Abstract In this article, the business diagnosis is addressed through a case study focused on Bioeko. The problem context is centered on the need to understand the factors affecting the achievement of an organization's strategic objectives. The aim of the article is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Bioeko, using an organizational diagnostic tool. The methodology adopted was based on a descriptive and inductive approach backed by a qualitative analysis. An organizational diagnostic tool was developed in Excel that allows the assessment of the organization in five key areas: strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and human resource management. This tool is complemented with specific automatic questionnaires and is based on various dimensions of analysis to evaluate and improve key areas of the company, including the current situation, forecasts, general diagnosis, and results. The study revealed that, despite having strengths in human capital management, Bioeko needs to improve its coordination, marketing, and financial administration to boost its competitiveness. In conclusion, it is argued that the implementation of diagnostic tools will drive continuous improvements in SMEs, promoting innovation and learning through a collaborative working environment. These efforts are fundamental for the growth and sustainable success of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Resumen En este artículo, se aborda el diagnóstico empresarial a través de un estudio de caso centrado en Bioeko. El contexto del problema se centra en la necesidad de comprender los factores que afectan al logro de los objetivos estratégicos de una organización. El objetivo del artículo es realizar un análisis exhaustivo de Bioeko, utilizando una herramienta de diagnóstico organizacional. La metodología adoptada se basó en un enfoque descriptivo e inductivo respaldado por un análisis cualitativo. Se desarrolló una herramienta de diagnóstico organizacional en Excel que permite evaluar la organización en cinco áreas clave: estrategia, finanzas, marketing, operaciones y gestión de recursos humanos. Esta herramienta se complementa con cuestionarios específicos automáticos y se basa en diversas dimensiones de análisis para evaluar y mejorar áreas clave de la empresa, incluyendo la situación actual, previsiones, diagnóstico general y resultados. El estudio reveló que, a pesar de contar con fortalezas en la gestión del capital humano, Bioeko necesita mejorar su coordinación, marketing y administración financiera para impulsar su competitividad. En conclusión, se sostiene que la implementación de herramientas de diagnóstico impulsará mejoras constantes en las Mipymes, fomentando la innovación y el aprendizaje a través de un entorno laboral colaborativo. Estos esfuerzos son fundamentales para el crecimiento y el éxito sostenible de las pequeñas y medianas empresas.

ABSTRACT Fossil fuels, particularly oil, face sustainability challenges due to depletion and their role in increasing atmospheric CO2 levels, contributing to climate change and impacting global agriculture. Renewable energy sources like solar power offer a viable alternative. This study explores the feasibility of agro-photovoltaic (APV) systems, which integrate solar panels with agricultural land to generate electricity while cultivating crops. Specifically, the impact of APV systems on rice production and quality was investigated. Solar modules with a total capacity of 99.84 kW were installed on a 2580 m2 site, with two module configurations tested. Two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, Woonkwang and Saenuri, were transplanted and monitored for growth characteristics, chlorophyll content, and fluorescence, as well as yield and quality. Growth analysis of rice under APV systems showed minimal impact on plant height and tiller numbers, though chlorophyll content analysis indicated delayed leaf aging and extended maturation time. Rice yield decreased due to altered panicle and spikelet numbers. Quality analysis revealed changes in head rice rate and broken rice, stressing optimal harvest timing in APV systems. Shading conditions also affected physicochemical properties and taste profiles. Yields dropped by about 20% under APV systems, but the financial returns from electricity generation significantly outweighed the crop revenue loss. Despite the high initial installation costs and regulatory challenges, APV systems present a promising dual-use approach for enhancing farm income and promoting renewable energy. Continued research and investment are essential for optimizing APV systems and expanding their adoption.

