ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Buddhism has the third-largest number of followers worldwide after first-ranked Christianity and second-ranked Islam. Most Buddhists are found in Asia. The existence of various magnificent sculptures of the founder of Buddhism, Gautam Buddha in many Asian nations is evidence of the flourishing Buddhist art forms in the region that originated from India. The Tian Tan Buddha statue in Ngong Ping, Lantau Island is reputed as being the tallest outdoor seated Buddha in the world. Tian Tang Buddha (Thera) Also known as ‘Big Buddha,’ the 34-meter high statue of Buddha seated cross-legged on a lotus flower throne is made of bronze. Its weight is 250 tons (Buddhistsculptures.com). It is made up of 202 parts that were completely assembled and mounted atop a massive staircase of 268 steps after three years of dedicated work (Thera). The statue was officially consecrated on December 29, 1993 during which time monks from all over the world were invited. The Tian Tan Buddha statue is constructed along the lines of Tian Tan from which it derives its name (Ngong Ping 360). The base of the statue is round and consists of 3-floor platform altars. The first floor is the ‘Hall of Benevolence Merit’ that includes a statue of God of Earth. The second floor is the ‘Hall of the Universe’ that includes rooms in which the history of Lantau Island and the construction history of the Tian Tan Buddha are shown (Thera). The third floor is the ‘Hall of Remembrance,’ a memento of Buddha that contains some of his cremated remains; it also contains a massive bell carved with images of Buddha that toll once every 7 minutes signifying the outburst of human anger those many times daily. The Tian Tan Buddha attracts more than 1 million visitors each year (Ngong Ping 360). Some of them are ordinary tourists interested in the artistic grandeur provided by the massive monument while the majority are Buddhist pilgrims. From an artistic viewpoint, the view of the Tian Tan Buddha silhouetted against the sky evokes strong emotions. The first involves an appreciation of Nature; the giant statue is surrounded by lush green hills, the entire scenery teeming with freshness and grandeur of Nature at its very best. The second involves an appreciation of art. The majestic structure of the huge statue is simply awesome to behold, a grand testimony to the excellent art and sculpture skills of its makers in keeping with the general outstanding Buddhist tradition of art and sculpture (Thera). The overall scene oozes freshness, serenity, and peace, depicting a sense of harmony between man and nature. To Buddhist pilgrims, the massive statue of Buddha in a serene, meditative pose ex
Academic literature by Cam-Winget, Housley, Wagner and Walker (2003) and other authors on the subject of WEP security show that the WEP IEEE 802.11 is a shared key (40 or 140 bits long) encryption standard, which was designed to provide confidentiality and security of data packets by protecting them from unauthorised access using the RC4 encryption algorithm. Studies by Geier (2002) have proved WEP to a be standard with several vulnerabilities, which have made WEP easy for an attacker to crack its security code in a very short time using a variety of tools, which include BackTrack and its suite of tools. Typically, BackTrack has a suite of other tools, which can be used to test the security of WEP by subjecting it to a number of vulnerability assessment tests and attacks, which include traffic injection, duplication of recorded traffic, time based attacks, and Denial-of-Service attacks (Cam-Winget, Housley, Wagner & Walker, 2003). WEP Vulnerabilities Some of the vulnerabilities discovered in WEP include data modification and eavesdropping (Cam-Winget, Housley, Wagner and Walker, 2003). According to Mehta (2001), the rationale of performing tests to discover the vulnerabilities in WEP is because when WEP in a LAN is disables or enabled, its weakn
Managing occupancy Managing occupancy is a practice carried out by revenue managers, after they have grasped a complete comprehension of how to use room types and trailing codes, to assists their managerial functions, towards effective management of room occupancies and ADRs. A hotel’s director of sales and management is most times, seen as responsible for maximizing the sales efforts of the hotel, while the revenue manager is responsible for the maximization of hotel occupancy (Zakhary & El-Shishiny, 2009, pp. 1-5). The options available to them include tactfulness, which will allow them to reach decisions that increase hotel occupancy levels, by adjusting to the unique demand variations of the hotel. This is done, by employing two different occupancy restraints, which include a minimum length of stay (MLOS), where a hotel offers a restraint that a customer boarding a room on a given day, identified with high demand, should continue stay or occupancy for a number of days, for example, two. Those requesting to occupy the room for a single night are rejected, while those requiring stay for two nights are accepted (Andrew, Cranage, & Lee, 1990, pp. 173-174). The second strategy is closed to arrival (CTA), which is simply, the restraint by the revenue management, that customers seeking to occupy the hotel on certain days, associated with high demand for rooms are rejected, offering preference
