ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The first encounters between the Spaniards and the Native Americans occurred in 1492 when Christopher Columbus arrived at the shores of North America thinking that it was India. In his writings, which I have chosen as the primary focus, he described the Native Americans and the first encounter with them. After he had learned that they had not produced iron weapons, had worn almost no clothes, and had overall been less developed than the Europeans, he decided to find out about their treasures and sent them as slaves to Europe. He also wanted them to be converted to Christianity (Levine 36). On the other hand, Bartolomé de las Casas, fifty years after Columbus’s voyage, began advocating for stopping the atrocities that were being committed by the colonizers against the indigenous people of America. He was against the enslavement and cruelty against them and claimed that their treasures must not have been the reason for them. However, being a bishop, he shared Columbus’s opinion about making the Native Americans Christian; moreover, because they did not have any religion at all, but only their creation theories (Levine 41). Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca was also against the cruelty towards the Native Americans. In fact, he was a true explorer who described different tribes of the Native Americans in detail and performed a faith healing practice there (Levine 47). Thus, there are two main Native American creation theories, namely Salinan creation myths and Cherokee creation myths. The former is rather simple and claims that the Bald Eagle created a man out of clay and a woman out of a feather and made them alive, whereas the latter claims that the world was suspended on four cords from the sky where all animals lived who once decided to create people on the ground below them (Levine 22). In general, the essence of these two theories is the same, namely the deification of animals and plants and regarding them as people’s creators. Certainly, these theories would not have been taken seriously by the Europeans in general and these three explorers in particular, as they totally contradicted the stories written in the Bible which were overwhelmingly significant in the late medieval period. Therefore, all three explorers of the American continent would have agreed on this particular point and wanted to convert the Native Americans to Christianity (Levine 33). Work Cited Levine, Robert S. et al. The Norton Anthology American Literature . 9th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2017.
Introduction Despite the growing awareness of the importance of customer relationship management, no empirical evidence exists of its successful implementation methods. Objectives The following paper analyzes the study of CRM implementation model to determine the important success factors and identify the expected outcomes. Summary of the Article The article explores the effect of customer relationship management (CRM) implementation in the banking sector. The study examines the sample of 159 banks and establishes its positive effect on completing marketing objectives. Based on the literature review, the authors create a generic conceptual model that encompasses a variety of critical success factors (CSFs) required for successful CRM implementation. They are arranged in three groups, with each one bound to a specific stage of CRM organization. The first group includes factors present at the initial stage of implementation and responsible for the facilitation of the planned change. They are termed CRM enablers and include operational factors (e.g. selection of appropriate software), tactical factors (e.g. employee training), and strategic factors (e.g. identification of the specific areas of data collection relevant to the market segment). The second category encompasses the factors which can be used as indicators of the positive effect of CRM – namely, relationship quality, transaction quality, and reduced cost. Finally, the third category is termed CRM success and centers around customer retention. Importantly, the relationship between the factors within the model is neither successive nor vertical – instead, the factors are interrelated. For instance, according to the formulated hypothesis (and confirmed by the findings), the CRM-enabling factors influence not only the intermediary stage but to have an observable direct effect on customer retention. It is also important to note that while the study does not determine the possible relationship between the factors within each group, there is evidence of influence each factor has on subsequent stages of CRM success. Finally, it is important to mention that the proposed model does not prioritize any of the said groups and instead takes a holistic approach – i.e. all of the factors are suggested for synergic implementation rather than in a step-by-step manner. According to the research hypothesis, the ultimate expected outcome of the implementation of the described model is the increase in customer retention. The study results confirm these allegations and illustrate the benefits of the holistic nature of implementation – for example, each CRM enabling factor category shows a relatively similar relationship to each of the effectiveness factors of 56 to 60 percent. Therefore it is possible
