ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The Odyssey is the story of an old man (Odysseus) returning home and a young man (Telemachus) venturing out in search of himself. Telemachus, throughout the story, considered the heroic Odysseus as his model. Throughout the story, there is a constant struggle of the growing Telemachus to imitate the actions of his father and then eventually become like him that he comes to an end of his journey. In the beginning of the poem, Homer does not give any indication to the readers that Telemachus will eventually go on a journey like his father. Telemachus’s headway towards this goal actually shows how difficult were the goals and ventures of Odysseus. The text of The Odyssey presents a single framed narration of the hero, Odysseys, and the journey of a child, Telemachus, into manhood. This essay will demonstrate the comparisons and contrasts the tale draws between the two central characters of father and son. There are distinct similarities between the character of Odysseus and Telemachus. The resemblance are so close that in one account Penelope had to reverse the procedure in identifying the true identity of her visitor as Odysseus. In Odysseus 4, Helen’s description of Telemachus actually shows the close physical resemblance between the two characters. However, as a character in the book, Telemachus is often found to move under the shadow of his father’s heroic feats. Odysseus is hailed a hero for his heroic adventures and conquests in the battle of Troy. Telemachus too tries to emulate his father, and like him, goes out on a voyage, but fails to attain full respect like his father. Therefore, a continuous struggle is observed in the text wherein there is continuous comparison between the two characters. The writer, the readers, does it and even by Telemachus himself who felt that, he could never match up to his father’s valor. In Odyssey 2 , the episode in which Telemachus leaves a sword in unlocked room that helped the suitors to possess arms to combat the former. Odysseus, though had made mistakes, could not be expected of making such a careless mistake. Eurymachus states that Telemachus could never muster the courage and conviction to face the threats of the suitors. In another instance, Leocritus points out that Telemachus may not venture out in a journey even after continues encouragement from his elders. Homer’s epic poem portrays the character of Telemachus as a son who takes change of situation due to an absent father. Only till the father returns to take back the reigns. Therefore, to a great extent the character of Telemachus and his adventures hs been belittled in the text. However, Telemachus does show a sense of pride in his family and blood when he says that he will not shame his family. Odysseus is critical of Telemachus when they reunite after the former’s return to Ithaca. Telemachus expresses his doubt on their reunion if the man who had transgressed from a beggar to the state of a hero could really be his father, to which Odysseus answers with impatience that had he not been the real father he would not have returned to It
The future that Leon Kass forecasts for the world in his book Life, Liberty, and the Defense of Dignity, is harrowing. In this review, I explore his background, based on theological values and conservative political affiliations. Despite the stigma that these labels carry today, I outline the evident rationale in his arguments, including the methods with which he validates his ideas. I conclude by reacting to his text, on which I am both moved by logic and put off by his biases. Kass’s work is concise, and well written, and appeals to our basic sense of humanity and what it is to truly be human, not just physically, but mentally, socially, and emotionally as well. As the chairman of the current administration’s Council on Bioethics, he is certainly in a controversial position. Kass can be considered as possibly biased by a religious value system. Considering his party affiliation his opinions may be inherently conservative, pro-life, anti-artificial insemination etcetera. It is no surprise then, that his approach to this discussion is one of pessimism towards the future. Still, his insight is intriguing and wary of the effects of a society that acts without thinking of long-term consequences; he makes methodical arguments that are undeniably compelling by logic alone, regardless of political leaning. Kass explores the dangerous implications for progress in the field of biotechnology, expressing a fear of the lack of ethics that truly has become pervasive in western medicine and the public at wide. He develops the argument that, though biotechnology seems to provide many answers to many problems, it lacks a sense of humanity. At perhaps one of his most moving and poignant moments Kass asks for a new approach to medicine in which, “our awareness of need, limitation, and mortality to craft a way of being that has engagement, depth, beauty, virtue, and meaning”. Kass develops his argument by going through the various so-called triumphs of biotechnology and exposing what he considers the “dehumanization”. For example, Kass attacks en Vitro fertilization. One of his most gut-wrenching arguments is that we continue to disregard the necessity of intercourse in generating life. He sees the degenerative role of sex in our society as a sign that we are becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural, humanistic aspect of life. This can also be seen in our effort to prolong life at any cost, whether by curing the incurable disease or, more disturbingly, by cloning. The concept of cloning surely goes against all medical ethics that preserve the sanctity of life and mortality. Kass predicts that the longer we continue down this progressive road in biotechnology, the less human we will truly become if we consider a human to be the natural product of biology and genetics and no test tubes, and miracle science. I find Leon Kass’s arguments undeniable and to that end, quite frightening for the future of medicine. Though I believe we should exhaust all possibilities to cure diseases and defects, abusing our ability to regenerate cells and provide quick fixes by cloning seems like an act of hubris. Surely playing god in this way will have catastrop
