Outlet Density Research Articles

Alcohol outlet density and adolescent drinking behaviors in Thailand, 2007-2017: A spatiotemporal mixed model analysis.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between alcohol outlet density and the proportion of alcohol consumption among Thai adolescents. We utilized the alcohol consumption data from the 2007, 2011, and 2017 Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption Survey in Thailand. We analyzed the relationships between alcohol sales license figures and consumption behavior using a spatiotemporal mixed model. Our data had two levels. The upper (provincial) level featured alcohol sales license density (spatial effect), the years of survey (temporal effect), and the social deprivation index. The lower (individual) level included the demographic data of the adolescents. A total of 9,566 Thai adolescents participated in this study, based on surveys conducted in 2007 (n = 4,731), 2011 (n = 3,466), and 2017 (n = 1,369). The density of alcohol sales licenses increased the odds for the one-year current drinker category (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.45), especially in male adolescents (OR = 1.09, 95% CI, 1.04-1.14). Furthermore, it increased the odds for the heavy episodic drinker category for female adolescents (OR = 1.23, 95% CI, 1.05-1.44). Increased alcohol sales licenses are associated with higher alcohol consumption among Thai adolescents. This highlights the need for government organizations to develop and apply strategies to reduce the number of licenses for the sale of alcohol.

Tobacco Outlet Availability, Density, and Proximity in Rural Areas in the Netherlands: An Ex ante Evaluation of the Impact of Tobacco Sales Bans.

The Netherlands will ban tobacco sales from supermarkets in 2024 and from petrol stations and small outlets after 2030 (tobacco specialist shops exempted). Previous studies showed that this will reduce outlet availability, density, and proximity in Dutch urban areas. This study assessed the distribution of tobacco outlets in Dutch rural areas, and potential outlet reductions after implementation of these bans. A cross-sectional quantitative audit of tobacco outlets was conducted in seven rural municipalities in the Netherlands. Tobacco outlet availability (N), density (per 10000 capita and km2), and proximity (average distance of a street or city block to the closest tobacco outlet [meters]) were calculated, as well as predicted changes after implementation of upcoming sales bans. 97 tobacco retailers were identified. There were 5.00 outlets per 10000 capita and 0.09 per km2. The tobacco sales ban in supermarkets is expected to reduce availability by 57 outlets, and density by 2.94/10000 per capita and 0.05/km2, while increasing average distance by 824m. A tobacco sales ban in petrol stations is expected to further reduce availability (-26), density/10000 capita (-1.34), and density/km2 (-0.02), while increasing distance (+1595m). For small outlets, these numbers are -12, -0.62, and -0.01, respectively, while the closest tobacco outlet will be mostly outside municipality borders. Assuming no new tobacco outlets will emerge in response to future tobacco sales bans, the bans could nearly eliminate tobacco outlets in rural areas. To meet the demand for tobacco, there is a risk that new tobacco specialist shops will be established. This study shows the potential impact of tobacco sales bans in, sequentially, supermarkets, petrol stations, and small outlets on tobacco outlet density and proximity in rural municipalities in the Netherlands. A ban on tobacco sales in supermarkets, petrol stations, and small outlets could reduce the number of tobacco outlets in rural areas of the Netherlands to nearly zero. As a result, supermarkets may be inspired to open tobacco specialist shops, which are exempt from the bans. To prevent the proliferation of such shops, retail licensing schemes may need to be established.

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.

Dynamic fluid flow model for phosphate slurry pipeline: OCP main pipeline as case study

The transportation of phosphate slurry through large-scale pipelines presents significant challenges due to the complex behavior of multiphase flows, particularly with varying solid content, density, and dynamic viscosity. Efficient and accurate prediction of flow behavior is critical for optimizing the operation of such pipelines. This work aims to develop a dynamic computational model to simulate phosphate slurry flow in pipelines. The case study focuses on the OCP Group’s main slurry pipeline, which links the mining sites at Khouribga to the industrial plants at Jorf Lasfar, Morocco. This pipeline system spans a total length of 187.124 km, consisting of 5237 pipes with an inner diameter ranging from 0.8546 m to 0.8578 m, and features several elevation changes along its ground level. Using a section-averaged, dynamic approach and the Finite Volume scheme, the model computes essential flow parameters, including density, dynamic viscosity, and pressure, for the incompressible and non-Newtonian slurry and process water flows. The model’s accuracy is validated against on-site measured data, showing an average deviation of ±0.32% for outlet density, and below 10% for pressure along the pipeline, underscoring the model’s reliability. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to illustrate the impact of key parameters on the predicted head losses and pressures along the pipeline. This analysis shows that the slurry viscosity is the most critical parameter, significantly influencing these predictions. This model provides high accuracy and reasonable CPU time for real-time simulation and monitoring, while also offering significant potential for optimizing pipeline operations and ensuring the reliability of phosphate transport.

