Large Chain Research Articles

Case Study Based on Pang Donglai Trading Group

Pang donglai Business Group is a regional retail enterprise. The main purpose of this article is to analyze the situation of the Pang donglai Business Group in the local market, find the main reasons why the group cannot expand, analyze the group's disadvantages and provide solutions. Propose specific strategic management strategies for the development of the group to help the group achieve better development, and also provide solutions and reference examples for local enterprises that encounter similar situations or have corresponding problems. By researching and comparing the strategies of other retail companies, and analyzing Pang donglai's corporate values, the authors point out that regional retail enterprises need to have clear goals and positioning to target corresponding customer groups in the current market environment to compete with foreign and large domestic chain retail groups. Combined with the local business environment, strengthen trade relations with farmers, abandon customer groups in first-tier cities, and develop markets in rural areas.

Implementing PCR testing in general practice—a qualitative study using normalization process theory

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic brought attention to a need for rapid testing of large populations. Experiences from community-based testing settings show that there can be workload difficulties, logistical challenges and socioeconomic downsides to large scale Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. Alternative testing arenas have therefore been considered. Rapid point-of-care (POC) PCR test methods have since been developed and could have potential to surveille viral respiratory infections. It is, however, unknown if PCR testing can be successfully implemented routinely in general practice. The aim of this study was to assess factors that enable and inhibit the implementation of point-of-care PCR testing for acute respiratory tract infection in general practice.MethodsFourteen general practices in the east Zealand area in Denmark were included in the study and given access to POC PCR testing equipment during a flu season. The participating clinics were initially trained in the use of a POC PCR testing device and then spent 6 weeks testing it. We conducted qualitative interviews with general practitioners (GPs) and their staff, before and after the testing period, specifically focusing on their clinical decision-making and internal collaboration in relation to POC PCR testing. We used normalization process theory to design the interview guides and to analyze the data.ResultsProfessionals reported no clinical need for a POC PCR testing device in a non-pandemic clinical setting. Results were delivered faster, but this was only timesaving for the patient and not the GP, who had to perform more tasks.ConclusionIn its current form, the added diagnostic value of using POC PCR testing in general practice was not sufficient for the professionals to justify the increased work connected to the usage of the diagnostic procedure in daily practice.Trial registrationn/a.

Using thematic analysis to evaluate views of community pharmacy staff about the Enablers and Barriers of Antibiotic Amnesty campaigns

Abstract Introduction Antibiotic-resistant infections are the biggest threat to modern medicine. In 2019 there were 1.27 million deaths globally as a result of antibiotic resistance. Without a solution, estimates predict that by 2050 that number will be closer to 10 million people every year who are dying from previously treatable bacterial infections1. The end of the antibiotic era is a rising concern, as antimicrobial resistance continues to be recognised as a global health threat2. Promoting appropriate use and disposal of antibiotics is a key aspect of antibiotic amnesty campaigns, which work towards the bigger picture of reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR)3. Studies that fill in the gaps in knowledge regarding the challenges and solutions to antibiotic amnesties are lacking. Aim To investigate the main enablers and barriers of antibiotic amnesty campaigns in community pharmacies in Huddersfield, Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield and to identify the most commonly returned antibiotics. Methods This study required and received ethics approval from the University of Huddersfield. A semi-structured interview guide was developed and used to interview consenting community pharmacy staff located in Huddersfield, Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield. Data was collected over a designated 5-week period in January and February 2023 by audio recorded interviews either over Microsoft Teams or face-to-face. Data was groups into themes. All recordings were deleted once transcribed. Results There were 20 interviews conducted, averaging 20 minutes in duration. Participants included 10 pharmacists, 5 pharmacy technicians and 5 medicine counter staff which were evenly divided between age groups 18-39 (n=10) and 40-59 (n=10). The main themes extracted at analysis included; factors enabling campaigns, antibiotic challenges relating to unnecessary use, education enabling amnesty campaigns, and raising awareness to maximise return of unwanted antibiotics. The sub-themes from all three staff groups which suggested enablers for antibiotic amnesty campaigns were, counselling patients, promotional resources and personal approach. The barriers were lack of educating staff, antibiotic misuse by patients, fear of re-infection (saving spare), minor ailments service, inappropriate prescribing and lack of patient education. The most frequently returned antibiotics were penicillins, especially amoxicillin. Discussion/Conclusion The main enablers of antibiotic amnesties are effective counselling and successful use of promotional resources. The main barriers were lack of patient education and lack of staff education. These barriers can be tackled with provision of sufficient education, training and knowledge for patients. Staff could increase the chances of success with antibiotic amnesty campaigns in the future by addressing these issues. Amoxicillin was the most returned antibiotic. It is used to treat many types of bacterial infections, especially respiratory. Shorter courses, back-up prescriptions or alternative treatment options should be considered to reduce leftovers. Study limitations include accounting for ethnicity. Future studies should include more medium and large chain pharmacies over a wider geographical area.

