This study offers a comprehensive analysis of how governance capacities in developing countries respond to the challenges that COVID-19 posed. We established a theoretical framework to delve into the multifaceted nature of governance capacities, exploring two distinct aspects of governance: the Weberian one, which focuses on material and organizational capacities, and the Tocquevillian one, which focuses on coordination and associational capacities. We examined these four governance dimensions to illustrate how these distinct skills influence the effectiveness of governance. Our analysis quantifies the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic using such metrics as confirmed cases and deaths. We employ standard and dynamic panel data methodologies to mitigate potential omitted variable bias. Our research findings indicate that countries with robust governance capacities, as assessed by the Bertelsmann Stiftung's Transformation Governance Index, are better equipped to respond effectively to pandemic crises. By applying several models and rigorous robustness tests, we demonstrate efficient resource utilization, the ability to guide and prioritize decision-making within the government, and commitment to cooperation and coordination with other nations and international organizations are the primary drivers of improved outcomes. Our findings remain robust even when controlling for relevant variables and employing estimation techniques that account for potential biases arising from unobservable confounding factors. COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 posed one deaths bias Stiftungs Stiftung s Index crises tests utilization decisionmaking decision making government outcomes factors COVID1 1 COVID-

Resumen: Introducción: Las hospitalizaciones por Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions es un indicador que mide la utilización de los servicios hospitalarios por problemas de salud que podrían haber sido prevenidos en el primer nivel de atención. El concepto se refiere a los procesos en que la atención ambulatoria efectiva puede ayudar a disminuir los riesgos de hospitalización, en un segundo nivel de atención. El objetivo del estudio fue construir y validar una lista uruguaya de problemas de salud sensibles a cuidados ambulatorios (PSSCA) según CIE-10. Metodología: Para la construcción de la lista inicial de códigos de PSSCA se realizó una revisión de los listados existentes y se propuso un listado inicial que fue validado a través del Método Delphi. Se propone un listado de 99 códigos diagnósticos de PSSCA adaptado a nuestro entono sanitario. Los mismos permiten identificar y cuantificar problemas de salud que pueden producir hospitalizaciones potenciamente evitables mediante cuidados ambulatorios accesibes y oportunos en el primer nivel de atención. Resultados: Se conformó un panel de 12 expertos. A partir de los datos obtenidos, considerando los 99 diagnósticos clasificados por CIE-10, éstos se pueden subclasificar en función de si la patología es infecciosa o no, obteniendo un resultado general de 62 patologías en un total de 99 que pueden ser clasificadas como infecciosas, lo que se corresponde a un 62 %. Discusión: De la comparación de la lista uruguaya de PSSCA a la que hemos arribado y las listas validadas utilizadas para la construcción inicial del listado de patologías propuesto, podemos decir que la primera presenta un mayor porcentaje de coincidencia con la lista de patologías de Bello Horizonte. Podemos mencionar que la mayoría de los problemas de salud identificados con base en el listado de PSSCA, son sensibles de ser resueltos con la atención primaria oportuna y de calidad que podría evitar o disminuir de una manera significativa su hospitalización. Conclusiones: Este trabajo describe el proceso de construcción y validación de una lista de códigos de PSSCA adaptados al contexto uruguayo a través del método Delphi. Hemos arribado a un listado que comprende un total de 99 diagnósticos, agrupadas en un total de diecinueve categorías que considera la especificidad del contexto uruguayo del indicador.

Abstract: Introduction: Hospitalizations for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions is an indicator that measures the use of hospital services for health problems that could have been prevented at the first level of care. The concept refers to the processes in which effective outpatient care can help reduce the risks of hospitalization, at a second level of care. The objective of the study was to build and validate a Uruguayan list of health problems sensitive to outpatient care (PSS-CA) according to ICD-10. Methodology: To construct the initial list of PSSCA codes, a review of the existing lists was carried out and an initial list was proposed that was validated through the Delphi Method. A list of 99 PSSCA diagnostic codes adapted to our healthcare environment is proposed. They make it possible to identify and quantify health problems that can lead to potentially avoidable hospitalizations through accessible and timely outpatient care at the first level of care. Results: A panel of 12 experts was formed. From the data obtained, considering the 99 diagnoses classified by ICD-10, these can be subclassified depending on whether the pathology is infectious or not, obtaining a general result of 62 pathologies in a total of 99 that can be classified as infectious, which corresponds to 62%. Discussion: From the comparison of the Uruguayan list of PSSCA that we have arrived at and the validated lists used for the initial construction of the proposed list of pathologies, we can say that the first presents a higher percentage of coincidence with the list of pathologies of Bello Horizonte . We can mention that most of the health problems identified based on the PSSCA list are sensitive to being resolved with timely and quality primary care that could prevent or significantly reduce hospitalization. Conclusions: This work describes the process of construction and validation of a list of PSSCA codes adapted to the Uruguayan context through the Delphi method. We have arrived at a list that includes a total of 99 diagnoses, grouped into a total of nineteen categories that consider the specificity of the Uruguayan context of the indicator.

