ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
There are several types of bonds. They include government bonds, corporate bonds, and asset-backed securities. Government bonds may be provided by the national government or the lower ranks of government. When issued by the national or federal government, they are referred to as sovereign debt, and they get their support from the capacity of a country to tax the residents and to print currency. Corporate bonds are issued by corporations and form a huge fraction of the entire bond market (Krishnamurthy, Nagel, & Orlov, 2014). Large companies enjoy great flexibility with respect to the debt they can issue as the limit is usually what the market will support. Asset-backed securities (ABS) are bonds issued by banking and financial institutions. They are characteristically set aside for sophisticated and institutional investors but not other people. Asset-backed securities are generated through packaging up the monetary flows created by many comparable assets and issuing them to investors. Bonds are rated in the form of letters that vary from AAA, the uppermost grade, to C or D, the lowest rating. Several rating services employ the letter grades while combining lower and upper-case letters as a way of distinguishing themselves. The ratings of bonds signify grades that are provided to mark their credit quality (Becker & Ivashina, 2015). Through the use of bond ratings, some rating services come up with assessments of bond issuers’ fiscal strength or their capacity to recompense a bond’s principal along with its interest in a well-timed manner (Chiang, Shang, & Sun, 2017). In this regard, the ratings are meaningful in assisting investors in knowing the credit risks of different companies as they act as report cards for corporations’ acclaim or disapproval. Companies with a high grade are deemed safe investments, whereas risky corporations have a low score.
This paper aims to discuss the evolution of such social phenomenon as slavery in the United States. In particular, it is necessary to explain why it became associated primarily with black people. Secondly, we need to show how it changed with time passing and how slaves tried to cope with this experience. Overall, it is possible for us to advance a thesis that the origins of black slavery should be sought in the economic development of American colonies in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and especially the fact that it was based on agriculture. First, we need to need say that the first colonizers, who settled in North America, were most engaged in the production and export of coffee, sugar, cotton, and tobacco as the climate and soil of those lands was perfectly suitable for these crops (Foner, 22). These activities required cheap labor force, and the easiest way to procure these workers was to bring slaves from Africa. One should bear in mind that slavery existed in Africa long before the arrival of Europeans. More importantly, human trafficking was a common source of income for many people (Foner, 22). This is the key reason why slavery is now associated mostly with black people. It has to be admitted that there were also the so-called white slaves: they were mostly British or German people, who were forced to work for a planter, but they had a right to ransom themselves out slavery, whereas African people were not allowed to do that. Some Indian Americans were also enslaved but such cases were not very widespread especially in comparison with the number of black slaves. The key reason is that Indians were perceived as a different race, but not an inferior one. Apart from that, European colonizers were reluctant to come into conflict with them as they could put up a violent resistance, whereas Black people did not have such an opportunity. Secondly, one should not overlook racial and religious prejudices against African slaves, especially in the seventeenth century. They were regarded as subhuman individuals or at least someone, who was inferior to Europeans (Foner, 132). The very ideology of slavery was based on the premise that Africans were created to serve superior races, i.e. Europeans. Certainly, there were intellectuals, who objected to this standpoint, but they were not numerous at least at that time. The abolitionist movement intensifies only in the early years of the nineteenth century when industrial revolution was already under way and there was no need so slave labor. Thus, political and social views of that period linked slavery with a particular race. Having no civil rights, black slaves could not protect themselves from the cruelty of their owners. Therefore, they tried to work ways of shielding themselves against this injustice. There were two forms of such resistance: passive and active ones. As far as passive resistance was concerned, we need to say that African slaves found consolation in their language and culture (Foner, 143). For example, they spoke Gullah [1] , and bui
Nowadays, authors and publishers assume different values when they aim to offer the audience this or that book. This tendency can be explored in some books’ characteristics. For example, books may be produced of different mediums, and according to varied standards of their quality. They may be of the hardcover or not, with many attractive and colorful illustrations or not, of high quality of paper or not…All of these books’ characteristics reflect on their manufacturers’ beliefs regarding their real value. It is well-known that authors and publishers of different times and different cultures had different purposes in their minds when they produced their pieces of the written word. To explore this phenomenon, I will address a few examples including “Beowulf’, Milton’s “Paradise Lost”, and Pope’s “Rape of the Lock”. First of all, evaluating these pieces of literature, I should make an emphasis on “Beowulf” because it is a poem of real value. Its unknown creator or group of creators aimed to realize their deep thoughts and the vision of the world for their generation and all the generations to follow (Damrosch, Alliston, Brown, Dubois, and Hafez 11). Secondly, a similar conclusion can be made regarding Milton’s “Paradise Lost” as in this work, the author shares his religious beliefs and the world vision that he considers to be true and right for eternity. However, such a conclusion cannot be made regarding Pope’s “Rape of the Lock”. This piece of literature is not a work of so to say, an eternal value that can be explained by the transient nature o
