Resumen: La investigación, con enfoque epistemológico cuantitativo y el paradigma positivista, tiene como objetivo definir la relación entre el marco regulatorio del sector financiero ecuatoriano y las condiciones de financiamiento a las pymes. Esta fue de tipo descriptivo-correlacional, permitiendo realizar un análisis descriptivo y factorial de variables vinculadas al conocimiento y aplicación de leyes y códigos regulatorios de 54 oficiales de crédito del sector bancario de El Oro, Ecuador. Se identificaron dos dimensiones: una relacionada con el marco regulatorio monetario y otra con códigos orgánicos. Las encuestas señalan que las leyes más aplicadas son: Ley General de Instituciones del Sector Financiero y Ley de Compañías. La primera regula la creación, funcionamiento y cierre de instituciones financieras privadas para proteger a la población y asegurar la estabilidad financiera; su cumplimiento es supervisado por la Superintendencia de Bancos. La segunda simplifica el proceso de constitución de empresas, permitiendo diversos tipos de compañías y flexibilidad en su estructura. Las regulaciones bancarias ecuatorianas han experimentado reformas para fortalecer la solidez y transparencia del sistema, como la Ley de Mercado de Valores y la Ley de Instituciones del Sistema de Seguros Privados, que contribuyen a la estabilidad, regulación, protección al consumidor financiero y promoción de la competencia, generando condiciones de financiamiento favorables, que incluyen confianza, tasas de interés competitivas y amplias opciones financieras.

Abstract: The research, with a quantitative epistemological approach and the positivist paradigm, aims to define the relationship between the regulatory framework of the Ecuadorian financial sector and the financing conditions for SMEs. This was of a descriptive-correlational type, allowing a descriptive and factorial analysis of variables linked to the knowledge and application of laws and regulatory codes of 54 credit officers from the banking sector of El Oro, Ecuador. Two dimensions were identified: one related to the monetary regulatory framework and another with organic codes. Surveys indicate that the most applied laws are: General Law of Financial Sector Institutions and Companies Law. The first regulates the creation, operation and closure of private financial institutions to protect the population and ensure financial stability; Its compliance is supervised by the Superintendency of Banks. The second simplifies the business incorporation process, allowing various types of companies and flexibility in their structure. Ecuadorian banking regulations have undergone reforms to strengthen the soundness and transparency of the system, such as the Securities Market Law and the Law of Institutions of the Private Insurance System, which contribute to stability, regulation, financial consumer protection and promotion of competition, generating favorable financing conditions, which include confidence, competitive interest rates and broad financial options.

Resumen Debido a su aporte de vitaminas A, C, K y B6, magnesio, hierro y potasio, la manzana es uno de los productos frutícolas de mayor consumo en el mundo. En 2021 se produjeron y consumieron, respectivamente, 632 y 931 mil toneladas de manzana en México, de ahí que el saldo comercial es deficitario. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el mercado de la manzana en México para conocer los factores que lo determinan. La metodología consistió en la estimación de un modelo econométrico de ecuaciones simultáneas, que utilizó series de tiempo de 2000 a 2021. La oferta (0.01) y demanda (0.94) resultaron inelásticas a sus precios y el precio internacional se transmite de forma inelástica (0.04) al precio al mayoreo. La temperatura mínima promedio (-1.26), el precio al consumidor (-3.34) y el ingreso nacional disponible (6.09) resultaron elásticos respecto al saldo de comercio exterior. El déficit comercial puede mejorar si aumenta la oferta, pero medidas que influyan en el precio al productor de manzana y del fertilizante serán poco efectivas. Se recomiendan acciones que fomenten inversiones en protección de cultivos ante eventos climáticos desfavorables.

Summary Due to its contribution of vitamins A, C, K and B6, magnesium, iron and potassium, apple is one of the most consumed fruit products in the world. In 2021, 632 and 931 thousand tons of apple were produced and consumed, respectively, in Mexico; hence, the trade balance is in deficit. The objective of this study was to analyze the apple market in Mexico to know the factors that determine it. The methodology consisted in estimating an econometric model of simultaneous equations, which used time series from 2000 to 2021. The supply (0.01) and demand (0.94) were inelastic at their prices and the international price is transmitted inelastically (0.04) at the wholesale price. The average minimum temperature (-1.26), the consumer price (-3.34) and the national disposable income (6.09) were elastic with respect to the foreign trade balance. The trade deficit may improve if the supply increases, but measures affecting the producer price of apple and fertilizer will be ineffective. Actions are recommended to encourage investments in crop protection in the face of adverse climatic events.

