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Multinational companies are business entities that have their operations spread out in more than one country
Multinational companies are business entities that have their operations spread out in more than one country. This implies that they have one headquarters which is based in a certain country and the other branches answer to them. However, they do have their own heads that all responsibility is placed on. It operates from a home country and operates in other host countries. The main advantage of this model of organization is that it allows the executive to take advantage of incorporating in a given locality while at the same producing goods and services in localities where costs are lower (Pitelis, 2008). This helps in the increase of company shares as well as low-cost access to local markets. However, this venture is not entirely a smooth one. There are several barriers and challenges that these companies face in the wake of their expansion progress. Language barrier among others really underestimates their expansion since they cannot communicate very well with the locals. This implies extra costs in getting people that will work for them before they can establish themselves and gain public confidence. This leaves the company with no option but to practice multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is defined in this sense as the ethnic diversity applied to demographic make-up of a specific place especially in an organization. This implies that there must be definite deliberations before establishing any contacts anywhere in the world (Banks, 2007).
There will be repercussions observed whenever any country accepts MNCs in their midst. These companies could easily drive the local firms out of business due to their cheap prices or an overflow in the market. Despite having resources at cheaper prices, they might be forced to export these commodities at their own expense whereas the initial goal was to maximize the market in these host countries. The other result could be the transfer of pricing and its effects on tax revenues (Sell, 2003).
On the contrary, there are several other means within which the country can gain from such expansions. There will be an increase in the employment rates as these MNCs will offer the jobless yet skilled personnel a chance to exercise their aptitudes. This will increase tax revenues for the government since these employed people will be under the rules of the host country where tax revenues will be in accordance to the stipulated laws and policies (Pitelis, 2008). There will be balance of payment since the government will not be the sole employer monopolizing the payments. There will be technological transfer from developed countries to the developing countries which will help bring them to par with what the rest of the world is using.
Cultural barriers really affect these MNCs whenever they venture in host countries. Language is a common barrier that really puts them down. Lack of communication can affect the company very much since it would be expensive to ship workers from the home country to the host country to have them work there. There is a need to involve the locals very much if they are to make it in the market (Putnam, 2007). The cultures there might be restrictive especially when it comes to the production of some of goods. In areas where certain foods are a taboo, the company venturing into the hotel industry would be affected if it was not aware of this before hand. Same case applies to countries that observe region and are against widespread manufacture of alcohol or such drugs. The location could also become a problem since some communities observe nature as their home hence clearance of areas to have them build their enterprises.
Diversity cannot be ignored in the modern day world because of the implications involved. Diversity encourages the growth of the MNC in size. If it will be willing to encompass other cultures in its development of goods and services, there will be enough room for expansion as the people will be more willing to welcome them in their midst if they observe their culture and respect their values (Putnam, 2007). Another aspect is that employing local people will definitely reduce the costs of production as well as the costs of employment. This implies that they will be willing to accommodate more people in their company hence increasing production at lower costs as compared to their mother company. Ignoring this could lead to failure in the business since the local people will view you as a foreigner.
Political issues also arise when such MNCs seek permits to have them operate in foreign countries. For instance, there could be the issue of policy making which could be changing at different times weakening the power of these MNCs (Nodia, 2006). This can be solved by signing contracts and treaties that are recognized under international laws that will protect the company’s patents. Another issue would be the threat of nationalization that could force a company to sell its local assets to the government or local nationals (Sell, 2003). This can be solved by signing contracts with the government to protect their existence in their countries. Zoning laws could also be established to suite these companies to their favor.
Economic issues such as taxation are a great hindrance to MNCs. These taxes are sometimes overrated especially for global companies which would raise their costs of production. Another issue is the trade blocs that the country may be signatory to. The solution here would be evaluation of the SWOTS in the country before venturing into such areas. If the sanctions are within international limits, then it would be okay to venture (Nodia, 2006). Therefore, the PPQ executives must be overly aware of such issues that would hurt their business endeavors. Moving to economic powers like Germany and Japan require one to establish a good foundation that can support them incase the need arises.
References:
Banks, J.A. (2007) Issues and Perspectives: Multicultural Education:, Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Nodia G., (2006)‘Nationalism and the Crisis of Liberalism’, London: Oxford University Press
Pitelis, Christos (2008). The nature of the transnational firm. Michigan: Routledge. p. 74
Putnam, Robert D. (June 2007), ” Diversity and Community in the Twenty-first Century ” Scandinavian Political Studies 30 (2), p.475-480
Sell S. (2003), The Globalization of Intellectual Property Rights: Private Power, Public Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Growth in human, dog and cat saliva
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The saliva is an important component of the body of both humans and animals. Its major functions are to act as lubricant in the mouth and to provide favorable environments for the thriving of various digestive enzymes among others. However, uniqueness exists in the functioning of saliva in different human and animal species. This document attempts to exemplify growth in human, cat and dog saliva and discusses on comparisons amongst these.
