Abstract The use of wood is often indicated as a decarbonization strategy for the construction sector. However, the CO 2 footprint of native wood, that is, the emissions during wood harvesting, transportation, and processing, depends on the type of forest management practiced. This study quantifies the CO 2 footprint of native rough sawn lumber from forests with three types of harvesting: sustainable management, conventional management, and conventional selective extraction (deforestation). CO 2 emissions were analyzed from harvesting to the end of wood processing based on data from the literature and the Construction Environmental Performance Information System. The CO 2 footprint of rough sawn lumber varies between 25 and 19,860 kCO 2 /m 3 , with the lowest values for wood from sustainable management and the highest for conventional selective extraction. In addition, managed wood stores temporarily in its cell structure ~353kgC/m 3 . Native wood from sustainable harvesting can contribute to decarbonizing buildings, whereas wood from conventional harvesting and deforestation are relevant sources of CO 2 emissions, considering the wood life cycle.

Resmo O uso da madeira é frequentemente apontado como uma estratégia de descarbonização para a construção. Entretanto, a pegada de CO2 da madeira nativa, ou seja, que são as emissões decorrentes da sua exploração florestal, transporte e beneficiamento, depende do tipo de manejo florestal. Este estudo quantifica a pegada de CO2 da madeira nativa serrada bruta, proveniente de três tipos de exploração florestal: manejo sustentável, manejo convencional e extração seletiva convencional (desmatamento). Analisaram-se as emissões de CO2 da exploração florestal até o término do beneficiamento da madeira, com dados da literatura e do Sistema de Informação do Desempenho Ambiental da Construção. A pegada de CO2 da madeira serrada bruta varia entre 25 e 19.860 kgCO2/m3, com os menores valores para a madeira de manejo sustentável e os maiores para a madeira de extração seletiva convencional. Além disso, a madeira manejada estoca temporariamente, em sua estrutura celular, ~353 kgC/m3. Madeiras nativas de manejo florestal sustentável podem contribuir com a descarbonização dos edifícios, enquanto as madeiras de manejo convencional e, sobretudo, de desmatamentosão fontes expressivas de CO2 dentro do seu ciclo de vida.

Resumen: Esta investigación tiene por objeto adaptar y validar el instrumento denominado Perfil de Implementación del Proyecto (PIP) para la evaluación de proyectos realizados en Latinoamérica. Participaron 420 profesionales involucrados, ya sea como líderes o miembros de equipos, en proyectos culminados en el periodo 2020-2021. Como el instrumento fue elaborado en inglés se utilizó un procedimiento de traducción y re-traducción, en el cual participaron expertos profesionales y académicos en gestión de proyectos junto con traductores certificados, para su adaptación a la población hispanoparlante en Latinoamérica. Para el análisis factorial exploratorio se seleccionó el método de extracción de mínimos cuadrados no ponderados, obteniéndose cuatro factores críticos de éxito: Comunicación con el cliente, seguimiento y planeación, alta gerencia, y capacidades técnicas, con coeficientes Cronbach Alpha comprendidos entre .876 y .933. Posteriormente se aplicó el análisis factorial confirmatorio, el cual demostró que el instrumento posee validez convergente y discriminante y, en consecuencia, puede ser utilizado en la academia para futuras investigaciones sobre la gestión de proyectos, y en lo profesional para evaluar el desempeño de proyectos ecuatorianos, contemplando la limitación de que el porcentaje de participación de proyectos de otros países de Latinoamérica en la muestra de estudio fue del 22 %.

Abstract: This research aims to adapt and validate the Project Implementation Profile (PIP) instrument for evaluating projects carried out in Latin America. Four hundred twenty professionals participated as leaders or team members in projects completed in 2020-2021. As the instrument was developed in English, a translation and retranslation procedure was used, in which professional and academic experts in project management participated, along with certified translators, for its adaptation to the Spanish-speaking population in Latin America. For the exploratory factor analysis, the unweighted least squares extraction method was selected, obtaining four critical success factors: Communication with the client, monitoring and planning, senior management, and technical capabilities, with Cronbach Alpha coefficients between .876 and 933. Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis was applied, demonstrating that the instrument has convergent and discriminant validity and, consequently, can be used in academia for future research on project management and professionally to evaluate the performance of Ecuadorian projects, considering the limitation that the percentage of participation of projects from other Latin American countries in the study sample was 22%.

