Resumen. La mojarra (Eucinostomus currani) es un recurso importante de subsistencia en mercados locales de Ecuador. Sin embargo, poco es sabido sobre la historia de vida temprana y la biología reproductiva de esta especie. En 2016 y 2017, se recolectaron larvas de E. currani en 3 playas arenosas en el Golfo de Guayaquil, Ecuador, y se identificaron usando códigos de barras de ADN. La longitud estándar de las larvas osciló entre 4.00 y 15.78 mm. También recolectamos otolitos para comprender mejor la historia de vida temprana de E. currani. Los otolitos se usaron para estimar la edad, la tasa de crecimiento de la población (±EE), las fechas de eclosión y la época reproductiva. En promedio, la edad de los peces fue de 16.5 ± 4.5 días, mientras que la tasa de crecimiento promedio fue de 0.70 ± 0.05 y 0.22 ± 0.16 mm por día en marzo y mayo, respectivamente. En el Golfo de Guayaquil, la mayoría de las fechas de eclosión y la actividad reproductiva presunta de E. currani ocurrió durante la época húmeda (diciembre-abril) cuando aguas más calidas prevalecieron. Hasta donde tenemos conocimiento, este es el primer estudio que estima las fechas de eclosión y la tasa de crecimiento larval para una especie de la familia Gerreidae en el Océano Pacífico.

Abstract. The flagfin mojarra (Eucinostomus currani) is an important subsistence fishery resource in local Ecuadorian markets; however, very little is known about the early life history and reproductive biology of this species. In 2016 and 2017, E. currani larvae were collected at 3 sandy beaches in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador, and identified using DNA barcoding. Standard lengths ranged from 4.00-15.78 mm. We also collected otoliths to better understand the early life history of E. currani. Otoliths were used to estimate the age, population growth rate (±SE), hatch dates, and reproductive period. On average, the fish were 16.5 ± 4.5 days old, while the average growth rate was 0.70 ± 0.05 and 0.22 ± 0.16 mm per day in March and May, respectively. In the Gulf of Guayaquil, most hatch dates and the presumed reproductive activity of E. currani occurred during the wet season (December-April) when warmer water prevailed. To our knowledge, this is the first study to estimate the hatch dates and larval growth rate for a species of the family Gerreidae in the Pacific Ocean.

Abstract This article's econometric approach to socio-demographic indicators from the National Institute of Statistics and Census, such as births, deaths and hospital discharges of the Venezuelan population in Ecuador between 2015 and 2022, shows a notable impact on the migratory balance of this community. The sustained growth of Venezuelan migrants in the country underlines the importance of designing public policies that address the evidence of the data obtained and apply a human rights approach. The study shows that one of the most urgent needs of this population is access to public health.

Resumen El acercamiento econométrico que propone este artículo a indicadores sociodemográficos del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos, como nacimientos, defunciones y egresos hospitalarios de la población venezolana en Ecuador entre 2015 y 2022, muestra un impacto notable en el saldo migratorio de esta comunidad. El crecimiento sostenido de migrantes venezolanos en el país subraya la importancia de diseñar políticas públicas que atiendan la evidencia de los datos obtenidos y apliquen un enfoque en derechos humanos. El estudio muestra que una de las necesidades más urgentes de esta población es el acceso a la salud pública.

RESUMO A salinidade é um dos fatores mais limitantes para a produtividade agrícola, pois afeta tanto as trocas gasosas quanto o metabolismo das plantas. Porém, com o crescimento populacional e a busca constante por alternativas para aumentar a produtividade, a irrigação com águas de salinidade moderada parece ser viável para potencializar a fruticultura no Brasil, especialmente nas regiões semiáridas, onde a maioria das águas tem alta concentração de sal e são as únicas fontes disponíveis para o produtor. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da salinidade da água de irrigação nas trocas gasosas e na qualidade pós-colheita dos frutos do melão amarelo ‘Goldex’ (Cucumis melo L.) nas fases de colheita. Os tratamentos consistiram de duas condutividades elétricas da água de irrigação (CEa - 0,8 e 4,0 dS m-1) e oito etapas de colheita (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66 e 68 dias após o transplantio), dispostas em forma de esquema fatorial 2 × 8 e delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Nas condições de salinidade impostas durante as etapas de avaliação, o melão amarelo ‘Goldex’ manteve estáveis suas trocas gasosas básicas. A massa e o número de frutos por planta foram reduzidos pela salinidade da água de irrigação, mas os frutos continuaram classificados como comercializáveis, o que torna a irrigação com água salina até 4,0 dS m-1 uma alternativa viável para a produção de melão amarelo, principalmente em regiões onde há baixa disponibilidade de água de boa qualidade, o que pode potencializar a fruticultura no semiárido. agrícola plantas Porém Brasil semiáridas produtor contexto póscolheita pós ‘Goldex Goldex Cucumis L. L CEa 08 0 0, 40 4 4, m1 m 1 54, 54 (54 56 58 60 62 64 6 transplantio, transplantio , transplantio) casualizado avaliação básicas comercializáveis m- semiárido 5 (5 (