Interactive associations of cannabis and alcohol outlet densities with assault injuries in California: A spatiotemporal analysis.

Recreational cannabis outlets may influence rates of interpersonal violence, but research has yielded inconsistent findings. Modification by alcohol outlet density may help explain inconsistencies. We estimated the impacts of recreational cannabis outlets on neighborhood-level assault injury rates in California and evaluated whether alcohol outlet density moderated these associations. We applied Bayesian spatiotemporal analyses to ZIP code-level statewide data on alcohol outlets, recreational cannabis outlets, and injuries and deaths due to firearm and nonfirearm assault, 2017-2019, accounting for confounders and spatial autocorrelation. Using the model posteriors, we estimated parameters corresponding to hypothetical shifts in outlet densities, overall and by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. If recreational cannabis outlets were never introduced, we estimated that nonfirearm assault injuries would have been 1.63 per 100,000 lower (95%CI: -3.08, 0.01) but we observed no association with firearm assault injuries (RD per 100,000: -0.07; 95%CI: -0.34, 0.21). These associations did not depend on alcohol outlet density, but a hypothetical 20% reduction in alcohol outlet densities was associated with fewer firearm (RD per 100,000: -1.89; 95%CI: -0.46, 0.09) and nonfirearm (RD per 100,000: -5.67; 95%CI: -7.44, -3.95) assault injuries. The introduction of recreational cannabis outlets may have contributed to a small increase in nonfirearm assault injuries.

Young people's perspectives on policies to create healthier food environments in England.

Food environments are important determinants of healthy diets among young people. This study explored young people's perspectives on their food environment, their recommendations to policymakers and views on youth engagement in policy processes. There is limited research on young people's perspectives on their involvement in developing food environment policies. Youth engagement in policymaking processes can lead to greater policy integrity and inclusivity. Four focus group discussions were conducted with 39 young people (12-21 years) from a town in North West England and a metropolitan area in the English Midlands. Participants were recruited through youth organizations. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Young people reported concerns about the density of fast food outlets in their local area, the unaffordability of healthier food, and fast food advertisement. These issues were not believed to be prioritized in local and national policymaking. Accordingly, policy recommendations were mainly for structural food environment policies, including restrictions on fast food outlet density and incentives for menu reformulation. Young people did not feel involved in local decisions about the food environment. They expressed a need for more meaningful engagement beyond consultation. Young people have repeatedly shown to have a deep understanding of the social, commercial and political factors that influence diet and health. It is essential that policymakers aiming to improve young people's diets take their unique views and concerns into account to create effective policies that resonate with young people.

Built environment and childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity, an escalating global health challenge, is intricately linked to the built environment in which children live, learn, and play. This review and perspective examined the multifaceted relationship between the built environment and childhood obesity, offering insights into potential interventions for prevention. Factors such as urbanization, access to unhealthy food options, sedentary behaviors, and socioeconomic disparities are critical contributors to this complex epidemic. Built environment encompasses the human-modified spaces such as homes, schools, workplaces, and urban areas. These settings can influence children's physical activity levels, dietary habits, and overall health. The built environment can be modified to prevent childhood obesity by enhancing active transportation through the development of safe walking and cycling routes, creating accessible and inviting green spaces and play areas, and promoting healthy food environments by regulating fast-food outlet density. School design is another area for intervention, with a focus on integrating outdoor spaces and facilities that promote physical activity and healthy eating. Community engagement and education in reinforcing healthy behaviors is necessary, alongside the potential of technology and innovation in encouraging physical activity among children. Policy and legislative support are crucial for sustaining these efforts. In conclusion, addressing the built environment in the fight against childhood obesity requires the need for a comprehensive, multipronged approach that leverages the built environment as a tool for promoting healthier lifestyles among children, ultimately paving the way for a healthier, more active future generation.

