The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) stands for being the most serious epidemic (so far) of the 21st century. However, only a few computational studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the neutralization of the spike protein by antibodies of different classes. Hence, bioinformatic methods were employed to unravel the factors contributing to the remarkable neutralization capacity exhibited by specific antibodies. Initially, crystallographic structures of IgA monomeric / dimeric, IgG, and IgM antibodies binding with the receptor-binding domain region of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were retrieved. Subsequently, rigid molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations were performed over 100 ns with explicit water solvation. Lastly, an energy decomposition was conducted to estimate the binding affinity using the last frames from molecular dynamics. The results revealed a higher binding affinity for both monomeric and dimeric forms of IgA antibodies against the spike protein. Additionally, a greater number of hydrogen bonds were observed during their interaction with the spike protein, as well as greater structural instability along the time and especially a more thermodynamically favorable interaction affinity. In this way, the research contributes a small piece to the complex puzzle of understanding the humoral immune response induced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARSCoV2 SARSCoV SARS CoV (SARS-CoV-2 so far st century However classes Hence Initially IgG receptorbinding receptor SARS-CoV- retrieved Subsequently 10 solvation Lastly dynamics Additionally way virus (SARS-CoV- SARS-CoV 1 (SARS-CoV

ABSTRACT: China is the biggest muskmelon producing country across the world. Extreme application of fertilizer during planting of muskmelon poses a serious threat to the environment and food safety, so how to promote farmers to use organic fertilizer has become an important topic. This study creatively introduced green awareness into the extended framework of theory of planned behavior to explore the decisive factors of muskmelon farmers’ behavior intention to apply green organic fertilizer. The structural equation model is used for investigating behavior intention of 543 muskmelon farmers in Leting County, China. The results suggested that both subjective norm and green awareness can affect muskmelon farmers’ behavior intention positively and significantly. When the subjective norm increases by 1 standard deviation, the farmers’ intention increases by 1.028 standard deviation; for every 1 standard deviation increase in green awareness, the farmers’ intention increased by 0.703 standard deviation. ABSTRACT world safety topic 54 County significantly 1028 028 1.02 0703 0 703 0.70 5 102 02 1.0 070 70 0.7 10 1. 07 7 0.

RESUMO: A China é o maior país produtor de melão em todo o mundo. A aplicação extrema de fertilizantes durante o plantio de melão representa uma séria ameaça ao meio ambiente e à segurança alimentar, portanto, como promover os agricultores a usar fertilizante orgânico verde tornou-se um tópico importante. Este estudo introduziu criativamente a consciência verde no quadro estendido da teoria do comportamento, planejado para explorar os fatores decisivos da intenção dos agricultores de melão de aplicar fertilizante orgânico verde. O modelo de equações estruturais é usado para investigar a intenção de comportamento de 543 agricultores de melão no Condado de Leting, China. Os resultados sugerem que tanto a norma subjetiva quanto a consciência verde podem afetar positiva e significativamente o comportamento dos produtores de melão. Quando a norma subjetiva aumenta em 1, o desvio padrão, a intenção do agricultor aumenta em 1,028 desvio padrão. Para cada aumento de 1 desvio padrão na consciência verde, a intenção dos agricultores aumentou em 0,703 desvio padrão. RESUMO mundo alimentar portanto tornouse tornou se importante 54 Leting 1028 028 1,02 0703 0 703 0,70 5 102 02 1,0 070 70 0,7 10 07 7 0,

Resumo: O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a persistente demanda do Uruguai para tornar mais flexível a regra do Mercosul de negociar acordos comerciais preferenciais (ACPs) com terceiros países em conjunto, com vistas a identificar: (1) os fatores que impulsionaram esta proposta; e (2) os limites que ela encontrou. O principal argumento proposto é que além das conjunturas políticas, tanto os impulsos quanto os limites respondem a combinações de fatores econômicos e políticos que são bastante estruturais. Portanto, na ausência de mudanças nas posições de seus parceiros no bloco, que o Uruguai certamente não controla, há uma tendência para o statu quo. Para sustentar o argumento, em nível empírico, analisamos primeiramente a evolução histórica do Mercosul e suas relações externas. Em segundo lugar, analisamos a situação atual, marcada pelos esforços do governo uruguaio para assinar um ACP bilateral com seu principal parceiro comercial, a China. Resumo ACPs (ACPs conjunto identificar 1 (1 proposta 2 (2 encontrou políticas estruturais Portanto bloco controla quo empírico externas lugar atual comercial China (

