Abstract
This paper examines the commercial banking industry and presents the statistical facts of several financial services firms. The paper discusses Citigroup, Inc., Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, Wachovia, and Wells Fargo. The paper describes how applications of new technology have radically transformed the financial services industry.

From the Paper
"In 2003, Citigroup, Inc. was the world's largest financial services firm. It sold $94,713 million by December at annual growth rate of 2.3% (Caione 2004) and netted profits at $ 17,853 at an annual rate of 16.9%. With its numerous subsidiaries, Citigroup offers banking loans, asset management, insurance, investment bank and virtually every other retail and corporate financial service conceivable through its more than 3,000 bank branches and finance offices in the US and Canada and 1,500 other locations in close to 100 other countries worldwide (Caione)."

Tags:finances, loans, securities

Abstract
This paper discusses VoIP and its shift from a little known Internet- based technology into the mainstream of public and corporate consciousness. The paper discusses VoIP use in business applications such as customer service centers and commercial center environments in order to illustrate its wide application and show how its technological failings have been largely solved. The paper includes the technological developments related to VoIP and its network mapping diagrams to paint a picture of the conceptual network application of VoIP.

Outline:
Abstract
Overview
VoIP in Commercial Applications
Emergent Technologies

From the Paper
"Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is not a necessarily new technology or even a revolutionary technology. However, the application of VoIP itself in the corporate and consumer environment, once widely achieved, has the ability to revolutionize the communication industry and the way that both professional and private consumers convey information vis-a-vis the plain old telephone system (POTS). VoIP has its roots in a technology developed during the 1980s called time division multiplexing which divided up bandwidth on a wide area network (WAN) between voice data and traditional data streams(IP, 2003). In essence VoIP is telephone service that employs the backbone of the Internet to replace the traditional switching and signal transportation hardware of normal telephone lines."

Tags:software, interface, telephone, networks

Abstract
This paper examines in detail Warren Buffett's investment principles and how they can be applied to investing in the commercial real estate market through real estate investment trusts (REITs) or properties themselves. The paper explains how Buffett's strategy can be applied to the current real estate market to make an investment that will yield high returns both during economically troubled times and in times of prosperity.

Outline:
Introduction
Warren Buffett: Sound Investment Principles
Application of Buffett to Commercial Real Estate
Commercial Real Estate: Investment Possibilities
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The commercial real estate market, and indeed all investment ventures, has been somewhat volatile since the start of the global economic downturn. This is particularly so for those who invested on a short-term basis. These investors generally invested in companies and shares that were projected to yield high returns on the short term, and that were Wall Street favorites. This high-yielding, aggressive type of investing strategy also incurs significant risks, as demonstrated by the effects of the recession.
"Warren Buffett, a well-known investing expert, follows a much more conservative strategy, which has yielded superlative results over his years of experience. Buffett's strategy is not based upon whatever is "hot" in the investment market at any given time. Instead, he focuses upon identifying companies that have "durable competitive advantage" in the marketplace. He determines this durability by means of a thorough investigation of the company itself, rather than on the strength of "expert" advice.
"Specifically, this durability is not based upon products, size, execution, or management, although they are favorable assets for a company. Instead, Buffett has determined the sources of structural competitive advantage as being "intangible assets; customer switching costs; the network effect; and cost advantages." This culminates in the important concept of the "moat". This means that the business is structurally sound, providing it with protection against competition."

Tags:returns, stock, buybacks, downturns, capital, shareholders

Abstract
An inertial navigation system is comprised of gyroscopes, accelerometers and some type of processor. A gyroscope is a sensor that is able to measure rotation rates with respect to an inertial plane. Mechanical spinning-mass gyroscopes, though, are difficult to handle and require a high level of maintenance. Similarly, ring laser gyroscopes produce lock-in phenomena and require ongoing mechanical fine-tuning if they are to retain sensitivity at small rotation rates. This paper provides an overview and discussion of inertial navigation systems, the principles of interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes and their application to commercial aviation. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.

Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Principles of Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyroscopes
Relationship of Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyroscope Principles to Commercial
Aviation
Current and Future Trends
Conclusion
References
Appendix A

From the Paper
"In 1908, Sir Hiram Maxim published a book discussing his experiments in aeronautics. He described a gyroscopic stability augmentation device connected to the fore and aft elevators of a large, highly unstable airplane built and tested while tethered during the 1890s [1]. This device is believed to be the first example of aircraft automation and was patented in England in 1891. Early on in their flight experiments, Orville and Wilbur Wright also recognized the severe instability of their aircraft and independently developed stability augmentation devices. In 1913, Lawrence Sperry developed a more advanced gyroscopic stability augmentation system, which was demonstrated in flight [1]. The Sperry name was associated with aircraft automation for the next 60 years. Sperry automatic pilots (known as "autopilots") became available during the 1920s. In 1918, H. J. Taplin patented a nongyroscopic two-axis stabilization device that relied on differential aerodynamic pressures. This device was successfully flown in the United States in 1926 [1]. To date, with this sole exception (as far as is known), all successful autopilots during this period are believed to have utilized the gyroscopic principle. In 1933, a viable three-axis autopilot that was actuated solely by hydraulic and pneumatic power was an essential part of the equipment installed in Wiley Post's Lockheed Vega, Winnie Mae, for his solo around-the-world flight [1]."

Tags:commercial, rotation, spinning, mass, sensor

Abstract
The paper relates that the Irish and UK courts' application of the doctrine of fundamental breach has been by no means consistent. The paper defines fundamental breach, briefly analyzes the history of its application and distinguishes between the types of contract that exist, specifically the difference between consumer and commercial contracts. The paper summarizes the development of the law to-date by considering the role of the courts in contract law and analyzing whether Clayton Love needs to be reconsidered. Finally, the paper explores avenues of reform of the doctrine.

From the Paper
"It is clear that a distinction has been drawn between contracts made with consumers and contracts between commercial entities. Already it has been seen that this has been alluded to by Ms. Justice Finlay Geoghegan in ESL Consulting Services Ltd. v. Verizon (Ireland) Ltd. and Verizon (UK) Ltd. and indeed Irish legislative authorities would seem to suggest that these contracts should be treated separately by the courts. The two principle pieces of legislation in question are the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 and the European Communities (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) Regulations 1995 (SI No. 27 of 1995). Like the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 in the UK, they are far less concerned with commercial contracts than they are with the consumer. The Sale of Goods Act 1980 in particular emphasises the importance of the strength of bargaining power, and gives particular protection to the consumer because they tend not to enjoy an equal bargaining power to that of the person or business with which they are entering a contract. This is but one of a number of factors taken into account by the legislation in its 'fair and reasonable' test for contractual terms, others including the availability of alternate sources for the goods or service required and whether or not there was an inducement to enter the contract."

Tags:contract, law, Clayton, Love, consumers, commercial, entities

Abstract
The paper looks at the Six Sigma quality initiative as applied in various applications to improve hiring. The paper shows Six Sigma at work in commercial and military settings. It also looks at other quality methodologies in HR, such as performance plans and progress reviews. The paper reviews the results of outsourcing and online recruiting for military hiring of civilians. In conclusion, the paper finds that quality initiatives in HR can improve hiring and retention.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Utilizing Six Sigma in HR Practices
Six Sigma "Defects" in Corporate Staffing
Screening Out Unqualified Candidates
Focusing on Quality Through the Hiring Process
Improving Government Civilian HR Practices
Outsourcing
HR Practices Within the Military
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Six Sigma is defined as a rigorous and disciplined methodology that utilizes data and statistical analysis to measure and improve a company's operational performance, practices and systems. In many organizations, it simply means a measure of quality that strives for near perfection (www.dmreview.com/resources/glossary.cfm?keywordId=S). Six Sigma initially identified and prevented defects in manufacturing and service-related processes when it was first implemented. However, today it is also being used to streamline hiring and retention practices."