Tobacco retail availability and smoking-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Health policy makers worldwide have adopted evidence-based legislation, largely directed at consumers, to reduce tobacco-related harm. It is suggested that limiting supply by decreasing retail availability can also reduce cigarette smoking. To inform policy makers this systematic literature review assesses whether reducing availability is associated with smoking behaviours. Systematic literature searches of five databases were carried out up to January 2023. Included studies had at least one exposure (tobacco retail density, proximity or mixed measures thereof) and outcomes of smoking behaviour. Meta-analysis of effect estimates were undertaken if there were at least three studies with similar population, exposure and outcome measures. Sixty-two studies were included, and positive associations were found between tobacco outlet density and cigarette smoking in pregnancy, youth, adults and cessation. Meta-analyses were undertaken for retail density and ever smoking (odds ratio [OR] 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04, 1.37; I2 = 87.3%), and current youth smoking (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.08, 1.40; I2 = 0.0%), adult smoking (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.01, 1.22; I2 = 74.8%); and mixed measures of retail availability near schools and current youth smoking (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01, 1.05; I2 = 0.0%). There is evidence higher tobacco retail density is consistently associated with cigarette smoking in pregnant women, young people and adults when ecological studies are included in meta-analysis. Meanwhile, evidence synthesis reveals restrictive tobacco retail laws based on proximity or mixed measures near home or very near school may not reduce smoking except in men who smoke heavily. Mechanisms to reduce retailer density should be thus considered part of tobacco control strategies.

Adolescents' unhealthy snacking behaviour during the school journey and the association with transport modes and food outlets along the school route.

Active transport to and from school provides an opportunity for adolescents to engage in physical activity, but travelling through an obesogenic environment may have unintended consequences on their snacking behaviour. This study aimed to: (1) identify whether adolescents' unhealthy snacking behaviour was associated with school transport modes and food outlets on their estimated school route and (2) explore whether food outlet density on the school route differed between school transport modes. Adolescents (n = 406; aged 15.1 ± 1.4 years; 50.7% boys; 63.5% New Zealand European) from all 12 secondary schools in Dunedin city, Aotearoa New Zealand, completed an online survey. School transport modes (active, motorised or mixed) and unhealthy snacking data were collected. Food outlet data were collected using Google Places Application Programming Interface (API). Home-to-school route and distance were estimated using geographical information system (GIS) analysis based on a walkable road network. Data were analysed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. Overall, 26.4% of adolescents reported purchasing and consuming unhealthy snacks or soft drinks on the way to school and 41.4% from school. The odds of unhealthy snacking during the school journey was higher among mixed transport users than active transport users on the way to (odds ratio (OR) = 2.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39-5.36) and from school (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.40-5.13). No differences were observed by food outlet type. There were no food outlets on the estimated school route for 44.8% of adolescents. The presence of more than one food outlet per kilometre of the estimated school route differed between active (38.7%), motorised (42.6%) and mixed transport users (46.4%; p = 0.006). School transport modes were significantly associated with adolescents' unhealthy snacking behaviour and food outlets on their school journey. Policy measures which minimise exposure to unhealthy food outlets may reduce unhealthy snacking among adolescents.

Modeling the Effects of Policies that Restrict Tobacco Retail Outlets on Prenatal Smoke Exposure and Perinatal Health Care Utilization

Tobacco retail outlet (TRO) density has been associated with increased cotinine levels in pregnant persons and their children. As such, the higher densities of TROs may represent higher levels of active smoking during pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to simulate the reduction in cotinine (a biomarker of smoke exposure) and health care utilization that could occur in pregnant persons under enactment of several candidate TRO reduction policy recommendations. Using existing retail outlet data from the state of North Carolina and from the Newborn Epigenetic Study (NEST), the present study created hypothetical policy-informed datasets of TROs that a) limited the number of TROs to the same density as the 2014 San Francisco (SF) policy (Policy 1), b) set the minimum distance to 500 feet between TROs from a school and from other TROs (Policy 2), c) restricted the types of TROs to exclude pharmacies (Policy 3), and d) a combination of Policies 1–3 (Policy 4). We estimated the effects of each policy individually and in a separate model with their combined effects in terms of the reduction on cotinine levels and health care utilization, as measured by number of visits to the emergency department (ED). We found that the hypothetical policies were likely to be effective in reducing maternal cotinine and ED visits, with the majority of the mothers in the dataset demonstrating reductions in these outcomes after implementation of the policies. We found that Policy 1 led to moderate reductions in TRO exposure for the majority of the sample as well as stratified by race/ethnicity. Additionally, Policy 4 had slightly larger estimated effects than Policy 1, but could be more onerous to implement in practice. Overall, we identified evidence supporting the efficacy of TRO reduction strategies that could impact smoke exposure during pregnancy in our diverse sample in North Carolina.