First specific detection and validation of tomato wilt caused by Fusarium brachygibbosum using a PCR assay.

Tomato wilt is a widespread soilborne disease of tomato that has caused significant yield losses in many tomato growing regions of the world. Previously, it was reported that tomato wilt can be caused by many pathogens, such as Fusarium oxysporum, Ralstonia solanacearum, Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, Fusarium acuminatum, and Plectosphaerella cucumerina. In addition, we have already reported that Fusarium brachygibbosum caused symptomatic disease of tomato wilt for the first time in China. The symptoms of tomato wilt caused by these pathogens are similar, making it difficult to distinguish them in the field. However, F. brachygibbosum specific identification method has not been reported. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop a rapid and reliable diagnostic method for Fusarium brachygibbosum to establish a more effective plan to control the disease. In this study, we designed F. brachygibbosum-specific forward primers and reverse primers with a fragment size of 283bp located in the gene encoding carbamoyl phosphate synthase arginine-specific large chain by whole genome sequence comparison analysis of the genomes of eight Fusarium spp.. We then tested different dNTP, Mg2+ concentrations, and annealing temperatures to determine the optimal parameters for the PCR system. We evaluated the specificity, sensitivity and stability of the PCR system based on the optimized reaction system and conditions. The PCR system can specifically identify the target pathogens from different fungal pathogens, and the lower detection limit of the target pathogens is at concentrations of 10 pg/uL. In addition, we can accurately identify F. brachygibbosum in tomato samples using the optimized PCR method. These results prove that the PCR method developed in this study can accurately identify and diagnose F. brachygibbosum.

Chemically Functionalized Graphene–Boron Nitride/Polypropylene Nanocomposites with Enhanced Nanomechanical and Anti-wear Properties

Polymers are soft materials with large molecular chains, which are softened during frictional wear, leading to bulk detachment of materials and poor wear resistance in addition to their low mechanical strength and hardness. This study developed polypropylene nanocomposites containing hydrothermal assembled graphene and boron nitride (BN@GNs) with good mechanical properties and wear resistance. To ensure good dispersion of the nanoparticles in the polypropylene (PP) matrix, they were functionalized and preparation of masterbatch using polypropylene maleic anhydride (PPMA) was adopted, while the polymer nanocomposites for this study were developed via melt compounding. The addition of the nanoparticles in the PP matrix promoted its wear resistance as all the developed nanocomposites showed a low coefficient of friction (CoF). The wear rate of the nanocomposites was dramatically reduced to a minimum of 2.05 × 10−4 mm3/Nm for the PP/3wt%BN@GNs nanocomposite from around 24.9 × 10−4 mm3/Nm for the pure PP. The nanoindentation test results of the nanocomposites also revealed improvement in their nanomechanical characteristics. For instance, PP/3wt%BN@GNs nanocomposite showed an ideal increase of about 124% nano-hardness and 65.7% nano-elastic modulus when compared to pure PP. In comparison to pure PP, all of the developed nanocomposites displayed lower nano-percentage creep and nanoindenter’s tip penetration depth, which suggest greater plastic deformation resistance.

