ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Computer Tech’s human resources director certainly faces a very difficult decision whether or not to prolong Maura Currier’s FMLA leave. On the one hand, it is clear that given the fact that Currier has worked for the company for four years, she has accumulated a lot of valuable experience in dealing with the specific duties of a head supervisor. Such a position demands a lot of knowledge but above all, it demands having good contacts with the subordinated employees and it takes time to build up such relationships within a group. It is clear that losing such a worker would present the company with a serious handicap and could damage its productiveness. Furthermore, the difficult situation she faces in her private life is something that everyone has to understand because being the only one capable of helping a sick parent places ultimate responsibility on the individual. What is more, everyone in the company empathizes with her and is willing to support her. However, certain facts go against prolonging the leave. The newly passed FMLA act First off, the newly passed FMLA act places a technical obstacle on prolonging the leave which is very difficult to overcome. Namely, in the act, it is clearly stated that the employee can use up as much as 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a year to take care of a sick parent. The company has already been maximally supportive in terms of distributing the time of the leave in a way that was most suitable to Currier. She has had 60 Fridays off work thereby using up all the available time for the unpaid leave. It is very difficult to go against established rules even in cases where it seems completely justified. In addition, there is also a problem concerning the increased workload of other workers who even though they are willing to give full support to Currier, feel that they cannot cope with the increased amount of work. If I were the human resources director, there is no doubt that I would have much difficulty in deciding how to act in this case. However, despite all the supportiveness and understanding I have for her issue, I would have to decide against prolonging her leave. Conclusion The main reason for that is the fact that one has to have certain formal regulations that govern his work and it is clear that all possibilities in this respect have been used up and any further extension would be in breach of the company’s policy. In addition, it is unfair towards the workers to suffer an extremely heavy workload despite their willingness to help. Nevertheless, given the fact that Currier is in a very difficult situation and that she is of great value to the company, I would certainly seek other means of helping her to keep her within the company’s workforce. The possibilities for such help are perhaps to be sought on another front and I would consider some kind of financial help. For example, it would perhaps be possible to increase her wage or provide some kind of bonus that could cover the expenses of getting medical and housekeeping services for her mother. That way Currier would not be forced to spend so much time helping her and could devote her energy to w
Introduction The present epoch of computer technology has come with a number of challenges. One of the challenges is in safeguarding information stored in computer systems. To make sure that only authorised persons have access to the stored information, organizations come up with authentication and authorization procedures, which assign unique login details to each person (Bishop, 2002). Whenever one wants to access information stored in a computer system, he or she has to key-in the login details. Organizations use varied types of authentication depending on the level of required security. This paper will discuss authentication, different types of authentication and authorization. Authentication Birch (2007), defines authentication as, “The process of determining whether someone or something is, in fact, who or what is declared to be” (p. 86). In many cases, authentication is done by verifying individual’s password or username. Organizations use authentication with the sole goal of guaranteeing security of their network systems or data. They require knowing persons prior to allowing them to access crucial information. Hence, authentication helps to make sure that only the authorised persons have access to information. Authentication procedure follows the assumption that only the authorised persons have knowledge about the passwords or usernames that an organization utilises (Birch, 2007). Two-factor authentication Two-factor authentication is also referred to as strong authentication. The authentication process involves giving two forms of login details. Persons may be required to give their passwords and swipe their credit cards or, use their biometrics together with a password before gaining authorization. Two-factor authentication is used to secure vulnerable or sensitive information (Jin, Ling & Goh, 2004). Username or password only may not be adequate to protect sensitive information. This authentication is mostly used in hospitals to secure health care information. Some of the health care information stored in shared computers is sensitive, and it calls for health care practitioners to use a two-factor authentication to make sure that other users do not access the information. Multi-factor authentication Bhargav-Spantzel et al. allege, “Multi-factor authentication occurs when a user is required to provide multiple pieces of information to authenticate them to a system. They require using something they know, something they have, and something they are” (2007, p. 530). Conventionally, multi-factor authentication entails using a combination of password, a token and biometric data. This combination creates a secure authentication procedure that is hard to steal. A cyberstalker is able to steal the login details of individuals that use weak authentications. This makes network systems vulnerable to cybercrimes. However, the use of multi-factor authentication makes the systems secure as individuals have to provide a physical gadget before gaining authorization. Multi-factor authentication makes it hard for cybercriminals to penetrate into computer net
