Motivators of online vulnerability: the impact of social network site use and FOMO

Continued and frequent use of social network sites (SNS) has been linked to a fear of missing out (FOMO) and online self-promotion in the form of friending and information disclosure. The present paper reports findings from 506 UK based Facebook users (53% male) who responded to an extensive online survey about their SNS behaviours and online vulnerability. Structural equation modelling (SEM) suggests that FOMO mediates the relationship between increased SNS use and decreased self-esteem. Self-promoting SNS behaviours provide more complex mediated associations. Longitudinal support (N = 175) is provided for the notion that decreased self-esteem might motivate a potentially detrimental cycle of FOMO-inspired online SNS use. The research considers the implications of social networking on an individual’s online vulnerability

Mon1a protein acts in trafficking through the secretory apparatus

10.1074/jbc.M112.354043Journal of Biological Chemistry2873025577-25588JBCH

Measurement of in situ oxygen consumption of deep-sea fish using an autonomous lander vehicle

Conventional laboratory studies of deep-sea fish metabolism are not possible as these fish are typically killed during recovery to the surface. As these species are important members of deep-sea communities, the lack of these data represents a significant limitation to our understanding of the functioning of this ecosystem. An autonomous fish respirometer vehicle was developed in order to measure the oxygen consumption of deep-sea fish in situ. This new lander allows measurements to be made without handling or stressing the animals and without the logistical problems and great cost of submersible operations. The design, operation, and measurement methodology are described and preliminary data for Coryphaenoides armatus at 4000 m are presented. These Atlantic data appear to confirm the low metabolic rate measured in this species when compared to other gadid species

Behavioural responses to structures on the seafloor by the deep-sea fish Coryphaenoides armatus: Implications for the use of baited landers

Coryphaenoides armatus plays a fundamental role in the dispersal of organic matter on the deep-sea floor by consuming food-falls. The use of baited cameras to study population parameters (e.g. abundances and size frequencies) assumes that members of this species follow odour plumes directly to bait, appear immediately in the field of view, and depart as predicted by optimal foraging theory. Described here are behaviours to the contrary observed during the operation and development of more complex baited camera systems. Of the 247 C. armatus observed by a video lander, 72.5% of the fish explored the structure whilst only 6% fed, and 21.5% were indifferent. This exploratory behaviour increased individual staying time by 38.4% compared to those that just fed. Experiments with several models of in situ fish respirometry lander showed the importance of both equipment design, and an understanding of the behaviour of the target animals in maximising capture success. These results show how previously unexpected aspects of behaviour by C. armatus can greatly affect the chances of capturing members of this species and influence the results of baited camera experiments

Lander techniques for deep-ocean biological research

Photographic landers have proved to be a useful tool for deep-ocean biological research. This paper presents a calculation to define the niche landers have when compared to wire gears used on research vessels, and then describes how landers have developed to enable experiments previously only possible in shallow water or in the laboratory to be transported to the deep ocean at depths to 6000m. A number of diverse case studies using the authors' landers are described to illustrate these developments. These studies include fish tracking experiments using the AUDOS (Aberdeen University Deep Ocean Submersible) Lander to study deep-ocean fish movements. Two experiments designed to investigate deep-ocean fish physiology are presented; the first investigated muscle performance of fish in-situ using an electrical stimulator aboard the 'Sprint' Lander; and the second describes a lander capable of trapping and measuring the in-situ oxygen consumption of deep-ocean fish. A further case study to investigate bioluminescence in both the water column and on the sea floor to abyssal depths using the ISIT (Intensified Silicon Intensified Tube) lander is described. Finally, to investigate the effects of time signals on deep-ocean animals a case study using the DOBO (Deep Ocean Benthic Observer) lander is detailed

The DELOS project: Development of a long-term observatory in an oil field environment in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean

The deep-sea environment into which oil company operations are gradually extending is generally poorly understood, with surveys regularly discovering new habitats and communities of animals previously unknown to science