...MoGen On January 10, 2006 the managing director of Merrill Lynch’s Equity- Linked Capital markets Group, Dar Maanavi, was reviewing the final drafts of a proposal for a convertible debt offering by MoGen, Inc. As a leading biotechnology company in the United States, MoGen had become an important client for Merrill Lynch over the years. In fact, if this deal were to be approved by MoGen at $5billion, it would represent Merrill Lynch’s third financing for MoGen in four years with proceeds raised totaling $10 billion. Moreover, this “convert” would be the largest such single offering in history. The proceeds were earmarked to fund a variety of capital expenditures, research and development expenses, working capital needs, as well as a share repurchase program. The Merrill Lynch team had been working with MoGen’s senior management to find the right tradeoff between the conversion feature and the coupon rate for the bond. Maanavi knew from experience that there was no “free lunch” when structuring the pricing of a convertible. Issuing companies wanted the conversion price to be as high as possible and the coupon rate to be as low as possible; whereas investors wanted the opposite: a low conversion price and a high coupon rate. Thus, the challenge was to structure the convert to make it attractive to the issuing company in terms of its cost of capital, while at the same time selling for full price in the market. Maanavi was confident that the right balance in the terms of the...
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...Biotechnology Insulin crystals Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make useful products, or "any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use" (UN Convention on Biological Diversity).[1] Depending on the tools and applications, it often overlaps with the (related) fields of bioengineering and biomedical engineering. For thousands of years, humankind has used biotechnology in agriculture, food production and medicine.[2] The term itself is largely believed to have been coined in 1919 by Hungarian engineer Karl Ereky. In the late 20th and early 21st century, biotechnology has expanded to include new and diverse sciences such as genomics, recombinant gene technologies, applied immunology, and development of pharmaceutical therapies and diagnostic tests.[3] Definitions of biotechnology The concept of 'biotech' or 'biotechnology' encompasses a wide range of procedures (and history) for modifying living organisms according to human purposes — going back to domestication of animals, cultivation of plants, and "improvements" to these through breeding programs that employ artificial selection and hybridization. Modern usage also includes genetic engineering as well as cell and tissue culture technologies. Biotechnology is defined by the American Chemical Society as the application of biological organisms, systems, or processes by various...
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...progress in biotechnology has given rise to many ethical as well as social reactions from the public opinion, non-governmental organization, and the media. This paper aims at providing some insights into this dilemmas, ethical concerns, and the tradeoffs which have been expressed concerning biotechnology over the last decade. It will focus on a few major objects from different sectors that have raised the general attention. A large part of the public opinion agrees and is optimistic about the ability of biotechnology to help and change the quality of life. However, there are visible differences that have been pointed out by global support that aims at moderating the biotechnology use. The Reasoning of Opposing Perspective on Ethical Issues within the Field of Biomedicine The regulation and development of biotechnology has triggered many discussions from various academic fields like the law, economics, politics, and even the history. Specifically, however, the science of genetic engineering of plants, animals, human beings, and all living cells has brought about ethical concerns and various issues to the forefront. Technology has made possible many advancements in biomedicine such as the cloning of the sheep- Dolly, the genetically engineered tomatoes, and the cloning of the human embryo. All these advancements have seen different reactions all in the name of ethics. The classical division existing between the society and science doesn’t seem to revolve when biotechnology is viewed...
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...An Introduction to the topic of GMOs Ruby Gutierrez Adventist University of Health Sciences Abstract GMOs are a promising and exciting revolution in agriculture. The technology, if safe, could allow humanity to make hunger a thing of the history. On the other hand a technology as powerful as GMOs also has the potential of changing our lives and ecosystems irreversibly. This paper is a basic introduction into the topic of genetically modified organisms and the concerns consumers and advocates around the world have about this technology, its approval, and future impact in the environment and societies around the world. Keywords: GMOs, FDA, agriculture, Monsanto, patents, corruption, environment. GMOs: An Introduction We live in an area where the acquisition of knowledge is only a few keystrokes away for any given subject. The pace at which new technologies are developed and become obsolete is unprecedented. Each new invention brings the hope and promise of a better tomorrow, an improved tomorrow. One of these revolutionary technologies are genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Companies that produce GMOs offer the technology as the answer to at least two of our most pressing issues, sustainable agriculture and world hunger. Both issues speak to one of humanity’s most basic biological needs, food. In effect, anything that affects this need should be treated with importance and urgency, because of the essential nature of food for human existence. ...