Die inflasiekoers en die produksiegaping speel 'n belangrike rol in die monetêrebeleidstand-punt. Alhoewel die publiek inflasie redelik goed verstaan, is die produksiegaping 'n relatief onbekende begrip. Definisies van potensiële produksie kan dubbelsinnig wees, aangesien die term dikwels gebruik word om verwante, maar logies afsonderlike, konsepte te beskryf. Die produksiegaping word ook nie direk waargeneem nie en word afgelei uit beramings van potensiële produksie, wat self nie waarneembaar of meetbaar is nie en dus beraam moet word. Hierdie beramings kan egter sensitief wees vir verskillende metodologiese paradigmas en databeskikbaarheid. Die doel van hierdie artikel is om by te dra tot 'n beter begrip van en groter deursigtigheid in plaaslike monetêre beleid deur die rol van die produksiegaping in Suid-Afrikaanse monetêre beleid te verduidelik. Eerstens word die idees onderliggend aan die konsep van die produksiegaping bespreek, waarna 'n werksdefinisie van die produksiegaping in die konteks van monetêre beleid voorgestel word. Verskeie metodologieë en empiriese tegnieke waarvolgens potensiële produksie en die produksiegaping beraam kan word, word bespreek, insluitende eenveranderlike statistiese tegnieke, strukturele modelle en semistrukturele benaderings. Die artikel verduidelik voorts hoe die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (SARB) die plaaslike produksiegaping beraam en hoe hierdie beraamde produksiegaping op die monetêrebeleidstand-punt inwerk. Ten slotte word die SARB se monetêrebeleidstandpunt beskou met betrekking tot die inflasiekoers en produksiegapingsberamings oor die afgelope twee dekades ten einde die reaksie van die plaaslike monetêre beleid op groot ekonomiese skokke soos die wêreldwye finansiële krisis en COVID-19 te illustreer, en ten einde die beramings se sensitiwiteit vir datahersienings uit te lig.

The inflation rate and the output gap are two of the main determinants of the monetary policy stance. However, while inflation is relatively well understood by the public, the output gap is not. The output gap is not directly observed and is derived from estimates of potential output. Potential output is also not observable or measurable, and therefore needs to be estimated. Such estimates can, however, be sensitive to different methodological paradigms and the availability of data, while definitions of potential output may be ambiguous, because the term is often used to describe related, but logically distinct, concepts. With the aim of contributing to a better understanding of and greater transparency in domestic monetary policy, this paper describes the role of the output gap in South African monetary policy by broadly examining the following three questions: (i) What exactly is the output gap?; (ii) How is it measured? and (iii) Why is it important? To begin with, the idea underlying the concept of the output gap is explained and a tentative working definition of the output gap in the context of monetary policy is provided. Various methodologies and empirical techniques of estimating potential output and the output gap are then discussed, including univariate statistical techniques, structural models and semi-structural approaches. This is followed by an explanation of how the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) estimates the domestic output gap, and how the estimated output gap feeds into the monetary policy stance. Finally, the SARB's monetary policy stance is viewed in relation to the inflation rate and output gap estimates over the last two decades to illustrate the domestic monetary policy response to notable economic events such as the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 shock, and to highlight the sensitivity of the estimates to data revision. This paper shows that both actual and potential economic growth have declined over the last decade, even without taking into account the COVID-19 shock. This is consistent with the South African empirical literature, and points to a worrying and persistent stagnation in domestic economic activity. After strong economic activity during the early 2000s, the economy started slowing down in 2008. This may be ascribed to a number of factors, including the introduction of load-shedding in 2007, changes in the global economic landscape following the globalfinancial crisis, dwindling infrastructure investment after the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament, and uncertainty about domestic economic policy. COVID-19 brought about a massive economic shock in 2020. Lockdown regulations saw capital and labour withdrawn from economic use, which caused real GDP and potential output to contract by 6,2% and 2,7%, respectively, for the year. The output gap, which has mainly remained in negative territory since 2009, fell to -7,9% in the second quarter of 2020. In response to the crisis, the SARB drastically lowered the policy rate and applied several other financial market interventions, but even this extensive range of stimuli failed to prevent an economic collapse. Moreover, the output gap has remained negative despite a minor rebound of the economy in 2021 and 2022, which indicated that economic activity remained on its weakpre-COVID-19 trajectory. Inflation has stabilised markedly since 2010. This may be partly due to weak domestic economic activity that does not exert significant domestic inflationary pressures. In fact, many of the notable inflationary episodes of the last 25years were largely caused by external factors, such as the rand depreciation shock and the global financial crisis. This benign domestic inflationary environment has arguably made it easier for the SARB to achieve its inflation target. Such consistency has contributed to an increase in the SARB's credibility, which, in turn, has led to inflation expectations that are lower and better anchored.

