ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Study Design Background of the Study Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the metabolism of glucose, which is the key physiological sugar. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body develops resistance to the hormone insulin whose function is to lower blood glucose levels. Approximately 27 million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes, whereas 86 million have prediabetes [1]. Prediabetes is characterized by high blood glucose levels that have not reached the threshold required for the condition to be considered diabetes [1]. Recent statistics indicate that the global incidence of diabetes among adults above the age of 18 years has increased from 4.7% to 8.5% over the last 40 years [2]. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels are useful indicators of blood glucose levels over three months. Healthy individuals without diabetes have HbA1c levels that range from 4% to 5.9% [3]. On the other hand, diabetic patients with poor blood glucose control have HbA1c levels exceeding 7%. Therefore, HbA1c levels are used to establish blood sugar control over time and are an indication of effective self-management among diabetic patients. Group medical visit is a novel and time-effective strategy of providing care to patients with similar chronic disorders. Patients are requested to show up for these gatherings to receive care, teaching, and guidance within an empathetic group setting. Group medical visits are associated with enhanced patient self-management, which is the goal of health literacy. It is expected that group medical visits will motivate the patients to better self-care, which will translate into improved glycemic control and reduced HbA1c levels. Significance Diabetes is responsible for other health complications such as blindness, heart attacks, renal complications, stroke, and amputation of lower limbs. It is reported that lowering HbA1c levels by 1% reduces the likelihood of microvascular problems such as kidney failure, the diabetic eye, and nerve complications by 10% [4]. As a result, the American Diabetic Association recommends that HbA1c should be checked every six months in diabetic patients with stable blood sugar control [3]. The frequency of HbA1c testing should increase to every three months for patients who are attempting to establish unwavering blood sugar control. The management of diabetes involves adherence to medications, a healthy diet, and regular exercise. Despite this knowledge, the morbidities and mortalities associated with diabetes are on the increase due to noncompliance with medical
In Flannery O’Connor’s short story “Good Country People,” a small household gets a visit from a young door-to-door Bible salesman. One of these women is Hulga Hopewell, who is 32 years old, feels ugly beyond belief, has earned a Ph.D. in philosophy, and must wear a false leg because her natural leg had been shot off in an accident when she was a child. While her mother invites the salesman in and considers him ‘good country people’ like she is, Hulga does not believe in anything and thinks to seduce this young man when he shows the slightest interest in her. Alison Baker’s short story “Better be Ready ‘Bout Half Past Eight” is about a man having difficulties adjusting to his best friend’s decision to change his sex. These two stories would seem to have nothing at all in common. However, both O’Connor and Baker have illustrated humankind’s tendency to focus on the externals of a person’s identity rather than the more important internal person. O’Connor presents her main character as having very little in the way of worldly experience, tending to base her understanding of herself and others on their external attributes. Because she has a Ph.D., Hulga believes she is much more experienced and worldly than those with whom her mother associates, but she continues living with her mother and isolates herself from the rest of society. She does this because she considers herself grotesque because of her thick glasses and missing leg, calling attention to it through her heavy step and ‘clumping’ movements. She and her mother consider Manley Pointer as the innocent young country boy he presents himself to be. Her mother begins to refer to him almost immediately as ‘good country people.’ Although Hulga thinks her mother is supremely naïve for doing this, Hulga also falls into the trap of judging by externals when she relinquishes her artificial leg to him. She “felt entirely dependent on him. Her brain seemed to have stopped thinking altogether and to be about some other function that it was not very good at” (O’Connor, 1990, p. 289). Despite her insistence on loathing the false leg and the thick glasses she depends on to see, in the end, Hulga finds she is literally left without a leg to stand on. She has already learned the danger in placing too much value on the external attributes of a person through the harsh betrayal of the Bible salesman and the story ends just as she is about to learn the rewards of finding internal value as she will need to find these in herself in order to survive. The main character of Baker’s story, Byron, is demonstrated to be an intelligent, quick-witted mild-mannered individual from the immediate opening of the story. Upon being told his best friend is ‘changing sex’,
