Logistical Aspects Research Articles

An innovative decision-making method for choosing a bus fleet based on logistics and sustainability aspects

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has played a significant role due to their much smaller carbon footprint compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts. This trend also applies to public transportation in Hungary, where battery electric buses (BEBs) are gradually being incorporated into the fleets of major passenger transport operators. In assessing the total cost of ownership (TCO) of these vehicles, factors such as the expected daily mileage, the current price, capacity, lifecycle, and degradation of the integrated drive train batteries—typically lithium-ion based—play a significant role. This is also considered, if the batteries' second life and reuse can significantly improve the TCO value. Based on the examination of domestic and international literature, it can be established that the selection of the appropriate vehicle fleet exclusively considers the TCO value, which disregards neither the significant benefits arising from the batteries' secondary life cycle, nor considering various quality indicators. This deficiency in fleet selection could result incorrect decisions. In our opinion, the consideration of both logistical and sustainability aspects is indispensable in the decision-making process. To prove this, the paper presents an innovative decision-making method developed by us, which considers the effects of battery degradation related to the secondary life cycle and key quality indicators when selecting the ideal fleet meeting the expected mileage performance. To validate the theoretical background, a case study was also prepared, which is included in the paper. The article also contains considerations related to the topic by Volánbusz Zrt.

Entre los pliegues del monte y la batalla: Relevamiento arqueológico sistemático y mapeo de dos combates de la Guerra de Malvinas (1982)

The present article addresses a unique experience in the history of Archaeology and social sciences in Argentina: the first archaeological field experience in the Malvinas Islands by an interdisciplinary team including Argentine war veterans. In the framework of the project “The Face and Sap of the Malvinas War”, directed by Rosana Guber, which investigates the battles of Monte Longdon (11-12 June) and Monte Tumbledown (13-14 June) of the 1982 Malvinas War, archaeological survey and reconstruction of wartime actions were carried out in November 2023. Throughout the text, we will feature the challenge involved in developing logistical and methodological aspects to be carried out in a territory under sovereign dispute and under the control of British authorities. This includes prior preparation (background surveying, physical preparation, etc.), research design, adaptation of methodological resources, and their application in the field.

Automation of the medication process in Swiss hospitals: results of a survey

ObjectivesMedication management is a core process in hospital administration. The safety, timeliness and efficiency of medication distribution may be improved by automating logistical and administrative aspects of the process. Forming...

What Obstructs Health Policy Implementation? A Multi-Method Qualitative Case Study of the Delayed Deployment of Community Pharmacies in Ireland's National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were months of delay in deploying community pharmacies for the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Ireland. We aimed to explore what may have accounted for this delay between 15th December 2020 (publication of policies) and 14th June 2021 (commencement of community pharmacy-based vaccination). We carried out a multi-method qualitative case study that involved engaging with 11 stakeholders, reviewing 246 documents, and conducting semi-structured interviews with 11 policy elites. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we developed three themes. The first provides evidence that the delay was, in part, due to operational barriers related to the logistical and safety aspects of the Programme. The second, on the other hand, presents a perspective that the delay was unreasonable as it was based on perceived deficits in community pharmacies. Finally, the third highlights the inability of the pharmacy profession to influence health policy due to a lack of strategic and cohesive leadership and the dominance of the medical profession. Overall, we argue that the delay can be explained by a complex interplay between technical, socio-political, institutional, and regulatory factors, underpinned by a chronic lack of strategic direction for pharmacy in the Irish health system.

The Optimization of the Regional Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccinations, Taking into Account Logistical and Quality Concerns

