Z-entry technique reduces the risk of trocar-site hernias in obese patients

Open laparoscopy and techniques using a Veress needle permit entry into the peritoneal cavity, and are recommended. These approaches require fascial closure of 12mm trocar sites, thereby reducing the risk of trocar-site hernias in obese patients

Authorized Generic Entry prior to Patent Expiry: Reassessing Incentives for Independent Generic Entry

Patent holders frequently attempt to mitigate the loss of monopoly power by authorizing generic entry prior to patent expiry (early entry). Competition in off-patent pharmaceutical markets may be adversely affected if early entry substantially impairs the attractiveness of subsequent market entry. I examine generic entry decisions made in the course of recent patent expiries to quantify the impact of early entry on incentives for generic entry. Using unique micro data and accounting for the endogeneity of early entry, I estimate recursive bivariate probit models of entry. Drug markets' pre-entry revenues largely determine both independent generic entry and early entry decisions. Early entry in turn has no significant impact on the likelihood of generic entry. Original drug producers appear to authorize generic entry prior to loss of exclusivity primarily fueled by rent-seeking rather than strategic entry-deterrence motives

Market entry using country-of-origin intelligence in an emerging market.

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to explore country of origin (COO) effects among Pakistani elite consumers and to use that knowledge as an intelligence base for SMEs considering entry into Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – The literature concerning COO effects is presented and a principle component analysis is conducted with an elite Pakistani sample using a COO Likert type style scale that was previously used by Lascu and Babb in Uzbekistan and Poland. Findings – Four components were identified that correspond with consumers perceptions of produce attributes. The elite segment of Pakistan perceives COO image, product quality and luxurious image of product and price as distinct attributes when making a purchasing decision. This study provides a basis for SMEs to gather further detailed intelligence with regards to consumer perceptions of products and potential demand in Pakistan. Research limitations/implications – It is difficult to predict which other foreign market these results will be applicable to because of different market structures, buying power, cultures and attitudes toward the product and lifestyle. Practical implications – The paper indicates a strategy that SMEs could adopt to enter the emerging market of Pakistan. Targeting the niche market of elite consumers who have strong buying power could prime the economy for future growth. Both SMEs within and outside Pakistan could take up strategies that use appropriate COO image, provided that appropriate marketing research is undertaken which produces intelligence both regarding COO image of the SMEs products and perceptions of those products' attributes in the target market. Originality/value – The study explores components within a COO Likert type questionnaire with reference to an elite managerial and professional consumer group in the under researched market of Pakistan. It is argued that SMEs can use the knowledge gained as a basis for entry to new country markets