Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Does language determine thought, does thought determine language, or Essay

Does language determine thought, does thought determine language, or is the relationship more complicated than this Discuss wit - Essay Example The linguistic relativity hypothesis is a relatively simple one: Differences in language across cultures can represent different Weltanschauung and contribute to different perceptions of the world (Swoyer, 2003). The linguistic relativity hypothesis is somewhat at odds with other types of linguistics: For example, Chomskyan cognitive linguistics holds that the differences between languages is fairly trivial and likely based on underlying syntatical and grammatical principles that are generated by the brain (Swoyer, 2003). Of course, these hypotheses are not strictly mutually exclusive. Clearly, different languages exist; also clearly, languages do not routinely refer to how things look like in six dimensions of space, with time flowing backwards, or in the ultraviolet spectrum, because those are things that human beings cannot easily perceive or comprehend even intellectually. The linguistic relativity hypothesis is sometimes called the Whorf-hypothesis or Whorf-Sapir hypothesis, bas ed on the work of Benjamin Lee Whorf and (to a slightly lesser extent) Edward Sapir (Swoyer, 2003). Regrettably, while fascinating work has been done in the field of linguistic relativity, there has not been consistent, methodologically ironclad work on how the implications of this research speak about the relationship between thought and language (Lucy, 1992). About the best that can be said is that linguistic relativity research has been able to demonstrate that language has an impact upon but does not control thought or reality, and that there is a mutual feedback loop between social and lived reality, language, and thought, which plays out over time (Tohidian, 2009). Davies and Corbett (1997), carrying out work that has also been done by Borditsky (2009), found that colour-grouping varies across societies. Russians, for example, sub-divide blue differently than English speakers (Borditsky, 2009). But Davies and Corbett (1997) found only weak support for linguistic relativity: Lo oking at English, Russian and Setswana, they found that, while Setswana speakers who have one term for blue and green would group blue and green together, Russian speakers (even with two words for blue) did not group light and dark blue separately. And within each of the samples, consensus in grouping, groups formed and distribution varied. Moreover, the research assumes that there is a blue-green connection, a gradation between the two on the light spectrum that allows there to be reasonable linguistic variation. The research assumes, logically enough, that no language would classify red and blue together, or white and black, since they are sharply and clearly different. Davies and Corbett (1997) thus end up supporting perceptual universalism with weak linguistic relativism, which does indicate that thought has some precedence over language: Language differences do not make people see different colours, they only make them disagree as to which linguistic pigeonhole to use, and even then only in marginal cases. However, variation in color categorisation and emphasis is tremendous (Ottenheimer, 2008). Hanunoo people in the Philippines have four primary colour terms: One for black and very dark colors, one for white and very pale colors, a green color which is associated with succulence and freshness, and a red color associated

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Hypothyroidism: Causes, Effects and Treatments