ABSTRACT Salinity is one of the most limiting factors for agricultural productivity, as it affects both gas exchange and plant metabolism. However, with population growth and the constant search for alternatives to increase productivity, irrigation with water of moderate salinity appears to be feasible to enhance fruit cultivation in Brazil, especially in semi-arid regions, where most waters have high salt concentration and are the only available source for the producer. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation water salinity and harvest stages on gas exchange and post-harvest fruit quality of ‘Goldex’ yellow melon (Cucumis melo L.). The treatments consisted of two electrical conductivities of irrigation water (ECw - 0.8 and 4.0 dS m-1) and eight harvest stages (54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, and 68 days after transplanting), arranged in a 2 × 8 factorial scheme and a completely randomized design. Under the salinity conditions imposed during the evaluation stages, the ‘Goldex’ yellow melon maintained its basic gas exchanges stable. The mass and number of fruits per plant were reduced by the salinity of the irrigation water, but the fruits continued to be classified as marketable, which makes irrigation with saline water up to 4.0 dS m-1 a viable alternative for the production of yellow melon, especially in regions where there is low availability of good quality water, which can enhance fruit growing in the semi-arid region. productivity metabolism However Brazil semiarid semi arid producer context postharvest post ‘Goldex Goldex Cucumis L.. L L. . L.) ECw 08 0 0. 40 4 4. m1 m 1 54, 54 (54 56 58 60 62 64 66 6 transplanting, transplanting , transplanting) design stable marketable m- region 5 (5 (

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is very prevalent and is the most common cause of vaginal discharge worldwide. It is a dysbiosis resulting from the replacement of hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid-producing lactobacilli by anaerobic bacteria in high concentrations, including Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella, Mobiluncus, Atopobium and other anaerobes. BV can be self-diagnosed when the patient presents the classic symptoms, or clinically and laboratory-based, following the Amsel criteria or by determining the Nugent score. The recommended treatments for BV are oral metronidazole, secnidazole and tinidazole, as well as vaginal metronidazole gel, clindamycin cream and Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi gel. The present study aimed to determine the ability of vaginal clindamycin cream, vaginal metronidazole gel and S. terebinthifolia Raddi vaginal gel to inhibit the growth or preserve the population of Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 19992 microorganisms in vitro. The methodology used was perforation in plates, forming 6 mm wells, where the samples were inoculated. The plates were incubated for 48 hours at 30°C. After this period, by visual plates analysis, was observed that L. gasseri is resistant to S. terebinthifolia Raddi vaginal gel since no inhibition halo was observed. However, L. gasseri was moderately susceptible to Metronidazole vaginal gel and highly sensitive to Clindamycin vaginal cream. As lactobacilli, of which L. gasseri stands out, represent over 95% of the microorganisms 3/16 that inhabit the vaginal environment, maintaining the health of this microbiome, the action of Clindamycin and Metronidazole can lead to an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, allowing relapses when these therapeutic agents are used to treat BV.

A vaginose bacteriana (VB) é muito prevalente e é a causa mais comum de corrimento vaginal em todo o mundo. Trata-se de uma disbiose resultante da substituição dos lactobacilos produtores de peróxido de hidrogênio e ácido lático por bactérias anaeróbicas em altas concentrações, incluindo Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella, Mobiluncus, Atopobium e outros anaeróbios. A VB pode ser autodiagnosticada, quando a paciente apresenta a sintomatologia clássica, ou clínica e laboratorialmente obedecendo aos critérios de Amsel ou pela determinação do escore de Nugent. Os tratamentos recomendados para a VB são o Metronidazol, o Secnidazol e o Tinidazol por via oral, bem como o metronidazol gel, a clindamicina creme e o gel de S. terebinthifolia Raddi por via vaginal. O presente estudo teve por objetivo determinar a capacidade da Clindamicina creme vaginal, do Metronidazol gel vaginal e do S. terebinthifolia Raddi gel vaginal em inibir o crescimento ou preservar a população dos microrganismos Lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 19992 in vitro. A metodologia utilizada foi de perfuração em placa, formando poços de 6mm, onde as amostras foram inoculadas. As placas foram incubadas por 48 horas à temperatura de 30°C. A análise visual das placas, após o período de incubação, evidenciou que L. gasseri é resistente ao gel vaginal de S. terenbithifolia Raddi gel, uma vez que não foi observado qualquer halo de inibição. Contudo, L. gasseri foi moderadamente susceptível ao gel vaginal de Metronidazol e altamente sensível ao creme vaginal de Clindamicina. Como os lactobacilos, dos quais se destaca L. gasseri, representam acima de 95% dos microrganismos que habitam o meio vaginal, mantendo a higidez desse microbioma, a ação da Clindamicina e do Metronidazol pode levar ao desequilíbrio da microbiota vaginal, permitindo as recidivas quando esses agentes terapêuticos são usados para o tratamento da VB.

Resumen Durante las últimas décadas en Puno, Perú, la problemática de la contaminación se fue agudizando por la acción combinada del crecimiento desordenado de la población urbana, gestión deficiente de residuos sólidos, descarga de aguas servidas sin tratamiento en la bahía del lago Titicaca y prácticas de sanidad e higiene inadecuadas; situaciones que afectan severamente el ambiente y la salud humana. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar las actitudes y comportamientos proambientales de la población de la ciudad de Puno en relación al saneamiento, la contaminación y la gestión ambiental. La investigación es no experimental, cuantitativa, trans¬versal, descriptiva, correlacional y nivel de análisis micro. El universo de estudio fue la población mayor de 18 años del área urbana, que comprende 97.264 habitantes; la muestra, deter¬minada al azar simple, fue de 382 personas. Se aplicó un cuestionario estructurado. El análisis descriptivo, inferencial y prueba de hipótesis se realizó con el software estadístico SPSS. Los resultados señalan que las actitudes ambientales de la mayoría de la población son positivas respecto a factores y fuentes de contaminación y efectos en la salud humana; contrariamente, las prácticas ambientales son inadecuadas en gestión ambiental en el hogar y condiciones de sanidad e higiene en la vivienda. Se concluye, que la mejora sostenible de actitudes y comportamientos proambientales, demanda de una nueva política pública de educación ambiental, cuya implementación incorpore la participación efectiva de la sociedad civil con base a un sistema de incentivos.

