ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The term superfund site was first defined by the compensation and liabilities act of 1980 as a toxic waste site which requires cleanup (Smith, 2010, p. 2). Basically, such sites are listed under the National priorities list as requiring government sponsored clean-up exercises because of the danger they pose to the general environment. Superfund sites are therefore abandoned waste sites that require clean up; a task which is normally undertaken by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Smith, 2010, p. 2). Superfund Site in Eastern United States A major Superfund site in Eastern United States is the 914th Airlift Wing – AFRC, located just beneath the Love Canal, Niagra falls in New York (EPA, 2010). This site originally grew out of the outright neglect of the environment by the locals and other inhabitants surrounding the area. This site is located in region 2, under the EPA categorization of Superfund sites in the US (EPA, 2010, p. 1). Its possible existence is nothing different from the factors leading to the emergence of more than 250 superfund sites in Eastern US because it started from the disposal of toxic waste materials by businessmen operating in the region (EPA, 2010, p. 1). The site’s emergence was caused by accident spills and leaks that prompted the contamination of the ecosystem with toxic waste materials to destabilize the once sound human, animal and plant coexistence in the region. Where is the Problem? The biggest problem noted with the 914th Airlift Wing – AFRC supersite is the obvious abandonment
Introduction When one group of people obtains several rights regarding their health disabilities, social status, or financial aspect, the crowd is not always able to understand the idea of such a gesture. Some individuals start comparing their opportunities and demand from the government or particular organizations to expand their options as well. One of the examples is perfectly described by David Leonhardt in his article “It’s Time to End the Scam of Flying Pets” for The New York Times in 2018. The author discusses Dexter the Peacock case as a “bizarre situation” when “trust matters so much to a well-functioning society” (Leonhardt, 2018, para. 13). The main idea of this article is to show how people distort the truth and make selfish decisions just because they can do it. Modern America is aware of the emotional support animals’ concept, but its essence goes far beyond its planned outcome. In this essay, the goal is to compare the conditions when people have to use animals to improve their quality of life, and when people want to use animals for their benefit. Position in the Article There are situations when people ask to carry on their pets in the cabin and introduce enough reasons to prove the appropriateness of their decision. They buy special equipment and follow the instructions because it is the only opportunity to make flying with pets possible. However, Leonhardt’s story is not about specially trained seeing-eye dogs but a peacock named Dexter. A woman described Dexter as an “emotional-support animal,” but without certain “therapeutic benefits” (Leonhardt, 2018, para. 2). As soon as United Airlines declined her request, social media began discussing the situation, offering several for and against statements. Within a short period, the problem of boarding a peacock became a serious theme for discussion in the United States. Leonhardt (2018) demonstrates his concerns about “a modern culture that too often values individual preference over communal well-being” (para. 6). When people want to board with animals, they cannot recognize the existing positive and negative aspects. Reasons to Support Leonhardt The article under analysis contains several strong ideas to prove that flying with pets turns out to be an urgent social issue. Leonhardt (2018) correctly admits that certain problems occurred as soon as people “realized that they could game the system” (para. 8). Instead of following the rules established by the Department of Transportation, cheating was developed, provoking new
Abstract Financial statement analysis helps to improve the Emirates Airlines Company management’s decision making activities. Emirates Airlines Company is one of the world’s fastest growing airline companies. The company is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The financials statement analysis shows that Emirates Airlines Company performed profitably well during the 2011 operational year. The financial statement analysis ratios include the current ratio, quick ratio, net profit ratio, and return on investment ratio. The SWOT analysis is used to determine Emirates Airlines Company strengths. In addition, the SWOT analysis is used to determine the Emirates Airlines Company’s weaknesses. The company’s SWOT analysis delves into the company’s opportunities to increasing its revenues. The SWOT analysis shows that the company hast o contend with its encroaching threats. Consequently, Emirates Airlines Company must focus on retaining its current position as the top passenger and cargo entity in the United Arab Emirates. Indeed, Emirates Airlines Company profitably performed in United Arab Emirates’ airline business operations during 2011. Introduction Emirates Airlines Company focuses on increasing its revenues. The research centers on financial statement analysis of Emirates Airlines Company. The research centers on The SWOT analysis of the company. Emirates Airlines Company generated favorable SWOT and Financial Statement Analysis figures for 2011. Background Emirates Airline Company is the official flagship of the United Arab Emirates. The company offers air transportation services to its current and prospective clients. The clients come from different parts of the world. The clients arrive from different locations around the world. Similarly, the Emirates Airlines Company is strategically located in the United Arab Emirates residents. The residents are e
