ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Scope There has been great demand of more convenient wireless internet access by guests although internet connection is already available in the common rooms of the hostel at a reasonable fee. This is because most guests expect high speed wireless internet access wherever they stay and wherever they go – whether they are in their rooms, corridors, common rooms, canteen, etc. The WIAH project is aimed at serving the following purposes as well as bringing the associated benefits to the residents:  1. Ever-increasing growth of mobile clients: There has been consistent increase in the percentage of notebook computers connected to the internet connectivity available, not including the wireless mobile devices such as smart phones and PDAs.  2. Readily Available Information: A wireless connection will enable higher network mobility allowing guests to access internet anytime, anywhere in the hostel while at the same time.  3. Facilitation of group-learning activities and remote tutoring: A wireless internet access would allow project groups or study groups to come together and promote group-based learning. Remote tutoring is another possibility.  4. Wireless handheld devices: Many wireless handheld devices today can access internet through wireless means only. Since these devices are more frequently used for communication, email as well as for internet access, the need for wireless internet access has increased. The purpose of the WIAH project is to install wireless internet connectivity along the corridors covering 2800 beds and all three floors of the hostel. The project has to be executed keeping in mind the constraints:  1. The time frame for project completion is eight weeks.  2. The total budget is $100,000. Project Deliverables  1. Project Management Plan – This document consists of the procedures and processes that will be followed in order to effectively manage the scope, cost, schedule, and quality of the project as well as monitor all the risks. Reporting requirements are also documented in order to ensure that timely information reaches concerned stakeholders.  2. Financial Plan – This would consist of detailed estimates of the cost to complete the project.  3. Quotations – At least three different companies who can meet the hardware and software requirements will be contacted for providing their quotations. These will include not only the price but also other factors like performance, after-sales services, etc. that will be used to select the company. This is to ensure that the company providing the best value is selected rather than the lowest cost.  4. Test plan – The test plan will consist of a detailed checklist to be followed to ensure that the wireless connectivity works at all designated places as per the performance expected. Resources which project has at its disposal The internet connection through ADSL broadband is available at the hostel. Control mechanism  1. Quality checks will be made prior to acceptance of all del
Summary Provide a narrative summary in your own words of the article that you are requested to read. There is no particular word count for the summary; however, it should not be longer than one page. As with all summaries, yours should offer an overview of the paper in a way to help anyone who reads it to understand what it is all about without having to read it himself/herself. The article by Paulo Augusto Cauchick Miguel is devoted to the analysis of quality and business excellence awards (QBEAs). To complement the previous works on the topic, this one analyzes and compares 39 QBEAs worldwide. The methodology consists of qualitative analysis with elements of quantitative data usage. The results show that there are core similarities between QBEAs, even though fluctuations do take place. The pattern or framework of most QBEAs is the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The mission and values are typically similar for all QBEAs, even though they may be termed differently. It is possible to describe a QBEA’s mission as “facilitating business excellence” (Miguel 39). The leading sector of the mission turned out to be the recognition of the achievements in the field. The values, principles, and concepts of the QBEAs are aimed at a total of twenty-nine dimensions, the top three of them being people involved (customer, leadership, social responsibility), the process of improvement (innovation, learning), and the results as well as “management by facts” (Miguel 41). Both profit and non-profit organizations can participate in most QBEAs (58%); there are separate awards for businesses of different sizes. Half of QBEAs have only one level of recognition. The common criteria for victory include customer satisfaction, people and leadership, processes, strategies and policies, and results. The rarest criterion is the performance measurement system. The author concludes that the key differences between QBEAs consist in the way the ideas of knowledge, technology, and innovation are managed by them. The work is finished by the suggestions of further research, including future changes, development of a global QBEAs framework, and customization of QBEAs for particular countries. Key Learning Points Identify the key learning points in the read and analyze assigned activity. With key learning p
