Abstract (Introduction): Bycatch and discards are a socio-environmental concern that threatens the sustainability of marine life and fishing grounds. Approaches to this problem have focused on biological and/or ecological aspects. We considered it necessary to explore the problem from the social dimension and for this purpose we explored social representations. (Objective): The aim of this study is to explore the social representations of bycatch and discards in a group of businessmen and workers in the capture stage of the Argentine industrial fishing activity. We ask how they evaluate bycatch and fishing discards, what are their causes and if they observe possible solutions. (Methodology): Within the framework of a project of the Federal Fishing Council, we conducted focus groups with businessmen, business chambers, SOMU workers and captains of the industrial fishing activity. (Results): The results of the focus groups conducted in 2021 reveal three main causes of this problem. First, the lack of reliable data on actual discard levels raises concerns about sustainability and overfishing. Second, the low utilization of selectivity devices is attributed to their operational inefficiency and possible labour barriers. Finally, economic and organizational pressures, such as company profitability and workers’ salaries, justify the discard of non-target species, exacerbating the problem. (Conclusions): The work contributes to an understanding of the main reasons for bycatch and discards, which is essential to advance solutions. We understand that solutions are not simple and involve a sincere debate among stakeholders.

Resumen (Introducción): Las capturas incidentales y los descartes pesqueros son una preocupación socioambiental que amenaza la sostenibilidad de la vida marina y de los caladeros. Los abordajes a esta problemática estuvieron centrados en aspectos biológicos y ecológicos. Consideramos necesario explorar la problemática desde la dimensión social y para ello, exploramos las representaciones sociales. (Objetivo): El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar las representaciones sobre capturas incidentales y descartes pesqueros en un grupo de empresarios y trabajadores de la etapa de captura de la actividad pesquera industrial argentina, específicamente, cómo evalúan este problema, sus causas y posibles soluciones. (Metodología): En el marco de un proyecto del Consejo Federal Pesquero, se realizaron grupos focales con seis cámaras empresariales y personal jerárquico de empresas asociadas, así como trabajadores del SOMU y capitanes que operan en alta mar. (Resultados): Los resultados de los grupos focales realizados en 2021 revelaron tres principales causas de dicha problemática. Primero, la falta de datos confiables sobre los niveles reales de descarte genera preocupaciones sobre la sostenibilidad y la sobreexplotación. Segundo, la escasa utilización de dispositivos de selectividad se atribuye a su ineficacia operativa y a posibles barreras laborales. Finalmente, las presiones económicas y organizacionales, como la rentabilidad de las empresas y los salarios de los trabajadores, justifican el descarte, exacerbando el problema. (Conclusiones): El trabajo aporta a un entendimiento sobre las razones de la captura incidental y los descarte, esencial para avanzar en soluciones. Entendemos que las soluciones no son simples e implican un sincero debate entre actores.

Abstract (Introduction): Within the framework of the present capitalist system, human beings have become an important polluting agent. Current production and consumption processes do not consider the existence of finite natural resources and a planet incapable of treating the waste that the prevailing way of life generates. Given these circumstances, the study of non-linear models is of interest, which make a more rational use of the waste that the productive activity generates, favoring recycling mechanisms. The phenomenon of recycling becomes particularly relevant in the case of electrical and electronic devices, whose ability to be degraded and metabolized by planet Earth is extremely difficult. (Objective): Evaluate the feasibility of installing and starting a recycling plant for electrical and electronics items in the town of Bahía Blanca (Argentina), during 2021. (Methodology): The conventional method for evaluating investment projects was used, considering technical, legal and economic aspects. (Results): The project is not acceptable according to the profitability intended by the investor. The possibility of financing was also included, which made the project even less profitable, and the sensitivity of the results was measured, finding that the price should be 1.48 % higher than that used in the analysis. (Conclusions): Other alternatives must be explored to make this proposal profitable from an economic and financial point of view.

