ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
This is a story by Piscine Molitor Patel. People may know Piscine as PI as well. I mean, are we even supporting this? First, there are three different religions, then the science belief and now sharing a 26-foot lifeboat with a crippled zebra, an orangutan, a hyena and a male Bengal tiger named Richard Parker? I took the liberty of talking to some of my old pals, and surprisingly enough, I realized we were actually not communicating. Some of them believed this and stood strong to the ground. By this, I mean, there was no convincing them otherwise. Without food, shelter, clothing? Do you people even realize these are the basic needs needed by an individual to survive? According to one of my friends, this was possible. She said, ‘do you believe in the bible’? If we are told, Jesus survived for forty nights and forty days, what else is not possible? PI had faith. All he did was to hold up firmly to this faith. Together with the little knowledge acquired from science, surviving was not that hard.’ This paper seeks to enhance argumentative and professional writing using literary work. It also looks into the possibility of writing about animals in such a captivating and catching way. This left me thinking I must say. I was confused and nearly convinced beyond doubt that this was just not working or rather an art of literacy. Trying to come to terms with reality and bear in mind how literacy works symbolize our environment, the natural setting, and our day-to-day happenings. Then Daniel, a freelance writer by profession and a pal of my, had this to add, “Literacy art is all about creativity, it’s a gift, inspiration and at times, an imagination!” so where was he driving to? Was he against the art or supporting it? According to Daniel, art was part of the imagination. He thought the writer was inspired but looked for a better way of delivering a message. The events covered in the book are as though they happened, but the fact remains they are all fiction. There went my knight in shining amour. At least I had some sharing the same page I was. Daniel used his knowledge gained from his profession to explain himself (Martel 45). “In my line of work, at times when I am bored, if find myself talking of boredom. When I see something fascinating outside, I talk about it. However, at times one just feels he has had enough with real life issues and immediately turns into fantasies! I say this out of firsthand experience. At the end of the day, they are all literacy arts and you surely have nothing to lose! One thing we always keep at the back of our mind is the fact that, either reality or imagination, there is always a message available to pass. Daniel truly divided the group! Questions were there to be answered. Some even turned to rhetoric. Obviously, there was this one question lingering in everyone’s mind. Where do we classify ‘life of Pi’? I say we classify ‘l
Diagnosis of learning needs Prior to developing the personal learning plan, any student should first consider his or her educational needs, in other words, the competencies which he or she already possesses and those gaps which still need to be filled. It is quite possible to employ the approach, called the Fifth Discipline that includes such components as systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, shared vision and team learning (Senge, 1994). There are several questions which I would like to address. One of them is team learning. For me, this aspect is arguably one of the major concerns. I have frequently found myself unable to engage in a fruitful dialogue with another person especially if his point of view contradicts my own although in many cases such behavior was very unproductive. Of course, I am quite able to accept the opposing standpoint but it is normally done with reluctance. This is one of the reasons why I sometimes cannot participate in group discussions effectively. Furthermore, I have noticed that during many group seminars I usually tend to retreat when it is necessary to defend one’s opinion. As a result, I cannot convey my ideas to fellow students or colleagues. Hence, it is vital for me to acquire and continuously elaborate my team and persuasion skills. According to Peter Senge, a dispute or any other form of conflict is an inseparable component of team learning (1994, p 382); it seems to me that I normally avoid such disputes rather instead of facing them. This is one of the key difficulties which I definitely need to overcome. Another aspect that significantly disturbs me is my mental models. Judging from my inner observations I can come to the conclusion that skepticism is one of my dominant traits. I am inclined to cast doubt practically on everything and search for flaws even in the most promising ideas. On the one hand, this skepticism helps me avoid mistakes or imprudent steps but at the same time, this quality becomes a very serious obstacle for me because I cannot make quick and strong-willed decisions. Moreover, this adversely affects my relations with other students as they believe that I am always too critical. In this regard, Daniel Goleman and her co-authors say that an incredulous attitude towards others is one of the major barriers on the path to leadership (Goleman et al, 2004). Skepticism gives rise to the lack of trust in one another. I do try to get out of this habit yet at the given moment; this issue still needs to be addressed. The thing is that it adversely impacts my ability to share the vision with my colleagues, especially when I take part in group projects. At this point, the question of emotional intelligence is by far the most crucial one. I need to convert skepticism into optimism and enthusiasm as this will immensely contribute to my professional growth and the productivity of the company or organization in which I will work (Goleman, 2005). It seems to me that skepticism is just like a schema through which I perceive the world and myself and it is necessary to break it. This is why t
