ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The problem of the study This study was conducted in a bid to determine whether rigorous nonrandomized studies (NRSs) can be used as an alternative or a complementary way of evaluating healthcare interventions. The commonly used method of evaluating healthcare interventions, viz. randomized controlled trials (RCTs) does not factor in the external validity of the variables under study. In addition, RCTs cannot be carried out on all healthcare interventions and the process is complex and unrepresentative. Therefore, these shortcomings underscore the importance of applying NRSs as an alternative method. The importance of the problem Health care delivery is shifting to evidence-based practice. However, for healthcare providers to adopt this revolutionary approach to service delivery, they need enough data that covers the different issues that arise during the process. Therefore, given the restrictive nature of RCTs, it was important to come up with a complementary method in a bid to have the relevant data for healthcare providers to make informed decisions about service delivery. This understanding underscores the importance of carrying out this study to determine the feasibility of NRSs. Purpose of the study The purpose of the study was to “test the feasibility of conducting rigorous, nonrandomized studies (NRSs) of healthcare interventions using existing clinical databases” (Harvey, Rowan, Harrison & Black, 2010, p. 86). The researchers accomplished this goal by “recruiting a large representative sample of hospitals, identifying eligible cases, matching cases to controls to achieve similar baseline characteristics, making meaningful comparisons of outcomes, and carrying out subgroup analyses” (Harvey et al., 2010, p. 86). The main research question The research question is not stated clearly. However, it could be what is the “feasibility of nesting a NRS in an existing, high quality clinical database in terms of being able to recruit a large representative sample of ICUs, identify eligible cases, adjust for differences in case-mix to enable meaningful comparisons of outcomes, and to conduct subgroup analyses” (Harvey et al., 2010, p. 87). The study hypothesis The hypothesis is not stated. However, the study could have two main hypotheses, viz.  1. NRSs do not provide alternative methods of evaluating healthcare interventions.  2. PACs reduce the mortality rate of critically ill patients Study variables The independent variable is the existence of clinical databases. On the other side, the dependent variable is the choice of the existing clinical databases used in the study. While the researchers could manipulate the choice of clinical databases to include in the study, they could not influence the existence of such databases. For instance, the researchers could decide to use clinical databases from a particular segment like teaching hospitals and ignore other forms of hospitals. The theoretical framework The researchers used a health belief theoret
The debate about race superiority based on the level of intelligent quotient is an issue that raises significantly conflicts. Many research papers have been written, favoring the superiority of one race against the other. This paper provides a comparison between a research carried out by Suein Hwang and Richard E. Nisbett. According to Hwang, a mistake that the 15- point difference in I.Q between Africans and the whites is attributable to their genetic difference was advanced with wrong evidence. Rather, Hwang argues that the evidence supports that I.Q differences are environmental, not genetic. The difference in I.Q. between Africans and whites has also been attributed to the smaller size of brain size among the Africans. However, the difference in brain size is considerably higher between men and women, yet men and women score nearly the same in I.Q. tests. Some of the people living in Ecuador having smaller brain sizes and yet their I.Q. is as high as those of their unaffected relatives. The intermarriages between Africans and Europeans show no significant difference in I.Q. According to a research by community college the blacks did quite as well as the whites on their ability to learn new words. As a result of the decreased I.Q. difference between African and Whites fro 15 to 9.5 points, Hwang argues that all children have the same ability to develop their minds. On the other hand, Richard argues that there is a notable difference in schools between Asians and Whites. Many parents are taking away their children from public schools to private ones. They argue that the schools are not well rounded and as such focus largely on the academics at the expense of other extracurricular activities. Else, they say that the schools are too Asian. The exodus of the whites from these schools is largely based on race-based presumptions, not all of which are positive. For instance: Asian parents are too competitive. This is a stereotype of the whites who see the increasing Asian population as a threat. In this paper, Richard documents that in Cupertino’s schools the whites always end up in the stereotyped class of underachievers. In one of the lowest-level math class, the students are an electric mix of the whites, Asians and other racial groups. This is a clear indication that no race that lacks those that are intellectually superior and inferior ones. A further example is given where in an advanced chemistry level class there are only few Whites with the rest being Asian in Cupertino. In this school, the principal explains that all races go alone well, but the Whites suffer from the ‘white-boy syndrome’. This means that the children who are white feel as distinguished minority among a majority culture. The Asian parents feel that it is not the academic competition the Whites are uncomfortable with in the schools but the academic competition with Asian-American. Some of the schools have been blamed of overemphasizing the academics at the expense of developing other critical aspects in a studen
