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THE POWER OF VIRTUAL INFLUENCERS: THE IMPACT OF BRAND AWARENESS AND GENDER ON BRAND ATTITUDE AND WOM INTENTION
No full textThis study investigates the impact of virtual influencers on consumer responses in the sportsshoe brand. Specifically, it examines how brand awareness (well-known vs. unknown) and influencer gender (female vs. male) affect brand attitude and word-of-mouth (Intention to share and comment on social media) intention. By controlling the level of anthropomorphism, the research isolates the effects of these factors on brand-related evaluations. The research framework is built upon consumer reactions to social media posts featuring virtual influencers promoting both well-known and unknown brands. A 2×2 experimental design was employed, manipulating brand awareness (a well-known brand vs. an unknown brand) and influencer gender (female vs. male). Four virtual influencers were developed to represent each condition.Data were collected through an online survey with 290 valid responses via YouReply, an online research platform, and analyses were conducted using GLM MANCOVA. The interaction between gender and brand awareness was found to be significant for WOM intention this indicates that male participants were more inclined to engage in WOM for the unknown brand, whereas female participants demonstrated higher WOM intention for the well-known brand. Brand awareness significantly affected brand attitude, but it did not have a significant effect on WOM intention. The analysis confirmed that anthropomorphism is a strong predictor of both brand attitude and WOM intention. These findings offer strategic insights for marketers designing virtual influencer campaigns.</p
Centaurea kilaea ve Lophiolepis byzantina'nın In vitro Çoğaltımı ve Antioksidan Potansiyellerinin Belirlenmesi
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Thermoresponsive Polymer Nanoparticles From Epoxidized Oleyl Methacrylate: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation
No full textThermoresponsive polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) were developed from epoxidized oleyl methacrylate (EOM), an olive oil-derived renewable monomer bearing reactive epoxide groups that enable post- or pre-polymerization functionalization for future drug, imaging, or targeting molecule conjugation. Neutral and cationic PNPs were synthesized by UV-initiated free-radical polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), EOM, and 2-aminoethyl methacrylamide (2-AEMA) introduced to generate cationic surface chemistry. Dynamic light scattering showed hydrodynamic diameters of 188.2 nm (neutral; PDI 0.079) and 222.4 nm (cationic; PDI 0.200), while cationic PNPs exhibited a high positive zeta potential (+38.6 +/- 5.04 mV). Thermoresponsive behavior assessed by DLS revealed a sharp LCST-type transition for neutral PNPs at similar to 28 degrees C-32 degrees C, whereas cationic PNPs displayed a broader, shifted transition at similar to 35 degrees C-42 degrees C (similar to 38 degrees C), consistent with enhanced polymer-water interactions. In vitro, cationic PNPs reduced HCT116 colorectal cancer cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 0.26 +/- 0.02 mg/mL at 24 h) while showing no significant toxicity toward HUVECs. Scratch assays indicated inhibited HCT116 migration at 0.05-0.15 mg/mL. Hemocompatibility testing showed no detectable hemolysis up to 0.3 mg/mL and no effect on coagulation at = 0.15 mg/mL inhibited clot formation. These results support EOM-based cationic thermoresponsive PNPs as sustainable, modular nanoplatforms for cancer-oriented biomedical applications
A meta-analysis of the Diagnostic Value of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Endometrial Cancer
No full textBackground: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables physicians to examine the precise features of the body’s interior architecture. Aims: Our primary goal was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of advanced MRI techniques, including DCE-MRI and DW-MRI, specifically for assessing myometrial invasion, cervical invasion, and lymph node involvement in patients with biopsy-proven endometrial cancer. By examining the strengths and limitations of various medical imaging modalities, we aimed to clarify their role in improving preoperative staging and guiding surgical and therapeutic planning. Methods: We conducted a thorough and methodical search across six principal indexing databases utilizing keywords such as (“MRI“[Title/Abstract] OR “magnetic resonance imaging“[Title/Abstract] OR (“diffusion-weighted MRI“[Title/Abstract] AND “dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI“[Title/Abstract])) AND (“endometrial lesion*“[Title/Abstract] OR “endometrial cancer“[Title/Abstract]), which are crucial in identifying relevant studies. Moreover, we used (“diagnostic test accuracy“[Title/Abstract] OR “diagnostic value“[Title/Abstract] OR “Sensitivity“[Title/Abstract] OR “specificity“[Title/Abstract]), along with all conceivable combinations, to ensure a comprehensive search. This process helped us identify the most pertinent published articles from January 1990 to January 2025. Results: 18 studies (26 estimations) with 1001 patients were included. For the combined assessment of myometrial invasion, cervical invasion, and lymph node metastases, the pooled sensitivity of advanced MRI was 89% (95% CI: 86%-90%), and the specificity was 79% (95% CI: 75%-83%). Subgroup analysis indicated DW-MRI had higher sensitivity (89% vs. 85%), while DCE-MRI had higher specificity (82% vs. 78%). For myometrial invasion alone, sensitivity was 86% and specificity was 75%. For cervical invasion, sensitivity was 67% and specificity was 83%. For lymph node metastases, sensitivity was 69% and specificity was 88%. The area under the summary ROC curve was 0.8943. Conclusions: This meta-analysis offers strong, clinically relevant evidence that DWI-MRI and DCE-MRI are essential for preoperative staging of endometrial cancer. Their unique performance characteristics support the adoption of a standardized multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) protocol in clinical settings. DW-MRI should serve as a highly sensitive screening
