Abstract This paper examines methods whereby US homeowners' debt load can be reduced and ultimately eliminated while building wealth as homeowners. To this end, this paper provides an overview of the current financial situation facing many Americans, followed by an analysis of how some people have approached these dual goals. A summary of the research and salient findings are provided in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
The Path to Debt Elimination and Wealth Accumulation Debt-Reduction and Wealth-Accumulation Strategies for the Whittingtons
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "On the one hand, the need for debt elimination strategies is more pronounced today than ever. Many American families that have worked diligently for years now find themselves little better off - or in many cases worse off - than they were a decade ago. In fact, in the United States, almost one-half of the wealth is in the hands of just 3.5 percent of the households, and the majority of the other households do not even approach the upper levels (Stanley & Danko, 1996). In this regard, Reich (2001) reports that, "The dirtiest little secret about the Roaring Nineties is that average working families gained almost no income, while their health care costs soared. From 1986 through 1997 (the latest year for which detailed IRS data are available), the average income of the richest 1 percent of Americans rose 89 percent, to $517,713" (p. 56). During this same period of time, though, the average income of the bottom 90 percent of Americans increase a meager 1.6 percent, to just $23,815 after all federal income taxes were paid (Reich, 2001). At the same time, healthcare costs increased even faster than inflation, a trend that especially affected middle-income Americans families; by the end of the 1990s, fully 44 million Americans lacked health insurance, almost 8 million more than those without health insurance a decade earlier (Reich, 2001). Furthermore, by the end of 1997, even those who were insured paid substantially more, through higher co-payments, deductibles, and premiums (Reich, 2001). Likewise, consumer debt because of credit card use is at an all-time high, and Brown (1999) suggests that, depending on their personal circumstances, consumers should first eliminate this source of debt as a debt-reduction strategy because of the exorbitant interest rates involved: "[Consumers] should carry out an aggressive debt-reduction strategy over the next three to five years in order to eliminate their outstanding debt. Otherwise the interest from their credit cards will erode the profits from any portfolio. Earning 10 percent to 12 percent on your investment portfolio and paying out 18 percent to 21 percent in consumer debt doesn't help you realize a profit on your portfolio, no matter how well you are invested" (Brown, 1999, p. 60)."
A discussion of the development of automated bio-terrorism identification equipment to detect and provide warning of the presence of biological agents in the case of biological wafare.
Abstract The paper examines how the Department of Defense has started work on a biological agent detection and identification program as part of efforts to develop a national early warning system for urban areas pertaining to biological warfare. It also describes the Biological Defense Homeland Security Support Program to achieve early detection and characterization of a biological-related incident in an urban area in order to reduce casualties, minimize disruption to infrastructures and support consequence management efforts. It looks at how the Postal Service has also set into motion work toward the development of bio-terrorism identification equipment due to anthrax scares and the work of biotechnology companies in the development of pulmonary drug delivery in order to combat air-borne bio-terrorist threats .
From the Paper "Another developer of bio-terrorism identification equipment is NanoVia, LP, an innovative leader in the development of next generation high-speed microvia drilling technology. The company recently announced that it intends to further develop its patented drilling process for pulmonary drug delivery in order to combat air-borne bio-terrorist threats (prweb.com). While currently applicable for conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, fast-moving allergic reactions, seizures and cardiovascular conditions, NanoVia, LP believes that inhaled physical threats, such as Anthrax, can also be combated with this technology (prweb.com)."
Abstract This paper discusses Toronto's burgeoning bio-tech industry. In particular, it looks at where these companies are located, what they are, what they look like and where they rank internationally. The paper also focuses particular attention upon Affinium Pharmaceuticals. Ultimately, the paper describes Toronto's bio-tech sector and illustrates Toronto's growing profile among the bio-technology centers of North America.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Geography Of Toronto's Bio-Tech Industry
Toronto's Bio-Tech Companies: What They Are And What They Look Like (A Representative Sampling)
The International Status Of Toronto's Bio-Tech Companies
Conclusions
From the Paper "Even if Toronto's bio-tech sector is still relatively fledgling compared to its U.S. counterparts, the city is quickly developing an enviable reputation. For one thing, the well-regarded University of Toronto - the school with which Affinium Pharmaceuticals has such a strong relationship - has more than 16,000 researchers on its campus and at affiliated teaching hospitals. Further, the Samuel Lunefeld Research Institute, the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, the Ontario Cancer Institute and the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry are all held in high esteem as research "hot beds" and employ literally thousands (Biotechnology Ontario, "Toronto: Profile," para.1-5)."
