Resumen El control biológico en caña de azúcar en Venezuela se ha logrado establecer como una medida única, con resultados óptimos del uso de parasitoides y entomopatógenos para el control de los taladradores del género Diatraea, y, posteriormente, de la candelilla Aeneolamia spp., ambas plagas claves del cultivo. Para los taladradores, se logró después de liberaciones sistemáticas de la mosca amazónica Lydella minense desde un inicio, a mediados del siglo XX y luego con el establecimiento de la avispa bracónida Cotesia flavipes, a partir de 1987. Para el control biológico de Aeneolamia varia, plaga que implicaba la aplicación frecuente de insecticidas, después de la introducción del uso del hongo entomopatógeno Metarhizium anisopliae desde 1977, se ha establecido como medida eficiente para el control de sus adultos, aunque las ninfas eran menos controladas. Este aspecto se resolvió mediante la introducción del nematodo entomopatógeno Heterorhabditis bacteriophora en 2004, el cual se viene utilizando en forma general, y prácticamente ya se tienen las medidas biológicas para evitar la aplicación de insecticidas. Como ejemplo se tiene a la Azucarera Río Turbio, aunque en las últimas zafras ha tenido una reducción en sus áreas, por diferentes factores. Durante los últimos 58 años, la infestación de Diatraea muestra una reducción de 15 a 3.18 %, con lo cual se salvan 170 552.62 toneladas métricas (TM), con un valor de US$ 49 196 045 y un costo del control biológico de US$ 1 187 189 lo que se traduce en un beneficio-costo de US$ 41.44. Antes del establecimiento del control biológico, Aeneolamia se controlaba exclusivamente con insecticidas químicos, aplicados al follaje para los adultos y al suelo para las ninfas. Simultáneamente desde entonces, se ha utilizado el hongo M. anisopliae producido por empresas nacionales, hasta cubrir 87 000 ha, entre 1986 y 1990. También, desde 2004 se inició la utilización de nematodos entomopatógenos para el control de ninfas de Aeneolamia.

Abstract The biological control in sugarcane in Venezuela has been established as a unique measure, having optimal results of the use of parasitoids and entomopathogens for the control of borers of the genus Diatraea, and later of the candelilla Aeneolamia spp., both key pests of the crop. For borers it was achieved after systematic releases of the Amazonian fly Lydella minense from the middle of the last century and then with the establishment of the braconid wasp Cotesia flavipes from 1987. For the biological control of Aenolamia varia, pest that involved the frequent application of insecticides, after the introduction of the use of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae since 1977, has been established as an efficient measure for the control of its adults, however, the nymphs were less controlled. This aspect was resolved through the introduction of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in 2004, which has been widely used as a biological measure to avoid the application of insecticides. As an example, we have the Azucarera Río Turbio, although in the last harvests it has had a reduction in its areas due to different factors. During the last 58 years, Diatraea infestation shows a reduction of 15 to 3.18 %, which saves 170 552.62 metric tons with a value of US$ 49 196 045 and a cost of biological control of US$ 1 187 189 which translates into a benefit-cost of US$ 41.44. Before the establishment of biological control, Aeneolamia was controlled exclusively with chemical insecticides applied to foliage for adults and soil for nymphs. Simultaneously since then, the entomopathogenic fungus M. anisopliae produced by national companies has been used and this entomopathogen was used on 87 000 hectares between 1986 and 1990. Also since 2004, the methodology of using entomopathogenic nematodes to control Aeneolamia nymphs began.

Abstract: The military heritage built in the regions of Peru is conspicuously invisible. The present investigation contributes to its patrimonial valuation. It has a qualitative approach and an exploratory level. For the recording, photogrammetric means of collecting metric information were used (Agisoft Metashape Professional software, professional/semi-professional camera equipment, a DJI Mavic Pro drone, and desktop computers). In the historical study, the technique used was to review secondary sources, maps and photographs of the total history of the property, and then explore documents from the 19th century in the archive. One notable result is that, in relation to the overarching goal of deepening the precise architectural record of "Fort Barbones," the process undertaken- even amidst the Covid-19 pandemic-has been both possible and valuable. It has transformed problems into opportunities for cooperative, technological, and innovative work.

