ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The book Lost Names by Richard Kim is a classic story in which seven dramatic scenes have been painted, starting from the stage of boyhood to reaching youthfulness, in Korea at a time when the Japanese were occupying the country from 1932 to 1945. The title itself connotes the dismal facts about how the Japanese forced the Koreans to relinquish their original names and to instead assume Japanese names. The story narrates the travails of a particular family through the entire process of the occupation of the country by the Japanese until the time they surrendered in 1945. The book is full of loving memories of a family and the brilliant depiction of how it suffered during its time of anguish. It is known that whatever is stated in the book was actually experienced by Richard Kim, but he has categorically clarified that it is not his autobiography. The book’s genre is not as significant as much as the human face that has been portrayed during the colonial phase about which the book was written. Every chapter of the book reveals a different story, and taken together all parts provide a bright picture of the life in Korea during the colonial phase along with the family dynamics that were present under the circumstances. Essentially, the period covered is from 1932 when the author was only one year old, until the country was liberated in 1945. The narration of the family departing and undergoing the rigors of crossing the frozen Tumen river while travelling from Korea to Manchuria is indeed soul-stirring and in this context, the description of the sun “plummeting down toward the frozen expanse of the northern Manchurian plain” (Kim, 1998), is clearly representative of the eventual fall of the Japanese empire. The imprisonment of the father is referred to in the story several times, but it does not become clear as to what his fault was, and the manner in which his faults are narrated suggest that he was defiant towards the authorities and acting against their interests. It is however clear after reading the book that the father of the narrator does ultimately earn the reverence of his fellow countrymen and of the Japanese too. After the family moves back to Korea from Manchuria, the boy learns new things in school, like being required to bow down in reverence to the Japanese emperor as is done in Japan. The book is touching when the reader realizes that the boy obeys and does what he is asked to do, and in bowing down, he wonders whether the emperor is aware of such action on his part. He wonders what the emperor will say if he knocks on his door and says “Your Majesty! The children, the children! They are bowing to Your Majesty!” (Kim, 1998), and then he says, “wait a minute! I have my pants down!” (Kim, 1998). The boy is confused when after some years, they are informed that they would require new names and will have to do away with their family names. It is sorrowful seeing the father take his son to the ancestral cemetery to ask for forgiveness for changing their names. History is brought a
Introduction Named after the northeastern province, China’s first aircraft carrier, “Liaoning” was commissioned on September 26, 2012; it attracted negative sentiments from the US and UK. They claimed that China had shrouded the entire program in secrecy to create a naval force to rival them (Legge, 2014, p. 14). The US and UK had plowed billions of dollars to ensure that they remain with the most advanced navies in the world. The world superpower feared that the entry of Liaoning might shift the world’s attention to China due to strong naval strength. Notably, its entry has made replacement of major aircraft carriers like USS Enterprise and HMS Illustrious inevitable. China’s first aircraft carrier has entered the region at a time when there have been heightened tensions in the South China Sea. Re-building the ex-Soviet aircraft carrier Varyag was a technological breakthrough for China in 2013 after its purchase in 1998 (Legge, 2014, p. 14). Recently, the Chinese government acquired the vessel from Israel, rebuilt it, and performed various tests at the Sanya Islands of Hainan, China. This equally provided an opportunity to seek long-term solutions to the problem. The Chinese need an avenue to exercise power by owning one of the world’s largest warships. The US accused China of acting irresponsibly during the standoff. With numerous allegations of reverse engineering from Russia and India, the country had to take long to acquire equipment like arrestor system, as Russia was the likely supplier in the region. Further, China’s negotiations with Ukraine about a Su-33 prototype also strain
The USA has lands of different types; some of them are perfect for agricultural production while others tend to be very erodible. In order to improve the quality of the soil and to ensure its long-term health, governments can use various initiatives. In some cases, it is enough to keep lands covered with grass for a couple of years. In other cases, it may be possible to facilitate the productivity of fields with the help of specific conservation buffers. For instance, professionals recommend using grassed waterways that provide an opportunity to prevent water pollution. Having realized the necessity to minimalize the amount of soil that is of poor quality, governmental bodies developed the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) (“Conservation Reserve Program”). With the help of it, the country is willing to conserve soil. In addition to that, the implementation of this policy leads to the improved protection of water quality. As a result, wildlife habitat is likely to benefit due to the CRP because those lands that used to be in row crop production can now return to nature. To practice the policy in the USA, governmental