ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Abstract The number of overweight people across the world has been a growing for the last three decades. This paper will examine the factors that contribute to high obesity rate among people who are 20 years and above in the United States. The trend is attributed to among other things: sedentary living, poverty, age, and the increase in consumption of unhealthy diets. In addition, in the US and Canada, food deserts are many, particularly in poor neighborhoods. Additionally, the paper will examine potential outcomes and implications before proposing potential solutions to the challenge of obesity to the above-20 population. From the findings, it emerges that a strong relationship exists between the efficiency of healthcare systems and the health status of the public. Therefore, inefficiency in the healthcare system of a country facilitates the increase in obesity rates. This finding explains why a large number of the uninsured US 20-and-above population is obese today when compared to the people with similar income status and age in Canada. Canadians, whether poor or rich, can access the advice of a doctor on how to deal with their obesity. The paper also finds a negative connection between earnings and obesity among females within this age bracket while the link is ambiguous in males. As a result, the study concludes that higher-income females have a minim
Aims   * To critically review the present-day situation pertaining to police corruption in Russia   * To evaluate the effectiveness of measures that Russia currently undertakes to curb police corruption Objectives   * To analyse the main legal, economic, social, and other drivers of police corruption in emerging economies.   * To track changes in the rate of police corruption in Russia since 1991 and compare it to other developing and developed countries.   * To identify which strategies were utilised in the country over the years in order to minimise the incidence of corruption and contrast them with mechanisms employed in developed states.   * To identify emerging implications for future policy and other strategies targeted at reducing the corruption level among Russian law enforcement personnel. Background and Context Corruption is defined as “behaviour by a public official that deviates from public interest” (Venard, 2009, p. 2). Normally, such behaviours include bribery and embezzlement yet, when speaking of police corruption, it may also include protection of illegal activities, interference with a criminal investigation, fabrication of evidence, and similar practices (Kosals & Iziulov, 2010; Belianin & Kosals, 2015). As stated by Graycar (2017), corruption demoralises administration and interferes with the formulation and enforcement of policies. In addition, corruption among police officers “undermines security, makes a mockery of justice, slows economic development, and alienates populations from their governments” (Bayley & Perito, 2011, p. 2). Source: “Corruption is still rife,” 2018. Corruption in the public sector and police corruption, in particular, are international problems. According to Corruption Perceptions Index developed by Transparency International (2018), in 2017, Russia was ranked 135th among the total number of 180 states analysed for their transparency levels, which indicates an elevated level of perceived corruption in the country. In the list, it is neighbouring with such emerging economies as Ukraine and Honduras, whereas such advanced economies as New Zeeland and Denmark received high transparency scores (Transparency International, 2018). The data indicate that developing countries are more prone to corruption than developed ones. As stated by Khan (2006), this propensity is primarily defined by legal powers that endow public officials to create obstacles for citizens in the markets, as well as low opportunity costs of engaging in corruption activities. Moreover, high levels of police corruption may be determined by the overall political culture. In Russia, corruption is regarded as “a legacy of the Soviet past” (Markovska, Serdyuk, & Sokurenko, 2018, p. 146). Light (2010) also s
Marketing mix is a very essential tool that is used in marketing of goods and services (Kerin et al 12). Quite often, the tool is used to define the brand or uniqueness of a product in order to distinguish it from those of other potential competitors in the market. Needless to say, marketing mix comprises of four components that are generally known as the 4Ps. The company will consider the 4Ps that include product, price, promotion and place (Bradley 14). These components will be discussed in detail in order to illustrate how they are useful in marketing plan of the company. Marketing Mix: 4 P’s Product We deal with goods produced from already used raw materials for the sake of making profit. To emphasize on this, the products in the company entail recycled goods which we obtain from disposed raw materials as well as donations from well wishers. From a careful analysis of the market situation, we anticipate that the products will be able to satisfy basic needs of consumers who fall below the poverty line. The company is in a position of expanding its product mix by increasing production depending on the amount of resources available for use. The Second Life Company focuses on the following:   * Features of products and services produced are of high quality in order to ensure that it remains unique from those of other competitors (Bradley 22).   * In order to ensure that the company’s products remain competitive, we will rebrand the products as a strategy of making sure that they look different from the original ones. This will be executed by making use of a different brand name, improving the quality of our products as well as the mode of packaging (Bradley 23). This will make our product appealing to customers and this will be an integral feature of marketing that cannot be ignored since customers tend to be physically impressed before they end up buying particular products.   * It is also notable that creating new labels, name and design will enhance easier identification of our company’s products by customers. In line with this, production method and delivery of services are crucial factor that will be considered (Kerin et al 12).   * For instance, businessmen should employ production methods that are cost effective while maintaining the quality of goods and services offered to customers. This company will employ high quality and improved technical methods of production to ensure that the goods produced effectively meet the overall needs of the target market as well as individual tastes and preferences of customers just like new ones would do.   * Additionally, since production is a complex activity, the company will employ and allocate workers in diverse production areas depending on their skills and qualifications. This will help to uphold the quality of products produced and consequently, our products will be able to stand out in the competitive market (Bradley 36).   * We plan to meet the needs of the market Pr
Introduction This paper seeks to discuss the reformation and its effect on the development of the arts. The reformation period occurred between the medieval ages and the 17 th century. It is estimated that this period experienced religious as well as political developments dating back to the 16 th century. It was shaped by a variety of events that affected European way of life, mannerisms and culture. The reformation period encompassed developments in literature, art and science. Reformation occurred as a result of the disintegration of the Roman Catholic Church into competing denominations. This has been termed by several scholars as a religious reform movement. Martin Luther (a German theologian) is credited to starting the reformation through his criticisms of the Catholic Church regarding its doctrines. The idea that the Catholic Church teachings were fallacies contributed to a rebellious reaction. However, Luther did not solely contribute to the reformation hence credit should be attributed to others who equally made significant contributions. Spread of the reformation The reformation occurred as a result of conflicts between the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and the Bible. This was due to the fact that the views and practices expressed by the Catholic Church were restrictive. The reformation was an attempt to ‘fix’ the Catholic Church because of perceived falsehoods in their teachings. A major contributor to the spread of reformation was the existence of the printing press that facilitated productions of materials and writings that were in turn circulated. Furthermore, people became more literate and enlightened hence sparking critical thinking and re-evaluation. People acquired different perspectives on knowledge and education hence driving them to challenge authority and not simply accept what they were told without questioning. Key players in the reformation era Several people contributed to the reformation era. Most of them were mostly theologians, linguists and scholars. They include the following, just to mention but a few: Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536), Estienne de la Boetie (1530-1563), John Calvin(1509-1564), Martin Luther(1483-1546), Thomas Paynell (1528-1567), Thomas More(1478-1535), Thomas North(1535-1601), Francois Hotman(1524-1590) and Huldrych Zwingli (1484-1531). Effect of reformation on the arts Differences between the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church were revealed through the kinds of art that each party produced. However, the effect of reformation on art mainly dwelt on secular subjects as it sought to counter what the Catholic Church upheld. The art designed brought about different themes and ideas that were advanced by radical Christians who felt that the Catholic Church was restrictive. Church ref
Thomas is not a resident of Australia however he temporarily visits the country to teach for a semester which lasts for five months, from July to November, but the lecturer lived in the country for another five months until April 2011 with his family members. Cumulatively the lecturer has been in Australia for nine months which is more than six months continuously. For the purposes of taxation it is in order that the lecturer’s residency is proved in accordance to the tax laws of the land. There are various aspects which are monitored before the conclusion of the residency of Thomas and whether he is subject to the taxation as a resident or non-resident. Thomas is not a resident of Australia neither does he intend to migrate and live in Australia fully; however he has intentions of staying in Australia for more than six months continuously. Thomas does not have an intention of becoming a resident of Australia. He resides in overseas as far as Australia is concerned and thus his place of abode cannot be Australia. While in Australia Thomas, the term of his employment is on contract basis and the accommodation is on a twelve month lease. These are also some of the factors considered for residency. Further information critical for his residency determination, is the fact that Thomas is a married man with children however he does not live with whole his family in Australia at the course of his stay. Thomas has most of his investments in United States of America (USA) which is treated as overseas in Australia. The case of Thomas does not mention his involvement in any clubs, community organizations, or churches which is also an important factor to be considered when ascertaining residency to Australia. Basing on the above measures, Thomas is a non resident of Australia. The law states clearly that even if one has lived in Australia for more than one and half year but does not have any intentions of taking up residents in Australia since his usual place of residence is in USA which is outside Australia. Therefore the non residency of Thomas is justifiable under the given grounds. As a non-resident of Australia, Thomas is obliged to lodge his annual income from Australia where the annual income year in Australia starts on 1 st July and ends on 30 th June the following year. Thomas will be expected to pay