Local government officials’ account of barriers to regulating physical availability of alcohol in Nigeria

Background This study explored local government (LG) officials’ perspectives on barriers to regulating physical alcohol availability using three effective policies: alcohol licensing, alcohol outlet density, and hours and days of alcohol sale in Southwest Nigeria. Methods 31 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 officials (director of finance, revenue collectors, and rate officers) in 24 LG across 3 Southwestern Nigerian States (Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo). Their perceptions on barriers to regulating physical alcohol availability were discussed. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Iterative Categorisation. Results Accounts of the LG officials reveal political complexities and structural barriers to regulating the physical availability of alcohol. Five major barriers were identified: lack of political will, economic benefits over public health, absence of a database on alcohol outlets, weak judiciary system, and insufficient personnel and funding. Participants reported how the government lacked the political will to formulate and implement national regulations on alcohol licensing and outlet density. LGs prioritized economic benefits from alcohol outlets over public health. Conclusion Regulating physical availability of alcohol at local levels will require the empowerment of LGs through formulating national regulations on alcohol licensing and alcohol outlet density, sufficient funding, and strengthening the judicial system at local levels.

Modeling, optimization and control of a ceramic tunnel kiln for consistent product quality under changing production demands

This study presents a detailed physics-based model focusing on an industrial tunnel kiln under feedback control. Initially, an empirical sintering model is integrated into the kiln model to accurately predict the product outlet density, a quality-defining parameter reflecting firing process efficacy. Afterwards, the initial steady-state burner valve positions are determined using industrial temperature data. Subsequently, the interactions between gas temperatures and burner valve positions are quantified through the investigation of the Relative Gain Array. A systematic derivation of optimal set-points for different production rates is then carried out, aiming at minimizing energy consumption while meeting end-product quality specifications. The PID controllers are tuned using a dynamic optimization approach, which involves the minimization of integral criteria. Finally, a case study is conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the optimal set-points under varying production rates. The results demonstrate exceptional system response, thus indicating that firing curves should adapt to production rates for consistently producing quality products.

Neighborhood Factors as Correlates of Alcohol Use in the N2 Cohort Study of Black Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women.

Sexually minoritized men (SMM), transgender women (TW), and particularly Black SMM and Black TW may be disproportionately impacted by alcohol-related problems. Few studies have empirically examined neighborhood factors that may contribute to alcohol use, specifically among these populations. Using data from the N2 longitudinal cohort study in Chicago, IL, survey data from the second wave of longitudinal assessment (n = 126), and GPS mobility data collected during study enrollment were used to evaluate neighborhood alcohol outlet availability, neighborhood disorder, and neighborhood poverty as correlates for individual alcohol use. Neighborhood exposures were measured using 200-m derived activity space areas, created from GPS data, and with publicly accessible geospatial contextual data. Separate multi-variable quasi-poison regression models tested for association between neighborhood alcohol outlet density (AOD), measured separately for on-premise (e.g. bars) and off-premise consumption outlets (e.g. liquor stores), neighborhood poverty (defined as the percentage of neighborhood areas at 150% or greater of the U.S. poverty line), exposure to vacant buildings, and neighborhood violent crime density. Separate analytical models found no significant effect between alcohol use and on-premise neighborhood AOD (IRR = 0.99, p = 0.35), off-premise consumption AOD (IRR = 0.92, p = 0.33), or neighborhood violent crime (IRR = 1.00, p = 0.65). Vacant buildings (IRR = 1.03, p = 0.05) and levels of neighborhood poverty (1.05, p = 0.01) were found to be significantly associated with increased alcohol use. Among this population, opposed to geospatial access, neighborhood measurements indicative of disorder and poverty may have greater influence on shaping alcohol use.