Hypothyroidism: Causes, Effects and Treatments Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by abnormally low amount of the thyroid hormone synthesis. This may be due to a thyroid problem or any other reason. Thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes. Inadequate thyroid hormone has many consequences for the body (1, 2, 3). Thyroid gland and thyroid hormone synthesis Thyroid gland has two lobes connected by an isthmus. It attaches to the thyroid cartilage and trachea. Therefore it moves with swallowing. Thyroid gland consists of follicles lined by a cuboidal epithelial cell layer. These follicles filled with colloids.Parafollicular cells situated in between follicular cells which secrete calcitonine (4, 9). Thyroid gland synthesizes mainly two hormones. They are L-thyroxin/tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).T3 is the active form that acts at the cellular level and T4 is the prohormone.Iodide enters the thyroid follicles primarily through a transporter. Thyroid hormone synthesis occurs in the follicular space through a series of reactions, many of which are peroxides-mediated. Thyroid hormones stored in the colloid in the follicular space that is released from Thymoglobulin by a hydrolysis reaction which occur inside the thyroid cell (4, 5, 8). E.g. Thyroglobulin (Tgb), monoiodotyrosine (MIT), diiodotyrosine (DIT),  Triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4) (5). If there is hereditary defect of enzyme in above process, Thyroid hormone synthesis could not occur. So its leads to congenital goiter and often results in hypothyroidism (6). Regulation of the synthesis of thyroid hormones Thyroid hormone synthesis is regulated by another gland located in the brain called pituitary. In turn the pituitary gland in part regulated by the thyroid hormone via feedback mechanism and other gland called hypothalamus. The hypothalamus secretes thyrotropin hormone (TRH), which give a signal to the pituitary gland to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH in turn sends a signal to the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone. If some defect occurs in one of these levels, a lack of production of thyroid hormones can cause a deficiency of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) (4, 5, 8). Hypothalamus TRH down arrow Pituitary- TSH down arrow Thyroid- T4 and T3 The rate of thyroid hormone synthesis is regulated by the pituitary gland. If there is an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone circulating in the body to normal functioning, the release of TSH from the pituitary increased in order to stimulate more thyroid hormone. However, when there is a large amount of thyroid hormones in circulation, TSH level decreases and pituitary attempts to reduce the production of thyroid hormone. In people with hypothyroidism have low levels of circulating thyroid hormones (4, 8). Physiological effects of thyroid hormones Cardiovascular system increased cardiac output and heart rate. Skeletal system increased bone turnover and resorption. Respiratory maintains normal hypoxic and Hypercapnic drive in respiratory centre. Gastrointestinal increases gut motility. Blood increases red blood cell 2, 3-BPG facilitating Oxygen release to tissues. Neuromuscular increases speed of muscle contraction and relaxation and muscle protein turnover. Metabolism of carbohydrates increases hepatic Gluconeogenesis/glycolysis and intestinal glucose Absorption. Metabolism of lipids increased lipolysis and Cholesterol synthesis and degradation. Sympathetic nervous tissue increases catecholamine Sensitivity and ÃŽÂ ²-adrenergic receptor numbers in heart, skeletal muscle, adipose cells and lymphocytes (1, 2, 4, 7, 8). Reduces cardiac ÃŽÂ ±-adrenergic receptors. If there is a defect in the synthesis or regulation pathways or thyroid lead to many disorders. They are mainly divided in two parts. They are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is the overproduction of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, and most often caused by the development of Graves disease which is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies are produced which stimulate the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. This disease can lead to the development of toxic goiter due to the growth of the thyroid gland in response to the absence of negative feedback mechanisms. This is manifested by symptoms such as thyroid goiter, protruding eyes (exopthalmos), palpitations, excessive sweating, diarrhea, weight loss, muscle weakness and unusual sensitivity to heat. Appetite is increased (2, 4, 7). Classification of Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is often classified by association with the indicated organ dysfunction (4). Type Origin Primary Thyroid gland The most common forms are Hashimotos thyroiditis which is an autoimmune disease and can be occur in radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism (4, 7, 6). Secondary Pituitary gland Occurs if the pituitary gland does not release enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce enough thyroid hormones. Although not every case of secondary hypothyroidism has a clear-cut case, it is usually caused by damage to the pituitary gland, as by a tumor, radiation, or surgery. Secondary hypothyroidism accounts for less than 5% or 10% of hypothyroidism cases (4, 7, 6). Tertiary Hypothalamus Results when the hypothalamus fails to produce sufficient Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH prompts the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Hence may also be termed hypothalamic-pitu(4,7,6) Autoimmune Atrophic (autoimmune) hypothyroidism. The most common cause of hypothyroidism and the associated with antithyroid auto antibodies leads to lymphoid infiltration Cancer and eventually atrophy and fibrosis. It has been six Times more common in women and the incidence increases with age. This can be associated with other autoimmune Diseases such as pernicious anemia, vitiligo and other endocrine disorders. In some cases, intermittent Hypothyroidism occurs when recovering from illness, antibodies which block the TSH receptor can sometimes be involved in the etiology(5, 7, 10). Hashimotos thyroiditis. This form of autoimmune thyroiditis, again, more common in women and the most common in the late. The average age is atrophic changes with regeneration, leading to the formation of goiter. This may be usually firm and Rubber but can vary from soft to hard. TPO antibodies very high amount (>1000 IU / L). Patients can be euthyroid or hypothyroid, but they can pass through the initial phase of the toxic Hashi toxicity, Levothyroxine therapy. The goiter may reduce the even if the patient does not Hypothyroid (7, 8, 10). Postpartum thyroiditis. Typically, this is a temporary phenomenon Observed after pregnancy. It can cause hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism or the two sequences. It is believed to cause changes in the immune system necesnecessary.In case of pregnancy, and histologically lymphocytic thyroiditis. The process is usually self-limiting, but when Conventional antibodies are there is a strong chance this procedure of permanent hypothyroidism. Postpartum Thyroiditis may be misdiagnosed as postnatal depression. Thyroid function test is done to detect this situation (4, 7). Defects in hormone synthesis Iodine deficiency. Dietary iodine deficiency still exists in some areas as endemic goiter where goiter, occasionally massive is common. Patients may be euthyroid or hypothyroidism depending on the severity of iodine deficiency. The mechanism is considered borderline hypothyroidism leading to TSH stimulation and thyroid enlargement against iodine deficiency continues (4;7). Iodine deficiency is this still a problem in the Netherlands, the Western Pacific and South. East Asia for example, the mountainous regions of the Himalayas and Africa. Some countries affected by iodine deficiency, for example, China and Kazakhstan take measures providing iodine  in salt, but others, such as Russia, have not yet done so. Of The 500 million with iodine deficiency in India about 2 million suffering from cretinism.Dyshormonogenesis is a rare disease is due to genetics. Defects in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, patients Develop hypothyroidism with goiter. One particular family Form is associated with sensorineural hearing loss due to the removal Mutation of chromosome 7, resulting in a defect Transporter Pendrin (Pendred syndrome author) (4, 5). Hypothyroidism causes many symptoms. The term myxedema refers to the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides.In the subcutaneous tissue. The classical pictures are Slow in working, dry hair, thick-skinned, deep voice, Weight gain, cold intolerance, bradycardia, and constipation. These features make the diagnosis easy. Milder symptoms, however, more common and difficult to distinguish from other causes Nonspecific tiredness. Many of the cases on the biochemical detection (4, 6, 7) Screening Particular difficulties in diagnosis may occur in certain circumstances: Children with hypothyroidism may not classical Properties, but often have a slow growth rate, poor School performance and sometimes arrests of pubertal Development. Young women with hypothyroidism may not show obvious signs. Hypothyroidism is excluded in all Patients with oligomenorrhea / amenorrhea, Menorrhagia, infertility and hyperprolactinemia. the elderly show many clinical features that are difficult Distinct from normal aging (7, 10, 11). Investigation of primary hypothyroidism The Serum TSH is the examination of choice, a high TSH level Confirmed primary hypothyroidism. A low free T4 level confirms the hypothyroidism is (and is also essential for TSH to close a deficiency and clinical hypothyroidism is strongly suspected  and TSH is normal or low).Thyroid and other organ-specific antibodies are present (7,10). Other exceptions are the following: Anemia, usually normochromic and normocytic In type but can macrocytic (sometimes this is by Associated pernicious anemia) or microcytic (in women, By menorrhagia) increased serum aspartate transferase levels, from Muscle and / or liver increased serum creatine kinase levels, with associated myopathy Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia Hyponatremia due to an increase in ADH and reduced Free water clearance (7, 10). Treatment Replacement therapy with levothyroxine (thyroxin, that is to say, T4) is Data for life. The starting dose will depend upon the severity of the failure and the age and condition of the patient, especially their cardiac function: 100ÃŽÂ ¼g per day during the Young and fit, 50ÃŽÂ ¼g (up to 100ÃŽÂ ¼g after 2-4 weeks) for the small, old or weak. Patients with ischemic heart disease Illness an even lower initial dose, especially if the Hypothyroidism is a severe and prolonged. Most doctors Would then start with daily 25ÃŽÂ ¼g and performing serial ECG, increasing the dose at 3 to 4-week intervals as angina Not occur or worsen and the ECG is not Deteriorate(8,10,11). Monitoring The goal is to recover well within T4 and TSH The normal range. The adequacy of the replacement is reviewed Clinical and thyroid function tests after at least 6 weeks at a constant dose. If serum TSH remains high, the dose of T4 Should is increased in increments of 25-50 g à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚ ¬ the tests Repeated 6-8 week intervals until TSH returns to normal. Complete suppression of TSH should be avoided atrial fibrillation and the risk of osteoporosis. The usual The Maintenance dose is 100 to 150 g à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚ ¬ administered as a single daily Dose. An annual thyroid function test is recommended this is usually done in the first line, often assisted and in response to the district thyroid registers (5, 8, 11). Clinical improvement T4 cannot start 2 weeks or more and complete resolution of symptoms 6 months. The need for lifelong therapy should be emphasized and the possibility of other autoimmune endocrine disease development, Especially Addisons disease or pernicious anemia, Should be considered. During pregnancy, an increase of T4 Dosage of about 25-50ÃŽÂ ¼g is often necessary to maintain normal TSH and the need for replacement during optimal. Pregnancy is highlighted by the finding of the reduction of Cognitive function in children of mothers with elevated TSH during pregnancy. A few patients with primary hypothyroidism complain incomplete symptomatic response to T4 replacement. Combination T4 and T3 replacement is advocated in this Context, but randomized clinical trials show no consistent Benefit from the quality of life symptoms (4, 8). Borderline hypothyroidism or Compensated euthyroidism Patients are often seen with a low-normal serum T4 levels and slightly elevated TSH values. Sometimes this follows surgery or radioactive iodine therapy when it can be reasonably seen as compensatory. Treatment with levothyroxine is normally recommended where the TSH is consistently above 10 mu / L, or if possible symptoms, high titers of thyroid Antibodies or lipid abnormalities are present (4, 8, 10). When the TSH is only marginally increased, the tests must be repeated three to six Months later. Conversion to overt hypothyroidism is more common in men or TPO antibodies are present in Practice, vague symptoms in patients with marginal Elevated TSH (less than 10 mu / L) rarely responds to treatment, However, a therapeutic trial of substitution may be required to confirm that the symptoms are not related to the thyroid gland(4,8,10). It is also is considered to be the best time (TSH level normalization, the ideal case, the former) Pregnancy, in order to avoid the side effects of the fetus.Myxedema coma severe hypothyroidism, especially in the elderly, may be with confusion and even coma. Myxedema coma is very rare. Low temperature is often there, the patient may have severe heart failure, hypoventilation, hypoglycemia, and hyponatriemia.The best treatment Controversial, there is no data, most doctors recommend T3 oral or intravenous injection, a dose of à ¯Ã†â€™Ã‚ ¬2, and 5-5 grams every 8 hours then, such as the above-mentioned increase. High-dose intravenous cannot be used (4, 7, 8). Other measures, although there is no proof of Include: Oxygen (by ventilation if necessary) monitoring of cardiac output and pressure Gradual warming Hydrocortisone 100 mg intravenously 8-hour Glucose infusion to avoid hypoglycemia. Myxedema madness Depression is common in hypothyroidism but rarely with severe hypothyroidism in the elderly can the patient be said demented or psychotic, sometimes with prominent delusions. This may occur shortly after starting T4 replacement (6, 5). Screening for hypothyroidism the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism is Approximately 1 in 3500 births. Untreated, severe Hypothyroidism produces permanent neurological and Intellectual damage (cretinism). Routine screening of the newborn with a bloodstain, like Guthrie test, a high TSH level as an indicator of primary detecting Hypothyroidism is efficient and cost effective; cretinism is prevented if T4 is started within the first few months of life. screening of elderly patients for thyroid dysfunction a low pick-up rate and is controversial and not currently recommended. However, patients who have undergone Thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine should receive Regular thyroid function tests, should be as those who Lithium or amiodarone therapy (6, 5). Signs and symptoms early hypothyroidism is often asymptomatic, can have very mild symptoms. Subclinical hypothyroidism normal levels of thyroid hormones, thyroxin (T4) and triiodo thyroxin (T3), moderate to high thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) conditions. TSH and low free T4 at a higher level; the symptoms are more obvious in clinical hypothyroidism (4, 6, 5). Hypothyroidism may be associated with the following symptoms: Early cold intolerance, increased sensitivity to cold Constipation weight gain, water retention bradycardia (low heart rate less than 65 times per minute) Fatigue decreased sweating Muscle cramps and joint pain dry, itchy skin thin, brittle nails Quick thoughts Depression muscle tension difference (hypotonia) female infertility and problems in the menstrual cycle Hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea elevated serum cholesterol(10,11) Late goiter slow speech and a hoarse, breaking voice deepening of the voice can also be noticed. Reinke edema. Dry puffy skin, especially in the face Thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows (sign of Hertoghe) Menstrual cycle abnormalities Low basal body temperature thyroid related depression(10,11) Uncommon Impaired memory Impaired cognitive function (brain fog) and inattentiveness. A slow heart rate with ECG changes including low voltage signals. Diminished cardiac output and decreased contractility slow reflexes Yellowing of the skin due to impaired conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A (carotoderma) Difficulty swallowing(dysphagia) Shortness of breath with a shallow and slow respiratory pattern(dyphnea) myxedema madness (a rare presentation) Decreased libido due to impairment of testicular testosterone synthesis Gynecomastia(enlarge breast tissue) Loss of hearing(10,11) Diagnosis thyroid function test the only validation test diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism is thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxin (T4) level. However, these levels can be varying without thyroid disease (10, 11). High TSH levels, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone levels (primarily thyroxin (T4) and a small amount of iodine Thyroid three original leucine (T3)). However, measuring just TSH can diagnose secondary and tertiary thyroid function loss, resulting in the following recommended a blood test, if the TSH is normal hypothyroidism remains skeptical(10,11). Free triiodothyronine (ft3) Free thyroxin (ft4) Total T3 Total T4 Additionally, the following measurements may be needed: Free T3 from 24-hour urine catch Antithyroid antibodies for evidence of autoimmune diseases that may be damaging the thyroid gland Serum cholesterol which may be elevated in hypothyroidism Prolactin as a widely available test of pituitary function Testing for anemia, including ferritin Basal body temperature(4,8,10) Exams and Tests A physical examination may reveal a smaller than normal thyroid gland, although sometimes the gland is normal size or even enlarged (goiter). The examination may also reveal: Brittle nails Coarse facial features Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch Swelling of the arms and legs Thin and brittle hair A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart (12, 13). Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include: TSH test T4 test(10,12,13) Lab tests may also reveal: Anemia on a complete blood count (CBC) Increased cholesterol levels Increased liver enzymes Increased prolactin Low sodium(8,13) Treatment The treatment of hypothyroidism is levorotatory forms of thyroxin (thyroid hormone) (L-T4) and triiodo thyroxin liothyronine (L-T3). Thyroxin is a name, and in the USA, the most common form of thyroxin tablets. Thyroxin is a doctor of the most common drugs, wherein a synthetic thyroid hormone predetermined. This medicine can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as speech delay, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, cold feeling. This will also help in the treatment of goiter. It can also be used to treat certain types of thyroid cancer, surgery and other medicines. Both synthetic and animal thyroid tablets available, and may be required in patients with the additional thyroid hormone (8, 10). Daily doses of thyroid hormone, doctors can monitor blood pressure, in order to help ensure that the correct dose. Thyroxin is the best 30-60 minutes before breakfast, because some foods can reduce absorption. Calcium can interfere with absorption levothryoxine. Compared with water, the coffee can be reduced about 30% of the absorption of thyroxin. Some patients may be anti-thyroxin, in fact, they do not have good absorption sheet to solve the problem by spraying. There are several different treatment options for thyroid replacement therapy (8, 10, 12, 13). T4 only such treatment methods include supplementary levothyroxin separately, a synthetic form. This is the current standard treatment of mainstream medicine. A combination of T4 and T3 in This treatment method involves the combination simultaneously manage two synthetic L-T4 and L-T3 (8, 10, 11). Dried thyroid extract Dried thyroid extract is an animal thyroid extract; the most common is from porcine sources. It is also a combination therapy, containing a natural form of L-T4 and L-T3. Dealing with controversial T4 T3 generation has been investigating the potential benefits, but has proved to be no conclusive combination therapy benefit. Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines in 2002, the clinical biochemical state of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences during pregnancy: L-T4 dose should be increased (usually 50 micrograms / day) maintained at 0.5 ~ 2.0 mIU / L and serum serum TSH FT4 within the normal reference interval the upper third.Doctors tend to assume that if your TSH is in the normal range, sometimes defined as high as 5.5 MIU / L has no effect on fertility. But there is an approximately 1.0 MIU / L, TSH level in healthy pregnant women (8, 12, 13) Subclinical hypothyroidism there are a series of biochemical and point thyroxin treatment, the typical treatment of hypothyroidism symptoms views. Reference range has been debated. As of 2003, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (ACEE) that within the normal range of 0.3-3.0 MIU /L. There is always an excess risk of hyperthyroidism. Some studies suggest that subclinical hypothyroidism does not require treatment. In 2007, the Cochrane Collaboration, a meta-analysis found that, in addition to the no benefit of thyroid hormone replacement lipids and left ventricular function in 2002 meta-analysis checks whether subclinical hypothyroidism may increase the risk of heart disease increase, some of the parameters previously thought, a slight increase, and recommended to be updated for the current recommendations for further research  with the end point of coronary heart disease (11, 12, 13). Replacement therapy The connection has been a slow release combination of T3 and T4, supporters will be able to thyroid dysfunction symptoms and functional quality of life. This is still a matter of debate, refused by the traditional medical community (3, 8, 10). Remember, the important thing when are taking thyroid hormone are: Do not stop taking the drugs, and when you feel better. Continue the medication completely guidance of a doctor. If change the brand of thyroid drugs, let doctor know. levels may need to be checked. Some dietary changes can change your body absorb thyroid drugs. Contact your doctor, if you eat a lot of soy products, or in the high-fiber diet. Thyroid medicine best on an empty stomach, and if any other drugs before one hour. Do not take the thyroid hormone supplement fiber, calcium, iron, multivitamins, aluminum hydroxide, sulfuric acid agent, cholesterol, or in combination with a bile acid drugs(4,13). Start taking replacement therapy, the doctor tells, if there are symptoms of increased thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism), such as Palpitations Rapid weight loss Restlessness or shakiness Sweating Myxedema coma is a medical emergency; the thyroid hormone the body becomes very low. Intravenous replacement thyroid hormone and steroids. Some patients may need support therapy (oxygen, breathing assistance, fluid replacement) and intensive care (8, 10, 11). Outlook (prognosis) in most cases, thyroid levels to normal, and appropriate treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of life.Myxedema coma can result in death (12, 13). Possible complications Hypothyroidism, myxedema coma, the most severe form is rare. This can be caused by infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medications in untreated hypothyroidism (12, 13). The symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include: room temperature Reduce breathing low blood pressure Hypoglycemia unresponsive Other complications include: Heart disease Increased risk of infection Infertility Abortion(8,12,13) Untreated hypothyroidism are at increased risk: gave birth to birth defects heart disease, the higher the level of LDL (bad cholesterol) heart failure Too much thyroid hormone treatment are at risk of angina or a heart attack, as well as the risk of osteoporosis(the bone thinning)(11,12,13). Network Management System: Light Weight SNMP Implementation Network Management System: Light Weight SNMP Implementation Chapter 6 Implementation Initially the Java (JDK 1.6) and Netbeans IDE 5.4 should be installed in a system. Then the SNMP4J API should be added to the Netbeans library. The Mysql-JDBC sever should be added to the library for using the database purpose. Then the SNMP is tested in the same system for working condition, afterwards the destination devices are enabled with SNMP agent and are tested. The system should have the requirements as follows. 6.1 About NetBeans: NetBeans IDE is a developer tool for application development technologies. The IDE includes a multi-language editor, Profiler, Debugger and also tools for developer requirement. The IDE provides templates to create Java EE, Java SE, and Java ME applications. A variety of technologies and frameworks are supported. The language-aware editor detects errors while you type and suggest user with documentation popups and smart code completion with the speed and simplicity. To identify and solve problems in your applications, such as deadlocks and memory leaks, the IDE provides a feature rich debugger and profiler.When user is testing applications, it provides tools for Testing, as well as code analyzers and, in particular, integration with the popular open source Error detecting tool. NetBeans is an integrated development environment (IDE) for developing primarily with Java, but also with other languages, in particular PHP,C/C++, and HTML5. It is also an application platform framework for Java desktop applications and others. The NetBeans IDE is written in Java and can run on Windows, OS X, Linux, Solaris and other platforms supporting a compatible JVM. The NetBeans Platform allows applications to be developed from a set of modular software components called modules NetBeans began in 1996 as Xelfi (word play on Delphi), a Java IDE student project under the guidance of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University in Prague. In 1997 Roman StanĆºk formed a company around the project and produced commercial versions of the NetBeans IDE until it was bought by Sun Microsystems in 1999. Sun opensourced the NetBeans IDE in June of the following year. Since then, the NetBeans community has continued to grow. In 2010, Sun (and thus NetBeans) was ac quired by Oracle. 6.1.1 NetBeans Platform: The NetBeans Platform is a reusable framework for simplifying the development of Java Swing desktop applications. The NetBeans IDE bundle for Java SE contains what is needed to start developing NetBeans plugins and NetBeans Platform based applications; no additional SDK is required. Applications can install modules dynamically. Any application can include the Update Center module to allow users of the application to download signed upgrades and new features directly into the running application. Reinstalling an upgrade or a new release does not force users to download the entire application again. The platform offers reusable services common to desktop applications, allowing developers to focus on the logic specific to their application. Among the features of the platform are: User interface management (e.g. menus and toolbars). User settings management. Storage management (saving and loading any kind of data). Window management. Wizard framework (supports step-by-step dialogs). NetBeans Visual Library. Integrated development tools. NetBeans IDE is a free, open-source, cross-platform IDE with built-in-support for Java Programming Language. 6.1.2 NetBeans IDE: NetBeans IDE is an open-source integrated development environment. NetBeans IDE supports development of all Java application types (Java SE(including JavaFX), Java ME, web, EJB and mobile applications) out of the box. Modularity: All the functions of the IDE are provided by modules. Each module provides a well defined function, such as support for the Java language, editing, or support for the CVS versioning system, and SVN. NetBeans contains all the modules needed for Java development in a single download, allowing the user to start working immediately. Modules also allow NetBeans to be extended. New features, such as support for other programming languages, can be added by installing additional modules. For instance, Sun Studio, Sun Java Studio Enterprise, and Sun Java Studio Creator from Sun Microsystems are all based on the NetBeans IDE. 6.2 Platform selection: Java is an object oriented application programming language developed by Sun Microsystems in the early 1990s.Java application is typically compiled to byte code, although compilation to native machine code is also possible. At runtime, byte code is usually either interpreted or compiled to native code for execution, although direct hardware execution of byte code by a java processor is also possible. The version of java used to run the application is JDK1.6.This is because the APIs used in this application specifies this requirement. 6.2.1 Reasons for Using Java Java was chosen as the programming language because of its versatility. It is an object oriented programming language with the following important features. a) Platform Independent-The concept of Write-once-run-anywhere (known as the platform independent) is one of the important key feature of java language that makes java as the most powerful language. The programs written on one platform can run on any platform provided the platform must have the JVM. b) Simple There are various features that make the java as a simple language. Programs are easy to write and debug because java does not use the pointers explicitly. Java provides the bug free system due to the strong memory management. It also has the automatic memory allocation and de-allocation system. c) Robust Java has the strong memory allocation and automatic garbage collection mechanism. It provides the powerful exception handling and type checking mechanism as compare to other programming languages. Compiler checks the program whether there are any errors and interpreter checks any run time error and makes the system secure from crash. All of the above features make the java language robust. d) Distributed The widely used protocols like HTTP and FTP are developed in java. Internet programmers can call functions on these protocols and can get access the files from any remote machine on the internet rather than writing codes on their local system. e) Portable The feature Write-once-run-anywhere makes the java language portable provided that the system must have interpreter for the JVM. Java also has the standard data size irrespective of operating system or the processor. These features make the java as a portable language. f) Dynamic While executing the java program the user can get the required files dynamically from a local drive or from a computer thousands of miles away from the user just by connecting with the Internet. g) Secure Java does not use memory pointers explicitly. All the programs in java are run under an area known as the sand box. Security manager determines the accessibility options of a class like reading and writing a file to the local disk. Java uses the public key encryption system to allow the java applications to transmit over the internet in the secure encrypted form. The byte code verifier checks the classes after loading. h) Performance Java uses native code usage, and lightweight process called threads. In the beginning interpretation of byte code resulted in the slow performance but the advance version of JVM uses the adaptive and just in time compilation technique that improves the performance. i) Multithreaded Java is also a multithreaded programming language. Multithreading means a single program having different threads executing independently at the same time. Multithreading programming is a very interesting concept in Java. In multithreaded programs not even a single thread disturbs the execution of other thread. j) Architecture Neutral The Java compiler generates byte code instructions, to be easily interpreted on any machine and to be easily translated into native machine code on the fly. The compiler generates an architecture-neutral object file format to enable a Java application to execute anywhere on the network and then the compiled code is executed on many processors, given the presence of the Java runtime system. 6.3 About SNMP: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an application–layer protocolusedfor exchanging management information between network devices.SNMP is one of the widely accepted protocols to manage and monitor network elements. Most of the professional–grade network elements come with bundled SNMP agent. In the following figure the SNMP manager, SNMP agents and MIBs (Management information base) are the major parts of architecture. Here the manager will send the get-next request for particular OID (object identifier) to the agent. The SNMP agent will retrieve the information from the MIB for a particular OID and will send the response to the manager. If any warning message occurs in the agent side, agent will send the trap notifications to manager. 6.4 Use of API: The SNMP4J API should be added correctly to the tool which the user is using in the project. It may be eclipse or Netbeans. Basically the APIs which needed in our project are JFreechart, Mysql and the SNMP4J. JFreechart APIs are added into the tool by their jar files, it should contain the JCommon and JFreechart JAR files and the documentation. These should be added into the library here. Mysql JDBC Connector JAR files should be added into the library for using the database. 6.5 Modules of project: A) The following code snippet explains how the set of all the IP address and MAC address are retrieved for the given input switch. That is the all the devices connected to the particular switch is retrieved and stored. for (i = 0; i Node nodSwi = nodesSwi.item(i); if (nodSwi.getNodeType() == Node.ELEMENT_NODE) { Element element = (Element) nodSwi; String MacAddress = xjava.getValue(MacAddr, element); String MacAddressEnd = xjava.getValue(MacAddrEnd, element); out.println( ); out.println( SL no ); out.println( IP Address ); out.println( MAC Binding ); stroid_result = MacAddress; do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(.) + 20, stroid_result.length()); ipA = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(.) + 1, temp.indexOf(=)); MacAddr = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(=) + 2, temp.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (!stroid_result.contains(MacAddressEnd)) { out.println( + ++i + ); out.println( + ipA + ); out.println( + MacAddr + ); } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacAddressEnd)); out.println( ); out.println( ); out.println( ); } } B) The following code is typed and tested in the JSP file. Here the connectivity discovery module is explained and the connection between the ports and the devices are identified. stroid_result = MacAddress; do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(.) + 20, stroid_result.length()); ipA = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(.) + 1, temp.indexOf(=)); MacAddr = temp.substring(temp.indexOf(=) + 2, temp.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(MacAddress)) {//Port Index objip_MacResult[index] = new ClsOid_Input_Rslt(); objip_MacResult[index].Str_Macaddress = MacAddr; objip_MacResult[index].Str_Ip = ipA; m++; index++; } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacAddrEnd)); /*TO GET MAC ADDRESS AND PORT COUNT*/ do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(Mac)) {//Port Index count++; } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacEnd)); ClsOid_Input_Rslt[] objMac_PortResult; objMac_PortResult = new ClsOid_Input_Rslt[count]; /*TO GET MAC ADDRESS AND PORT */ do { stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(Mac)) { objMac_PortResult[index] = new ClsOid_Input_Rslt(); objMac_PortResult[index].Str_Mac = temp; m++; index++; } if (stroid_result.contains(PortNum)) { if (index > n) { index = (n 1); } objMac_PortResult[index].Str_PortNum = temp; n++; index++; } } while (!stroid_result.contains(MacEnd)); HashMap map = new HashMap(); /* TO GET IPADDRESS, MACADDRESS AND PORTS */ out.println( ); out.println( IP ADDRESS PORT NUMBER ); for (int Macportcount = 0; Macportcount { String Macaddress = new String(); String MacPort = new String(); MacPort = objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_Mac; for (int IpMaccount = 0; IpMaccount Macaddress = objip_MacResult[IpMaccount].Str_Macaddress; if (MacPort.equals(Macaddress)) { if (!map.containsKey(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum)) { map.put(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum, objip_MacResult[IpMaccount].Str_Ip); } else { map.remove(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum); map.put(objMac_PortResult[Macportcount].Str_PortNum, uplink); } } } } Set> set = map.entrySet(); for (Map.Entry me : set) { out.println( + me.getValue() + ); out.println( + me.getKey() + ); } out.println( ); out.println( ); out.println( ); } C) The following code is to explain about the device type discovery of the network. The device type and the switch type are identified using this code. stroid_result = Service; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAdd[ipCount], stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (temp.contains(7) || temp.contains(6)) { out.println(Switch Type :L3 ); } else { out.println(Switch Type :L2 ); } /*code for Type of Switch ENDS*/ /* the device type discovery code starts from here*/ stroid_result = name; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); if (stroid_result.indexOf(=) > 0) { out.println( ); stroid_result = print; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(print)) { out.println( ); out.println(); } else { stroid_result = Numberofuser; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); stroid_result = stroid_result.substring(0, stroid_result.indexOf(=) 1); if (stroid_result.contains(Numberofuser)) { out.println( ); out.println(); } else { out.println( ); out.println(); stroid_result = name; stroid_result = ip.CreateOID(ipAddress, stroid_result, port); temp = stroid_result.substring(stroid_result.indexOf(=) + 2, stroid_result.length()); out.println( + temp + ); out.println( ); out.println( ); } } 6.6 Execution part: Here JDK 1.6 with Netbeans 6.9.1 tool is used, SNMP API(SNMP4J) [11], and Jfreechart for graphical representation. The system is developed and tested on Red Hat Linux 5.4 operating system with 2.80-GHz, Intel Pentium 4 CPU with 512 MB RAM. The approach is tested in the subnet of a network or can say that department of an organisation. In this subnet found number of devices connected to the switches, their details and also the connection between them. These are tested multiple times and physically verified. The problem we faced is that some devices are having multiple Mac Addresses so it is difficult for the system to find the connectivity of the device to port. Except this everything is working well enough. The major thing done is when the device is not supporting for SNMP then tried to get the details of that system by ICMP echo requests. The time taken to discover the devices connected to switch are compared with the previous research. And it is very less compared to other research. In very short time nearly 8-9 seconds we can discover all the devices connected to the switch in the network.