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to analyze Uruguay's persistent demand to make Mercosur's rule of negotiating preferential trade agreements (PTAs) with third countries jointly more flexible, with a view to identifying: (1) the factors that have driven this proposal; and (2) the limits it has encountered. The main argument proposed is that beyond political conjunctures, both the impulses and the limits respond to combinations of economic and political factors that are rather structural. Therefore, in the absence of changes in the positions of its partners in the bloc, which Uruguay certainly does not control, there is a tendency towards the statu quo. In order to support the argument, at the empirical level, we first analyze the historical evolution of Mercosur and its external relations. Secondly, we delve into the current situation, marked by the Uruguayan government's efforts to sign a bilateral PTA with its main trading partner, China. Abstract Uruguays s Mercosurs PTAs (PTAs flexible identifying 1 (1 proposal 2 (2 encountered conjunctures structural Therefore bloc control quo level relations Secondly situation governments government partner China (

Resumen: Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar el persistente reclamo de Uruguay de flexibilizar la disposición de Mercosur para negociar acuerdos de comercio preferencial (ACP) con terceros países de forma conjunta, con miras a identificar: (1) los factores que han impulsado este planteo; y (2) los límites que ha encontrado. El argumento principal propuesto es que más allá de las coyunturas políticas, tanto los impulsos como los límites responden a combinaciones de factores económicos y políticos más bien estructurales. Por ende, en ausencia de cambios en las posiciones de sus socios del bloque, que por cierto Uruguay no controla, se constata una tendencia hacia el statu quo. Para sostener el argumento, a nivel empírico se analiza en primer lugar la evolución histórica de Mercosur y sus relaciones externas. Y, en segundo lugar, se profundiza en la coyuntura actual, signada por los esfuerzos del gobierno uruguayo de firmar un ACP bilateral con su principal socio comercial, China. Resumen (ACP conjunta identificar 1 (1 planteo 2 (2 encontrado políticas estructurales ende bloque controla quo externas Y actual comercial China (

Abstract Introduction: The decay of democracy has led to a growth in political protests worldwide, but even when people perceive their situation as unfair, some do not act. We propose that system justification and learned helplessness are relevant factors in explaining this. Objective: To test a model of collective action that considers factors of inaction. Method: Through structural equation modelling, we estimated models with data from 961 Brazilians, variables were measured through self-report instruments, such as Collective Action scales, the General System Justification Scale, the Social Justice Perception Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and the Learned Helplessness Scale. Results: The models had a good fit and supported the derogation effect of system justification on collective action, but only partially corroborated the predicted association between learned helplessness and collective action. In the Multigroup Model, we found that people who hold weaker political motivations are more prone to inaction through learned helplessness. Discussion: Our findings point to the risk of relative deprivation in generating learned helplessness, which may contribute to inaction and social isolation.

Resumen Introducción: La decadencia de la democracia ha provocado un aumento de las protestas políticas en todo el mundo, pero incluso cuando las personas perciben que su situación es injusta, algunas no actúan. Proponemos que la justificación del sistema y la indefensión aprendida son factores relevantes para explicarlo. Objetivo: Probar un modelo de acción colectiva que considera factores de inacción. Método: A través de modelos de ecuaciones estructurales, estimamos modelos con datos de 961 brasileños, las variables fueron medidas por medio de instrumentos de autoinforme, como las escalas de Acción Colectiva, la Escala General de Justificación del Sistema, la Escala de Percepción de Justicia Social, la Escala de Afectos Positivos y Negativos y la Escala de Indefensión Aprendida. Resultados: Los modelos tuvieron un buen ajuste y apoyaron el efecto de derogación de la justificación del sistema en la acción colectiva, pero solo corroboraron parcialmente la asociación predicha entre indefensión

