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.

ABSTRACT The proposed research, in the area of talent selection in high performance, specifically in the poomsae modality in its free style event, represents a strategic study, since limitations were found in the selection process in said sporting modality. Therefore, this work presented the objective of evaluating the technical indicators for the selection of athletes with respect to the poomsae modality in its free style event. This selection is made in accordance with the current competitive regulatory requirements, applied by the World Federation of this sport. Theoretical level methods like inductive-deductive, analytical-synthetic and historical were used and from the empirical level, documentary review and measurement, and the angles of the proposed indicators were measured through the Kinovea biomechanical software. The statistical technique used was the SPSS 20 statistical processor. There were defined and evaluated in a practical way the indicators of flexibility (central, left lateral, right lateral splits ) with an average of 10.25 points; kicking techniques (basic kicks, holding, kicks with spin in the air) with average results of 2.5; 1.9 and 1.87 points; acrobatic jumps (stride jumps, left split jumps , right split jumps ) and acrobatic elements with average results of 8.69 and 2.21 points, for the selection process of school sports initiation schools in the poomsae modality in their free style event .

RESUMEN La investigación propuesta, en el área de selección de talentos en el alto rendimiento, específicamente en la modalidad de poomsae, en su evento free style, representa un estudio estratégico, pues se encontraron limitaciones en el proceso de selección en dicha modalidad deportiva. Por lo que este trabajo presentó como objetivo evaluar los indicadores técnicos para la selección de atletas con respecto a la modalidad de poomsae en su evento free style. Esta selección se realiza acorde con las exigencias reglamentarias competitivas actuales, aplicadas por la Federación Mundial de este deporte. Se utilizaron métodos de nivel teórico inductivo-deductivo, analítico-sintético, así como histórico y del nivel empírico, la revisión documental y la medición. Se midieron los ángulos de los indicadores propuestos, a través del software biomecánico Kinovea. La técnica estadística utilizada fue el procesador estadístico SPSS 20. Se definieron y evaluaron de forma práctica los indicadores flexibilidad (splits central, lateral izquierdo, lateral derecho) con una media de 10.25 puntos; técnicas de pateo (pateos básicos, mantención, pateos con giro en el aire) con resultados de media de 2.5; 1,9 y 1.87 puntos; saltos acrobáticos (saltos en horcajadas, saltos en splits izquierdo, saltos en splits derecho) y los elementos acrobáticos con resultados de media de 8.69 y 2.21 puntos, para el proceso de selección de las escuelas de iniciación deportiva escolar en la modalidad de poomsae en su evento free style.

RESUMO A pesquisa proposta, na área de seleção de talentos no alto rendimento, especificamente na modalidade poomsae, em sua prova de estilo livre, representa um estudo estratégico, uma vez que foram encontradas limitações no processo de seleção na referida modalidade esportiva. Portanto, este trabalho apresentou o objetivo de avaliar os indicadores técnicos para seleção de atletas no que diz respeito à modalidade poomsae em sua prova de estilo livre. Esta seleção é feita de acordo com os requisitos regulamentares competitivos em vigor, aplicados pela Federação Mundial desta modalidade. Foram utilizados métodos de nível teórico indutivo-dedutivo, analítico-sintético, bem como de nível histórico e empírico, revisão documental e mensuração. Os ângulos dos indicadores propostos foram medidos através do software biomecânico Kinovea. A técnica estatística utilizada foi o processador estatístico SPSS 20. Os indicadores de flexibilidade (abertura central, lateral esquerda, lateral direita) foram definidos e avaliados de forma prática com média de 10,25 pontos; técnicas de chutes (chutes básicos, segurar, chutes com giro no ar) com resultados médios de 2,5; 1,9 e 1,87 pontos; saltos acrobáticos (saltos de passada, saltos divididos à esquerda, saltos divididos à direita) e elementos acrobáticos com resultados médios de 8,69 e 2,21 pontos, para o processo seletivo das escolas de iniciação esportiva escolar na modalidade poomsae em sua prova de estilo livre.

