ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Ethics entails the values and beliefs that an organization holds in its objectives, rules, and practices. Ethics defines an organization’s culture. The quality of production in an organization lies in the richness of its culture. Regardless of the significance that one has in an organization, a positive culture flourishes and bolsters the standards of an organization. According to Perlman and Varma (2002), almost half of the American workers report witnessing illegal behavior in their organizations, and most of these malpractices are not addressed. In the engineering field, the cost of unethical behavior is unfathomable. As a science, engineering entails human life at all levels, from production to consumption. A building is erected, automobiles operate, space exploration goes on, and people are expected to trust the engineers behind these innovations for their safety. People do not worry about how a plane or ship can withstand lots of weight without collapsing. All the trust is vested in the works of the engineers. To many people, engineers’ works function perfectly until the day a mishap happens, and lives are lost. For instance, in Hurricane Katrina and the New Orleans Levee System failure, the US engineers identified that the levees failed due to architectural loopholes, poor quality, and design. Based on this example, the question of ethical considerations arises. This paper analyzes the importance of engineering codes of ethics. In addition, the paper analyzes how evaluating the purpose of ethics in real cases of engineering breakdowns, for instance, the levee failure assists, depicts the challenges that arise when effecting codes of ethics. Literature review Positive ethical workplace culture results in quality performance. Studies have found that an organization’s shared culture is the key predictor of how much value a firm will work hard to keep in its reputation. Work ethics answers an array of questions across many fields. What kind of culture should firms cultivate? What rules should workers uphold? What are the challenges to sustaining these rules? A study conducted by Perlman and Varma (2002) suggests that the engineering code of ethics for professional engineers is too vague to offer much-needed guidance for practice. Although the codes of ethics have become inherent in the concept of professional practice, the continued engineering failures signify the shortcomings of these codes of ethics. Despite the ethical difficulties in engineering, as a science, it cannot stop evolving. The innovation of new technology extends the boundaries of what seems possible, and thus disasters are bound to happen. In the struggle to achieve their usefulness and gain trust from society, engineers have come up with various codes of ethics, which will be discussed throughout this paper. The Herald of Free Enterprise disaster of March 6, 1987, led to the death of 150 passengers in addition to 38 crew officials. The passenger and freight
The proposed study presupposes the adherence to the quantitative research paradigm and secondary data. The choice is justified by the fact that to answer research questions, specific correlation methods should be used, which presupposes the collection and analysis of quantitative and statistical data. Additionally, the complexity of the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the employment of secondary data as a way to guarantee the credibility of findings. There are two main research questions of this study as follows:   * What is the correlation between cross-border e-commerce and Chinese international trade?   * How does cross-border e-commerce impact Chinese international trade? In order to research these two questions, the study employs quantitative research methods and secondary data. Firstly, the correlation research will be conducted to establish the relationship between two closely connected entities, such as cross-border e-commerce and international trade. It will help to determine how one aspect impacts another and what are possible changes that can be observed. Data of the most influential platforms such as AliExpress, Taobao, or RED, will be correlated with information about international trade, recent changes, and tendencies that can be linked to these organisations. The correlational analysis presupposes the employment of a quantitative statistical technique to characterise the nature of relations between two investigated phenomena. Secondly, the data acquired during the correlation research will be analysed with the primary goal to conclude where there are positive changes in the second variable (Chinese international trade) that can be related to the rise of cross-border e-commerce and whether they can be traced at different periods. This approach is linked to the second research question and helps to cogitate about the existence of positive or negative trends that should be considered while analysing the problem.
