Monday, March 23, 2020

Different Implementation of Cloud System

Abstract Cloud system has become one of the most important business strategies in the current competitive business environment. The increasing need for communication, data analysis, data storage, and dissemination demands for improved information technology infrastructure that may not be available within a given business unit.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Different Implementation of Cloud System specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This has made it necessary for many firms such as Samsung and Nike, to outsource these services from vendors which offer cloud computing. This strategy not only improves communication within various departments, but also makes it possible for the company to monitor movement of products from the production plants to the market. However, the issue of privacy and security of the data has been cited as its main challenge. Background Effective supply chain has become very vital for many firm s as the market become increasingly competitive in various industries. According to Gibb (2006, p. 89), firms which operate in the global market have the pressure of delivering their products to the market within the shortest time possible and in the right shape. The processes in supply chain management must be shortened to ensure that associated costs at every stage are significantly reduced. For instance, products should take the shortest time at storage as a way of reducing costs of storage, and the risk of damage when products take longer than expected in these stores. It is also important to ensure that goods on transit are effectively monitored to ensure that they arrive at the desired markets within the time that was set (Molen Brace 2010, p. 25). It is only through this that a firm can ensure that its products are consistently available in various global stores. Reduced costs of product delivery are also an assurance that the cost of delivering products to the market will b e reduced. This will mean that the firm will be able to charge competitive prices in the market. According to Berger (2006, p. 21), cloud computing business models offers these companies a solution in making their supply chain strategies efficient and cost effective. In this research, the focus will be on how Samsung and Nike have used cloud computing models to improve their supply chain in the market. Cloud Computing Model According to Carmel and Tija (2006, p. 18), cloud computing has gained popularity as firms around the world try to find ways of improving the quality of products in the market. Many firms around the world have come to realize that to achieve efficiency, they cannot afford to undertake all the activities involved in delivering products to the customers.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For this reason, most firms are specializing in activities they consider most important in maintaining the quality of their products and brands in the market, and outsourcing other activities from other vendors in the market (Jamsa 2013, p. 84). This is the concept under which could computing model in the supply chain come in within a given firm. Instead of making heavy infrastructural investment to purchase servers, firms have opted for cloud computing models which are considered more reliable and very effective in managing information in supply chain. According to Jae-Nam (2008, p. 570), cloud computing has been very vital in four main areas of operation within a business unit. These areas include planning and forecasting, logistics, sourcing and procurement, and service management processes. Each of the stages is very important and correct application of cloud computing strategies in the key to achieving success in the market. However, to achieve this, (Dutrà ©nit Vera-Cruz 2007, p. 326) warns that it is important to identify specific activities th at are cloud friendly. The figure below identifies activities that are cloud friendly based on the sensitivity of the data and the network effect. According to Djellal Gallouj (2013, p. 60), this is the first step towards a successful use of cloud computing model in supply chain management. There are some specific activities that cannot be carried out using cloud computing model because of the sensitivity of data sharing. Some of the sensitive information may be leaked to competitors if this model is used in some processes, making the firm vulnerable to its competitors (Rhoton 2009, p. 57). This means that not every process would need cloud computing as an appropriate strategy in achieving the desired success in the market. After identifying the processes that need cloud computing technologies, it is important to understand the business model that will be appropriate for the individual task within the supply chain. The business model can be classified as HaaS (Hardware as a Servic e), SaaS (Software as a Service), and cloud computing (Kaplan Norton 2006, p. 109).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Different Implementation of Cloud System specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Hardware as a Service is increasingly becoming popular among business units around the world. In this business model, a central provider leases computing power to firms upon request. This model seeks to eliminate the cost of putting up the infrastructure, by enabling a firm to lease these services from the central providers. In this model, the user rents the asset for the specific period when the services are necessary. This model allows a firm to contract a central service provider to maintain and administer hardware system within an organisation through on site services or remotely depending on the needs of the setup. According to Koontz and Weihrich (2013, p. 50), Software as a Service is another business model where soft ware applications are hosted central service provider or vendor and made available to the users through an internet network. Many companies have found this strategy very useful in cutting the cost and improving efficiency of their operation. This is because this model enables them to access web-based solution without the need to maintain servers or set up IT infrastructure (Sosinsky 2011, p. 48). In the current business environment where physical space is becoming scarce, this is one of the most important strategies that any firm can use to achieve efficiency in its supply chain management. Other important components of cloud computing include Infrastructure as a Service, Process as a Service, and Platform as a Service. Application of cloud computing business model can use either of the components or a combination of two or three based on the needs at that particular time. According to Mukherjee (2009, p. 29), firms have the task of identifying the specific needs of the company and finding the model that would be the most appropriate at that particular time. The next step would be to identify the service provider that would offer the best services within the desired timeframe. At this stage, it would be necessary to discuss how some of the leading firms in the world are using cloud computing in their supply chain to achieve success in their respective industries.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Cloud Computing in Samsung Corporation Samsung is operating in one of the most competitive industries in the world where success of a firm is hinged on the superiority of the strategies it uses in the market. The electronic industry has become very competitive as many firms, especially those from China, have infiltrated the industry with cheap products. According to Parker (2012, p. 38), the electronic industry has remained competitive in the world market, and the market environment has numerous challenges that makes it difficult for firms with inferior strategies to survive. Motorola Inc was once one of the leading firms in this industry, but it was forced out of the market because of its inability to adapt to the emerging technologies. Nokia is currently surviving to remain competitive and it has since been replaced by Samsung as the top manufacturer of mobile phones. The success of Samsung can be directly attributed to its emphasis in using modern technologies in various stages o f product delivery. However, this success was not achieved overnight. It involved a vigorous process of working through various strategies available in the market to achieve specific objectives within changing market environment. Supply chain was once one of the most challenging management tasks for Samsung. With its main manufacturing plant in South Korea, Samsung was finding it difficult to avail its products in the world market, especially the U.S. market that was considered very lucrative. Some of the main competitors of this firm were actually American firms with their production plants within the United States. This meant that they did not have to incur the cost transporting products to the market. This gave them a competitive advantage over Samsung which had to move its products miles away to the markets in this country and various other parts of the world. According to Winkler (2011, p. 81), customers prefer buying products that are always reliable in the market. When a cust omer plans to purchase a Samsung television, camera, phone, or laptop, he or she would be pleased if he or she finds a variety of this brand to choose from in the stores. In case the brand is not in the store, such a customer would switch loyalty to competing brands in the market. This was one of the biggest challenges that this firm had to address in its supply chain management. The supply chain and marketing units realized that one of the biggest weaknesses in their supply chain was poor communication system between the marketing unit and various departments, especially those who were in the field. Communication breakdown was a common phenomenon at the firm as the system went down when it was needed the most. The firm spent a lot in purchasing the infrastructure for the serves and in hiring qualified personnel to ensure that the server was operating optimally. Despite this heavy investment in IT infrastructure, Samsung was not getting the results it expected. Communication between the firm and its agents in the world market remained disruptive and unpredictable. In some cases where there were agencies, it forced some of the employees to make direct phone calls which were not only very expensive, but also lacked references that are always important when undertaking important business tasks. As the firm was growing, its servers were becoming weak, and this was affecting its supply chain. To solve this problem, Samsung employed cloud computing business model in its supply chain management. In order to back-up its servers, this firm decided to introduce Hardware as a Service from CharTec Business Solutions as a way of solving the constant problem of constant server breakdown. CharTec was assigned the task of developing and administer hardware assets to help improve communication within the firm. This firm was to provide Samsung with a strong server and other related hardware services that would help in improving the communication system within the firm. Given th e increasing amount of information that needed storage, analysis, and transfer, the firm noted that the best approach would be to