Ideally, technology should improve the competitiveness of a company. Therefore, from time to time companies implement IT projects to improve the competitiveness and efficiency of their operations. However, implementation of IT projects is a daunting task. Every year companies lose millions of dollars in failed IT projects. Failure of IT projects may bring a company’s operations to a standstill and lead to bad publicity (Aldammas & Al-Mudimigh, 2011). The Green project is facing several problems that are common in implementation of IT projects. Therefore, it is vital for MM to overcome the problems due to the huge repercussions that failure of the project may have on the company’s activities. One of the major strengths of implementation of the Green project is support of the top leadership of the organization. In IT project implementation, it is vital for the project to have the support of top leaders of the organization (Remus & Wiener, 2010). Support from the top leaders of the organization helps the project management team to acquire resources that are necessary for the success of the project (Wan & Wang, 2010). Since the project has the support of
Introduction Various regions have institutions with Securities and Exchange Commissions, which help in controlling the rating agencies in order to protect investors and businesses. Also, it has the responsibility of regulating the rating agencies to conform to the set standards. The main function of credit rating agencies is to give the investor a well-versed study of the risk related to debt securities (Zingales 5). The securities include mortgage-backed securities, preferred stock, corporate bonds and government bonds. The riskiness of investing in the securities mentioned above is determined by the probability that the debt issuer, which can either be a bank-developed entity or corporation, can fail to generate interest payment on the debt in the given period. It is important to note that the rater’s judgment is based on the highest and safest grade, which is Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA), with the lowest grade being AA or A. These ratings are always available for investors and the public. Banks should always have several systems that improve the measurement of their financial risks linked with their business actions. Specifically, banks should always have the interest to capture the possibility that borrowers cannot gather for their financial responsibilities. The capability of borrowers to repay the principal and interest in the given period indicate the credit quality of the borrower. Credit risks indicate the reduction in the significance of debt mechanism and other credit-linked securities owed to unforeseen changes in the fundamental credit quality of the borrowers and counterparties in a given time. It is crucial for banks to develop their capacity to measure credit risks that stem from their high exposure to prospective losses that are likely to arise in the event of ratings default (Trück 10). Unprecedented downgrade Due to the financial crisis that started in 2008, most banks have been subjected to downgrading from AAA to AA+. The move was mainly done to cut the deficit to permit the rise in the country’s debt and liquidations of some assets. During that period the rating agencies failed to calculate the risks linked to mortgage securities. This showed that rating agencies created sophisticated models to estimate the likelihood of default for individual mortgages and other related securitized products. This led to the downgrading of some of the grade AAA institutions to below investment-grade status, especially when the housing market failed (Higham and Lin 4). The raters were not efficient enough to foresee the possibility of the decline in housing values and their impact on loan defaults. The overstated ratings also failed to predict the greater systematic risks linked with downgrading planned products, as opposed to easier securities such as sovereign and corporate bonds. The difference between the above-investment-grade and below-investment-grade is very crucial; it affects the value at which issuers may borrow and dow
Walmart has been one of the World’s most successful corporations. For many years (including this year) it has been ranked top since Fortune Magazine began classifying companies according to their sales and revenue in 1954 (Fortune, n.d). This dominance of the Fortune 500 list has drawn scrutiny to the company’s Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) tactics. Many other companies have tried to challenge this corporation for the top spot in the Fortune 500 list with little success. Ogden and Ogden (2014) define IMC tactics as the framework for product positioning, pricing, regulating the supply chain, and decision-making. These tactics determine with whom, where, when, how, and why the company conducts its business (Ogden & Ogden, 2014). Modern managers should be careful when creating these marketing communication tactics because they deliver the advertising message to the public. For successful companies, the tactics should be research-based, innovative, and highly specific (Payne et al., 2017). This paper evaluates Walmart’s IMC tactics and the reasons behind its effectiveness. Large companies often integrate product promotion, direct sales, public relations, branding, and online marketing, among others, into their IMC tactics. One traditional tactic that Walmart’s marketing team uses to increase its market share and sales is targeting people living in densely populated inner cities of the United States (Banerjee, 2015). This tactic can be perceived as partly driven by aggressive marketing and