Brand Research Articles

#Blessed

This article explores the creative use of allusion as a literary device in the description of transactional sex relationships in the following selected literary texts; The Blessed Girl by Angela Makholwa (2018), Bare: #The Blesser Game by Jackie Phamotse (2017) and The Y in yOUR Man is Silent: Book 1 by Yvonne Maphosa (2019). The discovery of the dearth of literature on the portrayal of transactional sex relationships in fiction catalysed this article. Thus this article sought to explore the diverse creative ways in which allusion is employed to describe the relatively new phenomenon of transactional sex relationships. In this article, a qualitative desktop literary analysis was the methodology of choice. The article employed the critical lens of Lipstick Feminism which advances the use of make-up and sexual appeal as an empowerment tool for women without regarding how it sustains the commodification of transactional sex relationships. The significant finding of the study was that the creative use of allusion was crucial as they exemplify the blessee's lifestyle. The brand names are significant in shaping the blessee's archetype and image. In conclusion, allusion was effectively used in the selected works of fiction to describe the new phenomenon of transactional sex relationships.

Exploring the Potential Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Substance Use, Compulsive Behavior, and Libido: Insights from Social Media Using a Mixed-Methods Approach.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is involved in a range of central and peripheral pathways related to appetitive behavior. Hence, this study explored the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on substance and behavioral addictions, including alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, cannabis, psychostimulants, compulsive shopping, and sex drive/libido. Data were collected from various social platforms. Keywords related to GLP-1 RAs and substance/behavioral addiction were used to extract relevant comments. The study employed a mixed-methods approach to analyze online discussions posted from December 2019 to June 2023 and collected using a specialized web application. Reddit entries were the focus here due to limited data from other platforms, such as TikTok and YouTube. A total of 5859 threads and related comments were extracted from six subreddits, which included threads about GLP-1 RAs drugs and associated brand names. To obtain relevant posts, keywords related to potential substance use and compulsive behavior were selected. Further analysis involved two main steps: (1) manually coding posts based on users' references to the potential impact of GLP-1 RAs on substance use and non-substance habits, excluding irrelevant or unclear comments; (2) performing a thematic analysis on the dataset of keywords, using AI-assisted techniques followed by the manual revision of the generated themes. Second, a thematic analysis was performed on the keyword-related dataset, using AI-assisted techniques followed by the manual revision of the generated themes. In total, 29.75% of alcohol-related; 22.22% of caffeine-related; and 23.08% of nicotine-related comments clearly stated a cessation of the intake of these substances following the start of GLP-1 RAs prescription. Conversely, mixed results were found for cannabis intake, and only limited, anecdotal data were made available for cocaine, entactogens, and dissociative drugs' misuse. Regarding behavioral addictions, 21.35% of comments reported a compulsive shopping interruption, whilst the sexual drive/libido elements reportedly increased in several users. The current mixed-methods approach appeared to be a useful tool in gaining insight into complex topics such as the effects of GLP-1 RAs on substance and non-substance addiction-related disorders; some GLP-1 RA-related mental health benefits could also be inferred from here. Overall, it appeared that GLP-1 RAs may show the potential to target both substance craving and maladaptive/addictive behaviors, although further empirical research is needed.

Approved and Commercialized Antidiabetic Medicines (Excluding Insulin) in Seven European Countries-A Cross-Sectional Comparison.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex, multifactorial, progressive condition with a variety of approved therapeutic options. The purpose of this study was to offer an overview of the authorized antidiabetic medicines (excluding insulin) compared with marketed products in seven European countries. Data were obtained from primary sources, including the websites of national authorities and directly from specialists in the countries of interest. The range of marketed medicines compared with the authorized group was assessed in terms of active pharmaceutical ingredients (>60% in Bulgaria, France, Serbia), brand names (>70% in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Spain), pharmaceutical forms (>60% in all countries), strengths (>60% in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Spain), marketing authorization holder (≥50% in all countries) and the status of medicine. Spain was found to have the highest number of products based on most of these attributes. Over 90% of authorized medicines had a pharmacy price in Serbia. Regarding the newer class of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a retail price for all approved substances was available in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Spain. Only one brand name with one concentration was found available for some agents, being susceptible to drug shortages: glibenclamide (Romania, Serbia, Spain), glipizide (the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Spain), glisentide (Spain), acarbose (the Czech Republic), sitagliptin (Bulgaria, Poland), vildagliptin (the Czech Republic, Poland) and saxagliptin (the Czech Republic, France, Romania, Serbia). An overview of the national and international therapeutic options may allow competent authorities and health professionals to take rapid measures in case of supply problems or health crises.