• The extraction of the juice from the filters in the sugar industry enables the production of torula yeast cream to promote swine feeding, allowing the amount of leftover bagasse to be increased to be used to obtain xylitol for the food industry, and to take advantage of the resulting lignocellulosic material as a source of compacted energy for the generation of electricity, in the context of a biorefinery. Assess the alternatives for the production of torula yeast, xylitol and pellets from the extraction of the juice from the filters, considering the context of a biorefinery, for the benefit of swine feeding, the food industry and electricity generation. Starting from the extraction of juice from the filters, the investment and production capacities of torula yeast cream were used, and through the materials and energy balances, the possible increases in leftover bagasse and the integration of the production of xylitol and pellets were obtained. The quantities of sugar, honey, bagasse, torula, xylitol and pellets were obtained for the different extraction rates and the increase in profits and financial indicators were analyzed. With the prices of the products, the cost of raw materials and the investment estimates, the optimal extraction percentage of the juice from the filters is around 40 percent.

RESUMEN • La extracción del jugo de los filtros en la industria azucarera, posibilita la producción de crema de levadura torula para favorecer la alimentación porcina, permitiendo incrementar la cantidad de bagazo sobrante para utilizarlo en la obtención de xilitol para la industria alimenticia, aprovechando el material lignocelulósico resultante como fuente de energía compactada para la generación de electricidad, bajo el contexto de una biorrefinería. Partiendo de la extracción de jugo de los filtros, torula, y mediante los balances se obtuvieron los incrementos posibles de bagazo sobrante y la integración de las producciones de xilitol y pellets. Se obtuvieron las cantidades de azúcar, miel, bagazo, torula, xilitol y pellets para los diferentes porcentajes de extracción y se analizó el incremento de las ganancias y los indicadores financieros El porcentaje de extracción óptimo del jugo de los filtros, en correspondencia con los precios de productos, costo de materias primas y costos de inversión estimados, está en el entorno del 40 %.

Resumo A influência dos média sociais no campo do jornalismo, hoje incontornável, manifesta-se em várias vertentes, criando desafios que não podem ser ignorados pelos profissionais. Enquanto fontes, estão a ser cada vez mais utilizados, contribuindo para a emergência de novas dinâmicas de produção noticiosa, em particular na cobertura de acontecimentos em continuidade, nos quais impera a velocidade de transmissão e o imediatismo constitui um valor em si mesmo, incentivando a extração de conteúdos disponíveis na internet, sem tempo para escrutínio. Neste artigo, o fenómeno é enquadrado numa perspetiva ética. Através da análise de 32 códigos deontológicos - e instrumentos semelhantes - que incorporam esta realidade em partes específicas foram identificados valores e princípios jornalísticos neles inscritos acerca das modalidades de recolha de informação, sobretudo em redes sociais digitais. A exigência de verificação e validação do material e de identificação da fonte, procedimentos tradicionais, é predominante, atentos os potenciais riscos para o rigor de uma narrativa jornalística. Também é detetada, na maioria dos códigos integrados no corpus, a preocupação de acautelar o dano na esfera privada de cidadãos, eventualmente decorrente da difusão de material. Não se trata apenas de proteger a privacidade, em geral, mas de ponderar questões de grande sensibilidade a ela associáveis: a vulnerabilidade e dor em que possam encontrar-se os autores das postagens e a presença nas redes de vítimas ou cidadãos menores de idade.

Abstract The inescapable influence of social media on journalism has introduced a multitude of challenges that professionals in the field cannot afford to overlook. Increasingly used as sources, social media platforms contribute significantly to the evolution of new dynamics in news production. This is particularly evident in the coverage of unfolding events, prioritising speed of transmission and immediacy as inherent values. This emphasis often encourages the rapid extraction of content available on the internet, leaving minimal time for thorough scrutiny. This article delves into the phenomenon from an ethical standpoint. Through an analysis of 32 codes of ethics - and analogous instruments - that specifically address this evolving reality, it identifies journalistic values and principles concerning information-gathering methods, especially pertaining to digital social networks. The primary emphasis remains on the requirement to verify and validate the material while identifying sources following traditional procedures, given the potential risks to the integrity of journalistic narratives. Most codes in the corpus also prioritise safeguarding citizens’ private sphere, possibly stemming from the dissemination of material. This concern extends beyond general privacy protection, encompassing the highly sensitive issues associated with it: the vulnerability and emotional distress experienced by authors of social media posts and the presence of victims or minors on social networks.

