RESUMO Este estudo foca no desempenho de vacas para produção de carne, criadas nos pântanos do Paraguai, examinando cinco genótipos bovinos; Brahman, Brangus, Nelore, bem como duas raças locais em risco de extinção. O principal objetivo é identificar e classificar variáveis fenotípicas que incluem variáveis sanguíneas, clínicas, de pelagem e saúde, demonstrando ligação causal com o peso vivo das vacas analisadas. Inicialmente, foram identificadas correlações elevadas entre diferentes variáveis incluídas neste estudo, e, então, utilizando técnicas avançadas de aprendizado de máquina e a aplicação de explicações aditivas de Shapley (SHAP), foi proporcionado um entendimento mais profundo dos fatores fortemente associados à adaptabilidade nestes ambientes, e, portanto, o respectivo desempenho zootécnico. A associação entre o componente genotípico bovino ligado à estação do ano mostrou ser o fator influente mais predominante sobre o peso vivo bovino. Variáveis como comprimento do pelo, hematócrito, fosfatase, fósforo, creatina phosphokinase, creatinina, proteína, cortisol, cálcio e a presença de endoparasitas foram destacadas, demonstrando sua importância hierárquica para a seleção animal. Os modelos de ML são ferramentas eficazes para estabelecer hierarquias de relevância em multivariáveis fenotípicas complexas, o que é crucial em programas de melhoramento genético em diferentes espécies zootécnicas, bem como em ambientes especiais e específicos, como os pântanos. carne Paraguai bovinos Brahman Brangus Nelore extinção sanguíneas clínicas saúde analisadas Inicialmente então SHAP, SHAP , (SHAP) portanto zootécnico pelo hematócrito fosfatase fósforo phosphokinase creatinina proteína cortisol destacadas animal complexas zootécnicas específicos (SHAP

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the performance of cows for meat production raised in the wetlands of Paraguay, examining five cattle genotypes: Brahman, Brangus, and Nelore, as well as two local breeds at risk of extinction. The main objective is to identify and rank phenotypic variables, including blood, clinical, hair, and health variables, demonstrating causal linkage with the live weight of the cows analyzed. Initially, high correlations were identified between different variables included in this study; then, using advanced Machine learning (ML) techniques and the application of Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), a deeper understanding was provided of the factors strongly associated with adaptability in these environments, and, therefore, the respective zootechnical performance. The association between cattle genotypic components linked with the season of the year proved to be the most influential factor on cattle live weight. Variables such as hair length, hematocrit, phosphatase, phosphorus, creatine phosphokinase, creatinine, protein, cortisol, calcium, and the presence of endoparasites were highlighted, demonstrating their hierarchical importance for animal selection. ML models are effective tools for establishing hierarchies of relevance in complex phenotypic multivariable, which is crucial in breeding programs for different zootechnical species and in special and specific environments like wetlands. Paraguay genotypes Brahman Brangus Nelore extinction blood clinical analyzed Initially then (ML SHAP, SHAP , (SHAP) therefore length hematocrit phosphatase phosphorus phosphokinase creatinine protein cortisol calcium highlighted selection multivariable (SHAP

Silver film is commonly used to examine the structure and composition of molecules due to its surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect. A simple method for preparing SERS silver films is proposed in this paper by electrodeposition in an amide-based liquid mixture (urea-acetamide-LiBr). The electrochemical behavior of silver in urea-acetamide-LiBr mixture was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. It was found that the nucleation mechanism of silver shifts to instantaneous nucleation under diffusion control with increasing overpotential and temperature. The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigations confirmed that the obtained deposits are pure silver. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the morphology of the silver deposits depends on the deposition potential and temperature. Rhodamine 6G was used as probe molecules for SERS experiments, showing that these new active substrates have high sensitivity to SERS response with high enhancement factors, of approximately 107, and enable Raman scattering even for diluted solutions. surfaceenhanced surface enhanced (SERS effect amidebased amide based ureaacetamideLiBr. ureaacetamideLiBr urea acetamide LiBr . (urea-acetamide-LiBr) CV (CV chronoamperometry temperature EDS (EDS Xray X ray XRD (XRD SEM (SEM G experiments factors 107 solutions (urea-acetamide-LiBr 10 1

