Amniocentesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Amniocentesis - Essay Example The risks and benefits of amniocentesis should be considered before opting for this prenatal test. Amniocentesis is mostly recommended after false positive or false negative triple screen test which is a simple blood tests used for the same purposes. Amniocentesis is performed with the aid of ultrasound and the amniotic fluid is collected through a needle and takes about 45 minutes. The collected fluid is used for laboratory analysis. 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy are the most suitable time for the procedure to be performed. However, the amniocentesis can be delayed till the third trimester (America Pregnancy Association 2006). The procedure is indicated mostly in pregnant women above the age of 35, a couple who has a history of previous children with Down’s Syndrome or any other chromosomal abnormality, history of genetic disease in the family and detection of any chromosomal abnormality in any of the parents (Sloane 2002). The most common chromosomal abnormality looked for in amniocentesis is Down’s syndrome or Trisomy 21. Neural tube defects like spina bifida and genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis are also looked for in the amniotic fluid. More than 70 inborn errors of metabolism can be detected through amniocentesis for instance Tay’ Sachs disease, Fabry’s disease, galactosemia and Gaucher’s disease. The increasing age of the mother is a high risk factor for development of chromosomal abnormalities specifically Down’s syndrome. Hence, the importance of amniocentesis in older age mothers increases. With early detection of the disorders, an abortion can be performed to prevent the birth of a baby suffering from a lifetime of deformity and suffering. However, those who disagree with the notion of abortion, this procedure is mostly useless for them (Sloane 2002; American Pregnancy Association 2006). Since

The Effects of Social Networks on Firm Performance Research Paper

The Effects of Social Networks on Firm Performance - Research Paper Example The paper tells that in the field of product development the inter organization networks can be very effective for the joint discussion about the product. Many new and small firms have lack of resources for the development, mainly due to inexperience and a lack of goodwill. Thus as a way of competing and grabbing a foothold in such a scenario involves bootstrapping, which involves activities for securing funds and resources. By using social networks such companies can gather finances, by building up strong ties in the initial stages and later on weak ties as they grow big. CEO’s of different firms have been known to have taken advice from outside through social networking. In this way they seek to get an outside opinion and an altogether different perspective regarding certain strategic issues. These enhance the performance of the firms. Another important aspect which is emerging slowly is the concept of a local social capital where an individual who values more of his local c ontacts, even though he has global contacts. This is relevant mainly in case of local entrepreneurs. Thus according to scientists, people with more and better social capital will be able to realize their goals. Ranging from contracts to building goodwill and securing finances, social capital is the priority in all types of endeavors around the globe. Social ties have been found to regulate exchanges through an informal and interpersonal way and they help to push back the limitations of a weak infrastructure, especially in the case of a financial crisis. (Sheng et al, 2011, p. 1). The study is to provide several facts and discussions in relation to social networks and social capital and their effect on firm performance based on the following