Abstract The effective and fair allocation of COVID-19 vaccinations within a certain geographical area presents a complex issue, requiring a thorough optimization approach that considers logistical and quality considerations. This abstract offers a succinct summary of the primary factors and goals involved in tackling the intricacies of vaccine distribution. The global COVID-19 immunization campaign, characterized by its unparalleled magnitude and time sensitivity, highlights the necessity of developing strategic plans that are specifically designed to address the distinctive conditions of each location. The successful management of logistical obstacles, such as supply chain operations, final-stage delivery, and live monitoring, is essential in conjunction with the crucial task of preserving vaccine quality by strictly adhering to cold chain regulations. The objective of this study is to devise tailored optimization approaches that effectively manage the trade-off between efficiency and quality assurance during the distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations within a defined geographical area. This study aims to investigate the influence of geographical characteristics, population density, and pre-existing healthcare infrastructure on the logistical aspects of distribution. Additionally, it seeks to provide novel strategies to effectively tackle these issues. Achieving equitable distribution necessitates the implementation of specific strategies aimed at reaching populations that are vulnerable and excluded. The primary aim of this research is to provide valuable insights that can aid in the development of distribution hubs, the incorporation of modern technology for real-time monitoring, the fostering of collaboration with local healthcare providers, and the implementation of community engagement activities. These efforts are intended to improve vaccine acceptance rates. This project aims to provide adaptive distribution frameworks by integrating data-driven insights and a nuanced awareness of the local situation. The primary objective is to support policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in maximizing the allocation of COVID-19 vaccinations, so making a valuable contribution to the worldwide endeavor to alleviate the consequences of the pandemic. The mathematical model described in this study offers a comprehensive framework for optimizing the allocation of COVID-19 vaccinations within a certain geographical region, taking into account various logistical and quality considerations. The achievement of its successful execution necessitates the engagement of pertinent stakeholders and the ongoing improvement of the approach through the utilization of empirical data and adaptation to changing circumstances. Engage in collaborative efforts with healthcare authorities and decision-makers to incorporate the model within the decision-making framework for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. The optimization challenge aims to determine the most efficient allocation of vaccine doses to various locations, with the objective of decreasing overall costs while ensuring compliance with logistical and quality requirements.

A novel two-stage network data envelopment analysis model for kidney allocation problem under medical and logistical uncertainty: a real case study.

Organ transplantation is one of the most complicated and challenging treatments in healthcare systems. Despite the significant medical advancements, many patients die while waiting for organ transplants because of the noticeable differences between organ supply and demand. In the organ transplantation supply chain, organ allocation is the most significant decision during the organ transplantation procedure, and kidney is the most widely transplanted organ. This research presents a novel method for assessing the efficiency and ranking of qualified organ-patient pairs as decision-making units (DMUs) for kidney allocation problem in the existence of COVID-19 pandemic and uncertain medical and logistical data. To achieve this goal, two-stage network data envelopment analysis (DEA) and credibility-based chance constraint programming (CCP) are utilized to develop a novel two-stage fuzzy network data envelopment analysis (TSFNDEA) method. The main benefits of the developed method can be summarized as follows: considering internal structures in kidney allocation system, investigating both medical and logistical aspects of the problem, the capability of expanding to other network structures, and unique efficiency decomposition under uncertainty. Moreover, in order to evaluate the validity and applicability of the proposed approach, a validation algorithm utilizing a real case study and different confidence levels is used. Finally, the numerical results indicate that the developed approach outperforms the existing kidney allocation system.

Features of international logistics under the conditions of martial state in Ukraine

Introduction. International logistics plays a key role in the modern world economy, contributing to globalization and trade. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, logistics has undergone significant changes, began to restructure and adapt to modern realities. These changes have affected both transportation in Ukraine and around the world. The purpose of the paper is to identify changes in international logistics that occurred due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as well as to identify the main factors of the normalization of trade logistics in Ukraine. Results. At present, of the five main modes of transport that provided all transportation of the state, only three types of transport remain that can carry out logistics transportation, namely railway, pipeline and road transport. The following factors were able to normalize trade logistics: the signing of the agreement on the “Grain Initiative” between the UN and Turkey; the development and increase in the volume of cargo transportation through the Danube region; the easing of restrictions on international road transportation with the EU. In general, all three factors have had a positive impact on certain aspects of logistics and the economy of Ukraine, and are an important step to ensure its support and sustainable development. Conclusion. The war in Ukraine had a significant impact on international logistics. These changes have had a negative impact on the global economy and supply chains. However, now the business has adapted, reoriented and started to develop new expert ways, through land corridors, through European countries. They can be conditionally divided into two global directions: the western transport corridor to Poland, Germany and the Baltic countries and the southern transport corridor mostly to Romania. Despite the great shock that the Ukrainian transport and logistics system experienced at the beginning of the war, it is trying to ensure the transportation of necessary goods to and from Ukraine.

Knowledge and perceptions of blood donors of the Western Cape Blood Services, South Africa, toward vaginal sample donation for biobanking.