The hypothesis in this report is that developed countries have been unable to control carbon emissions despite having enough resources while developing countries have made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions. In the report, China is said to emit more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than the United States of America. This means that China has more industries using fossil fuels and other sources of energy rich in carbon than those in America. On the other hand, this may mean that China has become more developed than America hence resulting to more carbon emissions. These developed countries are expected to lead developing countries in the conservation of environment by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere. Because of poor leadership, developed countries have been unable to reduce these emissions (Hoover and Donovan, 2011). Carbon emissions are an enormous challenge in the world today as it gradually affects the weather system hence leading to global warming. Global warming threatens lives of people, plants and other creatures in the world because, it brings changes in lifestyle. For example, rainfall patterns may be altered causing long durations of famine and drought. These may adversely affect creatures and at times leads to death of living things. Some of the variables that can help governments in controlling the amount of carbon emissions include the renewable sources of energy. This means that governments may invest in use of alternative sources of energy other than concentrating on the carbon rich fossil fuels. Depending on the rate of use of this renewable energy such as wind and solar energy, the rate of carbon emissions can be controlled. For example, if the United States of America decides to invest in eco-friendly sources of energy in 50% of its industries, then there can be a remarkable reduction in carbon emissions. Another variable is leadership which refers to how leaders of countries take the issue of global warming and carbon emissions. For example, in India the government has been able to come up with a strategy of raising money to fight carbon emissions regardless of its poverty level (Hoover and Donovan, 2011). This shows that leaders’ commitment is extremely crucial in controlling the amount of carbon emitted to the atmosphere. For countries like America and China which has immense economies, fighting this menace can be extremely easy since they can easily raise money from their economies. Energy efficiency can also be another variable in the fight against carbon emissions. This means that countries should invest in energies which are more efficient in order to reduce carbon emissions
Teams are the backbone of business organizations. Business organizations with weak teams are unable to accomplish their respective goals. In order to improve the efficiency of teams, it is important to enhance the effectiveness of teams. The best way to enhance the effectiveness of teams is to change how business leaders understand how teams are supposed to function within a business environment. The proponent of this study will examine the insights gleaned from three articles on teamwork. In Ruth Wageman, Heidi Garner, and Mark Mortensen’s article entitled Teams Have Changed: Catching Up to the Future , the authors advised business leaders to change their worldview regarding teams and consider the following insights:  1. self-governing teams instead of empowerment;  2. the dynamic ecology of technology instead of technology and distance;  3. the value of dynamic composition (Wageman and Gardner 49). The authors said that self-governing teams are more effective, because the members are not only empowered, but they also act based on what the organization needs to do (Wageman, Gardner, and Mortensen 50). In addition, teams must acquire greater freedom when it comes to the use of technology. In other words, it is imperative to remove the limitations created by the IT department and reliance on corporate leaders to provide the most cost-effective technology package that answers their communication and collaboration needs. Finally, the authors suggested dynamic composition over fluid composition in order to create appropriate organizational culture and identity (Wageman, Gardner and Mortensen 51). In the article entitled Why Teamwork Fails , the author shared the view of Wageman and Gardner, especially when it comes to self-directed teams based on the idea of non-traditional work systems (Vallas 223). According to Vallas, a key component is to reduce reliance on first-line supervisors as team members are expected to “assume the responsibilities previously assigned to supervisors (230). In the article entitled Six Steps to Leading High-Performing X-Teams , the author supports the idea of creating dynamic and self-directed teams. However, the article’s focus is on the creation of teams that are externally oriented. In this framework, team members are supposed to learn the value of understanding “the external environment, build support with key executives, and coordinate with other groups that can contribute to their project (Ancona, Bresman and Caldwell 217). In addition, the authors pointed out the following objectives when it comes to creating teams from scratch:  1. choose team members for their networks;  2. make external outreach the modus operandi from day one;  3. help the team focus on the external environment; building support from executives, and task coordination;  4. set milestones and deliverables in the context of
History of war on drugs The issue of drug usage and supply has dominated the public domain throughout the 20 th century. This was mainly because the drug market was purely unregulated. As a result, accessing drugs and substances containing derivatives of various drugs was also easy, including medical prescriptions that contained cocaine and heroin. 