Resumo: Introdução: As Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Ambulatorial são um indicador que mede a utilização de serviços hospitalares para problemas de saúde que poderiam ter sido evitados no primeiro nível de atenção. O conceito refere-se aos processos em que um atendimento ambulatorial eficaz pode auxiliar na redução dos riscos de internação, em um segundo nível de atenção. O objetivo do estudo foi construir e validar uma lista uruguaia de problemas de saúde sensíveis à atenção ambulatorial (PSS-CA) segundo a CID-10. Metodologia: Para construir a lista inicial de códigos PSSCA foi realizada uma revisão das listas existentes e foi proposta uma lista inicial que foi validada através do Método Delphi. É proposta uma lista de 99 códigos de diagnóstico PSSCA adaptados ao nosso ambiente de saúde. Permitem identificar e quantificar problemas de saúde que podem levar a hospitalizações potencialmente evitáveis através de cuidados ambulatórios acessíveis e oportunos no primeiro nível de cuidados. Resultados: Foi formado um painel de 12 especialistas. A partir dos dados obtidos, considerando os 99 diagnósticos classificados pela CID-10, estes podem ser subclassificados consoante a patologia seja infecciosa ou não, obtendo-se um resultado geral de 62 patologias num total de 99 que podem ser classificadas como infecciosas, o que corresponde para 62%. Discussão: A partir da comparação da lista uruguaia de PSSCA a que chegamos e das listas validadas utilizadas para a construção inicial da lista de patologias proposta, podemos dizer que a primeira apresenta um maior percentual de coincidência com a lista de patologias de Belo Horizonte. Podemos mencionar que a maioria dos problemas de saúde identificados com base na lista PSSCA são sensíveis para serem resolvidos com cuidados primários oportunos e de qualidade que possam prevenir ou reduzir significativamente a hospitalização. Conclusões: Este trabalho descreve o processo de construção e validação de uma lista de códigos PSSCA adaptados ao contexto uruguaio através do método Delphi. Chegamos a uma lista que inclui um total de 99 diagnósticos, agrupados em um total de dezenove categorias que consideram a especificidade do contexto uruguaio do indicador.

Resumen Objetivo: este artículo estudia la relación entre la demanda turística y el crecimiento económico, el tipo de cambio real y la incertidumbre de política económica (EPU, por sus siglas en inglés) en Australia, China, Francia, Alemania, Italia, Japón, España, Estados Unidos y el Reino Unido. Metodología: se aplicaron pruebas de dependencia transversal, de raíz unitaria y de cointegración. El modelo de largo plazo se estimó con los siguientes métodos: PCSE, FGLS y FMOLS. Resultados: los resultados muestran una relación positiva entre el crecimiento económico y el tipo de cambio real respecto a la demanda turística. En el largo plazo, la relación de causalidad es de la incertidumbre, el tipo de cambio y el PIB al turismo. Se valida la hipótesis de retroalimentación. Limitaciones: la disponibilidad de datos. Originalidad: estudia la influencia conjunta del crecimiento económico y la EPU sobre la demanda de turismo en los países de los principales destinos mundiales de turismo internacional según los ingresos turísticos internacionales. Conclusiones: se sugiere que el turismo impulsará el crecimiento económico general, y de manera correspondiente la inversión en otros sectores de la economía también influirá en un aumento del turismo.

Abstract Objective: to study the relationship among tourism demand and economic growth, real exchange rate, and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) in Australia China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Methodology: cross-section dependence, unit root, and cointegration tests were applied. The long-term model was estimated according to the Panel-Corrected Standard Error (PCSE), Feasible Generalised Least Squares (FGLS), and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS). Results: the results show a positive relationship between economic growth and the real exchange rate concerning tourism demand. In the long term, the causality relationship is from uncertainty, exchange rate, and GDP to tourism. The feedback hypothesis is validated. Limitations: availability of data. Originality: it studies the joint influence of economic growth and the EPU on demand for tourism in the countries of the world’s leading destinations for international tourism according to international tourist income. Conclusions: tourism will drive general economic growth and, correspondingly, investment in other sectors of the economy will also influence an increase in tourism.

