ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
An American writer decides to take a test to determine the level of foreign substances in his body. Laboratory test results indicate that some substances, some of which are used to reduce flammability of materials, are present in his blood. The level of concentration of these compounds is many times higher than the level that would be found in an average American. The writer says that an average person would not afford to take the tests since they cost more than fifteen thousand United States dollars. His tests are sponsored by National Geographic. He also notes that there are only a few laboratories in the world where one can be tested for the compounds. A high level of concentration of an organic compound of bromine, PBDE, known to cause numerous disorders in rodents, is found in his blood. The writer wants to know the source of the contaminants in his blood. He speaks to Ake Bergman, a doctor, and together they identify the interior furnishing of airliners as the possible source of the chemicals in his body. The writer continues to describe the nature of the chemicals found in his body. Most of the chemicals are usually found in small doses that are harmless to a human being. Despite these facts, the number of ailments related to toxic contaminants is increasing with time. Very small amounts of some chemicals have a negative effect on the development of an individual. Despite the increasing number of new chemicals being used in industry every year, only a few thousand of them were tested for harmful effects in the United States. The writer recalls one dump he often visited as a child, and describes how it could have played a role in contaminating his blood with the foreign substances. Some chemicals found in his body date back to when he was a child playing at the dumpsite. The dumpsite has since been cleared and a cleaner environment restored. The writer recounts the pollution of the Hudson River with PCBs and the inevitable consequences the communities living nearby suffered. He then explores the effect of modern pollutants such as bisphenol A, which is found in many modern synthetic materials. Many of the chemicals that the writer considers dangerous are not proven to be dangerous to human beings, but are known to adversely affect other living things. The ability of mercury to move through food chains after reacting with an organic compound is explained. However, the writer notes that the levels of mercury in his blood were insignificant. Mercury is normally present in fish products from contaminated areas. The writer goes to the extent of investigating the sources of mercury by engaging in a risky behavior while bei
Human Brain The brain consists of several parts, each performing different functions. The structure of the nervous system and the brain is examined and studied during an autopsy. The human brain and nervous system are complex structures filled with numerous nerve fibers that shift predictably with some anatomical connections and are linked to chemical substances called neurotransmitters (see Appendix 1). Neurotransmitters The important role of neurotransmitters is that it helps the nerve cells to interact with each other. In many cases, facts and data are gathered by studying individuals who have had strokes or injuries to some areas of the brain; it is possible to test what functions have become poor and then to find the areas involved through various imaging studies or in an autopsy. The importance of this research is that it allows joining the part of the brain with particular actions and functions of a human. Learning activity is connected and reflected in the brain and depended upon neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters have a unique shape that can be protected by their chemical complements. This process is crucial because more than one kind of neurotransmitter can be found at a synapse and a cell can respond to a transmitter in a different way determined by the receptor activated. In general, the transmitter substances can be described as the part of the brain by which the message is sifted, they are not the data or information per se (see Appendix 2). Neurotransmitters and Learning Special bundles of nerve cells are known as nuclei. A div
Introduction Color is an element of art. It is produced by light effect. When light rays fall on an object, it gets reflected back to the eye. This reflection is the color of that particular object. Color has got different properties, these include;   * Hue- This means the name given to a particular color. Basically, all hues can be mixed from the three primary colors which are red, yellow and blue. Colors can be mixed to form complements. The complements produce various effects on surfaces. In painting color is used to exhibit different effects. At times they express mood which can either be dull or happy. Use of opposite color in a hue together brings out new effects that are different from the individual color effects. Thus, colors improve or reduce quality of an object. For example, the cool colors on the hue do exhibit large distances in real appearances. This is expressed mostly in sea and lakes.   * Intensities- Expression of color is varied. Some can be dull, while others can be royal. Afterimage colors are mostly employed in animations. When one closes the eyes, the image that is seen afterwards is called the after image. It is mostly used in still life paintings.   * Value -This explains the shades of colors. Some colors are dark while others are light. Different designers use color value to indicate spatial illusion. The contrast of color value separates and makes objects to appear solely in space. This can also be combined with color value gradation, this produces a three dimensio