Resumen (Introducción): En el marco del sistema capitalista vigente, el ser humano se ha transformado en un agente significativo de contaminación. Las dinámicas productivas y de consumo actuales no contemplan la existencia de recursos naturales finitos y de un planeta incapaz de procesar los desperdicios que el modo de vida habitual genera. Dadas estas circunstancias, cobra interés el estudio de modelos no lineales, que hagan un uso más racional de los residuos derivados de la actividad productiva, los cuales favorezcan mecanismos de reciclaje. El fenómeno del reciclaje se vuelve, en particular, relevante para el caso de los artefactos eléctricos y electrónicos; la capacidad del planeta Tierra para degradarlos y metabolizarlos resulta sumamente difícil. (Objetivo): Evaluar la factibilidad de la instalación y puesta en marcha de una planta recicladora de artículos eléctricos y electrónicos en la localidad de Bahía Blanca (Argentina), durante el 2021. (Metodología): Se utilizó la metodología convencional de evaluación de proyectos de inversión, considerando aspectos técnicos, legales y económicos. (Resultados): El proyecto no es aceptable según la rentabilidad pretendida por el inversor. También se incluyó la posibilidad de un financiamiento, lo que hizo que el plan fuera menos rentable aún, y se midió la sensibilidad de los resultados: se halló que el precio debiera ser 1.48 % superior al utilizado en el análisis. (Conclusiones): Se deben explorar otras alternativas para lograr que el proyecto sea rentable desde el punto de vista económico-financiero.

RESUMO A Teoria da Dependência dos Recursos procura entender como fatores externos influenciam o comportamento da organização, sua dependência e diversificação de recursos. Este estudo analisa a influência dos desempenhos econômico-financeiro e esportivo na diversificação das receitas de 24 clubes de futebol brasileiros. A composição das receitas foi analisada por meio da classificação da APFUT, adicionada da categoria “Receitas Financeiras”, enquanto o indicador Hirschman-Herfindahl adaptado foi utilizado para medir o nível de diversificação. Os resultados indicam que as principais receitas dos clubes são Direitos de Transmissão, Repasse de Direitos Federativos e Patrocínio. Os modelos apontaram efeitos positivos da rentabilidade e Ranking da CBF, e negativo do acesso à primeira divisão no nível de diversificação, indicando a relevância de elementos econômicos e esportivos. Este estudo contribui para a análise dos desempenhos esportivo e econômico-financeiro, os quais afetam a gestão de receitas, bem como endossa a discussão sobre a necessidade de diversificação das receitas como uma das medidas para evitar dificuldades financeiras. organização recursos econômicofinanceiro econômico financeiro 2 brasileiros APFUT Receitas Financeiras, Financeiras , Financeiras” HirschmanHerfindahl Hirschman Herfindahl Transmissão Patrocínio CBF esportivos econômicofinanceiro, financeiro, financeiras

ABSTRACT The Resource Dependence Theory seeks to understand how external factors influence an organization's behavior, dependency, and diversification of resources. This study analyzes the influence of economic-financial and sports performance on the revenue diversification of 24 Brazilian football clubs. The composition of the revenues was analyzed through the APFUT classification, with the addition of the "Financial Revenues" category, while the adapted Hirschman-Herfindahl Index was used to measure the level of diversification. The results indicate that the clubs' main revenues are Broadcasting Rights, Transfer of Federative Rights, and Sponsorship. The models pointed to the positive effects of profitability and Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) Ranking and the negative effect of promotion to the first division on the diversification level, indicating the relevance of economic and sports elements. This study contributes to the analysis of sports and economic-financial performance, which affect revenue management, and endorses the discussion on the need for revenue diversification as one of the measures to avoid financial difficulties. organizations organization s behavior dependency resources economicfinancial 2 clubs classification Financial Revenues category HirschmanHerfindahl Hirschman Herfindahl Rights Sponsorship CBF (CBF elements management difficulties