Heritage hotels: An exploration of staff experiences in these unique hospitality environments

Heritage hotels play a significant role in the hotel sector, preserving cultural heritage and delivering authentic and unique guest experiences and economic value to destinations. As such, they are an important but under-researched hotel operation. They range in size and star rating and can be boutique and/or upscale luxury hotels, independently owned and operated or managed by one of the large international hotel chains. There are three types of heritage hotels: original, simulated, and converted. The first are hotels whose purpose has remained unchanged since their inception and, despite modernization, retain their originality. The second are simulated heritage hotels, which are associated with symbolic heritage elements. The third are historic structures (castles, cathedrals, palaces, etc.) that have been repurposed and converted into hotels, imbuing them with new symbolic and economic meanings. This research note investigates the third type of heritage hotels. These are buildings rich in history, a sense of place and hold cultural meanings for their localities and communities. The note employs an exploratory, qualitative research strategy and reports data from semi-structured in-depth interviews with 16 customer-facing employees and managers in three independently owned and operated United Kingdom (UK) rural boutique heritage hotels. This qualitative approach provided an opportunity to attain depth in revealing the participants’ service experiences and encounters. The research note advances extant scholarship, which has examined employee interactions in small heritage accommodations as emotional and individualised guest experiences. It suggests that historic sites repurposed as heritage hotels have distinctive qualities, setting them apart from other hotels as hospitality environments. As such, their staff regard themselves as stewards and storytellers of local culture as much as receptionists, servers, etc. It concludes by advancing possibilities for further research on this conceptualization of heritage hotel employees.

Retail Price of Imatinib Negotiated By Medicare Part D Plans with National or Regional Coverage at Large Chain and Mail Order Pharmacies

Title Retail price of imatinib negotiated by Medicare Part D plans with national or regional coverage at large chain and mail order pharmacies Background Direct-to-consumer pharmacies or websites such as Cost Plus or GoodRx has made imatinib more affordable even without prescription drug coverage. Wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) or list price is often used to compare drug prices. However, the pharmacy retail price negotiated by prescription drug plans and pharmacies is more relevant to patient as it directly impacts out-of-pocket costs and affects decisions on how to acquire oral cancer medications. The price of imatinib for Medicare beneficiaries through different Part D prescription drug plans is variable and not well known. Methods Part D Plan Finder was used to identify Medicare drug' plans offered in Portland, OR at zip code 97239. The monthly retail price of imatinib 400 mg was compared for all available Part D plans for a representative list of nationwide and regional large chain pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Safeway) and for mail order pharmacy. The premium and deductible for each drug plan was extracted. The highest and lowest retail price available for each drug plan and the drug cost for first, second and third fill for each retail price was extracted. This drug cost of imatinib was compared to the out-of-pocket cost of imatinib available from Cost Plus pharmacy and GoodRx in zip code 97239. Results Nine insurance companies offered 24 drug plans in July, 2023. The premium ranged from $1.6 to $113 and the deductible was $0 to $505. All insurance companies offered 2-3 plans with low premium/high deductible or high premium/low deductible. Plans were categorized to low deductible plans (less than $100), medium deductible plans ($100 to $300) and high deductible plans (more than $300). There were 19 high deductible plans. The median retail price was $4340 (IQR 945-5467). The median drug cost for the patient at first fill was $1464 (IQR 583-1745). There were 4 low deductible plans with median retail price of $823 (IQR 187-6419) and median drug cost at first fill of $275 (IQR 61-1971). There was one medium deductible plan and the retail price was $4374 and patient drug cost at first fill was $1425. The lowest retail price was $77 for Asuris Medicare Script Enhanced (PDP) if prescription was filled at Safeway. The highest retail price was $8881 for Elixir RxPlus (PDP) if prescription was filled at Safeway, CVS or Rite Aid. The monthly imatinib from Cost Plus is $33 (+$5 shipping). GoodRx offered coupons for Walgreens at $150, Rite Aid at $64, CVS at $789 and Safeway $90. Conclusions The retail price of imatinib for patients with Medicare Part D drug plan is highly variable depending on the drug plan and filling pharmacy and the out-of-pocket drug cost is often higher than the cost of buying imatinib at Cost Plus by mail order or at the same pharmacy using a GoodRx coupon.

Development of pharmacy information databases

In the work, the task of creating a pharmacy database was set, and a study of this subject area was conducted. The development of the information database was implemented by means of the Master’s program in order to improve the efficiency of its work. This development can be used in small pharmacies and large pharmacy chains, as well as in pharmaceutical companies involved in the production and pharmacy automation.

