Proprietary Brand Research Articles

An Exploratory Analysis of Marketing Elements and Brand Equity in the UAE FMCG Category

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore the relationship between the marketing elements, brand equity (BE) dimensions and BE construct in the UAE fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) category with a view to strengthening the understanding of the relationship as postulated by Aaker (1991) and validate the scales developed to test the constructs in previous studies. Design/methodology/approach: Aaker (1991) proposed that the BE construct is built on brand awareness, brand loyalty, perceived quality, brand associations, and other proprietary brand assets, which in turn are built by managing the elements of marketing. A priori, it is postulated that there are 10 constructs of which five are marketing elements (price, distribution intensity, advertising, price promotions, and non-price promotions) and four BE dimensions (brand awareness, brand loyalty, perceived quality, and brand associations) and a final construct—overall brand equity. Thirty-three items were carefully selected from previous studies covering all the constructs. Data were collected from 536 respondents using major brands to stimulate answers on a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was done to identify factors and rename them to be descriptive of the factor. Scale reliability was conducted on the overall items and the individual factors and also for the individual summated scales as per the factors. Findings: The 33 items were factored into seven factors with the four marketing elements’ factors (price, distribution, advertising, and promotions price and non-price factored into one) as per the a priori assumptions. Items measuring BE and its dimensions were factored into three factors instead of the theoretical five constructs. The BE factor encompasses the BE dimensions with brand awareness with brand association (BABA) and brand image coming up as separate factors. Seven of the eight factors also showed strong scale reliability. Practical implications: This study suggests that the four marketing elements can be modeled and measured based on the items selected. BE dimensions do not factor into the assumed dimensions but the three dimensions that are factored can be renamed to be more representative and incorporated into the model. Furthermore, these items can be used to construct measurement scales for the identified constructs within the UAE and the larger Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Originality/value: This study, being the first of its kind in the UAE, contributes to the general body of knowledge on branding and marketing. The respondents covered are both Arabs and Asians, who constitute the majority of the population in the region. The sample size is large and covers gender, age groups, ethnic background, income group, and education level hence being highly representative of the actual consumers. The constructs identified and the items tested can be used for further studies and also used to construct measurement scales which can be used in practical business situations.

Investigation of the Effect of Sealer Use on the Heat Generated at the External Root Surface during Root Canal Obturation Using Warm Vertical Compaction Technique with System B Heat Source

IntroductionDuring warm vertical compaction of gutta-percha, root canal sealers with different chemical compositions absorb the heat generated inside the root canal. The aim of this research was to assess physicochemical modifications of sealers subjected to the System B heat source (Analytic Technology, Redmond, WA) and to evaluate the effect that the use of different sealers has on the heat transfer to the external root surface. MethodsThree proprietary brand sealers (AH Plus [Dentsply International, Addlestone, UK], Pulp Canal Sealer [Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA], MTA Fillapex [Angelus Dental Solutions, Londrina, PR, Brazil]) and a prototype sealer based on Portland cement were assessed. The heat generated on the surfaces of System pluggers and the heat dissipation at different levels (apical, midroot, and cervical) over root surface while using different sealers was assessed using thermocouples. Data were collected in 3 different environmental conditions with the tooth suspended in air, immersed in Hank's balanced salt solution, or gelatinized Hank's balanced salt solution. Chemical changes in the sealers induced by the heat were monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of heat changes on the setting time and compressive strength of the sealers was also assessed. ResultsThe continuous wave plugger sustained a rise in temperature at a maximum of 80°C at the instrument shank. The highest change in temperature on the external root surface was recorded after 1.5 minutes from the start of heating, and it was restored to body temperature by 6 minutes. Environmental conditions affected heat dissipation for all the sealers in the midroot and cervical regions and the highest increase in temperature (∼60°C) recorded in air. In the midroot and cervical regions, the type of sealer used did not affect the rise in temperature. In the apical region, AH Plus obturations resulted in a greater rise in temperature, and the chemical composition of this sealer was affected by high temperature; it also induced a reduction in sealer setting time and strength. ConclusionsIt could be concluded that surrounding conditions, such as temperature and humidity, exerted influence on heating dissipation during the continuous wave of the condensation obturation technique and that root canal sealers presented different conductive/isolating properties. Furthermore, the physical and chemical properties of AH Plus were negatively affected by the changes in temperature.

