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BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the relationship between the food and physical activity environment and odds of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study quantifies the association between densities of several types of food establishments and fitness centers with the odds of having GDM. METHODS: The density of supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, full-service restaurants, convenience stores and fitness centers at 500, 1000 and 1500 m (m) buffers was counted at residential addresses of 68,779 pregnant individuals from Eastern Massachusetts during 2000-2016. The healthy food index assessed the relative availability of healthy (supermarkets) vs unhealthy (fast-food restaurants, convenience stores) food retailers. Multivariable logistic regression quantified the cross-sectional association between exposure variables and the odds of having GDM, adjusting for individual and area-level characteristics. Effect modification by area-level socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed. FINDINGS: In fully adjusted models, pregnant individuals living in the highest density tertile of fast-food restaurants had higher GDM odds compared to those living in the lowest density tertile (500 m: odds ratio (OR):1.17 95% CI: [1.04, 1.31]; 1000 m: 1.33 95% CI: [1.15, 1.53]); 1500 m: 1.18 95% CI: [1.01, 1.38]). Greater residential density of supermarkets was associated with lower odds of GDM (1000 m: 0.86 95% CI: [0.74, 0.99]; 1500 m: 0.86 95% CI: [0.72, 1.01]). Similarly, living in the highest fitness center density tertile was associated with decreased GDM odds (500 m:0.87 95% CI: [0.76, 0.99]; 1500 m: 0.89 95% CI: [0.79, 1.01]). There was no evidence of effect modification by SES and no association found between the healthy food index and GDM odds. INTERPRETATION: In Eastern Massachusetts, living near a greater density of fast-food establishments was associated with higher GDM odds. Greater residential access to supermarkets and fitness centers was associated with lower the odds of having GDM. FUNDING: NIH.

Background: Healthy food nudges may be more, or especially, effective among groups experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. We investigated the modifying role of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics in the effectiveness of nudge interventions targeting healthy foods in real-world grocery store settings on food purchasing patterns. Methods: We pooled individual participant data from multiple trials. Eligible trials were identified via a PubMed search and selected based on having a controlled real-world design, testing a nudging intervention promoting healthy purchases, while collecting participants' sociodemographic and purchasing data. Out of four eligible trials, three had longitudinal measurements, one consisted of a single time point, two were randomised and two were not. Applied nudges consisted of a combination of placement nudges (focussing on availability or positioning) and property nudges (presentation and/or information). Harmonised data included dichotomised socioeconomic and demographic variables and the percentage of purchased fruits and vegetables of total purchases. Multilevel meta-regression based on linear mixed-effects models were used to explore modifying effects using two approaches: longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses. Results: The analytical sample in the longitudinal analysis comprised of 638 participants, who were predominantly female (76.3%), had a lower education attainment (67.7%), and a mean age of 46.6 years (SD 13.5). These characteristics were similar in the cross-sectional analysis (n = 855). Compared to control group participants, there was no main effect of healthy food nudges on the percentage of fruit and vegetable purchases by intervention group participants in the longitudinal analysis (β = 0.00; 95%CI -0.03, 0.09). This main effect was not modified by educational attainment (βgroup*higher education = -0.06; -0.40, 0.02), sex (βgroup*females = 0.13; -0.00, 0.61) nor age (βgroup*older adults = -0.05; -0.39, 0.02). Results from the cross-sectional analysis were comparable. Conclusions: This pooled analyses of four controlled trials did not find evidence supporting the hypothesis that grocery store nudge interventions of healthy foods work more effectively among groups experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Future studies are needed to address the identified limitations through rigorous trial design using comprehensive interventional strategies, standardised outcome measures, while also evaluating context-specific approaches. Such insights will help to better understand the equity of nudging interventions in grocery store settings and the potential for reducing diet-related health disparities. Trial registrations: The trial of Ayala et al. (2022) was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01475526; at 14 November 2011, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01475526), the of Huitink et al. (2020) was retrospectively registered in the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN39440735; at 5 September 2018, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN39440735), the of Vogel et al. (2024) was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03518151; at 24 April 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03518151), and finally of Stuber et al. (2024) was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (ID NL7064, at 30 May 2018, https://www.onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/20990). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, the utilization of data-driven insights plays a pivotal role in enhancing decisionmaking processes. This paper presents an advanced approach to the development and implementation of an interactive visualization system tailored specifically for the analysis of data within a supermarket store environment. In order to predict the sales of a business, an intelligent model was built using Linear Regression, LASSO Regression, and XGBoost techniques, which have been shown to be more effective than existing models. The proposed system integrates data pre-processing, feature engineering, and algorithmic enhancements to analyze customer behavior, sales trends, and inventory efficiency. Key performance metrics like RMSE and R-squared validate the efficacy of the models, highlighting the XGBoost algorithm's exceptional performance. This study aims to optimize decision-making in inventory management, marketing strategies, and sales forecasting, ensuring data-driven insights for improved supermarket operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of ill-health and death across Europe. In Ireland, dietary intakes of saturated fat, free sugar and salt exceed World Health Organization recommendations, and excess consumption follows a social gradient increasing population risk of diet-related NCDs. The retail food environment can influence consumer food choice and subsequent dietary intakes. In high income countries, supermarkets are an increasingly influential actor in consumer food availability, choice, purchase, and subsequent food intake. This study aims to assess the relative availability and prominence of healthy and unhealthy foods in Irish supermarkets, by area-level deprivation. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional study design, and applied a validated measure, as described in the INFORMAS Protocol: Food Retail – Food availability in supermarkets. Between October 2021 and February 2022, shelf space (m2) (height or depth (cm) × length (cm)) and prominence (visibility), of foods, classified as healthy and unhealthy and represented by a proxy indicator, were collected in supermarkets (n = 36) in County Dublin, Ireland. Overall the proportion of mean relative shelf space (m2), allocated to healthy and unhealthy foods, and its prominence, by area-level deprivation, and retailer, were determined. We used t-tests and one-way ANOVA to analyse possible differences between the proportion of relative shelf space available to healthy and unhealthy foods, and its prominence, by area-level deprivation and retailer. Results: The study found the proportion of shelf space measured allocated to unhealthy food was 68.0% (SD 10.6). Unhealthy foods were more likely to be in areas of high prominence. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference between the proportion of relative shelf space available to unhealthy foods in areas of high and low deprivation. A statistically significant difference in the proportion of relative shelf space allocated to healthy and unhealthy food by area level deprivation was found in one retailer. Conclusion: Unhealthy foods had a higher proportion of shelf space and were more prominent than healthy foods in supermarkets in County Dublin, Ireland. The current availability and prominence of foods in supermarkets does not align with Food Based Dietary Guideline recommendations and does not support consumers to make healthier food choices. There is a need for supermarkets in Ireland to improve the availability and prominence of healthy foods to support consumers to make healthier food choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supermarket circulars contribute to the consumer's food environment by promoting sales of specific foods. We used NOVA classification to classify products advertised on the first page of Bronx-based circulars for 12 weeks. In this classification, foods are assigned to one of the four groups, depending on the degree of processing. Of the 2,913 products, minimally processed NOVA1 foods were represented almost equally (43.4%, n = 1263) as NOVA4 ultra-processed foods (41.3%, n = 1203), with comparable circular space for both groups (T = 5.76, p >.05). Our results indicate that supermarkets in nutritionally compromised neighborhoods promote minimally processed, NOVA1 foods and such promotions must be leveraged to improve health outcomes in these communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of ill-health and death across Europe. In Ireland, dietary intakes of saturated fat, free sugar and salt exceed World Health Organization recommendations, and excess consumption follows a social gradient increasing population risk of diet-related NCDs. The retail food environment can influence consumer food choice and subsequent dietary intakes. In high income countries, supermarkets are an increasingly influential actor in consumer food availability, choice, purchase, and subsequent food intake. This study aims to assess the relative availability and prominence of healthy and unhealthy foods in Irish supermarkets, by area-level deprivation. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional study design, and applied a validated measure, as described in the INFORMAS Protocol: Food Retail – Food availability in supermarkets. Between October 2021 and February 2022, shelf space (m2) (height or depth (cm) × length (cm)) and prominence (visibility), of foods, classified as healthy and unhealthy and represented by a proxy indicator, were collected in supermarkets (n = 36) in County Dublin, Ireland. Overall the proportion of mean relative shelf space (m2), allocated to healthy and unhealthy foods, and its prominence, by area-level deprivation, and retailer, were determined. We used t-tests and one-way ANOVA to analyse possible differences between the proportion of relative shelf space available to healthy and unhealthy foods, and its prominence, by area-level deprivation and retailer. Results: The study found the proportion of shelf space measured allocated to unhealthy food was 68.0% (SD 10.6). Unhealthy foods were more likely to be in areas of high prominence. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference between the proportion of relative shelf space available to unhealthy foods in areas of high and low deprivation. A statistically significant difference in the proportion of relative shelf space allocated to healthy and unhealthy food by area level deprivation was found in one retailer. Conclusion: Unhealthy foods had a higher proportion of shelf space and were more prominent than healthy foods in supermarkets in County Dublin, Ireland. The current availability and prominence of foods in supermarkets does not align with Food Based Dietary Guideline recommendations and does not support consumers to make healthier food choices. There is a need for supermarkets in Ireland to improve the availability and prominence of healthy foods to support consumers to make healthier food choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, ten different cold thermal energy storage (CTES) scenarios were investigated using thermodynamic and economic analyses and compared to the direct cooling system in a supermarket. The energy analysis of CTES system was carried out to predict its behavior during the charging and discharging phases. The coefficient of performance (COP) of the chiller was determined for all CTES designs on an hourly basis, considering the ambient temperature profiles of the local climate. A daily energy analysis, and an annual savings analysis were conducted for the whole system. The daily electricity tariffs of CTES scenarios decreased compared to the direct cooling system as storage capacity increased, leading to higher annual profits and a reduction in the payback period. It was found that eliminating chiller operation during peak hours in all CTES designs increases system capacity and CTES volume, which in turn raises net energy consumption and initial capital costs. However, this approach results in significant annual savings, despite a rise in service costs, and remains more beneficial compared to running the chiller 24 h a day. Overall, the leveling storage off-peak mode proved to be the optimal CTES design, offering substantial annual savings and the shortest payback period of six years, without requiring significant modifications to the existing chiller plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When investigating supermarket refrigeration systems, it is essential to consider the refrigeration load as it directly affects the required compressor capacity and energy consumption. Therefore, it is important to have knowledge of the refrigeration load and its main influencing factors. Direct usage of data for the refrigeration load in a whole-year energy simulation can present significant challenges. This is partly due to long lead times for data collection and the challenges posed by missing data. As a result, often there is no complete data set of the refrigeration load for the whole-year. Therefore, a mathematical model can serve as a tool to interpolate and extrapolate the refrigeration load over the course of a year. The model is not intended for transfer to other locations. This paper begins with a overview of correlations found in the literature, followed by the development of an improved model that accounts for the impact of ambient temperature and time on the refrigeration load. Additionally, a novel approach using a neural network is proposed as a second model. Both models are then applied to data from three supermarkets in Europe and the model performance is evaluated. Both models performed acceptably in representing the refrigeration load of all three supermarkets. Especially including the influence of time of day into the first model significantly improves the prediction accuracy. The neural network has the highest prediction performance and can improve the prediction performance by 40% over the improved literature model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Healthy food nudges may be more, or especially, effective among groups experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. We investigated the modifying role of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics in the effectiveness of nudge interventions targeting healthy foods in real-world grocery store settings on food purchasing patterns. Methods We pooled individual participant data from multiple trials. Eligible trials were identified via a PubMed search and selected based on having a controlled real-world design, testing a nudging intervention promoting healthy purchases, while collecting participants’ sociodemographic and purchasing data. Out of four eligible trials, three had longitudinal measurements, one consisted of a single time point, two were randomised and two were not. Applied nudges consisted of a combination of placement nudges (focussing on availability or positioning) and property nudges (presentation and/or information). Harmonised data included dichotomised socioeconomic and demographic variables and the percentage of purchased fruits and vegetables of total purchases. Multilevel meta-regression based on linear mixed-effects models were used to explore modifying effects using two approaches: longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses. Results The analytical sample in the longitudinal analysis comprised of 638 participants, who were predominantly female (76.3%), had a lower education attainment (67.7%), and a mean age of 46.6 years (SD 13.5). These characteristics were similar in the cross-sectional analysis (n = 855). Compared to control group participants, there was no main effect of healthy food nudges on the percentage of fruit and vegetable purchases by intervention group participants in the longitudinal analysis (β = 0.00; 95%CI -0.03, 0.09). This main effect was not modified by educational attainment (βgroup*higher education = -0.06; -0.40, 0.02), sex (βgroup*females = 0.13; -0.00, 0.61) nor age (βgroup*older adults = -0.05; -0.39, 0.02). Results from the cross-sectional analysis were comparable. Conclusions This pooled analyses of four controlled trials did not find evidence supporting the hypothesis that grocery store nudge interventions of healthy foods work more effectively among groups experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Future studies are needed to address the identified limitations through rigorous trial design using comprehensive interventional strategies, standardised outcome measures, while also evaluating context-specific approaches. Such insights will help to better understand the equity of nudging interventions in grocery store settings and the potential for reducing diet-related health disparities. Trial registrations The trial of Ayala et al. (2022) was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01475526; at 14 November 2011, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01475526 ), the of Huitink et al. (2020) was retrospectively registered in the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN39440735; at 5 September 2018, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN39440735 ), the of Vogel et al. (2024) was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03518151; at 24 April 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03518151 ), and finally of Stuber et al. (2024) was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (ID NL7064, at 30 May 2018, https://www.onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/20990 ).