Abstract During the last decades in Puno, Peru, the problem of contamination has worsened due to the combined action of the disorderly growth of the urban population, poor management of solid waste, discharge of untreated sewage into the bay of Lake Titicaca and practices of inadequate sanitation and hygiene, severely affecting the environment and human health. The objective of the study was to characterize the pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors of the city’s population of Puno in relation to sanitation, pollution and environmental management. The research is nonexperimental, quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational and micro level of analysis. The universe of study was the population over 18 years of age in the urban area, which comprises 97,264 inhabitants; the sample, determined at simple random, was 382 people. A structured questionnaire was applied. Descriptive and inferential analysis and hypothesis testing were performed with SPSS statistical software. The results indicate that the environmental attitudes of the majority of the population are positive regarding factors and sources of pollution and effects on human health. On the contrary, environmental practices are inadequate in environmental management in the home and health and hygiene conditions in the home. It is concluded that the sustainable improvement of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors demands a new public policy of environmental education, whose implementation incorporates the effective participation of civil society based on an incentive system.

SIGNIFICANCE: Retirees represent a growing segment of the population as life expectancy increases and the length of retirement is extended. This growth has prompted a number of studies into the nature of retirement. Associated with this interest is an exploration of the meaning of work and impacts on meaning formation in the transition to retirement. Increasingly, retirees are exploring concepts such as the 'third age' and 'successful ageing' as they enter their retirement years in a good state of mental and physical capacity. This exploration is particularly prevalent in those retiring from academic posts, for whom identity is often closely bound with their productive work, whether in research or teaching. Whatever the mode of stepping down from full-time paid employment, the literature is unanimous in its observation that planning for retirement is the strongest indicator of a successful and meaningful transition.

ABSTRACT A stochastic model was developed to analyze Crassostrea virginica production when cultivated at three stocking densities, defined as the area occupation (50, 75, and 100%) in Nestier-type trays, using juvenile oysters with an initial size (height) of 29.40 ± 0.18 mm. A 25-week grow-out was first conducted in the Rio Lagartos lagoon, showing that final oyster size was inversely related to density (P < 0.05), ranging from 61.87 mm (100% density) to 68.00 mm (50% density). At the same time, mortality was negligible (lower than 1.0%). The environmental conditions in the lagoon were stable, and the oyster growth rate positively correlated with water temperature and pH. Low pH was associated with slow oyster growth, possibly as an adverse effect of acidic conditions on the oyster shell formation. The model indicated that, for an initial 100,000 oyster population, the maximum production (oyster dozens) is obtained after 20 weeks (8310 at 50% density) and 25 weeks (8250 at 75%, and 6670 at 100% density). There was a 100% probability of oysters reaching a minimum commercial size (MCS) of 60.00 mm when using the 50 and 75% densities and 80.6% when using 100%. The model estimated that, for the maximum density, extending the grow-out up to 32 weeks would allow reaching MCS with 100% probability, although this should be experimentally confirmed. The random variability of oyster production in 50 and 75% densities was minimal, while at 100% density, it was extremely high. A sensitivity analysis indicated that for 50 and 75% densities, the main stochastic elements influencing production, are related to oyster mortality, while at 100% density, they are related to oyster growth.

ABSTRACT Mutation breeding offers a simple, fast, and efficient way to rectify major defects without altering their original identity. The current research aimed to study interesting traits in a mutant population generated by gamma rays. Five gamma rays doses (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 Gy) were applied to develop M1 and M2 mutant populations from the Egyptian rice (Oryza sativa L.) ‘Giza177’. Both populations were evaluated in the field during two successive years 2022 (M1) and 2023 (M2). Several traits related to growth and yield were recorded such as plant height, number of branches and panicles, panicle weight, grain yield, and harvest index. Significant differences were found among radiation treatments for most traits. Overall, low radiation doses (100, 200, and 300 Gy) promoted the growth and productivity of plants; however, high doses (400 and 500 Gy) decreased these traits and increased the number of sterile plants. The effect of radiation doses was different on some traits between M1 and M2. The mutant population M2 displayed several promising mutant lines with desirable traits; early flowering (4-7 d earlier), short plant height (< 95 cm), panicle length (> 23 cm), tiller number per plant (> 25), and grain yield per plant (> 43 g). Conclusively, low gamma rays doses (inferior to 300 Gy) are of interest in generating desirable traits and promising lines. The current promising mutant lines should be further evaluated in multi-year trials to validate their behavior across various field conditions.