Abstract Background: Mangroves are communities whose structure expresses patterns according to the coastal landforms in which they develop. Questions: Is there a structural variation of mangroves among landforms and regions of the South Pacific? What is the effect of the geomorphological-regional factor on the structure of mangroves? What is the level of consistency of mangrove structure within each analyzed landform and region? Data description: Basal area, height, density, complexity index, and importance value. Study site: Mangroves from 39 systems in five hydrological regions in the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, Mexico. Methods: The structural classification of mangroves was carried out considering the landform (inlet, estuary, lagoon) and the hydrological region. Correlations were used to assess their relationship with salinity and water recharge, and multivariate techniques were employed to identify differences between factors and clustering patterns. Results: Density and basal area correlated positively with water recharge, and it was found that mangrove density and complexity varied significantly among landforms and regions, while basal area and height were affected by landform and region. Discrete groups of variables in ordinations were not evident, with greater structural variability of mangroves found by hydrological region rather than landform. Conclusions: There is structural variation in mangroves among landforms and regions of the South Pacific; however, the variation in basal area, height, and density is low, resulting in consistency when compared across hydrological regions.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los manglares son comunidades cuya estructura expresa patrones de acuerdo a las geoformas costeras en las que se desarrollan. Preguntas: ¿Existe una variación estructural de los manglares entre geoformas y regiones del Pacífico sur? ¿Cuál es el efecto del factor geomórfico-regional sobre la estructura de los manglares? ¿Cuál es el nivel de consistencia de la estructura de los manglares entre cada geoforma y región analizada? Descripción de datos: Área basal, altura, densidad, índice de complejidad y valor de importancia. Sitio de estudio: Manglares de 39 sistemas de cinco regiones hidrológicas en los estados de Guerrero, Oaxaca y Chiapas, México. Métodos: La clasificación estructural de los manglares se realizó considerando la geoforma (bocana, estero, estuario, laguna) y la región hidrológica. Se emplearon correlaciones para evaluar su relación con la salinidad y la recarga hídrica; y técnicas multivariadas para identificar diferencias entre los factores y patrones de agrupación. Resultados: La densidad y el área basal se correlacionaron positivamente con la recarga hídrica, y se encontró que la densidad y la complejidad del manglar variaron significativamente entre geoformas y regiones; mientras que el área basal y la altura fueron afectadas por geoforma y región. Los grupos discretos de las variables en las ordenaciones no resultó evidente, encontrándose mayor variabilidad estructural de los manglares por región hidrológica que por geoforma. Conclusiones: Existe variación estructural en los manglares entre geoformas y regiones del Pacífico sur, sin embargo, la variación del área basal, altura y densidad es baja, resultando consistente al compararse entre regiones hidrológicas.

Abstract This research analyzes how individual characteristics (area of origin, skin color, economic status of origin and education) and structural factors (economic growth and trade openness) influence in Mexico the opportunities to obtain a high level of economic well-being. Using a IV-probit model estimated in two stages with instrumental variables in a context of complex samples, it is identified that people born in homes with low economic status, originating from rural localities and with brown skin have lower probabilities of economic success compared to people of non-low economic status, from urban areas and light skin. The findings also reveal that economic growth and educational achievement increase the probabilities of obtaining a high economic status, but the increase in probabilities is bigger for people of non-low economic origin, coming from urban areas and light skin. Finally, through the different rates of growth and school achievement, the differences in economic well-being widen, which indicates an increase in inequality between privileged and non-privileged groups. This research is innovative since it not only analyzes the effect of economic growth and academic achievement on social mobility, but also provides an empirical method that investigates the effect of growth and academic achievement on inequality of opportunities for socioeconomic advancement. The results indicate the existence of irrational mobility barriers based on criteria over which the individual has no control.

Resumen La presente investigación analiza cómo influyen en México las características del individuo (ámbito de origen, color de piel, estatus económico de origen y educación) y los factores estructurales (crecimiento económico y apertura comercial) en las oportunidades de obtener un nivel de bienestar económico alto. Por medio de un modelo probit, estimado en dos etapas con variables instrumentales en un contexto de muestras complejas, se identifica que las personas nacidas en hogares con estatus económico bajo, originarias de localidades rurales y de piel morena, tienen menores probabilidades de éxito económico con respecto a las personas de estatus de origen económico no-bajo, provenientes del ámbito urbano y piel clara. Los hallazgos también revelan que el crecimiento económico y el logro escolar aumentan las probabilidades de obtener un estatus económico alto, pero el incremento de probabilidades no es homogéneo, sino que favorece en mayor medida a personas de origen económico no-bajo, provenientes del ámbito urbano y piel clara. Finalmente, se identifica que, a través de las distintas tasas de crecimiento y logro escolar, las diferencias en el bienestar económico se amplían, lo que indica aumento de la desigualdad entre grupos privilegiados y no-privilegiados. La ruta de investigación es innovadora ya que no solo analiza el efecto del crecimiento económico y el logro académico en la movilidad social, sino que también aporta un método empírico que indaga el efecto del crecimiento y el logro académico en la desigualdad de oportunidades de ascenso socioeconómico. Los resultados indican la existencia de barreras de movilidad irracionales basadas en criterios sobre los que el individuo no tiene control.