Associations between the neighbourhood food environment and food and drink purchasing in England during lockdown: A repeated cross-sectional analysis.

Evidence for the effect of neighbourhood food environment (NFE) exposures on diet in the UK is mixed, potentially due to exposure misclassification. This study used the first national COVID-19 lockdown in England as an opportunity to isolate the independent effects of the NFE exposure on food and drink purchasing, and assessed whether these varied by region. Transaction-level purchasing data for food and drink items for at-home (1,221 households) and out-of-home consumption (171 individuals) were available from the GB Kantar Fast Moving Consumer Goods Panel for London and the North of England. The study period included 23rd March to 10th May 2020 ('lockdown'), and the same period in 2019 for comparison. NFE exposures included food outlet density and proximity, and NFE composition within a 1 km network buffer around the home. Associations were estimated for both years separately, adjusted for individual and household characteristics, population density and area deprivation. Interaction terms between region and exposures were explored. There were no consistent patterns of association between NFE exposures and food and drink purchasing in either time period. In 2019, there was some evidence for a 1.4% decrease in energy purchased from ultra-processed foods for each additional 500 m in the distance to the nearest OOH outlet (IR 0.986, 95% CI 0.977 to 0.995, p = 0.020). In 2020, there was some evidence for a 1.8% reduction in total take-home energy for each additional chain supermarket per km2 in the neighbourhood (IR 0.982, 95% CI 0.969, 0.995, p = 0.045). Region-specific effects were observed in 2019 only. Findings suggest that the differences in exposure to the NFE may not explain differences in the patterns or healthiness of grocery purchasing. Observed pre-pandemic region-specific effects allude to the importance of geographical context when designing research and policy. Future research may assess associations for those who relied on their NFE during lockdown.

A multifaceted ecological approach to explore links between environmental factors and the epidemiology of disorders of gut-brain interaction.

Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) are characterized by debilitating symptoms not explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities. While functional conditions present with complex, likely heterogeneous pathophysiology, we aimed to investigate if proxy measures of sociocultural and environmental factors are associated with the prevalence of various DGBI in populations across the world. We performed an ecological study utilizing peer-reviewed published datasets reporting for 26 countries prevalence rates of DGBI (Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study, RFGES), with six independent variables: Helicobacter pylori prevalence and household size as proxy measures for orofecal infections, gross domestic product per capita (GDP), and median age as a proxy measures for socioeconomic development, density of fast food outlets (FFO) per 100,000 population as proxy measure for processed food exposure, and suicide mortality rate per 100,000 people, and world happiness scores were used as a proxy for psychological stress. The data were retrieved from publicly accessible datasets (United Nations, CIA World Factbook, World Bank, World Happiness Report, commercial/financial reports of a global FFO chain). We used linear regression to assess variables in univariate and multivariate analysis and report standardized β coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The regression model revealed that the overall prevalence of DGBI was inversely associated with both GDP per capita (β = -0.57, 95% CI: -0.92, -0.22, p = 0.002) and happiness scores (β = -0.433 95% CI: 0.821, -0.065, p = 0.023), while being positively associated with H. pylori prevalence (β = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.008, 0.81, p = 0.046). The prevalence of functional constipation (FC) was also inversely associated with GDP per capita (β = -0.50, 95% CI: -0.86, -0.13, p = 0.01) and happiness scores (β = -0.497, 95% CI: -0.863, -0.132, p = 0.01), while being positively associated with H. pylori prevalence (β = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.91, p = 0.007). The Multivariate model analysis revealed that combining the factors of H. pylori prevalence, suicide rate, household size and happiness scores showed statistically significant association with FC (p = 0.039). Household size (β = -0.43, 95% CI: -0.82, 0.038, p = 0.033) and suicide rates (β = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.90, p = 0.004) were statistically significantly associated with functional diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was associated with GDP per capita (β = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.79, -0.014, p = 0.043) and happiness scores (β = -0.390, 95% CI: -0.778, -0.003, p = 0.049). Utilizing publicly available data, the prevalence of DGBI across diverse countries is linked to various socio-cultural and environmental factors. Collectively, the data suggests that the prevalence of DGBI is increased in less prosperous regions of the world.