RESUMO A pesquisa foca nas fusões bancárias, explorando como podem surgir benefícios não considerados tradicionalmente ao aplicar o método do Fluxo de Caixa Descontado em instituições financeiras. Utilizou-se dados de fontes como Banco Central (Bacen), IF.Data, Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal, Ipeadata, B3 e Infomoney. Analisaram-se os dados usando o Modelo de Dividendos Descontados e Modelagem Financeira Simples. Projetou-se a Demonstração do Resultado do Exercício e o Balanço Patrimonial dos bancos, ajustados pela taxa de inflação meta do Bacen. Calcularam-se os dividendos projetados para os próximos dez anos, determinou-se o Valor Patrimonial dos bancos individualmente e combinados, simulação que considerou três cenários: pessimista, realista e otimista. Os resultados destacaram variáveis críticas, como crescimento individual e combinado, Retorno sobre o Patrimônio e Taxa de Reinvestimento, mostrando que uma fusão pode gerar valor em todos os cenários analisados. bancárias financeiras Utilizouse Utilizou se Bacen, Bacen , (Bacen) IFData IF Data IF.Data Brasil Federal Ipeadata B Infomoney Analisaramse Analisaram Simples Projetouse Projetou Calcularamse Calcularam anos determinouse determinou combinados pessimista otimista críticas combinado Reinvestimento analisados (Bacen

The research focuses on bank mergers, exploring how benefits not traditionally considered can arise when applying the Discounted Cash Flow method in financial institutions. Data from sources such as the Central Bank (Bacen), IF.Data, Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal, Ipeadata, B3 and Infomoney were used. The data were analyzed using the Discounted Dividend Model and Simple Financial Modeling. We projected the Income Statement and Balance Sheet of the banks, adjusted by the Bacen target inflation rate. We calculated the dividends projected for the next ten years, and determined the “Equity Value” of the banks individually and combined, a simulation that considered three scenarios: pessimistic, realistic and optimistic. The results highlighted critical variables, such as individual and combined growth, Return on Equity and Reinvestment Rate, showing that a merger can generate value in all scenarios analyzed. mergers institutions Bacen, , (Bacen) IFData IF IF.Data Brasil Federal Ipeadata B used Modeling rate years Value pessimistic optimistic variables growth Rate (Bacen

La investigación se centra en las fusiones bancarias, explorando cómo pueden surgir beneficios no considerados tradicionalmente al aplicar el método de Flujo de Caja Descontado en entidades financieras. Se utilizaron datos de fuentes como Banco Central (Bacen), IF.Data, Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal, Ipeadata, B3 e Infomoney. Los datos se analizaron utilizando el modelo de dividendos descontados y el modelo financiero simple. Diseñamos el Estado de Resultados del Año y el Balance General de los bancos, ajustados por la tasa de inflación objetivo del Bacen. Se calcularon los dividendos proyectados para los próximos diez años, se determinó el Valor Patrimonial de los bancos individualmente y en conjunto, simulación que consideró tres escenarios: pesimista, realista y optimista. Los resultados resaltaron variables críticas, como el crecimiento individual y combinado, el retorno sobre el capital y la tasa de reinversión, mostrando que una fusión puede generar valor en todos los escenarios analizados. bancarias financieras Bacen, Bacen , (Bacen) IFData IF Data IF.Data Brasil Federal Ipeadata B Infomoney simple años conjunto pesimista optimista críticas combinado reinversión analizados (Bacen

ABSTRACT This paper discusses some comparative analysis between the pattern of economic performances in Asia and Western Europe during 1950s-2020s through political economies perspective. The Asian and Western European economic performances are investigated through some stylized facts in the sense of economic factors. Three analyses are used to explain the general pattern of these regions. First, this study examines the pattern of GDP growth per capita during the 1950s-2020s, focusing on several countries in this region. Second, the analysis captures the pattern of linkages of economic variables in this region related to the principle of Circular and Cumulative causation (CCC) and contradiction. Third, the analysis employs a historical perspective underpinned by the results in the second analysis. This third analysis is crucial to appreciating Asia’s global economic performance and also the process of Western deterioration phenomenon through long wave, including the occurrence recession and financial crises. The institutions of globalization and neoliberalism that put the power of capital promoted a financial crisis several times during the decades of 1980s-2020. The financial crisis is depicted by contradictions in the structural linkages among economic factors in Western Europe over the period. 1950s2020s ss 1950s 2020s s regions First 1950s2020s, 2020s, Second CCC (CCC contradiction Third Asias wave crises 1980s2020. 1980s2020 1980s 2020. 2020 1980s-2020 period 1980s202 202 1980s-202 1980s20 20 1980s-20 1980s2 2 1980s-2 1980s-

