Resumen (Objetivo). Se evaluó el manglar de Chacarita en el Pacífico Central de Costa Rica, a través de la composición florística y las poblaciones de moluscos asociados de interés comercial, con el fin de proponer actividades de aprovechamiento sustentables en el manglar. (Metodología). Mensualmente y durante un año, se realizaron visitas al área de estudio, con el propósito de establecer una base florística de árboles de mangle y medir el almacenamiento de carbono en el lugar, además, de recolectar moluscos bivalvos para analizar el estado de las poblaciones, con base en las abundancias de organismos hallados y otras características como las longitudes y la masa de estos. En los mangles, se obtuvo el diámetro de la altura de pecho (DAP en cm), la altura (m), el índice de valor de importancia (IVI) y las reservas de carbono (Mg C·ha-1). En cuanto a los moluscos, se examinaron cuatro especies de interés comercial, evaluando la longitud (cm), la masa (g) y el índice gonadosomático. Finalmente, se realizaron valoraciones económicas de los datos obtenidos en el manglar, del turismo e información histórica de pesca para el acopio de Chacarita. (Resultados). Se hallaron cinco especies de mangles, Rhizophora mangle, Rizophora racemosa, Laguncularia racemosa, Avicennia germinans y Pelliciera rhizophorae; P. rhizophorae fue la de mayor índice de valor de importancia. Se obtuvo un almacenamiento de carbono equivalente a 78.49 Mg C·ha-1. Se contabilizaron 357 organismos, de los cuales el 18 % correspondió a Anadara similis, 37.5 % a Anadara tuberculosa, 41.46 % a Leukoma spp. y 3.08 % a Mytella guyanensis. Tomando en cuenta el valor económico de las reservas de carbono y los moluscos bivalvos presentes en los muestreos, se obtuvieron valoraciones económicas de 9812.63 USD·ha-1 y 28 USD·ha-1, respectivamente. (Conclusiones). Las bajas densidades poblacionales de moluscos, especialmente del género Anadara, hacen necesario establecer medidas de gestión que permitan recuperar las poblaciones de estos. La presente investigación propone actividades de aprovechamiento sustentables, como turismo comunitario con fines educativos y culturales.

Resumo (Objetivo). O mangue de Chacarita, no Pacífico Central da Costa Rica, foi avaliado por meio da composição florística e das populações de moluscos associados de interesse comercial, com o objetivo de propor atividades de uso sustentável no mangue. (Metodologia). Foram feitas visitas mensais à área de estudo durante um ano para estabelecer uma base florística de árvores do mangue e medir o armazenamento de carbono no local, bem como para coletar moluscos bivalves para analisar o status das populações, com base na abundância de organismos encontrados e em outras características, como comprimento e massa de tais organismos. Nos manguezais, foram obtidos o diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP em cm), a altura (m), o índice de valor de importância (IVI) e as reservas de carbono (Mg C-ha-1). No que diz respeito aos moluscos, foram examinadas quatro espécies de interesse comercial., avaliando o comprimento (cm), a massa (g) e o índice gonadossomático. Por fim, foram feitas avaliações econômicas de dados de mangue, turismo e informações históricas de pesca para a coleção Chacarita. (Resultados). Foram encontradas cinco espécies de mangue, Rhizophora mangle, Rizophora racemosa, Laguncularia racemosa, Avicennia germinans e Pelliciera rhizophorae; a P. rhizophorae apresentou o índice de valor de importância mais alto. Foi obtido um armazenamento de carbono equivalente a 78.49 Mg C-ha-1. Foram calculados um total de 357 organismos, dos quais 18% correspondeu a Anadara similis, 37.5% Anadara tuberculosa, 41.46% Leukoma spp. e 3.08% Mytella guyanensis. Levando em conta o valor econômico das reservas de carbono e dos moluscos bivalves presentes nas amostras, foram obtidas avaliações econômicas de US$ 9812.63 ha-1 e US$ 28 ha-1, respectivamente. (Conclusões). As baixas densidades populacionais de moluscos, especialmente do gênero Anadara tornam necessário o estabelecimento de medidas de manejo para permitir a recuperação dessas populações. Esta pesquisa propõe atividades de uso sustentável, como o turismo comunitário para fins educacionais e culturais.

Abstract (Objective). The floristic composition and populations of associated molluscs of commercial interest of the Chacarita mangrove forest on the Central Pacific of Costa Rica were evaluated to guide proposals for sustainable exploitation activities in the mangrove forest. (Methodology). Monthly visits to the study area were conducted for one year to establish a floristic baseline of mangrove trees and measure carbon storage. Additionally, bivalve molluscs were collected to analyze the state of their populations based on the abundances of organisms found, as well as other characteristics such as length and mass. Data regarding the mangrove trees included their diameter at breast height (DBH, cm), height (m), importance value index (IVI), and carbon reserves (Mg C·ha-1). Four mollusc species of commercial interest were analyzed, using data on their length (cm), weight (g), and gonodosomatic index. Economic evaluations were also conducted using data obtained from the mangrove forest, as well as tourism and historical fishing data for the collection of Chacarita. (Results). Five species of mangroves were identified: Rhizophora mangle, Rizophora racemosa, Laguncularia racemosa, Avice germinans, and Pelliciera rhizophorae, while P. rhizophorae had the highest importance value index. The study revealed a carbon storage equivalent to 78.49 Mg C·ha-1. A total of 357 organisms were counted, with Anadara similis accounting for 18% of the total count, followed by Anadara tuberculosa (37.5%), Leukoma spp. (41.46%), and Mytella guyanensis (3.08%). When considering the economic value of carbon stocks and the bivalve molluscs obtained from the samples, economic valuations of 9,812.63 USD·ha-1 and 28 USD·ha-1 were determined, respectively. (Conclusions). The low population densities of molluscs, particularly those belonging to the Anadara genus, necessitate the establishment of management measures to facilitate the recovery of these mollusk populations. This research proposes sustainable use activities such as community tourism for educational and cultural purposes.

