This study explores brand transcendence through brand value co-creation within social media craft beverage brand communities across Instagram and Twitter (now X). Lexical analysis explored a total of 192,330 posts and found brand transcendence evident in the interplay between user-generated content (UGC) and brand-generated content (BGC) across social media platforms, which co-created brand value through the processes of sharing virtual cues within social media craft beverage communities. This brand transcendence was enhanced through the sharing of personal experiences and unique brand moments. BGC across both platforms showcased themes of brand affinity, the importance of time in brand experiences, gratitude, and calls to action. UGC illustrated a focus on brand-specific language, the importance of locality and brand distinctiveness. Evidence was found of hype building, fear-of-missing-out (FOMO), competitions, consumer experiences, and calls to enjoy consuming brands, extoling 'love' of brands and brand distinctiveness. This study is the first to explore how social media community content can amass brand value co-creation and its transcendence within social media brand communities and across social media platforms. Clear implications for the tourism and hospitality sectors are identified.
BACKGROUND:Visualization and palpation are standard methods for identifying peripheral IV sites. Vein diameter and depth significantly influence catheter dwell time and complication rates. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of visualization and palpation in determining suitability for cannulation. METHODS:In this prospective observational study, healthy adult volunteers were enrolled from a senior recreational facility and an office setting. Two vascular access nurses independently assessed both arms of each participant using the Vascular Access Score (VAS): 1 = easily palpable, distended, visible; 2 = easily palpable, not distended, visible; 3 = easily palpable, not visible; 4 = poorly palpable, visible; 5 = nonpalpable, not visible. Scores of 1-3 were considered suitable for traditional cannulation, and scores of 4-5 were considered unsuitable, prompting escalation. Ultrasound was used to measure vein parameters with vein diameter ⩽0.3 cm and vein depth >0.4 cm considered suboptimal. Primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS:From March 10 to April 15, 2025, 100 adults were enrolled, yielding 1000 IV site assessments. Median age was 71 years; 63% were female; median BMI 28.2 kg/m2; 93% identified as Caucasian. Mean vein depth was 0.35 cm (26.2% > 0.4 cm) and mean diameter 0.35 cm (47.8% ⩽ 0.3 cm). After adjudication, and after excluding hand and wrist sites as well as missing values, VAS distribution with 483 IV sites was 1 = 22.77%, 2 = 4.76%, 3 = 53.21%, 4 = 7.45%, 5 = 11.80%. The sensitivity of visualization/palpation method for determining if the vein was suitable for traditional insertion was 99.32%, specificity was 27.46%, PPV was 37.69%, NPV was 98.92%, and accuracy was 49.48%. CONCLUSION:Vein assessment via standard visualization/palpation effectively rules out inappropriate sites and should trigger early ultrasound escalation. However, clinically "suitable" veins are frequently suboptimal on ultrasound, supporting broader use of ultrasound to guide initial cannulation decisions.
This study explores the intersection of social advocacy and commercial brand endorsements, with a particular focus on the role of gender in shaping these dynamics. Drawing from Social Role Theory, the study examines how male and female social media influencers engage in advocacy, their motivations, and the strategies they employ when balancing activism with commercial interests. Using qualitative methods, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 social media influencers (10 male, 10 female) recruited from diverse geographic regions across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. A reflexive thematic analysis of the interview data reveals significant gender differences in advocacy approaches. Female influencers tend to engage in social causes with a strong relational and emotional investment. In contrast, male influencers approach advocacy with cautious engagement, often prioritizing objectivity and risk management. In examining the intersection of brand endorsements and advocacy, the study finds that female influencers emphasize ethical consistency and audience trust, aligning brand partnerships with their social values. Male influencers, on the other hand, view advocacy as a strategic asset that enhances brand reputation while maintaining professional neutrality. The research also offers practical implications for brands considering hiring influencers who engage in social cause advocacy.
Efficient and reliable heating systems are essential for maintaining the performance of above-ground pipelines in cold regions to prevent freezing-related damages and financial losses. Conventional heating cables lose efficiency due to poor thermal contact with the pipe surface. In contrast, coating-based heating systems produced via thermal and cold spray processes provide superior heat transfer and performance. Given this superiority, this study compares the design, development, and techno-economic aspects of three generations of coating-based heaters aimed at de-icing and thermal maintenance applications of carbon steel pipes. In all three generations, an alumina or alumina-titania insulating layer was first flame-sprayed onto the pipe. The first-generation heater used a flame-sprayed Ni-Cr layer over the entire alumina layer. The second generation used a cold-sprayed helical Tin element over uniform alumina. The third generation used a straight Tin element cold-sprayed onto a narrow alumina strip, noticeably simplifying fabrication and maintenance. Performance evaluations and cost analyses revealed that cold-sprayed heaters outperformed both earlier thermal spray-based heaters and conventional heating cables. Notably, the second-generation system demonstrated a 55
Technological advancements have surfaced as one of the most notable developments in global policing. Although studies have examined the impact of technology on many aspects of policing, the potential risks associated with technology utilization has received little research attention. Analyzing survey data from over 1,944 police officers in China, this study examines the relationships among perceived risks of using technologies, occupational stress, and turnover intentions. It also explores whether officers' gender moderates the connection between work stress and turnover intent and the linkage between perceived technological risks and turnover intention. We found perceived technological risk is directly linked to higher turnover intention. Officers with higher perceived technological risks also experienced more severe occupational stress, leading to a stronger turnover intent. Gender was found to moderate the relationship between occupational stress and turnover intention, with a stronger association observed among policemen than policewomen. Implications for policy and future research are discussed.
