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The general objective of this study was to identify and prioritize the critical success factors required for the adoption of a system to create value for pharmaceutical supply chain stakeholders, and the pharmaceutical supply network as a whole, by using a multi-perspective framework that combines elements of the technology–organization–environment (TOE) contexts for enterprises. The methodology is based on a literature review and expert interviews following the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). This paper identifies and prioritizes 18 critical success factors from three categories: technological, organizational, and environmental. From a practical point of view, this research contributes to the literature by providing expert insight on the topic of drug traceability, especially in terms of how possible values can be captured by companies.

Background: Technological advancements, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), are revolutionizing operations management, especially in the domain of supply chain management. This paper delves into the application of AI in demand planning processes within the supply chain context. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of the existing literature, the main objective of this study is to analyze how AI is being applied and adopted in the demand planning process, identifying the resources needed to build the capacity of AI in the demand process, as well as the mechanisms and practices contributing to AI capability’s advancement and formation. Methodology: The approach was qualitative, and case studies of three different companies were conducted. Results: This study identified crucial resources necessary for fostering AI capabilities in demand planning. Our study extends the literature on AI capability in several ways. First, we identify the resources that are important in the formation of the capacity to implement AI in the context of demand planning. Conclusions: This study’s practical contributions underscore the multifaceted nature of AI implementation for demand planning, emphasizing the importance of resource allocation, human capital development, collaborative relationships, organizational alignment, and relational capital and AI.

The growing demand for sustainable solutions in the transportation sector and global decarbonization goals have fueled debate on using hydrogen as an energy source. Although hydrogen’s potential is recognized in Brazil, its application in heavy-duty vehicles still faces structural and technological barriers. This study aimed to analyze the viability of hydrogen as an energy alternative for trucks in Brazil. The research adopted an exploratory qualitative approach, based on the expert analysis method, through semi-structured interviews with development engineers, representatives of heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers, and researchers specializing in hydrogen technologies. The data were organized into a thematic framework and interpreted using content analysis. The results show that, although there is growing interest and ongoing initiatives, challenges such as the cost of fuel cells, the lack of refueling infrastructure, and low technological maturity hinder large-scale adoption. From a theoretical perspective, the study contributes by integrating specialized literature with practical insights from key industry players, broadening the understanding of the energy transition. In practical terms, it outlines some strategic paths, such as expanding technological development and forming partnerships. From a social perspective, it emphasizes the importance of hydrogen as a pillar for sustainable, low-carbon mobility, capable of positively impacting public health and mitigating climate change.

O progresso em tecnologias da informação em saúde oferece novas oportunidades, bem como novos cenários de aplicação, trazendo benefícios em qualidade dos serviços médicos e redução dos custos de saúde. Porém, a literatura científica relacionada com este tema parece ser ainda muito dispersa e fragmentada, demandando novos estudos. Assim, o objetivo geral deste trabalho é investigar a decisão de adoção de tecnologias informação em saúde, e desenvolver uma lista indicando os fatores críticos que influenciam sua adoção e o impactos na gestão da saúde. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa foi adotada a pesquisa Qualitativa através de um estudo de caso em um Organização de Saúde e a Tecnologia analisada foi a implantação do Prontuário Eletrônico. Com relação aos resultados, foram identificados os seguintes fatores críticos de adoção: elaboração de um plano diretor de TI, integração com os sistemas legados, tendências tecnológicas promovendo inovação, envolvimento da alta administração, gestão de projetos com equipes hibridas, plano de capacitação para equipe enfermagem, pressão da concorrência, perfil dos pacientes e a necessidade de novos modelos de negócio. Os principais impactos observados com a adoção dos sistemas foram: melhoria da segurança do paciente, redução do Índices de erro de medicamento, visibilidade das informações. 

Energy efficiency is a critical component in cleaner production, and evaluating the opportunities for saving energy could improve energy efficiency by reducing electricity consumption and increasing competitiveness. In this context, the aim of this study is to examine different scenarios that can lead to better energy efficiency in a short-cycle time flowshop, which is performed with the aid of digital manufacturing software. It has been widely acknowledged in the literature that changing the energy state of machines in short-cycle time flowshop manufacturing is impossible due to the high production volume, which requires the machines to operate full time. We used computational simulation, via digital manufacturing software, to examine the potential for improvements in energy indicators through various scenarios. The scenarios were built using energy and manufacturing data from a real system. The main contribution is in showing that, by controlling the buffers’ occupation, the feeding systems of the machines and planned introduction stop. In addition, it is possible to consider new energy states for the machines and, consequently, enhance the energy, as well as the sustainability, indicators in this type of manufacturing process.