Introduction Moral ethics is doing what one ought to do to minimize pain and increase benefits to humankind and other living species capable of feeling pain and pleasure. John Doe ignores the moral theories of “utilitarianism” and “deontology.” The former advocates for maximum benefits to the majority beneficiaries, while the latter requires honesty and sticking to original moral obligations. He infringes on the well-being of the authors by using The Cloak App, which allows him to download copy-righted content undetected, thereby flopping his moral obligations. Moral Philosophy One can tell who a person is by what they do while alone with no one watching. Since “The Cloak App” hides John’s identification and probably the professor does not check for plagiarism, he justifies his actions by his ‘desiring’ an economic status. Morality is to love one’s family and friends, keep one’s promises, and care for the entire universe’s well-being. Doe cares to benefit only himself (egoism) while ignoring all those involved in producing the copy-righted articles. John’s action is therefore unethical and deserves resentment despite some moral theories supporting his actions. Some Moral Transgressions are Severe and Deserve Resentment Whereas the different moral theories fight for the same purpose: dignifying humanity and life, they differ significantly in their reasoning and application. Moral wrongs are not equal depending on the prevailing circumstances at the time of action. For instance, being the eighth week of study, John has continuously violated his moral obligations towards upholding moralit
Findings and discussion The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of using alarm clocks on classroom attendance by schoolchildren. Themes emerging from the literature review indicate that tardiness is an endemic problem that has evolved throughout the history of education and that is duly reflected on post learning activities by those affected. Nonetheless, it was also determined that some of the tardy students had extenuating concerns that militated against their desire to be punctual. Consequently, the researcher then constructed an experiment to discern whether the use of alarm clocks could alleviate the problem and improve on punctuality. The methodology applied in the research study was action classroom research as outlined in the previous chapter. The research designed was to answer the following questions:  1. Will the alarm clocks initiative have any effect on classroom attendance?  2. Will seeking the parents’ assistance in the purchase of the alarm clocks happen as expected? The methodology incorporated a blend of both quantitative and qualitative research methods whereby the collected data from the research was analytically reviewed by means of a thematic analysis. The quantitative data was gathered from the duty rooster and time sheet designed by the researcher to record the arrival times for all the respondents from the participating 3 rd Grade classrooms. The survey data was subsequently then entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for analysis of the statistical propensities during the two months survey period (See Table 1). The arrival timelines were also gauged against the average school attendance that was recorded by the school administration for the entire school comprising 28,400 students. The total population of the participating 3 rd grade students during the two months research period was 52. Although punctuality was gauged for the morning arrivals, the students were also monitored on class performance during the test period. Tardiness seemed directly related to their grades in class. During the morning session, 15 students arrived late at least once during the trial periods thus representing a 29% rate on tardiness in the early morning school attendance (Figure 1). The 3 rd Graders however improved in tardiness rising above the entire school average of 60%. Figure 1 Among the three classes, class X had the lowest attendance record with eight students from a class of 19 arriving late. This resulted in 42% tardiness (Figure 2). Figure 2 The other classes were better with class Y registering only 27% latecomers and class Z only 17% (Figure 3 & 4). Figure 3 Figure 4 A grading scale was constructed that weighed the severity of the nonattendance or punctuality for the observed participating students. The grading scale was awarded on a typical 10-point grading scheme. In this rating, a grading of 100% to 90% is
Traditionally, the issue of ethics in journalism used to be discussed from an essentially idealistic point of view – that is, journalists were expected to proceed with their professional activities in a socially beneficial manner. In his book American Carnival: Journalism Under Siege in an Age of New Media, Henry states: “Throughout these years (1900-1930), increasing numbers of American newspapers… adopted their codes of ethics founded chieﬂy on the idea of seeking truth independent of business, advertising, and political favor to inform the people and improve democracy” (2007, 79). Nevertheless, as of today, the ‘promotion of democracy’ can no longer be considered as representing journalists’ (and especially photojournalists’) foremost professional agenda. The reason for this is simple – ever since the commercial well-being of published Media became solely dependent on an advertisement, the outdated codes of ethics had automatically ceased applying to these Medias’ functioning. In the