Acquisition strategy refers to a high-level business and technical organization system designed to achieve planned goals within a particular resource limits and time. Acquisition strategy as management program can be viewed as a procurement method for the business components or services. Before an acquisition plan is initiated, the target company market performance and market situation should be analyzed to determine the best target company, and its best acquisition price. Tyco international ltd has been able to use acquisition strategy to promote its growth to very high levels of excellence, through its highly diversified world company incorporation of its three major business divisions of; security solutions, fire protection and flow control. In the early 1960s it acquired Armin plastics and the Ludlow Corporation to start packaging services. After this acquisition, the company recorded booming business and consequently high profits due to diversity of products in the market. Due to this, the company met the business threshold to be listed in the New York stock exchange in the year 1974. Soon after Tyco international joined the stock exchange, it gained competitive advantage against its competitors, as this acted as an advertisement to those who did not know it and its products. It continued to expand both in its products and services, and through acquiring other companies to a point, where it has gained an international recognition, further widening of its market share through export of its products. Through this strategy, speed of growth in terms of resources and competency of the company is higher than that of competitors, with ability to provide a wide range of new products of high quality. By the way of acquiring an already established firm with ready products for sale such as polythene and plastic pipes, after acquisition the company was able to minimize the risks and cost of developing these new products, hence making its production cost low. This is translated into low prices of its products in the market compared to those of competitors. The acquiring company has been able to increase its market power through enhanced market presence with a wide range of products and services. Many companies feel that they have inside ability to do business, but they are unable to exhaust their available capital and capability due to insufficient size. During acquisition, a company gets a good opportunity to increase its size that is necessary to exploit its overall competences by developing and growing in terms of sizes. The major concern of increase of size is the market share of the company. For instance, Tyco has a history of expanding its market shares through acquiring various companies from both within and without the industry. Whenever a company expands its market share, the market power as well increases, hence placing it at a more competitive edge in the market. For a company to enjoy a powerful market share, it may be forced to acquire the relied s
While answering letters with negative connotations, proper communication is vital to leave a good impression on the constituents. After all, dialogues with the audience shape the representation and image of the politicians. It is particularly vital for elected members such as senators to properly respond to complaint letters since they deal with more relevant matters. I believe there are a few key principles that are necessary when replying to criticism letters from constituents. In my opinion, the contents are the most significant part of the response, and therefore, the first principle is objectivity. The reply to the message should be precise, straight to the point, and relevant to the constituent. After all, the complaint letter was composed with a purpose that the writer wanted to deliver to the politician. Therefore, the author sought solutions to the problems and assumed that the elected members could provide the answers. That is why the contents of the reply are so relevant and should be prioritized. It is also necessary to keep the response structured, concise, and easy to understand according to the basics of formal communication. Furthermore, being honest, accountable for actions, and open to suggestions would improve the image of a politician. Acknowledging mistakes and seeking improvement is a safer way to attract constituents rather than make unsubstantiated promises. The other two principles that are obligatory in the response to the constituents are respect and formal tone. I believe that it is necessary for the elected members to be accurate and courteous in their responses to show that they do care about the audience. In addition, keeping the tone of the conversation formal and reserved would increase the rate of public approval among the constituents.