Impact of product-based e-cigarette marketing on the attitudes and behavioural intentions of young Australians: an experimental study

BackgroundThe tobacco industry has a history of using language to downplay the harms associated with cigarettes and mislead consumers and policymakers. Emerging evidence suggests similar tactics are being used in...

Branding of retail enterprises

Branding is an integral part of the promotion and development of goods by retail trade enterprises (RTE). A comprehensive branding process is a key success factor, as it allows enterprises to identify themselves among compe­titors and attract a larger target audience. In this direction, it is important to substantiate the use of branding models aimed at increasing the competitiveness and RTE profitability. The aim of the article is to define the key concepts, the main components of branding, to substan­tiate the construction of a branding model and to characterize its elements. The following general scientific research methods were used such as analysis and synthesis, to present the main brand attributes; branding models and their characte­ristics; empirical, system and structural analysis and graphical display. The key concepts and basic branding principles have been defined, the main attributes (appearance of the product, its physical characteristics, brand name, logo, slogan, color scheme, fonts, character, music and sounds, related attributes) of the RTE brands have been analyzed. The process of choosing a positioning and its role in brand formation has been considered. The comparative characteristic of branding models has been presented, the main components, advantages and disadvantages of each model have been indicated. Based on the results, the author has developed his own model of RTE brand formation. The main advantages of using the developed model by the RTE and the main differences from other models have been indicated

A Study On Knowledge Base and Skill Development in Financial Accounting Using The SPSS Method

The topics of growth and learning, practical proficiency in theory, supervision and leadership, awareness of policies and procedures, and organizational awareness are all included under the heading of knowledge and skill development. It is helpful to have a solid skill set to develop personally, establish a network, and learn managerial and interpersonal skills. Neither schooling nor formal instruction is required for the development of these abilities. Knowledge is information stored in long-term memory and accessed when necessary. Knowledge and comprehension are expressed through action, conduct, behavior, and the ability to understand how well something is done. The practice Financial accounting is the process of documenting, gathering, and summarizing multiple transactions occurring from company activities throughout time. The three types of accounting that a corporation might use to track its revenue are administrative accounting, financial accounting, and cost accounting. An ongoing feedback and practice cycle is necessary for learning new abilities. Self-regulation, functional, and specialized knowledge are the three types of skills. Functional talents are intrinsic aptitudes or abilities that develop with instruction and practice. Strong work ethic, self-motivation, adaptability, perseverance, and critical thinking in a team are all desirable qualities. A knowledgeable and effective time manager is also essential. This essay presents the findings of an examination of the fundamental knowledge, skills, and technique for accounting practice as seen by students. Notwithstanding some differences in opinion among the respondent businesses about the significance of these knowledge and skills, respondents generally agreed on a range of information and abilities essential to the practice of accounting students. The results also show that respondents are disappointed with the state-of-the-art delivery of necessary knowledge and skills. One of the main benefits of education and improvement is productivity. Personnel can perform their duties successfully and effectively when they possess the required expertise and understanding. Efficiency gains free up more time to enhance operations and increase income. SPSS statistics is a data management, advanced analytics, multivariate analytics, business intelligence, and criminal investigation developed by IBM for a statistical software package. A long time, spa inc. Was created by, IBM purchased it in 2009. The brand name for the most recent versions is IBM SPSS statistics. Evaluation parameters taken as Financial Accounting Knowledge, Financial Development Knowledge, Management in accounting, Taxes management and Business Law Knowledge. The Cronbach's Alpha Reliability result. The overall Cronbach's Alpha value for the model is .541 which indicates 54% reliability. From the literature review, the above 46% Cronbach's Alpha value model can be considered for analysis. The overall Cronbach’s alpha value for the model was .490, indicating 50% reliability. From the literature review, the above Cronbach’s alpha value of 46% can be considered to analyze the model.

