ABSTRACT Due to the huge demand and scarcity for river sand, there is a desperate need for a Quantitative, Qualitative and Environmentally friendly alternative for river sand. As aggregate is the second largest resource used next to water, the alternative for river sand suggested should be not only of good quality but also should be available in enough quantity to be substituted for river sand. Such alternate choices should not just satisfy the structural requirements but also not affect the environment. In this regard, the environmental valuation of mountains is carried out to assess the benefits and limitations of using M sand as a substitute for river sand. In this study, the chemical properties of M sand samples from various locations are determined along with the lifecycle assessment of M sand. Finally, the Environmental Valuation of mountains is done to determine if the negatives outweigh the benefits. From the results, the various methods to resort to in order to achieve a sustainable level of replacement of M sand with river sand are discussed.

Resumen La pandemia por Covid-19 generó incertidumbre en los consumidores, desaceleración en el consumo y aumento del ahorro agregado a nivel mundial, la evidencia microeconómica mostró tendencia al desahorro y consumo creciente. Estas variaciones motivan cuestionamientos sobre las consecuencias del confinamiento en el consumo intertemporal, al tiempo que permiten aportar nueva evidencia empírica sobre los modelos de ciclo de vida en sus versiones estándar o neoclásica y comportamental. El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar experimentalmente los patrones de consumo intertemporal a partir de los postulados de ambos modelos de ciclo de vida. Para ello se planteó un ejercicio experimental de simulación de compras en línea de productos básicos en el que participaron 210 consumidores quienes fueron sometidos a tratamientos que incluyeron una línea de base, escenarios de aumento de los ingresos y escenarios de retiro con ausencia de ingresos. Los resultados permitieron verificar la existencia de respuestas consistentes con el modelo comportamental en 85% de los casos y con el modelo estándar para el 15% restante, esto es, las tendencias a suavizar el consumo y elevar el ahorro fueron minoritarias en el grupo evaluado y el contexto de confinamiento no se tradujo en conductas de consumo intertemporal más autocontroladas. JEL: C09; D01; D11; D12; E21.

Abstract The Covid-19 pandemic generated uncertainty among consumers, a slowdown in consumption and an increase of the added saving at world level, the microeconomic evidence showed a tendency towards dissaving and growing consumption. These variations activate questioning about the consequences of confinement in intertemporal consumption, at the same time they allow to provide new empirical evidence about life-cycle models in their standard or neoclassical and behavioral versions. The purpose of this work was to experimentally evaluate the intertemporal consumption patterns from the postulates of both life cycle models. To this end, an experimental simulation exercise of online purchases of commodities was carried out with the participation of 210 consumers who were subjected to treatments that included a baseline, income increase scenarios and no-income withdrawal scenarios. The results verified the existence of consistent responses with the behavioral model in 85% of the cases and with the standard model for the remaining 15%; that is, the tendencies to smooth consumption and increase savings were in the minority in the group evaluated and the confinement context did not translate into more self-controlled intertemporal consumption behaviors. JEL: C09; D01; D11; D12; E21.

Resumo A pandemia de Covid-19 gerou incerteza entre os consumidores, um abrandamento do consumo e um aumento da poupança agregada em todo o mundo; os dados microeconómicos mostraram uma tendência para a despoupança e o consumo crescente. Estas variações motivam questões sobre as consequências do confinamento no consumo intertemporal, ao mesmo tempo que permitem fornecer novas evidências empíricas sobre modelos de ciclo de vida nas suas versões padrão ou neoclássica e comportamental. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar experimentalmente padrões de consumo intertemporais com base nos postulados de ambos os modelos de ciclo de vida. Para o efeito, foi proposto um exercício experimental de simulação de compras online de produtos básicos, no qual participaram 210 consumidores e foram submetidos a tratamentos que incluíram uma linha de base, cenários de aumento de rendimento e cenários de retirada sem rendimento. Os resultados permitiram verificar a existência de respostas consistentes com o modelo comportamental em 85% dos casos e com o modelo padrão para os restantes 15%, ou seja, as tendências para suavizar o consumo e aumentar a poupança foram minoria no grupo avaliado e O contexto de confinamento não se traduziu em comportamentos de consumo intertemporais mais autocontrolados. JEL: C09; D01; D11; D12; E21.