Abstract The increase in world population and the demand for technologies have exponentially increased the consumption of mineral resources, putting their availability for future generations at risk. The objective of this study is to know the state of academic production on resource scarcity and evaluate its consequences on exploitation, sustainability and technological development. A systematized bibliographic review was developed using the Scopus, WoS and SciELO databases. 57 documents were analyzed that cover topics such as the environmental impact of extraction, reuse strategies, criticality evaluations and regulatory policies for mining activity. It is concluded that the main factors of resource scarcity are related to the lack of regulations, the growing demand for new technologies and discrepancy in criticality estimation methods. There is a need to look for extraction alternatives and promote material recovery strategies.

Resumen El incremento de la población mundial y la demanda de tecnologías han aumentado de manera exponencial el consumo de recursos minerales, poniendo en riesgo su disponibilidad para las generaciones futuras. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo conocer el estado de la producción académica sobre la escasez de recursos y evaluar sus consecuencias en la explotación, la sostenibilidad y el desarrollo tecnológico. Se llevó a cabo una revisión bibliográfica sistematizada usando las bases de datos Scopus, WoS y SciELO. Se analizaron 57 documentos que abordan temáticas como el impacto ambiental de la extracción, estrategias de reutilización, evaluaciones de criticidad y políticas de regulación de la actividad minera. Se concluye que los principales factores de la escasez de recursos están relacionados con la falta de normativa, la creciente demanda de nuevas tecnologías y discrepancia en los métodos de estimación de criticidad. Se advierte la necesidad de buscar alternativas de extracción y fomentar estrategias de recuperación de materiales.

Abstract: Vertical roller mills, (VRM), are widely used for grinding raw materials in factories engaged in the extraction and processing of minerals. Any machine used for grinding or crushing consumes around 30 to 40% of the energy of a factory. The loading pressure, table rotation speed, moisture content, outlet temperature and pressure rollers are variables that can be controlled to decrease the specific energy consumption Ecs. This paper poses an optimization problem in order to reduce the energy consumption of a VRM used to produce cement and to find the optimal parameters of the operating variables. Several packages are used to solve the nonlinear programming problem, with very good results in terms of accuracy and speed of convergence, but those provided by the Pyomo package are used because it obtains more accurate results. Comparing the result of the objective function with the energy consumption of a well-known cement company in Ecuador, it is concluded that the optimized parameters are able to reduce by 25% the energy consumption guaranteeing a minimum production of 2200 tons of cement per day, so the model is correctly validated.

Resumen: Los molinos verticales de rodillos (VRM), son máquinas muy utilizadas para moler materia prima en fábricas dedicadas a la extracción y procesamiento de minerales. Cualquier máquina ocupada para moler o triturar consume alrededor del 30 o 40% de la energía de una fábrica. La presión de carga, la velocidad de rotación de la mesa, el contenido de humedad, temperatura de salida del molino y presión de los rodillos son variables que se pueden controlar para disminuir el consumo de energía especifica (Ecs). Este trabajo plantea un problema de optimización con el fin de reducir el consumo energético de un VRM utilizado para producir cemento y encontrar los parámetros óptimos de las variables de operación. Se utilizan varios paquetes para resolver el problema de programación no lineal, obteniendo resultados muy buenos respecto a la precisión y velocidad de convergencia, pero se usan aquellos proporcionados por el paquete Pyomo ya que obtienen resultados más exactos. Comparando el resultado de la función objetivo con el consumo energético de una empresa cementera en Ecuador se concluye que los parámetros optimizados son capaces de reducir en un 25% el consumo energético garantizando una producción mínima de 2200 toneladas de cemento diarias por lo que el modelo se valida correctamente.

Abstract: Data quality is a multidimensional field, which refers to the management of interdisciplinary information; for management, operation and decision making in institutions. In view of the above, the aim of this study is to explore the evolution and research trend on data quality assessments in academic management systems, between 1995 and 2023, through a bibliometric analysis. The methodology is structured by two phases; the first phase comprised data extraction and processing using Scopus database and VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software. The second phase comprised the bibliometric analysis based on the established bibliometric indicators (quantity, quality and structure). As a result, it was possible to identify a progressive growth of the subject between 2006 and 2022. An analysis of bibliometric indicators such as: production of documents and authors, distribution of productivity frequencies, analysis of countries and institutions, quality of journals and co-occurrence of keywords was also carried out. It is concluded that there are more than 100 authors and 50 influential institutions in the field. In addition, it was determined that 80% of the journals linked to the subject are between Quartile 1 and 4, which highlights a high level of prestige in research. Although valuable insight has been gained into the scientific production on data quality in various topics, there are few papers focused on data quality in academic management systems; this indicates research opportunities to address this underexplored área.