Effectiveness of BNT162b2 BA.4/5 Bivalent mRNA Vaccine Against Symptomatic COVID-19 Among Immunocompetent Individuals Testing at a Large US Retail Pharmacy.

Data on the effectiveness of BA.4/5 bivalent vaccine stratified by age and prior infection are lacking. This test-negative study used data from individuals ≥5 years of age testing for SARS-CoV-2 with symptoms (15 September 2022 to 31 January 2023) at a large national retail pharmacy chain. The exposure was receipt of 2-4 wild-type doses and a BNT162b2 BA.4/5 bivalent vaccine (>2 months since last wild-type dose). The outcome was a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Absolute (vs unvaccinated) and relative (vs 2-4 wild-type doses) vaccine effectiveness (VE) were calculated as (1 - adjusted odds ratio from logistic regression) × 100. VE was stratified by age and self-reported prior infection. Overall, 307 885 SARS-CoV-2 tests were included (7916 aged 5-11, 16 329 aged 12-17, and 283 640 aged ≥18 years). SARS-CoV-2 positivity was 39%; 21% were unvaccinated, 70% received 2-4 wild-type doses with no bivalent vaccine, and 9% received a BNT162b2 BA.4/5 bivalent dose. At a median of 1-2 months after BNT162b2 BA.4/5 bivalent vaccination, depending on age group, absolute VE was 22%-60% and was significantly higher among those reporting prior infection (range, 55%-79%) than not (range, no protection to 50%). Relative VE was 31%-64%. BNT162b2 BA.4/5 bivalent showed early additional protection against Omicron-related symptomatic COVID-19, with hybrid immunity offering greater protection.

Small RNAs: Promising Molecules to Tackle Climate Change Impacts in Coffee Production.

Over the centuries, human society has evolved based on the ability to select and use more adapted species for food supply, which means making plant species tastier and more productive in particular environmental conditions. However, nowadays, this scenario is highly threatened by climate change, especially by the changes in temperature and greenhouse gasses that directly affect photosynthesis, which highlights the need for strategic studies aiming at crop breeding and guaranteeing food security. This is especially worrying for crops with complex phenology, genomes with low variability, and the ones that support a large production chain, such as Coffea sp. L. In this context, recent advances shed some light on the genome function and transcriptional control, revealing small RNAs (sRNAs) that are responsible for environmental cues and could provide variability through gene expression regulation. Basically, sRNAs are responsive to environmental changes and act on the transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene silencing pathways that regulate gene expression and, consequently, biological processes. Here, we first discuss the predicted impact of climate changes on coffee plants and coffee chain production and then the role of sRNAs in response to environmental changes, especially temperature, in different species, together with their potential as tools for genetic improvement. Very few studies in coffee explored the relationship between sRNAs and environmental cues; thus, this review contributes to understanding coffee development in the face of climate change and towards new strategies of crop breeding.

A hybrid forecasting model with logistic regression and neural networks for improving key performance indicators in supply chains

This study investigates the potential of predictive analytics in improving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) forecasting by leveraging Lean implementation data in supply chain enterprises. A novel methodology is proposed, incorporating two key enhancements: using Lean maturity assessments as a new data source and developing a hybrid forecasting model combining Logistic regression and Neural Network techniques. The proposed methodology is evaluated through a comprehensive empirical study involving 30 teams in a large supply chain company, revealing notable improvements in forecasting accuracy. Compared to a baseline scenario without process improvement data, the new methodology achieves an enhanced accuracy score by 17% and an improved F1 score by 13 %. These findings highlight the benefits of integrating Lean maturity assessments and adopting a hybrid forecasting model, contributing to the advancement of supply chain analytics. By incorporating lean maturity assessments, the forecasting process is enhanced, providing a deeper comprehension of the underlying Lean framework and the impact of its elements on supply chain performance. Additionally, adopting a hybrid model aligns with current best practices in forecasting, allowing for the utilisation of various techniques to optimise KPI prediction accuracy while leveraging their respective strengths.