Resumo No Brasil, construções em madeira do tipo light woodframe possuem envelopamento estrutural do painel dependente do uso de chapas de OSB (Oriented Strand Board), o que implica em uma dificuldade em seu acesso por parte da população. Para ampliar a aplicação do sistema, uma possibilidade consiste em um projeto não atrelado aos monopólios de componentes construtivos. Uma possibilidade é a substituição da camada de envelopamento estrutural dos painéis por tábuas de madeira serrada convencional. Como objetivo esta pesquisa analisa a viabilidade de utilização e o comportamento de painéis de madeira serrada com envelopamento em tábuas de pinus quando solicitados a esforços horizontais, utilizando modelo numérico de simulações em software. O trabalho estuda cinco diferentes tipologias de painéis: um modelo digital de calibração baseado em experimento ensaiado em laboratório; quatro modelos de diferentes configurações, comparando entre si o desempenho estrutural de cada um com dados publicados na literatura. A modelagem digital utilizou dados experimentais já obtidos em trabalhos anteriores. Dos cinco tipos estudados quanto à tensão-deformação, apenas o Modelo 05 não se mostrou viável pela alta concentração de tensão observada nos conectores. Os demais modelos se mostraram adequados aos critérios preconizados por normas e documentos técnicos referenciados. Brasil Oriented Board, Board , Board) população sistema construtivos convencional horizontais software laboratório configurações literatura anteriores tensãodeformação, tensãodeformação deformação, deformação tensão-deformação 0 conectores referenciados

Abstract In Brazil, light woodframe buildings rely on the use of OSB (Oriented Strand Board), what implies a difficulty in its access by part of the population. To increase the applicability of the system one proposition consists in a woodframe project that is not bound by the monopoly over constructive components. A possible way consists in the substitution of the coating of the panels with standard Pinus boards. The objective of this research is therefore to analyze the viability and the behavior of wood panels with Pinus board coating when submitted to horizontal loads, utilizing as method digital simulations. This paper lists five different panel topologies, to calibrate it: one digital model of a previous lab experiment; four panels with different configurations, comparing them between themselves and with the literature in regards of structural performance. The utilized method was of the digital simulation with previous laboratory data calibration. Among the five types studied, only Model 05 exhibited high stress concentrations at connectors, rendering it unviable. The other models meet the criteria of referenced standards and technical documents. Brazil Oriented Board, Board , Board) population components boards loads simulations topologies experiment configurations performance calibration studied 0 connectors unviable documents

ABSTRACT The global COVID-19 pandemic caused significant economic and financial losses in the Ecuadorian banking sector. This study aims to determine the extent to which credit risk and liquidity affect the profitability of mutual savings banks in Ecuador between 2018 and 2021. To this end, the population consisted of the four existing mutual savings banks, and data from a panel of 192 observations were used, applying a PLS-SEM model to demonstrate the relationships. The results showed that credit risk has a negative impact on the liquidity and profitability of these financial institutions; in the case of liquidity, it was found that it does not affect profitability. Consequently, it is essential to control credit risk through delinquency indices, which makes it necessary to consider the structure of the loan portfolio.

RESUMEN La pandemia mundial producto del COVID-19 ocasionó importantes pérdidas económicas y financieras en el sector bancario ecuatoriano. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar en qué medida el riesgo crediticio y la liquidez afectan la rentabilidad de las mutualistas en Ecuador, entre el 2018 y 2021. Para tal efecto, la población estuvo constituida por las cuatro mutualistas existentes, con cuyos datos se trabajó con datos de panel de 192 observaciones, aplicando un modelo PLS-SEM para evidenciar las relaciones. De esta manera, los resultados mostraron que el riesgo crediticio incide negativamente sobre la liquidez y la rentabilidad de estas instituciones financieras; en el caso de la liquidez, se ha podido percibir que esta no afecta a la rentabilidad. En consecuencia, es sumamente importante controlar el riesgo crediticio, a través de los índices de morosidad, por lo que es necesario considerar la estructura de cartera.

Abstract The orthodox view of the effect of trade on GDP per capita assumes greater growth and equity, the heterodox theory refutes the argument and predicts inequitable and divergent results between countries. We resume the discussion using information from 1980 to 2022 in 102 countries, applying a panel data methodology and slope disaggregation. The goal is to test whether trade has adverse effects in lower-income countries and how the effect has changed over time. The results show that trade negatively affects GDP per capita growth mainly through imports, this tends to worsen over time and the impact is greater in poor countries. The main implication is the growing income divergence between nations; the recommendation is that governments and multilateral organizations continue to explore ways to balance and socialize trade. It is concluded that heterodox postulates, such as the vision of Thirlwall on trade, continue to be valid. The originality of the document lies in the disaggregation of results by countries and time blocks, as well as exports and imports.

Resumen La visión ortodoxa del efecto del comercio sobre el PIB per cápita supone mayor crecimiento y equidad, la teoría heterodoxa refuta el argumento y predice resultados inequitativos y divergentes entre países. Reanudamos la discusión utilizando información de 1980 a 2022 en 102 países, aplicando una metodología de datos panel y desagregación de pendientes. El objetivo es probar si el comercio tiene efectos adversos en países de menores ingresos y como el efecto ha cambiado en el tiempo. Los resultados muestran que el comercio afecta negativamente el crecimiento del PIB per cápita principalmente a través de las importaciones, esto tiende a empeorar con el tiempo y el impacto es mayor en países pobres. La principal implicación es la creciente divergencia de ingresos entre las naciones, la recomendación es que gobiernos y organismos multilaterales continúen buscando formas de equilibrar y socializar el comercio. Se concluye que postulados heterodoxos, como la visión de Thirlwall sobre el comercio, continúan teniendo vigencia. La originalidad del documento radica en la desagregación de resultados por países y bloques de tiempo, así como exportaciones e importaciones.