RESUMO Introdução: a formação de profissionais universitários em Cuba é um processo único que ocorre em centros de ensino superior com o objetivo de preparar os alunos para um curso universitário específico. Para a formação de profissionais de Cultura Física, o plano de estudos inclui disciplinas que favorecem a formação de um profissional integral capaz de dar soluções criativas, com originalidade, fluência, pensamento divergente e independência aos problemas que surgem em seu desempenho prático, destacando-se a Educação Rítmica e Lúdica, que é ministrada no primeiro ano acadêmico. Objetivo: avaliar os níveis de criatividade motora dos alunos do primeiro ano da Universidade de Cultura Física e Ciências do Esporte "Manuel Fajardo", por meio dos conteúdos correspondentes à unidade de atividades rítmicas e composições ginásticas. Materiais e métodos: foram utilizados métodos, técnicas e procedimentos, entre os quais se destacam: analítico-sintético, análise documental, distribuição empírica de frequências relativas e absolutas, bem como medição por meio da adaptação do teste para avaliar a criatividade motora dos alunos por meio dos indicadores originalidade motora, fluência ou produção motora, elaboração ou qualidade motora, redefinição motora e flexibilidade mental. Resultados: por meio da aplicação do teste para medir os níveis de criatividade motora, foi corroborado que os alunos do primeiro ano do curso de Licenciatura em Cultura Física apresentam falta de criatividade motora nas aulas da disciplina Educação Rítmica e Lúdica. Conclusões: o estudo realizado corroborou que mais de 78 % dos alunos do curso diurno apresentam criatividade motora insuficiente.

RESUMEN Introducción: la formación de los profesionales universitarios en Cuba, es un proceso único que se desarrolla en los centros de educación superior para preparar integralmente al estudiante en una determinada carrera universitaria. Para la formación de los profesionales de la Cultura Física. En el Plan de estudios de la carrera, se incluyen asignaturas que favorecen la formación de un profesional integral capaz de dar soluciones de manera creativa, con originalidad, fluidez, pensamiento divergente e independencia a problemas que se presentan en su desempeño práctico, distinguiéndosela Educación Rítmica y Lúdica que se imparte en el primer año académico. Objetivo: evaluar los niveles de creatividad motriz en los estudiantes de primer año en la Universidad de Ciencias de la Cultura Física y el Deporte "Manuel Fajardo", mediante los contenidos correspondientes a la unidad de actividades rítmicas y composiciones gimnásticas. Materiales y métodos: se utilizaron métodos, técnicas y procedimientos entre los que se destacan: analítico-sintético, análisis documental, la distribución empírica de las frecuencias relativas y absolutas, así como la medición mediante la adaptación del test para evaluar la creatividad motriz de los estudiantes a través de los indicadores originalidad motriz, fluidez o producción motriz, elaboración o calidad motriz, redefinición motriz y flexibilidad mental. Resultados: mediante la aplicación del test para medir los niveles de creatividad motriz, se corroboró que los estudiantes de primer de la carrera licenciatura en Cultura Física carecen de creatividad motriz en las clases de la asignatura Educación Rítmica y Lúdica. Conclusiones: el estudio realizado permitió corroborar que más del 78 % de los estudiantes del curso diurno manifiestan insuficiente creatividad motriz.

ABSTRACT Introduction: professional education is a single process conducted in higher education facilities in Cuba for comprehensive student training in a particular Bachelor's degree. The education of Physical Culture students is regulated in the Syllabus, which includes degrees that enable training of broad-spectrum professionals who can provide creative solutions with originality, fluency, divergent thinking, and independence to everyday practical problems, which differ from rhythmic and gaming education-oriented in the first academic year. Aim: To evaluate the motor creativity levels in first-year students at the Manuel Fajardo University of Physical Culture and Sports Sciences, using content related to rhythmic activities and gymnastic composition in the first unit of the program. Materials and methods: Some of the methods used were analytical synthetic, documentary analysis, the empirical distribution of relative and absolute frequencies, and measurements during adaptation to the test to evaluate student motor creativity through the indicators of motor originality, fluency or motor production, motor design or quality, motor redefining, and mental flexibility. Results: The application of this test to measure motor creativity proved that first-year students of the Physical Culture Bachelor's Degree have failed to show motor creativity in their Rhythmic and Gaming Education lessons. Conclusions: the study showed that more than 78 % of regular students did not have enough motor creativity.