Introduction In order to practice mental health counseling, an individual requires an appropriate license and can voluntarily obtain certification to ascertain their compliance with professional standards. Certification is provided on the national level by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and licensure is issued by a particular state and is valid in this state only. The purposes of licensure and certification are different, but both require a certain set of skills, knowledge, and experience to ascertain that the counselor is a qualified professional. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the requirements and provisions for mental health counseling licensure and certification in Florida and discuss their impact on the public. Licensure State licensure is permission issued by a state’s government that allows an individual to practice mental health counseling or identify themselves as a professional counselor. The provisions for the regulation and licensure of counseling services in Florida are set forth by Florida Statue 491 (FS491). As stipulated in Section 491.004, mental health counseling licensure is performed by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling (“Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services”, 2019). It was established to guarantee that every mental health care worker meets requirements for safe practice. The first section (491.002) of FS491 defines mental health counseling as a service that deals with the population’s emotional survival by providing services of a phycological nature. To secure public health and safety, it should be performed only by individuals that have the necessary qualifications that the Statute sets to stipulate. Section 491.003 comprises a list of terms used to refer to different aspects of mental health practice and their definitions. Section 491.005 lists the requirements that an applicant needs to meet in order to get a mental health counseling license. They include submission of an application, payment of the appropriate fee, a relevant master’s degree, two years of clinical experience, a theory and practice examination, and an appropriate level of knowledge in mental health counseling (“Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services”, 2019). Section 491.0065 also adds that, to obtain a license, an applicant is required to complete an education course on HIV and AIDS. An individual who does not satisfy education or experience requirements can register as an intern, as stipulated in Section 491.0045. According to Section 491.0046, one can also apply for a provisional license that is valid for 24 months and allows them to practice under the supervision of a licensed counselor. To renew the license, according to Section 491.007, one needs to pay a fee and provide evidence that they have met the requirements for continuous education listed in Section 491.0085 (“Clinical, Counseling, and Psychotherapy Services”, 2019). The li
Introduction Delivering negative organizational news or information has always been a tricky task since most of the time the target audience of such messages does not want to hear information that could upset them. Thus, it is essential to try and minimize the damage that could occur in business relationships and aim at encouraging the acceptance of bad news, analysis of the situation, and coming up with solutions to address the specific problem that has appeared. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Message An e-mail sent by M. Juhasz to traveling executives included information regarding cutting organizational travel expenses. When it comes to the strengths of this e-mail, several good points should be mentioned. First, the message was straightforward; the author did not spend any time on preparing the audience for the bad news and went straight into the topic of the letter. Second, the e-mail was short and did not contain unnecessary information. For example, the author could have elaborated on the reasons for the dramatic change in travel expenses but chose to be precise and direct. Third, the message offered solutions to a problem rather than its analysis, which is always a point of strength. As to the weaknesses of the e-mail, several points could have been improved. First, the message bore a negative tone that is visible through the author’s choice of words: “never, NEVER return a rental car with an empty tank!” or the phrase, “no longer be able to stay in fancy hotels.” To some employees, the overall attitude of the e-mail’s author may have seemed aggressive in places. Second, the e-mail did not prepare its readers for the information they would discover when reading it. Since Mr. Juhasz wants to preserve a trusting relationship with the recipients of the e-mail, he could have taken care to prepare them for the message to lessen any potential damage. Revised E-Mail Using the Indirect Approach To change the e-mail using the indirect approach, it is essential to take into consideration such options as opening with a buffer, providing reasons and additional information behind the decision, ensuring that the statement of the bad news is clear, and closing with a polite note. The following is an example of the revised e-mail: Dear Traveling Executives, Our company would like to express gratitude and appreciation for the work you are doing for us. Since our department is looking to optimize operations and reduce costs due to unpredicted problems, I am writing to inform you about some new budget suggestions. These will include such tools as using video conference equipment, staying in cheaper hotels, arranging more affordable flights, and flying from less expensive airports. Black & Decker is currently experiencing some financial problems that need to be resolved as soon as possible to preserve the b
