ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The issue of genetic testing is a highly controversial one, as its advantages and disadvantages present various dilemmas. It is still not clear if genetic testing should or should not become a common procedure that all people undergo regularly. I believe that it is an extremely personal decision to make. There are certain limitations and concerns that a diagnosed person can face, especially when they are diagnosed with untreatable and lethal disorders (Norrgard, 2008). Knowing about conditions like that may significantly decrease the quality of life and even lead to depression and anxiety. At the same time, I acknowledge all the benefits that genetic testing can bring in terms of diagnosing a wide range of diseases and conditions. Fearing that they might discover hereditary predispositions to some untreatable diseases, many people choose not to get tested. However, I believe that deep inside, they still think about it and have concerns; I would if my family had a history of genetic conditions. That is why some people may even feel relieved when they undergo testing and have to face difficult results. At least they can know for sure that they are predisposed to certain conditions and focus on ways to improve their lives (Kurian et al., 2019). After all, genes are believed to be malleable; a positive approach, holistic nutritional program, and avoiding environmental toxins will not harm any person whose genetic testing results show a predisposition to certain diseases. In the end, I do not think there is a universal answer to this question. Each person’s choice has to be authentic because they are the ones who will have to live their lives with this knowledge. I do believe, though, that scientific and health communities might focus more on raising awareness about genome sequencing, with particular reference to conditions that can be caught in the early stages, such as different types of cancer.
Introduction The theory of change is closely related to the organization’s vision of success. “Last Chance for Man’s Best Friends” aims at meeting the problems of unwanted old dogs that require care and of people staying at nursing homes. The mission of the nonprofit is to make the world in which we live a better place by bringing together unwanted dogs and people lacking emotional support in order to make both of these groups happier and encourage them to enjoy their lives. The vision statement of the nonprofit project is a world of happy people and dogs that have found support in each other after having been neglected by their close people or not receiving sufficient emotional support. The theory of change presented in the paper will include the discussion of inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and the impact. Inputs Inputs are the resources that will be committed to the project to produce the expected outputs (Worth 152). “Last Chance for Man’s Best Friends” will require such inputs as time, money, staff, facilities, and expertise. The time needed to launch the project is about three months. During this time, we expect to accumulate the necessary funding and gather a team of people who will work to achieve the aims. The staff will include the board, the CEO, the paid employees who will work in the dogs’ home and drive them to nursing homes, and volunteers who will perform various duties related to the organization’s mission. The necessary facilities are office space and the building that could be converted into a dogs’ house. Also, transportation facilities are important both for visiting nursing homes and shelters and for taking the dogs to nursing homes once the project is launched. Expertise is required to arrange the work in an efficient way, and it is expected that the CEO will be the source of this input aspect. Outputs Outputs are the direct products of the project’s activities (Worth 153). The clarity of the nonprofit’s productivity is crucial due to several reasons. First of all, sponsors will be able to evaluate whether their money was spent wisely and effectively. Secondly, the project’s leader and the board will be able to inspect their challenges and improve their work if they notice considerable drawbacks. Therefore, “Last Chance for Man’s Best Friends” defines the number of dogs saved and the number of nursing homes visited as the outputs. In a one-year period, we expect to save the lives of at least 150 dogs by keeping them at our organization or arranging for them to stay with other shelters. This might seem like a small number compared to 164 dogs euthanized in July of 2018 in New York City (Animal Care Centers of NYC). However, this is only the initial plan, and we hope to expand our activity over the next years if the first one proves to be productive. The second output is the number of nursing homes with which the organization aims to cooperate. Currently, “Last Chance for Man’s Best Friends” plans to engage in close collaboration with five nursing homes situated in NYC. According t
