Auckland University of Technology

About: Auckland University of Technology is a education organization based out in Auckland, New Zealand. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 4116 authors who have published 13461 publications receiving 353076 citations. The organization is also known as: AUT & AUT University.

Option Pricing When Correlations are Stochastic: An Analytical Framework

Abstract: In this paper we develop a novel market model where asset variances-covariances evolve stochastically. In addition shocks on asset return dynamics are assumed to be linearly correlated with shocks driving the variance-covariance matrix. Analytical tractability is preserved since the model is linear-affine and the conditional characteristic function can be determined explicitly. Quite remarkably, the model provides prices of vanilla options consistent with the smile and skew effects observed, while making possible to detect and quantify the correlation risk in multiple asset derivatives like basket options. In particular it can reproduce the asymmetric conditional correlations effect documented in Ang and Chen (2002) for equity markets. We exemplify analytical tractability providing explicit pricing formulas for rainbow Best-of options.

Aerobic conditioning for team sport athletes.

Abstract: Team sport athletes require a high level of aerobic fitness in order to generate and maintain power output during repeated high-intensity efforts and to recover. Research to date suggests that these components can be increased by regularly performing aerobic conditioning. Traditional aerobic conditioning, with minimal changes of direction and no skill component, has been demonstrated to effectively increase aerobic function within a 4- to 10-week period in team sport players. More importantly, traditional aerobic conditioning methods have been shown to increase team sport performance substantially. Many team sports require the upkeep of both aerobic fitness and sport-specific skills during a lengthy competitive season. Classic team sport trainings have been shown to evoke marginal increases/decreases in aerobic fitness. In recent years, aerobic conditioning methods have been designed to allow adequate intensities to be achieved to induce improvements in aerobic fitness whilst incorporating movement-specific and skill-specific tasks, e.g. small-sided games and dribbling circuits. Such 'sport-specific' conditioning methods have been demonstrated to promote increases in aerobic fitness, though careful consideration of player skill levels, current fitness, player numbers, field dimensions, game rules and availability of player encouragement is required. Whilst different conditioning methods appear equivalent in their ability to improve fitness, whether sport-specific conditioning is superior to other methods at improving actual game performance statistics requires further research.

Nanoantioxidants: Recent Trends in Antioxidant Delivery Applications.

Abstract: Antioxidants interact with free radicals, terminating the adverse chain reactions and converting them to harmless products. Antioxidants thus minimize the oxidative stress and play a crucial role in the treatment of free radicals-induced diseases. However, the effectiveness of natural and/or synthetic antioxidants is limited due to their poor absorption, difficulties to cross the cell membranes, and degradation during delivery, hence contributing to their limited bioavailability. To address these issues, antioxidants covalently linked with nanoparticles, entrapped in nanogel, hollow particles, or encapsulated into nanoparticles of diverse origin have been used to provide better stability, gradual and sustained release, biocompatibility, and targeted delivery of the antioxidants with superior antioxidant profiles. This review aims to critically evaluate the recent scientific evaluations of nanoparticles as the antioxidant delivery vehicles, as well as their contribution in efficient and enhanced antioxidant activities.

Do multiple ionic interactions contribute to skeletal muscle fatigue

Abstract: During intense exercise or electrical stimulation of skeletal muscle the concentrations of several ions change simultaneously in interstitial, transverse tubular and intracellular compartments. Consequently the functional effects of multiple ionic changes need to be considered together. A diminished transsarcolemmal K+ gradient per se can reduce maximal force in non-fatigued muscle suggesting that K+ causes fatigue. However, this effect requires extremely large, although physiological, K+ shifts. In contrast, moderate elevations of extracellular [K+] ([K+]o) potentiate submaximal contractions, enhance local blood flow and influence afferent feedback to assist exercise performance. Changed transsarcolemmal Na+, Ca2+, Cl− and H+ gradients are insufficient by themselves to cause much fatigue but each ion can interact with K+ effects. Lowered Na+, Ca2+ and Cl− gradients further impair force by modulating the peak tetanic force–[K+]o and peak tetanic force–resting membrane potential relationships. In contrast, raised [Ca2+]o, acidosis and reduced Cl− conductance during late fatigue provide resistance against K+-induced force depression. The detrimental effects of K+ are exacerbated by metabolic changes such as lowered [ATP]i, depleted carbohydrate, and possibly reactive oxygen species. We hypothesize that during high-intensity exercise a rundown of the transsarcolemmal K+ gradient is the dominant cellular process around which interactions with other ions and metabolites occur, thereby contributing to fatigue.