ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Life of ex-offenders is associated with various difficulties due to the numerous challenges they have to face after incarceration. In this case study, Simon will suffer financial and psychological problems before he can successfully reintegrate into the community. First, Simon will feel the lack of emotional support from family members, as the nearest relative lives 600 miles away. Second, Simon will have problems finding employment. According to Doleac (2016), employment is among the top concerns of ex-offenders, as employers often discard applications from anyone who has a criminal record. Moreover, employers also fear negligent-hiring cases that can cause severe damage to companies if they hire ex-inmates (Sondik, 2016). Even though this problem was partially addressed by the “Ban the Box” initiative, Simon will still feel the challenge of finding a suitable job. Third, even after finding a job, Simon will most likely struggle to find a place to live in. There are no relatives in the area that can provide temporary housing, and Simon will have a portion of his wages garnished to pay the $18,000 debt of child support. In North Carolina, there are several community resources that can help Simon to reenter the community successfully. For instance, the Center for Community Transition (CCT, n.d.) offers a variety of services that can help Simon in his situation. In particular, CCT (n.d.) offers employment readiness workshops that can help to identify one’s professional brand, answer the conviction questions, network with employers, and develop better decision making. The organization offers psychological help through the Seeking Safety initiative, which helps to manage the effects of trauma and substance use (CCT, n.d.). The Center also refers people who seek assistance to partners that provide temporary housing and treatment if needed (CCT, n.d.). CCT also helps with the transportation of ex-offenders. In other words, CCT can address the entire spectrum of problems Simon may have after serving seven years in prison. According to Exoffenders (2014), North Carolina had ten reentry and assistance programs that work on a different basis and address various problems in 2014. Apart from CCT, these programs were provided by Goodwill NC Project Reentry, Barnabas House, Coastal Horizons Center, Inc., Community Success Initiative, Exodus Homes, and others (Exoffenders, 2014). Even though all of these programs can be helpful for Simon, CCT seems to be the most appropriate option as it helps to address all the problems Simon may have in one touch. If CCT does not have resources to address a particular issue, it will refer Simon to its partners. In comparison with North Carolina, South Carolina has a smaller number of organizations that provide reentry support. According to Exoffenders (2016), the state has only six organizations that offer such community resources. However, South Carolina provides specialized help that North Carolina does not offer. In particular, Magdalene House of Charleston provides services specialized for women only. Helping special populations to ree
The development of medieval slavery is a negative page in human history. Numerous destinies were crippled by the existing order due to the domination of one race over others and resulted in centuries of inequality as a generally accepted phenomenon. Individual empires with dozens of colonies around the world used free slave labour, which, in addition, was traded. Only in the 19th century, real attempts to change the existing order and provide freedom of captive immigrants began to be made. The activities of human rights defenders promoting ​​the abolition of slavery started to spread globally, which made it possible to achieve positive results. Today, issues of inequality are discussed, but individual references to the events of past centuries allow demonstrating the inadmissibility of slavery as a phenomenon. The aim of this work is to find and discuss specific examples of slavery and attitudes towards it in the media, with an emphasis on historical events before the mid-19th century. A gradual shift in values ​​was a turning point in the course of the abolitionist movement, but before its emergence, the oppression of people along ethnic lines was considered natural. Torture and Violence as the Norms One of the reasons confirming the inadmissibility of slavery and the unfairness of the attitude towards this phenomenon is the unjustification of torture and violence. People who were held in inhuman conditions and forced to hard work were not considered full members of society and were subjected to severe punishment for any attempt at disobedience or violation of detention conditions. Moreover, slave owners made no distinction between males, females and children and applied severe punishments to those who, in their opinion, behaved inappropriately. Rendal (2020) presents an image that vividly conveys the attitude towards slaves in the early 19th century. In Figure 1, a situation is depicted in which a black woman is hung on a rope on the deck of a ship, which implies punishing her for a certain offence (Rendal, 2020). This image demonstrates the full range of emotions, including the fear of other female slaves and the pleasure of the torturers. Fig. 1. Torture on the ship (Rendal, 2020). This behaviour was not considered unnatural during the days of slavery, which was a good reason for abolitionists’ activities and the promotion of ideas about the protection of people held in inhuman conditions. Captives from Africa, South America and other colonies who were transported to Europe and America were treated as those who could endure any violence and survive torture as an essential element of slave education. This position reflects the unwillingness of society to accept the idea that equality and freedom are inalienable attributes that every person has the right to possess. Historical examples confirm that slavery was a phenomenon that was not geographically defined. As Spieler (2015) states, in some colonies, for instance, Guiana, there were no sugar or coffee plantations. Nevertheless, Eur
