Search Results (100)

E-commerce growth has reshaped consumer behavior and retail services, driving parcel demand and challenging last-mile logistics. Existing research predominantly relies on survey data and global regression models that overlook intra-urban spatial heterogeneity in shopping behaviors. This study bridges this gap by analyzing e-commerce demand’s spatial distribution from a retail service perspective, identifying key drivers, and evaluating implications for omnichannel strategies and logistics. Utilizing waybill big data, spatial analysis, and multiscale geographically weighted regression, we reveal: (1) High-density e-commerce demand areas are predominantly located in central districts, whereas peripheral regions exhibit statistically lower volumes. The spatial distribution pattern of e-commerce demand aligns with the urban development spatial structure. (2) Factors such as population density and education levels significantly influence e-commerce demand. (3) Convenience stores play a dual role as retail service providers and parcel collection points, reinforcing their importance in shaping consumer accessibility and service efficiency, particularly in underserved urban areas. (4) Supermarkets exert a substitution effect on online shopping by offering immediate product availability, highlighting their role in shaping consumer purchasing preferences and retail service strategies. These findings contribute to retail and consumer services research by demonstrating how spatial e-commerce demand patterns reflect consumer shopping preferences, the role of omnichannel retail strategies, and the competitive dynamics between e-commerce and physical retail formats. Full article

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption grows, efficient and accessible charging infrastructure is essential. This paper introduces a modular simulation environment to evaluate charging point configurations and operational strategies. The simulation incorporates detailed models of electrical consumers and user behaviour, leveraging real-world data to simulate charging scenarios. A rule-based control strategy is applied to assess six configurations for a supermarket parking lot charging point. Key findings include the highest profit being achieved with two fast chargers. In scenarios with a 50 kW grid connection limit, combining fast chargers with stationary battery storage proves effective. Conversely, mobile charging robots generate lower revenue, though grid peak limitations have minimal impact. The study highlights the potential of the simulation environment to optimise charging layouts, refine operational strategies, and develop energy management algorithms. This work demonstrates the utility of the simulation framework for analyzing diverse charging solutions, offering insights into cost efficiency and user satisfaction. The results emphasise the importance of tailored strategies to balance grid constraints, profitability, and user needs, paving the way for intelligent EV charging infrastructure development. Full article

The adoption of sustainable food products by consumers is often hindered by both perceived and actual barriers within retail environments. This study investigates the interaction between the objective availability of sustainable food, its in-store visibility, and consumer perceptions of and discourses about these aspects, specifically examining how these factors contribute to socio-spatial disparities in access within an urban context (Turin, Italy). The research combined qualitative interviews with 50 consumers—to understand their perceptions and purchasing criteria—with quantitative observations of the presence and presentation of products in 56 supermarkets and 28 open-air markets across different socio-economic areas. The findings indicate that while sustainable products are more widely available than commonly perceived, their visibility (shelf positioning, signage) is significantly lower in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. This “invisibility” creates a crucial perceptual barrier, particularly for consumers who rely on immediate environmental cues and efficient shopping strategies, thus limiting purchases despite the actual presence of the products. The study concludes that in-store presentation strategies are critical mediators of perceived availability, disproportionately affecting consumers in lower socio-economic contexts and highlighting an innovative dimension of food access inequality that calls for targeted interventions at both the retail and policy levels. Full article

This study investigates residential segregation and housing types in Craiova, Romania, with a particular focus on the disparities shaped by historical and contemporary urban developments. Using collected data from former hostels built for young workers during the communist era, this research maps and analyzes the spatial distribution and living conditions of these housing types at a neighborhood level. Key metrics such as the number of inhabitants, the surface area of rooms, the current occupancy rates, and the number of unoccupied rooms were collected. Additionally, residential segregation is measured using indices of dissimilarity, isolation, exposure, concentration, and centralization, providing a comprehensive view of the socio-spatial divides within the city. The findings indicate significant disparities between these buildings with unsuitable living conditions and the newer residential developments, revealing a clear urban divide. No differences have been identified in terms of access to urban services like education, health, green areas, banks, or supermarkets, despite the appropriate location differences being noted in access to water and gas supply, and internet services. This study contributes to the understanding of how housing types and access to services in Craiova shape patterns of residential segregation, and it suggests policy interventions aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of these urban divides. Full article