Grammar is important in the lives of individuals, primarily for communication purposes. With the correct usage of grammar, one is in a position to express himself or herself. Grammar can either be prescriptive and descriptive grammar. The structure of a language as used by writers and speakers defines descriptive grammar. On the other hand, the structure of a language as people think it should be used defines prescriptive grammar (Bickley, 2001, p.4). Certain rules are applicable for each of the two categories of grammar. There are certain rules that are used in each case and there are certain institutions that regulate the use of languages. For example, the Academie Francaise which is a French institution that safeguards the French language, its richness and heritage. There are other institutions that have been formed to regulate certain languages so that writers and speakers can use them in an effective way. Such institutions determine the standards of acceptable grammar and vocabulary that can be used in the language. They also add new words to the language, in effect helping it. Consequently, this adds meaning to the language. In addition to adding new words and meanings, such institutions also help in adding new definitions to existing words. These institutions make all words in a language available to the speakers and writes of a language. This gives the speakers and writers choices of words, thereby enabling them to express themselves with clarity. Institutions that moderate the use of
Stem cell research has been in existence for over two decades. Though a controversial topic, policies on the limits of Stem cell research are clear. Policies of governments across the globe vary on the legality of the prohibited and allowed research and use of stem cell embryos. Despite the fact that most of research on stem cell is financed by the public fund, governing bodies are in place to monitor their outcome and purpose. Thus, this reflective paper attempts to investigate on the legality and views of the protagonists and antagonists on stem cell research. Medical researchers are in the front line in championing for ethical guidelines on the limits of the international laws on stem cell research. From the United Nations to the World Health Organization, it is universally accepted that Stem cell research should lie within regulatory limits capable of containing hasty scientific development (Marzilli 120). For instance, the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine Council of Europe has mobilized the members into signing a ban on embryo creations exclusively for research intention. In 2005, the United Nation agreed on a declaration against human cloning act. In addition, The Hinxton Group, meeting in Cambridge 2009, presented an accord of declaration for flexibility of laws on stem cell research (Foerstel 103). In the United Kingdom, stem cell research with the human cells was legalized by the “Human Fertilization and Embryology Act 1990” passed in the year 2001. However, the “Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority” acquiescence is a prerequisite for a legal research. In United States, the “New Jersey’s 2004 SI909 act” allowed human cloning (Marzilli 140).In 2006, the “Missouri Amendment Two” permitted research on embryonic stem cell just as it is also legal in Indiana, Michigan, South Dakota, and Arkansas among other states. Later, in 2005, President Bush accented into law the “Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005.” However, the Omnibus Appropriation Act of 2009 bans public funding of research on new stem cell embryos (Foerstel 63). Primarily, stem cell research has numerous benefits on the fields of therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine. As a matter of fact, stem cells modification may be a breakthrough in treatments of ailments such as diabetes, Alzheimer, cancer, Parkinson, and Huntingtons among others which are currently incurable. Besides, stem cell research offers an opportunity to study origin, growth, and development of human beings (Marzilli 175). In addition, research has proven that uni-parental cells responds positively in experimental treatment of diseases in animals, and this can be extended to human beings. Reflectively, stem cell research has vast potential in eliminating viral diseases if more funds are allocated for such projects. However, opponents of stem cell research argue that scientific use of stem cells for research destroys blastocysts of human eggs which are already fertilized. On ethical grounds, destruction of fertilized human eggs also means killi
Tay-Sachs (TS) disease is a monogenic recessive disorder involving the lysosome’s lipid storage function. In this case, there is an accumulation of ganglioside G M2 in the brain cells. Deficiency in HEX-A leads to impaired biodegradation of the gangliosides. During infancy, there is normal development but an accumulation of the gangliosides with age leads to muscle atrophy and consequent paralysis. Some of the symptoms that present before this include loss of vision, problems in swallowing, deafness and seizures. Tay-Sachs disease does not have a treatment so far. Supportive treatment in form of seizure control using anticonvulsants and good nutrition are however helpful. The most effective way of avoiding TS is having a prenatal diagnosis (NINDS para 1-2). Tay-Sachs disease results from hexosaminidase A (HEX-A) isoenzyme deficiency. There is rapid degeneration of neurons and the affected individual experiences slowed development. Due to the rapid and continuous degeneration, death mainly occurs at the age of 3 to 4 years. This is mainly due to recurring infections. The incidence of TS has been particularly high among the Ashkenazi Jews, where 1 in every 27 U.S. Jews carries the TS gene. This is in comparison to 1 in every 250 persons in other populations (Genome.gov para 