RESUMO Este artigo discute algumas análises comparativas entre o padrão de desempenho econômico na Ásia e na Europa Ocidental durante os anos 1950-2020 através da perspectiva das economias políticas. Os desempenhos econômicos da Ásia e da Europa Ocidental são investigados por meio de alguns fatos estilizados no sentido de fatores econômicos. Três análises são usadas para explicar o padrão geral dessas regiões. Em primeiro lugar, este estudo examina o padrão de crescimento do PIB per capita durante os anos 1950-2020, com foco em vários países dessa região. Em segundo lugar, a análise captura o padrão de vínculos de variáveis econômicas nesta região relacionadas ao princípio da Causação Circular e Cumulativa (CCC) e contradição. Em terceiro lugar, a análise emprega uma perspectiva histórica sustentada pelos resultados da segunda análise. Esta terceira análise é crucial para apreciar o desempenho econômico global da Ásia e também o processo de deterioração do fenômeno ocidental por meio de ondas longas, incluindo a ocorrência de recessão e crises financeiras. As instituições da globalização e do neoliberalismo que colocaram o poder do capital promoveram várias vezes uma crise financeira durante as décadas de 1980-2020. A crise financeira é retratada por contradições nas ligações estruturais entre os fatores econômicos na Europa Ocidental durante o período. 19502020 1950 2020 1950-202 políticas regiões lugar 19502020, 2020, CCC (CCC contradição longas financeiras 19802020. 19802020 1980 2020. 1980-2020 período 1950202 195 202 1950-20 1980202 198 1980-202 195020 19 20 1950-2 198020 1980-20 19502 1 2 1950- 19802 1980-2 1980-

ABSTRACT Semi-hydroponic systems are an alternative for vegetable production, combining inert substrates and nutrient solutions and requiring less water. Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a vegetable species of the Solanaceae family that is mainly grown in protected environments, which provide several financial and agronomic advantages for their management. Advancements in research and the need for high-quality productions have significantly contributed to this horticultural crop through the selection of productive cultivars with high economic yields and adapted to favorable conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth, physiological, and production characteristics of colored bell pepper cultivars in a semi-hydroponic system. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, using four colored pepper cultivars (Spinel, Bachata, Fulgor, and Red Jet), five evaluation times (7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after transplanting - DAT) for growth variables, and evaluations at two developmental stages (45 and 95 DAT) for physiological variables. Production and post-harvest variables were not evaluated in different times, considering only the cultivar factor, with five replications, each plot consisting of two plants. Chlorophyll a and b, maximum fluorescence, and water use efficiency were greater in bell pepper plants of the cultivar Spinel. The sweetest fruits were those of the cultivar Bachata. The cultivar Fulgor was the most suitable for growth under the studied conditions due to its greater fruit length and diameter and total fruit weight. Semihydroponic Semi hydroponic Capsicum L. L environments management highquality quality semihydroponic semi system design Spinel, Spinel (Spinel Bachata Jet, Jet , Jet) 7, 7 (7 14 21 28 3 DAT 45 (4 9 postharvest post harvest factor replications b fluorescence weight ( 1 2 4

RESUMO O sistema semi-hidropônico é uma alternativa para a produção de hortaliças, pois combina substrato inerte e solução nutritiva, necessitando de menos água. O pimentão é uma hortaliça da família Solanaceae, principalmente produzida em ambiente protegido, apresentando diversas vantagens financeiras e agronômicas no seu manejo. Com os avanços nas pesquisas e a necessidade de uma produção de qualidade, selecionar cultivares produtivas e com alto rendimento econômico, adaptadas às condições favoráveis, torna-se um grande avanço para esta cultura hortícola. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o crescimento, características fisiológicas e produtivas das cultivares Red Jet, Spinel, Bachata e Fulgor em sistema semi-hidropônico. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro cultivares de pimentão colorido (Spinel, Bachata, Fulgor e Red Jet) subdivididas em cinco épocas de avaliação (7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias após transplantio - DAT) para as variáveis de crescimento e duas épocas (45 e 95 DAT) de avaliação para fisiologia. As variáveis produtivas e pós-colheita não foram subdivididas no tempo, levando-se em consideração apenas o fator cultivar para estas variáveis, com cinco repetições, sendo cada parcela composta por duas plantas. Os índices de clorofila a e b, fluorescência máxima e eficiência no uso da água foram maiores nas plantas de pimentão da cultivar Spinel. Os frutos mais doces foram obtidos com a cultivar Bachata. A cultivar Fulgor foi a mais indicada para cultivo nas condições estudadas devido ao maior comprimento, diâmetro e peso médio dos frutos. semihidropônico semi hidropônico hortaliças nutritiva Solanaceae protegido manejo qualidade econômico favoráveis tornase torna se hortícola Jet Spinel semihidropônico. hidropônico. (Spinel 7, 7 (7 14 21 2 3 DAT 45 (4 9 fisiologia póscolheita pós colheita tempo levandose levando repetições b comprimento ( 1 4

ABSTRACT In the context of current debates on development problems, it is very common to speak of economic transition, of the causes of social crises and to blame, only, national states with internal policies that prevent them from advancing to higher forms of material and spiritual growth, exonerating the great powers and the most important centers of economic and financial power from all kinds of influences. In this sense, even when is visible that most of the analyzes on these issues ignore the struggle sun leashed, historically, with in the socialist experiences and the tribulations because they went through to overcome the agro-industrial and social backwardness in general, it seems convenient to return to the original Marxism and to the practical experience of Lenin, to re-evaluate some of his most important theoretical-methodological contributions and determine which of these could be useful to us today in order to overcome under development. It is precisely what this paper proposes.