The body of a boy in a bright purple silk jacket with a big inscription THE ROYAL on it was found three days ago. The boy’s name was Andy. He was only sixteen years old. He was killed by the knife. It was stuck into his rib cage. Doctors said that the pain had been just awful. According to the police’s report, the boy had been lying and bleeding for several hours. It is an astonished and horrific fact that nobody had helped him. The boy died in loneliness, fear, and tortures when at that very moment other children had fun not far from that place of the death. The police found out that Andy had been not alone at that party but with a petty young lady Laura. She said that Andy had left the dance to get cigarettes. He had not returned for a long time, but she had not noticed his absence. It was she who had found his body. What horrible feelings she experienced during those minutes! All his body, his clothes, grass, and the ground around it were with bloody red spots. It seemed to Laura that there had not been any other color except red. She would never forget that smell. Police investigated all the circumstances under which Andy had died. They held an inquiry into the place of the death. Not far from it they found a bottle of alcoholic drink and a lot of footprints. Later they found a drunker who said that he had not even thought that the b
A team is a group of individuals that has come together for a common purpose. A team is the basis of any institution. One organization may have several teams drawn from its departments. There are several phases that a team goes through on its way to success. They include formation, storming, conflict resolution, performing and transforming. Before a team is formed the team members should first seek to familiarize themselves with the objective of their organization. At this level members rely on their leader on what to do and what not to. The leader should be prepared to answer questions concerning the team’s objective. This is important because an organization has several departments and the team members have specific duties assigned to them. Regardless of their duties, members must put their differences aside and focus on achieving organizational goals. Team members should take some time to learn how to cope with their fellow members without interfering with the processes of their organization. This will help to avoid cases of sabotage from within the organization hence bring positive results. Teams are termed as X-teams if they are externally oriented and thus flexible in formation (Ancona & Bresman, 2007). The next thing is to select a leader of the team. The team leader should ensure his or her team members are devoted to meet the organizational goals. The leader should find out whether the members of his team value what they do for the organization and whether they are willing to go an extra mile for the purpose of achieving organization’s mission. There exists conflict of interest after the team has been formed. This could be due to the differences with regard to recognition and pay. Divisions may arise due to struggle for leadership. Some team members may not be comfortable with their leader due to their individual differences with him. Members need to focus on the goals of their team instead of arguing over small issues because when members are in conflict they can never speak in one voice. For instance, in politics, there are normally several political parties contesting for the same position. Success here will favor the party with limited struggle for power. Failure may arise where each member feels he or she is capable of becoming a leader and this will shift the focus of that political party. Teams need to be explore their needs, exploit the organization’s requirements, and export ideas to other teams. Successful teams ensure flexibility in exploration, exploitation, and exportation Thus, team members should agree on a common ground and accept their leader for what he is supposed to be doing rather than what he fails to do. Team members should respect him and usually consult him before making major decisions. Minor decisions should made by individuals even in the absence of the leader. The team should meet regularly to discuss the strategies that they can use to achieve organizational goals. The divisions are merged for the purpose of success (Ancona & Bresman, 2007). After realizing the team’s potential, members should engage in performing their required task. Performing is referred by many as the beginning of the end. Here,
NAB Company: Significance Non-alcoholic beverages are consumed by many people across the globe. The number of companies manufacturing marketing such beverages has increased drastically within the past three decades. This proliferation has led to increased level of competition in the non-alcoholic beverage industry. The selected company for this analysis is Cott Corporation. The analysis examines the unique aspects affecting Cott’s carbonated soft drinks. Cott Corporation has emerged as one of the competitors in the industry ( Cott Corporation, 2016). However, some challenges continue to affect the success of its soft drinks in the global market. A new business strategy has the potential to transform the firm’s performance. Reasons for Choosing this Type of Non-Alcoholic Beverage The number of non-alcoholic beverages in the market has been on the rise. Such beverages have been associated with different health issues and changing consumer expectations (Abrams, 2014). Cott’s non-alcoholic drinks were selected for this discussion over those marketed by Jones Soda Company. The company produces and markets non-carbonated beverages that contain unusual flavors ( Jones Soda Company , 2016). This company produces natural juices and energy drinks. Cott’s non-alcoholic drinks will therefore be compared and contrasted with those of Jones Soda Company. The discussion