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Role of Ideals and Self-Interest in the History of America :: American America History

The Role of Ideals and Self-Interest in the History of America Throughout history, beginning when settlers first arrived in America, every event that took place became part of American history. Ideals, as described by Dr. Margolies, History Professor at Virginia Wesleyan College, are "motivating, lofty goals". Some of these ideals, which shaped American history, included life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as protected by the Constitution. Self-interest, a second influential factor in American history, is shown through the gaining of benefits for oneself. Although it is debatable which of these two influential factors was more dominant in American history, the possibility arises that they coincide with one another revealed by many documented events. Self-interest can be seen in many of the writings throughout American history. The mercantile system, as exhibited by the British on the colonies, was an extremely hedonistic approach to gaining wealth for themselves. Mercantilism, as set forth by the Navigation Acts, imposed strict and extremely descriptive laws that would limit and exploit trade in the colonies, allowing Britain to control the wealth and profit of materials and goods in America. These acts were used to keep America from trading with any other countries. As stated in the Navigation Act of 1660, "no goods or commodities whatsoever shall be imported into or exported out of any lands" to his Majesty belonging"in any other ship or ships...as do truly and without fraud belong only to the people of England or Ireland" (Restoration 98). Britain knew that by controlling the colonies in this manner they could take the raw materials out and sell the finished products back, and by doing so they would profit greatly. This mercantile system exemplifies the arrogant minds of the British while America was developing. This system would soon become a failure due to the people's demands to have representation along with taxation, and their desire to separate from England as a free and independent state. Likewise, it was due to self-interest of the greedy planters and the self righteous farmers in the south that slavery was highly used. At that time they needed all the labor they could get, and the cheapest way to obtain it was through the purchase of slaves. Some of the slavery was downplayed by calling it indentured servitude, where servants were essentially slaves for a limited number of years.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Discuss how motivation techniques promote effective group work Essay

The plan for our project is to host a Pro Evolution Soccer Tournament. The client for this project will be students at John Ruskin College. The aims and objectives for this project are to gain profit and gain customer satisfaction. The venue for the launch of this project will be within the college, which is in room C56. We will need i 5 for prize money, i 10 for a trophy and i 7. 50 for three plain black t-shirts. These will be worn by the three co-ordinators of the tournament. Health and Safety check list Our Health and Safety procedures will be to check that loose wires are placed out of the reach of the clients while the tournament is running. Equipments Time Checked Room 11:00 Television 11:15 Plugs 11:25 Consoles 11:40 Wires 11:55 Contest Table This is a brief example of what the contest table would look like. Rules The competition will be set up as a knockout stage. It will comprise of 32 teams, being either club or international. There are five rounds of matches, with each round eliminating half of the teams entering the other round. The rounds are the Rounds of 32, the Rounds of 16, the Quarter-finals, the Semi-finals and lastly, the Final. Each game will last up to five minutes. A draw will be followed by extra time if both teams fail to find a winner. If is still not yet decided, it will be decided with a penalty shootout to determine who progressed to the next round (at least five penalties each, and more if necessary). Task 2 Donations towards this task will come from the college, who will give us our budget and allocate us a room to stage the tournament. The main advantage of staging this event within a college class room such as C56 will be that competitors would not have to go far and wide to play, as it is in the college. Another advantage is that the venue where the tournament will be staged would be for free to use, as it is college property. There is also a lot of space for the competitors within the room, which will avoid discomfort. The last advantage of using the room is that there are more facilities within the room, which will enable us to operate effectively. The main disadvantage of using this location in the college is that there are a lot of computers in there which can cause a disturbance to our plans. Another disadvantage of using this location is that the room is not air-conditioned, therefore, causing upset amongst clients. Budgets and targets have been confirmed and for the competition to get up and running, a total of i 22. 50 will be needed so that all basic deadlines are met. Our budget includes i 10 for a trophy, i 750 for the T-Shirts and i 5 for the prize money given to the winner. We also have a donation from a source in the form of a friend, who will print the three black t-shirts for free. It will have ‘Pro Evolution Soccer Contest’ printed on the back. We have run and tested all resources needed for the project and have come to noticed that there was no potential difficulties towards prior implementations. Therefore, no extra resources will be needed to run the project, as all seems to be well.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Alignment of HRM Essay