Introduction Achieving the American dream has been every American’s agenda since the country achieved independence in 1776. In 1963 when in Washington DC Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech on the American Dream, people felt rejuvenated in the quest for a better life. James Truslow Adams who wrote the book “The Epic of America” defined the American dream as “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” (Adams 214). This paper seeks to highlight the ideas of the American dream while demonstrating the impact of the dream on people. Although conservative Americans would never admit it, the dream is slowly slipping away. Economic Aspect of American Dream The infamous American dream entails both economic and social aspects of life, primarily themed to enhance the life of each citizen through equal share of resources and participation in national projects. The dream revolves around solid cornerstones of economic well-being of people, religion, education, and social tolerance of the multi-ethnic American population. For years America has boasted as the economic superpower among world economies with its citizens enjoying the results of its earlier struggles as a colony of the British Empire in the 17 th Century (Adams 214). America’s controversial adoption of capitalism provoked much debate when economies were fragile and few countries were ready to take risks. However, the United States of America broke away from the status quo which later turned to be an appealing decision not only to the ordinary middle class Americans, but also to the entire world. Because of the positive projection of the economy, employment opportunities increased and living standards of people became better. Combined with better technology, American economy now continues to blossom, but it was not until the global crisis crept in a few years ago. Research shows that currently majority of Americans are in fear of economic meltdown if the government fails to implement necessary measures to revive the economy. The biggest problem is the gap between the wealthy and the poor with the rich are getting extremely rich, while the middle class faces a crisis of salary sabotage and loss of jobs because of the increased demand for technology rather than human labor. America might be the richest country globally, but wealth distribution undermines its efforts and achievements in the economic sector. Consequently, without a properly set wealth sharing, most Americans might never attain the American dream. Social Status of Americans While some people view the American dream as an opportunity to become as wealthy as possible, others concentrate on the basics of having accessible healthcare and
Nandi warriors came from the Nandi sub-tribe of the Kalenjin community in Kenya which occupied the Rift Valley region of the country. The Nandi warriors had a mixture of origin which ranged from Nilotic, Bantu and Hamitic. The warriors used the ranges of the land they occupied to help them come up with easily coordinated units. These ranges were Wareng in the North, Soiin in the South, Aldai and Chesumei in the West, Mosop in the East and Em-gwen in the central part. The established units were being led by a strong and powerful leader called Orkoiyot. Wakafale noted that, by the advent of colonization Nandi Warriors were the most militarized group in Kenya replacing the previous Masai dominant as an ethnic political power (69). The success of these warriors was based on strong economy and age set system. Strong economy was obtained from agricultural produce and the livestock rearing. Some of their livestock was acquired through successful raids by the warriors from neighboring communities. The warriors used the age set system to make sure there was controlled succession plan and to increase their number for remarkable protection for their community. The ranges formed the basic units of their military organization and were charged with the responsibility of protecting their community and conducting community raids. At the peak of civilization, Nandi Warriors posed the greatest challenge to the construction of the Kenya Uganda railway and subsequent fight for freedom. Politically, Nandi Warriors were organized for the raids under strong leadership of the Orkoiyot who was a symbol of unity to them. The Orkoiyot served both political and religious functions with the most famous Orkoiyot being Koitalel Arap Samoei. Omotayo observed that the fall of the Nandi community as a power was characterized by the agreement of the leader to meet with the colonialists in a stage managed meeting where the leader was shot (178). Hence without a symbol of unity, the Nandi Warriors were unable to prolong the fights against the British colonialists. Nandi warriors made sure that their community obtained great wealth through successful cattle raids and high protection from any attack posed to them by other communities. Due to great agricultural produce by the Nandi community, Nandi Warriors were able to meet all the community members during social gatherings and ceremonies. Womack stressed that the frequent social gatherings helped the Nandi Warriors helped them to maintain connections amongst both the various units of the warriors and the members of the community (172). The gatherings therefore served as a bonding factor between the entire team of Nandi Warriors and the community too. Consequently, the Nandi Warriors were admired by warriors from other communities in East Africa for their military superiority and great unity amongst the various units. Nandi Warriors therefore served as a role model to East African communities and this made the other East African Warriors to want to achieve those mil
