Local Shops Research Articles

Examining Competitive Strategies in Growing Coffee Industry with Game Theory

The coffee market in Turkey is growing rapidly, leading to fierce competition between international, national and local coffee shops. It has become extremely important for the local economy that local businesses can compete and survive with these more institutionalized structures that also have brand advantages in competition. In this study, game theory was used as a tool to analyse the competitive strategies of companies operating in the coffee market by designing both zero-sum and non-zero-sum games. Considering that the expectations, tastes, preferences and consumption habits of the generations may be different, 1600 people were surveyed in Erzurum province by grouping them as Generation X, Y and Z according to their year of birth. Different game matrices were created with the data obtained from the surveys. The games were designed to identify the prominent strategies among coffee shops for each generation. The results showed that, regardless of generation, local coffee shops stand out from international and national coffee chains in terms of space comfort. In addition, local shops also stand out in terms of meeting consumer expectations. In order to gain a competitive advantage, local coffee shops should focus on developing strategies related to the space comfort. Developing this strategy provides opportunities for local businesses to increase their market share. It is also observed that Generation Z has higher expectations in all strategies compared to other generations.

Potential Impacts of Diversification of Food Retail Working Hours on Consumer Behaviour and the Benefits for Local Producers in Latvia

The capability of large food retail chains to respond quickly to changes in consumer behaviour and their dominant market position affects all food market players and often conflicts with the interests of national food producers, which can reduce the presence of locally sourced products in the food product mix in the country. Accordingly, the present research aims to identify the impacts of the diversification of opening hours of food supermarkets on consumer shopping habits and the implications for creating an advantage for small and medium agri-food producers in selling their products. The research applied a quantitative approach to identify the main trends in society (n = 2738), with a survey including 31 variables to quantify consumer behaviour, values, and opinions and seven socio-demographic variables. If a decision was made in Latvia to close grocery shops on Sundays or reduce their opening hours on weekends, 85% of consumers indicated that they would be unlikely to change their usual shopping location and would plan to shop at a supermarket on other days. The choice between farmers’ markets and local food shops on Sundays would be made by 45% of consumers, with more than half (53%) of them shopping at local food shops at least a few times a month. The research uniquely investigated the impact of reducing supermarket opening hours on the competitive advantage of small and medium-sized agri-food producers. The findings revealed that reducing supermarket opening hours does not confer a competitive advantage to the producers or significantly shift consumer preferences towards their products.

Ameliorated Viability of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Fruit Juice Isolated from Indigenous Dahi with Prebiotics (Asparagus falcatus and Zingiber officinale)

Dahi is a fermented milk product containing probiotic lactic acid bacteria. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize lactic acid-producing bacteria from native Dahi and evaluate their viability in orange juice using natural prebiotics. Dahi samples were obtained from local shops in Chattogram and Bogura, Bangladesh. Lactic acid-producing bacteria were isolated using MRS (de Mann Rogosa and Sharpe) medium. The isolated bacteria were identified through colony morphology, biochemical tests, and probiotic characteristics. Molecular identification was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting conserved 16S rDNA regions. Isolates of the genus Lactobacillus and Lactococcus lactis sp. Lactis were confirmed and used to develop probiotic orange juice. Prebiotics (Asparagus falcatus and Zingiber officinale) were added to the juice to support probiotic growth. The inoculated cell’s viability and the juice’s physicochemical parameters were evaluated during fermentation (48 hours) and storage (28 days). All fruit juice samples showed a mean number of viable cells of at least 1×105 CFU/mL during the 48-hour fermentation and 28-day storage in the refrigerator. Using natural prebiotics positively affected the survival of lactic acid bacteria, as demonstrated by bacterial colony growth on Petri dishes. Developing probiotic fruit juice enriched with prebiotics could be an effective alternative for individuals allergic or intolerant to milk-based products. Incorporating lactic acid bacteria from native Dahi into orange juice, combined with natural prebiotics, resulted in viable probiotic cells throughout fermentation and storage.

Time-varying exposure to food retailers and cardiovascular disease hospitalization and mortality in the netherlands: a nationwide prospective cohort study.