Introduction Marriott International, Inc. is an American diversified global hospitality company. It was founded in Washington, D.C., U.S. in the year 1927 by J. Willard Marriott with his wife Alice S. Marriott. It facilitates hotels and related lodging facilities. This public company has more than 3800 properties in more than 78 countries in the world. They have many full-service lodging, select-service lodging, Great America Parks and extended-stay lodging. They have always worked and got strength from their core values. Their core values are putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing the change, acting with integrity and serving our world. They have always worked on the base of founding principles and their heritage. Ensuring the HR strategy is in alignment with the business strategy Marriott International Inc. has become increasingly strategic in HR (Halzack, 2013). They are using various innovative practices. This has made them one of the best places to work in hospitality industry. The success of Marriott International can be ensured if stick to their core values and gain strength from their founding principles. They should successfully integrate HR strategy and business strategy to accomplish goals of the company. There should be no compromise in customer services. Marriott’s culture and heritage has always influenced and motivated their business. They should aim at employing talented employees who can recognize the value of guest and serve them to make more loyal customers. HR job positions and responsibilities Human Resources Coordinator: They are responsible for supporting the timely recruitment, administration, training and care of all associates The Human Resources Coordinator is expected to provide assistance to the Human  Resources Management in coordinating and implementing the Human Resources programs and initiatives. Human Resources Manager: They direct and work with Human resource associates to carry out the daily activities. Assistant Training Manager (Casino): The Assistant Training Manager (Casino) helps drive Marriott values and philosophy and ensures all casino-related training and development activities are strategically linked to the organization’s mission and vision. The position assists ensuring effective training is in place to enable the achievement of desired business results. The Assistant Training Manager supervises the needs assessments. It designs and develops training programs and also provides the delivery of both custom and corporate training programs. Director, Personnel Services: They are responsible for assisting the Director of Human Resources for carrying out different strategies which provides attraction, retention, and development of various talent. Preferable job position Human Resources coordinator and Human Resource manager would be more preferable job positions for me because both concentrates on managing administration, recruitment and training needs of the company which interests me. I would like to deliver HR services efficiently and effectively to enable business success. It requires helping management innovatively implementing HR programs and initiatives which interests me. Establishing HRM strategies to improve competitive advantages Marriott International has been using strategic HR practices to gain competitive advantages. They should try to eliminate the barriers to competitive response. They should focus on needs matching so that they could place right person at right place. They should improve their staffing and compensation HRM practices as they are the ones which help in creating competitive advantage for the company (Schuler and MacMillan, 2005). They should concentrate on training and development of employees and introduce more innovative HR policies and programs. Ways to increase company diversity Company has always been focused on increasing their diversity. These ways can be helpful to increase company diversity- Different ad campaigns for different diversities. Organizing summits for different demographics. Increasing their reach through attracting offers. References Bulla, D N and Scott, P M (1994) Manpower requirements forecasting: a case example, in Human Resource Forecasting and Modelling, ed D Ward, T P Bechet and R Tripp, Human Resource Planning Society, New York Randall S. Schuler and Ian C. MacMillan, Gaining Competitive Advantage through Human Resource Management Practices Reilly, P., (2003). Guide to Workforce Planning in Local Authorities, Employers Organization for Local Government, London. Wright, Patrick. â€Å"The 2011 CHRO Challenge: Building Organizational, Functional, and Personal Talent†. Cornell Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies (CAHRS). Retrieved 3 September 2011. Halzack , Sarah , At Marriott and other firms, HR becomes increasingly strategic: Published: August 26, 2013 Thewashingtonpost Retrieved from: http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/at-marriott-and-other-firms-hr-becomes-increasingly-strategic/2013/08/23/63f0856c-05c0-11e3-9259-e2aafe5a5f84_story.html

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Hult International Business School Programs and Admissions

Hult International Business School Programs and Admissions Hult International Business School, established in 1964, is a private business school with locations around the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including one-year MBA programs. Hult is known for providing excellent preparation in areas of global business, such as international marketing, international banking, and international finance. Unlike most business schools, Hult International Business School is globally accredited by both the  Association of MBAs  (AMBA), and the  Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business  (AACSB).  These accreditations provide quality assurance and should be important to every student seeking a world-class global business education. In this article, were going to take a closer look at Hult International Business School. Youll learn about Hults campus locations, program offerings, and admissions requirements for the global MBA program. Campus Locations Hult International Business School has campus locations in Boston, San Francisco, New York, London, Dubai, and Shanghai. Students can study at one campus, switch campuses during the program, or choose to study in multiple locations by participating in the schools campus rotation program. Hults Boston Campus Hults Boston campus is located in Cambridge near many other prestigious universities, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Programs and electives offered at the Boston campus include the: Bachelor of Business AdministrationMaster of International BusinessMaster of International MarketingMaster of FinanceMaster of International BankingGlobal One-Year MBA Hults San Francisco Campus Hults San Francisco campus is located right in the city near the financial district, large companies, and more than 13,000 business start-ups. Programs and electives offered at the San Francisco campus include the: Bachelor of Business AdministrationMaster of International BusinessMaster of Business StatisticsMaster of International Marketing electivesGlobal One-Year MBAGlobal Executive MBA electives Hults London Campus Hults London campus is located in Central London in Bloomsbury, which is considered the academic heart of the city. London has some of the largest overseas banks in the world and is considered the hub of international finance. Programs and electives offered at the London campus include the: Bachelor of Business AdministrationMaster of International BusinessMaster of International MarketingMaster of Finance electivesGlobal One-Year MBAGlobal Executive MBA Hults Dubai Campus Hults Dubai campus is located in an area known as Internet City. Nearby companies include Microsoft and LinkedIn. Dubai is also known for industries like banking and financial services, consulting, and IT. Programs and electives offered at the Dubai campus include the: Master of International Business  Master of International Marketing electivesGlobal One-Year MBAGlobal Executive MBA Hults Shanghai Campus Hults Shanghai campus is located in Chinas economic capital on Peoples Square. It is surrounded by Shanghais financial and commercial districts. Programs and electives offered at the Shanghai campus include the: Master of International Business electivesMaster of International Marketing electivesGlobal One-Year MBA electivesGlobal Executive MBA Hults New York Campus Hults New York campus is a rotation center, where students from Hults other campuses come to study. The campus is located at the Cooper Union in central Manhattan near New Yorks key business districts. Elective offerings at the New York campus include: Master of International Business electivesMaster of International Marketing electivesMaster of Finance electivesGlobal One-Year MBA electivesGlobal Executive MBA electives Bachelor of Business Administration Program Hult International Business School offers one undergraduate business program for recent high school graduates. The program results in a Bachelor of Business Administration. Students enrolled in this degree program can choose to major in marketing, management, finance, accounting, or entrepreneurship. Hult also offers three different tracks, which allow students to graduate with a degree in two years (Global Fast Track), three years (Global Standard Track), or four years (U.S. Standard Track). Master Degree Programs The master degree programs at Hult International Business School are designed for students who have three years of work experience or less. Each program takes one year to complete. Students who earn a Master of International Business degree also have the option of earning a dual degree in an additional six to nine months of full-time study. Dual degree options include the Master of Disruptive Innovation degree or the Master of International Banking degree. Global MBA Program Hults Global MBA Program is a one-year MBA program with an intensive curriculum designed to teach you key business skills from a global perspective. The program is immersive and allows the opportunity to study in three different cities in a one year period. Specialization options include marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, family business, business analytics, and project management. After learning business theory in the first part of the program, students get an opportunity to put theory into practice through simulations and real-world experiences.   Global Executive MBA Program Hults Global Executive MBA Program is a unique MBA program for working professionals. The program allows students to earn an MBA degree with just 14 trips to campus. If you enroll in this program, you will miss 21 days of work in all and earn a degree within 18 months. You can study in one city or in up to three locations in a single one year period. Location options include San Francisco, London, Dubai, New York, and Shanghai. This immersive EMBA program is taught from the same global perspective that Hult is known for and includes an opportunity to customize your learning experience with electives. If you complete all three electives in one area of study (marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, family business, business analytics, and project management), you earn an MBA with a specialization in that designated area.   Hult MBA Admissions Requirements Admissions requirements for Hult International Business School programs vary depending on the program. Students who are applying to one of Hults MBA programs, need a bachelors degree (or the equivalent), three years of work experience, and proficiency in English. The admissions committee prefers bilingual or multilingual applicants who have lived in more than one country. Being globally-minded will also score you points with admissions reps. To apply to Hults Global MBA program or Global Executive MBA program, you will need to submit the following: Application feeTranscripts from all of the colleges and universities you attendedA copy of your bachelors degreeA current resumeLetters of recommendationA response to an application questionGMAT, GRE, or the Hult Business Assessment Test scores

Monday, October 21, 2019

An Online Degree Allows Students to Travel Essay Example

An Online Degree Allows Students to Travel Essay Example An Online Degree Allows Students to Travel Essay An Online Degree Allows Students to Travel Essay There always seems to be two groups of kids who leave high school – those who go on to college and those who take time off to travel. What those kids who travel understand is that there is precious little time to go off and explore the world with no responsibility other than to themselves. But those who do not want to delay their education for travel can now do both with the earning of an online degree. With the explosive growth of the Internet there has been an influx of services available online including educational possibilities for those who wish to pursue their degree without going the traditional route. Online degree programs allow access to a variety of courses through the computer offered by accredited and reputable colleges and universities. Students are able to logon to a secure location where they can complete their reading and other assignments – at their own convenience. Just as important, earning an online degree can be done from anywhere with a laptop. The student can be in the same town as the college or they can be in a different country. The flexibility offered by an online degree program is what really sets this modern program apart.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Chinese Etiquette for Visiting a Chinese Home

Chinese Etiquette for Visiting a Chinese Home It is becoming more and more popular for foreigners to be invited into Chinese homes for dinner. Even business associates may receive an invitation to be entertained at their Chinese counterpart’s home. Learn the proper etiquette for visiting a Chinese home. 1. Be sure to either accept or decline the invitation. If you must decline, it is important to give a specific reason as to why you can’t attend. If you are vague, the host may think you are not interested in having a relationship with him or her. 2. At the entrance to many homes, you may see a rack of shoes. Depending on the home, the host may greet you at the door in slippers or even stocking or bare feet. If this is the case, take off your shoes. The host may give you a pair of slippers or sandals or you may just walk around in your socks or bare feet. In some homes, a separate, communal pair of plastic sandals is worn when using the restroom. 3. Bring a gift. The gift may or may not be opened in front of you. You can suggest the gift be opened in your presence but don’t push the issue. 4. Guests will be immediately served tea whether you want it or not. It is impolite to request a drink or request an alternate beverage. 5. The mother or wife is typically the person who will prepare the meal. Since Chinese meals are served course-by-course, the cook may not join in the feast until after all dishes have been served. Dishes tend to be served family style. Some restaurants and homes will have separate chopsticks for serving the dishes while others may not. 6. Follow the lead of the host and serve yourself, however, he or she serves himself or herself. Eat when the host eats. Be sure to eat plenty of food to show you are enjoying it but don’t eat the last bit of any dish. If you finish off any dish, it will signal that the cook has not prepared enough food. Leaving a small amount of food is good manners. 7. Do not leave immediately once the meal has concluded. Stay for 30 minutes to an hour to show you have enjoyed your meal and their company. More About Chinese Etiquette Chinese Business Meeting EtiquetteChinese Customs for Meeting New People

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Alba Madonna - Raphael Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Alba Madonna - Raphael - Essay Example Raphael's Alba Madonna, painted circa 1510 and measuring 37.5 inches in diameter, is one of the most well known examples of biblical themed Renaissance art. One of the work's key compositional features is the artist's selection of a circular framework to surround his depiction of the biblical triad of Mary, the child St John and a baby Jesus. The circle, with its theoretical and symbolic links to notions of eternity is invested with significance in the Judeo-Christian belief system. Conversely, in ancient mythology the circle often represented a serpent from head to tail - tying in with the serpentine satanic figure of Christianity's Garden of Eden. Surrounded by the circle, as the baby Jesus was encased in her womb before birth, Mary is surrounded by a miasma of potent symbolic associations - including those of creation, rebirth and destruction. The foreground scenery of the piece is relatively barren, in contrast to the reproductive success of the virgin mother. In biblical ideolog y, it was a tragedy for a woman to be seen as barren - as traditional gender roles determined reproduction to be a woman's primary function. Conversely, a fertile woman was seen to be blessed by God. The emphasis on a barren landscape heightens the associations of fertility connected to the Madonna, and the barren scene is broken by the appearance of two flowers - symbolising qualities of purity in their whiteness and similarly reflecting the virginal purity of Christ's mother.

