
Introduction Business environments are dynamic; they keep changing, new systems and methods of doing businesses are being implemented and shaped by external environment. Five major forces that affect business environment are political, technological, environmental, economic, cultural and social changes; a single business has no influence on the above external factors; the best it can do is devise strategies to take advantage offered by the situation as it mitigates against any threat brought about by the external environment. Sony Corporation is the fifth largest media conglomerate with its headquarters at Minato, Japan; the company produces a range of electronic commodities like phones, radio, and television. It concentrates in consumer and professional markets oriented commodities, to remain competitive in the fast developing electronic industry; the company has embarked on massive innovation and invention of products and processes (Hopper, 2007). One major external factor affecting Sony is the fast growth in technology. It is offering the company some competitive advantage and at the same time keeping, the company alert to tap any opportunity offered however, it has increased competition in the industry a notch higher (Sony Corporation Inc, 2011). This paper looks into the effects that technological changes have on Sony; it will focus on the effect it has on its innovativeness. Brief history of Sony The initial idea to have an international electronic company has its roots in 1945, when started a radio repair shop; Akio Morita later joined him. In the efforts to seek knowledge for their young electronic company, Masaru Ibuka visited the United of America where he convince Bell Labs ‘ to sell their invention of transistor to his company. This was the start of innovation in the company when the company decided they could use the transistor in the communication industry. In 1955, the company made Japanese first transistor radio, Sony TR-55, which was sold commercially. The company adopted the name Sony in 1958. Since the adoption the company’s name, it has continued to grow in size and sales: it form one of the World Top 20 Semiconductor Sales Leaders. To remain competitive, the company has embarked on massive innovation, invention and development of customer-oriented products. Currently the company’s chairperson, the president/chief executive officer (C.E.O) is Howard Stringer , Vice president is Ryoji Chubachi and the chief finance officer is Masaru Kato. The current n
A Course in Miracles The course of miracle aims to try and elaborate the distinction between God and ego. Other words that try to enlighten people on their life meaning and life occurrences are knowledge, perception, truth, and illusion. The knowledge of these terms helps us to understand what happens in our day-to-day life. According to the course of miracles, the ego denotes wrong-mindedness and the Holy Spirit represents right-mindedness. The Holy Spirit is one of the three trinities. That is God, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Christ as our helper sent the Holy Spirit. According to the frame of the course of miracles, the work of the Holy Spirit is to teach us forgiveness, which acts as a corrective measure of the ego. Thus we can talk of three thoughts of systems. These are One-mindedness that belongs to the knowledge, the wrong and right-mindedness represent the world of perception. According to the course of miracles, the world and the body are only illusions that are created by the ego and therefore symbolize separation. The 2 nd level relates to this world where we believe we are. From the second level, the body and world are taken as neutral and can serve one or two purposes. The wrong-mindedness ego takes them as devices to strengthen separation while according to right-mindedness they are the Holy Spirit that teaches as the divine forgiveness of God. Here illusion refers to misperception of ego. That is it, tries to view an attack as the solution to the prevailing circumstances instead of a call for love. This clearly shows how the course focuses on our intents, not their external manifestations which are only projections of our intents. That is a course of cause but not effect. The ego has the capacity to affect our physical world, as this physical world is inherently illusory due to our thoughts. The course of miracles emplacing on correcting these miscreative thoughts that are the real cause of our problems like in the case of Dan. According to the course of miracles, the one-mindedness of Christ comprises love, spirit truth, infinity, and reality. According to the oneness of God’s creation, the sum of all these thoughts is unbreakable. On the other hand, wrong-mindedness due to the ego comprises three major concepts. These are Sin-Which is a belief that we have separated our self from God which is not true in the real world of One-mindedness. The second one is guilty that takes us when we believe that we have sinned and hence separated our self from God. The guilt troubles us because it symbolizes our attack on God. This is manifested as fear, which is our third concept. Peaceful Warrior The peaceful warrior movie revolves around Dan Millman (Scott Mechlowicz), one of UC Berkley’s more promising gymnasts. Dan is one of those guys that most people don’t enjoy being around because he seems to have everything — good grades, athletic prowess, and an endless stream of hot sorority babes in his bed – all a result of very little effort. Oh, and he’s also a total prick. But he also has a powerful case of insomnia, exacerbated by visually stunning, though often disturbing nightmares. (Dan2006) Late one night, Dan is out drivi