bodies provide cost-share and rental payments. They benefit those farmers who agree to stop using their land for some period of time so that the quality of soil can improve. In view of this, farmers do not use the environmentally sensitive land for agricultural purposes, and production stops. Farmers utilize resource-conserving land cover instead and plant it over the whole territory (“Conservation Reserve Program: Encouraging the Establishment of Permanent Covers”). As a result, soil renews and becomes fruitful again over the course of time, providing people with an opportunity to start using it again. There are different types of CRP contracts, but all of them have a particular duration. Landowners can choose whether they want to have an agreement for 10 or 15 years. Those contracts that last longer are meant for tree plantings. When the contract term expires, farmers can re-enroll for an additional term if they want. Annual payments used according to the CRP can be of several types (“Conservation Reserve Program: Taking Environmentally Sensitive Land out of Production”):   * Rental payments. Rental rates are not the same throughout the USA; moreover, each county can determine them individually. The involved parties identify the maximum rate before the enrollment. However, it is possible to lower it to ensure that the opponents accept the offer. In addition to that, the rental payment is based on “the average dryland cash r
Introduction Greenhouse gases are often known for their ability to trap heat in the atmosphere and consequently contribute to climate change. Greenhouse gases normally occur either naturally or artificially, through man’s activities. The most common natural greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide but most greenhouses gases are artificial and they include methane, nitrous oxide, fluorinated gases and the likes (EPA 2011). Greenhouse gas emissions have been a common issue in most environmental debates because it is affirmed that the emission of greenhouse gas is one primary cause of global warming. Most greenhouse gases are known to originate from developed economies but recent years have seen several countries try to reduce their emissions together. Developing countries are also quickly joining the global trend but much focus has been on developed countries because of their huge contribution to these emissions (Miller 2006, p. 483). The reason behind this accusation is based on the increase in globalization around the world where companies in developed countries export their manufacturing processes to other regions across the globe. More so, the “outsourcing” trend has significantly contributed to this trend. However, the world still has a long way to go before it truly achieves the goal of a pollution-free planet. This study focuses on United Kingdom’s greenhouse gas emissions and what the country has done (or can do) to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Records showing the changes in greenhouse gas emissions will be factored in the study, plus the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. Overall, the study evaluates the determining factors of the changes in greenhouse gas emissions and possible lessons that the world can learn to make the planet a safer place. Trend UK has in the recent years significantly reduced its greenhouse gas emissions. According to estimates taken between the years, 2008 and 2009, it was documented that, the European nation reduced its greenhouse gas emission by about 9% (Harvey, 2011). When analyzed in terms of the country’s progress since the year 2009, it is established that, UK has reduced its greenhouse gases by about 18%. However, this is still a long way from the country’s ultimate goal of achieving a greenhouse gas emission cut of 80% by the end of the year 2050 (Harvey 2011). However, the country seems to be on its way. Nonetheless, there are pessimistic sentiments advanced by several scientists who establish that the UK is probably responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than it takes responsibility for (Rees 2011). This assertion is made on the basis that, the UK does not account for the goods it consumes from developing nations where greenhouse gases are emitted in the production of such goods. The same trend is said to apply to other nations in the developed world. However, according to the Kyoto protocol, countries can only claim greenhouse gas emission produced within their borders (Rees 2011, p. 5). This observation therefore means that, technically, UK may be on
Introduction Organization development embodies planning and evaluation of structures within organizations in order to enhance effectiveness and productivity. Application of organizational development is diverse and complex, hence its multidisciplinary approach and orientation (Jackson 11). Organization development plays an important role in enhancing change and other resultant outcomes within organizations. It revolves around organizational culture, attitudes, and belief systems. Through organization development, organizations rejuvenate and adjust to recurrent realities that define operations within specific market landscapes. Experts in this area offer services that are vital in evaluation and determination of structural frameworks that support functions within and without organizational entities (Jackson 16). This enables organizations to seize opportunities and diffuse threats within their area of operation. Organization development assumes a holistic approach to evaluation of various parametrical thresholds that anchor performance in organizations. This research undertaking seeks to discuss the organizational inclination of Google. It shall look at the internal structure and organization of Google with a view to determining realities that relate to its