Abstract Background Diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of ill-health and death across Europe. In Ireland, dietary intakes of saturated fat, free sugar and salt exceed World Health Organization recommendations, and excess consumption follows a social gradient increasing population risk of diet-related NCDs. The retail food environment can influence consumer food choice and subsequent dietary intakes. In high income countries, supermarkets are an increasingly influential actor in consumer food availability, choice, purchase, and subsequent food intake. This study aims to assess the relative availability and prominence of healthy and unhealthy foods in Irish supermarkets, by area-level deprivation. Methods This study used a cross-sectional study design, and applied a validated measure, as described in the INFORMAS Protocol: Food Retail – Food availability in supermarkets. Between October 2021 and February 2022, shelf space (m2) (height or depth (cm) × length (cm)) and prominence (visibility), of foods, classified as healthy and unhealthy and represented by a proxy indicator, were collected in supermarkets (n = 36) in County Dublin, Ireland. Overall the proportion of mean relative shelf space (m2), allocated to healthy and unhealthy foods, and its prominence, by area-level deprivation, and retailer, were determined. We used t-tests and one-way ANOVA to analyse possible differences between the proportion of relative shelf space available to healthy and unhealthy foods, and its prominence, by area-level deprivation and retailer. Results The study found the proportion of shelf space measured allocated to unhealthy food was 68.0% (SD 10.6). Unhealthy foods were more likely to be in areas of high prominence. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference between the proportion of relative shelf space available to unhealthy foods in areas of high and low deprivation. A statistically significant difference in the proportion of relative shelf space allocated to healthy and unhealthy food by area level deprivation was found in one retailer. Conclusion Unhealthy foods had a higher proportion of shelf space and were more prominent than healthy foods in supermarkets in County Dublin, Ireland. The current availability and prominence of foods in supermarkets does not align with Food Based Dietary Guideline recommendations and does not support consumers to make healthier food choices. There is a need for supermarkets in Ireland to improve the availability and prominence of healthy foods to support consumers to make healthier food choices.

Abstract Background Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most widespread bacterial pathogens in animals and humans, and its role as an important causative agent of food poisoning is well-documented. The aim of this study was to highlight and characterize the resistance patterns of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in charcuterie products sold in selected supermarkets (SM) in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Methods In this study, 72 samples including ham (n = 19), merguez (n = 22), sausage (n = 15) and minced meat (n = 16) were collected from 3 supermarkets. Standard microbiology methods were utilised to characterise S. aureus isolates. Phenotypic resistance patterns were investigated using the disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. Genotypic testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on the isolates to detect the 16S-23S gene. Using specific primers, the following genes PVL, TSST-1, mecA, gyrA, gyrB, qnrA, intI1 and aac(6’)-Ib-cr were identified from purified DNA by PCR. Results Among the 72 ready-to-eat food samples, S. aureus was present in 51, (70.83%). The yield was highest in both the ham and merguez food products, 15/51 (29.41%) each, followed by minced meat 12/51 (23.53%) and sausage 9/51 (17.65%). A total of 35 isolates (68.63%) were confirmed as S. aureus after molecular characterization using 16–23 S primers with 05 (14.29%) strains identified as MRSA. All of the MRSA and majority of the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolates were resistant to penicillin G, ampicillin, tetracycline and erythromycin, whereas one isolate from minced meat was found in SM3-harbouring PVL, TSST-1, mecA, gyrA, gyrB and Int1 genes. Conclusions Our study revealed a high prevalence of S. aureus in chacuterie products in Bobo-Dioulasso with antimicrobial profiles that show resistance to most antibiotics. These findings should inform and augment efforts to raise awareness among local supermarket owners on adequate food manufacturing practices as well as promoting food safety and hygiene.

