Saturday, November 9, 2019
Rodolfo Furniture Store Budget Analysis
Rodolfo Furniture Store Budget Analysis Edric Hernandez-Cruz Gisela Franqui-Atiles Valerie Santiago-Rodriguez Yachira Rodriguez-Cuevas University of Phoenix PR Campus ACC / 561PR Rafael Marrero Diaz November 9th, 2012 Rodolfo Furniture Store Budget analysis is important for any corporation. From small businesses to large enterprises; all organizations evaluate the numbers in order to get a picture of where the company stands economically. This will serve as a basis in order to make decisions as to the direction the entity would like to go.Erroneous decisions can lead to bad decisions that may end up in losses for the company. Rodolfo Furniture is on the verge of making a shift from a furniture maker to distributer. Yet only if the ethical accounting practices have been place into the production of the analysis; can Rodolfo Furniture decide on its future. Budgeting: Risks Associated with Sales Forecast The preparation of the usually begins with a sales forecast. The sales forecast and the anticipated inventory levels determine the production to be budgeted.Furthermore, the companyââ¬â¢s sales forecast along with its experience, and collection policies determine the cash inflows for the company. In the scenario, Rodolfo uses his companyââ¬â¢s flexible budget, as a guide, to determine the costs that should have been for an attained level of activity. For, instance if his company intended to manufacture or produce 50,000 units, the budget must have been prepared for 49,000 units, 51,000 units, 52,000, and so on. Major risks in sales forecasting Production risks In a manufacturing environment, like the illustration Rodolfoââ¬â¢s scenario, sales forecast determine production schedules.The companies use such forecasts to determine the exact amounts of raw materials and production issues; they need to have an idea of what they are to produce. Two problems can occur, sales under forecast or sales over forecast. Under forecast sales refers to the fact when the m anufacturer may not produce enough product to meet customersââ¬â¢ demands. This will result in an increase in production times which in turn may increase costs; this will also frustrate customers and may even lead the company to losses.In the other hand, over forecast sales refers to the amounts of raw material to be purchased and excessive amounts of finished products to be sold. This excessiveness of raw materials may tie up the capital available to use and the excess finished product will make the company incur in warehouse storage costs; both excesses if repeated constantly may put the company at risk of bankruptcy. Resource risks When sales are over forecast, underutilized workers may have to be reduced. This action will result in a bad image for the company and will break the trust/bond that was built between the company and the workers as they will feel betrayed.If the sales are under forecast, it will happen the exactly opposite, the company will lack of workers to meet d emands. This can result in bad image, losses, service levels will be affected as workers would have to work overtime to cover for the company which can lead to sicknesses and excessive absenteeism. Financial risks This type of errors affects the companyââ¬â¢s financial health. The excess of material will lead to excessive costs of unnecessary storage since the excess should have never occurred. Also, over forecast can result in the purchase of unnecessary machinery.Furthermore, if the company forecasts erroneously in a consistent manner, this can lead the company into a raise in the interest by lenders. Sales forecast are prepared using data available, the more reliable and certain the data is the more accurate the budget is expected to be. Ethical considerations in the preparation of budget Before the development of a budget it is wise to consider the ethical involvements that can be present during it process. Incentives to lie and cheat are Rodolfo tempting actions for managers .Horngren (2008) stated, ââ¬Å"It is common for managers of larger units with more resources to have higher pay, higher status, and greater prospects for promotionâ⬠(p. 301). This is common ethical flaw from the workers. The organizations have to prepare ways to identify, minimize and discourage this kind of behaviors. Subsequent use of the budget After completing the budget process, the information populated contains useful components that benefit the managerââ¬â¢s strategies behavior. According to Horngren (2008) there are four major benefits of effective budgeting.The mention benefits are: evaluation of activities, formalization of planning, performance evaluation, communication and coordination. By following the Rodolfo Furniture Scenario the four major benefits helps the mention company presented at the outgoing sentences. For the first benefit the main idea is the reevaluation of the actual activities and the evaluation of the opportunities to embrace new ones. The s cenario display at the week 2 assignment, the foreign competitors surpass the actual company production because of the high-tech solutions use by them.The first benefits assist with the decision of