ABSTRACT The global COVID-19 pandemic caused significant economic and financial losses in the Ecuadorian banking sector. This study aims to determine the extent to which credit risk and liquidity affect the profitability of mutual savings banks in Ecuador between 2018 and 2021. To this end, the population consisted of the four existing mutual savings banks, and data from a panel of 192 observations were used, applying a PLS-SEM model to demonstrate the relationships. The results showed that credit risk has a negative impact on the liquidity and profitability of these financial institutions; in the case of liquidity, it was found that it does not affect profitability. Consequently, it is essential to control credit risk through delinquency indices, which makes it necessary to consider the structure of the loan portfolio.

RESUMEN La pandemia mundial producto del COVID-19 ocasionó importantes pérdidas económicas y financieras en el sector bancario ecuatoriano. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar en qué medida el riesgo crediticio y la liquidez afectan la rentabilidad de las mutualistas en Ecuador, entre el 2018 y 2021. Para tal efecto, la población estuvo constituida por las cuatro mutualistas existentes, con cuyos datos se trabajó con datos de panel de 192 observaciones, aplicando un modelo PLS-SEM para evidenciar las relaciones. De esta manera, los resultados mostraron que el riesgo crediticio incide negativamente sobre la liquidez y la rentabilidad de estas instituciones financieras; en el caso de la liquidez, se ha podido percibir que esta no afecta a la rentabilidad. En consecuencia, es sumamente importante controlar el riesgo crediticio, a través de los índices de morosidad, por lo que es necesario considerar la estructura de cartera.

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

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

Resumen Distichlis spicata es una especie de gramínea halófita que crece en las zonas costeras. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar las modificaciones en la estructura anatómica de estomas de la epidermis foliar de D. spicata, cultivadas con riego y sin riego. Se seleccionaron dos poblaciones, 1) plantas de D. spicata con riego y 2) plantas de D. spicata sin riego. De cada población se seleccionaron 10 plantas por repetición y de cada planta seleccionada se tomó la cuarta hoja. Cada hoja se cortó longitudinalmente en cuatro segmentos que se secaron y analizaron utilizando un microscopio electrónico de barrido. Las variables medidas fueron la densidad estomática, largo y ancho de estomas y poros, el área estomática, la proporción del área de poros con respecto al tamaño de los estomas y la proporción de estomas por superficie. Los resultados mostraron que la población de D. spicata con riego y sin riego mostraron modificaciones anatómicas en la estructura de los estomas en la epidermis adaxial pero no en la epidermis abaxial. En la epidermis adaxial, las plantas con riego presentaron valores más altos de longitud de estoma, ancho de estoma, área de estoma y longitud de poro, mientras que las plantas sin riego mostraron valores más altos de proporción poro/estoma y densidad estomática. Las plantas de D. spicata sin riego presentaron estomas más pequeños respecto a las plantas con riego; además, las plantas sin riego incrementaron la acumulación de cristales de sal en la epidermis abaxial.

Abstract Distichlis spicata is a gramineous halophyte species that grow around the coastal areas. The objective of the study was to identify the modifications in the anatomical structure of stomates of the D. spicata leaf epidermis, cultivated with irrigation and without irrigation conditions. Two populations were selected, 1) plants of D. spicata with irrigation and 2) plants of D. spicata without irrigation. Ten plants per replication were selected from each population, and from each selected plant, the fourth leaf was taken. Each leaf was cut longitudinally into four segments which were dried and analyzed using an Electronic Scanning Microscope. The variables measured were the stomatal density, length, and width of stomates and pores, the stomatal area, the proportion of the pore area concerning the size of the stomata, and the stomata proportion per surface. The results showed that D. spicata populations with irrigation and without irrigation showed anatomical modifications in the structure of stomates in the adaxial epidermis but not in the abaxial epidermis. In the adaxial epidermis, the plants with irrigation showed higher values of stoma length, stoma width, stoma area and pore length, while plants without irrigation showed higher values of proportion pore/stoma and stomatal density. The D. spicata plants without irrigation showed small stomates than plants with irrigation, also, the plants without irrigation, increased the accumulation of salt crystals in the abaxial epidermis.

ABSTRACT: Members of the genus Lanius, known as shrikes, are economically important song birds distributed widely in several Asian countries. DNA sequencing, based on a partial segment of the cytochrome oxidase b (Cyt b) gene, was used to determine genetic variations and population genetic structure in four populations of shrike samples from north, east, and west Pakistan. We observed nucleotide diversities in L. isabellinus(= 0.02), L. schach(= 0.005), L. vittatus(= 0.004) and L. lahtora(= 0.008) . FST values were significant (P < 0.05) in all species populations apart from L. isabellinus, which were non-significant. The negative values of Fu’s Fs and Tajima’s D showed significant population expansion in three species, L. schach, L. vittatusand L. Lahtora, whereas they were insignificant in populations of L. isabellinus. Fu’s Fs and Tajima’s D values explain that a strong genetic structure is present among members of L. isabellinus. On this basis, it is inferred that strong genetic structuring in L. isabellinuspopulations within this region was largely shaped by a common origin, with secondary influences from geographical factors and isolation. ABSTRACT Lanius shrikes countries sequencing Cyt gene north east Pakistan L isabellinus= isabellinus = isabellinus( 0.02, 002 0.02 , 0 02 0.02) schach= schach schach( 0.005, 0005 0.005 005 0.005) vittatus= vittatus vittatus( 0.004 0004 004 lahtora= lahtora lahtora( 0.008 0008 008 P 0.05 05 nonsignificant. nonsignificant non significant. non-significant Fus Fu s Tajimas Tajima Lahtora basis origin isolation 00 0.0 000 0.00 0.