Aim Methods Results Conclusions This cross‐sectional study aims to explore the nutritional composition, cost, country of origin and fortification status of plant‐based milk products available for purchase in Illawarra supermarkets and make various comparisons between types of plant‐based milks and cow's milk.Plant‐based milk information was collected from nutrition information panels on packaging and manufacturer websites. Product ingredient lists, including fortifiers, were analysed to estimate the nutrient composition of the identified plant‐based milks, including nutrients beyond those listed by manufacturers. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the characteristics of the plant‐based milks identified in the audit. For non‐normally distributed data, a Kruskal–Wallis H test with pairwise multiple comparisons and a Bonferroni adjustment were undertaken to explore the differences between various types of plant‐based milk and cow's milk.One hundred twenty‐nine plant‐based milk products were identified in the audit, primarily almond, oat and soy‐based beverages. Of these, 80.6% were fortified with calcium; however, fortification with other micronutrients was less common, ranging from 27.1% being fortified with vitamin B12 and 3.1% being fortified with iodine. The median plant‐based milk cost was AU$3.5/L (Q1–Q3: AU$2.8–4.5/L) and 87.6% of products were Australian made. Overall, particularly due to low fortification rates, plant‐based milks identified in the audit had significantly lower levels of protein, sugar, iodine, phosphorus, zinc and vitamins A, B2 and B12 compared to cow's milk. However, there was no significant difference in protein content between soy milk and cow's milk.The nutritional content of plant‐based milks identified in this audit varied, and in most instances, Australian plant‐based milks were found to be nutritionally different to cow's milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eating habits established during the preschool stage may last a lifetime, underlining the importance of choosing and purchasing healthy foods for proper nutrition. Aim: To assess the associations between place of food purchase and dietary intake and quality in Spanish preschool children. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out within the framework of the SEguimiento del Niño para un Desarrollo Óptimo (SENDO) project. Data were collected using (1) the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), from which dietary nutrient intake and diet quality (NOVA System classification and KIDMED index) were analysed, and (2) the baseline food habits questionnaire, which asked about the food purchase outlet. Data were analysed by logistic regression, considering the intra-group correlation between siblings and using the type of food purchase outlet as a grouping variable. Results: Children from families shopping in hypermarkets consumed fewer nutrients, less minimally processed foods, as well as less fruit and vegetables than children from families shopping in specialised shops. Conclusions: Food shopping in specialised outlets can improve the quality of children's diets, promoting healthier habits such as greater adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and increasing the consumption of minimally processed foods. This has a positive impact on children's long-term health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most widespread bacterial pathogens in animals and humans, and its role as an important causative agent of food poisoning is well-documented. The aim of this study was to highlight and characterize the resistance patterns of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in charcuterie products sold in selected supermarkets (SM) in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Methods: In this study, 72 samples including ham (n = 19), merguez (n = 22), sausage (n = 15) and minced meat (n = 16) were collected from 3 supermarkets. Standard microbiology methods were utilised to characterise S. aureus isolates. Phenotypic resistance patterns were investigated using the disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. Genotypic testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on the isolates to detect the 16S-23S gene. Using specific primers, the following genes PVL, TSST-1, mecA, gyrA, gyrB, qnrA, intI1 and aac(6')-Ib-cr were identified from purified DNA by PCR. Results: Among the 72 ready-to-eat food samples, S. aureus was present in 51, (70.83%). The yield was highest in both the ham and merguez food products, 15/51 (29.41%) each, followed by minced meat 12/51 (23.53%) and sausage 9/51 (17.65%). A total of 35 isolates (68.63%) were confirmed as S. aureus after molecular characterization using 16–23 S primers with 05 (14.29%) strains identified as MRSA. All of the MRSA and majority of the methicillin-sensitive S.aureus (MSSA) isolates were resistant to penicillin G, ampicillin, tetracycline and erythromycin, whereas one isolate from minced meat was found in SM3-harbouring PVL, TSST-1, mecA, gyrA, gyrB and Int1 genes. Conclusions: Our study revealed a high prevalence of S. aureus in chacuterie products in Bobo-Dioulasso with antimicrobial profiles that show resistance to most antibiotics. These findings should inform and augment efforts to raise awareness among local supermarket owners on adequate food manufacturing practices as well as promoting food safety and hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Dietary changes are necessary to improve population health and meet environmental sustainability targets. Here we analyse the impact of promotional activities implemented in UK supermarkets on purchases of healthier and more sustainable foods. Methods Three natural experiments examined the impact of promotional activities on sales of a) no-added-sugar (NAS) plant-based milk (in 199 stores), b) products promoted during ‘Veganuary’ (in 96 stores), and c) seasonal fruit (in 100 non-randomised intervention and 100 matched control stores). Data were provided on store-level product sales, in units sold and monetary value (£), aggregated weekly. Predominant socioeconomic position (SEP) of the store population was provided by the retailer. Analyses used interrupted time series and multivariable hierarchical mixed-effects models. Results Sales of both promoted and total NAS plant-based milks increased significantly during the promotional period (Promoted:+126 units, 95%CI: 105–148; Overall:+307 units, 95%CI: 264–349). The increase was greater in stores with predominately low SEP shoppers. During Veganuary, sales increased significantly for plant-based foods on promotion (+60 units, 95%CI: 37–84), but not for sales of plant-based foods overall (dairy alternatives: -1131 units, 95%CI: -5821–3559; meat alternatives: 1403 units, 95%CI: -749–3554). There was no evidence of a change in weekly sales of promoted seasonal fruit products (assessed via ratio change in units sold: 0.01, 95%CI: 0.00–0.02), and overall fruit category sales slightly decreased in intervention stores relative to control (ratio change in units sold: -0.01, 95%CI: -0.01–0.00). Conclusion During promotional campaigns there was evidence that sales of plant-based products increased, but not seasonal fruits. There was no evidence for any sustained change beyond the intervention period.

This essay argues that the supermarket partakes in the reification of the nuclear family form. The supermarket is a ubiquitous food space, shaping subjectivity through the ordinary aspects of everyday life. The ubiquity of this space obscures the historical nature of the nuclear family, presenting it instead as the natural and necessary structure of kin relations. I begin with a discussion of Georg Lukács’ account of reification, examining the ways reification thus theorized reveals the reifying force of the supermarket. I then make an intervention into Lukács’ notion of reification, attending to the ways domestic labor, procreation, the production of labor power, and the home as the center of consumption support the reification of the nuclear family both in and outside of the supermarket. In conclusion, this analysis points to the connections between the supermarket, the nuclear family form, and the production of climate chaos to argue that reconfigurations of family and food relations are necessary in the face of ongoing and proliferating climate-related crises.

The increasing population growth in Indonesia also affects the need for a comfortable and safe shopping place. The increasing number of consumers at the same time causes lines, especially in the payment section. The purpose of this research is to try to develop a cashier with a self-service method to help speed up the payment process and reduce lines. This research uses a GM66 scanner to scan barcodes on product items to be purchased. While the 3200-DB TCS Sensor is used to detect the nominal money paid. Information on the price of goods that have been scanned is displayed on the LCD screen. After payment is complete, the shopping receipt will be printed. In the results of this study, a tool was obtained that can be used to automatically sum up the price of groceries. Additionally, this tool can also facilitate transactions for payment of groceries. However, in this study, the new payment transaction process can only use $50 bills, and there is no system for returning change.