Abstract: In recent times, the category of the vulnerable consumer has been discussed in Latin America, which determines a strong humanistic and protective root regarding consumer protection; however, in Peru, this figure has not been clearly observed in theoretical and practical terms, despite various jurisprudential cases. In this sense, the main objective of this research is to determine the status quo of legislation regarding the vulnerable consumer in Peru, which allowed proposing and building the normative foundations for its legalization in our legal system. The justification is understood from a triple perspective: theoretical, as it allows proposing doctrinal schemes; practical, because its materialization involves a series of changes in management instruments by the administrative authority, as well as new business policies; and social significance, insofar as it allows recognizing and guaranteeing consumer protection rights. The research was of a qualitative nature, descriptive level, and prospective design, as it sought to conceptualize the vulnerable consumer and, at the same time, used instruments and techniques for data collection and processing that validated the research proposal from a social perspective.

Resumo: Nos últimos tempos, tem sido discutida a categoria do consumidor vulnerável na América Latina, o que determina uma forte raiz humanista e tutelar sobre a proteção ao consumidor; no entanto, no Peru, essa figura não tem sido observada com clareza teórica e prática, apesar dos diversos casos jurisprudenciais. Neste sentido, o objetivo principal desta pesquisa é determinar o status quo da legislação sobre o consumidor vulnerável no Peru, o que permitiu propor e construir as bases normativas para sua positivação em nosso ordenamento jurídico. A justificação é entendida desde uma perspectiva tripla: teórica, na medida em que permite propor esquemas doutrinários; prática, porque sua materialização envolve uma série de mudanças nos instrumentos de gestão por parte da autoridade administrativa, bem como novas políticas empresariais; e de transcendência social, uma vez que permite reconhecer e garantir direitos de proteção ao consumidor. O tipo de pesquisa foi qualitativo, de nível descritivo e de design prospectivo, uma vez que buscou-se conceptualizar o consumidor vulnerável e, ao mesmo tempo, foram utilizados instrumentos e técnicas de coleta e processamento de dados que permitiram validar a proposta investigativa a partir de um plano social.

Resumen: En los últimos tiempos se ha discutido la categoría del consumidor vulnerable en Latinoamérica, lo que determina una fuerte raigambre humanista y tutelar sobre la protección al consumidor; sin embargo, en el Perú no se ha observado esta figura con nitidez teórica y práctica, pese a los diversos casos jurisprudenciales. En este sentido, el objetivo principal de esta investigación es determinar el statu quo de la legislación sobre el consumidor vulnerable en el Perú, lo que permitió proponer y construir las bases normativas para su positivización en nuestro ordenamiento jurídico. La justificación se entiende desde una triple perspectiva: teórica, en tanto permite proponer esquemas doctrinarios; práctica, porque su materialización involucra una serie de cambios en los instrumentos de gestión por parte de la autoridad administrativa, así como nuevas políticas empresariales; y de trascendencia social, toda vez que permite reconocer y garantizar derechos de protección al consumidor. El tipo de investigación fue de carácter cualitativo, de nivel descriptivo con diseño prospectivo, en tanto se buscó conceptualizar al consumidor vulnerable y, al mismo tiempo, se utilizaron instrumentos y técnicas de recolección y procesamiento de datos que permitieron validar la propuesta investigativa desde un plano social.