Depletion of Lactobacillus species and an overgrowth of anaerobes in the vaginal tract bacterial vaginosis (BV)], is associated with non-optimal reproductive health outcomes, and increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). BV is currently treated with antibiotics, although these provide suboptimal cure levels and high recurrence rates. Vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT), the transfer of vaginal fluid from healthy donors with an optimal vaginal microbiota to a recipient with BV, has been proposed as an alternative treatment strategy. Here, we investigated knowledge and perceptions of blood donors to the concept of an optimal vaginal microbiome and VMT via the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) clinics in Cape Town, South Africa, by a self-administered questionnaire. Analysis of responses from 106 eligible women showed that 86% (91/106) would consider donating samples. Responses significantly associated with willingness to donate vaginal samples included: (1) belief that helping others outweighs the inconvenience of donating vaginal sample (p = 1.093e-05) and (2) prior knowledge of the concept of a healthy vaginal microbiome (p = 0.001). Most potential donors (59/91; 65%) were willing to receive a VMT themselves if needed. Participants who were unwilling to donate vaginal samples (15/106; 14%) indicated that vaginal sample collection would be unpleasant and/or embarrassing. The benefits of a collaboration with WCBS for this project include the naturally altruistic nature of blood donors, the constant in-flow of donors to WCBS clinics, and the infrastructure and logistical aspects in place. Data from this observational study highlight factors affecting the willingness of blood donors to become vaginal sample donors.

Circular Battery Design: Investing in Profitability and Sustainability

Addressing the grand challenges in electrochemical energy systems is often motivated by improving sustainability in energy conversion and storage. However, the design of materials, components and systems for energy storage and conversion devices, and in particular batteries, prioritizes the performance and cost. Sustainability comes third, as, historically, a focus on advancements in sustainability has incurred penalties in terms of performance and/ or cost for most conventional products. This interplay will certainly evolve in the coming years. Ecological and social aspects driven by legislative frameworks guarantee recycling of batteries and prevent hazardous waste in landfills. The recycling of batteries at their end of life (EoL) creates either additional cost or extra profit depending on the type and design of the battery, the available recycling technologies, as well as logistical and political aspects. The trend in the electric vehicle (EV) sector towards low-cost chemistries like lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) represents a double-edged sword, as the recycling profitability of such materials is extremely low for the established pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recycling methods.1 The direct recycling approach, where anode and cathode materials maintain their structure and functionality, holds the potential to make recycling profitable also for low-cost chemistries.2 However, direct recycling, which faces major processing challenges, necessitates a shift in battery design priorities. In this work, we apply the R9 framework 3 for circular economies onto the battery value chain to identify opportunities and define actions required from various stakeholders along the value chain to overcome the mindset of linear economies. Design for circularity is considered as an enabler for direct recycling and a key tipping element for reducing cost and increasing sustainability in battery production and disposition concurrently (Figure 1a). We elaborate on possible design strategies on the cell level to enable more efficient dismantling of batteries to guarantee higher purity in material waste streams, which is crucial for active material regeneration (Figure 1b). Trigger mechanisms to weaken interfaces between pouch foils, the current collector and electrodes, as well as the interface between primary active material particles and electrode additives include inductively heatable nanoparticles, blowing agents and supraparticulate microbombs. With this work we intend to highlight the relevance of design for circularity and want to invigorate the discussion on how to balance the compromise between performance, cost and sustainability aspects with regard to the design of materials, components and systems for energy storage and conversion devices.[1] J. Neumann, M. Petranikova, M. Meeus, J. D. Gamarra, R. Younesi, M. Winter, S. Nowak, Advanced Energy Materials 2022, 12.[2] L. Lander, T. Cleaver, M. A. Rajaeifar, V. Nguyen-Tien, R. J. R. Elliott, O. Heidrich, E. Kendrick, J. S. Edge, G. Offer, iScience 2021, 24, 102787[3] Potting j., Hekkert M., Worrell E., Hanemaaijeer A., Circular economy: Measuring innovation in the product chain 2017 Figure 1

Multi-Objective Framework for Resilient Post-Disaster Self-Built Residential Buildings