Effect of Y-shaped fin geometry on thermal performance of LHTES: A numerical investigation
No full textThe integration of renewable energy with latent thermal energy storage systems (LHTESS) using phase change materials (PCMs) provides an effective solution to climate change challenges and fossil fuel limitations. This work provides a numerical analysis of PCM performance in LHTESS equipped with innovative fin configurations. The melting process is modeled using finite volume method combined with the enthalpy-porosity approach with RT35 as PCM, and water as heat transfer fluid. Various Y-shaped fin configurations are examined by altering the branch angles, trunk lengths, and number of fins, while maintaining total fin material volume under 2 % of the overall PCM volume. Findings show that the optimal Y-fin configuration features a 2 mm trunk length and 60° branch angle. Increasing fin numbers reduces charging time but increases fin material usage. While Case 15 achieves the highest charging power and fastest charging time, it offers minimal material savings. Conversely, Case 12 represents a well-balanced design, achieving a significant 23 % reduction in material usage, notable power storage of 74 W, and over 20 % savings in charging time. The study provides meaningful understanding into improving LHTESS thermal performance while optimizing material usage. These findings contribute to developing advanced LHTES designs that deliver higher efficiency and support sustainable energy solutions
Protective effects of Apelin-13 on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rats
No full textBackground: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a debilitating condition characterized by bone tissue necrosis due to vascular insufficiency, often triggered by corticosteroid use. Steroids are commonly employed in the management of autoimmune diseases, organ transplantation, and COVID-19. Early detection is crucial, as ONFH primarily affects young and middle-aged individuals and often progresses to femoral head collapse if untreated. Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of Apelin-13 (Ap-13) on steroid-induced ONFH (SONFH) in a rat model. Methods: Thirty-two female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: Control, Ap-13 only, ONFH, and ONFH + Ap-13. SONFH was induced using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and methylprednisolone (MPS). The treatment group received daily intraperitoneal Ap-13 injections. At the fourth week, radiological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses were conducted on femoral heads. Results: Micro-CT showed no significant differences in bone mineral density or trabecular parameters. Histopathology revealed increased osteonecrosis, empty lacunae, and vascular thrombosis in the ONFH group, which were significantly reduced in the ONFH + Ap-13 group (p < 0.05). Ap-13 decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p = 0.0002), reduced caspase-3 expression (p < 0.05), and elevated VEGF expression (p = 0.046), indicating reduced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and enhanced vascularization. Additionally, LDL and triglyceride levels were significantly lower in the Ap-13 treated group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Apelin-13 demonstrates protective effects against SONFH by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and improving vascularization. It may represent a promising noninvasive therapeutic strategy for early-stage ONFH
Regional Anesthesia to Save the Day for Kids: A Narrative Review of Literature About the Blocks to Know for Common Pediatric Surgeries
No full textPostoperative pain management in pediatric patients remains a significant challenge despite improvements in perioperative care. Regional anesthesia techniques applied as part of multimodal analgesia strategies offer the potential to reduce opioid use, accelerate recovery, and minimize side effects such as respiratory depression, nausea, and delayed mobilization. This review examines the clinical applications, advantages, and limitations of regional anesthesia blocks in the context of common pediatric surgical procedures—appendectomy, inguinal hernia repair, circumcision, cholecystectomy, and pyloromyotomy. We provide procedural comparisons in terms of analgesic efficacy, opioid-sparing effects and suitability for ambulatory surgery. In conclusion, regional anesthesia techniques have significant potential to improve postoperative outcomes in pediatric patients. However, block selection should be individualized, considering the type of surgical procedure, patient characteristics, and operator experience. Increasing applicability and routinely implementing ultrasound-guided procedures will encourage the safer and more effective use of these techniques in pediatric anesthesia