Very few studies to date investigated the prospective association of changes in exposure to the food environment with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We aim to explore if time-varying exposure to the food environment was associated with hospitalization and mortality due to total and specific types of CVD in The Netherlands. In this prospective cohort study, 4,641,435 Dutch adults aged 35 + years who did not change residence in 2002-2018 were identified through registry data. Exposure to the food environment was defined as time-varying Food Environment Healthiness Index (FEHI) scores (range: - 5 to 5) and time-varying kernel density of specific food retailers (e.g., fast food outlets, supermarkets) around the home location between 2004 and 2018. The main outcome measures were hospitalization and mortality due to overall CVD, stroke, HF, and CHD occurring between 2004 and 2020, based on hospital and death registries. In Cox regression models, each unit increase in the FEHI was associated with a lower hospitalization and mortality of CVD (hospitalization hazard ratio (HRh) = 0.90 (0.89 to 0.91), mortality hazard ratio (HRm) = 0.85 (0.82 to 0.89)), CHD (HRh = 0.88 (0.85 to 0.91), HRm = 0.80 (0.75 to 0.86)), stroke (HRh = 0.89 (0.84 to 0.93)), HRm = 0.89 (0.82 to 0.98)), and HF (HRh = 0.90 (0.84-0.96), HRm = 0.84 (0.76 to 0.92)). Increased density of local food shops, fast food outlets, supermarkets, and convenience stores and decreased density of food delivery outlets and restaurants were associated with a higher risk of CVD, CHD, stroke, and HF hospitalization and mortality. In this observational longitudinal study, changes in exposure to a healthier food environment over 14years were associated with a risk reduction in CVD hospitalization and mortality, in particular in urbanized areas and for younger adults and those with higher incomes.

Dietary practices of children and adolescents residing in an area of Chakdaha Block, Nadia district, West Bengal

ABSTRACT Background: Childhood and adolescence are crucial developmental stages during the life course. They develop and establish lifelong dietary and lifestyle habits. Unhealthy food environments that influence the risk of obesity and other nutrition-related NCDs by affecting the dietary patterns. Assessment of dietary patterns and factors affecting them will help to provide targeted interventions to improve the same. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged more than 6 months and adolescents by interviewing their mothers regarding the dietary patterns. A two-stage sampling method was followed for selection of the participants. Results: A total of 325 participants were interviewed. Dietary diversity (DD) was present in 55.4% of the participants. Children of mothers who were educated beyond middle school (aOR = 3.81 (1.87-7.73), P = 0.000) and children who stayed in a joint family (aOR = 1.73 (1.11-2.72) P < 0.05) had higher odds of having dietary diversity in their diet, after adjusting for age and sex. Fast food shop location (aOR = 0.14 (0.05-0.38), P value = 0.000) was found to have a significant association with fast food intake among participants. Conclusion: Children and adolescents residing in the study area have a distinct dietary pattern compared to prevalent dietary practices in India. To improve dietary diversity of children and adolescents, maternal education, family dynamics, and community food environment, which include fast food and market locations, can be points of targeted interventions

Explanatory models and animal health-seeking behavior for East Coast fever in rural Kenya: an ethnographic study.

