scholarly journals Co-ops 2.0: Alternative Retail Strategies to Support a Sustainable Transition in Food Retailing

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen Schulze ◽  
Achim Spiller ◽  
Antje Risius
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Food Delivery ◽  
High Price ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Food Retailing ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Quality Differentiation ◽  
Business Structures ◽  
Cooperative Marketing

While modern food retailing is characterized by high price pressure and low-quality differentiation resulting in a limited supply of sustainably produced alternative food products, cooperative retailing structures offer additional synergies in terms of logistics and operations that hold great potential to support the expansion of sustainable produce. Many retailers in Germany are organized in cooperatives of sufficient size to generate large-scale effects while still allowing individual retailers to pursue independent business structures. Cooperatives targeted to elaborate on collectivity operate a business. In economic terms this means that scale effects are used to elaborate and help single business. In the food sector cooperative structures in Germany provide a substantial impact in food delivery and provision, especially fresh foods are very sensitive and need fast circulation. Sourcing sustainable, local and regional foods are often produced (or rather crafted) in small scale entities. This paper asks the question of how and whether cooperative marketing structures help to deliver and use scale effects of larger entities, while still collaboratively encouraging food marketing. Accordingly, this paper reports on an investigation of the main challenges faced by members of a large-scale cooperative in retailing sustainably produced products and the motives of these retailers in choosing whether or not to sell such products. Taking the case of grass-fed beef sold by retailers within a large German cooperative, the study reveals that some of the obstacles to selling this sustainable product are comparable to challenges typically encountered in other retailing channels beyond cooperative structures. However, we also find that the flexibility of the cooperative structure enables individual retailers to bring their intrinsic motivation into (sustainable) action in the marketplace while taking advantage of the support offered by the cooperative in terms of marketing and consultation, etc. This analysis confirms that personal motivation within this cooperative structure is a strong determinant for individual retailers to pursue different pathways for the marketing and sale of sustainably produced food.

scholarly journals Micromechanical study of potential scale effects in small-scale modelling of sinker tree roots

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingyu Zhang ◽  
◽  
Matteo Ciantia ◽  
Jonathan Knappett ◽  
Anthony Leung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Distinct Element ◽  
Scaling Law ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Tree Roots ◽  
Scale Modelling ◽  
Element Method

When testing an 1:N geotechnical structure in the centrifuge, it is desirable to choose a large scale factor (N) that can fit the small-scale model in a model container and avoid unwanted boundary effects, however, this in turn may cause scale effects when the structure is overscaled. This is more significant when it comes to small-scale modelling of sinker root-soil interaction, where root-particle size ratio is much lower. In this study the Distinct Element Method (DEM) is used to investigate this problem. The sinker root of a model root system under axial loading was analysed, with both upward and downward behaviour compared with the Finite Element Method (FEM), where the soil is modelled as a continuum in which case particle-size effects are not taken into consideration. Based on the scaling law, with the same prototype scale and particle size distribution, different scale factors/g-levels were applied to quantify effects of the ratio of root diameter (𝑑𝑟) to mean particle size (𝐷50) on the root rootsoil interaction.

scholarly journals LARGE VERIFICATION TESTS ON ROCK SLOPE STABILITY

1988 ◽  
Vol 1 (21) ◽  
pp. 157
Author(s):  
J.W. Van der Meer ◽  
K.W. Pilarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Rock Slope Stability ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Rock Slopes ◽  
Ripple Formation ◽  
Scale Test ◽  
Gravel Beaches ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Large Scale Tests

A number of large scale tests on stability of rock slopes and gravel beaches is described and compared with small scale test results. The following topics are treated: the stability of a rock armour layer, the profile formation of a berm breakwater, the profile formation of gravel beaches, including ripple formation, and reflection and overtopping on rock slopes. The general conclusion is that scale effects could not be found.

scholarly journals Effects of clouds on the UV Absorbing Aerosol Index from TROPOMI

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6407-6426
Author(s):  
Maurits L. Kooreman ◽  
Piet Stammes ◽  
Victor Trees ◽  
Maarten Sneep ◽  
L. Gijsbert Tilstra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Cloud Model ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Homogeneous Distribution ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Retrieval Models ◽  
Cloud Models ◽  
Absorbing Aerosols ◽  
Aerosol Index

