Day: November 10, 2023

Nov 10

5 Steps Creating Buzz and Connections on Social Media

Creating buzz, interacting with potential consumers, and solidifying an online presence are all made much easier in the digital age because to the prevalence of social media platforms. Create buzz, interact with potential consumers, and solidify your online presence with the help of today’s robust social media platforms. Crafting a compelling announcement on social media can significantly impact your business’s visibility and set the tone for your brand. In this guide, we will explore five essential steps to effectively announce your new business on social media and captivate your audience’s attention. Step 1: Craft Your Unique Value Proposition Before you announce your new business, it’s essential to define your unique value proposition (UVP). Your unique selling proposition (USP) should explain to consumers what makes your company and its goods or services superior to those of competitors. Clearly articulate the value you offer, whether it’s exceptional quality, innovative solutions, excellent customer service, or competitive pricing. Understanding your UVP forms the foundation of your social media messaging and helps you create a compelling announcement that resonates with your audience. Step 2: Choose the Right Social Media Platforms If you want your business announcement to reach its intended audience, you need to use the right social media sites. Consider your target demographic and the nature of your products or services. For instance, if your business caters to a visually oriented audience, platforms like Instagram and Pinterest might be ideal. If you’re targeting professionals or B2B clients, platforms like LinkedIn could be essential. Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok are versatile platforms that cater to diverse audiences. By understanding your audience and platform strengths, you can tailor your announcement content to match the platform’s user expectations. Step 3: Create Compelling Content and Visuals The content and visuals you use for your announcement play a pivotal role in capturing your audience’s attention. Craft a captivating narrative that highlights your UVP, the story behind your business, and the problems your products or services solve. Incorporate compelling visuals such as high-quality images, videos, infographics, and animations to enhance your message. Visual content is highly shareable and can significantly increase the reach of your announcement. Use your brand colors, logo, and consistent design elements to reinforce your brand identity across all your social media posts. Step 4: Engage and Interact with Your Audience Having your new customers actively participate in your online community is essential to its success. Respond promptly to comments, questions, and messages from your audience. Encourage discussions by asking open-ended questions and inviting followers to share their thoughts. Run interactive polls, contests, or giveaways to boost engagement and create excitement. User-generated content, such as testimonials and photos shared by customers, can also be highlighted to foster a sense of community. Creating a welcoming and dynamic online space for your audience is essential if you want them to follow, interact with, and remain engaged to your business. Step 5: Plan a Multichannel Launch Campaign A multichannel launch campaign amplifies your announcement and ensures a wider reach. Plan a coordinated effort across various social media platforms, your website, email newsletters, and even traditional media if applicable. Create a countdown to the launch, teasing your audience with sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or product/service teasers. Leverage social media ads to target specific demographics and promote your announcement to a broader audience. Collaborate with influencers or industry experts to endorse your brand and reach a wider follower base. Consistency in messaging and timing across different channels enhances your brand’s visibility and leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Bonus Tips for a Memorable Launch 1. Utilize Live Video: 2. Leverage Hashtags: 3. Partner with Influencers: 4. Monitor and Adjust: In conclusion, announcing a new business on social media involves a strategic blend of compelling storytelling, engaging content, interactive initiatives, and strategic planning across various platforms. By understanding your audience, crafting a unique value proposition, creating visually appealing content, and actively engaging with your followers, you can create a memorable launch that generates excitement, builds a loyal customer base, and establishes a strong foundation for your brand’s online presence. With the right approach and creativity, your social media announcement can pave the way for long-term success and growth in the digital landscape.