RESUMO Introdução: no Equador, o método Pilates é amplamente utilizado na população idosa, pois reduziu o índice de quedas, melhorando o equilíbrio, demonstrando a eficácia e motivando a aplicação do referido método. Não é muito conhecido, mas está começando a ser é importante porque profissionais terapêuticos e esportivos o escolheram como método de condicionamento físico. Objetivo: analisar a eficácia dos exercícios de flexibilidade baseados no método Pilates para idosos. Métodos: foi utilizado o teste BERG, composto por 14 itens; Os mesmos que medem o equilíbrio de forma estática e dinâmica, também ajudam a prevenir o risco de quedas em idosos. Para a pesquisa, trabalhamos com uma população de 30 idosos distribuídos em 13 homens e 17 mulheres. Resultados: o método Pilates aplicado de forma adequada mantém ou melhora o equilíbrio dos idosos, permitindo-lhes ter autonomia na execução das atividades diárias sem depender de terceiros. Conclusões: embora tenha sido demonstrada a eficácia do método Pilates na melhoria do equilíbrio, entre os profissionais de fisioterapia há pouco conhecimento e experiência na aplicação deste método, tendo em conta que além de reabilitar é uma boa alternativa de exercício, contribuindo para equilíbrio mental, físico e emocional.

RESUMEN Introducción: en Ecuador, el método Pilates es muy utilizado en la población de adultos mayores ya que ha permitido reducir el índice de caídas mejorando el equilibrio, demostrando la efectividad y motivando la aplicación de dicho método, no es muy conocido, pero está empezando a tomar importancia debido a que profesionales terapéuticos y deportivos han optado como método de acondicionamiento físico. Objetivo: analizar la efectividad de los ejercicios de flexibilidad basados en el método Pilates para adultos mayores. Métodos: se utilizó el test de BERG que consta de 14 ítems; los mismos que miden el equilibrio de forma estática y dinámica, además ayuda a prevenir el riesgo de caídas en los adultos mayores, para la investigación se trabajó con una población de 30 adultos mayores distribuidos en 13 hombres y 17 mujeres. Resultados: el método Pilates aplicado de forma adecuada mantiene o mejora el equilibrio de los adultos mayores, permitiendo tener autonomía en la ejecución de actividades cotidianas si depender de terceras personas. Conclusiones: a pesar de que se ha demostrado la efectividad del método Pilates en la mejora del equilibrio, entre los profesionales de fisioterapia existe poco conocimiento y experiencia en la aplicación de este método, teniendo en cuenta que a más de rehabilitar es una buena alternativa para hacer ejercicio contribuyendo en el equilibrio mental, físico y emocional.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In Ecuador, the practice of Pilates has helped the elderly reduce the rate of falls, improving balance. It has demonstrated its effectiveness and encouraged the older population to use it. This method is not well known, though it has recently gained importance thanks to the physical fitness levels provided by therapists. Aim: To analyze the effectiveness of flexibility exercises based on Pilates for the eldery. Methods: The BERG test, consisting of 14 items, was used to measure static balance and dynamics; it also helps prevent the risk of falling in older age adults. This study comprised 30 advanced age adults, 13 men and 17 women. Results: Proper application of Pilates maintains or improves the balance of older adults, allowing them to have autonomy to perform everyday activities without the assistance of other people. Conclusions: Although the effectiveness of Pilates has been demonstrated to improve balance, there is little knowledge and experience among therapists in the application of this method, considering that in addition to rehabilitation, it is a proper exercise alternative that contributes to mental, physical, and emotional balance.

Abstract NDVI elucidates the ecophysiological mechanisms faced by vegetation. With the flexibility and versatility of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), temporal, spatial and spectral resolutions have been useful in supporting decision-making. Here, we modeled diurnal change in the NDVI derived from UAV imagery for individual trees in a natural forest stand. Eight flights were conducted during daylight hours over one day to assess the dynamics of the NDVI of the genera Pinus, Juniperus, and Quercus. The results showed unstable NDVI values over time, with a parabolic quadratic trend in the model. The NDVI reached its maximum around 13:00 h and the values differed significantly according to genus: the highest value was found in Pinus with significant differences presented with Juniperus and Quercus, which showed similar values between them (p=0.533). As a validation strategy, we test the model generated using 124 trees independent of those that were sampled, which strengthened our results in terms of reliability. The similarities of statistical parameters confer a high variability of application of the results in models of simulation of similar forests ecosystems. We recommend to study more spectral indices of vegetation, including calibration of the sensor, particularly in longer-term seasonal studies. We conclude that the NDVI measured using UAV should consider image acquisition time to calibrate the records and thus improve the interpretation of results.