Introduction Organizations are expected to function ethically and legally for the benefit of all stakeholders and shareholders. However, few individuals in some organizations may decide to break the law and violate the set ethical standards by engaging in malpractices. Fortunately, in most cases, that information falls into the hands of a third party, who may decide to blow the whistle on the malpractices. This scenario underscores the aspect of whistleblowing in organizations. Cases of organizational malpractices and whistleblowing peaked by the start of the 21 st Century, which necessitated the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act into law to protect whistleblowers. This paper discusses the key characteristics of a whistleblower and gives a recent case of a whistleblowing incident. Finally, the paper highlights the extent to which the whistleblower in the said case is protected under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Key characteristics of a whistleblower In most cases, whistleblowers are employees or former workers of an organization, which is believed to be engaging in malpractices in violation of the generally accepted principles of operation. Halbert and Ingulli (2012) define whistleblowers as “people who decide to report unethical or illegal activities under the control of their employer” (p. 46). The disclosure may be done to other employees or the relevant authorities. One of the most outstanding characteristics of a whistleblower is that s/he is committed to a certain cause. For a whistleblower to come out and disclose classified information, s/he believes that such exposure will benefit the majority of the stakeholders in the organization. Such individuals are selfless, and thus instead of keeping the information to themselves, they decide to share it with the public regardless of the involved risks like job loss or lawsuits from the involved organizations. Mostly, whistleblowers hold high-ranking positions in the exposed organizations, and this aspect allows them to access classified information. Therefore, in light of this understanding, it suffices to conclude that whistleblowers are professionals in a given field. Another characteristic of whistleblowers is that they are risk-takers. The risks involved in whistleblowing are numerous, and thus for one to pursue such a cause, s/he must be a risk-taker. For instance, job loss is one of the automatic repercussions of whistleblowing (Kohn, 2011). Additionally, the involved organizational leaders may decide to file lawsuits as a way of fighting back the disclosure of the classified information. In worst cases, whistleblowers can be killed as a way of preventing them from giving collaborative evidence that might implicate the involved organizations. To some extent, whistleblowers can be characterized by disloyalty following the decision to betray the people who have trusted them with some confidential information. A recent whistleblowing case One for the recent whistleblowing incidents revolves around the Volkswagen scandal that emerged in September 2015 following the disclosure that the carmaker had used manipulative ways to violate emission tests. In March 2016, Daniel Donovan, a Volkswag
Introduction Books and movies are two of the most important mediums for communicating ideas to an audience. The two can be used for various purposes including entertaining and informing. Books make use of written words to communicate with the reader. On the other hand, movies utilize audio-visual technology to communicate with the viewing audience. Books and Movies have a number of significant similarities and differences. Similarities A major similarity is that both books and movies set out to tell stories that are often fascinating to the audience. Regardless of which medium is being used, efforts are made to create stories that are going to be engaging to the reader or viewer. For both movies and books, the story is a central part and the authors or directors come up with themes and plotlines that can captivate and entertain the audience (Bordwell and Staiger 262). By use of elements such as characters, setting, a conflict, and a resolution at the end, book authors and movie directors are able to come up with successful stories. Another similarity is that both books and movies make great use of characters, though whom the story is told. Bordwell and Staiger note that the characters used must be well suited to the story and they must be clearly distinguished from one another (262). They are given personalities and used to fulfill the key elements of the story being told through the book or the movie. In most cases, it is the characters that make the audience regard a movie or book as superior or inferior. Differences A significant difference between books and movies is in the manner in which the visual images are created. When reading a book, the reader has to use his/her imagination to create a visual image from the words contained in the book (Mayer 17). For example, in the Harry Potter books, the reader is required to form his/her own image of the various magical creatures. On the other hand, movies present the reader with a ready visual image. In the Harry Potter Movies, the images of creatures such as trolls and goblins are presented to the audience. The imagination of the viewer is not required since the movie makers have already created the image they want the audience to have. Books and movies differ in the level of detail provided. In books, the author spends a lot of time providing details of characters, events, objects, and places. These lengthy descriptions are necessary to help the reader to create a mental image of the story. With movies, there are no lengthy details used. Movies do not have to engage in detailed descriptions since a complicated image can be shown in a single movie shot. Mayer notes that a movie can, within the span of a few seconds, graphically show a mass of details to
