ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Brief Summary of the Article The article under consideration is called Total Surface Bearing Below-Knee Prosthesis: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Clinical Implications and dedicated to the analysis of total surface bearing prosthesis for patients with below-knee amputations (Hachisuka et al., 1998 p. 783). The research is also aimed at determining clinical results and importance. This problem is also highlighted in the research conducted by Datta et al. (1996) who investigate the suitability of ICEROSS trans-tibial prosthesis. Both articles investigate the problem in a contradictive manner. The participants of the research are patients from the Welfare Center for the Disabled who utilize TBS prosthesis and experience using patellar-tendon bearing socket. The main material used in the research is TBS prosthesis. During the research, it is necessary to evaluate the TBS bearing composed of total rating and that of 13 separate items. The results are analyzed with the help of Fisher’s exact test. According to the results, 75 % of the patients are satisfied with TBS devices, including such items as ease, pain, comfort, knee flexion, perspiration, etc. However, such items as perspiration, odor, and donning have been recognized as poor and unreliable by 20 % of patients. Article Quality Referring to the analysis of comfort/pain characteristics, the article discloses numerous issues for discussion. First of all, the article addresses the problem of extreme pressure on patellar tendon area when wearing prosthesis. The second problem related to the topic is the limitation of knee-flexion. Both problems are connected with the socket design that cannot guarantee an absolute comfort. The reason is that most sockets do not have additional suspensions that cause sliding on the skin. There are sockets that too high enough thus provoking other difficulties. The application of the modified prosthesis decides some problems but partially. In overall estimation of the new device, it should be stressed that the characteristics influencing the extent of pain and comfort are not fully approved. In particular, positive results consist in elimination of pressure and pain, excellent improvement of walking characteristics, and knee flexion. However, the applied TBS sockets have not met the comfort requirements like perspiration, donning, and staining. Considering the outcome measures in more detail, the researcher state that amputee patients have experienced discomfort at popliteal fossa (Hachisuka,
Introduction There is a raging controversy on whether marijuana should be legalized or not. Marijuana is as drug made from the hemp plant. In the past, this substance has been used for various uses including medical purposes as well as in the manufacture of ropes and fabrics. Today, many people use this drug to relieve the suffering caused by several ailments. However, marijuana is banned in the United States. Some states in the United States have legalized the drug for medical purposes, but in most states, its possession, consumption, cultivation or sale is illegal. There are laws banning the use of the drug and many people have been arrested for using it. Most people who push for the illegalization of marijuana have no valid reasons but see the drug as a threat to their interests. They know that the marijuana industry will bring stiff competition to their products and therefore make them incur losses or even go out of business. Marijuana has very many benefits and if legalized, can help boost the economic growth and relieve people from a lot of suffering caused by ailments. Therefore, marijuana should be legalized. Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana Marijuana should be legalized because it has numerous benefits. One of the major benefits of this substance can be found in the medical profession. If safely used, marijuana can help in the management and treatment of very many ailments. Firstly, it is one of the best substances that can be used for therapeutic purposes. It is also used by cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy to get rid of nausea and relieve pain. Marijuana use also slows down the growth of cancerous tumors in the brain, lungs, and breasts; thus, it is valuable in the management of cancer. It is also helpful in the treatment of glaucoma as it reduces eye pressure. Patients suffering from AIDs and Multiple Sclerosis have also found marijuana useful in relieving them from pain. This drug is also used in the management and treatment of seizure patients since it is a muscle relaxant. Moreover, it is used in the treatment of ailments like Migraines, Alzheimer’s, premenstrual syndrome, and other chronic diseases (Gieringer, Rosenthal, and Carter 101). Marijuana should therefore be legalized since its medical value can be used to advance the medical profession and provide better and more affordable pain relievers and cure to scores of people with various illnesses. The governments could also earn a lot in taxes from the sale of marijuana if it was legalized. The hemp plant could be grown on large scale and earn the country a lot of income. The advantage of the hemp plant is that it has multiple purposes. Many products can be extracted from marijuana, for instance, its seeds contain oil that can be used to make fuel, paint, lubricating oils, salad oils, butter, cheese, ice cream, soap and cosmetics, to mention but a few . The hemp fiber from marijuana is also very strong and can be used to make quality clothes, ropes, and paper. Wood can also be substituted by hemp fiber products as a building material since it is stronger and ensu