Introduction The Roman playwright has written the play, Pseudolus, as a means of creating a hero whose worth does not derive from class or worth in society. Rather his worth is based on native intelligence and his compassion towards those whom he helps – be he slave or master. He is some kind of Robin Hood of the times when Plautus lived. Plautus’ reflections “As in both the plays of Aristophanes and Mevander, the Roman playwright Plautus addresses the issue of class consciousness and status in his works. Plautus particularly addresses the influence that class and status had on ancient Roman society and thinking. This is clear throughout his play, Pseudolus, in which each of the characters is developed based on their class and status. Their actions are reflections of how the issues of class, wealth and status influenced Plautus, and through his plays, influenced Roman Society.” (Mosaic: para 1) Pseudolus does not manipulate the upper classes for self-aggrandizement, though he may be a trickster. He does it to help others. However, after twisting his plans, he benefits himself at the same time. For instance, by helping the lovesick Calidorus, he ingratiates himself towards him. Calidorus, the son of Pseudolus’ master, Simo, is a naïve young fellow. He is representative of the higher class, which automatically should endow him with power. However, he dumps the problem on Pseudolus, thereby becoming dependent on the slave. “Help me: what should I send this man?/ To stop my girl from going on sale?” In his desperation, he allows Pseudolus to boss him. He cannot fight his own battles. Plautus uses Calidorus as a character in the play to demonstrate how class and wealth do not necessarily go hand-in-hand with power. Plautus was making a statement about judging a person based only on wealth and class. Calidorus is an amiable character but not influential. He wields a key role but is not a striking force behind the action. Ballio is a wealthy slave dealer and pimp. He plays the villain in the play. He is a manipulative character and is in a position of power over his slaves and Calidorus who belongs to a higher class but who is unable to stand up to Ballio’s villainous double-dealing. While Ballio is wealthy and powerful, he is not at all likable. Plautus uses him as an example of how wealth and power have the potential to corrupt. While Calidorus is wealthy but not powerful, he is likable. Ballio, on the other hand, is wealthy and powerful but detestable. Plautus uses these characters as a means of proving t
Introduction Lexus Corporation was established in 1989 as subsidiary firm to Toyota Motor Corporation. The firm has its headquarters located at Toyota, Aichi in Japan. The corporation has attained global market recognition over the years it has been in operation. In 2009, Lexus’ cars were marketed in more than seventy countries globally. This is inline with the company’s internationalization strategy. Some of the reasons which contribute to the firm’s success relates to manufacturing of luxurious and superior quality cars. In addition, the firm is committed towards delivering a high level of customer satisfaction. Considering the changes in customer tastes and preferences, the firm undertakes continuous innovation on its car models. As a result, the firm has managed to develop a portfolio of car models which include sedans, convertibles, hybrids, luxury utility, F Performance. The firm’s innovation strategy is aimed at ensuring that the firm’s products appeal to the global market. In an effort to improve its performance, Toyota Motor Corporation undertook corporate reorganization in 2000. As a result, Lexus attained autonomy to design engineer and manufacture cars which are solely for the division. The firm’s sedan models which include IS, LS and GS are designed as ‘global models’. In an effort to expand its global market share, the firm’s management team has identified United Arabs Emirates [hereafter referred to as UAE] to be a viable market for its Sedan IS model. Therefore UAE forms the fi
International corporations face stiff competition in the global market. Increased rate of technological development and social networking are some of the reasons for increased competitiveness. Nestle’ and Unilever are examples of corporations that have increasingly reviewed their international marketing strategies. The basic aim of such initiatives is for corporations to remain relevant and become more competitive. In particular, Nestle has persistently applied high levels of innovation and novelty in its marketing operations. The marketing team uses robust and transformative technology in its advertisement and promotion activities. On the other hand, it is notable that Unilever considers internet marketing as a more significant method of customer engagement. Both corporations have ventured into the fresh markets within different global destinations. One of such areas includes the developing nations, which have a high potential for market growth and development. Nestle applies distinct social responsibility to attract more of its customers. Evidently, there are many social responsibility and community activities offered by Nestle within most of its overseas markets. The engagement of local human resource is a critical method of enhancing the product and brand capacity. The Unilever Corporation has applied this methodology in an effective manner. Through this strategy, the workers are able to transfer the product