Introduction Monsanto Company, the multinational agricultural biotechnology establishment, has assumed international relevance as a leading supplier of genetically modified seed and associated products. However, over the years the company has found itself on the hot seat in regards to the safety of some of its products (ANH Feature, 2012). For instance, Monsanto released a hormone which was said to increase milk production by up to 16 percent, when injected to cows (Bijman, 1996). The product, known as recombinant bovine somatotrophine , was received with a lot of opposition from farmers not affiliated to Monsanto, claiming that the milk produced by injected cows was not safe to use (Bijman, 1996). This led to some processors indicating that their milk was sourced from cows that were free of the synthetic hormones. This essay seeks to analyze the ethical dilemma that Monsanto faces in regards to the reception of its products. Reasons pro-genetic modification Genetic modification, particularly in the agricultural field, which Monsanto is involved in, has a number of benefits. First, it has been time-proven that genetic modification helps increase the farm yields (Morgan, 2003). The quality of produce grown from genetically engineered seeds is also of a better quality than that from regular seeds. Secondly, genetic modification has seen the development of crops that can tolerate harsh climatic conditions and parasitic infestation (Morgan, 2003). This has seen some regions bid farewell to famine and starvation on account of great harvests made. Reasons against genetic modification Genetic modification, can lead to adverse conditions on the consumers of its products. For instance the herbicide Roundup, a product of Monsanto, has recently been in the news for its linkage with cancer (Ng, 2012). For example, French scientist Gilles-Eric Seralini recently released the findings of his study, indicating that rats fed with genetically modified corn and/or water containing the Roundup, had a high propensity to cancer development (Newman, 2012). Such threats, if not well addressed could lead to more people suffering harm from the products, effectively wiping out the positive elements of such modification. Solving the ethical dilemma Using Emmanuel Kant’s duty-based (Deontological ethics), I would vote to allow Monsanto continue with their practice. This is because in its foundation, the company aimed at increasing food production and not propagating illnesses (Arendt, 2006). Allowing Monsanto continue production would in this instance be the right thing to do even though a small section of the people who use their products may be adversely affected. Following the first categorical imperative, which insists on universal law formulation, allowing Monsanto continue production should apply for any other institution, whose intention is the same as Monsanto’s (Ellington, 1993). The second categorical imperative also applies in this particular case by indicating that any decision made should be regarded as an end in itself and not merely a means to an end (Hadley, 1986). As such, Monsanto shou
Expressions of identity The Legitimacy of the Three Han by Yi Ik and Parhae in Korean history by Yu Tukkong provide expressions of Korean identity based on their chronological history and the traditional cultures. The two writings focus on Korean origins providing the legitimacy of modern Korean identity tracing an essential beginning that discloses the origin of Korean identity. Yi Ik provides a reflection on the rise and fall of dynasties in ancient Korea and China that simultaneously took place at the same time historically (Baker 103). Yu Tukkong’s writing examines the legitimate occupants of the Kingdoms conquered while considering the absence of historical documentation supporting various claims. It is evident in the two writings that the concept of identity is coined from historical genealogy, emerging societies, and their guiding rules and principles. Both scholars have used genealogical records, subsuming them into the writing of history to express the social identity of Korea. Yi Ik and Yu Tukkong provide a master narrative history that serves as an expression of their individual and national identity. In the context of Korea, both writings acknowledge Korean historical diversity, thus identities and origins, noting the underlying inherent conflicts (Kim and Sun 86). They express individual identities seeking to create autonomous space and that they were still connected with the larger whole societal system during different dynasties rule periods. The writings also express the aspect of Korean origins as they maintain uniqueness and the preservation of identities in the world of shifting realities. Korean Identity The Korean identity emerged when Koran scholars began to study their epigraphy, geography, history, and language. Notably, Korean art, mainly their paintings, departed from China-oriented traditional painting styles moving to Korean life and scenery paintings. A new cultural replication of China cultures was created using various borrowed techniques from China, enhancing their uniqueness creating an identity. It is notable that the Korean identity has its basis entrenched in their unity, historical traditions, language, and culture that collectively defines their nationality (Lee and Peter 120). Their identity was also characterized by the legitimization of Korean rulers with a focus on Korean historical founding rulers. Korean identity is evident in their literature that focuses on Korean mode of expression, themes, and rhymes. Korean identity is largely attributed to the propagation of the Eight Prohibitions and the induction into the Confucian world, teachings, and principles (McCann and David 56). History as an expression of identity Regarding the two writings, it is notable t