The article clarifies some issues regarding prenatal cocaine. This author was informed by the understanding that in the past, pregnant women who used cocaine predisposed their unborn kids to health risks (Terranella par. 1). Specifically, the author wanted to clarify the issue by explaining how the issue has been misunderstood in American society (Terranella par. 2). The author has also tried to link some signs previously associated with prenatal cocaine to other issues such as poverty and other drugs like nicotine, marijuana, and alcohol. Therefore according to this article, recent scientific exploration on the impacts of cocaine during pregnancy indicates that there is no tangible proof that exposure to prenatal cocaine is connected or associated with harmful developmental impacts in children below the age of six. He indicates that pregnant women should avoid any drugs as they have the potential to impose negative effects on the health of children. Using research information, the author indicates that these findings do not mean that pregnant women have been given the green light to start taking prenatal cocaine (Terranella par. 11). The type of drug, in this case, is prenatal cocaine and the affected population is the unborn kids who get through their mothers (Terranella 1). In fact, according to the article, there many developmental problems associated with prenatal cocaine on babies and some of these problems include growth problems, language complications, mental ability challenges, motor skills challenges and finally behavioral problems (Terranella par. 3). The article is interesting in the sense that it contains information that dispels some misperceptions regarding the use of prenatal cocaine on the unborn children. In the past, as the number of women using cocaine increased particularly in the 1990s, the affected children were described the media as ‘ruined,’ meaning that these children were not able to love and even learn (Terranella par. 5). The other interesting thing is how the author indicates that according to recent studies, poverty is more harmful or destructive in the lives of these kids than exposure to prenatal cocaine. This is interesting as I have never heard that poverty leads to problems such as language complications, mental ability challenges, motor skills challenges, and finally, behavioral problems in unborn children. If that were so, it would mean that most kids who are born to poor parents would be having these problems. The other interesting thing is how the author has treated the issue of cocaine casually. Even though it may not be having some negative effects on kids as earlier thought, cocaine is still a hard drug, and as such it has unenthusiastic impacts both on the lives of the child and mother (Terranella par. 3). Another interesting thing is that when the author in his article is not able to find the differences in terms of effects between cocaine and other drugs such as nicotine on the unborn child. That is, both drugs affect the func
Eco-fiction, as one of the widespread styles of literature in recent years, is a genre that affects people in the environment of fictional landscapes and ecosystems. The key difference between such works from other dystopias lies in the emphasis on the ecological aspects of the world’s existence, which, as a rule, are somewhat challenging. In her novel Parable of the Sower , Octavia E. Butler reveals the complex nuances of human relationships in the global climate catastrophe. At the same time, the main problem that is the key subtext of the narrative is human relationships, and the anthropogenic factor is the critical cause of violence, inequality, and cataclysms observed in the novel. Butler’s personal background is an important driver that prompted her to work in this genre. The author’s life experience has become a valuable incentive that allowed her to achieve world recognition and reflect the fantastic events of the future in the most authentic manner. As the key ideas to analyze the understanding of the novel, the issues of class inequality will be considered, as well as the relationship of the novel’s plot with the real contemporary world. By asking why society is divided into the rich and the poor so sharply, Butler discusses whether class inequality is inevitable in the face of the climate crisis. People who are forced to perish in inhuman conditions are only guilty of not having enough capital to find refuge in the community of the rich. In this regard, the author addresses the reader with the question: “is it a sin against God to be poor?” (Butler 18). Butler herself is well aware of what it means to make ends meet, and her experience as an African American writer reflects the challenges and anxieties she faced during her creative development. The class inequality presented by her in the novel does not seem impossible today, in the era of capital accumulation and rapid stock market ups and downs. The novel’s characters who are forced to choose between fuel and water demonstrate fortitude, but their tenacity and thirst for life only underline the gap between the poor and the rich. From the perspective of a possible repetition of the scenario presented by Butler, the global climate crisis is not the main cause but rather one of the incentives for such a clear division of society. Convinced since childhood that African Americans are given a place in the plots of fiction as retarded and stupid characters, the author sought to change this stereotype (Aguirre). This desire of hers is reflected in the novel since the story