Abstract Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by elevated levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, the interpretation of diagnostic tests, such as serum calcium and PTH levels, is complex in pregnant women. The aim of this report is to present a case of PHTP in a pregnant adolescent, with a special emphasis on an uncommon complication, as well as diagnostic and treatment strategies. A 17-year-old pregnant female presented with hyper emesis gravidarum and neurological symptoms, leading to the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis. Further investigations revealed hypercalcemia and persistently elevated PTH levels, consistent with PHPT. After local ization studies, the patient underwent an emergency parathyroidectomy with a diagnosis of parathyroid ad enoma. During follow-up, intrauterine growth restric tion and severe preeclampsia developed, necessitating an emergency cesarean section. Both the mother and neonate had favorable outcomes. PHPT is an infrequent condition in the pregnant population, and its diagnosis can be challenging due to the overlap of symptoms with normal physiological changes during pregnancy. The occurrence of uncom mon complications, such as thrombotic phenomena, highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure early detection and management. In most cases, parathyroidectomy is the treatment of choice.

Resumen El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP) se caracteriza por niveles elevados de calcio y hormona paratiroidea (PTH). Sin embargo, la interpretación de pruebas diag nósticas, como los niveles de calcio sérico y PTH, es compleja en mujeres embarazadas. El objetivo de este re porte es presentar un caso de HPTP en una adolescente embarazada, con especial hincapié en una complicación infrecuente, así como en las estrategias diagnósticas y de tratamiento. Una mujer embarazada de 17 años presentó hiperé mesis gravídica y síntomas neurológicos, lo que llevó al diagnóstico de trombosis venosa cerebral. Posterio res investigaciones revelaron hipercalcemia y niveles persistentemente elevados de PTH, consistentes con HPTP. Tras la realización de estudios de localización, la paciente fue sometida a una paratiroidectomía de emergencia con diagnóstico de adenoma de paratiroi des. Durante el seguimiento, se desarrolló restricción del crecimiento intrauterino y preeclampsia grave, lo que resultó en la necesidad de realizar una cesárea de emergencia. Tanto la madre como el neonato evolucio naron favorablemente. El HPTP es una condición infrecuente en la población embarazada y su diagnóstico puede ser desafiante por la superposición de síntomas con los cambios fisiológicos normales del embarazo. La aparición de complicaciones infrecuentes, como fenómenos trombóticos, resalta la necesidad de un abordaje integral para garantizar la detección y el manejo temprano. En la mayoría de los casos, la paratiroidectomía es el tratamiento de elección.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a literatura sobre o crescimento demográfico e a atuação política dos evangélicos, especialmente no âmbito do Congresso Nacional, em particular, com relação à política de saúde das mulheres e dos Direitos Sexuais e Reprodutivos (DSR). Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa da produção científica nacional registrada no portal de periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento do Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes), no período 2016-2021, usando os descritores “evangélico”, “agenda neoconservadora” e “saúde das mulheres”. Foram selecionados 80 artigos que tratam da relação entre o crescimento do número de igrejas evangélicas e de fiéis vinculados a essas organizações religiosas no Brasil. Do conjunto do artigos analisados, 42,5% analisam a agenda defendida pelos setores religiosos do campo conservador, incluindo um conjunto de temas, tais como política, sexualidade e reprodução, ‘ideologia de gênero’, direitos humanos da população LGBTQIA+, DSR, aborto, educação sexual nas escolas, casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo, estatuto da família, estatuto do nascituro, violência sexual, frentes em defesa da vida e da família, religiões de matriz africana, racismo religioso e intolerância religiosa. Assim, enfatiza-se a importância desse tema nas pesquisas em saúde coletiva, principalmente na área de política, planejamento e gestão em saúde. evangélicos Nacional particular DSR. DSR . (DSR) Tratase Trata se Capes, Capes , (Capes) 20162021, 20162021 2016 2021, 2021 2016-2021 evangélico, evangélico “evangélico” neoconservadora mulheres. mulheres” 8 Brasil analisados 425 42 5 42,5 conservador temas reprodução ideologia gênero, gênero gênero’ LGBTQIA LGBTQIA+ aborto escolas sexo família nascituro africana religiosa Assim enfatizase enfatiza coletiva (DSR (Capes 2016202 201 202 2016-202 “evangélico 4 42, 201620 20 2016-20 20162 2 2016-2 2016-

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze the literature on the demographic growth and political action of evangelicals, especially in the context of the National Congress, in particular, with regard to women’s health policy and Sexual and Reproductive Rights (DSR). This is a narrative review of the national scientific production registered in the journal portal of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), in the period 2016-2022, using the descriptors “evangelical”, “neoconservative agenda” and “women’s health”. We selected 80 articles that deal with the relationship between the growth of the number of evangelical churches and faithful linked to these churches in Brazil. Of the articles analyzed, 42.5% examine the agenda defended by religious sectors of the conservative field, including a set of themes, such as politics, sexuality and reproduction, ‘gender ideology’, human rights of the LGBTQIA+ population, DSR, abortion, sex education in schools, same-sex marriage, family status, status of the unborn child, sexual violence, fronts in defense of life and family, religions of African origin, religious racism and religious intolerance. Thus, the importance of this theme in public health research is emphasized, especially in the area of health policy, planning and management. evangelicals Congress particular womens women s DSR. DSR . (DSR) CAPES, CAPES , (CAPES) 20162022, 20162022 2016 2022, 2022 2016-2022 evangelical, “evangelical” neoconservative health. health” 8 Brazil analyzed 425 42 5 42.5 field themes politics reproduction gender ideology, ideology ideology’ LGBTQIA population abortion schools samesex same marriage child violence origin intolerance Thus emphasized management (DSR (CAPES 2016202 201 202 2016-202 “evangelical 4 42. 201620 20 2016-20 20162 2 2016-2 2016-