Introduction The key objective of this report is to describe the history of the Islamic capital market and this report focuses on the history of the Sukuk market, general principles of Sukuk, Secondary Market of Sukuk, the position of this bond in the global market particularly in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and other countries of Gulf Cooperation Council. In addition, this paper concentrates more on the Structure of the Sukuk, financial and Legal challenges, growth of Sukuk in the stock market, present market condition of this product, and impact of the global financial crisis on the Islamic bond market and so on. History of Sukuk Ali (2010, p.1) stated that the people were unaware of the concept of Islamic capital market securities (Sukuk) market ten years ago and it was a new term to the customers through Sukuk was the common Arabic name and Malaysia started a sovereign Sukuk in 2002. Most interestingly, Chik (2009) stated that the history of the Islamic capital market can be found from the First Century and the Ottoman Empire issued esham in 1775 to overcome the problem related to the budget deficit. On the other hand, McNamara, Ijtehadi & Yasaar (2012) stated that the government of Malaysia claimed that they introduced a sovereign Sukuk way back in the fiscal year 1995 (the Malaysian National Mortgage Corporation issued the earliest Sukuk), which gained popularity in the mid-2000 due to saving the GCC members from the debt crisis. Moreover, McNamara et al. (2012) further stated that Malaysia was the only active country in this industry before 1999; at the same time, Malaysia claimed that Bahrain joined in this sector in 2001 and the Central Bank of Bahrain was the foremost Sukuk issuer in GCC nations. However, Jobst, Kunzel, Mills and Sy (2008, p.5) argued that Sukuk has experienced huge success within a very short period due to the great demand to the corporate and public sector entities; in addition, Kettell (2008, p.4) said that Sukuk market is one of the fastest rising sectors of the Islamic finance industry due to providing several benefits to the customers. Ali (2010, p.1) expressed that Sukuk became popular from the very beginning because different influential factors helped to attract the customers, such as the meaning of this term is financial certificates (Islamic equivalent of bonds), but Islam does not permit interest-bearing bonds; in this context, Sukuk was one of the best solutions to the customer as it complied Islamic regulation. In addition, Jobst et al. (2008, p.5) stated that the Islamic capital market has expanded operation rapidly because Sukuk securities offer a number of products using competence and transparency of the capital markets to reach different
The transition period from high school and college can be quite challenging for students. During this time, individuals are still trying to establish their identity; thus, making them extremely vulnerable to unhealthy peer influences. Correspondingly, this stage attracts numerous mental and physical health challenges that may hinder full integration into college life (Downs & Ashton 278). Against this background, Andrew Downs and Jennifer Ashton argue that, encouraging students to participate in vigorous physical activity can aid in alleviating these detrimental problems. Downs and Ashton (pp. 228-229) begin by acknowledging preceding literature to support their hypothesis that college life increases an individual’s risk of developing mental and physical health problems. College life escalates the risk of developing depressive symptoms, anxiety disorders and other mental disorders (228). Moreover, college students are prone to numerous physical health problems such as obesity, binge drinking, and unsafe sex practices. Furthermore, Downs and Ashton (229) also explore the link between physical activity and the promotion of mental/physical health well being of an individual. On this note, I do agree with the fact that, physical fitness promotes good feeling in an individual. Personally, I have witnessed obese students in college who become stressed because of their appearance. Although Downs and Ashton do not explore the relationship between obesity and physical exercise, their insightful of the positive benefits of physical exercise is quite adequate. Furthermore, they underscore that physical activity reduces the risk of developing some chronic diseases such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and cancer. However, in spite of the fact that physical activity promotes physical and mental well being of an individual, college students are rarely engaged in this significant act (Downs & Ashton 231). The authors also underscore that most college students rarely take part in any form of physical activity (232). Through my own personal experience and also via observation, I tend to concur with the authors that college students rarely engage in vigorous physical activity. However, what have always bewildered me are the reasons behind this decline. On this note, Downs and Aston article answers this significant question. To begin with, they underscore that college students rarely engage in sporting activities. As a result, their vigorous physical activity levels are greatly reduced (235). Apparently, sporting events encourage participation in vigorous physical activity, thus the declining interest among students is quite distressing. Secondly, the authors exposed that participation in vigorous physical activity was influenced by an individual’s perception about the significance of the same to his/her life. Most importantly, the perception of self either promoted or hindered physical activity in such a way that if a student perceived him/herself as a budding athlete, they were likely to take part in sports and vice versa