The aging population increases the need for accessible interventions for cognitive training of the elderly to preserve cognitive health. Serious games have been widely used for this purpose, with many existing applications leveraging virtual reality (VR) technology. In contrast, this study explores the potential of augmented reality (AR) for cognitive training. The literature review shows that cognitive training interventions typically employ supermarket-themed serious games that are used extensively in such interventions. MarketMind AR is a supermarket-themed serious game that was created to train memory, attention, and executive function using mobile phone sensors such as cameras, accelerometers, and gyroscopes to interact and recognize the environment. Fifteen older adults participated in a three-attempt trial and completed the System Usability Scale (SUS), the in-game Game Experience Questionnaire (iGEQ), and an adapted version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) questionnaires. Qualitative interviews and in-game data (e.g., completion times, PIN recall) were also examined. The results indicated that participants had a positive experience, confirming ease of use, immersive appeal, and perceived cognitive benefits, despite some difficulties with environment scanning and object detection. The results provide evidence that an AR supermarket game leveraging mobile sensors has the potential to be an effective cognitive training tool for older adults. Full article

The consumer food environment is an important medium for understanding complex interactions regarding food consumption, health outcomes and social vulnerability. We aimed to analyze the diversity, variety and quality of natural and ultra-processed foods in a Brazilian metropolis. We performed a cross-sectional study, analyzing food stores within a buffer (1600 m) area around 18 randomly selected Health Promotion Program units. We used descriptive analyses and regression models, adjusted by the area’s population, to examine associations of consumer food environment variables with the health vulnerability (HVI) of the territory and store type. Low HVI areas had higher fruits and vegetables variety adequacy and better quality, when compared to medium and high/very high HVI areas (p-value < 0.001 and p-value = 0.001). Supermarkets in low HVI areas had almost twice the prevalence of adequate vegetable variety (65.2% vs. 33.3% in high/very high HVI areas, p-value = 0.005). Adjusted by population, areas with high/very high HVI had lower odds of adequate fruit variety when compared to low HVI areas (OR = 0.06; CI 95% = 0.01–0.44; p-value = 0.006). Although consumer preference is important in food acquisition, disparities in quality, diversity and variety within the consumer food environment could lead to difficulties in access to healthy options for vulnerable populations. Full article

Background: Food insecurity is a major global problem, with over 2.8 billion people reported as unable to afford a healthy diet in 2022. While charitable food assistance programs (CFAPs) play an important role in improving food access, ensuring the quality and safety of donated foods is crucial for safeguarding needy communities from food-related illnesses. This study evaluated the safety and quality of food donations at a food bank warehouse in the eThekwini District using a novel methodology. Methods: In March 2024, a five-day audit was conducted at a food bank warehouse in the eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A mobile device was utilized to document comprehensive information on all incoming deliveries, including the type of food, product details (such as brand, name, and variety), donor information, weight, and date markings. The audit assessed 1037 items, totaling 64,818 kg of donated food, against established food safety standards. Each item was visually inspected upon arrival and classified as ‘unsuitable’, ‘potentially unsafe’, or ‘unsafe’ for human consumption. Results: Out of the 64,818 kg of donated food, 95.5% (61,886 kg) was deemed satisfactory. However, 4.5% of the total, which amounts to 2932 kg, was categorized as either unsafe (355 kg), potentially unsafe (1182 kg), or unsuitable (1395 kg) for consumption. Retail supermarkets donated the largest weight of food, and also of the food classified as unsafe or unsuitable. Conclusions: The study highlights an urgent need for improved quality control and safety measures in food donations to CFAPs. Stricter handling and inspection guidelines are essential to ensure the quality of charitable food, reduce health risks, and build public trust in donation programs. Full article

Consumer interest in organic food has surged globally, driven by health, sustainability, and ethical considerations. Key factors include perceived safety, nutritional benefits, and environmental impact, while high prices and limited availability remain barriers. This study examines the factors influencing organic food preferences among Greek consumers, focusing on attribute importance, demographic variations, purchasing locations, and regional differences. A sample of 250 consumers was analysed using a best-worst scaling methodology to research the importance of organic food attributes. The two main attributes were then further analysed using ordinal regression models. Health benefits, particularly the absence of chemicals, emerged as the most valued attribute, followed by nutritional value, absence of GMOs, better taste expectations, and environmental impact. Certification showed intermediary importance, and price, country of origin, availability, and natural appearance were found to have lower importance. Women and highly educated individuals show greater recognition of organic food’s health and nutritional advantages. Consumers in rural regions exhibited stronger preferences for organic products, influenced by cultural traditions, trust in local sourcing, and economic accessibility, while urban consumers displayed more scepticism. For the Greek participants included in the study, supermarkets dominate organic food sales due to affordability and convenience. Full article