Introduction Landscapes and different geographical places have a great impact on the cultural values and identity of populations. In their essays, D. W. Meinig, O. Chavez, Ch. Lummis, and S. Cormier portray the uniqueness of the Southern lands and how they shape the national identity of native populations. They admit that to understand the changing American landscape is to understand it aesthetically. Anesthetic interpretation of the landscape is not peripheral but central to understanding the physical transformation of post-industrial society. The failure to understand, acknowledge, and explain the fundamental significance of the rapid and dramatic change, in both private and public physical spaces, has been a failure to interpret such change aesthetically. Main body In the essay The Southwest: A Definition Meinig depicts a unique identity of the region both geographically and culturally. Meinig explains the origin of the term southwest and its relations to other regions. Southwest is an “ethnocentric” term referring to the land inhabited by Hispano-Americans (3). Meinig underlines that without an aesthetic interpretation, history, demographics, sociology, and architecture offer merely discrete, patternless, and essentially incomplete and unsatisfying explanations of the transition from the farm, to the factory, to the shopping mall, and beyond. To grasp fully the dynamics of the changing Southwest landscape is to identify and ultimately understand an emerging twenty-first-century American aesthetic. While being neither as benign as the agraria
Introduction Corn develops in several complex stages, which can vary based on the needed maturity period. The development stages are divided into five phases. The first stage is germination, the second one is vegetative growth, and flowering is the third. Fruiting and death are the fourth and fifth stages respectively. The five broad stages of corn development will be discussed in this paper. Stages of Development Stage 1: Germination Immediately after a corn seed is planted, different metabolic reactions start to take place. With the right conditions, which include soil temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and adequate moisture, a radicle will protrude and elongate from the seed (Odell’s World, n.d.). A radicle is a rootlet that sprouts from a corn seed as part of the growth process (Wright, 2017). The emergence of the radicle is known as germination, and it can take up to 3 days after planting. However, the germination period can be delayed depending on different factors, such as soil temperature, moisture, the residue at the top of the soil, and the depth of planting (Wijewardana, Henry, Hock, & Reddy, 2016). The radicle grows downwards whereby many side branch roots occur. Another leaf, known as the embryo leaf, emerges from the seed and grows upwards before penetrating the soil surface. Upon exposure to sunlight, this leaf unrolls and becomes green in color. Stage 2: Vegetative Growth After the emergence from the ground, the corn plant continues to grow and elongate over the next weeks to form a stalk (also known as a stem). At the same time, growth also takes place under the soil whereby the root system continues to grow and penetrate the soil to create anchorage for the elongating stalk above the ground. After six weeks, the roots system is fully developed to supply the plant with water and minerals. Above the ground, the first leaf emerges after 4 days while a second one forms within 10 days (Wright, 2017). Between 10 to 20 days, the leaves can carry out photosynthesis, thus providing food for the plant. Photosynthesis is the process through which leaves trap sunlight in their chlorophyll to make food. After the emergence of the fifth leaf, ear shoots start developing. The stalk continues to elongate and by the time ten leaves are formed, the tassel emerges and grows quickly. At the same time, cobs start forming at the base of the leaves. With time, the cobs reveal silky hairs from their tops. Stage 3: Flowering The tassel (a branched structure containing male flowers) forms at the apex of corn stalks (Sharpe, 2017). Tassels emerge three days before the formation of silks at the top of the cobs. The silky heads of the cobs are the female part of the corn plant. After ripening, pollen grains in tassels are
Introduction Discussions are increasingly taking shape on the imperativeness of pension and benefit plans and how organizations can take advantage of the innovative pension plans that are being introduced in most settings. The discussions are set to foster understanding among various stakeholders especially employers on the need to subscribe their members to pension schemes. Indeed, pension schemes are credible retirement plans that are sponsored by employers in most institutions. The plans are vital since they enable employees to retire honorably. They also enable employees to benefit from the economic advantages that are realized due to low costs obligations required. Similarly, pension plans enable employers to benefit financially since they are accorded the opportunity to execute various investment plans with the resources that are remitted to the retirement schemes. Despite the nobleness of pension schemes in various institutions, most companies are currently reluctant on taking up the opportunities provided by the scheme providers. The companies are reluctant due to the evident challenges that they face in the sector. The challenge that requires proper re-organization ranges from social, economic and legal obligations are making pension plans very expensive. Particularly, they have made most managers to find retirement plans non-attractive (Rodrigez, 2012, p, i). They cite that they are not bound to benefit much from the schemes if the stringent measures or requirements are still in place. According to recent developments the challenges that threaten to impede subscription to pension schemes in various natio