7). The autorecessive nature of TS implies that a child develops the disease only if each of the parents has the mutant gene (the couple must be heterozygous). This implies that there exists a 25% probability of developing the disease for every child born of carrier parents. The existence of only one of the two gene copies that produce HEX-A is enough to prevent Tay-Sachs from occurring. However, individuals with one inactive copy are carriers and will be phenotypically healthy (Genome.gov para 4-5). I would enlighten the couple that Tay-Sachs disease is a condition that is inherited from carrier parents. The disease involves progressive neurodegeneration which is eventually fatal by the age of four years. During the disease, the couple should expect the child to experience vision loss, deafness and swallowing difficulties. The couple should also expect psychological anomalies such as seizures in the child. The above events are expected to progress rapidly to muscle wasting, paralysis and eventual death. In a bid to help the couple understand why their child has TS yet none of them has the disease, I would explain to the couple that the disease affects the child if both parents are carriers of the defective gene. This means that both parents may present normal but they are able to pass down the gene to their offspring. In this case, there is a 25% likelihood of passing the gene to their children. At the same time, there is a 50% likelihood of having their offspring as carriers of the condition. The lack of any history of TS in the families of the couple is an indica
Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) bank was formed in the year 1865 by Thomas Sutherland (Padmalatha 36). It was established after the United Kingdom invaded Hongkong and established a colony there. The main objective of the bank was to facilitate trade between China and Europe. HSBC bank expanded gradually and became one of the largest financial institutions in the world. During the early years of the 20 th century, the bank focused on issuing loans to governments, especially the Chinese government. Thomas Bart, who was the bank’s manager during the early years of the 20 th century, steered the bank to become the official bank for the Hong Kong government. Several branches were opened as the bank continued to expand to other regions. It opened its new headquarters in Hong Kong in the year 1935. During the 1940’s, the bank’s expansion plan slowed down because Japanese troops turned the bank into a military headquarters when they seized Hong Kong (Padmalatha 36). However, the bank resumed its expansion program after the war by acquiring Mercantile Bank and the British bank of the Middle East. From the 1940s, the bank acqu
The Economy of the United States of America is of global interest given its significance in the global economy. This has therefore attracted various interest groups of researchers to embark on the study of the macroeconomic situation of America. Various macroeconomic factors such as inflation, recession, and unemployment just to mention a few have played significant roles in defining the economics of the U.S.A. With the aid of macroeconomic models, forecasts, and functions, economists have been able to evaluate the economic policies of America hence giving a clear picture of the current situation of the American economy. Of great concern currently is the problem of inflation, which is significantly high. The high inflation is attributed to various factors such as printing of more money by the federal government due to the high amount of bad debt it has. The additionally printed money is then used to buy the bad debts in order to have them settled. This and other reasons lead to inflation, which is characterized by high cost of living especially for the people in the middle and low social classes (Baily, 2012). In order to deal with the problem of inflation, the federal government could sell treasuries of the United States such as bonds in the international market. This way, the government will get adequate money to pay debt instead of printing money, which could lead to inflation. The government of the United States of America has managed to create more than 100,000 jobs within the year 2012. However, the current number of unemployed people in the country is over 200,000. This therefore indicates that the unemployment rate is relatively high, standing at 8.2% and yet to be reduced (North, 2012, p.1). In addition to this, housing costs are still high thus making a large part of the population not able to afford standard housing. Additionally, America has been affected by the high oil prices being experienced in almost all parts of the world. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is positive but growing at relatively low trends. For instance, the GDP growth in 2012 was only 2%. This GDP growth was as a result of the jobs recovery and stimulus of the fiscal policy that were revived in the current president Obama’s government. Investment in equipment and software has increased in the current year making most of the businesses to recover from economic distress. This is attributable to the favorable borrowing opportunities put in place by the government through investment banks. On the contrary, the construction industry is performing poorly despite the much effort that the government has put in this sector. One of the fiscal policies that the federal government should adopt in order to improve the investment sector is providing security to mortgages as a way of attracting more investors in the construction industry (Akhtar, 1997, p.3). This will also spread the risk involved thus making the mortgages attractive for many people in the population. The aforementioned macroeconomic problems as well as others experienced in the American economy are as a result of internal and external factors affecting th