Resumen Presentamos dos nuevos registros de leucismo en dos especies de aves de dos localidades de México. En primer lugar, reportamos un individuo de Golondrina Tijereta (Hirundo rustica); el individuo fue un polluelo observado entre el 15 de julio y el 6 de agosto del 2010 en un área suburbana del centro de Jalisco, el cual presentó coloración gris blanquizca y ojos oscuros. También reportamos un Zopilote Aura (Cathartes aura) con leucismo observado el 4 de noviembre del 2014 sobrevolando la ciudad de José Cardel, Veracruz mientras migraba; el individuo presentó plumas primarias blancas mezcladas con secundarias obscuras, coberteras primarias blancas, cuello y pecho blancos. Nuestros reportes representan el primer registro en México de leucismo de la Golondrina Tijereta, y el primer reporte publicado de un zopilote con leucismo migrando a través del centro de Veracruz, respectivamente. Nuestras observaciones también muestran que ambos individuos leucísticos realizaban actividades regulares de su ciclo de vida, enriqueciendo el conocimiento disponible sobre las anormalidades cromáticas en las aves mexicanas.

Abstract We present two new records of leucism in two bird species from two locations in Mexico. First, we report one leucistic Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica); the individual was a nestling observed between 15 July and 6 August 2010, in a suburban area of central Jalisco, showing gray-whitish coloration and dark eyes. We also report of one leucistic Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) spotted during the afternoon of 4 November 2014, flying overhead while migrating in the city of José Cardel, Veracruz; the individual showed white primary feathers interspersed with dark secondaries, white primary coverts, white neck, and chest feathers. Our records represent the first Mexican report of leucism in the Barn Swallow, and the first published report of a leucistic vulture migrating across central Veracruz, respectively. Our observations also show that both leucistic individuals were accomplishing regular life-cycle activities, enriching the available knowledge of chromatic abnormalities in Mexican birds.

Abstract Why are Generation Z employees quiet quitting? A potential answer is related to Generation Z disengagement. Quiet quitting is troublesome for companies with growing numbers of young recruits checking out emotionally from work. Literature about aggrieved company cultures discusses quiet quitting, the name Generation Z employees use for a form of disengagement. Nevertheless, there is a lack of empirical research on Generation Z disengagement. Moreover, there is a lack of qualitative research on quiet quitting and disengagement in general with existing recommendations originating from quantitative studies that do not examine the core nature of the phenomenon. The originality of the research stems from studying two interrelated issues: the characteristics of Generation Z disengagement and the characteristics of Generation Z employee integration frameworks that consider their employee lifecycle. This paper discusses quiet quitting as a form of Kahn’s (1990) disengagement and a dimension of Generation Z's exit, voice, loyalty, neglect (EVLN) model characteristic. The study follows a qualitative methodology. Firstly, grounded theory is employed to extract data from Generation Z employees and their managers and compare perceptions of the former's disengagement and engagement. The research sample consisted of 75 participants. Secondly, unstructured observation was employed through a cohort longitudinal study of ten Generation Z employees at work over two years. The lifecycle of Generation Z employees is shown to be approximately one year. The research illustrates the Generation Z employee lifecycle curve and classifies the Generation Z employee engagement phases. Moreover, the study introduces a framework for integrating Generation Z within companies.

Resumen ¿Por qué los empleados de la Generación Z renuncian silenciosamente? Una posible respuesta está relacionada con la desconexión de la Generación Z. Dejar de fumar silenciosamente es problemático para las empresas con un número creciente de empleados jóvenes que se retiran emocionalmente del trabajo. La renuncia silenciosa, el nombre que utilizan los empleados de la Generación Z como forma de desconexión, se analiza en la literatura sobre las culturas empresariales agraviadas. Sin embargo, faltan investigaciones empíricas sobre la desconexión de la Generación Z. Además, faltan investigaciones cualitativas sobre el abandono silencioso y la desconexión en general, con recomendaciones existentes provenientes de estudios cuantitativos que no examinan la naturaleza central del fenómeno. La originalidad de la investigación surge del estudio de dos cuestiones interrelacionadas: las características de la desvinculación de la Generación Z y las características del marco de integración de los empleados de la Generación Z que considera su ciclo de vida. El abandono silencioso se analiza en el artículo como una forma de desconexión de Kahn (1990) y una dimensión de la característica del modelo de Salida, Voz, Lealtad y Negligencia (EVLN) de la Generación Z. El estudio sigue una metodología cualitativa. Primero, se emplea la teoría fundamentada para extraer datos de los empleados de la Generación Z y sus gerentes y comparar las percepciones sobre la desconexión y el compromiso de los primeros. La muestra de la investigación estuvo compuesta por 75 participantes. Segundo, se empleó la observación no estructurada por medio de un estudio longitudinal de cohorte de diez empleados de la Generación Z en el trabajo durante dos años. Se ha descubierto que el ciclo de vida de los empleados de la Generación Z es de aproximadamente un año. La investigación ilustra la curva del ciclo de vida de los empleados de la Generación Z y clasifica las fases de compromiso de los empleados de esa generación. Además, el estudio presenta un marco para integrar a la Generación Z en las empresas.