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze the literature on the demographic growth and political action of evangelicals, especially in the context of the National Congress, in particular, with regard to women’s health policy and Sexual and Reproductive Rights (DSR). This is a narrative review of the national scientific production registered in the journal portal of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), in the period 2016-2022, using the descriptors “evangelical”, “neoconservative agenda” and “women’s health”. We selected 80 articles that deal with the relationship between the growth of the number of evangelical churches and faithful linked to these churches in Brazil. Of the articles analyzed, 42.5% examine the agenda defended by religious sectors of the conservative field, including a set of themes, such as politics, sexuality and reproduction, ‘gender ideology’, human rights of the LGBTQIA+ population, DSR, abortion, sex education in schools, same-sex marriage, family status, status of the unborn child, sexual violence, fronts in defense of life and family, religions of African origin, religious racism and religious intolerance. Thus, the importance of this theme in public health research is emphasized, especially in the area of health policy, planning and management.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a literatura sobre o crescimento demográfico e a atuação política dos evangélicos, especialmente no âmbito do Congresso Nacional, em particular, com relação à política de saúde das mulheres e dos Direitos Sexuais e Reprodutivos (DSR). Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa da produção científica nacional registrada no portal de periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento do Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes), no período 2016-2021, usando os descritores “evangélico”, “agenda neoconservadora” e “saúde das mulheres”. Foram selecionados 80 artigos que tratam da relação entre o crescimento do número de igrejas evangélicas e de fiéis vinculados a essas organizações religiosas no Brasil. Do conjunto do artigos analisados, 42,5% analisam a agenda defendida pelos setores religiosos do campo conservador, incluindo um conjunto de temas, tais como política, sexualidade e reprodução, ‘ideologia de gênero’, direitos humanos da população LGBTQIA+, DSR, aborto, educação sexual nas escolas, casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo, estatuto da família, estatuto do nascituro, violência sexual, frentes em defesa da vida e da família, religiões de matriz africana, racismo religioso e intolerância religiosa. Assim, enfatiza-se a importância desse tema nas pesquisas em saúde coletiva, principalmente na área de política, planejamento e gestão em saúde.

The number of people on Earth and human activities are currently taking on frightening proportions with far-reaching consequences for our planet, its biodiversity and ultimately the human race itself. Ten thousand years ago, humans represented 1% of the total biomass of all land vertebrates. The rest was made up by wild animals. Currently, humans, livestock and pets make up 99% of terrestrial vertebrate biomass, while wild animals represent only 1%. It took millennia for the human population to reach the 1 billion mark and that only by 1890. By 1960, however, the world population had grown to 3 billion. Today there are 8 billion people living on our planet. According to Population Matters, the world population will be approximately 10,4 billion by the end of this century, despite the gradual decline in the growth rate in some countries. There is only a 23% chance that the total population growth rate will tail off before 2100. The population of the 47 least developed countries is likely to triple between 2017 and 2100 to around 3 billion. There are currently 62 million people in South Africa. About 67,9% of our population (in 2021) live in urban areas. The South African population grew by 0,87% in 2023. The fertility rate is 2,30 (2023). It is estimated that by 2050 75,5 million people will be living in South Africa, with 8 out of every 10 people living in urban areas, which would significantly increase the pressure on infrastructure. The Global Footprint Network states that humans currently use the resources of 1,75 Earths. If the situation does not improve, by 2050 we would need the equivalent of three Earths to survive. More than 4 billion people will have little or no water by 2050, and South Africa even now has been classified as a "water-stressed" country. Medical science is continually contributing to more babies surviving their entry into the world and to our living increasingly longer. Life expectancy has risen from 46 years in 1950 to 73,2 years in 2023. By 2050 it will be 77 years. What can be done? Empowerment of women is important. Population growth can be curbed to a reasonable extent by giving more girls access to education. This certainly does not mean that girls or women alone should be held responsible for the current population growth, but much more will have to be done about sex education, women's rights will have to be actively promoted and there will have to be better provision and use of contraceptives. Obviously, these issues should be approached and handled with due caution. In this regard, countries such as Thailand and South Korea have, in the recent past, proved that good education may result in lower birth rates. In Africa, women with no education have an average of 5,4 children; women who completed high school an average of 2,7 children and women with tertiary education an average of 2.2. In Nigeria, every year of school attendance by girls cuts the birth rate by a tenth. In addition, intensified efforts to reform economies and societies should be considered. For the sake of the survival of the human species and the sustainability of the Earth, ecological and economic justice and the empowerment ofwomen have to be encouraged. The Millennium Project - a global participatory think tank that was founded in 1996 under the auspices of the American Council for the United Nations University, but which became independent in 2009 and has since grown into a global network of institutions and individuals - aims to improve humankind's prospects for a better future. It recommends, among other things, the following: • Support a policy aimed at improving the survival of children, responsible family planning and educational opportunities for (especially) girls. • Improve methods that will ensure skills and employment opportunities for young people, as well as care and services for the elderly. • Implement the UN's urban agenda. • Create enough smart cities where citizens with urban intelligence can help in eco-smart ways with the necessary improvements in the city. • Increase training in resilience, and improve disaster prediction and management. • Provide guidance for people about urban ecology. • Intensify research and development in saltwater agriculture (halophytes or salt plants) on coastlines to produce food for humans and animals, biofuel and pulp for the paper industry, and to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). This will ease the pressure on freshwater agriculture. • Improve agricultural and irrigation management. • Invest in precision agriculture and aquaculture. • Reduce food losses from the "farm to the mouth" (one third or 1,3 billion tons of agricultural production is wasted in this way every year). • Establish seaweed to restore wild fish populations along coastlines. The World Bank estimates that 90% of marine life is completely depleted. • Expand the production of insects for animal feed and human diets (insects have a low environmental impact, and 2 billion people already supplement their diet with insects today). • Encourage vegetarianism. Although there are more ways to address these important global challenges, responsible family planning remains one of the most important. This is an extremely sensitive issue for many people (especially in Africa), but if it is not promoted in a humane, informed and responsible way, the sustainability of life on our planet will increasingly come under tremendous pressure in various respects.