Tags:hiring, performance, review, outsourcing, retention

Abstract
This paper discusses the history of wallpaper and shows how it has been marked by shifts in the method of manufacture, the materials used and the designs prevalent. The paper also looks at the use of wallpaper in private homes, as well as in commercial buildings. It then compares the use of paint and wallpaper over the years and discusses the issues that factor into people's decisions about which to use.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
History
Modern Use of Wallpaper
Wallpaper versus Paint
Social Applications and Design Considerations
Conclusion

From the Paper
"A more recent analysis by a design firm notes that people believe that wallpaper is more expensive than paint and harder to install. The report states that the cost of wallpaper does appear to be higher than paint but that there are various factors to be considered in making this comparison. For the average sized room, the initial cost of wallpaper can be $200 to $300, while the same room can be painted for $100. In terms of long-term durability, though, wallpaper is a better buy because it has an average life of 12 to 15 years, while paint lasts an average of three years. This makes paint more expensive than wallpaper. The report also states that modern wallpaper is much easier to install than was true in the past. Either painting or wallpapering might be done by a professional but either could also be done by the homeowner if he or she wanted (Accent on: Wallpaper 2007)."

Tags:paint decoration, interior design

Abstract
The paper discusses efforts to move the technology of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) forward and place it on the same footing as human-piloted aircraft and notes the serious safety concerns involved in using them as commercial airliners. The paper shows how UAVs are an unproven technology that is only beginning to be successfully used in military applications. The paper contends that using this technology in civil airspace represents an unnecessary risk to other aircraft that cannot be justified.

From the Paper
"Some may believe that UAVs are the next step in aviation, but it is far more likely based on the evidence to conclude that they are actually just a new hazard in already overcrowded skies (Use of pilotless planes, 2006). In the United States alone, airlines account for approximately 612 million commercial flights each year (Eng, n.d.). This is a significant number of aircraft clogging the skies each year, which is already difficult to manage. Mid-air collisions are not unheard of, despite pilot training and despite the latest technology. Into this fray imagine the insertion of UAVs using untested technology and an unreliable ability to detect and avoid other aircraft. The results of UAVs colliding with other aircraft or with structures on the ground cannot be ignored."

Tags:flights, cockpit, freight, collisions, aviation

Abstract
This paper discusses Alumina or Aluminum Oxide, the only oxide formed by the metal aluminum, which occurs in nature as the minerals corundum, diaspore, gibbsite and most commonly as bauxite, which is an impure form of gibbsite. The author submits that its industrial and commercial use in the modern times took off after the development of the Bayer process, which made possible the wide-scale, low cost production of the material.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Background Information: History of Alumina
Initial Manufacture of Alumina
Manufacture of Aluminum & the Bayer Process
New Natural Forms of Alumina
Properties of Alumina
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Electrical Properties
Structure of Crystalline Alumina
Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) Structure
Structure of Liquid Alumina
Applications of Alumina
Ceramics
As an Insulating Material
Electronics
Mechanical Ceramics
Military Uses
Bio Medical
Chemical Ceramics
Enameling
Refractory Uses
Chemical Industry
Catalysts, Fillers, and the Glass industry
The Bayer Process
Grinding of Bauxite
Digestion of Bauxite
Settling and washing of Residues
Crystallization of Hydrates
Calcination of Hydrate
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Fused alumina (the substance produced after being melted and re-crystallized) is identical in chemical and physical properties with natural corundum. It is a very hard material and its hardness is exceeded only by diamond and a few synthetic substances such as carborundum, and silicon carbide. This property of alumina lends itself for use as an abrasive material. Another useful property of the material is its high melting point, i.e., above 2000 C (3632 F), which makes it useful as a refractory and as linings of special furnaces. The mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties of Alumina (99.7% purity) often used in the ceramic industry are depicted in the following tables:..."

Tags:bauxite, bayer, thermal, ceramics, electronics

Abstract
This paper presents an exploration of the lemon law and discusses the applicable uniform commercial code (UCC) regarding its effectiveness. The paper begins by defining, in detail, the lemon law and the UCC. The writer then uses a court case from New Jersey to further outline what the UCC is and how it governs the sale of goods in general. The paper discusses the specific application of the law with regard to the case it presents.

Table of Contents:
UCC
The Case

From the Paper
"In this particular case the fact that the buyer had only driven the vehicle for 7/10 of a mile provided strength for the argument of Lemon Law violation."
"Society believes and understands that during the course of a test drive while vehicle shopping there is stress and excitement that may prevent the buyer from being able to detect any flaws of the car. However, the first few miles that the buyer owns the vehicle are accepted by society and the UCC as "exciting" and telling as he or she begins to settle into vehicle ownership. The law understands this and consequently provides a reasonable time period for defects to be discovered and the contract broken."

Tags:consumers, transaction, purchase, UCC