Abstract: With its signing of the Havana Peace Agreement in 2016, Colombia sought to end an armed conflict that had lasted more than sixty years and had left nearly nine million victims. The agreement led to the establishment of a transitional justice (TJ) framework, including the Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Coexistence, and Non-Repetition (CEV). This study identifies how the CEV incorporated the legacies of colonialism into its analytical framework. The research is based on in-depth interviews with twenty scholars specializing in colonialism and/or TJ, nineteen peacebuilders, informal conversations with CEV members, and a review of various volumes of the final report. The findings highlight that the commission adopted a long-term historical perspective, revisiting aspects of Spanish colonialism (including structural racism and the hacienda system as an institution of territorial, political, and economic order) as explanatory factors for the various forms of violence experienced during the armed conflict. Additionally, several volumes of the final report emphasize the ongoing impact of colonial legacies, viewing them more as continuities or “ruins,” using Stoler’s concept (2008). While the possibility of dismantling colonial legacies on a material level due to the CEV’s work is debated, its symbolic significance must be highlighted, especially in a context where the State had sought to erase the colonial past. This article contributes to the emerging literature that examines TJ from a decolonial perspective, providing an empirical analysis of the CEV in Colombia, which we believe can become a key reference for this field.

Resumo: Em 2016, com a assinatura do Acordo de Paz de Havana, a Colômbia procurou pôr fim a um conflito armado que durou mais de 60 anos e que deixou quase 9 milhões de vítimas. Como resultado do acordo, foi gerado um sistema de justiça de transição (JT), que incluiu a Comissão para o esclarecimento da verdade, do convívio e da não repetição (CEV). O objetivo deste estudo é identificar como a CEV incorporou os legados do colonialismo em sua estrutura de análise. A pesquisa baseia-se em entrevistas aprofundadas com 20 acadêmicos especializados em colonialismo e/ou JT e 19 construtores da paz, bem como em conversas informais com membros da CEV e na revisão de vários volumes do relatório final. A observação destaca que a comissão adotou uma perspectiva histórica de longo prazo, além de revisitar algumas facetas do colonialismo espanhol (incluindo o racismo estrutural e a fazenda como instituição de organização territorial, política e econômica) como fatores explicativos para as várias formas de violência sofridas no contexto do conflito armado. Além disso, vários volumes do relatório final enfatizam o efeito dos legados coloniais no presente, ou seja, a CEV os entende mais como continuidades ou “ruínas”, para usar o conceito de Stoler (2008). Embora a possibilidade de desarticular os legados coloniais em nível material como resultado do trabalho da CEV seja questionada, sua importância em nível simbólico deve ser enfatizada, em um contexto em que o Estado procurou apagar o passado colonial. Este artigo procura contribuir para a literatura emergente que examina a JT a partir de um quadro decolonial, com uma análise empírica da CEV na Colômbia, que, acreditamos, pode se tornar um caso de referência obrigatório para o campo.

Resumen: En 2016, con la firma del Acuerdo de Paz de La Habana, Colombia buscó poner fin a un conflicto armado de más de sesenta años de duración, que había dejado casi nueve millones de víctimas. Como resultado del acuerdo se generó un andamio de justicia transicional (JT), que incluyó la Comisión para el Esclarecimiento de la Verdad, la Convivencia y la No Repetición (CEV). El objetivo del estudio es identificar cómo la CEV incorporó los legados del colonialismo en su marco de análisis. La investigación se basa en entrevistas en profundidad realizadas a veinte académicos especialistas en el colonialismo y/o la JT, y diecinueve constructoras de paz, además de conversaciones informales con integrantes de la CEV y una revisión de diversos tomos del informe final. La observación resalta que la comisión tuvo una perspectiva histórica de larga duración, además de retomar algunas facetas del colonialismo español (incluyendo el racismo estructural y la hacienda como institución de ordenamiento territorial, político y económico), a modo de factores explicativos de las diversas violencias vividas en el marco del conflicto armado. Asimismo, en varios tomos del informe final se hace hincapié en el efecto de los legados coloniales en el presente; es decir, la CEV los comprende más como continuidades o “ruinas”, para emplear el concepto de Stoler (2008). Si bien se pone en tela de juicio la posibilidad de desarticulación de los legados coloniales en un plano material a raíz del trabajo de la CEV, se debe destacar su importancia en un plano simbólico, en un contexto en el que el Estado había buscado borrar el pasado colonial. Este artículo busca hacer un aporte a la literatura emergente que examina la JT desde un encuadre decolonial, con un análisis empírico de la CEV en Colombia que, consideramos, puede convertirse en caso de referencia obligatoria para este campo.