RESUMEN En el contexto de los debates actuales sobre los problemas del desarrollo, es muy común hablar de transición económica, de las causas de las crisis sociales y responsabilizar, solo, a los Estados nacionales con las políticas internas que les impiden avanzar a formas superiores de crecimiento material y espiritual, exonerando a las grandes potencias y los más importantes centros de poder económico y financieros de todo tipo de influencias. En este sentido, aun cuando es visible que la mayor parte de los análisis sobre estos temas soslaya las pugnas desatadas, históricamente, dentro de las experiencias socialistas y las tribulaciones porque transitaron para superar el atraso agro-industrial y el social en general, parece conveniente volver al marxismo original y a la experiencia práctica de Lenin, para reevaluar algunas de sus contribuciones teórico-metodológicas más importantes y determinar cuáles de estas podrían sernos útil hoy al objetivo de superar el subdesarrollo. Es, justamente, lo que propone el presente trabajo.

ABSTRACT At present, it is observed that individuals significantly increase the value of their assets, in many cases, such increases have no justification, so they omit the payment of their taxes, generating a low tax collection in the country. The objective of this research work was to analyze the criteria that allow the detection of the unjustified increase in wealth of Peruvian individuals. The methodology applied was qualitative, phenomenological design, with a non-probabilistic sampling based on the professional experiences of three experts in tax matters. The result was that the tax administration applies certain criteria, classified under the following headings: financial system, social, informality, auditing and digitalization. The most important criteria during the COVID 19 pandemic were e-commerce and social networks, used to generate income and evade taxes. It is concluded that natural persons incur in unjustified asset growth, due to lack of knowledge, because they do not wish to formalize or because they do not have a technical accounting team to guide them in the aforementioned criteria. It is suggested that the tax administration should supervise the new criteria related to digitalization in order to reduce unjustified capital gains in Peru.

RESUMEN En la actualidad, se observa que las personas naturales incrementan significativamente el valor de su patrimonio, en muchos casos, dichos incrementos no tienen justificación alguna, por lo que omiten el pago de sus tributos, generando en el país una baja recaudación. El presente trabajo investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar los criterios que permiten la detección del incremento patrimonial no justificado en las personas naturales del Perú. La metodología aplicada fue de tipo cualitativo, diseño fenomenológico, tiene un muestreo no probabilístico basándose en las experiencias profesionales de tres expertos en materia tributaria. Obteniendo como resultado que la administración tributaria aplica ciertos criterios, clasificados en los siguientes rubros: sistema financiero, social, informalidad, fiscalización y digitalización. Siendo los criterios más resaltantes durante la pandemia COVID 19 el comercio electrónico y redes sociales, utilizados para generar ingresos y evadir impuestos. Se concluye que las personas naturales incurren en incremento patrimonial injustificado, por desconocimiento, porque no desean formalizarse o porque no cuentan con un equipo técnico contable que les oriente en los criterios antes mencionados. Se sugiere que la administración tributaria, deba fiscalizar a los nuevos criterios relacionados con la digitalización, para reducir el incremento patrimonial no justificado en el Perú.

ABSTRACT The consistent underperformance of the Brazilian economy in the 21st century, despite some years of higher gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the 2000s, has coincided with positive outcomes in its financial system. This contradiction is examined in the article through the concepts of hegemony and financialization. The aim is to establish a connection between financial hegemony, economic structure, and aggregate profitability, to identify how the former affects negatively the latter. The weight of the financial sector and its ability to influence economic policies and sustain its gains in different contexts are evaluated. Additionally, the determinants of the profit rate and its relationship with structural factors are examined. The evidence points to a significant influence of financial capital, which, through adverse structural changes, affects long-term profit rate trends, and consequently affects the industry and foreign trade, while also allowing the financial sector to maintain its gains over time.