RESUMO Introdução: O glifosato é o herbicida mais utilizado no mundo e no Brasil. Atualmente, há uma preocupação crescente com os efeitos do glifosato na saúde humana. O Instituto Brasileiro de Defesa do Consumidor apresentou dados sobre a presença de glifosato em alguns dos produtos ultraprocessados mais consumidos no Brasil. Atualmente, as regulamentações sobre o limite máximo desses resíduos em alimentos ultraprocessados ainda não foram estabelecidas pela Vigilância Sanitária Nacional, e o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados está independentemente associado a um risco maior de doença renal crônica incidente. Métodos: Como uma dieta desbalanceada pode interferir na função renal, este estudo tem como objetivo investigar o efeito da ingestão diária de 5 mg/kg pc de glifosato em conjunto com uma dieta equilibrada e o possível impacto na função renal em ratos. Foram avaliados função renal, peso dos rins, marcadores de lesão renal e estresse oxidativo. Resultados: Houve redução no peso dos rins. As principais alterações histopatológicas nos tecidos renais foram vacuolização no estágio inicial e regulação positiva do marcador de lesão renal KIM-1. A lesão renal está associada à produção aumentada de espécies reativas de oxigênio nas mitocôndrias. Conclusão: Esse estudo mostrou alterações nos rins de ratos expostos a uma dieta balanceada com glifosato, sugerindo um risco potencial ao rim humano. Presumivelmente, alimentos ultraprocessados que contenham glifosato podem potencializar esse risco. A relevância desses resultados está no fato de chamar a atenção para a necessidade de regulamentar a concentração de glifosato em alimentos ultraprocessados no futuro.

Abstract Introduction: Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide and in Brazil. There is currently increasing concern about the effects of glyphosate on human health. The Brazilian Institute for Consumer Protection showed data on the presence of glyphosate in some of Brazil’s most consumed ultra-processed products. Currently, regulations on the upper limit for these residues in ultra-processed foods have yet to be established by the National Health Surveillance, and ultra-processed food consumption is independently associated with an increased risk of incident chronic kidney disease. Methods: Since an unbalanced diet can interfere with kidney function, this study aims to investigate the effect of daily intake of 5 mg/kg bw glyphosate in conjunction with a balanced diet and the possible impact on renal function in rats. Kidney function, kidney weight, markers of renal injury, and oxidative stress were evaluated. Results: There was a decrease in kidney weight. The main histopathological alterations in renal tissues were vacuolation in the initial stage and upregulation of the kidney injury marker KIM-1. Renal injury is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria. Conclusion: This study showed changes in the kidney of rats exposed to a balanced diet with glyphosate, suggesting a potential risk to human kidney. Presumably, ultra-processed food that contain glyphosate can potentiate this risk. The relevance of these results lies in drawing attention to the need to regulate glyphosate concentration in ultra-processed foods in the future.

Resumo O pagamento por serviços ecossistêmicos (PES) é um mecanismo no qual um consumidor é capaz e está pronto para pagar pela proteção do serviço ecossistêmico preciso e deve haver um provedor, como sociedades locais, que recebe um recurso econômico, que, em troca, deve ter capacidade para manter esse serviço ecossistêmico. A avaliação econômica fornece a base para o pagamento de serviços ecossistêmicos. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os serviços de turismo e estoque de carbono do território da capital de Islamabad (ICT), Paquistão. Duas zonas florestais (Chirpine e Scrub) do território da capital de Islamabad (ICT) foram selecionadas para estimativa do estoque de carbono e seus créditos de carbono e valor de carbono. Uma pesquisa baseada em questionário foi realizada para turismo como pagamento por serviços ecossistêmicos. O método para avaliação do estoque de carbono foi a amostragem sistemática para a floresta de Chirpine, enquanto a amostragem aleatória foi feita para a floresta de cerrado. O tamanho da parcela de amostragem foi de 17,84 m de raio, e um total de 93 parcelas (49 zona Scrub e 44 zona Chirpine) foi considerado na área de estudo. O estoque de carbono de ambas as zonas (zona Chirpine e Scrub) é de 22.556,75 ton/ha (Chirpine 20.105,79, Scrub 2.450,96), e o dióxido de carbono total sequestrado por ambas as zonas é de 82.557,72 ton/ha (Chirpine 73.587,2, Scrub 8.970,52); créditos totais de carbono de ambas as zonas são 302.160,87 (Chirpine 269.328,97, Scrub 32.831,9), e o valor de carbono tanto do Chirpine quanto da zona de scrub é 4.532.418,92 $ (Chirpine 4.039.937,09 $, Scrub 492481,83 $). Da mesma forma, do ponto de vista do turismo, em Shakar Parian 94% dos turistas concordaram com o PES, enquanto 6% discordaram do PES (6% dos turistas não concordaram em contribuir para o PES, 40% concordaram com a contribuição de R$ 5 e 54% para R$ 10). além disso, no Lake View Park, 97% dos turistas concordaram e 3% discordaram (no Lake View Park, 5% dos turistas discordaram da contribuição do PES, enquanto 32% concordaram em R$ 5 e 63% foram em R$ 10). Em Damen e Koh, cerca de 87% dos turistas concordaram e 13% discordaram (24% concordaram com a contribuição de R$ 5 e 63% dos turistas concordaram com a contribuição de R$ 10). No Jardim Zoológico de Marghazar, 93% dos turistas concordaram (22% aceitaram a contribuição de R$ 5 e 71% dos turistas aceitaram contribuir com R$ 10) e 7% discordaram para PES. enquanto 7% turistas não foram acordados para contribuição. O PSA pode ser implementado para compensar o gestor florestal e de parques para garantir uma melhor gestão de florestas e parques. Devido à localização privilegiada e beleza cênica do ICT, possui enorme potencial para implementação de mecanismo de PSA para manejo e conservação florestal sustentável. Portanto, recomenda-se que a autoridade de desenvolvimento da capital (CDA) de Islamabad elabore um plano para implementação de PES em florestas e parques de ICT para sua gestão sustentável de recursos recreativos e florestais.

