ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction The process of desalination is associated with steps taken to reduce and completely eliminate the presence of mineral components in saline water. Put simply, desalination is the removal of salts from a target substance, such as soil or water. Today, the majority of desalination projects depend on creating an economically and environmentally sustainable method of providing fresh water to the population. It is considered efficient because it does not rely on rainfall and can, therefore, be implemented when needed independent from other processes and conditions. Traditional Desalination For the United Arab Emirates, desalination plays an essential role because of the need to provide drinkable water despite it not being available in the surrounding territory. However, for decades, there have been doubts regarding the true environmental influence of desalination. For example, the concentrated saltwater that is left from desalination is usually returned to the sea, giving rise to concerns about the health of marine life (Matthews, 2019). Therefore, traditional ways of desalinating water are not usually considerate of the well-being of the environment, focusing only on the outcome – ensuring the steady supply of fresh, drinkable water. To illustrate the negative influence of traditional desalination on the environment, the study conducted at Khalifa University, UAE, should be mentioned. While some forms of marine life, including bacteria, can be much more resistant to the increasing salience of water, the overall ecosystems tend to become worse. Also, the high volumes of salt residue can be warm, which puts some types of corals in danger. It should also be mentioned that the process results in the production of harmful elements that are dumped in to the water while “the simple act of processing raw seawater leads to the death of countless small fish, crustaceans and other life-forms” (Matthews, 2019, para. 6). Overall, traditional methods of desalinating water are harmful to the environment and need to be reduced or substituted for more sustainable or ‘green’ ways. Green Desalination in the UAE Green desalination has the same aim as traditional methods – providing drinkable freshwater to populations. However, green desalination is focused on eliminating salts and other minerals from water while also considering the environmental impact of the process. As mentioned in the Gulf News UAE article by Baldwin (2015), small-scale desalination plants are slowly opening in the country and operate on the basis of solar energy. The author writes “as part of an 18-month renewable energy desalination regimen, three reverse osmosis plans and a single forward osmosis plant will aim to reduce potable water production costs by 40 percent” (Baldwin, 2015, para. 2). The osmosis plants are situated on a location of a previous desalination plant with access to deep seawater. They have the capacity of producing between 10% to 20% of freshwater compared to old facilities without having the same negative impact on the environment. Sustainable, or green, desalination aims to source fresh water by addressing the pro
Introduction The effects of poverty on the extent of children’s educational attainment have been the subject of academic debates for quite some time now. The reason for this is simple – there is a strongly defined rationale in assumption that, due to being exposed to poverty, children get to be deprived of a number of educational opportunities, which in its turn, lessens their chances to attain social prominence later in life. According to Hamburg (1985): “Poverty does not harm all children, but it does put them at greater developmental risk, through the direct physical consequences of deprivation, the indirect consequences of severe stress on the parent-child relationship, and the overhanging pall of having a depreciated status in the social environment” (p. 4). Nevertheless, even though that, while participating in subject-related discussion, most researches do agree with the idea that exposure to poverty does undermine children and adolescents’ chances to become the productive members of society; they often tend to refer to the discussed subject matter from qualitatively different perspectives. In this paper, we will aim to substantiate the validity of an earlier articulated suggestion at length by summarizing and critically analyzing three peer-reviewed articles, concerned with exploration of different aspects of a childhood poverty theme, in relation to a number of education-related issues. Summary/Critique Guo, G. (1998). The timing of the influences of cumulative poverty on children’s cognitive ability and achievement. Social Forces , 77(1), 257-287. In her article, Guo hypothesized that educational effects of children’s exposure to poverty should be discussed within the context of what accounts for children’s academic ‘ability’ and ‘achievement’, as according to the author, these two concepts are being qualitatively different. Whereas, children’s educational ability has clearly defined inborn subtleties, the extent of their educational achievement appears to be rather environmentally then biologically predetermined. What is means is that, it is during the course of their adolescent years that students’ exposure to poverty is being particularly contra-beneficial, in educational sense of this word. In order to substantiate the validity of such her hypothesis, Guo conducted a longitudinal analysis of an available sociological data, in regards to the spatially defined characteristics of 12686 youths’ academic successfulness, through years 1979-1992: “The original national sample of the NLSY included a total of 12,686 youths aged 14-21 as of January 1, 1979, wi