Mobility is essential for individuals with physical disabilities, and wheelchairs significantly enhance their quality of life. Recent advancements focus on developing sophisticated control systems for effective and efficient interaction. This study evaluates the usability and performance of three wheelchair control modes manual, automatic, and voice controlled using a virtual reality (VR) simulation tool. VR provides a controlled and repeatable environment to assess navigation performance and motion sickness across three scenarios: supermarket, museum, and city. Twenty participants completed nine tests each, resulting in 180 trials. Findings revealed significant differences in navigation efficiency, distance, and collision rates across control modes and scenarios. Automatic control consistently achieved faster navigation times and fewer collisions, particularly in the supermarket. Manual control offered precision but required greater user effort. Voice control, while intuitive, resulted in longer distances traveled and higher collision rates in complex scenarios like the city. Motion sickness levels varied across scenarios, with higher discomfort reported in the city during voice and automatic control. Participant feedback, gathered via a Likert scale questionnaire, highlighted the potential of VR simulation for evaluating user comfort and performance. This research underscores the advantages of VR-based testing for rapid prototyping and user-centered design, offering valuable insights into improving wheelchair control systems. Future work will explore adaptive algorithms to enhance usability and accessibility in real world applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Food deserts are areas characterized by limited access to affordable and healthy food, often due to significant distances from supermarkets—exceeding 1.6 km in urban areas and 16 km in rural settings. These spatial limitations exacerbate health and socioeconomic disparities. This study aimed to assess diet quality and explore the barriers influencing dietary behaviors among individuals aged 60 and older residing in food deserts in Aragón, Spain. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study using a phenomenological approach was conducted, complemented by descriptive analyses of sociodemographic data and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, assessed through the PREDIMED questionnaire. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and a focus group with residents of food deserts. Results: Half of the participants showed high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, while the other half had moderate adherence. Despite the lack of access to supermarkets and higher food costs, many participants perceived their diet quality positively. Challenges, such as long distances to stores, limited public transport, and economic constraints, were mitigated through strategies like home gardening, hunting, and traditional cooking, which often reduced reliance on processed foods. However, participants also reported increased alcohol consumption as a means of socializing. Conclusions: Diet quality in Aragón’s food deserts reflects a balance between significant access barriers and community-driven resources. While participants leveraged local strategies to maintain diet quality, systemic issues remain. Public policies should focus on improving transportation, enhancing local food systems, and fostering community-based initiatives to reduce inequalities in food access and promote healthier dietary habits in rural areas. Full article

This study addresses the critical challenge of optimizing spatial arrangements for the elderly in rapidly aging societies. It investigates the proximity preference preferences among nine types of facilities frequently used by senior citizens in Dubai. The research is set against demographic shifts and policy paradigms that are shifting towards aging-in-community, emphasizing the need for comprehensive urban planning tailored to the elderly. The study classified individuals aged 65 and above as seniors and surveyed 180 participants at Dubai’s Al Safa Park. Researchers analyzed the proximity preference, termed ‘adjacency,’ of facilities, including residential, rest, public, cultural, transportation, welfare, medical, commercial, and religious facilities. Data collection spanned nine days and employed cross-analysis and multidimensional scaling (MDS) to interpret the findings. The results revealed a high preference for proximity between residential spaces and parks, supermarkets, and bus stops, indicating a desire for accessible facilities. MDS analysis showed residential, rest, and transportation facilities were spatially closer, while religious facilities were distinct in location. Income levels significantly influenced facility proximity preferences, with high-income seniors preferring commercial facilities near residential areas but medical facilities farther away. This study highlights the importance of considering income levels in urban planning for the elderly. Recommendations include planning residential, transportation, and green spaces in proximity preference while acknowledging varying preferences for religious facilities. Future research should focus on diverse regions and consider individual circumstances. This study contributes to urban planning by providing insights into senior citizens’ spatial preferences, which is crucial for enhancing facility usage and satisfaction in aging societies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Unhealthy dietary habits are associated with chronic non-communicable diseases and may contribute to increased mortality in all countries of the world. Food environments determine the accessibility, availability, and promotion of food, thus playing an important role in people’s diets, but they are context-dependent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability and accessibility of food in food outlets in different neighborhoods of the city of Alicante. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Trained researchers conducted food store audits using the validated Nutrition Environment Measures Survey in Stores for Mediterranean contexts (NEMS-S-MED) tool. Data were collected from food stores within a socioeconomically diverse sample in Alicante (n = 63). We compared the availability and affordability of “healthier–less healthy” food pairs, scores between food store types (supermarkets, specialized, convenience stores, and others), and socioeconomic levels in Alicante in 2022. Results: The present study highlights that the food stores with the greatest availability and accessibility to healthy foods are supermarkets, as opposed to specialized stores and convenience stores. In addition, differences were found in the accessibility and availability of healthy foods by neighborhoods with different income levels, being more accessible in the residential neighborhood with the highest income level. Tourism could explain the differences in the food retail environment, with a high-income neighborhood showing similar results to low-income neighborhoods. Conclusions: The results obtained invite reflection on the development and adoption of policy strategies that promote the availability and accessibility of healthy food in the most disadvantaged areas. Full article