1 During early years of the 20 th century, legislation played a major role in regulating the use of drugs in the United States and all over the world. For instance, the Pure Food and Drug Act, adopted in the year 1906 was to guard the society against poisonous drugs before it was amended in 1912 to address the issue of drugs carrying wrong labels. In 1914, the Harrison Tax Act was passed to prohibit the sale of heroin and cocaine. By the mid of 1930s, the Marihuana Tax Act was adopted and aimed at imposing taxes on marihuana. Although this drug was considered to be safe, law enforcers believed that if allowed to be supplied freely, it would become a gateway for other drugs like heroin. It was during the tenure of President Dwight D. Eisenhower that the war against drugs began, with the Narcotic Control of 1956 heightening the penalties associated with supply and usage of drugs. In 1954, the president called for a national war on drugs. Similarly, President Nixon’s regime demonstrated the willingness to fight drugs by ending the importation of marijuana from Mexico through tight cross-border security measures. Additionally, the formation of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 was a milestone in strengthening the war as it gave federal government an upper hand in fighting drug abuse. In 1971, President Nixon declared that drug abuse was “the number-one public enemy,” and stepped up efforts directed on fighting the scourge. Besides enforcement of the law, the president emphasized the need to treat drug addicts. 2 He also engaged celebrities in spreading the news about the negative effects of drugs. In 1970s, drug abuse was considered by many as a law enforcement problem that required criminal-justice strategies to fight. The inclusion of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) into the federal law equally boosted efforts to save the society from the dangers of drug abuse. 3 Nancy Reagan is also remembered for her campaigns in schools, teaching students about the effects of drug abuse. Her activism drew huge attention and became the core of the anti drug war. By focusing on the impact of drug abuse on children, it was easy for anti drug administration to formulate stronger legislation that would protect existing and future generations. During that time, cocaine was th most abused drug followed by heroin, which usage was rampant among African-Americans. The popularity of cocaine continued to grow among middle-class Americans as it was processed into smaller blocks to enhance easy acquisition by people from different social classes. As a result, the Antidrug Act of 1986 was established to discourage the use of “crack” by introducing the 100:1 ratio, which meant
Harold Pinter’s two-act play “The Homecoming” that first appeared in print in 1965 is a predominantly family-oriented play about members of a family living in North London, provides several views about family life in England during those times. Some views are credible while others are grotesque. The first credible view is the setting of the play. An old man lives in an old house with two of his three sons and his younger brother (Ruhayat). It is a typical 1965 working-class English family (Mohanty). The house consists of a large room with a square arch, a hall, and a staircase leading to rooms above (Wikipedia.org). The second credible view involves the characters and their interaction. Max is an overly assertive, nagging retired butcher (Kirjasto.sci.fi), Sam is a chauffeur, Joey is a boxer and Lenny is a pimp (Wikipedia.org). An aura of dissatisfaction and hostility prevails among them that are typical of that among family members who do not approve of what the others are doing in their lives. Max is constantly at loggerheads with Lenny, apparently for the latter’s dubious choice of work. They are constantly bickering. In one example, Max asks Lenny: “What have you done with the scissors?” to which Lenny replies: “Why don’t you shut up, you daft prat?” (Pinter: 7). In another example, Lenny derides Max’s cooking abilities by calling him a “dog cook” (Pinter: 11). In a third example, Lenny taunts Max by snidely referring to “that night” he [Max] was born as a result of his parents’ copulation. Max curses him in reply: “You’ll drown in your own blood” (Pinter: 36). Max is also dissatisfied with his brother Sam who he thinks is a homosexual, insulting him for not being able to find his own “bride” (Pinter: 15). The third credible view begins when Max’s estranged eldest son Teddy suddenly arrives from America with his wife of 6 years, Ruth. Although their arrival sparks off events that reveal what is apparent on the surface is not what it appears to be (Ruhayat), the events are credible – in the beginning. Not knowing about Teddy’s marriage prior to his arrival, Max berates his son when he comes down with Ruth, thinking she was a whore {“Who asked you to bring dirty tarts into this house? (Pinter: 41)}. When he learns of their marriage, Max is repentant and makes amends by giving Teddy a “cuddle” (Pinter: 43) and later giving the couple his “blessing” (Pinter: 49). It is soon apparent that the husband and wife are not at ease with one another. This perception is enhanced when Ruth displays a restless craving to go out of the house after Teddy has gone to bed (Wikipedia.org). The first of several grotesque views of family life occurs in Act II. What began as a seemingly harmless bout of flirting with her brother-in-law at the end of Act I turns into blatant sexual interaction as Ruth turns her attention to her other brother-in-law and makes out with him on the sofa {“He leans her back until she lies beneath him. He kisses her” (Pinter: 59)} in full view of the others who do not interve
