Abstract The central claim of "deep ecology" is that we need to correct an anthropocentric bias in our attitudes to the nonhuman world, and in particular to extend moral concern across time and across species. This paper will examine the benefits and the shortcomings of anthropocentrism within the framework of 'deep ecology'. As well, this paper will attempt to demonstrate both the value and some of the limitations of this framework with respect to the problem of anthropocentrism.
Abstract It is the Internet that has spurred the enormous growth of discount brokerage in the post 1995 period. The Internet is the lifeblood of the discount brokerage and its existence is almost wholly dependent on the ability of the Internet to reach and effectively serve, the armchair global investor. Accordingly, the future shape of the Internet will determine the success or failure of the discount brokerage. To a lesser degree, the discount brokerage will determine the future shape of the Internet, at least in terms of its application to financial services.
Abstract This paper addresses the concept and determinants of present value and the discount factors that affect businesses. The paper presents a two-part case study. Part I addresses a series of discount rate calculation issues. Part II then discusses the writer's analysis of two companies to determine which company would have the lowest discount rates based upon several determinants outlined in the study material.
Table of Contents:
Part I
Part II
From the Paper "Sirius has a massive cost structure - 2006 cash operating expenses (not including depreciation and non-cash compensation) were $414 million. The management's effectiveness was terrible with a negative 20 percent return on assets. The company's Q4 and full year 2006 financial results are mind-blowing. The year-over-year quarterly revenue growths were 141 percent however the net income was a negative $1.1B. Over the past 12 months, the stock price for Sirius Satellite Inc. had a significant change of minus 35 percent. Thus the volatility of the stock is large with a negative change over the past 52 months. Although Sirius Satellite Inc works in a more dynamic industry where the risks are higher, the growth expectations are expected to be higher next year. With Mercedes expediting installation of radios in a high percentage of their cars and the projected merger with XM Radio Inc., the future for Sirius looks better. One of the major risks of management effectiveness has been haunting Sirius for many years. This risk needs serious attention and mitigation steps are required to heal this wound."
Abstract This paper describes in detail discount certificates and bonus certificates. It provides some general information and features of certificates and discusses the engineering and financing of the certificates. The paper then examines the advantages and risks of using these certificates and it then provides a practical example to explain the concept.
Table of Contents:
List of Tables
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
Discount Certificates
General Information
Discounts Caps
Engineering
Advantages and Risks
Example
Key Figures
Interpretations
Explanations
Bonus Certificates
General Information
Bonus
Barrier
Engineering and Finance
Advantages and Risks
Example
Key Figures
Interpretations
Explanations
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper "Both certificate types are constructed on the basis of an underlying value and some kind of option to finance the mentioned securities as well as benefits. Certificates are sold like share at the stock exchanges in Frankfurt and Stuttgart, as well as through direct trade. Emitter like ABN AMRO sets everyday prices for the products to give liquidity for trade to the investors. There are two different prices offered, the bid and the ask price. The spread in between will finally be the profit for the emitter. Furthermore they make profit through the time value of put options. Offering certificates bears nearly no risk for the emitter. Discount certificates are based on an adverse development that equilibrates any development in the market."
Abstract This paper reviews how Kmart is currently being squeezed by Wal-mart, Target, Kohl's and a host of other discount establishments. The writer explains why the company now risks becoming irrelevant in a discount store world that has moved beyond them. The writer argues that had Kmart taken to heart certain key microeconomic concepts and applied them consistently they could possible have avoided this current state of affairs. These concepts are discussed.
From the Paper "Kmart certainly has its work cut out for itself. But how did it arrive at this state of affairs? Kmart declared bankruptcy in 2002 - the culmination of a number of bad decisions starting in the late 1980's and 1990's. The company had expanded rapidly, seeking to build up "a portfolio of category-dominant chains to complement its core business, the Kmart discount store." (Conrad, Hanson & Hoffman, 2001, p. 2). This strategy appears to have been an attempt to gain economies of scale. However most of these acquisitions had to be sold off as the economies of scale turned to diseconomies. There followed a concerted attempt to reorient the company back to the original discount store strategy."
Abstract This paper evaluates the discount brokerage in terms of Porter's 'Five Forces Analysis. This author reviews job attitudes and job equity for both the manager and broker at a typical discount brokerage firm.
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the discounted cash flow (DCF) model in valuing common stock. The paper holds that, because of the complexity and importance of valuing common stock, the above techniques have been devised over time to accomplish this task. It points out that CAPM focuses on inputs to calculate stock prices that are external to the firm while the DCF model focuses on internal factors. Also, CAPM is concerned with growth rate, while DCF is concerned with estimated returns. The paper concludes that both models are important to investors and expanding companies.
From the Paper "For a firm that is expanding, it is difficult to establish a proper growth rate for the DCF. If past growth rates in earnings and dividends have been relatively stable, and if investors appear to be projecting a continuation of past trends, then the growth rate may be based on the firm's historic growth rate. However, if the company's past growth has been abnormally high or low, either because of its own unique situation or because of economic fluctuations, then the growth rate has to be estimated in some other manner."
Abstract This paper describes the environmental impacts of deep sea fishing in general, with a focus on the issue of over-fishing. The paper examines the equipment utilized by deep sea fisheries, claiming that it may also impact the environment in a negative way. The paper contends that not only are habitats and eco-systems destroyed as a result of deep sea fishing, but entire species are on the verge of distinction, while other non-target species have also been impacted in a negative manner.