Resumen: La calidad de los datos es un ámbito multidimensional, que refiere al manejo de información interdisciplinaria; para la gestión, operación y toma de decisiones en las instituciones. De cara a lo antes mencionado, el objetivo del presente estudio es explorar la evolución y las tendencias en la investigación sobre evaluaciones de calidad de datos en sistemas de gestión académica, entre 1995 y 2023, a través de un análisis bibliométrico. La metodología está estructurada por dos fases; la primera fase abarcó la extracción y procesamiento de los datos utilizando la base de datos Scopus y el Software VOSviewer y Bibliometrix. La segunda fase comprende el análisis bibliométrico a partir de los indicadores bibliométricos establecidos (cantidad, calidad y estructura). Como resultado se logró identificar un crecimiento progresivo del tema entre 2006 y 2022. También se realizó un análisis de los indicadores bibliométricos como: producción de documentos y autores, distribución de frecuencias de productividad, análisis de países e instituciones, calidad de revistas y coocurrencia de palabras clave. Se concluye que son más de 100 autores y 50 instituciones influyentes en el campo. Además, se determinó que el 80% de las revistas vinculadas al tema se encuentra entre el Quartil 1 y 4, lo que destaca un alto nivel de prestigio en las investigaciones. Aunque se ha obtenido una visión valiosa de la producción científica sobre calidad de datos en diversos temas, existen escasos trabajos centrados en la calidad de datos en sistemas de gestión académica; esto indica oportunidades de investigación para abordar esta área poco explorada.

Abstract: From Latin American feminisms, this article argues that in a context of financialization of life, the precarious relation between capital, work and life is exacerbated by various devices, such as the debt contracted in response to the imprisonment of a family member. By observing the relevant “corporal itineraries”, this text analyzes the subjection derived from the familiarization of the debt and the intensification of productiveness. It proposes that the imprisonment of a family member leads to a form of indebtedness that redefines the production and extraction of value from the lives of those who are outside, and upholds a morality based on an economics of care.

Resumen: Desde los feminismos latinoamericanos, este artículo sostiene que en un contexto de financiarización de la vida, la precaria relación entre capital, trabajo y vida se ve exacerbada por diversos dispositivos, como la deuda contraída como respuesta al encarcelamiento de un familiar. A partir de la observación de los “itinerarios corporales” pertinentes, este texto analiza el sometimiento derivado de la familiarización con la deuda y la intensificación de la productividad. Propone que el encarcelamiento de un miembro de la familia conduce a una forma de endeudamiento que redefine la producción y extracción de valor de las vidas de quienes están fuera, y defiende una moral basada en una economía del cuidado.

Abstract (Introduction) The mountainous region of the Central Pacific of Costa Rica, currently made up mostly of the cantons of Turrubares, Puriscal and Mora, and to a lesser extent by the southwest of Acosta, was one of the most deforested areas since colonial times. (Objective) To comprehensively analyze the historical, socioeconomic, geo-climatic and ecological factors that possibly favored the logging exploitation of the forests of that region. (Methodology) The historical documents, and the geo-climatic, ecological and socioeconomic factors of the region were reviewed. In addition, a census was carried out among forestry professionals and industrialists to determine the timber species possibly extracted from the forests based on the floristic composition of protected forest areas in the region. (Results) The mountainous region was a transit and settlement site for Spanish colonists since the 16th century, which facilitated the development of access roads. Its proximity to the Central Valley, which needed forest and agricultural products for the growing urban area, together with the existence of an ecological convergence zone extraordinarily rich in trees of commercial importance, greatly facilitated the extraction of forest products. (Conclusion) The early colonization of the region, the existence of infrastructure, high demand for forest products at the national and international level, and the availability of forest resources in an area where the tropical dry forest, the cloud forest and the humid forest converge, and the edaphoclimatic conditions that also facilitated the development of agricultural crops, favored the change in land use and therefore the forestry exploitation of the region.

