ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
No man is an island entire of itself…. any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne, Meditation XVII, 1624 Nothing is more essential, than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular Nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded. George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796 A just war has to be just. Yet, to defend a just war is not the same as saying that all wars are just. War – the use of calculated, organized violence to achieve political objectives – is an unpleasant and brutal endeavor. But in certain instances, the use of force is justified. In some cases, the use of force is morally justified. The case of Kosovo is that example. The NATO use of force in Kosovo 1999 was morally and legally justified to halt genocide and ethnic cleansing. Human beings have always fought – for and over power, religion, and cultural beliefs, race, ethnicity, resources, land, wealth. The struggle often occurs between brother-nations, which is, at times, the worst example of human violence. Since one force is usually superior to the other, the threat of full extinction and massacre arise in military conflicts. In such situations, it is appropriate to seek outside forces for assistance, even if this assistance challenges international law of national sovereignty and the problematic outlook of violence to establish peace. Such cases have acquired the name of “humanitarian war.” A humanitarian war is the use of force to deter or prevent the aggressor from harming innocent people, and to protect their inherent human rights. The purpose of humanitarian wars is to avert human suffering, genocide, rape and other crimes against humanity (Roberts 1). Though it is not a completely peaceful undertaking, and presupposes proactive and even offensive military activities from the side of peacemakers, humanitarian war is appropriate in cases when it is necessary to alleviate human suffering and arrest abuse of human rights. (Heinze 4,8,15). Various definitions of humanitarian war exist. In our paradigm of analysis, we narrow it down to four essential criteria: 1) just cause, 2) right intentions, 30 last resort, and 4) proportionality and distinction. First, the humanitarian war needs to be a just cause, such as alleviating great human suffering. Second, this war has to have the right intentions – saving people, stopping massacre, and establishing peace. Third, the use of force should be the last resort after having exhausted all non-violent means. Lastly, the use of force has to be proportional to the level of aggression already launched. Moreover, the war has to be conducted in such a manner that military combatants and civilians are treated distinctively. The inte
Introduction Beef industry in Malaysia has been growing at a slow rate over the last decade. As a result, the country has been unable to meet the demand given the rapid increase in Halal beef consumption. The per capita consumption of Halal beef has increased from 1kg to over 6kg (Mohamed et al. 2008 p. 58). The low production of beef has forced the government to import beef from the neighboring nations to meet the ever-growing demand. The low rate of production is mainly attributed to farm inefficiencies, which has also led to high cost of production (Mohamed et al. 2008, p. 59). There are five categories of beef producers in Malaysia, namely: ranch integrators, vast estates, commercial feedlots, and customary agriculturalist. The five categories differ in animal numbers, a system of management and size of land. They are all involved in the production of both cattle and buffalo beef. The customary agriculturalists are the majority and possess nearly 80 percent of cattle and buffalo farms (Mohamed et al. 2008, p. 60). The ever-increasing demand for Halal beef products and services has had a significant impact on the local beef industry (Yeong-Sheng et al. 2015, p. 43). Since Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim nation, there is a special attachment to Halal products. Muslims abide by the strict dietary rule and are only permitted to eat Halal products. Therefore, Halal is very significant in the country’s food sector, including beef industry (Hamdan et al. 2013, p. 55). In addition, the growing demand for Halal products all over the world means that Halal food sector is no longer an industry that conforms to spiritual necessity, but is turning into an economic force in its own right (Noordin et al. 2009, p. 1). Generally, Muslim consumers often have a tendency to buy certified Halal products for a sense of security. For this reason, consumers in Malaysia are more concerned about the quality of Halal products than their prices. Malaysia Department of Islamic Development is the body responsible for Halal accreditation in Malaysia (Yeong-Sheng 2015, p. 5). According to Yeong-Sheng et al., demand for beef in Malaysia is inelastic to expenditure and price, which means consumers are willing to pay premium prices for quality beef products. However, the price elasticity of beef is relatively lower compared to advanced nations due to the general income level (42). The slow growth of beef industry and its enormous potential provides the rationale for choosing the topic under study. Moreover, businesses are now moving away from consumer-geared approach to value-driven approach to increase profitability and to build brand equity. Brand equity is defined as “any given brand name that has a specific