Resumen El NDVI dilucida los mecanismos ecofisiológicos a los que se enfrenta la vegetación. Gracias a la flexibilidad y versatilidad de los vehículos aéreos no tripulados (VANT), las resoluciones temporales, espaciales y espectrales han sido útiles para apoyar la toma de decisiones. En este trabajo se modelizó el cambio diurno en el NDVI derivado de imágenes de VANT para árboles individuales en un rodal forestal natural incoetáneo. Se realizaron ocho vuelos durante las horas diurnas a lo largo de un día para evaluar la dinámica del NDVI de los géneros Pinus, Juniperus y Quercus. Los resultados mostraron valores de NDVI inestables en el tiempo, con una tendencia cuadrática parabólica en el modelo. El NDVI alcanzó su máximo alrededor de las 13:00 h y los valores difirieron significativamente según el género: el valor más alto se encontró en Pinus con diferencias significativas presentadas con Juniperus y Quercus, que mostraron valores similares entre ellos (p=0.533). Como estrategia de validación, probamos el modelo generado utilizando 124 árboles independientes de los muestreados, lo que reforzó nuestros resultados en términos de confiabilidad. Las similitudes de los parámetros estadísticos confieren una alta variabilidad de aplicación de los resultados en modelos de simulación de ecosistemas forestales similares. Recomendamos estudiar más índices espectrales de vegetación, incluyendo la calibración del sensor, particularmente en estudios estacionales de más largo plazo. Concluimos que el NDVI medido mediante VANT debe considerar el tiempo de adquisición de la imagen para calibrar los registros y así mejorar la interpretación de los resultados.

Abstract Background: Conservation and breeding programs for forest species require efficient pollen quality monitoring strategies to maximize collection, storage and pollination efforts. Question: Can the ImageJ image analysis software be implemented to efficiently monitor pollen viability and germinability for quality testing? Studied species: Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco Methods: Tetrazolium staining and germination on 10 % Brewback media was used to test Douglas fir pollen quality. Two macros for automated counting were developed with ImageJ free software using digitized microscopic images, and were tested to evaluate provenances, germination in different media, dehydration/rehydration and freeze-storage treatments, and finally to compare pollen quality between mature trees and GA-induced strobili from juvenile trees. Results: Automated monitoring of pollen quality was feasible because the software suitably distinguishes viable from non-viable pollen grains due to differential tetrazolium staining that translates into pixel density, whereas germinability was assayed based on pollen size and circularity. This tool was used to guide the selection of appropriate pollen handling conditions and compare pollen production in adult and GA-induced juvenile trees. Pollen flash-freezing and storage at -80 °C showed recovery between 74 and 98 % of its initial germinability after rehydration; however, viability detected by tetrazolium is reduced, suggesting that handling and storage affect the reliability of the test. Conclusions: The flexibility of the Fiji software allowed the development of an efficient and accurate macro for monitoring P. menziesii pollen quality, reducing invested time and effort involved, which supports future research on its conservation physiology and its successful application for germplasm production.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los programas de conservación y producción de semilla en especies forestales requieren estrategias eficientes para el monitoreo de polen que maximicen los esfuerzos de recolección, almacenamiento y polinización. Pregunta: ¿Puede implementarse el software de análisis de imágenes Image J para monitorear eficientemente la viabilidad y germinabilidad del polen? Especie de estudio: Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco Métodos: Se utilizó tinción por tetrazolio y el medio Brewback 10 % para evaluar la calidad de polen. Se desarrollaron macros para la automatización del conteo mediante el software libre Image J usando imágenes digitalizadas. Se comparó el polen de distintas procedencias, madurez de árboles, medios de germinación, deshidratación/rehidratación y almacenamiento por congelación. Resultados: El software distingue adecuadamente polen viable del no viable mediante la tinción diferencial que se traduce en densidad de pixeles, mientras que para germinación se consideró el tamaño y circularidad. La herramienta permitió guiar la selección de condiciones apropiadas para el manejo de polen, así como comparar la producción de árboles adultos y juveniles inducidos con GA. El congelamiento de polen permitió recuperar entre 74 y 98 % de la germinación después de la rehidratación; aunque la detección de viabilidad por tetrazolio disminuyó, mostrando que el manejo y almacenamiento afectan la confiabilidad de la prueba. Conclusiones: La flexibilidad del software Fiji permitió el desarrollo de macros eficientes y precisas para monitorear la calidad del polen de P. menziesii, al reducir el tiempo y esfuerzo implicados. Esto apoya investigaciones futuras sobre la fisiología de su conservación y aplicación exitosa para la producción de germoplasma.