Does fantasy encourage escapism, or does it help us think through important real-world issues? Fantasy literature has many peculiar features, one being the possibility that in the process of reading, the reader will be relocated from the world of reality into a new world that offers unknown surroundings, unexplored feelings, and unfamiliar people. Some of the texts studied in this trimester are excellent examples of this sort of opportunity for escapism. At the same time, when reading these pieces, subtle indications of hopelessness and desperation are discernible even in fairy tales. The present paper argues that even though it is written as a fantasy, Neil Gaiman’s American Gods inspires the reader to ponder crucial real-world issues. The first indication of the impossibility of escaping from reality becomes evident as the book begins. The first thing the reader finds out about the main character, Shadow, is that he has been released from prison (Gaiman, 2001). The acknowledgment of this serious, sad element of the character’s life circumstances reminds the audience of the inescapable nature of many circumstances in life. Moreover, throughout the book, Shadow has no choice but to follow Mr. Wednesday and cannot leave his duties (Gaiman, 2001). The impossibility for the main character to do whatever he wants provokes the reader to think about his or her own life choices and the possibility of choosing freely. The author motivates the audience to contemplate the questions of freedom and independence as the major indicators of escapism. Shadow’s search for personal meaning and identity is not depicted through escapism but is instead reflected through the limitations of myth. According to Blomqvist (2012), this character is the only “possible solution” to the dilemma of defining truth and knowledge (p. 5). Shadow is the key to understanding right and wrong as depicted “in the novel’s America” (Blomqvist, 2012, p. 5). Therefore, it is not reasonable to regard escapism as a viable option in this case. The main character conveys the meaning of a constant search for the self through the realization of his own “need to exist within a social context” (Blomqvist, 2012, p. 5). This indication reinforces the idea of the impossibility to escape since avoiding society makes it no longer possible to be a part of this context. Therefore, although the major task of the protagonist in American Gods involves traveling in search of himself, escapism cannot be found in this journey. Shadow is constantly supervised and guided by Mr. Wednesday, making the mere idea of getting away from the situation impossible. Thus, the audience is not encouraged to think about avoiding a difficult period in life by any p
Introduction Not for all people, school years have been unclouded and careless. Some had to deal with bullies that took away breakfasts and pocket money. Children meet violence at first, and they do not know how to confront the offenders. They are facing the dilemma of how to react, whether they have to fight a superior force of the enemy or to complain to teachers and parents, undermining their reputation. Experience shows that adults have little understanding of how to behave in such situations. Bullying of children is a difficult problem, which is surrounded by false attitudes and misconceptions. Bullying. Cyberbullying. Comparison of the phenomena The so-called bullying is representing baiting in all sorts of groups, from kindergarten and up to adults, became widely discussed lately. While most of the discussions concern of bullying among children, which sometimes leads to suicide, the practice is getting widespread among their mothers and fathers (Nunn, 2010). However, as experts suggest, those children who were the initiators of bullying continue to demonstrate their aggressiveness being adults; often, they connect their life with a crime. Some victims of bullying experienced the bitterness of offense preserve a desire for revenge for many years (Vivolo-Kantor, Martell, Holland & Westby, 2014). In almost all countries, bullying is more common among boys than girls. National minorities are also often subjected to bullying and cyberbullying. Emotions are not the main reason for mischief, rudeness, and a special form of relationship. Previously, such a relationship was explained mainly by emotions, as an attempt to vent the aggression on somebody. Like any complex phenomenon, bullying has no definitive explanation, no universal way to overcome and prevent it. Some scientists are mostly studying personal characteristics of bullies and their victims, others investigate the social and psychological processes of bullying and victimization; some scholars pay attention to the micro-social laws of the relevant groups and communities. Bullying is mainly resulting from socio-economic factors, such as social and ethnic inequalities. The boys from poor and disadvantaged families vent their frustration on the more affluent peers, making them feel fear and, at the same time, a sense of inferiority compared to a strong, courageous, and unmanaged representatives of the lower classes (Majcherová, Hajduová & Andrejkovič, 2014). Prevention is aimed at creating conditions to avert bullying, literate uncoupling of a teenager with stress effects. Specific forms and methods of bullying are constantly changing. The latest form of this phenomenon is the so-called cyberbullying. According to recent research, one of four children be
