Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems

Hedging with S&P 500 Index Futures

SIF hedging: NF = V_F(antiguo) = F_o x Z. NF (Number of contracts) = V_p (portfolio value) / (V_F x B_p) (Beta). With this hedge, risk is removed. If the index goes up, the profit in the portfolio will be offset by losses in SIFs contracts and vice versa.

Example: S&P 500 falls 5%:

• In the portfolio: R_p = B_p x (-5%) = -10% of a portfolio of $10M, resulting in $9M (Final Value).
• In the SIFS contracts: S_i = 980 (S&P 500 value given) x 0.95 (100% - 5%) = 931. F_i = 931 x (1 + 0.04 x 5/12 (next month timeframe)) = 946.52. V_F = NF x (F_i - F_o) x Z (250).
• Gain on futures: V_F(New) / Equity portfolio value.
• Outcome stock portfolio: 2 x (-5%) = -10%.
• Final Value portfolio: $10M - $1M + V_F(New).

Margin Payments

Margin payments... Continue reading "Hedging and Speculation with Futures and Options" »

The Enlightenment: The Age of Reason

The Enlightenment (also known as the Age of Reason or the Century of the Lights) is understood as an intellectual movement based on a set of philosophical ideas that emphasize trust in reason to solve many of the ills of mankind.

Metaphysics: The Nature of Being

Metaphysics is a traditional branch of philosophy concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world that encompasses it. It answers two basic questions: "What is ultimately there?" and "What is it like?" It seeks to understand:

• Existence
• Objects
• Properties

Key Enlightenment Philosophers

Prominent thinkers of this era include:

• Francis Bacon
• René Descartes
• John Locke
• Baruch Spinoza
• Pierre Bayle
• Voltaire
• David Hume
• Cesare Beccaria
• Immanuel Kant
• Sir

Key Concepts in Microbial Pathogenicity

• Pathogenicity: The ability of a microorganism to cause disease.
• Virulence: The extent or degree of pathogenicity.
• Normal Microbiota: Resident microbes, often referred to as commensals.
• Infection: The invasion of normally sterile tissues by microorganisms.
• Pathogen: An infectious agent capable of causing disease.
• Infectious Disease: A disease caused by infection by a pathogen.
• Colonization: The process of establishing a population of organisms in a host.
• Resident Colonizer: An organism that establishes a long-term presence in the host.
• Transient Presence: A short-term presence of an organism in the host.

Major Factors in the Development of an Infection

1. Adherence: Initial Attachment to Host Cells

   Adherence is crucial

T-Cell Coreceptor Specificity

• Helper T-cells require antigen and Class II markers.
• Co-presentation requirements stem from different coreceptors on Killer and Helper T cells:
  • Killer T-cell coreceptor CD8 interacts only with Class I markers.
  • Helper T-cell coreceptor CD4 interacts only with Class II markers.

Interactions: Antigen-Presenting Cells & Lymphocytes

Active Immunity

Primary and Secondary Immune Responses

1. On first exposure to a pathogen, there is a latency of 5-10 days before specific antibodies are made, known as the primary response.
   • Antibody levels plateau after a few days and decline after a few weeks.
2. Subsequent exposure to the same antigen causes a secondary response.
   • Antibody production is much more rapid and sustained.

Clonal Selection

Theme II: The Development of the Global Economy

5. Japan's Post-War Economic Growth

I. Role of Government

• Growth-driven policies and focused leadership
  • The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) mostly ruled after 1955.
  • A cohesive unity of bureaucrats and politicians made up competent policymakers focused on achieving economic development and self-reliance.
  • Tight policy coordination was known as the "Iron Triangle."
  • The Yoshida Doctrine was implemented in the early 1950s.
  • Ikeda's Income Doubling Plan was introduced in the early 1960s.
  • Sato's Three Non-Nuclear Principles were established in the early 1970s.
• Heavy government involvement in the free market
  • The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) decided, charted, and planned Japan's industrial and

Unit 14: Moving Text

Cutting and Pasting

Anna: Ben, do you know how I can move this paragraph? I want to put it at the end of this page.

Ben: I think so. First, select the text with your mouse. Then, choose "Cut" from the Edit menu.

Anna: Like this?

Ben: Yes. The text disappears and is copied to the Clipboard. Click where you want the text to go.

Anna: Okay. Is that right?

Ben: Yes, if that's the correct spot. Next, choose "Paste" from the Edit menu, or press CTRL+V.

Anna: Okay, done. Is that all?

Ben: Yes. If you make a mistake, choose "Undo" from the Edit menu to reverse your last action.

Anna: Brilliant! Thanks!

Ben: You're welcome.

Unit 15: Spreadsheet Fundamentals

Introduction

Let's start with the basics. Spreadsheets are used in business for financial... Continue reading "Spreadsheet Basics and Text Editing Tips" »

Windows Popularity and Vista Features

Unit 13

Interviewer: There is no doubt that Windows has revolutionized the way we use computers today. Bill, can you explain just why it’s so popular?

Bill: Well, very simply, people find Windows very easy to use because everything is presented in graphic images. It’s also compatible with thousands of programs.

Interviewer: The big news at the moment is, of course, the launch of Windows Vista – the successor to Windows XP. I understand that there are several versions of Vista available. Could you give us some advice on which one to get?

Bill: Yes, you’re right – there are four main editions: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.

Windows Vista Editions:

• Home Basic: Designed for users with basic

Unit 12

Visitor: Hello there. I’m thinking of buying a USB flash drive and I’ve heard you’re presenting a new device at this show. Could I see it?

Salesperson: Of course. This is the new Dragon flash drive, a compact flash memory drive that acts like a portable hard drive.

Visitor: And what’s the storage capacity?

Salesperson: Well, this model here can hold 16 gigabytes of data. We also have drives of 64 gigs, but they’re more expensive. The drive consists of a USB connector covered by a removable cap, a mass storage controller, and a flash memory chip. It also includes a write-protect switch and password protection.

Visitor: You’re getting a bit too technical for me! Does it connect like a normal drive?

Salesperson: Yes, you just plug... Continue reading "Dragon Flash Drive and MP4 Player: Features and Comparison" »

Choosing the Right Portable Hard Drive

When selecting a portable hard drive, it's essential to consider your specific storage needs. Here's a comparison of two popular models:

Available Portable Hard Drive Models

• Iomega eGO Portable Hard Drive: Offers a substantial 160 gigabytes (GB) of storage capacity.
• Edge DiskGO Mini Portable Hard Drive: Provides 12 gigabytes (GB) of storage capacity.

Comparing Iomega eGO and Edge DiskGO

The choice between these drives depends on your intended use:

• The Iomega eGO is ideal for mobile professionals, offering ample space to back up an entire PC.
• The Edge DiskGO is ultra-lightweight, making it perfect for easily transporting personal files such as photos, music, and data documents.

Portable Hard Drive Pricing

• Iomega

Victor's Journey to Geneva and Encounter with the Monster

1. On his journey to Geneva, Victor spent the night in the village of Secheron, but he couldn't sleep.

Victor couldn't sleep, and he decided to go and find the place where William had been murdered. During the storm, he saw a figure standing beside some trees; it was the monster.

Justine's Trial and Conviction

2. Justine defended herself in court.

Justine was called to defend herself. Crying, she told them what she remembered.

But it did no good. The judge had reached his verdict, and Justine had been found guilty. She was sentenced to death and would be executed the next day.

The Monster's Plea and Victor's Reaction

3. The monster raised his hand and began to speak.

Victor was shocked.

The monster... Continue reading "Frankenstein: Key Plot Points and Analysis" »