changes in this matter. With the formalization of planning is an essential phase that every company has to experience. This benefit encourages managers to prepare contingency plans for the performing of immediate actions, pre-planned, at the moment of crisis. For the performance evaluation the most important fact is that the results of the recent analyze performance helps to take a more precise action because of the recent events than comparing with the last year performance.For the Rodolfo Furniture Scenario applies, because of the latest changes in the business, related to their companyââ¬â¢s specialty, that is affecting gravely to his sales and requires an instance action. Lastly with communication and coordination this process allows the managers to create a macro communication bec ause involves the input of employees from top to bottom and vice versa. Consider how the organizationââ¬â¢s code of ethics requires an ethics analysis for any performance tool. Companies have developed a code of ethics or conduct as a tool to prevent the misuse of power, fraud, conflict f interest, money, and other. Mostly all ethical dilemmas start with dysfunctional incentive, poor supervision, and wrong personal habits. To ensure the reliability of the information and prevent situation of misleading or faulty information from accountants the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was created. This 2002 Act requires regulations in the financial practice and a code of ethics ââ¬Å"for seniors financial officers, applicable to its principal financial officer and comptroller or principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functionsâ⬠(Horngren, 2008, Chapterà 1).Now managers has to approved and been concern of the budget. Also requires external auditors to examine the company. These regulations in the accounting system search for the reliability of the information provided. But it needs high ethical standards from the personnel. The Institute of Management Accountants develop a code of conduct require to CPAs and CMAs that integrated integrity, confidentiality, credibility and competence. Ethics should be the priority in a company. To encourage others and prevent unethical behavior, unnecessary pressures should be recognize and detained.Sometimes dysfunctional incentive arises when managers or accountings are assessed on the performance concerning to budget amounts. The ethical standards of an organization are necessary to guide, measure, and analyze the performance of the personnel. Most important a code of ethic is essential to maintain the integrity and confidence of the company. References Horngren, C. T. (2008). Introduction to Management Accounting (14th ed. ). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database..
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Question Set on Oceans and Freshwater Ecosystems Essays
Question Set on Oceans and Freshwater Ecosystems Essays Question Set on Oceans and Freshwater Ecosystems Essay Question Set on Oceans and Freshwater Ecosystems Essay Compare and contrast the main types of freshwater ecosystems. Name and describe the major zones of a typical pond or lake. All freshwater systems are relatively pure and have few dissolved salts. Types of freshwater systems include surface water, rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and groundwater. All of the systems are located on and in different parts of the earth. They are all in the 3% of freshwater systems on earth. The zones of a lake are the littoral zone, the liniment zone, the profoundly zone, and the benthic zone. 2. Describe three benefits and three costs of damming rivers. What particular environmental, health, and social concerns has Chinas Three Gorges Dam and its reservoir raised? Benefits include preventing floods, providing drinking water, and facilitating irrigation. Costs of dams include expenses, slowing of river flows, and erosion of tidal marshes. Many people were displaced from their homes, tidal marshes eroded, and many pollutants were trapped in the reservoir. 3. Why do the Colorado, ROI Grandee, Nile, and Yellow Rivers now slow to a trickle or run dry before reaching their deltas? It is result of our diversions and our consumption. We are withdrawing surface water at an unsustainable rate. 4. Name three major types of water pollutants, and provide an example of each. List three properties of water that scientists use to determine water quality. Nutrient pollution is from fertilizers, farms, sewage, lawns. There are pathogen and waterborne diseases (bacteria pollution). There is also thermal pollution. Three indicators are biological indicators, chemical indicators, and physical indicators. 5. What are some anthropogenic sources of groundwater pollution? Some sources of illusion are pesticides, nitrates, and pathogens like Escherichia coli 6. Describe how drinking water is treated. Our water is chemically treated, filtered, and disinfected. 7. How does a septic system work? Underground septic tanks separate solids and oils from waste water. Water drains into a drain field where microbes decompose the pollutant. Solid waste is periodically pumped out and landfill. 