An analysis between implied and realised volatility in the Greek Derivatives Market

In this article, we examine the relationship between implied and realised volatility in the Greek derivative market. We examine the differences between realised volatility and implied volatility of call and put options for at-the-money index options with a two-month expiration period. The findings provide evidence that implied volatility is not an efficient estimate of realised volatility. Implied volatility creates overpricing, for both call and put options, in the Greek market. This is an indication of inefficiency for the market. In addition, we find evidence that realised volatility ‘Granger causes’ implied volatility for call options, and implied volatility of call options ‘Granger causes’, the implied volatility of put option

The Old-Time Tradition: Rediscovery of Folk Music in the United States

poster abstractTraditional music in America is at a crossroads in the present day as post-industrial capitalism and globalization have become solidified as permanent, dominant ideologies in American society. In times of social, political, and economic crises, citizens of their native countries tend to look backward for answers and the music of the past is also a part of this reflection. The 1960’s in America demonstrate this phenomenon perfectly. The time period in American history where social, economic, racial, and political conflict were in full force, young students from northern universities began to travel southward in search of a simpler existence with a more humanistic spirit. Many young adventurers found refuge in this old-time music and their involvement helped bring them closer to humanity and diverted them away from urban monotony, industrial capitalism, and prejudice. I aim to bring awareness to this music to propose that a similar migration should occur in the present day. Young Americans must be aware of their folk traditions and should learn to embrace and preserve them. If the progression of America remains the same, it will not be long before most folk traditions have dissolved into modernity. The modern music industry has developed right alongside industrial capitalism in America, so the performance of old time music can be regarded as a radical response to commercial music in general. By educating and urging people to be involved in the rediscovery of this tradition, I aim to create a base for other popular movements to form in response to globalization and corporate capitalism. Old-time music represents a spirit in American history that should not be forgotten and should be applied to the twenty-first-century social context

Rehabilitation of a Patient Diagnosed with Dermatomyositis in a Skilled Nursing Facilty: A Case Report

Background and Purpose: Dermatomyositis is a disease of unknown origin that results in skin rashes and muscle wasting that can lead to significant respiratory issues and loss of function. This case report describes the response following functional training in a bedridden patient who recently reported to a skilled nursing facility. Case Description: The patient was a 78-year-old male who was previously diagnosed with dermatomyositis that rapidly progressed after being hospitalized for over 4 months. The patient had a complicated past medical history and a difficult socioeconomic background. Intervention: The plan of care was focused around promoting independence with transfers and building tolerance with standing and walking to be able to achieve the patient’s goal of returning home safely. Outcomes: During his time at the facility he showed great improvements in range of motion, strength, functional mobility, and exercise tolerance. Discussion: The patient was responding positively to the treatments being provided before his sudden discharge from the skilled nursing facility. Ultimately not all of his goals were able to be met before discharge. Dermatomyositis continues to be a difficult condition to manage

Mapping isoprene emissions over North America using formaldehyde column observations from space

We present a methodology for deriving emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) using space-based column observations of formaldehyde (HCHO) and apply it to data from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) satellite instrument over North America during July 1996. The HCHO column is related to local VOC emissions, with a spatial smearing that increases with the VOC lifetime. Isoprene is the dominant HCHO precursor over North America in summer, and its lifetime (≃1 hour) is sufficiently short that the smearing can be neglected. We use the Goddard Earth Observing System global 3-D model of tropospheric chemistry (GEOS-CHEM) to derive the relationship between isoprene emissions and HCHO columns over North America and use these relationships to convert the GOME HCHO columns to isoprene emissions. We also use the GEOS-CHEM model as an intermediary to validate the GOME HCHO column measurements by comparison with in situ observations. The GEOS-CHEM model including the Global Emissions Inventory Activity (GEIA) isoprene emission inventory provides a good simulation of both the GOME data (r2 = 0.69, n = 756, bias = +11%) and the in situ summertime HCHO measurements over North America (r2 = 0.47, n = 10, bias = −3%). The GOME observations show high values over regions of known high isoprene emissions and a day-to-day variability that is consistent with the temperature dependence of isoprene emission. Isoprene emissions inferred from the GOME data are 20% less than GEIA on average over North America and twice those from the U.S. EPA Biogenic Emissions Inventory System (BEIS2) inventory. The GOME isoprene inventory when implemented in the GEOS-CHEM model provides a better simulation of the HCHO in situ measurements than either GEIA or BEIS2 (r2 = 0.71, n = 10, bias = −10%)