Amadei, Steffanie S., and Vicente Notario. “A Significant Question in Cancer Risk and Therapy: Are Antibiotics Positive or Negative Effectors? Current Answers and Possible Alternatives.” Antibiotics , vol. 9, no. 9, 2020, p. 580. The authors of the study debate the usefulness of antibiotics for cancer patients, outlining the problems that their consumption causes. Namely, the aggravation of the condition of patients with cancer is mentioned, which directs the conversation toward the discussion of substitutes such as bacteriophages and the related treatment opportunities that cause lesser harm. Moreover, the problem of antibiotic resistance in patients is outlined as one of the key reasons for including bacteriophages in treatment options. The article can be considered an important addition to the arguments against antibiotics. Amarasiri, Mohan, Daisuke Sano, and Satoru Suzuki. “Understanding Human Health Risks Caused by Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB) and Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARG) in Water Environments: Current Knowledge and Questions to be Answered.” Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology , vol. 50, no. 19, 2020, pp. 2016-2059. The authors of the article raise a very important point concerning the use of antibiotics as the standards method of reducing the threat of bacteria affecting an individual. Namely, the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the implications of ignoring them is explored in this research. The authors conclude that antibiotics may need to be substituted with the medications that would allow preventing the threats caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria as well. The specified article can be used to promote change in the current healthcare context not by removing antibiotics but by offering substitute options. Fiore, Marco, et al. “Nosocomial Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Antibiotic Treatment in the Era of Multi-Drug Resistance Pathogens: A Systematic Review.” World Journal of Gastroenterology , vol. 23, no. 25, 2017, p. 4654. In another research that addresses some of the positive effects of antibiotics, this paper explores the idea of using the specified medication for treating the infections developed during the hospital stay. According to the research outcomes, using antibiotics in case of a nosocomial issue allows for curbing the development of a health complication at the earliest stage possible. As a result, massive health issues can be addressed by introducing post-surgery patients to antibiotic treatments. The article can be utilized to support the pre-antibiotic argument and specify the cases in which the use of antibiotics is inevitable. Notably, its focus on the existence of drug resistance pathogens allows exploring the issue in greater depth. Heta, Saimir, and Ilma Robo. “The Side Effects of the Most Commonly Used Group of Antibiotics in Periodontal Treatments.” Medical Sciences , vol. 6, no. 1, 2018, p. 6. This research is very dir
Introduction The Caribbean society emerged from destructiveness, cruelty, physical attack, and ravishment on the Amerindian people. The history of colonialism is characterised by vicious destruction, near obliteration of the aboriginals, deliberate division of the Caribbean people from their cultures and ancestral lands, and the introduction of foreign cultures and languages. Colonisation led to the disintegration of the Caribbean psyche (Ebenhard, 2008). Today, West Indies comprises of societies that have no inner veneration. In spite of alienation from the ancestral lands and introduction of foreign means of interpreting veracity, Caribbean people still fight to achieve their identity. After grabbing the ancestral lands from the Caribbean people, the Amazonians went on to influence the Caribbean people’s way of thinking by introducing civilisation. The colonisers came up with schools, which brought the introduction of English in the region, eventually leading to the Caribbean people losing their identity (Ebenhard, 2008). This paper will focus on the impacts that colonisation by Amazonian people had on the Caribbean people. These impacts include cultural influence, emphasis on exports, introduction of the ‘monocropping’ culture, overdependence on colonial masters, education, and slave resistance. Emphasis on exports History acts as the major determinant of the existing influence encountered by some states. All the Caribbean states encountered significant colonisation by the Amazonians. In spite of the Caribbean states gaining independence, they are still far from living up to this independence. The impacts of colonialism still tarnish the image of these states (Briguglio, 1995). The states still depend on their colonisers, and thus they are subject to exploitation by their former masters. Colony establishment came with an aim of helping the mother countries grow economically. Hence, the Amazonians tremendously benefited from colonising the Caribbean states. Traditionally, the Caribbean people made no effort to manufacture products for local consumption. Instead, the people concentrated on coming up with products for export. Hence, they imported all that they required for local consumption and exported all that they produced (Briguglio, 1995). Even after independence, the Caribbean states still work for their colonisers. The states supply Amazonians with their precious tropical goods without significantly benefiting from the trade. For instance, Trinidad exports its oil to its former colonisers, while Jamaica exports coffee, sugar, and bananas (Briguglio, 1995). Amazonians use the imported raw materials from the Caribbean states to grow their industries, and in return, export their finished goods back to the Caribbean states. Colonialism accustomed the Caribbean people to putting more value on imported products. Consequently, they heavily rely on exporting their agricultural products rather than manufacturing them locally. In return, their economies suffer since they do not reap from the extra money gained upon exporting manufactured produ