Friday, October 18, 2019

International comunications Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

International comunications - Essay Example Communication is also systematic. This means it occurs in within a set of interrelated parts and each of these parts affect one another (Wood 2011. p 3-4). In a family communication situation, for example, each member of the family constitutes part of the system. The physical environment and time also form parts of the system that affect their interaction. This is because people interact differently depending on the existing environment. Therefore, to analyze any communication situation, it is necessary to consider the system in which communication occurs (Wood 2011, p 3-4). The definition also emphasizes on symbols. Symbols include all language, non-verbal behaviors as well as music and art. A symbol is anything that signifies something else in an abstract manner. All human communication and interaction involve the use of symbols. Lastly, the definition of communication emphasizes on meanings. Meanings take a center stage in a communication process. Meanings are the significance people give to phenomena and are based on people’s interpretation of phenomena. Meanings are obtained from continued interaction with symbols but not from phenomena. This entirely depends on how people interpret words and non-verbal communication (Wood 2011, p 3-4). Culture, on the other hand, constitutes beliefs, objects, behaviors, and characteristics that can be regarded as common to all members of a given societal group. It is through culture that individuals and groups are able to conform to society’s shared values, define themselves and contribute positively in society. In general, culture includes many society aspects such as language, values, customs, norms, rules, tools, technology, products, institution and organization (Maude 2011, p. 3-10). Communication involves the use of language to communicate messages. Language can be said to influences culture. Conversely, culture can be said to influence language. Language influences people’s perception

Human Resource Management (HRM) in Context Essay

Human Resource Management (HRM) in Context - Essay Example For decades, HR was believed to be responsible for pushing the paper circulation throughout the firm rather than making valuable contribution in the strategic implication of the business strategies. This notion has been changed gradually over the years and human resource management is being given its due value and respect. In order to make the shift of HR towards the strategic continuum from the operational continuum, Caldwell, Ulrich, Legge, Storey and many more theorists developed a wide range of frameworks and theories to support the notion that HR function should be treated as a business partner. The major contribution was made by Ulrich (1997) who introduced the ‘HR Business Partner Model’ and stated that HR can assist an organisation in achieving excellence by utilising four techniques (Holland et al., 2012). (Source: Vosburgh, 2007) According to the study of Bashir and Afzal (2009), Ulrich model is an effective tool for the development of a properly working HR bus iness partnership culture as it gives detailed explanation of the key roles that are to be undertaken by the HR business partners. ... ly, the relevant expertise and skills have to be acquired for attainment of the desired level of excellence in the work so that there is reduction in the overall cost for the firm and a high quality workforce is maintained through the proper delivery mechanism of HR arrangement. This needs to be reviewed by the HR department on a constant mode so that they can ensure that only the deserving employees are working in the firm. 3. Thirdly, there has to be an effective coordination present between the senior personnel and employees by fostering a friendly, competent and a highly committed work culture. Providing employees with an encouraging atmosphere at workplace will boost their morale and keep them interested in performing their job roles effectively and efficiently. With proper coordination and cooperation many things can work out well in the firm. 4. Lastly, they have to act as the change leaders by playing a vital and worthwhile role in the organisation change process so that its resources are efficiently utilised and the business capacity is fully employed to enhance its performance in the industry. The change required in the organisation is compulsory and avoiding resistance from the employees is also important and to address both these issues successfully the HR plays a vital role. Role of HR professionals as business partners With the advent of time and growth in the number of factors that are causing the business environment to get competitive, the organisations have realised that they need to develop a loyal, highly competent and motivated workforce that will assist them in meeting the challenges effectively (Caliskan, 2010). A motivated workforce would have the potential to deliver a good performance and they would prove to be highly productive and profitable

Art Management and Marketing assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Art Management and Marketing assignment - Essay Example However, owing to the fact that there have been recent dynamics and shifts in this industry, stakeholders have been compelled to undertake proper analysis in relation to the facets of the art industry in order to make sound decisions. This project focuses on a case study analysis of Baxter Theatre and its external and internal environments that affect its success either positively or negatively. Moreover, it focuses on a discussion of forecasted cashflow and income statement of the organisation as well as the financial risks it faces as it continues with its operations. In addition, the case study uses the SWOT analysis tool to analyse the company’s enviroment in terms of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The organisation focuses on curation and facilitating performances such as overnight hotel collaboratives and residency performances as well as provision of a platform for university and high school students to produce films and engage them in networking for a period of approximately two months, thus improving their capacity to perform in the favorite art activities. The long term goal that the organisation aspires to achieve is to create a society where art is appresciated and perceived not as an altertanative means of income, but rather a pertinent aspect of social and economic development. This is to be achieved through capacity building by narturing talent of young artists at university and high school level while creating awareness in the society on the need to appreciate art. There are various external factors that directly or indirectly affect the success of the organisation towards achieving its mission, short-term and the long-term goals. This because of the inherent potential threats and challenges these factors can cause to the organisations. One of the major external factors affecting the success of the organisation is competition from other well established art organisations (Mark, 2011).

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Contemporary business issueSub Prime letting050808 Essay

Contemporary business issueSub Prime letting050808 - Essay Example The Fed comes out with the monetary policy in order to ensure a certain key objectives like, delivering price stability with a low inflation level coupled with an objective to support the Government's economic objectives of growth and employment. To have a look on how the Fed monitors the price related regulations to keep a check on inflation, we can consider a small example of the regulation on house and property prices. To take any decisions related to interest rates keeping in mind the ongoing inflation rate, the Fed must be thorough with the booming property prices and must take steps to ensure that the prices are not artificial. Government intervenes through its central bank to regulate the prices of many commodities, similarly it also regulates the prices of houses like any other important commodity. Fed has the responsibility to keep a check on asset prices including the prices of houses. There can be a number of reasons why the prices of houses may shoot up, like the simple rule of demand and supply has a definite impact. (Demand and Supply for Housing). Other reasons behind a... (Demand and Supply for Housing).Other reasons behind a change in property prices can be Mortgages. A mortgage is the money borrowed to buy a house, as for most people buying a house is not easy. Over the years mortgage market has picked up greatly and the current scenario is totally different from the one that existed in the beginning. (The UK Housing Market - Factors Influencing the Housing Market: Mortgages) The central bank of any country has a monetary policy and it uses the same to regulate mechanism of the economy and deal with such erratic swings in the prices of property. Like when it decides to change the interest rate, the government is trying to check the overall expenditure of the economy. A change in interest rates is mostly used to contain inflation, which is the result of lavish expenditure by the country. The Bank sets a fixed interest rate at which it lends money to financial institutions and depending on this interest rate, individual banks and other financial institutions set up their own interest rates, which apply to the whole economy. This interest rate also regulated the savings in an economy, which eventually results in capital formation and reinvestment. It is notable that when interest rates are high, people prefer to invest money in government deposits that are less risky in nature than the stock markets and similarly high interest rates boost up the savings. Lo wer interest rates make asset and real estate prices go up, as people start ignoring conventional saving instruments and make use of the high growth ventures like shares and houses, which pushes up their prices and this is where the problem of easy availability of finance crops up.The sub prime crisis started with the sub prime

To be discussed Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

To be discussed - Dissertation Example Although this approach was first taught by American thinkers Deming and Juran in 1950s, Americans had not adopted and taken advantage of it (Nakamura et al. 1997). Later in the years, evolution of the JIT principles took place which was integrated in the automobile industry and other manufacturing industries which functioned on the TQM framework (Nakamura et al. 1997). The Western civilization implemented these two approaches in reverse order with JIT preceding TQM. Although these two approaches have been independently implemented very often, they are also used in integration for many operations. Theoretical Framework It is because of the Japanese that the industrial world revolutionized given their two approaches: TQM and JIT. Both these concepts have similar principles and goals which aim to continuous improvement and waste reduction (Flynn et al. 1995). TQM is a set of manufacturing principles that aim to sustain the quality of the products and processes by continuously improving it with the involvement of the management, customers and suppliers (Cua et al. 2001). There are nine TQM practices that are common in its principles: customer involvement, supplier quality management, committed leadership, cross-functional product design, cross-functional training, strategic planning, information, employee involvement and feedback (Cua et al. 2001). ... JIT is an important strategic element in the manufacturing process because of the waste produced in the mass production system such as waiting (in time), processing, transporting, overproducing, unnecessary stock-on-hand, defective goods production and unnecessary motion (Cua et al. 2001). If JIT is implemented, the result would be no excess production without demand. Thus, the element of waste elimination is justification for JIT to be implemented in any process of manufacturing (Nakamura et al. 1997). The strategic importance of both these concepts exists in its usage if integrated with the management and adopted in conjunction with the advanced technology in manufacturing combined with TQM and JIT approaches (Cua et al. 2001). According to Flynn et al. (1995), the benefits of JIT can only be harnessed if the philosophy is part of the TQM philosophy. This is because together TQM and JIT are capable of pushing the problems back to the starting point of the manufacturing process unti l a point is identified as preventable (Flynn et al. 1995). It is a simple philosophy that every problem has a reason and every reason is therefore avoidable. Therefore, in order words, the philosophy of TQM/JIT rests on the principle that if the problem is detected soon, it can be fixed in the timely manner (Kanan and Tan, 2005). Although the idea of incorporating different elements of different philosophies is not always acceptable as a wise choice as limited empirical research exists on its link with performance, still it is believed and proved by different authors that the TQM and JIT elements can provide positive results in the performance of

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Contemporary business issueSub Prime letting050808 Essay