Abstract Introduction. In Ecuador, there are few studies on the use of microbial inoculants for the sustainable production common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Objective. To evaluate the effect of inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on productive and economic variables of P. vulgaris. Materials and methods. The research was carried out at the La Argelia Experimental Station in Loja, Ecuador, from February to July 2022. Using loamy soil, the common bean cultivar “Mantequilla” was employed in a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and four replications each. The treatments were: T1) absolute control, T2) Bacillus subtilis, T3) Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae, T4) Pseudomonas fluorescens + B. subtilis, T5) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + B. subtilis, T6) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis, and T7) chemical fertilization. The effect of the treatments on growth, development, and yield components in the evaluated cultivar was assessed. Additionally, an economic analysis of the application of beneficial microorganisms versus chemical fertilization was conducted. Results. Treatment T6 (R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis) shortened the phenological phases (days), promoted a higher number of nodules, emergence percentage, plant height, leaf area, number of pods per plant, weight of 100 seeds, nitrogen content, and agricultural yield without statistical differences (p<0.05) compared to chemical fertilization (T7). The economic analysis showed that T6 generated higher income and greater profitability compared to chemical fertilization. Conclusion. Inoculation with beneficial microorganisms positively affected the productive and economic variables of common beans and can be a valid alternative to the conventional use of chemical fertilizers.

Resumen Introducción. En Ecuador, existen pocos estudios sobre la utilización de inoculantes microbianos para la producción sostenible del fríjol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la inoculación con rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal (PGPR) en variables productivas y económicas de P. vulgaris . Materiales y métodos. La investigación se desarrolló en la Estación Experimental La Argelia, Loja, Ecuador, durante el periodo de febrero a julio de 2022. En un suelo de textura Franca, se empleó el cultivar de fríjol común Mantequilla bajo un diseño en bloques completos al azar con siete tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones de cada uno. Los tratamientos fueron: T1) control absoluto, T2) Bacillus subtilis, T3) Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae, T4) Pseudomonas fluorescens + B. subtilis, T5) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + B. subtilis, T6) R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis, y T7) fertilización química. Se evaluó el efecto de los tratamientos sobre variables de crecimiento, desarrollo y componentes de rendimiento en el cultivar evaluado. Además, se realizó un análisis económico de la aplicación de los microorganismos benéficos frente a la fertilización química. Resultados. El tratamiento: R. leguminosarum bv. viciae + P. fluorescens + B. subtilis (T6) acortó las fases fenológicas (días), promovió un mayor número de nódulos, porcentaje de emergencia, altura de la planta, área foliar, número de vainas por planta, peso de 100 semillas, contenido de nitrógeno y rendimiento agrícola sin diferencias estadísticas (p<0,05) con respecto a la fertilización química (T7). Mediante el análisis económico se estableció que el T6 generó mayores ingresos, y una mayor rentabilidad frente a la fertilización química. Conclusión. La inoculación con microorganismos benéficos afectó positivamente las variables productivas y económicas de frijol común y puede ser una alternativa válida al uso convencional de fertilizantes químicos.

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.

Abstract The article critiques our understanding of the struggle for rights, particularly addressing us, "legal critics." It draws on various forms of political organization within Brazil's popular movements and a reinterpretation of our theoretical tradition. We adopt the hypothesis that the ways we conceive the politics of social emancipation are tied to how we diagnose and interpret the role of rights struggles. Our contribution to this debate engages with recent movements, coalitions, and rights advocacy platforms that have emerged in the country post-2013, which emphasize the centrality of rights-based discourse in their names, action strategies, and political organization forms. We will illustrate how these recent experiences, organized in coalitions and platforms of subjects and practices, concretely and conceptually weave an organizational ecology of social struggle that challenges our traditional repertoires of critical analysis, raising new issues concerning the stakes involved when addressing the multiple crises of liberal democracy and the roles of rights language in social transformation. Subsequently, we will revisit, as a glimpse, part of the traditional critique of rights typically developed in the country, which has served as a theoretical bulwark to contest the potentialities of social struggles expressed in legal grammars, comparing it to the paths opened by the narrated experiences. Proposing to add another reflective matrix to the traditional agendas for the critique of rights in Brazil, we will explore a theoretical path opened by our recent research agendas, which tests the profitability of rights critique by considering it through political organization theory, as an ecology of praxis, and some of its analytical developments. The aim is to illustrate the profitability of a critique that is more political than prescriptive regarding these experiences, seeking to regenerate our materialist analysis repertoires in "ecological" terms, recognizing how the creative plurality of subjects and practices can be transformed into a strength rather than a weakness of social struggle forms. us critics. critics Brazils Brazil s tradition post2013, post2013 post 2013, 2013 post-2013 rightsbased based names strategies experiences transformation Subsequently revisit glimpse grammars theory praxis developments ecological "ecological terms post201 201 post-201 post20 20 post-20 post2 2 post-2 post-

