Abstract The article deals with the study of cartels as organizations with a variety of activities that include operational protection and contract killings. The objective was to explore the perception of hit men about their activity within the organization and the means they use to reduce the social stigma that their activity entails. The article seeks to make visible the perspective of the hitmen and generate analytical proposals in organizational analysis, including the gender perspective and a masculinity associated with the conditions of the social environment and the criminal orientation of the cartels. We use the qualitative documentary research method, and conducted interviews during 2022. Among the main results, we found that the socio-cultural environment in which the hitman’s activity takes place is one of extreme violence, which is accompanied by characteristics associated with masculinity such as risk aversion, strength, courage, ostentation, and in the case of their activity impunity, cruelty and the despoilability of the body are added. To deal with the stigma, new forms of sacralization are used that connect the activity of the hit man and the protection of new saints.

Resumen El artículo aborda el estudio de los cárteles como organizaciones con una variedad de actividades incluyendo las de protección operativa y el sicariato. El objetivo fue explorar la percepción de los sicarios sobre su actividad dentro de la organización y los medios que utilizan para reducir el estigma que conlleva la actividad. El artículo busca visibilizar la perspectiva de los sicarios y generar propuestas analíticas en el análisis organizacional, incluyendo la perspectiva de género y una masculinidad asociada con las condiciones del entorno social y con la orientación delictiva de los cárteles. Utilizamos el método cualitativo de investigación documental y la realización de entrevistas durante 2022. Entre los principales resultados encontramos de una violencia extrema el entorno sociocultural en el cual se desenvuelve la actividad del sicario, acompañado, además, de características asociadas con la masculinidad como la aversión al riesgo, la fuerza, el arrojo, la ostentación, sumando, en el caso de su actividad, la impunidad, la crueldad y la despojabilidad del cuerpo. Para enfrentar el estigma se recurre a nuevas formas de sacralización, las cuales conectan la actividad del sicario con la protección de nuevos santos.

RESUMO A pandemia de covid-19 trouxe inúmeras mudanças aos territórios sustentáveis e saudáveis, implicando a necessidade de reorganização de estruturas sociais e de saúde. Objetivou-se compreender a dinâmica das feiras livres de vendas de alimentos no período pós-pandêmico de covid-19 em cidades do Maciço de Baturité, no Ceará, e avaliar as estratégias sanitárias e/ou de biossegurança utilizadas no enfrentamento da covid-19 por feirantes e consumidores. Realizou-se um estudo qualitativo entre outubro de 2021 e janeiro de 2023, em cinco cidades do Ceará. Em uma primeira etapa, foi realizada a observação das condições sanitárias e de biossegurança nas feiras livres, mediante um instrumento estruturado em quatro categorias. Em seguida, consumidores e feirantes foram entrevistados para o aprofundamento de discussões sobre os reflexos da pandemia sobre as feiras. Avaliaram-se as feiras de cinco cidades e entrevistaram-se 44 pessoas. Quatro cidades mostraram-se com condições sanitárias precárias e comprometimento da biossegurança e comercialização de alimentos. Feirantes e consumidores tiveram uma baixa percepção de risco sobre a covid-19 e levantaram a necessidade da perpetuação das feiras livres para a qualidade de vida e economia da região. As feiras livres são territórios sociais e econômicos sustentáveis, que ainda carecem de atenção por gestores e profissionais de saúde. covid19 covid 19 covid-1 saudáveis saúde Objetivouse Objetivou se póspandêmico pós pandêmico Baturité Ceará eou ou Realizouse Realizou 202 2023 etapa categorias seguida Avaliaramse Avaliaram entrevistaramse entrevistaram 4 pessoas mostraramse mostraram região covid1 1 covid- 20 2

