ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction This paper discusses homosexuality in the light of the opinion of Young. A personal opinion of the topic is also given. More views on homosexuality by different scholars are incorporated in this article. Homosexuality Definition: homosexuality has been defined as “feeling and manifestation of sexual attraction for individuals of the same sex” (Barbera 93). This definition captures both the psychological as well as physical aspect of the homosexual. Moore pointed out that homosexuality is a complicated issue and can not be limited to only having sex to with a person of the same sex. He argued that it incorporates doing all the things that people in love do, for instance kissing, caressing and looking pleasantly into each other’s eyes among other things (Moore 39). The Role of Religion : although homosexuality has gained a lot of publicity in the recent past, Young argued that the practice is not new to humanity. Homosexuality has been practiced in the past and a number of religions have been noted to accept different forms of homosexuality as normal. Baum in his study, as quoted by Young, showed that many traditional African cultures were receptive to homosexuality. The study by Baum associated homosexuality in the African cultural context with religious roles: “in the religion of the Ila of Zambia, the male mwaami (prophet) might dress as and live among women” (Young 18). I tend to feel that this thought by Baum seems to be farfetched because most of the African cultures hold bearing of children as a sacred and therefore it could be hard to encourage homosexuality. The Chinese society is also said to have encouraged homosexuality. Even among the Japanese there has been recorded some instance of homosexuality in the past: ‘the most famous expression of male homosexuality in Japan was the pederasty common in the samurai class during the Kamakura period (1192-1336)’ (Young 390). Young further recorded that, ‘Shoguns and samurai often kept young male lovers for emotional support as well as sexual expression’ (Young 390). Most of the Christian denominations do not accept homosexuality. The western religions are generally opposed to homosexuality. Religion has a great influence on the way people view different issues on the society. If a given religion views a behavior as a normal issue, then the adherents of that religion will take that issue to be normal. Due to the influence that religion has on the society, if it denounces a practice then such a practice becomes highly looked down upon. Personal Opinion : Personally, I believe that homosexuality is actually a misuse of faculties. Arguing from the biological perspective, a male is meant to relate intimately with a female. I do believe that men and women are meant for companionship as well as for procreation. In as much as homosexuality might provide companionship it does not make procreation possible. Other scholars have similar views (Corvino 289) Conclusion Ho
Public health is defined as a field of medicine that deals with community health. This science concerns itself with the protection and improvement of the health of a community through health education, preventive medicine, controlling communicable diseases, environmental hazard monitoring, and sanitary measures applications. The focus here is not on individual patients but whole populations. 2 milestones that have occurred in the field of public health include tobacco control and childhood immunization. Tobacco control was implemented in the nineteen nineties. The purpose of doing so was to protect the public from the effects of secondary smoke. Furthermore, this policy also intended on reducing the effects of smoking among real smokers because they would not smoke as much as they wanted; especially in public places. The overall result is that some of the common health problems that stem from smoking have been reduced dramatically. The second milestone in public health in childhood immunization. Vaccines were developed several years ago and can now be found in almost all parts of the world. Because of childhood immunization, children can be protected from certain diseases such as polio and measles. It should be noted that not all the problems have been eliminated but it can now be said that they are under control (PHI, 2011). The link chosen can be found on the public health institute website under the heading “6th Biennial childhood obesity conference” and the date June 28, 2011. The entry talks about how the public health institute is calling for a national policy approach for childhood obesity. It asserted that childhood obesity is caused by a series of economic, social, and community factors, which can only be fully addressed when public policies on the issues exist. Lack of access to playgrounds and affordability of healthy foods have been cited as some of the reasons that can be changed by policies. Furthermore, agricultural policies and urban planning also contribute to these same problems. The mortality rate of the state of California is slightly lower than the nation’s average. As of 2007, it was reported that 674.2 deaths occurred per 1000, 000 people while the national average was 760.2. This number decreased by about one percent in 2009. When assessed by gender, the number of male deaths per 100, 000 is 802.3, yet the national average is 905. Conversely, the number of female deaths is 571.2 per 100, 000 while the national average is 642.6. These results indicate that California is not doing so badly. The state is recording numbers that are lower than the national average probably because of certain health initiatives that have been targeted at its inhabitants. An example is the Public Health institute’s maternal mortality study (PHI, 2011). When it comes to morbidity rates, the five key c