Resumen: El patrimonio militar edificado en las regiones del Perú está claramente invisibilizado. La presente investigación aporta a su valoración patrimonial. Tiene enfoque cualitativo y nivel exploratorio. Para el registro se emplearon medios fotogramétricos de relevamiento de información métrica (software Agisoft Metashape Profesional y equipo de cámaras profesionales/semi-profesionales, un dron DJI Mavic Pro y ordenadores de escritorio). En el estudio histórico la técnica utilizada fue revisar fuentes secundarias, mapas y fotografías de la historia total del inmueble, y luego explorar documentos del siglo XIX en archivo. Entre sus resultados destaca que con relación al objetivo general de profundizar el registro arquitectónico exacto del Fuerte Barbones, el proceso realizado -incluso en plena pandemia por el Covid-19- ha resultado posible y valioso, transformando problemas en oportunidades de trabajo cooperativo, tecnológicas e innovadoras.

Abstract In the present paper we study para-Kenmotsu (p-Kenmotsu) manifold equipped with quarter-symmetric metric connection and discuss certain derivation conditions.

Resumen En el presente artículo estudiamos variedades para-Kenmotsu (p-Kenmotsu) equipadas con conexiones métricascuarto-simétricas y discutimos ciertas condiciones derivadas.

Resumen En nuestra investigación, nuestro objetivo es conocer las actitudes y comportamientos financieros de los grupos sociales económicamente frágiles. Con base en una encuesta de cuestionario en línea (N = 22933 adultos), formamos grupos mediante análisis de conglomerados y los comparamos entre sí. Examinamos los grupos con métodos estadísticos multivariables, destacando las características relacionadas con la vulnerabilidad financiera. Además, desarrollamos la métrica de fragilidad financiera. Los resultados llaman la atención sobre el hecho de que la fragilidad financiera tiene múltiples razones complejas e interrelacionadas. En términos de personalidad financiera, actitud y comportamiento, alcanzaron el punto promedio más alto en el caso de reclamos claramente adversos, mientras que el más bajo en reclamos benéficos. Nuestros resultados demuestran que, incluso si el grupo financieramente vulnerable representa el 9 %, el grupo de los 'pozos de dinero' y los 'pasivos' muestran varias actitudes y patrones de comportamiento que podrían conducir a la fragilidad financiera en el futuro. La proporción acumulada de estos grupos asciende al 32%. Las personas económicamente vulnerables no cuidan bien ni sus finanzas ni su hogar, no pueden planificar ni prolongar sus deseos, y juzgan incurable su situación, a lo que se suma la ansiedad.

Abstract In our research, we aim to become acquainted with the attitudes and financial behaviours of financially fragile social groups. Based on an online questionnaire survey (N=22933 adult), we formed groups by cluster analysis and compared them to each other. We examined the groups with multivariable statistical methods, underscoring the characteristics relating to financial vulnerability. Beside we developed the metric for financial fragility. The results draw attention that financial fragility has multiple, complex, interrelated reasons. In terms of financial personality, attitude, and behaviour, they reached the highest average point in case of distinctly adverse claims, while the lowest at beneficial claims. Our results demonstrate that even if the financially vulnerable cluster accounts for 9%, the group of 'money pits' and the 'passive' show several such attitudes and behavioural patterns that could lead to financial fragility in the future. The cumulative ratio of these groups amounts to 32%. Financially vulnerable people do not take good care of either their finances or their household, they can't plan or prolong their wishes, and they judge their situation incurable, which is coupled with anxiety.

INTRODUCTION After the Second World War, science comes to be understood as a vital sector for the development and progress of a country and, consequently, nations invested more resources for research activities. The need to manage these resources and to understanding scientific and technological dynamics stimulated the development of areas related to metrics on science performance and impact, such as bibliometrics, scientometrics and patentometrics. Studies in these areas on a given topic have information retrieval as their initial stage, which requires the use of an efficient search strategy to retrieve the maximum number of documents of interest with the minimum number of false positives. OBJECTIVE To propose a model for developing a search strategy for retrieving scientific and technological retrieval of scientific and technological information on an emerging topic: 3D printing in quantitative metric studies. RESULTS For the case of 3D printing, the proposed model retrieved a quantity 70% higher than that identified in the literature for scientific documents and 44% higher for patents. CONCLUSION The use of the model may increase remarkably the amount of scientific and technological information retrieved, it may the identification of terms for emerging technologies before they become established and it may improve the quality of the data, avoiding conclusions. 