How Does Density Impact Carbon Emission Intensity: Insights from the Block Scale and an Optimal Parameters-Based Geographical Detector

Density is a crucial indicator for urban sustainable development and is considered a critical factor influencing the carbon emission intensity of construction land (CICL). The impact of density on carbon emissions has been extensively explored, mainly focusing on grid-scale and single-factor effects. However, how density and its interactions affect carbon emissions at the block scale is unclear. Therefore, based on multiple data sources such as energy consumption, remote sensing, and the point of interest (POI) in the urban block of Changxing County, this study constructed a density system that reflects the block’s physical environment and socioeconomic characteristics. An optimal-parameters-based geographical detector was employed to investigate the effects and interactions of density factors on the carbon emission intensity of residential blocks (CIRB), carbon emission intensity of commercial blocks (CICB), and carbon emission intensity of public blocks (CIPB). The results indicate the following: (1) The impact of density factors on different types of CICL varied significantly. Physical environmental factors (PEFs) had greater explanatory power than socioeconomic factors (SEFs) across the CIRB, CICB, and CIPB, with the floor area ratio (FAR) being the most influential. The spatial morphology of blocks also influenced the relationship between density factors and the CICL. (2) The interactions between the FAR and building density (BD), the FAR and commercial outlet density (COD), and the FAR and population density (PD) had the strongest explanatory power for the CIRB, CICB, and CIPB, respectively, and all exhibited nonlinear enhancements. Some factors exhibited more significant effects only when interacting with others. (3) An association chain encompassing the interactions of multiple density factors was extracted for the CIRB, CICB, and CIPB, respectively, as the basis for conducting collaborative management and control in spatial planning. The research findings can provide decision support for urban planners to consider the comprehensive effects of density factors and promote the development of low-carbon urban spaces.

Service quality dimensions in Austrian food retailing – a text mining approach for physical retail stores

ABSTRACT Investigating Service Quality (SQ) and its implications for customer satisfaction has become an increasingly popular research area. Especially in the context of physical grocery retailing, ensuring customer satisfaction has become a key success factor. Most previous research studies apply traditional methods (e.g. surveys) for physical shops and utilize text mining-based approaches mainly for e-commerce. In our paper, we propose a novel approach based on LDA. By combining expert-based word counting analysis with the LDA approach, we confirm that unsupervised text mining based on LDA can be used as a reliable approach to cluster textual comments to SQ dimensions in physical retail settings. We have analyzed over 163,000 publicly available textual customer reviews related to the Austrian market, which is special in terms of its extremely high density of retail outlets, high price levels and a tendency towards traditional form of shopping. Our results show that personal interaction, policies, and product-related aspects seem to be positive drivers of customer satisfaction, while reliability is a clear driver of customer dissatisfaction. Results also show a significantly higher relevance of personal interaction in smaller stores and cities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants than in other store types and bigger cities. Regarding practical implications, hypermarkets should focus on physical aspects to reduce negative reviews and increase efforts in personal interaction to increase positive reviews. On the other hand, smaller stores should continue to rely on personal interaction to avoid negative reviews and might focus on higher reliability to generate more positive reviews. The applied text-mining approach enables future research with a starting base to analyze SQ dimensions and their relevance in additional countries or area, as e.g. fashion or hardware retail.

Modelling the impacts of volumetric and minimum unit pricing for alcohol on social harms in Australia

AimsAlcohol pricing policies may reduce alcohol-related harms, yet little work has been done to model their effectiveness beyond health outcomes especially in Australia. We aim to estimate the impacts of four taxation and minimum unit pricing (MUP) interventions on selected social harms across sex and age subgroups in Australia. MethodsWe used econometrics and epidemiologic simulations using demand elasticity and risk measures. We modelled four policies including (A) uniform excise rates (UER) (based on alcohol units) (B) MUP $1.30 on all alcoholic beverages (C) UER + 10 % (D) MUP$ 1.50. People who consumed alcohol were classified as (a) moderate (≤ 14 Australian standard drinks (SDs) per week) (b) Hazardous (15–42 SDs per week for men and 14–35 ASDs for women) and (c) Harmful (> 42 SDs per week for men and > 35 ASDs for women). Outcomes were sickness absence, sickness presenteeism, unemployment, antisocial behaviours, and police-reported crimes. We used relative risk functions from meta-analysis, cohort study, cross-sectional survey, or attributable fractions from routine criminal records. We applied the potential impact fraction to estimate the reduction in social harms by age group and sex after implementation of pricing policies. ResultsAll four modelled pricing policies resulted in a decrease in the overall mean baseline of current alcohol consumption, primarily due to fewer people drinking harmful amounts. These policies also reduced the total number of crimes and workplace harms compared to the current taxation system. These reductions were consistent across all age and sex subgroups. Specifically, sickness absence decreased by 0.2–0.4 %, alcohol-related sickness presenteeism by 7–9 %, unemployment by 0.5–0.7 %, alcohol-related antisocial behaviours by 7.3–11.1 %, and crimes by 4–6 %. Of all the policies, the implementation of a $1.50 MUP resulted in the largest reductions across most outcome measures. ConclusionOur results highlight that alcohol pricing policies can address the burden of social harms in Australia. However, pricing policies should just form part of a comprehensive alcohol policy approach along with other proven policy measures such as bans on aggressive marketing of alcoholic products and enforcing the restrictions on the availability of alcohol through outlet density regulation or reduced hours of sale to have a more impact on social harms.