Introduction “A Freeborn People” is a balanced examination of the ways in which the political cultures of the political elite and that of common people interacted in the 17 th century England. In this book, the author shows that the two groups were not split in their expectations for good governance, as many historians thought. The author, David Underdown tells us that, all England women and men had the same expectations concerning their liberties as they were promulgated by their ancient constitution. Underdown argues that, during this period both the political elite and common people were strongly influenced by postulations that prevailed among gender roles. He also points out that, in the period before the civil wars, England women and men were influenced by worries that England was under the threat of evil forces. He therefore observes that, the above influences were the reasons that led to 17 th century revolutions in England. Discussion In this book, Underdown examines both cultures from the Stuart period up to the restoration time and concludes that although both cultures were distinct there was a zone of equal-feeling across the social order. He point out that, although there was a distinct and defined culture for elite before the civil wars, there were specific liberties which belonged to all people. According the author, the English people had common predilections for social and familial order, monarchy, and norms before the civil wars broke up. Majority of people thought the above were threatened by aulic dishonesty and sexual disgrace as result of evil or satanic forces. This in essence brought about resistance to the Stuart courts. In the early 1640s, the writer asserts that modernism as well as inversion was thought as the cause of the transformations. Particularly, the selected malcontents were thought to showcase reformers, sectaries and specifically the levelers. According to Underdown, the levelers (majority of them women) were members of the seventeenth century political organizations, who took power after the civil wars. According to the author, the common people could be as strongly angered as their elite by those who had aulic dishonesty and sexual disgrace. He however maintains that, the level to which the traditional elite pinned down the plebeian was high as they could not allow them to hold a public office or be in the senat
Introduction Management practice is often assumed to be the execution of pre-set and pre-determined action plans which fall into place smoothly during actualisation. Managers are probably looked at as a group of professionals whose roles and responsibilities only mean turning strategies into reality. Their work seems cut-out and only awaiting simple procedural implementation by those with the right technical know-how. However, in real life scenario, managers actually face more challenging tasks than simply executing what is written on paper. Organisations undergo a lot of c
A Critical Analysis Trends in the current economic environment indicate a shift from “knowledge based activities to creativity, imagination, entrepreneurship, and innovation” (Oke et al., 2008, p. 56). The 21st century has realized a tremendous increase in business activities and opportunities owing to increased technological innovations and globalization. This has resulted into stiff competition for opportunities in the business world. The current economic and business worlds are governed by creativity. Entrepreneurs need to be creative in order to remain competitive. Creativity and entrepreneurship are tightly linked to each other. Without creativity, entrepreneurship cannot be realized. On the other hand, creativity is meaningless if its entrepreneurial opportunities are not exploited. According to Bilton (2007, p.3), “creativity enables the entrepreneur to act on these opportunities in ways which can enhance a business’s competitiveness, and it can provide the basis for innovation and business growth, as well as impacting on the society positively”. This paper critically analyzes the relationship between entrepreneurship and creativity. Entrepreneurship occurs in almost all organizations regardless of their size. According to Amabile (1988, p. 3), “entrepreneurship can be defined as the process of creating value for business and social communities by bringing together unique combinations of public and private resources to exploit economic, social, or cultural opportunities in an environment of change”. On the other hand, “creativity has been viewed as the construction of ideas or products which are new and potentially useful” (Amabile, 1988, p. 3). On the entrepreneurial front, creativity should ensure that the profitability of an innovation in both monetary and social terms is tapped. Creative ideas can either come from within the organization or from outside the organization. Generally, most entrepreneurs tend to exploit the internal sources of creativity first. Thus, creativity allows an organization to tap opportunities and at the same time adapt to changing environmental conditions. Innovation, risk taking, and proactiveness have been found to be the main components of entrepreneurship. Amabile (1998, p.4) argues “innovation is the manner in which the entrepreneur searches for new opportunities to a profitable conclusion or the way in which ideas are brought”. The market place of ideas has stiff competition, and as a result, the viability and profitability of an innovation is determined by not only its novelty, but also its success. On the hand, “risk taking refers to the manner in which innovation is embedded in the organization, society or community” (Amabile, 1998, p.4). Risk taking also influences the willingness of people to invest in opportunities which are likely to succeed. Moreover, “proactiveness is concerned with