Nov 10

A Digital Paradigm Shift: Full Episode Player Streaming Changes Advertising

People’s viewing habits have shifted due to the proliferation of streaming services and on-demand entertainment. With the advent of Full Episode Player (FEP) streaming, viewers now have the freedom to watch entire episodes of their favorite shows at their convenience. This shift in viewing behavior has not only revolutionized the entertainment industry but has also profoundly impacted the advertising landscape. In this guide, we will explore how Full Episode Player streaming is changing advertising and reshaping the strategies employed by marketers and advertisers. 1. Enhanced Targeting Capabilities Full Episode Player streaming platforms gather vast amounts of data about their viewers, including their viewing habits, preferences, and demographic information. This wealth of data enables advertisers to create highly targeted and personalized ad campaigns. By leveraging this information, advertisers can deliver relevant ads to specific audience segments, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversions. Advanced targeting capabilities allow brands to reach their ideal customers with precision, maximizing the impact of their advertising efforts. 2. Non-Intrusive Ad Formats One of the significant advantages of Full Episode Player streaming is the ability to offer non-intrusive ad formats. Unlike traditional television, where viewers are interrupted by commercial breaks, streaming platforms often incorporate ads seamlessly within the content. These ads are designed to blend with the overall viewing experience, making them less disruptive and more engaging for the audience. Non-intrusive ad formats contribute to a more positive user experience, leading to higher viewer satisfaction and a greater willingness to interact with the ads. 3. Interactive and Immersive Advertising Full Episode Player streaming platforms allow for interactive and immersive advertising experiences. Advertisers can create interactive ads that enable viewers to engage with the content, such as interactive games, quizzes, or clickable elements within the video. Additionally, immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can be integrated into ad campaigns, providing viewers with unique and captivating experiences. In addition to drawing in viewers, interactive and immersive advertising gets them involved, creating a stronger emotional bond between the company and the target market. 4. Data-Driven Insights and Measurement The digital nature of Full Episode Player streaming platforms enables comprehensive data collection and analysis. Click-through rates, viewability, and audience engagement are just some of the analytics that may be accessed by advertisers. By analyzing these data points, advertisers can gain valuable insights into viewer behavior, preferences, and the effectiveness of their campaigns. Data-driven decision-making allows advertisers to optimize their strategies in real-time, ensuring that their ads resonate with the audience and drive desired outcomes. 5. Personalized Ad Experiences Full Episode Player streaming platforms enable the delivery of personalized ad experiences tailored to individual viewers. Through data analysis and machine learning algorithms, platforms can identify viewer preferences and behavior patterns. Advertisers can then create personalized ad content, such as product recommendations, offers, and messages, customized for each viewer. Personalization enhances the relevance of the ads, increasing the likelihood of viewer engagement and conversion. More brand loyalty and consumer satisfaction can be expected from viewers who are exposed to advertisements that are tailored to their unique interests and demands. 6. Addressable Advertising Addressable advertising is a revolutionary feature made possible by Full Episode Player streaming platforms. It allows advertisers to target specific households or even individual devices with customized ads. Ads are targeted to the most interested consumers with this level of accuracy, reducing waste and maximizing the campaign’s effectiveness. Addressable advertising is particularly valuable for products or services with niche markets, enabling advertisers to reach their ideal customers directly. By focusing on specific demographics, geographic locations, or consumer behaviors, brands can optimize their advertising budgets and achieve a higher return on investment (ROI). 7. Ad-supported Free Streaming Models Many Full Episode Player streaming platforms offer free, ad-supported viewing options to their users. Advertisers can capitalize on these models by placing ads within the content, reaching a vast audience without requiring viewers to pay for subscriptions. Ad-supported free streaming models create a win-win situation: viewers gain access to high-quality content without financial commitments, while advertisers can reach a broader audience and enhance brand visibility. This approach democratizes entertainment, making premium content accessible to a wider demographic while generating revenue through targeted advertising. 8. Integration of Social Media and Social Sharing Full Episode Player streaming platforms often integrate social media features and social sharing functionalities. Viewers can share their favorite shows, episodes, or ads with their social networks, amplifying the reach of the content. Social media integration allows advertisers to leverage the power of word-of-mouth marketing and user-generated content. Positive experiences shared by viewers can enhance brand reputation and credibility. Additionally, social sharing features enable advertisers to measure the virality of their ads, understanding how content spreads across social platforms and identifying which elements resonate with viewers. Conclusion: A New Era of Targeted and Engaging Advertising Full Episode Player streaming has ushered in a new era of targeted, non-intrusive, and engaging advertising. Advertisers now have the tools and technologies to deliver personalized ad experiences, interact with viewers in innovative ways, and measure the impact of their campaigns with precision. The integration of data-driven insights, interactive formats, and social media functionalities has elevated the effectiveness of advertising on streaming platforms. As streaming continues to dominate the entertainment landscape, advertisers must adapt their strategies to capitalize on the unique opportunities presented by Full Episode Player streaming. By understanding viewer preferences, leveraging advanced targeting capabilities, and embracing interactive and immersive technologies, advertisers can create memorable ad experiences that resonate with audiences and drive meaningful connections with their brands. With the right approach, Full Episode Player streaming is not just changing advertising – it’s shaping a future where brands and viewers engage in a mutually beneficial relationship, enhancing the overall digital experience for consumers around the world.

Nov 10

Exploring the Power of Facebook Advertising: 10 Types of Facebook Ads You Should Know

