Arithmetic degree and associated graded modules
  We prove that the arithmetic degree of a graded or local ring is bounded above by the arithmetic degree of any of its associated graded rings with respect to ideals $I$ in $A$. In particular, if $Spec (A)$ is equidimensional and has an embedded component in dimension $i$, then the normal cone of $Spec (A)$ along $V(I)$ has an embedded component in dimension $i$ too. 
Natale Paolo Vinai