ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Back pain can be described as the pain that is felt in back and which may originate “from joints, nerves, muscles or other structures in the spine” (Assendelft 17, pp. 4). In most cases, back pain is felt at the lower half of the back and is thus referred to as lower back pain (LBP) (Bogduk 82). Lower back pain is a very common condition; studies indicate that up to 80% of individuals can suffer from lower back pain at one point of the life (Schade 1893). LBP is a common cause of job related disability and the second most common neurological ailment (French 36). Several studies have been done in regard to the onset, diagnosis and treatment of lower back pain (Assendelft 19). Most have reported wide ranging causes and proposed a variety of treatment plans. This paper seeks to critically analyze a research study report that sought to investigate the effects of sizes of treatments for non-specific LBP in randomized controlled studies comparing treatment with no treatment (Hayden and Tulder 1778). Summary of the report Many randomized trial studies have been carried out to investigate the effectiveness of treatments for non-specific low-back pain (Hayden and Tulder 1779). These studies have either compared treatment interventions with no treatment groups or comparing different sets of interventions. No differences are observed in studies that compare two interventions raising the question as to whether the interventions are effective. In order to establish the effectiveness of the various interventions, randomized controlled trials were from systemic reviews were searched in the 2 nd issue of the Cochrane Library in 2005 and other available databases (Hayden and Tulder 1781). The data that was extracted to measure the effect sizes was estimated as Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) and Relative Risk (RR) or data enabling the calculation effect sizes (Hayden and Tulder 1784). As for acute instances of LBP, the effectiveness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDSs) was remote and exercise had no impact (Hayden and Tulder 1784). For chronic lower back pain, behavioral therapy, NSAIDSs, acupuncture and exercise therapy had the most usability but with limited therapeutic effect. All other intervention measures for chronic lower back pain such as trans-cutaneous electric nerve stimulation and manipulation had limited effect (Hayden ad Tulder 1785). The study concluded that the effectiveness of the current treatments measures for lower back pain is small to moderate. Therefore, there is a need for developing more effective treatment strategies to t
Type of Market The United Parcel Service (UPS) operates in the carrier industry, and it has developed a stronghold in the logistics field, offering supply chain management solutions for companies in different parts of the world. The company is also actively engaged in package delivery to homes across the United States and other parts of the world (Plunkett, 2015). Currently, the company operates in over 200 nations in the world, and it has harnessed the largest market share in the global market ( The World’s Most Valuable Brands , 2015). Ups is a franchising company that allows investors to open UPS stores as long as they meet some financial and legal requirements, and this is part of its tremendous success over the years ( Shipping, 2015). Competition The carrier industry is associated with the presence of several giant companies that compete for market share. UPS faces a monopolistic competition. Despite UPS acquiring the leading status in the global industry, it faces stiff competition from several companies. In the US market, the closest rival to the company is FedEx. FedEx has a relatively large market share locally and internationally, and it has always looked to beat UPS in the business through the provision of quality services at affordable prices (Hesseldahl, 2005). The two companies have a similar business model; hence, their quest for a bigger market share in the local market is bound to continue. In the international market, the European market is dominated by TNT Express and DHL. The two giant companies have established a loyal market share in the region, but UPS also has a stronghold on customers in the region. Increasing Market Power In monopolistic competition, companies can increase their respective market power by enhancing the uniqueness of their products and services. UPS should look to differentiate its services to harness a larger loyal market share. The company should ensure that its services are not perfect substitutes for the services offered by other companies in the industry ( Monopoly , 2015). It is also advisable for the company to review the pricing system to harness a larger market share. Maintaining high quality in services and ensuring the company delivers packages faster than its rivals is also a viable approach to increasing market power. Most of the competitors in the market increase their competitiveness by providing faster package delivery services; thu