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

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

Abstract Introduction: This study examines the technological revolution in the realm of connected medical devices, which are redefining the monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. It analyzes how the integration of advanced technologies is driving personalized and remote healthcare. Objectives: To evaluate the advancements in connected medical devices and their impact on improving disease monitoring and diagnosis. The study investigates how these technologies are changing the dynamics of healthcare delivery and identifies the associated challenges and opportunities. Methodology: A qualitative approach is used, linking research questions with theories and outcomes. The study is based on analyses of wearable devices and implantable systems, combining literature review with expert interviews and data analysis. This methodological approach allows for a deep understanding of the interaction between technology and medical practice. Results: The findings show that connected medical devices offer significant advantages in terms of precision and efficiency, enabling real-time monitoring and better clinical decision-making. Technical, ethical, and regulatory challenges are identified, but innovative solutions to overcome them are also highlighted. Conclusions: The research underscores the importance of a qualitative approach in studying connected medical devices. The results emphasize the need for a robust methodological framework to evaluate both technological advancements and associated challenges. This study contributes to understanding how connected medical devices are transforming healthcare, highlighting the necessity of integrated and multidisciplinary approaches to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

Resúmen Introducción: Este estudio examina la revolución tecnológica en el ámbito de los dispositivos médicos conectados, que están redefiniendo el monitoreo, diagnóstico y tratamiento de enfermedades. Se analiza cómo la integración de tecnologías avanzadas está impulsando la atención médica personalizada y a distancia. Objetivos: Evaluar los avances en dispositivos médicos conectados y su impacto en la mejora del monitoreo y diagnóstico de enfermedades. Se investiga cómo estas tecnologías están cambiando la dinámica de la atención médica y cuáles son los desafíos y oportunidades asociados. Metodología: Se utiliza un enfoque cualitativo, vinculando preguntas de investigación con teorías y resultados. El estudio se basa en análisis de dispositivos wearables y sistemas implantables, combinando la revisión de literatura con entrevistas a expertos y análisis de datos. Este enfoque metodológico permite una comprensión profunda de la interacción entre la tecnología y la práctica médica. Resultados: Los hallazgos muestran que los dispositivos médicos conectados ofrecen significativas ventajas en términos de precisión y eficiencia, permitiendo un seguimiento en tiempo real y una mejor toma de decisiones clínicas. Se identifican retos técnicos, éticos y regulatorios, pero también se destacan soluciones innovadoras para superarlos. Conclusiones: La investigación subraya la importancia de un enfoque cualitativo en el estudio de los dispositivos médicos conectados. Los resultados enfatizan la necesidad de un marco metodológico robusto para evaluar tanto los avances tecnológicos como los desafíos asociados. Este estudio contribuye a la comprensión de cómo los dispositivos médicos conectados están transformando la atención médica, enfatizando la necesidad de abordajes integrados y multidisciplinarios para maximizar sus beneficios y minimizar los riesgos.

ABSTRACT The evolution towards Industry 4.0 starts from previous industrial revolutions and culminates in the convergence of advanced technologies today. Industry 4.0 uses technologies such as the internet of things, big data analysis, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, among others, to improve the efficiency and adaptability of companies; organizational productivity is focused on the modernization of processes with emerging technologies. In this context, the accounting profession is undergoing significant changes such as the automation of routine tasks allowing accountants to focus on strategic analysis. Technology impacts accounting by improving efficiency, accuracy, and data security. Accountants must acquire technological competencies, such as proficiency in accounting software and skills in data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital communication. In terms of accounting ethics, the importance of confidentiality, integrity and transparency in the digital age is highlighted. Accountants must maintain high ethical standards and adapt to technological evolution. The research concludes that the accounting profession has transformed into a more strategic role, demanding technological skills and ethics adapted to the digital era. The connection between education, industry and technology skills is essential to prepare accountants for today's challenges.