same book, the author confirms a full validity of this suggestion: “But today both the public interest and these ethical codes appear to play an ever-diminishing role in the face of urgent economic imperatives” (2007, 8). Therefore, it is only very naïve people who may continue believing in a code of journalistic ethics as ‘thing in itself’ – nowadays, photojournalism had attained subtleties of a particularly lucrative profit-driven pursuit. After all, the photo of a half-naked celebrity, dealing with a hangover early in the morning, can be easily sold to tabloid magazines for as much as $30.000. Given the fact that citizens in Western countries continue to grow ever more intellectually marginalized, it makes perfectly good sense for paparazzi to proceed with stalking celebrities – they do it not on the account on their ‘wickedness’, but because there is demand in the society for what they do. As of today, most photojournalists were able to rid themselves of an illusion that their professional activities should somehow be observant of the notion of ‘good taste’, simply because the presence of a ‘good taste’ in photos reduces these photos’ commercial appeal to the publisher. As practice shows, it is namely the publishing of graphically realistic and shocking photos, which attract viewing audiences more than anything else does, often despite these audiences’ conscious will. Therefore, while trying to observe certain ethical considerations on the line of executing their professional duties, photojournalists should simply try not to be taking advantage of people’s animalistic instincts too much. In his article When Should Graphic Photos be Published?, Rogers quotes fo
Introduction In this essay, I shall attempt to demonstrate how Plunkett’s concept of “Communication” relates to some of the online articles we have studied. According to Plunkett, Communication is extremely important in both interpersonal relations and for proper functioning of an organization. Communication helps us understand each other’s attitudes, values, emotions, ambitions, wants and needs. Yet at the same time, improper communication can be counter-productive and lead to a number of problems. In personal context, improper communication can lead to misunderstanding which can sour the relations and even lead to a total break of communication leading to a severing of relationships in extreme cases. In organizational context, improper communication can lead to problems related to productivity. If the employees do not properly understand what the management needs, it can cause them to expend their time and energy in getting things done, which are subsequently rejected by the management. Similarly, if the management does not understand the employees’ concerns, they are likely to form policies or issue orders which are extremely unpopular, leading to dissatisfaction and eventually low productivity. In view of these problems related to improper communication, it becomes extremely important for all of us to understand the basics of proper communication. Communication According to Plunkett, communication is transfer of information. This information can be transferred in many ways. Communication, in some form, takes place among all animals, from the smallest of ants to the largest of mammals. However, humans are unique in our ability to express ourselves in so many different ways. From the basic non-verbal communications and face-to-face communications of the earliest human, we have come a long way today to emails and instant messaging. Unfortunately, every time humans invented a new way to communicate, they increased the chances of miscommunication. Ironic as it may seem, when we try to communicate only with gestures and body language, we are much less likely to be misunderstood. The receiver in this case is likely to give you full attention while trying to interpret your meaning. The receiver will also probably repeat what he or she thinks you mean and continue to do so until you indicate that you have been interpreted correctly. In the online article, “Barriers and Gateways to Communication”, this is exactly what Carl Rogers is trying to say when he says that a listener must restate what he has just heard to the proper satisfaction of the speaker. The process helps the listener understand the speaker’s point of view, even if he does not agree with it. It seems we tend to become better listeners when we are not being spoken to. As Plunkett notes, we tend to rely more on gestures and body language when interpreting what another person really means. Perhaps this explains why we become better listeners when we are not really listening with our ears. Perhaps, we humans are better attuned to “listening” with our eyes than with our ears. Semantics problem Another problem when
The uncertain economic activity can be solved with the implementation of more flexible budgeting systems. The research focuses on the discussion of the effects of the budget-less economic uncertainty. The research places importance on flexible budgets during each economic activity. The research discusses the disadvantages of prioritizing flexible budgets. The resolution to the economic uncertainty is to combine innovative economic activities and more flexible budgeting systems. The company’s flexible budget focuses on offering the best quality products and services to the company’s clients. In the Astoria Plc case study, Natalie Frow, David Marginson, and Stuart Ogden (2010) emphasise the flexible budget puts great weight on the organisation’s drive to synergise conflicting goals and objectives. For example, Hilton (2007) indicates the sales department sells 10,000 units of its products. The clients pay for the 10,000 units. However, the production department only produces 4,000 units. Consequently, the clients will have an unfavorable image of the company. The clients will turn to the competitors for