Resumen: Este artículo proporciona un análisis exhaustivo de los factores que impactan las intenciones, los comportamientos, las innovaciones y el sentido de autoeficacia empresarial en el ecosistema empresarial digital en el Reino de Arabia Saudita. Al ilustrar los roles del ecosistema, la intención empresarial, la innovación y la educación, el estudio aspira proporcionar información sobre las dinámicas distintivas del emprendimiento digital en este entorno geográfico. El estudio utiliza tanto entrevistas cualitativas con expertos en la materia como análisis estadístico cuantitativo de las respuestas de la encuesta. El ecosistema empresarial digital saudita se explora cualitativamente a través de 15 entrevistas con expertos de la industria y cuantitativamente con 248 respuestas a encuestas que permiten probar hipótesis utilizando modelos de ecuaciones estructurales. Los datos cuantitativos de este estudio se analizaron mediante PLS-SEM. Los resultados enfatizan los roles mediadores de la ambición empresarial y la innovación, destacando la importancia clave del ecosistema empresarial digital para impulsar el comportamiento empresarial. La educación empresarial surge como un elemento poderoso que actúa como moderador en la configuración del éxito empresarial. La investigación proporciona información útil sobre las características únicas del emprendimiento digital en Arabia Saudita.

Abstract: This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors impacting entrepreneurial intentions, behaviors, innovations, and the sense of self-efficacy in the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By illuminating the roles of the ecosystem, entrepreneurial intention, innovation, and education, the study aspires to provide insights into distinctive dynamics of digital entrepreneurship in this geographical setting. The study employs both qualitative in-depth interviews with subject matter experts and quantitative statistical analysis of survey responses. The Saudi digital entrepreneurial ecosystem is explored qualitatively through 15 in-depth interviews with industry experts and quantitatively with 248 survey responses that allow for hypothesis testing using structural equation modeling. The quantitative data in this study were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results emphasize the mediating roles of entrepreneurial ambition and innovation, highlighting the key significance of the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem in driving entrepreneurial behavior. Entrepreneurial education is emerging as a powerful element, acting as a moderator in shaping entrepreneurial success. The research provides useful information about the unique characteristics of digital entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia.

Resumen: Esta investigación analiza la relación entre comportamiento de consumo sostenible con la percepción, las prácticas y los atributos percibidos en los productos y los fabricantes en torno al consumo responsable en la generación Z. Para esto se hizo un estudio descriptivo, con enfoque cuantitativo. Se aplicó una encuesta en formato digital a 903 adultos nacidos a partir de 1995 en la ciudad de Bogotá. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante un análisis factorial confirmatorio para identificar si las variables se agrupan en los constructos propuestos, seguido se realizó un modelo causal a partir de un análisis de ecuaciones estructurales, con la metodología de bootstraping con el fin de validar las hipótesis propuestas. Los resultados comprueban la existencia de los factores propuestos y se identificó que los hábitos de consumo responsable, la actitud hacia el consumo responsable y los atributos del producto inciden en el comportamiento de consumo sostenible, sin embargo, los atributos percibidos del fabricante no tienen una relación directa con este, aunque cuando los atributos del fabricante son mediados por los atributos del producto existe incidencia. Estos hallazgos aportan al conocimiento científico ya que la literatura actual no ha analizado la relación entre el fabricante con producción responsable y los atributos de productos de consumo responsable percibidos por el consumidor. Por tal razón, los fabricantes deben mejorar sus esfuerzos en comunicar y llevar al mercado productos amigables con el medio ambiente.

Abstract: This research analyzes the relationship between sustainable consumption behavior with perception, practices and perceived attributes in products and manufacturers around responsible consumption in generation Z. For this a descriptive study was made, quantitatively. A digital survey was carried out on 903 adults born in Bogotá since 1995. The statistical analysis was performed using a confirmatory factor analysis to identify if the variables are grouped in the proposed constructs, followed by a causal model based on an analysis of structural equations, with the bootstraping methodology in order to validate the proposed hypotheses. The results prove the existence of the proposed factors and it was identified that responsible consumption habits, attitude towards responsible consumption and product attributes affect sustainable consumption behavior, However, the perceived attributes of the manufacturer do not have a direct relationship with it, although when the attributes of the manufacturer are mediated by the attributes of the product there is incidence. These findings contribute to scientific knowledge since the current literature has not analyzed the relationship between the manufacturer with responsible production and the attributes of responsible consumer products perceived by the consumer. For this reason, manufacturers must improve their efforts to communicate and bring environmentally friendly products to market.