rent the services from this firm. CharTec would be responsible for monitoring the servers to ensure that it was operating optimally and that data flow and data storage within the firm was effective enough to meet the needs of Samsung. The HaaS component of Cloud Computing Business Model offered the solution that Samsung needed to improve is supply chain (Sherman Zhu 2013, p. 71). The firm was able to get the right information about the products needed in the market. It would also monitor the movements of various products from various sources to the firm, and from the firm to the market. The serves became strong enough to support the increased need for information flow and storage within the firm. This partly explains why Samsung has been very successful in the market Cloud Computing in Nike Nike is one the leading firms in the apparel industry. For a lon g time, firms in this industry believed in marketing using the mass media as a way of reaching its customers. Bick-and moter stores was the only way of selling products to the customers. This meant that firms had to developed huge stores along busy streets in order to attract as many customers as possible. The stores had to be strategically arranged in order to appeal to the customers. Supply chain took a simple model where the outlets would make direct phone calls to the production units in case the stocks for the products had gone down. With the increasing customers, this business model started failing (Wejman 2010, p. 24). It was common to experience a scenario where by the time products are released from the production plants, the shelves at various outlets would be lacking the products. This meant that customers would not be able to get the products they desired. Things became worse when firms in this industry started embracing online business. The servers of this firm were too weak to support online business even after the management decided that the firm would go online. The supply chain and marketing units realized that there was a need to introduce cloud computing business strategies as a way of changing its supply chain from the analogue system to a digital one. The management needed both the HaaS and SaaS components of cloud computing business model. HaaS was needed because the current infrastructural IT assets at the firm were not able to support the increasing need for information. This was outsourced from Equus Managed Services Solutions. SaaS was needed to improve the software applications that were used by the firm (Yeaple 2006, p. 610). NetSuite was considered the most appropriate firm for this service. NetSuite was assigned the task of offering software solution that would help the marketing unit to track movement of cargo while on transit. The cloud had to make all relevant information available to different employees of the firm at differen t locations around the world. The communication system between different departments also had to be improved. This is one of the business models that have enabled Nike to become the leading firm in this industry. Challenges of using cloud computing in supply chain According to Beard (2008, p. 17), many firms have embraced cloud computing business strategy as one of the best ways of improving communication system. However, there are a number of challenges that have hindered its effective usage in the market. One of the main challenges is the issue of security and privacy of the information in the cloud. Given that the information is managed by a third party, its security is not guaranteed. Halpert (2011, p. 70) also notes that the quality of the service may be compromised because the service provider is serving many companies. This system also poses challenge with the billing system that should be highly secure. Conclusion It is clear from the discussion above that cloud computing is gaining popularity in supply chain management. Cloud in supply chains offers a completely new approach of managing supply chain within a firm. It involves integration of the emerging technologies into supply chain system in order to improve speed, reliability, and efficiency of delivering products into the market. It improves communication in the process of delivering products to the market. Many firms around the world are currently using various models of cloud computing in their supply chain as a way of improving their efficiency in the market. List of References Beard, H 2008, Cloud computing: Best practices for managing and measuring processes for on-demand computing, applications and data centers in the cloud with SLAs, Cengage, New York. Berger, S 2006, How We compete: What companies around the World are doing to make it in today’s global economy, Currency-Doubleday, New York. Carmel, E Tija, P 2006, Offshoring information technology: Sourcing and outsourcing to a glo bal workforce, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Djellal, F Gallouj, F 2013, Measuring and improving productivity in services issues, strategies and challenges, Edward Elgar, Cheltenham. Dutrà ©nit, G Vera-Cruz, A 2007, ‘Triggers of the technological capability accumulation in MNCs’ subsidiaries: The maquilas in Mexico’, International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, vol. 3. no. 3, pp. 315-336. Gibb, F 2006, ‘A framework for business continuity management, International Journal of Information Management, vol. 26. no. 2, pp. 128- 141. Halpert, B 2011, Auditing Cloud Computing: A Security and Privacy Guide, Wiley, New Jersey. Jae-Nam, L 2008, ‘Exploring the vendor’s process model in information technology Outsourcing’, Communications of AIS, vol. 22. no. 1, pp. 569-589. Jamsa, K 2013, Cloud computing: SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, virtualization, business models, mobile, security and more, Jones Bartlett Learning, Burlington. Kaplan, R Norton, D 2006, ‘How to Implement a New Strategy without Disrupting Your Organization’, Harvard Business Review, vol. 4 no. 3, 100-109. Koontz, H Weihrich, H 2013, Essentials of management: an international Perspective, McGraw-Hill, New York. Molen, F Brace, C 2010, Get ready for cloud computing: A comprehensive guide to virtualization and cloud computing, Van Haren Publishing, Zaltbommel. Mukherjee, P 2009, Operations management, and productivity Techniques, PHILearning, New Delhi. Parker, D 2012, Service operations management: the total experience, Edward Elgar, Cheltenham. Rhoton, J 2009, Cloud computing explained: Handbook for enterprise implementation, Recursive Ltd, London. Sherman, H Zhu, J 2013, Service productivity management improving service performance using data envelopment analysis (DEA), Springer, New York. Sosinsky, B 2011, Cloud computing bible, Wiley, Indianapolis. Wejman, B 2010, ‘Continental Airlines: Outsourcing IT to Support Business Tr ansformation’, International Journal of Communication, vol. 2. no. 1, pp. 19-25. Winkler, V 2011, Securing the Cloud: Cloud Computer Security Techniques and Tactics, Elsevier Science, Burlington. Yeaple, E 2006, ‘Offshoring: Foreign direct investment and the structure of US trade’, Journal of the European Economic Association, vol. 4. no. 2, pp. 602-611. This essay on Different Implementation of Cloud System was written and submitted by user Swarm to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Free Essays on An Introduction Of Chinese Food And Relvant Culture

China’s long history, vast territory and extensive contact with other nation and cultures have given birth to the distinctive Chinese culinary art. With several thousand years of creation and accumulation, the Chinese cuisine has become increasingly popular among gourmets worldwide. The three essential factors or key elements by which Chinese cooking is judged are known as â€Å"color, aroma and taste†. The color of Chinese food, the first of these elements which is so evident in a Chinese banquet, includes the layout and design of the dishes, best exemplified in particular by the large elaborately-prepared cold dish serves at the beginning of the dinner. â€Å"Aroma† implies more than what one’s nose can detect directly; it also includes the freshness of the raw materials used and the blending of seasoning. â€Å"Taste† is the art proper seasoning, though it also involves the texture of food and the fine slicing techniques. These three essential elements color, aroma and taste, are achieved by the careful coordination of a series of delicate activities: selecting ingredients mixing flavors timing the cooking controlling the heat and finally, laying out the food on the plate for the table. Visitors to china are often surprised when a typical dinner for a table of eight people consists of four courses of cold dishes, four courses of hot dishes, couple with soup and steamed rice; they consider this a lavish spread. But in the Chinese mind, a dinner prepare as above for guests in the minimum requirement. A standard banquet will consist of four to eight prepared cold dishes, eight hot dishes served one at s time, two or four whole-sized showpiece dishes, such as a whole fish or a whole suckling pig. In addition to soups steamed rice and pastries. The dinner finishes up with fruit. Overseas visitors should remember that it is often unnecessary to eat more a single mouthful of a dish at a Chinese banquet. In this way, a Chinese banquet... Free Essays on An Introduction Of Chinese Food And Relvant Culture Free Essays on An Introduction Of Chinese Food And Relvant Culture China’s long history, vast territory and extensive contact with other nation and cultures have given birth to the distinctive Chinese culinary art. With several thousand years of creation and accumulation, the Chinese cuisine has become increasingly popular among gourmets worldwide. The three essential factors or key elements by which Chinese cooking is judged are known as â€Å"color, aroma and taste†. The color of Chinese food, the first of these elements which is so evident in a Chinese banquet, includes the layout and design of the dishes, best exemplified in particular by the large elaborately-prepared cold dish serves at the beginning of the dinner. â€Å"Aroma† implies more than what one’s nose can detect directly; it also includes the freshness of the raw materials used and the blending of seasoning. â€Å"Taste† is the art proper seasoning, though it also involves the texture of food and the fine slicing techniques. These three essential elements color, aroma and taste, are achieved by the careful coordination of a series of delicate activities: selecting ingredients mixing flavors timing the cooking controlling the heat and finally, laying out the food on the plate for the table. Visitors to china are often surprised when a typical dinner for a table of eight people consists of four courses of cold dishes, four courses of hot dishes, couple with soup and steamed rice; they consider this a lavish spread. But in the Chinese mind, a dinner prepare as above for guests in the minimum requirement. A standard banquet will consist of four to eight prepared cold dishes, eight hot dishes served one at s time, two or four whole-sized showpiece dishes, such as a whole fish or a whole suckling pig. In addition to soups steamed rice and pastries. The dinner finishes up with fruit. Overseas visitors should remember that it is often unnecessary to eat more a single mouthful of a dish at a Chinese banquet. In this way, a Chinese banquet...

