Big Box Research Articles

Object-based change detection (OBCD): a case study for measuring retail led regeneration

ABSTRACT The Canadian retail landscape experienced a defining shift in the 1990s with the emergence of “big box” retailers and the proliferation of power centers nationwide. Within this context, the Ontario Stockyards neighborhood in Toronto, Canada, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three decades. It has evolved from a predominantly meat-packing industrial hub into a versatile urban environment featuring a mix of retail and residential spaces. This research seeks to elucidate the dynamics of commercial/industrial and residential area changes within this evolving landscape. The study spans a 23-year period, during which the distribution of land use categories undergoes notable fluctuations. This study sheds light on the intricate relationship between retail-driven urban regeneration, commercial/industrial transformations, and residential development. This paper uses the Stockyards neighborhood as a case study, to demonstrate the practical application of Object-Based Change Detection (OBCD) in real-world contexts. Through this case study, the potential and effectiveness of OBCD as a valuable tool for analyzing complex urban development is presented. The findings underscore the significance of integrated urban development strategies that leverage the transformative potential of retail-led initiatives.

Local Symmetry Deviation from the Average Structure of MnAs Revealed by Pair Distribution Function.

MnAs is an interesting material due to its magnetocaloric properties, which can be utilized in magnetic refrigeration. However, despite major efforts, its magnetic refrigeration performances in the substituted forms could not be improved compared to the parent MnAs phase. Both small and big box modeling of the pair distribution function of MnAs for the local structure description and powder X-ray diffraction for the average structure reveal an inherent local orthorhombic distortion in the hexagonal structure of MnAs. As a result of this distortion, any modification to the hexagonal structure results in an orthorhombic structure and a weaker magnetocaloric performance. This study highlights the importance of studying local distortion in magnetic materials. This is achieved by combining X-ray absorption spectroscopy with total scattering X-ray diffraction.

The Tic Tac Toe Computer

Abstract: Donald Miche created a match box computer that can learn and improve at tic tac toe which comprises of 304 match boxes; however that is an extreme amount and even then it can’t play second I aim to fix this by creating a much more optimum version of this tic tac toe computer which is less bulky and can play both second and first. One method of achieving this may be by creating a book with every possible outcome that is more compact or by perhaps by using a bigger box that can contain more beads that correspond to slots on the board; hence, allowing the computer to be more compact while also allowing it to play with itself and s both player one and two; Another Method is by creating a beads and box compute similar to MENACE but the box is smaller and therefore can fit more beads allowing for many less boxes and a much more probabilistic computer. These two methods are both less tedious to make, a lot more compact, and simplistic. This Matchbox engine can play entirely probabilistically while being more compact and simple.

Radon exhalation and health hazard assessment for various ceramic tiles used in Bangladesh

Objective: Among various building materials, tiles are the most used decorative materials used worldwide. For the safe use of tiles at home and workplace it is required to select them properly based on radiation dose due to radon and gamma emission.
 Experiments: Among various tiles available in the market, 25 different types of tiles were collected for this experiment. Collected tiles are then ground and stored in sealed cans for secular equilibrium. To measure gamma activity due to the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector was used. To store radon gas emitting from tiles, a big box was used. The activity concentration was then measured by a radon detector (RadonEye) by placing it inside the box.
 Results and discussion: It was observed that 226Ra, 232Th, 40K activity varies from 45 – 89 Bq/Kg, 77 – 110 Bq/Kg, and 321 – 694 Bq/Kg. The radium equivalent activity varies from 198.32 – 280.46 Bq/Kg, less than the recommended value of 370 Bq/Kg set by UNSCEAR (United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation). The activity concentration of radon varies from 31 – 71 Bq/m3. This is lower than the 300 Bq/m3 recommended by ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection). The radon exhalation rate varies from 0.179 – 0.409 Bqm−2h−1. To assess radiological hazards associated with the tiles samples air absorbed dose rate, internal and external hazard index, gamma index, annual indoor and outdoor effective dose rate, and dose due to radon were also calculated.
 Conclusion: Though the estimated values for external and internal hazards are below the recommended values, they may be safe for adults. As children have thinner skin and breathe more air due to high breathing frequency, they may receive more radiation than adults. Moreover, they are at a greater risk because of their developing bodies and long life expectancy post-exposure.