Investigation of the hydration and bioactivity of radiopacified tricalcium silicate cement, Biodentine and MTA Angelus

ObjectiveNovel root-end filling materials are composed of tricalcium silicate (TCS) and radiopacifier as opposed to the traditional mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) which is made up of clinker derived from Portland cement and bismuth oxide. The aim of this research was to characterize and investigate the hydration of a tricalcium silicate-based proprietary brand cement (Biodentine™) and a laboratory manufactured cement made with a mixture of tricalcium silicate and zirconium oxide (TCS-20-Z) and compare their properties to MTA Angelus™. MethodsThe materials investigated included a cement containing 80% of TCS and 20% zirconium oxide (TCS-20-Z), Biodentine™ and MTA Angelus™. The specific surface area and the particle size distribution of the un-hydrated cements and zirconium oxide were investigated using a gas adsorption method and scanning electron microscopy. Un-hydrated cements and set materials were tested for mineralogy and microstructure, assessment of bioactivity and hydration. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refined X-ray diffraction and calorimetry were employed. The radiopacity of the materials was investigated using ISO 6876 methods. ResultsThe un-hydrated cements were composed of tricalcium silicate and a radiopacifier phase; zirconium oxide for both Biodentine™ and TCS-20-Z whereas bismuth oxide for MTA Angelus™. In addition Biodentine™ contained calcium carbonate particles and MTA Angelus™ exhibited the presence of dicalcium silicate, tricalcium aluminate, calcium, aluminum and silicon oxides. TCS and MTA Angelus™ exhibited similar specific surface area while Biodentine™ had a greater specific surface area. The cements hydrated and produced some hydrates located either as reaction rim around the tricalcium silicate grain or in between the grains at the expense of volume containing the water initially present in the mixture. The rate of reaction of tricalcium calcium silicate was higher for Biodentine™ than for TCS-20-Z owing to its optimized particle size distribution, the presence of CaCO3 and the use of CaCl2. Tricalcium calcium silicate in MTA hydrated even more slowly than TCS-20-Z as evident from the size of reaction rim representative of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) around tricalcium silicate grains and the calorimetry measurements. On the other hand, calcium oxide contained in MTA Angelus™ hydrated very fast inducing an intense exothermic reaction. Calcium hydroxide was produced as a by-product of reaction in all hydrated cements but in greater quantities in MTA due to the hydration of calcium oxide. This lead to less dense microstructure than the one observed for both Biodentine™ and TCS-20-Z. All the materials were bioactive and allowed the deposition of hydroxyapatite on the cement surface in the presence of simulated body fluid and the radiopacity was greater than 3mm aluminum thickness. SignificanceAll the cement pastes tested were composed mainly of tricalcium silicate and a radiopacifier. The laboratory manufactured cement contained no other additives. Biodentine™ included calcium carbonate which together with the additives in the mixing liquid resulted in a material with enhanced chemical properties relative to TCS-20-Z prototype cement. On the other hand MTA Angelus™ displayed the presence of calcium, aluminum and silicon oxides in the un-hydrated powder. These phases are normally associated with the raw materials indicating that the clinker of MTA Angelus™ is incompletely sintered leading to a potential important variability in its mineralogy depending on the sintering conditions. As a consequence, the amount of tricalcium silicate is less than in the two other cements leading to a slower reaction rate and more porous microstructure.