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Net Neutrality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Net Neutrality - Essay Example â€Å"How, What, Impossible,† many would say, when they know that today internet providers have the capability of controlling what everyone goes through, does and believes in for the purpose of getting profit i.e., violate network neutrality. Discussion Internet is at war as one of its basic structural principles is threatened. Telecommunication companies are pressuring major political institutions to intervene and modify neutrality. Users and native internet companies are defending tooth and nail. The debate is open, but the reality is that most people affected by the violation of this principle know its meaning and implications (wiseGEEK, 2003). Companies and Net Neutrality The net neutrality means that bits are not discriminated, and there is no such thing as first or second class for such categories as destination, source, protocol or content. From this definition it follows that any company that provides internet services (ISPs) can manipulate, manage, hinder or prevent u ser access to some Internet services according to their specific interests. Telecommunication companies control access and transport network information. Undoubtedly, Internet service providers are identified as the main threat. Operators have proposed prioritizing some services over others, and some even speak of the payment of â€Å"tolls† and quotas to companies that fill the web content. According to a research it is clear that "The telecom operators want to do much more business with internet by increasing the charges for access as well as monetizing the content that others want to view as if it was their own network. Another goal of the ISP would "limit services (such as IP telephony or video conferencing) within their networks and extract revenues from people who earn a lot of money on the Web, like Google." (Quora, 2010) They provide the â€Å"data pipes† ensuring that any person [at a price] can connect and access all network resources. Currently, these entiti es hold true to a â€Å"code of honor† that prevents them from taking control of the content by these ways. This code means net neutrality: all content and services distributed through the pipes must be treated equally, regardless of person or entity (Quora, 2010). Neutrality still seems intact, but many users report behaviors of operators that already violate this basic principle of the network and most of the information highway studies confirm the dirty war of the companies providing internet against p2p networks. But network neutrality is not limited to a dispute over the division of the economic pie concerning technology or the battle against piracy but it is a concept that has entered the political game. According to some studies, the ISPs will accompany some European governments, in matters concerning the net transfer of money to the other side of the Atlantic in areas such as digital advertising. Perhaps for this reason, politicians have not been clear. There is no co mmunity legislation regarding Network Neutrality (Quora, 2010). The problem is that this policy is not neutrally supported by any law or regulated by any relevant entity. Therefore, their survival depends on "common sense" of users and, primarily, the network providers. The latter is the source of danger as the common sense of the big companies is generally shaped by the opportunities to make money and it can’t be ruled out at some point that they may take control of internet

Monday, February 3, 2020

Job Performace Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Job Performace Case Study - Essay Example Yet, the labour objected taking the same job classification out of the bargaining unit. This indicates the inherent suspicion that characterizes labour union-management relations and is partly responsible for the fall in job performance of the job testers. The labour union clearly showed this at the hearing. It blamed the management for not only disciplining the defaulting employees but also offering the same job classification to the same defaulting employees when the job classification was removed from the bargaining unit. This suggest the unions ‘I don’t care’ attitude because the testers handled only a job classification in the production process. Their poor performance would not have been undetected by other salaried employees. But the feeling that the management should be responsible for its ‘experimental’ decision might have informed the ‘I don’t care’ attitude. The testers were not considered part of the labours or other em ployees’ purview. In addition, one of the differences between salaried job under the non-bargaining unit and hourly job under the bargaining unit is the lack of supervision of non-salaried employees. The company management expressed its inability to discipline the testers despite having knowledge of testers’ poor performance. It means that ‘casualized’ employment focuses on cost minimization measured in terms of output of employees at the expense of employees’ conduct. Negotiating the issue of the failure of experimental program would have been the normal (or moral) thing to do. The management informed the union in the first place, when it intended to experiment the program. This gave rise to the side bar agreement. Under this agreement, the movement of the tester job classification to the bargaining unit was based on the condition of program success (quality of product). Given this and the subsequent failure of experimental program, the management ought

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Idiopathic parkinsons disease

Idiopathic parkinsons disease Introduction: Idiopathic Parkinsons disease (IPD) is a movement disorder associated with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the development of Lewy bodies. A reduction in normal striatal dopamine levels of 80% or more results in the cardinal symptoms of IPD, namely bradykinesia, rigidity, rest tremors and postural instability (1). Although the motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease are well defined, the non-motor features of this disorder are under-recognized and, consequently, undertreated. Non-motor symptoms and their management have been recognised by the UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence as an important unmet need in IPD (2). Results from a recent international survey show that up to 62% of non-motor symptoms of IPD, such as apathy, pain, sexual difficulties, bowel, urinary incontinence, and sleep disorders might remain undeclared to health-care professionals because patients are either embarrassed or unaware that the symptoms are linked to IPD (3). Results from early studies suggested that urinary dysfunction (UD) affects between 37% and 70% of individuals with IPD (4). However, many of these studies may have overestimated the prevalence of UD since they were published prior to the recognition of multiple system atrophy (MSA) as a separate disease entity. In addition, many studies recruited patients with symptomatic bladder dysfunction from tertiary referral centers. The use of non-validated questionnaires and the inclusion of patients with other forms of Parkinsonism such as cerebrovascular Parkinsonism may have led to further bias (5). More recent studies, using accepted diagnostic criteria for IPD, have found the prevalence of UD to be between 27% and 39%. When compared to a control group the relative risk of bladder symptoms in IPD is 2-fold (6). The aim of this work is to evaluate the urinary symptoms at different stages of IPD severity and its relation to urodynamic tests. Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 57 patients with probable IPD attending Urology and Neurology departments, Tanta University Hospital for evaluations of the lower urinary tract symptoms. ALL patients were subjected to, history taking including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), physical examination and neurological examinations. IPD patients were stratified into 5 stages according to Hoehn Yahr disability stages (7). The IPSS questionnaire was administrated to each patient by one of us to help the patient understand the questionnaire. All men underwent digital rectal examinations and pelvic ultrasonography to exclude prostatic hyperplasia. Eight patients diagnosed with prostatic hyperplasia were excluded from the study. All patients (49 patients) were subjected to urodynamic studies. Statistical analysis: Data are presented as mean  ± SD. Analysis was performed with SPSS statistical package version 12 (SPSS, USA). For statistical purpose the disease severity stages were divided into mild (stages 1 and 2 HY), moderate (stage 3 HY) and severe (stages 4 and 5 HY). Results: Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients; This study was carried on 49 patients with probable IPD, 31 male patients and 18 female patients, their age ranged from 56-73 years (mean 63.73 ±7.21 years).The duration of illness was 4-11 years (mean 7.81 ±3.27 years).According to Hoehn and Yaher classification