Resumo O artigo descreve uma pesquisa em andamento que combina três projetos que têm interesse pela educação de nível médio sobre uma perspectiva sócio-crítica. Ocupa-se particularmente da abordagem do Programa Educação Profissional Secundária que foi implementado no ano 2023 com o objetivo de garantir o direito à terminalidade da educação média, recuperando trajetórias interrompidas num modelo pedagógico flexível. No enquadre da pesquisa qualitativa e desde uma perspectiva sócio-crítica se produziram conteúdos partindo da análise documental, observações participantes e entrevistas com uma das responsáveis pelo Programa o que poderia se pensar como uma fase inicial do trabalho de campo. Essas aproximações nos permitem aventurar algumas teses e também vislumbrar algumas inquietações em relação às gramáticas escolares tradicionais e às urgências nas transformações educacionais no cenário pós-pandêmico, visando garantir direitos inalienáveis em busca de uma vida digna.

Resumen Este artículo da cuenta de una investigación en curso en el cruce de tres proyectos3 interesados por la educación secundaria en clave socio-crítica. Se ocupa particularmente del abordaje del Programa Educación Profesional Secundaria, el cual se implementa a partir del año 2023 con el anhelo de garantizar el derecho a la terminalidad de la educación media, recuperando trayectorias interrumpidas en un modelo pedagógico flexible. En el encuadre de la investigación cualitativa y desde una perspectiva socio-crítica, se han producido contenidos a partir del análisis documental, observaciones participantes y la entrevista a una de las responsables del Programa, en lo que podría pensarse como una fase incipiente del trabajo de campo. Dichas aproximaciones nos permiten aventurar unas pocas tesis y también avizorar algunas inquietudes respecto de las gramáticas escolares tradicionales y las urgencias en las transformaciones educativas en el escenario postpandémico, en vistas a garantizar derechos ineludibles de cara a una vida digna.

Abstract This article socializes some ongoing research at the intersection of three projects4 concerned with secondary education from a socio-critical perspective. It particularly deals with the High School Professional Program, which has been implemented since 2023 to secure the right to finish this educational level by means of recovering students who have abandoned or failed their courses and designing a flexible pedagogical model. In the framework of qualitative research, document analysis, participant observations, and an interview with one of the leading figures of the Program have yielded interesting results. Thus, some theses can be presented in these initial phase of fieldwork, as well as a few concerns about educational transformation in this postpandemic scenarios– a must to guarantee access to a dignified life.

ABSTRACT Through exchanges, observations of the educational process and the development of children, it was verified the existence of methodological limitations in the educators to stimulate the development of general flexibility in preschool childhood as well as deficiencies in the development of children, in addition, limitations on the subject in the available and consulted documentation. The objective of the research was oriented to conceive a methodology for the treatment of general flexibility in preschool children. Empirical and theoretical methods such as logical history, documentary study, survey, the interview, observation, documentary analysis, consulting experts, modeling, expert judgment, pre-experiment and Iadov's satisfaction test were used. The results achieved in the methodological preparation of the educators were evidenced in the growing quality of their activities for the development of flexibility, their satisfaction for having had this opportunity to improve, and in the development of the capacity achieved in the children of the sample, all of which indicates the relevance of the methodology.

RESUMEN Por medio de intercambios, observaciones al proceso educativo y al desarrollo de los niños, se constató la existencia de limitaciones metodológicas en las educadoras para estimular el desarrollo de la flexibilidad general en la infancia preescolar así como, deficiencias en el desarrollo de los niños. Por otra parte, limitaciones sobre el tema en la documentación disponible y consultada. El objetivo de la investigación estuvo orientado a concebir una metodología para el tratamiento de la flexibilidad general en la infancia preescolar. Se utilizaron métodos empíricos y teóricos como el histórico lógico, estudio documental, la encuesta, la entrevista, la observación, análisis documental, la consulta a peritos, la modelación, el criterio de expertos, el pre experimento y el test de satisfacción de Iadov. Los resultados alcanzados en la preparación metodológica de las educadoras se evidenciaron en la calidad creciente de sus actividades para el desarrollo de la flexibilidad, su satisfacción por haber tenido esta oportunidad de superación y en el desarrollo de la capacidad logrado en los niños de la muestra, todo lo cual indica la pertinencia de la metodología.