Abstract Species of the genus Anisakis (Nematoda: Anisakidae) are indirect life-cycle marine parasites. Planktonic crustaceans serve as first intermediate hosts, while fish and cephalopods as second intermediate or paratenic hosts, and finally the cycle is completed in cetaceans, marine mammals that are the main definitive hosts of the genus. In the life cycle, Anisakis larvae can be ingested by humans as accidental hosts, which can cause anisakiasis, a zoonosis acquired through the consumption of raw or marinated fish and cephalopods. These nematodes have a cosmopolitan distribution; however, their diversity has been poorly studied in the southern hemisphere. Therefore, diversity of Anisakis spp. larvae present in two host species in Chile was evaluated by combining morphometric and genetic analysis. For this purpose, Anisakis spp. larvae were collected from the abdominal cavity of hake Merluccius gayi and the Humboldt squid Dosidicus gigas from fishing ports in the Biobío Region, Chile. Morphometric characterization of Anisakis spp. larvae consisted of measuring the length of the esophagus, esophageal ventricle, tail, total length and maximum body width. The nuclear ITS (ITS1- ITS2) and mitochondrial COX2 molecular regions were used for genetic analysis. Morphometric results revealed that Anisakis larvae extracted from D. gigas were significantly longer than those collected from M. gayi, suggesting high host-dependent phenotypic variability. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses determined the presence of Anisakis pegreffii in both host, however, demonstrated low genetic differentiation and nucleotide diversity among sequences, indicating low genetic variability for the data set. This work constitutes the first molecular record of A. pegreffii in intermediate / paratenic hosts from the coast of Chile.

Resumen Las especies del género Anisakis (Nematoda: Anisakidae) son parásitos marinos con ciclo de vida indirecto. Los crustáceos planctónicos intervienen como primeros hospedadores intermediarios, mientras que peces y cefalópodos intervienen como segundos hospedadores intermediarios o paraténicos, finalmente el ciclo se cierra en los cetáceos, mamíferos marinos que son los principales hospedadores definitivos del género. En el ciclo de vida, las larvas de Anisakis pueden ser ingeridas por el hombre interviniendo como huésped accidental, lo que puede ocasionar anisakiasis, una zoonosis adquirida a través del consumo de peces y cefalópodos crudos o marinados. Estos nemátodos tienen una distribución cosmopolita, sin embargo, su diversidad ha sido escasamente estudiada en el hemisferio Sur. Por tanto, se evaluó la diversidad de las larvas de Anisakis spp., presentes en dos especies de hospederos de Chile, combinando el análisis morfométrico y genético. Para ello, se recolectaron larvas de Anisakis spp. en la cavidad abdominal de la merluza Merluccius gayi y el calamar de Humboldt Dosidicus gigas, procedentes de terminales pesqueros de la región del Biobío, Chile. La caracterización morfométrica de las larvas de Anisakis spp., consistió en la medición de la longitud del esófago, ventrículo esofágico, cola, longitud total y ancho máximo del cuerpo. Para los análisis genéticos se usó la región molecular nuclear ITS (ITS1-ITS2) y mitocondrial COX2. Los resultados morfométricos revelaron que las larvas de Anisakis extraídas de D. gigas fueron significativamente de mayor longitud que las recolectadas en M. gayi, sugiriendo una alta variabilidad fenotípica hospedador-dependiente. Los análisis moleculares y filogenéticos determinaron la presencia de Anisakis pegreffii en ambos hospedadores, sin embargo, demostraron una baja diferenciación genética y diversidad nucleotídica entre las secuencias, indicando una escasa variabilidad genética para el conjunto de datos. Este trabajo constituye el primer registro molecular de A. pegreffii en hospedadores intermediario o paraténicos de la costa de Chile.