of Parkinsons disease disability stage, we had 4,10,29,5,1 patients distributed into stages 1 to 5 respectively. The number of patients in stage 3 was higher than other stages; this may be due to few lower urinary symptoms in early stage of the disease and severe motor and psychiatric symptoms that affect daily life activities in advanced stages. Antiparkinsonian drugs received by the patients were levodopa (41patients), dopamine agonists (39 patients) and anticholinergics (24 patients). Lower urinary tract symptoms; The most frequent symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunctions were symptoms due to storage disorder which include nocturia (77.5%), urgency (36.7%) and frequency (32.6%) (Table 1). The IPSS index scores; The total IPSS scores and irritative index scores were correlated significantly with disease severity while obstructive index scores did not (Table 2). Also, there was significant correlation between total IPSS score and quality of life score (Table 3). Urodynamic parameters; In this study, we found 33 (67.3%) patients with detrusor hyperreflexia, 6 (12.2%) patients with hyporeflexia, 10 (20.4%) patients with normal detrusor function (Table 4). Volume at initial desire to void and maximum bladder capacity (urodynamic parameters associated with filling phase) were correlated with disease severity while detrusor pressure and post-void residual urine(urodynamic parameters associated with voiding phase) did not (Table 5).There was significant correlation between irritative symptoms score index and volume at initial desire to void and maximum bladder capacity meanwhile the obstructive symptoms score index had no significant relations with any of urodynamic parameters (Table 6). Antiparkinsonian drugs; The patients were divided into 2 groups, one group was taking anticholinergic drugs (24 patients) plus Levodopa or dopamine agonists, the second group was taking Levodopa and dopamine agonists(25 patients). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups as regard the mean of urodynamic parameters (Table 7). Table 1. Frequency of the of lower urinary tract symptoms of IPD patients Symptoms Patients NO % Nocturia 38 77.5 Urgency 18 36.7 Frequency 16 32.6 Incomplete emptying 4 8.1 Intermittency 3 6.1 Weak stream 1 2 Table 2. Total, irritative, and obstructive symptom indexes of IPSS at each stage of disease severity Stages of disease severity No Pts Mean IPSS ±SD Irritative obstructive total Mild(stages 1,2) 14 6.3 ±2.1 1.4 ±1.2 7.6 ±2.4 Moderate(stage 3) 29 7.9 ±3.2 3.3 ±2.6 11.2 ±4.5 Severe(stages 4,5) 6 10.4 ±2.7 6.2 ±3.5 16.6 ±5.1 One-way ANOVA P =0.001 Table 3. Correlation between IPSS and Quality of life scores at different stages of disease severity Stages of disease severity Total I-PSS mean ±SD Quality of life score mean ±SD Mild (stages 1,2) 7.6 ±2.4 2.8 ±1.9 Moderate (stage 3) 11.2 ±4.5 3.7 ±1.4 Severe (stages 4,5) 16.6 ±5.1 5.2 ±1.1 One-way ANOVA P=0.003 Table 4. The frequency of urodynamic findings in IPD patients Stages of HY No. Pts Normal Hyperreflexia Hyporeflexia 1 4 3 1 0 2 10 3 7 0 3 29 4 20 5 4 5 0 4 1 5 1 0 1 0 Total No. (%) 49 10(20.4) 33(67.3) 6(12.2) Table 5. Urodynamic parameters at different stages of severity of IPD Stages of disease severity Volume at initial desire to void (mean ±SD)(ml.) Maximum bladder capacity (mean ±SD)(ml.) Maximum void phase. detrusor pressure (mean ±SD)(cm.water) Post-void residual urine volume. (mean ±SD)(ml.) Mild (14Pts) 115 ± 28 195 ± 60 55 ± 15 13 ± 12 Moderate (29Pts) 95 ± 25 191 ± 59 57 ± 20 20 ± 18 Severe (6Pts) 89 ± 20 184 ± 56 59 ± 25 22 ±20 One-way ANOVA P=0.006 Table 6. Correlation between urodynamic parameters and IPSS scores Urodynamic parameters Irritative score Obstructive score R P r P Initial void desire vol. 0.95 0.001 0.92 0.35 Max Bladder capacity 0.76 0.04 0.68 0.27 Detruser pressure 0.96 0.24 0.89 0.17 Post residual Urine Vol. 0.89 0.43 0.94 0.06 Table 7. Correlation between urodynamic parameters (storage phase parameters) and antiparkisonian drugs Urodynamic parameters Anticholinergic drug group N0=24 Non anticholinergic drug group No=25 P Initial void desire vol. 102 ±27 97 ±25 ≠¥0.05 Max Bladder capacity 192 ±58 188 ±56 ≠¥0.05 Discussion: Urinary dysfunction in IPD is most frequently caused byurinary storage problems, rather than voiding dysfunction, and manifest as an overactive bladder (8). In the current study, the most prevailing urinary symptom in IPD, was nocturia (up to 77.5%), followed by urgency (36.7%) and frequency (32.6%) and these results are going with previous studies (9, 10). These may lead to urinary incontinence, which may be in part functional if immobility or poor manual dexterity complicates the situation. Since many patients with IPD have a disturbed sleep pattern and nocturnal polyuria, the actual prevalence of definite nocturia may be overestimated (12). In this study, the most striking finding of bladder dysfunction in IPD patients is detrusor hyperreflexia, which is reported in 67.3% of symptomatic patients whereas detrusor hyporeflexia is reported in 12.2% of IPD patients and normal bladder function in 20.4%. Another study which evaluated voiding function in IPD found that 67% had detrusor hyperreflexia, 16% had hyporeflexia, 9% had detrusor hypereflexia with impaired contractile function, 3% had hyperreflexia with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia and only 6% had normal detrusor functions (11). Dopaminergic mechanisms are thought to play a central role in normal micturition control and dysfunction of these may lead to detrusor overactivity. Dopaminergic neurons have both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on micturition acting via D1 and D2 receptors respectively. Such neurons are of particular abundance in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain. The most widely accepted theory is that the basal ganglia inhibits the micturition reflex in the ‘normal situation via D1 receptors, and that cell depletion in the SNC in IPD, results in loss of this D1-mediated inhibition and consequently detrusor overactivity (12). However, 12.2% of our patients had hyporeflexia which may be explained possibly by drugs especially anticholinergic and dopammiergic drugs which can inhibit bladder function and impairment of autonomic nervous system in advanced IPD. In this study, both pathological urodynamic parameters, volume at initial desire to void and maximum bladder capacity decreased with disease severity. These findings can be explained by detrusor hyperactivity. In contrast, other studies showed that post-void residual urine volume increased with disease severity (13, 14). This finding was not fully understood, but this was explained on the assumption that with advanced disease process, long standing hyperreflexia may eventually lead to impairment of bladder contractility together with the hypokinesia of pelvic floor muscles resulting in bladder outlet obstruction with consequent increase in post-void residual urine volume (13, 14). Others believe that they may be secondary to anticholinergics, obstructive uropathy, or point to the presence of multiple system atrophy (15). Because many IPD patients are on multiple drug therapy, which can inhibit bladder function, the current study, demonstrated that the mean of urodynamic parameters did not differ in patients who did or did not receive anticholinergics or dopaminergic drugs, which suggests that it is part of the IPD itself. These results are going with that of Araki et al. (11), who found no difference in the mean of urodynamic parameters among patients on different antiparkinsonian drugs (11). On the other hand, many studies showed conflicting results(16-18)that some suggest cortical dysfunction (18) or a possible implication of nondopaminergic lesions in the occurrence of bladder dysfunction in IPD (16). Lower urinary tract symptoms quantified by IPSS showed that irritative symptoms index score correlated with disease severity and with detrusor overactivity that was manifested urodynamically by decrease in volume at initial desire to void and maximum bladder capacity(storage phase) whereas the obstructive symptoms index score did not correlate with disease severity nor urodynamic parameters. In contrast, some other studies show that, irritative symptoms index score correlated with detrusor overactivity and obstructive symptoms index score correlated with voiding underactivity. Additionally, both irritative and obstructive symptom index scores increased with disease severity (13, 21).This discrepancy between the present study and other studies may be explained by fewer numbers of patients in advanced disease stage and the patients evaluated under multiple drugs therapy in advanced disease. In conclusion, most of the patients with IPD suffer from urological disorder; most commonly is detrusor hyperactivity which results in irritative urinary symptoms that correlate well with disease severity. These disabling symptoms significantly affect quality of life of IPD patients. References: 1-Clarke C. Parkinsons disease in practice. 