Resumo O artigo é uma crítica sobre o quê pensamos sobre a luta por direitos, dirigindo-me, sobretudo, a nós, “críticos do Direito”, partindo de diferentes formas de organização política do campo popular brasileiro e de uma releitura da nossa tradição teórica. Adotamos a hipótese de que as maneiras de conceber a política de emancipação social está atrelada a como diagnosticamos e interpretamos o papel atribuído às lutas por direitos. Nossa contribuição a esse debate dialoga com recentes movimentos, coalizões e plataformas de luta, surgidas no país pós 2013, e que carregam em seus nomes, estratégias de ação e formas de organização política a centralidade da gramática dos direitos. Ilustraremos como essas experiências recentes, organizadas em coalizões e plataformas de sujeitos e de práticas, tramam, concreta e conceitualmente, uma ecologia organizativa de luta social que questiona nossos repertórios tradicionais de análise crítica, trazendo novos problemas sobre o que está em jogo quando abordamos as múltiplas crises da democracia liberal e os papéis da linguagem dos direitos para a transformação social. Em seguida, iremos resgatar, como vislumbre, parte da tradição da crítica dos direitos usualmente trabalhada no país, que tem servido de anteparo teórico para contestar as potencialidades das lutas sociais expressas em gramáticas jurídicas, para coteja-la frente aos caminhos abertos pelas experiências narradas. Propondo acrescentar às tradicionais agendas outra matriz reflexiva para a crítica dos direitos no Brasil, iremos explorar um caminho teórico aberto por nossas agendas de pesquisa recentes, que testa a rentabilidade da crítica dos direitos pensando-a por meio da teoria da organização política, como uma ecologia da práxis, e alguns de seus desdobramentos analíticos. O objetivo é ilustrar a rentabilidade de uma crítica mais política do que prescritiva sobre essas experiências, buscando regenerar nossos repertórios materialistas de análise, em termos “ecológicos”, reconhecendo como a pluralidade criativa de sujeitos e de práticas pode ser transformada em força e não em fraqueza das formas de luta social. dirigindome, dirigindome dirigindo me, me dirigindo-me sobretudo nós críticos Direito, Direito , Direito” teórica movimentos 2013 nomes tramam conceitualmente seguida resgatar vislumbre jurídicas cotejala coteja la narradas Brasil pensandoa pensando práxis analíticos ecológicos, ecológicos “ecológicos” 201 “ecológicos 20 2

RESUMEN En este trabajo de investigación fue posible identificar los factores subyacentes que determinan la rentabilidad de los pequeños negocios del cantón Tulcán, esto fue posible mediante la implementación de un modelo factorial exploratorio, cuyos datos de entrada fueron de tipo secundario tomados del INEC, los resultados identifican tres factores que explican el 74.6 % de la variabilidad del análisis de 3944 negocios, el factor de mayor relevancia se identificó como la vida comercial, que está afectada por la falta de recursos humanos especializados y un deficiente acceso a la tecnología, lo cual se refleja principalmente en este factor por el monto de financiamiento, la cantidad de personal disponible por empresa y la contribución de sus activos fijos.

ABSTRACT In this research work it was possible to identify the underlying factors to determine the profitability of small businesses in the Tulcan canton, this was possible through the implementation of an exploratory factorial model, whose input data was of a secondary type taken from the INEC, The results identify three factors that explain 74.6% of the variability of 3944 businesses, the most relevant factor was identified as commercial life, which is affected by the lack of specialized human resources and poor access to technology, which is mainly reflected in this factor by the amount of financing, the number of personnel available per company and the contribution of its fixed assets.