Abstract The exploited mangrove crab Ucides cordatus, an important ecosystem engineer in South American mangroves, has a biphasic lifecycle with pelagic larvae developing offshore. Megalopae return to the mangrove forest to settle, i.e., metamorphose into benthic juveniles but its environmental drivers remain poorly understood. We postulate that conspecific crabs facilitate recruitment. In the field, we investigated whether the number of recruits is higher near conspecific burrows than in areas without conspecific bioturbation. Recruit sampling was conducted monthly from April 2008 to May 2009 along an environmental gradient. First, U. cordatus recruits of that year emerged from March to July. Intraspecific facilitation was indicated by significantly higher recruit numbers in bioturbated than in non-bioturbated substrates. Recruits were most abundant in zones with intermediate conditions of inundation, leaf litter standing stock, sediment consistency, luminosity, temperature, salinity, and pH. Avoidance of more inundated zones likely reduces predation by fishes and of less inundated zones helps individuals escape more stressful, drier environmental conditions. The observed habitat-specific recruitment pattern must be considered when designing field assessments of the population structure of U. cordatus (which should include sampling recruits) and enhancing stocks by releasing laboratory-cultivated larvae and first juveniles into the wild.

BACKGROUND: Intergenerational persistence is an important indicator of poverty trap which has been explored in literature using measures such as income, wealth, education, among others. AIM: This study aims at expanding the existing literature on intergenerational mobility (IGM) by going beyond conventional measures and adopting subjective wellbeing (SWB) as a more holistic measure of social stratification. SETTING: The study considers the IGM of SWB in South Africa, accounting for possible endogeneity bias caused by simultaneity between parent and child SWB as well as the life-path patterns of SWB. METHOD: The study uses waves 1 and 5 of the National Income Dynamics Study panel data for South Africa using a range of regression specifications including fixed effects and Lewbel's internal heteroscedasticity-based identification. RESULTS: The findings indicate that while positive significant persistence exists between parent and child SWB measured at the same time point, this is much lower compared to persistence measured using income. Mother-child and co-residents record higher intergenerational persistence compared to father-child and non-coresidents respectively. Further, considering the life-cycle dependency of SWB, the persistence reduces considerably. Lastly, the persistence is no longer found to be positive and significant when correcting for possible endogeneity bias in the SWB association of parents and children. CONCLUSION: This is the first study on IGM using the measure of SWB and the substantially different findings from other income-based studies points to the value of a more holistic assessment of IGM. CONTRIBUTION: Further, it is also indicative of the non-income determinants of SWB trends in South Africa.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the impacts of digital transformation on enterprise innovation resilience, with a focus on understanding how digital transformation influences innovation resilience across different stages during the life cycle of an enterprise DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Data were collected from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2012 to 2022. Industries with unique financial reporting characteristics, special treatment (ST) samples, and samples with missing data are excluded to obtain a final dataset of 18 304 observations. A regression model is employed to examine the dual effect of digital transformation on enterprise innovation resilience FINDINGS/RESULTS: The findings reveal a significant inverted U-shaped relationship between digital transformation and enterprise innovation resilience. For companies at different lifecycle stages, digital transformation significantly enhances innovation resilience during the growth phase. However, for mature and declining companies, digital transformation still exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship with innovation resilience, albeit with a relatively lower empowerment effect during the decline phase PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Enterprises are advised to leverage the positive effects of digital transformation on innovation resilience while avoiding the pitfalls of excessive digitisation. Flexibility in adapting digital transformation strategies according to the enterprise lifecycle stage is recommended. Furthermore, enterprises should prioritise the coordinated development of various factors contributing to innovation resilience ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study extends the examination of innovation resilience from macro-industry to micro-enterprise levels and provides insights into the dynamics of digital transformation effects on innovation resilience across different lifecycle stages. Additionally, it highlights the importance of considering multiple pathways through which digital transformation influences innovation resilience