Tunable far infrared studies of molecular parameters in support of stratospheric measurements

Lab studies were made in support of far infrared spectroscopy of the stratosphere using the Tunable Far InfraRed (TuFIR) method of ultrahigh resolution spectroscopy and, more recently, spectroscopic and retrieval calculations performed in support of satellite-based atmospheric measurement programs: the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME), and the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY)

Air mass factor formulation for spectroscopic measurements from satellites: Application to formaldehyde retrievals from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment

Abstract. We present a new formulation for the air mass factor (AMF) to convert slant column measurements of optically thin atmospheric species from space into total vertical columns. Because of atmospheric scattering, the AMF depends on the vertical distribution of the species. We formulate the AMF as the integral of the relative vertical distribution (shape factor) of the species over the depth of the atmosphere, weighted by altitudedependent coefficients (scattering weights) computed independently from a radiative transfer model. The scattering weights are readily tabulated, and one can then obtain the AMF for any observation scene by using shape factors from a three dimensional (3-D) atmospheric chemistry model for the period of observation. This approach subsequently allows objective evaluation of the 3-D model with the observed vertical columns, since the shape factor and the vertical column in the model represent two independent pieces of information. We demonstrate the AMF method by using slant column measurements of formaldehyde at 346 nm from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment satellite instrument over North America during July 1996. Shape factors are computed with the Global Earth Observing System CHEMistry (GEOS-CHEM) global 3-D model and are checked for consistency with the few available aircraft measurements. Scattering weights increase by an order of magnitude from the surface to the upper troposphere. The AMFs are typically 20-40 % less over continents than over the oceans and are approximately half the values calculated in the absence of scattering. Model-induced errors in the AMF are estimated to be • 10%. The GEOS-CHEM model captures 50 % and 60 % of the variances in the observed slant and vertical columns, respectively. Comparison of the simulated and observed vertical columns allows assessment of model bias. 1

Reaching the Hispanic Green Industry Workforce: Experiences and Practical Tools for Extension Professionals

There are approximately 500,000 Hispanics living in Georgia. The Green Industry (turfgrass, ornamentals, and landscape sectors) is one of the fastest growing industries in the state. Close to 90% of all Georgia Green Industry companies employ Hispanics as their primary labor force. Language and cultural barriers hamper productivity, efficiency, and safety in the industry. The need to develop training programs in Spanish is widely recognized. We present relevant information and tools to take into consideration when implementing training programs for the green industry\u27s Hispanic workforce

Molecular transport junctions: Current from electronic excitations in the leads

Using a model comprising a 2-level bridge connecting free electron reservoirs we show that coupling of a molecular bridge to electron-hole excitations in the leads can markedly effect the source-drain current through a molecular junction.In some cases, e.g. molecules that exhibit strong charge transfer transitions, the contribution from electron-hole excitations can exceed the Landauer elastic current and dominate the observed conduction.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, submitted to PR

Exploring what patients with musculoskeletal conditions want from first point of contact health practitioners

Objectives This research was conducted to support the development of the Musculoskeletal (MSK) Health Capabilities Framework to ensure the framework reflected patients’ priorities. The aim of this study was to explore what patients with MSK problems want from their initial consultation with a first contact health practitioner and from the patient perspective what characterises a good first contact health practitioner. Methods Focus groups were held in four locations across England. Sixteen participants with a self-declared MSK condition aged 19 to 75 took part (11 female, five male). Participants discussed the questions they want answered when first going to see a health professional about a MSK problem and how they would describe a good first contact health provider. Results Participants wanted answers to questions about: the nature of the problem, the management of the problem, where to get information and support to help themselves, what activities they can do and what the future holds. Values and behaviours they expect and value from first contact health practitioners include: good communication skills, appreciation of impact, a willingness to discuss alternative and complementary therapies, shared decision making and an awareness of own limitations and when to refer. Conclusion The MSK core capabilities framework for first contact health practitioners aims to ensure a person-centred approach in the first stages of managing any MSK problem a person may present with. The focus groups enabled the developers of the framework to achieve a greater understanding of patient priorities, expectations and needs and allowed the patient perspective to be included in this national framework