2nd ed. London: Royal Society of Medicine Press Ltd; 2006 2-Chaudhuri KR, Healy D, Schapira AHV. The non motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Diagnosis and management. Lancet Neurol 2006; 5: 235-45. 3-Mitra T, Naidu Y, Martinez-Martin P, et al. The non declaration of non motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease to healthcare professionals. An international survey using the NMSQuest. 6th International Congress on Mental Dysfunctions and other Non-motor Features in Parkinsons disease and Related Disorders. Dresden October, 2008. Park Related DisordersP0II: 161. 4-Andersen J. Disturbances of bladder and urethral function in Parkinsons disease. International Urol and Nephrol 1985;17:35-41. 5.Blackett H, Walker R, Wood B. Urinary dysfunction in Parkinsons disease: a review. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2009 Feb;15(2):81-7. 6- Hobson P, Islam W, Roberts S, Adhiyman V, Meara J. The risk of bladder and autonomic dysfunction in a community cohort of Parkinsons disease patients and normal controls. Parkinsonism Related Disorders 2003; 10:67-71. 7-Gelb DJ, Oliver E, Gilman S. Diagnostic criteria for Parkinson disease. Arch Neurol 1999;56:33-39. 8-Eckhardt MD, van Venrooij GE, Boon TA; Symptoms and quality of life versus age, prostate volume, and urodynamic parameters in 565 strictly selected men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urology 2001 Apr; 57(4):695-700. 9-Hoehn MM, Yahr MD. Parkinsonism: onset, progression and mortality. Neurology 1967; 17: 427. 10-Defreitas GA, Lemack GE, Zimmern PE, Dewey RB, Roehrborn CG, OSuilleabhain PE. Distinguishing neurogenic from non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity: A urodynamic assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with and without Parkinsons disease. Urology2003 Oct;62(4):651-5. 11-Araki I, Kuno S. Assessment of voiding dysfunction in Parkinsons disease by the international prostate symptom score. J Neurol Neurosurg and Psych 2000;68:429-433. 12- Porter B, Walker R. The night time problems facing Parkinsons patients. CME J Geriat Med 2007;8:99-103. 13- Araki I, Kitahara M, Oida T, Kuno S. Voiding dysfunction and Parkinsons disease: urodynamic abnormalities and urinary symptoms. J Urol2000 Nov;164(5):1640-3. 14-Seki S, Igawa Y, Kaidoh K, Ishizuka O, Nishizawa O, Andersson KE. Role of dopamine D1 and D1 receptors in the micturition reflex in conscious rats. Neurourol Urody2001; 20:105-13. 15-Yoshimura N, Mizuta E, Yoshida O, Kuno S. Therapeutic effects of dopamine D1/D2 receptor agonists on detrusor hyperreflexia in MPTP lesioned parkinsonian cynomoglogous monkeys. J Pharmacol Exper Therap 1998;286(1):228-233. 16-Pavlakis AJ, Siroky MB, Goldstein I and Krane RJ. Neurourologic findings in Parkinsons disease. J Urol 1983; 129:80-83. 17-Stocchi F, Carbone A, Inghilleri, et al. Urodynamic and neurophysiological evaluation in Parkinsons disease and multiple systems atrophy. J Neurol Neurosurg Psych 1997;62:507-11. 18-Wing K, Werdelin L, Nielson K, Stimpel H. Effects of dopaminergic treatment on bladder function in Parkinsons disease. Neurourol Urodyn 2004;23:689-96. 19-Aranda B, Cramer P. Effects of apomorphine and L-dopa on the Parkinsonian bladder. Neurourol Urodyn 1993;12:203-209. 20-Christmas TJ, Chapple CR, Lees AJ, Kempster PA, Frankel JP, Stern GM. Role of subcutaneous apomorphine in parkinsonian voiding dysfunction. Lancet1988 Dec 24-31;2(8626-8627):1451-1453. 21- Dubow JS. Autonomic dysfunction in Parkinsons disease. Dis Mon 2007;53:265-274.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Menopause

IntroductionThe climacteric affects womens normal quality of life and is marked by the stoping of menses. This fact has been proved and highlighted by research workers from clip to clip. In the UK and other developed states tremendous diminution in maternal mortality, leads to increasing proportions of adult females are lasting up to the climacteric age and old ages of active life beyond it. The mean life anticipation for adult females in developed states is around 75 old ages ( Khaw, 1992 ) . Harmonizing to Rees et al figure of older people will lift because addition in life anticipation and diminution in birthrate rate ( Rees et al, 2009 ) . Majority of adult females in advanced societies experience climacteric and can anticipate to populate about 30 old ages beyond this event ( McKinlay et al, 2008 ) . This means most of adult females will confront alterations during menopausal age which includes vasomotor symptoms, sexual disfunction, psychological symptoms and the long term effects of climacteric on bone. Osteoporosis increases the hazard of break and loss of mobility which leads to dependence of others. Consultations for the climacteric are increasing with the addition population and at that place high life anticipation. Health attention professionals associated with adult females ‘s wellness, will be covering with this of all time increasing job more often. This literature reappraisal will assist trainee gynecologist, general practicians and advisers to better their apprehension of climacteric symptoms and there comparative directionAim and ObjectiveThis reappraisal article is aimed to review and better cognition of trainee gynecologists, general practicians and advisers covering with menopausal adult females. An effort is made to simplify the basic constructs in climacteric based on critical analysis of best available grounds. Method The completed reappraisal article was sent to five gynecologists who have interested in climacteric for equal reappraisal and feedback. These included specializer registrars, advisers, and general practicians. The feedback questionnaires include inquiries about content, relevancy to targeted audience and utility in pattern. The quality graduated table with five point response options from ‘1 for hapless ‘ through to ‘5 for excellent ‘ was used. The free text inquiries about countries for betterment and airing of this article were besides included. The feedback signifiers were collected and analysed anonymously. In the reflection subdivision, thoughts and suggestions from equal reappraisal forms the nucleus treatment.Literature reappraisalWhat is Menopause? The climacteric is defined as the surcease of the catamenial rhythm and is caused by ovarian failure. The term is derived from the Greek meno, intending month, and intermission, intending an stoping. ( Rees et al 2009 ) . The perimenopause includes the period get downing with the first characteristics of nearing climacteric and ends 1 twelvemonth after the last catamenial period. Menopausal passage is period of clip of the perimenopause that ends with the concluding catamenial period ( Burger et al, 2002 ) . What happens ( biological science of climacteric ) ? The biological science underlying the passage to menopause includes cardinal neuroendocrine alterations every bit good as alterations within the ovary, the most contact of which is a profound diminution in follicle Numberss ( Burger et al, 2002 ) . The entire Numberss of oocyte are maximum at intrauterine life. The entire figure of germ cells appears to lift steadily, around 600,000 at 2 months which making a extremum of 6,800,000 at 5 month. By the clip of birth, the figure of oocyte will worsen. In newborn babies around 100,000 oocytes remains and at the age of 7 old ages merely 300,000 oocytes survives ( Baker, 1963 ) . The figure of follicles lessenings with increased age, alteration occurs when figure of follicle falls to the critical figure of 25,000 at age 37.5 old ages. The figure of follicle reduced to around 1000 at 51 old ages and it was adopted as the menopausal threshold because it corresponds to the average age of climacteric in the general population ( Faddy et al, 199 2 ) . In one survey it was demonstrated that figure of follicle was 10-fold higher in normal flowing adult females than that in perimenopausal adult females. Follicles were virtually absent in the postmenopausal ovaries ( Richardson et al, 1987 ) . Menopause is triggered by the figure of ovarian follicles falling below a threshold figure and is irreversible because oogonial root cells disappear after birth ( Faddy et al, 1992 ) . When it happens? In one survey it is demonstrated that the mean age at natural climacteric was 51.4 old ages. If the climacteric occurs in a adult female who is less than 45 old ages of age, it is known as premature climacteric ( have to happen out ) . Smoke, lower educational attainment and nonemployment were related to earlier age at natural climacteric and anterior usage of unwritten preventives and para were associated with ulterior age at climacteric ( Gold, et Al, 2001 ) . What are the common symptoms of climacteric? In climacteric, there is decrease in production of oestrogen and addition in degree of gonadotrophin. Follicular exciting endocrine gets addition in circulation and lessening in degree of oestradiol and inhibin B ( Burger et al, 2002 ) . Therefore during the climacteric diminution in the degree of oestrogen, can do a figure of symptoms. The major menopausal symptoms are hot flowers, dark workout suits and urogenital symptoms, including vaginal