Background: Dietary changes are necessary to improve population health and meet environmental sustainability targets. Here we analyse the impact of promotional activities implemented in UK supermarkets on purchases of healthier and more sustainable foods. Methods: Three natural experiments examined the impact of promotional activities on sales of a) no-added-sugar (NAS) plant-based milk (in 199 stores), b) products promoted during 'Veganuary' (in 96 stores), and c) seasonal fruit (in 100 non-randomised intervention and 100 matched control stores). Data were provided on store-level product sales, in units sold and monetary value (£), aggregated weekly. Predominant socioeconomic position (SEP) of the store population was provided by the retailer. Analyses used interrupted time series and multivariable hierarchical mixed-effects models. Results: Sales of both promoted and total NAS plant-based milks increased significantly during the promotional period (Promoted:+126 units, 95%CI: 105–148; Overall:+307 units, 95%CI: 264–349). The increase was greater in stores with predominately low SEP shoppers. During Veganuary, sales increased significantly for plant-based foods on promotion (+60 units, 95%CI: 37–84), but not for sales of plant-based foods overall (dairy alternatives: -1131 units, 95%CI: -5821–3559; meat alternatives: 1403 units, 95%CI: -749–3554). There was no evidence of a change in weekly sales of promoted seasonal fruit products (assessed via ratio change in units sold: 0.01, 95%CI: 0.00–0.02), and overall fruit category sales slightly decreased in intervention stores relative to control (ratio change in units sold: -0.01, 95%CI: -0.01–0.00). Conclusion: During promotional campaigns there was evidence that sales of plant-based products increased, but not seasonal fruits. There was no evidence for any sustained change beyond the intervention period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases; however, only one in 16 Australian adults consume F&Vs at the recommended two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables per day. What and how much people eat is influenced by their social and physical environments. Supermarkets are a key setting influencing food purchases, and as such, they can shape consumption patterns of F&Vs. Implementing effective strategies to increase F&V intake is crucial. The objective of this research was to test the feasibility of modifying shopper purchasing behaviour to purchase more F&Vs using the Australian Dietary Guidelines 2&5 education message covering one‐half of the base of shopping trolleys. Placards giving the message that eating 2 fruits and 5 vegetables every day for good health were placed at the base of shopping trolleys as an educational nudge. Applying an intervention research design, 30 out of ~100 trolleys were fitted with the placards and shopper purchases were measured by collecting paper sales receipts to measure the weight (kg), total spending and F&V‐specific spending (Australian dollars) for intervention versus control trolleys for one Saturday. We also conducted a short intercept survey that was administered independently from the research study day on non‐trial shoppers. Shoppers who selected trolleys with the 2&5 education nudge placards (n = 101) purchased 1.66 kg less weight of F&Vs (Intervention: mean = 3.89 kg, SD = 3.40 kg, 95% CI = 3.21 kg, 4.56 kg, vs. Control: mean 5.55 kg, SD = 4.16 kg, 95% CI = 4.73 kg, 6.37 kg, p = 0.002) and spent less on F&Vs compared to shoppers in the control group (n = 102; Intervention: mean = $26.00, SD = $21.60, 95% CI = $21.78, $30.32 vs. Control: mean $36.00, SD = $27.00, 95% CI = $30.72, $42.36, p = 0.004). Intervention group shoppers also spent less in total spending between groups (Intervention: mean = $115.40, SD = $68.30, 95% CI = $101.95, $128.95 vs. Control: mean $151.30, SD = $79.40, 95% CI = $135.73, $166.93, p = 0.001). The 2&5 education nudge placard had the opposite effect as intended on shoppers' purchases to buy more F&Vs, although there may have been other differences between the intervention and the control groups since they were not randomised. Larger studies are required to elucidate and confirm these findings over the longer term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, food safety is an important predictor of consumer attitude when purchasing fish. This paper explores factors affecting the choice of retail markets and consumers' Willingness to Pay (WTP) for safe fish in Bangladesh. Cross-sectional data were collected through a consumer survey (n = 420) in two major cities. Factor analysis, multinomial logit model, and log-linear regression were employed to investigate the latent structure of a set of variables; assess factors affecting consumers' WTP and their choices of retail markets for safe fish. The study outcomes demonstrate that consumers perceived the production method as the more influential attribute in choosing safe fish, and their WTP for production method is higher than for safety claims. High earners and female customers with a heightened safety awareness have the strongest preference for safe fish from supermarkets. In contrast, low-income consumers only are more likely to buy safe fish at wet markets. For a high-income level, the presence of a minor in the family, a low number of family members, willingness to join an Environmental Club, and a positive attitude toward attributes substantially influence consumers' WTP for safe fish positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Few studies have investigated the relationship between the food and physical activity environment and odds of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study quantifies the association between densities of several types of food establishments and fitness centers with the odds of having GDM. Methods: The density of supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, full-service restaurants, convenience stores and fitness centers at 500, 1000 and 1500 m (m) buffers was counted at residential addresses of 68,779 pregnant individuals from Eastern Massachusetts during 2000–2016. The ‘healthy food index’ assessed the relative availability of healthy (supermarkets) vs unhealthy (fast-food restaurants, convenience stores) food retailers. Multivariable logistic regression quantified the cross-sectional association between exposure variables and the odds of having GDM, adjusting for individual and area-level characteristics. Effect modification by area-level socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed. Findings: In fully adjusted models, pregnant individuals living in the highest density tertile of fast-food restaurants had higher GDM odds compared to those living in the lowest density tertile (500 m: odds ratio (OR):1.17 95% CI: [1.04, 1.31]; 1000 m: 1.33 95% CI: [1.15, 1.53]); 1500 m: 1.18 95% CI: [1.01, 1.38]). Greater residential density of supermarkets was associated with lower odds of GDM (1000 m: 0.86 95% CI: [0.74, 0.99]; 1500 m: 0.86 95% CI: [0.72, 1.01]). Similarly, living in the highest fitness center density tertile was associated with decreased GDM odds (500 m:0.87 95% CI: [0.76, 0.99]; 1500 m: 0.89 95% CI: [0.79, 1.01]). There was no evidence of effect modification by SES and no association found between the healthy food index and GDM odds. Interpretation: In Eastern Massachusetts, living near a greater density of fast-food establishments was associated with higher GDM odds. Greater residential access to supermarkets and fitness centers was associated with lower the odds of having GDM. Funding: NIH.