Explanatory models of disease focus on individuals' and groups' understandings of diseases, revealing a disconnect between livestock keepers and animal health providers. Animal health providers rely on models grounded in their veterinary training and experience. At the same time, livestock keepers may construct models based on traditional knowledge and their lived experience with East Coast fever in their cattle herds. To better understand East Coast fever and develop more efficient management strategies, this ethnographic study used the explanatory models' framework to provide a structured way for comprehending and contrasting different beliefs and understandings of East Coast fever as perceived by the livestock keepers across the different livestock production systems. Multiple data collection methods were employed, including unstructured observations, 30 in-depth interviews (IDIs), 18 focus group discussions (FGDs), and 25 key informant interviews (KIIs). Adult cattle, calves and sheep were perceived as susceptible to East Coast fever. However, there were varying perceptions of livestock susceptible to East Coast fever in the different livestock production systems. East Coast fever was attributed to multiple factors, including ticks, tsetse flies, mosquitos, birds, stagnant, dirty, or contaminated water, and livestock-wildlife interactions. However, some aspects were specific to the production system. Livestock keepers classified diseases based on observable signs, grouping diseases with similar signs under the same classification. Moreover, livestock keepers described different forms of East Coast fever ranging from treatable to fatal, which could be distinguished by the signs they presented. Self-treatment with drugs from the local agro-vet shops was the initial course of action during suspected cases of East Coast fever. Animal health practitioners were the last resort if self-treatment did not produce the desired outcome. Livestock keepers perceived avoidance of stagnant or contaminated water, tick control, and fencing as effective control measures for East Coast fever in their livestock herd. Very few livestock keepers were aware of an East Coast fever vaccine. Mechanistic explanations hold little significance in controlling East Coast fever. Instead, understanding and addressing livestock keepers' beliefs regarding ECF is crucial for promoting behaviors that support interventions across different livestock production systems.

Impact of Pictorial Health Warnings on Cigarette Packs among Current Smokers of Sub-Metropolitan City of Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Pictorial health warning on cigarette packs is one of the strategies undertaken by Nepal Government as per the directive of World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to control smoking. It has been more than a decade since the introduction of pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs in Nepal. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the pictorial warnings among current smokers of Dharan, Nepal.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among current smokers visiting local shops located near ward offices of Dharan after obtaining ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 204/080/01 -IRC). A structured and validated Nepali questionnaire was used to interview the smokers about the impact of the pictorial warnings based on their noticeability, behavioural and cognitive responses. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The responses of the participants were tabulated in frequencies and percentages.Results: The pictorial warnings were noticed by 277 (98.93%) participants in past one month out of which 11 (3.93%) smokers had always read or looked closely at them. Smoking less frequently was the behaviour change reported by 70 (25%) participants and smoking less around others was reported by and 56 (20%) participants. In total, 189 (67.50%) smokers had thought about the harms of smoking and 160 (57.14%) had intention to quit smoking due to the pictorial warnings.Conclusions: The pictorial health warnings were not so effective in bringing about changes in smoking behaviour of smokers.

Greening the cup: Green marketing strategies of Milk Tea Shops in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija

This study investigates the adoption of green marketing strategies by milk tea shops in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, focusing on their motivations, benefits, strategies employed, and challenges faced. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data were collected through a structured questionnaire from local milk tea shop owners and managers. The findings reveal that the primary motivation for adopting green marketing is to fulfill corporate social responsibilities and gain a competitive advantage. Shops recognize substantial benefits, including increased consumer awareness, enhanced brand reputation, and potential cost savings. Key strategies employed include using biodegradable packaging, promoting reusable items, and implementing portion control measures. Despite these efforts, challenges such as high costs, consumer skepticism, and complex environmental certifications persist. The results indicate a strong commitment to sustainability but also highlight the need for improved consumer education and cost-effective solutions. Recommendations include investing in educational campaigns to enhance consumer understanding of green marketing benefits, exploring affordable, sustainable materials, and developing clear, structured green marketing plans. Addressing these challenges can enhance the effectiveness of green marketing strategies and support long-term sustainability in the milk tea sector.

Discarded fishing net pollution in coastal areas of Bangladesh

Discarded fishing nets, a major source of marine litter, significantly threaten the marine environment and contribute to plastic pollution due to the synthetic polymers they contain. Though Bangladesh is a maritime country with 0.5 million of fishers dependent on coastal and marine fishing, there have been no studies to date on the plastic pollution impact of fishing nets. This study demonstrates the fishing nets associated with marine litter in two coastal locations of Bangladesh, Charfesson and Cox's Bazar. Fishing net samples were collected from local net shops and semi-structured interviews were taken of the shop owners to gather information about available fishing nets. This was complemented by photo-quadrat surveys to document waste fishing net materials on the shore in both locations. Among the 17 net samples, there were 12 types of gill nets, which showed a wide range of variation in price, material types, and longevity. Through the FTIR analysis, we identified the presence of Nylon 6, Polyethylene, Polyvinyl chloride, Polypropylene and Polyethylene terephthalate in the collected fishing net samples. Photoquadrat surveys found that fishing nets are related to plastic pollution in coastal areas. This study addressed the knowledge gap regarding the diversity and chemical characteristics of fishing nets and the resulting litter in Bangladesh.

