ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Ever since Michael Bay released the Transformers franchise in 2007, he has heavily been criticized for producing plotless films that are widely loathed. Some critics went ahead and christened the first film as fun but very dumb (Fleming, par 1) with the robots showing no remorse for human life. The second film is described as having a paper thin plot, little racist robots and metal testicles (Fleming, par 1) which became the worst most successful franchise of all-time (Fleming, par 1). After such criticism, many people expected Transformers: Dark of the Moon to be no better if not worse than the previous two. When the third film was released during the summer of 2011, I took my opportunity to watch and find out whether critics baying for Michael’s blood were justified. I was determined to find out whether his movie had a “thin plot” or if they were “dumb” as the critics had stated before to become a Success Story or a Technological disaster. As a movie fan, I was more than impressed by the film. Transformers: Dark of the Moon exceeded all expectations answering critics who believed it would be a failure as the other two films. For me, it was like a sweet revenge by Michael to his critics who ate a piece of humble pie. Evaluation The first two films of the franchise Transformers have been criticized for their poor plot development which made it hard to follow. One of strong points of this film is the storyline. Unlike its predecessors, Transformers: Dark of the Moon develops a plot where the viewer gets a sense of physical or emotional consequence to the events that transpire (Vejvoda, par 3) . The storyline reveals the reason for the 1969 space race between U.S. and the Soviet Union, and the hideous plan by the Decepticons to take over the world. With genuine stakes between the Autobots and Decepticons, they fight harder and longer resulting in the decimation of the city of Chicago. The storyline is straightforward and consistently moves forward (Gibron, par 1) peaking in the final half hour where there is a full scale war between the Autobots and the Decepticons in Chicago. The plot of the film is excellent with the actual Decepticon plans of the past having been almost totally ignored (Fleming, par 6) causing mismatched timelines between this movie and the first two Transformers . The integration of spectacular scenes, suspense, action and relative coherent combining with the ferocious robots makes the movie to be more memorable and brutal than the first two Transformers series. The film director goes ahead and gives the robots a more distinct personality and emotion than before, an improvement from the previous films in the franchise. When one of the Autobots died, the mood of the film toned down a little revealing the emotions attached in death. The Decepticons appear scarier than before as seen when they invade homes, butchering humans. In this film, Optimus Pri
Though Superior Energy Services may be unknown to an average citizen, it has gained some recognition in the global oil industry. A recent report has shown that the company is still trying to retain its position in the target market by reconsidering its financial policy. The current dividend policy adopted by the company can be identified as the irregular dividend policy, as the organization leader is clearly geared towards returning the cash to the key stakeholders (Superior Energy Services, Inc., 2013, p. 3). Though seemingly reasonable, the policy in question still has a few questionable aspects. To be fair, Superior Energy needs attracting more customers at present, as more competitive rivals are becoming very aggressive. Therefore, the payout policy may jeopardize SES’s relationships with the stakeholders, especially in case the company incurs major losses. More to the point, the stakeholders must feel that they are valued and that their interests are secured by the company, which is not quite possible with irregular dividends being the manifestation of the organizations lack of trust for the stakeholders in question. Therefore, as far as the best dividend policy is concerned, the stable dividend policy in general and the constant payout ratio in particular can be suggested. The specified policy allows the company for providing the stakeholders with decent payouts that depend on the exchange rate and, thus, does not allow the stakeholders involved to lose their money. At the same time, the policy in question gives
Introduction Al Qaida is a global militant that was founded by Osama bin laden between 1988 and 1989. It works as a network of multinational, Sunni Muslims, and stateless army. Since its foundation, Al Qaida has continued to grow. It has been attacking both civilian and military. It has been conducting suicidal attacks and concurrent bombing to the identified targets. It is believed that Al Qaida was formed during soviet war at Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989. The group has been conducting training operations to its members who pledge to be loyal to Osama bin Laden and its leaders. The war in Afghanistan was between soviet-Afghan Marxists against afghan citizens of whom most of them were Islamic militant. U.S funded mujahedeen in order to fight afghan Marxist and Soviet Union. The war was called Holy war and many young people from Muslims joined mujahedeen in the name of protecting fellow Muslims (Benjamin & Simon, 2002). In 1980, Osama financed the group to recruit more people with the aim of defeating Soviet Union. Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan and this gave Osama bin Laden a chance to expand the group. He returned to Saudi Arabia, his home country, where he expounded the group and many young people were recruited. These people went on with the fight with the bases of Al Qaida. He formed allies with influential people in the government and businesses for Al Qaida to gain public acceptance. He approached businessmen in Saudi Arabia, for funding, as well as fellow jihad who contributed a lot of money. Saudi Arabia government also funded the group with $600 million per year. The group had enough funds to even recruit foreign people to join Al Qaida. Osama bin Laden was against the settlement of the U.S troops in Saudi Arabia, the origin of Muslims. In 1991, he was expelled from his home land because of conducting anti government activities (Abdel Bari , 2006). Expansion of Al Qaida Osama bin laden facilitated opening of recruiting offices in the U.S. at the refugee centre. Al Qaida spread in the U.S. and Omar Abdel was in charge of recruiting mujahedeen. Al Qaida spread from the service offices. The service offices organized for a stay at Peshawar near afghan border. They facilitated construction of a training centre at the border ready for war in Afghanistan. Many camps were created in Afghanistan. When soviets withdrew, mujahedeen failed to agree on their governance. This led to constant fights leaving the country in distress. Mujahedeen expanded the organization to other countries, such as, Israel and Kashmir. More interrelated organizations were formed to continue with the fight to protect fellow Muslims. In 1990, Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait putting Saudi Arabia kingdom at risk. Osama bin laden offered his mujahedeen to reinforce Saudi army for they were outnumbered by Iraq forces. Saudi Arabia sovereign turned down Osama’s offer and allowed U.S troops to protect Saudi Arabia territory. Osama was against this and was consequently forced out of Saudi Arabia (Abde
Forensic science offers numerous opportunities that can help people in addressing various issues and arguments. DNA testing is one of the most common procedures that provides answers to numerous questions and sheds light on relevant details. This method of collecting evidence is often used to identify suspects (or, at least, some of their characteristics) or trace genetic links to solve family issues. This paper contains a brief description of several techniques employed in DNA testing and the challenges associated with this kind of analysis. The admissibility of DNA test results in courts varies across states, and there is no single view on the matter in the country. At that, the advances in forensic science led to the increased use of such evidence and even the exoneration of people convicted years ago (Del Carmen & Hemmens, 2016). Prior to the extraction of DNA samples, it is necessary to obtain the corresponding permissions. The inmate should give their permission to use the data, and in some states, a court decision may be necessary. Depending on the details of the case, it is possible to use the convicted person’s blood or saliva to identify this person’s DNA. As for the case materials, DNA samples can be received from clothes and items found at the crime scene. Clearly, these can be tissue, hair, saliva, or other biological samples that were analyzed during the court hearings (Bright & Coble, 2019). It can be possible to extract low-level DNA as some skin cells can be found on objects that were not analyzed previously due to the lack of technology-based instruments. These pieces of evidence should be stored for a certain period of time under appropriate circumstances (Del Carmen & Hemmens, 2016). Since ten years passed since the time the evidence had been stored, some materials can be lost (can disintegrate, rotten, or spoil). Only a small amount of sample can be available due to natural factors. The polymerase chain reaction can be used to amplify the sample provided by the inmate, as well as existing materials related to the case for further investigation (Bright & Coble, 2019). Therefore, even though the major part of the evidence can be inaccessible, the sample can be amplified due to the development of technology. When in the laboratory, DNA samples are analyzed during a multi-stage process that involves extraction, quantification, amplification, separation, interpretation, and quality assurance. Extraction can be performed with the help of phenol-chloroform procedure, solid phase, and Chelex methods (Li, 2015). During this phase, DNA is released from cells, and the identification of the available DNA takes place. The amplification process mentioned above is necessary for ensuring that DNA will suffice for all tests and procedures. After this, DNA matching occurs, and researchers try to identify any match among the sam
“A Modern Cinderella and Other Stories” by Louisa May Alcott includes four short stories, each with different themes, tones, structure and point of view. Yet on a careful reading of these four stories one can discern a common theme that can be loosely applied to all the four stories. This common theme of love and compassion is brought out in each of these stories in a very distinctive way, making each one stand out in its own right. This essay will compare and contrast the various literary elements of the four short stories and highlight the common theme of love and compassion running through the entire collection. The structure of each of these stories is laid out in a way to have maximum impact on the readers. A Modern Cinderella starts out like Cinderella’s story and shows one sister toiling hard while other rest and ends like Cinderella when John produces the slipper. The beginning and the end justify the title for the rest of the story is nothing like the fairy tale and lays out the daily trials of simple folks. But while the Cinderella like start hooks the reader, the happy ending gives reader something to cheer about after the tragedy that had befallen the family in the middle of the story. The structure provides a perfect blend wherein comparison with the fairy tale is juxtaposed with the harsher realities of life. Debby’s Debut follows a simple structure of a love tr