Zelena perspektiva općeg i namjenskog kontejnerskog prijevoza od Azije do sjevernog Jadrana

Intermodal transport is often touted as an environmentally sustainable mode of transport, especially when considering its share of the total supply chain. This article addresses the topical and sensitive issue of supply chain assessment in terms of the carbon footprint and energy efficiency of external transportation from the point of production to the customer. The long transportation distances overseas and the variety of operational sea container services result in significant variations in delivery times from Asian markets. In addition, disruptive events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict have led to longer transportation times and lower reliability of various maritime services. The study examines the variety of existing direct container services from Asia to the Northern Adriatic. In addition to the two direct container services already established, another dedicated container service has been established primarily to serve a large retail chain in the European market. The “newly established” container service is characterised by its limited port coverage and the use of relatively small container ships with a maximum capacity of 5.500 TEU. The comparisons between the services highlight the differences in transport time and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as the energy efficiency of container transport. The study empirically confirms the widespread assumption that larger and modern container ships offer environmental benefits, provided that cargo space is used efficiently and ship operators adopt slow steaming. However, the study also highlights the significant differences in GHG emissions between different services and emphasises the need for more comprehensive information and awareness among cargo owners to design sustainable supply chains.

Identifying temperature deviations in the hake cold chain from Namibia to Spain

Background: Research shows that significant volumes of fresh fish produced globally are wasted because of failures in the cold chain. As fresh hake is extremely temperature sensitive, fluctuations in temperature will influence the quality and the shelf life, resulting in losses in revenue.Objective: The main objective of the research was to detect deviations in temperature along the fresh hake export cold chain from Namibia to Spain.Method: This article presents a case study on a company that exports fresh hake from Walvis Bay, Namibia to a large supermarket chain in Spain, Europe.Results: This article confirms that temperature breaches and breaks occur and are sometimes unavoidable. However, if the avoidable temperature deviations could be resolved, it would improve both the effectiveness and efficiency of the export cold chain. The results indicate that temperature breaches and breaks mainly occur along the export cold chain when the product is at the airport during transfer flights either at Hosea Kutako Airport near Windhoek or Frankfurt Airport in Germany or in the refrigerated truck during the inland transport leg either from Walvis Bay, Namibia or Frankfurt, Germany to Zaragoza, Spain.Conclusion: This article makes recommendations to assist in solving identified problems and streamlining the fresh hake export cold chain. The research benefits the Namibian fishing industry as the export of fresh fish is both a precarious and taxing venture. As relevant research is lacking in Namibia, this article will contribute to the management of an efficient and effective export cold chain.Contribution: This research adds to the current knowledge of maintaining the export cold chain of fresh fish from developing countries. Preventing temperature deviations in the fresh hake export cold chain would extend the shelf life and help to maintain the quality of the fresh product and in so doing improve the competitiveness of developing countries in the global trade of fresh fish.

Behavioural entropy as an individual difference

Introduction & BackgroundThe availability of digital footprints data have provided new and invaluable opportunities for personality psychologists. One way to study individual differences with digital footprints data is through the lens of entropy, which is a measure of the degree of randomness of a probabilistic system. When applied to individual behaviour, entropy captures how predictable an individual’s (e.g., shopping) pattern of behaviour is over time. In this study, we proposed that entropy can be conceptualised as a proxy measure of Openness, a Big Five personality trait. We further studied entropy’s associations with external behavioural outcome, namely the voting outcomes of the 2016 EU ‘Brexit’ referendum in the UK. This referendum asked UK citizens whether the UK should stay in the EU (vote Remain) or leave the EU (vote Leave). It has been demonstrated that Leave (or ‘Brexit’) vote was heavily influenced by attitudes towards immigration which is associated with values of being less ‘open’ to other cultures, and therefore we expected that entropy – or tendency to try new things – would be associated positively with voting Remain. Objectives & ApproachWith a massive data set (20,550,952 customers) provided by a large UK retail chain over a period of 2 years, we computed aggregated entropy for the Local Authority Districts (LADs). Further we investigated the relationships between entropy and personality traits, as well as between entropy and the referendum outcomes, at geographically aggregated levels. Relevance to Digital FootprintsThis study brought together digital footprints data with external sources. This study also identified population level insights by examining personality traits and their utility in predicting sociopolitical outcomes. ResultsResults of a linear regression model showed strong evidence supporting a positive relationship between entropy and Openness (b = 0.30, t = 3.30, p = .001), and a negative relationship between entropy and Neuroticism (b = -0.48, t = -3.53, p < .001). Further, entropy was associated with outcomes of the EU referendum in each LAD. Results of another linear regression model showed strong evidence supporting a positive relationship between the percentage of Remain votes and entropy (b = 0.28, t = 4.80, p < .001). Conclusions & ImplicationsThe relationship between Big Five trait Openness and entropy provided support that personality can be inferred from digital footprints data such as shopping history records. The positive relationship between entropy and the proportion of Remain vote demonstrated that people who are more open to new experiences voted Remain. Our findings have broader implications showing that it is possible to find associations between personality traits extrapolated from shopping data and real-world choices.