Sex Education Sex education is one of the many contentious issues in modern society. While some parents think it is a relevant topic to include in the curriculum in junior high and high schools, others believe that it should not be considered because it is a sensitive topic. Sex education should be introduced to teenagers immediately after they turn 13 years. This sentiment can be supported by the current rates of teenage pregnancies. There are reports that teenage pregnancies are on the increase, especially in developed nations. It is also apparent that more teenagers are involved in unsafe sex. This behavior is highlighted by a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases being reported in health care facilities. It is also apparent that the rate of abortions has increased because of the rising number of teenage girls getting unwanted pregnancies. Sex education should be introduced as early as possible to create awareness on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies. It is important for teachers to introduce sex education cautiously to adolescents. The topic should cover the risk factors associated with teenagers at every stage of their development. Junior high students should be taught about the risks of engaging in unsafe sex. They should be provided with basic information about sex, and when it is appropriate. At the high school level, teachers should get into details about sex. The high school level is a high-risk stage where teenagers start experimenting with sex. Teachers must look into teaching about contraceptives and STIs, as well as unplanned pregnancies to high school students. The education system should use a preventative approach to instilling the appropriate values to teenagers by incorporating sex education into the curriculum. Alcohol and STI Transmission Alcohol increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections for most college and university students. Alcohol is normally served at parties where boys and girls engage in socializing activities that usually lead to coupling up. Parties at colleges and universities are characterized by boys and girls getting too comfortable with each other, and in most cases, they end up having sex. The main problem with alcohol is that overindulgence leads to irresponsible behavior among the students. Most of the students end up practicing unsafe sex. It is also common for students in college and universities to engage in an unsafe group sex where different STIs are passed to the participants. Alcohol gives the students an excuse to engage in risky sexual behavior. Some students may also have the desire to practice safe sex, but alcohol influences them to forget about condoms. Students in colleges and universit
Introduction Fourier Transform is an important process in digital image processing. It applies to various aspects in the field of digital image processing and can be used for both “one dimensional (ID) signals such as sound and two-dimensional signals (2D) such as images” [4]. The digital transform analysis brings to light several concealed aspects of signals which are usually not seen. For the case of 1D, the concealed features may not be seen in the time domain or spatial domain for both 1D and 2D. Through the Fourier analysis, the magnitude of every frequency element is determined and thus it reveals the main contributing frequencies. In addition, it indicates the phase at which the various frequency components are. The Fourier analysis has received a major application in the process of image filtering and processing in which it facilitates the identification of the main contributing frequencies in a signal (image). This in turn facilitates the differential analysis of a signal (image), enabling the removal of unsuitable frequencies to modify the appearance of the image. Digital image filtering is synonymous with the Fourier analysis which is the main process utilized in this area of digital image processing. This study seeks to analyze the transformation of an image to the Fourier domain using the “Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm” [5]. FFT algorithm is a fast algorithm that is utilized in the calculation of Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). In this paper, the steps followed in designing some basic filters will be discussed. The filters such as the “ideal low pass, high pass filters, and the Gaussian low filters” will then be applied in filtering the image used in the study [3]. Discrete Fast Fourier Transform in MATLAB Comment on each statement above This prompts the deleting or erasing of all the displayed data in the MATLAB workspace. This prompts the closure of all toolboxes or other related windows while keeping the MATLAB window open. This implies the reading of an image whose name may be img.jpg. The ‘f’ refers to the 2D matrix variable in which the image will be stored [5]. The above code refers to the use of two functions whereby the output is by the first function and the input by the second. The conversion of the image matrix in variable ‘f’ to the double class is represented by the function ‘fft2’ [4]. This function uses the fast Fourier transform algorithm to calculate the Fourier transform. The results are then stored in the variable ‘f’. This indicates that the absolute of each element in the matrix F will be established and the findings stored in the variable ‘S’. It is important to note that the function “abs” calculates the complete value of every element in the matrix F. This is essential because after ‘f’ has undergone Fourier Transform the resultant matrix often has complex n