Introduction Today many corporations are giving men and women a chance to work together and share in power and leadership positions. There are more women and people of color leading corporations today than there were a few decades ago. They are doing well in the positions that have been dominated by white males for a long time. However, it does not mean that the business environment has changed completely in accommodating women and people of color. Women are still few at the top positions in corporations. They yield less influence and power. The Women and people of color face unique challenges in acquiring power and influence in corporations. Women acquiring power and influence Similarities in ways of acquiring power and influence Management styles Women and men generally have different management styles. Women are said to perceive and use power differently than men do. For instance, in business negotiations women prefer to collaborate and come up with solutions to problems and make it a win-win situation for everyone. However, men prefer to use pressure and intimidation to get results. Sharon Patrick urges that collaboration is taken to be weakness an attribute that is undesirable in the male world which constitutes the business world. Therefore, she does business in ways that she can be a leading participant without necessarily relying on collaboration, which she knows, is risky in business (Muoio, 1998). Society’s expectations Likewise, Linda Chavez-Thompson knows that for a woman to acquire influence in the business environment one has to play by the rules of the real world. She knows that the society has lower expectations for women than men and this puts women at a disadvantage in corporations from the word go according to the expectations states theory. Thus, women must prove that they are worthy leaders and they will do this through their influence, which will enable them to acquire power. Consequently, she has not allowed her male colleagues to push her around and thus earning their respect. She has had to stick to her guns when the men in her workplace wanted to relegate her to roles t
Chances are, you’ve heard about a movie called Commando , starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and directed by Mark L. Lester, because it is, in my view, the greatest classical movie of all time. Released in 1985, the film to a large extent exemplifies the stereotypical 1980’s action movie, which packaged top-of-the-range violence, sharp and humorous one liners, and a simple and easy to follow plot concerning some sort of mercenary activity, kidnapping or military affair (Stevens para. 1). Commando’s cheesy plot, sharp one liner dialogue, and wild action, in my view, makes the film a timeless classic that is bound to continue making inroads in the entertainment industry as we progress deeper into the 21 st century. Apart from Schwarzenegger, who acts as John Matrix, the other members of the main cast include Alyssa Milano (Jenny Matrix), Dan Hedaya (Arius), Vernon Wells (Benett), Rae Dawn Chong (Cindy), Bill Duke (Cooke), David Patrick Kelly (Sully), and James Olson (Major General Franklin Kirby). The movie’s protagonists include John matrix, Jenny Matrix, Cindy and General Kirby, while the antagonists’ include Arius, Bennett, Cooke and Sully (Lester para. 5-12). Overall, it is these characters that will continue to reverberate across major movie screens and theaters across the world as they showcase their well-groomed talents in this mouth-watering action film directed by Lester and produced by another movie great – Joel Silver. Written by Steven E. de Souza, Commando’s story develops along a continuum that is well understood by avid television or movie watchers who take time to watch other classical action movies, that is, one man killing machine against a bunch of bad guys who will stop at nothing to perpetuate their own selfish interests. In Summary, the story is as follows: Retired Special Forces Operative Colonel John Matrix and his daughter Jenny live happily in a secluded mountainous region, but one day General Franklin Kirby come calling to warn Matrix of a group of mercenaries that have been killing retired military personnel who used to work with Matrix. What Kirby doesn’t know is that the mercenaries have been trailing them, and even faked the death of retired military man, Benett, so that they could lay their hands on Matrix, who is wanted by the head of the mercenary group, Arius, to overthrow a seating president (Lester para. 12). The mercenaries kill Kirby’s men and then hijack Matrix’ daughter, Jenny, to force him to play along, but what follows is a specter of violence and intelligent one-liners that provides an unforgettable experience to movie viewers. Matrix is tranquilized before being taken to Arius, who instructs him that he must travel to Val Verde and unseat the serving president if he wants to be reunited with his daughter. Matrix lazily agrees though he uses his popular and decisive one-liners to warn Bennett, his fellow military compatriot, that ‘he will be back’ (Stevens para. 2). It is imperative to note that these one-liners add a unique glow to the movie, while elevating the viewer’s suspense to heart-throbbi