Abstract Payment for ecosystem services (PES) is a mechanism where a consumer is able and ready to pay for the protection of the precise ecosystem service and there must be a provider such as local societies receiving an economic resource, who in return, must have the ability to maintain that ecosystem service. Economic valuation provides basis for payment for ecosystem services. Therefore, objective of this study was to evaluate tourism and carbon stock services of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Pakistan. Two forest zones (Chirpine and Scrub) of Islamabad capital territory (ICT) were selected for estimation of carbon stock and their carbon credits and carbon worth, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted for tourism as a payment for ecosystem services. The method for carbon stock assessment was systematic sampling for Chirpine forest whereas random sampling was done for scrub forest. The size of sampling plot was 17.84 m radius, and a total of 93 plots (49 Scrub zone and 44 Chirpine zone) was taken in the study area. The carbon stock of both zones (Chirpine and Scrub zone) is 22556.75 ton/ha (Chirpine 20105.79, Scrub 2450.96) and total carbon dioxide sequestered by both zone is 82557.72 ton/ha (Chirpine 73587.2, Scrub 8970.52), total carbon credits of both zone is 302160.87 (Chirpine 269328.97, Scrub 32831.9) and the carbon worth of both Chirpine and scrub zone is 4532418.92 $ (Chirpine 4039937.09$, Scrub 492481.83$). Similarly, from tourism point of view, in Shakar Parian, 94% tourists were agreed for PES whereas 6% were disagreed for the PES (the 6% tourist were disagreed to contribute for PES, 40% were agreed for Rs.5 contribution and 54% for Rs.10.). moreover, in Lake view Park, 97% tourists were agreed and 3% are disagreed (In Lake View Park 5% tourists were disagreed for the PES contribution whereas 32% were agreed for Rs.5 and 63% were for Rs.10). In Damen e Koh, around 87% tourist were agreed and 13% were disagreed, (24% were agreed for the contribution of Rs.5 and 63% tourists were agreed for the contribution of Rs.10). In Marghazar Zoo, 93% tourists were agreed (22% were agreed for contribution of Rs.5 and 71% tourist were agreed for contribution of Rs.10) and 7% are disagreed for PES whereas 7% tourists were not agreed for contribution. PES may implement to compensate forest and parks manager to ensure better management of the forests and parks. Due to prime location and scenic beauty of the ICT, it has huge potential for implementation of PES mechanism for sustainable forest management and conservation. Therefore, it is recommended that Capital Development Authority (CDA) Islamabad should devise a plan for implementation of PES in forests and parks of ICT for its sustainable management of recreational and forest resources.

RESUMEN: En este artículo se analiza la conveniencia, desde el punto de vista teórico, de regular el “control de incorporación” para las relaciones jurídicas que no son de consumo, debido a la frecuencia de contratos celebrados con cláusulas predispuestas y no negociadas en la práctica colombiana. Para ello se estudian las similitudes y diferencias entre las figuras previstas en el régimen general de las obligaciones y contratos que guardan cierta similitud con el “control de incorporación” y este, como también la relación entre el control de incorporación y el neoformalismo, llegando a la conclusión acerca de la conveniencia de regular, de manera adecuada, el “control de incorporación”, por constituir una medida superadora para la protección del contratante adherente.