The English Premier League was founded in 1992 when it was separated from the Football League which developed in the country since 1888. Today the English Premier League is the professional corporation which includes 20 clubs as its members. The leading positions in the league belong to such clubs as Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. The English Premier League season is played since August till May without a break in games in winter. All the teams should participate in 38 matches. Thus, the teams play each other twice during the season. To determine the leader in the league, the system of 3 points is used. Thus, the winner of the match receives 3 points, the draw brings the teams 1 point and the loss results in no points for the game. According to the number of points received during the season, the league champion is considered ( English Premier League n.d.). The English Premier League is the most commercially beneficial league in Europe. Its popularity among the fans is explained by the proper policy of the corporation in relation to the TV broadcast of matches which is successfully realized since the league’s foundation when the first rights to broadcast the matches of the league were presented to Sky TV ( History of the English Premier League 2011). Nowaday
Introduction Political scientists use the term great power to describe a nation that can exercise its influence on a global scale . This paper aims to discuss the future distribution of power among countries that have a significant influence on international relations. To accomplish this, it is critical to examine the attributes that enable a state to claim the title of a great power. Furthermore, this essay will demonstrate how the concept of a great power might evolve in the future. Current circumstances and trends permit a prediction that in 2050 the major global role could be played by the United States, with China a close second, and a third tier that would include the EU and India. These countries have been selected because they have sufficient military power and/or economic might to shape the geopolitical policies and behavior of other countries. In turn, other historically great powers such as Russia could bandwagon with one of these states. Therefore, it is possible to argue that in 2050 there will be a multi-polar world. However, one should bear in mind that this prediction can be weakened because there are many factors, some very difficult to predict, that could change the distribution of power. For example, one might mention the longer term impacts of globalization, the accrual of power by non-state entities (whether corporate, religious, or other), the rise or resurgence of totalitarian regimes, irrational geopolitical decisions, internal demographic and cultural changes within different states, and many other factors which could change the expected course of geopolitical relations. Such complicating factors can undermine or bolster the growth of a nation into a great power. The distribution of power The concept of a great power incorporates several characteristics. In the past, scholars have usually highlighted such markers as a nation’s economic resources, and their military capacity, as determinants of great power status. If these criteria are viewed as most emblematic of great powers, then the United States and China will be more likely to qualify as players at the international level. However, elements of soft power 1 , an articulated geopolitical agenda, and ability to attract supporters, should probably also be considered as necessary attributes of great powers in the coming decades. Military capacity, reflected in the proxy measure of military expenditures, can act as a deterrent to potential aggression. It is noteworthy that the current military expenditures of the United States consume more than $600 billion (Thurber 230). These, it is worth remembering, are only the publicly acknowledged expenditures . Thus, currently America outspends every other country with possible ambitions to the status of great power. There are several aspects of the U.S. military superiority. For example, the country has multiple military bases built at various key locations in Europe, Asia, and the Persian Gulf (Posen 18). Therefore, the country can quickly deploy its forces across the globe. Furthermore, its supply networks enable the country to
Corporate or organizational culture is a set of learned and accepted behaviors specific to a particular organization. Elliott Jaques describes it as a “customary and traditional way of thinking and doing things, which is shared … by all its members” (1951:251). Ed Shein furthers the definition by tightly linking it with leadership, whose role he explains as “leaders… create and manage culture” (2004:11). He emphasizes that leadership is separate from management, participating in the creation of culture rather than acting within it. Shein also notes that culture changes through a natural, evolutionary process where values conducive to achieving the group’s goals survive, and others fade away; leaders play an important but partial role in guiding this process. The term “corporate culture” is common in many organizations, but how it is usually understood differs significantly from Shein’s and Jacques’ definitions. For instance, management and leadership are often conflated, attempting to impose culture from the top down. Furthermore, such cultural interventions come from the assumption that cultures have absolute value and that “the ‘right kind of culture will influence how effective the organization is” (Shein, 2004:7). Thus, managers attempt to force elements of culture without first understanding the underlying situation. Shein’s own experience as a consultant demonstrates that such an approach is flawed and ultimately ineffective. Only when he made an effort to understand the cultural causes of behaviors deemed undesirable was he able to change these behaviors. Works Cited Jacques, Elliott. The Changing Culture of a Factory. Dryden Press, 1951. Shein, Ed. Organizational Culture and Leadership. 3rd ed., Jossey-Bass, 2004.