Growth in Human Saliva
The insulin life growth factor concentrations in mixed saliva collected from individuals showed that it remained steady for twenty four hours when collected at basal rates, but were diminished in saliva samples collected at a maximally stimulated flow rate. This pattern was also ascertained amongst individual’s males and females when the Insulin like growth factor was plotted as a function of age. Low levels were exhibited in early childhood, rising over time, with age, peaking at puberty and falling age in late adolescent. However these results were different from plasma measurements in three major ways. First of all, the salivary insulin- like growth factor concentration was less than that of plasma concentrations. Secondly, the insulin growth like factor levels in age matched male and female samples were indifferent outside pubertal influences. Lastly, the level of this factor in neonatals was highly variable with concentrations ranging up to pubertal concentrations (Thewaboon 766).
It has been demonstrated that human saliva possesses a growth-promoting factor which is relatively heat resistant and does not exhibit sex specificity. Microorganisms in dental plaque continuously live in close correlation with saliva. An investigation on the role of saliva in adhering bacteria to teeth as well as the bacterial properties has been well carried out with less interest showing the plausible role of saliva as a substrate for oral micro- organisms. Studies further showed that saliva acts as a substantial medium for the development of streptococcus in cases where cell production of these organisms on saliva was limited with carbohydrate. The replication times for growth on glucose-supplemented saliva in the study ranged from 1.6 to 4.0 h. The availability of the sources of carbohydrate for the oral micro flora was exponentially discussed in relation to microbial increment in the oral cavity (Olijve& Hoeven 902-903).
A salivary gland swelling is also recognized as a sialocele or salivary mucocele. There are four salivary glands in the dog and cat. The most commonly affected glands are the large ones under the jaw, the mandibular salivary glands. The sublingual (under the tongue) can also be affected. A sialocele is a cyst filled with a collection of mucoid saliva in the tissues surrounding a salivary gland. These cysts can become quite large, sometimes inducing a cough (from pressing on the larynx or trachea) (Hoskins 140).
The cat scratch disease is a bacterial disease caused by bacteria carried in cat saliva and is passed from a cat to a human through biting or scratching. Rabies is a viral infection caused by virus found in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted to pets and humans by bites. Common zoonotic bacteria may result in infections to humans. Streptococcus species of bacteria in cats can cause tonsillitis and pharyngitis among humans who interact with infected cats. A dog’s saliva according to researches is potent enough to kill the streptococcus bacteria (Gandhi 23). A dog’s saliva contains lycozyme, which is an anti-infective agent that assists in the healing of wounds within a short period of time.
Comparisons between Human and Dog and Cat Saliva
Dogs and cats do not have serious problems with caries since most of their teeth are sectorially designed. Unlike humans, they do not pack food between their teeth. Also the average pH in human saliva stands at 6.5 while that of cats and dogs is at 7.5 hence discourages the growth of the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Bacillus acidophilus which need an acidic environment to survive.
Thirdly, dogs have few problems with caries due to the content of their saliva. The urea content in dog’s saliva is significantly higher than that in humans. Their teeth are therefore constantly bathed by ammonium carbonate, an excellent acid neutralizing agent.
From a research carried out to determine if a dog’s mouth is cleaner, the canines indicated lower averages of bacteria growth as compared to human, and very few reached the highest category of growth whereas most humans reached the highest category. The duration period for the growth of bacteria was placed at three days. After the three days, 28% of dogs had no growth at all on the third day on their agar plate. Humans on the other hand had a total of at least two hundred and fifty bacteria colonies on their agar plate.
In conclusion, it can be ascertained that similarities exist between the dog, cat and human saliva in major functions such as lubrication and enzyme action. Differences also exist amongst these. The major one being that the streptococcus’s bacteria easily thrives in human and but is almost non-existent in cats and dogs. Worth noting also is the fact that the streptococcus bacteria can be transmitted from cats to humans (Eldrege 79).
Works cited
Eldredge, D., et. al. Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2007.
Gandhi, M. “Use of Dogs in Diagnosis of Diseases.” Bihar Times. 26 February 2008: 15-25.
Hoskins, J. Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat. USA: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2004.
Olijve, J.H., and Hoeven, J.S. “Growth of oral Streptococcus species and Actinomyces viscosus in human saliva.” Appl Environ Microbiol. May 1984 47:901-904.
Thewaboon, S. “Human Saliva.” South East Asian Trop Med Public Health 36 (2005): 765-768.
Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children
Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children
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Introduction
The growth and development of any child is of utmost importance to any parent. Every parent marks or notes every milestone that the child surmounts. However, it is noteworthy that not every child undergoes normal growth. There are instances when the early life of a child will not undergo the normal growth and development. In some cases, a child will grow at a much different rate from that of his or her age-mates. This may signal at a problem with their growth hormones, a condition known as growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone deficiency refers to a disorder in which a child would have an abnormally short height thanks to the deficiency of the growth hormone (Joss 1975).
It is a disorder involving a minute gland situated at the brain’s base called the pituitary gland that is involved with the production or secretion of growth hormone among other hormones. In some cases, the pituitary gland may produce insufficient growth hormones, a situation that would negatively affect the growth of a child (Joss 1975). In essence, the child’s growth and development will be much slower than normal. It is noteworthy that the growth hormone comes as extremely crucial for any child’s normal growth and development. Nevertheless, growth hormone deficiency would not only occur in children but may occur at any age.