RESUMEN La evolución hacia la Industria 4.0 parte de las revoluciones industriales anteriores y culmina en la convergencia de tecnologías avanzadas en la actualidad. La Industria 4.0 emplea tecnologías como el internet de las cosas, el análisis de grandes volúmenes de datos (big data), la inteligencia artificial, la realidad aumentada, entre otras, para mejorar la eficiencia y la adaptabilidad de las empresas, la productividad organizacional se centra en la modernización de procesos con tecnologías emergentes.En este contexto, la profesión contable experimenta cambios significativos como son en la automatización de tareas rutinarias, permite a los contadores enfocarse en análisis estratégicos. La tecnología impacta la contabilidad al mejorar la eficiencia, la precisión y la seguridad de los datos. Los contadores deben adquirir competencias tecnológicas, como el dominio de software contable y habilidades en análisis de datos, ciberseguridad y comunicación digital.En cuanto a la ética contable, se destaca la importancia de la confidencialidad, integridad y transparencia en la era digital. Los contadores deben mantener altos estándares éticos y adaptarse a la evolución tecnológica. La investigación concluye que la profesión contable se ha transformado en un papel más estratégico, exigiendo habilidades tecnológicas y una ética adaptada a la era digital. La conexión entre la educación, la industria y las competencias tecnológicas es esencial para preparar a los contadores para los desafíos actuales.

The South African food system is facing severe challenges as increasing hunger, rising food costs, lack of dietary diversity, child stunting, foodborne illnesses, food waste and an obesity epidemic coupled with malnutrition are observed. In this study, we aimed to establish the application of science and technology advances in the food and beverage industry in South Africa in response to food consumption pattern changes since 1994 and how they could be used to address food security challenges. We found that food consumption shifts have been towards sugar-sweetened beverages, processed and packaged food, animal-source foods and added caloric sweeteners, and away from vegetables. These dietary shifts are concerning as they relate to public health. Most commitments to improve the nutritional status of South Africans have been limited to corporate social investment strategies and should be extended into core business strategies. Furthermore, although the South African food and beverage industry has kept pace with developments in food manufacturing practices, there has been little experimentation with non-commercial novel technologies. The expert survey revealed that indigenous African crops and food waste recovery are the two most promising emerging food sources that could be available to South Africans in the shortest time frame. South Africa has many enabling drivers to become a global leader in food technology advances. However, many barriers need to be overcome for industry, academia and government to collaborate to advance novel food science and technologies to reach commercialisation. SIGNIFICANCE: • Drivers and consequences of food consumption changes in South Africa were modelled and broad food consumption trends between 1994 and 2009/2012 were identified. • For the first time, the Access to Nutrition Index methodology was applied to South African owned food companies to identify strategies to enhance nutrition practices. Companies need to do more to deliver affordable and accessible products. • Drivers and barriers in adopting advanced food science and technology were modelled. A collective ecosystem approach with industry, academia and government mobilisation around critical areas like hunger, malnutrition and poverty could be a way to tackle the failing food system.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This video aims to present an in-depth, step-by-step tutorial on microsurgical reconstruction for obstructive azoospermia, featuring a distinctive case involving anastomosis from vas deferens to rete testis. The primary aim of this endeavor is to offer thorough and practical insights for healthcare professionals and researchers within the realm of reproductive medicine. The video endeavors to disseminate expertise, methodologies, and perspectives that can be advantageous to individuals grappling with obstructive azoospermia, providing a significant contribution to the progress of reproductive medicine and the augmentation of existing treatment alternatives. Materials and Methods: Surgical footage was recorded using the ORBEYE 4K 3D Orbital Camera System by Olympus America, with patient consent acquired for research purposes. Additionally, a retrospective examination of patient records was undertaken to compile relevant medical histories. Results: This video furnishes an exhaustive guide to microsurgical reconstruction for obstructive azoospermia, encompassing a distinctive instance of anastomosis from vas deferens to rete testis. State-of-the-art technology, such as the ORBEYE 4K 3D Orbital Camera, heightens procedural transparency, accentuating the significance of advanced instrumentation. The ethical underpinning is emphasized by obtaining patient consent for footage utilization, and a retrospective chart review augments the repository of valuable patient data. This comprehensive approach serves as an invaluable reservoir of knowledge for medical professionals and underscores excellence in clinical and ethical healthcare research. Conclusions: Anastomosis from vas deferens to rete testis emerges as a viable surgical reconstruction alternative for obstructive azoospermia, particularly when confronted with non-dilated tubules within the epididymis. Purpose indepth, indepth depth, depth in-depth stepbystep step azoospermia expertise methodologies alternatives Methods K D America purposes Additionally histories Results Stateoftheart State art technology transparency instrumentation utilization data Conclusions nondilated non dilated epididymis

