Sci

This study examines the adoption of a low-cost model to support digital transformation in small- and medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs) within the context of Industry 4.0. In light of the need to increase operational efficiency while simultaneously reducing expenditure, it becomes a priority to employ innovative and cost-effective solutions. To evaluate this impact, the research applies the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) methodology, systematically assessing how the proposed model influences digital transformation and operational efficiency. Drawing on a case study, the findings demonstrate that implementing the low-cost model leads to significant cost reductions, gains in operational efficiency, and an acceleration of digital transformation in industrial organizations. The results indicate that the approach not only optimizes internal processes but also contributes to lowering the organization’s overall costs. The conclusions confirm the hypotheses, showing that the model achieves a balance between technological advancement and economic efficiency. The study provides relevant insights into the potential of technologies to simultaneously drive operational efficiency and digital transformation within the framework of Industry 4.0, offering an innovative pathway for companies seeking to digitalize while controlling costs. This research strengthens the existing body of knowledge on the synergy between digital transformation, cost efficiency, and operational performance in industrial settings.

Iron deficiency anemia remains a major public health concern in Brazil, particularly among children, pregnant women, and women of childbearing age. This scoping review aimed to map the trend line of public policies on iron supplementation and food fortification implemented between 1977 and 2025. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, and included searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, and official government documents. Three main strategies were identified: iron supplementation, mandatory food fortification, and nutrition education. Key milestones included the National Iron Supplementation Program, the 2002 ANVISA Resolution (RDC No. 344/2002) mandating wheat and corn flour fortification, and the launch of the NutriSUS program in 2014. Despite important normative and programmatic advances, persistent critical issues remain, including low adherence, inadequate monitoring, data discontinuity, and bureaucratic barriers. Strengthening intergovernmental coordination, improving information systems, and adopting more bioavailable iron compounds are essential to increase the effectiveness of public policies aimed at preventing and controlling iron deficiency anemia in Brazil.

Cement production in Africa remains carbon-intensive, primarily due to the use of coal-based thermal energy. This study conducts a comparative cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) of cement production using 100% coal (Scenario A) against partial substitution with refuse-derived fuel (RDF) at a 20% thermal input rate (Scenario B), with case studies in South Africa and Ethiopia. The LCA, modeled in SimaPro 9.2.0.1 with Ecoinvent v3.7.1 and regional data, evaluates midpoint environmental impacts across the following five stages: raw materials, clinker production, electricity, fuel use, and transportation. The results show that Scenario B reduces the global warming potential (GWP) by 3.3–4.2% per kg of cement, with minimal increases in other impact categories. When avoided landfill methane is accounted for, GWP reduction improves to 6.7%. Fossil resource depletion drops by 10%, and toxicity and particulate emissions show marginal improvements. Economic analysis under South Africa’s 2025 carbon policy reveals a modest net cost increase of $2–3 per ton of cement and an abatement cost of $64–87 per ton of CO₂. The study provides new insights by harmonizing LCA models across national contexts, linking emissions reductions to economic instruments, and quantifying the co-benefits of RDF for waste management. The results support RDF co-processing as a scalable mitigation strategy for the African cement sector, recommending substitution rates of 15–30%, policy alignment, and enhancement of the RDF supply chain to maximize impact.