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has brought countless changes to sustainable and healthy territories, implying the need to reorganize social and health structures. The aim was to understand the dynamics of open-air food sales markets in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in cities in the Maciço de Baturité, in Ceará, Brazil, and to evaluate the health and/or biosafety strategies used by marketers and consumers to deal with covid-19. A qualitative study was carried out between October 2021 and January 2023, in five cities in the state of Ceará. In the first stage, the sanitary and biosafety conditions at the street markets were observed using an instrument structured into four categories. Then, consumers and stallholders were interviewed to deepen discussions about the impact of the pandemic on the markets. We evaluated fairs in five cities and interviewed 44 people. Four cities were found to have precarious sanitary conditions and compromised biosafety in the sale of food. Marketers and consumers had a low-risk perception regarding COVID-19 and raised the need to perpetuate open-air markets for the region’s quality of life and economy. Free markets are sustainable social and economic territories, which still require attention from managers and health professionals. COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 territories structures openair open air postCOVID19 postCOVID post post-COVID-1 Baturité Ceará Brazil andor or covid19. covid19 covid 19. covid-19 202 2023 stage categories Then 4 people lowrisk low risk regions region s economy professionals COVID1 1 COVID- postCOVID1 post-COVID- covid1 covid-1 20 post-COVID covid- 2

Abstract Achieving competitive supply chains currently represents a requirement to ensure the sustainability of companies, even more so in those that are considered emerging, either due to having little experience in their economic activities or due to their limited ability to cover the market due to their size. These characteristics are regularly met by startups and small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). The objective of this research is to obtain a status of the supply chains of emerging companies in the city of Bogotá as a basis for identifying opportunities for improvement that aim to strengthen their competitiveness. Two well-known reference models developed by logistics experts were used as measurement components. Some statistical calculations and the formulation of surveys were the methods used to collect, analyze and evaluate the information. Among the main results, it is evident that the processes that make up the emerging supply chains in the city have a result that varies between regular and good, and present multiple opportunities for improvement, such as agility and compliance in the supply phase, internal transportation technologies at the time of manufacturing or production, and poor risk management in the distribution and sales process.

Resumen Lograr cadenas de suministro competitivas representa actualmente un requisito para asegurar la sostenibilidad de las empresas, más aún en aquellas que son consideradas emergentes, ya sea por tener poca experiencia en sus actividades económicas o por su escasa capacidad de abarcar el mercado debido a su tamaño. Estas características las cumplen regularmente los emprendimientos y aquellas empresas pequeñas y medianas (pymes). El objetivo de esta investigación es obtener un estado de situación de las cadenas de suministro de las empresas emergentes en la ciudad de Bogotá como base para identificar oportunidades de mejora que apunten a fortalecer su competitividad. Como componentes de medición, se utilizaron dos conocidos modelos de referencia desarrollados por expertos logísticos. Algunos cálculos estadísticos y la formulación de encuestas fueron los métodos utilizados para recoger, analizar y evaluar la información. Entre los principales resultados se evidencia que los procesos que componen las cadenas de suministro emergentes en la ciudad tienen un resultado que varía entre lo regular y lo bueno, y presentan múltiples oportunidades de mejora, como la agilidad y cumplimiento en la fase de aprovisionamiento, las tecnologías de transporte interno al momento de la fabricación o producción, y la escasa gestión de riesgos en el proceso de distribución y ventas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a public health issue affecting an increasing number of workers, representing a disease exacerbated by work with a high social, economic, and personal cost. The nature of the work performed, coupled with occupational risks in a hospital setting, significantly contribute to the disease's progression. This study aims to address the impact of this disease on work and the role of Occupational Health in the prevention of exposure to occupational risk factors in the hospital environment, which can contribute to the metabolic imbalance of type I diabetes mellitus. Methodology: The methodology included search in PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases, using keywords such as "diabetes mellitus, occupational medicine, risk factors and occupational health”. Filters were applied, considering publications from 2010 to 2024, totaling 463 works. Exclusion criteria focused on non-diabetes-related diseases, exclusive focus on Type II, and non-occupational approaches. Articles on diabetes and occupational health and safety published in Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Ocupacional were also considered, in a total of five studies. Sources also included Direção Geral de Saúde Clinical Guidance, a national epidemiological study, and a technical manual on workplace diabetes, totaling 30 references in the discussion. Results: The authors report two cases of healthcare professionals from a hospital unit, both diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at the age of five. Case 1: A 35-year-old healthcare assistant with a history of depressive syndrome and recent diabetic retinopathy diagnosis. Case 2: A 57-year-old nurse with diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, undergoing treatment for osteomyelitis of the right big toe, without cardiovascular changes. In both they work or have worked in shifts, including night shifts, engaging in physically demanding tasks. Discussion/Conclusion: Diabetes is a chronic disease requiring continuous medical care and patient education, alongside support in preventing acute complications and reducing the risk of chronic complications. The incidence of new Type I Dm cases is higher between 12-14 years. During the transition to adulthood and entry into the job market, patients face disease stigma, treatment management challenges, and psychosocial workplace-related issues. Implementing preventive measures and monitoring these workers should help reduce work absenteeism, productivity loss, and income loss for the worker.