The general description of the taxon and its geographic distribution The blue-ringed octopus is a carnivorous and venomous mollusk; this species consumes mostly shrimp and crabs; but it is also known for eating fish (Dobbs, 2009). This species can be recognized by blue rings that cover its body (Dobbs, 2009). The octopus can be called a cephalopod which means that its body can be characterized by bilateral symmetry. There are four variations of the blue-ringed octopus. For instance, one can refer to blue-lined octopi or greater blue-ringed octopi. Overall, they differ primarily in terms of size. This taxon was excessively studied by the prominent zoologist Guy Robson who identified many of the properties that the blue-ringed octopi had. Figure One: The symmetry of the blue-ringed octopus This species can change its coloring because its skin contains chromatophores or cells that can reflect light. One can argue that this mechanism is critical for the survival of this mollusk. Additionally, this characteristic is vital for hunting. This is why the role of pigmentation should be taken into consideration. Figure Two: The coloring of the blue-ringed mollusk Moreover, like other octopi, this mollusk can easily change its shape to move in and out crevices. So, it can hide from various predators. This characteristic enables this octopus to escape various threats. The copulation of these mollusks involves the transfer of sperm through the hectocotylus. As a rule, the copulation is ended by the female. In many cases, she can free herself only through intense struggles. More importantly, the copulation between two males can also be observed; yet, in this case, it is ended without any struggles. Overall, this behavior is not very widespread among other octopi. This is one of the distinctions that one should not overlook. The blue-ringed octopi dwell in the Indian and Pacific Oceans (Dobbs, 2009, p. 457). They can be observed near the coasts of Australia, New Zealand as well as Japan. These mollusks tend to be more widespread in southern Australia. They are more likely to dwell in tide pools as well as coral reefs. As a rule, they live in relatively shallow waters (Dobbs, 2009, p. 457). These are some of the main details that can be singled out. Life-history traits There are several important life-history traits of this species. As it has been said before, this species can change its coloring. Therefore, this mollusk can better hunt prey and protect itself from various predators. Furthermore, the reproduction capacity of this octopus is limited because females can lay eggs only once in a lifetime. Apart from that, one should mention that the female octopus dies after laying eggs. This attribute is critical for limi
The existence of God has been a subject of discussion among modern philosophers. The nature of God requires one to actually believe without seeing and reason with the various natural occurrences. However, McCloskey believes that there is enough evidence to prove that God is a myth whose existence will never be proved. After studying various religions and their believe systems, McCloskey has come to a conclusion that such religious believes have only been created to enhance morality in the society. The fact that they are contradictory in nature makes McCloskey convinced that there can be no specific supreme being inclining to such confusing believes (McCloskey, 1968). There is nothing special about people of different backgrounds and religious believes. A person’s lifestyle and their way of thinking mainly depend on where they were born and brought up. A person has been brought up learning a particular system, which at times is followed by threats, and consequences that will follow if they do not incline to them. McCloskey recommends that people reason out for themselves instead of simply following what they were taught. Such arguments of existence should be analyzed and approved. Most religions claim that God manifested many years ago in flesh and currently exists as a spirit. This, according to McCloskey cannot be proved as none of the people that witnessed him in person exists. There could be people, as well, who came up with literature or just rules to influence the society. This could have also been influenced by the need to bring order in the society by dictating what is right or what is wrong (Evans & Manis, 2009). Another argument is based on the equal treatment that all people are subjected to. The rewards promised are mostly farfetched and out of this world, a proof that can only be confirmed by the dead. Since death is a destination with no return, there is no one to confirm the eternal happiness or damnation. On the Cosmological Argument The very existence of the universe and the living creature there in has been the basis of confirmation that God exists. This is simply because nothing just came into existence; there must have been a force behind such existence. McCloskey however argues that it cannot be the evidence. Even if there is a force behind such existence, it was brought about by necessity rather than a supreme being. McCloskey explains that whenever there is a need for something, nature gives provision for its exi