Economic conditions may significantly affect households' shopping behavior and, by extension, retailers' and manufacturers' firm performance. By explicitly distinguishing between two basic types of economic conditions—micro conditions, in terms of households' personal income, and macro conditions, in terms of the business cycle—this study analyzes how households adjust their grocery shopping behavior. The authors observe more than 5,000 households over eight years and analyze shopping outcomes in terms of what, where, and how much they shop and spend. Results show that micro and macro conditions substantially influence shopping outcomes, but in very different ways. Microeconomic changes lead households to adjust primarily their overall purchase volume—that is, after losing income, households buy fewer products and spend less in total. In contrast, macroeconomic changes cause pronounced structural shifts in households' shopping basket allocation and spending behavior. Specifically, during contractions, households shift purchases toward private labels while also buying and consequently spending more than during expansions. During expansions, however, households increasingly purchase national brands but keep their total spending constant. The authors discuss psychological and sociological mechanisms that can explain the differential effects of micro and macro conditions on shopping behavior and develop important diagnostic and normative implications for retailers and manufacturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, commercial buildings have turned to installing their own hybrid power plants to reduce extremely high energy costs. Arguments such as the efficiency of producing electricity where it is consumed, and government incentives also supported this process. The most common applications are power plants where one or more of cogeneration, trigeneration and solar panels are used together. However, for these advantages to emerge, the capacity of the hybrid power plant must be determined correctly, and the generated power must exactly match the consumed power. Achieving this is possible by knowing exactly the power consumption profile of the business. Businesses are only aware of monthly consumption information in kWh and only the mean consumption value can be calculated from this value. However, to accurately determine the power plant power to be installed, it is necessary to know the maximum and minimum power consumption values and the duration of these consumptions rather than the mean consumption. In this study, power consumption profiles that can be used as a reference in similar applications were presented for three different commercial buildings consisting of a supermarket, stores section and plaza. For these buildings, for which only monthly energy consumption values are known, the maximum and minimum power consumption values were expressed with mathematical models with the help of meteorological data such as monthly mean temperature and sunshine duration. R-square values obtained were found to be 0.99 for the supermarket, 0.97 for the plaza and 0.99 for stores sections. These high regression values show the reliability of the model and the accuracy of energy consumption predictions and can be used to estimate the energy consumption of similar commercial buildings and determine the capacity of hybrid power plants to be installed. In this way, no time would be wasted waiting for measurements to be taken to obtain the power consumption profile.

Abstract Background Food retailers can be reluctant to initiate healthy food retail activities in the face of a complex set of interrelated drivers that impact the retail environment. The Systems Thinking Approach for Retail Transformation (START) is a determinants framework created using qualitative systems modelling to guide healthy food retail interventions in community-based, health-promoting settings. We aimed to test the applicability of the START map to a suite of distinct healthy food marketing and promotion activities that formed an intervention in a grocery setting in regional Victoria, Australia. Methods A secondary analysis was undertaken of 16 previously completed semi-structured interviews with independent grocery retailers and stakeholders. Interviews were deductively coded against the existing START framework, whilst allowing for new grocery-setting specific factors to be identified. New factors and relationships were used to build causal loop diagrams and extend the original START systems map using Vensim. Results A version of the START map including aspects relevant to the grocery setting was developed (“START-G”). In both health-promoting and grocery settings, it was important for retailers to ‘Get Started’ with healthy food retail interventions that were supported by a proof-of-concept and ‘Focus on the customer’ response (with grocery-settings focused on monitoring sales data). New factors and relationships described perceived difficulties associated with disrupting a grocery-setting ‘Supply-side status quo’ that promotes less healthy food and beverage options. Yet, most grocery retailers discussed relationships that highlighted the potential for ‘Healthy food as innovation’ and ‘Supporting cultural change through corporate social responsibility and leadership’. Conclusions Several differences were found when implementing healthy food retail in grocery compared to health promotion settings. The START-G map offers preliminary guidance for identifying and addressing commercial interests in grocery settings that currently promote less healthy foods and beverages, including by starting to address business outcomes and supplier relationships.