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...Nicholas Pompelia IT-330 Ellen Gaston Abstract This paper will describe the field of biotechnology. For a fuller understanding of what the biotechnology field is the paper will provide a brief history. Then will give the current state of biotech business sector and the approaches they use to sustain innovation capitol. In each approach, the paper will show how information technology can improve each of these processes. Biotechnology Companies – The Innovation Capitol Squeeze People from every developed nation in the world come in contact with a biotechnological product every day. Biotechnology is a science that has done more for the human race than any other form of science. The field of Biotechnology has been around since the dawn of civilization. And, the field will continue to be a crucial part of the human race for an eternity. Biotechnology is making something out of living organisms. The UN Convention of Biological Diversity uses the definition “Biotechnology means any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use” ("Pacontrol," 2012). The applications of biotechnology are endless and the biotechnology field all started when humans first started to grow their own crops. When people switched from being hunter gathers to settlers they used biotechnology to breed their own animals. They domesticated the dog, they stored seeds from one year to...
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...Pasteurellaceae, Legionellaceae Sung‐Pin Tseng (曾嵩斌), Ph. D. Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, KMU ext: 2353 E‐mail: tsengsp@kmu.edu.tw Outline (課程要點與學習目標) Characteristic of Pasteurellaceae, Legionellaceae Infections produced by pathogenic species Tests used to identify these species Reference: Chapter 34, 37 Medical Microbiology, 6th Edition Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, KMU Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, KMU Pasteurellaceae (巴斯德桿菌科) Classification – includes four medically important genera Haemophilus Influenzae Misnamed – originally thought to cause the “flu” Haemophilus Pasteurella Aggregatibacter Actinobacillus (rare clinical isolate) Now know that flu is caused by viruses In some cases of flu, H. influenzae is secondary infection Small, G(‐), aerobic or facultative anaerobic rods, requiring enriched media for isolation Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, KMU small, cocobacilli form in sputum from patient with pneumonia thin, pleomorphic form (多形性) from patient with meningitis (80%) Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, KMU Haemophilus Species Haemophilus = “blood loving” Haemophilus spp require hemoglobin for growth: X‐factor ( hemin) Satellite phenomenon H. Influenzae (small colonies surrounding S. aureus colonies) ...
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...chemicals, new Monsanto took quite a different turn. It switched its emphasis from chemicals to food. Today’s Monsanto owes its $8.6 Billion in sales to biotechnology; specifically to its sales of genetically modified (GM) plant seeds. These seeds have revolutionized the agriculture industry. Throughout history, weeds, insects, and drought have been the bane of the farmer’s existence. In the past century, herbicides and pesticides were invented to ward off pests. Yet applying these chemicals to an entire crop was both costly and time-consuming. Then Monsanto scientists, through their work in biotechnology, were able to implant seeds with genes that make the plants themselves kill bugs. They also created seeds containing the herbicide Roundup Ready, an herbicide that kills weeds but spares the crops. The broad introduction of these GM seeds in the 1990s unleashed a stream of criticism. Monsanto was nickname “Mutanto,” and GM produce was called “Frankenfood.” Critics believed that influencing the gene pools of plants we eat could result negative health consequences, a fear that remains to this day. Others worried about the health effects on beneficial insects and plants. Could pollinating GM plants have an effect on nearby insects and non-GM plants? CEO Hugh Grant decided to curtail the tide of criticism by focusing on biotechnology on products that would not be directly place on dinner plate, but instead on seeds that produce goods like animal feed and corn syrup. In this way, Grant...