Abstract: The life cycle analysis (LCA) allows to evaluate the environmental impact in the different stages of a design/product. In the case of the material selection stage, among the raw materials that has a high environmental impact and energy consumption is the steel. In this context, this research studies the use of Pseudosasa amabilis (Tonkin bamboo) as a structural material and an Ecodesign strategy, it compares its environmental impact with that of steel in a redesign of a market stall for fruits and vegetables. To carry out the design process, the study worked under the Design for Sustainability (D4S) approach with the SolidWorks® tool, in which the detailed design has been developed, including the study of the static behavior and ACV, that is, the study of the sustainability of the structure within the framework of the new paradigm of the Circular Economy. The material selected for the redesign is a Tonkin bamboo, from a sampling that threw average data of 30 mm in diameter and thickness of 6 mm. The results obtained, theoretical-experimentally and whit the numerical simulation, confirm that the Tonkin bamboo, both in the finite element analysis (FEA) and in the sustainability study (ACV), is a material with excellent structural qualities as well as minimal environmental impact. For this reason, new lines of work are proposed and other research groups are invited to be interested in this unknown green material.

Resumen: El análisis del ciclo de vida (ACV) permite evaluar el impacto ambiental en las diferentes etapas de un diseño/producto. En el caso de la etapa de selección de materiales, entre las materias primas que tienen un mayor impacto ambiental y alto consumo energético se encuentra el acero. En este contexto, en esta investigación se estudia el uso de Pseudosasa amabilis (bambú Tonkin) como material estructural y estrategia de Ecodiseño, se compara su impacto medioambiental con el del acero en un rediseño de un puesto de mercado para frutas y verduras. Para llevar a cabo el proceso de diseño, se ha trabajado bajo el enfoque de Diseño para la Sostenibilidad (D4S) con la herramienta SolidWorks®, en la que se ha desarrollado el diseño de detalle, incluyendo el estudio del comportamiento estático y ACV, es decir, el estudio de la sostenibilidad de la estructura en el marco del nuevo paradigma de la Economía Circular. Se realizó el rediseño con bambú Tonkin, a partir de un muestreo que arrojó unos datos medios de 30 mm de diámetro y espesor de 6 mm. Los resultados obtenidos, de forma teórico-experimental y con la simulación numérica, confirman que el bambú Tonkin tanto en el análisis de elementos finitos (FEA) como en el estudio de sostenibilidad (ACV), es un material con unas excelentes cualidades estructurales a la vez que tiene un impacto medioambiental mínimo. Es por ello, que se proponen nuevas líneas de trabajo y se invita a otros grupos de investigación a que se interesen sobre este material verde desconocido.

RESUMO A ampla adoção de aço galvanizado no segmento industrial, como a indústria automotiva, baseia-se em ótimas propriedades em conferir durabilidade aos produtos manufaturados, além de reduzir impactos ambientais e custos na cadeia produtiva, evitando-se corrosão e conferindo maior vida útil devido a camada protetora de zinco. Porém, essa camada quando submetida a processo de soldagem implica potenciais defeitos devido à evaporação de vapor de zinco e fragilidade do metal líquido durante a soldagem, com potencial geração de porosidade, falta de penetração ou fusão. Em última instância, esses defeitos podem trazer impactos significativos na redução de propriedades mecânicas, trincas e fraturas nas juntas soldadas. Neste trabalho, essas implicações são analisadas através das características microestruturais e propriedades mecânicas de juntas soldadas com aço galvanizado ZAR230 pelos processos de soldagem GMAW e FCAW, avaliando-se fatores mais amplamente modificados em escala industrial nessa técnica de soldagem: o tipo de metal de adição, sendo ele arame sólido ou tubulares – autoprotegido com proteção gasosa e sem proteção gasosa, e o tipo de gás de proteção (com misturas de 92% Ar + 8% CO2, e 95% Ar + 5% O2). Utilizando-se de técnicas de microscopia ótica de varredura, metalografia, ensaios de tração e microdureza, os resultados apontam que todas as condições testadas possuem propriedades mecânicas de dureza e tração aceitáveis, com variação de presença de defeitos, inclusões e aspecto de cordão, sendo a melhor combinação a de uso do arame sólido com mistura 92% Ar + 8% CO2. automotiva baseiase baseia se manufaturados produtiva evitandose evitando Porém porosidade fusão instância trabalho ZAR ZAR23 FCAW avaliandose avaliando adição 92 8 CO2 CO 95 5 O2. O2 O . O2) Utilizandose Utilizando varredura metalografia microdureza aceitáveis cordão ZAR2 9