Facebook remains unrivaled as a potent tool for businesses to reach their target audience in the ever-changing field of digital marketing. Facebook, which has more than 2.8 billion monthly active users, offers a wide variety of advertising alternatives to meet a wide range of marketing goals and effectively engage users. In this in-depth tutorial, we’ll take a look at ten distinct Facebook ad formats, all of which are meant to attract users’ interest and provide tangible outcomes for businesses. 1. Image Ads: The Classic Visual Appeal Image ads are the simplest and most common form of Facebook advertising. These ads consist of a single image, a catchy headline, concise text, and a call-to-action (CTA) button. The key to a successful image ad lies in selecting a visually appealing and relevant image that resonates with your audience. Promote your product, service, or event with an eye-catching image that makes people want to learn more by visiting your website. 2. Video Ads: Captivating Audiences with Motion Video ads leverage the power of motion and sound to tell a story, showcase products, or demonstrate services. Facebook allows businesses to upload videos directly or link to videos on platforms like YouTube. These ads autoplay in users’ feeds, making them highly engaging. The first few seconds are crucial; compelling visuals and a strong hook can entice users to watch the entire video, driving brand awareness and conveying your message effectively. 3. Carousel Ads: Interactive and Engaging Carousel ads enable businesses to showcase multiple images or videos within a single ad unit. Sliding the carousel gives the user access to further information about the product. This layout is perfect for companies who sell a wide variety of goods and services. Businesses may direct customers to product-specific landing pages by customizing each carousel card with a unique link and call to action. 4. Slideshow Ads: Lightweight and Eye-catching Slideshow ads are a dynamic combination of images, text, and sound, creating a mini multimedia experience. These lightweight ads load quickly even on slower internet connections, making them accessible to a broader audience. Slideshow ads are a cost-effective way to add a touch of interactivity to your marketing campaigns, especially in regions with limited internet bandwidth. 5. Collection Ads: Seamless Shopping Experience Collection ads are designed specifically for e-commerce businesses. These ads feature a primary image or video above a grid of product images. Users who are interested in learning more about a product don’t even have to leave Facebook to do so. Collection ads provide a seamless shopping experience, allowing users to explore products and make purchases directly within the Facebook app, enhancing convenience and driving sales. 6. Instant Experience Ads: Immersive and Interactive Formerly known as Canvas ads, Instant Experience ads are designed to provide an immersive and interactive experience for users. When users click on these ads, they are taken to a full-screen, mobile-optimized landing page within the Facebook app. Instant Experience ads can include images, videos, carousels, and other interactive elements, allowing businesses to create visually rich and engaging brand experiences. 7. Lead Generation Ads: Streamlining Customer Acquisition Lead Generation ads are specifically designed for capturing leads and customer information. These ads feature a lead form that users can fill out directly on Facebook, eliminating the need to navigate to an external website. Businesses can customize the form fields to collect relevant information, such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and more. Lead Generation ads simplify the process of acquiring valuable leads, making it easier for businesses to follow up and nurture potential customers. 8. Dynamic Ads: Personalized Recommendations Dynamic ads automatically show different products or content to different audiences based on their interests and behaviors. For example, if a user browses a specific product on your website without making a purchase, dynamic ads can retarget that user with the exact product they viewed, increasing the likelihood of conversion. Dynamic ads leverage Facebook’s powerful algorithms to deliver personalized recommendations, enhancing user relevance and driving higher conversion rates. 9. Messenger Ads: Direct Conversations and Engagement Messenger ads allow businesses to engage users directly in one-on-one conversations within Facebook Messenger. These ads can appear in users’ Messenger inboxes, encouraging them to initiate a conversation with your business. Messenger ads are ideal for answering product inquiries, providing customer support, or guiding users through the sales process. By fostering direct communication, businesses can build relationships and create personalized experiences for their audience. 10. Playable Ads: Interactive Gaming Experience Playable ads are a unique format that allows users to interact with a mini-game or app demo directly within the Facebook platform. These ads are highly engaging and are particularly effective for promoting mobile games or applications. Users can experience the app’s features or gameplay before downloading, increasing user engagement and attracting high-quality installs. Facebook offers a diverse array of ad formats tailored to various marketing objectives and audience preferences. By leveraging these different types of Facebook ads strategically, businesses can create compelling and targeted campaigns that capture attention, drive engagement, and ultimately, achieve their marketing goals. The adaptability of Facebook’s ad types allows for limitless possibilities to reach your target demographic and take your digital marketing to the next level, whether your goal is to raise brand awareness, improve website traffic, sales, or encourage direct interactions. Stay creative, stay strategic, and watch your Facebook ads transform your business’s online presence and success.

Nov 10

Fungal infections on the rise

11/10/2023November 10, 2023 Fungal infections are becoming more prevalent due to climate change. If the pathogens get into your body, for example into your lungs, this can be very problematic. There is a lack of effective drugs to tackle them. https://p.dw.com/p/4YKVg Advertisement Send us your feedback