8. Describe and explain the major steps in the process of wastewater treatment. How can artificial wetlands aid such treatment? Screens and the grit tank. The primary clarifier. Aeration basin. Secondary clarifier. Filtering and disinfection. Microbes decompose the remaining pollutants in artificial wetlands. 9. Seeking Solutions p. 429-430 Answer three out of six questions. Write the numbers of the questions you are answering. #l : We can lessen agricultural demand for water by reducing the amount of crops we grow annually. We can reduce household consumption by turning off faucets, taking shorter showers, and flush toilets once after using it. We can reduce industrial uses of water by not buying bottled water. #2: Desalination will remove the salt from seawater or water Of original quality. Two methods include distilling (evaporates and condenses ocean water) and reverse osmosis (forces water through membranes to filter out salts. Because the land is arid so there isnt much water available. #5 1 would apply water restriction like the ones we had during the NC drought. People will not be able to water lawns and wash cars. I would promote household water conservation. I would try to do both because if we lower how much we use but we acquire more supply then we will have water when we really need it. Chapter 16 1. What proportion of Earths surface do oceans cover? What is the average salinity of ocean water? How are density, salinity and temperature related in each layer of ocean water? 75% of the earth is covered in ocean water. Ocean water is 96. 5% water and ions of dissolved salts. As you go deeper the salinity gets higher and the temperature declines. 2. What is causing ocean acidification? What consequences do scientists expect ocean acidification to bring about? The ocean is absorbing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The ocean surface water may soon become saturated with as much CO as it can hold. Once it reaches the limit the climate will accelerate. . Where in the oceans are productive areas of biological activity likely to be found? The photonic zone is where nearly all of the oceans primary productivity takes place. 4. Why are coral reefs biologically valuable? How are they being degraded by human impact? What is causing the disappearance of mangrove forests and salt marshes? Coral reefs are treasure troves of biodiversity. They provide a complex physical structure in shallow marathoners waters. They have undergone coral bleaching, a process that occurs when contextually die or eave the coral, depriving it of nutrition. Nutrient pollution is also a problem. It causes algal growth throughout the reef. Mangrove forests are developed for residential, commercial, and recreational uses. Shrimp farming is a large cause of the disappearance Of mangrove forests. 5. What is meant by the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Discuss three ways in which people are fighting pollution in the oceans and on our coasts. Circulating currents bring and trap plastic trash to areas specifically in the northern pacific gyred from California to Hawaii to Japan. It is the size of Texas.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Character Is Fate
Character is Fate ââ¬â Essay ââ¬Å"A manââ¬â¢s character is his fateâ⬠once said the Greek philosopher Heraclites. By this he meant that our personalities and actions shape the outcomes of our lives and therefore our destiny. This statement opposes the traditional view that manââ¬â¢s fate is determined by an external force (name it god or even chance). This argument is basically one of faith: do you believe we shape our own futures by how we act, or are our lives programmed in a certain unchangeable way? In other words, do you believe in an omnipotent being that has our lives or at least our futures predetermined? As we shall see, a manââ¬â¢s character defines his life (as his behaviour, emotions and actions determine his daily life), but I believe that our fate is predetermined and unchangeable and that there is divine intervention, therefore a matter that we have no control over. To support the fact that we might be able to define our daily life but not our fates or futures there is the unanswered question of ââ¬Ëwhy do bad things happen to good people? Furthermore, character is not the only aspect in deciding a manââ¬â¢s fate: external events (chance and Nature) will also alter the processes and outcomes of our lives. Heraclites and Novalis (German philosopher)[1] had an interesting argument, but unfortunately one that only applies in a utopian world. Many people believe that a personââ¬â¢s personality determines their place in life, therefore supporting Heraclitesââ¬â¢ idea. Basically, this suggests that depending on how a person lives, what he does and how he deals with events the outcome of his life will be shaped accordingly. For example, in Thomas Hardyââ¬â¢s ââ¬ËThe Mayor of Casterbridgeââ¬â¢, we understand that Mr. Henchardââ¬â¢s personality flaws (his temper and his naivety especially) lead him slowly to worse situations, which finally end up in him not wanting to be remembered once he is dead. On the other hand, Farfrae, a character which is much more appealing, sensitive, humane