The 2015 seismic events in Nepal highlighted critical challenges in constructing earthquake-resilient, self-built stone masonry houses in rural mountain areas. The Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC), however, provided designs that failed to preserve the local architectural landscape and craftsmanship while adding unfamiliar knowledge and technology. To address the shortcomings of DUDBC model houses related to architecture, structure, and socio-economic concerns in designing and implementing post-earthquake houses, a need-based building development framework is required for standardized practice. This study proposes a novel framework to assess, design, and implement a self-built house after a disaster, consisting of five stages: (1) post-disaster problem assessment, (2) need identification, (3) material selection, (4) design development, and (5) validation and implementation. Based on this framework, we proposed a novel gabion building construction technology for two-story stone masonry structures that effectively mitigate post-disaster challenges such as logistic, resilience, and socio-economic aspects while improving disaster resiliency specifically in the high-elevation rural areas of Nepal. The proposed two-story gabion building preserves local architectural values, enhances structural integrity, and provides cost-effectiveness when compared with its DUDBC peer models while providing much-needed relief to the vulnerable community. The proposed resilient house, G-2.1, utilizes locally sourced materials and craftsmanship, and innovative gabion technology that ensures affordability and facilitates knowledge transfer. The contribution of this study includes a multi-objective framework for a two-story gabions house that is most suitable for self-built resilient homes that preserves the local architecture and socio-economic conditions while providing structural integrity and safety.

GREEN LOGISTICS PRACTICES AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE AMONG LOGISTICS FIRMS IN KENYA

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of green logistics practices on performance and mediating effect of environmental performance on this relationship in logistics companies in Kenya. Theoretical Framework: This study is anchored on the resource-based view and the natural resource-based view. Method: The study employs cross-sectional survey research design. A structured questionnaire is used to collect data from a sample of 300 firms which is analyzed using CB-SEM. Results and Discussion: Study establishes a significant positive relationship between green logistics practices and performance which is in line with the argument of the natural resource-based view. Secondly, the mediating effect of environmental performance on the relationship between green logistics practices and firm performance is found to be non-significant. Research Implications: The study recommends that logistics firms should implement environment-friendly practices of green packaging, route optimization, fuel efficiency, carbon emission measurement and reverse logistics. The expenses associated with implementing these practices impede the firm’s ability to improve performance in the context of a developing country. The findings provide a basis for the development regulatory framework in pursuit of environmental sustainability. Originality/Value: Research on ecological sustainability has mainly concentrated on the entire supply chain. This study concentrates on the logistics aspect which is responsible for a quarter of emissions of Green House Gases (CHGs). The research employs a measurement model of green logistics practices construct in the service sector hence moving away from the manufacturing organizations.

Mountain Logistics: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions

Background: The sustainable development of mountain areas, which have fragile ecosystems, has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers and practitioners. Logistics systems are crucial in supporting these regions and addressing mountainous terrain’s unique challenges. While many studies have examined aspects of mountain logistics, a comprehensive and systematic review of the field is still lacking. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper aims to fill the gap by systematically reviewing the existing literature on mountain logistics using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. Results/Conclusions: We identify four main research foci: design of logistics infrastructure or vector, optimization of logistics systems, safety in logistics systems, and impact of logistics systems on mountain communities. In addition to categorizing these themes, we conduct a detailed descriptive analysis of published studies in this domain. Our findings highlight significant research gaps, particularly in integrating digital technologies, sustainable mass transportation solutions, and logistics systems’ socioeconomic and environmental impacts. We propose targeted directions for future research to advance sustainable logistics practices in mountain regions.

When Rulers Came to Town: Jews, Christians and Urban Processions in Medieval France and the Holy Roman Empire

The festive entry of a monarch into medieval cities was an elaborate social drama involving the whole urban population. This article investigates how Jews were involved in these ceremonies in medieval France and the Holy Roman Empire, refuting previously held assumptions of their forced and marginalised roles. By demonstrating that Jews were actively included in these urban rituals, embracing local customs to welcome Christian rulers and using an array of distinctive objects to express their identity, much like other civic groups, this study argues that medieval Jews were part of an elaborate choreographed performance through which civic belonging was expressed. As Jewish participation spanned both the formal and logistical aspects of these events, medieval urban processions provide an effective case study on how religious minorities were woven into both the social and ceremonial fabric of medieval urban life.