INTRODUÇÃO Após a segunda guerra mundial, a ciência passa a ser compreendida como um setor vital para o desenvolvimento e progresso de um país, e, consequentemente, as nações passaram a investir mais recursos para as atividades de pesquisa. A necessidade de gerenciar esses recursos e também de compreender a dinâmica científica e tecnológica estimulou o desenvolvimento de áreas relacionadas a métricas de desempenho e de impacto da ciência, como bibliometria, cientometria e patentometria. Estudos dessas áreas sobre um determinado tema têm como etapa inicial a recuperação da informação, a qual requer o uso de uma estratégia de busca eficiente para recuperar o máximo de documentos de interesse com o mínimo de falsos positivos. OBJETIVO O presente estudo propõe um modelo para o desenvolvimento de estratégia de busca para a recuperação da informação científica e tecnológica em um tema emergente: a impressão 3D em estudos métricos quantitativos. RESULTADOS Para o caso da impressão 3D, o modelo proposto recuperou um quantitativo 70% superior ao identificado na literatura para documentos científicos e 44% superior para patentes. CONCLUSÃO A utilização do modelo pode ampliar consideravelmente a quantidade de informação científica e tecnológica recuperada, possibilita a identificação de termos para tecnologias emergentes antes que esses se estabeleçam e também proporciona melhoria na qualidade dos dados, evitando conclusões equivocadas.

Resumo Um estudo socioeconômico foi realizado no distrito de Mardan, da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão, para obter maior conhecimento das espécies de árvores agroflorestais cultivadas em terras agrícolas, seu rendimento e estoque de carbono. Para a estimativa de produção e estoque de carbono, foram coletados os dados de 59 parcelas amostrais, medindo-se o diâmetro, a altura, o volume e a biomassa de espécies de árvores agroflorestais selecionadas por meio de fita D e altímetro Haga. Um total de 59 parcelas amostrais foi inventariado usando 2,5% de intensidade de amostragem. Cada parcela amostral possui uma área de 0,5 ha, em que cada árvore com Diâmetro à Altura do Peito (DAP) ≥ 5 cm foi inventariada. A quantidade calculada de volume de cada espécie de árvore foi então convertida em biomassa, multiplicando-a pela densidade da madeira e pelo Fator de Expansão da Biomassa (BEF). A produção total e o estoque de C para as espécies de árvores agroflorestais selecionadas foram 11.535,2 toneladas métricas e 2.102,2 toneladas métricas, respectivamente. Populus euroamericana foi classificada como a principal árvore com 28% de crescimento de estoque, seguida de Morus alba com 21%, enquanto Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix tetrasperma e Bombax ceiba apresentaram 15%, 12%, 8%, 6%, 7% e 3% de crescimento do estoque, respectivamente. Entre as espécies encontradas em diferentes parcelas de amostragem, o rendimento de Populus euroamericana foi de 4.747,5 toneladas, seguida pela espécie Morus alba, com rendimento de 2.027,3 toneladas. Da mesma forma, o volume de Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Salix spp, Bombax ceiba e Acacia nilotica foi de 1.532,2 toneladas, 1.503 toneladas, 745,7 toneladas, 555,4 toneladas e 220,5 toneladas, respectivamente. O estoque de carbono para Populus euroamericana foi calculado como 777,8 ton/ha, enquanto para Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Melia azedarach, Morus alba, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix species e Bombax ceiba foi calculado como 312,3 ton/ha, 272,1 ton/ha, 363 ton/ha, 245,1 ton/ha, 51,4 ton/ha, 27,3 ton/ha e 53,2 ton/ha, respectivamente. A pesquisa por questionário, realizada para a dinâmica de preços, mostrou que os entrevistados, em sua maioria, compram madeira do mercado para construção, mas usam árvores de fazenda em construções urbanas de baixa qualidade. Eles não gostam de utilizar a madeira local na construção convencional, pois ela é suscetível ao ataque de insetos. Em relação às vendas diárias, 50% dos comerciantes vendem entre Rs. 50.000-100.000, enquanto 16,7% têm suas vendas entre Rs.150.000-200.000. Portanto, conclui-se que tanto o governo provincial quanto o governo federal devem promover, por meio de diferentes incentivos, a agrossilvicultura no Paquistão, por ter o potencial de lidar com o dilema do desmatamento de florestas naturais e melhorar a subsistência das populações locais. É fortemente recomendado que projetos especiais, como o Projeto de Reflorestamento de Dez Bilhões de Árvores (T-BTTP), sejam lançados para plantio agroflorestal e promoção no país para sustentar a harmonia ecológica e elevar a condição socioeconômica dos povos do Paquistão.