and kind is victim of fortunate events such as the prosperity of his business and his marriage to Lucetta. Both these cases can be attributed to the fact that life is working against Henchard while it works very well for Farfrae due to their aforementioned personalities. Unquestionably, the way in which we act will attract positive or negative outcomes respectively. In this matter, we could say that we are the architects of our fates[2] and that even though it might be very difficult to do so, we can manage to change our personality and therefore change our fates in a desired direction. Fate is in our hands (or should we better say in our character), as Scottish author Samuel Smiles words tell us: ââ¬Å"Sow a thought, and you reap an act; Sow an act, and you reap a habit; Sow a habit, and you reap a character; Sow a character, and you reap a destiny. â⬠[3] On the other hand, if we follow the argument discussed in the previous paragraph, then we could draw the conclusion that good things should always happen to good people and bad things to bad people. In real life, this is almost never true, and in many examples we can find quite the opposite: bad things happening to good people and vice versa. How many good and innocent people have been victims of the greed of evil people such as the Holocaust, the Iraq War or the bombings in Nagasaki and Hiroshima? If we want to narrow this to a theological explanation, then we can argue that God made us all in his image, therefore making us independent of moral choice and giving us total freedom (this suggests that we can control our characters in the way we decide because we have been given the freedom to do so. I donââ¬â¢t support this idea, but it is however the most rational to explain why bad things happen to good people: as there are also bad people in the world that act freely, then you can be a victim of their acts no matter who you are or how you are). However, as he has given everyone freedom, then we can all be victims of good and bad from other people. [4] Your character might determine your fate, but it is not the sole factor because as we can see, bad things can happen to good people and vice versa. I believe that this is a matter of chance (the fact that a good person might get in the way of a bad one and therefore have a terrible outcome which his/her character doesnââ¬â¢t reflect) and even tough we might have a certain personality that should lead us to a consequent destiny, unexpected and random variables get in the way and might change the course of our fates. Definitely our character will have an important role to play in determining the outcomes of our lives, but from this idea we can draw the idea that although character controls our life, we canââ¬â¢t control our fates: our fates are predestined. We can call these omnipotent force God, devil, providence or chance, but the fact is that our fate has already been planned for us and even if we could change our character (making us believe that we are changing our fate), we are only changing direction into a fate we think is new, but in reality is the fate that was always predestined for us. Furthermore, character is not the only factor in determining our lives. We must consider external factors such as the environment, nature and fortune. For example, in the novel ââ¬ËThe Mayor of Casterbridgeââ¬â¢ by Thomas Hardy, the main character, Mr. Henchard organizes a fair for the townspeople in order to show the people that despite what he appears to be, he is really kind and humane. Everything turns out wrong for him because heavy rain ruins the event (Nature intervenes) and later on in the book when he finally tries to redeem himself by taking good care of her daughter, he finds out that she is really not her daughter and that her real daughter died many years ago (fortune intervenes). We canââ¬â¢t attribute this ââ¬Ëbad luckââ¬â¢ to Henchardââ¬â¢s character; this is simply a series of external factors that play against him in a random and unfortunate way. Yet another example is a Jewish story about a man, Moishe Lipsky, who moved into New York in the time of the Great Depression and when he applied for the only job he could find (a janitor), he was turned down because he was illiterate. So, he opened a little storefront and gradually became a rich and successful man. One day, when he goes to the bank to ask for a loan and he signs the papers with an X (as he was illiterate) and the loan officer tells him ââ¬ËJust think, in just a few years you have become a very rich man. It makes me wonder what you would have become if you could read and writeââ¬â¢ and Lipsky answers ââ¬ËA janitorââ¬â¢. 