Introduction Organizational learning in a school is a result of a continuous chain of decisions made by a school leader, teachers and other staff members. These decisions may be independent or have cause-effect connection, but together they create what we can call learning culture in a school. In this process, a leader’s position is of big significance: with his attitudes and opinions, decisions and actions, he/she is able to give direction to development of organizational learning in a school. There are a big number of possible directions, and which direction to choose is a very important question for any school. That is why choosing the optimal direction should be fulfilled not intuitively, but deliberately and methodically. A system of criteria offered by Casey Reason (Reason) is aimed at helping school leaders evaluate the direction they have chosen for the development of organizational learning in their schools, eliminate outlooks and contradictions and enhance their approach decision-making at school. It includes 16 pairs of “competing mental representations” that, according to the author, a school leader should keep in mind and pay attention to. Having defined which representation of each pair a leader is committed to, he/she may get a systematic picture of the approach to organizational learning that dominates in his/her school. Despite all of them have significance and are to some extent connected with each other, we will try to outline four pairs of mental representations that have the strongest influence on organizational learning in a school and analyze connection between them and other pairs of mental representations. “Change: Episodic or Continuous?” Our whole life is all about changes; as the World changes, education should also change to bring up specialists and citizens who will successfully live and work in our society, feel comfortable in it and contribute to its prosperity. However, it is quite difficult to state definitely that education as it is keeps abreast in its changing with the changes in our World; there are certain grounds to state that changes in education are a bit “backwards”. Whether we talk about technological, social, cultural or any other kind of changes, there is a certain time lag between the moment these changes occur and the moment a school reacts on them and introduces corresponding changes. At the same time, schools do differ in their willingness to gradually and perpetually introduce changes. We may notice that while some schools make changing a perpetual process, other ones prefer to change, as Reason says, “in fits and starts” (ibid.). This difference is reflected in one of his pairs of mental representations: “Change: Episodic or Continuous?” (ibid.). Why is this criterion important? As we have already discussed, changes in education are inevitable because the World changes; however, if a school is willing to change, is open to changes and changes perpetually, it will be always more prepared to react on t
Workplace conflict is a multifaceted phenomenon that can bring both positive and negative consequences affecting relationships and decision-making. Even though some adverse impacts are inevitable, the evidence presents several strategies to resolve workplace conflict. Among the most widespread ones, it is possible to point out negotiations and arbitrariness that organizational leaders may apply (Katz & Flynn, 2013). Brubaker, Noble, Fincher, Park, and Press (2014) note that many organizations employ special ombudsmen who are expected to assist leaders in choosing and implementing certain strategies. The key question arising in this field is as follows: what can be done to improve the existing attitudes and approaches to workplace conflict resolution? Brubaker et al. (2014) suggest that there are several trends such as one-on-one coaching of leaders, mediation of interpersonal or team issues, and development of workplace integrated conflict management system. One-on-one coaching of leaders considers conflict resolution as the managerial foundation leaders should use to handle both internal and external problems (Brubaker et al., 2014). The trend associated with the mediation of interpersonal or team issues implies focusing on personality conflicts and recognition of differences in perception of budget, strategy, and other workplace issues. As for a workplace integrated conflict management system, one should argue that it refers to the recognition of a dispute’s inherent nature that all organizations have to face (Rahim, 2017). In terms of the mentioned system, conflict resolution should be informed with the consideration of employees’ rights and interests as well as those of an organization. Thus, it is possible to anticipate that the very notion of workplace conflict tends to be reconsidered. It seems that as an integral part of any company, it will promote change to meet modern requirements set by the business environment.
