December 20, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by Suzi Morales, University of Texas at Austin In 2022, U.S. grocers wasted 5 million tons of food, with 35% of it going to landfills, according to the food waste nonprofit ReFed. More than half of that waste—2.7 million tons—was past the labels' expiration dates. But there's a potential technological solution to the waste problem, according to new research from Texas McCombs. By moving from paper shelf labels to digital ones, supermarkets can easily lower prices and move older stock from their shelves to consumers' homes. " Inventory Information Frictions Explain Price Rigidity in Perishable Groceries " is published in Marketing Science . Using technology to quickly change prices on labels, a process known as dynamic pricing , benefits more than just consumers, says Ioannis Stamatopoulos, associate professor of information, risk, and operations management. "Everyone is better off when dynamic pricing is enabled," he says. "There's less food waste and less emissions from food ending up in landfills." Grocers save time and money, too. They can change digital labels—also called electronic shelf labels—with a few keystrokes on a tablet, compared with printing physical labels and sticking them onto shelves. When it's easier and cheaper to update prices, Stamatopoulos says, grocers should do it more often. How much is more often? To find out, Stamatopoulos—with Naveed Chehrazi of Washington University in St. Louis and Robert Sanders of the University of California, San Diego—analyzed two unnamed European grocery chains as they installed the tags. One, in the United Kingdom, introduced digital labels for 940 perishable products. The labels displayed the base price and added discounts as products got closer to expiring. The researchers found the stores changed prices 54% more often. Raising the bar for barcodes The second supermarket chain, in the European Union, adopted electronic labels but added a second technology: expanded barcodes. Unlike a standard barcode, an expanded one can hold inventory details such as packaging dates, lot numbers, and expiration dates. When inventory nears its "sell-by" date, a store can lower prices to stimulate buying. After the EU stores installed the two technologies, the researchers found, they increased price change frequency 853%. Rapid price changes aid shoppers, says Stamatopoulos. "If you're a consumer who really, really cares about price, then you can buy the blueberries that will expire two days later and consume them today." By better managing inventories, the barcodes also boost stores' bottom lines, he adds. "Because the grocery store can put things on discount when they're about to expire, they can afford larger orders, so they take advantage of economies of scale in ordering." The price of dynamic pricing Although dynamic pricing has long-term benefits, it faces short-term obstacles. One is consumer fear that retailers will jack up prices when demand is high—as ride-hailing companies such as Uber do. In February, when the fast-food chain Wendy's announced it would roll out dynamic pricing, it drew backlash . It quickly clarified that it would cut prices during slow periods but not raise them during busy periods. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter— daily or weekly . But unlike restaurants, it's hard for grocers to pinpoint hours of high demand for individual products, Stamatopoulos notes. "For retailers to estimate demand very finely and dynamically respond accordingly, so as to squeeze every dollar out of it, I think that's kind of impossible," he says. Another barrier is cost. Grocers must invest in digital labels and tablets, while employees must update data daily for thousands of items. Europe is ahead of the U.S. on adopting these technologies, but that could be changing. In June, Walmart announced it will transition to digital price labels in 2,300 stores by 2026. Amazon Fresh and the Midwestern chain Schnuck's are also using them. To speed the transition, Stamatopoulos suggests government subsidies, like those for solar panels and electric vehicles. "Somebody needs to break this equilibrium," he says. "Then things will move to a new era where everybody's using the additional information." More information: Naveed Chehrazi et al, Inventory Information Frictions Explain Price Rigidity in Perishable Groceries, Marketing Science (2024). DOI: 10.1287/mksc.2023.0473 Journal information: Marketing Science Provided by University of Texas at AustinThe game came down to the wire, with both teams trading baskets in the final minutes. With the score tied and time winding down, Towns took matters into his own hands, knocking down a mid-range jumper to give the Knicks the lead. On the ensuing possession, Towns came up with a crucial block to thwart the Raptors' last-ditch effort to tie the game. The Knicks held on for a hard-fought 108-106 victory, much to the delight of their fans.LDI 2025 Announced for December 3-9 in Las Vegas NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questex’s Live Design International (LDI) 2024 delivered an unforgettable experience, bringing together over 13,000 global live event and entertainment design technology professionals and over 350 exhibitors. Packed with groundbreaking gear and technology, unparalleled education, and industry-defining moments, LDI 2024 proved why it remains the ultimate gathering for live entertainment and production technology. A Milestone Year for LDI 2024 Bursting with cutting-edge technology, unmatched education programs, and unforgettable networking opportunities, LDI 2024 reached new heights. The event featured the largest professional training program in its history, a 50% increase in LDInstituteTM classes, more than 125 LDInnovationTM Conference sessions, and