The Influence of Electronic Word of Mouth, Customer Perception and Green Brand Image on Green Purchase Decision with Mediation of Green Attitude on Products Local Green Coffee Shop

This research was conducted to determine the perceptions and attitudes of the public from purchasing products at the Local Green Coffee Shop. Through the variables of Electronic Word Of Mouth, Customer Perception, Green Brand Image to Green Purchase Decision which is mediated by Green Attitude on local green coffee shop products. The object of this research is someone who is active in social media and transacts at a local Green Coffee Shop, domiciled in Jabodetabek, Bandung, Surabaya and Bali. This research was conducted by 125 respondents. This study uses purposive sampling techniques to measure the perceptions and attitudes of the sample. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used along with the SmartPLS 4.0 analysis tool. The results showed that Electronic Word Of Mouth has a positive and significant effect on Green Purchase Decision; Customer Perception has a positive and insignificant effect on Green Purchase Decision; Green Brand Image has a positive and significant effect on Green Purchase Decision; Green Attitude positively and significantly mediates the relationship between Electronic Word Of Mouth and Green Purchase Decision; and Green Attitude positively and insignificantly mediates the relationship between Customer Perception. The findings of this study are expected to serve as a reference for coffee shop owners and teenagers who want to establish a Green Coffee Shop.

Health risk assessment of trace metal concentrations in cereal-based infant foods from Arba Minch Town, Ethiopia

The study aimed to determine the trace metal concentrations and assess the associated health risk of consuming cereal-based infant foods sold in supermarkets and local shops (baltena) in Arba Minch town, Ethiopia. Samples were subjected to a microwave digestion process and the trace elements were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). The method’s accuracy was validated through a recovery test, yielding optimal results within the range of 94–100 %. The average concentrations of trace elements in the infant food samples were as follows: Iron (36.51–47.58 mg/kg), Copper (1.86–2.57 mg/kg), Zinc (13.90–21.56 mg/kg), Nickel (0.02–0.04 mg/kg), Chromium (0.034–0.10 mg/kg), Cobalt (0.012–0.02 mg/kg). Notably, potentially toxic heavy metals like Cadmium and Lead were not detected in the samples. The hazard quotient (HQ) for (6−9) month old infants was less than one (HQ<1) for all the trace elements analyzed. The same holds good for (9−12) month old infants except few food samples such as Selam, Zini, Mimi and Mulga baltena, which had HQ values greater than one (HQ>1). It is inferred that the continuous consumption of these foods might cause risk over a longer period.

A PRELIMINARY OBSERVED SELF EVALUATION STUDY OF STATUTORY TOBACCO REGULATION ACT IN AND AROUND SCHOOLS OF MYSURU DISTRICT

This preliminary survey investigates the proximity and prevalence of tobacco outlets shop near schools, aiming to understand the potential exposure of school-aged children to tobacco products specially cigarettes. The study focuses on identifying the density and location of tobacco shops within a defined radius of educational institutions. Data were collected from multiple schools in various regions of Mysuru city and rural areas, using geographical information systems (GIS) to map and analyze the distribution of these outlets using the latitude and longitude of the location. The findings reveal a significant number of tobacco outlets situated within close proximity to schools, raising concerns about the accessibility of tobacco products to minors. Although the school management is strictly following the rules in the virtue of COPTA act 2003 of displaying board of prohibition, restriction, prevention and punishments of usage tobacco products. The results underscore the need for stricter zoning regulations and public health interventions to reduce the exposure and appeal of tobacco products to young people. This survey provides a foundational analysis that can inform policy makers and community leaders in their efforts to create healthier environments for children and adolescents.