RESUMO: Membros do gênero Lanius, conhecidos como picanços, são pássaros canoros economicamente importantes, amplamente distribuídos em vários países asiáticos. O sequenciamento de DNA, baseado em um segmento parcial do gene citocromo oxidase b (Cyt b), foi usado para determinar as variações genéticas e a estrutura genética da população em quatro populações de amostras de picanço do norte, leste e oeste do Paquistão. As diversidades de nucleotídeos em L. isabellinus (= 0,02), L. schach (= 0,005), L. vittatus (= 0,004) e L. lahtora (= 0,008) foram observadas. Os valores de FST foram significativos (P < 0,05) em todas as populações de espécies, exceto L. isabellinus, que não foram significativos. Os valores negativos de Fs de Fu e D de Tajima mostraram expansão populacional significativa em três espécies, L. schach, L. vittatus e L. Lahtora, enquanto foram insignificantes em populações de L. isabellinus. Os valores Fs de Fu e D de Tajima explicam que uma forte estrutura genética está presente entre os membros de L. isabellinus. Com base nisso, infere-se que a forte estruturação genética nas populações de L. isabellinus nessa região foi amplamente moldada por uma origem comum, com influências secundárias de fatores geográficos e isolamento. RESUMO Lanius picanços importantes asiáticos DNA Cyt b, , b) norte Paquistão L = ( 0,02, 002 0,02 0 02 0,02) 0,005, 0005 0,005 005 0,005) 0,004 0004 004 0,008 0008 008 observadas P 0,05 05 espécies Lahtora nisso inferese infere se comum isolamento 00 0,0 000 0,00 0,

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the ecology considering distribution, abundance, population structure, and fecundity of the marine diplostraceans Penilia avirostris and Pseudevadne tergestina in the Veracruz Reef System National Park, southwest Gulf of Mexico. Surface samples were collected with a 300 μm mesh plankton net at 26 sampling sites in June, August, October (2011), May (2012) and June (2013). Temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ. The temperature range was 26.53 ± 0.41 and 29.29 ± 0.27°C, salinity between 33.43 ± 0.49 and 35.91 ± 0.09, and dissolved oxygen between 2.92 ± 0.08 and 6.56 ± 0.08 mg L-1. P. avirostris and P. tergestina presented the highest density, with 2200 ind 100 m-3 in June and 5980 ind 100 m-3 in October, respectively. Four stages were determined in P. avirostris. In P. tergestina, there were five instars, with males in August and October. The size of parthenogenic females of P. avirostris was 773.4 ± 20.08 μm. In P. tergestina, it was 637.6 ± 49.28 μm. The number of embryos in P. avirostris was 2 to 7, and in P. tergestina, 2 to 8 embryos. The correlations between body length and the number of embryos in both species were statistically significant under the potential model (r > 0.68 for both species, P < 0.001). The transects with the highest abundance were the northern and the southern zones because they are far from the influence of the Jamapa River. The density of these crustaceans is related to optimal temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen values. The low proportions obtained from gamogenic individuals of P. avirostris and P. tergestina suggest that in tropical and subtropical regions, gamogenesis is not crucial for the life cycle of these organisms.

Abstract When a building is demolished, its cohesive and planned structure fractures into countless fragments. These heterogeneous and disorganised fragments blur the boundaries between what was once private - the domestic space - and what is now public - the formerly occupied land. In 2019, I stumbled upon a family photograph amidst the rubble left by the demolition of the last towers of the Bairro do Aleixo in Porto. Constructed in the 1970s, this was a public housing estate designed to accommodate families from Ribeira-Barredo who had been displaced due to urban redevelopment. Throughout the years, the five towers have hosted a sizable and fluctuating population that has adapted and made use of this previously unconventional housing model. From 2011 to 2019, Aleixo underwent three demolition operations, politically supported by arguments citing its structural and social deterioration as justification. The first two were striking implosions broadcasted on television, whereas the final demolition, which I witnessed, unfolded as a slow deconstruction spanning several months. In the photograph, the woman dressed in white poses on a balcony of Tower 1 within the old Bairro do Aleixo. In the background stands the phallic skeleton of Tower 4, which would be imploded decades later. Upon its unearthing, the photograph, weathered by time and circumstance, hinted at a conceptual connection with the debris surrounding it. In this article, my focus centres on this found photograph, aiming to unveil the processes and tensions encapsulated within this fragment. I draw on the ontological connections between photography and death, as well as between photography and ruin, to analyse the spectral image of this obliterated site. I delve into what the encounter with this image might reveal about the memory of the neighbourhood, its public image, and the extensive and violent process of displacing its residents. I reach the concept of a "rubble-image" as pivotal in interpreting this nearly vanished imprint that stubbornly affirms the persistence of a dissenting and complex place, supposedly erased from public space and suppressed from urban memory by dominant sensibilities.