Abstract This paper analyzes the links between exports and regional economic growth in Mexico. The Kaldor-Dixon-Thirlwall theoretical model and the econometric methodology of Durbin spatial panel models are used, which were estimated for the periods 2008-2019 and 2008-2023. The econometric results show, among other findings, that the relationship between regional growth and state export growth is null and non-significant, while trade openness and its absolute growth are positive and significant. The weak relationship between exports and regional growth implies that industrial policy proposals other than traditional ones should be promoted. A limitation of this study is the absence of data on regional imports, which could have enabled a more comprehensive examination of theoretical frameworks. Nonetheless, the study's significance lies in highlighting the limited role of the export sector in driving regional growth in Mexico, attributed to the weakening of national productive links.

Resumen En este trabajo se analizan los vínculos entre las exportaciones y el crecimiento económico regional de México. Para ello se utiliza el modelo teórico de Kaldor-Dixon-Thirlwall y la metodología econométrica de modelos Durbin de panel espacial, los cuales fueron estimados para los periodos 2008-2019 y 2008-2023. Los resultados econométricos muestran, entre otros hallazgos, que la relación entre el crecimiento regional y el crecimiento estatal de las exportaciones es nulo y no significativo, mientras que para la apertura comercial y su crecimiento absoluto son positivos y significativos. La evidencia de una relación débil entre las exportaciones y el crecimiento regional implica que se deben impulsar propuestas de política industrial diferentes a las tradicionales. La principal limitación de esta investigación fue la falta de información sobre las importaciones regionales, con las cuales se podrían analizar planteamientos teóricos más completos. La originalidad de este trabajo consiste en mostrar que, para el crecimiento regional en Mexico, el sector exportador en las economías estatales tiene un papel limitado que se explica por el debilitamiento de los vinculos productivos nacionales.