Introduction Heart disease has been with mankind since time immemorial. This is a problem that has been ranked among the most prevalent chronic diseases besides diabetes and stroke. Like all chronic disorders, heart diseases rarely kill instantly, but it becomes a lifetime condition that one has to endure. History has shown it that heart problems fall within the major killer diseases in the world. However unlike other diseases heart problems can be easily avoided altogether with the appropriate knowledge of the risk factors. Besides being genetically inherited, heart diseases fall in the lifestyle diseases category. This may be attributed to the fact that most of the risk factors are as a result of our day to day activities. Still, unlike common belief that heart disease or the so called lifestyle diseases affect the affluent nations; the tables have turned to affect the low and middle income countries. This can be attributed to the fact that unlike the wealthy who can easily maintain a healthy diet, the poor have little choice on what they eat. Secondly these chronic diseases are weighing down on the poor countries due to the high cost of maintaining the condition. In the United Kingdom chronic heart disease is responsible for the death of 110.000 people both men and women annually (Howell et al., 2007, p. 151). Most of the heart disorders eventually lead to a heart attack or what is scientifically known as Myocardial Infarction. This condition is caused by interruption of normal blood supply to the heart causing some cells in the heart to die which in turn is caused by other factors. Risk Factors and Preventive Measures Most of the heart diseases cases are lifestyle instigated. Those people, who smoke cigarettes, do drugs; take excessive alcohol are at a high risk of suffering a heart attack than those who don’t (Balch, 2006, p. 465). Nonetheless (Balch, 2006, p. 466) people with a family history of heart diseases, those suffering from hypertension, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high homocysteine, sedentary people and those generally under stress are at a greater risk of succumbing to heart diseases. Most of the risk factors are as a result of our daily diet. Knowledge of this and the careful substitution with more heart friendly diets would give us the upper hand at controlling heart attacks. It has been scientifically proven that over consumption of salt, fine sugars and refined white flour is a main cause of heart diseases. To reverse the situation, one is advised to reduce this intake and better still consume whole grain products. Secondly eating food rich in vitamin B6 and B12 obtained from leafy green vegetables and fruits are highly recommended. These help to keep homocysteine levels in check. More so, drinking fresh vegetable juices should replace the high intake of proc
Pan’s Labyrinth is no children’s fairy tale, even though the fantasy elements were there. Just as there were more serious and possibly sinister elements underlying certain other of the classic tales: The Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland, and Rumplestiltskin; the story under this fantasy is a serious critique on abuse and male domination. The background story centers on the fascist takeover of Spain, about the time depicted in Guernica. Very young children would probably not really understand the text of this movie, and older children may find it quite disturbing. At the beginning of the movie, we see a pregnant mother and her daughter riding in a vintage automobile. The mother is trying to convince her daughter, Ofelia, who is reading a fairy tale, Princess Moanna, that her new stepfather is a good man and that she should call him Daddy. As they arrive we begin immediately to see the totalitarian nature of Captain Vidal of the Nationalist forces under Franco. He is pledged to root out the rebels leftover from the Spanish Civil War. Ofelia is distracted by what appears to be a praying mantis and follows it to the labyrinth. The maid, Mercedes, goes after her and rescues her books. They form a bond. The theme of human and civil rights underlie this entire film as Ofelia tries to fulfill her destiny, as stated by the Faun she meets in the labyrinth when following the insect which has now become a fairy. Captain Vidal is shown as brutal and very centered on his goals. He does not really care for Carmen, but only wants possession of her child, his progeny. He probably killed her husband. The young girl only matters to him as far as she can ensure the health of his child. He is overheard by Ofelia telling the doctor that if it is a choice between mother and child he must save Vidal’s son. Ofelia is given the classic three tasks by the Faun to prove she is Princess Moanna, and to open the door to her home in the underworld. She accomplishes the first task right away, retrieving a golden key from a horrible giant toad, killing the toad, and free the tree which it is killing. Her new hand-sewn party dress is ruined in the process, attracting the ire of her mother, because she was to be shown off to the guests and also because Vidal has publicly humiliated her mother, partly because she cannot control her daughter. It is obvious at the party that Carmen is not accepted into their circle and is merely a container for the child. She is reminded that she is common, showing both the status of class and of women. The higher class women present peck at Carla, because they can since she is lower class. Ofelia finds her mother hemorrhaging, and tells the Faun that her mother is sick with the baby. The Faun gives her a mandrake root and tells her to put it in a bowl of milk under her mother’s bed and feed it three drops of blood a day. Carla immediately begins to improve. Ofelia promises her unborn brother that she will protect him. Ofelia fail