Resumo Quando uma edificação é demolida, a sua estrutura, unitária e planeada, é desintegrada em incontáveis fragmentos. Heterogéneos e desordenados, estes fragmentos borram os limites entre o que era privado - o espaço doméstico - e o que é público - o terreno antes ocupado. Em 2019, encontrei uma fotografia familiar entre os escombros da demolição das últimas torres do Bairro do Aleixo, no Porto. Este foi um conjunto de habitação pública construído na década de 1970 para realojar famílias da Ribeira-Barredo, deslocadas por uma reabilitação urbana. Ao longo do tempo, as cinco torres abrigaram uma população numerosa e mutável que se apropriou desse modelo de habitação até então incomum. Entre 2011 e 2019, o Aleixo foi alvo de três operações de demolição, politicamente justificadas por sua degradação estrutural e social. As duas primeiras foram implosões espetaculares e televisionadas, enquanto a última, que presenciei, foi uma lenta desconstrução que durou meses. Na fotografia, uma mulher vestida de branco posa numa varanda da Torre 1 do antigo Bairro do Aleixo. Ao fundo, paira o esqueleto fálico da Torre 4, implodida décadas depois. Quando encontrada, a fotografia, arruinada pelo tempo e pelas circunstâncias, sugeria uma afinidade conceptual com os escombros que a cercavam. Neste artigo, detenho-me sobre essa fotografia encontrada, objetivando desvelar os processos e as tensões armazenadas nesse fragmento. Recorro às relações ontológicas entre fotografia e morte, também entre fotografia e ruína, para analisar a imagem espectral desse sítio obliterado. Desenvolvo o que o encontro com ela pode indicar sobre a memória do bairro, a sua imagem pública, assim como o longo e violento processo de remoção dos seus moradores. Chego à noção de “imagem-escombro” como chave de leitura para esse vestígio quase desaparecido que afirma teimosamente a persistência de um lugar dissidente e complexo, pretensamente apagado do espaço público e suprimido da memória urbana pelas sensibilidades dominantes.

ABSTRACT Foundation: hypertension has become one of the most prevalent conditions among Cuban adults and the main risk factor for morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular causes. Objective: to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the Arterial Hypertension Program Based on the HEARTS Initiative in the Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja Community Polyclinic in the Cienfuegos municipality. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in health systems and services from 2018 to 2022. The universe was the population over 18 years of age and the sample of 4,346 hypertensive patients. The variables were studied: sex, control of high blood pressure, technological structure, performance index, maturity index and mortality behavior due to cardiovascular diseases. Results: the performance index of the Basic Health Teams was excellent and the maturity index was in the advanced category. 85.5 % diagnostic and registration coverage were achieved, 94.7 % control among treated patients, 39.5 % control of patients with high cardiovascular risk and 60.1 % population control. Mortality from cardiovascular diseases for all ages, specifically premature mortality, decreased, with a predominance of the male sex. Conclusions: the implementation of the arterial hypertension program consolidated a work system for the improvement of action in Primary Health Care for hypertensive patients. The use of standardized therapeutic policy has had an impact on blood pressure control.

RESUMEN Fundamento: la hipertensión se ha convertido en una de las condiciones de mayor prevalencia entre los adultos cubanos y en el principal factor de riesgo de morbilidad y de mortalidad por causas cardiovasculares. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la implementación del Programa de Hipertensión Arterial basado en la Iniciativa HEARTS en el Policlínico Comunitario Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja en el municipio Cienfuegos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal en sistemas y servicios de salud desde el 2018 hasta el 2022. El universo fue la población mayor de 18 años y la muestra de 4 346 hipertensos. Se estudiaron las variables: sexo, control de hipertensión arterial, estructura tecnológica, índice de desempeño, índice de madurez y comportamiento de la mortalidad por enfermedades cardiovasculares. Resultados: el índice de desempeño de los Equipos Básicos de Salud fue excelente y el índice de madurez tuvo la categoría de avanzado. Se alcanzó el 85,5 % de cobertura diagnóstica y de registro, el 94,7 % de control entre tratados, un 39,5 % de control de los pacientes con alto riesgo cardiovascular y el 60,1 % de control poblacional. La mortalidad por enfermedades cardiovasculares para todas las edades en específico la mortalidad prematura disminuyó, con predominio del sexo masculino. Conclusiones: la implementación del programa de hipertensión arterial consolidó un sistema de trabajo para el perfeccionamiento de actuación en la Atención Primaria de Salud ante el paciente hipertenso. El uso de la política terapéutica estandarizada ha tenido impacto en el control de la presión arterial.