Nov 10

Is obesity an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) claimed about 18 million lives in 2019. While obesity is traditionally associated with CVD, the extent to which this association is mediated by other health conditions linked to obesity remains unknown. A new study recently published in the International Journal of Obesity explores how obesity contributes to CVD by investigating this association in low-risk people. Study: Association of obesity with cardiovascular disease in the absence of traditional risk factors. Image Credit: BELLA KA PANG / Shutterstock.com Risk factors for CVD Traditional risk factors for CVD include an abnormal lipid profile, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking; however, people without any of these risk factors may still develop CVD at a higher rate than expected. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-height ratio (WHtR) are measures of obesity, both of which are associated with a higher risk of CVD. WHtR is a reliable measure of abdominal obesity and correlates better with CVD risk than waist circumference or waist-hip ratio. Despite this, conflicting findings from earlier studies have made it difficult to identify definitive associations between these measurements and CVD. Earlier research has also largely focused on obesity with traditional CVD risk factors, thus providing little clarity on whether obesity by itself is a predictor of CVD. Such clarity is required to shape prevention strategies at the population level for low-risk obese individuals. What did the study show? In the current study, researchers used both BMI and WHtR to evaluate how overall and abdominal obesity correlate with CVD risk in the absence of other risk factors Related Stories The study was based on a population-based cohort from the Kailuan study. This study included about 32,000 people, about two-thirds of whom were male, with a mean age of 48 years. All study participants were followed up for a median of 13 years. The mean BMI was 24 and mean WHtR 0.51. Older people, especially males, were more likely to be overweight or obese, have less education, and more risk factors. During this period, there were about 1,300 CVD cases. When classified by BMI into obese and normal-weight groups, the risk of CVD, particularly for stroke and myocardial infarction (MI), increased by 30%, 20%, and 60%, respectively, in the obese group. There were about 2.2 CVD events for every 1,000 person-years in the low-BMI group as compared to about four in the obese group. After compensating for confounding factors, the risk of CVD increased by 30% in the obese group as compared to the normal BMI group. For stroke, the risk was 20% higher in obese individuals. Comparatively, for MI, the risk increased by over 60% in obese individuals as compared to those with a normal BMI. In all cases, the risk increased linearly with the BMI. When categorized into obese and non-obese individuals by WHtR, a similar increase in risk was observed for CVD, stroke, and MI by 25%, 20%, and 60%, respectively in obese individuals as compared to non-obese groups. With about 2.3 CVD events for every 1,000 person-years in the non-obese group, there was a linear increase to 4.1 in the obese group, with the risk being 25% higher in obese individuals. WHtR increased with age. The strongest correlation of WHtR with CVD was observed in people under 60 years of age, who were at a 44% higher CVD risk and 37% higher risk for stroke. What are the implications? Our study suggests that BMI and WHtR are important influencing factors of CVD even in individuals without traditional risk factors.” These findings corroborate earlier studies, in which BMI was found to be an independent predictor of CVD risk. Some discrepancies such as a non-linear relationship between WHtR and CVD risk, with a steep rise in risk after a WHtR threshold of 0.5, might be due to the small sample sizes in many prior studies. It has been suggested that cardiac failure with preserved ejection fraction (CFPEF) may be caused by obesity, with a risk of myocardial fibrosis. The chronic inflammation in abdominal fat deposits associated with obesity causes changes in the secretion of multiple adipokines and cytokines. This may contribute to cardiovascular stiffness, vasodilation, and cardiac diastolic dysfunction. Another mechanism of heightened CVD risk in obesity is the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). RAAS is pro-inflammatory under disease conditions and may lead to structural remodeling and, as a result, cardiovascular injury. The study findings emphasize the importance of controlling BMI and WHtR to prevent the development of CVD, even in individuals without traditional CVD risk factors. Given that the participants were from a coal-mining industry, which increases their risk of exposure to air pollution and stress, further research into the impact of these factors, as well as the role of dietary and physical activity patterns, is needed to ensure the generalizability of these findings. Journal reference: Luo, H., Liu, Y., Tian, X., et al. (2023). Association of obesity with cardiovascular disease in the absence of traditional risk factors. International Journal of Obesity. doi:10.1038/s41366-023-01408-z.

Nov 10

Big Blue Crush blood drive to take place Nov. 13-17

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2023) — Big Blue Nation, the Kentucky Blood Center needs you to channel your passion toward saving local lives. The 36th annual Big Blue Crush is on campus Nov. 13-17, offering Wildcats an opportunity to beat rival University of Tennessee and provide lifesaving blood to Kentuckians. KBC will have several opportunities for UK students, faculty and staff to donate: Gatton Student Center | Ballroom A – Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. William T. Young Library | KBC Bloodmobile – Monday from 2-6 p.m. Buell Armory | ROTC Drill Room – Friday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. UK Lewis Honors College – Friday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. As a thank you for donating, all donors will receive a Big Blue Crush T-shirt, a coupon for a free entree at Qdoba and a $5 Starbucks gift card (while supplies last). Donors can schedule their appointment in advance at http://kybloodcenter.org/big-blue-crush-2023-at-uk or by calling 800-775-2522. Walk-ins are welcome. Big Blue Crush is an annual competition between Kentucky Blood Center and MEDIC Regional Blood Center in Tennessee. It was established in 1988 to ensure blood is available for Thanksgiving holiday week. The need for blood traditionally increases during holidays while donations are in short supply. Kentucky leads the friendly rivalry 20-14-1. Kentucky has won three of the last four and 11 of the last 13 competitions, including last year’s blood battle. Donations with KBC go directly to saving local patients in Kentucky. KBC services more than 70 hospitals in the Commonwealth and is the exclusive blood provider for UK HealthCare. A healthy blood supply is critical to treating patients with cancer, providing support for surgeries, giving premature babies the gift of life, treating diseases such as sickle cell anemia, saving trauma patients and so much more. One trauma alone can require upwards of 100 units of blood, underscoring the importance of having readily available blood. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo ID and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org. About Kentucky Blood Center Celebrating 55 years of saving lives in Kentucky, KBC is the largest independent, full-service, nonprofit blood center in Kentucky. Licensed by the FDA, KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Pikeville, Somerset and the Tri-County area.