The transparency provided by information technology (IT) allows companies to reposition themselves in the production chain and dynamically collaborate with other companies for the purpose of optimizing their business. Thus, based on this context, this study aims to analyze the trajectory of the use of collaborative platforms to integrate supply chains based on two cases depicting different aspects of implementing supply chain collaboration practices. According to examination of these cases, interesting lessons are derived regarding the suitability and criticality of the technological approach used to support collaboration, especially regarding the use of a centralized web platform. This study provides insights for managers related to using collaborative tools and reinforcing routes established for practices when seeking to improve integrative capability.

PurposeThis paper aims to fill important research gaps by understanding how companies implement digital transformation (DT), what technologies are being applied, what practices are being used in the DT process and how they can add value to companies.Design/methodology/approachThe research method utilized is a multiple-case study conducted with companies from the retail segment. This approach allows for an in-depth analysis of these companies’ strategies, technologies and practices in their DT processes.FindingsThe results indicate that the strategies and practices applied by the companies highlight the evolving nature of organizational functions. The standard digital technologies used by the three companies are digital platforms, mobile devices and communication tools. Only companies A and C stand out for using big data analytics, the Internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). Interviews revealed that companies are following the DT offensive but are also working internally to accelerate the DT journey, startup acquisition, new positions, innovation lab creation and agile concepts.Originality/valueBy addressing the research questions, we can systematically identify and categorize key strategies, practices, challenges and outcomes associated with DT in the retail sector. This can lead to developing a comprehensive framework that guides retail companies in implementing effective DT initiatives.

This study aims to identify and analyze the enabling factors and strategies for the structuring and diffusion of a circular business model. Circular model structuring involves several actors, challenges, and barriers. In this context, the present study allows discussion of the business structure in line with the principles of circularity and can contribute by mapping the factors and strategies to be worked for business development in the circular context, providing an overview and guidance for academics, businesspeople, and professionals. Through a case study method, the research allowed identification of the factors and an in-depth understanding of the strategies and drivers of circular business models; from the empirical research, it will be possible to identify opportunities that align with what is already known, but also what may be specific to the context of emerging countries to enable the circular model.

Background In Brazil, there have been no previous studies of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sickle cell anemia patients and carriers of severe forms of beta-thalassemia. This study evaluated T. gondii infection in patients with beta-hemoglobinopathies. Methods A total of 158 samples, 77 (48.7%) men and 81 (51.3%) women, were evaluated. Three groups were formed: G1 (85 patients with sickle cell disease); G2 (11 patients with homozygous beta-thalassemia; G3 (62 patients with heterozygous beta-thalassemia). ELISA was employed to identify anti- T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies, and molecular analysis was performed to determine beta-hemoglobin mutations. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare frequencies of anti- T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in respect to gender and age. Results Anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 43.5% of individuals in G1, 18.1% in G2 and 50% in G3. All samples from G1 and G2 were seronegative for anti- T. gondii IgM antibodies, but 3.2% from G3 were seropositive. Considering anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies, no statistical significant differences were found between these groups nor in seroprevalence between genders within each group. Despite this, comparisons of the mean ages between G1, G2 and G3 were statistically significant (G2 vs. G1: p value = 0.0001; G3 vs. G1: p-value <0.0001; G3 vs. G2: p-value = 0.0001). Conclusion A comparison by age of patients with sickle cell anemia showed a trend of lower risk of infection among younger individuals. Therefore, this study demonstrates that T. gondii infection occurs in patients with beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia in Brazil as seen by the presence of anti- T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies.

Introduction A number of physical and psychological changes that occur during pregnancy can stimulate the development of psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. The study evaluated psychological aspects related to maternal depression and anxiety in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia, contrasting the results with those of non-diabetic pregnant women. Method In a prospective and longitudinal approach, two questionnaires were applied and validated for use in Brazil, the Beck depression inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The questionnaires were applied to pregnant women at the first prenatal visit or at the time of disease diagnosis (T1) and reapplied at admission for delivery (T2). Regardless of the degree of hyperglycemia, both at first and in the second stage most women had severe anxiety trait. In early pregnancy (T1), however, severe state anxiety was more frequent in women with hyperglycemia than in those from the NG group. Results Most pregnant women showed moderate state anxiety over their pregnancy, regardless of glycemic status. In early pregnancy, however, severe state anxiety was more prevalent in hyperglycemic women than in those with normal glycemic status. Most women showed moderate trait anxiety and mild depression in both early and late pregnancy, irrespective of glycemic status. Conclusion The incidence of severe state anxiety in early pregnancy is more frequent in women with diabetes or hyperglycemia, but their levels of trait anxiety and depression are not affected by glycemic status.