In the course of the past three decades, the concept of "plain language" has garnered increasing attention. Recent developments have further solidified this field, given the International Federation for Plain Language's definition of plain language, as well as the introduction of an ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) Standard for plain language in 2023. These milestones suggest that plain language is set to play a more significant role in public communication. The International Federation for Plain Language defines plain language as communication in which the wording, structure, and design are so clear that the target audience can effortlessly find, understand, and use the information they need. However, this definition has faced criticism for its vagueness. In an effort to refine the definition, the ISO Plain Language Standard was introduced. It includes four governing principles: 1) Readers get the information they need; 2) Readers can easily find what they need; 3) Readers can easily understand what they find; and 4) Readers can easily use the information. Both the definitions of the ISO Standard and the International Federation for Plain Language concentrate on the understandability and usability of information in creating effective plain language documents. In this article, I argue that alongside understandability and usability, user experience should be considered as a third measurable element of success in plain language documents. Although existing research primarily focuses on usability and understanding, it gives limited attention to user experience, whereas I argue that user experience is a crucial factor in the creation of successful plain language documents. More specifically, I explore in this article the preference of respondents for plain language techniques used in documents in an attempt to establish a connection between the user's experience of these techniques and the document's usability and understandability. I also delve into users' overall experience with plain language documents and assess whether there is a correlation between overall experience and users' perceptions of specific plain language techniques. I further analyse users'experiences with plain language techniques within specific contexts, namely the medical, legal, and financial domains, to determine if the context influences their experience. In addition, I investigate the relationship between users'experiences with plain language techniques and extratextual factors, such as qualification, income, home language, the variety of Afrikaans they speak, and their level of engagement with the document's content. This comprehensive analysis aims to clarify the role of user experience in the success of plain language documents and it potentially prompts a reconsideration of experience, in addition to understandability and usability, when creating successful plain language documents. The study employed a quantitative correlational research design to examine the relationship between respondents' experience of plain language techniques, understandability and usability, extratextual factors, and the contexts in which these documents are encountered. Data collection involved a questionnaire-based survey, with 506 respondents participating through convenience sampling. The survey was conducted on the SUNSurvey platform at Stellenbosch University and was shared across social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to target individuals matching specific population characteristics. Respondents read one of 18 selected plain language documents and answered questions about the documents. Extratextual information, such as respondents' highest qualification level, annual income, home language, the variety of Afrikaans they speak, and the frequency with which they were exposed to the context, were collected. Engagement with the selected document was measured using Likert-scale statements. To assess understanding of the documents, factual questions were included, and usability questions were asked if respondents received one of the six forms that were tested. Experience with the plain language documents was also measured by means of Likert-scale statements. Importantly, respondents'experiences with specific plain language techniques were assessed, allowing them to express their experience with said techniques. The results of the study regarding respondents'experience of the plain language techniques used reveal overwhelmingly positive feedback. The Likert-scale ratings indicated that respondents across various demographic groups had favourable impressions of plain language techniques. This suggests that these techniques not only enhance document usability and understandability but are also well-received by users. The analysis of relationships between different variables yields intriguing findings. While many comparisons did not show statistically significant correlations, the noteworthy results are those that did. When examining respondents 'experiences with plain language techniques in documents across three contexts, no statistically significant relationship could be established, indicating positive experiences with these techniques across all contexts without contextual influence. In terms of understanding, most comparisons revealed a positive relationship between the experience of plain language techniques and understanding. This implies that respondents with more positive experiences better understood the documents, aligning with existing research and suggesting that improved understanding leads to more positive experiences. However, for usability there was no statistically significant relationship between the experience of plain language techniques and document usability, indicating that the study could not establish a clear link between these two factors. When considering extratextual factors, few statistically significant relationships were found. Only the respondents' home language showed a significant relationship with their experience of plain language techniques, suggesting that Afrikaans speakers had more positive experiences. For other extratextual factors, namely qualification, income level, and variety of Afrikaans, there were no significant correlations. In conclusion, this study highlights that positive experiences of plain language techniques are associated with better understandability, emphasising the importance of user experience in creating successful plain language documents. The results are positive for document designers, as diverse groups of people had positive experiences with these techniques, making plain language a tool for improving interactions with public documentation. This study suggests that considering user experience is crucial in defining plain language beyond just usability and understandability.

Die definisies van sowel die International Federation for Plain Language as die ISO Gewone Taal Standaard beklemtoon dat verstaanbaarheid en bruikbaarheid noodsaaklik is vir die skep van optimale gewonetaaldokumente. In hierdie studie voer ek egter aan dat daar 'n derde meetbare element van gewonetaaldokumente is wat 'n effek op die sukses daarvan het, naamlik die manier waarop die verbruiker die gewonetaaldokumente ervaar. Vir hierdie studie is ' n kwantitatiewe korrelasionele navorsingsontwerp gebruik om die verhouding tussen respondente se ervaring, verstaanbaarheid, en bruikbaarheid van gewone-taaldokumente, asook respondente se persoonlike eienskappe, en die kontekste waarin die gewonetaaldokumente voorkom, te bepaal. Opnamenavorsing met 'n vraelys as die data-insamelingsinstrument is uitgevoer en 506 respondente het aan die studie deelgeneem. Die resultate van die studie dui daarop dat respondente oor die algemeen positiewe ervarings met gewonetaaltegnieke in dokumente gehad het. Verder is 'n sterk positiewe verhouding tussen die ervaring en die verstaanbaarheid van die gewonetaaldokumente gevind. Dit dui aan dat 'n positiewe ervaring tot 'n beter begrip van die dokumente bydra. Dit is egter nie die geval met bruikbaarheid nie, aangesien geen statisties beduidende verhouding hier gevind is nie. Wat betref buitetekstuele faktore, het slegs huistaal 'n statisties beduidende invloed op die ervaring van gewonetaaltegnieke gehad. Die resultate van hierdie studie dui dus daarop dat ervaring 'n belangrike faktor is in die sukses van gewonetaaldokumente, en gevolglik oorweeg moet word om ervaring as een van die elemente in die definisie van gewone taal in te sluit.

Abstract After the subjugation operated by the military campaigns of 1878-1885, the native population of northern Patagonia (Mapuche-tehuelche) suffered forced relocation, the breakdown of socio-political and family units, the erasure of the identity of hundreds of minors and the declamation of the extinction of the indigenous cultural and social world. From this genocidal process, the agency of indigenous individuals and collectives was conditioned within the framework of the construction of a new society that was defined as “without Indians”. From then on, this became a condition for their possibilities of accessing land, as well as a principle of stigmatization and social differentiation. This paper focuses in addressing a particular instance of the agency of this population: the National Aboriginal Association. This organization stood out for its self-recognition as aboriginal and for its supra-community, trans-territorial and national structure. The ANA was active in a key period defining a political strategy that defended the indigenous producer, encouraged processes of communalization and articulation of the agency of the original peoples with other political actors, both in northern Patagonia and in the national context.