Nov 10

Heart health: How small changes in daily activity can offset sitting

Share on PinterestResearchers say sitting for prolonged periods is detrimental to heart health. DZ FILM/Stocksy Researchers report that any activity is more beneficial to heart health than sitting, including sleeping. Experts say daily activity can help with blood pressure, glucose levels, and muscle strength. They say that even taking 5-minute walking breaks during the workday can be beneficial. Baseball great Satchel Paige famously said “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.” In other words: keep moving. That’s the theme of a new study that states any activity — even sleeping — is better for the heart than sitting. Supported by the British Heart Foundation and published today in the European Heart Journal, the study’s authors say their research is the first to assess how different movement patterns throughout the 24-hour day are linked to heart health. The researchers say it’s the first evidence to emerge from the international Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep (ProPASS) consortium. Cardiovascular disease — all diseases of the heart and circulation — is the number one cause of mortality globally, the researchers point out. In 2021, it was responsible for one in three deaths (18 million) worldwide, with coronary heart disease the single biggest killer. In their study, University College London scientists analyzed data from six studies, encompassing 15,246 people from five countries, to see how movement across the day is associated with heart health. Each participant wore a device on their thigh measuring their activity throughout the 24-hour day and had their heart health measured. Heart health was measured using six outcomes: body-mass index (BMI), waist circumference, HDL cholesterol, HDL-to-total cholesterol ratio, triglycerides, and HbA1c. The study identified behaviors making up a typical 24-hour day, with time spent doing moderate-vigorous activity providing the most benefit to heart health, followed by light activity, standing, and sleeping. All were compared with the adverse impact of sedentary behavior. The team modeled what would happen if an individual changed various amounts of one behavior for another each day for a week to estimate the effect on heart health for each scenario. They reported that when replacing sedentary behavior, as little as 5 minutes of moderate-vigorous activity had a noticeable effect on heart health. The researchers said for a 54-year-old woman with an average body mass index of 26.5, a 30-minute change translated into a 0.64 decrease in BMI, which is a difference of 2.4%. Replacing 30 minutes of daily sitting or lying time with moderate or vigorous exercise could also translate into a 2.5 cm (2.7%) decrease in waist circumference or a 1.33 mmol/mol (3.6%) decrease in glycated haemoglobin. “The big takeaway from our research is that while small changes to how you move can have a positive effect on heart health, intensity of movement matters,” Jo Blodgett, PhD, the study’s lead author and a researchers at the UCL Surgery & Interventional Science and the Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health, said in a statement. Blodgett added that the most beneficial change the team observed was replacing sitting with moderate to vigorous activity, which could be a run, a brisk walk, or stair climbing. “Basically any activity that raises your heart rate and makes you breathe faster, even for a minute or two,” she said. Although the authors said the findings can’t infer causality between movement behaviors and cardiovascular outcomes, this research does contribute to a growing body of evidence linking moderate to vigorous physical activity over 24 hours with improved body fat metrics. They also said more long-term studies will be crucial to better understanding the associations between movement and cardiovascular outcomes. Researchers said that although time spent doing vigorous activity was the quickest way to improve heart health, there are ways for people of all abilities to benefit. It’s just that the lower the intensity of the activity, the longer the time is required to start having a tangible benefit. They said using a standing desk for a few hours a day instead of a sitting desk, for example, is a change over a relatively large amount of time but is also one that could be integrated into a working routine fairly easily. The least active subjects were also found to gain the greatest benefit from becoming more active. “A key novelty of the ProPASS consortium is the use of wearable devices that better differentiate between types of physical activity and posture, allowing us to estimate the health effects of even subtle variations with greater precision,” Emmanuel Stamatakis, PhD, the joint senior author of the study and a professor the Charles Perkins Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, said in a statement. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in California, told Medical News Today there are many simple ways to add more steps to one’s day. “Take scheduled breaks throughout the day to take a short five-minute walk, either around the house or around the office; taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther from the store and walking, and walking more briskly when shopping,” he advised. Chen said using stairs has multiple positive effects. “Walking upstairs is harder exercise than walking on level ground. That’s because not only are you moving your body, you’re moving it against gravity, and you’re essentially pushing yourself up and out,” he said. “You are also building your muscles in your lower body, strengthening your core, and your lower back.” “Climbing stairs is more difficult, you’re doing more exercise, and more exercise is better for you and your heart. We think that climbing stairs actually gives you three times as much exercise as the same amount of time walking on the ground,” Chen noted. Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, a cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in California, told Medical News Today that more activity leads to better blood pressure control. That, in turn, puts less strain on the heart over