waterlessness, loss of lubrication with sexual intercourse, and urinary frequence ( Farrell 2003 ) . Some symptoms are discussed in item below ; Vasomotor symptoms Hot flowers and dark workout suits are the primary and most common symptoms of climacteric. Hot flowers have great variableness in their frequence and badness in adult females ; they may prevail for several months or last for 10 old ages ( Utian, WH, 2005 ) . Hot flowers are episodes of inappropriate heat loss mediated by cutaneal vasodilatation over the upper bole ( Rees et al, 2009 ) . Vasomotor symptoms are extremely prevailing in most societies. The prevalence of these symptoms varies widely and may be influenced by a scope of factors, including clime, diet, lifestyle, adult females ‘s functions, and attitudes sing the terminal of generative life and aging. Forms in hot flush prevalence were evident for menopausal phases and, to a lesser grade, for regional fluctuation ( Freeman et al, 2007 ) . Urogenital wasting and urinary incontinency Atrophic alterations occur in the vulva, vagina, urethra and vesica subsequent to oestrogen want ( Iosif, 1992 ) . This changes leads to cut down sexual activity. The oestrogen receptors decline in the vaginal mucous membrane after the climacteric, Cavallini survey shows ER as dominant oestrogen receptor in the human vagina and no significant difference has been seen in its look between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal groups. While a diminution of the ER & A ; szlig ; mRNA degree has been found in the post-menopausal adult females merely. Therefore, Oestrogen receptors ne'er disappear wholly and, in response to exogenic oestrogens, the figure of receptors in the vagina can return to pre-menopausal degrees ( Cavallini et al, 2008 ) . Therefore, this activation of oestrogen receptors produces an addition in vaginal secernments and epithelial proliferation and vascularization taking to glycogen deposition and a decrease in vaginal pH due to higher lactic acid production ( Galhardo et al, 2006 ) . Some symptoms of urogenital wasting are listed in Table 1. Psychological Symptom Depressed temper, anxiousness, crossness, temper swings are symptoms associated with climacteric ( Freeman et al, 2008 ) . There is grounds of increased hazard for developing depression. Depression during the perimenopause may hold a significant impact on personal, household and professional domains of life ( Cohen et al, 2005 ) . Womans are at a higher hazard than work forces to develop depression. Menopausal passage is associated with higher hazard for new oncoming and perennial depression. Ovarian endocrines modulate 5-hydroxytryptamine and noradrenaline neurotransmission, a procedure that may be associated with implicit in pathophysiological procedures involved in the outgrowth of depressive symptoms during periods of hormonal fluctuation in biologically predisposed subpopulations ( Frey et al, 2008 ) . In one survey following psychological symptoms were included ; ( Greene, 2008 ) . The psychological symptoms are listed in Table 2. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass, micro architectural impairment of bone tissue taking to heighten bone breakability and a attendant addition in break hazard ( Consensus Development Conference, 1991 ) . The authoritative osteoporotic breaks are hep, vertebral and wrist breaks. These osteoporotic breaks such as hip breaks have a really high morbidity and mortality. The life-time hazard of any osteoporotic break is really high and lies within the scope of 40-50 % in adult females and 13-22 % for work forces. Fractures happening at a site associated with low BMD and which addition in incidence after the age of 50 old ages ( Johnell and Kanis, 2005 ) . Dementia and Cognitive map Harmonizing to one survey grounds suggests that oestrogen failure associated with climacteric and station climacteric, which is related to cognitive and affectional upsets and to increased hazard of Alzheimer ‘s disease ( Solerte et al, 1999 ) . A gradual diminution in cognitive maps is portion of the normal aging procedure. However, pronounced confusion, freak out, memory loss and other alterations may signal a underdeveloped dementedness. A broad assortment of upsets can do dementedness like Alzheimer disease, vascular dementedness and dementedness with Lewy organic structures ( Rees et al, 2009 ) . Alzheimer disease is the most common type of dementedness and is characterized by memory loss, confusion and cognitive shortages ( ) . Oestrogen influences memory, knowledge and attenuates the extent of cell decease ensuing from encephalon hurts ( Wise et al, 2001 ) . Several surveies suggested that oestrogen is indispensable for optimum encephalon maps as oestrogen has been shown to increase intellectual blood flow, act as an anti-inflammatory agent, and enhance activity at neural synapses ( Behl, 2002 ) . Which are the interventions for menopausal symptoms? Onlyone in 10women seeks medical advice when they go through the climacteric, and many do non necessitate any intervention. However, if your menopausal symptoms are terrible plenty to interfere with your day-to-day life, there are interventions that can assist. Treatment for vasomotor symptoms Hormone replacing therapy is extremely effectual in relieving hot flowers and dark workout suits. In one systematic reappraisal 21 surveies, continuance from 3 month to 3 old ages were included with 2511 participants. There was a important decrease of strength and frequence of hot flowers in the HRT group compared to placebo group was observed ( Maclennan et al, 2001 ) . Patches, gels and implants have been found to cut down hot flowers with the same grade of efficaciousness as unwritten therapy ( Farrell 2003 ) . One randomised test demonstrates that black baneberry used in isolation or in a multibotanical merchandise helps in alleviation of vasomotor symptoms ( Newton et al, 2006 ) . In one dual blind, randomised, parallel group, outpatient, multicenter survey entire 177 postmenopausal adult females were sing five or more hot flowers per twenty-four hours were randomized to have either soy isoflavone infusion or placebo. Decreases in the incidence and badness of hot flowers occurred every bit shortly as 2 hebdomads in the soy group, whereas the placebo group experienced no alleviation for the first 4 hebdomads. Soy isoflavone infusion has effectual in cut downing frequence and badness of flowers and supply an attractive add-on to the picks available for alleviation of hot flowers. ( Upmalis et al, 2000 ) . Treatment for Urogenital wasting and urinary incontinency Oestrogen therapy is first pick of intervention for urogenital wasting ( Palacios, 2009 ) . A meta-analysis of surveies of oestrogen therapy demonstrated that, oestrogen is efficacious in the intervention of urogenital wasting. Low-dose vaginal oestradiol readyings are every bit effectual as systemic oestrogen therapy in the intervention of urogenital wasting in postmenopausal adult females ( Cardozo et al, 1998 ) . Oestrogen pick 1 or 2 times/week may forestall return after symptoms are resolved ( Laurie, 2001 ) . In one reappraisal it was concluded, that oestrogen given consistently or locally in all dose regimen is effectual, but topical vaginal application entirely is preferable if systematic intervention is non needed ( Palacios, 2009 ) . Cochrane systematic reappraisal besides concluded that vaginal oestrogen reduces the figure of urinary piece of land infections in postmenopausal adult females ‘s, with perennial urinary piece of land infection ( Perrotta et al, 2008 ) . Vaginal lubricators and moisturizers are besides helpful ; it provides longer alleviation by altering the unstable content of endometrium and take downing vaginal pH. Womans with contraindications to ERT-HRT could utilize lubricators for intercourse-related waterlessness or moisturizers for more uninterrupted alleviation ( Laurie, 2001 ) . Lubricants are impermanent steps to alleviate vaginal waterlessness during intercourse and moisturizers give longer diagnostic alleviation ( Palacios, 2009 ) . Agrimony, black baneberry, chaste tree, dong quai, enchantress Pomaderris apetala, and phytoestrogens are utile to cut down the vaginal waterlessness and dyspareunia but no grounds exists to back up these specific claims ( Laurie, 2001 ) . Treatment for psychological symptom Transdermal oestradiol, serotonergic and noradrenergic antidepressants are efficacious in the intervention of depression in diagnostic midlife adult females ( Frey et al, 2008 ) . There is deficient grounds that HT improves temper, depression and other temper symptoms ( Farrell 2003 ) . Socioculture and household factors are more of import in the aetiology of mental unwellness in menopausal adult females ; in such instances antidepressants are more effectual than oestrogen therapy ( Ballinger, 1990 ) . Treatment for osteoporosis Oestrogen therapy is the drug of pick for forestalling bone loss in menopausal adult females. Women ‘s Health Initiative ( WHI ) survey reported important decrease in the hazard of clinical breaks in a population-based sample of healthy