Characterization of set Intermediate Restorative Material, Biodentine, Bioaggregate and a prototype calcium silicate cement for use as root‐end filling materials

To investigate the composition of materials and leachate of a hydrated prototype cement composed of tricalcium silicate and radiopacifier and compare this to other tricalcium silicate-based cements (Biodentine and Bioaggregate) to assess whether the additives in the proprietary brand cements affect the hydration of the materials, using Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM), a standard root-end filling material as a control. The materials investigated included a prototype-radiopacified tricalcium silicate cement, Biodentine, Bioaggregate and Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM). The pH and calcium ion concentration of the leachate were investigated. The hydrated cements were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). All the cements tested were alkaline. The tricalcium silicate-based cements leached calcium in solution. Scanning electron microscopy of the prototype-radiopacified tricalcium silicate cement, Biodentine and Bioaggregate displayed hydrating cement grains, surrounded by a matrix composed of calcium silicate hydrate and calcium hydroxide. The presence of calcium hydroxide was evident from the XRD plots. FT-IR indicated the occurrence of a poorly crystalline calcium silicate hydrate. Biodentine displayed the presence of calcium carbonate. Bioaggregate incorporated a phosphate-containing phase. IRM consisted of zinc oxide interspersed in an organic matrix. The hydration of prototype-radiopacified tricalcium silicate cement, Biodentine and Bioaggregate resulted in the formation of calcium silicate hydrate and calcium hydroxide, which was leached in solution. The hydrated materials were composed of a cementitous phase that was rich in calcium and silicon and a radiopacifying material. Biodentine included calcium carbonate, and Bioaggregate included silica and calcium phosphate in the powders. IRM was composed of zinc oxide interspersed in a matrix of organic material.

Dynamic sealing ability of MTA root canal sealer

To evaluate (i) the sealing ability of two sealers, mineral trioxide aggregate sealer (MTAS) and Pulp Canal Sealer (PCS), used with gutta-percha utilizing the fluid filtration method, (ii) leaching and surface characteristics in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) over a period of time. Surface characteristics in HBSS were evaluated under the scanning electron microscope after 1 and 28 days, and the leaching of both sealers were assessed by inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrometry (ICP-AAS). In addition, 24 single rooted extracted teeth were root filled using warm vertical compaction with either MTAS or PCS used as sealers with gutta-percha. Four teeth were used as positive and negative controls. Sealing ability was evaluated after 1 or 28 days using the fluid filtration method. Mineral trioxide aggregate sealer exhibited crystalline deposits rich in calcium and phosphorus on its surface when in contact with a physiological solution. These crystalline deposits were absent in PCS and on MTAS stored at 100% humidity. The sealing ability of MTAS was similar to that of PCS. The novel sealer based on mineral trioxide aggregate had comparable sealing ability to a proprietary brand sealer cement. In contact with a simulated body fluid, the MTA sealer released calcium ions in solution that encouraged the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals.

A tri-dimensional approach for auditing brand loyalty

Over the past twenty years brand loyalty has been an important topic for both marketing practitioners and academics. While practitioners have produced proprietary brand loyalty audit models, there has been little academic research to make transparent the methodology that underpins these audits and to enable practitioners to understand, develop and conduct their own audits. In this paper, we propose a framework for a brand loyalty audit that uses a tri-dimensional approach to brand loyalty, which includes behavioural loyalty and the two components of attitudinal loyalty: emotional and cognitive loyalty. In allowing for different levels and intensity of brand loyalty, this tri-dimensional approach is important from a managerial perspective. It means that loyalty strategies that arise from a brand audit can be made more effective by targeting the market segments that demonstrate the most appropriate combination of brand loyalty components. We propose a matrix with three dimensions (emotional, cognitive and behavioural loyalty) and two levels (high and low loyalty) to facilitate a brand loyalty audit. To demonstrate this matrix, we use the example of financial services, in particular a rewards-based credit card.