Thesis statement The world has been undergoing so many changes in the political, religious, and economic arena. Different countries have colonized many countries. Within countries that have different races, religions, and beliefs, not all people have been given equal rights. Some of the people rose to fight against t the oppression they felt was prevailing in the society. Most of the initiators of the liberalization strugglers never took part in the struggle but left behind the legacy that was followed by others to fight for the struggle of liberalization. This essay summarizes some of the thinkers who laid the foundation for the struggle for liberalization in most states. Introduction According to Bobbio (2005, pp1), liberal-democratic and democratic-liberal are two interdependent terms. In liberalism, a state is conceived to have limited powers and functions while in democracy, the power of the state lies in the majority and not in few individuals. In liberal states, participation in government functions is restricted and limited to a few individuals, who happen to be wealthy. Contrary, in a democratic state, such kinds of restrictions are not there. Most ancient fighters of liberalization fought for the limited powers that an individual had, and more importantly, the power should be distributed to all. This liberty idea was given by Benjamin Constant (1767 – 1830). According to Bobbio (2005 pp2), Constant’s idea was that: The ancients aimed at a distribution of power among all the citizens of a given state, and they referred to this as freedom. For the moderns, the goal is security in their private possessions. For them, liberty refers to the guarantees of these possessions afforded by their institutions. From this point of view, the ancient and the modern fighters of liberalization, the two aims were incompatible. Hence the conclusion for Constant was that the modern kind of liberty is where people have to reside in peace and enjoy their private independence, unlike in the ancient where liberty was to fight for equal distribution of power. Thus, liberalism deals with ensuring the limitation of powers and function of the state. In this case, persons will be at liberty if they can be able to check the limitations of the role of the state, an
When it comes to discussing the essence of political dynamics in a particular part of the world, it is important to understand that that these dynamics’ significance reflects the objective laws of evolution, concerned with the process of states striving to expand their geopolitical niches, while undermining their competitors’ ability to do the same. This simply could not be otherwise, because being composed of people (endowed with physical bodies), societies/states are essentially material, which in turn suggests that the qualitative subtleties of a particular country’s geopolitical stance are best assessed through the lenses of specifically materialist political theories, such as Realism and Marxism. The foremost theoretical postulate of political Realism is the assumption that, since the amount of natural resources in the world is limited, states (whose continual existence is being dependent on these resources’ exploitation) are determined to exist in the state of a perpetual confrontation against each other, which adopts peaceful and non-peaceful (military) forms (Shimko, 2009). Realism presupposes that there are three major purposes of just about any state’s existence:   * political/economic expansion,   * maintenance of a political stability within,   * destabilization of competing states. Marxism contributes to the realist political philosophy in respect of emphasizing the fact that the shortage of natural resources does not only define the dynamics in the arena of international politics but also in the arena of domestic ones. This is because, according to Marxists, just about any state can be well conceptualized in terms of an instrument that allows the representatives of social elites to maintain their dominance over the rest of their co-citizens. By maintaining such their dominance, the rich and powerful are able to ensure their unrestricted access to natural resources, at the expense of denying (restricting) the same opportunity to the representatives of lower social classes. The validity of both earlier outlined theories can be well illustrated in regards to what appear to be the significance of the so-called ‘Jasmine revolutions’ in the Middle East. Even though that Western medias never ceased reflecting upon this significance from an essentially Constructivist perspective, while implying that the overthrowing of secular regimes in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya was fueled by the sheer strength of citizens’ determination to associate themselves with the values of ‘democracy’, this is far from having been the case. After all, it now became clear to just about anyone that the outbreak of these revolutions was caused by the Western countries’ intention to assume a full control of natural resources (oil and natural gas) in the region. In this respect, the example of Libya is especially illustrative. From being a thoroughly secular (civilized) country, in which citizens used to enjo