ABSTRACT The wide adoption of galvanized steel in the industrial segment, such as the automotive industry, is based on excellent properties in providing durability and weight reduction to manufactured products, in addition to reducing environmental impacts and costs in the production chain, avoiding corrosion, and providing longer lifecycle useful due to the protective zinc layer. However, this layer when submitted to the welding process implies potential defects due to evaporation of zinc vapor and fragility of the liquid metal during welding, with potential generation of porosity, lack of penetration or melting. Ultimately, these defects can significantly impact the reduction of mechanical properties, cracks, and fractures in welded joints. In this work these implications are analyzed through the microstructural characteristics of joints welded with ZAR230 galvanized steel by the GMAW and FCAW welding processes, evaluating the mostly common factors that are modified on an industrial scale in this welding technique: the type of filler metal, whether solid wire or tubular – self-protected with gas protection and without gas protection, and the type of protection gas (with mixtures of 92% Ar + 8% CO2, 80% Ar + 20% CO2 and 95% Ar + 5% O2). Using scanning optical microscopy techniques, metallography, tensile tests and microhardness, the results indicate that all tested conditions have acceptable mechanical properties of hardness and traction, with variation in the presence of defects, inclusions and welding bead, with the best combination being the use of solid wire with mixture 92% Ar + 8% CO2. segment industry products chain corrosion However porosity melting Ultimately cracks ZAR ZAR23 processes technique selfprotected self protected 92 8 CO 80 20 95 5 O2. O2 O . O2) techniques metallography microhardness traction bead ZAR2 9 2

Resumen Esta investigación tiene por objeto identificar la fase del ciclo de vida en la que se ubica la industria cultural taurina y comprobar la validez del modelo del ciclo de vida en industrias singulares. Los estudios científicos previos sobre el sector taurino son escasos. La industria cultural taurina es un sector que abarca 103 actividades económicas directas e indirectas, de ahí su interés. A partir de este estudio, basado en un análisis de datos secundarios, para un periodo de crisis (2007-2013), y utilizando el modelo del Ciclo de Vida de la Industria de Peltoniemi (2011) y variables del modelo de Van de Ven y Poole (1995), se puede conocer la situación del sector y afirmar que estamos ante una industria en fase de madurez y con un alto grado de concentración empresarial. Clasificación JEL: E32, L16, Z19.

Abstract The main goal of this research is to identify which stage of the Industry Life-cycle the Spanish bullfighting sector is currently going through. Furthermore, we also aim to verify the validity of the Industry Life-cycle in the assessment of unique industries. The bullfighting business is composed of 103 direct and indirect economic activities, hence its interest and importance. Nonetheless, previous scientific studies on the bullfighting industry are very few in number. This research is based on the analysis of secondary data during the economic recession between 2007 and 2013. While abiding by Peltoniemi's Industry Life-Cycle theory and the variables of Van de Ven and Poole's (1995) model, this article identifies the situation of this sector and it reveals how this industry is experiencing a maturity stage along with a high degree of business concentration.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el desempeño ambiental de la producción de leche de vaca en sistema de pequeña y mediana escala en México, mediante análisis de ciclo de vida con un enfoque de la cuna a la puerta de la granja, para el periodo 2021-2030. Se estableció como unidad funcional 1 kg de leche corregida por grasa y proteína. La evaluación de impacto se realizó con el software OpenLCA 1.11.0, mediante el método ReCiPe, se consideraron siete categorías de impacto: ocupación de suelo agrícola (ALO), ecotoxicidad marina (ME), toxicidad humana (TH), cambio climático (CC), agotamiento fósil (FD), acidificación terrestre (TA) y agotamiento de agua (WD). Como principales resultados de la investigación se identificó que la producción de alimento para el ganado es el principal contribuyente a las cargas ambientales en la mayoría de las categorías con porcentajes superiores al 71 %, mientras que las emisiones generadas en la granja contribuyen a las cargas ambientales para las categorías CC (28 %), FD (26 %) y TA (59 %). Se realizó una comparación entre escenarios pesimista, base y optimista para los años 2021 y 2030, lo que confirmó una mejora en la eficiencia ambiental en el escenario optimista prospectado, el incremento en el volumen de producción representó una disminución del 6 % y 5 % respectivamente, en las categorías de impacto evaluadas.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental performance of cow milk production in small and medium scale systems in Mexico, through life cycle analysis with a cradle to farm gate approach, for the period 2021-2030. The established functional unit was 1 kg of milk corrected for fat and protein. The impact assessment was carried out with the OpenLCA 1.11.0 software, using the ReCiPe method, considering seven impact categories: agricultural land occupation (ALO), marine ecotoxicity (ME), human toxicity (HT), climate change (CC), fossil depletion (FD), soil acidification (SA), and water depletion (WD). Among the main results of the research, the production of cattle feed was identified as the chief contributor to environmental loads in most of the categories with percentages above 71 %, while on-farm emissions contribute to the environmental loads for the CC (28 %), FD (26 %) and SA (59 %) categories. A comparison was made between pessimistic, base and optimistic scenarios for the years 2021 and 2030, which confirmed an improvement in environmental efficiency in the optimistic scenario, the increase in production volume represents a decrease of 6 % and 5 %, respectively, in the assessed impact categories.