Abstract. The ultraviolet (UV) Absorbing Aerosol Index (AAI) is widely used as an indicator for the presence of absorbing aerosols in the atmosphere. Here we consider the TROPOMI AAI based on the 340 nm/380 nm wavelength pair. We investigate the effects of clouds on the AAI observed at small and large scales. The large-scale effects are studied using an aggregate of TROPOMI measurements over an area mostly devoid of absorbing aerosols (Pacific Ocean). The study reveals that several structural features can be distinguished in the AAI, such as the cloud bow, viewing zenith angle dependence, sunglint, and a previously unexplained increase in AAI values at extreme viewing and solar geometries. We explain these features in terms of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of the scene in combination with the different ratios of diffuse and direct illumination of the surface at 340 and 380 nm. To reduce the dependency on the BRDF and homogenize the AAI distribution across the orbit, we present three different AAI retrieval models: the traditional Lambertian scene model (LSM), a Lambertian cloud model (LCM), and a scattering cloud model (SCM). We perform a model study to assess the propagation of errors in auxiliary databases used in the cloud models. The three models are then applied to the same low-aerosol region. Results show that using the LCM and SCM gives on average a higher AAI than the LSM. Additionally, a more homogeneous distribution is retrieved across the orbit. At the small scale, related to the high spatial resolution of TROPOMI, strong local increases and decreases in AAI are observed in the presence of clouds. The BRDF effect presented here is a first step – more research is needed to explain the small-scale cloud effects on the AAI.

scholarly journals Non-Repeatability, Scale- and Model Effects in Laboratory Measurement of Impact Loads Induced by an Overtopped Bore on a Dike Mounted Wall

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximilian Streicher ◽  
Andreas Kortenhaus ◽  
Corrado Altomare ◽  
Steven Hughes ◽  
Krasimir Marinov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Vertical Wall ◽  
Scale Factor ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Length Scale ◽  
Force Measurements ◽  
Impact Forces ◽  
Small Scale Model

Abstract Overtopping bore impact forces on a dike mounted vertical wall were measured in similar large-scale (Froude length scale factor 1-to-4.3) and small-scale (Froude length scale factor 1-to-25) models. The differences due to scale effects were studied, by comparing the up-scaled force measurements from both models in prototype. It was noted that if a minimum layer thickness, velocity of the overtopping flow and water depth at the dike toe were maintained in the small-scale model, the resulting differences in impact force due to scale effects are within the range of differences due to non-repeatability and model effects.

scholarly journals Emergent Behavior and Uncertainty in Multimodel Climate Projections of Precipitation Trends at Small Spatial Scales

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (21) ◽  
pp. 5554-5569 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Good ◽  
J. Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Emergent Behavior ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Climate Projections ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Precipitation Trends

Abstract Aspects of model emergent behavior and uncertainty in regional- and small-scale effects of increasing CO2 on seasonal (June–August) precipitation are explored. Nineteen different climate models are studied. New methods of comparing multiple climate models reveal a clearer and more impact-relevant view of precipitation projections for the current century. First, the importance of small spatial scales in multimodel projections is demonstrated. Local trends can be much larger than or even have an opposing sign to the large-scale regional averages used in previous studies. Small-scale effects of increasing CO2 and natural internal variability both play important roles here. These small-scale features make multimodel comparisons difficult for precipitation. New methods that allow information from small spatial scales to be usefully compared across an ensemble of multiple models are presented. The analysis philosophy of this study works with statistical distributions of small-scale variations within climatological regions. A major result of this work is a set of emergent relationships coupling the small- and regional-scale effects of CO2 on precipitation trends. Within each region, a single relationship fits the ensemble of 19 different climate models. Using these relationships, a surprisingly large part of the intermodel variance in small-scale effects of CO2 is explainable simply by the intermodel variance in the regional mean (a form of pattern scaling). Different regions show distinctly different relationships. These relationships imply that regional mean results are still useful, as long as the interregional variation in their relationship with impact-relevant extreme trends is recognized. These relationships are used to present a clear but rich picture of an aspect of model uncertainty, characterized by the intermodel spread in seasonal precipitation trends, including information from small spatial scales.

scholarly journals The application of science to the management of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): integration across scales

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (S1) ◽  
pp. 303-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D Armstrong ◽  
James WA Grant ◽  
Harvey L Forsgren ◽  
Kurt D Fausch ◽  
Richard M DeGraaf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Salmon ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Broad Scale ◽  
The Way