Implementation of Corporate Brand Architecture in Entrepreneurship-Based Islamic Schools

The existence of a brand is important in line with the organization/company's business in introducing, developing and strengthening. Islamic schools as entities operating in the services sector, require a brand name as an identity and promotional media to attract prospective students as the level of competition between schools becomes increasingly competitive. This research aims to determine and explain the implementation of brand architecture strategies for Islamic schools affiliated with company names. The research method used was qualitative through a case study approach at the Qur'anic LeaderPreneur (QLP) Middle School (SMP) Rabbani Bandung with research informants namely the Principal and Deputy Director of Education at the Rabbani Asysa Foundation. Data collection techniques in this research were through observation, interviews and literature study. The research results show that the brand architecture formed at QLP Rabbani Bandung Middle School uses the name "Rabbani" as a monolithic strategy which is implemented in the visual appearance of the logo and school artifacts which function as the main identity of the entrepreneurship-based Islamic school trademark element. The implementation of the monolithic strategy of the name "Rabbani" can be an added value that can attract public attention regarding the Islamic education services provided by the Rabbani Holding Company. The research conclusions show that the QLP Rabbani Middle School brand architecture intersects with the Rabbani Holding Company brand positioning which represents the company's values so that the "Rabbani" brand equity that is formed in society becomes more easily recognized and liked by prospective parents and new students.

Maternal non-compliance with recommended folic acid supplement use alters global DNA methylation in cord blood of newborns: A cohort study

Background & aimsPrenatal folate exposure may alter epigenetic marks in the offspring. We aimed to evaluate associations between prenatal exposure to folic acid (FA) in preconception and in utero with cord blood DNA methylation in long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) and Alu short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) as markers of global DNA methylation levels. MethodsData come from 325 mother-child pairs participating in the Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma (NELA) birth cohort (2015-2018). Pregnant women were asked about supplement use, including brand name and dose, one month before pregnancy (preconception) and through the trimesters of pregnancy. Maternal dietary folate intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire with additional questions for FA supplement use. Folate serum levels were measured in mothers at 24 weeks of gestation and in cord blood of newborns. DNA methylation was quantitatively assessed by bisulfite pyrosequencing on 5 LINE-1 and 3 Alu different elements. Associations were estimated using multivariable linear regression models. ResultsA reduction in methylation levels of LINE-1 in newborns was associated with the use of FA supplements below the recommended doses (<400 ug/day) during preconception (-0.50; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.09; P=0.016), and from preconception up to 12 weeks of gestation (-0.48; 95% CI: -0.88, -0.08; P=0.018). Maternal use of FA supplements above the tolerable upper intake level of 1000 ug/day from preconception until 12 weeks of gestation was also related to lower methylation in LINE-1 at birth (-0.77; 95% CI: -1.52, -0.02; P=0.044). Neither FA supplement use after 12 weeks of gestation nor maternal total folate intake (diet plus supplements) were associated with global DNA methylation levels at birth. ConclusionsMaternal non-compliance with the use of FA supplement recommendations from preconception up to 12 weeks of gestation reduces offspring global DNA methylation levels at birth.

The cigarette market in Brazil: new evidence on illicit practices from the 2019 National Health Survey

ObjectiveTo explore new evidence on illicit practices, such as selling legal brands below the minimum legal price (MLP), and smugglers selling illicit brands at or above the MLP.MethodsFor the first...