Hierdie sewe-jaar longitudinale opvoedingstudie evalueer drie akademiese afleweringsmodusse vir deeltydse MBA-studente in hul Bemarkingsbestuursmodule, naamlik vol kontak (20172019), vol aanlyn tydens COVID-19 se harde inperking (2020-2021 en die daaropvolgende gemengde modus (2022-2023). Die studie het ten doel om te bepaal of die afleweringsmodus studente se akademiese prestasie beduidend beïnvloed. Die eenrigting-variansie-analise (EVA) het beduidende verskille tussen die afleweringsmodusse vir individuele opdragte (normatiewe assessering) en groepgevallestudies (summatiewe assessering) geïdentifiseer. Daar was ook betekenisvolle verskille tussen die akademiese prestasie ten opsigte van die finale saamgestelde portefeulje van kennis (wat as eksamen dien). Hierdie portefeulje bestaan uit 'n prakties-toegepaste bemarkingsplan. Die post-hoc toetse het getoon dat studente aansienlik beter gevaar het tydens die gemengde afleweringsmodus in individuele opdragte, terwyl die volledige aanlyn modus laer punte vir die groepgevallestudies gehad het. Beide die gemengde en volledige kontakmodusse het beduidende opeenvolgende verbetering vir die groepgevallestudies getoon, wat in elke gevallestudie verbetering getoon het namate die semester gevorder het. Dit verskil van volledige aanlyn onderrig. Die gemengde modus het ook aansienlik beter gevaar in die eksamen- en finale modulepunte en het selfs beter gevaar as volkontakklasse.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly transformed the tertiary education landscape. Traditional contact universities were forced abruptly to adopt a full-distance education mode, a situation neither the students nor lecturers were prepared for. Many lectures and teaching activities were developed on the fly as universities struggled to roll out the needed support in double-time for lecturers and students. This new normal for education required integrating technology, advanced communication software, revised assessment techniques, and recognising the need for flexible and adaptable approaches to teaching and learning. Students also evolved and gained technological proficiency, adaptability, time management, soft skills, social media proficiency, and an awareness of health and well-being. Albeit uncertain in redefining the new normal, universities continue to provide quality education. However, exactly how university education should be delivered to a new breed of students in a new business environment is a challenge. This is even more so in the case of executive MBA students. After the hard lockdown and restrictions were lifted on 21 September 2020, the North-West University Business School started to explore other modes of academic content delivery. Reinstating a full contact delivery mode was not an option because of remaining restrictions. High technological investment, online-educated lecturers and students, and benefits and developments during online learning now form a new normal for the Business School. Which teaching method, or rather, which mode of delivery, is the most relevant and adequate? Should the MBA lectures return to the historic full-contact delivery mode, stick with the newly established full online mode, or attempt to integrate the benefits of both into a hybrid mode of delivering business education to a new breed of technology-savvy students? This study, therefore, examines the academic performance of the different delivery modes by comparing data of Executive MBA Marketing management students at the NWU Business School in South Africa. The study examines the academic performance of these students from 2017 up to 2023. The panel database consists of Executive MBA students'marks for the module in Marketing Management from 2017 up to 2023. The database contains marks for individual assignments, groupwork case studies, final individual- and groupwork marks, exam marks and the final module mark. The final assessment is a portfolio of evidence comprising a detailed marketing plan for a product, service, or organisation of choice. The mode of delivery served as the dependent variable, while the independent variables comprised the marks for each assignment (groupwork, individual and portfolio of evidence). Three delivery modes were compared, namely full-contact (2017-2019), full-online (2020-2021), and the post-pandemic hybrid mode currently in effect (2022-2023). The data comprised 630 cases. However, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) used 532 cases to compare the different groupwork assignments (230 full-contact students, 159 full-online students, and 143 hybrid students). Cronbach's alpha coefficient measured the data's reliability, and one-way ANOVA determined significant differences (p<.05) between the academic performance of the three delivery modes. The analysis confirmed that significant differences exist between the modes of delivery for individual assignments, group case studies and exams (p<.05). The Tukey ab post-hoc tests showed that students performed significantly better during the hybrid delivery mode in individual assignments (69.2%) than full contact (63.8%). Regarding the individual assignment, the full online (63.8%) and full contact (63.7%) delivery modes perform significantly worse than the hybrid (69.2%) delivery mode. Regarding the first group case study (Group Assignment 1), full online performs (67.3%) significantly worse than hybrid (71.1%) and full contact (73.6%) delivery modes. There is no significant difference between the hybrid and full contact delivery modes. In the second, third, and fourth group case studies (Group Assignments 2, 3 & 4), the hybrid delivery mode (82.37%, 75.4%, 82.7%) outperforms the full contact (75.4, 80.1%, 86.6%) and full-online (71.4%, 71.4%, 67.8%) modes. The hybrid delivery mode, therefore, proves to be more conducive towards academic performance in group work. Finally, in considering the final module mark, the hybrid delivery mode (71.0%) is significantly higher than the other two delivery modes. However, there is no significant difference between full online (67.5%) and full-contact (67.2%) delivery modes regarding the final module mark. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the better performance in the final module marks is a function of the groupwork where the students analysed case studies together. There are no significant differences in the exam marks between the delivery modes, so better academic performance in the hybrid mode of delivery where groupwork is concerned culminates in the better module mark. Based on the findings, it is evident that the hybrid mode of delivery results in the best academic performance. This observation is based on three reasons, namely 1) students performed better in both the normative and summative assessments during hybrid tuition; 2) there is continuous progressive learning throughout the semester regarding the group case studies (summative assessment). They learn to improve and hone their skills to analyse better and apply business solutions to real-life problems experienced by organisations. This is based on students' improving marks in the group case studies as they become more proficient in analysing and answering the applied case studies because they learn from each case study; and 3) the students perform better academically in their normative assessments and earn higher final module marks (partially due to reason 2). It is concluded that the hybrid delivery mode facilitates the academic performance of post-pandemic executive MBA Marketing management students. JEL KODES: I23, I21, M30

Resumen En este trabajo se emplea un modelo de datos en panel para estudiar el impacto de seis variables clave, tres de ellas relacionadas con la pandemia del COVID-19, sobre las exportaciones manufactureras mexicanas. El panel comprende los 21 subsectores de la industria manufacturera y observaciones mensuales para el período enero de 2020 - diciembre de 2022. Para estimar el modelo, que incluye tanto variables de demanda como de oferta, se utilizan dos métodos: mínimos cuadrados ordinarios y mínimos cuadrados en dos etapas. El segundo método corrige problemas de endogeneidad y se complementa con medidas para acrecentar la eficiencia. La evidencia obtenida indica que las exportaciones manufactureras responden positivamente frente a un incremento en la demanda externa, una depreciación real del peso, un descenso en los costos laborales unitarios (CLU), una mayor cobertura de los programas de vacunación, y un relajamiento de las medidas de distanciamiento social. Dado que los CLU descienden conforme aumenta la productividad laboral, procede concluir que una mayor inversión en educación formal de calidad, en capacitación y adiestramiento es una medida efectiva para exportar más. Asimismo, los efectos de los esfuerzos de vacunación subrayan la importancia de coordinar la política económica con la política de salud.

Abstract This paper employs a panel data model to study the impact of six key variables, three of them directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Mexican manufacturing exports. The panel comprises the 21 manufacturing subsectors and monthly data during the January 2020-December 2022 period. Moreover, the model specification entails supply- as well as demand-side variables. The two estimation techniques are ordinary least squares and two- stage least squares. The second estimation procedure corrects for endogeneity problems and is complemented by remedial measures to achieve more efficient parameter estimates. Along these lines, the evidence is robust in showing that manufacturing exports respond positively to an increase in external demand, a real currency depreciation, a drop in unit labor costs (ULC), a wider coverage of vaccination campaigns, and a relaxation of social distancing measures. Given that ULC fall as labor productivity rises, there is a valid rationale to conclude that investing in high- quality formal education, training and skill development could be an effective measure to raise exports. Likewise, the effects of the vaccination efforts highlights the relevance of coordinating economic policy with health policy.