Abstract A socio-economic study was conducted in district Mardan of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan to get a comprehensive knowledge of the agroforestry tree species grown on the farmlands, their yield, and carbon stock. For yield and carbon stock estimation, data were collected from 59 sample plots by measuring the diameter, height, volume, and biomass of selected agroforestry tree species through D-tape and Haga altimeter. A total of 59 sample plots were inventoried using 2.5 percent sampling intensity. Each sample plot has an area of 0.5 ha, where each tree with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm was inventoried. The calculated amount of volume of each tree species was then converted to biomass by multiplying it by the density of wood and the Biomass Expansion Factor (BEF). Total yield and C stock for the selected agroforestry tree species were 11535.2 metric tons and 2102.2 metric tons, respectively. Populus euroamericana is classified as the main tree with 28% growing stock prior to Morus alba by 21%, while Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix tetrasperma, and Bombax ceiba consist of 15%, 12%, 8%, 6%,7% and 3% growing stock respectively. Among the species found in different sampling plots the yield of Populus euroamericana was found to be 4747.5 metric tons and it was followed by the species Morus alba found at 2027.3 metric tons. Similarly, the volume for Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Salix spp, Boombox ceiba, and Acacia nilotica was 1532.2 tons,1503 ton,745.7,203.5ton, 555.4ton and 220.5ton, respectively. The carbon stock for Populus euroamericana was calculated as 777.8 ton/ha, while for Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Melia azedarach, Morus alba, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix species, and Bombax ceiba it was calculated as 312.3ton/ha, 272.1ton/ha, 363ton/ha, 245.1ton/ha, 51.4ton/ha, 27.3ton/ha and 53.2ton/ha, respectively. The questionnaire survey conducted for price dynamics showed that the majority of respondents purchase timber from the market for construction. But they use farm trees with low-quality city construction. They dislike using local timber in the conventional building as timber from farm trees is liable to insect attack. Rs. 50,000-100000, (33.33%) of daily sales was concluded from 50% of the trader while (16.7%) of the traders have their sales between Rs.150,000-200,000. Therefore, it is concluded by the authors that both provincial and federal government should promote agroforestry in Pakistan through different incentives because it has the potential to cope with dilemma of deforestation of natural forests and improve the livelihood of local peoples. It is strongly recommended that special projects just like the Ten Billion Tree Afforestation Project (T-BTTP) should be launched for agroforestry plantation and promotion in the country to sustain the ecological harmony and uplift the socio-economic condition of the peoples of Pakistan.

Resumo O urso-negro-asiático está há muito tempo em conflito com os seres humanos. A invasão de plantações é uma das principais causas desse conflito frequentemente observado no sul da Ásia: cultivos invadidos por ursos-negros afetados por atributos temporais, espaciais e antropogênicos. A compreensão desse conflito, assim como sua mitigação, é vital para a conservação dessa espécie ameaçada. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a invasão de culturas por ursos-negros na região montanhosa de Azad Jammu e Caxemira. Pesquisas de campo foram realizadas para observar características espaciais e temporais de invasão de culturas, entre 2015 e 2020, e dados coletados usando questionários desenhados e adaptados aleatoriamente em aldeias próximas às florestas. Os resultados revelaram que o milho foi a única cultura atacada por ursos-negros. Uma área total de 28 acres foi invadida pelo urso-preto na temporada de outono (agosto-novembro), resultando em um dano de 51 toneladas – todo o ataque foi realizado à noite. Cada respondente recebeu danos na colheita em 0,09 acre, com uma perda de 0,17 tonelada de rendimento. A quantidade e a área da colheita foram significativamente correlacionadas entre si. O distrito de Neelum compartilhou 49% da perda total da colheita, enquanto 47% do milho foram invadidos na faixa altitudinal de 2100-2500 m. A invasão de culturas foi altamente significativa (χ2 = 1174,64;df = 308; p < 0,01), dependente da distância até a floresta. A regressão linear revelou que a quantidade de milho foi determinada por área, tempo e área total do campo. Os agricultores enfrentaram uma perda de 3,8 milhões de PKRs devido a danos nas colheitas causados por ursos-negros. Apesar do grande prejuízo, a maioria (23%) dos respondentes não respondeu ao questionamento sobre as medidas de mitigação, indicando má adaptação das medidas preventivas. A estratégia preferida para evitar danos às plantações foi fazer barulho (27,8%) quando os ursos atacaram suas plantações. Recomenda-se o início de um esquema de compensação para os agricultores, que transformará sua atitude negativa em positiva em relação à vida selvagem e ao urso-negro em particular. O estudo fornece uma nova visão do conflito entre humanos e ursos, particularmente no contexto espacial e temporal de invasões de colheitas em AJ&K.

