ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Views on ecological sustainability remain controversial despite clear eco-optimist verses eco-pessimist stands. This is reflected on different perceptions on ecological metamorphosis from previous, current, and future time span. Generally, ecology has created heavy impact in the temporary society as the world turn into a global village. These impacts generate macro and micro climate changes characterized by disasters such as floods. Ecological sustainability is the solution to future balance between nature and survival of mankind. Since childhood, conservation has been part of our family belief on environmental sustainability and this has had an impact on career choice. Thus, this reflective treatise address issues surrounding ecological sustainability in the following arguments. As a matter of fact, standards of living in the contemporary society are much better than that in the previous century. Technology as part of ecological orientation has facilitated efficiency and better life. Despite numerous negative impacts human activities have introduced into the environment, technological advancement is still the most practical solution towards sustainability (Goklany 34). To begin with, introduction of communication gadgets, social networking sites, efficient means of message delivery, and transportation have contributed positively towards cost cutting and knowledge acquisition. As a result, the world has forged a working relationship with the environment through introduction and implementation of policies on environment. As technology progress, enhanced knowledge has necessitated the need for behavior change, adaptation of greener sources of energy, and production of green goods. For instance, introduction of the hybrid cars and other machines in the market aim at reducing the magnitude of carbon dioxide emission to sustainable levels. These green products are produced from the outcome of technological research policies designed to create a balance between production and consumption habits of mankind. Despite the side effects of some of the instruments used in health environment, introduction of antibiotics, x-rays, and respirators among others have made life bearable and saved resources and lives. Besides, the genetically modification of food production has had unequivocal positive impact in fighting hunger and maintaining sufficient food security for the world population. For instance, technological advancement such as agricultural biotechnology proliferation, genetic engineering, and research has evolved into practical solutions against hunger and starvation. In addition, population explosion is a serious environmental challenge on survival of humanity in the future (Graedel and Allenby 56). At present, the population grows arithmetically as the f
Introduction Children’s books have been considered to be one of the most enduring forms of literature that have stood the test of time. Although considered as a late comer to the literature game, children’s stories have served a purpose from the day the first child based story was told verbally to the youth. It was an imaginative way that those before us thought of in order to warn children about the dangers of life without actually scaring them. For example, the story of “Little Red Riding Hood”, if analyzed properly, can be seen as carrying the message of the dangers of talking to strangers or, if you want to get deeper into it, the story explains, in child understandable terms, the dangers of pedophilia. In Harry Potter’s case, it is all about handling adolescent related bullying and unexpected responsibilities that forces a child to grow up sooner than he is prepared to. It is a theme that most children today can easily identify with. Main body It is because of the uniform content and constantly relevant themes of the children’s stories that have allowed it to endure the test of time. From the biblical stories of Adam and Eve to the current craze in the Twilight book series, readers seem to be united by literature. However, there seems to be a growing shift within the children’s literature movement that proposes to change the way we view children’s books ever since J.K. Rowling first laid her pen to paper and developed an unbelievable tale of reality based in fantasy called Harry Potter. Through her Harry Potter book series, J.K. Rowling started a trend that bucked the historical aspect of children’s books by weav
Introduction The United Arab Emirates is without doubt the fastest growing region in the global economy and investment opportunities. It attracts people from all regions in the world, and this explains why there is an increase in demand for consumer goods and services. The investment climate available in this region is favourable for all types of businesses, and that is why people are flocking to this country to try their luck. The 2013 economic survey index showed that Dubai is the fastest growing country in the world with a 27% growth rate (Dubai Cars 2014). The automobile industry has also expanded, and the trend is set to improve in the coming years. In 2013, 310,304 vehicles were traded in this country. Therefore, as the world grows at 1.5%, while Dubai’s rate is 19%, and this means that this region is experiencing rapid growth in the automotive industry. Dubai’s Automotive Market Overview Dubai region has a unique trend in car manufacturing and purchasing. There is no specific culture in the automobile industry because of the differentiation of the population of this region. Therefore, there are various factors that affect the production and demand of automobiles in this region. First, the average income of most people in this region is AED18, 248.60 which is about 4927.12US dollars. Most people earn good salaries that can afford them better lives. Therefore, most people have cars, and some even two or three of them because they can afford (Dubai Cars 2014). The issue of high fuel