postmenopausal adult females aged 50-79 old ages. In this big randomized controlled test, 16 608 adult females were recruited to the oestrogen-plus-progestogen arm of the survey. Treatment consisted, of one day-to-day tablet incorporating conjugated equine estrogen ( CEE ) , 0.625 milligram, and Provera ethanoate ( MPA ) , 2.5 mg. Trial were stopped with average follow-up period of 5.2 twelvemonth. In this survey, a important decrease was demonstrated in clinical vertebral and non-vertebral breaks, including hip breaks ( WHI, 2002 ) . Calcitonin besides helps by diminishing farther bone loss at vertebral and femoral sites. Orally administered bisphosphonates cut down bone loss and the incidence of vertebral malformation in patients with establis hed postmenopausal osteoporosis. In menopausal adult females adequate Ca consumption is necessary. A minimal consumption of 800 milligram of calcium day-to-day is recommended for all grownups. Fluoride, anabolic steroids and parathyroid endocrine stimulate bone formation. Vitamin D lack increases the hazard of hep break ; hence vitamin D lack should be prevented and treated ( Consensus Development Conference, 1991 ) . Treatment for Dementia and Cognitive map One survey demonstrates that oestrogen plus progestin therapy increased the hazard for likely dementedness in postmenopausal adult females aged 65 old ages or older and did non forestall mild cognitive damage in these adult females ( Shumaker et al, 2003 ) . There are no dependable informations to demo the benefit of oestrogen replacing therapy on dementedness with regard to knowledge, bar or hold in development of Alzheimer dementedness ( Mulnard et al, 2000 ) . Womans are more likely to be dietetic addendum and natural redress, phytoestrogens ; peculiarly isoflavones have protective effects in these conditions. Hormone Replacement Therapy ( HRT ) Hormone replacing therapy ( HRT ) is effectual in handling several of the most common menopausal symptoms, including hot flowers and dark workout suits, vaginal symptoms and cystitis. The chief indicant for HRT usage in postmenopausal adult females remains the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. Treatment for up to 5 old ages does non add important life clip hazard but little addition in hazard of chest malignant neoplastic disease after long-run therapy ( Skouby et al, 2005 ) . Hormone replacing therapy consists of an oestrogen with progestin. Oestrogen therapy on day-to-day footing with a progestin either cyclically or continuously are being used in non-hysterectomized adult females. After hysterectomy it is usual to order oestrogen entirely ( Farrell, 2003 ) . Testosterone therapy is given to immature adult females traveling through a premature climacteric and to adult females who exhibit symptoms of testosterone lack ( Farrell 2003 ) . Tibolone is a steroid compound structurally related to 19-nortestosterone derived functions ( such as norethisterone ) , which exhibits a attendant weak estrogenic, progestational, and androgenic activity. Tibolone is described as a tissue-specific therapy because of its mechanisms of action, a classical receptor response, enzyme suppression within the chest and womb and specific local metamorphosis as in the womb. It is metabolized to three metabolites, with the 3a- and 3 & A ; szlig ; – hydroxytibolone metabolites working merely by adhering to the oestrogen receptor and hence holding oestrogen-like actions, and the? 4 isomer holding Lipo-Lutin and androgen-like actions but no oestrogen action ( Palacios, 2001 ) . The paths of disposal of endocrines ( for HRT ) that are available are unwritten, Transdermal, hypodermic, vaginal, intramuscular, intrauterine, buccal and intranasal. There are besides many different types of oestrogen, including oestradiol, theelin, oestriol and conjugated equid oestrogen readyings, and progestin such as micronized Lipo-Lutin, dydrogestrone, norethisterone, Provera ethanoate, levonorgestrel and other newer progestogens ( Farrell 2003 ) . The hazard and benefits of HRTs are listed in Table 3. Extra Information How will this article aid you in pattern? Are there any countries in which you would hold liked to see more item? How can this article be improved farther? Menopause The term â€Å"menopause† technically refers to the cessation of menstruation, while the broader range of menopause symptoms, often associated with the gradual ending of ovarian function, is called â€Å"climacterium.† Some accounts of the climacterium imply that all of the positive aspects of being a woman are now ended; many women perceive this to be the case.   (Sheldon J. Segal Ph. D., Luigi D. Mastroianni Jr., M, 2003). Menopause normally occurs to women between the ages of forty and fifty-five, although technically menopause can also occur earlier if the ovaries begin to malfunction. This leads to declining levels of progesterone and estrogen, although there can be temporary increases of these hormones as the pituitary attempts to have the body compensate for the lower hormones produced by the ovaries. Gradually, though, the hormones achieve a stable, but very low level, menstrual cycles stop, and ova are no longer produced. This gradual decline in hormones begins in the late twenties although the final cessation of menstruation does not generally occur until the forties or fifties. After menopause, estrogen levels are on the average about one-sixth of that of a premenopausal woman and production of progesterone also shows a substantial drop. Androgen levels, however, are relatively unaffected, although they show a gradual decline.   (Sheldon J. Segal Ph. D., Luigi D. Mastroianni Jr., M, 2003). A wide range of physical and emotional changes have been associated with menopause. The group of menopausal women reports a relatively high number of physical symptoms such as hot flashes and cold sweats. However, menopausal women did not report a consistently higher incidence of psychological symptoms. Although for some symptoms the percentages listed for menopausal women are very high (e.g., 78 percent report depression), the percentages are essentially no higher than those listed at most other ages. In fact, adolescents reported the highest incidence of many psychological symptoms commonly attributed to women experiencing menopause. After menopause, women exhibit a variety of body changes, but it is unclear if such symptoms are a result of having undergone menopause itself or if they reflect the effects of aging. Among these effects are: drying of skin tissues; weakening of muscles; decreased immunity to disease; bones becoming more brittle; shrinking of the breasts; and thinning of the vaginal walls. Also, even though sexual functioning is affected (the vaginal walls become thinner and thus more prone to infections and vaginal lubrication necessary to sexual intercourse is reduced), many women report feeling continued or increased interest in sex. Finally, some women react to menopause with depression, though the risk of developing an affective disorder during menopause does not seem to be as high as many think.   (Sheldon J. Segal Ph. D., Luigi D. Mastroianni Jr., M, 2003). The symptoms associated with the climacterium, as with the correlates of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy can be attributed to a variety of biological and psychological factors. Along with the hormonal changes of menopause and the general effects of aging, middle age is time when mothers find their direct maternal role is over, with the adulthood of their children being reached. It is also accompanied by fears of loss of beauty and concern over the deaths of parents and other loved ones. Marital difficulties may also emerge. All these factors may also be causal elements in the depression so often related to menopause, as well as some of the physiological symptoms.   (Molly Siple, Deborah Gordon, 2001). One of the major theories of the underlying cause of postmenopausal and menopausal symptoms is that they are produced by the withdrawal of estrogen from the woman's body. Many of the physiological symptoms discussed earlier can be seen as opposites of the general effects of estrogen upon the body. Also, some research suggests that postmenopausal symptoms can be relieved by the administration of estrogen. It does seem plausible that direct physiological symptoms could be aided with hormone therapy, but this will do little for psychological symptoms. It is less clear that a depressed middle-aged woman should be given estrogen when the possibility of negative side effects has not been ruled out and when depression could well have psychological rather than biological reasons. These are complicated issues and there are no easy answers. The estrogen might well have the effect of making a woman look and feel younger, which might in turn relieve her depression, but are the risks worth this possibility? The medical profession is currently in controversy about the increased risks of cancer as a result of estrogen-replacement therapy. (Molly Siple, Deborah Gordon, 2001). References Molly Siple, Deborah Gordon (2001). Menopause the Natural Way; John Wiley & Sons Sheldon J. Segal Ph. D., Luigi D. Mastroianni Jr., M. (2003). Hormone Use in Menopause & Male Andropause: A Choice for Women and Men; Oxford University Press