5] It is ironical how things turn out in this story, but chance certainly plays a role in the success of this good and honest man. He arrives to America just in a difficult time and his predestined conditions make him illiterate. Without these factors of Nature, chance or omnipotence, the man could have actually turned out to be a janitor and not the successful businessman he turned out to be. Anyone who has a belief in an omnipotent body must understand that our nature is predestined and that our futures are set, so no matter what we do, we will always make our choices to lead the way to our predetermined fate. In an idealistic world, our character is certainly our fate, if no external factors (chance or nature) intervene. However, even though in practice we can definitely say that our personalities shape our destiny, I believe that God has a definite purpose for each one of us and therefore He has determined our destiny from the very first moment we were conceived. Furthermore, the fact that good things happen to bad people and vice versa reflects the fact that our fates must be predetermined, and therefore while our personalities might lead us in a certain way, our fate (whether good or bad) is already written. We can change our characters at free will and this will make us lead an ensuing life, but our destiny is set and no matter what we do, we will never be able to determine it. [1] ââ¬Å"Character and fate are two words for the same thingâ⬠ââ¬â Novalis [2] ââ¬Å"Each man is the architect of his own fate. â⬠ââ¬â Appius Claudius [3] http://www. americanchronicle. com/articles/view/20750 [4] http://judaism. about. com/library/3_askrabbi_o/bl_simmons_murder. htm [5] http://www. petermalakoff. com/character_and_fate. html
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Marketing Mix for U.S.A car market Chery Cars China Essay
Marketing Mix for U.S.A car market Chery Cars China - Essay Example Strategic Planning: A strategy outlines the game plan of an organisation for its success. An effective marketing plan requires sound strategic planning at many levels in an organisation. At the top level and mid level planners deal with the strategic decisions which focus on long term development of the product (Kapferer, 2008, p. 182). Research and Analysis: Strategic planning is dependent on availability and interpretation of information and hence it is considered to be the lifeblood of an organisation. Thus it is important for marketing planners to have right information for making right product. Thus marketers regularly conduct and analyze the opinions, needs and attitudes of their customers. In addition to it, there is internal analysis and external analysis for getting useful information for the company (Chery, 2014, p. 1). Developing Competitive Advantage: Competitive advantage is important to set the tone or strategic focus of the entire marketing program. With this the firm can offer customers a compelling reason for them to purchase their product. Without competitive advantage, the company and its products are just like any other company offer commoditized products (Jobber, 2012, p. 172). Product: Product is developed to meet the needs and demands of the consumers. It must be developed at the right level of quality to meet the present and future needs. Thus the perfect product must create value for the consumer and it is not necessary for a product to be tangible. Price: The price of a product is actually the perceived price of the product in the eyes of the customers. A company must make the price competitive, not necessarily the cheapest. A company can compete with large companies by offering better value to the customers for their money (Henry, 2008, p. 112). Place: The place indicates the location where customers buy their products. It is crucial for a company to make the
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Brain development from infancy to the age of two Research Paper
Brain development from infancy to the age of two - Research Paper Example Positive in that the infantââ¬â¢s brain is open to learning new things and acquiring new skills as well as enriching influences. However, the young brain is prone to developmental problems especially when the environment is un-nurturing or impoverished. Research shows that the environment of an infantââ¬â¢s early years can have effects affecting the infant throughout life. Muehlenbein, (2010) further says that due to advanced technology, effects relating to early brain development and the environment are now easier to study and understand. Patterns in brain activity that seem to be related to some types of negative early experiences can now be identified by neuroscientists. However, some scholars argue that even before the brain scanning tools allowing this study, some behaviors stemming from early stress, poverty, maltreatment and neglect could be seen even before technology. The evidence provided by neuroscientists is of essence and should be paid attention to since it is crucial in helping people understand how exactly the environment affects brain development. Such knowledge will help children who are at risk and to reverse where possible the consequences of early adversity. Neuroscientists may also aid in our efforts to learn when experiences affect children. Understanding the patterns of specific periods of vulnerability is a better way of improving efforts towards intervention. Brain development begins in the first three weeks after a child is conceived. At conception, it is the egg and the sperm that meet forming a single cell that determine the potential of the genes. Over 55% of the genes carry out the work of brain development. Cells in a thin layer develop on the embryo (Brestan & Lee, 2009). The cells merge to form a tube filled with liquid which is the foundation of the brain and the spinal cord. At this stage, the embryo produces neurons also called nerve cells and in the first month, the cells multiply to produce