cost cannot stop people from owning or driving their cars because they are rich. Secondly, Dubai is a developed country and thus its citizens believe that they should drive better cars. The demand for classic cars like SUVs and MUVs is high. Car manufacturing companies like Toyota, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz amongst others have taken advantage of this situation and continue to manufacture expensive cars that meet the demands of the locals. Thirdly, the level of education of most people in this country is high, and this affects their choice of cars. Most educated people believe that they should drive expensive cars (Dubai Cars 2014). They want to identify with their peers, and this makes them to get attracted to latest brands of cars and that is why it is not easy to see them driving old ones. In addition, they believe that the cars they drive says a lot about their levels of educ
Introduction Human resources managers are continuously encountering heightening challenges in managing people while working as HR practitioners in multinational or transnational companies in the wake of globalisation. Srivastava and Agarwal (2012) assert that HR “managers are facing many changes in the present business scenario like globalisation workforce diversity, technological advances, and changes in political and legal environments coupled with the need to embrace information technology” (p.46). These challenges exert immense pressure on the HR functions of seeking effective strategies of recruitment, training, developing, and retaining the most talented personnel within a global organisation characterised by tremendous workforce diversities. This paper explores two main challenges encountered by HR managers operating in multinational or multi-transnational companies. These challenges are associated with globalisation coupled with challenges and opportunities of communication and information technology affecting HR functions. Challenges of HR in of the age of globalisation Overview From political and economic perspectives, globalisation refers to the markets, legal, and political denationalisation. It leads to the integration of financial systems coupled with trade markets. Globalisation exposes HR to various challenges including the establishment of unfamiliar laws affecting HR functions, differing work ethics, attitudes, communication challenges due to language barriers, competition, and differing managerial styles in the quest to have people work effectively in a bid to attain the goals of a transnational or multinational organisation. In the light of this realisation, Srivastava and Agarwal (2012) assert, “HR managers have a challenge in dealing with more functions, more heterogeneous functions, and more involvement in the employees’ personal life” (p.46). Among the different challenges encountered by HR, while working in globalising transnational or multinational organisation, is integrating people from different cultural backgrounds, which presents the leadership challenge in global organisations’ HR functions. Globalisation and management of workforce diversities As organisations globalise, the HR department recruits, trains, and seeks to retain people from diverse cultural and ethical backgrounds. Effective management of people from diverse cultural backgrounds calls for HR managers to put extra effort and look for strategies of mitigating cultural conflicts within a global organisation. Dessler (2004) argues, “The importance of diversity management has been communicated by academics and professionals alike, citing the many benefits of having a heterogeneous organisation as opposed to a homogeneous organisation” (p.43). A homogenous organisation is
Introduction Calligraphy or the art of beautiful writing in traditional China came along as the visual art of a highly cherished handwork of the time. Calligraphy passed out in high esteem and was experienced by many as a fine art-way before painting became a commonplace ideology across China. The elevated status of calligraphy as a fine art often reflects the status of the word in China (Juliano, Lerner, and Alram, 32). From a humble beginning, emperors asserted their influence from generation to generation by engaging their own affirmations in these ancient forms of art and these were superimposed on the mountain tops and on stone carvings erected on various strategic points such as in the parks and on the outdoor spots. Through these informal art practices, the Chinese culture became much devoted to the supremacy of its language. In ancient China, scholars of calligraphy were highly respected, and most indeed came to position themselves in highly respected ranks in the government and society. Apart from the traditional role played by art in ancient China, what made Calligraphy so distinctive from other informal art was its visual lustre (McCausland 21). According to Wang (250), individual Chinese words are represented by their own unique symbols, which are essentially abstract symbols known as characters. Essentially, learning the Chinese language requires the mastery of these distinct words through a rigorous process that involves writing and continuous rewriting of a particular character until a concept is taken. Arguably, the limitation of learning the Chinese calligraphy is its vigour, rather than its rigour. In traditional China, ancient writing suggests that calligraphy played multiple roles ranging from basic education to the concept of governance ( Period of Disunity—Tang dynasty 220–907 par. 7). In the ancient calligraphy, characters did signify not only definite connotations but also revealed ethical motif in their unique forms, explored the vigour of the demonstration of the human energy and the liveliness of nature that it sought to reveal ( Period of Disunity—Tang dynasty 220–907 par. 11). Chinese calligraphy as a concept of culture Ancient Chinese society enjoyed the patronage of rich cultural expression that had never been witnessed in various parts of the world. At the time of Emperor Taizong reins art was held in high esteem, and this was further developed when his son, the heir apparent, Emperor Xuanzong took the mantle of leadership. As a consequent, the indigenous Chinese people enjoyed a rich period of cultural expression seen in the eyes of historians and researchers as the embryonic taste of modern-day Chinese calligraphy (McCausland 22). Traditionally, the Chinese people saw these developments as expressions of ethical government twinned with religious tolerance. Calligraphy has consequently become synonymous with people appreciation of their culture experienced by way of trade and reali