Modification of mineral trioxide aggregate. Physical and mechanical properties

To evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of two cements with a similar chemical composition to mineral trioxide aggregate and to attempt to improve their properties by producing a composite material. Two cement types were used: a mixture of calcium sulpho-aluminate cement and Portland cement (CSA) and calcium fluoro-aluminate cement (CFA) in conjunction with an admixture to improve the handling characteristics. Cements were mixed with an inert filler to produce cement composite. The setting time of the cements was evaluated using an indentation technique. The flexural and uni-axial compressive strengths and solubility of the cements and cement composites were evaluated. The properties of the materials were compared with proprietary brand glass-ionomer cement. The setting time of the CSA and CFA cements was less than 6 min. The use of an admixture to improve the handling properties tended to retard setting. CSA was stronger then CFA in both compression and flexure (P < 0.001). Addition of granite increased the flexural strength of both cements but reduced the compressive strength (P < 0.01). CFA absorbed more water then CSA. Addition of granite reduced the water uptake of both cements. Both CSA and CFA cements had adequate setting times and compressive strength values when compared with proprietary brand glass-ionomer cement. CSA was superior to CFA and had more promise as a prospective dental material.

JPAG Session: Short Papers in Pharmaceutical Analysis

Objectives To develop near-infrared spectroscopic (NIRS) quantitative models for the assay of ciprofloxacin in proprietary and generic ciprofloxacin 500 mg intact and powdered tablets. Methods Ciprofloxacin 500 mg tablets were pruchased from the UK and the Tanzanianmarkets. Tablets in both intact and powdered forms were utilized to construct calibration models. Tablets of a single proprietary brand (Bayer, 500 mg)were powdered and diluted with excipient(s) to give mixtures of different concentrations of ciprofloxacin. In addition, standard additions of ciprofloxacin FOSS NIRSystem 6500 NIR spectrometer using a rapid content analyser. Each spectrum was the sum of 32 scans over the wavelength range 1100-2500 nm at 2 nm interval. Four spectra were also recorded from each tablet, two on each side at 90 degrees to each other. Four spectra were also recorded from the powdered samples in Waters (4 mm) vials shaking between measurements. The average of the spectra was taken in both cases in standard normal variate second derivative (SNV-D2) form. Results The ciprofloxacin tablets had a range of activity between 55 and 77% m/m estimated as the ratio of the label claim (in milligrams) to the weight of the tablet. These data were used to construct the Intact Tablet Model. The powdered models used various ranges of ciprofloxacin between 0 and 100%. In all cases, a partial least squares regression (PLSR) algorithm (Unscrambler 7.5) was utilized. The spectra were split into calibration and validation sets based on PCA data to give the greatest variability in the calibration set. The ratio of the calibration to validation sets was 75%:25%. Specific partial least squares components were chosen for each model to give the lowest root mean standard error of prediction as a percentage of the label claim (RSEP %). The PLSR loadings showed good correlation with the ciprofloxacin tablet spectrum. The predictive ability of the model was validated against known proprietary and generic intact and powdered tablets. The tablets contained ciprofloxacin or other antibiotics of different classes. A good prediction gave the label claim within +-10% of the ciprofloxacin tablets and 0% for the other tablets. In this respect, the best model that fulfilled the stated criteria was the one which utilized the standard addition of the ciprofloxacin to the crushed Bayer tablets. It gave an r2 value of 0.9989 and RSEP% of 0.96%. In addition, it was able to prdict both ciprofloxacin and blank tablets. Conclusions The NIRS method with PLSR regression is a simple, rapid, non-destructive technique for the determination of cirofloxacin in jkproprietary and generic tablets. It can be used without the need for a reference analytical technique and with an RSEP% as low a 0.96%.