Friday, January 10, 2020

How Hiphop Has Changed the Youth in Society Essay

Throughout the past 30 years, there has been much speculation about how negative hip-hop music truly is, and how it actually affects the youth. The hip-hop music of recent years has been the foundation of many controversial issues and has been illustrated negatively by the media countless times. Issues such as gun and knife crime which has escalated heavily within younger age groups in the last 15 years, especially in the USA and UK and also drug abuse, the use of marijuana being used openly within the younger generations. Hip-hop has been accused of influencing the youth to become more misogynistic towards women by constantly having explicit content, such as racist and sexist lyrics in their music. Hip-hip has always been stereotypically associated with violence and black crime. Due to this, older generations have always had an antagonistic outlook on the entire hip-hop genre of music. Although hip-hip music is considered negative in the eyes of many people, there is to consider various questions to have a better understanding and point of view on the controversial issue. Today we speak, dress and drive what the stars do. Where we shop and eat even the types of homes we buy is dictated by what we â€Å"hear† the celebrities are doing. That is a powerful influence over an individual adult but only imagine what type of influence this has over an impressionable pre-teen. Due to the fact that hip-hop/rap music appeals to the thirteen to eighteen year old audiences and the artists performing come from very similar backgrounds of the listeners, rap music is able to control the way that youth think. Teens and pre-teens are using their part-time job pay check to buy grills (a form of jewellery worn in the mouth) and other types of jewellery and even weapons such as knives and guns are seen as metaphorical fashion accessories for the youth, as these things are incorporated into the lyrics of hip-hop and rap music. What is hip-hop music? In order to understand the hip-hop phenomena one must first create a foundation of knowledge through learning its history. Hip-hop began from a mixture of spoken word poetry, jazz drumming, and jazz instrumentations. Hip-hop is one of the most popular genres of music out today and has been steadily growing in popularity since its rise in fame from the late 1970s. With the rise of MTV in the early 1980s, early hip-hop music was constantly being shown with TV shows such as ‘Yo! MTV raps’ and since then has been known to be one of music’s most successful art forms and has remained popular to this day. With over forty years of being around, hip-hop has grown and matured and most importantly expanded from its origin of the south Bronx in New York, to worldwide. The genre and sub culture originated in the early 1970s when a Jamaican immigrant by the name of Clive Campbell aka DJ Kool Herc, first hit the scene in the Bronx. Campbell started DJ-ing his own parties, playing soul, funk as well as R&B records on his turntable set. Herc also brought his know how of the sound system and the popular dancehall/block party scene. Graffiti art had also begun to take shape in the subways of Philadelphia in the mid 1960s. A black teenager by the name of Cornbread began tagging the subways in hopes of attracting a girl he had found feelings for; from this form of youth expression came Graffiti. Fab 5 Freddy, one of the original DJs of Hip-hop, began an art from known as scratching and popularized DJing. Hip-hop consists of four elements, ‘B-boying’ or also known as break dancing. ‘Djing’, ‘Emceeing’, and street art or more commonly known as ‘graffiti’. Djing, also known as the first element of hip-hop began when disc jockeys created beats on two turntables. The way DJs created their beats was simple yet revolutionary in an essence. The DJs would first find a portion of a song that emphasized a percussive pattern, and then looped a portion of the song to form a rhythmic pattern. This procedure is now more commonly known as sampling. With the beat or instrumental now developed, the DJ decided the music needed some accompaniment to the music such as singing or poetry. This procedure is known as rapping or Emceeing. From hip-hop spawned the sub-genre ‘Rap’ in the early 1980s. More and more artists became interested in the new form of music out of New York. In 1981, Rap gained a lot of exposure through popular shows such as 20/20 and Saturday night live. The 1990s saw even more change in the hip-hop industry. Early in the decade, artists fought for permission to sell their albums since most authorities deemed them ‘obscene’ due to the explicit content within the music. A lot which expressed sexual references towards women and talked about the use of drugs. Hip-hop music also spoke strongly about politics and poverty, artists such as Tupac and Public Enemy spoke about such issues. In the 1990s the tension that had been gathering between the west coast ‘Gangsta’ and the East coast artists has exploded and resulted in the shooting deaths of Christopher Wallace and Tupac Shakur. In the present day Hip-Hop is one of the largest and fastest growing sources of capital and has a great influence on its fans. The roles that Hip-Hop and Hip-Hop artist play in America require responsibility, however, many of the performers and labels take none. By using television and other various sorts of visual media Hip-Hop portrays less than positive stereotypes and all but influences the youth to accept these stereotypes as normal behaviour. The detrimental effect that popular Hip-Hop has doesn’t stop at the visual level. Lyrical content in songs have been dumbed down and filled with violence, sex, and drugs. For example the song â€Å"Hate Being Sober† by Chief Keef condones the use of drugs at all times and gives the impression that it is ok and cool. â€Å"While many Hip-Hop songs contain messages about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, few provide an accurate portrayal of the negative consequences of substance abuse† Negative accusations and harsh criticism has always been an issue for the hip-hop genre of music. Some of these accusations include how hip-hop influences the youth to become more misogynistic towards women by constantly having explicit content, such as racist and sexist lyrics in their music. Because of this, Hip-hop music has been criticized greatly by the media accusing the music of affecting the youth that sexism and other such forms of oppression are acceptable to society. Although the media has a major impact on how Hip-hop is viewed by the masses, their is some people who view Hip-hop differently. Famous civil rights leader Al Sharpton was asked on what he believed on this particular issue and said, â€Å"The hip-hop culture is just like electricity, it can be used negatively or positively. The same electric current that lights up your house can also electrocute you. It is the misuse of hip-hop culture to attack our women and promote violence. We must encourage the proper use of hip-hop culture. We are all influenced by the hip-hop generation. † (â€Å"Is hip-hop culture,† 2000) On a survey done to twenty-five people in the 17- 60 yrs of age range, twenty people know someone that is exposed to the Hip-hop culture and twenty-one of them believed that Hip-hop isn’t a negative art form. In Figures 1, 2, and 3 show the results from the survey done. On Figure 2, it shows that most of the people surveyed do believe that Hip-hop music has the most influence on the youth. Rap music generally depicts the lives and souls of many under privileged youths, citing depression and violence during upbringings. The youth of today’s society and in the past, take this music as a way of expression, a way of overruling everything they believe is corrupt and in their own way become corrupt themselves by not caring about the rules. Rap music can be transparently seen as a striking negative influence on today’s youth just by listening to certain songs which praise violence and the use of drugs. Take rapper Wiz Khalifa for instance. This artist is a prime example of being a huge negative influence to today’s society by the extensive amount of marijuana use, portrayed within his lyrics. The artist mentions marijuana in his songs and speaks about it in a positive way, speaking about the stimulating effects it has on him and almost making the drug sound ‘cool’ to the younger generation, making them think that smoking this drug is cool and acceptable as rapper Wiz Khalifa openly smokes it and mentions it. The number of drug references in rap music has raised six fold since the genre revolutionised pop music. Researchers who analysed the lyrics of hundreds of songs say rap has been transformed from one which warned against the dangers of drug abuse to one that routinely glorifies it. And because many of the references are coded, many parents are unaware what their children are listening to.