The financial market provides investors with money that is earned through borrowing from financial institutions. The market provides them with access to foreign exchange in the foreign markets where they are able to exchange different currencies. Finally, it provides a means for the acquisition of desired commodities through the normal buying and selling which is provided as a service by financial institutions especially the banks in the financial market (Copeland & Weston, 1988). A financial market enables individuals to be able to access; derivatives, futures and capital. This are achieved through co-operation between the buyers and sellers. The buyers are the traders and investors while the sellers are represented by financial institutions and systems such as banks, foreign market and the stock market taking part in the financial market (Pilbeam, 2010). The basics functions of the financial markets are; it enables traders to access insurance facilities for their businesses , it provides them with the opportunity to purchase commodities they desire using the different financial institutions as the intermediaries for carrying out the transactions and finally, it provides investors with money for financing their business either through lending or basically assets financing (Valdez, 2006). Islamic Finance This is a banking system that adheres to the basic laws of Islam and its principles that relate to money and finance. The system is built on the basic laws and principle of Islam known as Sharia law (Saeed, 1996). Importance and effects on the financial markets Islamic finance is usually against the charging of interest on money saved or borrowed. This principle is so strict according to the sharia law that even Islam’s have their own banking institutions that adhere to this law. The effect of this law is very important to parties such as banking, credit and microfinance institutions. They are to apply this when dealing with Islamic clients as they cannot lend with interest hence it is relevant for the institutions to come up with other avenues of revenue apart from interests. This financial system is against the participation of Islam’s in various businesses that are not allowed by the Sharia law. Such businesses that are not allowed are; running alcoholic stores and participating in the pornographic industry. This law is very effective as it deters financ
Introduction In human communication, people use varied communication strategies as a way of interaction. These communication practices change from one historical context to another mainly due to scientific and educational advancements. Human communication is vital as far as coexistence is concerned. Both psychologists and communication experts do agree that human communication sometimes involves three elements, which include persuasion, manipulation, and seduction. Unlike other animals, human beings communicate verbally. In essence, human communication is a state where one mind influences a certain environment drawing another mind into word exchange or certain adoptions. A long time ago, in ancient Greece, philosophers identified communication as a submission towards somebody’s feelings. Thus, to them, communication brought all societal members together forming hierarchical powers within the community. However, this was not a genuine verbal human communication simply because; these people communicated for coercion and not a conviction. To achieve effective human communication, the behavior and attitude of a human being ought to change. Nonetheless, these traits do not bring conviction, but rather coercion. Thus, human communication must result from peer group influence and sometimes one’s sovereignty. These two traits through persuasion, manipulation, and seduction experienced through language, lead to human communication. The paper will examine seduction, manipulation, and persuasion in human communication. (Seiter & Gass 2004, pp.4-16). Persuasion In human communication, persuasion is an art employed by an individual towards others to convince them on a certain issue. Persuasion involves the use of language to modify somebody’s behavior and attitude towards something. In this case, someone can exchange personal views to others and if convinced, these people can take them to be personal. What really happens here is that the feelings of other people get conviction either through experiences or through historical contexts. However, to convince people, one must have a good connection with them and besides, a very powerful convincing language. The good connection might imply that an individual is a no stranger and the people to receive the information are aware of what is happening. Thus, persuasion comprises of both conscious and unconscious communication modes. (The Persuasion and Influence Resource Center, 2009, Para. 1-8). For example, consider a man at the restaurant. This man may demand attention from a waitress by using a soft language and other persuasive elements like body langu
Satyajit Ray’s movie Aparajito is a story about a family caught in the modern hustles of life. Although it was screened decades ago, this film relates to today’s social issues and difficulties. The movie’s story is both unique and familiar to many families. The ability of a film made in the previous century to deeply affect the modern audience by exploring timeless themes is what connects me personally to Aparajito . The main theme of the film is that life is not static. It can be easily observed by looking at the storylines of the central characters. The protagonist, Abu, experiences change when his family moves to a new city when his father dies, and they are forced to return. Believing that at home everything stays the same, Abu rarely contacts his mother, which results in her loneliness and death. This turnout affected me because it stirred emotions of potential loss and family values. Probably, the most thought-provoking idea of the film is that children experience relief at the death of their parents. Although Abu did feel tremendous sadness upon realization, the image of him being glad not to be bound by familial ties anymore is a symbolic representation of how little offsprings realize their parents’ love for them. Watching this scene was a profound discovery for me, as I felt how often mothers’ feelings are taken for granted. Overall, the strongest feature of Aparajito is that it showcases the sad reality of relationships between children and parents using the example of a Bengali family. Not only does the movie disclose an often unseen side of families, but it also teaches the lesson of appreciation of parents’ feelings. As a result, the film cultivates everlasting values and constitutes a powerful viewing experience for the audience at the same time.