Die aantal mense op aarde en hulle/ons aktiwiteite neem tans skrikwekkende afmetings aan met wydlopende gevolge vir ons planeet, biodiversiteit en uiteindelik onsself. Die moderne mens het sy teenwoordigheid op die aarde en die benutting van hulpbronne baie lank as sy onaantasbare reg gesien. Die huidige uitwerking van byvoorbeeld bevolkingsgroei en besoedeling versteur die aarde se natuurlike ritme in so 'n mate dat ons nou nie meer op 'n kitsoplossing kan hoop nie. Die mens se getalle neem teen so 'n tempo toe dat dit nie net nadelig vir die planeet is nie, maar ook vir die mensdom self. Wat kan gedoen word? Bemagtiging van vroue speel 'n belangrike rol. Dit beteken beslis nie dat meisies en vroue alleen vir die huidige bevolkingsgroei verantwoordelik gehou moet word nie. Die bevolkingsgroei kan egter in 'n redelike mate vertraag word deur veral meer meisies toegang tot onderwys en opleiding te gee - asook hul lewensomstandighede te verbeter. Ook sal daar heelwat meer aan seksopvoeding gedoen moet word, vroueregte sal daadwerklik bevorder moet word en daar sal beter voorsiening en gebruik van voorbehoedmiddels moet wees. Uiteraard moet hierdie kwessies met die nodige omsigtigheid benader en hanteer word. In hierdie verband kan onder andere Thailand en Suid-Korea genoem word wat in die onlangse verlede bewys het dat goeie onderwys geboortesyfers laat daal. In Afrika het vroue wat geen onderwys ontvang nie, gemiddeld 5,4 kinders; vroue wat hoërskool voltooi het gemiddeld 2,7 kinders en vroue wat tersiêre studie deurloop het, gemiddeld 2,2 kinders. In Nigerië sny elke jaar wat meisies skool bywoon, die geboortesyfer met 'n tiende. Hiermee saam sal daar ook verskerpte pogings moet wees om ekonomieë en samelewings te hervorm. Ter wille van die mens se voortbestaan en die volhoubaarheid van lewe op aarde moet ekologiese en ekonomiese geregtigheid, en die bemagtiging van vroue aangemoedig word.

The history of the ora (with the symbol Φ) as a trade instrument is inextricably linked to the history of Orania, a village on the southern bank of the Orange River in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The closest town to Orania is Hopetown (43 kilometres to the northwest). Orania is about 160 kilometres south of Kimberley, the biggest city in the Northern Cape. Orania has a number of unique features. Firstly, all inhabitants are white and speak Afrikaans, with the implication that this is the language used for all activities (business, education, religion and social interaction). It is therefore viewed as a white Afrikaner cultural enclave. Secondly, the aim of Orania is self-determination as far as its future is concerned. In this context it has been described as a continuation of the Verwoerdian ideal of the 1960s. This aim is supported by "selfwerksaamheid" (loosely meaning "to work with our own for our own"), that is, a policy in terms of which preference is given to the employment of people from Orania. Thirdly, Orania has its own trade instrument, the ora, the symbol for which is Φ.2 The ora is described as a coupon used in settlement of cash transactions. Calling the ora currency would be a contravention of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989. The Orania Sakekamer [chamber of commerce] issues the ora. It is linked on a one-to-one basis to the South African rand, that is, at a rate of Φ 1,00 = R1,00. The inhabitants of Orania prefer to use ora when referring to amounts and this paper follows the same convention. Literature on Orania refers to the ora and its use in trade, but there is no research focusing on the development of the ora since it wasfirst launched in 2004. This paper seeks to contribute to filling this gap in the existing literature. The ora serves the needs of the inhabitants of Orania. A population census undertaken in Orania in December 2021 and early in 2022 reported the town'spopulation as 2 377 people, of whom 1 635 were 20 years and older. The same census also showed that Orania comprised 649 households and 220 businesses. Based on the 2021/22 census, the total personal annual income of the residents of Orania in 2021 was estimated at Φ295 672 222. Per capita personal annual income of the 2 377 inhabitants was therefore estimated at Φ124 389. Based on the same census data, the annual household income in Orania was estimated at Φ190 331179. The difference in estimates cannot be explained in terms of the 2021/2022 census data and was previously highlighted as an area for further research. These estimates show some correlation with the survey data obtained from the 2021 business survey conducted in Orania. Business turnover in 2021 was estimated at Φ281 950 000. More research is necessary to ascertain whether the increase in the value of ora issued correlates at all with the growth rate of economic activity in Orania. If this correlation can be determined, ora in circulation will be a useful indicator of the growth of economic activities in Orania. The growth rate of ora coupons cannot be compared with growth in economic activity because the latter has not previously been calculated on a comparable basis. Recently research was published that will contribute to a basis for determining future economic growth. This research shows that the ora contributes to "community building" (a sense that the residents are building their own future) in Orania and limits cash risks in the town. However, the ora also has certain disadvantages for residents of Orania. Holders of ora coupons and dOra must exchange them for rand in Orania for cash transactions outside the town. Any discount that businesses grant on ora transactions reduces their turnover and gross profit. The fact that ora coupons are not machine-readable increases the administration costs of the coupons. The final conclusion is that the ora is inextricably linked to Orania. The town can exist without the ora, but the ora cannot exist without Orania.