Over the last few years, there has been a tremendous growth in the Chinese economy. Financial analysts world over have likened this growth to a bubble waiting to explode. The person who set off this “bubble debate” was the perceptive financial mind Jim Chanos who is credited with predicting the fall of the once robust Enron. Chanos views the economic growth that China is experiencing today as too good to be true. Like Enron and other highflying companies whose fall came after experiencing a phenomenal growth, Chanos warns that the Chinese economy is headed for the same fate. This talk of a bubble waiting to explode is worrying many investors who view China as the sole solution of lifting the global economy out of the economic downturn being experienced worldwide. Chanos predicts that China will produce a worse fate than the one that was experienced in Dubai. Although some analysts claim that Chanos and his ilk are wrong on the Chinese issue, we are still left with the question of whether the Chinese economy is really a bubble waiting to explode. (Nusbaum) One thing that makes this subject relevant to all of us is the effect that it might have on the world’s economy. The fact that China is expected to contribute to about a third of the world’s growth this year makes the issue a global concern. With the United States undergoing a period of financial recession, China is believed to be the catalyst that will lift the world’s economy from its state. If the talk of a bubble in China’s economy is indeed true, then the world might as well be headed towards a worse financial crisis. This should also be used as a warning to investors who are rushing to invest in the lucrative Chinese markets in the hope of getting better returns. It is important to approach this whole issue with a lot of caution to avoid causing unnecessary panic in the financial circles. On the other hand, China’s position in the world economy calls for its special treatment since in the case that the bubble does indeed “burst”, there is bound to be numerous consequences. Currently, China is the third largest market in the world after America and Japan. By the turn of this year, the country is expected to occupy the second position. There are projections by financial bodies estimating that the Chinese economy is bound to grow at double digits in the coming few months. In the event that the Chinese economy crumples, it might set the pace for another round of global recession. Personally, I think that the talk of a bubble in China’s economy is overrated. Although I agree that any economy with a rapid growth as China’s is usually fragile, I refuse to agree that the decline will be momentous. The most important thing to understand is that any given economy has the ability to grow at an upward or downward trend. Today,
The fable of education as a commodity Voluntary work is a professional and endorsed principle in the society not only to the most learned but also to those who have middle class or low-class levels of education. It shows individuals’ commitment to improving the welfare of others which is good behavior in a human being. It also helps one to explore into the lives of other people which makes one respect the values of others. It facilitates empathy and mutual understanding between people from different backgrounds and enables people to explore into situations they would have not experienced. An ethical egoist would have a positive opinion about volunteer work. This is because it has various advantages towards the society that is, giving back to the society free to improve the welfare of the people. He or she would not think of volunteering as an action motivated by an agent like Deidre for her benefit. He or she would approve of Deidre’s attitude and concerned her work of improving the standards of living of the community. Volunteering is a virtue and not an instrument of self-gain. It helps one to extend love and concern for other people; for example, volunteering to save people who are caught up in a disastrous situation like earthquake, flood and other natural catastrophes would be seen as a good habit. A major ethical difference exists between doing work for altruistic reasons and doing voluntary work for one’s employment prospects. Doing voluntary work for altruistic reasons means that it does not directly benefit you or it may be harmful to you but it would be beneficial for the survival of others. For example, volunteering oneself into a flooded region to rescue people trapped in the floods would not directly benefit you but it would ensure the survival of another person. On the other hand doing voluntary work in order to further employment prospects would mean that the work directly benefits oneself. It is for this reason that Deidre commends that there is a general shift in the society, regarding peoples level of education, that is what people have learned in school and life has been taken as something that belongs entirely to an individual to sell or trade. In the past, Deidre observes, education was regarded as a cultural course that was meant for the benefit of the whole society. Everyone strived hard to ensure that what he or she gained in the education life would be directed back for the welfare of the society. Nowadays it has become a tool of benefit for an individual rather than for the advancement of the whole society. Individual’s contribution towards improving the societies welfare has faded away. Every member of the society expects a return for any service rendered to it. This has especially been associated with the younger generation that does not take the values of the society seriously. Hence from an ethical perspective volunteering is something to be praised and adopted by all for the good of the