RESUMEN El bajo rendimiento constante de la economía brasileña en el siglo XXI, a pesar de algunos años de mayor crecimiento del producto interno bruto (PIB) en la década del 2000, ha coincidido con resultados positivos en su sistema financiero. Esta contradicción se examina en el artículo mediante los conceptos de hegemonía y financiarización. El objetivo es establecer una conexión entre la hegemonía financiera, la estructura económica y la rentabilidad agregada, a fin de identificar cómo lo primero impacta negativamente en lo segundo. Se evalúa el peso del sector financiero, así como su capacidad para influir en las políticas económicas y mantener sus ganancias en diferentes contextos. Además, se examinan los determinantes de la tasa de beneficio y su relación con los factores estructurales. La evidencia apunta a una influencia significativa del capital financiero, que mediante cambios estructurales adversos afecta las tendencias de la tasa de beneficio a largo plazo, lo que en consecuencia impacta en la industria y el comercio exterior, y permite al sector financiero mantener sus ganancias con el tiempo.

Resumen Esta investigación se propuso examinar detenidamente la información financiera de las Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones (AFP) con el objetivo central de entender la relación entre el número de afiliados activos y diversos ratios financieros durante el periodo 2014-2022. Utilizando el método estadístico de la correlación de Pearson, así como un análisis detallado de los afiliados activos, utilidad neta y patrimonio de las AFP, se revelaron relaciones diversas entre el número de afiliados activos y los indicadores financieros. Los resultados también señalaron variabilidades significativas en el crecimiento y disminución de afiliados activos, utilidad neta y patrimonio en cada AFP. En conclusión, se observaron pocas relaciones notables, tanto positivas como negativas, entre el número de afiliados activos y varios indicadores financieros, como los ratios de liquidez, solvencia, gestión y rentabilidad. Este estudio proporciona una visión integral de las dinámicas financieras en las AFP, contribuyendo a una comprensión más profunda de la compleja interacción entre la membresía activa y la salud financiera de estas entidades.

Abstract This research set out to closely examine the financial information of the Pension Fund Administrators (AFPs) with the central objective of understanding the relationship between the number of active members and various financial ratios during the period 2014-2022. Using the statistical method of Pearson's correlation, as well as a detailed analysis of active members, net income and equity of the AFPs, diverse relationships between the number of active members and financial indicators were revealed. The results also showed significant variability in the growth and decline of active members, net income and equity in each AFP. In conclusion, few notable relationships, both positive and negative, were observed between the number of active members and various financial indicators, such as liquidity, solvency, management and profitability ratios. This study provides a comprehensive view of the financial dynamics in the AFPs, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complex interaction between active membership and the financial health of these entities.

Abstract Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Costa Rica is considered as an important alternative for the insertion of the young population into the labor market. However, despite the increasing importance of TVET there is a lack of institutionalized research activities, so that research efforts on TVET mainly remain in the background. The aim of this paper is to present and examine the level of institutionalization of TVET research in Costa Rica and the associated needs, challenges, and demands. Therefore, qualitative research, with an exploratory scope, was conducted between December 2022 and June 2023, for which a literature review on TVET research and semi-structured interviews with sixteen experts were carried out. The results revealed, that from 2020 to date, there has been an increase in the number of research activities in TVET and in the number of publications in Costa Rican journals. Nevertheless, TVET institutions in Costa Rica show low capacities in terms of personnel and financial resources to conduct TVET research. The main conclusion is that the level of institutionalization of TVET Research in Costa Rica is in its infancy, but has potential for growth, for which it is necessary to establish public TVET policies that include TVET research.

Resumen La Educación y Formación Técnica Profesional (EFTP) en Costa Rica es considerada como una importante alternativa para la inserción de la población juvenil en el mercado laboral. Sin embargo, a pesar de la creciente importancia de la EFTP existe una falta de actividades de investigación institucionalizadas, por lo que los esfuerzos de investigación sobre la EFTP permanecen principalmente en un segundo plano. El objetivo de esta investigación e trabajo es presentar y examinar el nivel de institucionalización de la investigación en EFTP en Costa Rica y las necesidades, retos y demandas asociadas. Para ello, se llevó a cabo una investigación cualitativa, de alcance exploratorio, entre diciembre de 2022 y junio de 2023, para lo cual se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre la investigación en EFTP y entrevistas semiestructuradas a dieciséis expertos. Los resultados revelaron, que desde el año 2020 a la fecha, ha habido un incremento en el número de actividades de investigación en EFTP y en el número de publicaciones en revistas costarricenses. Sin embargo, las instituciones de EFTP en Costa Rica muestran bajas capacidades en términos de personal y recursos financieros para realizar investigación en EFTP. La conclusión principal es que el nivel de institucionalización de la Investigación en EFTP en Costa Rica es incipiente, pero tiene potencial de crecimiento, para lo cual es necesario establecer políticas públicas de EFTP que incluyan la investigación en EFTP.