A look at the growing demand for bio diesel and how the demand is taking precedence over concerns about whether bio diesel actually reduces the costs associated with gasoline production and use.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, 2006, $ 53.95
Abstract The use of bio fuels has long been viewed as a potential solution to solve the world's dependency on petroleum and its negative environmental impact. Recently, many Western countries, Canada among them, have begun to make a deeper examination of bio fuels, and specifically bio diesel, now that both its production costs have been lowered due to technology advances and its cost-basis is improved due to petroleum's high market costs. This paper examines the issue concerning the artificiality of the gasoline demand curve that creates a greater need for bio diesel irrespective of its benefits related to lowering the external costs associated with gasoline.
Abstract This paper discusses the way the products, which make up bio-diesel industry, are made and sold and their benefits to the environment. The author points out that bio-diesel energy is a clean burning alternative fuel, which is produced from domestic, renewable resources. The paper focuses on three companies: The American company Bio-diesel Industries and two British companies Bio-fuels Corporation and D1 Oils Plc..
From the Paper "The energy needs of the world must be met somehow, and many today see the continuing reliance on fossil fuels as a dead end proposition, for fossil fuels will one day run out and are not renewable. It took thousands of years to produce the oil we are not pumping out of the ground, and there is no way to speed that particular process to replace those resources. Finding sources that are truly renewable and that can satisfy the world's energy needs is a major research goal, and one of the types of fuel being developed today is bio-diesel. Several companies are working to produce bio-diesel today, conducting research and producing the fuel for use in diesel vehicles in order to reduce reliance on petroleum-based products and improve the environment."
Abstract The paper researches whether al Qaeda or any other international terrorist group has the motivation and capability to develop and use bio-weapons to carry out their missions of terror. The paper also examines the capability of authorities to deal with this challenge to existing health and defense systems. The paper studies the 2001 anthrax attack and contends that terror groups definitely have the intention to attack with bio-weapons, although we can only speculate about their capabilities. The paper asserts, however, that the threat is very real and the biggest imperative is to neutralize any al Qaeda scientists and technicians engaged in bio-weapons development.
From the Paper "The threat posed by biological disease agents as a terrorist weapon emerged following the anthrax scare in October 2001, when anonymous letters filled with anthrax spores were mailed to US senators and selected media men. Anthrax is one of many biological agents suitable for use as weapon of mass destruction, which fall under five categories: bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi and toxins. The anthrax attack in the US came soon after 9/11, in which the terrorist group identified with al Qaeda seized two civilian planes and smashed them into the World Trade Center in New York and killed about 3,000 people."
Abstract This paper examines how bio-terrorism has been called a disease of modern society, a condition of life, an unsurpassed weapon of psychological warfare, and an antithesis of democracy and the democratic spirit It shows how, although bio-terrorism is thought to be difficult to accomplish on a large scale, recent cases of small scale bio-terrorism have demonstrated how easily it would be to inflict large-scale damage in small doses, if done in a coordinated attack. It examines recent cases, such as anthrax-tainted mail, and looks at how terrorists seem to have relatively easy access to a range of sophisticated, "off the shelf" weapons technology that can be readily adapted to their operational needs.
From the Paper "In September 1984, a non-state sponsored terrorist cult called the Rajneeshee from Oregon intentionally contaminated many salad bars in restaurants with salmonella bacteria. The incident resulted in 751 cases of enteritis, inflammation of the intestine (especially the small intestine), usually characterized by diarrhea, and 45 hospitalizations. This occurred just from a weak bacteria like salmonella. In 1995, the radical Aum Shinrikyo cult of Japan attacked the subways of Japan by releasing a sarin gas that killed twelve and left thousands debilitated. This cult had allegedly launched three unsuccessful biological attacks in Japan using Anthrax and botulin toxin."
