The basic parameters of gamma-ray-loud blazars

We determined the basic parameters, such as the central black hole mass ($M$), the boosting factor (or Doppler factor) ($\delta$), the propagation angle ($\Phi$) and the distance along the axis to the site of $\gamma$-ray production ($d$) for 23 $\gamma$-ray-loud blazars using their available variability timescales. In this method, the absorption effect depends on the $\gamma$-ray energy, emission size and property of the accretion disk. Using the intrinsic $\gamma$-ray luminosity as a fraction $\lambda$ of the Eddington luminosity, $L^{in}_{\gamma}=\lambda L_{Ledd.}$ and the optical depth equal to unity, we can determine the upper limit of the central black hole masses. We found that the black hole masses range between $10^{7}M_{\odot}$ and $10^{9}M_{\odot}$ when $\lambda$ = 0.1 and 1.0 are adopted. Since this method is based on gamma-ray emissions and the short time-scale of the sources, it can also be used for central black hole mass determination of high redshift gamma-ray sources. In the case of the upper limit of black hole mass there is no clear difference between BLs and FSRQs, which suggests that the central black hole masses do not play an important role in the evolutionary sequence of blazars.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, 1 table, Accepted by A&

Surrogate Brands - The pull to adopt an ‘Other’ nation; via sports merchandise

A growing number of consumers are choosing to wear sporting merchandise, from an ‘other’ nation – whom they have no geographic or ethnic affiliation with. In addition, nation sports branding appears to have scaled pandemic heights; by reaching fever pitch, when actively carrying its message across boarders. Consumer preferences are being driven past simple behavioural characteristics; towards more transient psychographic and emotional constructs. In short, nation branded sporting uniform is no longer viewed as demanding restrictive monogamous loyalty. Ownership of a uniform largely suggests exclusivity and encouraged competition. However, manufactures, national teams, athletes and sponsors are entering symbiotic brand relationships - where they are actively seeking publics, open to multiple adopted nationalities. This phenomenon draws consumers towards embracing temporal national identities, which are converted into an over-arching cross-border identity; ultimately gifting sports brands more significance. The following paper explores consumers’ entry into relationships with another nation, in preference to their own - in manner that has been likened to a form of surrogacy; by the authors. The aim is to stimulate further thinking in a field; which transcends national and cultural boundaries - in the interests of developing new insight, and to provide a platform for marketers to develop more effective communication