Resumen: (Introducción) La región montañosa del Pacífico Central de Costa Rica, actualmente conformada, en su mayoría, por los cantones de Turrubares, Puriscal y Mora, y, en menor extensión, por el suroeste de Acosta, fue una de las zonas más deforestada desde tiempos coloniales. (Objetivo) Analizar integralmente los factores históricos, socioeconómicos, geoclimáticos y ecológicos que posiblemente favorecieron la explotación maderera de los bosques de esa región. (Metodología) Se revisaron los documentos históricos, y los factores geoclimáticos, ecológicos y socioeconómicos de la región. Además, se realizó un censo entre profesionales e industriales de la madera para determinar las especies maderables eventualmente extraídas de los bosques, basado en composición florística de zonas de bosque protegidas de la región. (Resultados) La región montañosa fue sitio de paso y asentamiento de los colonos españoles desde el siglo XVI, lo que facilitó el desarrollo de caminos de acceso. Su cercanía al Valle Central, que necesitó productos forestales y agrícolas para la creciente zona urbana, unido a la existencia de una zona de convergencia ecológica extraordinariamente rica en árboles de importancia comercial, facilitó, en mucho, la extracción de productos forestales. (Conclusión) La colonización temprana de la región, la existencia de infraestructura, alta demanda de productos forestales en el ámbito nacional e internacional, y la disponibilidad de recursos forestales en una zona donde convergen el bosque seco tropical, el bosque nuboso y el bosque húmedo tropical, y las condiciones edafoclimáticas que facilitaron también el desarrollo de cultivos agrícolas, favorecieron posiblemente el cambio de uso del suelo y, por ende, la explotación forestal de la región.

Abstract Introduction. Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for the photosynthesis process, and therefore, a determining factor in yield. The use of optical sensors to determine transmittance indices (SPAD, CCI), reflectance (NDVI) and fluorescence (Fv.Fm -1) related to the state of foliar N, allows adequate management based on non-destructive "in situ" monitoring. Objective. To evaluate the effect of different fertigation management strategies on nitrogen and chlorophyll concentration in the leaf; and the relationship between i- N and Cl concentration in leaf, ii- N and Cl concentration in leaf with yield and iii- N and Cl concentration in leaf with SPAD, CCI, NDVI and Fv.Fm -1 indices. Materials and methods. Six treatments were evaluated in an unrestricted randomized design with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, which combined 2 irrigation strategies (E1: low volume and more frequent and E2: high volume and less frequent) and 3 levels of nutrition: low (NB), medium (NM) and high (NA). The direct measurements of N and Cl in the leaf were determined with the Kjeldahl method and by ethanol extraction, respectively. Results. Nutrition level affected N content, where the NM and NA treatments were similar, although higher than NB. The regression model showed little ability to estimate N and yield from the Cl content in the leaf. Estimation of Cl in the leaf from the CCI (R2: 0.71) and SPAD (R2: 0.75) indices were only promising in NB. To estimate foliar N, the regression with Fv.Fm -1 showed R2 values of 0.89 in NB and 0.69 in NM; while for NDVI the R2 values were 0.61 in NB and 0.47 in NM. Conclusion. SPAD, CCI, NDVI and Fv.Fm -1 indices showed potential to estimate chlorophyll and N concentration in the leaf with low and medium nutrient inputs, and with limitations in treatments with high nutrient inputs.

Resumen Introducción. El nitrógeno (N) es un elemento esencial para el proceso de fotosíntesis, y por tanto, determinante en el rendimiento. El uso de sensores ópticos para determinar índices de transmitancia (SPAD, CCI), reflectancia (NDVI) y fluorescencia (Fv.Fm -1) relacionados con el estado del N foliar, permite un adecuado manejo a partir del monitoreo “in situ” no destructivo. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de diferentes estrategias de manejo del fertiriego sobre las concentraciones de nitrógeno y clorofila en hoja; y la relación entre i- concentración de N y de clorofila (Cl) en hoja, ii- concentración de N y de Cl en hoja con el rendimiento y iii- concentración de N y de Cl en hoja con índices SPAD, CCI, NDVI y Fv.Fm -1. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron 6 tratamientos en un diseño irrestricto al azar con arreglo factorial 2 x 3, que combinaron 2 estrategias de riego (E1: bajo volumen y de mayor frecuencia y E2: alto volumen y menor frecuencia) y 3 niveles de nutrición: bajo (NB), medio (NM) y alto (NA). Las medidas directas de N y Cl en hoja se determinaron con el método Kjeldahl y por extracción con etanol, respectivamente. Resultados. El nivel de nutrición afectó el contenido de N, donde los tratamientos NM y NA fueron similares, aunque superiores a NB. El modelo de regresión mostró poca capacidad para estimar N y rendimiento a partir del contenido de Cl en hoja. La estimación de Cl en hoja a partir de los índices CCI (R2: 0,71) y SPAD (R2: 0,75) resultaron prometedores solamente en NB. Para estimar N foliar, la regresión con Fv.Fm -1 mostró valores de R2 de 0,89 en NB y 0,69 en NM; mientras que para NDVI los valores R2 fueron 0,61 en NB y 0,47 en NM. Conclusión. Los índices SPAD, CCI, NDVI y Fv.Fm -1 presentaron potencial para estimar la concentración de clorofila y de N en hoja con aportes bajo y medio de nutrientes, y con limitaciones en los tratamientos con altos aportes de nutrición.