Any cosmopolitan woman, or at least one who likes fashion and beautiful things will be entranced in watching both Sex and the City movies. Women with a wide range of tastes will be educated on the latest pieces from designer labels, but most of all, will be entertained while subliminally brainwashed by the indirect marketing of such labels. Long-time fans of the television series version live as successful, glamorous, sexy and very attractive New Yorkers vicariously through the characters of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. Constantly dressed in fashionable clothes, possessing the finest of things and dining in the most upscale restaurants, the characters exude sophistication and poise and embody different personalities of modern women. They empower women to be strong and effectively deal with the challenges in their careers and family lives. Sex and the City (SATC) has become a goldmine for advertisers who are eager for the characters to endorse products by wearing, holding, looking at or verbally mentioning the product name. Giving the audience a visual of the product or the logo also goes a long way in creating a memory that is easily retained in the audience’s mind, and possibly, lead to purchasing such items. Aside from being viewed as a marketing tool, SATC’s emphasis on women being fashionable and beautiful sells an ideology that that is how women should be in order to feel fulfilled as a person and to be able to attract men. The advertisers of the movie prey on women’s insecurities and their intense need to be accepted, admired and loved. Having very attractive actresses does not only create more insecurity about readers’ looks but also a more passionate desire to achieve the characters’ look by purchasing the cosmetics and fashion they used to look that attractive. Several brands have partnered with the producers of the movie for advertising purposes. These brands have met with the producer earlier on so that they are included in the film in ways that range from being mentioned in some lines in the script, or appearing on the screen. On their part, the brand owners will do their share in publicizing the movie with their own “commercials, posters, sweepstakes, viewing parties, events in stores, contests, ticket giveaways and even products with labels inspired by “Sex and the City” (Elliot, 2008, para.4). The lead character of the show is Carrie Bradshaw, a writer who is beloved by the audience as they witnessed her Cinderella story from being a struggling writer who had difficulties getting by with her finances, but is consumed with an overwhelming desire for signature shoes, mostly by Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, both labels known for their steep price (Elliot, 2008). A Macintosh Apple Laptop computer became synonymous with Carrie’s work. Over the years, she has progressed from having her own newspaper column to being an author of several books and writing for the fashion magazine, Vogue. She ha
Industry The industry of trade and logistics is one of the fastest-growing areas of the UAE economy at present. Indeed, according to a recent report, a consistent rise in the domain of trade and logistics has been witnessed in the UAE over the past few years ( United Arab Emirates – Market overview , 2017). The specified phenomenon can be attributed to the increase in the number of opportunities for multicultural collaboration. In the context of the contemporary globalized economy, the UAE is viewed as an international logistics hub (Sundarakani, 2017). Therefore, the industry of trade and logistics has been experiencing continuous growth over the past few years, with new opportunities emerging for the companies operating in the specified environment regularly. Organization The UAE Ministry of Economy (ME) views the management of key economic processes and transactions in the environment of the state, as well as the active promotion of economic growth, as its key mission. With the emergence of the global market, where interactions between international organizations can occur, the UAE ME has gained a range of opportunities for further growth, yet it has also faced significant challenges that may hamper its further progress. Much to its credit, the UAE ME has been using the most innovative, state-of-the-art approaches to maintain the quality of its services high (Jayaraman, Colapinto, Torre, & Malik, 2015). According to a recent report, the performance rates in the organization have been growing due to the application of innovative technology (Mondal, Hawila, Kennedy, & Mezhera, 2016). As shown in the graph below, the focus on quality management and the exploration of opportunities for international partnerships has had a significant effect on the UAE trade and logistics industry (see Fig. 1). Figure 1. Key Sectors of Dubai: Growth Rates (Augustine, 2017). Key Quality Processes Auditing can be deemed as one of the essential processes that occur in the context of the organization. The recent improvements made to the auditing processes allow attracting foreign investors and creating the environment for consistent progress. It should be borne in mind, though, that the rise in quality standards will require increased commitment rates among the staff member. The use of bi- and multilateral levels of quality analysis contribute to a significant enhancement of the outcome efficacy (United Arab Emirates Ministry of Economy, 2017). As a result, the services delivered by the UAE ME remain consistently good. Quality Process Analysis At present, the lack of a coherent quality assurance mechanism seems to be the primary area of concern for the UAE ME. The specified problem is linked directly to the HR issues faced by the organization, especially as far as the promotion of engagement and loyalty among the employees