Resumo Após a subjugação das campanhas militares de 1878-1885, a população original (Mapuche-Tehuelche) da Patagónia setentrional sofreu deslocações forçadas, a desestruturação das unidades sociopolíticas e familiares, o apagamento da identidade de centenas de menores e a declamação da extinção do mundo cultural e social indígena. Como resultado desse processo genocida, a agência dos indivíduos e coletivos indígenas foi condicionada no âmbito da construção de uma nova sociedade que se definia como "sem índios". A partir de então, este fato tornou-se um fator determinante nas suas possibilidades de acesso à terra, bem como um princípio de estigmatização e de diferenciação social. Este artigo analisa um caso particular de agência aborígene: a Asociación Nacional de Aborígenes (Associação Nacional de Aborígenes). Esta organização destacou-se pelo seu auto-reconhecimento como indígena e pela sua estrutura supracomunitária, transterritorial e nacional. A Associação esteve ativa num período chave durante o qual definiu uma estratégia política que defendeu o produtor indígena, encorajou processos de comunalização e a articulação da agência dos povos indígenas com outros actores políticos, tanto no norte da Patagónia como no contexto nacional.

Resumen Desde el sometimiento de las campañas militares de 1878-1885, la población originaria (mapuche-tehuelche) del norte de la Patagonia sufrió la reubicación forzosa, la desestructuración de las unidades sociopolíticas y familiares, el borramiento de la identidad de cientos de menores y la declamación de la extinción del mundo cultural y social indígena. A partir de este proceso genocida, la agencia de individuos y colectivos indígenas fue condicionada en el marco de la construcción de una nueva sociedad que se definía “sin indios”. En adelante, esto se constituyó en un condicionante de sus posibilidades de acceder a la tierra, como así también en un principio de estigmatización y diferenciación social. En este artículo se aborda una instancia particular de la agencia de esta población: la Asociación Nacional de Aborígenes. Esta organización se destacó por su autoreconocimiento como aborigen y por su estructura supracomunitaria, transterritorial y nacional. La Asociación militó en un período clave durante el cual definió una estrategia política que defendía al productor indígena, alentó procesos de comunalización y de articulación de la agencia de los pueblos originarios con otros actores políticos, tanto en el norte de la Patagonia como en el contexto nacional.

Resumo O estudo fundamenta-se em uma análise geral das geociências do colapso nos campos de cultivo de Santa María Zacatepec, na cidade de Juan C. Bonilla, México. A técnica de sensoriamento remoto é aplicada no desenvolvimento, permitindo a interpretação de combinações de bandas e a determinação da geometria, geologia, geomorfologia e cartografia do local. É apresentada uma análise resumida do trabalho realizado, além de modelos de simulação do gasto hidrológico e da aceleração da água nos taludes estruturais de escoamento. Esses dados foram utilizados para o mapeamento final e a modelagem gráfica. Foi realizado um estudo geomorfológico, geológico e topográfico do local, utilizando técnicas telemétricas aéreas e de satélite. Também foi utilizado um software especializado para levantamentos geodésicos e mapeamento em modelos 2D e 3D da área de análise. Os levantamentos do local foram realizados com o objetivo de conhecer o formato da estrutura e identificar áreas de risco potencial para a população próxima ao colapso. Foram obtidas ortofotos para calcular e determinar a inclinação por distância-elevação, aceleração-altura, fluxo de água e força, o que serviu para concluir as possíveis causas que levaram ao colapso e para ter dados técnicos suficientes que foram compartilhados com as autoridades de proteção civil.

Abstract This paper presents a general analysis from the geosciences of structural collapses. The analysis was conducted in the crop fields of Santa María Zacatepec, in the city of Juan C. Bonilla, Mexico. The analysis implemented the Remote Sensing technique, facilitating the interpretation of band combinations and determining the geometry, geology, geomorphology and cartography of the site under study. A summary analysis of the work performed is presented, in addition to showing simulation models of the hydrological outflow and water acceleration in the runoff structural slopes, data that were used for the final mapping and graphic modeling. A geomorphological, geological, and topographical study of the site was conducted, using satellite and aerial telemetric techniques. Specialized software was also used for geodetic surveys, mapping in 2D and 3D models of the analysis area. Surveys of the site were carried out to determine the shape of the structure and identify potentially risk areas for the population near the collapse events. Orthophotos were obtained to calculate and determine the slope by distance-elevation, acceleration-height, water flow and force, which served to conclude the possible causes that led to the collapses and have sufficient technical data that were shared with the civil protection authorities.

Resumen El trabajo se basa en un análisis general desde las geociencias del colapso en los campos de cultivo de Santa María Zacatepec, de la ciudad Juan C. Bonilla. En el desarrollo se aplica la técnica de Percepción Remota, permitiendo interpretar combinaciones de bandas y determinar la geometría, geología, geomorfología y cartografía del sitio. Se presenta un análisis resumido del trabajo que se realizó, además de mostrar modelos de simulación del gasto hidrológico y la aceleración del agua en las pendientes estructurales de escorrentía, datos que se usaron para la cartografía y modelado gráfico finales. Se realizó un estudio geomorfológico, geológico y topográfico del lugar, con técnicas telemétricas satelitales y aéreas; también se utilizó software especializado que se aplicó para levantamientos geodésicos, realizando cartografía en modelos 2D y 3D del área de análisis. Las prospecciones del lugar se realizaron con el objetivo de conocer la forma de la estructura e identificar áreas potencialmente riesgosas para la población cercana al colapso. Se obtuvieron ortofotos para calcular y determinar la pendiente por distanciaelevación, la aceleración-altura, el gasto y la fuerza del agua; que sirvió para concluir las posibles causas que ocasionaron el colapso, y contar con datos técnicos suficientes que se compartieron con las autoridades de protección civil.