information to every single person within their social life. Therefore, it is vital to note that product knowledge transfer is a marketing strategy that is widely associated with the Unilever Corporation. Analytically, these two corporations share several international marketing features and mechanisms. Notably, the Unilever Corporation has constantly engaged in partnerships with other domestic companies within the overseas markets. This strategy has transformed the local knowledge on the various company products. In addition, most consumers within such market zones have increasingly tended to identify with the products. Although there might be obvious differences, both the corporations have posed to be “socially responsible” within their international markets. The two corporations have different brands within various markets. Establishing constant awareness campaigns, events, and promotion activities are common operations within these companies. Unilever applies the celebrity approach to widen its market base and customer coverage within its potential markets. In this regard, the company uses celebrities to advertise and promote its products. Nestle; however, has adopted the mass and print media in its overseas marketing initiatives. Apart from this, Nestle observes the fundamental principles of target marketing. This strategy is evident within virgin market zones globally. The company caters for the basic needs of all its clients. According to Nestle, maximum customer satisfaction is a critical
Hollywood has provided the rest of the world with various films which can shape people’s perception of the world. One of these films is A Beautiful Mind (2001). This film touches upon a number of important issues to consider and discuss. For instance, it tells a story of a great love as the protagonist’s wife did not leave him even when everything seemed hopeless. The film can also be regarded as a great account of the American life in the middle of the twentieth century. However, the film is really fascinating and philosophical with its major idea that the human being is capable of almost anything as the human being is endowed with a really beautiful mind. In the first place, the beautiful mind of the protagonist helps him excel in his studies. He is one of the best students and he has a really bright future. This may seem quite an ordinary story as there are thousands of bright students who become successful in their lives. However, this simple life story can be considered in philosophical terms, so-to-speak. Thus, people have used mind (and knowledge) to develop and improve their lives. Technological development verifies the assumption that people have improved their lives and reached unprecedented tops due to reason. Apart from development and success in life, the protagonist’s mind solves problems which help him achieve success in love life as well. The episode when the protagonist dances with the most beautiful girl in the café is really remarkable. People always think that reason and emotions can never be connected. However, the episode mentioned above refutes this assumption completely. Obviously, a person can build (or at least start) romantic relationships using his/her mind. Understanding people’s psychology can help an individual reach certain aims. Pure analysis can help people control other people’s emotions. Finally, the protagonist develops a severe mental disorder that almost destroys his whole life (career, marriage, etc.). However, the protagonist manages to get over disease. Again, his beautiful mind helps him start a normal life. This has quite a specific meaning in terms of philosophical terrain. Clearly, the human being can overcome anything with the help of the mind. This idea is somewhat Nietzsche-like as the film seemingly propagates ideas of a super-human. Thus, it is believed that any problem can be overcome with the help of reason. At this point, it is necessary to note that pride can have disastrous impact on people. Therefore, people should understand they are super-humans, but they should remain humble as they do not understand the power of their own mind. The film shows that reason can help people achieve anything when used reasonably. On balance, it is possible to note that the film is a fascinating story that has a variety of philosophical ideas to consider. The film makes people think of the power of human mind. The
The role of tradition and culture in contemporary society has been the subject of extensive academic scrutiny. Scholars have consistently emphasized cultural importance as a pervasive theme of modern life. There have been controversies and debates over “Asian values” concerning the region’s political discourse. This was after the Senior Minister of Singapore Lee Yuan Yew opposed the stand of the Eurocentric universalistic. It had demonstrated that the democratic undertakings in the Western version are ideal and practical to the rest of the world. However, probably no absolute Asian can represent the cultural values of all Asians. Although Asian intellectuals may perceive it as awkward and barbaric, preservation of ethnic cultural traditions will be beneficial to the ethnic groups in the long term. Culture preservation enhances mental strength and Asians will find joy in life in familiar landscapes. Asians should recognize the value of the culture to their future generation. Indeed, the cultural values of Asians poise a sense of identity. The community will gain personality and character of its own. As culture is shared among the inhabitants of the region, preserving it will involve passing it to the new generation. Effective