position within the market. This essay shall also look at challenges and opportunities that the organization faces within its market scope. Discussion Google continues to record unprecedented success in its operations within the market. The current success of this organization is monumental because of various factors that favour its operations. For instance, technological developments and advancements play an important role in creating success and progress for the organization (Girard 14). In modern society, there is increase in the number of people who use the internet for various purposes. This reality offers a favourable ground for Google’s success and progressive trajectory. Other factors contribute to success of Google in rendering services to its customers. An example of such factors is its internal organizational structure. Google has a progressive and dynamic management structure that plays a cardinal role in sustaining growth and expansion. The management is instrumental in formulating and implementing policies that govern and define Google’s actions in relation to market forces (Girard 21). As earlier menti
Most comparisons between Christianity and Buddhism are filled with exaggerated and misleading references to doctrines. This normally occurs due to the efforts by the writers to defend the religion which they regard as possessing light and truth. It is thus of essence to maintain an unbiased view in comparing these religions. Buddhism and Christianity have strengths and weaknesses that have attracted a lot of study by scholars. If one probe into the similarities and differences between Christianity and Buddhism, he/she will discover notable doctrinal differences but he/she will also notice substantial similarities in their spiritual outlook. This essay is a critical comparison of Christianity and Buddhism. Let us start with the differences between these two religions. As stated earlier, the most notable differences between Buddhism and Christianity occur in their doctrines. In Buddhism, there is no God. Buddhists also believe that, after death, a person is reborn in a better or worse form depending on how well he/she lived his/her previous life. In Buddhism, the ultimate goal is the acquisition of the Nirvana state, a state in which one is relieved of egos, desires, and cravings and saved from the suffering experienced due to reincarnations. On the contrary, Christians have a personal God. Christians also believe that mortality leads to God’s judgment, which is different from the Buddhists belief of reincarnation. The ultimate goal of Christians is the acquirement of eternal life which occurs due to forgiveness of sins and righteousness. This gift of eternal life is given to people who believe in Jesus, son of God and confess their belief in Jesus to others. With these vast differences in the doctrines of Christianity and Buddhism, one may expect these two religions to be completely different. However, religions exhibit similarities in their innermost spiritual teachings. Let us have a look at these similarities (Ankerberg, 2007, p. 21). One of the spiritual teachings shared by Christianity and Buddhism is the disdain for materialism. The bible prioritizes spirituality over material things and teaches Christians to despise worldly things in search of heavenly things. Similarly, Buddhism teaches that a person who treasures material things will be tempted and overthrown by Mara (the Tempter). Therefore both religions despise material things because they make people fail in their religious duties. Additionally, both religions have no confidence in intellectual welfare. In the Bible, St. Paul teaches Christians to beware of philosophy and worldly principles lest they are spoiled and forget about the teachings of Christ (Ankerberg, 2007, p. 34). The Lotus Gospel of Buddhists views philosophy, intellectual debates and propositions as faith as depriving and having the potential to make Buddhists fail to hear the name of Buddha. Both the
Introduction Positive psychology is a science of positive features of the life of a human being, including happiness, welfare, and prosperity. It stretches back in history a long way. The modern studies of happiness and ancient views on the good life relate and contrast to each other from different angles. Ancient Concept of Happiness and Good Life The ancient studies and views on happiness and excellence in life mainly focus on virtue. The scholars and philosophers, from East and West, put across various perspectives on the reality of happiness. The prominent Greek philosopher Aristotle says that every individual strives for happiness as an effective comprehension of their intrinsic qualities and thrives to achieve it as a goal of human life. In his Nicomachean Ethics , he analyses human intellect and personality with relation to happiness, in which he drew a beautifully balanced relation between happiness and virtue. A eudemonic person chooses to do what reflects his best characteristics as a human being and utilizes external or material goods only to produce conducting conditions for achieving eudemonia. Aristotle’s concept of virtue and doctrine of the mean Aristotle differentiated virtues or excellent qualities as moral virtues and intellectual virtues. Moral virtue depicts the manifestation of an individual’s personality developed by the actions and choices that become habitual. It’s measured as a mean between two extreme qualities; is excessiveness and deficiency. However, intellectual virtues focus on rationality focus on rationality and pragmatic intelligence. It depicts one should know in every condition how to do the right thing at the right time in the right way. (Charles Sylvester). Epicurus however expressed some inclination towards ethical hedonism and subjective happiness. According to him, happiness is freedom from pain in the body and a disturbance in the mind. A man starts every act of choice and evasion from pleasure, and using this experience of pleasure as the criterion of every good thing, he returns to it. Stoic emphasizes the notion that the vital quality of human beings is rational thinking. He held the opinion that virtue contributes to eudemonia and vice prevents eudemonia (Juhi Sihvola). Controlling pain is not in our hands, though we can avoid it through tolerant and courageous acknowledgment of unpleasant things. Nothing can be detrimental to a virtuous man, either he lives or he dies (Socrates). Steering towards the school of thought in the East, the