a 10% larger exhibit floor showcasing over 350 exhibitors. “LDI 2024 was a vibrant celebration of the creativity, innovation, and community that power the live entertainment industry,” said Jessi Cybulski, Show Director, LDI. “With outstanding professional training, an electric show floor, and countless opportunities to connect, this year’s event exceeded expectations. We can’t wait to see what the industry will create in the coming year and showcase at LDI 2025.” LDI 2024 Highlights: A Buzzing Expo Hall : The expo floor was alive with energy for three days, featuring over 350 state-of-the-art exhibits where attendees experienced the latest gear, technologies, and trends shaping the future of live entertainment. For more information on exhibiting companies and products click here . Keynote Excellence: Visionary speakers like Thibaut Duverneix (Gentilhomme); Sharon Huizinga (Rock Lititz); Emily Malone (Disguise); and Craig Winslow (Experiential Designer) captivated audiences with their insights into the future of entertainment technology. Expanded Training Programs: This year’s educational offerings reached unprecedented levels, including 75 LDInstituteTM classes, 125 LDInnovationTM Conference sessions, and 200+ industry-leading speakers. Attendees participated in hands-on technology training, in-depth case studies, and behind-the-scenes tours, including expanded Rigging Training, the Stage Managers’ Academy, and the Architectural Lighting Design Focus. Unrivaled Networking Opportunities : From A La Carte Lunches and Brunches to exclusive After Dark parties hosted by Tao Group Hospitality, LDI 2024 fostered invaluable connections among industry professionals. Behind-the-Scenes Access: The Backstage Las Vegas Tours offered attendees rare insights into tech-savvy venues like Speigelworld’s DiscoShow culminating in a live performance of Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère, with its all-new lighting design. Fierce Battle of Busk Competition: An electrifying showdown over three days of intense busking training and competition, sponsored by industry leaders such as ACT Entertainment, AV Stumpfl/Pixera, ACME, Chauvet, Elation, ETC, hazebase, LINK, Pathway Connectivity Solutions, RCF, and StagePro, kept attendees on the edge of their seats. Inspiring the Next Generation: The Foster the Future program continued to champion emerging talent through initiatives like the Young Career Professionals Program, the Pat MacKay Diversity in Design Scholarships, and hands-on event production opportunities for aspiring industry professionals. What attendees and sponsors had to say about LDI 2024: “As far as the quality of programming and the quality of showroom floor, it's definitely some of the top memories I'll have when it goes to conferences and attending events,” said Michaela Ternasky-Holland, Creator, Immersive, Spatial, & Interactive Experiences (VR, AR, AI). “It's been really, really great to come back and experience LDI and just seeing the growth that has happened in just a short amount of time, both in the size of the overall event and then also the technology. If you're thinking about coming to LDI or getting into this industry, I would certainly recommend you taking advantage of this amazing opportunity that happens every year. Just great exposure to many of the manufacturers, all of the technology that you see on any of the events that are happening out there is here at the LDI conference. Even better are the people and the relationships that make all the live events in the industry happen. It's all about the people and the products, and it all happens here at LDI,” said Shane Smith, Sr. Director Technology, LMG, Inc. “It’s the perfect opportunity to see a showcase of the latest and greatest in tech, and also network and meet with the movers and shakers who are in this exciting field. As a first-time attendee when the Expo Floor opened, I was like a kid walking into a candy store. It was just incredible. The lights, the sounds, the noises, the people, the technology. Yeah, this is a great experience,” said Brian Crane, Founder, Crane Light & Design. “This is the conference that I go to because all of my friends are here. I was a lighting person back in the day. And this is the place that I come to see all the new technology, the new equipment. And now that I'm working more on the rigging side of things, I get a chance to come and talk about that this year,” said Kristi Ross-Clausen, Director of Education and Training, TheaterHealthandSafety.com. “LDI is a wonderful thing every year where all the vendors come together and you get an opportunity to see all of the new things out there. But, also, it's really a meeting of the minds where you get all the people who are actually creating this cutting-edge technology into one space. So, it's a great place to talk to people, pick up on what's coming up as far as ideas goes and what people have in the pipeline,” said Tyler DeLong, Managing Partner, DeLong Rigging Solutions. “LDI to me is the mecca for theater technology around the planet. If you want to broaden your horizons and know more about your craft, whatever that craft is, whether it's rigging, whether it's lighting, whatever it is, you come to LDI to see the latest products, to talk to the leaders in the industry and learn more about what it is that they do that makes them successful. It's honestly just a great place to get together with the OGs in the industry to swap stories, meet new people, encourage the young ones today to get into the business and help it grow, because this business is growing exponentially every day,” said Tracy Nunnally, Owner, Vertigo. “This is my favorite show. Not only do a lot of our customers come here, you have end users and production companies from some of the leading companies. So, we've met so many