The last century was rich in ideologically driven and cruel dictators, with Hitler and Mussolini as the most infamous. Broadly and retrospectively, Hitler’s method of political rule can be considered fascist. According to experts, “fascism typically centers around extreme nationalism and an opposition to democracy and liberalism” ( Nazi vs. fascist , 2020, para. 6). Both considered such punitive measures as political repression and state violence as legitimate methods of state governing. Differing Ethnic Policies The ideological and political differences between the ideas of Mussolini and Hitler are nuanced. They lie in such government branches as ethnic and military issues. For example, anti-Semitism was not an original element of Italian fascist ideology; it only became so right before World War II due to pressure from their Nazi ally ( Italy , n.d.). It explains the historical paradox that many Jews could find a relatively safe haven in a country that was the main ally of Nazi Germany, both de jure and de facto ( Italy , n.d.). It is also noteworthy that the Italian society had no anti-Semitic sentiment compared to the German one, even in prewar and wartime. Differing Military Policies Views on purpose and purpose for the coming World War II are another thing where Mussolini and Hitler’s views differed. For the creator of fascism, war was not just a method of forcible expansion of the state but a way of reviving the Roman Empire, both physically and ideologically. According to historians, “the Fascist regime hoped to establish a new “Roman” Empire” ( Italy , n.d., para. 7). Hitler perceived the future war as a necessary and long-awaited rematch for the lost World War I, a way to unite the Germanic ethnic groups and increase their living space. Moreover, he saw it as an opportunity to purge Europe and the world of the religious, cultural, and ethnic ones that he and other Nazis considered inferior. One can say that Mussolini’s ideas were comparatively more egalitarian and less oppressive than Hitler’s ones.
Overview of the facility Transpacific is a leading waste treatment and recycling and management facility (company) operating in Australia. The company has been delivering safe, responsible waste management services for many years. The facility serves a range of businesses from small-sized to large multinational companies. The company has one of the largest and most specialized laboratories in Australia (Transpacific.com n.p). The location of the Transpacific waste management facility and its users Its liquid hazardous waste treatment and recycling department are located at Woree in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The company’s experience enables it to manage waste from customers in all the industries – ranging from workshops, restaurants to large mining firms. Regardless of the type of waste you produce, Transpacific provides customized waste management solutions (Transpacific.com n.p). What systems are in place to maximize diversion from landfills? The technical department of the company is highly backed up with high-tech purpose-built, environmentally compliant waste management tools and equipment. For example, vacuum loaders are used by its on-site waste management plant (Bowman, 1985). The plant management and technical teams have a continuous improvement plan set in place to investigate new treatment and recycling procedures to further cause a reduction in waste sent to landfills. Through its continuous improvement plan, Transpacific ensures there is a reduction in the energy and waste usage as well as reduced negative effects on the environment (Daven & Klein, 2008). They also have special processing equipment and technical staff that have extensive knowledge in liquid waste management. Types of waste accepted, and how the facility manages them The Transpacific treatment plant is highly specialized in the collection, treatment of various liquid wastes and other prescribed industrial waste. The company has a wide range of waste removal, management, and disposal arrangements that have been fully certified to manage liquid and hazardous waste materials (Hosetti, 2006). The plant has a remarkable ability to handle a range of liquid and hazardous wastes. Here is a list of the wastes that the company specializes on:   * Acid waste   * Caustic waste   * Oily sludges,   * Grease trap waste   * Contaminated stormwater   * Septic waste   * Used cooking oil   * Solvents   * Waste oil   * Wastewater   * Triple interceptors   * Trade waste The facility’s compliance with the provisions of any legislation The facility has laboratories that have been accredited by the Australian National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). This means that the facility can guarantee compliance with the statutory and environmental standards, as well as industry best practices (Hosetti, 2006). The plant operates its hazardous waste management activities in compliance with the provisions of externally certified Integrated Management Systems. The company also aims to meet the strict requirements of Australian quality standards and OHS (Rhyner, Schwartz, Wenger, & Kohrell, 1995). Is the facility appropr