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

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

Abstract: This article seeks to analyze the relationship between health and housing in state-produced housing complexes. A case study is conducted on the Parque Sur and Huarpes II neighborhoods, which are more than 40 years old and are located in the municipality of Godoy Cruz (Mendoza Metropolitan Area, Argentina). These neighborhoods are a reflect of two periods in Argentinian history: the last military dictatorship and the restitution of democracy. The study is conducted considering the dimensions established in the WHO Guidelines on Housing and Health (PAHO, 2022) and community social capital based on the Diagnostic Methodology for the Determination of Health Risk of Households in Housing (DRVS), whose intellectual property registration is CONICET/UTN-FRC (2021). The assessment is carried out by showing the structural processes that housing policies generate in the health of the households that inhabit the houses, highlighting the threats they are exposed to. In this sense, it is about avoiding hegemonic games that denounce without revealing and inform without mobilizing, based on isolated factors from the problem.

Resumen: En este artículo se busca analizar la relación entre salud y vivienda en conjuntos habitacionales de producción estatal. Se realiza un estudio de casos con los barrios Parque Sur y Huarpes II, que tienen una antigüedad de más de 40 años y están ubicados en el municipio de Godoy Cruz (Área Metropolitana de Mendoza, Argentina). Estos barrios son característicos de dos períodos: la última dictadura militar argentina y la restitución de la democracia. El estudio se realiza considerando las dimensiones establecidas en las Directrices de la OMS sobre Vivienda y Salud (OPS, 2022) y el capital social comunitario en base a la Metodología Diagnóstica para la Determinación del Riesgo para la Salud de los hogares en la vivienda (DRVS), cuyo registro de propiedad intelectual es de CONICET/UTN-FRC (2021). La valoración se realiza mostrando los procesos estructurales que las políticas habitacionales generan en la salud de los hogares que habitan las viviendas poniendo en evidencia las amenazas a las que están expuestas. En este sentido, se trata de evitar juegos hegemónicos que denuncian sin revelar e informan sin movilizar fundados en factores aislados de la problemática.

ABSTRACT Starting from the decline in intentional homicide in Mexico during 2023, this article analyzes the roots of the violence crisis that has plagued the country for more than fifteen years. In particular, it seeks to answer the question of the factors, events, or conditions that triggered homicidal violence in Mexico starting in 2007. The article collects the main hypotheses proposed on this issue and reviews their explanatory scope. These hypotheses are divided into three groups. The first consists of government actions that had unintended effects. These include the deployment of military operations in various regions of the country starting in December 2006, the implementation of the kingpin strategy, which involves targeting and arresting high-level drug cartel leaders, and the tightening of drug interdiction mechanisms for drugs coming from South America. The second group consists of specific events related to the proximity to the United States. These include the increase in ex-convicts deported from the United States, the rise in the number of firearms coming from the United States, and the increase in the price of cocaine. Finally, references are made to more structural conditions that preceded 2007. Specifically, political alternation and the crisis of local order manifested by the poor state of local police forces and long-term socio-economic explanations. To bring the discussion to the present moment, specifically to the year 2023, the last part of the text offers a reflection on the persistence of these factors and the future challenges that Mexico faces. This section focuses on two issues that are added to the topics reviewed in the first part of the article: the wave of migration that spread throughout 2023 and the incursion of fentanyl into the national drug market, which was exacerbated in the years following the COVID-19 epidemic.

RESUMEN Tomando como punto de partida el descenso del homicidio doloso en México durante el año 2023, este artículo analiza las raíces de la crisis de violencia que acontece en el país desde hace más de quince años. En particular, busca responder a la pregunta sobre los factores, eventos o condiciones que detonaron la violencia homicida en México a partir del año 2007. El artículo recolecta las principales hipótesis planteadas al respecto y revisa su alcance explicativo. Grosso modo éstas se dividen en tres grupos. El primero está constituido por acciones gubernamentales que tuvieron efectos no deseados. Estos son el despliegue de operativos militares en distintas regiones del país a partir de diciembre de 2006; la ejecución de la estrategia de detención de capos conocida como Kingpin Strategy y el endurecimiento de los mecanismos de interdicción de drogas provenientes de América del Sur. El segundo grupo lo forman eventos específicos relacionados a la colindancia con Estados Unidos. Éstos son aumento de ex convictos deportados de Estados Unidos, crecimiento en el número de armas provenientes de Estados Unidos y alza en el precio de la cocaína. Por último, se hace referencia a condiciones más estructurales que anteceden al 2007. En específico la alternancia política y crisis del orden local manifestado por el pobre estado de las policías locales, así como explicaciones socioeconómicas de largo alcance. Con la finalidad de llevar la discusión al momento actual, en específico al año 2023, la última parte del texto ofrece una reflexión sobre la persistencia de estos factores y los retos hacia el futuro que enfrenta México. Esta sección se centra en dos temas que se agregan a las temáticas revisadas en la primera parte del artículo: la ola migratoria que se extendió a lo largo de todo el 2023 y la incursión del fentanilo en el mercado nacional de drogas potenciada en los años que siguieron a la epidemia de COVID-19.