incredible contacts here. Many touring companies have come to visit our booth, and we're really excited for them to use INFiLED with some of the top performers in the country. Such amazing contacts, just a real incredible place, and really just a fun place to be. So, I definitely recommend everyone to be at LDI,” said Larry Lipsie, Senior Sales Manager, INFiLED. “It's been a great show. We've had a lot of really great interactions with tons of different people. Attendance has been really good this year,” said Will Komassa, President/CEO, Blizzard Lighting LLC. “It's been a fantastic show. We've seen all kinds of people here from students who are just starting out in their careers in the entertainment technology world, all the way up to the most seasoned professionals that we've ever seen at this show,” said Ryan Hindinger, Market Manager CT≤, ACT Entertainment. Looking Ahead to LDI 2025 LDI 2025 will take place December 3-9, 2025 at the West Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, with the conference starting December 3 and the expo floor open December 7-9. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Kelly Turner, Director of Sales, at kturner@questex.com . About Live Design International (LDI) Established in 1988, Live Design International (LDI) is built on a 36-year history as the essential trade show and conference for global live design professionals. Attendees come to LDI to see the latest gear and entertainment technology in action, covering audio, lighting, projection, video, staging, special effects, and XR. It is also a great opportunity to refresh knowledge and professional training, in addition to networking and finding inspiration from colleagues, manufacturers, and distributors at the vanguard of entertainment technology. For more information, visit http://www.ldishow.com/ . LDI will take place December 3-9, 2025, at the West Hall in the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. About Questex Questex helps people live better and longer . Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better : hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer : life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences . We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. Media Contact Charlene Soucy LDI csoucy@questex.com
(CNN) — After recent burglaries at homes of professional athletes – including Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce – the NFL has issued a security bulletin to teams and the players union warning that “organized and skilled groups” are increasingly targeting players’ residences for such crimes. The memo, issued Wednesday and obtained by CNN, warns that players across multiple sports leagues are being targeted. Perpetrators “appear to exploit team schedules to target athletes’ homes on game days,” and appear to be using public records, social media, media reports and surveillance to gather information on their targets, it says. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.VHP plans nationwide drive to ‘free temples’ from govt controlAs soon as the news broke that Sora would be joining the roster, social media exploded with excitement and joy. Fans from all corners of the world expressed their happiness and disbelief at the long-awaited arrival of their beloved hero. Memes, fan art, and heartfelt messages flooded timelines, showcasing the depth of love and admiration fans have for Sora.FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are shutting down CeeDee Lamb with two games remaining after their 2023 All-Pro receiver spent the second half of the season dealing with a sprained right shoulder. The team said Thursday that additional exams revealed enough damage to keep Lamb off the field Sunday at Philadelphia and in the final game at home against Washington. The team said surgery was not expected to be required. Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention a few hours before last weekend's 26-24 victory over Tampa Bay . The decision on Lamb means the Cowboys will finish the regular season with at least five former Pro Bowlers on injured reserve. Among the others are quarterback Dak Prescott, who was limited to eight games before a season-ending hamstring tear, and right guard Zack Martin. The seven-time All-Pro made it through 10 games before deciding on season-ending ankle surgery. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence didn't playing after Week 4 because of a foot injury, and cornerback Trevon Diggs battled a variety of injuries while playing 11 games before a knee injury ended his season. Lamb initially injured his right shoulder when it hit the turf hard twice in a 27-21 loss at Atlanta on Nov. 3. He kept playing and had at least 100 yards in each of his last two games — both victories — before getting shut down. The 25-year-old Lamb sat out the entire offseason and preseason in a contract dispute after getting career highs in catches (an NFL-best 135), yards receiving (club-record 1,749) and touchdowns (12) in 2023. The holdout finally ended with a $136 million, four-year extension in late August, but neither the Cowboys nor their star receiver could get that production going again this season. Dallas (7-8) is missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, Lamb's rookie year. Lamb finishes the season with 101 catches for 1,194 yards and six TDs. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL The Associated Press
As the countdown to the release of "Moonshine Madness" begins, anticipation is running high among moviegoers eager to usher in the new year with a hearty dose of laughter and entertainment. Whether you're a fan of slapstick comedy, heartfelt storytelling, or simply looking for a feel-good movie to enjoy with friends and family, "Moonshine Madness" promises to deliver all that and more.