RESUMO Introdução: A Diabetes mellitus é um problema de Saúde Pública que afeta um número crescente de trabalhadores. Pode ser considerada uma doença agravada pelo trabalho com um elevado custo social, económico e pessoal. O tipo de trabalho realizado e as exposições a riscos laborais em contexto hospitalar, podem contribuir para a sua progressão, segundo alguns autores. Este trabalho pretende abordar o impacto desta patologia no trabalho e o papel da Saúde Ocupacional na evicção da exposição a fatores de risco laborais, em ambiente hospitalar, que contribuem para o descontrolo metabólico da Diabetes Melitus tipo I. Pretende-se identificar as exposições laborais que podem constituir fatores de risco modificáveis, interferem com a aptidão para o trabalho, podem aumentar a frequência de acidentes laborais e acelerar a progressão crónica da doença. Metodologia: Na metodologia de pesquisa e seleção de estudos utilizou as bases de dados PubMed, Science Direct e Google Scholar, com as palavras-chave “diabetes mellitus, occupational medicine, risk factors, occupational health”. Aplicaram-se filtros de revisão e revisão sistemática, considerando publicações de 2010 a 2024, totalizando 463 trabalhos. Critérios de exclusão incidiram em doenças não relacionadas à diabetes, exclusividade na tipo II e abordagens não ocupacionais. Foram ainda considerados os artigos sobre diabetes e saúde e segurança no trabalho publicados na Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Ocupacional, num total de cinco estudos. Incluíram-se a Norma de Orientação Clínica da DGS, um estudo epidemiológico nacional e um caderno técnico sobre diabetes no local de trabalho, totalizando 30 fontes na discussão. Descrição dos casos: Os autores reportam dois casos de profissionais de saúde de uma unidade hospitalar, ambos com diagnóstico de Diabetes tipo I aos cinco anos de idade. Caso 1: Uma auxiliar de ação médica de 35 anos, com antecedentes pessoais de síndrome depressivo e diagnóstico recente de retinopatia diabética. Caso 2: Uma enfermeira de 57 anos com retinopatia e nefropatia diabética, neuropatia, em tratamento para uma osteomielite do 1º dedo do pé direito, sem alterações cardiovasculares. Ambas trabalham ou trabalharam por turnos, com trabalho noturno e com tarefas fisicamente exigentes. Discussão/Conclusão: A diabetes é uma doença crónica que requer cuidados médicos contínuos e educação do doente, juntamente com apoio na prevenção de complicações agudas e redução do risco de complicações crónicas. A incidência de novos casos de Dm tipo I é maior entre os 12-14 anos. Na transição para a idade adulta e entrada no mercado laboral, os doentes podem ser sujeitos ao estigma da doença, ter dificuldade na gestão do tratamento e/ou desafios psicossociais relacionados com o trabalho. A instituição de medidas preventivas e monitorização destes trabalhadores deverá ajudar a reduzir o absentismo laboral, a perda de produtividade e a perda de rendimento para o trabalhador.

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar la evolución de los requerimientos de divulgación de información sobre el directorio para las emisoras de acciones en el mercado de capitales argentino. La plantea una metodología de investigación cualitativa, empleando el análisis documental como técnica de recolección de datos. Se realiza un estudio comparativo de las responsabilidades y funciones del órgano de administración bajo diferentes normativas del Código de Gobierno Societario. La aplicación práctica de estos requisitos se analiza con un estudio de caso. Mediante análisis de contenido cualitativo se identifican nueve categorías relevantes: rol estratégico, rol de control, administración de riesgos, evaluación del directorio y organización formal, composición, selección y sucesión, capacitación, presidente del directorio y secretaría corporativa y remuneración.