Efficacy Assessment of Five Policosanol Brands and Damage to Vital Organs in Hyperlipidemic Zebrafish by Six-Week Supplementation: Highlighting the Toxicity of Red Yeast Rice and Safety of Cuban Policosanol (Raydel®).

Policosanol is a mixture of long-chain aliphatic alcohols (LCAAs) derived from various plant and insect origins that are marketed by various companies with distinct formulations and brand names. Policosanols offer several beneficial effects to treat dyslipidemia and hypertension; however, a comprehensive functionality comparison of various policosanol brands has yet to be thoroughly explored. In the present study five distinct policosanol brands from different origins and countries, Raydel-policosanol, Australia (PCO1), Solgar-policosanol, USA (PCO2), NutrioneLife-monacosanol, South Korea (PCO3), Mothernest-policosanol, Australia (PCO4), and Peter & John-policosanol, New Zealand (PCO5) were compared via dietary supplementation (1% in diet, final wt/wt) to zebrafish for six weeks to investigate their impact on survivability, blood lipid profile, and functionality of vital organs under the influence of a high-cholesterol diet (HCD, final 4%, wt/wt). The results revealed that policosanol brands (PCO1-PCO5) had a substantial preventive effect against HCD-induced zebrafish body weight elevation and hyperlipidemia by alleviating total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in blood. Other than PCO3, all the brands significantly reduced the HCD's elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). On the contrary, only PCO1 displayed a significant elevation in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level against the consumption of HCD. The divergent effect of PCO1-PCO5 against HCD-induced hepatic damage biomarkers, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), was observed. PCO1, PCO2, and PCO4 efficiently curtailed the AST and ALT levels; however, PCO3 and PCO5 potentially aggravated the HCD's elevated plasma AST and ALT levels. Consistently, the hepatic histology outcome revealed the least effectiveness of PCO3 and PCO5 against HCD-induced liver damage. On the contrary, PCO1 exhibited a substantial hepatoprotective role by curtailing HCD-induced fatty liver changes, cellular senescent, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. Likewise, the histological outcome from the kidney, testis, and ovary revealed the significant curative effect of PCO1 against the HCD-induced adverse effects. PCO2-PCO5 showed diverse and unequal results, with the least effective being PCO3, followed by PCO5 towards HCD-induced kidney, testis, and ovary damage. The multivariate interpretation based on principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) validated the superiority of PCO1 over other policosanol brands against the clinical manifestation associated with HCD. Conclusively, different brands displayed distinct impacts against HCD-induced adverse effects, signifying the importance of policosanol formulation and the presence of aliphatic alcohols on the functionality of policosanol products.

Improved Electronic Medical Record Documentation

Clozaril, a psychiatric medication, is the focus of this report. The allocated brand names for this medicine in the United Kingdom are; Clozaril, Fazaclo, and Versaclo. Its generic name as detailed by the DRUGBANK Online is (2022) is Clozapine. Clozaril is also known by different names including Leponex, Azaleptin, Fazaclo, Froidir, Klozapol and Clopine in other global regions.

Decoding Phonetic Meaning in a Semantically Meaningful Lexicon: Sound Symbolism in Steam Game Titles

It is widely believed that the marriage between a word’s sound and meaning is not an arranged one. A major exception to this, however, is sound symbolism. Inspired by previous research on the extensive use of sound symbolic associations in naming practices, this study directed attention towards the titles of popular games on Steam, which, unlike brand names, are mostly composed of semantically meaningful lexical items. The results showed that Action/Adventure/RPG game titles contained more voiced obstruents and fewer low vowels than Strategy/Simulation game titles. Additional research could delve into the interplay between semantic and phonetic meanings conveyed by names and titles.