RESUMEN Introducción: La empatía es un atributo complejo y multidimensional. Se han realizado intentos para explicar el comportamiento empático basado en otras variables. La evidencia empírica muestra que la empatía podría ser el producto de la influencia de varios factores. Uno de estos factores podría ser la resiliencia. Aún no existe una teoría desarrollada y evidencia empírica consistente que demuestre que la empatía depende de la resiliencia. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si la resiliencia puede predecir el comportamiento empático. Metodología: Este estudio es no experimental y ex post facto con un diseño transversal. Variables. Dependiente: Empatía; Independiente: Resiliencia. Población: Estudiantes de medicina pertenecientes a la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Autónoma de Santa Ana (UNASA), Santa Ana, El Salvador (N=579). La muestra (n=465) consistió en estudiantes (ambos sexos). Muestreo por conveniencia. Escala de Empatía de Jefferson para Profesionales de la Salud, versión estudiantil (JSE-HPS). Escala de Resiliencia de Rasgo (EEA). Se utilizó un modelo de Modelado de Ecuaciones Estructurales (SEM). Además, se emplearon el Índice de Ajuste Comparativo (CFI) (>0.95), Índice de Tucker-Lewis (TLI) (>0.95), Error Cuadrático Medio de Aproximación (RMSEA) (<0.08) y Error Cuadrático Medio Estandarizado (SRMR) (<0.08), Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (CFA). El nivel de significancia empleado fue α < 0.05. Resultados: Estos resultados muestran que ambos modelos de medición (empatía y resiliencia) están adecuadamente representados y son adecuados para el modelo estructural. Discusión: Los resultados constituyen evidencia empírica indirecta de que es posible definir la empatía como una variable dependiente y la resiliencia como una variable independiente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Empathy is a complex and multidimensional attribute. Attempts have been made to explain empathic behavior based on other variables. Empirical evidence shows that empathy could be the product of the influence of several factors. One of these factors could be resilience. There is still no developed theory and consistent empirical evidence demonstrating that empathy depends on resilience. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine if resilience can predict empathic behavior. Methodology: This study is non-experimental and ex post facto with a cross-sectional design. Variables. Dependent: Empathy; Independent: Resilience. Population: Medical students belonging to the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Universidad Autónoma de Santa Ana (UNASA), Santa Ana, El Salvador (N=579). The sample (n=465) consisted of students (both sexes). Convenience sampling. Jefferson Scale of Empathy for Healthcare Professionals, student version (JSE-HPS). Trait Resilience Scale (EEA). A Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) model was used. Additionally, the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) (>0.95), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) (>0.95), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) (<0.08), and Standardized Root Mean Square (SRMR) (<0.08), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed. The significance level employed was α < 0.05. Results: All these results show that both measurement models (empathy and resilience) are adequately represented and are suitable for the structural model. Discussion: Individual resilience is a variable that can predict empathic behavior in medical students belonging to a Faculty of Health Sciences. The results constitute indirect empirical evidence that it is possible to define empathy as a dependent variable and resilience as an independent variable.

Resumen Introducción : Las diferentes modificaciones estructurales que han sido descritas en el corazón del deportista de alto rendimiento dependen de factores como la edad, el género, el tipo de deporte, la intensidad y el tiempo dedicados al entrenamiento. Objetivos : Evaluación de atletas de élite por medio de la ecocardiografía para la descripción de la estructura y la función cardíacas, y la comparación entre deportistas de resistencia cardiorrespiratoria y el resto de los deportistas. Métodos : Realizamos el examen ecocardiográfico en 224 deportistas de élite, 96 mujeres y 128 varones con edades de 15 a 38 años (21.7±5.3 años) y se dividieron en 2 grupos: “Grupo de Resistencia” (resistencia cardiorrespiratoria) y “Grupo de no Resistencia” el cual incluyó al resto de los deportes. Se realizó la comparación univariada de 14 variables ecocardiográficas entre los dos grupos. Resultados : En los hombres se identificaron valores estadísticamente significativos más altos en el grupo de resistencia para septum interventricular, pared posterior, grosor parietal relativo, índice de masa del ventrículo izquierdo y aurícula izquierda. En las mujeres, el grupo de resistencia tuvo valores de frecuencia cardíaca más bajos con diámetro diastólico e índice de masa del ventrículo izquierdo, significativamente mayores. Conclusiones : La mayoría de las variables ecocardiográficas mostró valores mayores en los atletas de resistencia. En los hombres del Grupo de Resistencia, predominó la hipertrofia excéntrica con mayor incremento en el grosor parietal y del diámetro de la aurícula izquierda, mientras que en las mujeres las variables indicaron hipertrofia excéntrica a expensas de un aumento del diámetro del ventrículo izquierdo, sin incremento del grosor parietal.