Identifying Services Provided in Community Pharmacy Practice Settings.

Background: To better address their patients' needs, community pharmacists are expanding from their traditional role of dispensing to managing medications and providing other care. Objective: This study characterized services reported by pharmacists practicing in community pharmacy settings in the 2019 National Pharmacist Workforce Study (NPWS). Methods: The 2019 NPWS was conducted via an online survey. E-mails containing survey links were sent to a systematic random sample of 96,110U.S. pharmacists. The survey allowed tailoring of questions related to specific practice settings and for respondents in community pharmacies included reporting on delivery of twelve services. Other descriptive characteristic questions included community pharmacy type, staffing, monitoring activities, self-reported workload, and respondent demographics. An index was created by summing the number of yes responses for the service questions. This index served as the dependent variable in an ordinary least squares regression examining the association of work setting characteristics with the index. Results: Usable responses were received from 2,150 community pharmacists. The top four services were: administer vaccines (91.1%), patient medication assistance program (83.7%), naloxone dispensing (72.8%) and medication synchronization (67.2%). The regression model was significant, with supermarket pharmacies having a higher service index than large chains. Elevated service index scores were associated with more technicians on duty, CPESN participation, direct communication with primary care providers, practicing under a CPA and monitoring activities. Conclusions: Pharmacy operational characteristics were important influences on the delivery of services in community pharmacies. These findings can help inform the continuing transformation of community pharmacy practice.

Gluten-free products: Consumer perception of the functional properties and peculiarities of labelling

The culture of food consumption is centered around innovative technologies and the healthy eating ideology. Against this background, manufacturers often use product information to promote products in the market without providing buyers with complete data on their practical purpose. The study tests the hypothesis that the ‘gluten-free’ logo has no effect on consumer choice, and the awareness of a product’s functional properties is formed in the context of marketing information received from the external environment. The methodological basis of the study is marketing theory in terms of consumer perception of products using neuromarketing technologies, oculography, and eye tracking. Practical outcomes were obtained through a pilot method implying a neuromarketing experiment on the visibility of ‘gluten-free’ labels. The empirical evidence covers the results of a survey of 200 buyers at large retail chains in the city of Simferopol in January 2023, as well as the results of an experiment involving 32 students and employees conducted by the Laboratory of Neuromarketing and Behavioral Economics of V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University. The study shows that consumers are dimly aware of the functional properties of gluten-free products. We found that visual attention to the ‘gluten free’ logo was 1.5 times lower than to any other labelling information. A relationship was found between the time spent on studying the product and the buyer’s choice of a test sample with the logo. According to the research results, it is necessary to provide more detailed information on gluten-free products’ packaging; to classify such products as functional, narrowly specialized goods and substitutes intended for consumers with autoimmune disorders; and to sell them in specialized departments or sales points.

Reengineering of Micro-Merchandising as a Business Process Using Neurotechnologies

The article presents a study of merchandising as a business process. The main problems in micro-merchandising are revealed. The expediency of using artificial intelligence technologies in micro-merchandising to increase its economic efficiency is substantiated. An approach to the reengineering of micro-merchandising based on a comparison of a planogram and a realogram using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is proposed. The evolutionary stages of development of neurotechnologies are determined: from the formalization of the concept of a neural network and the representation of complex biological processes by mathematical models to the achievement of the level of human functionality in recognizing the surrounding world and predicting the future. The article analyzes foreign and domestic experience in the use of AI technologies in various areas of human life, as well as in marketing and merchandising in retail, and proposes an approach to improve the audit of the location of goods on the shelf, taking into account the replacement of intellectual human labor with artificial intelligence and the exclusion of human factors, checking the realogram and planogram using neurotechnologies. The use of artificial intelligence in reengineering is considered, an algorithm for auditing micro-merchandising as a business process is described, a problematic interview with grocery retail merchandisers is conducted, and the hypothesis about the possibility of automating a business process is confirmed. Software (Neisla application) was developed to automate the business process, its application was tested in a large regional retail chain of the Irkutsk region in Irkutsk. As a product category, "chocolate bars" are used. As a result of testing within one month, an increase in the economic efficiency of micro-merchandising as a business process was confirmed.