Abstract The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word ‘bitch’ as a female dog. However, in most of the general-speaking usage, the word is meant to describe women in a derogatory manner. It is, therefore, common to hear the word being used to insult or hurt the feelings of others in modern-day usage. This portrays women as inferior or lesser human beings, while at the same is offensive and hurtful to the person to whom the word is subjected. This paper will discuss the derogatory connotations of the word ‘bitch’ and the various changes the meaning of this word has undergone over time. The Meaning of the Word “Bitch” Oxford dictionary defines the word ‘bitch’ as a female dog or a wolf (Oxford English Dictionary, 2006). The same dictionary defines the word to mean a derogatory term of a spiteful or unpleasant woman. Also, the word ‘bitch’ can be used informally to mean a difficult or unpleasant situation or thing. In most cases, the word ‘bitch’ usually denotes a derogatory sense; hence, it can be hurtful when used to refer to others. In various cases and contexts, the word is usually used to refer to a person or something that is in a very harsh and degrading status. This word has a lot of power, especially when used in a way that suggests an intention to evoke hurtful feelings to others. This word usually has more derogatory connotations than non-derogatory connotations. The derogatory sense and connotation have developed over time due to the common usage of the word in informal situations. Therefore, this paper will analyze and evaluate the derogatory sense and connotation of the word ‘bitch,’ especially in situations and contexts that it is used offensively. Etymology and epistemology of the word ‘Bitch’ According to OED, the word Bitch etymology can be dated to the early 1000A. D, where it was derived from the Old Norse word, bikkja, which means a female dog (Jao, 2013). Again, the same dictionary argues that the word ‘bitch’ originated from the Old English word, bicce, which has a Germanic origin. In the early 14th century, the word was used to mean a derogatory term for women. Besides, its most initial slang was used to mean sexual behavior such as to say a promiscuous woman, due to its metaphorical and figuratively extension of the practice of a bitch on heat (Águila, Cantor-Navas, & Cobo, 2013). On the other hand, the epistemology of the word ‘bitch’ is used to mean she dog and is commonly used in various co
Abstract The paper addresses a case study carried out on a multinational e-business company called eBay. French entrepreneur Pierre Omiya started the company in the United States in March the year 1998. The company had a successive growth and within 10 years, it had close to 40 countries. Similarly, it had a tremendous growth with the number of employees rising from 50 employees to more than 15,000 employees. As the company looked for more expansion rooms, it moved to Asia particularly Japan and China. However, in Japan and china, the company failed to sustain itself in those countries and pulled out. This paper therefore seeks to find the reasons why eBay failed in Japan as well as china, what the company could have done differently in order to fit in the Asian market, and why it was not able to compete with its competitors such as Alibaba. Moreover, the paper discusses the management practices that eBay could have acquired whether local or global and the suggestions to the eBay leadership. The failure of eBay During the establishment of any form of business, a critical analysis of the market as well as the competitors is essential. This gives the business the insight of what to find in the market as well as giving the business ideas to use in order to have competitive advantage. A good market research would have given eBay potential analysis on the targets depending on various factors such as market characteristic, competitors’ conditions and products, financial and economic conditions, cultural, political, social factors and market prioritization. According to the case study, it is evident that research analysis of EBay Company was not good enough to help them penetrate the Asian market or the company failed to do the market research. The use of self-reliance criterion in Japan was a major blow to the establishment of eBay. Self- reliance criterion is a method of a multinational corporation assuming that the product, services and ways used to enter in the domestic market or another market in operation is applicable to any other market. The company used the previous approaches to other international markets in Japan. In addition, eBay failed to carry out a good analysis on how to counter its competitor in Japan that had already penetrated in the Japanese market very well. The company failed to do product analysis to help them produce products and services that are easier to penetrate and able to compete in the market. The company had learned about its failure in Japan and was faced with other challenges in China. However, the company approached the partnership method in the Chinese market and failed to sustain the fees charged by EachNet on its products and services. The company in China was unable to counter the competitors unlike in Japan where the competitor was a well-established firm. The company in Japan used the website that was used in other countries that lacked local and cultural practices of the place of operations. Moreover, eBay failed in maintaining EachNet management as well as modes of operations that made it to reestablish itself in C