Abstract The aim of this paper is to study the evolution of the disclosure requirements of information on the board of directors for issuers of shares in the Argentine capital market. The research methodology used is qualitative, using documentary analysis as a data collection technique. A comparative study is carried out on the responsibilities and functions of the administrative body under different regulations of the Corporate Governance Code. The practical application of these requirements is analyzed with a case study. Through qualitative content analysis, nine relevant categories are identified: strategic role, control role, risk management, performance evaluation and formal organization, composition, selection and succession, training, chairman of the board and corporate secretary, and remuneration.

Abstract This study investigates day-of-the-week effects in the digital market, with a focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum, spanning from July 1st, 2020, to December 31st, 2023, in the post-COVID-19 period. Employing parametric and non-parametric tests alongside the GARCH (1,1) model, market dynamics was analized. The findings indicate the presence of a day-of-the-week effect in Ethereum, characterized by notable return variations across different days, while Bitcoin exhibits no discernible calendar anomalies, suggesting enhanced market efficiency. Ethereum’s susceptibility to these effects underscores ongoing market complexities. Disparities in calendar anomalies stem from evolving market dynamics, methodological differences, and the speculative nature of cryptocurrency trading. Furthermore, the decentralized and global market complicates the accurate identification of market-wide effects. This study provides experimental findings on day-of-the-week effects in the digital market, facilitating investors in refining trading strategies and risk management. Further research is warranted to explore underlying mechanisms and monitor regulatory and technological developments for investor insights.

Resumen Este estudio investiga los efectos del día de la semana en el mercado digital, con un enfoque en bitcoin y ethereum, abarcando desde el 1º de julio de 2020 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2023, en el período posterior al COVID-19. Empleando pruebas paramétricas y no paramétricas junto con el modelo GARCH (1,1), se analizó la dinámica del mercado. Los hallazgos indican un efecto significativo del día de la semana en ethereum, caracterizado por notables variaciones de rendimiento entre diferentes días, mientras que bitcoin no muestra anomalías de calendario discernibles, lo que sugiere una mayor eficiencia del mercado. La susceptibilidad de ethereum a estos efectos subraya las complejidades actuales del mercado. Las disparidades en las anomalías del calendario surgen de la evolución de la dinámica del mercado, las diferencias metodológicas y la naturaleza especulativa del comercio de criptomonedas. Además, el mercado descentralizado y global complica la identificación precisa de los efectos en todo el mercado. Este estudio proporciona evidencia empírica sobre los efectos del día de la semana en el mercado de criptomonedas, lo que facilita a los inversionistas refinar las estrategias comerciales y la gestión de riesgos. Se justifica realizar más investigaciones para explorar los mecanismos subyacentes y monitorear los desarrollos regulatorios y tecnológicos para obtener información de los inversionistas.

Abstract Ready-to-eat cereals (RTE) represent a significant part of the breakfast cereal market and are an important component of the diet. This update article aims to describe the nutritional aspects, processing and health effects associated with the consumption of RTE. The technological processes of RTE manufacturing involve ingredient blending, processing temperatures, and grain refinement and extrusion methods. In response to consumer demands, the industry has improved processing technologies, increasing the diversification of raw materials and using strategies such as fortification to improve their nutritional quality. There is ample evidence to support the effects of RTE consumption on human health, highlighting its contribution to meeting recommended macro- and micronutrient intakes in adult and child populations. Moreover, consumption of RTE, especially whole grains, is associated with lower incidence of obesity and lower risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases. In the pediatric population, the relationship between RTE consumption and improved diet quality is highlighted, although its impact on body weight and adiposity is still under discussion.