would present useful strategies to improve Cott’s business goals. Revised Company’s Mission Statement A new mission statement is essential for this company. The proposed mission can focus on the changing expectations of the global consumer. The new mission will be “to nurture and support the needs of the global consumer though quality business practices” (Kerin, 2012, p. 72). Such a mission will inspire the best practices and encourage more people to consume Cott’s beverages. The mission will encourage the workers to promote new practices that can increase stakeholder trust (Breiner, Parker, & Olson, 2013). Trends in the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry This industry is presently recording a number of trends that might have significant impacts on the performance of different companies. The first trend is that many players in the industry are focusing on healthy beverages capable of supporting the demands of more customers (Kotler & Armstrong, 2009). Different players in the industry are also shifting to cans and smaller bottles. The strategy is aimed at maximizing sales and profits. Many consumers have raised concerns regarding the health implications of various carbonated drinks. I have therefore decided to choose Cott’s soft drinks for this exercise. The first reason behind this select
Abstract This paper is an integrative learning process which focuses on implementation of business concepts in an organization. While using the example of Cooper Vision Technologies, the paper investigates on the concepts to offer valuable information that can lead to the success of the company. Cooper Vision Technologies is a company that specializes in selling technologies which include: cameras, lighting, lenses, frame grabbers, cables and software. The company can apply concepts such as global competitiveness, process planning and design, control process, six sigma, lean management, managing process improvement project, supply chain management and capacity planning. The concepts increase efficiency, improve the processes, reduce wastage of resources, enhance productivity, save on cost, improve quality and increase the revenues. When the concepts are applied, commitment and availability of resources are required. When applied, the company will be able to continue increasing its revenue, compete globally and maintain the company. Introduction Organizations have missions and objectives which are the foundation for the business existence. Achieving organizational goals can be challenging in a competitive, unpredictable and variable market. Business processes are important and lead to actualization of goals hence they feature in every stage of business. The paper will outline the organizational setting of Cooper Vision Technologies Company and offer valuable information that can transform the company. There are eight concepts that can be applied in the company to transform the organization. Organizational setting Cooper Vision Technologies Company was founded over twenty years ago by Kevin Cooper. Cooper was involved in sales and marketing of high tech products and had served
Introduction Cultural trends and preferences are the dynamic phenomena of society, and their changes often reflect the existing current political, economic, and other features of state development. In South Korea where much attention is paid to the national identity, a definite trend has been formed, which determines the country’s course towards the globalization of its cultural interests. This movement is called the Korean Wave, and today, it is one of the most significant Asian trends. National food, music, fashion, and some other aspects are part of this process. In this regard, a special term is proposed for consideration – soft power, the form of governing activities, which implies pressure on citizens’ interests through unobtrusive attraction and the formation of sympathy in certain issues. Neighboring Asian countries, in particular, China and Japan also experience the impact of the Korean Wave, which is one of the examples of soft power. This paper aims to identify the tendency of forming cultural interests for the development of South Korea’s political and economic relations with China and Japan, two other powerful states of the Asian region. The Concept of Soft Power and Its History Despite the fact that soft power is not the official form of political interaction and influence, this concept of governance is quite widespread in various world regions, including Asian. The characteristics of this phenomenon and the main ways of achieving goals are not distinguished by aggressiveness or violent forms. Nevertheless, this process is of great strategic importance, shaping the impact on people’s thinking and their perception of reality. In this regard, it is required to determine the history of the emergence of such a political direction and its examples. The Peculiarities of Soft Power and Differences from Coercion The use of appropriate forms of influence on the mass consciousness may allow the formation of a national opinion to change people’s preferences. Nye considers “two diplomatic strategies, which are public diplomacy and soft power” (419). In the first case, specific ideas are promoted through negotiations, discussions, and the mutual exchange of experience. In the case of soft power, no agreement is made, and any impacts are unobtrusive and hidden. Nye compares this concept with “hard command power” and argues that it is no less important today when much depends not on military capabilities but