Abstract: Nowadays, well-designed user documentation plays a relevant role in the development and delivery of high-quality software products. It minimizes software maintenance costs either for developers and managers by following quality standards during software life-cycle process. In this research work it is proposed an assessment approach consisting of a set of metrics, a methodology, and a guideline focused on supporting the testing of non-functional requirements of Application Program Interfaces (APIs). An emphasis is made on the evaluation of soundness and completeness qualities of the official documentation of APIs to support its evaluation of documentation’s usability. Furthermore, a straightforward criterion is proposed to rate the soundness and completeness qualities in an easily readable way.

'n Projekbestuurder se vaardighede hang af van projek kompleksiteit en sluit in 'n stel persoonlike eienskappe asook die vermoë om verskillende leierskapstyle te beoefen. Hierdie artikel rapporteer oor 'n Delphi studie wat die menings van 30 kundige praktisyns insluit - almal werknemers van 'n nutsmaatskappy wat projekte met verskillende vlakke van kompleksiteit hanteer. Die resultate bevestig dat die vaardigheid van 'n projekbestuurder beïnvloed word deur leierskapstyle wat toepaslik is vir spesifieke projekfases en vir spesifieke vlakke van projek-kompleksiteit, asook deur bepaalde persoonlike eienskappe. Die studie verskaf dus leiding oor projekbestuurder vaardighede wat benodig word in spesifieke situasies.

A project manager's competency depends on the project's complexity and includes a unique set of personal attributes and the ability to apply appropriate leadership styles. This paper reports on a Delphi study that includes the views of 30 experts - employed by a utility that executes projects with different levels of complexity. The results confirm that project manager competence is influenced by leadership styles that are appropriate for specific project lifecycle stages and levels of project complexity, as well as specific personal attributes. The study thus provides guidance regarding the project manager competence that is required for specific situations.

Increased production rates of plastic and limited disposal methods have fed concerns regarding environmental degradation. Whilst most of the focus is on plastic litter and marine pollution, greenhouse gas emissions of plastic over its value chains are also of interest and non-trivial at the global scale. To quantify the global warming potential of the local plastics industry, a lifecycle-based carbon footprint is presented encompassing activities such as resource extraction, polymer production and conversion, recycling, and disposal stages. The South African plastics sector is estimated to have emitted 15.8 Mt CO2eq in 2015, with the granulate production stage bearing the highest environmental load. The consumption of fossil fuel based electricity and the burning of plastic waste also contribute notably to the overall emissions. Additionally, the recycling process in 2015 saved approximately 1.4 Mt of greenhouse gas emissions. SIGNIFICANCE: • Research has typically focused on the environmental impacts of the end-of-life stage of plastics, namely disposal and recycling. Despite growing concern, the global warming potential of the local plastics sector across its value chain has not been investigated. • Greenhouse gas emissions arising from the South African plastic sector are non-trivial and are estimated to total 15.8 Mt CO2eq in 2015. • Amongst the lifecycle stages, the resin production process had the highest contribution in South Africa due to the country's coal-based monomer production process.