Correlation between Physical Environment and Customer Satisfaction of Coffee Shops in CSJDM Bulacan

The main objective of the study is to identify the correlation between the physical environment and customer satisfaction in coffee shops in City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. The primary goal of this study is assessed and evaluated the overall positive influence of physical factors on customer satisfaction. The DINESCAPE theoretical framework was utilized in this research. It pertained to quality in terms of layout, lighting, aesthetics, and ambiance in the physical appearance of a coffee shop. This study employed Weighted Arithmetic Means, the Crochran formula, the Kruskal Wallis H- Test, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to generate accurate data and reveal methods for assessing the results, which can contribute to the long-term growth of local coffee shops in the Philippines. There were 297 qualified respondents who frequently visit the coffee shops. The result of this research shows that there is no significant relationship between physical environment and customer satisfaction in coffee shops situated in CSJDM, Bulacan.

Cobalt recovery from spent lithium-ion batteries using a rotating cylindrical electrode reactor

Abstract The cobalt electrodeposition from a leaching containing cathode-powdery of spent laptop lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) of different commercial brands, collected from local laptop repair shops, was investigated. Citric acid (0.14 M) and hydrazine (0.1 M) were employed as complexing and reducing agents in the leaching during 24 h. Cobalt, manganese and nickel concentrations in the leachate, obtained by the flame method in an atomic absorption spectrometer, are reported. A rotating cylindrical electrode reactor which consists of a rotating open bottom as cathode and a static outer cylindrical as anode was employed. The numerical flow patterns and cathode velocities that induce the presence of Taylor vortices inside and/or outside the cathode were investigated. RANS equations with the standard k−ε turbulence model and enhanced wall treatment was used. Electrical power measurements were performed to validate simulations. Cyclic voltammetry experiments with synthetic solutions were applied to determine the reduction potential of cobalt (found in −1.2 V vs SCE). Subsequently, electrolysis experiments were carried out at predetermined cathode speeds (50, 75, and 125 rpm), imposing a working cathodic potential of −1.2 V versus SCE during 12 h. Experimental results indicate that the best cobalt recovery rates and current efficiency coincide with the presence of Taylor vortices both inside and outside the cathode, i.e., at 50 rpm. The peak performance in cobalt recovery and current efficiency was recorded at 49 % and 47.3 %, respectively. Finally, the deposits obtained from each electrolysis test were removed from the cathode and analyzed via energy dispersive spectroscopy. The range of purity of Co obtained in the electrodeposit film were between 56.75 % and 74.8 %.

DEVELOPMENT OF E-MARKETPLACE FOR MARKETING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS (CASE STUDY IN TUMARATAS VILLAGE)

Tumaratas is an agricultural village where most of the people's livelihood is farming. However, sales of agricultural products are still carried out traditionally and are tied to certain times, this can make it difficult for farmers and consumers to carry out the buying and selling process whenever they want. Limited market reach, farmers still rely on intermediaries or retailers so that products are only available in local shops or traditional markets, and do not reach consumers outside the area. E-Marketplace is an intermediary media that brings together sellers and buyers on the internet, helping sellers market and offer merchandise on the internet. The aim of this research is to build and develop an E-Marketplace for farmers as a forum for promoting and marketing their agricultural products and to make it easier for consumers to find the agricultural products they want. This e-Marketplace was developed using the PHP programming language with the Laravel framework and MySQL as the database. With the development of this E-Marketplace, it is hoped that it can help local farmers market their agricultural products and make transactions widely.

Mobile VOC measurements in Commerce City, CO reveal the emissions from different sources