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Human Nature or Affirmative Action Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words
Human Nature or Affirmative Action - Assignment Example In all their activities they engage in, the human kind engage in activities that are geared towards achieving their individual targets but also, they at the back of their minds bear the ideology that this should not infringe of their neighbors peace and existence. This explains the existence of treaties and protocols, the peace deals and the different national and international organizations, groups and societies that exist in an effort of human kind to work together towards the achievement of their common goals at the different levels. The egalitarian belief will be used in subsequent arguments for my view which supports moral rights to euthanasia, in order to protect the innocent from unnecessary suffering. Libertarianism will also be incorporated due to its notion that anything done among adults with their consent is morally allowable and so is its stance against paternalism. On top of this, principles that are related to prima facie or that are prima facie of the actual beneficen ce and normal evidence will be used, mostly the well known kindness virtue in normal perfectionism. This kindness virtue is very well known to many people, and those who know its importance regularly display or use it. Then, I will persistently try to employ the use of utilitarianism also. 2A. As opposed to the simple-minded historical relativism which is traceable to Hegelââ¬â¢s influence, the deficiency when it comes to moral philosophy that combines consistency in theory and fidelity to known facts regarding human nature does not really change; this is because the problems have relatively remained the same in the changing social conditions. Blind alleys have revealed both the past theories and their critics; therefore it is possible to be on the past moral philosopherââ¬â¢s shoulders while trying to come nearer to both the facts of human nature and the new social conditions. Although one could sit in the same room with great mind in this field such as Plato, Montaigne, Hobb es, Aristotle and Adam Smith just to mention a few, one can read a paper regarding procedural justice to these brilliant minds. In the proceeding discussion, it is evident that those present were deliberating on the same subject and that it was certain that this was not a subject sustainable only by the syllabus used in a university. The underpinnings and origins of justice is what the discussion is likely to touch on, that is of the universal and usual elements present in justice, and the private to public relation of morality (Hampshire 157). 2B. I agree with this statement. 2C. Human nature naturally exists and this is the ability of a human being to make a perception about something. I believe it is a biological element that exists between us and gives us a way to go about different events and activities in life. It is our human nature that enables us to respect the virtues that are there to guide us on how we go about our daily activities. The virtues like honesty, loyalty and many others are guided by our human nature. We are able to forgive ourselves and others because of our human nature (Aristotle 14). Our responses to tasks and activities portray our human nature like when we are sad, we cry, when we are hungry, we look for food and eat and many other activities. Our ability to choose who to love and who to hate and the fact that we make this choices based on reasons and conviction from within us proves to us that human
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Impact of STD and STI on Pregnancy
Impact of STD and STI on Pregnancy Shaian Vandenburg Monroe College This research paper dissects the problems and consequences of some Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) such as The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Hepatitis B Virus and the Cytomegalovirus, and how it impacts all facets of pregnancy. Additionally, this paper will further discuss the Signs and Symptoms, Treatment, and preventative methods that can be used for these complications. Sexually Transmitted Diseases can complicate pregnancy and have serious effects on both the mother and the developing baby. Some of these problems may be seen at birth; others may not be discovered until months or years later. HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In the United States, the number of women with AIDS is on the rise (Johnstone, 1992). There have been many concerns of the effects that HIV/AIDS can have on pregnancy. In most cases, immune-compromised women reduces the CD Lymphocyte count below is normal threshold. Studies have proven that the outcome of Aids in pregnancy can be fatal. In the United States, the first 6 cases of Aids related pregnancies of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia were fatal (Johnstone, 1992). Similarly, other