SIGNIFICANCE: Biodiversity offsetting is a last-resort scheme to prevent biodiversity loss due to development. However, measuring biodiversity is a complex endeavour, even more so in hyperdiverse landscapes. With few South African scientists able to comprehensively measure biodiversity, assuming equivalence between sacrificial and offset areas would be problematic and potentially fatal. Caution is required as the erosion of our unique biodiversity is at stake. We advise that a panel of biome-specific experts and data modellers unite to provide tools for more accurate trade-offs, based on functional diversity. In the meantime, the value of focusing on landscape heterogeneity is highlighted.

ABSTRACT: This research evaluated different rice genotypes regarding physicochemical and instrumental parameters of grain quality and associated the data with sensory analysis to support the creation of rules for classification of the culinary quality of rice (texture), based on isolated or combined parameters. The combination of amylose content and gelatinization temperature was able to predict the rice quality. According to the sensorial panel, the instrumental stickiness was able to segregate rice with very low amylose content or waxy to the other ones. Regarding pasting properties, rice that presented high final viscosity (310-480 RVU), setback (165-245 RVU), and pasting temperature (78 - 88 °C), and low values for breakdown (15-120 RVU), associated with a high stickiness (>-5N) was desirable by the Brazilian consumers. The classification rules created through the relationship between the physicochemical parameters and the texture profile evaluated by the sensory panel will help to verify the culinary profile of the rice samples (through free software), which makes it easier to predict the probability of rice meeting the desired quality standards. ABSTRACT texture, , (texture) ones properties 310480 310 480 (310-48 RVU, RVU RVU) 165245 165 245 (165-24 78 (7 8 °C, C °C °C) 15120 15 120 (15-12 >5N 5N N > (>-5N consumers software, software software) standards (texture 31048 31 48 (310-4 16524 16 24 (165-2 7 ( 1512 1 12 (15-1 3104 3 4 (310- 1652 2 (165- 151 (15- (310 (165 (15 (31 (16 (1 (3

RESUMO: Este trabalho avaliou diferentes genótipos de arroz quanto a parâmetros físico-químicos e instrumentais de qualidade do grão e associou os dados à análise sensorial para subsidiar a criação de regras de classificação da qualidade culinária do arroz (textura), com base em parâmetros isolados ou combinados. A combinação do teor de amilose e temperatura de gelatinização foi capaz de predizer a qualidade do arroz. De acordo com o painel sensorial, a pegajosidade instrumental foi capaz de segregar arroz com baixo teor de amilose ou ceroso dos demais. Em relação às propriedades de pasta, o arroz que apresentou alta viscosidade final (310-480RVU), retrogradação (165-245RVU) e temperatura de pasta (78-88 °C) e baixos valores de quebra pasta (15-120RVU), associados a uma alta pegajosidade (> -5N) será desejável pelos consumidores brasileiros. As regras de classificação criadas por meio da relação entre os parâmetros físico-químicos e o perfil de textura avaliado pelo painel sensorial ajudarão a verificar o perfil culinário das amostras de arroz (por meio de um software livre), o que torna mais fácil prever a probabilidade de o arroz atender aos padrões de qualidade desejados. RESUMO físicoquímicos físico químicos textura, , (textura) combinados demais 310480RVU, 310480RVU RVU 310 480RVU (310-480RVU) 165245RVU 165 245RVU (165-245RVU 7888 78 88 (78-8 °C C 15120RVU, 15120RVU 15 120RVU (15-120RVU) > ( 5N N -5N brasileiros livre, livre livre) desejados (textura 31 (310-480RVU 16 788 7 8 (78- 1 (15-120RVU 3 (78 (7

ABSTRACT Global solar radiation (Qg) is of paramount importance for several functions, such as photosynthesis and other biological processes, technologies based on solar energy (production of electricity and hot water), estimation of evapotranspiration (irrigation management), and forecast of crops, among other activities, at zero cost. This study aimed to develop a new methodology to estimate the daily and monthly value of global solar radiation based on the power generated by a 10 W photovoltaic solar panel. The methodology performance was assessed by comparing the Qg values estimated by the new method and the Qg values observed in a weather station, and also calculated by the SunDATA software and observed in the NASA POWER system. High r, R2, and Willmott coefficient values (close to 1), a low mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.202 kWh m−2 per day, a low mean bias error (MBE) of −0.146 kWh m−2 per day, a low mean percentage error (MPE) of 3.25%, and a low root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.292 kWh m−2 per day were obtained, confirming the excellent accuracy and reliability of the proposed methodology to estimate Qg. The NASA POWER system and SunDATA software presented similar values for the entire study period compared to the observed data, but not as good as the proposed technique. Thus, the proposed methodology had high performance in estimating Qg. (Qg functions processes production water, water , water) irrigation management, management management) crops activities cost 1 panel station r R2 R close 1, 1) MAE (MAE 0202 0 202 0.20 m2 m 2 m− MBE (MBE 0146 146 −0.14 MPE (MPE 325 3 25 3.25% RMSE (RMSE 0292 292 0.29 obtained data technique Thus 020 20 0.2 014 14 −0.1 32 3.25 029 29 02 0. 01 −0. 3.2 −0 3. −