Nov 10

AIMed: Pioneering antimicrobial peptides and biomaterials to prevent post-operation infections

AIMed provides a comprehensive research project centred around antimicrobial peptides and biomaterials for medical applications. Antibiotic-resistant infections are a key issue in rising mortality and morbidity rates, especially in post-operative scenarios. The risk of infections is especially high for orthopaedic surgeries, leading to a heavy financial burden on the healthcare system. This mandates the need for large-scale funding and collaborative work in order to develop a series of medical devices with enhanced antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility. The European Union’s funded Antimicrobial Integrated Methodologies (AIMed) is one such multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral effort directed towards combating orthopaedic infections. AIMed is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (Horizon2020 MSCA-ITN), consisting of 12 beneficiaries and seven partner organisations, for training 15 early-stage researchers (ESRs) across Europe. AIMed’s training network The AIMed network promotes interdisciplinary academic research for developing next-generation orthopaedic implants with antimicrobial properties. One of the key areas of focus is the development of novel antimicrobial peptides allowing large-scale production and fusion with biopolymers for improved delivery to infection sites. Within the network, researchers are collaborating to investigate novel techniques for subsequent immobilisation and conjugation of antimicrobial peptides on potential material surfaces. AIMed is co-ordinated by Professor Artemis Stamboulis at the University of Birmingham. Professor Stamboulis leads the Biomaterials Research Group at the School of Metallurgy and Materials, which works on the design and synthesis of novel antimicrobial peptides that mimic the antimicrobial core of human defensins. AIMed’s current projects Along with early-stage researchers Pietro Ricco, Diana Gomes and Mohadeseh Zare, Professor Stamboulis’ group works on computational and Machine-Learning algorithms for designing peptides using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Their research also encompasses different techniques, such as plasma nitriding and laser treatment for the functionalisation of surfaces with antimicrobial peptides. The project is also heavily associated with the Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Centre (SRMRC). Professor Antonella Bandiera at the Universita Degli Studi di Trieste, Italy, along with Laura Colomina Alfarao, are using recombinant DNA technology to produce human elastin-like polypeptides (HELPs) fused with computationally-designed peptides based on the sequence of the human β-defensins. The development of antibacterial human defensin-like peptides fused to collagen proteins is also carried out in collaboration with Dr Edwige Meurice, Professor Anne Leriche and one of the early-stage researchers, Cristina Cantallops Vilà, at the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, France. At the Université, Paul Sabatier Toulouse, Dr Sophie Cazalbou, and early-stage researcher Andrea Marfoglia are 3D printing antimicrobial hydrogels with dual crosslinking mechanisms. A specific area of interest also involves developing sterile antimicrobial materials for orthopaedic applications and optimising bioactive agent release from medical devices. Using a chemical synthesis approach, David Groissin and ESR Edoardo Cianflone at the Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse are working on developing fourth-generation biomaterials using substituted calcium phosphased-based multifunctional materials. In Croatia, Dr Maja Dutour Sikiric at Ruder Boskovic Insititute (RBI) and ESR Ana Marija are directing their efforts towards multi-layered antimicrobial coatings consisting of polyaminoacids and silver nanoparticles. At the University of Porto, Professor Maria Helena Fernandes and ESR Sanjana Vig comprehensively study bone formation and resorption processes under 2D conditions and 3D-tissue-engineered biomaterials. They have further established a model of crosstalk between resident bone cells, osteoclasts and osteoblasts mediated through secretion of extracellular vesicles. Their research is focused on bone metabolism and regeneration to develop optimised antimicrobial implants further. The consortium is also exploring cutting-edge techniques for surface modifications using laser-induced micro and nanopatterning on patterning and nanolayer formation. Dr Albena Daskalova’s group at the Institute of Electronics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, is working on ultra-short laser patterning to develop antimicrobial surfaces. Three ESRs in her group, including Dante Maria Aceti and Emil Filipov, study laser patterning on polymers, composites, titanium, titanium alloys and bioceramics such as tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite surfaces. They have recently reported a single-step process for simultaneous ultrashort-laser structuring and silver nanoparticle synthesis. In yet another novel approach, Professor Silke Christiansen at the Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Innovations-Institut für Nanotechnologie und korrelative Mikroskopie, Germany, is working on laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) for developing smart biomaterials. Under her supervision, Lamborghini Sotelo exploits laser texturing to investigate the effects of surface roughness and wettability for the development of optimised surfaces with both antimicrobial activity and osteoinductive potential. Doctors Wolfgang Schuesselbauer and Hans Amler at Photon Energy GmbH further employ ultra-short laser impulses to modulate nano- and micro-topography, and chemical and structural composition. Petr Druzhinin is optimising these structures for enhanced antimicrobial activities. The AIMED project underscores the significance of antimicrobial coatings due to the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance. It highlights the diverse approaches employed to develop antimicrobial materials and peptides for various biomedical applications, ranging from orthopaedics to broader biomaterials functionalisation. The importance of these advancements in the context of mitigating antimicrobial resistance is emphasised. Research findings highlight the potential of cyclodipeptides to self-assemble into supramolecular polymers, forming antimicrobial gel coatings. Various strategies for producing and purifying antimicrobial peptides are also being investigated. References Advanced Materials Technologies 2023, 10.1002/admt.202201802 Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4554. Nanomaterials 2023, 36770480 Materials 2022, 15(13), 4670 Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2382 Biomedicines 2022, 10(4), 767 Biotechnology and Bioengineering 2023, 36349439 Innovative Bioceramics in Translational Medicine I. Springer Series in Biomaterials Science and Engineering, vol 17 Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2022;73:A12-A21 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 861138 Please note, this article will also appear in the sixteenth edition of our quarterly publication. 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Nov 10