Introduction The paper aims at analyzing the reasons why U.S. students demonstrate low performance in math and science. Therefore, the main concepts to be discussed are science, math, and performance. Math and science are two subjects included in the STEM curriculum of the modern system of education in the US. Math is the subject that studies numbers and shapes and includes arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Science is the subject where learners gain knowledge about the world and its structure. Performance can be defined as the level of measuring how well one copes with some task or subject. As a result, underperformance means a low level of performance. The central argument of the paper is that students underperform in math and science because these STEM elements involve many complicated matters, which makes it difficult for learners to understand these subjects. Main body The issue of underperformance in math and science is related to the cognitive and social domains of human development. When a person does not have sufficient knowledge of these subjects, he or she cannot cope with some crucial tasks or communicate with others on important issues related to the world’s processes. Obtaining sufficient knowledge of math and science belongs to the psychological dimension of intelligence, which is understood as the ability for problem-solving, reasoning, and learning. There is a variety of measures aimed at assessing intelligence at different stages of human development. In Piaget’s theory of human development, the topic of performing in math and science relates to the last phase, which is called formal operations (Shriner & Shriner, 2014). At this stage, according to Piaget, a child learns to think abstractly, and this ability is further needed in mastering science and math. In Vygotsky’s theory, the emphasis is made on the role of sociocultural influences and support from adults or more experienced peers (Shriner & Shriner, 2014). Thus, according to this approach, the performance in science and math is dependent on students’ cooperation with other learners, as well as teachers and parents. In current research articles, the problem of students’ underperformance in math and science is associated with insufficient time dedicated to these subjects and the concept of math anxiety. Math anxiety is defined as the negative feeling of fear that students experience when they are engaged in math (Beilock & Maloney, 2015). Scholars note that the poor math skills one has, the more anxious one is likely to be about them. As a result of this phenomenon, many learners in the US feel a barrier to enhancing their knowledge of math. Beilock and Maloney (2015) associate low performance in math with the lack of concentration on “affective factors in math achievement” (p. 4). Naizer, Hawthorne, and Henley (2014) have a similar opinion about students’ achievements in science. Scholars remark that if more time and attention were paid to STEM education, results would be better. The issue of underperformance in math and science has gained much attention in cultural and historical dimensions (Saxe, 2014). Each culture has
Abstract Cardiovascular diseases have become a cause of death in many developing and developed nations. In developing nations many people die from this disease due to complicated and unhealthy lifestyle while in developing nations poverty and illiteracy are responsible for many deaths. It has other related conditions that contribute to its prevalence and they include biological, psychosocial and behavioral factors. There should be programs to educate people on healthy lifestyle, nutrition and awareness regarding this condition to limit its effects. An Article Review of Depression, Anxiety, and Cardiovascular Disease in Women by Lynn V. Doering and Jo-Ann Eastwood This article presents a clear picture of the relationship between sex and cardiovascular disorders. It shows how women are more prone than men to develop cardiovascular complications as a result of stress and depressions (Victor and Eastwood 2011). The United States of America has been on the spotlight for registering the highest number of victims due to continued stress and depressions associated with hardships. In its findings it was evident that women are at higher risks compared to men of developing this condition (Victor and Eastwood 2011). The research discovered that stress and depressions have always existed in patients suffering from cardiovascular infections. Patients that experience depression and anxiety disorders have the high probabilities of developing cardiovascular disorders in the future. There are differences between the behavioral and biological mechanisms in women and women. These are associated with the onset of cardiovascular dysfunction. Active women are less likely to develop this condition compared to those who are dormant. In addition, men are less likely to develop this condition even if they are not active (Victor and Eastwood 2011). The generic constituents and hormones of individuals determine their possibilities of developing this condition This research summarized its findings by observing that women are at higher risks than men of developing stress and depression (Victor and Eastwood 2011). In addition, depression is associated with women who have no access to quality medical services and those lacking social support from men and the society. Systematic Review of Cardiovascular Disease in Women: Assessing the Risk by Linda Worrall-Carter, Elizabeth Scruth, Michelle Campbell and Karen Page This article notes the impeding dangers associated with cardiovascular infections in women in the coming years due to lifestyle changes and the aging women population (Worrall-Carter, Scruth, Campbell and Page 2011). The article notes that women are at higher risks of developing this condition due to misdiagnosis and lack of specialized care and treatment procedure and very few manage to get guideline-based preventive and treatment services. They are less likely to follow their medical prescriptions compared to men and most cardiovascular treatment trials ignore women as required by qualitative stati