transfer of culture involves the use of symbols when translating. The common symbols used in Asia include art, religion, and language. Culture bonds individuals in the society. Preservation of the culture will enhance unification in Asian traditions. The traditions and customs of the Asian community include celebration of annual festivals, designing a unique clothing, eating food, and the imminent cultural values. These cultural practices have unified the community, and they have experienced a peaceful co-existence in the region. In addition, preservation of Asian culture will impose a sense of social control in which the Asians will be able to shape their behavior and standards. These cultural values are the base for an individual principle in life. In the ancient times, orientalism was used to describe the attitudes of Europeans toward Asian societies. However, orientalism can also be seen on the way Asians view themselves. This accounts for tendencies to self-orientalization that would become an integral part of the history of orientalism. This phenomenon is still a factor in the current society. Ideally, ‘Orientalising’ of Asian cultures closely reflects the broader paradigm that is characterized by seductiveness, immorality, and immaturity among others. In essence, orientalism has demonized the Asian culture by depicting it as primitive, immature, ir
Elevator Speech Research shows that finding a job is not an easy undertaking in the contemporary society as it used to be mainly because of the large number of young professionals graduating from institutions of high learning. Based on this, I have engaged in extensive research to establish the dynamics of the small-scale businesses. Various opportunities exist in the soft drinks industry hence my major aim is to establish a small-scale business that will meet the needs of customers. Through internet research, I have established that angel investor is a good source of funding, particularly when it comes to funding lucrative programs, such as the establishment of the soft drinks company. Angel investors are usually stable entrepreneurs with established capital bases. They have the ability of funding projects that show profitability potential. Research shows that angel investors fund projects seeking capital of $25000 to $1 million. Many businesspersons prefer obtaining funds from angel investors as opposed to other sources due to their flexibility. With angel investors, a program is destined to success since such investors help in equipping young investors with knowledge related to management and leadership. Some angel investors have experience in trading in the stock markets hence their knowledge is highly admired as far as the establishment of the new venture is concerned. The main area of interest to angel investors includes the securities business, asset banking, clandestine equity, and administrative management. My experience in the soft drinks industry will facilitate the making of adequate profits and the maximization of returns on capital once the new business comes into operation. Competition is stiff in the industry, but I have come up with adequate measures to ensure that the new company achieves its goals and objectives. Angel investors provide skills that breed business inte
The author of this book was born in 1808. He was raised in Minerva, New York. There is scanty information about his mother, and her name is not mentioned in the book. He is the son of Mintus, who was a slave under the Northup family. However, his father was freed from slavery after the family relocated to New York. During his younger years, Solomon Northup assisted his father with the daily farming chores. Occasionally, he would also work as a rafts man. Northup got married to Anne Hampton. She had a background of mixed ancestry. Their wedding took place during the Christmas celebrations of 1829. They were blessed with three children during their marriage. The author also became famous during the 1830s due to his skills in playing the fiddle. In 1841, Northup received a generous offer to join a group of performing artists on a tour of various states. However, just after accepting the offer, he was kidnapped and auctioned into slavery in the southern states. During his time in slavery, Northup had several masters some of whom were brutal, and others that he deeply acknowledges as being kind and generous. The author was freed from slavery by an official of the state of Louisiana. After being released he filed kidnapping charges against his abductors, but the case was thrown away on technical grounds. This book was recorded by a European lawyer acknowledging that it was the true account of the recollections of Solomon Northup. The book was subsequently published in 1853; barely a year after Solomon was freed from slavery. The initial chapters of this publication discuss the history of the Northup’s and the author’s marriage to Anne. It also looks at his occupation as a farmer and rafts man. It further narrates about his life as a fiddle player and his kidnapping. Northup was promised hefty wages, $1 for a day and $3 for each show he performed. However, after arriving in Washington D.C., Northup was drugged causing him to fall asleep. When he finally woke up, he found himself “alone, in utter darkness, and in chains” (Northup 38). He was astonished to realize that a slave pen existed within Washington D.C. The author was sold to a ruthless slave dealer who constantly whipped him for claiming that he was a free individual. During his stay at the slave pen, he met Eliza. The sad story of this lady is narrated by Northup in the subseq