Introduction Australia is a large country with low population. Due to its geographic characteristics, the majority of its cities are placed along its coasts. The difference in population count in the cities can vary which can create differences between the living experiences in those cities. This paper will compare two major Australian cities: Sydney and Gold Coast, and it will outline their differences and similarities. Culture and Placemaking The culture and placemaking of a city can define the living experience of its citizens. The culture of the city can form around its history, its cultural and entertainment sites, such as museums and landmarks, as well as its communities. Factors such as socioeconomic conditions and population demographics can also play a part in the formation of the city’s culture. Placemaking is a complex concept that is focused on the creation of unified communities through city planning and development. Placemaking is guided by a set of principles that urge its proponents to listen to the will of the community, take account of the way people from the community use public spaces, and to have a cohesive vision of the project, among other things. A study notes that Australia does not have a historical base for placemaking which can be the reason behind the recent increase in placemaking projects (Walters & Rosenblatt 2008). According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Sydney has the highest population in the country. As of June 2016, it has reached more than five million people, which amount to almost 21% of all Australian population. It is the state capital, and its culture is reflective of its status. The city often serves as the location of major cultural festivals, and events such as the Sydney Festival. It is the largest performing arts festival in the country, and it incorporates almost all aspects of art from theater to visual arts. Museums are plentiful in the city and cover a wide variety of topics. A great number of them are dedicated to visual arts such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Sydney also hosts the largest library in Australia called State Library of New South Wales. Also, Sydney is often a location of sports events such as Rugby, Australian Football, and Soccer games. The city is a major tourist hub due to its status, cultural, and entertainment options. Recent placemaking efforts of the city government have received a negative reaction from the citizens living in the urban redevelopment sites. Due to the involvement of private capital in the placemaking projects, the tenants
Introduction There are various definitions that would be used to define banks, depending on how different countries perceive these institutions in their own style and culture. Generally, banks are financial institutions having an authorized right from the government to accept various financial deals such as pay interests, deposits, make loans, and clear checks. More importantly, banks act as intermediaries in various matters of finance, apart from providing other numerous financial services to customers. Banks usually do play a key role in our modern financial world, by ensuring that there is enough money supply to cater for our economical demands. No matter the numerous responsibilities associated with banks, they can simply be defined as corporations or organizations which are empowered to handle both domestic and foreign cash affairs of countries. Different qualified personnel are required to serve in various banking departments, to ensure that bank services are carried out efficiently and more effectively so as to meet the need of customers (Blinder, 1999). However, banks need to meet a number of requirements so as to qualify in their mission and objectives to the countries where they belong and also to the customers. This paper explores the improvements and developments which can be made on banking institutions through various key sections which include mission, customer service, internal process, values, employees and IT infrastructure. Mission Banks have the mission of ensuring that, whatever role entitled to them as far as financial responsibility is concerned, is carried out appropriately. In that case, it is the responsibility of every banking institution to be accountable their mission by offering all services necessary. Banks value is measured through their financial performance. Provisions of good services, coupled with effective management of operations are likely to bear excellent financial performance. Another significant approach is by ensuring that all banking services are effectively administered to the customers. These will not only retain customers, but will also serve as ways of attracting even more customers to the facilities. Banking facilities that need to stay ahead in the competitive financial market must come out with improved services to their customers in a manner that befit the organizational mission. Customer services Customer service is what matters most in any business including financial institutions. In any type of business, customers would tend to be attracted more in those premises where they are accorded better services than where the quality of services offered to them is less attractive. Banks are ever busy and are characterized by long queues of people waiting to be served in various departments of the facilities everyday. They should concentrate in offering competent services to customers, through excellent customer service practices. This can be achieved through attributes such as responsiveness, reliability, competence, and excellent communication skills. Bank officers should always be responsive and ready to receive their customers and serve them effectively in all services. They should