Brief Summary of the Article The article “ Oprah Winfrey ” is from the Academy of Achievement Magazine. It talks about the life of Oprah Winfrey from her childhood to a successful woman in the American context. Born to an unwed mother, Oprah lived with her grandmother at a tender age while her mother was looking for work. At the age of six, she went to live with her mother at Milwaukee where she was molested for four years. She would later go to live with the father who helped her to achieve her higher education status. After winning the Miss Black Tennessee at the age of 17, Winfrey won a scholarship to learn Speech Communication and Performance Arts at the Tennessee State University. She worked at WVOL and WJZ-TV before moving to WLS-TV where she established the famous Oprah Winfrey Show in 1985 (“Oprah Winfrey” par. 4). The show became popular both nationally and internationally. Apart from her love for the show, Winfrey also loved acting and supporting children from poor families. She became a successful and renowned figure throughout the world. Reflection of Dominant Values and their Reinforcement in the Article The life history and success of Winfrey depends on some of the core values of America. For instance, individualism is firmly reinforced in the article. Because of her belief in a unique personality, Winfrey made individual efforts to study and become successful. With the concept of equality in America, Winfrey got a scholarship for education based on merits and not gender. After establishing the Oprah Winfrey Show, she used the equality as a value to relate with the society directly (Doran and Littrell 262). About materialism, the article describes the 42-acre home of Winfrey. All these personal attributes show her aggressiveness, strong work ethics, determination, and willingness to compete (Kohls par. 4). How the Article Shapes and Diffuses Social Norms The article depicts the life of the celebrity from a humble background to a successful woman. Its publication in the mainstream media will help to encourage the young generation who are hopeless to embrace hard work and determination. The article also shows the aspect of gender as an insignificant obstacle to a person’s success in American society (Doran and Littrell 267). In a capitalistic society like America, people should embrace competition to earn the opportunities available. On the other hand, the article diffuses social norms such as parenting. It depicts women as people who are unable to take care of their children without male counterparts. Winfrey only becomes successful under the care and support of her father. It also makes the society believe that success is a produc
Contraceptives The promotion of contraception is an effective way that helps adolescents and young adults to avoid problematic situations to which they are not yet prepared. While the state is obliged to provide people with favorable conditions for creating a family, it is extremely important that citizens decide on the birth of a child voluntarily and consciously. According to Ott and Sucato (2014), “each year, approximately 750 000 adolescent girls become pregnant, and 82% of newborns … are unplanned” (p. 1258). It is estimated that half of unwanted pregnancies result in a newborn being born, whereas remaining ones go through miscarriage or abortion (Ott & Sucato, 2014). The promotion of contraception should help alter the situation for the better. Same-Gender Behaviour Despite the fact that scientific discussions on this topic are still going on, there is a reason to promote the opinion that sexual orientation is biologically mandated. Researchers note that different systems of the human body can affect any person’s sexual behavior in a variety of ways (Harden, 2014). This, therefore, means that the biological factor cannot be excluded when considering the topic, and it is problematic to reduce the discussion on sexual orientation solely to social and political implications. In order to understand adolescents and young adults’ behavior, it is crucial for people to recognize that avoiding the influence of genetic and biological factors is completely impossible. Sexuality The respondent claims that sexuality education significantly helps her understand human sexuality and it elaborates the importance of making conscious decision in her life. She was born in a dysfunctional family, and she managed to avoid many mistakes common among teenagers – including early unplanned pregnancy – due to sex education lessons. In fact, relevant research allows to consider the interviewee’s case not as an exception but a rule. It is confirmed, for example, that sexual education programs are a useful measure in preventing unwanted pregnancy (Grose, Grabe, & Kohfeldt, 2014). The main conclusion of the interview revolves around making contraception more accessible and bringing up literacy rate among the uneducated. Civil Laws People who know they are infected with sexually transmitted diseases but who have unprotected sex with others and infect them should be prosecuted because it will probably help decrease the prevalence rate. According to Workowski (2015), “Sexually transmitted diseases have far-reaching public health consequences on the sexual and reproductive health of individuals, as well as the long-term health and health-care costs to the community” (p. 759). While it is essential to develop highly effective treatment methods capable of minimizing the damage received by an infected person, prevention measures are equally important.