Resumen Los cereales listos para consumir (CLPC) representan una parte significativa del mercado de cereales para el desayuno y son un componente importante en la dieta. Este artículo de actualización tiene como objetivo describir los aspectos nutricionales, elaboración y efectos en la salud asociados al consumo de CLPC. Los procesos tecnológicos de fabricación de CLPC involucran mezcla de ingredientes, temperaturas de procesamiento, refinamiento del grano y métodos de extrusión. En respuesta a las demandas del consumidor, la industria ha mejorado las tecnologías de procesamiento, aumentando la diversificación de materias primas y utilizando estrategias como la fortificación para mejorar su calidad nutricional. Existe amplia evidencia que respalda los efectos del consumo de CLPC en la salud humana, destacando su contribución al cumplimiento de las ingestas recomendadas de macro y micronutrientes en poblaciones adultas e infantiles. Por otra parte, el consumo de CLPC, especialmente de granos enteros, se relaciona con menor incidencia de obesidad y menor riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. En cuanto a la población pediátrica, se destaca la relación entre el consumo de CLPC y la mejor calidad de la dieta, aunque su impacto sobre el peso corporal y la adiposidad sigue en discusión.

Abstract The objective is to analyze the impact of leverage (short- and long-term debt), capital structure, solvency, Returns on Assets (ROA), and firm size on the stock returns of 52 firms quoted in Mexican stock market (BMV) for the period 2011(1Q)-2021(2Q). Methodology includes three panel approaches are implemented: Pooled Ordinary Least Square (POLS), Fixed-Effect Model (FEM) and Random Effect Model (REM). Findings suggest a statistically significant negative effect of firm size stock returns, whereas there is a statistically significant and positive impact of ROA and solvency on stock returns. We recommend that, investors should pay attention, not only, to company size and profitability-related indicators, but also to indebtedness, to prices reflect the risk associated with the assets. The originality lies in the fact that the issue of capital structure and its impact on the market value of Mexican companies has been scarcely studied, and an extensive sample of companies is used, and various panel data methodologies are also used to compare the results. We conclude that, the size and profitability indicators have a significant effect on the stock returns, but the leverage does not.

Resumen El objetivo es analizar el impacto del apalancamiento (deuda de corto y largo plazo), el Retorno sobre Activos (ROA) y el tamaño de la empresa sobre los rendimientos accionarios de 52 empresas que cotizan en la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV) para el periodo 2011(1T)-2021(2T). En la metodología, se implementan tres modelos panel: Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios Agrupados (MCO), Modelo de Efectos Fijos (MEF) y Modelo de Efectos Aleatorios (REM). Los resultados sugieren un efecto negativo estadísticamente significativo del tamaño de la empresa sobre el rendimiento de las acciones, mientras que existe un impacto positivo y estadísticamente significativo del ROA y la solvencia sobre el rendimiento de las acciones. La principal recomendación es que, los inversores presten atención, no solo al tamaño y rentabilidad de la empresa, sino también al nivel de endeudamiento, de tal forma que, los precios del mercado reflejen mejor el nivel de riesgo asociado a los diversos activos. La principal limitación es que, dada la disponibilidad de los datos, solamente se abarca empresas cotizadas en la bolsa, por lo que, no se sabe cuál es el efecto en empresas de menor tamaño. La originalidad radica en que la estructura de capital y su impacto en el valor de mercado de las empresas mexicanas ha sido escasamente estudiado. Además, se utiliza una amplia muestra de empresas, así como diversas metodologías de datos de panel para comparar los resultados. Se concluye que sí hay impacto significativo del tamaño y rentabilidad operativa, pero no hay impacto significativo del nivel endeudamiento en los rendimientos accionarios de las empresas de la BMV.

Abstract Objective: This paper answers What would the performance of an investor be if she or he invested only in public companies with proper water management practices in Latin America (LATAM)? Methodology: The research uses the water-to-revenues (WTR) ratio to measure water management quality. It simulates the performance of an investor invested mainly in companies with the best WTR (from January 6th, 2005, to Abril 20, 2022). Results: Comparing the simulated portfolio’s performance against a broad market portfolio, the results suggest that both portfolios have similar performance in the short term. In the long term, the tests found that the WTR has a low systematic (market) risk (beta of 0.26), and its performance is more stable (mean-variance efficient) than the market portfolio. The tests also control the impact of some LATAM currencies’ depreciation. Conclusions: The results could be useful for investors to engage in water management activism through investing, motivate companies to engage in better water management practices, and reduce the future risk that water disposal represents to the world in years to come.