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...course. Details governing all aspects of admission to various courses, reservation of seats for SC/ST/Physically Handicapped/Sports and other categories are provided in the P.U. Calendar & Handbook of Information and Rules for Admission. All candidates must submit their application forms for admission in the concerned department(s)/Regional Centres by the specified dates irrespective of the date of declaration of results of the qualifying examination or/ and entrance test P.U.-CET (PG). i) B.E.: Chemical (85+11*), Food Technology (29), Biotechnology (71+3+3*), Electronics & Communication (98+5+5*), Information Technology (98+5+5*), Computer Science (98+5+5*), Mechanical (71+3+3*), Electrical & Electronics (71+3+3*). P.U. Swami Sarvanand Giri, Regional Centre (Hoshiarpur): B.E.: Computer Science (50), Electronics & Communication (50), Information Technology (50), Mechanical (50). B.E with M.B.A. Five Year Integrated Course : Chemical (34+5*), Biotechnology (10), Electronics & Communication (10), Information Technology (10), Computer Science (10), Mechanical (10), Electrical & Electronics (10). The admissions to B.E.&B.E with M.B.A. Five Year Integrated Course will be made on the basis of JEE2013 conducted by CBSE, New Delhi. For details, visit uiet.puchd.ac.in I.There are Entrance tests for LL.B. 3 years/ P.U.-CET (PG) Admission to courses conducted by the University in June, 2013. Name of Department Computer Science& Applications P.U. Regional Centre, Muktsar P.U. S.S.G. R.C., Hoshiarpur...
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...Monsanto company has created a variety of products to include the artificial sweetener saccharine used by Coca-Cola. Due to past major legal obstacles (Orange Agent) they shifted their efforts from the chemical realm to an organization focused on biotechnology. Their past history has generated a consensus on the possibility of how biotechnology might affect the environment and peoples’ health (Ferrell 302). In order to look at stakeholder’s interest we must look at whether Monsanto maintain an ethical culture that effectively responds to various stakeholders; we must compare the benefits of growing GM seeds for crops with the potential negative consequences of using them; and how should Monsanto manage the potential harm to plant and animal life from using products such as Roundup. Who are Monsanto Stakeholders? Monsanto Stakeholders are their employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, communities and investors. These are the people that have an interest in the business success or how they get there. Of course the company is in business to profit, but in the process it needs to make sure it is doing everything in its power to satisfy the needs of our society and environment, in other words, sustainable development. History tells us that this company has been through a lot of financial devastation mostly due to its lack of environmental and social responsibility, and we also would like to...
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...The Monsanto Company is the world’s largest company that specializes in biotechnology and genetic manipulation of organisms. This worldwide company is well known by farmers because it helps them increase food production and revenues. Nowadays 90% of the world’s GM seeds are sold by Monsanto. The company's innovation can solve a huge world’s problems such as hunger, because of intensive growth of population and lack of food and resources. That would feed all people worldwide but only thought the use of biotechnology. During the long history of Monsanto, there were different ethical, health issue and problems in each period of time. According to the company in the period 1901, when company was founded, the production of the artificial sweetener saccharine that was sold to Coca cola, this time Monsanto was well known as a Chemical company. They supplied the U.S. Army (Agent orange) which military sprayed over Vietnam and then it lead to genetic mutations in Vietnam event after 40 years. In 1981, they determined that the biotechnology would be the company new strategic focus. Then in 1994, they introduced their first products, and then sold soybean, cotton, and canola seeds. So other herbicides killed good plants that consider as not ethical at all. After production of insecticide DDC make a debate about safety in food, that it can be cause of some dangerous illness. Ethical issue was that it could lead to changes in natural ecosystem and distorted natural balance, but also...
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...Patents and Biotechnology The patent system: supposed to promote scientific progress and technological development by providing incentives for inventors, investors, and entrepreneurs. The government grants inventors a private right, i.e. ownership of the invention for 20* years, in exchange for a public good, i.e. their disclosure of information about their invention in the patent application. In theory, granting inventors a limited monopoly on their inventions provides them with an attractive alternative to trade secrecy and encourages the dissemination of scientific and technical information. *less for certain kinds of patents (e.g. new drugs) Bio-tech Terminology DNA is a double-stranded helix composed of complementary nucleic acid base-pairs: adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). DNA consists of sequences of nucleic acids, such as ACTTAGGAC. Proteins are composed of amino acids, which can fold to make complex structures (various tissues which form organs ,etc).… It takes three nucleic acid bases (or codon) to code for a single amino acid. A “gene” can be defined as the basic unit of heredity; it carries the information required to make one or more proteins. In human beings, genes include the base-pairs required to make a protein but not the regulatory sequences. Only a small percentage of human DNA, perhaps less than 5%, consists of genes. The human genome includes about 35,000 genes, which code for...