Hierdie artikel fokus op die geskiedenis van die ora (Φ3) sedert die eerste vrystelling daarvan 20 jaar gelede in 2004. Die ora is onlosmaaklik verweef met Orania, 'n Afrikaanse dorp in die Noord-Kaap. Die ora is op 'n een-tot-een-grondslag gekoppel aan die Suid-Afrikaanse rand. Die ora sirkuleer as 'n wettige betaalmiddel vir gebruik in kontanttransaksies in Orania. Die bestaan en sirkulasie van die ora is een van die unieke eienskappe van Orania. 'n Verdere unieke eienskap van Orania is die uitsluitlike gebruik van Afrikaans in die dorp. Alle bedrywighede (godsdiensbeoefening, kultuuraktiwiteite, onderrig en saketransak-sies) geskied uitsluitlik in Afrikaans. Voorts het Orania net wit inwoners. Die dorp word dus as 'n wit Afrikaner enklawe beskou. Daarbenewens is die oogmerk van Orania selfbeskikking wat die dorp se toekoms betref. Dit bring Orania in lyn met die voortsetting van die Verwoerdiaanse ideaal van afsonderlike ontwikkeling tot selfbeskikking. Hierdie ideaal word in Orania ondersteun deur "selfwerk-saamheid", met ander woorde 'n beleid dat voorkeur gegee word aan indiensneming van die inwoners van Orania. Die inwoners van Orania verkies om bedrae in ora te noem en nie in rand nie. Gevolglik word daardie praktyk in hierdie artikel gebruik. Gebaseer op die 2021/22-sensusopname in Orania, is totale persoonlike jaarlikse inkomste op Φ295 672 222 beraam. Per capita persoonlike jaarlikse inkomste vir die 2 377 inwoners is dus op Φ124 389 beraam. Hierteenoor is die jaarlikse inkomste van huishoudings in Orania in 2021 op Φ190 331 179 beraam. Hierdie verskil in ramings kan nie met behulp van die bestaande sensusopnamedata verklaar word nie en is tevore aangestip as 'n gebied vir verdere navorsing. Die 2021-besigheidsopname van Orania rapporteer data oor sake-ondernemings in die dorp. Op grond van hierdie opnamedata is die jaarlikse omset van sakeondernemings in Orania in 2021 op Φ281 950 000 beraam. Meer navorsing is nodig om te bepaal of die groei in ora-koepons wat uitgereik word, hoegenaamd korreleer met die groei in ekonomiese bedrywighede in Orania. Die groeikoers van ora-koepons kan nie met groei in ekonomiese bedrywighede vergelyk word nie omdat laasgenoemde nie voorheen op 'n vergelykbare basis bereken is nie. Onlangse navorsing is die eerste inisiatief om 'n basis te skep vir die bepaling van Orania se toekomstige ekonomiese groei. Indien hierdie korrelasie deur toekomstige navorsing bepaal kan word, sal dit 'n nuttige en maklike aanwyser van ekonomiese bedrywighede op die dorp wees. Die navorsing toon ook dat die ora tot gemeenskapsbewussyn bydra, byvoorbeeld omdat die inwoners bedrae in ora uitdruk, eerder as in rand. Die ora verminder ook kontantrisiko in Orania, omdat die ora nie buite die dorp gebruik kan word nie. Die ora het egter ook sekere nadele vir inwoners van Orania. Houers van ora-koepons en dOra moet dit in Orania vir rand inwissel vir kontanttransaksies buite die dorp. Enige afslag wat sake-ondernemings op ora-transaksies toestaan, verminder hul omset en bruto wins. Die feit dat ora-koepons nie masjienleesbaar is nie, verhoog die administrasiekoste van die koepons. Die ora en Orania is onlosmaaklik met mekaar verweef. Die dorp kan egter sonder die ora bestaan, terwyl die ora nie sonder Orania kan bestaan nie.