Introduction Language is described as a code that is socially shared or a conventional structure of communication that is governed by rules. Language is an in borne tendency as individuals are born with tendencies to develop sounds through cognitive and mental ability. Language acquisition occurs in early developmental stages of a person. Instead of learning language rules and syntaxes, children obtain language behavior. They learn how to use language to define, operate or explore the world around them. Their main reason for learning language is to express their intentions, describe items and make others perform actions especially in their favor (IPEK, 2009). This is acquired through exposure to the environment that provides language expressions and non-verbal inputs like waving and signaling. Hence, language acquisition is characterized by interaction of children with the larger community, learning with no tuition being offered as well as exhibiting traits of the community’s language. Stages in language acquisition There are five language acquisition stages. First is the pre-linguistic period. This is the period in which the child acquires the first language. It occurs between six to nine months of age and lasts till the tenth to thirteenth month. During this stage, the child responds to the environment but cannot express himself. It is characterized by production of certain sounds, an action referred to as cooing. The infant uses the phonemes of not only what will be their first language but all phonemes in general (IPEK, 2009). Phonemes are the smallest significant sound components that can be distinguished in a language. For example, an infant whose first language is English would be heard making such sounds as “aaaa”, “mmmm” or “tttt”. The second language development stage is bubbling. This stage is characterized by production of vowels and syllables which are strung together. Usually the infant does this with no communication intentions. This stage occurs around nine months of age. During this stage, the child begins to use phonemes from his native language. For example, an infant may begin producing such sounds as “TI”, “YU” or “NO” The third language acquisition stage is holophrastic stage. Holophrastic is derived from the term holo-phrase which is the use of one word to represent an entire thought or meaningful sentence. During this stage, an infant learns to use one word to pass a message (Lightbown & Spada, 2006). This stage occurs between the tenth and the fifteenth month. An example of a holophrastic communication is “mum”, “dad” or “nanny”. The fourth stage is known as telegraphic stage. It is also referred to as two word period. The stage derives its name from the term telegraph which was a means of communication used till 1990’s to send messages. The mode u
Atman In the Hindu religion, Atman is the concept of the soul eternal. It refers to the immortal part of every mortal form of creation. According to this concept, every mortal creation including man contains an immortal aspect that is hidden within it. In other words, this is the microcosm that represents the macrocosm within each creation and which imparts on us “the divine qualities and possibilities” from which we derive the reason for existence and earthly life’s experiencing pains and pleasures. This is the principle of sensation and life. It is the soul and the breath we take. Atman is the soul of the body. It is the self and the inner person. According to this basic Hindu tenet, the human body and its physical appearance are not the real self. The real person is the atman which is the silent self within who calmly shares with the experiences that we go through. Atman cannot be described by words or thoughts. It is something that can only be experienced when the senses of the body are eliminated and when sense objects, thought movements, and tormenting desires, the fundamental causes of human suffering, are stilled (Jayaram). On its part, (Harvey, p 97) defines Nirvana in the Theravada Buddhism faith as the third member of the Ennobling Truths. It is the quenching of the “fires of attachment, hatred and delusion.” These form the basis of dukha which is equitable to the kandhas that constitute a person and which lead to suffering and unsatisfactory. These are material forms, constructing activities, cognition, discriminative consciousness, and feelings. In life, attaining nirvana is the same as being able to live without the influence of attachments, hatred, and delusions. It is also deathless and goes beyond time and change and cannot be explained with human words or thoughts. Nirvana and Atman, therefore, are two concepts that have similarities in that they are not definable within human words or thoughts. They are the real aspect of human existence that is free from the pressures and desires of the physical body. In addition, these two are timeless and beyond death and they are immortal. The only difference is that while nirvana is an aspect of the human body, Atman exists in all forms of mortal creation, not just the human being. Upanishads The Vedas are the scriptures of the Hindu religion. The Mantras which is the text of the Vedas are the personification of the Brahman and are divided into two forms which are the karma-Kanda and the Jnana-Kanda. The portion of the Vedas which is disseminates knowledge is called the Upanishad. Originally there existed a hundred and fifty Upanishads but several of them got lost with time leaving only sixteen which were further studied and grouped by Shankaracharya to come up with 10 Upanishads’ principles. They include the Isha Upanishad, Prashna, Kath Upanishad, Kena, Chandogya, Mundaka, Mandukya, Aitareya, Brihadaranyaka, Aitareya, and Taittriya Upanishad. Most of these Upanishads are written in prose with some aspects of poetry (Shah). The Upanishad teachings stress mostly the relationship between Brahman, which is the Universal Soul, and the J