Primary problems Mauricio Botelho, CEO of Embraer, has to contemplate several significant aspects that predetermine the potential development of the company. Embraer belongs to the list of the largest commercial manufacturers of airlines in the world. Its primary competitors in the global market are Airbus, Boeing, and Bombardier. On the regional market, Embraer has only one strong rival — Bombardier. CEO of Embraer has to do his best to try to predict the possible reaction of competitors to the launch of the new family of jets. Thus, Botelho does not know the reaction of his competitors. Botelho also has to think about whether competitor’s recent initiative will be successful. CEO of Embraer does not know whether Bombardier’s launch of CSeries (family of jets with 110-135 seats that should become a dangerous rival of Embraer) is a real threat to the successful implementation and development of a new set of jets. Botelho should not forget about Airbus and Boeing, as well. There is a possibility that they will consider Embraer’s innovation as an attack. Nevertheless, the most significant problem derives from all these issues. Embraer has to define the strategy for future development for the maintenance of its position in the market of aircraft manufacturing. Insights and potential decisions Botelho should take into consideration the peculiarities of the U.S. market conditions as well as possible threats from its competitors. The U.S. Airline industry comprises of three types of carriers: major, regional, and low-cost. The primary disadvantage of major carriers refers to a high price. Regional and low-cost carriers are much more competitive when it comes to pricing. In addition, many regional carriers can benefit from arrangements with majors. The latter can use services of regionals to facilitate and enhance their connections. Botelho should also remember that all but low-cost carriers suffered from drastic losses of revenues after terrorist attacks on September 11, 2011. Consequently, the competitiveness of low-cost carriers increased. Embraer and Bombardier are leaders in the manufacture of regional jets. The demand for regional jets increased with years, as they were convenient and cost-effective. This trend was useful for Embraer as far as it increased its project deliveries drastically. Besides general trends, Botelho should evaluate previous reactions of his competitors to any changes or improvements. The competitive history of Bombardier and Embraer demonstrates that the first always try to outperform the latter almost immediately. In 2004, Bombardier announced its plans to wor
Starting out: The Story Begins One of the most complicated and at the same time the most attractive characters in the story, Buddy French faces intense conflict within him, which makes him even more peculiar type to analyze. A local policeman, a man who is supposed to fight crime is usually taken for granted by most people, and is often considered a justice machine with no feelings or doubts. However, in contrast to the widespread idea of a real policeman, Buddy French has to deal with a number of issues in the emotional sphere, like conflicting with his wife and dealing with the sudden surge of passion towards his ex-classmate Sandra. Moreover, it is obvious that the issue of Buddy’s investigation, namely, gay sex and drugs problems, seems to create the environment in which Buddy feels rather uncomfortable, which his talk with Mackenzie (McIvor 65-66) reveals. Peaking to the hilt, the above-mentioned controversies in Buddy’s life make him undertake the final step to resolve the problems he faces. It is obvious that all Buddy wants is to live peacefully and make the world a safer and better place: What Lies on the Surface There is no doubt that Buddy is quite a charismatic character. “Handsome and troubled” (McIvor 4), he is much like a romantic Prince Charmin. However, it must be admitted that the movie director has done everything possible not to turn Buddy into another boring tragic hero. Adding a peculiar trait of his character or feature of his appearance, the movie softens the roughness Buddy’s character presupposes. For instance, the policeman “chews his nails on the porch” (McIvor 7) or deliberately picks a picture as if to “hide” behind it when having an important conversation with Sandra (McIvor 8). The Conflict within: Looking for a Shelter It is evident that Buddy needs some rest from the relationships that trouble him, yet he cannot find the shelter where he can forget about the painful conflict within him. It is essential that Buddy is completely at loss when facing his problematic love affair – as a decisive policeman and a man of strong will, he thinks that he is supposed to solve the complexities at once, yet he fails to cut the Gordian knot, which makes him even more uncertain about his will and power and drives him to even stronger conflict within. Holding to the life of the ordina
Summary The article focuses on the connection that exists between the technologies and the development of a company. There are three main issues used by the authors: organizational development (OD) as a data-driven process that results in a considerable change; change as a result of the development based on the information use; and technologies which are defined as the methods by means of which information on how managers and employees should work, cooperate, and develop is gathered, analyzed, and introduced. There also three main notions on the basis of which the value of information can be defined: action research, systems-level thinking, and leading organizational improvement (Church, Gilbert, Oliver, Paquet, & Surface 2002). The authors believe that technologies define how information is spread and can influence the development of an organization, prove that employees and workers should spend more time to benefit from the information available, and use the example of PepsiCo on how to succeed with the technological progress and overcome possible challenges. Due to the fast spread of technologies and their impact on human work, all three above-mentioned concepts have already undergone considerable changes and improvements. This is why it is very important to provide managers and employees with the guidelines on how to organize their working processes, share experience, and make use of the information obtained. If a person is not able to understand what kind of participation is required, a number of challenges may take place because of lack of faith in a system, inadequate representation of information, poor workers’ skills, workers’ inabilities to use some current technologies, and other technological problems. Implications Information technologies have a considerable impact on organization development, and the nature of the outcomes depends on a number of company’s characteristics as well as on the abilities of each worker to meet the expectations, learn new information, and get an idea on how to implement it properly. The authors of the article identify three main areas within the frames of which it is noticeable how technology may affect organization development and explain how technologies can be applied th