studies have reported cases of pre-term labor, syphilis, and low birth weight. In the first controlled study of women who were infected with HIV/AIDS, results proved that there were correlations of pre-term labor, intrauterine growth retardation, and low birth weight. This infection can be transmitted to the baby through breastfeeding or at delivery. Other factors such as placental damage can also be related to an increased rate of transmission of the disease from the mother and the baby (Johnstone, 1992). Other retroviruses, such as Moloney murine leukaemia virus126 or HTLV I in the human are also transmitted to the baby by breast feeding. HIV-1 occurs in breast milk and there is no doubt that infection has been transmitted to the baby postnatally. Syphilis This is a bacterial infection that is caused by sexual contact which usually starts off as a painless sore on common sites such as your genitals, rectum or mouth. It is caused by spiral shaped bacteria called Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is transmitted from the mother to the fetus if the disease is left untreated. This can often lead to death of the baby (WHO, 2017). According to World Health Organization, the transmission of this disease from the mother to child resulted in approximately 143,000 early fatal deaths or stillbirths, 62,000 neonatal deaths and 44,000 babies were born either prematurely or with low birth weight (WHO, 2017). Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. Benzathine penicillin is usually injected into the arm or buttocks of the infected patient, this form of treatment is known as the most effective treatment for this disease. However, like any other sexually transmitted disease, the best prevention from this disease is by abstaining or sexual contact with one partner who has been tested negatively for this disease. Chlamydia Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that can be easily cured. This disease affects both men and women and can cause permanent damages to a womans reproductive system, making it difficult for her to get pregnant. This infection is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Like gonorrhea, it is spread by unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an infected person. Chlamydia is easily spread because most men and women have no signs and are unaware of the disease. However, the signs in women are vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods or after sex, burning or pain when urinating, pain the abdominal or pelvic area and pain during sex. In rare cases, people with chlamydia have Arthritis or sore joints and inflammation of the eye (CDC, 2016). Men are rarely linked to health problems that are associated with chlamydia. Infections sometimes spread to the tube that carries sperm from the testicles, which causes pain and fever. Rarely, chlamydia can prevent a man from being able to have children (CDC, 2016). This can have some effect on the baby if transmitted. Similarly, like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia can cause PID, which can cause Ectopic pregnancies. It can spread to newborn babies during delivery which can cause pneumonia and eye infections. In addition, pregnant women who are infected, have an increased risk of having a premature baby (CDC, 2016). Generally, this disease is treated with antibiotics. It is usually advised to avoid sexual contact until the treatment has been completed. Some ways to prevent contracting Chlamydia are by protecting yourself with the use of condoms, and also by being in a monogamous relationship with someone who has been tested negatively for this disease. Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) that is transferred from one person to another by unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. The infection is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Keifer and Sarachik, 2016). This disease usually affects warm and moist areas of the body such as the eyes, throat, vagina, anus, urethra and the female reproductive tract. In females, these infections can appear like a common bacterial or yeast infection (Keifer, 2016). Some of the symptoms are discharge from the vagina which can appear watery, creamy or slightly green, pain or burning sensation while urinating, the need to urinate more frequently, heavier periods or spotting, sore throat, pain while engaging in sexual intercourse, sharp pain in the lower abdomen and also fever. According to the American Congress Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2016), miscarriage rates increases in women with this disease. Gonorrhea affects approximately 13,000 pregnant women each year in the United States (CDC). It poses a risk for an unborn child during pregnancy and also during delivery. Often times, women with this disease develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID),which can increase the chances of an ectopic pregnancy (Perkins, 2015). An ectopic pregnancy is a condition where the fetus implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Since this tube is too small to accommodate the fetus, tubal rupture and serious bleeding can result if the tube is not removed. Babies that are