Enhancing Invoice Number Retrieval in Influencer Agency Transaction Records Using TF-IDF and SVC Model

This research explore the need for efficient invoice management in influencer marketing. The proposed solution using TF-IDF and SVC Model to effectively locate and handle crucial transaction information, including dates, brand names, invoice numbers, amounts, frequency and category. By using this approach to significantly improve the accuracy of identifying invoice numbers in influencer agency records. For the result this method are evaluated using precision accuracy and F1 Score metrics, to emphasize its effectiveness in current challenges of manual extraction. Overall, this paper offers practical solution to enhanced influencer agency transactions

Personal branding strategies in online hashtag communities: the case of #AcademicTwitter

Several studies have explored the uses and benefits of social media hashtag communities in higher education… Yet, more research is needed to examine communication structures and strategies for personal branding in educational social media hashtag communities. In otherwords, to understand the dynamics, characteristics, and strategies for faculty, university staff, and graduate students need to brand themselves professionally in social media hashtag communities. This research aims to explore social network structures, dynamics, influencer characteristics, and personal branding strategies of the #AcademicTwitter online community. X (formerly known as Twitter) data on #AcademicTwitter from 2021 were retrieved and analysed using social network and quantitative content analysis. Our study found that most of the recurrent users in the community were scholars (faculty and researchers) predominantly from the STEM field. However, the most influential users were media/fan pages (a profile account created for different purposes such as sharing tips in academia, publishers, etc.) and other professionals (freelancers or university staff). Our research sheds light on the current practice of disclosing specific teaching and research interests or expertise in social media bio profiles for personal branding, especially among scholars. Unique communication contexts such as social media hashtag communities still bring challenges to the dissemination of information, relationship building, and personal branding strategies. Our results also provide recommendations for scholars (faculty and researchers), graduate students, university staff, and practitioners to improve communication practices and personal branding strategies on social media hashtag communities.

Development and characterization of a novel variant of long-acting bovine follicle-stimulating hormone (brscFSH)

Assisted reproduction is a key aspect of modern animal breeding, providing valuable assistance in improving breeding programs. In this field, the administration of exogenous hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), plays a crucial role in the induction of multiple ovulations. However, commercial FSH used in veterinary practice has been derived primarily from pituitary glands, obtained mostly from pigs for nearly four decades. Although these hormones have contributed significantly to the advancement of assisted reproductive techniques, they have certain limitations that warrant further improvements. These limitations include contamination with luteinizing hormone (LH), the potential risk of pathogen contamination, the potential to trigger an immune response in non-pig species, and the short half-life in circulation, requiring the implementation of complex 8-dose superovulation schedules. Our research team has developed and characterized a new variant of bovine follicle-stimulating hormone (bscrFSH) to address these limitations. The new hormone is produced recombinantly in CHO cell cultures, with a specific productivity of about 30 pg/cell/day. The bscrFSH can be purified to a high purity of 97 % using a single step of immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). N-glycan analysis of bscrFSH showed that approximately 74 % of the glycans corresponded to charged structures, including mono-, di-, tri-, and tetra-sialylated glycans. Superovulation trials conducted in cattle revealed that bscrFSH, administered at a total dose of about 0.5 μg per kg of body weight, using a decrescent schedule of 4 doses with 24-h intervals, resulted in an average yield of 8–12 transferable embryos per animal. Further research is required; however, the preliminary findings indicate that bscrFSH, currently packaged under the provisional brand name of Cebitropin B, holds potential as a commercial product for assisted reproduction in ruminants.

Characterization of Key Odor-Active Compounds in Draft Beers for the Chinese Market Using Molecular Sensory Science Approaches.

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage worldwide. However, limited research has been conducted on identifying key odor-active components in lager-type draft beers for the Chinese market. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the odor characteristics of the four most popular draft beer brands through a sensory evaluation and an electronic nose. Subsequently, the four draft beers were analyzed through solid-phase microextraction and liquid-liquid extraction using a two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry analysis (GC×GC-O-MS). Fifty-five volatile odor compounds were detected through GC×GC-O-MS. Through an Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis, 22 key odor-active compounds with flavor dilution factors ≥ 16 were identified, with 11 compounds having odor activity values > one. An electronic nose analysis revealed significant disparities in the odor characteristics of the four samples, enabling their distinct identification. These findings help us to better understand the flavor characteristics of draft beer and the stylistic differences between different brands of products and provide a theoretical basis for objectively evaluating the quality differences between different brands of draft beer.