The growth pattern of any child is an extremely crucial part of determining whether he or she is undergoing normal growth. Under normal circumstances, a child would grow by approximately two inches every year (Joss 1975). However, for a child who has growth hormone deficiency will have a growth pattern that has less than 2 inches every year? More often than not, the child will undergo normal growth until he or she attains the age of 2 or 3 years, after which the indicators of delayed growth would start showing. However, there are instances where the child experiences delayed growth later or earlier than this stage. As much as the child may be much smaller than his age mates, his body proportions would still be normal. However, he would look some years younger than his age mates (Bengt-Åke 1999).
CAUSES OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY
There are varied causes or roots of growth hormone deficiency. In some cases, the condition can be congenital, or rather occur at birth. In such cases, the growth hormone deficiency would be associated with abnormal pituitary gland or even a component of another condition or syndrome.
In some cases, growth hormone deficiency is acquired after birth. As noted before, growth hormone deficiency not only occurs in children, but also in adults, as well. Acquired growth hormone deficiency (GHD) may result from infections, diseases affecting the head, such as brain tumors, trauma, as well as radiation of the head and optic gliomas (Peter 2010). The most common cause of acquired growth hormone deficiency is craniopharyngiomas. Irradiation of the central nervous system may impair the functioning of the pituitary glands. It is noteworthy that, young children who have been given radiation in high doses in treating brain tumors stand the highest risk of growth hormone deficiency (Bengt-Åke 1999).
Apparent growth hormone deficiency occurs in instances when body’s responsiveness to the growth hormone is limited. In such instances, the pituitary gland would be producing high levels of growth hormones, which would be circulating in an individual’s blood but are ineffective (Peter 2010). As much as such a condition runs through families, it can occur even to individuals who do not have a family history with the condition. In fact, there are instances when the cause is not found.
Children, who have physical defects touching on the skull and the face such as cleft palate and cleft lip, stand a higher likelihood of having decreased levels of growth hormone than those without such physical defects (Peter 2010). Severe head injuries and hormonal problems, involving the hypothalamus, as well as the pituitary glands may also cause a deficiency in growth hormone.
Growth retardation may also result from chronic renal insufficiency. Unfortunately, renal transplantation would not entirely reverse this condition. However, growth hormone therapy would improve it. Children with chronic renal insufficiency usually have heights that are over 2 SD lower than the mean heights for children their age (Bengt-Åke 1999).
Turner’s syndrome in girls has also been associated with retarded growth. Such girls will have a mean final height of 143 cm. the syndrome results from mutations or deletions in one X- chromosome.
SYMPTOMS OF GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN
Growth hormone deficiency affects every aspect of growth, in which case the symptoms would pertain to the developmental characteristics. There is no uniformity as to the symptoms that different individuals will exhibit. Nevertheless, there are symptoms that will be common across the board (Bengt-Åke 1999). The child will have a shorter height than he should have at his age. In addition, such children have increased amounts of fat in their faces, as well as around their waists. In essence, such children would be upset or emotional about their weight and height. Human growth hormone deficiency may also cause the child to look younger than children his or her age. It may also be exhibited by delayed development of teeth, as well as the onset of puberty.
DIAGNOSIS AND REMEDIES FOR GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY
In most cases, growth hormone deficiency is tested for and diagnosed after ruling out all the other possibilities. It is extremely crucial that, a growth hormone deficient child be diagnosed early so that the best results may be obtained and allow for treatment at an early age. Once a child has been diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, treatment would be availed as Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy (Peter 2010). As much as there are variations in the reaction of different children to the treatment, most children reach normal height of adults or almost their full potential for growth after undergoing treatment. This therapy is administered through injections, which are given several times in a week or usually, daily. A medication known as growth hormone (Genotropin, Saizen, Norditropin, Nutropin and Humatrope) or somatropin is administered through injections into the fat under one’s skin. In addition, a growth hormone preparation (Nutropin Depot) is administered twice or once a month (Peter 2010).
Surgical procedures have never been considered an option for treating human growth hormone deficiency, unless a tumor is affecting the secretion of the growth hormone.
In conclusion, growth hormone deficiency is a serious condition that poses serious implications on the growth and development of a child. It is mainly characterized by an abnormal shortness of the child, where the child would not grow by the normal 2 inches. This condition may be congenital or be acquired in the course of one’s life. This may be from head trauma, radiation of the head area and other factors. In treating the condition, growth hormone replacement therapy is carried out, with medication administered through injections. However, surgical procedures may be used in cases where the condition results from a tumor.
References
Joss. E. 1975. Growth hormone deficiency in childhood: evaluation of diagnostic procedures. New York: S. Karger
Bengt-Åke B, 1999. Growth Hormone. London: Springer
Peter. C. H. 2010. Current Indications for Growth Hormone Therapy. New York: Karger Publishers