Introduction The topic of my biographical speech is the wealthiest person on our planet since 2017, Mr. Jeff Bezos, also known as the founder and CEO of Amazon.com. I have read his biography by Ann Byers and the three online articles about the influence of his business on the world. First, I will touch on Bezos’s life before the fame; second, retell the brief version of his success story. Finally, I will highlight his influence on today’s society. Life Before Amazon.com Today millions of people worldwide know Bezos’ signature smile and use his company’s products, but it has not always been like that. Jeff was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in Houston, Texas. He got to spend much time on a family ranch, also known as “Lazy G.” There, the future billionaire learned to ride horses, tend to cattle, and repair anything that needed to be fixed. Young Bezos was very ambitious and motivated; in 1982, he graduated the school as a valedictorian and the top student of his class (Byers 11-17). Since then, his desire to study the world around him had only grown. While attending Princeton, Jeff realized that his interests were more in the sphere of business and IT, and switched from the honors physics class to the computer science major. Bezos also made up his mind around that time to run his own business one day. Jeff worked at a telecommunications start-up Fitel, where he soon became the Head of the Development. Later, Bezos joined the team of the Banker’s Trust, quickly rising to the position of the Vice President (Martin). However, these jobs did not give Jeff the satisfaction of exploring. Bezos then started working at a hedge fund D.E. Shaw, where his responsibilities included looking for new business opportunities online. His research led Jeff to believe that selling books via the Internet was the best opportunity available (Martin). D.E. Shaw did not get onboard with Bezos’s idea, so he decided to branch out, and that is how Amazon was born. Jeff Bezos As We Know Him 1994 was the year when Jeff Bezos started selling books through the Internet. Since then, his business had developed into having over 600 million items from different spheres of our lives sold by 3 million vendors simultaneously. Bezos’s marketing team is doing an incredible job predicting what needs and services will be in demand among the sellers and the customers (Foer). Amazon.com is famous for its variety of goods, delivery services, packages, ratings, reviews, as well as functional design and convenient payment system. However, creating a successful technology company needed by millions of people was not the most ambitious goal of Bezos. Jeff has always been a loyal fan of the Star Trek franchise. He dreamed that there would be “the day when millions of his fellow e
The payment for the services rendered by physicians is affected by three major factors. These are the conversion factor, the cost index based on the geographic practice, and the RBRVS (Resource-Based Relative Value Scale). Similarly, the same payment is governed by a schedule known as the Medicare payment schedule. This schedule widely differs from the fee schedule in that, physicians recognize a fee as the price offered to them by the Medicare and or the patient for the service they render while on the other hand, payment is a fair price that the Medicare will approve as the level of reimbursement for the service a given physician would offer. As per the payment schedule, Medicare usually pays 80% of the approved fee for a procedure while the remaining 20% is the coinsurance of the patient (Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, 2010). There is a specific formula that is used to calculate the payment rates for Medicare physicians. It entails modification of Relative Value Units corresponding to the offered services by the physicians, and by the Geographic Practice Cost Indexes corresponding to payment as per locality. This implies that physicians working in different regions or localities are paid differently (Wilensky, 2009). The rate of payment is hence a product of three earlier mentioned relative quantities, that is, the professional liability insurance, the physician’s work relative value and the practice expense relative value units (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, 2010). The reimbursement made by Medicare to physicians varies as per the distinctions made among physicians. They (physicians) are categorized as: the participating physicians (accept duties on all different kinds of cases, receive 80%
Definition of Rationalism Rationalism is a philosophical domain ththe at amplifies the importance and prominence of reason in deduction and eventual acquisition of knowledge. It majors on the inherent humathe n capacity and ability to deduce truth based on intellectual capabilities and prowess (Cottingham 6). There are various variations in rationalism, that border on moderate philosophical inclinations to extreme philosophical standpoints. The moderate philosophical inclination anchors on the role of reason in the acquisition of knowledge. The extreme standpointthe posits the relevance of reason as the sole gateway to the acquisition of knowledge. Rationalism has numerous similarities with Socratic philosophical approach that anchors on a rational interpretation of events and happenings that manifest in daily human interactions (Cottingham 12). In recent times, there have been several scholarly undertakings that sought to rekindle the classical understanding of rationalism as a philosophical domain that deciphers reasoning as an integral component in the acquisition of knowledge. However, there should be a clear distinction between other related concepts such as rationality and rationalization (Cottingham 14). Rationalism is a concept that has an immeasurable influence on various domains of society. For instance, its impact and impression on politics are evident and well documented. About rationalism, political undertakings should adopt a rational approach that amplifies the essence of reason in deduction of political philosophies. Rationalism introduces correlation between philosophy and mathematical procedures that seek to integrate both aspects into the process of deducing philosophical knowledge and ideas. Consequently, this domain manifests as continental rationalism due to its prevalence and application in continental institutions of learning across Europe (Cottingham 17). There is connection between empiricism and rationalism regarding their philosophical outlook and interpretation of issues that affect humanity. The basic assumption in empiricism is that acquisition of knowledge materializes through numerous experiences that people encounter in daily undertakings (Cottingham 22). The fundamental difference in these philosophical inclinations regards the argument as to the source of knowledge in a social context. Supporters of rationalism contend that basic mathematical concepts such as geometry play an instrumental role in deduction of knowledge in society. Promoters and Philosophical Outcomes In the history of rationalism, there are certain events and personalities who played an integral role in the promotion and propagation of