In the political arena, the size of the republic determines the type of governance. Either one person (president) or the monarchies govern in large republics. The ruling system involves trusting the wellbeing of the state in one man or few representatives who execute laws. Unfortunately, citizens in large republics may experience oppression through dictatorship and sometimes the government may execute its laws using the armies or courts. Therefore, neither democracy nor liberty prevails in the society. On the other hand, the interests of the citizens in small republics are achievable and there is low oppression with high protections of the citizens. Regrettably, conspiracy or sects may occur in small republic as opposed to large republics oppressing the citizens. This paper explores Brutus and Publius’ take on how the size of a republic relate to the republic’s preservation and good government. According to Brutus, citizens in large republics are bound to live under poor governance as opposed to citizens in small republics (Storing 2). Due to public bestowment of leadership in a single person, there is subjugation of the citizens. Most leaders promote poor governance and may lead to the fall of a nation. Some of them rise to the level of dictators denying their subjects freedom or fundamental rights. Usually, large republics that bestow their territory in the hands of one individual end up sacrificing their democratic rights. Additionally, when an individual rises to supremacy he/she tends to put fear in his/her subjects leading to oppression. On the contrary, a small republic promotes good governance because all the citizens are within reach. The interest and protection of the citizens in small republics are achievable. Due to the great number of people in a large republic, the idea and will of the supreme ruler prevails in a large territory. The people cannot converge to discuss and sort out their problems or issues; therefore, they leave the decision-making in the hands of a few people. In democratic republics, representatives have to read and channel the interest, views, and problems of their people in the government. Although public representation is achievable, the society can divide the large republic in small portions. Consequently, every individual will contribute to the building of the state through debates and public forums. Additionally, the major disadvantage of representation in the government is whereby, different members of parliament strive to compete with each other. Usually the result is that, the government business and public interest decelerates leading to poor economy and governance of the state. All large republics like monarchies promote dictatorship through use
A Composition A composition can be defined as the arrangement of different elements of a subject to make the theme complete in such a way that it instils sense to the person reading it or looking at it. It is the act of putting different elements together for coming up with a relationship between elements in a way that logic is made out of it. However, at the end of the day, its function remains the same in that it defines the elements of a subject that make it a whole. Composition in visual arts can be described as the act of putting together graphic elements for creating a visual structure. The purpose of composition in this case is to bring out a distinction between the different elements of a work that is being portrayed in such a manner that the elements of the work that the artist is trying to bring out are easily identifiable to the eye by the viewer. Composition is crucial in arts because it secures the subject matter from being lost among the many elements of the work, which may mostly be playing a supporting role to the main elements. Composition guides the artists in making their decision on how they want their work to appear. Thus, they are able to first identify the elements that would be used to create the main image, which will in a way contrast with other elements that make up the whole work. It will also enable the artist to identify elements that would be used with the main elements to create a contrast that will be in relation with the main work. Composition will then guide the artist in the organisation of the different elements of the work so that everything is put in the right place for achieving the purpose the work it is supposed to accomplish. According to Berger (1972), “…the photographer’s way of seeing is reflected in his choice of subject” (p. 9). The placement of the elements making up the work in the right way enables the artist to communicate the specific message to the viewer because different arrangements communicate different meanings. The purpose of the artist is to communicate a specific meaning to the viewer of the work. If the viewer gets the wrong meaning of the work, the purpose of the work will be lost. Composition is important because it is used to eliminate confusion in the viewers’ mind. When the different elements are being viewed by the viewer, the viewers tend to digest what they are seeing to give a meaning to it. Berger reiterates, “Images are more precise and richer than literature” (p. 12). Therefore, the artist will always try to be in accord with the viewer of the work in that when the viewer sees the work, he or she is able to get the point the artist was trying to put across without so much explanation. This therefore makes composition a very important element of visual arts because of the role it plays. Composition Skills Composition skills in photography are the main difference between a photograph and a snapshot. Composition skills enable the cinematographers to see the object captured in the viewfinder the same way the camera they are using is viewing it. A camera is not like a human being who can b