Cowboys shutting down CeeDee Lamb with 2 games to go over receiver's shoulder issue
Describing former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as an exceptional figure of decency and grace, former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar lamented that India has lost a voice of reason with his death. Manmohan Singh, the driving force behind India's economic reforms and a consensus builder in politics, died Thursday night at the age of 92. Kumar, who served in Singh's cabinet, reflected on Singh's legacy, highlighting his humility and resolve, particularly with the Indo-US nuclear deal. He noted that history will remember Singh generously for his leadership and contributions to the nation's growth. (With inputs from agencies.)S&P Dow Jones Indices Announces Dow Jones Sustainability Indices 2024 Review Results
Shopping 4 a Cause supports local business and holiday spirit
As the standoff between Dembélé and Barcelona escalates, the footballing world watches with bated breath to see how the situation will unfold. Will Dembélé's steadfastness prevail, leading to a resolution that satisfies all parties involved? Or will the conflict reach a breaking point, resulting in a separation that could have ripple effects across the footballing landscape? Only time will tell if Dembélé's stance will be vindicated or vilified in the annals of football history.
Bill to rename Benue varsity passes second reading
On the other hand, Barcelona sees Neymar as a key piece in their rebuilding process. With the departure of Messi looming large and the need to bring in fresh talent to rejuvenate the squad, Neymar's return could provide a much-needed boost both on and off the pitch. His star power, skill, and experience would be invaluable assets for a team in transition.By leveraging its membership in the IATA network, Jingdong Airlines can leverage industry best practices, regulatory insights, and operational standards to optimize its services and enhance efficiency across its flight operations. The association also serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other global airlines, enabling Jingdong Airlines to stay abreast of evolving trends and developments in the aviation industry.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Former South Carolina Sen. Kay Patterson, who rose from cleaning offices at the segregated Statehouse to serving as a state legislator for over 30 years died Friday. He was 93. The South Carolina Democratic Party announced Patterson's death saying he “left an indelible mark on our state. Senator Patterson commanded everyone’s attention with his wit and wisdom.” The statement did not list a cause of death. Patterson was born in 1931 in Darlington County and raised by his grandmothers. They recalled his hardheaded spirit early, recommending he not take jobs as a golf caddy or shoe shiner because he was likely to mouth off to white people in segregated 1940s South Carolina and get in trouble. Instead, Patterson served in the military and then got his teaching degree through the GI Bill at Allen University. While in college, he cleaned offices at the segregated capitol where he and other Black people couldn't be unless they were working. "When I was a janitor, Black people couldn’t go in the Statehouse," Patterson said in a 2004 interview with the University of South Carolina. “And then one day I came back down here as a member of the House and then in '84, I came back sitting in the Senate as a senator. Now that’s a hell of a long way to come.” Patterson spent 30 years in education and was elected to the South Carolina House in 1974 and the Senate 10 years later after U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn urged him to run for the upper chamber seat. In a statement, Clyburn called Patterson “a trusted leader, a tireless champion for civil rights, and a treasured friend. He was a person of strength, determination, wisdom, and a long proponent of removing the Confederate flag from the South Carolina Statehouse dome .” Patterson was also the first Black person to serve on the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees since Reconstruction. Patterson was a key member of both the House and Senate, He served on the budget committees in both chambers and was a major voice in support of civil rights, public education and helping poor people. He adamantly demanded the Confederate flag be removed from atop the Statehouse dome and inside the House and Senate chambers long before they were taken down in 2000. The lifelong Democrat said the final years of his political career were the toughest after Republicans took over state government. His seniority no longer mattered and he felt many newer Republicans were religious hypocrites who claimed to help others but only cared for people just like themselves. A few years before he retired from the Statehouse, Patterson said it was important to respect elders and supervisors, but not be afraid to speak up if bothered or something was on one's mind. “That’s just my hallmark ever since I was a little child. It will get you in trouble now, but you can sleep well at night. And learn to treat everybody as human beings with respect,” Patterson said in the interview with the university's Champions of Civil and Human Rights in South Carolina program. “You can sleep real good at night. Right now, I’m 73 years old and sleep like a log when I go to bed because I know I’ve done no wrong to my fellow man,” Patterson said. Jeffrey Collins, The Associated PressSpeculations abound as to why the "Four Unlikes" would venture into the village and approach a human dwelling. Some villagers believe that it may have become separated from its group and was in search of food and shelter. Others speculate that it may have been driven by curiosity or a desire for companionship, despite its fearsome reputation.
In light of these incidents, the local government in Zhengzhou has taken swift action to address the situation. Health inspectors have been deployed to conduct thorough inspections of the affected bathing centers, checking for compliance with health and safety regulations. As a precautionary measure, the businesses involved have been instructed to suspend their operations pending further investigation and necessary improvements.