Introduction This report summarises my internship experience over the past six months. The internship was entirely held at Electra Dubai L.L.C, United Arab Emirates electrical systems manufacturer based in Dubai, established since 1965. I worked with the human resource department under my supervisor/general manager, Mr. Nabil Dalle. Mr. Nabil briefed me on my professional responsibilities that included Electra Dubai staff management, arrangement of meetings with suppliers and manufacturers and interaction with the clients in order to get feedback concerning provided services. This report consists of a description of the work performed and experience gathered during the internship, a self-assessment and a subjective impression of the company and ends with some conclusive remarks. Narrative I joined my internship at Electra Dubai LLC on July 21, 2019. At the beginning of my internship, I was acquainted with Electra Dubai showroom, its storage and stock, design and principles of product allocation. That has subsequently contributed to my deeper comprehension of the company’s marketing strategy and to a more flexible and conscious approach to dealing with the clients. Besides, I was familiarised with the working team of the accounting, cashiering and sales departments working within showroom and provided with a detailed list of human resources. As a result, I have been more effective in performing tasks regarding the management of Electra Dubai employees. Mr. Nabil then provided me with a “standard of procedures” for dealing with the clients of the company. Being part of the human resource department, I worked directly with Mr. Nabil, who gave me specific assignments related to assistance to the Electra Dubai staff, organisation of meetings with suppliers and manufacturers and interaction with the company’s customers. I collected workflow information from employees and analysed their feedback, coordinated their meetings and working activities and carried out the initial processing of their requests. I also did an interim assessment of s
COVID-19 has largely impacted various sectors in the world, including the entertainment industry. Many people have lost their lives due to coronavirus, leading to the introduction of different measures to limit its spread. For instance, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has persistently advocated that crowding should be avoided (Yen, 2020). This recommendation is meant for people who organize large events such as concerts, sports, and weddings. The CDC guidelines are meant to complement the existing regulations imposed by governments and health institutions (Yen, 2020). Thus, COVID-19 is a major issue, and all people should ensure that they practice measures that limit its transmission. The event organizers are encouraged to execute policies that promote measures that minimize the transmission of COVID-19 amongst the participants and the staff. The event planners are encouraged to sanitize their team and the individuals planning to attend a live concert to stay home, especially those diagnosed positive for the virus. Individuals experiencing replica symptoms to those of COVID-19 are encouraged to remain indoors and minimize movements (Yen, 2020). The event planners are also advised to develop efficient refund means to cater to the attendees who book live concert events but fail to show up because they have tested positive for COVID-19. One of the guidelines implemented involves a temperature test, which should be conducted before the live concert begins. The attendees are expected to be six feet apart, while the organizers are expected to regulate the event size based on the six-foot apart rule. Being an audience of a live concert, I noticed that the participant’s number has reduced due to social distance, fear of contracting COVID-19, and quarantine. Additionally, the events are expected to be less crowded as the attendees are discouraged from physical contacts such as handshaking and hugging. The CDC’s set guidelines require the show organizers,’ staff, and the event participants to wear masks correctly covering the mouth and the nose. Show planners have enforced rules such that individuals without masks are barred from live concerts. Furthermore, live concert managers have also implemented a regulation that babies younger than two years and persons with breathing complications should avoid such events. Another guideline that has been set to help keep the transmission at bay is regular hand hygiene (Yen, 2020). As such, the planners are encouraged to demand their staff and attendees to regularly wash their hands for at least twenty seconds before an
Technological development is becoming the dominant factor influencing the transformation of modern society. It creates unique opportunities, opens horizons for personal growth, and contributes to the shift of the values of humanity and its social structures (Quinn, 2020). However, besides the noticeable positive transformations, technology poses a threat to civilization, and its containment, regulation, and implementation are challenging. An average person cannot stop the constant process of technological expansion, and it is impossible to conclude which way the result of specific means will go in advance (Quinn, 2020). However, it does not signify that it follows its path. People should not simply observe the industrial growth and produce everything they can or set in motion processes that lead to the destruction of natural living conditions. On the contrary, each person has a great deal of control over how to use machinery. One of the most controversial modern technologies is artificial intelligence, the scope of which is vast. It makes it possible to track anyone offline and digitally and gain control over a considerable amount of personal data, which threatens privacy (Quinn, 2020). Furthermore, it simplifies hacking, financial fraud, and other illegal activities. On the other hand, artificial intelligence is also operated to combat these violations successfully. It can monitor and repel cyber-attacks, identify the perpetrators, and save time and resources. From this example, it can be deduced that technology has many harmful and promising applications. However, it is noteworthy that the chief property of any intellect is the ability to learn, which is not a self-governing process. Technology cannot perform specific actions independently without prior human intervention; hence, its work and application are primarily people’s responsibility. Therefore, individuals must be guided by values while realizing that the choice of exploitation has severe consequences (Quinn, 2020). Technology itself cannot create or destroy societal values; on the contrary, the environment in which it develops determines how it will continue to work. Significances such as the rule of law, democracy, individual liberty, and human rights are reasonable for overcoming the direct consequences of industrialization. These principles make the use of technology ethical and preserve all social benefits. Reference Quinn, M. J. (2020). Ethics for the information age ( 8 th ed.). Pearson Education.
