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Electric vehicles can substantially lower the overall carbon footprint of the transportation sector, and their batteries become key enablers of widespread electrification. Although high capacity and efficiency are essential for providing sufficient range and performance in electric vehicles, they can be compromised by the need to lower costs and environmental impacts and retain valuable materials. In the present work, multi-criteria decision analysis was adopted to assess the sustainability of different lithium-ion batteries. Life cycle carbon emissions and toxicity, material criticality, life cycle costs, specific energy, safety, and durability were considered in the analysis as key parameters of the transition to electric mobility. A subjective approach was chosen for the weight attribution of the criteria. Although certain alternatives, like lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), outweigh others in specific energy, they lack in terms of safety, material preservation, and environmental impact. Addressing cost-related challenges is also important for making certain solutions competitive and largely accessible. Overall, while technical parameters are crucial for the development of lithium-ion batteries, it is equally important to consider the environmental burden, resource availability, and economic factors in the design process, alongside social aspects such as the ethical sourcing of materials to ensure their sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessibility is a fundamental human right and a key driver for inclusive tourism, particularly for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and others with mobility challenges. This study aims to promote the Pieria region, Greece, as an "Accessible Tourist Destination" through the development of a digital platform designed to provide detailed information on the accessibility of routes, public spaces, and points of interest. The platform collects and displays data on the region's accessibility infrastructure, including ramps, sidewalks, and points of cultural and tourist interest, allowing users to plan safe and convenient routes. The methodology involves comprehensive audits of accessibility features, and the data are integrated into an online platform, enabling personalized suggestions for users based on their needs. Initial results from the Platamonas area show detailed documentation of 68 points of interest and 97 routes, improving the accessibility experience for visitors. The findings suggest that accessible tourism has the potential to not only enhance social inclusion, but also contribute to local economic growth by attracting a broader range of visitors. The digital platform represents a significant step towards promoting tourism for all in Pieria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The automotive industry's shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is driven by technological advancements and environmental concerns. This paper examines Mercedes-Benz's strategy in this transition, highlighting the challenges and opportunities involved. Using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with key professionals at Mercedes-Benz, the study reveals a dual strategy: integrating new talents with specific EV competencies and upskilling the existing workforce. This approach reflects the company's recognition of evolving vehicle development requirements and commitment to maintaining a skilled workforce. Emphasis on data-driven functions highlights the industry's shift towards technological advancements. The transition significantly impacts workforce roles, necessitating role reassignment and collaborative planning, indicating a culture of inclusivity and proactive change management. Challenges include the importance of mindset change and adaptability among employees, as well as managing overlapping traditional and EV projects, leading to increased workloads and compressed timelines. Tailored training and development strategies are essential for a comprehensive transition. Mercedes-Benz's commitment to an electric-only strategy signals a clear future direction. However, this raises questions about workforce preparedness and ongoing skill development. The study offers insights into managing workforce transformation in the EV transition, contributing to academic discussions and providing practical guidance for industry professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Rising healthcare costs force healthcare organizations worldwide to reconsider their business strategies. Hospital managers are tasked with lowering operating costs while upholding the high quality of care, two goals perceived as contradictory by many healthcare professionals. Attempting to contribute towards reaching these goals, the study explores the digitalization of the healthcare supply chain through the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and its impact on hospital supply chain costs. Established technology adoption theories are synthesized to develop a research model that investigates the adoption of hospital ERP systems and its impact on supply chain cost performance. The framework is validated via structural equation modeling (SEM) with data collected from 107 Greek public hospitals. The results indicate that technological and organizational readiness, hospital size, governmental policies, and perceived benefits have a significant influence on the extent of ERP systems adoption. They also demonstrate a statistically significant association between the use of ERP systems and hospital supply chain costs. The present study highlights the influencing factors of ERP systems adoption in hospitals and provides empirical evidence on the resulting cost benefits., This implies greater urgency for hospitals to digitalize their supply chain by implementing and fully exploiting the ERP systems' functionality in order to reach their goal of delivering quality care at a lower cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing technology has been evolving for several years. New material options, better processing speeds and greater autonomy are some of the characteristics of this technology that are still under research. However, in its current state, many commercially available 3D printers are competing with traditional manufacturing techniques in the fabrication of enduse products. In this paper, different additive manufacturing technologies are compared with injection moulding in a real-world case study. The comparison is conducted in terms of lead time and total production cost. From the case under study, it becomes obvious that none of the additive manufacturing technologies examined is yet able to practically replace injection moulding for medium- and high production volumes. However, when considering low-volume production, both rapid tooling and additive manufacturing may offer an alternative that could result into shorter lead times and decreased total production costs. In addition, the introduction of Additive Manufacturing in a producer's production portfolio can increase flexibility, reduce warehousing costs and assist the company towards the adoption of a mass customisation business strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]