Overview of State Laws Restricting Alcohol Outlet Density in the United States.

Complementing the extensive research literature demonstrating that increased alcohol outlet density is associated with excessive alcohol consumption and related harms, this article synthesizes information on the types of alcohol outlet density restrictions in US state-level laws. Statutes and regulations related to alcohol outlet density in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in effect as of January 1, 2022, were collected using Westlaw. State-level density restrictions were coded according to 4 variables and overlaid with existing research on state-specific local authority to regulate outlet density. Alcohol outlet density laws in Michigan and Massachusetts were analyzed in detail as case studies. United States. US state-level licensing laws restricting alcohol outlet density. Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have state-level licensing laws that limit alcohol outlet density. Of those, 25 have population-based restrictions, 8 have distance-based restrictions, 7 have quotas, and 6 require the licensing agency to consider density-related factors. Within the same group of 34 jurisdictions, 22 apply restrictions to both on- and off-premises outlets, 5 apply them only to on-premises outlets, and 7 apply them only to off-premises outlets. Among the 32 states where localities lack authority to license alcohol outlets, two-thirds have state-level laws restricting outlet density. State-level density restrictions also exist in approximately two-thirds of the states where localities have licensing authority. Case studies of Michigan and Massachusetts highlight how state-level density restrictions operate in practice. Two-thirds of jurisdictions have state-level alcohol outlet density restrictions, with population-based restrictions being the most common. In addition, outlet density restrictions may exist regardless of limits on local control and whether localities with authority to enact density restrictions have done so. Policymakers and others can reference this assessment to identify examples and opportunities to strengthen the alcohol policy environment in any given state.

Investigating the spatial heterogeneity of drunk-driving events in Beijing based on a hybrid method with LISA and GeoDetector

Drunk-driving events can be divided into drunk-driving crashes (DDCs) and non-crash drunk-driving events (NDDEs). Strong spatial heterogeneity, which consists of spatial local heterogeneity and spatial stratified heterogeneity, exists in drunk-driving events. Therefore, this article proposed a hybrid method with LISA and GeoDetector to investigate the spatial heterogeneity of drunk-driving events. First, an integrated method of Getis-Ord Gi* and Anselin Local Moran’s I, which belong to LISA, was applied for the analysis of spatial local heterogeneity. Then, based on the improved GeoDetector with a highest q value, this article explored the main factors contributing to spatial stratified heterogeneity. Results show that DDCs are concentrated in the urban areas and the sub-centres located in the east of suburban, while NDDEs are predominantly found in the urban areas and the sub-centres located in the northwest and southwest of suburban. The spatial stratified heterogeneity analysis, conducted using the Factor Detector, reveals the pivotal factors influencing the spatial distribution of DDCs. Entertainment venues, alcohol outlets, and population density exhibit significant impacts, with q-values of 0.233, 0.227, and 0.203, respectively. Similarly, for NDDEs, the most influential factor is the density of entertainment venues, with a q-value of 0.243. When exploring the interaction effects between factors, the study emphasises that the interaction between population density and alcohol outlet density shows the highest q-value of 0.787. This highlights a substantial impact on the spatial formation of drunk-driving events. These findings offer valuable insights for implementing targeted measures to improve road safety and reduce the occurrence of drunk-driving events in Beijing.