The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of the most brilliant works as it touches upon really important issues: beauty, sin, love, art, virtue. There are numerous questions to address. One of the most interesting questions is concerned with love. Some may claim that his first and true love is Sibyl Vane. However, I argue that he does not love the poor girl. So, can Dorian’s feelings to Sibyl Vane be regarded as love to a woman? Is Sibyl Vane Dorian’s True Love? When reading the first passages concerning the poor actress and Dorian’s fascination, it may really seem that the young man falls in love with the beautiful girl. Dorian assures his friend Lord Henry that he really loves Sibyl (Wilde 51). These words make the reader think of the great and pure love of the two young and beautiful creatures. However, it is soon clear that Dorian has no feelings to the girl. He is fascinated by her talent. He loves her inspiration and her devotion to art. The young man is fascinated by a dream, not a girl. When the girl loses her ability to act, Dorian is disappointed. He is cruel and impatient. He confesses (to himself rather than to Sibyl) that he loved her because she had “genius and intellect”, because she “realised the dreams of great poets and gave shape and substance to the shadows of art” (Wilde 85). It turns out that the only pure love Dorian experiences is love to art, not to a woman. Therefore, the answer to the question cannot be so definite. Obviously, Dorian does not love the girl. However, he does love Sibyl Vane who is a kind of symbol of greatness of art. Dorian loves the image he creates. He falls in love with his own Sibyl Vane. Thus, Dorian does love Sibyl Vane, but this woman has nothing to do with the material world. This is the symbol of beauty and greatness of art. I think this is one of the central ideas of the book. In this way Wilde reveals his own views concerning art. Admittedly, Wilde was one of the greatest figures of the movement of aestheticism. The author worshiped art and beauty. This can be vividly seen in the book. Thus, the author reveals his idea that the beauty of a woman is something that passes soon. However, only art is immortal. Dorian is deprived of the ability to love a woman. He can only truly appreciate art and beauty (his own youth and beauty). I believe art should reflect reality, not vice versa. However, Wilde as well as his creation (Dorian) lived in a somewhat distorted world. Thus, Dorian tries to create an ideal world to live in. He is not interested in real feelings and real happiness. He seeks for phantoms created by the world of art. These ideas corrupt the young man who becomes an evil creature incapable of love or any affection. Dorian falls in love with a dream and, at the same time, he destroys the beautiful world around him. Did Dorian love Sibyl Vane? The answer is positive. However, this love has nothing to do with material world as Dorian creates his own Sibyl Vane and falls in love with his ideal in his ideal world of beauty and art. Works Cite
Brazil is considered as the fifth most populous nation in the world and the largest in Latin America. It is therefore of interest not only to the Western powers but also to the Eastern powers such as China. The fact that it is bordered by many countries has resulted in very significant diversity in Brazil. Although Brazil has witnessed socio-political ups and downs, monumental socio-economic and political developments have taken place in this country to an extent of hosting one of the world’s largest sporting events, FIFA World Cup, in 2014. Historical Background The name Brazil is coined from a particular wood species (Brazil wood) that grows in the country and is considered to be the major export in years to come. The Brazilian history is approximately 500 years old. The country was discovered by Portuguese Admiral Pedro Alvares. According to Costa, the country then was characterized by a diverse and sparse population (2005). Though major minerals were not discovered then, the Portuguese government exported Brazil wood to make furniture and red dye. Sugarcane was by then the second major cash crop. The sugar fields required a massive work force that was then unavailable. This forced the colonial masters to open up a big slave market (Costa, 2005). Africans formed the majority of the work force then. The discovery of gold in the 17th century saw most people come and mine it. However, the reserves were not so much to make gold a major export. The profitability of sugar only served as an eye opener to the large scale growing of coffee for export purposes. Brazil seized power from their colonial masters in 1822 through a bloodless revolt. Dom Pedro I was appointed the first king of the monarchy. Dom Pedro II was to succeed his father in 1841 and later gave up power in 1889. The abolishment of slave trade came into effect in 1888.The mon