Introduction The global climate is changing rapidly especially in the Arctic. Climatic changes in the Arctic are characterized by melting permafrost, receding glaciers, and disappearing sea ice (Singh 2008). Research scientists have revealed that these changes affect both local communities and the world because they are contributing factors towards increasing the effects of global warming. There have been significant climate changes in the Arctic and more changes are expected in future. The changes are projected to increase the effects of global warming considerably. Global temperatures have surpassed the known natural climate degree. For example, the average temperatures of the Arctic have doubled in the recent past at a speed that is twice that of the rest of the world (Science Daily 2012). This has contributed to the intense climate that is now experienced in the region. Changes in climatic conditions in the Arctic affect the rest of the world because they increase global warming and contribute to the rising of the sea level (Screen et al 2012). Global warming in the Arctic is mainly caused by human activities that destroy the environment. Climate changes pose several challenges to human populations and natural ecosystems. The factors that contribute to these changes include overpopulation, rapid depletion of natural resources, and extensive pollution of air and water. The Arctic increases t
Introduction Nike Inc. is an international company based in the United States, which deals with sportswear and other apparels. The company is ranked as the top seller of sports shoe and clothing. Nike was started in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and was originally called Blue Ribbon Sports, but was later changed to Nike in 1978. During that time, its main goal was to produce low cost, high quality shoes for Americans to break Germans control over domestic trade (Nike, Inc., 2009). Today, Nike not only distributes its products domestically, but also all around the globe. It has market regions in continents such as Asia, Europe, and United States. Besides, Nike has produced many brands such as Nike Skateboarding and Nike Pro. This paper focuses on the Nike Company and the strategic methods and tools that have led to its superior performance. Products According to Peters (2009), Nike produces a wide range of products, which are categorized according to their relevant sports. Nike’s first products were track shoes, which were meant for running: the company has managed to design and produce shoes for different games such as baseball, hockey, football, basketball and Cricket. This is due to the ever-increasing number of customers favoring the company’s products. The latest product that has been produced is the Cricket shoe named as air zoom Yorker (Nike, Inc., 2009). Air Zoom Yorker is better because it is 30% lighter as compared to the one designed by Reebok. Another new product is air Jordan XX3, which is meant for basketball. Additionally, as a company that relies on collaborative marketing, Nike together with Apple Inc. has designed a p
The construction of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1801 was very important in strengthening the young nation’s military capacity. However, Jucar says that the choice of location of this academy at West Point was politically controversial (75). The Continental Army occupied West Point on January 27, 1778, and with the help of Polish Engineer Thaddeus Kosciuszko, developed a fortified garrison that was capable of resisting the advance on the British army. West Point became an important military base for the young nation. However, in 1779, Major General Benedict Arnold who was the commander of this military base made a plot to sell the garrison to the British army. This act of treason almost brought the young nation that was still struggling to fight the colonial forces to its knees. It took the intervention of the senior commanders of the continental army to protect the garrison from the attack by the British forces. The choice of West Point as a military academy was politically controversial given its history. The site was a constant reminder of the very first treason committed by a trusted military commander holding a very senior position in the army. To many, the location was chosen to constantly remind the cadets under training that they had to be loyal to their country and that they stand to lose by betraying their country. However, some scholars have argued that the memory of the betrayal should be forgotten hence the location of the academy was inappropriate. Given that General Arnold was never convicted and was successful after defecting to the British camp, it may give the trainees the impression that sometimes one can get away with treason (Lipsky 85). According to Toll, several factors in the international realm supported the creation of the United States Navy in October 1775 (68). First, the young nation needed to protect its maritime borders from possible invasion by foreign forces. The best way of doing this was through the establishment of a naval force. Soon after the end of the American Revolution War, the country became concerned about the rampant cases of piracy by the Barbary pirates who were operating in the Mediterranean (Morison 112). Their activities were directly affecting trade in the United States. The only way of fighting these pirates was to establish an active naval unit that would protect merchants and their ships while in the high seas. According to Morris and Kearns, another factor that made it necessary for the United States to establish the navy was because of the need to fight the slave trade and slavery within the continent (45). Soon after gaining independence, the country pledged to fight the slave trade and slavery in the continent. However, it was not easy fighting this