From the Paper "The environmental impacts of deep sea over fishing are many, including detrimental reductions in fishing species/populations. Over fishing can result in a modified community species composition and reduced genetic diversity through "selective targeting on species and particular size classes" (Shotton, 2003). Over fishing has the greatest impact on the environment at large. Reductions in genetic diversity and in species or populations alter the composition of habitats and can impact the environment in many ways. Coral reefs are one example, facing extinction because of a lack of herbivorous species to keep algae in check."
Abstract This paper explains that recent studies have associated positively DVT or deep vein thrombosis with internet usage, gaming and internet cafes, indicating that there might be severe risks associated with extended computer use without exercise. The author points out that deep vein thrombosis is generally caused by a thickening of blood in the veins, which can be life-threatening when a clot is formed that can travel to the heart or other vital organs. The paper states that the objectives of the study are (1) to ascertain the relationship of computer usage and the role that internet cafes play in the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis (2) to discover ways to alleviate and prevent DVT and (3) to take into account other variables, such as obesity, blood diseases that lead to clotting, smoking and a family history of DVT.
From the Paper "This study is particularly pertinent to the Asian Internet cafes and community situation as countries like Korea have become the center of the online gaming community. "If Japan is the hub of the console industry, then neighboring South Korea is the hub of the online gaming industry - most notably, the massively multiplayer online gaming industry." In this regard Korea is known as the world's "most wired society" and the amount of tie spent on online gaming is very high, making it a country where rates of DVT can be expected to increase."
Abstract In the last twenty years, the debate over global warming, deforestation and other conservation issues have become part of the national conscious. People are becoming more and more aware of the many destructive impacts of man on the global environment. Rising to meet this problem is a movement called Deep Ecology. Deep Ecology proposes a number of values aimed at influencing people to realize their connection to their environment and to do everything possible to live in global harmony.
This paper argues the concept of ecocentrism, as expressed in the philosophy of the deep ecology platform, the basic tenets of which are explained in this paper.
Abstract This paper explains that, for all of recorded history, Western cultures have operated on an implicit foundation of anthropocentrism, which assumes that human beings are the most important beings in the world. The author points out that ecocentrism, also known as biocentrism, is the exact opposite of anthropocentrism in that it sees the ecosystem itself as central. The paper relates that the first principle of the deep ecology movement, as formulated by Arne Naess and George Sessions in 1984, gives expression to the essence of ecocentrism. The author further states that the deep ecology platform is a foundation that might make it possible to save the planet, humans and most of the other still surviving species; however, none of the above will come easily to most people, accustomed to considering humans as the center of the universe and the pinnacle of all creation.
From the Paper "However, sacrifices will have to be made. One cannot drive a luxury SUV through a Garden-of-Eve like paradise - one of them has to go. The trick will be for enough people to realize it is the SUV that needs to go. Of course, the SUV is meant as a metaphor for the many excessive luxuries that so many people insist on, generating a consumerism that has sustained the multinational corporations that are devouring the resources of our planet. Thus, what needs to happen is a total shift in what we value."
Abstract This paper addresses the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis. It provides an overview of the body's two systems of veins and discusses how deep vein thrombosis can occur. The paper also discusses the methods of diagnosis of the disease and then looks at the various ways that it can be treated - both surgically and non-surgically.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Overview
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
From the Paper "In instances of complicated thrombosis, including patients with pulmonary embolus, most often these patients are admitted to an acute care inpatient unit. There they receive an unfractionated IV heparin drip and then are subsequently converted to enoxaparin at a rate of 1 mg/kg, injected subcutaneously, every 12 hours. Eisenson (2007) cites Buller et al. as recommending against the use of an inferior vena cava filter in addition to anticoagulants, for the initial treatment, unless there is a contraindication for or complication of anticoagulant treatment. Or if thromboembolism is recurrent, despite anticoagulation."
Abstract "The Deep End of the Ocean" is a book about grief and how an imperfect American family deals with the loss of a son. The book explores the themes of grief and loss, uncertainty, and of guilt, as it delves into the Cappadora's reactions to the loss of their three-year old son, Ben. The paper analyzes this central theme of the novel and how it influences the characters.
From the Paper "There are several themes explored in Mitchard's book. Primarily, The Deep End of the Ocean is a book about the emotion of grief. Mitchard delves deeply into the theme of grief and loss, and chronicles this experience in all of the immediate family members. This grief is the focal point of the novel, and runs through almost every experience the family has after loosing Ben. Before his disappearance, Ben worries that the ocean is too deep, and will harm him, Beth replies, "Don't be afraid. Mama would never let the ocean snatch you away" (page 126). The deep end of the ocean is an excellent metaphor for the grief, and depth of loss that Beth and the other family members feel after Ben is disappears."
Tags: grief, loss, guilt, uncertainty, emotions, parent, child, family, america
Abstract This paper reviews the film "Run Silent, Run Deep", produced 13 years after the end of the Second World War and starring some of the premier actors of the time. The author gives the film high praise, calling it an intense human drama of ego and duty. According to the author, the film avoids pandering to Cold War stereotypes, instead examining how in the midst of horrific conflict, the line between the ego and duty can easily become blurred.
From the Paper "Run Silent, Run Deep brilliantly captures the claustrophobic and tension-ridden atmosphere of a submarine at war. Made in 1958, it's a fast paced and thoroughly engaging wartime drama that stars some of the preeminent actors of the day: Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster. Alongside the two leading men is an excellent ensemble cast that includes Don Rickles and Jack Warden."