partly by the company’s desire to redeem its public image (Arthur, 1994). Walmart often improves its corporate responsibilities by promoting local businesses and creating employment in the communities where it has operational stores. Since Walmart is famed for driving small establishments out of business, it has adopted the following strategies in densely populated but underprivileged inner cities. First, the corporation identifies small business spotlights which have more than five local business initiatives. Second, it engages its Walmart Business Development Department to conduct market research (Banerjee, 2015). Finally, Walmart builds brick and mortar stores in the selected inner cities (which have high unemployment and crime rates) and employs the locals in its stores. According to Walmart’s executives, where other companies find difficulty, they see opportunities. The main objectives are to reach out to people in these communities and positively impact their lives (Ogden & Ogden, 2014). The company sets up new stores where they are needed most as an IMC tactic. Consequently, more shoppers will create an attachment to the company beyond its products, which effectively boosts sales and cements the company’s position in the Fortune 500 list. Another digital IMC tactic that has worked effectively for Walmart over the years is the in-store digital marketing communication experience. The firm seeks to improve the shopping experience for its customers and to deliver
Key Concepts The concept of global warming constitutes one of the strongest driving forces beyond the popularization of green building. Due to its enormous popularity and public recognition, it contributed to the demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices on an industrial scale. Building information modeling (BIM) is a practice of creating a 3D-model using software tools to project, evaluate, transmit, and store data on buildings. Its introduction greatly improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the planning phase of building design and thus contributed to its sustainability. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive attempt to evaluate the long-term impact of the structure on the environment. Since it allows to identify and weight the areas of influence, it is important for designing green buildings that are demonstrably sustainable. One of the aspects of LCA is life cycle costing, which evaluates the financial cost of the design and maintenance of the building and is important for estimating the expenses associated with green buildings’ characteristics. Drivers The demand for energy consumption increases exponentially. This leads to a situation where some structures become needlessly demanding and, in some cases, unsustainable. Green buildings aim at addressing the effect of introducing efficient consumption and smart energy generation. Growing awareness of the adverse environmental effects of traditional building techniques prompts stakeholders to seek more sustainable ways of building. Many aspects of the traditional building are either poorly compatible with modern health standards or have inherent flaws that lead to detrimental health effects of its users. Green building techniques improve the well-being of its inhabitants and, in the case of corporate structures, serve as an addition to corporate responsibility programs. Besides, the improved environment results in customer satisfaction and employee retention. In the case of corporate customers, green buildings allow to strengthen the reputation and improve brand image by communicating the readiness to address environmental issues and take responsibility for their actions. The communication opportunities created by the information age resulted in a dramatic surge in demand for transparency. As a result, the company is expected to be held accountable for the provided services. Green building is, therefore, necessary for compliance with the new standards. Barriers Legal regulations: Many standards and systems exist for green building in different countries, and some jurisdictions do not have standards at all. Cost: currently, the materials and equipment required to com
Introduction Old people in the society have always found it difficult to cope with technological developments, which affect their social life. According to Keller (2005, p. 81), the aging population has been neglected by other members of the society as people try to adapt to the emerging technologies. They are considered archaic and slow to change. Most of these elderly people develop withdrawal symptoms when they realise that they are unable to match the speed at which various factors are changing within their immediate environment. According to Kirwan and Ainsworth (2004, p. 48), it is a fact that the elderly may not be able to cope with the changes which take place in various settings. However, this should not be the reason why they are ignored. This programme is specifically focused on training a group of elderly people how to operate a microwave. According to Holosko and Feit (2004, p. 27), several cases of accidents involving the elderly people trying to use microwaves have been reported in the recent times. Some get serious burns because of wrong application of microwave. Others have completely avoided this appliance as a way of staying safe. Abstaining from using the microwave comes at a cost. It means that they may not be able to warm their meals using this appliance. They may be forced to use other alternatives, which are more strenuous. A group of six students from the college who have experience in using this appliance will undertake this training programme. The training programme will take place in a selected centre and in the homes of the targeted group. The elders who will be involved in the training must be above 55 years of age. Both men and women