Corporate brand value, a key corporate asset, has traditionally relied on stakeholder interactions, heritage, and corporate identity. In dynamic fast clock-speed industries (information technology and consumer electronics), we note that brand values change dramatically within a few years based on their innovativeness. Using grounded theory approach and multi-case study method we examine how Apple, Samsung, Toyota, and Coca-Cola sustained their most valuable global brands while Kodak and General Motors eroded the same. Certain key dynamic innovative capabilities are identified as best practices. We conclude with implications for managers and future researchers, along with some limitations.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired bacterial meningitis (CABM) is a life-threatening condition that is common among immunocompromised individuals. Intravenous ceftriaxone, of which Rocephin (ROC) is the originator brand, is recommended as first-line therapy in South Africa. Despite concerns regarding therapeutic equivalence with generic agents, this is the first study that has been conducted comparing clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) of a generic ceftriaxone formulation with the originator. OBJECTIVE: To compare the PK and safety of Aspen Ceftriaxone (AC) and ROC in the treatment of adult CABM. METHODS: A total of 63 eligible patients were randomised 1:1 to receive 2 g of either medication twice daily for a duration based on the identity of the causative organism and their physician's clinical judgment. The primary endpoint of this study was the comparison of clinical PK, specifically the concentrations of each drug in the cerebrospinal fluid with corresponding paired plasma samples. While this study was underpowered to assess efficacy, safety could be evaluated on the basis of reported adverse events. RESULTS: The two patient groups were epidemiologically similar. There were no statistically significant differences in PK between either agent, nor any difference with regard to safety. CONCLUSION: AC can be considered as equivalent to ROC with regard to PK and safety in patients with CABM.

A multi channel ECE Radiometer, in the frequency range of 75 - 110 GHz, has been designed, constructed and tested for the SINP-Tokamak to diagnose second harmonic X-mode electron cyclotron emission (ECE). This frequency range covers approximately 80% of the plasma cross section in case of a magnetic eld of B = 1.5 T. For the maximum field of the SINP-Tokamak B = 2.0 T, about 50% is covered. The ECE radiation is received by a single horn antenna with a gain of approximately 30 dB. To increase the spatial resolution perpendicular to the line of sight, a focusing lens is employed. The incoming radiation power is split into two branches by a 3dB coupler. Before down conversion of the input spectrum, the upper and the lower side band are selected respectively by means of a high pass and a low pass filter. Behind the filters, identical components are employed. The local oscillator frequency is 92 GHz for both mixers. The IF frequency range after down conversion is 2 to 18 GHz. The IF spectrum is amplified by two amplifiers with a total gain of approximately 60 dB. The outputs of these amplifiers are split into 6 branches. The frequency selection is made by band pass filters and the received power is detected by Schottky diode detectors followed by video amplification and ltering. The data is recorded by an ADC with 1 MHz sampling rate. The radiometer has been tested and calibrated with a high temperature blackbody radiator. The effective input noise temperature for the radiometer channels is found to be in the order of 0.1 eV. The linear regime of operation extends up to an input power which corresponds to an electron temperature of approximately 200 eV. Above this temperature the 1 dB compression point of the Schottky diode detectors is exceeded and the IF gain should be reduced. This can be easily done by incorporating appropriate attenuator behind the IF amplifiers.