Introduction Human beings become anxious in different situations that are uncertain to them. Depression and anxiety occur at a similar time. Anxiety is caused due to an overwhelming fear of an expected occurrence of an event that is unclear to a person. More than 25 million people globally are affected by anxiety disorders. People feel anxious in moments such as when making important decisions, before facing an interview panel, and before taking tests. Anxiety disorders are normally brained reactions to stress as they alert a person of impending danger. Most people feel sad and low due to disappointments. Feelings normally overwhelm a person leading to depression, especially during sad moments such as losing a loved one or divorce. When people are depressed, they engage in reckless behaviors such as drug abuse that affect them physically and emotionally. However, depression manifests in different forms in both men and women. Research shows that more women are depressed compared to men. This essay reflects on anxiety disorders and depression regarding from a real-life experience extracted from a publication. Description Section “Every year almost 20% of the general population suffers from a common mental disorder, such as depression or an anxiety disorder” (Cuijpers et al. 2016, p.245). I came across a publication by Madison Jo Sieminski available who was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders (Madison 2020). She explains how she was first diagnosed with anxiety disorders and depression and how it felt unreal at first. She further says that she developed the need to get a distraction that would keep her busy so that she won’t embrace her situation. In her case, anxiety made her feel that she needed to do more, and everything needed to be perfect. Madison further said that the struggle with anxiety is that it never seemed to happen, but it happened eventually. She always felt a feeling of darkness and loneliness. She could barely stay awake for more than 30 minutes for many days. Anxiety and depression made her question herself if she was good enough, and this resulted in tears in her eyes due to the burning sensation and overwhelmed emotions. In her own words, she said, “Do I deserve to be here? What is my purpose?” (Madison 2020). Anxiety made her lose confidence in herself and lowered her self-esteem. She could lay in bed most of the time and could not take any meal most of the days. Madison said that since the sophomore year of high school, all was not well, and she suddenly felt someone in her head telling her to constantly worry and hold back
Steve Jobs is a person that has gone down in history as one of the world’s greatest men. His contribution to the technology industry is one of his most successful achievements, Jobs is widely known for a variety of things that have presented him as unique individual. His latest biography, written by Walter Issaacson, is the most comprehensive writing that reveals his intrinsic persona. The biography was written over a period of two years, and it is based on live interviews conducted by Walter Issaacson. However, it would be prudent to underline the fact that this biography was written following Job’s own request. This gives an indication as to the kind of a man he was. Issaacson has given the book a unique professional touch, which he has developed due to his years of experience in writing biographies. After reading this book, the reader understands why the author caught the eye of one of the most famous and successful men on earth. The book is very captivating because it is a discussion about one of the greatest men in the world of technology. It attracts attention especially of an audience that hopes to learn from the genius of Steve Jobs. A lot is written in the book about him, and a keen reader can learn many interesting facts from the book. Jobs’ personal philosophies and his views on his company’s management are just a perfect display of brains at work. In the book, he offers a reader the opportunity to learn about how he thinks and how he pursues his goals in life. This is a rare opportunity to learn the best story of success in the history. Jobs’ way of thinking is intriguing, and his general way of looking at issues is quite impressive. I find his approach to life to be very broad considering his perspective with regard to the arts and music industry. While most of us think that the creative arts industry is on a rising trend, Jobs thought that the industry was on a path to slow and certain demise (Issaacson 567). He lamented that the music industry requires a wholesome reinvention to do away with the cliché repetitive level of creativity. I admire his way of thinking because his mind always thought of inventing new ways of working. By having read this book, I have been inspired to be more watchful about the changes in the market trends and consumer requirements as the world is changing very fast. This is not the only trait that is displayed by Walter Issaacson in his book. Jobs, despite being a very wealthy man, was careful to maintain a simple life and avoid impulsive spending. For instance, his houses were relatively simple when compared to the maisons of other wealthy people in his league. He was also not the type of a person who traveled with an entourage or employed an excessive number of security guards. On the contrary, he maintained quite a simple lifestyle in spite of his high social status. To the surprise of many, Jobs would always drive himself although he could have easily afforded a driver. Men and women of his status are not known to have a similar lifestyle. Jobs’ philosophy is rather complex if you compare it with the current world’s views. Read