Abstract Asiatic black bear has long been in conflict with human beings crop raiding is a major cause of this conflict frequently noted in South Asia. Crops raided by black bears affected by temporal, spatial and anthropogenic attributes. Insight in this conflict and its mitigation is vital for the conservation of this threatened species. Present study aimed to evaluate crop raiding by black bears in the mountainous region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Field surveys were carried out to observe spatial and temporal crop raiding features between 2015-2020 and data gathered using designed questionnaires randomly tailored in villages nearby the forests. Results revealed that maize was the sole crop raided by black bears. A total of 28-acre area was raided by black bear in the fall season (Aug-November) resulting in a damage of 51 metric tons, whole raiding was carried out at night. Each respondent received crop damage on 0.09 acre with a loss of 0.17 metric ton yield. Crop quantity and area were significantly correlated to each other. District Neelum shared 49% of the total crop loss, while 47% of the maize was raided at the altitudinal range of 2100-2500 m. crop raiding was highly significantly ( χ 2 = 1174.64 ; d f = 308 ; p < 0.01) dependent upon distance to the forest. Linear regression revealed that maize quantity was determined by area, time and the total field area. Farmers faced 3.8 million PKRs loss due to crop damage by black bears. Despite the huge loss, the majority (23%) of the respondents did not respond to the query on mitigation measures indicating a poor adaptation of preventive measures. Preferred strategy to avoid crop damage was making noise (27.8%) when bears attacked their crops. A start of compensation scheme to the farmers is recommended that will have turned their negative attitude into a positive one toward the wildlife and black bear particularly. Study provides a new insight in human-bear conflict, particularly in spatial and temporal context of crop raiding in AJ&K.

ABSTRACT: Scientific research on passion fruit has been conducted in several institutions worldwide, and it is of interest to the productive sector, the scientific community, and science and technology managers to learn about current scientific advances and opportunities through metric studies of bibliographic information. A survey of publications indexed in the Web of Science and the Agricultural Research Database-BDPA, in European Patent Office - Espacenet, and Embrapa’s technologies and projects were used as indicators to characterize research networks. This study analyzed the co-authorship and co-citation network of scientific production, the strength of connections among institutions, and a map of co-occurrence of keywords from 2001 to 2020. Brazil, the United States, Colombia, and France had the largest co-authorship networks for Passifloraceae. Brazilian institutions that are in a prominent position in the analysis of co-authorship networks and that produced the largest number of publications were Embrapa, University of São Paulo (USP), and State University of Campinas (Unicamp). The main themes studied were adsorption, antioxidant, clarification, evolution, flavonoid, flowering, growth, and somatic embryogenesis. Patents related to the use of passifloras were highest between 2015 and 2017 and were mainly focused on the production of food, beverages, cosmetics, and medicines. Brazil has relevant bibliographic production and technological development regarding passion fruit for the academic community and rural producers. These results integrated aspects of scientific activity that can help explore new research directions and explain the use and circulation of scientific production.