Background Kenya is a developing country whose economy is mainly market based meaning that it is influenced by the activities in the world market (Background note, 2012). This is mainly due to the fact that the economy is driven by imports and exports. The economy thus depends on how good or bad the market prices are. Given that the country imports more than it exports, fluctuations in the world market prices may have a devastating impact on the economy. Kenya is also considered the Eastern and Central Africa’s financial, communication and transport hub. Countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Southern Sudan highly depend on Kenya for their economy to thrive while Kenya in return gains some revenue from these countries. Kenya has been recording positive economic growth in the recent years. For example in 2010, the country had a gross domestic product of five percent. This was attributed to several factors including increase and improvement in tourism, telecommunications, transport, construction and a rise in agricultural production (Background note, 2012). During this period, Kenya received many English speakers who came to work in Kenya hence boosting the country’s hospitality industry. This also resulted into a great increase in employment in Kenya. Kenya has also recorded a general increase in computer literacy among the youth and this has led to an improvement in information and communications technology hence improved economy. To ensure that the country attracts more investment, the government has put in place strategies to make the country investment conducive for both local and foreign investors, mainly from the United States and the Middle East. As compared to most East African countries, for example Tanzania and Uganda, Kenya has better infrastructure, ranking second after South Africa. As we have seen, growth in Kenya’s economy is beneficial to the country’s citizens as it leads to increased employment rates hence better living standards. Kenya’s economic growth has also been beneficial to the neighboring countries and as well as the world market through imports and exports as well as investment. But Kenya’s economic growth has not been without challenges. Historic challenges for the economic growth in Kenya After independence, the country focused on agricultural development (Adam, Collier and Ndung’u, 2011). However, the main challenge with developing the agricultural sector was the overdependence on rain-fed agriculture. This has remained a challenge for Kenya even after almost 50 years of independence. The country has constantly experienced frequent droughts and reduced rainfalls which has greatly reduced agricultural production and hence slowed down economic growth rate of the country. Kenya depends on agriculture both for domestic consumption and exports. Reduced agricultural production has not only seen Kenya experience food shortages, but also reduced exports. Another challenge for Kenya and most developing countries has been fluctuations in oil prices. The decline in Kenya’s economic performance between 1974 and 1990 is attributed to a rise in fuel prices, which
Biography Milton Friedman was an American economist, statistician, scholar, and an author who is remembered as the father of monetarism and a proponent of free markets. Milton Friedman is a renowned economist born on July 31, 1912 to Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn, New York City (Cole, 115). At the age of twenty, he got his Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and went to pursue his Masters at the University of Chicago in 1933. He later earned his P.H.D in 1946 from Columbia University. Thereafter, he taught at the University of Chicago for over three decades. In 1952, he was awarded the John Bates Clark Medal which recognizes economists below the age forty for exceptional accomplishment (Bandyk, 46). Milton Friedman received a Nobel Memorial Prize winner “in Economic Sciences in 1976 for his achievements in the field of consumption analysis, monetary history, and theory, and for his demonstration of the complexity of stabilization policy” (Bandyk, 46). He previously served as an advisor to President Richard Nixon and was a president of the American Economic Association in 1967. In 1977, Friedman retired from Chicago University and became a senior research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He also became an economic advisor to Barry Goldwater who was the republican presidential aspirant in 1964 (Bandyk, 46). In 1981, he sat at the economic policy advisory board headed by President Reagan and was awarded the Presidential Medal Of Freedom as well as the National Medal of Science, in 1988. Friedman died of heart attack in San Francisco at the age of 94, in November 16, 2006 (Cole, 116). Friedman’s contribution to economics Friedman is referred to as the father of monetarism due to his efforts of coming up with the quantity theory of money. This school of thought looks at money supply as a key determinant of the nominal rate of output. Monetarism is the proponent related to contemporary quantity theory of money and Friedman is attributed to its popularization (Schwartz, 256). In 1963, he co-authored with Anna Schwartz in an examination of the significance of money supply and economic activity in the history of U.S, in a book called ‘A Monetary History of the United States’ (1963). They concluded that money supply fluctuations are attributable to fluctuations in the economy (Schwartz, 256). He also collaborated with David Meiselman to show the dominance of money supply over government expenditure and investment as key factors that affect output and consumption. Friedman’s experimental research and part of the theory was on the findings that the short-run outcome of an alteration of the money supply largely relied on output. However, in the end, the effect was mainly on the price level (Schwartz, 258). Friedman was the chief advocate of the monetarist thought of economics. According to him, there is an intact and constant relationship between money supply and price inflation. “Primarily,