The need for integration across spatial and temporal scales in applying science to the management of Atlantic salmon is considered. The factors that are currently believed to affect the production of anadromous adult Atlantic salmon (synthesized from recent reviews) are arranged in a hierarchy in which any given process overrides those processes at lower levels. There is not a good correlation between levels in the process hierarchy and levels in hierarchies of scale. This demonstrates the importance of integrating across scales in identifying the optimum foci for targeting management action. It is not possible to generalize on the need for integration across scales within management plans. This is because of the complex ecology of salmon, the broad range of characteristics of the systems of which they are a part, and the fact that both local scale and broad scale management can have broad scale effects. Many uncertainties remain regarding the large-scale components of the ecology of salmon, the way that small-scale mechanisms interact with life histories, and the way that different factors interact to limit production of fish. When more is understood of these processes, it is likely that generalized rules might be developed to predict the management requirements for stream systems. In the meantime, it is essential that there is good integration among managers working at different scales and it is important that management systems operating at all spatial scales include high-calibre expertise to compensate for the present paucity of general rules.

Predicting the effects of grazing management on moorland bird abundance

2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 ◽  
pp. 69-69
Author(s):  
S. M. Gardner ◽  
G. M. Buchanan ◽  
J. W. Pearce-Higgins ◽  
M. C. Grant
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Vegetation Change ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Plant Competition ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Bird Abundance

Field studies of grazing management have frequently concluded that the magnitude and direction of vegetation response is dependent on initial vegetation condition. On upland heath, this dependence reflects the importance of small-scale ecological processes (e.g. plant competition), and local neighbourhood effects (e.g. spatial distribution of plant species), in driving the vegetation dynamics. These small-scale effects, together with variation in grazing patterns, increase the difficulty of deriving general rules about the effect of grazing on vegetation change from field studies. However, we need to determine the impacts of such grazing-related vegetation change upon biodiversity, (e.g. birds). For many bird species it is impractical to use experimental approaches due to low breeding densities, and the influence of other site and management effects (e.g. predator control). To predict the effect of management changes on them requires an accurate assessment of the large-scale effects of grazing management on the ecological landscape using data from small-scale field studies. This paper sets out an approach that integrates field studies with theoretical models to investigate the large-scale effects of grazing management on plant and bird communities on upland heath.

Movement and mortality of Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii, during overbank flows in the lower River Murray, Australia

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra J. Leigh ◽  
Brenton P. Zampatti
Keyword(s):  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Main Channel ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Endangered Fish ◽  
Flood Peak ◽  
Murray Cod ◽  
Floodplain Habitats ◽  
Overbank Flows

Conservation of Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii), a large endangered fish species of Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin, relies on a detailed understanding of life history, including movement patterns and habitat use. We used radio-tracking to investigate the movement of 36 Murray cod in main channel and anabranch habitats of the lower River Murray during a flood and associated hypoxic blackwater event. During a flood peak of ~93 000 ML day–1, dissolved oxygen decreased to 1.2 mg L–1. Four movement types were observed: (1) localised small-scale movement, (2) broad-scale movement within anabranch habitats, (3) movement between anabranch and main channel habitats, and (4) large-scale riverine movement. Murray cod exhibited high fidelity to anabranch habitats but also moved extensively between anabranches and the main channel. Fish were consistently located in the main channel or permanent anabranches, suggesting that use of ephemeral floodplain habitats is limited, and highlighting the importance of connectivity between off-channel and main channel habitats. Mortality of radio-tagged fish was considerable (25%) in association with low dissolved oxygen concentrations, indicating that hypoxic blackwater may have had a substantial impact on Murray cod populations in the lower River Murray.

scholarly journals Ocean eddies strongly affect global mean sea-level projections

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (15) ◽  
pp. eabf1674
Author(s):  
René M. van Westen ◽  
Henk A. Dijkstra
Keyword(s):  
Southern Ocean ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Ocean Temperature ◽  
Mean Sea Level ◽  
Ocean Eddies ◽  
Global Mean Sea Level ◽  
Global Mean

Current sea-level projections are based on climate models in which the effects of ocean eddies are parameterized. Here, we investigate the effect of ocean eddies on global mean sea-level rise (GMSLR) projections, using climate model simulations. Explicitly resolving ocean eddies leads to a more realistic Southern Ocean temperature distribution and volume transport. These quantities control the rate of basal melt, which eventually results in Antarctic mass loss. In a model with resolved ocean eddies, the Southern Ocean temperature changes lead to a smaller Antarctic GMSLR contribution compared to the same model in which eddies are parameterized. As a result, the projected GMSLR is about 25% lower at the end of this century in the eddying model. Relatively small-scale ocean eddies can hence have profound large-scale effects and consequently affect GMSLR projections.

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