Plato makes a passionate presentation for the rightness of justice in ‘The Republic’; it is imperative that the place of justice be fully understood because it is the cornerstone upon which the ideal city-state is built. Justice is the principle that differentiates Plato’s ideal community from the current status quo. Plato sets out with two primary objectives: one is to understand the nature of justice, and the second is to find out in what ways justice can be ensured within a community. Plato starts by first finding out the perception that there is of justice from Socrates’ discourse with his fellow sophists. The first response Socrates gets from Polemarchus, is that justice constitutes being honest and paying off what one owes. However, the philosopher points out the loopholes in this premise, from whence the definition of justice broadens, with the proposition that justice is giving a man what he deserves. Again, Socrates blows this argument by pointing out that a just man cannot do an unjust man wrong, just because the unjust one deserves it (Plato 7-13). The argument proceeds, with Thrasymachus declaring that justice is that which serves the purpose of the stronger party, even if it is the government, because, if one is presumed to have broken the law, then there is no defense against authorities, whether the perceived lawbreaker is unjust or not (Plato 14). The conclusion is just men are wiser and better, and that unjust men only act so out of their ignorance (Plato 32). At this point, Socrates states the first quality of a just leader; that such a person is one who has special knowledge coupled with the understanding that this kno
Imagine if cigarettes were never invented? The world would be a good place and smoking would not be a major problem today. This misbehavior has been observed to claim lives in every developed and developing nation. The predicament caused by this practice is quite extensive since it harms both smokers and non-smokers (or passive smokers). Smoking is a practice that should be avoided or controlled rigorously since it is a risk factor for diseases such as cancer, affects the health outcomes of direct and passive cigarette users, children, and pregnant women, and has negative economic implications. People who sell cigarettes to individuals under the age of 21 years should get arrested because they encourage them to engage in inappropriate behaviors. This study proposes a study that can be used to empower and sensitize people about the dangers of smoking. Background Smoking is depicted in engravings and on various types of pottery as early as the 9th century. In Ancient Greece, smoke was used as a healing practice. Over the years, many societies have continued to use cigarettes for various purposes or goals. Statistics reveal that the number of smokers has been increasing significantly (“What is psychological,” 2018). Smoking has numerous effects on people’s health. Experts acknowledge that more individuals will die prematurely in the future due to cigarette use. Smoking is something addictive, and cigarette users will require counseling and support before getting rid of the malpractice (Singh & Regenstein, n.d.). The misbehavior has the potential to increase the risk for cataracts. Supportive Arguments for Addressing the Problem of Smoking Studies have linked smoking to numerous health problems and premature deaths It is also one of the risk factors for conditions such as lung cancer (“The effects of smoking,” 2018). This is a serious condition and affects the largest percentage of smokers. The second argument is that the bodies of individuals who smoke continuously will get worse with time. This means that they will be exposed to various opportunistic conditions. From this analysis, it is quite clear that smoking has both
The chart below represents the periodic characteristics of employment rates in Canada for males. The chart was developed using Excel spreadsheets and it concerns employment statistics covering 1977 to 2017. The chart, therefore, progressively represents the movements of different age groups along their respective curves. In forty years, the data is summarized for visual appeal to enhance inter-group comparisons. Figure 1. Male Employment in Canada, 1977 to 2017 (”Labour force”, n.d.). As presented in the chart above, the lowest employment rates have been experienced by male citizens in the 65-69 years category. At the top is the group categorized in the 25-44 years and below that group is the section represented by 45-64 years. Although there is a clear distinction in the levels of employment between these two groups, the margin of difference is relatively smaller compared to the first two groups in the chart. The latter comprises members in the 65-69 and 15-24 in the order of majority in terms of employment levels. There is a significant gap in levels of employment between these two groups with the elder category having fewer members. Perhaps this could be explained by the virtue of the age difference in the sense that past 65 years, workers have grown old and would desire to retire. At the age group 15-24, these are young citizens who are starting to experience real-time working and earning. For the 65-69 group, the chart indicates an increasing trend in the number of male citizens participating actively in the labor force in Canada in recent years. In 1977, the chart starts slightly above 20 years but maintains a downward development until around 2000 when the tendency leans upwards. In 2017, the chart caps at a 30% employment rate for this cluster, a difference that has not been observed in the rest of the scenarios. The second category in the ladder is a unique chart of peaks and troughs, a feature that is not visible in the rest of the clusters. This trend makes it possible to predict the next phase of development in the time chart given the previous inclination. For instance, it can be predicted that the next stage after 2017 would be a downward drift in the employment rate for this category. This forecast can be deduced by observing that by the end of 2017, the chart for this category was already reaching the peak. As a result, based on the preceding trend, a downward slope would be expected. The deviation between the topmost two sets is progressively constant making the two curves almost parallel to each other. The category 25-44 years is on the top and below it is the 45-64 years. Approximately, a maximum of 10% variance is sustained between the two curves. Individually, the curves do not reveal significant fluctuations as time goes but they tend to stick to a trend that resembles a straight line. From the foregoing, the chart presented above visually presents the differences and trends of employment rates in the four a