Food insecurity (FI) is a persistent issue in Brazil, with significant disparities existing across the country’s macroregions. This study investigated the food acquisition locations and types of foods purchased at different levels of FI, utilizing data from 57,920 households in the 2017–2018 Brazilian Household Budget Survey. Food acquisition locations were grouped into supermarkets, small markets, street fairs/fruit and vegetable stores/public markets, and others. Foods were categorized into 12 groups: rice, beans, vegetables, fruits, red meats, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products, bread, cookies, and sugary drinks. Supermarkets are the primary source of food in Brazil. However, in the North and Northeast regions, small markets are more frequently used across all levels of FI. Nationally, most food groups are predominantly purchased at supermarkets. Nevertheless, households experiencing moderate or severe FI rely more on small markets for essential items such as rice, beans, and proteins, as well as ultraprocessed foods. These findings highlight the need for public policies that improve food access for vulnerable populations and address regional inequalities. Enhancing access and ensuring food security across different regions is essential to promoting equitable and healthy diets throughout the country. Full article

Australia’s current food system does not equitably or sustainably feed all Australians. Coupled with the rising costs of essential goods, it raises concerns around the cost of living and food security. This study aimed to investigate Reddit user perspectives on the current cost of food and groceries in Australian subreddits. Posts related to the costs of groceries within Australian subreddits were collected using Reddit’s Application Programming Interface (API) and Python Reddit API Wrapper python package (version 7.7.1). Posts (n = 1727) were screened, and the included posts (n = 583) underwent thematic analysis. Australian Reddit users reported concerns over the increasing prices of groceries and identified supermarket pricing tactics including price gouging, shrinkflation, and misleading price displays. Reddit also served as an important platform providing support and a method to disseminate budgeting strategies to help others to overcome rising costs of living. The findings highlighted the challenges faced by Australians in managing food and grocery expenses and the strategies they employ to cope with rising costs, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve food affordability and accessibility. Full article

As the aging population in China increases, home-based elderly care is set to become the main mode of elderly care in the future. The construction of community elderly care service facilities is receiving more and more attention from society. Currently, residential area design standards in China lack clear guidance on the spatial planning of facilities, which will lead to unreasonable facility layout planning and insufficient convenience in the utilization of facilities by the elderly. Fully considering the distribution characteristics of community elderly care service facilities and the needs of the community life circle when planning residential areas can effectively solve this problem. This study takes Xi’an City as the research object, based on the theory of life circle, through questionnaire surveys and cluster analysis, analyzes the current situation of the construction of elderly care service facilities and the characteristics of the use by the elderly. Combined with the community life circle model, the study scope is divided into community life circle levels, and put forward the planning strategies of coverage rate, number, richness, and spatial layout of the facilities, respectively. These strategies are designed to enhance the quality of life for seniors, ensuring that they have access to essential support and resources within their communities. It demonstrated that middle-aged elderly prefer community canteens and activity centers, while those with limited mobility and multiple chronic diseases have a higher demand for health service centers and community canteens. The utilization weight analysis shows that vegetable markets and supermarkets are most frequently used, whereas health service centers are the least utilized. The research proposes strategic planning enhancements, including full coverage of basic facilities, targeted increases in high-demand facilities, and tailored facilities for elderly characteristics. It recommends cross-community layouts to ensure service radius coverage, development reservations for future needs, and quality improvements to address the low satisfaction rates of existing facilities. The study concludes that a targeted approach to facility planning, considering the elderly’s diverse needs, can enhance the community elderly care service system’s sustainability and effectiveness. Full article