In this paper, the increase in online grocery ordering in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic is examined, and a prediction is made that is opposed to the balance of opinion expressed online. In their online comments, most practitioners claim that the increased use of the Internet for ordering groceries for home delivery will be sustained and will continue to grow after the risk of disease has subsided. Given the pattern of consumer behaviour in another field, discount purchasing, it seems more likely that online grocery ordering will fall back and then continue to grow at a modest pace, as it did before the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As demand for rapid grocery delivery surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia's supermarket duopoly set about transforming relations of labour, technology and logistics to secure dominance in the growing sector. I consider the rise of 'dark jobs' of the supermarket and what this means for affected workers. My research encompasses in-depth interviews with 17 supermarket workers, including personal shoppers and dark store workers. I also draw upon corporate documents and media statements released during the pandemic, as well as insights gleaned through my work within Australia's union movement. I argue that the transformations underway result in three major developments. First, the intensification of supermarket work to adhere to the temporal logics of the on-demand economy, enabled by the increasing use of digital devices. Second, the absorption of precarious workers via digital labour platforms into the traditional firm which may undermine existing job security. Third, a blurring distinction between retail and logistical spaces with consequences for union representation that may erode workplace conditions. Taken together, the supermarket becomes a powerful testing ground in which the logics of on-demand platforms are transforming conventional employment settings and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legal restrictions on high-GWP refrigerants lead to the widespread use of carbon dioxide in commercial refrigeration, where there is a high energy consumption. Although CO2 has many benefits, its lower critical temperature and higher operation pressure compared to other refrigerants lead to performance reduction. For this reason, studies have been conducted by researchers for performance enhancement. This paper presents energy, environmental impact, and exergoeconomic (3E) analysis of transcritical CO2 booster and parallel compression supermarket refrigeration cycles based on meteorological data of 11 provinces in Türkiye as samples of different climatic regions. Parallel compression cycle achieved up to 18.4% higher coefficient of performance than booster cycle between the investigated ambient temperatures. Up to 5.6% annual energy consumption and environmental impact reduction were obtained using parallel compression. Unit product costs of the parallel compression cycles were calculated between 8.2% and 18% lower than booster cycle in investigated provinces. Developing energy-efficient systems that use environmentally friendly refrigerants will contribute to a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Der Artikel geht Rekonfigurationen des Supermarkts als zentralem (halb-)öffentlichen Bezugspunkt der Alltagspraxis im Zuge der Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Verbreitung des Corona-Virus im Frühjahr 2020 nach. Das Hereinbrechen der Pandemie hat öffentliche Räume nicht nur aufgrund der permanenten Konfrontation mit dem Ansteckungsrisiko mit dem Virus verändert, sondern auch affektive Ansteckungsdynamiken freigesetzt, die im Raum des Supermarktes besonderen Niederschlag fanden. Im Anschluss an die Arbeiten Gabriel Tardes untersucht der Artikel mit einer Heuristik der Ansteckung leitfadengestützte Interviews und arbeitet heraus, in welchen Weisen der Supermarkt nicht nur durch Covid-19, sondern auch durch sozial konstituierende und zirkulierende Affekte zu einem pandemischen Raum wurde. Die Atmosphäre des Supermarkts als intensivem, pandemischem Raum charakterisiert der Artikel als ‚unheimlich' und geprägt von Angespanntheit, gesteigerter sozialer Kontrolle und Gefühlen des Eingeschlossenseins. In einem Ausblick geben wir zu bedenken, dass das Ansteckungsgeschehen mit sozialen Ungleichheiten verwoben ist, was sich mit dem Konzept der affektiven Disposition weiter bestimmen ließe. The article explores reconfigurations of the supermarket as an important (semi-)public place of everyday practice following the measures taken to contain the spread of the coronavirus in spring 2020 in Germany. The onset of the pandemic has not only transformed public spaces due to permanent confrontations with the risk of infection with the virus, but initiated affective dynamics of contagion that found particular expression in the space of the supermarket. Following Gabriel Tarde, the article uses a heuristic of contagion to examine semi-structured interviews. It analyzes the ways in which the supermarket became a pandemic space not only through Covid-19, but also through socially constitutive and circulating affects. The atmosphere of the supermarket is characterized as an intense, 'uncanny' pandemic space that is defined by tension, increased social control and feelings of confinement. Processes of affective contagion – the text suggests prospectively – are also interwoven with social inequalities, which can be further analyzed with the concept of affective disposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research brings together insights from philosophy, political theory, and consumer research in conceptualizing and empirically examining the social dimension of negative and positive freedom in consumption. Drawing from ethnographic observations and interviews with Moroccan women regarding their shopping at the supermarket, the findings detail the roles of husbands, store employees, extended family members and friends as constrainer, protector, enabler, facilitator, indulger, and witness. The discussion explains a 'domino effect' in such innovative marketplaces, as these market and social actors together enact positive and negative forms of freedom in consumption in ways that co-disrupt social traditions. Implications for business ethics emphasize the need for greater theoretical understanding and practical transparency and accountability regarding the shared, yet disparate responsibilities among businesses and consumers for the changes to social traditions that result in the joint enactment of women's freedom in consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer simulations used to study food purchasing behavior can be separated into low immersion virtual environments (LIVE), which use personal computers and standard monitors to display a scene, and high immersion virtual environments (HIVE) which use virtual reality technology such as head-mounted displays to display a scene. These methods may differ in their ability to create feelings of presence or cybersickness that would influence the usefulness of these approaches. In this present study, thirty-one adults experienced a virtual supermarket or fast-food restaurant using a LIVE system or a HIVE system. Feelings of presence and cybersickness were measured using questionnaires or physiological responses (heart rate and electrodermal activity). The participants were also asked to rate their ability to complete the set task. The results of this study indicate that participants reported a higher sense of presence in the HIVE scenes as compared to the LIVE scenes (p < 0.05). The participant's heart rate and electrodermal activity were significantly higher in the HIVE scene treatment when compared to the LIVE scene (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the participant's ability to complete tasks in the different scenes. In addition, feelings of cybersickness were not different between the HIVE and LIVE scenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intense competition in many sectors in recent years has led businesses to seek process improvement methods. While businesses that desire to be ahead of their competitors often try to reduce costs by improving operations in production, they focus on customer satisfaction in the service sector. Increasing customer satisfaction is quite significant because it not only ensures customer loyalty but also increases the number of customers. The Six Sigma method is mostly preferred by large corporate companies. However, in this study, a simple framework is proposed for businesses whose resources are not very large. To this end, the Six Sigma method was implemented to reduce product returns from corporate customers in a large-scale supermarket in Şanlıurfa. The potential causes of defects were determined by following the steps involved in the Six Sigma method, and the collected data were analyzed. By analyzing the collected data covering the reasons for product returns, the factors that came to the fore were matched with the potential causes determined by brainstorming. The two root causes deeply that affected the product returns from corporate customers were the insufficient training of the staff taking the orders and the lack of an order form. These two root causes accounted for 61% of the total product returns. Then some improvement actions were taken to reduce the product returns, and a monitoring system was established to ensure sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Itobiad: Journal of the Human & Social Science Researches / İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi is the property of Itobiad: Journal of the Human & Social Science Researches and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Journal of Management Studies is the property of Czestochowa University of Technology, Faculty of Management and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BackgroundGrowing evidence suggests that it is possible to change the retail food environment to enable healthier choices via in-store interventions. It has been difficult to draw clear conclusions as to which interventions are most effective in positively influencing consumer purchasing behaviour given the significant heterogeneity within the food retail research literature. The aim of this study was to (1) summarise current high-quality systematic, scoping, and/or narrative reviews (Part I: overview of reviews); and (2) synthesise high-quality original research, to understand the range, types and effectiveness of strategies implemented in food retail settings (Part II: evaluation of primary studies).MethodsTo identify reviews describing the effects of intervention strategies aiming to improve the healthiness of consumer purchasing in supermarkets, a systematic search across seven electronic databases was completed in April 2023. The methodological quality of reviews was assessed using the risk of bias in systematic reviews for systematic and scoping reviews, and the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles for narrative reviews. High-quality reviews were further inspected and synthesised narratively (Part I). Next, to understand strategies associated with improved healthiness of consumer purchasing high-quality, primary articles from high-quality reviews identified in Part I were retrieved, and the strategies implemented within these interventions were summarised (Part II).ResultsThirty-eight reviews met the inclusion criteria for Part I; two-thirds (n = 25, 66%) were rated as high-quality (66%). These reviews indicated that pricing strategies had the greatest proportion of reported positive or promising effects on outcomes (n = 8 of 11 reviews, 73%). Twenty reviews met the inclusion criteria for Part II and the 771 primary articles from these reviews were screened with 23 high-quality primary articles included in analysis. Findings indicated that promotional strategies in combination with another strategy appeared to be most successful among regular shoppers (the general population), whereas pricing was most successful in low socio-economic status and rural sub-groups.ConclusionPromotion, pricing and prompting were the most commonly tested strategies across the overview of reviews and review of primary articles. Promotion, in combination with other strategies, and pricing appear to be most promising, but the effectiveness of pricing strategies may vary by sub-groups of the population. How pricing and promotion in combination with other strategies can be implemented responsibly and sustainably to change purchase habits towards healthier items should be explored further.Systematic Review registrationOSF, https://osf.io/jyg73/.