Resumo Introdução: Existe pouca experiência na realização de colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) na população pediátrica. A maioria dos centros carece de especialistas especificamente treinados em endoscopia terapêutica pediátrica, sendo os doentes geralmente referenciados para Gastroenterologistas de adultos com elevada experiência na técnica. O objectivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a experiência de um departamento de Gastrenterologia de adultos em CPRE pediátrica, com destaque particular nos doentes muito novos. Métodos: Foram analisadas retrospectivamente as indicações, sucesso técnico, diagnósticos e complicações das colan-giopancreatografias retrógradas endoscópicas (CPREs) realizadas no nosso hospital terciário em crianças <18 anos, entre Janeiro de 1994 e Junho de 2022. Resultados: Foram realizadas 65 CPREs em 57 crianças com idade mediana 13 anos (1-17 anos). Doze procedimentos foram realizados em 9 crianças com idade até 5 anos. As indicações para CPRE foram: obstrução biliar (n = 40), sobretudo devido a coledocolitíase, pancreatite aguda litiásica (n = 19), pancreatite recorrente (n = 3), extracção de prótese (n = 2) e fístula biliar pós cirurgia (n = 1). A taxa de sucesso de canulação foi 95.4%. Foram realizados procedimentos terapêuticos em 80.0% das CPREs. Todos os doentes foram vigiados em regime de internamento, tendo-se registado complicações em dois exames (3.1%). Não existiram mortes relacionadas com a técnica. Discussão/Conclusão: A CPRE pode ser realizada na população pediátrica com segurança e elevada taxa de sucesso por Gastrenterologistas de adultos com experiência na técnica, num centro com elevado volume de exames.

Abstract Introduction: Experience with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the pediatric population is limited. Few medical centers have experts specifically trained in pediatric therapeutic endoscopy. As a result, patients are generally referred to adult endoscopists with high experience in the procedure. The aim of this study was to characterize the experience of an adult endoscopy unit with ERCP on pediatric patients, with a special focus on very young patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed indications, technical success rate, final clinical diagnosis, and complica-tions of ERCPs in children <18 years at our tertiary referral hospital center between January 1994 and June 2022. Results: Sixty-five ERCPs were performed on 57 children with a median age of 13 years (range 1-17 years). Eleven ERCPs were performed on 9 patients up to 5 years old. Indications for ERCP were as follows: biliary obstruction (n = 40), mainly due to choledocholithiasis, lithiasic acute pancreatitis (n = 19), recurrent pancreatitis (n = 3), stent extraction (n = 2), and post-operative biliary fistula (n = 1). The cannulation success rate was 95.1%. Therapeutic interventions were performed in 79% of ERCP. All patients were followed up as inpatients. Complications were recorded in two procedures (3.1%), and no procedure-related mortality occurred. Conclusion: In our experience, ERCP in children can be safely performed with high success rates by advanced adult-trained expert endoscopists at a high-volume center.

The Southern African region contains abundant gold tailing heaps that are an environmental concern due to dust pollution and chemical contamination of nearby water bodies. Nevertheless, these heaps contain gold with potential to be extracted for financial gain. In this study, the feasibility of extraction of gold from a Witwatersrand gold tailings using glycine was investigated using a two-level full factorial design. Effects of variables such as glycine concentration at levels of 0.5-1.5 M with a solid-liquid ratio of 50-200 g/L were investigated. Although the solid-liquid ratio used in this study was below the industrial norm, it provides a starting point for investigating the applicability of this technology. To enhance the gold extraction, potassium permanganate pretreatment and copper ion addition were adopted. The results revealed that 91.4% gold extraction was achieved after 24 h pre-treatment of the tailings using 2 g/L potassium permanganate followed by subsequent leaching using 1.5 M glycine at pH 12, with 50 g/L solid-liquid ratio and 2 g/L copper ions. Statistically, the solid-liquid ratio and potassium permanganate pre-treatment of the tailings were found to be significant at 95% confidence interval, whilst interactions of copper ions and glycine concentration were significant factors. The work demonstrates that potassium permanganate pre-treatment prior to glycine leaching of low-grade secondary gold resources, such as tailings, can be beneficial. Furthermore, the methodology developed in this work provides an opportunity for further investigation of the recovery of gold hosted in complex mineralogical matrices.