Abstract In Ecuador, Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, MAPE, is an activity of national relevance. Historically there are three provinces with great potential and mining tradition, which are: El Oro, Zamora Chinchipe and Azuay. In this sense, in the province of El Oro, a large percentage of the economically active population depends directly or indirectly on the exploitation of highly profitable minerals. The key aspects for the development of underground operations of the MAPE regime are the drilling and blasting activities, where there is a great opportunity for improvement, efficiently managing the design of the grid, the execution of the drilling, the amount of explosive and the way it is charged, which are the factors that define the result of the blasting; same that is valued in function of the depth of cut or advance and of the uniformity of the structure of the section. For the development of this research, the baseline survey was carried out through technical visits to the study sector (Zaruma - Portovelo mining district), where traditional work procedures were observed, and then, based on the experimental method, technical variations were made in regarding the firing diagram, specific charge, specific perforation and type of explosive. These traditional (empirical) procedures, based on the driller's field experience, cause, among other things, the inefficiency of the advance, problems to maintain the dimensions of the section, over breaking of the working fronts, and one of the most relevant factors, the insecurity of the personnel who in many cases remain inside the mine for more than 10 hours.The main results show that the best tests were those that used the emulsion/ANFO (Amonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) combination, obtaining an advance percentage of approximately 95%, considered optimal within the operation. It was also evidenced that the Ammonium Nitrate commonly used in ASM needs a specific charge of greater power to meet the objective of the blasting.

Resumen En Ecuador, la Minería Artesanal y de Pequeña Escala, MAPE, es una actividad de relevancia nacional. Históricamente existen tres provincias de amplio potencial y de tradición minera, que son: El Oro, Zamora Chinchipe y Azuay. En este sentido, en la provincia de El Oro, gran porcentaje de la población económicamente activa, depende directa o indirectamente de la explotación de minerales de alta rentabilidad. Uno de los aspectos clave para el desarrollo de las operaciones subterráneas del régimen MAPE, son las actividades de perforación y voladura, en donde existe una gran oportunidad de mejora, gestionando de manera eficiente el diseño de la malla, la ejecución de la perforación, la cantidad de explosivo y la forma de cargado, que son los factores que definen el resultado de la voladura; mismo que es valorado en función de la profundidad de corte o avance y de la uniformidad de la estructura de la sección. Para el desarrollo de esta investigación se realizó el levantamiento de la línea base mediante visitas técnicas al sector de estudio (distrito minero Zaruma - Portovelo), donde se observaron los procedimientos tradicionales de trabajo, para luego, con base al método experimental realizar variaciones técnicas en cuanto al diagrama de disparo, carga específica, perforación específica y tipo de explosivo. Estos procedimientos tradicionales (empíricos), basados en la experiencia de campo del perforista, ocasiona entre otras cosas la ineficiencia del avance, problemas para mantener las dimensiones de la sección, sobre rotura de los frentes de trabajo, y uno de los factores más relevantes, la inseguridad del personal que en muchos casos permanece en el interior de la mina por más de 10 horas. Entre los principales resultados se obtuvo que los mejores ensayos fueron los que se utilizó la combinación emulsión/ANFO (Amonium Nitrate Fuel Oil), obteniendo un porcentaje de avance de aproximadamente 95%, considerado dentro de la operación como óptimo. Así también se evidenció que el Nitrato de Amonio de uso habitual en la MAPE, necesita una carga específica de mayor poder para cumplir con el objetivo de la voladura.

Resumen La vegetación es una parte vital de la infraestructura urbana por los servicios ambientales y los beneficios que provee a la población, por lo que es importante conocer su diversidad y estructura. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la estructura y composición florística de árboles, palmas y arbustos ubicados en áreas urbanas públicas de la ciudad de Tapachula, en el estado de Chiapas. Se recabó información dasométrica de ocho parques públicos, cinco áreas verdes públicas, cuatro camellones o jardineras y 38 calles, con una superficie total de 27.32 ha. Se registró el diámetro normal (1.30 m de la base del suelo) y la altura total. Se calculó la densidad de especies por área verde. La diversidad fue evaluada mediante los índices de Shannon-Weiner y de Margalef. Taxonómicamente, se identificaron 130 especies, 109 géneros y 44 familias. De los taxa registrados, 65 pertenecen a especies nativas (550 individuos) y 65 a exóticas (1 927 individuos). Ficus microcarpa es el taxón exótico preponderante con un Índice de Valor de Importancia (IVI) de 6.14. De las especies nativas, Roseodendron donnell-smithii destaca como el elemento más representativo (IVI=1.45). El Índice de Shannon-Weiner calculado para diferentes áreas verdes registró 2.7≤H’≤3.3 y el Índice de Margalef 5.2≤D Mg ≤15.2, lo cual evidencia que las calles poseen una gran diversidad de especies.

Abstract Urban vegetation is a vital part of urban infrastructure due to the environmental services it provides and the benefits to the population; therefore, it is important to know its diversity and structure. The objective of this work was to assess the structure and floristic composition of trees, palms and shrubs located in public urban areas of the city of Tapachula, state of Chiapas. Mensuration information was collected from eight public parks; five public green areas, four medians and 38 streets, with a total area of 27.32 ha. Normal diameter (1.30 m base from the ground) and total height were recorded. The density of species per urban green area was calculated. Diversity was evaluated using the Shannon-Weiner and Margalef indexes. Taxonomically, 130 species, 109 genera and 44 families were identified. Of the 130 specific taxa recorded, 65 belong to native species and 65 exotic. The total number of individuals was 1 927 exotic and 550 native. Ficus microcarpa is the predominant exotic with 6.14 Importance Value Index (IVI). Of the native species, Roseodendron donnell-smithii stands out as the most representative (IVI=1.45). The Shannon-Weiner Index calculated for different green areas registered 2.7≤H'≤3.3 and the Margalef Index 5.2≤D Mg ≤15.2, showing that the streets have a great species diversity.