Challenges and Opportunities of the Solar Panels Reverse Logistic in the Energetic Transitions of the Green Hydrogen

Objective: This paper aims to collaborate to the development of the reverse logistic for solar panels, impulse by the energetic transition into the green hydrogen. Additionally, it intends to map all the logistic activities linked to the green hydrogen production, including the reverse logistic of solar photovoltaic panels, to take advantage of its components. This paper wanted to identify all the photovoltaic solar panels components, for a more broadly comprehension of its structure, and define all the activities related to the post consumption of the panels. Theoretical Framework: The references explore the photovoltaic solar panels characteristics and the necessity to implement the reverse logistic for this energy source, focusing on green hydrogen production. Also, applying the just-in-time tool. Method: The methodology is detailed, with a clear and objective description of all the steps. Including the mapping of the activities through a flowchart, that illustrates the sequence of the steps, with a detailed description of each step. Results and Discussion: The obtained results revealed the necessity of a perspective for the reversed logistic driven from the energetic transition, especially by the green hydrogen. This problem is linked to the increasing environmental awareness and boosting on the solar panels production, which also increased the demand for the discarded components of those panels in a sustainable manner. Thus logistic can be optimized through the just-in-time tool, that allows the reverse mapping of the steps, improving its logistic aspects. Research Implications: The theoretical and practical implications of this research highlight mainly the questions related to sustainability and awareness in short, medium and long term. The search for an energetic vector capable of supplying the energetic necessities in a clean and abundant way is a topic of constant study. However, the answers to these questions and how they are connected can impact directly the energetic research. Therefore, it must be done in an efficient and strategic way. Originality/Value: This study explores the reverse logistics for solar panels, aiming to demonstrate the possibility to produce in a large scale in a sustainable form. This connection is linked to the GH2 energetic vector, since the source for the production of this vector is directly related to renewable energies, such as solar energy. Thus, this study maps in detail this reverse pathway searching for a sustainable reverse logistic.

An Evaluative Study of a Nurse-Led Surgical Information Initiative for Gender Diverse Individuals Seeking Genital Surgery.

To evaluate the impact of nurse-led one-on-one psychoeducation sessions on gender diverse individuals seeking gender-affirming genital surgery. A quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test research design was employed to examine the impact of a nurse-led initiative on improving patients self-perceived knowledge and confidence pertaining to gender affirming genital surgery. The study followed the SQUIRE 2.0 (Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence) guidelines and the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) guidelines. The curriculum for the initiative was crafted through literature reviews, expert panel engagements, multidisciplinary team input and was delivered by two specialist gender nurses. The results indicated a statistically significant increase in all participants' self-perceived knowledge and confidence scores. Furthermore, the study increased confidence in the ability to ask questions and plan for the logistical and financial aspects of surgery. Participants reported that the sessions were very useful, and for most, the information did not change their desire to seek surgery but did help them make more informed choices about the procedure, timing and preferred surgeon. The study underscores the imperative role of support networks and recommends interventions to facilitate open communication within families. The study emphasises the importance of customising healthcare approaches to align with the preferences of patients. The study addressed the need for psychoeducation sessions for individuals considering gender-affirming genital surgery. The main findings revealed a significant increase in participants' self-perceived knowledge and confidence, following a nurse-led intervention. The research's impact extends to gender-diverse individuals seeking surgery globally. Four individuals who had undergone gender-affirming surgeries contributed their perspectives to the study design, ensuring that the educational content addressed specific information needs and concerns.

When stadium ownership meets Corporate Social Responsibility: The case of U. C. AlbinoLeffe

This article aims to understand the importance of having a stadium owned by a football club as an added value if it is designed and managed from a socially responsible perspective in a context, that of Italian sport, which is still far from European standards in terms of infrastructure. The approach adopted focuses on the AlbinoLeffe Campus, serving as an example of how the ownership of a sports facility can shape and reflect socially responsible policies and practices adopted by a football club. The study examines the distinctive characteristics of the stadium considering the logistical, infrastructural, and environmental aspects underpinning its construction to act as a strategic lever to implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, a prerogative of club ownership. Some important managerial implications emerge from the analysis: 1) the need for a sustainable management approach for the stadium considering logistical, infrastructural, and environmental aspects; 2) the implementation of CSR strategies aligned with the company and the stadium's characteristics.

Dyadic coping experiences of parents of children with vascular anomalies.