The main aim of any business enterprise or company is to maximize on profits and returns. However, it is necessary to build the company’s reputation in the market. This can be effectively achieved by taking part in activities that promote ethics and display the company’s interest in social responsibility. This paper analyses the social responsibility demonstrated by McDonald’s, one of the leading fast food companies on the globe. It also discusses the social and ethical implications that these initiatives could have on the target market. Just as McDonald’s has worked hard to build the reputation of its product, it has worked as hard to create a positive impact on society (De Blasio, 2008). Its policies on animal welfare and related initiatives of public communication are milestones it has taken to be referred to as one of the most ethical companies in the world. McDonald’s has been committed to being one of the companies that the public can trust. For instance, its global minimum standard prevents the use of antibiotics that belong to a class of components approved for use in human medicine to promote growth of their animals (Jennings, 2008). In addition to this, McDonald’s stresses on the safety of their consumers. This is displayed in their happy toys. They are backed by a safety program that is proactive. It starts with the design of the product. Once the full scale production starts, McDonald’s has third party safety laboratories, which monitor and test the product. This is done until the manufacture is completed. The serious concentration on the safety of their consumers is one of McDonald’s social responsibility initiatives. McDonald’s has a communication program that is dedicated to the so­cial responsibility reporting of animal welfare concerns. It is consid­ered to be a narrative since it frames its own history, follows industry and professional presentation conventions and applies behavioral standards related to moral and ethical decisions. In their 2008 report on social responsibility, McDonald’s expressed their commitment to taking a “total life cycle” approach to their solid wastes. This involves examining ways that could be used in order to reduce materials used during production and packaging and diverting as much waste as they can from the solid waste stream. By so doing, the three courses of action, which are reduce, reuse, recycle are complied with. To reduce, steps are to be taken to reduce the weight and volume of their packaging materials. There is also a strategy aimed at searching for environmentally preferred materials to use in their packaging. To there is the use of reusable materials and recycled materials, in the fulfillment of their environmental conservation responsibility (McDonald’s Corporation, 2008). In an effort to develop the underrepresented entrepreneurs, McDonald’s has ventured into partnerships with diverse suppliers. For instance, in 2007, McDonald’s restaurants in the United States purchased goods worth 5.3 billion U.S dollars from minority and women owned companies. Su
Introduction Any company can be organized in a number of different ways, based on goals, resources, processes, personalities, and fashionable trends in management. Sometimes, trends eclipse all other factors, including common sense itself. Dozens of management fads have appeared and faded into obscurity over the last half-century. Some of them have grown so infamous that they became synonymous with “time waste,” “layoffs,” and “financial ruin.” These fads are often adopted by managers because they are marketed as a solution to every problem for any business. Time and time again, the failures of those trends teach the manager that there is no universal solution, and every company is unique. The Fads and How They Were Used While many fads proved to be useless if not outright fraudulent, some persisted. Current trends include agile software development, artificial intelligence, and delayering, among others (James). Some of these fads are not inherently harmful and may be implemented successfully. Agile Software Development is one of the widely-bemoaned practices that has occasionally produced positive results. Unfortunately, it would fail one time out of three, and by the end of the 2010s, Agile Software Development had become somewhat infamous (Saran). The main problem with implementing Agile Software Development is that it is seen not as a tool with specific applications, but as a panacea for all development processes, which lead to misguided adoption and improper implementation (Siroky). It is a fad, indeed, but not an inherently malicious one, nor completely useless. It is somewhat misunderstood and over-praised, and will probably disappear from the corporate limelight in the coming years. An excellent example of a management fad that did not survive the test of time would be Stack Ranking. The system instructs team leaders and managers to rate their subordinates from most to least effective and provide the rationale. The purpose is to eliminate ineffective employees, as people with low ranks would be penalized or fired. The problem with Stack Ranking is it required managers to meet a quota of low rankings, even if all the employees performed well. Somebody would invariably end up being scored low and punished, sometimes through no fault of their own. The Stack Ranking system destroyed employee morale and led to decreased productiveness, as employees began to compete with each other and curry favor with their supervisors instead of working. Because of that, stack ranking was pushed out of most companies by the early 2010s (Nisen). Fortunately for employees, this fad is obsolete and used as a cautionary tale now. The delayering, also known as flat organizational structure, may be one of the most harmful management practices still present. The main idea of the system is quite simp