ABSTRACT Source attribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be challenging in urban areas, which have many point sources. Mobile laboratories using time-of-flight mass spectrometers (TOF-MS) can take measurements throughout areas of concern, resulting in data with high spatial resolution that can be used to more easily identify these sources. However, emissions in heavily polluted areas still undergo significant mixing over short distances, making source attribution of some compounds challenging. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) has been widely used for attributing pollutants to different sources when taking stationary measurements due to its ability to process large amounts of data into generally interpretable results. However, some limitations of PMF can impact its usefulness to mobile data; PMF is a computationally intensive process, requires some user choices in attributing factors to emissions sources, and results can be significantly impacted by chemical transformations after emission. Here, both PMF and a simpler comparative analysis method are evaluated in analyzing measurements taken in the Elyria Swansea neighborhood of Commerce City, CO. This neighborhood is located near an oil refinery, a wastewater treatment plant, local industrial shops, and major highways. PMF failed to differentiate between oil refinery emissions and traffic emissions, and had difficulties recognizing other key sources. A simpler comparative analysis showed that the refinery contributed significantly to VOC concentrations throughout the neighborhood, including air toxics such as benzene. A wastewater treatment plant contributed to methanethiol and dimethyl sulfide. Finally, a small woodshop was identified as a hyperlocal VOC source, and contributed high amounts of some VOCs, such as toluene and other solvents, in its immediate surroundings. Implications: This work discusses mobile measurements of VOCs around Commerce City, CO, a heavily polluted urban area north of Denver, using a PTR-TOF-MS. Two different source attribution methods, positive matrix factorization (PMF) and comparative analysis, were evaluated in the context of mobile measurements. The results show that an oil refinery and a woodshop contributed greatly to many VOC concentrations in the Elyria Swansea residential area of Commerce City. Additional sources, such as a wastewater treatment plant, also contributed to some odorous VOCs. PMF was unable to fully describe sources based on the mobile data. Comparative analysis was useful in attributing more VOCs to different sources, but quantitative results were influenced by how the analysis is set up. These findings are relevant to the residents of Denver and regulatory bodies to better understand Denver air pollution, as well as to other mobile studies doing source attribution of VOCs.

PICTORIAL MAPS AND THE RISE OF MODERN RESORT IN ŌISO IN THE MID-MEIJI PERIOD

This study explores three pictorial maps produced in the mid-Meiji period (1868–1912) featuring Ōiso and the relationship between these maps and the rise of Ōiso as a modern resort. Ōiso was a town located on the highway Tōkaidō connecting Edo (or Tokyo after 1868) and Kyoto. It became a modern seaside resort after the late 1880s. Previous studies on visual and cartographic representations of towns and cities in Japan, for example, Kindai nihon no shikakuteki keiken [Visual experiences of modern Japan] (Nakanishi and Sekido 2008), have already narrowed the analytical focus and shifted away from the metropolises to provincial cities and hot spring towns. However, some questions, such as the social functions of these materials, remain unexplored. This study analyzes three maps and argues that these maps highlight Ōiso as an attractive place, particularly by featuring its villa residents from the high society. Visually, they resemble the conventional meisho zue [pictures of famous places] developed in the Edo period (1603-1867) and share with other city/town maps produced in the Meiji period in showing preferences for bird’s-eye views and emphasizing symbols of modernity such as railroads and electricity. The depiction of villa clusters is a remarkable feature of the three maps. However, rather than encouraging actual visits to the villas, the mapmakers – the local shop owners and administrators – achieved in producing these maps as souvenirs and creating a public desire for the lifestyle of high society.

Business Secret behind the Tagline Business Resilience behind the Tagline: Open 24 Hours / 7 Days, Apocalypse Opened for Half a Day

This research investigates the marketing strategies used by shops in Madura with a focus on the tagline "Open 24 Hours / 7 Days; Stop Opening Half A Day". Through a SWOT analysis approach and the Porter's Diamond framework, this research aims to understand how the tagline supports the competitiveness and operational success of stores in a unique local context. Research methods include in-depth interviews with shop owners, customer surveys, and operational data analysis. This research model uses a simple design with Triangulation Theory. The data collection techniques used are observation, interviews and documentation. The data analysis technique used is the Manual Data Analysis Procedure (MDAP). The research results show that the tagline not only acts as a creative marketing tool, but also reflects a commitment to high customer service and operational continuity in the face of changing market conditions. A SWOT analysis identifies strengths such as responsive customer service and weaknesses such as reliance on local resources, while a Porter's Diamond analysis highlights related factors and industry conditions that support the stores' operational strategies. Suggestions for future research include data collection, comparative studies with other industrial contexts, and collaboration with local governments to support demand and development of local shops in Madura.