Introduction Rita Joe’s “Song of Rita” received huge following due to its comprehensive scrutiny of historical and contemporary Canadian life. Rita was a renowned writer; she received copious accolades because of her resilience and expertise in writing. Rita is still revered all over the world by both her critics and supporters for the robustly textured books she wrote. Rita was born in 1932 in Whycocomagh, Cape Breton, she was orphaned at a tender age of ten (Macleod 1). The Canadian poet overcame several obstacles to become a world-renowned writer. Rita died in 2007 from Parkinson’s disease (Paul 1). This paper will critically analyze Rita’s book “Song of Rita”. Summary Rita is a Mi’kmaq writer who provided an enlightening story in her book “Song of Rita”. In the book, Rita narrates about her remarkable life during youth and adulthood. Rita talks about her education in Indian residential school as well as the daily obstacles she had to overcome to succeed. The author talks about the daily struggles she faced in her effort to battle with family issues in her aboriginal heritage. Rita also narrates about her turbulent marriage. Moreover, she talks about her differences with the community, which she loved. Rita also narrates about her fight against racism, and poverty. Also, Rita talks about her fight against sexism, which was rife at the time. Interestingly, Rita also talks about personal demons, which were evident in her first poems. Nonetheless, the author finally manages to reclaim her status as aboriginal. Moreover, the poems help Rita to deepen her enduring spiritual quest (Joe 1). Analysis Rita Joe’s poems in “Song of Rita Joe” are well refined and succinct. Rita uses the poems to outline her main challenges, which are reminiscent of the challenges, which faced aboriginals of her time. The book articulates Rita’s defiance in fighting racism, poverty, and sexism. The author shows her struggles with community traditions. Also, it outlines the dominant issues, which affected aboriginals. Rita’s story highlights the strength of women in inspiring the social lifestyles of society. Rita uses persuasive gentleness to send her message to the Mi’kmaq nation. The author stands out as an educator th
The literature of the 17 th century is characterized by the emergence of various works describing the life of African slaves in the New World. The books by European writers were largely influenced by the stereotypes and theories that existed at that period in Western society (Ferguson 166). At present, many scholars claim that the works by White authors were racist while some researchers argue that the preconceptions of European novelists (and Europeans in general) cannot be regarded as racist as modern people see it. For instance, Hughes emphasizes that the perspectives of the people of the Old World were shaped by the existing focus on systematization (204). However, such books as Aphra Behn’s Oroonoko can serve as an illustration of the racist perspective of the author whose concepts of race are similar to the ones existing in modern society. The author tells a story of the African “royal slave” named Oroonoko and his hardships in Surinam (Behn 123). It is noteworthy that the writer has a very positive view of the main character of the book and often stresses that he is much nobler than many Europeans. It seems that Aphra Behn simply tries to refute the notion that reigned at that period. It was believed that Africans were inferior in the mental and spiritual, and sometimes in the physical, aspects. For this purpose, the author contrasts the African prince to the rest of “that Nation” and White people (Behn 130). She seems to idealize him and make him stand out against the rest of African slaves who were referred to as a “gloomy Race” (Behn 128). Although the woman admires the slave, she does not place him in one line with herself as she is White. Certain signs of White superiority or even supremacy can be traced in the book, and these instances are often camouflaged with admiration. The concept of race is central to the book unveiling the peculiarities of life in the New World where Whites enjoyed many rights while other races (Africans or Local People) were seen as inferior. This inferiority was one of the founding blocks of the institution of slavery as Africans were thought to be suitable for physical work as they were void of White People’s spirituality and mentality. Ferguson emphasizes that the author tends to employ racial categorization as a means of “securing group identity by a (frequently mythical) set of genealogical rules” (162). The researcher claims that the White author evaluates the nobility and virtuousness of Oroonoko and his wife, Imoinda, by applying the norms and values of the western world. For instance, the writer admires Imoinda for her being “the perfect embodiment… of an image of the ideal English wife as the property, body and soul, of her husband” (Ferguson 169). Other qualities that cannot be placed within the boundaries of the European paradigm are seen as innocence or a manifestation of the barbarism of the race. However, this kind of categorization is what some researchers see as a product of the scientific culture of that period rather than racism as modern people understand it. Hughes argues that Behn does not provide a “racial classification” but rather utilizes “relig
Introduction Literature plays an important role in educating, entertaining, warning, and informing the public about various events that take place in society. Authors use different literary techniques to express their views and enhance the credibility and attractiveness of their writings. The use of fantasies is a technique embraced by Zhang Xinxin and Gabriel Garcia Marquez to exaggerate the themes and personalities of the characters used in their works. Themes The theme of greed to acquire material wealth is explained in the stories of Dragon World written by Zhang Xinxin and A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. In both stories, the writers have used various themes to pass their message to readers. First, Xinxin shows how a Chinese community has focused on the need to be rich at the expense of its moral values. The second story shows how Paleyo and his wife are desperate to make money. They take advantage of the old man’s physical uniqueness to extort money from neighbors. Secondly, the story highlights the theme of superstition that is evident in people’s belief that the old man is an angel. However, others believe that he is evil because they think that angels should be tidy and presentable. In addition, the church is torn between Christianity and superstition; moreover, Father Gonzaga is forced to seek guidance from his bishop before he makes any move. Superstition is present in the second story and it is described by showing how the ‘Spider Girl’ was converted into a tarantula for being disobedient. Lastly, the dragons present in this story show that people have broken the boundaries that regulate their behaviors. The Absence of Fantasy The use of literary techniques helps narrators to make their works interesting and attract audiences (Eynat-Confino 46). Therefore, readers will become attentive and concentrate on the plot, themes, an