ABSTRACT Purpose To address the paucity and potential of context-based prospective memory (PM) assessment tasks suitable to Indian ethnicity, the study aimed to develop a novel context-based PM task and determine its psychometric properties among neurotypical adults. Methods Rendered images in 2-D were extracted from a 3-D shopping mall, where PM and ongoing tasks were embedded within them to provide participants with a semi-immersive experience. The design and scoring of the novel task were constructed in alignment with the Memory for Intentions Screening Test. Fifty neurotypical adults in and around Mangaluru were recruited. The Memory of Intentions Test (MIST) and novel context-based PM task were administered. Results The validity of the novel task was established with a Content Validity Index of 0.98. The intraclass correlation for the test-retest reliability of the novel context-based PM task was 0.92 (p

Disinfectants purchased from retail outlets form the cornerstone of infection control and prevention within the domestic household. The growing utilisation of the concept of “hospital-at-home” places greater emphasis on domestic disinfection by the householder in helping to prevent the acquisition of infections within the home. No reports or data exist that indicate how readable the information provided on disinfectants is, which would help householders use disinfectants optimally. The aim of this study was therefore to quantitatively examine the readability (Flesch Reading Ease; Flesch–Kinkaid Grade Level; text metrics) of consumer (public)-facing information (n = 108) of domestic household disinfectants sourced from (i) UK high street supermarket chains (n = 4) and (ii) disinfectant manufacturers (n = 6). The readability of all supermarket and manufacturer information (n = 108) gave a mean Flesch Reading Ease score of 51.7 (target ≥ 60) and a Flesch–Kinkaid Grade Level score of 8.1 (target ≤ 8), thereby failing to achieve readability reference target values. Authors preparing information on the domestic use of disinfectants should be aware of the value of quantitative readability metrics and online tools to help support their writing of such information in order to produce materials which are within target readability values, thereby further supporting health literacy in this population and disinfectant efficacy.

Abstract Objective: Scalable methods are required for population dietary monitoring. The Supermarket Transaction Records In Dietary Evaluation (STRIDE) study compares dietary estimates from supermarket transactions with an online FFQ. Design: Participants were recruited in four waves, accounting for seasonal dietary variation. Purchases were collected for 1 year during and 1 year prior to the study. Bland–Altman agreement and limits of agreement (LoA) were calculated for energy, sugar, fat, saturated fat, protein and sodium (absolute and relative). Setting: This study was partnered with a large UK retailer. Participants: Totally, 1788 participants from four UK regions were recruited from the retailer’s loyalty card customer database, according to breadth and frequency of purchases. Six hundred and eighty-six participants were included for analysis. Results: The analysis sample were mostly female (72 %), with a mean age of 56 years (sd 13). The ratio of purchases to intakes varied depending on amounts purchased and consumed; purchases under-estimated intakes for smaller amounts on average, but over-estimated for larger amounts. For absolute measures, the LoA across households were wide, for example, for energy intake of 2000 kcal, purchases could under- or over-estimate intake by a factor of 5; values could be between 400 kcal and 10000 kcal. LoA for relative (energy-adjusted) estimates were smaller, for example, for 14 % of total energy from saturated fat, purchase estimates may be between 7 % and 27 %. Conclusions: Agreement between purchases and intake was highly variable, strongest for smaller loyal households and for relative values. For some customers, relative nutrient purchases are a reasonable proxy for dietary composition indicating utility in population-level dietary research.

Coupling energy and transport sectors is critical for optimum utilization of renewable energy. The present work proposes a grid-connected photovoltaic/wind/battery hybrid power system to generate electricity for supermarkets. The supermarkets are located at three geographically distinct cities in Morocco and integrate electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their parking areas. HOMER grid software is used for the optimal design of the proposed hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) with an accurate utility tariff corresponding to the Moroccan scenario. Dakhla, which is a high windy site, is found to be the best implementation site with maximum renewable energy fraction (REF), minimum COE and operating costs of 71.66%, 0.0841 $/kWh, and 0.124 M$/year, respectively. The optimal grid-connected system consisted of 107 kW pof PV, 300 kW of wind, 12 batteries, and 65 kW capacity inverter for Dakhla site. The next identified best site is Casablanca while Fez remained at third place based on COE and annual operating costs. At all of these sites, the EV charging process is achieved, almost completely, with 7300 charging sessions annually. A series of sensitivity analyses is performed based on supermarket energy intensity, renewable energy availability, and carbon pricing and impact on the viability of HRES was evidenced.