RESUMO A radiação solar global (Qg) é de suma importância para diversas funções, como fotossíntese e outros processos biológicos, tecnologias baseadas em energia solar (produção de eletricidade e água quente), estimativa da evapotranspiração (manejo da irrigação), previsão de cultivos, entre outras atividades, a custo zero. Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver uma nova metodologia para estimar o valor diário e mensal da radiação solar global com base na potência gerada por um painel solar fotovoltáico de 10 W. O desempenho da metodologia foi avaliado pela comparação entre os valores de Qg estimados pelo novo método e os valores de Qg observados em uma estação metereológica, e também pelos valores calculados pelo software SunDATA e os observados no sistema NASA POWER. Altos valores de r, R2 e coeficiente de Willmott (próximos de 1), baixo erro médio absoluto (MAE) de 0,202 kWh m-2 por dia, baixo erro médio da estimativa (MBE) de -0,146 kWh m-2 por dia, baixo erro médio percentual (MPE) de 3,25% e baixa raiz do erro quadrático médio (RMSE) de 0,292 kWh m-2 por dia foram obtidos, confirmando a excelente acurácia e confiabilidade da metodologia proposta para estimar o Qg. O sistema NASA POWER e o software SunDATA apresentaram valores semelhantes para todo o período de estudo em relação aos dados observados, mas os da presente metodologia foram melhores. Assim, a metodologia proposta apresentou alto desempenho na estimativa da Qg. (Qg funções biológicos produção quente, quente , quente) manejo irrigação, irrigação irrigação) cultivos atividades zero 1 W metereológica r R próximos 1, 1) MAE (MAE 0202 0 202 0,20 m2 m 2 m- MBE (MBE 0,146 0146 146 -0,14 MPE (MPE 325 3 25 3,25 RMSE (RMSE 0292 292 0,29 obtidos melhores Assim 020 20 0,2 0,14 014 14 -0,1 32 3,2 029 29 02 0, 0,1 01 -0, 3, -0 -

Resumen: La capacidad jurídica o las instituciones del Estado de derecho (RL) se han convertido en un factor clave para el desarrollo económico inclusivo, pero las principales corrientes de la literatura involucran expectativas impulsadas teóricamente. Por lo tanto, el estudio buscó examinar el impacto de la capacidad jurídica en el desarrollo económico inclusivo en la región de la Comunidad de Desarrollo de África Austral (SADC). Si bien los estudios existentes se centraron en el efecto de la gobernanza en la producción nacional, el presente estudio va más allá del crecimiento al incluir indicadores de bienestar. El estudio empleó un enfoque de retardo distribuido autorregresivo (ARDL) de panel para datos de los 16 Estados miembros de la SADC de 1996 a 2019. La interpretación de los resultados y las implicaciones políticas se basan en los resultados del estimador PMG, que la prueba de Hausman consideró como el mejor y estimador más eficiente sobre la familia del grupo de medias (MG) y DFE de estimadores ARDL de panel. Los resultados del panel restringido revelan que el fortalecimiento de las instituciones del RL conduce a una mejora en el desarrollo económico inclusivo entre los Estados de la SADC. Por lo tanto, se sostiene que las leyes comerciales deben integrarse a nivel nacional e integrarse en las leyes nacionales de la SADC y que se deberían establecer tribunales comunes para dirimir los desacuerdos sobre el cumplimiento. También se propone que la SADC introduzca incentivos para aumentar la participación de los actores legales en toda la región.

Abstract: The legal capacity or, otherwise, the institutions of rule of law (RL), have become a key factor for inclusive economic development, but the main strands of the literature involve theoretically driven expectations. Therefore, the study sought to examine the impact of legal capacity on inclusive economic development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. While extant studies focused on the effect of governance on national output, the present study goes beyond growth by including welfare indicators. The study employed a panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach for data from all 16 SADC member states from 1996 to 2019. The interpretation of results and policy implications are based on the outcomes of the pooled mean group (PMG) estimator, which was deemed by the Hausman test as the best and most efficient estimator over the MG and the DFE family of the ARDL panel estimators. The results of the restricted panel reveal that strengthening the institutions of the RL leads to an improvement in inclusive economic development among SADC states. Therefore, we argue that trade laws should be domestically integrated and embedded in SADC’s national laws, and that common courts should be set to adjudicate disagreements over compliance. We also propose that SADC introduce incentives to increase legal stakeholders' participation across the region.