Resumen Objetivo: Se responde la pregunta ¿cuál sería el desempeño de un inversionista si invierte solo en compañías con un adecuado manejo de agua en Latino Amética? Metodología: Se emplea la razón de consumo de agua entre ingresos (WTR) para medir la calidad de las políticas de manejo de agua en la empresa. También simula el desempeño de un inversionista invertido principalemente en empresas con el mejor WTR (del 6 de enero del 2005 al 20 de abril del 2022). Resultados: Al comparar el portafolio simulado contra el de mercado, los resultados sugieren que ambos tienen un desempeño similar en el corto plazo. En el largo plazo, las pruebas evidencian que el portafolio WTR tiene un riesgo sistemático menor (beta de 0.26), y su desempeño es más estable (media-varianza eficiente). Los resultados controlan el impacto de fluctuaciones cambiarias en algunos países latinoamericanos. Conclusiones: Los resultados pueden ser de utilidad para inversionistas activistas de consumo de agua, motivar mejores prácticas de manejo de agua en las empresas y reducir el riesgo de disposición de agua en años venideros.

Resumo Introdução/objetivo: esta pesquisa objetiva analisar as competências em tecnologias da informação e da comunicação (TIC) exigidas pelo mercado aos contadores no Brasil. Metodologia: estabeleceu-se como procedimento metodológico a análise de conteúdo, a qual envolveu a verificação de 300 ofertas de vagas para contador promovidas por empresas de todas as regiões do Brasil. Resultados: os resultados indicam que, além de competências técnicas básicas, tais como conhecimento em sistemas de gestão empresarial (ERP, em inglês) e pacotes Microsoft, são exigidos conhecimentos relacionados ao uso das TIC para aperfeiçoar a eficiência e a eficácia da comunicação, à análise de banco de dados, ao suporte das TIC nas tomadas de decisões, à gestão de riscos e à otimização de sistemas organizacionais. A ênfase dos achados acerca da comunicação ressalta o contador como elo entre a equipe contábil e as outras áreas da empresa. Os resultados também evidenciam que há diferenças significativas das competências técnicas das TIC entre os níveis hierárquicos. Conclusões: promover a discussão da atualização e do aprimoramento das competências em TIC na formação dos profissionais da contabilidade no Brasil é considerado como principal contributo do estudo. Além disso, constata-se a necessidade de os profissionais de contabilidade investirem na aquisição e no desenvolvimento dessas competências técnicas a fim de atingir posições hierárquicas estratégicas e destacáveis nas organizações.

Resumen Introducción/Objetivo: esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar las competencias en Tecnología de la Información y Comunicación (TIC) exigidas por el mercado para los contadores en Brasil. Metodología: el procedimiento metodológico adoptado fue el análisis de contenido, que involucró la verificación de 300 ofertas de empleo para contadores, promovidas por empresas de todas las regiones de Brasil. Resultados: los resultados indican que, además de las competencias técnicas básicas como el conocimiento en sistemas de planificación de recursos empresariales (ERP, por sus siglas en inglés) y paquetes Microsoft, se requieren conocimientos relacionados con el uso de las TIC para mejorar la eficiencia y eficacia de la comunicación, el de bases de datos, el apoyo de las TIC en la toma de decisiones, la gestión de riesgos y la optimización de sistemas organizacionales. La relevancia de los hallazgos sobre la comunicación destaca al contador como el vínculo entre el equipo contable y otras áreas de la empresa. También se evidencian diferencias significativas en las competencias técnicas en TIC entre los diferentes niveles jerárquicos. Conclusiones: como principales contribuciones del estudio, se destaca la necesidad de promover la discusión sobre la actualización y el perfeccionamiento de las competencias en TIC en la formación de los profesionales de la contabilidad en Brasil. Además, se señala la importancia de que los profesionales de la contabilidad inviertan en la adquisición y desarrollo de estas competencias técnicas, con miras a alcanzar posiciones jerárquicas estratégicas y destacadas en las organizaciones.