RESUMO: As pesquisas sobre o maracujá são realizadas em diversas instituições ao redor do mundo e é de interesse do setor produtivo, da comunidade científica e dos gestores de ciência e tecnologia, conhecer a dinâmica da ciência por meio de estudos métricos das informações bibliográficas. O levantamento das publicações indexadas na Web of Science e na Base de Dados de Pesquisa Agropecuária da Embrapa (BDPA), os registros no Escritório Europeu de Patentes - Espacenet, as tecnologias e os projetos da Embrapa foram utilizados como indicadores para caracterizar as redes de pesquisa sobre os maracujás. Este estudo analisou a rede de coautoria e cocitação da produção científica, a força de conexão entre as instituições e o mapa de coocorrência de palavras-chave entre 2001 e 2020. Brasil, Estados Unidos, Colômbia e França tiveram as maiores redes de coautoria em Passifloraceaes. As instituições brasileiras em posição de destaque na análise das redes de coautoria e que produziram o maior número de publicações foram Embrapa, USP e Unicamp. Os principais temas estudados foram adsorção, antioxidante, clarificação, evolução, flavonoide, floração, crescimento e embriogênese somática. As patentes relacionadas ao uso do maracujá tiveram destaque entre 2015 e 2017 com foco na produção de alimentos, bebidas, cosméticos e medicamentos. O Brasil possui relevante produção bibliográfica e desenvolvimento tecnológico sobre o maracujá tanto para a comunidade acadêmica quanto para os produtores rurais. Estes resultados integram aspectos da atividade científica que poderão prospectar novos direcionamentos de pesquisa e tornar conhecidos o uso e a circulação da produção científica.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the use of decision trees to select sows based on the production parameters of parity order (PO) 1 sows from a commercial herd. Data were collected at a piglet production unit with a capacity of housing 5,500 sows in collective pens. Piglet production and sow culling information was collected from PO1 and PO2 sows. The period from January 2017 to March 2020 was analyzed. The correlation analysis was used to identify the influence of the production parameters on sow culling after exploring the database using the graphical analysis and descriptive statistics. The ANOVA was applied to evaluate differences in the response variables between culled and unculled sows. Two models were proposed using the decision tree method: model 1 referred to sow culling, and model 2 comprised the total number of liveborn piglets (TBA). The calculated value was close to 0, although the correlations of the production parameters with culling were statistically significant. The mean number of weaned piglets was higher for unculled sows in PO1 (p < 0.05). The number of weaned piglets, total number of liveborn piglets, and weaning-service interval did not differ in the unculled and culled sows in PO2 (p > 0.05). Using a confusion matrix as a metric tool, the decision tree method used in this study provided consistent results for this database, indicating its possible use for decision-making in sow selection.

BACKGROUND: PIRLS 2021 results revealed that South African Grade 4 learners performed significantly lower compared to other countries in reading comprehension and that they did not reach the standardised international mean score of 500. It was also evident from the results that English learners performed relatively higher than isiZulu learners. OBJECTIVE: This study was initiated to investigate whether possible measurement invariance can help explain the difference in the scores of English and isiZulu learners. Measurement invariance is concerned with the metric and functional equivalence of the items in the two languages examined. METHOD: A quantitative approach was utilised to reanalyse the PIRLS 2021 numerical data sets. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the mean and raw scores. Rasch analysis was conducted to look for any Differential Item Function (DIF) in the items RESULTS: Statistics revealed that there is a significant difference in the mean scores of the two languages. Analysis of raw scores provided evidence that some of the items lacked metric equivalence. Rasch analysis displayed that some of the items lacked functional equivalence. CONCLUSIONS: The significant difference found in the scores implies that Grade 4 learners need more attention mastering the skill of reading literacy. The lack of metric and functional equivalence suggests that items in the passages need to be investigated and improved. CONTRIBUTIONS: This study has contributed to the International Large-Scale Assessment literature specifically relating to the equivalence of ILSA across languages. A significant gap in the learners' scores was identified and measurement invariance helped explain the gap in the learners' reading scores.

ORIENTATION: Globalisation and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in a change in leadership in the work environment - this necessitated a relook into classical leadership constructs, but importantly, with the consideration of contextual influences. Spiritual leadership (SpL), which is the focus of this article, has however been predominantly viewed from a Eurocentric perspective. RESEARCH PURPOSE: To develop and validate an instrument to measure SpL within the South African context. MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY: It is argued that SpL is important for organisational performance, employee contentment and wellness. Albeit the theory of SpL carries academic rigour and potency, it has not yet converted into an empirically developed and tested instrument within the South African organisational context. RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD: This empirical study was conducted from a quantitative positivist paradigm, utilising a cross-sectional design. A total of 5308 participants completed the self-administered survey from organisations in both the public and private sectors. The analysis includes item screening, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), test for common method bias (CMB), determination of convergent validity and invariance analysis (configural, metric and scalar). MAIN FINDINGS: The results yielded reliable and valid SpL instrument, which is invariant with regards to the private and public sectors used in this study. The results of the study were also not influenced by CMB. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: This study provides a validated contextualised scale that can be used to measure leadership efficiency and efficacy. CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD: The practical and academic value is the newly developed SpL instrument for the context of South African organisations. It can thus be used with confidence by organisational researchers and academics.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are an important metric in identifying abnormally high radiation doses in diagnostic examinations. National DRLs for CT colonography do not currently exist in South Africa, but there are efforts to collect data for a national DRL project. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated radiation doses for CT colonography in adult patients at a large tertiary hospital in South Africa with the aim of setting local DRLs. METHOD: Patient data from two CT scanners (Philips Ingenuity and Siemens Somatom go.Top) in the period March 2020 - March 2023 were obtained from the hospital's picture archiving and communication system (PACS) (n = 115). Analysis involved determining the median computed tomography dose index-volume (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP) values. The findings were compared with DRLs established internationally. RESULTS: Ingenuity median CTDIvol was 20 mGy and DLP was 2169 mGy*cm; Somatom median CTDIvol was 6 mGy and DLP was 557 mGy*cm. Ingenuity exceeded the United Kingdom's (UK) recommended DRLs by 82% and 214%, respectively. Somatom median CTDIvol and DLP were 45% and 19% lower than UK NDRLs. CONCLUSION: Somatom's tin filter and other dose reduction features provided significant dose reduction. These data were used to set DRLs for CT colonography at the hospital; CTDIvol: 6 mGy and DLP: 557 mGy*cm. CONTRIBUTION: In addition to informing radiation protection practices at the level of the institution, the established local DRLs contribute towards implementing regional and national DRLs.