Abstract Introduction : The different structural modifications that have been described in the heart of the high-performance athlete depend on factors such as age, gender, type of sport, and the intensity and time dedicated to training. Objectives : Evaluation of elite athletes through echocardiography for the description of cardiac structure and function, and the comparison between athletes with cardiorespiratory endurance and the rest of the athletes. Methods : We performed the echocardiographic examination in 224 elite athletes, 96 women and 128 men aged 15 to 38 years (21.7±5.3 years) and they were divided into 2 groups: “Endurance Group” (cardiorespiratory endurance) and “Non-Endurance Group” which included the rest of the sports. Univariate comparison between the two groups was performed by measuring 14 echocardiographic variables. Results : In men, statistically significant higher values were identified in the endurance group for interventricular septum, left ventricular posterior wall, relative wall thickness (RWT), left ventricular mass index and left atrial dimension. In women, the endurance group had significantly lower heart rate values, and significantly higher left ventricular diastolic dimension with normal RWT. Conclusions : Most of the echocardiographic variables showed higher sample means in the endurance athletes. In the subgroup of men from the Endurance Group, eccentric hypertrophy prevailed with a greater increase in wall thickness, as well as in the diameter of the left atrium, while in women the variables indicated eccentric hypertrophy at the expense of an increase in left ventricle diameter, without increased wall thickness.

Adoption of automation has become the norm in the South African banking industry, owing to competition. Conventional banking institutions are uncertain of the possible adverse effects of integrating automation into banking processes to serve more customers with fewer resources. This study sought to investigate and model the extent to which the integration of automation could be the exogenous factor of the nine endogenous factors identified in this study. The five most prominent banking institutions in South Africa, were used as a case study. The study used a quantitative approach, and 223 bank employees were selected to contribute to the questionnaire survey, and the primary data were analysed using the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique to test the proposed hypotheses. The secondary information was extracted from the banks' annual integrated reports and fact sheets to generate additional insights into the primary data findings. The findings revealed that service delivery automation is a significant and direct predictor of productivity, efficiency, flexibility, operations costs, and the generation of new job opportunities (positive effects). Similarly, the adoption of bank automation was found to be significantly related to the generation of job losses, the changing nature of work, unbalanced demand for required skills, and inequality in wages of employees, which are described as adverse effects.

As gevolg van mededinging, het die aanneming van outomatisering die norm in die Suid-Afrikaanse bankbedryf geword. Konvensionele bankinstellings is onseker oor die moontlike nadelige gevolge van die integrasie van outomatisering in bankprosesse om meer kliënte met minder hulpbronne te bedien. Hierdie studie poog om die mate waarin die integrasie van outomatisering die eksogene faktor van die nege endogene faktore wat in hierdie studie geïdentifiseer is, te ondersoek en te modelleer. Die vyf mees prominente bankinstellings in Suid-Afrika, is as gevallestudie gebruik. Die studie het 'n kwantitatiewe benadering gebruik, en 223 bankwerknemers is gekies om by te dra tot die vraelysopname, en die primêre data is ontleed deur gebruik te maak van die strukturele vergelyking modellering (SEM) tegniek om die voorgestelde hipoteses te toets. Die sekondêre inligting is uit die banke se jaarlikse geïntegreerde verslae en feiteblaaie onttrek om bykomende insigte in die primêre databevindinge te genereer. Die bevindinge het aan die lig gebring dat dienslewering outomatisering 'n beduidende en direkte voorspeller is van produktiwiteit, doeltreffendheid, buigsaamheid, bedryfskoste en die generering van nuwe werksgeleenthede (positiewe effekte). Net so is gevind dat die aanvaarding van bankoutomatisering beduidend verband hou met die generering van werkverliese, die veranderende aard van werk, ongebalanseerde vraag na vereiste vaardighede en ongelykheid in lone van werknemers, wat as nadelige gevolge beskryf word.