Big Box Biochar Kiln Operation and Best Practices.

Big Box biochar kilns are an alternative to open pile burning that allows for in-woods biochar production in a simple metal box with no moving parts. This approach is based on technology used by charcoal makers for centuries but with a modern, mechanized approach. A mini-excavator or other piece of machinery is used to load, tend, and empty the kilns. This article will outline Big Box biochar kiln best practices, including the design, transportation, placement, loading, lighting, quenching, and dumping procedures for beginners developing their own Big Box biochar kiln programs. Biochar production requires a low oxygen burning environment, and the Big Box kilns use a flame-cap (sometimes referred to as a flame-curtain) method to burn material with limited smoke production. These kilns have been designed to be easily transferred to the site using an adequately rated trailer. A mini-excavator or other piece of machinery is used to load, tend, and empty the kilns. The author is not aware of a more accessible means for people to sequester durable carbon on the farm, ranch, or in the backyard. This article outlines Big Box biochar kiln best practices, including the design, transportation, placement, loading, lighting, quenching, and dumping procedures for beginners developing their own Big Box biochar kiln programs.

(Trans)forming fitness: Intersectionality as a framework for resistance and collective action.

Fitness is a lifelong pursuit, yet many LGBTQ2S+ individuals are averse to group fitness or experiences in big box gyms. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual fitness programs offered the potential to facilitate opportunities for the greater inclusion of such individuals and the chance to connect, collaborate and advocate for a change in who and what defines fitness. Justice Roe, owner of Fit4AllBodies, utilizes the term fitness industrial complex to provide a framework to discuss the problems of exclusion. His explanation supports research documenting that bodies that are not "the norm", defined by ableism, classism, (hetero)patriarchy and racism, fueled by white supremacy, are oftentimes viewed as "less than" in the fitness and recreation world ( 1- 3). Applying an intersectional framework, this article explores the possibilities for transformative collective action in fitness communities that removes barriers and challenges the injustices that contribute to racialized LGBTQ2S+ individuals feeling unwelcome. With the need to shift to virtual training spaces as a result of a global pandemic, and the rise in the public discourse surrounding racial injustices both on and offline, a sense of belonging and community is important, especially among groups that often face exclusionary practices, such as racialized LGBTQ2S+ community members. These individuals are at greater risk of losing opportunities to access fitness programs that can provide immense health and psychological benefits. What could an intersectional perspective on resistance in sport look like? Using the example of LGBTQ2S+ access to online fitness spaces during the prolonged global COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020, we suggest that explicit coaching education and intentional communities, centered around social justice, are needed to address the historical roots of systemic oppression, accessibility, and social constructs tied to fitness.

Implementation of AR and VR using 5G in conventional industry applications

Various industry verticals have tedious tasks that are vital in terms of maintenance, operations and customer service. These repetitive activities use traditional methods to achieve the goal, however, the methods are not efficient, as they are time consuming and resource heavy. Emerging technology of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) brought the drastic change for example in Bridge check-up, Big Box stores, Health care, Supply-chain management. But these sharp change in our life demands more work in less time with precision and high resolution. To implement AR and VR under 5G there are challenges, such as: how to get fidelity and high resolution, where Drone or Robot-assisted bridge inspection is required. The objective of this research work is twofold: 1) meet the challenges and 2) figure out optimize solutions.