Resumen El cáncer gástrico es un proceso fatal cuyos factores de riesgo incluyen la infección por Helicobacter pylori, la anemia perniciosa, la ingesta de compuestos nitrosos, el abuso de alcohol, el tabaquismo y el sexo masculino. El seguimiento endoscópico ha definido la progresión histológica de lesiones premalignas a lesiones malignas. Sin embargo, los tumores gástricos exhiben diferentes y muy variadas variaciones histológicas, comportamientos clínicos y respuestas a tratamiento. Esta gran heterogeneidad intrapaciente e interpaciente ha obligado a la búsqueda de principios reguladores que gobiernen la evolución del cáncer gástrico. Los programas avanzados de bioinformática, la tecnología de microarreglos de ADN y la genómica funcional han ayudado a integrar la estructura, función y dinámica de moléculas biológicas expresadas o secretadas por las células epiteliales cancerosas que han modificado la clasificación del cáncer gástrico.

Abstract Gastric cancer is a fatal process whose risk factors include infection by Helicobacter pylori, pernicious anemia, nitroso compounds, alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking, and male gender. Endoscopic surveillance has defined the histological progression of premalignant to malignant lesions. Nevertheless, gastric tumors exhibit distinct histologic variations, clinical behaviors, and treatment responses. This “intra and interpatient heterogeneity” has obliged us to search for key principles governing gastric cancer evolution. Advanced bioinformatics programs, DNA microarray technology, and functional genomics have helped to integrate the structure, function, and dynamics of biological molecules expressed or secreted by cancer epithelial cells that have modified the classification of gastric cancer.

Resumen Este estudio aborda como objetivo analizar el impacto de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC) en la educación universitaria, y cómo estos favorecen la implementación de métodos de enseñanza más flexibles, personalizados e interactivos, adecuados para estudiantes contemporáneos. Mediante revisión bibliográfica, se examinaron estudios que abordan la reconfiguración del entorno educativo, enfatizando el papel evolutivo y crucial del docente en un contexto tecnológicamente avanzado. Se debate cómo los educadores se han ido adaptando para cumplir con las expectativas y necesidades de un cuerpo estudiantil tecnológicamente competente, además, se destaca el desafío continuo que enfrentan las instituciones educativas para mantenerse a la vanguardia con los avances tecnológicos, este desafío incluye no solo la actualización constante de sus recursos tecnológicos, sino también la revisión y actualización de sus enfoques pedagógicos para garantizar una oferta educativa que sea pertinente con las tendencias actuales. El trabajo concluye que la integración efectiva y reflexiva de las TIC en la educación superior es esencial para contrubuir a la calidad de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje, y preparar adecuadamente a los estudiantes para enfrentarse a un mundo cada vez más digitalizado y globalizado. Se sugiere que un enfoque proactivo en la adopción de las TIC puede ofrecer oportunidades para enriquecer la experiencia educativa y para equipar a los actores del proceso educativo con habilidades para prosperar en el futuro.