Introduction Advertisements are supposed to convince the targeted audience why they should buy the product that is being marketed. However, researchers have shown that some advertisements may in fact turn potential buyers away from the product. As such, advertisers have always insisted on marketers to group or segment their markets so as to be able to reach and advertise to a particular group at a time. A target market thus consists of a specific group of buyers whose needs, wants and wishes should be the focus of a company’s marketing effort. In this case we look at benefit segmentation targeting in marketing of a new line of women’s jeans. (Malcom, 2001) Market Segmentation for Marketing of Women’s Denim Jeans This case, as any other, requires identifying and analyzing a target market segmenting based on demographic, psychographic, geographic and behavioral factors, as Art Weinstein says in his book, market segmentation. This is essential as demography determines the age, income, ethnic background, occupation, religion, race and social class of the wearer. With this in mind we shall be able to group our targets in order to have to have the maximum results of our marketing efforts. The income and occupation gives us a guide on how to price our jeans. In fact it is worth to mention that the first denim jeans were designed for mine workers as they are tough and durable given the working conditions in a mine. Other demographic factor dictates on how we should style our jeans in order to comply with religion or race of the wearer. (Malcom, 2001) The psychographic part of it entails the lifestyle, interest, opinion and attitude of the wearer towards our product. The location of the wearer such as the state, climate, urban or rural and even product expectation will contribute on how the denim jeans will perform in the market. Such information will help us in making our advertisements reach and have some effect on our target markets. Balance In Media Planning Introduction Media planning might be carried out by an organization that intends to market its products through the media by advertising. Frequency means how often the advertisements are executed. The reach determines the medium being used either electronic, print or any other form deemed appropriate that will deliver the message to the intended audience. We have also to consider the length of such a mission. These three attributes have to be balanced for optimum effect. Reasons for Balance Researchers have continually sought to find out the formula that makes advertising work. With the media being the most preferred method of adverti
Introduction Every household would love to be furnished with modern furniture for the home to look romantic and warm. The manufacture of furniture with unique design has been an industry that demands mass production, especially in the U.S. People get attracted to modern and new designs; thus, they always choose to go for the best in the market. The cases explore the social media channels that the company uses to reach the customers, identify the local competition, buyer persona, and research on the market e-commerce players. Company Overview The name of the company is Furnicom Furniture, and it deals with the design, manufacture, and distribution of home decors and equipment. It focuses mostly on modern furniture by incorporating a taste of culture to provide the clients with the comfort and beauty they require in their homes. Furnicom Furniture is located in Chicago, Illinois, and sells the products to local and international markets. The Slogan for the Company is Decorate your Life with Arts, and it operates under the logo in Figure 1. It uses the logo and the slogan to market its products to develop a strong brand amidst existing competition. Figure 1: Furnicom Furniture Logo. The Consumer Every household requires furniture as an essential, thus making every person a customer provided they are willing and able to purchase. However, the prevalence of purchase demands depends on psychographic segmentation factors such as interests, priorities, attitudes, social status, personalities, lifestyles, and values (Nadanyiova et al., 2020). Mostly, the residents of the cities and urban centers demand quality and high comfort furniture that fits the standard of their lifestyle. The most probable characteristics of the consumer will be disclosed in this section. Primarily, there products’ price and quality best suits for people dealing with arts – these can be artists, bloggers, musicians, and others. The prime demographic for furniture clients is mostly females aged between 32 to 45 years (Weinswig, 2017). In addition, individuals who value comfort and love decorating their lodgings are the potential buyers. They are easy-going, freedom-loving, creative, youthful, and fashionable people. The price of the products is suitable for the consumers of high and low social status, thus accommodating them all. Their main priorities are love for life, comfort, and self-expression. Medium and upper-class individuals are in the best position to purchase Furnicom Furniture products. Hence, considering the abovementioned traits of a potential consumer, it is possible to create a buyer persona. This can be a female Rachel of approximately 35 years old married with one child living in Los Angeles. She used to be an architect prior to pregnancy, and now she has a blog about pregnancy and motherhood. Since her husband is a financial expert and has a high salary, Rachel can afford not to have a job. Decorating a house is her hobby since she likes to post pictures on her blog. Their mortg
The Rise of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade in Western Africa, 1300–1589 is a book by Toby Green that examines conditions in Iberia and West Africa in the 14 th and 15 th centuries that set the stage for the subsequent complex interactions between Europeans and Africans. Despite the title, the book mostly focuses on 1460 to 1589, when Cape Verde Islands hosted most of the trade. The book will interest Atlantic explorers and the general public curiou