Abstract An examination of bio-terrorism. The writer explores the type of threat posed by bio-terrorism and the extent to which the nation has prepared for it, especially after the events of 9/11. The paper shows the various types of materials that can be used in bio-terrorism and how each of them can be prevented and treated.
Contents
Introduction
What is Bioterrorism?
How Can it be Used Against Us?
What Types of Things Can Be Used to Commit it?
What Now?
Steps That Were Taken after 9-11
Government Readiness
School Readiness
The Future
What Should be Done for Future Protection?
International Cooperation
Protecting our Borders
From the Paper "For almost two hundred years Americans were lulled into a false sense of security with the belief that nobody could penetrate the "invisible" shield of protection around the country. While chaos was happening around the world by way of attacks, bio-terroristic threats, wars and other problems, Americans went about their daily business believing it could never happen here. And then the events of 9-11 unfolded. Americans were horrified and glued to television screens as the World Trade Centers came down. From that point on the nation understood it was not invincible and the concern about possible bio-terrorism began to grow."
Abstract This paper discusses the production of bio-ethanol fuel as an alternative to fossil fuels, in Brazil. The paper begins by giving a summary of the political and economic background of Brazil and goes on to describe why the production of bio-ethanol has been so successful in Brazil. The paper presents the pros and cons of bio-ethanol production and concludes that, at this stage, the advantages of producing ethanol for fuel use appear to outweigh the disadvantages.
From the Paper "Overall, the advantages of producing ethanol for fuel use appear to outweigh the disadvantages, which at this stage, are believed to be manageable. The first benefit is the decrease of the net output of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, since the amount of carbon dioxide released in the manufacture would be cyclically absorbed in the production of the new fuel crops (Wikipedia 2006). The burning of fossil fuels brings up massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere without creating damage. But this advantage can be derived only from agricultural ethanol, not petroleum ethanol. It is also assumed that production processes, like distillation and fertilizer production, would not exact large amounts of energy and done without using fossil fuels (Wikipedia)."
Abstract This paper examines the concept common to all systems of capitalism, that production should exceed consumption so that the nation's productive capacity is increased. The writer begins with capitalism as a political theory that traces its roots to the 16th century. The paper defines accumulation theory before continuing with an explanation of Laws of Motion in Capitalism and finally providing a set of observations based on the texts and expert opinions.
From the Paper "The concept of "accumulation" as a political notion gives rise to two basic questions: a) Who should be allowed to accumulate? And b) What should be done with the accumulation? Certain nations, beginning in the 19th century began formulating principles of capital disbursement. Curiously, the man accused of being one of the most prominent enemies of capitalism, Karl Marx, was one of the most astute analysts of Capitalism, both in theory and in fact."
Abstract This paper discusses how the Japanese-American bio-pharmaceutical industry represents an ongoing international effort between the two top pharmaceutical markets in the world. It looks at why a number of pharmaceutical products that are currently available to U.S. residents are unavailable to Japanese consumers and how from a humanitarian perspective, this discrepancy denies access to life-enhancing and life-saving drugs to the Japanese population. It proposes a study to evaluate how the United States and Japan can work collaboratively to optimize the availability of ethical pharmaceuticals so that every American and Japanese citizen is permitted free access to life-enhancing and life-saving drugs.
Outline
List of Tables
List of Figures
Chapters
1.Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Importance of the Problem
Definition of Terms
Limitations and Delimitations
2.Review of the Literature
1990 to 1996
1997 to 2002
3.Methodology
Research Design
The Hypothesis
Special Tests
Statistical Procedures Used
Data Gathering
Population Descriptions
4. Results
Statement of the Results
Tables
Charts
Figures
Statistical Findings
5.Summary
Conclusions
Supporting Findings
Contradicting Findings
Recommendations
Additional Research
Implications for Revising the Current Body of Knowledge
Change in Related Practices
Appendices
From the Paper "Regardless of the strategic tools that are utilized for a meaningful entry into U.S. markets as well as growth, Japanese firms must increasingly rely on local staff. Depending on local staff to manage their business, and providing those managers with sufficient opportunities and incentives, is a management challenge that Japanese pharmaceutical manufacturers have yet to overcome, especially in the United States. This will require a modification of management methods throughout the firm, including domestic headquarters. Such changes will be slow and will be resisted; we expect the issue of bicultural management to be a struggle for most Japanese pharmaceutical firms throughout the 1990s. This "people issue" also involves a number of organizational matters that many of these firms are now attempting to manage."