Resumen This study aims to analyze the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in university education, and how these favor the implementation of more flexible, personalized and interactive teaching methods, suitable for contemporary students. Through a bibliographic review, studies that address the reconfiguration of the educational environment are examined, emphasizing the evolutionary and crucial role of the teacher in a technologically advanced context. It discusses how educators have been adapting to meet the expectations and needs of a technologically competent student body, in addition, it highlights the continuous challenge that educational institutions face to stay at the forefront with technological advances, this challenge includes not only the constant updating of its technological resources, but also the review and updating of its pedagogical approaches to guarantee an educational offer that is relevant to current trends. The work concludes that the effective and thoughtful integration of ICT in higher education is essential to build the quality of teaching and learning, and adequately prepare students to face an increasingly digitalized and globalized world. It is suggested that a proactive approach to the adoption of ICT can offer opportunities to enrich the educational experience and to equip actors in the educational process with skills to thrive in the future.

Resumen Las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (TIC) han seguido una trayectoria de desarrollo sistemático y acelerado, marcando transformaciones en diversos sectores de la sociedad. En este contexto dinámico, las instituciones de educación superior enfrentan el imperativo de adaptarse y evolucionar de manera coherente y estratégica en respuesta al progreso tecnológico, científico-técnico y metodológico. Se exige del reconocimiento de niveles de integración en los procesos de formación de posgrado y estas tecnologías. Desde esta perspectiva se planteó como objetivo general, describir experiencias de avanzada en función de las vivencias pedagógicas en la Educación de Posgrado en la Facultad de Postgrado de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí (UTM). Se utilizó una metodología de tipo descriptiva, transversal y con diseño no experimental, con diversos métodos científicos, como el estudio documental, analítico-sintético, sistematización, entrevista no estructurada y estudio de caso. Se analizó la realidad de los programas de posgrado en la Facultad de Posgrado de la UTM, con el empleo de las TIC, y en correspondencia se expresó la emergencia de estrategias orientadas a la actualización de los docentes. Se consultaron diversos autores con estudios relacionados con el empleo de ambientes virtuales y la modalidad en línea en el 4to nivel, y se pudo apreciar, que la tendencia es al aumento de esta modalidad en los programas y así los hace más competitivos y con mayor demanda.

Abstract Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) have followed a trajectory of systematic and accelerated development, marking transformations in various sectors of society. In this dynamic context, higher education institutions face the imperative to adapt and evolve in a coherent and strategic manner in response to technological, scientific-technical and methodological progress. Recognition of levels of integration in postgraduate training processes and these technologies is required. From this perspective, the general objective was proposed to describe advanced experiences based on pedagogical experiences in Graduate Education at the Graduate Faculty of the Technical University of Manabí (UTM). A descriptive, transversal methodology with a non-experimental design was used, with various scientific methods, such as documentary, analytical-synthetic, systematization, unstructured interviews and case studies. The reality of the postgraduate programs in the Graduate Faculty of the UTM was analyzed, with the use of ICT, and in correspondence the emergence of strategies aimed at updating teachers was expressed. Various authors were consulted with studies related to the use of virtual environments and the online modality in the 4th level, and it was possible to see that the trend is to increase this modality in the programs and thus makes them more competitive and with greater demand.

The mining industry has yet to fully accept and embrace the strategic role of technology and innovation in successful business planning and execution. In this study, we empirically determine the factors that influence acceptance of technology solutions in the mining industry in South Africa, assess critical success factors influencing adoption of advanced technology in the South African mining industry, and explore challenges faced by the mining industry in South Africa in adopting advanced technology in its operations. Thematic content analysis is employed in the data analysis. Results show that critical success factors to the adoption of mining technology include learning culture, knowledge sharing, high labour costs, and behaviour of other firms in the industry; commonly identified challenges include inadequate engagement with external stakeholders, uncertainties, the cyclical nature of the sector, and high risk related to the adoption of unproven technology and performance systems focused on volumetric production. The study encourages mining companies to implement usage of technology. This can be properly done through regular engagement with the Minerals Council South Africa.