Abstract: For the last three or four decades, metropolitan areas of the contemporary global North and global South such as Buenos Aires, have experienced profound changes in their social and economic structure. The central areas of large cities were one of the most affected sectors in terms of their material and symbolic reorganization. Primarily, this composition proposes to analyze the mutations that have arisen in the central area of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA), paying particular attention to sociodemographic changes. The analysis of the available quantitative information suggests that while the CABA as a whole slightly increased its population in the last three decades (1990-2020), on the other hand, the urban fabric of the center lost residents. A second objective is to identify theoretical guidelines capable of explaining and analyzing this contradictory process. The proposal is to articulate theorizations and categories produced in contemporary social sciences and simultaneously identify structural and functional aspects in culture and lifestyle and the role played by systemic rationality (public, but mainly private) in the modernization of socio-urban areas, activities and practices. The unfinished conclusions seek to both problematize (and rethink) the object-category “urban center” and propose possible (future) lines of research around the delimited object-problem.

Resumen: Desde hace tres o cuatro décadas que, las metrópolis del Norte y Sur global contemporáneo, como Buenos Aires, experimentan profundos cambios en su estructura social y económica. Una de las áreas frecuente y mayormente afectada por la reorganización material y simbólica de las grandes ciudades es el llamado “centro”. La presente exposición propone, en primer lugar, analizar las mutaciones suscitadas en el área central de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), prestando especial atención a los cambios sociodemográficos. Se sugiere en este punto, a través del análisis de la información cuantitativa disponible que, al tiempo que la CABA en su conjunto aumentó ligeramente su población en las últimas tres décadas (1990-2020), el tejido urbano del centro perdió, en contrapartida, residentes. Un segundo objetivo radica en la identificación de lineamientos teóricos capaces de explicar y analizar el proceso contradictorio en cuestión. Se propone para tal fin articular teorizaciones y categorías producidas en las ciencias sociales contemporáneas para identificar, simultáneamente, en los factores estructurales y funcionales; en la cultura y los modos de vida; y en el papel desempeñado por la racionalidad sistémica (pública, pero principalmente privada), la modernización de las áreas, actividades y prácticas sociourbanas. Las conclusiones inconclusas, procuran tanto problematizar (y repensar) la categoría-objeto “centro urbano”, como proponer posibles (futuras) líneas de investigación en torno al objeto-problema delimitado.

Abstract The objective was to know the population structure of Holstein animals in the family dairy system, to identify possible origins of the genetic material, to know the degree of inbreeding and to identify possible traces of selection in the genome, which allow glimpses of the traits that have been improved over the years. The study included 270 animals genotyped with the GGP-50K® chip. After genotype quality control, 43,548 autosomal SNPs were included. To know the population structure, analyses of mixtures and principal components (PCs) were performed. To know genomic inbreeding and detect traces of selection, information on runs of homozygosity (ROH) was used. Mixture analysis was performed with the Admixture software, and PC, ROH and inbreeding analyses were performed with SVS-v7.6.8. Mixture analysis showed evidence of six components, all linked to Holstein bulls families with different country of origin. The PCs did not show stratification of the population by herd. The mean inbreeding coefficient was 0.59 ± 0.53 %. In the regions of the genome with ROHs most frequent in the population (≥20 animals), numerous associations, QTLs and genes related to milk production and composition, fertility parameters, susceptibility to diseases, body conformation, feed efficiency and some characteristics of carcass composition have been reported. The results reflect the existence of a wide genetic diversity in this population and the possibility of carrying out genetic improvement work through selection without affecting inbreeding levels.

Resumen El objetivo fue conocer la estructura poblacional de los animales Holstein del sistema de lechería familiar, identificar posibles orígenes del material genético, conocer el grado de consanguinidad e identificar posibles huellas de selección en el genoma, que permitan vislumbrar las características que se han mejorado a través de los años. El estudio incluyó 270 animales genotipados con el chip GGP-50K®. Después del control de calidad de genotipos, se incluyeron 43,548 SNP autosómicos. Para conocer la estructura poblacional se realizaron análisis de mezclas y componentes principales (CP). Para conocer la consanguinidad genómica y detectar huellas de selección, se usó información de corridas de homocigosidad (ROH). El análisis de mezclas se realizó con el software Admixture, y los de CP, ROH y consanguinidad se realizaron con SVS-v7.6.8. El análisis de mezclas mostró evidencia de seis componentes, todos ligados a familias de sementales Holstein con diferente país de origen. Los CP no evidenciaron estratificación de la población por hato. El coeficiente de consanguinidad promedio fue de 0.59 ± 0.53 %. En las regiones del genoma con ROH más frecuentes en la población (≥20 animales), se han reportado numerosas asociaciones, QTL y genes relacionados con producción y composición de la leche, parámetros de fertilidad, susceptibilidad a enfermedades, conformación corporal, eficiencia alimenticia y algunas características de composición de la canal. Los resultados reflejan la existencia de una amplia diversidad genética en esta población y la posibilidad de realizar trabajos de mejoramiento genético a través de selección sin afectar los niveles de consanguinidad.