SIntroduction A new product or service is always a challenge that has to be thoroughly prepared. This means that a group of market researchers is developing a strategy to launch a new business product to satisfy customers’ demands and to keep its position in the market. Competition is an integral part of every business, so, it is necessary to do one’s best to develop and introduce successfully a new product or service to the market. Stratified Sampling Evaluating a new service or product Developing new products and services with qualitative marketing research. The research can be carried out with the help of nine applications introduced by Hoets (2007) which include “expert exploratory interviews, exploratory groups, new product screening groups, positioning groups, marketing tactics, competitor’s customer groups, pre and post quantitative groups and interviews, diagnostic groups, interviews, and … channel interviews” (p. 4). In addition, the guide presented by Seasholtz (2003) suggests that financial models assist in evaluating new business products, so, they should be developed by the degree of assistance (par. 3). Business evaluation solutions . Different financial models presuppose time consummation and competition which is believed to be an integral part of planning and introducing new products into the market, as suggested by Williams (2007). Using mystery shoppers can become the most effective way to evaluate the new product. This is a kind of research, moreover, very effective which helps to conduct market research without engaging a great number of participants in it. Market Research Methods Qualitative market research. The data can be collected, analyzed, and interpreted by observing and listening because the main objects of the investigation are people and their behavior (Qualitative market research, 2003). This method of research is called qualitative market research; it is based on collecting and summarizing results to choose the most appropriate method for this kind of product. Surveys are another method that can be used; the study by Stanton & Rogelberg (2002) contains an analysis of the advantages and drawbacks of using surveys as the method of research. Creating effective customer satisfaction surveys. Surveys can help to investigate customers’ expectations from a new product (Creating Effective, 1999). As suggested by McNamara (2010), focus groups help to conclude while researching because consumers divided into focus groups provide an opportunity to gather information from people of various backgrounds, perspectives, and demands. Cut the Risk of New Product Development The risk is an integral part of every business, though risk can be reduced to a minimum as well as costs on the development of a new product. Prediction and possible requirements of potential consumers are considered while market research (Trytten, 2005). Traffic safety research is a great example of reducing the concept of danger on the roads just by introducing specialized education for drivers (Washington & McHale, 20
Outsourcing is whereby a company decides to purchase services or even products from outside suppliers instead of carrying out the same task within the company. The main reason why most companies outsource is to cut down on costs. The decision to outsource is critical since it involve weighing between saving cost against losing control over the company’s services and products. However, research shows that it is always worth the risk especially if you outsource your company to an expert. This is because the company is likely to save more on cost and also gain profit due to excellent services which attracts customers. Food services are one of the most common outsourced functions in the business community. This is because there are unique aspects of food service operations that usually add advantage to the industry when they outsource their services. The following illustrates why food services are the most commonly outsourced function in business community and the advantages gained through outsourcing food services to a manager contractor. One of the reasons why food services are the most commonly outsourced function in business community is because they deal with direct production and distribution of goods. A lot of money is needed to offer good food services especially when it comes to labor costs and overhead costs. This is why food service industry has turned to outsourcing services. Through outsourcing, they are able to generate products with minimal amount of capital; the company will be able to save on labor and overhead costs. Outsourcing is a tool that food services use to keep competitive advantage in the market. They are able to efficiently meet subsidiary needs through outsourcing. However, despite outsourcing not being a cure to all the problems faced by food industry, it helps the manufacturers save money and also speed up production. Outsourcing enables food service providers to build vi