RESUMEN En la Amazonía ecuatoriana, cada día son mayores los desafíos para la identificación de especies fitorremediadoras que disminuyan la contaminación por metales pesados producto de la actividad minera. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el potencial bioacumulador de metales pesados de tres especies forestales de rápido crecimiento (Ochroma pyramidale, Piptocoma discolor y Bambusa vulgaris) en un área de extracción minera, en la comunidad Yutzupino, Napo para la restauración. Se recolectaron muestras de hoja y suelo para determinar la concentración de metales pesados (Cd, Pb, Fe y Ni), mediante espectrometría de absorción atómica y se calculó el factor de bioconcentración (FBC). Los análisis foliares mostraron que B. vulgaris presentó mayor concentración de Ni (6,89 mg kg-1) y Fe (156,33 mg kg-1) y P. discolor contenía Cd (0,35 mg kg-1) y Pb (55,67 mg kg -1). Los análisis de suelos mostraron un patrón de variación en B. vulgaris superior en Cd, Ni y Pb y en O. pyramidale para Fe. El factor de bioconcentración permitió identificar la capacidad acumuladora de las especies, lo que sugiere que P. discolor puede ser utilizada como especie fitorremediadora para sitios contaminadas por Cd y Pb, O. pyramidale para Ni y B. vulgaris para Fe.

RESUMO Na Amazônia equatoriana, os desafios para a identificação de espécies de fitorremediação para reduzir a contaminação por metais pesados provenientes de atividades de mineração aumentam a cada dia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial bioacumulativo de metais pesados de três espécies florestais de crescimento rápido (Ochroma pyramidale, Piptocoma discolor e Bambusa vulgaris) em uma área de extração de mineração na comunidade de Yutzupino, Napo, para restauração. Amostras de folhas e de solo foram coletadas para determinar a concentração de metais pesados (Cd, Pb, Fe e Ni) por espectrometria de absorção atômica e o fator de bioconcentração (BCF) foi calculado. A análise das folhas mostrou que a B. vulgaris tinha concentrações mais altas de Ni (6,89 mg kg-1) e Fe (156,33 mg kg-1) e a P. discolor continha Cd (0,35 mg kg-1) e Pb (55,67 mg kg -1). As análises do solo mostraram um padrão de variação em B. vulgaris maior em Cd, Ni e Pb e em O. pyramidale para Fe. O fator de bioconcentração identificou a capacidade de acumulação das espécies, sugerindo que P. discolor pode ser usada como uma espécie de fitorremediação para locais contaminados com Cd e Pb, O. pyramidale para Ni e B. vulgaris para Fe.

ABSTRACT In the Ecuadorian Amazon, the challenges for identifying, phytoremediation species that reduce heavy metal contamination resulting from mining activity are increasing every day. The objective of this work was to evaluate the bioaccumulator potential of heavy metals of three fast-growing forest species (Ochroma pyramidale, Piptocoma discolor and Bambusa vulgaris) in a mining extraction area, in the Yutzupino community, Napo for restoration. Leaf and soil samples were collected to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Fe and Ni) using atomic absorption spectrometry and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was calculated. Leaf analyzes showed that B. vulgaris presented a higher concentration of Ni (6.89 mg kg-1 ) and Fe (156.33 mg kg-1 ) and P. discolor contained Cd (0.35 mg kg-1 ) and Pb (55.67 mg kg -1 ). Soil analyzes showed a pattern of variation in B. vulgaris superior in Cd, Ni and Pb and in O. pyramidale for Fe. The bioconcentration factor allowed identifying the accumulating capacity of the species, which suggests that P. discolor may be used as a phytoremediation species for sites contaminated by Cd and Pb, O. pyramidale for Ni and B. vulgaris for Fe.