Mechanical Performance of Generic and Proprietary Enema Bottles

Enemas containing the anti-inflammatory drug mesalamine are an effective treatment for a distal form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). An IBD patient discovered that a generic mesalamine enema was more difficult and painful to use than the proprietary version. A study was initiated to determine whether these differences were measurable in the laboratory using conventional mechanical test equipment. Differences among three bottle types (the proprietary brand and two generic versions) were quantified by mechanical testing. The compressive force required to squeeze the drug from each bottle was measured, tensile testing was performed on the bottle wall, and stiffness of the nozzle tips was studied via bend testing. The thickness of the bottle walls and the inner diameter (ID) of the nozzles were also recorded. The work required to expel the drug from the generic versions during bottle compression was significantly greater than for the proprietary (p&lt;0.01). This was likely due to the wall thickness being greater in the generics; the elastic moduli of the three bottles were similar. The ID of the nozzles was smaller for the generic bottles, suggesting additional resistance to flow. Increased flow resistance was also observed for bottles in which lubricant obstructed the nozzle opening. The work required to bend the nozzle was greater in the generics than in the proprietary (p&lt;0.01). These differences between the generic and proprietary bottles are consistent with the patient’s subjective experience. Poor bottle performance may adversely affect patient compliance with this treatment. Improved bottle design (such as tighter tolerances for wall thickness, nozzle ID, and nozzle stiffness) and manufacturing controls (e.g., preventing the nozzle lubricant from impeding delivery of the drug) could be achieved through the development of a standard specification for enema bottles. An optimal bottle design is suggested.

Wetting and surface properties of (modified) fluoro-silanised glass

For all of its many useful properties, glass easily gets “dirty”, due to its relatively high surface free energy, thus often necessitating cleaners in operation, such as windscreen wipers. One possible aid is to coat the glass with a hydrophobic layer, thus reducing propensity for contaminant adhesion. We consider the surface properties of two such glasses: a proprietary brand and a laboratory-produced material, being essentially the same, having received similar fluoro-silane coatings. Such fluorinated glasses were subsequently treated using either a solution of sodium in liquid ammonia to create patterns on a millimetric (or larger) scale, or locally electrogenerated radical anions in dimethylformamide (DMF) solution to create smaller patterns. Wetting techniques (sessile drops) have been used to characterise the coated glass both before and after surface reduction. A considerable increase of wettability follows treatment, potentially useful for facilitating assembly of such glasses by adhesives, in specifically limited, treated zones. “Targeted surface treatment” permits the creation of desired motifs of contrasting surface free energy on the glass surface. This technique has been used to study the shape of deformed wetting triple lines. Experimental findings corroborate theoretical predictions for the most part, although some exceptions are discussed.

RETAIL PRIVATE LABEL’S STRATEGIES: A CASE STUDY IN A LARGE BRAZILIAN SUPERMARKET CHAIN

ABSTRACT The present study approaches the advantages and risks related to private labels under a retailers’ perspective, as well as the private label strategies and its growth in the Brazilian market. The paper analyses the strategies used by a large Brazilian supermarket chain with regards to its private labels’ management, using the case study method. The results showed the existence of two private label lines of products, with different strategies: one line of light products (proprietary brand) and another line of products that carry the name of the supermarket under study (retail brand endorsement), both classified as using the fantasy positioning strategy.

Producing a Measure of Brand Equity by Decomposing Brand-Benefit Beliefs into Brand and Attribute Sources

In 2003, P&G rolled out a new proprietary brand tracking system based on Keller's (2003) consumer-based brand equity framework. This system produces a brand equity score for all brands in the categories in which P&G competes. In this short period of time, P&G has fully embraced this new system, with managers and executives using this brand equity measure as an indicator of brand health, as well as for reward and compensation. Since its inception, P&G has already studied hundreds of brands, including all of its billion dollar brands, in more than 30 countries, and has its brands slated for continuous tracking. The survey consists of hundreds of questions that are primarily collected in check-box format, which give a general idea of how favorable consumers' beliefs are about brands. What these questions do not provide is any insight concerning how consumers arrive at those beliefs, important information that brand managers were lacking. This article incorporates two previously-published JMR articles to help P&G utilize its existing check-box survey data (Edwards and Allenby 2003) to identify which sources consumers use to develop their beliefs about brands, i.e., high-level brand or detailed attribute sources (Dillon, et al. 2001), and the implications for brand management. The authors then develop a measure of brand equity based on consumers' use of the high-level brand source and show that a significantly smaller number of questions can produce a measure of brand equity that correlates highly with that produced by P&G's current system. The major benefits to P&G are an understanding of where consumers' brand beliefs come from, and a reliable measure of brand equity at much less cost and with fewer questions. The benefit to marketing management is the implication that by using the approach described in this paper, other companies also can better understand where their consumers' brand beliefs come from, and now can develop a measure of brand equity that does not require a large complex instrument.