delivered vaginally have a higher chance of contracting this disease from secretions in the vaginal tract. These symptoms can be very detrimental to the babys health. The signs are often discovered by skin infections, respiratory infections, blindness, meningitis, arthritis of the joints and lastly, systematic blood infections which can be life threatening to the baby. The best protection against this disease is abstinence, monogamy, and the proper use of condoms. Some lifestyle practices such as drugs and alcohol abuse can also increase the chances of contracting this disease (Sarachik, 2016). Hepatitis B Virus The term Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver that can be caused by many viruses or other infections. In addition to Hepatitis B, there are also Hepatitis A and C. However, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis B is a viral infection, that attacks the liver and can cause acute and chronic disease. This virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other fluids of the body of an infected person. It is also spread by exposure to infected blood and various body fluids such as saliva, menstrual, vaginal and seminal fluids. Sexual Transmission of this virus particularly occurs in unvaccinated men who participate in sexual activities with partners with this disease This virus can survive outside of the body for at least 7 days. During this time, it is still possible to cause an infection if it enters the body of someone who is unvaccinated. The incubation period of the Hepatitis B virus is approximately 75 days, but it can vary from 30 to 180 days. (Nettleman, 2016). Like any other disease, Hepatitis B, has many effects on the baby. Some of which includes, low birth weight and prematurity, neonatal jaundice and congenital anomalies or perinatal mortality. However, the effects of chronic Hepatitis B Virus infection on pregnancy outcomes have not been clearly defined (Nettleman, 2016). Genital Herpes Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus (HSV). Having this disease during pregnancy can cause significant health risks resulting in neonatal diseases (Aga, 2009). This virus causes herpes by entering the body via mucous membranes or breaks in the skin. Like every other STD, Genital Herpes is spred by unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex. There are two types of HSV, Herpes Simplex 1, which causes cold sores and Herpes Simplex 2, which causes Genital Herpes. Some signs and symptoms are fever flu-like symptoms, nausea, muscle aches, painful urination, tingling or burning sensation in the area where blisters will appear. It is possible to get the infection in the mouth, tongue, lips and other parts of the body. If a woman has contracted the genital herpes virus in the birth canal during delivery, herpes simplex virus can be spread to the infant causing neonatal herpes, which can sometimes be fatal. Neonatal herpes can complications that cause overwhelming infections to the central nervous system, mental retardation or even death. Babies are most at risk for neonatal herpes if the mother contracts genital herpes in the later stages of the pregnancy. Additionally, the virus can be spread to the baby in the first week of birth if he or she is kissed by someone with an active cold sore, also known as oral herpes. In rare conditions, herpes can be spread by touch, if someone touches an active sore and then immediately touches the baby. Therefore, it is advised that an infected person avoids contact with the baby. Usually after birth, the baby is observed closely for approximately three weeks. Symptoms of neonatal herpes may include a skin rash, fever, crankiness, or lack or appetite. While these can be symptoms of other illnesses, it is advised that each symptom be observed carefully. Subsequently, The baby should be taken to his or her pediatrician and the parent should notify the doctor that he or she has the disease (ASHA, 2017). There is no cure for Herpes. But, there are medications that can prevent or shorten the outbreaks of the disease. Treatment is generally given to pregnant women at the end of their pregnancy. Based on small studies, when acyclovir is taken in the last month of the pregnancy, it prevent the disease from reoccurring but it also poses as a risk to the unborn baby. References à à CDC. (2016, May 19) Chlamydia- CDC fact sheet, Retrieved March 1, 2017, from Center for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia.stdfactchalydia.htm. Johnson, F, MD (1992). HIV and Pregnancy. Retrieved March 20, 2017 from International Journal of STD and Aids. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/09564624920030020. Aga, I. (2009). Managing Genetal Herpes Infections and Pregnancies. Retrieved March 20, 2017, from Sage Journals. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2217/17455057.5.2.165 WHO. (2017, Januray). Hepatitis B (HBV.Hep B). Retrieved March 1, 2017, From World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs400/en/. WHO.(2017). Syphilis. Retrieved March 20,2017, from World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2016/antibiotics-sexual-infections/en/
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