ABSTRACT: This article analyses the convenience, from a theoretical point of view, of regulating the “control of incorporation” for non-consumer legal relations, given the frequency of contracts concluded with pre-arranged and non-negotiated clauses in Colombian practice. To this end, the similarities and differences between the figures foreseen in the general regime of obligations and contracts that have a certain similarity with the “control of incorporation” and this one are studied, as well as the relationship between the control of incorporation and neo-formalism, reaching the conclusion on the convenience of regulating, in an appropriate manner, the “control of incorporation”, as it constitutes an overcoming measure for the protection of the adhering contracting party.

Studies have established that promoting financial inclusion in tandem with traditional financial sector policy and regulatory objectives such as financial stability and integrity, and consumer protection requires policymakers and regulators to take into consideration the need to minimise possible trade-offs and to maximise synergies between these objectives. However, current policies on financial inclusion do not provide a specific approach or methodology to assess the impact that these trade-offs and synergies have on new financial inclusion frameworks. This article discusses policies and regulatory frameworks to promote financial inclusion in the last 30 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa and the developing (Inclusion-Stability, Integrity and Protection) methodology to assess the impact that these trade-offs and synergies have on new financial inclusion frameworks. It begins by discussing the financial inclusion framework in the country. It also discusses the financial sector laws that promote financial stability, integrity and consumer protection, and whether these measures include the promotion of financial inclusion. It identifies the need to adopt the evolving I-SIP methodology to ensure that policymakers and regulators balance the importance of promoting financial inclusion against equally important financial sector policy and regulatory objectives, such as financial stability, integrity and consumer protection.

With the growth of e-commerce transactions and people living their lives online, it is important for consumer disputes to be tailored in a manner that is suitable for consumers and their types of disputes. Currently South Africa is facing major delays in resolving consumer disputes, and consumers end up not pursuing their low-value claims as the current processes take a long time. Further, consumers do not have the funds to pay attorneys. The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) encourages the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before a consumer dispute can be referred to a court of law. However, such ADR processes are lengthy and do not provide consumers with affordable and efficient relief. The current ADR processes do not meet the expectations of the consumers; thus, this paper proposes an integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Blockchain Technologies in resolving consumer disputes via online dispute resolution (ODR). Various forms of AI and blockchain technologies are explored. The concept of ODR is introduced and current examples of ODR systems like eBay, and countries that have already moved to ODR with the integration of AI, are used as exemplary models for a South African ODR powered by AI and blockchain technologies.

The Zimbabwean banking sector has experienced several tumultuous challenges since 2000. This is owing chiefly to the political and economic challenges the country has experienced. Poorly conceived and ill-timed policies have also wreaked havoc in the Zimbabwean banking sector. Financial consumers have sometimes lost their savings to hyper-inflation or overnight policy changes in Zimbabwe. The change in currencies is a good example of how financial consumers have seen their deposits and savings at banks and other related financial institutions eroded to nothing. In 2018, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) issued a directive for all banks to convert all deposits made prior to October 2018 from the United States (US) dollar denomination to the Zimbabwean dollar (bond notes and coins). This was done on an exchange rate of one US dollar as to one Zimbabwean dollar, yet in reality, the local currency had been devalued. The RBZ directive left individuals and corporates reeling from exchange losses. The directive was akin to a heist and many people lost trust and confidence in the Zimbabwean banking sector. While many financial consumers suffered in silence, some decided to take their banks to court, demanding a reimbursement of their deposits in the currency in which they deposited or alternatively, the equivalent of the original deposit using the correct exchange rate. This article examines the role of the courts in upholding the rights of financial consumers in the Zimbabwean banking sector in the light of the Penelope case. It also discusses how the Zimbabwean courts could assist in preserving the sanctity of the bank-client relationship among banks and financial customers. In addition, the article explores the role of the courts in challenging unjust laws that affect financial consumers' investments in banks. The strengths and weaknesses of the Zimbabwean banking regulatory framework are further discussed to assess if it is robust enough to protect financial consumers. The article recommends that the courts should objectively set aside unjust laws in the interest of justice to enable banks and other financial institutions to honour their contractual obligations. Policymakers should not adopt poor policies that infringe upon financial consumers' rights.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and other financial role players such as the Prudential Authority (PA), the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), the National Credit Regulator (NCR), the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), the Financial Stability Oversight Committee (FSOC), the Financial Sector Contingency Forum (FSCF), the Financial Sector Council of Regulators (FSCR) and the Financial Sector Inter-Ministerial Council (FSIC) play a significant role in the protection and promotion of financial stability and market integrity in South Africa. The SARB has the primary mandate to promote financial stability while the FSCA promotes market integrity and enhances market efficiency through promoting the fair treatment of financial customers by providing financial literacy programmes. As technology advances and new players enter the market, traditional financial institutions are faced with increased competition and the need to adapt and innovate to stay relevant. In this regard, regulatory frameworks and the functions of regulatory bodies should be constantly reviewed to conform to developments in financial technology (fintech) and to safeguard consumer interests. This article examines the role and functions of the aforementioned financial role players in terms of the Financial Sector Regulation Act (FSR Act) and other relevant financial sector laws. This is done to evaluate the effectiveness of their role and functions in protecting and promoting financial stability and market integrity in line with recent fintech and artificial intelligence (AI) developments. The article also evaluates the importance of cooperation and collaboration among the financial role players to enable them to adequately fulfil their mandates.