Standardized Documentation of Drug Recommendations in Discharge Letters

To analyze the necessity and potential usefulness of a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system in supporting the writing of pharmacotherapeutic recommendations in discharge letters. Systematic analysis of drug recommendations in discharge letters of a hospital providing tertiary care, structured interviews with in-hospital prescribers, and focus groups with general practitioners who admit patients to this hospital. We analyzed 1800 randomly selected discharge letters, 1205 of which contained pharmacotherapeutic recommendations. The frequencies, structure, and quality of these recommendations varied considerably between departments. Nearly 16% of the recommendations contained both proprietary (brand) and non-proprietary names (active ingredient). Interviewed clinicians expressed interest in CPOE systems that check for contraindications and interactions between drugs, suggest cheaper products, and automatically insert active ingredients when omitted. The focus group sessions confirmed that the pharmacotherapeutic recommendations in current discharge letters do not effectively support daily clinical practice. Documenting active ingredients as well as brand names in drug therapy recommendations is currently not part of clinical practice. Computerized decision support can help to optimise the structure and communication of therapeutic information across interfaces and can be a quality factor with considerable influence on process quality, outcome quality, and costs of cooperative patient care.

Review article: Oral, modified-release mesalazine formulations--proprietary versus generic.

Products containing mesalazine have been used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease for many years. Many of the oral, modified-release products are reaching the point of patent expiration, and it is expected that several new 'generic' versions will be developed. As mesalazine acts topically, the drug needs to be available at the site of inflammation to be effective. For this reason, the currently available products have been developed with individual formulations so that physicians have a choice when matching the different release profiles to the site and extent of disease. As such, the current guidelines state that oral, delayed-release mesalazine formulations are not interchangeable and should be prescribed by their proprietary (brand) name. The standard regulatory assessment process for generic or 'copy' products, using systemic bioequivalence data, does not appear to be sufficient when evaluating topically acting, oral, modified-release products. We therefore recommend that the regulatory bodies should require that new, oral mesalazine products should be assessed by a combination of dissolution, bioequivalence and (a minimum of one) adequately powered, comparative trial to determine therapeutic equivalence. Of most importance here is that the assessment of new modified-release products is sufficiently rigorous to allow patients and physicians to be confident in their use.

Measuring blood volume with fluorescent-labeled hydroxyethyl starch.

To develop and evaluate a method for measuring blood volume using the dilution of a fluorescent-labeled hydroxyethyl starch. Laboratory and clinical investigation. Biochemistry laboratory at the University of Cardiff. Hematology clinic, surgical ward and intensive care unit of the University Hospital of Wales. Seventeen patients with suspected polycythemia. Eight patients who had undergone major surgery and/or were receiving intensive postoperative care. All surgical and postoperative care was provided by clinicians not involved in the study. Patients with suspected polycythemia were referred for blood volume measurement using labeled albumin and red blood cells. A proprietary brand of hydroxyethyl starch (Elohaes) was labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Dilution of this compound in vivo was used for measuring blood volume, and the results were compared with those obtained using radiolabeled albumin and the considered criterion, radiolabeled red cells. The elimination of the labeled starch follows the same progress as that of the parent compound, indicating that the fluorescent tag is stable in vivo. The volume of distribution of the labeled starch is 2.5 mL/kg lower than that for labeled albumin (p = .05). Blood volume, measured from the dilution of fluorescent starch, is lower (4.9 mL/kg) than that measured with albumin (p = .048) but higher (6.61 mL/kg) than that measured with red blood cells (p = .0007). This latter difference may be even smaller at marginally higher doses of the fluorescent starch. These data support the view that hydroxyethyl starch provides a valid alternative to red cell labels as a means of calculating blood volume in patients. Labeling the starch with a fluorescent marker makes the assay procedure more sensitive and infinitely easier. The dose required is not high enough to affect the hemodynamic status of the patient.