Abstract Introduction/objective: This research aims to analyze the skills in information and communication technologies (ICT) required by the market for accountants in Brazil. Methodology: Content analysis was established as a methodological procedure, which involved checking 300 vacancies for accountants promoted by companies from all regions of Brazil. Results: The results indicate that, in addition to basic technical skills, such as knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and Microsoft packages, knowledge related to the use of ICT is required to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of communication, database analysis, the support of ICT in decision making, risk management and the optimization of organizational systems. The emphasis of the findings on communication highlights the accountant as a link between the accounting team and other areas of the company. The results also show that there are significant differences in ICT technical skills between hierarchical levels. Conclusions: Promoting the discussion of updating and improving ICT skills in the training of accounting professionals in Brazil is considered the main contribution of the study. Furthermore, there is a need for accounting professionals to invest in the acquisition and development of these technical skills in order to reach strategic and notable hierarchical positions in organizations.

SIGNIFICANCE: The move away from LIBOR to new risk-free rates is crucial in finance. In this Commentary, I examine South Africa's readiness for transitioning from JIBAR to these new rates, especially regarding interest rate derivatives. I delve into how this shift impacts pricing, unique to South Africa's market. Using a mathematical model based on a 2 x 2 Wishart process, I analyse caplet pricing considering backward- and forward-looking rates. Comparing these caplet types reveals the complexities of pricing in this changing financial landscape. The insights shed light on challenges and opportunities for South Africa and the finance sector as JIBAR nears its end, emphasising the need for robust mathematical strategies in navigating this transition.

Abstract We analize the Mexican peso-US dollar exchange parity the volatility using three models in order to evaluate the exchange rate risk performance and the these models capability of modeling such risk. The period June 21st, 2017 to June 21st, 2022 is marked by singular events that pressed this exchange rate parity, making it of great interest to study the tools that can be used to measure this uncertainty besides the study of the exchange rate uncertainty itself. The arrival of a left- wing politician to the presidency was an unprecedented event. At the beginning of 2020 the price war in the oil market and the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic had important effects in the world economy. Finally, the war in Ukraine added pressures to the international trade of raw materials, inducing an inflationary episode with bad expectations about the economic performance around the world. The exchange rate scenarios posed by the aforesaid events provide us with a natural context to test which of the posited volatility models offers a better fit. Unanimously, the results under the three models suggest that during the first year of the President López Obrador period the exchange rate uncertainty was reduced compared to previous levels, returning again to those minor levels after the forced closure of economic activities due to the emergence of COVID-19, even though the exchange fluctuation band has been slightly higher than before the pandemic and the war on East Europe.

Resumen Analizamos la volatilidad de la paridad cambiaria peso-dólar mexicano utilizando tres modelos con el fin de evaluar el desempeño del riesgo cambiario y la capacidad de estos modelos para modelar dicho riesgo. El periodo comprendido entre el 21 de junio de 2017 y el 21 de junio de 2022 está marcado por eventos singulares que presionaron esta paridad cambiaria, por lo que es de gran interés estudiar las herramientas que se pueden utilizar para medir esta incertidumbre además de estudiar la propia incertidumbre cambiaria. La llegada de un político de izquierda a la presidencia fue un hecho sin precedentes. A principios de 2020, la guerra de precios en el mercado petrolero y la aparición de la pandemia de COVID-19 tuvieron efectos importantes en la economía mundial. Finalmente, la guerra en Ucrania sumó presiones al comercio internacional de materias primas, induciendo un episodio inflacionario con malas expectativas sobre el desempeño económico en todo el mundo. Los escenarios cambiarios planteados por los eventos mencionados nos proporcionan un contexto natural para probar cuál de los modelos de volatilidad postulados ofrece un mejor ajuste. De manera unánime, los resultados bajo los tres modelos sugieren que durante el primer año del periodo del presidente López Obrador la incertidumbre cambiaria se redujo en comparación con niveles anteriores, regresando nuevamente a esos niveles menores tras el cierre forzoso de actividades económicas por la aparición del COVID-19, a pesar de que la banda de fluctuación cambiaria ha sido ligeramente superior a la anterior a la pandemia y la guerra en Europa del Este.