Abstract The competency-based curricular design allows Higher Education institutions to establish academic programs focused on the development of specific knowledge and capabilities. The objective of this research is to analyze the existing literature on the application of curricular design by competencies in Higher Education during the period 2019 to 2023. From this perspective, the PRISMA systematic review method was used, selecting 30 studies that met specific inclusion criteria. This made possible the synthesis of the evidence related to academic literature through the review of selected studies. The review was restricted to research in English focused on the development of competency-based curricular design in the field of Higher Education. Additionally, studies that did not specifically address these issues were excluded. The search was carried out in three academic databases: ERIC, Scopus and SciELO. The results of the systematic review provided insights into emerging patterns and trends in this field. It is concluded that this design promotes flexibility and adaptability in academic training, which enables institutions to respond to the changing demands of the labour market and society, thus ensuring relevant and updated education.

Resumen El diseño curricular por competencias permite a las instituciones de Educación Superior establecer programas académicos enfocados en el desarrollo de conocimientos específicos y capacidades. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la literatura existente sobre la aplicación del diseño curricular por competencias en la Educación Superior durante el periodo 2019 a 2023. Desde esta perspectiva, se empleó el método de revisión sistemática PRISMA, seleccionando 30 estudios que cumplían con criterios específicos de inclusión. Esto posibilitó la síntesis de la evidencia relacionada con la literatura académica a través de la verificación de los estudios seleccionados. La revisión se restringió a investigaciones en inglés centradas en el desarrollo del diseño curricular basado en competencias en el ámbito de la Educación Superior. Además, se excluyeron aquellos estudios que no abordaron de manera específica estos temas. La búsqueda se llevó a cabo en tres bases de datos académicos: ERIC, Scopus y SciELO. Los resultados de la comprobación sistemática proporcionaron información sobre patrones y tendencias emergentes en este campo. Se concluye que este diseño promueve la flexibilidad y adaptabilidad en la formación académica, lo cual capacita a las instituciones para responder a las cambiantes demandas del mercado laboral y la sociedad, asegurando así una educación pertinente y actualizada.

Resumo Nigella sativa é conhecida pelo perfil de segurança, contendo uma grande variedade de compostos antivirais úteis. A principal protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2) está sendo considerada como um dos alvos virais mais atraentes, processando as poliproteínas durante a patogênese e replicação viral. Na presente investigação analisamos a potência do componente ativo, timoquinona (TQ) de Nigella sativa contra SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. As estruturas de TQ e Mpro foram recuperadas de PubChem (CID10281) e Protein Data Bank (PDB ID 6MO3), respectivamente. O Mpro e o TQ foram acoplados e o complexo foi submetido a simulações de dinâmica molecular (MD) por um período de 50ns. O efeito de dobramento de proteínas foi analisado usando o raio de giração (Rg) enquanto a estabilidade e a flexibilidade foram medidas usando a raiz quadrada média dos desvios (RMSD) e a raiz média quadrada da flutuação (RMSF), respectivamente. Os resultados da simulação mostram que o TQ está exibindo boa atividade de ligação contra o SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, interagindo em muitos resíduos presentes no sítio ativo (His41, Cys145) e também o Glu166, facilitando o formato da bolsa. Além disso, são necessárias abordagens experimentais para validar o papel do TQ contra a infecção pelo vírus. O TQ está interferindo nos resíduos de manutenção do bolso, bem como no sítio ativo do vírus Mpro, que pode ser usado como um potencial inibidor contra o SARS-CoV-2 para um melhor gerenciamento da Covid-19.