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...solution. According to the book written by Eric S. Grace, Biotechnology Unzipped: Promises and Realities, genetically modification is a process that artificially transfers genes between same or different species that can be conventionally bred. GM food grows faster than non-GM food, so it can produce food at a faster rate. GM food is high in nutrients and can control the occurrence of diseases. Pest and disease resistant GM food can preserve the environment by reducing the use of herbicide. But there are some doubts about producing GM crops or livestock. Some experts worry about widespread distribution of GM food because GM food is not proven to be safe, may reduce biodiversity, and create “super weeds.” In spite of those opponents, GM food should become more widespread because it is a solution to world hunger; it has more nutrients than those of regular food; it reduces environmental damage, and it can help control diseases. Since Gregor Mendel’s discovery, certain traits show up in offspring without any blending of parent characteristics. People recognized the possibility of GM organism by selecting genes. According to the book, Plant Biotechnology: the Genetic Manipulation of Plants, written by Adrian Salter, the "green revolution," led by Norman Borlaug, Monkombu Swaminatha and Gurdev Khush, enabled the world’s food supply to be tripled during the last three decades of the 20th Century. Adopting molecular breeding biotechnology increases the amount of product and decreases the...
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...Case Study Ms. J. O. is an 82 year old female with a variety of comorbidities including Alzheimer’s type dementia. She is a resident of a dementia unit of a local assisted living facility. She was brought in to the hospital for a fall from which she stated she had hit her head but never lost consciousness. On arrival to hospital she was noticed to be very confused with complaint of back pain, chest pain but alert. After a short period of time her GCS abruptly dropped to 3 requiring intubation. CT scan of her head showed no bleeds, strokes or abnormality. All lab values were within normal limits and her blood pressure was mildly hypotensive 93/55. Past medical history 1. Ms. J.O. has had numerous falls recently requiring multiple emergency room visits. Each visit also showed evaluation of altered mental status over her normal state of being. On one fall she suffered a pelvic fracture, sacral fracture and L2-3 fracture. Another fall she suffered a nasal bone fracture. She was treated for pain control for each visit and then returned to assisted living facility. Per family she has been at her facility for about a week before this fall. 2. 3. Type 2 diabetes 4. Ulcerative colitis 5. Anxiety/Depression 6. Hypothyroidism 7. Osteoarthritis 8. GERD 9. Alzheimer’s type dementia 10. Stroke 11. Peripheral neuropathy 12. Chronic back pain from falls 13. Hypertension 14. Knee surgery 15. Cataract surgery 16....
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...food is similar to that is happening through the traditional agriculture. It is notable that in the case of selective breeding once two parental plants are crossed with an aim of a desirable trait there is a likelihood of transferring unpleasant characteristics. Therefore, doing away with the traits that are undesirable it takes place in a slow procedure and requires trial and errors through numerous plants breeding generations (Thompson, 2015). The most notable thing about this kind of foods is that are various issues that are arising from them. This application seeks to identify a number of these aspects and focus on the future issues of GMF. Evaluate the current issues around genetically modified (GM) foods The current debate on biotechnology in agriculture has focused mainly on the potential...
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...FORENSIC ACCOUNTING SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP VALUING A BIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY DAVID RANDERSON ACUITY TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT PTY LTD Melbourne, May 2001 1. Valuation Methodologies Techniques used for valuing intangible assets, of which intellectual property (IP) is one form, may be put into three main categories1: 1. Cost Based; 2. Market Based; and 3. Revenue Based. Biotechnology companies, because their main assets are generally IP, have values that are invariably determined by their intangible assets. The valuation of a mature company tends to follow a methodology that draws heavily on its historical income, either by performing a discounted cash flow of future earnings the confidence in which derives from past activity, or capitalisation of maintainable earnings. Another technique considers the orderly realisation of assets. As most biotechnology companies have no historical revenues and the tangible assets are not representative of a company’s real value, these methods are seldom applicable. Conceptually, the value of a company is the sum of its assets value. However, accounting practices allow companies to reflect only the tangible part of their assets. Obviously, high valuations of companies that are in negative cash flow and with minimal tangible assets is causing concern to the taxation office (as demonstrated by their stance on core technology valuations in R&D syndicates) and the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). 1 Reilly RF, Schweihs...
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