Rationalizations Stuffed in a Big Box of Angst

Rationalizations Stuffed in a Big Box of Angst

The Developing Factors of Purchase Intentions: The Emerging Trend of Private to Mega Store Environment in Pakistan

This research study is highlighting the shifting trend of purchasing from private retail shops to mega/big box stores. Currently, many developing economies like Pakistan are witnessing a growing trend of the shift in shopping options, and moving on mega/big box stores is one of them. This research identifies some underlying factors of big box stores which affect purchase intentions. In this study store environment is considered as an independent variable whereas purchase intention is taken as the dependent variable. Customer satisfaction and behavioral loyalty are considered mediators and the effect of price (factor) has been checked as a moderator. The philosophy of positivism is followed for this research. The research design is explanatory in nature. Data is collected through structured questionnaires from the customers of FMCG and daily routine products. The sample size is 174 and both (male and female customers were considered). Non- Probability convenience sampling technique is used. For data analysis, SMART PLS 3 software and structural equation modeling are used. The results of this research suggested that the store environment has a significant impact on purchase intention. Similarly, the store environment significantly develops purchase intention with the mediation of customer satisfaction as well. Store environment has a positive impact on behavioral loyalty, whereas behavioral loyalty does not significantly impact purchase intentions. Prices have a significant impact as moderators on store environment and customer satisfaction.

On the impact off(Q) gravity on the large scale structure

ABSTRACTWe investigate the exponential f(Q) symmetric teleparallel gravitation, namely $f(Q)=Q+\alpha Q_0(1-e^{-\beta \sqrt{Q/Q_0}})$ using ME-GADGET code to probe the structure formation with box sizes LBox = 10/100 Mpc h–1 and middle resolution $N_p^{1/3}=512$. To reproduce viable cosmology within the aforementioned modified gravity theory, we first perform Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling on OHD/BAO/Pantheon data sets and constrain a parameter space. Furthermore, we also derive theoretical values for deceleration parameter q(z), statefinder pair {r, s} and effective gravitational constant Geff, perform Om(z) diagnostics. While carrying out N-body+SPH simulations, we derive CDM+baryons over density/temperature/mean molecular weight fields, matter power spectrum (both 2/3D, with/without redshift space distortions), bispectrum, two-point correlation function and halo mass function. Results for small and big simulation box sizes are therefore properly compared, halo mass function is related to the Seth–Tormen theoretical prediction and matter power spectrum to the standard CAMB output.

On subsistence‐type rural independent retailers and crowdfunded microfinance—Prosocial lending, nudges, and unintended consequences

AbstractMuch of the extant scholarship in supply chain management (SCM) has had a developed world focus, although most of the global population resides outside this area. SCM scholars are now recognizing this limitation in the coverage of our communities' research. They have recognized that the logistical challenges of getting products to these underserved markets at the bottom of the economic pyramid (BOP) may be fundamentally different from the “big box” mindset that prevails in the west. There is growing recognition that supply chain entrepreneurship is critical to the logistics and physical distribution systems that can get products to such markets in a cost‐effective manner. Yet, such entrepreneurs, who are often small, and weakly integrated into the global economy, face several challenges in their daily business. Many of them rely on microfinance to fund their business. Yet, the microfinance model itself is changing into a web‐supported crowdfunded model. The current study investigates how an entrepreneur's circumstances with regard to their borrowing status as a first‐time borrower, and their intent with regard to business expansion influence their success in fundraising on a crowdfunding platform. Results reveal that BOP entrepreneurs who are “repeat borrowers” have difficulty in obtaining funding for their business plans.

Potential energy saving opportunities in big box retail stores in Northern climates––Case study towards sustainable buildings

The current paper proposes effective energy saving opportunities in a retail store located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Scarce research has been reported on such applications in North American Climate. Ottawa is characterized by its harsh winter climate where temperatures can be as low as -30 °C. The paper presents a performance comparison between three stores: an original store, a new nearby store for the same company, and a proposed energy efficient store to replace the second store. The proposed store by the authors considers the implementation of a number of proposed retrofits. The simulations were performed on the eQuest software. The model results were validated against collected site data with a maximum deviation of 5%. The results have shown that space heating, and light technology upgrades constitute a major contributor to potential energy saving. The upgraded store energy consumption is about 39% lower than the original one. The space heating upgrade contributes to more than 60% of this saving potential, and the light upgrade makes up for the rest. In addition, economic analysis performed on RETScreen software has revealed that the proposed measures have a payback of 5 years. This is considered reasonable for the application. The debt ratio and interest rates have adverse effect on increasing the payback. Renewable (solar thermal, and photovoltaic) integration can double the payback of the project due to the high cost of PV panels. The current study is a valuable guidance for widespread retail stores in North America.