Resumen Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el papel del componente de alfabetización financiera islámica en la creación de inclusión financiera y el desarrollo de microempresas en Indonesia. En este estudio se empleó un diseño de investigación transversal y se recolectaron datos de 138 microempresas ubicadas en Pekanbaru, Indonesia. Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis de ruta y se adoptó IBM SPSS 26 para probar la hipótesis. Este estudio reveló que solo dos de los componentes de alfabetización financiera islámica influyen positivamente y significativamente en la inclusión financiera islámica. Este estudio también encontró que solo un componente de la alfabetización financiera islámica influye positiva y significativamente en el desempeño de las microempresas. Otros hallazgos muestran una relación positiva y significativa entre la inclusión financiera islámica y el desempeño de las microempresas. Este estudio indica que el componente de la educación financiera islámica desempeña un papel importante en la promoción de la inclusión financiera islámica, que es necesaria para el crecimiento de las microempresas en Indonesia. El propietario o gerente de microempresas debe aumentar su alfabetización financiera islámica a través de diversos programas de capacitación. Este es el primer estudio en Indonesia en investigar el papel de la literaria financiera islámica en la inclusión financiera y el desarrollo de microempresas. Este estudio tiene limitaciones en cuanto al tamaño de la muestra y la ubicación de la investigación.

Abstract This research aims to look at the role of Islamic financial literacy component in creating financial inclusion and developing micro-businesses in Indonesia. Cross sectional research design was employed in this study and data were collected from 138 micro-business located in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. The data was analyzed using path analysis and IBM SPSS 26 was adopted to testing the hypotesis. This study revealed that only two of Islamic financial literacy components positively and significant influences Islamic financial inclusion. This study also found that only one component of Islamic financial literacy positively and significantly influences micro-business performance. Other findings show a positive and significant relationship between Islamic financial inclusion and micro-business performance. This study indicates that component of Islamic financial literacy play an important role in promoting Islamic financial inclution which is necessary for growth of micro-business in Indonesia. Owner or manager of micro-business should increase their Islamic financial literacy through various training programs. This is the first study in Indonesia in investigating the role of Islamic financial litaracy on financial inclusion and micro-business development. This study has limitations in sample size and research location.

Resumen La agricultura tradicional enfrenta desafíos de sostenibilidad para satisfacer la demanda de alimentos de la población mundial, debido a diversos factores como el cambio climático y la erosión del suelo. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue realizar una evaluación financiera de cultivos de microgreens en cuartos de producción a nivel doméstico bajo condiciones ambientales controladas, a través de dos sistemas de producción diferenciados a partir del suministro energético: Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) y paneles solares. El estudio se efectuó en tres etapas: 1) desarrollo de microgreens en cuartos de cultivo con humedad y temperatura controladas y cálculo de rendimiento agrícola, 2) estimaciones del consumo energético requerido en el proceso de germinación y costo económico asociado, y 3) evaluación financiera del proyecto en los sistemas citados. Los microgreens se desarrollaron en 15 días. Los rendimientos fueron 0.38, 0.38, 0.41, 0.43 y 0.38 kg m-2 para alfalfa (Medicago sativa), betabel (Beta vulgaris), brócoli (Brassica oleraceae var. italica), pasto de trigo (Triticum eastivum) y rábano (Raphanus sativus), respectivamente. El consumo energético del equipo para mantener las condiciones ambientales en el cuarto de producción fue de 188.4 kWh. Para el sistema fotovoltaico se requirieron ocho paneles solares de 320 kW. Los costos fijos fueron $ 24,103.96 pesos mexicanos (MXN) (sistema CFE), y $ 48,471.75 MXN (sistema paneles solares); los gastos variables fueron $ 1.32 MXN (ambos sistemas). El valor presente neto indicó la rentabilidad del proyecto en nueve (sistema CFE) o 14 meses (sistema paneles solares); el margen de utilidad operativa fue 34.7 % en ambos casos. La ejecución del proyecto disminuye las presiones sobre el agua y el suelo, y contribuye con los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible de la Agenda 2030 de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas.