Resumen La justicia espacial es entendida como la democratización de la ciudad a partir de la diversificación y distribución equitativa de recursos como espacios públicos, escuelas, y centros de salud, en el territorio. Esta democratización trabaja como un complemento a otras formas sociales y temporales de abordar la cuestión de las desigualdades. Para abordar la justicia espacial, los profesionales que sirven para imaginar el territorio -arquitectos, diseñadores urbanos y del paisaje, urbanistas, ingenieros, entre otros- encarnan un interés técnico cuya pretensión es transformar lo que acontece a partir de la construcción de nuevas infraestructuras, por lo que hoy en día es frecuente la pregunta sobre cuánta infraestructura hace falta para reducir las desigualades. Esta investigación cuestiona la cuantificación sistemática de infraestructuras urbanas como métrica para reducir las desigualdades espaciales. A partir de un estudio de accesibilidad, utilizando herramientas de análisis espacial en el barrio autoproducido de Petare (Caracas, Venezuela), el autor analiza cinco escenarios de inserción de espacios públicos para demostrar que la localización estratégica de las infraestructuras es más relevante que su cuantificación. Al final, el autor abre la pregunta sobre la importancia de cuestionarnos el por qué existen determinadas infraestructuras urbanas, y cuál es el modelo de ciudad para que su distribución en el espacio físico aproxime al logro de una ciudad justa.

Abstract Spatial justice is understood as the democratization of the city based on the diversification and equitable distribution of resources such as public spaces, schools, and health centers in the territory. This democratization works as a complement to other social and temporal forms of addressing the issue of inequalities. To address spatial justice, the professionals who serve to imagine the territory - architects, urban and landscape designers, urban planners, engineers, among others - embody a technical interest aiming to transform what happens through constructing new infrastructures. Therefore, today, the question of how much infrastructure is needed to reduce inequalities is frequently asked. This research criticizes the systematic quantification of urban infrastructure as a metric to reduce spatial inequalities. Based on an accessibility study working with spatial analysis tools in the self-produced neighborhood of Petare (Caracas, Venezuela), the author analyzes five scenarios of insertion of public spaces to demonstrate that the strategic location of infrastructure is more relevant than its quantification. In the end, the author opens the question about the importance of questioning why certain urban infrastructures exist and what the city model is so that its distribution in the space comes close to achieving a just city.

Resumo A justiça espacial é entendida como a democratização da cidade através da diversificação e distribuição equitativa de recursos como espaços públicos, escolas e centros de saúde no território. Esta democratização é entendida como um complemento a outras formas sociais e temporais de abordar a questão das desigualdades. Para abordar a justiça espacial, os profissionais que trabalham para imaginar o território - arquitetos, designers urbanos e paisagistas, urbanistas, engenheiros, entre outros - representam um interesse técnico cuja intenção é transformar o que acontece a partir da construção de novas infraestruturas, por isso hoje em dia é comum a pergunta sobre quanto de infraestrutura é necessário para reduzir as desigualdades. Esta pesquisa questiona a quantificação sistemática de infraestruturas urbanas como métrica para reduzir as desigualdades espaciais. A partir de um estudo de acessibilidade, utilizando ferramentas de análise espacial no bairro autoconstruído de Petare (Caracas, Venezuela), o autor analisa cinco cenários de inserção de espaços públicos para demonstrar que a localização estratégica das infraestruturas é mais relevante do que sua quantificação. No final, o autor levanta a questão sobre a importância de questionar por que existem determinadas infraestruturas urbanas e qual é o modelo de cidade para que sua distribuição no espaço físico se aproxime da realização de uma cidade justa.