The purpose of the Competition Act 89 of 1998 as amended (the Competition Act) is, among others, to promote the efficiency, adaptability and development of the economy as well as to provide consumers with competitive prices and product choices. In line with this purpose, the Competition Act provides that a dominant firm is prohibited from engaging in price discrimination if such conduct will likely substantially prevent or lessen competition, which would be to the detriment of consumers. Notably, the Competition Act has established various bodies to regulate competition and act against any conduct prohibited by this Act in South Africa. These bodies include the Competition Commission, the Competition Tribunal, and the Competition Appeal Court. Notwithstanding the prohibition of price discrimination, the Competition Act does not expressly provide adequate enforcement tools for competition authorities to combat uncompetitive practices in the digital era. Moreover, the Competition Act does not expressly grant these statutory bodies clear roles and mandates on providing consumers with adequate and suitable redress when they have been victims of algorithmic price discrimination. With recent technological developments, electronic commerce (e-commerce), and digital transformation, consumers have become vulnerable to various challenges such as excessive pricing, data breaches and algorithmic pricing. The online and digital markets are characterised by complex transactions, innovative technologies and business practices which expose all consumers, including vulnerable consumers, to different risks. As such, the role of the competition authorities needs to be recalibrated to enhance consumer protection on the pricing of goods and services. To this end this paper seeks to investigate the role and ambit of the powers of these competition authorities in the regulation of price discrimination in the context of digital transformation and the digital economy. This is done to assess whether the competition authorities have the necessary tools of enforcement to ensure that markets are competitive and to combat uncompetitive conduct in the digital economy and online markets.

In response to the 2007-2009 global financial crisis, South Africa, like most other countries, embarked on a journey of financial regulatory reform. This transformation has seen the country shift away from a silo approach, where various sectoral regulators supervise different financial institutions, towards the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation. The term "Twin Peaks" refers to the separation of regulatory functions between two independent regulators. For instance, one regulatory agency is responsible for the supervision of the safety and soundness of financial institutions, and the other is focussed on the regulation of business conduct. The Twin Peaks model is designed to provide the benefits and efficiencies of an integrated approach while simultaneously addressing inherent conflicts between the objectives of the safety and soundness of the financial system and consumer protection. The Financial Sector Regulation Act provides for the Twin Peaks model in South Africa. This Act positions South Africa as one of the first developing countries to adopt the model. On the other hand, Australia is the pioneer of the model since it implemented it in 1998. Its implementation in Australia, much as in South Africa, involved the separation of regulators for prudential soundness on the one hand and market conduct and consumer protection on the other. In this article, the authors provide a comparative analysis of the design and implementation of the Twin Peaks model in Australia and South Africa. They argue that while there are minor differences between the design and implementation of this model in Australia and South Africa, the model was customised and implemented to align with the specific needs of each country.