Introduction The implementation and sustaining of change is a vital process that plays a significant role in ensuring the efficiency of the organization and its respective growth. Implementing and sustaining change is normally a challenging and complex task that requires well-established procedures and planning in order to be effective. The implementation of sustainable change within the organization is mainly driven by the need to adopt an organizational culture that matches the present nature of the market and the diverse needs of the clients of an organization (Quinn, 2006). A review of the management frameworks reveals that organizations cannot depend on the conventional approaches to execute operations that meet the demands of the present day customers. The business pattern in the present day is unpredictable, and this imposes significant needs to implement and sustain change within the organization (Robbins & Coulter, 2007). Understanding the forces of change and resisting planned change Managing change in the present business context is faced with significant challenges and complexities during execution. Research has revealed that most projects aimed at implementing and sustaining change have not turned out successful because of the failure to establish goals and objectives of the process. Successful change implementation process can be significantly attributed to strict goals and objectives, strategic planning and an evaluation of its success against the identified goals and objectives (Haines & Elaine, 1999). It is important to take into consideration the fact that the human nature does not welcome change. This is primarily because people do not like working under new situations and dealing with difficulties associated with extended durations for coping up and a change in the organizational culture, which has been a part of them and the way they undertake their tasks within the organization (Quinn, 2006). People usually have a negative perception of change and they view it as a risky venture compared to the present system and organizational culture. This makes it difficult to motivate individuals to be receptive and have a positive attitude towards the implementation of sustainable change within the organization (William, 2003). People also resist the implementation of change within the organization because of the fact that they are more used to the current way of doing things within the organization. This means that adopting change is likely to increase the levels of tension within the organization and impose and element of change resistance during the implementation process. It is important to take into consideration the significance of observational learning when implementing and sustaining change (Haines & Elaine, 1999). This serves to eliminate change resistance at all levels. Studies have reported that change processes that have a well-articulated vision are likely to be resisted if they do not address the needs of the organizational members such as adaptability and its relevance in the context of organizational culture. Individuals in an organization are
Introduction Human beings are structured to interact and this is through communication, verbal or otherwise. Hence, it is of utmost importance that we are able to communicate effectively with various people in different places and situations. However simple communication may seem to be, there are times that we do not get our point across to the other party for one reason or another. The problem is mostly on us as the conveyors of the message and at all times, improvements need to be done to ensure clarity in communication. In this paper, I will tackle a personal barrier that hinders interpersonal communication (IPC), how it affects communication and how best to improve. Aspect of Interpersonal Communication That Needs Work Interpersonal communication has been defined as the process in which we share out our “ideas, thoughts and feelings to another person” (Foundation n.d., p.1). However, this process encounters obstacles along the way and the sources vary, one of them being the communicator. A personal area that needs to be improved is the lack of assertiveness which is a big hindrance in communication. Assertiveness is one of the four styles of communication, the other three being; passive, aggressive and passive-aggressive communication (Kardol n.d.). Assertiveness can be defined as “standing up for rights and expressing feelings in an honest, open and direct way which do not violate another person’s rights” (Grey Owl, 2004, p.1). Lack of assertiveness would therefore mean: the presence of the belief that as an individual, “I do not have the right to ask for what I want”; fearing getting a negative feedback from the recipients of the message; a defensive approach in communication while guarding oneself from those who might take advantage; and finally inadequate skills (Kardol, n.d. p.2). Causes of Lack of Assertiveness What causes a lack of assertiveness? There are many contributors to this i.e. self-esteem, incompetence or self-fulfilling prophecy. Self-esteem is the “evaluation and judgment or how we feel about ourselves” (Edwards, 2007, p.4). If it is low, then chances are there will be tendencies to avoid speaking in public. If it high on the other hand, our communication will be effective (Grey Owl 2004). Self-esteem also influences our self-image and will determine how the listeners receive our message (Edwards 2007). Low self-esteem is also likely to get negative feedback from the listeners. Self-fulfilling prophecy on the other hand is the way in which “we predict, or prophesize something to be true” (Edwards, 2007, p.4). This can either have a positive or negative impact especially with the outcome we expect. For instance if I truly believe I will fall on the stage when delivering a speech, chances are that it will happen and it will be because th