Summary Traditional agriculture faces sustainability challenges to meet the food demand of the world population, due to various factors such as climate change and soil erosion. The aim of this research was to financially evaluate microgreen crops in production rooms under controlled environmental conditions through two production systems differentiated by the energy supply: Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and solar panels. The study was carried out in three stages: 1) production of microgreens in cultivation rooms with controlled humidity and temperature, and calculation of agricultural yield; 2) estimation of the energy consumption required in the germination process and associated economic cost, and 3) financial evaluation of the project in the cited scenarios. The microgreens developed in 15 days. Yields were 0.38, 0.38, 0.41, 0.43 and 0.38 kg m-2 for alfalfa (Medicago sativa), beetroot (Beta vulgaris), broccoli (Brassica oleraceae var. italica), wheat grass (Triticum eastivum) and radish (Raphanus sativus), respectivaly. The energy consumption of the equipment to maintain environmental conditions in the production room was 188.4 kWh. Eight 320 kW solar panels were required for the photovoltaic system. Fixed costs were $ 24,103.96 Mexican pesos (MXN) (CFE system) and $ 48,471.75 MXN (solar panels system); variable costs were $ 1.32 MXN (both systems). The net present value indicated the project profitability in nine (CFE system) or 14 months (solar panels system); the operating profit margin was 34.7 % in both cases. The implementation of the project reduces pressure on water and soil, and contributes to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations Organization 2030 Agenda.

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to examine foreign direct investment (FDI) factors and develops a rational framework for FDI inflow in Western European countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria. Design/methodology/approach: Data for this study were collected from the World development indicators (WDI) database from 1995 to 2018. Factors such as economic growth, pollution, trade, domestic capital investment, gross value-added and the financial stability of the country that influence FDI decisions were selected through empirical literature. A framework was developed using interpretable machine learning (IML), decision trees and three-stage least squares simultaneous equation methods for FDI inflow in Western Europe. Findings: The findings of this study show that there is a difference between the most important and trusted factors for FDI inflow. Additionally, this study shows that machine learning (ML) models can perform better than conventional linear regression models. Research limitations/implications: This research has several limitations. Ideally, classification accuracies should be higher, and the current scope of this research is limited to examining the performance of FDI determinants within Western Europe. Practical implications: Through this framework, the national government can understand how investors make their capital allocation decisions in their country. The framework developed in this study can help policymakers better understand the rationality of FDI inflows. Originality/value: An IML framework has not been developed in prior studies to analyze FDI inflows. Additionally, the author demonstrates the applicability of the IML framework for estimating FDI inflows in Western Europe.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Infantile colic has a multifactorial etiology. Recent studies have suggested that probiotics may be effective in its management. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the Actiregularis strain (5×106 cfu\ml) included in maternal nutrition on gastrointestinal problems, growth development, and breastfeeding outcomes in infantile colic. DESIGN AND SETTING: The study was a randomized controlled trial conducted in the neonatal outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital in Turkey. METHODS: A probiotic drink containing the Actiregularis (5×106 cfu\ml) strain was added to the diet of mothers in the probiotics group once daily for 15 consecutive days. Data were collected for each infant’s 0th (birth), 1st, 4th, and 6th months. RESULTS: Infants whose mothers were administered Actiregularis for 15 days had decreased crying intensity (P = 0.000). When the difference in breastfeeding rates between the groups was significant at the 4th and 6th months (P = 0.044; P = 0.035). There was no difference in anthropometric values except the babies’ weights at the 6th month. (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Infants treated with Actiregularis, which was added to their mothers’ diet for 15 days, showed a decrease in the frequency of crying, and the difference in breastfeeding rates between the groups was significant at the 4th and 6th months. There was no difference in anthropometric values except the babies’ weights at the 6th month. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT04374955 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/). BACKGROUND etiology management OBJECTIVE 5×106 5106 5 106 (5×10 cfu\ml cfuml cfu ml problems development SETTING Turkey METHODS 1 infants infant s th birth, birth , (birth) 1st st RESULTS 0.000. 0000 0.000 . 0 000 0.000) 0.044 0044 044 0.035. 0035 0.035 035 0.035) babies month 0.001. 0001 0.001 001 0.001) CONCLUSION REGISTRATION NCT NCT0437495 https//clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/. httpsclinicaltrialsgovct2show httpsclinicaltrialsgovctshow https //clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ clinicaltrials gov ct2 show ct (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/) 5×10 510 10 (5×1 (birth 0.00 00 0.04 004 04 003 0.03 03 NCT043749 https//clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ httpsclinicaltrialsgovct clinicaltrialsgovct2show clinicaltrialsgovctshow //clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ 5×1 51 (5× 0.0 NCT04374 https//clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show clinicaltrialsgovct (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show 5× (5 0. NCT0437 ( NCT043 NCT04 NCT0