RESUMO Introdução: O uso de alinhadores transparentes como alternativa aos aparelhos ortodônticos fixos tem se tornado popular, devido às demandas estéticas dos pacientes adultos em busca de tratamento ortodôntico. No entanto, a falta de conhecimento dos ortodontistas sobre as consequências jurídicas de suas atividades, e a falta de evidências científicas sólidas levantam preocupações em relação à responsabilidade civil nesse tipo de tratamento. Muitas vezes, as campanhas de marketing das empresas fabricantes exageram nas promessas de resultados e desconsideram a falta de evidências científicas. O paciente, como consumidor, é protegido pelo Código de Defesa do Consumidor, e o ortodontista é considerado um fornecedor de tratamento. Portanto, ele pode ser responsabilizado por danos causados ao paciente, seja por culpa subjetiva ou objetiva. Objetivo: Identificar, por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica, as responsabilidades civis dos ortodontistas e das empresas fabricantes de alinhadores, fornecendo orientações jurídicas básicas para ajudar os profissionais a se protegerem de possíveis demandas judiciais relacionadas ao tratamento com alinhadores ortodônticos. Conclusões: O estudo destaca a importância do conhecimento de noções jurídicas em tratamentos com alinhadores ortodônticos, devendo o profissional resguardar-se juridicamente por meio de contratos individuais por escrito, prevenindo-se de assumir uma obrigação de resultado com o paciente. Além disso, em casos de demandas judiciais, é possível que as empresas fabricantes respondam solidariamente a possíveis danos reclamados pelo paciente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of clear aligners as an alternative to fixed orthodontic appliances has become popular due to the aesthetic demands of adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment. However, orthodontists’ lack of knowledge about the legal consequences of their activities, and the lack of solid scientific evidence raise concerns regarding civil liability in this type of treatment. Marketing campaigns of manufacturing companies often exaggerate promises of results, and ignore the lack of scientific evidence. Patients, as consumers, are protected by the Consumer Protection Code, whereas orthodontists are considered treatment providers. Therefore, they can be held liable for damage caused to patients, whether by subjective or objective fault. Objective: This article aims to identify the civil responsibilities of orthodontists and aligner manufacturing companies, by means of a literature review, providing basic legal guidance to help professionals protect themselves from possible lawsuits related to treatment with orthodontic aligners. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of knowledge of legal notions in treatments with orthodontic aligners by orthodontists, who should legally safeguard themselves through individual written contracts, avoiding obligation of results. In addition, in cases of legal claims, it is possible that the manufacturing companies are jointly and severally liable for possible damages claimed by the patient.

RESUMO Os impactos de uma crise de saúde no setor de turismo podem ser severos, como têm ocorrido na atual pandemia de Covid-19. O comportamento dos turistas, em função do risco percebido, pode sofrer alteração e precisa ser compreendido, para que possam ser criadas ações estratégicas eficazes, para uma retomada mais rápida da economia do setor. Assim, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo investigar as relações existentes entre o risco percebido e seus antecedentes com a intenção de visitar e a disposição para pagar mais por hotéis fazenda, durante uma crise de saúde. A pesquisa quantitativa foi conduzida por um survey, que obteve 441 respondentes válidos. Os dados foram analisados por meio da caracterização da amostra, análise fatorial confirmatória, modelo estrutural e matriz importância-desempenho. Assim, houve validação da Teoria da Motivação de Proteção, além de ser constatada a associação positiva entre a Motivação de Viagem e Disposição para Pagar Mais e a Motivação de Viagem ser um preditor das intenções futuras.

ABSTRACT The impacts of a health crisis on the tourism sector may be severe, as occurred in the current Covid-19 pandemic. The behavior of tourists, due to perceived risk, may suffer alterations and needs to be understood so that efficient strategic actions can be created to allow for the fast recovery of the economy in such a sector. Therefore, this study has the purpose for investigating the existing relations between perceived risk and its precedents and the intention of visiting and the willingness to pay more for farm hotels during a health crisis. Quantitative research was conducted through a survey, which had 441 valid respondents. Data was analyzed through the characterization of the sample, confirmatory factorial analysis, a structural model, and an importance-performance matrix. Therefore, there was a validation of the Theory of Motivation of Protection, in addition to establishing the positive association between Travel Motivation and Willingness to Pay More, with Travel Motivation being a predictor for future intentions.