with varying degree of knowledge on how to use microwave will be trained. However, they will be classified into three groups. The first group will include people who have never used microwave before. The second group will have those with some knowledge on how to use this appliance, while the third group will be people who need some refreshing knowledge to improve their capacity to use this appliance. Task Analysis The ultimate objective of this training program is to show a group of the elderly members of the society how to operate a microwave. In order to achieve this overall objective, some specific activities must be done. Breaking down the overall task into small assignments and sub-assignments is the way forward. The assignments can be broken down into tasks that should be accomplished within a specific period. Hierarchical task analysis for training the elder people should be designed to help in developing a clear understanding of the specific issues that need to be addressed. The task level diagram below shows how the major task has been divided into assignments and sub assignments that can be easily assigned to different project members. Hierarchical Task Analysis Diagram As shown in the diagram above, the hierarchical task analysis for this project will be limited to the third level because of the simplicity of the assignment. Training the elderly people how to operate a microwave does not involve many activities. This explains why the analysis
Introduction The Dorchester is one of the top hotel brands in the United Kingdom. Located in the affluent Mayfair area of West London, this five-star hotel is popular among the rich and powerful in the United Kingdom and Europe. Although it was built in 1931, the management has been keen on improving its standards to meet the emerging tastes and preferences (Spillett et al. 2018). The firm has been keen on training his employees to ensure that they understand the needs of customers in a market that is highly becoming diversified. When the hotel first opened its door on April 18, 1931, its customers were exclusively the rich whites, especially those from Europe and North America (Marriage 2018). However, that has changed significantly over the years. It is now receiving customers from all over the world. Other than the Europeans and the North Americans that still form the majority of its customers, the hotel is also receiving Africans, Chinese, and Arabs. The tastes and preferences of Europeans and North Americans vary from that of the Chinese and Japanese. Similarly, the Africans have a different taste from that of the Arabs. According to Davies and Asthana (2018), The Dorchester has done an excellent job in ensuring that it meets its clients’ tastes and preferences despite the variation. The ability of this company to meet these varying needs is reflected in its diversified workforce. The company has employees from Europe, China, Japan, Africa, and the Middle East. The diversified workforce enables the hotel to understand the preferences of its customers. The diversity also makes the visitors feel comfortable whenever they visit the facility. As Shammas and Wheatstone (2018,) observe, it is homely for a visitor from Africa to be served by an African waitress. It is an assurance to such a customer that although the hotel is located in London, it has embraced a global culture and has a global image. Despite these impressive attributes that have put this hotel at the highest standards in the hospitality industry, some weaknesses exist that the management must not ignore. According to Pratley (2018), sometimes the weaknesses may help in increasing customer flow and profitability at the moment, but in the long run the impact may be devastating. In this report, the focus is to identify a reputation driver that shows this brand is underperforming and to find ways in which the weakness can be addressed to ensure that the reputation of The Dorchester is restored. Review of a Reputation Driver that Shows the Brand Underperforms The Dorchester is one of the few five-star hotels in London that regularly organises charity fundraising events to help the needy within the United Kingdom and the rest of the world (Merrick 2018). The event has been going on for the last 33 years, and the funds have helped not only locally but also in other countries, especially in parts of Asia and Africa where problems such as severe food shortage, an outbreak of manageable but dangerous diseases, and tribal fights are common. The rich assemble at the hotel every year with
Understanding Behavior in Human Relations and Performance The study of human relations and performance in the ‘ ‘No Place Like Home Company’’ is very important in the sense that it helps the management to understand the different types of personalities that exist in that organization. In essence, such understanding would make it possible to effectively manage the groups of individuals who are working in the company. This study would involve categorizing the individuals into two distinctive groups. The individuals can either be classified as either Type-A group or Type-B group. The following analysis presents some detailed accounts concerning these two individual groups (Wilson and Rosenfeld 17). Personalities in a Work Place (Type A Type B) Under this analysis, individuals can be categorized as either Type A or Type B. The Type A group of individuals can concern those people who are easily prone to stress, which results from work pressure. The individuals under this group often present very high chances of experiencing the mental and physical disorders, which come as a result of stress due to heavy work load and pressure. These individuals who belong to the “Type-A group are likely to suffer from the cardiovascular illnesses such hypertension and heart attack” (Wilson and Rosenfeld 18). Therefore, the human