The article written by Edward Hall (1960) describes the differences in the behavior of American entrepreneurs and those people who represent other cultures. In particular, the author focuses on such aspects as time and space management, attitudes toward formal agreements or friendship, and people’s values that may affect business communication. Overall, this source can be of great use to organizations and individuals who want to do business in Latin American countries, for example, one can mention Brazil. Edward Hall identifies possible causes of miscommunication and conflicts that may arise because people do not understand the perceptions of one another. This is why cultural differences should be taken into account. Edward Hall attracts the readers’ attention the peculiarities of time management in the United States and Latin America. For example, American entrepreneurs may regard a delay as lack of punctuality or commitment (Hall, 1960, p. 89). They may even come to their conclusion that their business partners lost interest in their prior agreement (Hall, 1960, p. 89). In contrast, Brazilian entrepreneurs attach less importance to schedules, but it does mean that they lack commitment (Williams, 2011, p. 454). Thus, American entrepreneurs should take this difference into account because they can result miscommunication and failure to establish business agreements. Secondly, Edward Hall’s article is useful because it demonstrates that cultural values can differ significantly and people do not regard the same things in a similar way. For instance, Edward Hall shows that in Latin America, friendship implies that people have to assume more obligations toward their friends (Hall, 1960, p. 96). It is a much closer relationship and Edward Hall points out that “being a friend involves much more than being nice, visiting, and playing golf” (Hall, 1960, p. 96). This is why American entrepreneurs may not establish friendly relations as quickly as they expect. Additionally, researchers argue that in Brazil business relationship and business can be diffused (Kotabe, M. & Leal 2001, p. 320). It means that people’s business decisions can be strongly affected by their subjective attitude toward a certain person. Thus, one should note that the boundaries between formal and informal relations can be merged in Brazil. Additionally, the author attaches importance to such aspects of business communication as agreements. In the United States, people emphasize the importance of written agreements. Yet, in Latin America people put more value on informal agreements, rather than contracts (Hall, 1960, p. 93). If American entrepreneurs forget about this issue, they may find it difficult to do business in Brazil. It has to be admitted that the ideas expressed by Edward Hall cannot be extended toward every pe
Introduction In the wake of 28 April 2011, a tornado hit the State of Alabama and Hackleburg County. The essay is an in-depth examination of the event. To successfully achieve this, the formation of the tornado, its tracks as well as associated damages are succinctly brought to light. According to Grazulis, 43 America has experienced numerous disasters such as hurricanes and more recently tornados. These events are closely linked to changes in environmental conditions. The recent tornado that took place in April was the most serious one after the 1974 one that caused numerous deaths and damages. By definition, a tornado has been defined as a column of air that spins rapidly that originates from a severe thunderstorm. The airs that rotates also known as a vortex that form in a storm cloud usually grow towards the ground and eventually touches earths surface. Despite the fact that a tornado is not as strong a thunderstorm the damage it can bring is serious. This is attributed to the fact that it is made up of packs of winds having very high speed levels. Statistics reveal that America experience about 900 tornados annually. The major states that have been hard hit with the phenomenon are Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The consequences include death, serious injuries as well as financial loss running in billions of dollars (Grazulis 163). Formation of the Tornado Generally speaking tornado are formed much he same way. However it is worth noting that scientist have not managed to fully explain how tornado are form, nonetheless there are some explanation brought forth that seek to give a glimpse of how tornado are formed. Ideally speaking, the formation of tornado originates from changes in weather conditions, (Allaby, 35). The changes in temperatures as well as pressure in the atmosphere are attributed to formation of tornado. Tornados are come into being after an interaction of low pressure air and high pressure air. The low pressure airs that are internal attracts high pressure airs. The resultant is a vortex. Additionally, during thunderstorm, formation of tornado is apparent. In this process, enormous thunderstorms that rotate forms super-cells which are as a result of cold air meeting with warm air (Grazulis 27). Ultimately, there is a state of instability that is as a result of the warm air that rises. It is worth noting that squall line formation which is typically a thin region of cumulonimbus clouds help in giving energy to the tornado. In most cases, this is accompanied