Who can access what? Uncovering urban inequality in access to service for senior citizens

The scarcity or lack of access to essential services at the local and neighbourhood levels in cities can result in significant spatial inequalities, as some areas and their residents can deal with disadvantages and a lower quality of daily life. In particular, the spatial distribution and the variety of amenities at the local scale represent an important feature of the liveliness of places. The local availability and access to essential services are particularly relevant for some demographic groups experiencing limited mobility or mobility poverty, such as older adults living in cities, and spatial disparities have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted severe difficulties in accessing essential services. This work explores the issue focussing on the following question: who can access what depending on where they live in cities? Using Machine Learning and Spatial Autocorrelation applied to different data sources for spatial information on the location of urban amenities and Internet access, this work aims to identify the most underserved places in terms of the variety of available amenities and access to quality broadband in three European capital cities. A comparison to urban areas where high percentages of older adults reside makes it possible to identify where residents can locally access several essential services (green spaces, health care, and local shopping) and where this need cannot be satisfied because of a lack in the amenity variety available at walking distance to their home. The combination of underserved areas with a high concentration of senior residents identifies left-behind areas in these cities, where interventions on inequalities are most needed. Results can inform policies aiming at favouring fair access to services at the local scale, possibly including slow and active mobility modes, and in general to develop comprehensive and sustainable planning strategies for cities, leaving no place and no person behind.

Mitigating antibiotic misuse in dairy farming systems and milk value chain market: Insights into practices, factors, and farmers education in Nyabihu district, Rwanda

The widespread misuse of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections in dairy farming is a global concern contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To gain insights within small-scale dairy farming, a study was conducted in Nyabihu district of Rwanda from September 2021 to April 2023 to assess practices and factors associated with antibiotic use, investigate antibiotic residues in cow milk and undertake a comprehensive training program to improve quality milk production. A mixed-methods approach, combining cross-sectional and longitudinal intervention studies, involved 42 regular dairy farmers from both open and zero-grazing systems delivering milk to the Union pour la Promotion des Cooperatives des Eleveurs en Nyabihu (UPROCENYA) milk collection center (MCC). Standardized questionnaires and farm interviews were conducted to assess antibiotic use practices while bulk tank milk samples from the same farmers were collected and tested for antibiotic residues using rapid tests over 16 months (8 months before and 8 months after training).Out of 451 bulk tank milk samples tested, 27 samples (6%) contained antibiotic residues, primarily tetracyclines (55.3%) and beta-lactams (44.7%). Before farmers training, 5182.75 l of milk were rejected monthly due to antibiotic residues. Following training, milk rejections decreased to 3192.75 l per month, reflecting 38.35% monthly decrease. However, no statistically significant difference was found by independent t-test (t = 1.441; p = 0.173) between milk rejected before and after training. 97.6% of interviewed farmers reported using antibiotics within six months preceding data collection, with 71.4% primarily used for disease treatment, notably targeting tick-borne diseases (34.0%). Alarming practices included administering antibiotics without referring samples for laboratory examination (100%), disregarding withdrawal periods (88.1%) and administering antibiotics without a veterinary doctor's prescription (85.7%). Factors contributing to these practices included limited farmer’s knowledge on antibiotics, easy access to antibiotics in local agro-veterinary shops, and insufficient veterinary services. Antibiotic-laden milk was used to feed calves (38.6%), consumed at home (26.5%), and sold (12.0%).The observed misuse of antibiotics and disregard for antibiotic withdrawal periods pose significant threats to both milk quality and human health. The authors recommend that dairy farmers prioritize animal health monitoring, seek veterinary advice for disease prevention and treatment and implement biosecurity measures to prevent diseases and thus reduce antibiotic usage. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are highly recommended to enhance capacity building for dairy farmers and support research initiatives. Furthermore, it is strongly suggested to strengthen regulations on the prudent use of antibiotics within the Rwandan food production system to curb antimicrobial resistance across both animal and human populations.