Introduction Chapter XX-XXII of Aristotle’s poetics are devoted to tragedy, a definition is given and its formative elements are discussed. Aristotle lists four kinds of tragedy according to their constituent elements. The 1-complex tragedy with reversals, 2-the tragedy of suffering dealing with painful events arising out of incidents of a pitiable and fearful nature, 3- the tragedy of character, and 4-tragedy of spectacle. Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet belongs to the third category of Aristotle’s classification of tragedy. The story of the play revolves around the hero Hamlet, who is rather than being an action hero is (contrary to the expectations of the audience) a hero of INACTION. Revenge is the main motive in the play. So Aristotle’s formula of (intension action-consequence) works here. But it is the delay in action rather than action that brings about a great downfall in which the hero also meets a tragic death along with his revenge victim, involving many more deaths, which could have been avoided. Shakespeare owes the revenge theme to the influence of Seneca the ancient Roman dramatist. Hamlet Hamlet is the story of Prince Hamlet’s revenge against his uncle Claudius, the prince of Denmark. On his return from Wittenberg where he was a scholar, Hamlet comes to know that his father is dead and that his uncle Claudius has become the king. He also finds that his mother Gertrude has married Claudius. Soon his father’s ghost appears before him and tells him that he was murdered. The ghost tells him that it was a murder most foul, strange, and unnatural. Hamlet, shocked by the revelation and shaken to the core by the knowledge of his mother’s role in the act, immediately makes his intention clear in the presence of the ghost. Haste me to know, that I with wings as swift As meditation or the thoughts of love May sweep to my revenge. (Acta.SceneV.L 29-31) Thus the revenge motive is established in the exposition itself. Hamlet’s intention to take revenge for his father’s murder is also established. The ghost agrees and says, ‘I find thee apt. Hamlet considers it his duty to protect the honor of the queen, his mother. The ghost narrates to Hamlet how Hamlet’s mother was Claudius’ accomplice in the murder. But neither the father, not the son wish to punish her. Hamlet thinks that his uncle has married his mother because she is the jointress and Claudius has used her to usurp the throne. Nevertheless, she was a party to murder and no one else must know it. So he makes Horatio and Marcellus take an oath to keep this knowledge a secret. This shows Hamlet’s good intentions. The knowledge affects Hamlet’s behavior as it changes his entire attitude towards King Claudius and Gertrude in particular and human life in general. So when the king addresses Hamlet as my cousin Hamlet and my son, Hamlet reacts. A little more than kin, and less than kind. (Acta.SceneII.L65) However, Hamlet is a learned and judicious man. He can n
Political and Social Ideologies between FDR and Herbert Hoover Political and social ideologies have helped transform the mindset among community members. The Great Depression presents an event in which the U.S. developed progressive leadership policies to improve living standards (Lewis, 2017). This period evidenced economic hardships and challenges resulting in abject poverty levels. For example, many families from minority communities ended up homeless for failing to repay their mortgage loans. However, prominent ideologies from national leaders in the U.S. ensured prompt recovery from financial problems that affected the American economy. The Reasoning behind Former Presidents’ Ideologies The U.S. encountered social and political transformation after World War I. American isolationism depicted a period of loneliness which allowed former president Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) guide the country through the Great Depression (Lewis, 2017). The nation focused on industrializing its economy by ensuring job creation to the middle-class working citizens. However, the situation changed towards World War II when American advocated for the establishment of The United Nations (Lewis, 2017). The change was attributed to the increasing need of an international agency committed to national prosperity and economic growth. For instance, economists were convinced of successful globalization of industrialized products. Similarly, Americans favored formation of the UN for protecting human rights and values (Lewis, 2017). Most importantly, the American mindset changed following the implications and economic destruction caused by the Great Depression and World War II. Cold War and Conformity I believe that that civil rights in same-sex relationships were suppressed during the Cold War conformity. Political leaders implemented social policies that negatively affected individuals with unique sexual identities (Lewis, 2017). This approach was necessary for ensuring unity and support in case of military confrontation. For instance, liberal American presidents integrate gender equality rights by avoiding suppression techniques to cause public fear among individuals in Cold War conformity. This practice was common during the second half of the 20th century and affected future policymaking. The Affluent Society In the A