The Top 2023 Email Marketing Tools: Improving Communication and Business Growth

In the digital age, email marketing remains a cornerstone of successful online communication and business growth. Email campaigns allow businesses to connect with their audience, nurture leads, and promote products or services effectively. Choosing the best platform from the plethora of email marketing solutions is no easy feat. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve produced a list of 2023’s top email marketing tools, each of which offers something different to help businesses succeed in today’s cutthroat digital market. 1. Mailchimp: Empowering Small Businesses Mailchimp has long been a popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses due to its user-friendly interface and robust features. In 2023, Mailchimp continues to dominate the market by providing an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, customizable templates, and advanced automation options. With Mailchimp, businesses can segment their audience, analyze campaign performance, and integrate various third-party applications seamlessly. Additionally, Mailchimp offers AI-driven insights and predictive analytics, empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions for their email marketing strategies. 2. HubSpot: All-in-One Marketing Automation HubSpot is renowned for its all-in-one marketing automation platform, and its email marketing tools are no exception. HubSpot’s email marketing software allows businesses to create personalized and visually appealing emails effortlessly. With features like smart content, A/B testing, and detailed analytics, businesses can optimize their email campaigns for maximum engagement and conversion. HubSpot also provides extensive CRM connectivity, which allows organizations to monitor client interactions and personalize email campaigns based on individual preferences and activity. 3. Constant Contact: Simplifying Email Marketing Constant Contact is tailored for businesses seeking a straightforward and easy-to-use email marketing solution. With a vast selection of professionally designed templates, Constant Contact simplifies the email creation process. The platform offers intuitive list management, social media integration, and real-time tracking tools. As an added bonus, Constant Contact offers marketing automation tools that help firms communicate with subsets of their audience based on their past actions and preferences. 4. GetResponse: Maximizing Conversion Rates GetResponse stands out in 2023 with its focus on maximizing conversion rates through advanced automation features. Email marketing, landing sites, webinars, and e-commerce functionalities are just few of the features offered by the platform. GetResponse’s drag-and-drop editor, responsive design, and A/B testing empower businesses to create visually appealing and high-converting email campaigns. GetResponse’s automation workflows are highly customizable, allowing businesses to create complex automation sequences based on user behavior, ensuring timely and relevant communication with their audience. 5. ActiveCampaign: Personalization and Behavioral Targeting ActiveCampaign excels in personalization and behavioral targeting, making it a top choice for businesses aiming to deliver highly targeted and relevant email content. ActiveCampaign’s automation features go beyond basic triggers, allowing businesses to create conditional workflows based on various user actions and interactions. The platform’s machine learning capabilities analyze customer behavior, enabling businesses to send personalized product recommendations and content tailored to individual preferences. ActiveCampaign also offers SMS marketing integration, providing businesses with a multichannel approach to customer communication. Conclusion: Elevating Email Marketing Strategies in 2023 In 2023, businesses have access to a diverse range of email marketing tools, each catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you are a small business looking for simplicity or an enterprise seeking advanced automation and personalization, the best email marketing tools mentioned above offer a solution to enhance your communication strategies and drive business growth. Businesses can use these platforms to make powerful, personalized, and data-driven email campaigns that connect with their audience, keep leads interested, and eventually increase sales and conversions. Picking the right email marketing tool that fits your business goals and customer engagement goals will help you stay ahead in the digital world. Your email efforts will do well in 2023 and beyond.