Abstract This paper presents a research paper about bio-terrorism. The writer focuses on the use of smallpox as a weapon against societies. The writer explores the viability of using smallpox as a weapon, as well as some of the things societies have done to prepare for such a possibility. In addition, the education of the American public about such an attack is discussed.
From the Paper "Bioterrorism has been a concern of the United States for many years. During most skirmishes, following 9-11 and of course during and after the onset of the war in Iraq, Americans were concerned about the release of bio-chemical warfare. One of the more common concerns recently has been small pox. Small pox is something that if released on the world could cause hundreds of thousands if not millions to perish. The American government has voiced concerns about Saddam Hussein's ability to implement such an attack, as well as Al-QADA forces being able to do so. As these concerns became public, the public became aware that in actuality any nation or group that had the desire to use small pox against its residents, will be able to do so with some planning and some funding. This realization has created significant concerns throughout America recently and the race to prevent a catastrophic reaction has begun. The United States cannot prevent its enemies from developing the smallpox virus, or using it against the nation, but it can promote the education of the American public to minimize any damage if an attack should occur."
This paper discusses the bio-invasion of a noxious seaweed caulerpa taxifolia, "killer algae", continuing to spread along the coasts of Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Croatia and Tunisia.
Abstract This paper explains that caulerpa taxifolia, which had been grown as an aquarium strain of caulerpa taxifolia bred for its pleasant appearance, rapid growth and tolerance for cold conditions, now is an accidentally introduced, invasive specie of algae, which has taken over the Mediterranean Sea. The author reports that the dense mono-cultures of the weed are smothering native plant and animal species, drastically reducing biodiversity, and, because of the toxic effects of the weed's caulerpenyne compounds, are making surviving fish, unsuitable for human consumption. The paper relates that some effective methods of eradication of caulerpa taxifolia are (1) covering and sealing by PVC tarpaulins, which were injected with chlorine, (2) applying coarse sea, (3) removing manually or using a sump-pump and (4) bio-control, which is the introduction of yet another non-native species that can combat caulerpa taxifolia.
From the Paper "Efforts have been made in attempt to eradicate Caulerpa taxifolia at high costs. Six million United States dollars have been spent in Southern California (another location of C. taxifolia invasion) as of 2004 to kill the weed. And in South Australia, yet another place the invasive algae have been introduced, six to eight million Australian dollars have been spent on killer algae extermination. The elimination of Caulerpa taxifolia, while very costly, is necessary."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough look at the dangerous threat of modern terrorism, known as bio-terrorism. In particular, it looks at how the United States is vulnerable to this form of attack and examines how the country's authorities are dealing with the threat- both on a national and international scale.
Paper Outline:
The Commencement of the Attack
The Screening Process
What Agencies Should be Involved
Health Check
Epidemiological Analysis
Criminal Investigation
Mass Prophylaxis
Residual Hazard Evaluation and Alleviation
Control of Affected Area and Population
Modular Emergency Medical System (MEMS)
Managing the Dead
Emergency Management Procedures
Logistic and Supply Support
Stability of Critical Infrastructure
Responsibility for an Event of this Nature
How can we Better the Process for the Future?
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "It is heartening to note that since the September 11 attacks, several local communities have been collaborating with "Department of Health and Human Services" (DHHS) in order to ensure that effective measures can be taken to tackle a bio-terrorist attack, should it take place on American soil. The benefits of this collaboration can be timely distribution of information and medicine, which can tremendously assist in decreasing the number of people infected."