Vascular anomalies (VAs) are a spectrum of rare pediatric disorders that require coordinated care from multiple subspecialists. Parents often struggle to coordinate care for their child's complex rare disorder. Even when they do access expert care, parents of children with VAs report high levels of stress and uncertainty. While previous research has explored parents' experiences navigating care for VAs, we know very little about how parents cope with stress together. Given the effect that dyadic coping can have on individual, couple, family, and child outcomes, we aimed to gain a better understanding of dyadic coping in the context of VAs. We collected data using semi-structured interviews with 27 parents (13 dyads and one individual parent). Data were analyzed using dyadic thematic analysis. Parents experienced stress related to medical, personal, logistical, and financial aspects of their child's healthcare. They relied on eight coping strategies: active coping, seeking emotional support, seeking informational support, cognitive avoidance, distraction, cognitive reframing, acceptance, and internalization. When analyzed together, we found evidence of five dyadic coping dynamics: collaborative, supportive, delegated, separate, and negative. Dyadic coping is complex and multilayered for parents of children with VAs. While the child's diagnosis is considered a shared stressor, both parents may not share preferred coping strategies. Parents of the same child may also be coping with different medical, relational/social, personal, or logistical stressors altogether. Psychosocial interventions designed to facilitate parental coping should address these complex coping dynamics.

THE IMPORTANCE OF KPI’S IN BUSINESS LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT

This article discusses the importance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in business logistics management and highlights how these metrics can improve the performance and efficiency of logistics operations. KPIs are key indicators that make it possible to monitor and evaluate progress in relation to the strategic and operational objectives set by companies. Logistics plays a crucial role in the success of an organization, as it encompasses all the activities related to the flow of materials, information and services from the source to the end consumer. However, to ensure efficient logistics, it is essential to continuously measure and monitor the performance of logistics operations. In this context, key performance indicators become fundamental in this process, as they provide a clear and objective view of various logistics aspects, such as delivery times, transportation costs, stock levels, delivery accuracy, among others. By establishing and monitoring relevant indicators, companies can identify areas for improvement, identify bottlenecks and proactively take corrective action.

Advancements in Cooperative Mobile Robots Control Strategies for Large-Scale Material Transport

This paper explores groundbreaking advancements in control strategies for cooperative mobile robots used in large-scale material transport, a critical aspect of modern industrial, manufacturing, logistics, and construction sectors. It delves into the development of sophisticated systems that enable seamless coordination among multiple mobile robot systems. The research presents a novel hierarchical finite state automaton for dynamic mission adaptation and a null space-based control scheme for precise task execution and enhanced system resilience. The introduction of Mecanum wheels facilitates flexible movement and manipulation of materials, thereby increasing operational efficiency and safety. Cutting-edge sensory technology, including LiDAR, and the implementation of the Robot Operating System are highlighted for their roles in enhancing autonomous navigation and intelligent operation. Additionally, the paper discusses the impact of centralized and decentralized control methods in ensuring safe, cooperative object transport. The findings contribute to the vision of Industry 4.0 by promoting the integration of automation and robotic cooperation in complex environments and present a foundational blueprint for further research. Challenges for future work such as scalability, communication efficiency, collision avoidance, and energy efficiency are also considered, underscoring the need for ongoing development of robust and scalable robotic systems to address modern transport challenges.

A guide for the generation of repositories of clinical samples for research on Chagas disease.

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects over 6 million people, mainly in Latin America. Two different clinical phases, acute and chronic, are recognised. Currently, 2 anti-parasitic drugs are available to treat the disease (nifurtimox and benznidazole), but diagnostic methods require of a relatively complex infrastructure and trained personnel, limiting its widespread use in endemic areas, and the access of patients to treatment. New diagnostic methods, such as rapid tests (RDTs) to diagnose chronic Chagas disease, or loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to detect acute infections, represent valuable alternatives, but the parasite's remarkable genetic diversity might make its implementation difficult. Furthermore, determining the efficacy of Chagas disease treatment is complicated, given the slow reversion of serological anti-T. cruzi antibody reactivity, which may even take decades to occur. New biomarkers to evaluate early therapeutic efficacy, as well as diagnostic tests able to detect the wide variety of circulating genotypes, are therefore, urgently required. To carry out studies that address these needs, high-quality and traceable samples from T. cruzi-infected individuals with different geographical backgrounds, along with associated clinical and epidemiological data, are necessary. This work describes the framework for the creation of such repositories, following standardised and uniform protocols, and considering the ethical, technical, and logistic aspects of the process. The manual can be adapted according to the resources of each laboratory, to guarantee that samples are obtained in a reproducible way, favouring the exchange of data among different work groups, and their generalizable evaluation and analysis. The main objective of this is to accelerate the development of new diagnostic methods and the identification of biomarkers for Chagas disease.