Nov 10

OpenCart vs. WooCommerce: A Comparison Guide for E-commerce Entrepreneurs

With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which e-commerce platform is best for your company. Two popular choices that often come into consideration are OpenCart and WooCommerce. Both platforms have their unique features and advantages, catering to different types of businesses and entrepreneurs. In this comprehensive comparison guide, we will delve into the details of OpenCart and WooCommerce, examining their key features, ease of use, customization options, scalability, and more. You’ll be able to see which platform is the best fit for your e-commerce goals after reading this comparison. 1. Platform Overview OpenCart: OpenCart is a free and open-source shopping cart software that makes setting up an online store a breeze. It offers a straightforward setup process and a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for beginners. OpenCart provides a robust marketplace for extensions and themes, allowing users to enhance the functionality and appearance of their stores. WooCommerce: WooCommerce, on the other hand, is a powerful WordPress plugin specifically designed for e-commerce. It seamlessly integrates with WordPress websites, transforming them into fully functional online stores. WooCommerce offers extensive customization options and a wide range of plugins, making it highly popular among users who are already familiar with WordPress. 2. Ease of Use OpenCart: OpenCart is known for its simplicity and ease of use. Its intuitive admin interface makes it relatively straightforward to manage products, orders, and customer data. The platform is easy to set up, so it can be used by anyone with varied degrees of technical knowledge. WooCommerce: WooCommerce inherits the user-friendly nature of WordPress, which is renowned for its ease of use. If you are already familiar with WordPress, getting the hang of WooCommerce will be seamless. The platform provides a user-friendly dashboard where you can manage products, orders, and customer information without much hassle. 3. Customization Options OpenCart: OpenCart offers a wide array of themes and extensions in its marketplace. While there are free options available, premium themes and extensions might come at an additional cost. The platform is highly adaptable, letting shop owners change just about anything about their online establishments. WooCommerce: WooCommerce’s customization options are vast, thanks to the extensive WordPress plugin ecosystem. Users have access to tens of thousands of themes (both free and paid) and hundreds of extensions (both free and paid). The flexibility of WordPress allows for deep customization, making it an excellent choice for businesses with specific design and feature requirements. 4. Scalability OpenCart: OpenCart can handle small to medium-sized stores quite efficiently. However, as the store grows in size and traffic, users might encounter performance issues. Extensive customization and the installation of numerous plugins can potentially affect the platform’s speed and responsiveness. WooCommerce: WooCommerce, backed by WordPress, is highly scalable. It can accommodate a wide range of store sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. Additionally, WooCommerce benefits from the scalability of WordPress, allowing users to handle growing inventories and increasing traffic without compromising performance. 5. Payment Options OpenCart: OpenCart supports a variety of payment gateways, both built-in and via extensions. It provides options like PayPal, Stripe, Authorize.Net, and more. The availability of payment gateways might vary depending on your location and the extensions you choose to install. WooCommerce: WooCommerce offers extensive payment gateway options out of the box, including popular choices like PayPal, Stripe, and credit card payments. Additionally, there are numerous plugins available to integrate other payment gateways, providing flexibility for users to choose the most suitable options for their businesses. 6. Security OpenCart: OpenCart, like many open-source platforms, relies on its community for security updates and patches. While it has a basic set of security features, users need to be proactive in ensuring their stores are protected. Regular updates, SSL certificates, and secure hosting are essential to maintaining a secure OpenCart store. WooCommerce: WooCommerce benefits from the security measures implemented by WordPress. As one of the most popular website platforms globally, WordPress continuously receives security updates and improvements. Additionally, WooCommerce itself is regularly updated, addressing potential vulnerabilities and ensuring a secure shopping environment for customers. 7. Support and Community OpenCart: OpenCart has an active community of developers, users, and contributors. Users can access community forums, documentation, and tutorials for assistance. However, official support might require purchasing premium plans or extensions. WooCommerce: WooCommerce users benefit from the vast WordPress community and its wealth of resources. WordPress forums, documentation, and online tutorials are readily available. Additionally, since WooCommerce is owned by Automattic, users can avail premium support plans for direct assistance, making it a robust choice for users seeking reliable support. Conclusion: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business Your company’s unique requirements and tastes are what should guide your decision between OpenCart and WooCommerce. If you prioritize simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and a user-friendly interface, OpenCart might be the right choice for your small to medium-sized store. It offers essential e-commerce functionalities without the complexity of managing a WordPress site. On the other hand, if you are already using WordPress, have specific customization requirements, and value the vast ecosystem of plugins and themes, WooCommerce provides an excellent solution. Businesses who want to build innovative, feature-rich online shops will find it appealing because of its easy interaction with WordPress, scalability, and wide range of customization options. In essence, OpenCart is a suitable option for straightforward, budget-friendly e-commerce ventures, while WooCommerce shines for businesses seeking robust customization, scalability, and a seamless integration with WordPress. Carefully assess your business requirements, technical expertise, and budget constraints to make an informed decision, ensuring that your chosen platform aligns perfectly with your e-commerce goals and ambitions.