Introduction Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) is a family of vehicles manufactured by various local and international corporations. MRAPs are high mobility and versatile wheeled vehicles mainly used by combatants. With their V-shaped hull and shield plating design, they offer protection and mobility of marines operating in dangerous fire areas against Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) hence saving millions of lives of combatants (Feickert, 2008, p. 116). The US operations in Afghanistan and Iraq proved that the USMC-unarmored ground vehicles were not suitable in supporting combat operations against new IEDs. Therefore, the use of MRAP vehicles was inevitable in reducing the effects of rocket-propelled grenades, IEDs, and other firearms. In 2007, the Department of Defense (DoD) initiated the MRAP program that used a customized acquisition approach, a program acknowledged by the Secretary of Defense as the most vital (Sullivan, 2009, p. 2). The acquisition program enabled DoD to rapidly acquire and field the vehicles during the operations. The paper tables the MRAP acquisition process, the long-term effects and challenges, and the budding repercussions for advancing the standard acquisition process as the major programs managed via the acquisition process. It also presents DOD’s plans to upgrade, sustain, procure, examine, and field MRAP vehicles are important elements in describing its implementation progress and rapid acquisition approach as well as challenges associated with the program. Acquisition Process DoD tailored the acquisition strategy due to special priority. The plan initiated minimal operational requisites, which rely not only on established technologies and availability of commercial products but also on urgent quantity production of survivable and tested vehicles (Taylor, 2007, p. 33). According to the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) 2006 acquisition plan, the Marine Corps awarded a single “source indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract” (Feickert, 2008, p. 132) before conducting any competitive acquisition and consequently ordered the first 144 MRAPs in response to the urgent requirements. The production entry of MRAPs was a rapid and major defense acquisition program. Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics echoed the acquisition as not only a better substitute for transporting troops in combat but also for providing advanced protection for their crews (Taylor, 2007, p. 34). Since the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and other Special Operations Command needed MRAPs for ballistic testing, the quantity demanded consequently grew rapidly (Sullivan, 2009, p. 9). Therefore, the DoD as per Joint Service requirements for procurement and mission featured three configurations of MRAPs. In supporting these mission profiles, the first category of blast resist
Plastic surgery is one of the most popular types of medical services in the modern world. However, it is a relatively new field that has seen a rapid development over the last few decades. This paper offers a discussion of the concept of plastic surgery, the reasons for patients to undergo it, and some of the historical figures associated with it. Plastic surgery is defined as a type of surgical procedure that is oriented toward the improvement or restoration of the appearance of form of body parts. Plastic surgery can be used for versatile purposes and is multifunctional. Even though this kind of surgical procedure has been popular for many decades, the practice is still considered controversial. Generally, there are two major categories of patients for plastic surgery. The first type of patient includes the individuals who are dissatisfied with certain body parts and desire to change how they look. These patients are willing to change their appearance due to their strong self-image and a wish to improve their bodies in order to become more satisfied with them (for example, breast augmentation or rhinoplasty). The second type of patients for plastic surgery includes the people whose appearance was deformed due to different circumstances (accidents, for example) or persons who have visible physical or cosmetic flaws on their bodies such as scars ( Cosmetic surgery , 2009). Compared to the patients of the first type, these individuals are forced to undergo plastic surgery by diverse external factors that have impacted their bodies in a negative manner. At the same time, there are some groups of individuals who are known as inappropriate candidates to undergo plastic surgery. Their reasons for plastic surgery are questionable, and it could be very risky for both the patients and the professionals to proceed with the surgeries in these cases. Such groups include people who are experiencing an ongoing emotional crisis that may significantly affect and compromise their decision making capability (for example, severely depressed patients who are convinced that plastic surgery would make them feel better) ( Cosmetic surgery , 2009). These patients are advised to solve their emotional issues first and then re-think their decisions regarding plastic surgery. Moreover, another group of inappropriate candidates involves people whose reason to undergo surgery is based on a minor defect (for example, perfectionists who obsess over a feature that may not even be noticeable to anyone else) ( Cosmetic surgery , 2009). Finally, one more type of undesirable plastic surgery candidates consists of individuals who are impossible to please or who pursue unrealistic goals such as having facial features similar to those of celebrities ( Cosmetic surgery , 2009). The world’s first