Introduction ALFAC insurance company is an organization that has offered policyholders a chance to get ready money when it is required most, such as a medical emergency fund, resulting in financial problems. With forty-seven employees, it is devoted to providing the customers with products that protect them. It gives the management a precious benefit in achieving their necessary requirement of accountability for self-confidence and wellbeing of their organization. Its money is made available to the customers, who are in serious need of urgent monetary support and also for personal assurance policy. Their money that is availed to the clients is not restricted, except only by the unfortunate absence of a genuine case. The ethical dilemmas experienced Dilemma 1; Conflict due to personally held aspects The workplace is made up of people of different religion, education, age and socio-economic standing. The workers also take the employment with varying expectations, backgrounds, goals, values, and different views of acceptable conduct. This varied, different group of the workforce is being required to work harmoniously jointly in the strength of teamwork and respect for the advantage of the company and the public they deal with. This is not always the case though, because these aspects at times are huge barriers in achieving the overall productivity of the firm. Unfortunately, workers tend to discriminate each other on the basis of their ethical, religious, educational, economic and social background. They thus are unable to solve important organizational problems among themselves because they view each other differently as opposed to the rule of utilitarianism which ensures that everyone in an organization is happy (John Stuart Mill, 1861).This theory supported by Richard Hare who said that if we were archangels we would act as utilitarians every time because we could predict the outcome. This is why organizations need moral guidelines so as to achieve the best results of their deeds. Thus they must try to imitate the symbolic archangels so as to determine the proper direction of their deeds. ALFAC does not always ensure its management is standard and all its participants are happy and have motivation which aids them on making important choices not only between right & wrong but also between right & right. They should therefore make efforts to achieve the best. Rawls’ difference should be attached to the position or office held and open to all under conditions of fairness in equal opportunity. In his principle of justice, individuals should look for means to direct their conduct by making choices on the proper principle regarding justice over those of libertarian and utilitarian. One of the obligations of the Sarbanes Oxley that the members of such outfits as insurance companies start to put into practice is the carrying out of an anonymous employee feedback tool for reporting in-house deception, maltreatment, policy contravention, theft and other ethical issues in the work surroundings. According to the ALFAC chairman and chief executive officer Dan Amos, they are working to ensuring that they run a v
Introduction This paper will give a critical analysis of the article ‘Designing and implementation of HR scorecard’, as written by Garrett Walker and J. Randall Macdonald, and published in the Human Resource Management Journal (Vol. 40 Issue No. 4, p365-377) during the winter of 2001. This article shows the importance of the HR scorecard in measuring performance in a business situation as an important step towards improving the business in terms of cost and value. Discussion The authors of the article have the proper credentials that make them eligible for writing this article on how to improve a business towards a market-focused approach. The authors have used the HR scorecard from Kaplan and Norton (1996) to argue out their ideas. Unfortunately, this is their only source of supporting material and is not enough because it is limited to this HR scorecard. The authors have not used comparison studies, which are very important in supporting the use of the HR scorecard. The bias in using the scorecard is justified by the rational that it recognizes valuations of a business’ intellectual and intangible assets. This article helps the reader to realize that human resource is not solely concerned with training and rewarding clients, rather it also entails the monitoring of employees’ performance to foresee business success and positive financial results. Conclusion The HR scorecard in an ideal tool that is used to assess the value of HR services in relation to business results. The article is successful in convincing the reader on the use of the HR balanced scorecard. The article is very important to human resource management as it gives insight into the effective use of the HR scorecard in assessing HR performance. The assessment results are important in determining people’s requirements and business drivers, all of which are part of human resource management.