Information, Incentives, and Attention: A Field Experiment on the Interaction of Management Controls

ABSTRACT We study the profit effects and interplay of two core accounting practices in a field experiment in a large retail chain. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, we vary (1) whether store managers obtain decision-facilitating information on a profit metric and (2) whether they receive performance pay based on the same metric. We find that both practices increase profits significantly. In contrast to reasoning based on standard economic theory, we do not find complementarity between both interventions. Rather, we detect evidence in line with an attention-directing role of both practices: the introduction of each raises attention to the underlying objective, which induces a countervailing substitution effect. JEL Classifications: J33; M52; C93.

A meta-heuristic-based algorithm for designing multi-objective multi-echelon supply chain network

Recently, practitioners and researchers have concentrated on the use of meta-heuristics in the design of multi-objective supply chain networks. The number of publications in this field reflects this interest. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel metaheuristic approach for designing supply chain network problems in the case of multi-objective supply chains. The proposed algorithm hybridizes three meta-heuristic approaches; simulated annealing, tabu search, and variable neighborhood algorithms. The proposed algorithm is also combined with a linear programming approach. The purpose of hybridization is to aggregate the approaches in order to benefit from the advantages of these solution algorithms. The features of these algorithms are investigated in this paper for the first time. The most useful characteristics of each algorithm are then utilized for developing the new algorithm. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with an exact algorithm, simulated annealing, and tabu search algorithms. The results indicated that the proposed algorithm is comparable to the exact in the case of small and medium-sized supply chain problems. The findings revealed that the proposed algorithm takes on an average of 6.3 min to solve small and medium problems, while the exact algorithm takes 412 min. Moreover, the proposed algorithm outperforms other algorithms with a mean ideal distance (MID) of 13,606,871, a percent of domination (POD) of 0.84, and a computational time of 15.64 min compared to the tabu search algorithm’s MID of 15,574,523, a POD of 0.55, and a computational time of 21.46 min. The simulated annealing algorithm, on the other hand, achieved an average MID of 18,145,931, a POD of 0.40, and a computational time of 30 min. Furthermore, the findings showed that the proposed algorithm is capable of solving complex and large supply chain problems in a reasonable time when exact approaches fail.

Unhealthy food availability, prominence and promotion in a representative sample of supermarkets in Flanders (Belgium): a detailed assessment

IntroductionThe supermarket food environment is a key setting for potential public health interventions. This study assessed food availability, prominence and promotion in a representative sample of supermarkets in Flanders (Belgium).MethodsA sample of 55 supermarkets across five chains and 16 Flemish municipalities was selected in 2022, about 64% in the most deprived socioeconomic areas. Healthiness indicators related to food availability (ratio of cumulative linear shelf length for healthy versus unhealthy foods), prominence (proportion of unhealthy foods at check-outs and end-of-aisle endcaps), and promotion (food marketing on food packages) were measured.ResultsOverall, the average ratio of healthy/unhealthy foods in supermarkets in Flanders was 0.36, meaning that for every 10m of shelf length of unhealthy foods there was 3.6m of healthy foods. There was a large variation in ratio’s across supermarket chains. Of all foods available, 97.5% were ultra-processed at the check outs, while 72.2% and 58.5% were ultra-processed at the front and back end-of-aisle end-caps, respectively. Confectionery and sweet biscuits were the food categories with on average the highest number of marketing messages on pack per 10m of shelf length.ConclusionSupermarket in-store food environments in Flanders were found generally unhealthy, with those located in low income areas having unhealthier in-store food environments than supermarkets located in medium and high income areas. Despite commitments of all large supermarket chains in Flanders to promote and create healthier in-store food environments, our findings indicate that currently consumers are incentivized to buy unhealthy rather than healthy food products.