Introduction Governments all over the world strive to ensure that their citizens are meaningfully employed and therefore able to afford a decent standard of living. As such, one of the most significant problems that a government faces is the issue of unemployment among its citizens. The US which is the world’s largest economy is not spared from this issue and as a matter of fact, it has a large number of unemployed citizens. While there has always been a number of unemployed, the rate has historically been modest. The last few decades have seen the situation reversed and the unemployment rate in the US hit a record high of 10% in 2009 1 . This situation has escalated and at the present, there is increasing unemployment in the US. This paper will set out to document the main reasons behind the increasing unemployment in the US. The impact that this problem is having on the population will also be highlighted and measures for curbing unemployment suggested. Causes of rising Unemployment The credit crunch that was experienced between from 2007 to 2009 greatly battered the private sector labor market and resulted in a decline in the number of people who are gainfully employed in the US. The private sector is an important player in the economy since as Baumol and Blinder report, in the year 2009, 68% of all non-farm workers in the US were employed by the private service industry 2 . The Emerging Markets Monitor reveals that the past decade was characterized by weak job creation and a culling of the workforce as a result of the 2007-2009 recessions 3 . While the economy has experienced significant recovery from this market crush, jobs have not yet returned. Reports indicate that unemployment has actually continued to rise despite economic recoveries been made 4 . The increasing population in the US is also to blame for the current unemployment rise. The US labor force has increased by 15million in the cause of the last decade 5 . While population growth has remained fairly constant over the decades, the same cannot be said for job opportunities. Conversely, the private sector which in 1999 employed 109 million people recorded a decline to 108.7 people employed as of 2009 6 . Increase in population results in a more people joining the country’s work force. There are therefore more people today competing for the same jobs which results in increased unemployment. The Emerging Markets Monitor states that there has been a noticeable stagnation in wages in the goods-producing sector. This stagnation has been blamed on low-skilled jobs being exported to low-cost countries such as China and Indonesia which have a large pool of low-skilled labor. Data collected by the government
Do ghosts always intend wickedness? The question is difficult to answer because ghosts appear in different forms and sometimes they are only visible to specific people like in Hamlet’s case. The Ghost in Hamlet is difficult to understand because the main character does not tell us whether it is wicked or charitable. It stirs Hamlet’s action after telling him how his father died. The Ghost demands that he avenges the death of his father. Hamlet’s behavior changes as he seeks to take revenge on his father’s murderer. The Ghost terrifies Hamlet and he asks it the question, “Be thy intents wicked, or charitable…?” (Shakespeare 1.4.42). The question leaves one wondering about the real intention of the Ghost. Nonetheless, the Ghost’s speech and behavior show that its intent is charitable. Some ghosts are charitable depending on their nature. The Ghost in the play is charitable because it helps Hamlet to know the truth about the way his father died and to begin finding clues for the murder. At the beginning of the story, Hamlet’s depression occurs because of two huge events: his father’s death, and his mother Gertrude’s remarriage to his uncle Claudius. Losing a parent is tragic and catastrophic, so Hamlet falls into despair. Moreover, his mother, the queen, remarries his uncle, Claudius, who killed his father, the former king, right after his father died and does not mourn for his death like a spouse is expected to. This makes Hamlet feel bad because the queen does not feel sad about her ex-husband’s death. These two events, therefore, cause him to slip into depression. His depression is conspicuous, and Claudius asks Hamlet: “How is it that the cloud still hangs on you?” (Shakespeare 1.2.66). Hamlet, at this time, is too depressed so that people around him can realize the fact. Moreover, his mother urges him to stop mourning, but his sorrow is too deep. He is very concerned about his father’s death and dwells on it very much; Hamlet had his suspicions that maybe his uncle Claudius had a hand in his father’s death as he says: “O my prophetic soul! My uncle!” (Shakespeare 1.5.40). However, even though he had suspicions, he could not bring himself to find clues that could prove Claudius’s suspect because he was very depressed. The Ghost appears to Hamlet when he is suffering and having a hard time, and tells him the truth. Hamlet confirms his previous suspicions and swears to avenge his father’s death after the Ghost tells him that Claudius poured poison in the deceased king’s ear as he lay on his orchard. Therefore by telling the truth to Hamlet and motivating him the Ghost’s intention seems charitable. The Ghost could also be charitable if it appeared to Hamlet to help in preserving his father’s memory. Hamlet mourns for the death of his father because he used to be very important to him and people around him want Hamlet to forget about him. For example, Claudius tells him that his continued mourning makes him look unmanly. Everyone around him tells him to stop mourning his father but th