Background The above diagram is a representation of the lung volumes that occur during breathing. The lung capacity is usually calculated in terms of the functionality of the quantity of air in milliliters for every kilogram of weight of the body. The capacity of the lung varies with the gender of the person in question. The equation for women in the range of 50 to 60 milligrams for every kilogram of body weight of air (55mlxkg), and when applying for men when looking at 70milliliters per kilogram the equation for the body weight (70 ml x kg) What is vital capacity? The vital capacity can be viewed as the upper limit of the quantity of oxygen (air) that an individual can release forcefully from the lungs during the utmost inspiration. Usually, the values of the vital capacity of a normal person may vary between 3500 cc and 6000 cc. Varied values are obtained depending on certain factors including age, sex, height and different habits like smoking among other activities that have an effect on the heart (Berne 12; Elaine 112; Jordan1320). The individual Vital capacity of the individual is usually measured using a spirometer that cans either wet or regular type. Vital capacity is measured in milliliters (ml). It can be equated to the sum of the inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) and the tidal volume (TV) plus the expiratory ERV (reserve volume) VC= IRV + TV + ERV Why is it important? With the combination with other physiological processes of the body and the vital capacity can be used as the diagnostic tool and can also be employed in identifying the underlying diseases and conditions. It can also be used as a measure of fitness levels of a person. The values obtained from the spirometer readings may be interpreted to show the level of fitness of a person and advice can therefore be given accordingly. Usually, a person found with less than ¾ of expected levels of vital capacity is advised to get medical attention before they can engage in rigorous physical activities. Why is it a good idea to have a large vital capacity? A person with a large vital capacity has a large reserve of air and sufficient muscle strength to sustain ventilation. By this, there is increased ability to breathe in more air in one breathing and the oxygen taken in can be used to cater for the increased cell activities. Sustained ventilation is therefore possible and this boosts the fitness and endurance levels of the person. Why i
Introduction The functions of women in any given society have always been secondary and in support of the male gender. Women are believed to belong to the weak gender than even in the current civilized world are although the truth about such a claim is debatable 1 . Either way, their role and function from the pre-colonial periods were limited to caring for the homestead. One of the societies with major differences between women and men in terms of the identity, functions, role and position in the community is the Antebellum South during the peak of US slavery. When one thinks of the women in the South, the idea that comes into mind is the figure of a submissive and loyal, passive and pious person who served the family and society with morality and devotion 2 . According to the common perception, the southern woman was graceful, modest and obedient to her husband. She was mainly focused on the activities or behaviors that would please the farm master (her husband) and taking care of the house and children. Innocence and restriction from taking interest in the intellectual pursuits is an idea that comes when one thinks about the position and role of the southern women during the antebellum. According to Boyd, the antebellum women were seen as the perfect resemblance of the cultural perfectionism of the antebellum moral, religious and social norms 3 . However true these perceptions might be, it is worth noting that the media played a significant role in generating the ideas for the description of the antebellum women. The media, especially novels and poems written during the slavery era in the south, have developed most of these characteristics of the antebellum women. The media has been very successful in passing these myths and ideas to the modern generations. In fact, most of these ideas and perceptions of the life and role of the antebellum women are still popular in the modern world because the 19 th century author and poets have made people believe in myths. In addition, recent films about the south have borrowed these myths and, surprisingly, made efforts to insinuate suggest that the myths were the true description of the plantation women. According to the media, position of a white woman was subtle but important to the antebellum society. A woman was a social figure associated with her background because she was grouped according to her race and social class. Thus, it is evident that the origins of the myths about the women are based on race and class. It also serves as the manifestation of the cultural attitudes of the antebellum south. Therefore, it appears that the media-described women is more mythological than real. Ther
The modern business environment requires that organizations keep developing the behaviors and attitudes of workers to help the address match up to the ever-changing demand. To help satisfy the new challenges, organizations must plan to implement necessary strategies and manage efficiently the transition from the old to the new. This is organizational development (Morrison, 2011). Many organizational managers think that changes influence the realization of the desired results. However, Bridges (2003) explains that it is managing the transition that influences the outcome. Thus, managing transition becomes a key element in organizational development. The finance industry requires continuous organizational development to keep up with new and emerging trends. Some of the organizational development needs in the finance industry involve its public relations, a department that is given the mandate to create a very positive image of the organization. Thus, the organization, a bank, whose services to the public depends on the marketing of its products as well as maintaining a good public image and has to make sure that among other things clients are satisfied with the organizational services. The organization needed to increase its marketing activities a