Acute reactions in dogs treated with doxorubicin: increased frequency with the use of a generic formulation.

During a 4-month period, 34 dogs with tumors received a total of 60 doses of a single generic formulation of doxorubicin; 13 acute drug reactions were observed in these 34 dogs, and no acute reactions were observed after replacing the product with the proprietary brand. These reactions were characterized by one or more of the following signs: pruritus; head-shaking; urticaria; erythema of the pinnal, axillary, or inguinal regions; vocalization; vomiting; hyperemic or pale mucous membranes; high heart rate; and high respiratory rate. We propose that a component unique to generic doxorubicin was responsible for the unusually high number of acute drug reactions observed.

Use of calcium hydroxide for apical barrier formation and healing in non-vital immature permanent teeth: a review.

To review the use of calcium hydroxide for induction of apical barrier formation and healing in immature permanent teeth. Pulp necrosis is a frequent complication of dental trauma in immature permanent teeth. Endodontic treatment of these teeth is often complicated. The walls of the root canals are frequently divergent and the apices immature, making debridement and obturation difficult. The aim of treatment is induction of apical healing which may be defined as apical closure through formation of mineralised tissue and repair of the periapical tissues. Calcium hydroxide is the material of choice for apical barrier formation and healing. The use of calcium hydroxide for apical barrier formation is successful in 74-100% of cases irrespective of the proprietary brand used. The average length of time for apical barrier formation is approximately 5 to 20 months. Control of infection and adequate cleaning of the root canal are very important for apical healing. While the success rate of apical barrier formation using calcium hydroxide is high, long-term follow-up of these teeth is necessary. Problems such as failure to control infection, recurrence of infection and cervical root fracture may occur. The latter is more frequent in immature luxated teeth with the least root development.

From Coca-colonization to copy-Cotting: The Cott corporation and retailer brand soft drinks in the UK and the US

Retail brand acceptance by consumers has been a function of the (spatially and temporally variable) power and trust relationships amongst manufacturers, retailers and consumers. While retailer brands have developed powerfully in some products and countries, in others manufacturer brands have been stronger and more dominant. Certain global brands however (e.g., Coca-Cola) have been preeminent in their markets, seemingly inviolate to any retailer brand challenge. The restructuring and re-organization of The Cott Corporation since 1989, emphasizing retailer brand soft drinks and relationship/partnership building has challenged this inalienable brand position in soft drinks. Cott's extensive (although recent) operations, developing proprietary retailer brand drinks has caused a reassessment of retailer branding status both specifically in the product sector and more generally. This paper reviews the Cott Corporation's operations, placing these within a framework of retail restructuring and retailer-manufacturer brand and power relationships. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Non-Medical Prescribing

Non-medical prescribing is increasingly being seen as a cost effective option by both the government and paramedical professional bodies. The use of potentially dangerous preparations in a wide range of clinical settings is not without danger, as illustrated by this case of facial palsy associated with the use of a proprietary brand of wax softener in an ear with a perforated ear drum.

An object space framework for design/construction integration

Design and Construction are two disciplines whose integration can be achieved through software. In this paper, the Skull Object Space framework is presented which allows for such integration to develop. The Skull Object Space is a collection of essential abstraction and part-of hierarchies to which the design objects of an artifact are attached. As the artifact's design objects enter and traverse through the Skull Object Space, they are augmented with implicit design intent otherwise taken for granted by design professionals. The object-oriented and rule-based programming paradigms are employed to derive or to query the designer about design rationale that would remain implicit otherwise. The artifact's design objects leave the Skull Object Space carrying with them geometrical, topological, rationale, and specification knowledge which contractors can then apply in such common construction tasks as Value Engineering proposals, Shop Drawing preparation, and Proprietary Brand Name or Equal Specifications interpretation. The name Skull Object Space was selected to convey the notion of a skeleton that can be fleshed out in many different ways, each corresponding to a specialized application, like Value Engineering.