Contemporary business issueSub Prime letting050808 - Essay Example The Fed comes out with the monetary policy in order to ensure a certain key objectives like, delivering price stability with a low inflation level coupled with an objective to support the Government's economic objectives of growth and employment. To have a look on how the Fed monitors the price related regulations to keep a check on inflation, we can consider a small example of the regulation on house and property prices. To take any decisions related to interest rates keeping in mind the ongoing inflation rate, the Fed must be thorough with the booming property prices and must take steps to ensure that the prices are not artificial. Government intervenes through its central bank to regulate the prices of many commodities, similarly it also regulates the prices of houses like any other important commodity. Fed has the responsibility to keep a check on asset prices including the prices of houses. There can be a number of reasons why the prices of houses may shoot up, like the simple rule of demand and supply has a definite impact. (Demand and Supply for Housing). Other reasons behind a... (Demand and Supply for Housing).Other reasons behind a change in property prices can be Mortgages. A mortgage is the money borrowed to buy a house, as for most people buying a house is not easy. Over the years mortgage market has picked up greatly and the current scenario is totally different from the one that existed in the beginning. (The UK Housing Market - Factors Influencing the Housing Market: Mortgages) The central bank of any country has a monetary policy and it uses the same to regulate mechanism of the economy and deal with such erratic swings in the prices of property. Like when it decides to change the interest rate, the government is trying to check the overall expenditure of the economy. A change in interest rates is mostly used to contain inflation, which is the result of lavish expenditure by the country. The Bank sets a fixed interest rate at which it lends money to financial institutions and depending on this interest rate, individual banks and other financial institutions set up their own interest rates, which apply to the whole economy. This interest rate also regulated the savings in an economy, which eventually results in capital formation and reinvestment. It is notable that when interest rates are high, people prefer to invest money in government deposits that are less risky in nature than the stock markets and similarly high interest rates boost up the savings. Lo wer interest rates make asset and real estate prices go up, as people start ignoring conventional saving instruments and make use of the high growth ventures like shares and houses, which pushes up their prices and this is where the problem of easy availability of finance crops up.The sub prime crisis started with the sub prime

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Juvenile Focus Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Juvenile Focus - Article Example Among such programs and strategies, include a package on guiding discipline in schools released by the collaborations between the departments of Justice and Education. In another strategy, the country’s National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice has developed a course on mental health and juvenile justice called the â€Å"Mental Health and Juvenile Justice Collaboration for Change,† which as the name suggests, involves collaboration between different stakeholders on various juvenile issues. Overall, the author advances the important role that all stakeholders should play by collaborating with each other to address juvenile delinquency. Realizing that addressing juvenile delinquency requires the collaboration of all stakeholders from individual families to communities and to different government agencies, the author provides rationale for collaboration between different stakeholders, which makes the article important for anyone to read. By addressing issues on children and youths, the future of this country and the world, the article is important makes for an interested read for other people in order to acquaint themselves with the different approaches and the various ways they could get involved in the issue of juvenile delinquency. The article is easy to understand since the author uses simple language that is understandable without using jargon. In addition, the article is well organized as the author uses headings to present each item under discussion.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIMs)

Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIMs) 1.1 Introduction to IIMs Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a group of rheumatic disorders affecting skeletal muscle, they are thought to be auto immune in origin (Rothwell et al., 2013), but as their name implies the actual cause remains something of an enigma. The phenotype of IMMs is generally characterised by progressive symmetrical proximal muscle weakness and rapid fatigue, MHC class 1 expression in muscle fibres (van der Pas et al., 2004), increased circulating muscle enzymes (Creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase)(Cox et al., 2010), and the invasion of inflammatory infiltrates such as immune cells and cytokines (Lundberg et al., 1997; Grundtman et al., 2007). They are heterogeneous in their clinical presentation with patients displaying differing histopathological features, and exhibiting varying disease durations and treatment responses; this is probably associated with the numerous genetic and environmentally implicated factors that have been recently discovered (Rothwell et al., 2013). Interestingly, overt muscle atrophy is not a typical feature of IMM as it is in most diseases associated with muscle fatigue. Inflammatory infiltrate presence in muscle fibres is indicative of cytotoxicity (Lundberg et al., 1997). However, it is often observed that the extent of infiltrate presence in the muscle fibre does not often correlate with the degree of muscle dysfunction (Grundtman et al., 2010), implying that impaired muscle performance is the result of something other than muscle cell damage induced by inflammatory cells and their products; and the continued progression of pathology in the absence of infiltrates suggests that the muscle itself could be contributing. Furthermore, it has been found that weakness can in-fact precede infiltrate presence, and in immune-suppressed individuals weakness can persist (Lundberg Chung, 2000). Muscle weakness is usually initiated in the large muscles around the hips and shoulders, but often spreads to more distal areas resulting in quadriparesis (weakness in all four limbs) that can be severely debilitating. The impact of this can cause the patient difficult y in carrying out even simple everyday tasks such as climbing stairs and can be particularly dangerous in older patients who often have related morbidities. As the disease progresses, eventually the patient’s fine motor skills can be impeded: distal muscle action is required for these movements and weakness in these regions can have affect fine motor skills (Dalakas, 1991). Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is also common in severe cases and can cause fatal choking. IMMs clearly have an adverse impact on the patient’s quality of life, and a deeper understanding into the disease is essential for this to be improved. However, some patients are only mildly affected; this heterogeneity makes it difficult to establish the definitive cause of myositis, and treatment is therefore limited. IMMs can be subdivided into three main discrete histological categories: Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, and Inclusion Body Myositis. 1.2 Dermatomyositis (DM) DM is a microangiopathy that affects both the skin and muscle tissue, and is caused by the lysis of endomysial capillaries and muscle ischemia (Dalakas Hohlfeld, 2003). It was Hohlfeld that described the criteria for diagnosing IMMs; a diagnosis can be made subsequent to three laboratory experiments: serum muscle enzyme concentrations, electromyography, and muscle biopsy (Dalakas Hohlfeld, 2003), and in some cases a skin biopsy may be useful in diagnosing DM. Creatine Kinase (CK) elevation is the main indicator of DM, and is usually correlative to disease severity. It is common for skeletal muscle CK concentration to increase fifty-fold in patients with active DM, but in some patients levels remain basal (Dalakas Hohlfeld, 2003). The muscle biopsy is critical for an accurate diagnosis and would generally show perifascicular atrophy caused by phagocytosis and necrosis of the muscle fasciculus; this is diagnostic of DM even in the absence of inflammation. CD4 positive T-cells are us ually detected in the dermis at sites of perivascular inflammation, and capillary density is dramatically reduced with vessel perforation. DM was unsurprisingly the first to be reported in 1875 by Potain (Potain, 1875) (Oddis Medsger Jr, 1995), probably due to its extramuscular manifestation of heliotrope (upper eyelids), and erythematous (face, neck, back, shoulders) rashes that commonly precede muscular weakness (Dalakas Hohlfeld, 2003). The extensor joint surfaces of DM sufferers are commonly covered in Gottrons papules, along with dilated capillary loops at the base of the finger nail with thickened cuticles (Dalakas Hohlfeld, 2003). The outward appearance of DM often leads to a false diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus as muscle weakness is not always evident in DM patients; however, the two diseases differ in that only the latter involves a phalangeal rash. DM has been shown to be the most common form of juvenile myositis, though there have been reported rare incidences of polymyositis (Sato et al., 2000). If treated early on, DM has been shown to respond to immunotherapeutic agents; however, the first line of treatment is usually corticosteroids such as high-dose oral Prednisone. Patients usually show some degree of response to steroid treatment alone, but they are usually administered in conjunction with other immune targeted treatments (Aggarwal Oddis, 2012). 1.2 Polymyositis (PM) In 1887 Unverricht reported the first case of PM (Unverricht, 1887), which presents without the classical rash associated with DM. It is the least common form of myositis and onset is almost universally after 18 years of age, though as previously mentioned it has been reported in the juvenile form (Sato et al., 2000). Epidemiology of PM is difficult to quantify due to it being a rare form of a rare disease that was for many years indistinguishable from Inclusion Body Myositis. PM develops slowly over months or years, and identifying the exact, or even approximate, time of onset is difficult due to the progressive nature and lack of the characteristic rash associated with DM. Muscle weakness progresses in much the same way as DM and is equally as debilitating (Dalakas Hohlfeld, 2003). Diagnosing PM generally involves the exclusion of other similar myopathies using the three diagnostic laboratory experiments described earlier. In PM, unlike DM, CK concentration is always elevated significantly above the basal level. CD8-positive T-cells are found to be invading healthy muscle fibres expressing MHC class I antigens forming a CD8/MHC-1 complex (Dalakas Hohlfeld, 2003). There has long been evidence to suggest that PM could be induced by viral infiltration, possibly via retro-viral infection (Dalakas et al., 1986). The treatment approaches for PM are the same as DM, and in about 70% of patients intravenous immunoglobulin appears to be a promising treatment. 1.3 Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) IBM was not universally accepted as a separate classification to DM and PM until 1978 (CARPENTER et al., 1978), but it has since been found to be the most common acquired IMM in the elderly, and in men over the age of fifty (Dalakas Hohlfeld, 2003). There are two types, sporadic- and hereditary-IBM, the two are histologically and ultrastructurally similar, but hIBM lacks inflammation. IBM was pathologically characterised by Yunis and Samaha, who coined the term in 1971 (Yunis Samaha, 1971); they noted in patients the presence of vacuoles containing cytoplasmic degradation products with fibrillary nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions that distinguished IBM from PM, something it is often misdiagnosed as. Insoluble amyloid protein deposits are also found in the muscle tissue of IBM patients, along with the invasion of CD8/MHC-1 complexes that are also associated with PM, and perivascular and endomisial inflammatory infiltrates (Grau Selva-O’Callaghan, 2008). CK levels are usuall y, but not always, elevated slightly. The vacuoles associated with IBM are indicative of muscle atrophy, something that is not generally seen in DM or PM. The process is gradual, occurring slowly over years similarly to many muscular dystrophies. In PM patients that do not respond to therapy, a diagnosis of IBM is now generally considered. Most IBM patients do not show a marked response to anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant therapy; a few, probably those with an early diagnosis, show a limited response to corticosteroids, and cytotoxic drugs, but this is not always sustained. Exercise therapy is often suggested to stabilize muscle strength and function, and is frequently advised (Grau Selva-O’Callaghan, 2008). 1.4 Epidemiology Onset of myositis is most common in adults and is generally sporadic, though it has been postulated that there could be some underlying genetic predisposition that could attribute to myositic presentation in some individuals (Cox et al., 2010; Rothwell et al., 2013). Juvenile myositis is less common than the adult form, with dermatomyositis being most prevalent (Dalakas Hohlfeld, 2003); it’s incidence creates discrete age brackets in which IIMs occur. IIMs are regarded as rare, and though there have been numerous attempted epidemiological studies they generally have a low sample size, and it is therefore difficult to determine accurate statistics; also, most statistics are no longer accurate as the old classification of IMMs (Bohan and Peter) could not distinguish between Polymyositis and Inclusion Body Myositis. IMMs have been shown to be most prevalent in women, with DM being the most common diagnosis (Dalakas Hohlfeld, 2003). 1.4 High Mobility Group-box 1 Protein (HMGB1) HMGB1 is a non-histone chromatin associated protein; under typical physiological conditions it is confined within the nucleus where it regulates an array of important transcriptional pathways by binding to and distorting sections of DNA, allowing for the assembly of multi-protein complexes (Bianchi Manfredi, 2004). In response to tissue damage, the normally nuclear protein translocates to the extracellular space and acts as an inflammatory cytokine. Excessive cytokine signalling by HMGB1 has been shown to be fatal in mice (Wang et al., 1999). However, it has been observed that in models of tissue regeneration HMGB1 acts as a chemotactic agent to recruit stem cells such as mesangioblasts in vitro, which indicates it has an in vivo role of favouring muscle regeneration by promoting vessel formation (Vezzoli et al., 2011) (Sachdev et al., 2013). It is therefore interesting that it’s implicated role in IMMs is pathological. 1.5 HMGB1 in IIMs When activated by inflammatory stimulants, HMGB1 is actively secreted from monocytes and macrophages via specialised organelles such as secretory lysosomes (Bianchi Manfredi, 2004); HMGB1 is found to be significantly elevated in patients with IIMs (Grundtman et al., 2010). This translocation is permitted by the hyperacetylation of lysines on HMGB1 (Bonaldi et al., 2003) allowing it to be permanently dissociated from the chromatin, and become packaged in secretory lysosomes. In necrotic cells the cellular membranes lose their integrity and soluble proteins such as HMGB1 are allowed to leak out; this differs from apoptosis where the cell death is not signalled by this leak as HMGB1 remains tightly bound to the chromatin (Bianchi Manfredi, 2004). Necrosis is thought to be the predominant route for cell death in IIMs (Schneider et al., 1996); this allows for HMGB1 to be passively released from the cell. HMGB1 exists in mutually exclusive redox forms that mediate specific inflammatory roles (Venereau et al., 2012). Full reduction of Cysteines 23, 45, and 106 occurs initially, forming all-thiol-HMGB1; in this state it has a cytokine stimulating activity. It is thought that this is the form secreted by activated monocytes to help contribute to the inflammatory response. Later, a disulphide bond forms between C23 and 45 in the HMG-BoxA domain of HMGB1 whilst the Box B C106 remains unpaired and in the thiol state (Venereau et al., 2012). The disulfide form possesses chemoattractant capabilities, causing the migration of leukocytes to the region of inflammation (Venereau et al., 2012). Only the fully reduced form can recruit motile cells, making the cytokine stimulating and chemoattractant activities of HMGB1 also mutually exclusive. Terminal oxidation of HMGB1 fully abrogates its bioactivity, but slight oxidation is required to convert all-thiol HMGB1 to disulphide-HMGB1; it is thought that infiltrating inflammatory cells cause the conversion by maintaining the extracellular oxidative environment as they are a well characterised source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). HMGB1 is a ligand for the Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4), a mediator of the innate immune response; though it is found in both healthy individuals and myositis patients, it is proposed to be the receptor for which muscle dysfunction in IIMs is mediated (Zong et al., 2013). The TLR4 plays an important role macrophages and monocytes where it is involved in pathogen recognition. Patient data from a recent study suggests that HMGB1 may induce MHC class 1 expression in patients with IIMs via activation of the TLR4: MHC class 1 and TLR4 have been found to be coexpressed in the muscle fibres of patients with myositis but not healthy individuals (Zong et al., 2013). Another receptor through which HMGB1 signals is the Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE); an in-vitro knock out study using intact single fibres demonstrated that HMGB1 acts via the TLR4 and not RAGE to induce muscle MHC class 1 expression and fatigue by decreasing the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (SR) Ca2+ released by actio n potentials (Zong et al., 2013). However, this may not necessarily be true in-vivo. Nevertheless, the HMGB1-TLR4-MHC 1 pathway seems to be an integral part of the pathogenesis of IMMs and could therefore be a potential therapeutic target. It has been shown that aerobic exercise (a common and beneficial intervention for IIM patients) reduces TLR4 mRNA in skeletal muscle of rats (Zanchi et al., 2010), thus further suggesting that TLR4 plays a key role in IMMs. References Aggarwal R Oddis CV. (2012). Therapeutic advances in myositis. Current opinion in rheumatology 24, 635-641. Bianchi ME Manfredi A. (2004). Chromatin and cell death. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) Gene Structure and Expression 1677, 181-186. Bonaldi T, Talamo F, Scaffidi P, Ferrera D, Porto A, Bachi A, Rubartelli A, Agresti A Bianchi ME. (2003). Monocytic cells hyperacetylate chromatin protein HMGB1 to redirect it towards secretion. The EMBO Journal 22, 5551-5560. CARPENTER S, KARPATI G, HELLER I EISEN A. (1978). Inclusion body myositis A distinct variety of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. Neurology 28, 8-8. Cox S, Limaye V, Hill C, Blumbergs P ROBERTSà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ THOMSON P. (2010). Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: diagnostic criteria, classification and epidemiological features. International journal of rheumatic diseases 13, 117-124. Dalakas M, London W, Gravell M Sever J. (1986). Polymyositis in an immunodeficiency disease in monkeys induced by a type D retrovirus. Neurology 36, 569-572. Dalakas MC. (1991). Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, and Inclusion-Body Myositis. New England Journal of Medicine 325, 1487-1498. Dalakas MC Hohlfeld R. (2003). Polymyositis and dermatomyositis. The Lancet 362, 971-982. Grau JM Selva-O’Callaghan A. (2008). Sporadic inclusion body myositis. In Diagnostic Criteria in Autoimmune Diseases, pp. 165-168. Springer. Grundtman C, Bruton J, Yamada T, Ãâ€"stberg T, Pisetsky DS, Harris HE, Andersson U, Lundberg IE Westerblad H. (2010). Effects of HMGB1 on in vitro responses of isolated muscle fibers and functional aspects in skeletal muscles of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. The FASEB Journal 24, 570-578. Grundtman C, Malmstrà ¶m V Lundberg IE. (2007). Immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Arthritis research therapy 9, 208. Lundberg I Chung Y-L. (2000). Treatment and investigation of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Rheumatology 39, 7-17. Lundberg I, Ulfgren AK, Nyberg P, Andersson U Klareskog L. (1997). Cytokine production in muscle tissue of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Arthritis Rheumatism 40, 865-874. Oddis CV Medsger Jr TA. (1995). Inflammatory myopathies. Baillià ¨res clinical rheumatology 9, 497-514. Potain P. (1875). Morve chronique de anormal. Bull et Mem Hop Paris 12, 314-318. Rothwell S, Cooper RG, Lamb JA Chinoy H. (2013). Entering a new phase of immunogenetics in the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Current opinion in rheumatology 25, 735-741. Sachdev U, Cui X Tzeng E. (2013). HMGB1 and TLR4 mediate skeletal muscle recovery in a murine model of hindlimb ischemia. Journal of vascular surgery 58, 460-469. Sato M, Bando T, Hasegawa S, Kitaichi M Wada H. (2000). Recurrent spontaneous pneumothoraces associated with juvenile polymyositis. CHEST Journal 118, 1509-1511. Schneider C, Gold R, Dalakas MC, Schmied M, Lassmann H, Toyka KV Hartung H-P. (1996). MHC Class l-Mediated Cytotoxicity Does Not Induce Apoptosis in Muscle Fibers nor in Inflammatory T Cells: Studies in Patients with Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, and Inclusion Body Myositis. Journal of Neuropathology Experimental Neurology 55, 1205-1209. Unverricht H. (1887). Polymyositis acuta progressive. Zeitschrift fur Klinische Medizin 12, 533. van der Pas J, Hengstman GJD, ter Laak HJ, Borm GF van Engelen BGM. (2004). Diagnostic value of MHC class I staining in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery Psychiatry 75, 136-139. Venereau E, Casalgrandi M, Schiraldi M, Antoine DJ, Cattaneo A, De Marchis F, Liu J, Antonelli A, Preti A Raeli L. (2012). Mutually exclusive redox forms of HMGB1 promote cell recruitment or proinflammatory cytokine release. The Journal of experimental medicine 209, 1519-1528. Vezzoli M, Castellani P, Corna G, Castiglioni A, Bosurgi L, Monno A, Brunelli S, Manfredi AA, Rubartelli A Rovere-Querini P. (2011). High-mobility group box 1 release and redox regulation accompany regeneration and remodeling of skeletal muscle. Antioxidants redox signaling 15, 2161-2174. Wang H, Bloom O, Zhang M, Vishnubhakat JM, Ombrellino M, Che J, Frazier A, Yang H, Ivanova S Borovikova L. (1999). HMG-1 as a late mediator of endotoxin lethality in mice. Science 285, 248-251. Yunis E Samaha F. (1971). Inclusion body myositis. Laboratory investigation; a journal of technical methods and pathology 25, 240. Zanchi NE, Lira FS, de Siqueira Filho MA, Rosa JC, de Oliveira Carvalho CR, Seelaender M, Santos RVT Lancha Jr AH. (2010). Chronic low frequency/low volume resistance training reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine protein levels and TLR4 mRNA in rat skeletal muscle. European journal of applied physiology 109, 1095-1102. Zong M, Bruton JD, Grundtman C, Yang H, Li JH, Alexanderson H, Palmblad K, Andersson U, Harris HE Lundberg IE. (2013). TLR4 as receptor for HMGB1 induced muscle dysfunction in myositis. Annals of the rheumatic diseases 72, 1390-1399.