Introduction How do we learn? This is a complex question that has been answered by different scholars in different ways and is a fertile area of research. Teaching and learning in a classroom situation or in the formal setting are different from general learning and such, ought to be tailored in a way to maximize learning for the student. Mathematics has fundamentally different characteristics from other subjects taught in formal learning as mathematics tends to be abstract and vague especially in its raw form. Due to these characteristics, mathematics provides unique challenges in its teaching and this led to several reviews on how mathematics in America is taught, especially by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Prominent among these reforms is “Principle and Standards of School Mathematics” (PSSM) adopted in 2000 which set the debate for basic mathematics on one side and reform mathematics on the other with this controversial debate being infamously dubbed “math wars”. Basic Mathematics There is no consensus per se as to what the basic characteristics of basic mathematics are. Basic mathematics mainly comprises of rudimentary arithmetic with processes like counting, skills on the four basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), calculation of areas of basic figures, working out the perimeter of figures, basic conversion of units of measurement and working with percentages (Van de Walle, 2003). Basic mathematics has been regarded as the trivial pursuit of mathematics. Another characteristic of basic mathematics that is considered a precursor of reform mathematics is the way basic mathematics is taught. It is rule and instruction oriented and heavily relies on repetition to teach the student. An example is the use of multiplication tables to teach multiplication although this has been criticized as mere memorization and not learning. Rote learning is what has been used to teach basic mathematics earning it the pejorative name “parrot mathematics”. This is an analogy stemming from the nature in which parrots repeat sounds without the actual occurrence of learning (O’Brien, 1999). Reform Mathematics Reform mathematics is best described by its main objectives which are listed in the 1989 document on standards of teaching and evaluating mathematics. The goals are aimed at students achieving the following; valuing mathematics, becoming confident in their ability to do mathematics, becoming mathematical problem solvers, learning to communicate mathematically and learning to reason mathematically (Commission on Standard
Introduction Child abandonment is the process by which an individual relinquishes interest over his or her offspring with no intention of ever claiming it back. The abandoned infant is known as a foundling. On the other hand, infanticide is the killing of a child usually within the first 24 hours of life (Rose, 1986). Many laws have been enacted to address the issue of abandonment and infanticide following the increased cases of abandonment (John, 1998). Safe Haven Laws The infant safe haven laws, that were initially called the Baby Moses Laws, were enacted following an increase in the cases of abandonment. The infant safe haven laws were first passed in Texas in 1999 (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2010). This was done to save the lives of infants that were unwanted by the parents. This move was done to ensure the safety of unwanted children from their mothers. Such mothers were given the opportunity to surrender their children into safe custody. As a result, these children were free from any dangers that may have accrued from the situation. This required the mothers to surrender their infants to relevant authorities or people who could provide immediate help such as medical attention until a permanent home could be found. These laws actually allow the parents or agents of the parents to withhold their identity without the risk of being prosecuted or held accountable. This was purposed to encourage surrendering the children under safe custody rather than exposing them in other dangerous situations. In New York, the cases of abandonment had always been on the rise and this prompted for the enactment of abandoned infant protection laws but cases of infanticide have been on the low. The causes of child abandonment may be categorized into three; social, mental and cultural factors (Almeida, Merminod, & Schechter, 2009). Poverty is one of the major causes as one might deem it impossible to provide some of the basic needs to the baby in the future. Other cultures may also push s