In this study, the typical azo dye methyl orange (MO) was degraded by pyrite (FeS2) activated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). When [MO] = 0.1 mM, [FeSJ = 2.0 g/L and [H2O2] = 22 mM, 96.4% MO was removed in 120 min and the TOC removal rate was higher than 50%. HO* was the primary radical responsible for MO degradation, in addition, the acid condition promoted the degradation of MO in the FeS2/H2O2 system. MO in tap water and river water was not effectively degraded, whereas acidification could weaken the inhibitory effect on the FeS2/ H2O2 system to enable the degradation of MO in tap and river water. The OD600 indicated that the solution was environmentally friendly after the reaction, and three degradation pathways of MO were discussed. In summary, Fe(ll) could be dissolved from FeS2, which activated H2O2 to generate Fe(lll) and HO*. FeS2 could reduce Fe(lll) into Fe(ll), thus realizing the Fe(lll)/(ll) cycle and efficiently activating H2O2 to degrade MO.

Reliable cable systems are of utmost importance for electricity distribution- and grid networks. Cable terminations are key components of cable systems but also contribute significantly towards unwanted cable failures and power outages. Although well-developed standards exist in the electricity industry, it is not always possible to execute the most effective tests at power frequency due to financial or logistical reasons. Hence, withstand voltage- and Partial Discharge tests at power frequency are only conducted at a low percentage of electricity utilities. This paper presents the evaluation of unconventional partial discharge fault detection techniques and Very Low Frequency Tan Delta measurements on different cable termination defects. Five artificial cable termination defects were created on single core 6.35/11kV cross linked polyethylene cables, with one "defect-free" termination and five defective ones. Power frequency voltage was applied at increased voltage steps to initiate aging acceleration due to partial discharge. This resulted in insulation deterioration and eventual termination failure. Different data sets were obtained from the Very Low Frequency Tan Delta measurements as well as for the unconventional Partial Discharge measurements. The sequence of failures is compared between the two data sets and evaluated against the root cause failures of the terminations as evaluated by an industry expert. High Frequency Current Transformer and capacitive coupling sensors were used together with an advanced partial discharge data acquisition system. Partial discharge analysis was done to relate the specific on-line trending data with termination failure. Good correlation was found between the two data sets which supports the utilization of unconventional partial discharge measurement for cable acceptance testing. It would be beneficial for the electricity industry to consider unconventional Partial Discharge technology as a suitable alternative for on-site acceptance tests for cable terminations.

Abstract Currently, there is technology available to develop treatments at variable rates on crops. The difficulty is to properly identify the weed species and thus be able to adjust the doses of herbicide to the species present at each point of the plot. For this reason, the objective of this work is to carry out a field trial to study the potential of the integration of the available technology: remote sensing using UAV and image analysis, design of variable application maps based on IPMWise recommendations and finally, application with a sprayer capable of applying variable rates nozzle by nozzle. The trials were carried out in two corn fields located at NE Spain. A pre-emergence treatment was carried out with different products to force variability and subsequently, a UAV flight at 40m height using an RGB camera and a multi-spectral camera. AgrisoftPhotoscan software was used to align the images and they were processed using an advanced OBIA algorithm. The dose of herbicide to be applied was calculated according to species and density using the IPMwise DSS for a 1x1m2 grid and the generated map was loaded into an AGRIFAC Condor sprayer. Considering a treatment threshold of 1 plant/m2, herbicide savings of more than 38% were achieved. The effectiveness evaluation was 22 days after the treatment and it was found that the efficiencies obtained were in line with those predicted, although in areas with very low density, no weeds were detected within the crop line.