Introduction With the world population increasing at an alarming rate, the rates of unemployment are expected to increase and people will have to find alternatives to the formal employment by finding other means through which they can make a living. From all spheres of the world, it has been lately discovered that creation of small businesses is one of the way through which a country citizens can reduce their reliance on the nation and that small businesses play a very important role in the economic, political, and social development of a country. This sector however has been faced with many challenges on their establishments particularly in the developing countries such as in the Asian and African states. The small business faces quite a number of challenges from taxation issues to lack of funding and corruption. The objective of this study will be to analyze the challenges small businesses face in South Africa and recommend on the likely solutions to these challenges. The reason for choosing South Africa rather than Sudan is the fact that in South Africa small business enterprises are very important particularly to the majority of the low skilled population [1] . It is a fact that: “Small, medium and micro-enterprises (“SMMEs”) contribute 36.1% of the country’s gross domestic product (“GDP”) and employ 68.2% of the workforce in the private sector. In the agriculture, construction and retail sectors, SMMEs employ more than 80% of the total workforce. Over the last few years, the growth in employment by SMMEs has exceeded the growth in their contribution to GDP, highlighting the job creation potential of this sector of the economy”. [2] That is the reason why many refer small businesses as the development engine for most countries as they aid in economic growth and job creation. In the last few years, they have been the sole means which has accelerated growth in rather poor economic conditions as most of them create employment and enhance poverty reduction [3] . Definition of Small Business It is a very difficult process of defining what a small business is because it all depends on the perspective you look at it. The few characteristics one may look when defining a small business include the potential market size, the management, the size of the employees and many other factors. Some people define a small business as a business having less than 20 employees [4] , categorizing them as non employing businesses, micro businesses and other businesses. Others define small
Introduction Historical events had a great impact on the self-identity of the nation and its cultural values. Capitalism and labor relations were the main factors that determined American identity and relations between people and the world. As part of the cultural conditioning process, society imparts and enforces ethnocentric values and beliefs on its citizens through the programs, policies, practices, structures, and institutions of the society. Thesis American identity was shaped by capitalist elations and accumulation of wealth as the only possible tools to conquer the continent and prosper in foreign lands. Main text The end of the 16th century was a period of French and British colonization. The aim of colonization was occupation of new lands and new ways of wealth accumulation for France and Britain. The colonists exterminated Native Americans and exploited their natural and human resources. The ultimate hope was that these early immigrants would forge a new national identity in which there would exist a shared language, culture, and history. As the many groups began to coalesce, a general American culture began to emerge, which served as a reference point for immigrants and their children: the middle-class cultural patterns of largely Protestant, Anglo-Saxon, and White ethnics from European countries (Britain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and so forth) (Galbraith 23). Slavery was the main institution of capitalism aimed to increase profits and revenues. The New World plantation, appearing historically with the rise of world markets, resembles in some ways the Old World manor. The New World plantation developed in areas of accessible markets: along coastal regions, inland waterways, archipelagoes, and sea islands, locations from which staples could reach foreign markets. The plantation was an instrument in the growth of trade and industrial development, and can be viewed as a frontier region in the world community. The frontier, in this sense, is an area “toward which capital and management move” and from which “products are swept into world markets” (Zinn 158). Since labor is the first requisite for the plantation system, laborers must necessarily be imported if the native population cannot successfully supply the laboring force, or if there is a labor shortage. Bacon’s rebellion (1676) was an opposition against aggressive policies provided by governor of Jamestown towards Native Americans. This rebellion shows new consciousness and self-identification of the American nation and new values (Zinn 154). Indian history during this period encountered evidence that western vested interests sought and of