COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS OF U.S. FOOD PROCESSING PLANTS

This paper presents a model-based approach for competitive analysis of manufacturing plants in the U. S. food processing industry. As part of this approach, plant competitiveness is measured using Operational Competitiveness Ratings Analysis (OCRA) -- a new non-parametric method of computing relative inefficiency. Drivers of competitiveness are identified in terms of policies related to plant structure and infrastructure. Policies related to plant structure are those decisions that are related with "bricks and mortar" and have long term implications, such as decisions related to plant size and capacity. Policies related to plant infrastructure are decisions related to how the " bricks and mortar" are used. These policies are typically under the direct control of the operations managers and have a short-term orientation, such as decisions related to equipment, quality, inventory, workforce and confusion-engendering activities (e.g. new product introductions and product variety). The empirical analysis is based on detailed cross-sectional data on 20 processed food manufacturing plants. With respect to plant structure, the results suggest that small sized food processing plants are competitive, and both capacity underutilization and overutilization are detrimental to plant competitiveness. Among the significant results with respect to plant infrastructure, equipment maintenance, quality management programs, packaging supplies inventory, workforce training and product variety are positively associated with plant competitiveness. The results also suggest that introduction of new products disrupts plant operations, at least in the short run, and is negatively associated with plant competitiveness.Agribusiness,

Conservative non-surgical management of a large periapical lesion using a calcium hydroxide based sealer for obturation: a case report

Introduction: Periapical lesions often result following dental caries, pulpal infection or trauma. Their management may include both sugicl and non-surgical endodontic management. Case report: The aim of this case report was to report the successful non-surgical management of a large periapical lesion in relation to maxillary right central and lateral incisors using calcium hydroxide based sealer Sealapex for obturation. The case was periodically reviewed and showed signs of almost complete periapical healing after six months. Discussion: Traditionally, calcium hydroxide is the material of choice for inducing periapical healing when used as an intracanal medicament or as a root canal sealer. In this case, the non-surgical healing of the large periapical lesions using a calcium hydroxide based sealer provided favorable clinical and radiographic response. Conclusion: The calcium hydroxide based sealer when used for obturation in non-surgical management of a large perapical lesion showed a successful treatment outcome

Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of the Periapical Status of Nonvital Tooth with Open Apex Obturated with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: A Case Report

Management of a tooth with open apex is a challenge to the dental practitioners. Evaluation of the periapical healing is required in such cases by radiographic techniques. The objective of this paper was to assess the healing of a periapical lesion in a non-vital tooth with open apex treated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) obturation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The endodontic treatment of a fractured non-vital discolored maxillary left lateral incisor with an open apex was done with MTA obturation. The clinical and radiographic followup done regularly showed that the tooth was clinically asymptomatic and that the size of the periapical lesion observed by intraoral periapical (IOPA) radiographs and CBCT was decreased remarkably after two years. CBCT and IOPA radiographs were found to be useful radiographic tools to assess the healing of a large periapical lesion in a non-vital tooth with open apex managed by MTA obturation

Service Characteristics and Yellow Pages Advertising Effectiveness

Advertising  in the Yellow Pages often  constitutes an important  component  of promotional  strategy for many small businesses. For some, these directories may be their sole means of advertising. This stud y examines the role of consumer Yellow Pages in the information search patterns  of  an  increasingly important market segment , young adults, for a selected group of ten services. Findings from this stud y suggest that Yellow Pages are more likely to be used as an information source when subjects are searching for certain services than for other services. Furthermore, results indicate that certain characteristics of a service may influence the likelihood of a consumer consulting these directories. Practical implications on how to make the most out of  Yellow Pages advertising are discussed