A live video observatory reveals temporal processes at a shelf-depth whale-fall

There have been very few studies of temporal processes at chemosynthetic ecosystems, even at relatively more accessible shallow water sites. Here we report the development and deployment of a simple cabled video observatory at ≈ 30 m water depth in Gullmarsfjorden, Sweden. The camera provides a live video feed to the internet of faunal activity at the experiments, which to date have included 5 separate whale-fall deployments. Our data suggest that the time to decomposition of small cetacean carcasses at shelf-depth settings is considerably slower than at deep-sea sites. We have also provided a new methodology for the deployment of low-cost live video observatories at up to 30 m water depth, which can be used both for research and outreach activities

The Makeenko-Migdal equation for Yang-Mills theory on compact surfaces

We prove the Makeenko-Migdal equation for two-dimensional Euclidean Yang-Mills theory on an arbitrary compact surface, possibly with boundary. In particular, we show that two of the proofs given by the first, third, and fourth authors for the plane case extend essentially without change to compact surfaces.Comment: Final version, minor typographical corrections. To appear in Comm. Math. Phy

Claims to success: advocacy for the protocol on the rights of women in Africa – solidarity for African women’s rights and the use of information and communication technologies

The goal of this particular research has been to examine the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in policy advocacy as applied by civil society. Taking the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights coalition and their work towards the ratification of the Protocol on Women’s Rights of Women in Africa as a case study, this research has looked at the opportunities and challenges in using Pambazuka News as a way of promoting the Protocol. Evaluated according to the theoretical notions of participatory, political and public spaces, this research has utilised concepts related to civil society and representation, policy advocacy and awareness raising as well as ICTs and their particular characteristics. The findings of this research suggest that at the level of civil society communication and network building, using ICTs in fact strengthens the work. With regards to political lobbying, however, the usage of ICTs as a tool remains underutilized. Lobby work is more affected by the relationships held between civil society members and political structures and individuals. At the level of grassroots awareness raising access to ICTs remains a barrier and thus requires a much broader strategy

Female self-gifts buying behaviour: impulse purchase and product involvement

This research examines the effect of product involvement on impulse buying behaviour for self-gifts. An experiment based on a factorial design was conducted among 152 females. Product involvement and self-gift giving context were manipulated by using two scenarios. The dependent variable of impulse buying behaviour was measured with a 6-item impulsivity scale. Results indicate that impulse self-gifting is likely to happen when consumers want to reward themselves after a success. Impulse buying tendency is found to be the best predictor for impulse self-gifting. The higher the level of product involvement is the more impulsive the purchase of a self-gift