Abstract: For years, solar energy has been a subject of study for electricity generation as an alternative power source. The main objective of this project is to carry out a comparative analysis of the production of electrical energy between fixed photovoltaic panels and those with tracking systems on one axis. Three solar modules were designed and built with the same technical characteristics but different solar tracking systems; Single-axis tracking systems will use tracking systems by astronomical programming and light tracking by LDR sensors. Current, voltage and temperature sensors were implemented along with software capable of obtaining the characteristic curves of the production behavior in each prototype. The data processing, as well as the management of I/O signals coming from the different electronic components associated with the operation of each system, are governed by an Arduino mega board linked to an Ethernet module to be able to observe the curves of production from a website, all operating automatically. Therefore, we determined that the PV system by astronomical programming is the most convenient, due to its lower energy consumption when correcting the panel's position. Abstract years source axis Singleaxis Single Current prototype processing IO I O website automatically Therefore convenient panel s position

Resumen: Desde hace años la energía solar viene siendo motivo de estudio para la generación eléctrica como fuente de alimentación alternativa. El objetivo principal de este proyecto es realizar un análisis comparativo de la producción de energía eléctrica entre paneles fotovoltaicos fijos y con sistemas de seguimiento en un eje. Se diseño y construyó tres módulos solares con las mismas características técnicas, pero con diferentes sistemas de seguimiento solar; los sistemas seguidores de un eje utilizaron sistemas de seguimiento por programación astronómica y seguimiento de luz por sensores LDR. Se implementaron sensores de corriente, voltaje y temperatura, así como un software encargado de obtener las curvas características del comportamiento de la producción en cada prototipo. El procesamiento de los datos, así como la gestión de señales de E/S proveniente de los diferentes componentes electrónicos asociados al funcionamiento de cada sistema, son gobernados por una placa Arduino mega unida a un módulo ethernet con la finalidad de poder observar las curvas de producción desde un sitio web, todo esto operando de manera autómata. Por tanto, determinamos que el sistema FV por programación astronómica es el más conveniente, debido a su menor consumo energético al corregir la posición del panel. Resumen alternativa técnicas LDR corriente temperatura prototipo datos ES E S web autómata tanto conveniente panel

Abstract Sustainable Corporate Finance is an important mechanism to address the climate crisis and its adverse effects on society and the environment. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria have been proposed and implemented as a normative evaluation framework for companies in multiple sectors. However, ESG studies are not yet fully conclusive, but they serve to incorporate more than economic criteria to investment decisions in companies, and in this way, to focus on responsible investments. Among a variety of criteria, corporate responsibility and diversity in top management positions have gained significance today. Given this context, the aim of this study is to analyze the effect of including women in top leadership positions within high-cap companies and their impact on ESG indicators, with a particular focus on organizations in the industrial sector. A longitudinal study was conducted using balanced panel data of the companies that make up the Standard and Poor's 500, linear regression with random effects was estimated, as well as impact analysis using the Synthetic Difference in Difference (SDID). The results show a slight increase in the participation of women in top management (CEO), particularly in the last years (2020-2022). In addition, there is a statistically positive incidence between the participation of a female CEO in a better performance of the ESG indicators of the companies, with an impact of 0.2401 points, being the environmental criterion the most impacted with 0.6522 points.

Resumen Las finanzas corporativas sustentables son un mecanismo importante para hacer frente a la crisis climática y sus efectos adversos a la sociedad y el medio ambiente. Particularmente, se han propuesto e implementado los indicadores Ambiental, Social y Gobierno (ESG, por sus siglas en inglés) como un marco normativo de evaluación para las empresas de múltiples sectores. Los estudios realizados en materia de ESG aun no son concluyentes del todo, pero sirven para incorporar más que criterios económicos a las decisiones de inversión en las empresas y, de esta forma, orientarse en las inversiones responsables. Entre una variedad de criterios, la responsabilidad corporativa y la diversidad en posiciones de alta dirección ha cobrado relevancia en la actualidad. Dado lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el efecto de la inclusión de mujeres en posiciones de liderazgo de alta dirección en las empresas de alta capitalización y su impacto en los indicadores ESG, realizando un especial énfasis en las organizaciones del sector industrial. Se realizó un estudio longitudinal a través de datos panel balanceados de las empresas que componen el índice Standard & Poor's 500, se estimó la regresión lineal con efectos aleatorios, así como del análisis de impacto mediante la Estimación Sintética de las Diferencias (SDID). Los resultados muestran un leve incremento en la participación de las mujeres en los altos mandos (CEO), particularmente en los últimos años (2020-2022). Además, existe una incidencia estadísticamente positiva entre la participación de una mujer CEO en un mejor desempeño de los indicadores ESG de las empresas, con un impacto de 0.2401 puntos, siendo el indicador ambiental el mayor impactado, con 0.6522 puntos.