Abstract The Teacher Support Scale has been used to assess students’ perceived teacher support in compulsory school years. However, the literature requires attention to perceived teacher support in higher education and to the referred measure’s psychometric properties. This study examines the factorial structure, invariance for sex, relations to other variables, and reliability of the Teacher Support Scale with a sample of 262 Portuguese higher education students (M age = 24.36, SD = 7.46), 133 (50.8%) women and 129 (49.2%) men. Results from confirmatory factor analyses suggested that a two-factor measurement model yielded a good fit to the data. Multi-group analyses indicated configural and metric invariance for women and men. Positive correlations among perceived teacher support and students’ academic experiences were found. The Teacher Support Scale might be useful to assess students’ perceived academic and social teacher support, as well as to sustain psychological practices in higher education.

Summary: We characterized the trend of scientific research on biofertilizers in Mexico based on publications of national and foreign scientific journals during the 2015-2020 period. Our study consisted on the interpretation of research articles (in English and Spanish) published in the following scientific databases: Ebsco, Elsevier, Springer, Scielo, Wiley and Redalyc, for the analysis of bibliometric indicators. Productivity was determined by year, authors, journals, institutions, and collaborations between countries and Mexican states, on issues related to the use of microorganisms by agricultural crop, biofertilizer brands, and econometric variables and indicators. Within the evaluated period, a total of 115 research articles were published, with an annual average of 19 research articles. The most productive year was 2020, with 40 research articles. The authors with the greatest leadership in publications were Arturo Díaz Franco Santacruz and Cid Aguilar Carpio. The scientific journals that published the greatest number of these research articles were Terra Latinoamericana and Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agrícolas. The main Mexican institutions performing the research were the National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP) and the Postgraduate College. The United States of America is the country that collaborated the most with Mexican states (five states). Research in corn, varieties of chili, tomato, wheat and sorghum prevailed, being present in more than six research articles. Out of 33 brands of biofertilizers analyzed during the period, Micorriza INIFAP® was applied in more than 27% of the crops that used commercial biofertilizers. The most used microorganisms belonged to the genera Glomus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Azospirillum sp. Most of the research papers on biofertilizers are developed in the areas of agronomy, biology and environmental sciences, specifically in studies treating certain agricultural crop, while there are only few studies in the area of administration or marketing.

Resumen: Se caracteriza el comportamiento de la investigación científica sobre biofertilizantes en México, según publicaciones en revistas científicas nacionales y extranjeras, durante el período 2015-2020. La investigación se centró en la interpretación de estos artículos, en idioma inglés y en español, publicados en bases de datos científicas: Ebsco, Elsevier, Springer, Scielo, Willey y Redalyc, para el análisis de indicadores bibliométricos. Se determina la productividad por año, autores, revistas, instituciones, colaboraciones entre países y estados mexicanos, en temáticas relacionadas con el empleo de microorganismos por cultivo agrícola, marcas de biofertilizantes y variables e indicadores econométricos. Dentro del período se publicaron un total de 115 artículos, para un promedio anual de 19 artículos; destacándose el año 2020 como el más productivo con 40 artículos. Los autores con mayor liderazgo en las publicaciones fueron, Arturo Díaz Franco Santacruz y Cid Aguilar Carpio. Las revistas científicas, reservorio del mayor número de estos artículos, son Terra Latinoamericana y Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agrícolas. Las principales instituciones mexicanas que desarrollan estas investigaciones son el Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) y el Colegio de Posgraduados. Estados Unidos de América, es el país que más colabora estando representado en cinco estados mexicanos. Primaron las investigaciones en maíz, variedades de ají, tomate, trigo y sorgo, estando presentes en más de seis artículos. De 33 marcas de biofertilizantes analizadas durante el período, la marca Micorriza INIFAP® fue aplicada en más del 27% de los cultivos donde se emplearon biofertilizantes comerciales. Los microorganismos más empleados, pertenecieron a los géneros Glomus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus y Azospirillum sp. La mayoría de los trabajos de investigación sobre biofertilizantes, se desarrollan en áreas de la agronomía, la biología y ciencias ambientales, específicamente sobre estudios de casos en algún cultivo agrícola, encontrándose escasos trabajos en el área de la administración o comercialización.