Abstract: The relationship between fiscal decentralization and the extraction of income by private agents is a constant element in the debates on territorial institutional design. Theoretical literature makes ambiguous predictions about this relationship, and it has been little studied empirically. An econometric model is estimated for a panel of data from 73 developing countries for the years 1996-2019. In general, the evidence found regarding the role of spending decentralization in a lower perception of corruption is consistent. However, a decentralization of income is related to greater corruption. In this way, possible accountability systems appear independent of the generation of own resources and transfer systems are highlighted in the control of public spending.

Resumen: La relación entre la descentralización fiscal y la extracción de rentas por parte de agentes privados es un elemento constante en los debates pertinentes al diseño institucional territorial. La literatura teórica hace predicciones ambiguas respecto de esta relación, y ha sido poco estudiada empíricamente. Se estima un modelo econométrico para un panel de datos de 73 países en desarrollo para 1996-2019. En general, es consistente la evidencia encontrada respecto del papel de la descentralización del gasto en una menor percepción de la corrupción. Sin embargo, una descentralización del ingreso se relaciona con una mayor corrupción. De este modo, aparecen posibles sistemas de rendición de cuentas independientes de la generación de recursos propios y se resaltan a los sistemas de transferencias en el control del gasto público.

Abstract Background: Based on the concept of “plant species complex,”, defined as a group sharing local names and morphological, aromatic, and curative properties, we analyzed the leaves of three species of the genus Oreopanax that are used as wrappers for tamales called “xocos” or “chocos” in Veracruz, Mexico, searching for common traits. Question: Do leaves of the genus Oreopanax form an ethnobotanical food complex sharing chemical and anatomical characteristics? Studied species / data description: Leaves from three species of the genus Oreopanax: O. capitatus, O. echinops, and O. flaccidus. Study site and dates: Leaves of O. capitatus and O. echinops were recollected on January 25 and 26, 2021, in the Clavijero Botanic Garden of the Instituto de Ecología, A. C. in Xalapa, Veracruz; leaves of O. flaccidus were recollected in Atapalchico, Tlacolulan, Veracruz. Methods: Chemical analyses consisted of oil extraction of the studied species' leaves, which were then injected into a gas chromatographer coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Anatomical analyses included: fixation, paraffin sectioning, and staining of leaf sections of the three species. Observations were performed with a compound microscope using a bright field or UV light. Results: For the first time, we are reporting major volatile compounds common in the three analyzed species (several aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, and terpenoids). The three species present resin canals in the mesophyll and the cortex of the midrib of the leaf. Conclusions: The studied Oreopanax species form an ethnobotanical food complex since they share similar uses, smells, and tastes.

Resumen Antecedentes: Basados en el concepto "complejo de especies vegetales", definido como un grupo que comparten nombres comunes, características morfológicas y propiedades aromáticas y curativas, analizamos las hojas de tres especies del género Oreopanax, utilizadas como envolturas de tamales llamados xocos o chocos en Veracruz, México, en busca de rasgos comunes. Pregunta: ¿Las hojas del género Oreopanax forman un complejo etnobotánico alimentario que comparte características químicas y anatómicas? Especies estudiadas / descripción de datos: Hojas de tres especies del género Oreopanax: O. capitatus, O. echinops y O. flaccidus. Lugar y fechas del estudio: Las hojas de O. capitatus y O. echinops se recolectaron los días 25 y 26 de enero de 2021, en el Jardín Botánico Clavijero del Instituto de Ecología, A. C. en Xalapa, Veracruz; las hojas de O. flaccidus se recolectaron en Atapalchico, Tlacolulan, Veracruz. Métodos: Los análisis químicos consistieron en la extracción de aceite de las hojas, el cual fue inyectado en un cromatógrafo de gases acoplado a un espectrómetro de masas (GC-MS). Los análisis anatómicos incluyeron: fijación, seccionamiento en parafina y tinción de secciones foliares. Las observaciones se realizaron con un microscopio compuesto utilizando iluminación de campo claro o de luz ultravioleta. Resultados: Por primera vez, informamos sobre los principales compuestos volátiles comunes en las tres especies analizadas (varios alcoholes alifáticos y aromáticos; y terpenoides). Las especies presentan canales resiníferos en el mesófilo y en el córtex de la vena media de la hoja . Conclusiones: Las especies de Oreopanax estudiadas forman un complejo etnobotánico alimenticio, pues comparten usos, olores y sabores similares.