Abstract Nigella sativa is known for the safety profile, containing a wealth of useful antiviral compounds. The main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is being considered as one of the most attractive viral target, processing the polyproteins during viral pathogenesis and replication. In the current investigation we analyzed the potency of active component, thymoquinone (TQ) of Nigella sativa against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The structures of TQ and Mpro was retrieved from PubChem (CID10281) and Protein Data Bank (PDB ID 6MO3) respectively. The Mpro and TQ were docked and the complex was subjected to molecular dynamic (MD) simulations for a period 50ns. Protein folding effect was analyzed using radius of gyration (Rg) while stability and flexibility was measured, using root means square deviations (RMSD) and root means square fluctuation (RMSF) respectively. The simulation results shows that TQ is exhibiting good binding activity against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, interacting many residues, present in the active site (His41, Cys145) and also the Glu166, facilitating the pocket shape. Further, experimental approaches are needed to validate the role of TQ against virus infection. The TQ is interfering with pocket maintaining residues as well as active site of virus Mpro which may be used as a potential inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 for better management of COVID-19.

Resumen: Se ha demostrado que las competencias matemáticas tempranas ejercen un rol importante en el aprendizaje de esta disciplina y que tanto la flexibilidad cognitiva como la planificación favorecen este proceso. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las investigaciones han relacionado las funciones ejecutivas con los resultados matemáticos generales, sin tomar en cuenta que esta disciplina incluye diversos componentes que varían en su complejidad cognitiva. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la capacidad predictiva de la flexibilidad cognitiva y la planificación en las competencias matemáticas lógico-relacionales y numéricas de 106 niños de educación inicial de escuelas chilenas, quienes fueron evaluados con dos tareas ejecutivas y un test de competencias matemáticas tempranas. Para el análisis de datos se realizaron correlaciones y modelos de regresión lineal múltiple. Los resultados mostraron que la flexibilidad cognitiva fue un predictor significativo de las competencias matemáticas tanto lógico-relacionales como numéricas, mientras que la planificación lo fue solo de las numéricas. Estos resultados confirman la importancia de la flexibilidad cognitiva y la planificación en el desarrollo de las competencias matemáticas tempranas, lo que podría propiciar intervenciones específicas sobre estas funciones ejecutivas y así favorecer el aprendizaje de las matemáticas en la educación inicial.

Abstract: It has been shown that early mathematical competencies play an important role in the learning of this discipline and that both cognitive flexibility and planning favor this process. However, most research has related executive functions to general mathematical outcomes, without taking into account that this discipline includes several components that vary in their cognitive complexity. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the predictive capacity of cognitive flexibility and planning in the logical-relational and numerical mathematical competencies of 106 children in early childhood education in Chilean schools, who were evaluated with two executive tasks and a test of early mathematical competencies. Correlations and multiple linear regression models were used for data analysis. The results showed that cognitive flexibility was a significant predictor of both logical-relational and numerical mathematical competencies, while planning was only a significant predictor of numerical competencies. These results confirm the importance of cognitive flexibility and planning in the development of early mathematical competencies, which could lead to specific interventions on these executive functions and thus favor the learning of mathematics in early education.

Resumo: Foi demonstrado que as competências matemáticas precoces desempenham um papel importante na aprendizagem dessa disciplina e que tanto a flexibilidade cognitiva como o planejamento favorecem esse processo. No entanto, a maioria das investigações relacionou as funções executivas com os resultados matemáticos gerais, sem ter em conta que esta disciplina inclui diversos componentes que variam na sua complexidade cognitiva. Por conseguinte, o objetivo desta investigação foi avaliar a capacidade preditiva da flexibilidade cognitiva e do planejamento nas competências matemáticas lógico-relacionais e numéricas de 106 crianças de escolas chilenas de educação infantil, que foram avaliadas com duas tarefas executivas e um teste de competências matemáticas precoces. Foram utilizados correlações e modelos de regressão linear múltipla para a análise de dados. Os resultados mostraram que a flexibilidade cognitiva foi um preditor significativo tanto das competências matemáticas lógico-relacionais como numéricas, enquanto o planejamento foi preditor significativo apenas das competências matemáticas numéricas. Estes resultados confirmam a importância da flexibilidade cognitiva e do planejamento no desenvolvimento de competências matemáticas precoces, o que poderia conduzir a intervenções específicas sobre essas funções executivas, favorecendo assim a aprendizagem da matemática na educação infantil.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic capabilities is a key strategic tool that family businesses can practice to enhance their business performance. Although family business research in South Africa has advanced over the last 10 years, there are still limited studies uncovering the impact of dynamic capabilities within family businesses. AIM: The aim of this research is to identify the mediating effect of strategic flexibility between the relationship of dynamic capabilities and family business performance. SETTING: The study focussed on family businesses located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. METHODS: The study followed a quantitative research approach. Data were collected using the questionnaire from a total of 347 respondents. The Hayes macro mediation model was used as the statistical analytical technique to ascertain the link. RESULTS: The results revealed that strategic flexibility positively mediates the relationship between dynamic capabilities and family business performance. The strategic flexibility mediating relationship between scenario planning and family business performance was the strongest correlation of the five dynamic capabilities tested (environmental scanning, scenario planning, knowledge creation, culture, and formal organisation. CONCLUSION: Family businesses are urged to develop a dynamic capabilities model that emphasises their strategic flexibility. Specific focus should be placed on scenario planning aligned with strategic flexibility to ensure that businesses can anticipate and prepare for opportunities and threats. CONTRIBUTION: This study contributes practical recommendations on the development and implementation of a dynamic capability model for family businesses.