Abstract Introduction.Soybean establishes a symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium japonicum that allows it to fix atmospheric N. Coinoculation with other plant growth-promoting microorganisms can increase Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) and plant growth. Objective. Determine if inoculation with P-solubilizing fungi (SP), Aspergillus flavus (S1) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum (S2), affects growth and BNF variables in soybeans. Materials and methods. In the greenhouse on an Andisol and an Ultisol, growth variables and BNF were evaluated in soybeans inoculated with B. japonicum and 2 SPs. Five treatments were evaluated: an absolute control (T), addition of phosphate rock (RF), addition of RF and inoculation with B. japonicum (BRF) and the addition of RF, B. japonicum and the 2 SPs independently (BRFS1 and BRFS2). An unrestricted randomized design with 4 repetitions was established and the data was analyzed according to normality, either with ANDEVA and DGC at 5% or Kruskal Wallis at 5%. Results. The responses obtained showed a positive effect on the evaluated variables when soybeans were inoculated with SP in addition with B. japonicum. The effect was a trend in Andisol, for the variables aerial fresh weight and number of nodules and their dry weight, while for Ultisol significance was found for these same variables, as well as for aerial dry weight, leaf area and N content and foliar P, with the greatest effect in BRFS2. In absolute terms, the highest P content in the soil microbial biomass and the highest SP population was found in the treatment with the presence of S2. The populations of N Fixers (NF) in the soil were higher for T and RF that did not have inoculation with B. japonicum. Conclusion. Inoculation with SP fungi can positively affect BNF, foliar N and P amounts as well as soybean plant growth.

Resumen Introducción. La soya establece una simbiosis con Bradyrhizobium japonicum para fijar N atmosférico. La coinoculación con otros microorganismos promotores del crecimiento (MPC) puede incrementar la Fijación Biológica de Nitrógeno (FBN) y el crecimiento de las plantas. Objetivo. Determinar si la inoculación con los hongos solubilizadores de P (SP), Aspergillus flavus (S1) y Trichoderma longibrachiatum (S2), afecta variables de crecimiento y de FBN en soya. Materiales y métodos. En un Andisol y un Ultisol en invernadero, se evaluaron variables de crecimiento y FBN en soya inoculada con B. japonicum y 2 SP. Se evaluaron 5 tratamientos: un testigo absoluto (T), adición de roca fosfórica (RF), adición de RF e inoculación con B. japonicum (BRF) y la adición de RF, B. japonicum y los 2 SP de manera independiente (BRFS1 y BRFS2). Se estableció un diseño irrestricto al azar con 4 repeticiones y los datos se analizaron según la normalidad, con ANDEVA y DGC al 5% o Kruskal Wallis al 5%. Resultados. Se obtuvo un efecto positivo sobre las variables evaluadas, cuando la soya se inoculó con los SP además de B. japonicum. El efecto fue tendencia en el Andisol, para las variables peso fresco aéreo y número de nódulos y su peso seco, mientras que para el Ultisol se encontró significancia para estas mismas variables, así como para el peso seco aéreo, área foliar y contenido de N y P foliar, el efecto fue mayor en BRFS2. En términos absolutos el mayor contenido de P en la biomasa microbiana del suelo y la mayor población de SP se encontró en el tratamiento con la presencia de S2. Las poblaciones de Fijadores de N fueron mayores para T y RF. Conclusión. La inoculación con hongos SP puede afectar positivamente la FBN, las cantidades de N y P foliar así como el crecimiento de las plantas de soya.

Abstract Mexico’s school enrolment in the 2021-2022 school year corresponds to 5.07 million students (5.5 % in higher technical and normal levels; 86.2 % in bachelor’s degrees; 7.2 % in specialties and master’s degrees; 1.1 % in doctorates), representing 4 % of the total national population. The article is structured on the basis of the deductive method and with a quantitative archetype; its objective is to determine the correlation between the higher education student population and economic growth and human development. It is hypothesized that higher education will contribute significantly to the achievement of these objectives, in the first instance to try to achieve economic growth, and then to gain access to economic, social, sustainable and human development. The hypothesis was confirmed that in Mexico during the period from 2010 to 2022, the highest number of higher education students can explain 82.6 % of the variations experienced in the increase of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or economic growth. It was considered that the highest levels of education in the country (doctorate and master’s degrees) would have a decisive influence on the increase in GDP (economic growth) and a better position in the Human Development Index (HDI), but it turned out that the most influential variable in the estimated linear regressions is enrolment at the bachelor’s degree.

Resumen La matrícula escolar de México en el ciclo escolar 2021-2022 corresponde a 5,07 millones de alumnos (5,5 % en nivel técnico superior y normal, 86,2 % en licenciatura, 7,2 % en especialidad y maestría, y 1,1 % en doctorado), representando el 4 % de la población total nacional. El artículo se estructura con base en el método deductivo y con un arquetipo cuantitativo, teniendo como objetivo conocer el estado de correlación existente entre el universo estudiantil de educación superior con el crecimiento económico y el desarrollo humano. Se parte de la hipótesis que la educación superior contribuirá significativamente al logro de estos objetivos, en primera instancia, para tratar de alcanzar el crecimiento económico, y después, para lograr tener acceso al desarrollo económico, social, sustentable y humano. Se confirmó la hipótesis de que, en México, durante el período de 2010 a 2022, el mayor número de alumnado de nivel superior puede explicar el 82,6 % de las variaciones experimentadas en el aumento del Producto Interno Bruto (PIB) o crecimiento económico. Se consideraba que los más altos niveles de estudios en el país (doctorado y maestría) influirían de forma determinante en el incremento del PIB (crecimiento económico) y en una mejor posición del Índice de Desarrollo Humano (IDH), pero resultó que la variable más influyente en las regresiones lineales estimadas es la matrícula de nivel licenciatura.