Shoulder Season

Shoulder Season

Estimation of harvested fruit weight using volume measurements with distance sensors: A case study with olives in a big box

The introduction of fruit tree harvesters on the market allows the opportunity to incorporate new yield monitors. Traditionally, yield has been measured by in-the-field fruit batch weighing systems that employ load cells, which present certain problems as well as oscillations and outliers. We propose the development and evaluation of two distance measurement systems (an experimental one using an array of sensors with low-cost, Time-of-Flight technology and another, commercial system, with a 3D camera) to estimate the volume of fruit harvested in a big box and correlate the volume with its weight. To this end, two algorithms were developed to estimate the volume of fruit filling. Several tests were conducted to determine the field of view of the sensors and the influence of illumination, reflectivity of different surfaces, and vibrations in transit on the measurements they give. Illumination was a limiting factor on the accuracy of the experimental system and required mitigating actions to operate with it. The mean relative error of sensor distance measurement was less than 0.8 % and 1.6 % for the commercial and experimental systems, respectively, which decreased as distance from the measurement target increased. Measurements on matte surfaces showed a lower measurement error than those on glossy surfaces, with error being twice as high in the commercial system than in the experimental system. The error in volume estimation was lower in the commercial system and could be reduced to less than 1.6 % with pre-calibration. In general, with the accelerations typical of agricultural traffic, in dynamic operation the distance sensors provided less variation in results than the load cells, which would require processing of the recorded signals. In the range of filling a box over 150 kg, the absolute error in weight estimation was 5.4 kg for the experimental system and 11.0 kg for the commercial system. However, this error may increase with the use of the experimental system if filling occurs from the center or from the corner. In general, the systems offer acceptable results for using this technology if extreme accuracy is not required. This work establishes the basics of a technology that can be an alternative to load cells and be applied to harvesting machinery to record continuous real-time production.

Percorsi di un italiano all'estero: Robert Viscusi Replies to Rosemary Serra

<i>Percorsi di un italiano all'estero</i>: Robert Viscusi Replies to Rosemary Serra

Alternative modes of entry and unexpected events in franchising

Store-in-store franchising or corner franchising is the application of a franchise format within another business, such as big box retailers, supermarkets, and gas stations; and pop-up stores are temporary store formats opened in shopping malls or other venues for a short period. Despite the regular application of these strategies by franchisers, the academic literature on store-in-store franchising and pop-up stores is relatively limited. There is a particular need after the COVID-19 outbreak to construct new lenses through which to explore how these modes of entry adapt to the new environment of business interruptions and border closures. Motivated by this research gap, this paper explores the implementation and application of store-in-store and pop-up franchising in the retail industry before COVID-19. The paper thereby consolidates the research into stores-in-stores and pop-up stores and provides a disaster studies-based research framework, a set of theoretical propositions, and some managerial implications.

Retail Purchases of Red and Processed Meat by State in the United States

The specific aim was to characterize retail purchases of red and processed meat and other major protein-rich foods in the U.S. and by state. Supermarket scanner data from grocery stores, supermarkets, and big box stores collected from 2017-2019 (NielsenIQ, New York, NY) was used to characterize retail purchases of red meat, processed meat, and other protein-rich foods in thirty-one states representative of US retail food sales. Red meat, processed meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, other meats, and non-meat foods (beans, nuts, seeds, meat alternatives) by weight accounted for 25.9%, 20.4%, 25.8%, 5.9%, 12.6%, 1.3%, and 10.1%, respectively of total sales in 2017-2019. Mean per capita purchases of red meat by weight was 30.1 g/d, ranging from 45.4 g/d in Mississippi to 21.9 g/d in New York. Mean per capita purchases of processed meat by weight was 23.8 g/d, ranging from 36.6 g/d in Mississippi to 15.2 g/d in California. We observed statistically significant correlations between red and processed meat purchases with cardiovascular mortality and colorectal cancer by state. Per capita retail purchases of red and processed meat appear to reflect a dietary pattern that is not consistent with current national and international dietary recommendations.