Сhanges in China’s Economic System Different sectors of the Chinese economy are facing a shift with new reforms coming into place. The agricultural sector has shown a tremendous increase in output. A similar increment is evident in the income for agricultural products, which is an advantage to the farmers and peasants. The industrial sector is receiving high turnovers with the increased reverence from the global market. In a global market, China is considered a top manufacturer of concrete, steel, ships, and textiles. In addition, China has a leading automobile industry rivaling that of other countries including the United States and Japan. Trade and foreign investment has also increased in China with a major production and service delivery industries. The service sector in China is also gaining dominance with the increased number of local businesses and banks. Through these funds collected within the country, the Chinese government has been able to fund its activities without external support from other countries. In this regard, China has developed tax policies that ensure a steady collection of levies and tariff charges. Cultural Differences Between China and the United States The Chinese are collectivists who operate through group co-operations while Americans are individualists who prefer self-reliance and promotion as ways of becoming successful. The Chinese prefer formal relationships and consider family or blood relations as a strong element in fostering social relations. On the other hand, Americans prioritize social class when defining social relations. The Chinese are attentive to history that is used to determine future deals while Americans have less regard for the same. In order to strengthen relationships, the Chinese prefer knowing their business partners at a personal level, official and professional places of work. On the other hand, Americans socialize with people only in the work environment but not in a personal level. The Chinese consider trust as the firsts step in achieving business success while Americans consider business as a factor to developing trust. The Differences in the Ratio of Labor to Capital A comparison between China and America shows that China has a low capital to labor ratio compared to the latter. China has a high growth rate in the different sectors of its economy, which in turn increase the GDP (Gross Domestic Profit) and, as a result, leads to low capital to labor ratio. On the other h
Introduction Governance and accountability is a critical concept to the development of states. Accountability in governance is a vital practice. It encourages effectiveness in discharge of duties and equitable allocation of resources. Accountability in different institutions has a close link with the way power is distributed in organizations. The loci of power in institutions are useful parameters for assessing the level of accountability in the organizations. Decentralization of power is highly encouraged in most liberal democracies across the world. Decentralization of power is manifested in a number of managerial practices in institutions like the delegation of the organization’s duties and responsibilities (Brinkerhoff et al. 2009). This paper looks into the aspects of centralization and decentralization of power in different institutions and how these two aspects of governance encourage accountability. In this paper, it is argued that institutions’ accountability is better attained through dispersion of power and the delegation of the organization’s responsibilities rather than through centralization of power and control. Accountable governance in liberal democracies Having mentioned liberal democracies, it is imperative to explain how the distribution of power encourages accountability in such nations. One vital characteristic of liberal democracies in the today’s world is the high decentralization of power. Power and ability to make decisions in such countries do not lie in the hands of some individuals. Liberal states’ decisions are made through consultations between different arms of the government. This means that different arms of the government discuss, consult with each other and deliberate on the issues before the final decision is reached (Ezzamel et al. 2007). Decisions reached through consultation and deliberations are better weighed than those that are made unilaterally. Different bodies which deliberate on the issues and come up with certain suggestions are also involved in the implementation of such decisions (Brinkerhoff et al. 2009). Therefore, there is a low possibility of manipulating decisions in the middle phases of implementation. This encourages checks, ensuring that there is a balance in the implementation process. It is easy to detect anomalies in the implementation of the decisions because of the many observers monitoring the process. Up to this point, it is imperative to say that liberal democracies encourage institutions’ accountability. Powers are decentralized from the top governance, leaving institutions with no other option, but to implement such structures (Mulgan,2003). Having talked about liberal democracies, it is vital to mention autocratic governance. Autocratic governance is the least desired form government in the modern society. Autocracy means the cen