BACKGROUND: Participation by less-assertive groups is critical to enhancing evaluations. The participation of children is mostly seen in data collection activities. Engagement with children should take place during all the phases of the evaluation process for true transformation of child rights and protection. OBJECTIVES: This article reflects on the process of developing child-friendly materials by engaging with children throughout the process. This article intends to describe the engagement process so that it can be adapted and applied to the development of other materials such as evaluation reports. METHOD: The process involved iterative steps from deciding on the content, developing activities to convey the information, creating images and visual elements, editing the information for age-appropriateness and relevance and, finally, testing the activities and disseminating the end product. RESULTS: The children enjoyed the development of the documents. The documents were more user-friendly for a child audience, which ensured that the information shared was more likely to be understood and used and contribute to child rights work. Flexibility in timing the activities and roles played by children and a celebratory event that acknowledged the contributions of every child contributed to the success. CONCLUSION: This process can easily be replicated for the development of evaluation products. This will enhance the likelihood of children claiming their rights and holding programmes accountable.

Modern capitalism has shaped the world, but for many scholars, its principles have disproportionately favoured the prosperity of a minority while neglecting the prospects of the majority, particularly in Southern Africa. The recent COVID-19 pandemic combined with significant inequalities of wealth has put the social policies of countries in Southern Africa to the test. It exposed the inadequacies of the current capitalist order in many countries in the global south, hindering their ability to protect their populations from the pandemic's impact. In contrast, the global north, with stronger social policies and economic flexibility, managed to cushion the severity of pandemic's economic impact on their populations in many ways, even though they suffered the most deaths. In this article, I establish how COVID-19 and neoliberal capitalism made it difficult to achieve the social developmental objectives in Southern Africa. While scholars have documented the medical and economic harms caused by the pandemic, I highlight ways that it, along with considerable inequalities of wealth, impaired social development more broadly. I conclude by establishing how the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the shortcomings of neoliberal capitalism in Southern Africa's social policies, emphasising the need for re-evaluating and re-alignment of these policies-to foster more equitable and resilient societies.

ABSTRACT Second-generation glyphosate-tolerant maize (Roundup Ready 2, RR2) is characterised by the expression of the cp4epsps gene. Despite some studies suggesting possible undesirable effects from the application of glyphosate in RR2 maize, other reports have demonstrated glyphosate selectivity for RR2 plants, with minor damage symptoms, if any, and with no negative effects on the chlorophyll indices. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different types of glyphosate management, formulations and rates of application on chlorophyll indices and the agronomic performance of an RR2 maize genotype expressing the cp4epsps gene. Five experiments were conducted in a full factorial design (2 x 5 x 5) to evaluate two types of management, two formulations and five rates of glyphosate. Damage symptoms, chlorophyll indices and variables related to agronomic performance (plant height, stem diameter, yield and 100-grain weight) were evaluated. Similar crop responses were found for each of the glyphosate formulations (potassium salt and isopropylamine salt) and types of management (single application and sequential application) under test, indicating that the use of glyphosate-based commercial products affords flexibility in terms of formulation and frequency of application. Glyphosate formulated as potassium salt or isopropylamine salt and applied to RR2 maize either in a single application (full rate) or in two sequential applications (each at half rate) has a similar effect and may therefore be used without distinction. However, it is important to consider the rate of application since high rates of glyphosate (especially greater than 1,440 g ae ha-1) may affect the development and production of RR2 maize.