Abstract: In the period 2006-2018, just over 6 000 km of gas pipelines were installed in Mexico to form a gas-electricity chain, using private investment attracted by a business model based on the extraction of public resources. Successive neoliberal governments hastily promoted, without planning criteria or risk minimization, a large market for private companies that provided natural gas transportation services for electricity generation, resulting in an overcapacity whose budgetary dimensions and costly flaws have been evidenced by the State’s public documentation. This article provides an interpretation of the extractivist-based privatization process in the Mexican natural gas sector and details the mechanisms of the business model of the well-known Energy Reform.

Resumen: En el periodo 2006-2018 fueron construidos poco más de 6 000 km de gasoductos en México para constituir la cadena gas-electricidad, mediante inversión privada atraída por un modelo de negocios basado en la extracción de recursos públicos. Los sucesivos gobiernos neoliberales promovieron apresuradamente, sin criterios de planeación ni de minimización de riesgos, un amplio mercado para las empresas privadas que brindaron el servicio de transporte de gas natural para generación eléctrica, resultando en una sobrecapacidad cuyas dimensiones presupuestales y costosas fallas han sido evidenciadas por la documentación pública del Estado. Este artículo aporta una interpretación del proceso privatizador de base extractivista en el sector del gas natural mexicano y detalla los mecanismos del modelo de negocios de la conocida Reforma Energética.

Abstract Purpose: This study analyzes the static and dynamic risk spillover between US/Chinese stock markets, cryptocurrencies and gold using daily data from August 24, 2018, to January 29, 2021. This study provides practical policy implications for investors and portfolio managers. Design/methodology/approach: The authors use the Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) spillover indices based on the forecast error variance decomposition from vector autoregression framework. This approach allows the authors to examine both return and volatility spillover before and after the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. First, the authors used a static analysis to calculate the return and volatility spillover indices. Second, the authors make a dynamic analysis based on the 30-day moving window spillover index estimation. Findings: Generally, results show evidence of significant spillovers between markets, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, cryptocurrencies and gold markets are net receivers of risk. This study provides also practical policy implications for investors and portfolio managers. The reached findings suggest that the mix of Bitcoin (or Ethereum), gold and equities could offer diversification opportunities for US and Chinese investors. Gold, Bitcoin and Ethereum can be considered as safe havens or as hedging instruments during the COVID-19 crisis. In contrast, Stablecoins (Tether and TrueUSD) do not offer hedging opportunities for US and Chinese investors. Originality/value: The paper's empirical contribution lies in examining both return and volatility spillover between the US and Chinese stock market indices, gold and cryptocurrencies before and after the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This contribution goes a long way in helping investors to identify optimal diversification and hedging strategies during a crisis.

Abstract Purpose: This paper makes a novel attempt to estimate the potential impact of credit risk on foreign direct investment (FDI hereafter), thereby focusing on a completely unexplored area in the existing empirical literature. Design/methodology/approach: To provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between credit risk and FDI inflows, the study incorporates all the eight-member economies of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC hereafter) and analyzes a panel data set, over the period 2011 to 2019, extracted from the World Development Indicators, using the suitable econometric techniques for the efficient estimations of the specified models. Findings: The results indicate a negative and statistically significant relationship between the credit risk of the banking sectors and FDI inflows. Similarly, market size and inflation rate appear to be the two other main factors behind the increasing FDI inflows in the SAARC member economies. Interestingly, the size of the market became irrelevant in attracting FDI inflows when the Indian economy is excluded from the sample due to its higher economic weight. On the other hand, FDI inflows are not dependent on the level of trade openness, with most of the specifications showing either an insignificant or negative coefficient of the variable. Practical implications: The obtained results are unique and robust to alternative methodologies, and hence, the SAARC economies could consider them as the critical inputs in formulating the appropriate policies on FDI inflows. Originality/value: The findings are unique and original. The authors have established a relationship between credit risk and FDI for the first time in the SAARC context.