Resumen En la actualidad existe tecnología disponible para realizar tratamientos a dosis variable en los cultivos. La dificultad es identificar adecuadamente las especies de malas hierbas y así poder ajustar las dosis de herbicida a las especies presentes en cada punto de la parcela. Por esto, el objetivo del presente trabajo es realizar un ensayo en campo para estudiar el potencial de la integración de la tecnologia disponible: detección remota utilizado UAV y analisis de imagen, diseño de mapas de aplicación variable basados en las recomendacioens de IPMWise y finalmente, aplicación con un pulverizador capaz de aplicar dosis variable boquilla a boquilla.Los ensayos se llevaron a cabo en dos parcelas de maiz situadas en el NE de España.Se realizó un tratamiento de pre-emergencia con productos diferentes para forzar la variabilidad y posteriormente, un vuelo con UAV a 40m de altura utilizando una camara RGB y otra multi-espectral. Posteriormente se utilizó el software AgrisoftPhotoscan para alinear las imágenes y se procesaron utilizando un algoritmo OBIA avanzado. La dosis de herbicida a aplicar se calculó por especie y densidad utilizando el DSS IPMwise para una cuadrícula de 1x1m2 y el mapa generado se cargó en un pulverizador AGRIFAC Condor. Considerando un umbral de tratamiento de 1planta/m2 se consiguió un ahorro de herbicida superior al 38%. La evaluación de eficacia fue 22 días tras el tratamiento y se constató que las eficacias obtenidas estuvieron en línea con las previstas aunque en zonas con muy baja densidad, no se detectaron malas hierbas en la misma linea del cultivo.

RESUMEN La realidad virtual es prometedora como tecnología prospectiva para la educación química, ya que tiene la capacidad de satisfacer los requisitos simultáneos de las instituciones académicas y sector industrial. El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar la percepción de estudiantes universitarios sobre el uso de la realidad virtual (RV) en el aprendizaje de macromoléculas. El presente estudio se enmarcó en un nivel aprehensivo, alcance descriptivo y un diseño de campo. La estructura metodológica seguida consistió en tres aspectos, que comprendieron, el diseño de la actividad de laboratorio virtual para el reconocimiento de compuestos químicos, la realización de la actividad con los estudiantes, y la medición de la percepción a través de un cuestionario modelo de aceptación tecnológica. El núcleo de este laboratorio lo constituyeron seis dispositivos Meta Quest 2 Advanced All-in-One Virtual Reality Headset, cada uno equipado con 128 GB de capacidad. En la investigación participaron 42 estudiantes del primer semestre de Química. De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos, el 80%, del alumnado expresó con confianza su creencia de que la incorporación de la RV en sus actividades educativas arrojará resultados positivos en lo que respecta a la comprensión y el rendimiento en el ámbito de la Química. De igual manera, 91% por ciento de los encuestados aseguraron que les gustaría que se incorporarán más actividades de RV. Se concluye que, al integrar la tecnología de la RV en el entorno educativo, se espera que los estudiantes posean la capacidad de comprender principios complejos como enlaces, orbitales y estructuras químicas.

ABSTRACT Virtual reality is promising as a prospective technology for chemistry education, as it has the ability to satisfy the simultaneous requirements of academic institutions and industrial sector. The objective of the research was to determine the perception of university students about the use of virtual reality (VR) in learning macromolecules. The present study was framed at an apprehensive level, descriptive scope and a field design. The methodological structure followed consisted of three aspects, which included the design of the virtual laboratory activity for the recognition of chemical compounds, carrying out the activity with the students, and measuring perception through an acceptance model questionnaire. technological. The core of this laboratory was six Meta Quest 2 Advanced All-in-One Virtual Reality Headset devices, each equipped with 128 GB of capacity. 42 students from the first semester of Chemistry participated in the research. According to the results obtained, 80% of the students confidently expressed their belief that the incorporation of VR in their educational activities will yield positive results in terms of understanding and performance in the field of Chemistry. Likewise, 91% percent of those surveyed said they would like to see more VR activities incorporated. It is concluded that by integrating VR technology into the educational environment, students are expected to possess the ability to understand complex principles such as bonds, orbitals, and chemical structures.