Adomian decomposition method for analytical solution of a continuous arithmetic Asian option pricing model

One of the main issues of concern in financial mathematics has been a viable method for obtaining analytical solutions of the Black-Scholes model associated with Arithmetic Asian Option (AAO). In this paper, a proposed semi-analytical technique: Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) is applied for the first time, for analytical solution of a continuous arithmetic Asian option model. The ADM gives the solution in explicit form with few iterations. The computational work involved is less. However, high level of accuracy is not neglected. The obtained solution conforms with those of Rogers and Shi (J. of Applied Probability 32: 1995, 1077-1088), and Elshegmani and Ahmad (ScienceAsia, 39S: 2013, 67–69). Thus, the proposed method is highly recommended for analytical solution of other versions of Asian option pricing models such as the geometric form for puts and calls, even in their time-fractional forms

Adomian decomposition method for analytical solution of a continuous arithmetic Asian option pricing model

One of the main issues of concern in financial mathematics has been a viable method for obtaining analytical solutions of the Black-Scholes model associated with Arithmetic Asian Option (AAO). In this paper, a proposed semi-analytical technique: Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) is applied for the first time, for analytical solution of a continuous arithmetic Asian option model. The ADM gives the solution in explicit form with few iterations. The computational work involved is less. However, high level of accuracy is not neglected. The obtained solution conforms with those of Rogers and Shi (J. of Applied Probability 32: 1995, 1077-1088), and Elshegmani and Ahmad (ScienceAsia, 39S: 2013, 67–69). Thus, the proposed method is highly recommended for analytical solution of other versions of Asian option pricing models such as the geometric form for puts and calls, even in their time-fractional forms

Genetic Manipulation of a "Vacuolar" H+ -PPase: From Salt Tolerance to Yield Enhancement under Phosphorus-Deficient Soils

Article on the genetic manipulation of a vacuolar H+ -PPase and salt tolerance to yield enhancement under phosphorous-deficient soils

SPS Impedance

For many years several measurements of the beam coupling impedance have been performed each year in both longitudinal and transverse planes of the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron to keep track of the evolution of its hardware. Copious types of equipments had to be modified or added in the past to allow the SPS to produce the nominal LHC beam. The next challenge would be the operation of the SPS with higher intensity for the LHC luminosity upgrade, which requires a good knowledge of the machine impedance and in particular of its major contributors. The current understanding of the measurements performed over the last few years is presented in this paper. In particular, this analysis reveals that the longitudinal impedance is reasonably well understood, while the situation is less satisfactory in the transverse planes, where about half of the measured impedance still needs to be identified

Modulation of argon pressure as an option to control transmittance and resistivity of ZnO:Al films deposited by DC magnetron sputtering: on the dark yellow films at 10^-7 Torr base pressures

In a previous paper, we reported that thin films of ZnO:Al [aluminum-zinc oxide (AZO)] deposited after achieving a very low base pressure [from 4.0×10-7 Torr (5.6×10-5 Pa) to 5.7×10-7 Torr (7.6×10-5 Pa)] result dark yellow in color and are resistive. These are undesirable characteristics for the application of AZO thin films as front electrodes in solar cells. However, given the increasingly tendency in the acquisition of equipment that allow us to reach excellent vacuum levels, it is necessary to find the deposition conditions that lead to an improving of transmittance without greatly impacting the electrical properties of materials deposited after achieving these levels of vacuum. In this way, the present work is focused on AZO thin films deposited after achieving a very low base pressure value: 4.2×10-7 Torr (5.6×10-5 Pa). For this, we studied the effect of the variation of the oxygen volume percent in the argon/oxygen mixture (by maintaining the deposition pressure constant) and the effect of deposition pressure with only argon gas on the main properties of AZO thin films. The depositions were done at room temperature on glass substrates by direct-current magnetron sputtering with a power of 120 W (corresponding to a power density of 2.63 W/cm2). As results, we found that the variation of deposition pressure with only argon gas is a good option for the control of optical and electrical properties, since the addition of oxygen, although improves transmittance, greatly impacts on the electrical properties. Furthermore, an interesting correlation was found between the optical and electrical properties and the chemical composition of the AZO films, the latter depending on the argon pressure (for this, a careful X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis was performed). Also, the inverse relationship between crystallinity and deposition rate was confirmed, in which deposition rate inversely depends on argon pressure

State of the California current 2012-13: No such thing as an “average” year

This report reviews the state of the California Current System (CCS) between winter 2012 and spring 2013, and includes observations from Washington State to Baja California. During 2012, large-scale climate modes indicated the CCS remained in a cool, productive phase present since 2007. The upwelling season was delayed north of 42°N, but regions to the south, especially 33° to 36°N, experienced average to above average upwelling that persisted throughout the summer. Contrary to the indication of high production suggested by the climate indices, chlorophyll observed from surveys and remote sensing was below average along much of the coast. As well, some members of the forage assemblages along the coast experienced low abundances in 2012 surveys. Specifically, the concentrations of all lifestages observed directly or from egg densities of Pacific sardine, Sardinops sagax, and northern anchovy, Engraulis mordax, were less than previous years’ survey estimates. However, 2013 surveys and observations indicate an increase in abundance of northern anchovy. During winter 2011/2012, the increased presence of northern copepod species off northern California was consistent with stronger southward transport. Krill and small-fraction zooplankton abundances, where examined, were generally above average. North of 42°N, salps returned to typical abundances in 2012 after greater observed concentrations in 2010 and 2011. In contrast, salp abundance off central and southern California increased after a period of southward transport during winter 2011/2012. Reproductive success of piscivorous Brandt’s cormorant, Phalacrocorax penicillatus, was reduced while planktivorous Cassin’s auklet, Ptychoramphus aleuticus was elevated. Differences between the productivity of these two seabirds may be related to the available forage assemblage observed in the surveys. California sea lion pups from San Miguel Island were undernourished resulting in a pup mortality event perhaps in response to changes in forage availability. Limited biological data were available for spring 2013, but strong winter upwelling coastwide indicated an early spring transition, with the strong upwelling persisting into early summer