What is the name of Spanish hotels? An analysis of the naming of hotels in Benidorm and Alicante

The importance of branding in tourism and hospitality has been the subject of study by the scientific community. However, there is little specific work on brand names in this sector. It is necessary to delve deeper into the predominant naming criteria in the names of hotels and other types of tourist accommodations. We have analyzed the hotel company name in a sample of 212 tourist accommodations, mostly SMEs and family businesses. The results indicate that, regarding the chosen naming criteria, there is mainly a difference between the criteria chosen to name hotels and those chosen to name other types of tourist accommodations, with the latter being more descriptive and less suggestive or evocative. The most recurring naming criterion in the sector is “fantasy” or “creative”. This research aims to expand knowledge about the choice of corporate name in the hospitality sector, based on the typology established by the scientific community, so that it can serve as a reference point for future research on naming or branding.

Beyond the Box: Packaging and Branding as Tools for Differentiation in a Competitive Retail Market

The study's goal was to investigate how customers perceive various design components of milk tea packaging and to provide crucial data for businesses about consumer appeal and the significance of design features from the customer's viewpoint. This study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge already available in the packaging and marketing fields by shedding more light on the psychology of color and its effects on packaging and marketing. It expounds upon several facets of packaging and encapsulates the conclusions of the latest studies carried out thus far, which have examined packaging from various angles. There is an importance in studying and delving into the deep essence of branding and packaging so that consumers notice businesses' packages first and represent the brand. Ensuring that the packaging aligns with the company's brand and beliefs is crucial. The brand's packaging should communicate its goals, core values, and distinctive selling points. The researcher employed the following methods to gather information: (1) analysis, (2) interviews/personal interviews, and (3) validated tool/guide. Qualitative information was gathered from 20 tool replies. The study's findings demonstrated the significance of packaging design in customer purchasing habits. Through the analysis of customer perception, it was discovered that packaging design components including color, graphics, and product details are important since they are part of decision-making and guarantee the customer's focus. Based on the results, it was determined that an effective milk tea package design could be produced through collaboration between the client and the business. Additional studies might examine the design features of various product packaging.

Thermopyles: The Possibilities of a Global Brand Name Place in Forming a Strong Competitive Identity and Sustainable Development

Thermopyles: The Possibilities of a Global Brand Name Place in Forming a Strong Competitive Identity and Sustainable Development

Analysis of aggregation profile of glucagon using SEC-HPLC and FFF-MALS methods.

Recently, the first generic glucagon for injection was approved for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia. Unlike its brand name recombinant glucagon, the generic glucagon is synthetic. Since glucagon has a high propensity to form aggregates in solution, it is essential to assess the aggregation profile of the synthetic glucagon compared to the recombinant glucagon. In this study, two robust separation methods, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC-HPLC) and field-flow fractionation coupled with a multi-angle light scattering detector (FFF-MALS), were employed to characterize generic and brand glucagon aggregation in six lots (three newly released, three expired). The presence of aggregation in samples was determined from the generated chromatograms and analyzed. The study showed that both products have comparable aggregation profiles. The SEC-HPLC demonstrated that in both glucagon versions, the expired lots had a higher percentage of dimers than the newly released lots, but even at expiration, the amount was negligible (∼0.1%). The FFF-MALS method did not detect any dimers or higher molecular weight aggregates. Further evaluation of the detection limit found that FFF-MALS was unable to detect aggregates at amounts lower than 0.5% of total glucagon. The negligible amounts of dimer detected in the generic and brand glucagon indicate that both versions are physically stable and are not prone to aggregation under clinically relevant conditions.