their needs, wants, and caprices because the company fails to keep up to its promise to deliver the goods on time. Hilton (2007) emphasises that the sales department failed to fill the 10,000 units paid by the clients because the marketing department did not institute a production-based flexible budget; this entails inputting production inputs in the preparation of the flexible marketing department’s budget. The production department was not able to supply the required 10,000 units. The marketing department personnel’s goals and objectives were in conflict with the goals and objectives of the production department personnel. In the Astoria Plc case study, flexible budgets bring caution and risk-averseness. On the other hand, innovation brings forth the unending creativity and adventure of surmounting the challenges of maximising flexible budgets in surpassing any economic uncertainty. The Astoria Plc case study indicates the importance of using the control process to reconcile the discrepancy between innovative processes and budgetary constraints in accomplishing the organisations’ drive to smoothly resolve each economic uncertainty. The Astoria Plc case study emphasises management’s implementation of the flexible budget to advantageously hurdle all economic uncertainties profitably. For example, the Astoria Plc managers allocate the scarce resources by instituting brainstorming sessions in the allocation or flexible budget preparation activity. In short, budgets must not prevent innovation. Budgets aid innovation by controlling unwarranted expenditures during times of economic uncertainty (Marginson, Ogden, and Frow, 2010). Lingensjo (2003) emphasises that a company that does not use flexible budgets finds it difficult to estimate the projected cash inflows. A flexible budget is composed of different budgets pegged at different production or sales outputs. For exam
xChildhood immunization is an evidence-based practice implemented to control specific diseases and reduce outbreaks that can have far-reaching impacts on young individuals. In the United States, there are various programs and policies put in place to ensure that children below the age of 18 receive timely vaccines and social support. Unfortunately, certain issues and gaps affect the availability of such medical services to different individuals in this country. The purpose of this research paper is to discuss the disparities in immunization as a major social challenge impacting families and children in the United States. Problem Identification and Statistics The provision of vaccination is a powerful initiative that many countries consider to improve the health outcomes of children and ensure that they record positive health outcomes. This practice reduces the possibility of disease outbreaks in both the developed and developing nations. Unfortunately, current statistics reveal that not all children in this country have access to timely and appropriate immunizations. This means that individuals who do not have access to such services are usually at risk of developing various medical complications or illnesses (Hermann, Featherstone, Russell, & MacDonald, 2019). These are various attributes that trigger this problem, such as ineffective welfare programs and disparities in healthcare. Many parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure that their children receive immunizations for various diseases before attaining the age of 35 months. A study by Hill, Elam-Evans, Yankey, Singleton, & King (2017) revealed that the national average for childhood immunization was around 90 percent for poliovirus in children. Similarly, Olive, Hotez, Damania, and Nolan (2018) observed that 91.9 percent of all-American children received timely vaccines for various conditions, including mumps, measles, varicella, and rubella. Additionally, the coverage for African American and Latino children below 40 months were lower than the national average at 87 and 88 percent respectively (Hill et al., 2017). Individuals under Child Welfare programs were also impacted negatively by this social healt
International investing refers to the choice of investments in projects, businesses and other forms of investments available outside an investor’s home country, undertaken with a view to capitalize on many of the advantages resulting from such investments. Advantages The major advantage of international investing is that many countries offer wide range of tax incentives to foreign investors. Asset protection is another distinct advantage resulting from international investing where, many of the investment jurisdictions offer the benefits of structuring the suitable form of organization and transfer the individual wealth to these organizations without much hassles. These jurisdictions also ensure confidentiality of investments and secrecy of the investor so that the wealth and income thereon are not taxed in the home country of the individual. In some of the countries there are regulations which restrict the people from making investments in other countries. Such kind of restriction often hinders the chances of holding a diversified portfolio by the investors. Under such circumstances, offshore accounts appear to be more flexible providing the investors much more freedom in deploying their funds in varied overseas securities and stocks in international markets. With diversified investment instruments the investor would be able to switch the international investments to such type of investments which offer him/her more returns and to this extent the international investments can be considered flexible. It is to be noted that a broad international investment portfolio would protect the investments against the economic changes in the different countries since the negative changes in some countries will be offset by the positive changes in other countries. Moreover the growth rate of international