The impact of built environments on pedestrian safety around bus stops

ABSTRACT Pedestrian safety around transit stops plays an important role in promoting active travel to and from public transit. This study examined the impacts of built environments in several perspectives (e.g., sidewalk, street connectivity, road type, and land use) on pedestrian–vehicle crashes with different levels of injury severity around bus stops in Austin, Texas, using negative binomial models. The results showed that transit areas with higher levels of sidewalk coverage were associated with fewer pedestrian–vehicle crashes. The percentage of parking supplies was positively related to more collisions. Areas with higher percentages of big box stores and gas stations were associated with more crashes. The results illustrated a critical extension of the current literature and planning standards by examining specific land use types, parking supplies, road types, and sidewalk coverage, and informed planning professionals regarding the implications of planning approaches on accommodating multiple users on high-speed roads, applying interventions to reduce traffic conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles, and targeting low-income areas.

Behind the Big Box: understanding the planning-development dialectic of large distribution centres in Europe

ABSTRACT In Europe, very large distribution centres (XXL DCs) are increasingly appearing on planning agendas due to their growing spatial footprint and environmental impacts. Although the emergence of XXL DCs has gained traction in academic research, empirical knowledge about the process that leads to their oft-debated location choice, geometry and landscape integration is still scarce. This paper aims to improve our understanding of this process, analysing the decisions of key stakeholders in the planning-development dialectic behind four exemplary XXL DC transactions, in the Netherlands. Our analyses shed light on the motivations of public and private actors as well as the (lack of) planning rules that shape these transactions. We find that specific incentives in the Dutch decentralized planning and legal-financial system contribute to logistics sprawl. Existing planning instruments that could steer logistics developments, such as environmental and employment quality regulations, are largely left unused. Our study suggests that multilevel planning competencies and international market standards are important variables in explaining XXL DC outcomes. Unlike often assumed in the literature, internationalization has – next to stimulating the growth of XXL DCs – contributed to more sustainable location choices and landscape integration.

Major Shifts in Sustainable Consumer Behavior in Romania and Retailers’ Priorities in Agilely Adapting to It

The sustainable consumption and integration of digital solutions with respect to sustainable consumption have been encouraged by the new European circular economy action plan. Digital adoption has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic; companies have been challenged to rapidly adapt to the constant evolution of consumer needs and expectations, leading to valuable insights into the advancement of green business practices and a consequent rethinking of their business model. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the major shifts in sustainable consumer behavior on the Romanian retail market within the context of the Green European Deal, and retailers’ priorities in agilely adapting to these significant evolutions. Based on a comprehensive literature review on these major shifts and significant evolutions at the national and international levels, a quantitative study was carried out to evaluate the Romanian retail market and identify the major challenges faced by retailers in dealing with the new set of priorities. The data collection was conducted via a survey used in the retail environment, applied within a Romanian supermarket chain. The Romanian retail sector has a particular configuration, which may have an impact upon the study’s generalizability. Located in Central and Eastern Europe at the crossroads of the EU, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Middle East, Romania is a leading destination for foreign direct investment, and it is recognized for the similarities of its distribution and sales channels, the range of its retail outlets, and the local retail market dominance on the Big Box segment by reputed major retailers. A spectacular evolution is recorded in Romania’s e-commerce market, including from the point of view of the long-standing and memorable traditional relationship between Romania and China which was confirmed more recently by Romanian consumers who prefer to buy online from stores in China. Our consumer research provides retailers with deep consumer insights with regard to their priorities in their agile adaptation. According to our research, Romanian consumers are environmentally concerned consumers, displaying an increased awareness about the important role they play with respect to impacting sustainable production and consumption by adopting green purchase behavior. Our study also points to the fact that retailers, although faced with challenges in targeting consumers with customized messages to reinforce their brand perception on sustainability issues, do pay considerable attention to sustainability as a personal value embraced by consumers and are willing to focus on digitizing their business processes to enable new, sustainable business models.