RESUMEN En esta investigación se muestra formalmente la metodología para realizar un plan de negocios para la instalación de una planta procesadora de jitomate deshidratado en la mixteca oaxaqueña, específicamente en la comunidad de la Luz Nagore, Santiago Huajolotitlan, Oaxaca, México. La justificación es plantear una alternativa que permita darle una mayor vida de anaquel al producto a través de un proceso de deshidratado que le agregue valor y evite desperdicios en las temporadas de saturación del mercado de frescos. Se realizó un estudio de mercado que permitió establecer que existe una demanda potencial para el jitomate deshidratado en polvo, procediendo a realizar un estudio técnico y administrativo en el que se observaron todas las medidas establecidas en las diferentes normas oficiales mexicanas para garantizar la inocuidad del producto. Se analizó y propuso en el tema legal, la integración de una sociedad de producción legal para aprovechar las facilidades fiscales y administrativas. Se realizó un estudio financiero para determinar la rentabilidad de esta iniciativa, determinando que resulta rentable, ya que los datos proyectos indican que el proyecto tiene un TIR de 39 % y un periodo de recuperación de inversión de 3 años.

ABSTRACT This research formally shows the methodology to carry out a business plan for the installation of a dehydrated tomato processing plant in the Oaxacan Mixteca, specifically in the community of La Luz Nagore, Santiago Huajolotitlan, Oaxaca, and Mexico. The justification is to propose an alternative that allows giving a longer shelf life to the product through a dehydration process that adds value and avoids waste in the saturation seasons of the fresh market. A market study was carried out that allowed establishing that there is a potential demand for dehydrated tomato powder, proceeding to carry out a technical and administrative study in which all the measures established in the different official Mexican standards were observed to guarantee the safety of the product. The integration of a legal production company to take advantage of fiscal and administrative facilities was analyzed and proposed on the legal issue. A financial study was carried out to determine the profitability of this initiative, determining that it is profitable, since the project data indicates that the project has an IRR of 39% and an investment recovery period of 3 years.

The selection of open-pit slope angles involves high-value decisions with small changes in slope angle, often representing significant changes in net present value. The existing methods used to define design acceptance criteria have evolved from factor of safety to probability of failure (P[F]) to risk consequence to risk frontiers, which represents current state of the art. Current design acceptance measures are based on references to published tables representing the experience and judgement of their authors, who did not specify the purpose of the measures contained therein. As the purpose of the published design acceptance criteria is not specified (i.e., definite stability, marginal stability, optimization, etc.), such tables cannot be used to achieve optimum slope angles that maximize profitability. This paper develops a design acceptance criterion that maximizes profitability by defining a formulation for optimum risk that balances expected risk and reward. The model developed is titled the Mining Risk Model (MRM), and is applied to open-pit slope angle selection through an equation for optimum probability of downside (P[£)]O) that balances the upside or opportunity, the P[F], and the downside impact. This formulation for optimum risk is unique, as many authors have presented objective functions for their risk models that can be optimized, but none of the sources reviewed contained a formulation for optimum risk. The MRM is sufficiently flexible to allow the design performance measure that drives P[F], and hence P[D] O, to be selected based on the intended goal. Furthermore, the essential information that must be known to quantify optimum risk is defined. This allows users to determine what information to collect for optimum risk decisions. A further benefit of the MRM is that slope angle decisions and pit shells can be ranked to select the best option, and a threshold is provided that separates acceptable from unacceptable decisions. Finally, the workflow and information required to determine optimum risk are presented.

Resumen La efectividad de las políticas implementadas durante la pandemia del COVID-19 es relevante, tanto para evaluar el impacto ocasionado, como para derivar lecciones de política en el caso de que este tipo de fenómenos se repitan. El objetivo de este documento es determinar la relación entre la actividad humana y los contagios de COVID-19 reportados. Para medir la actividad humana se genera una métrica de luminosidad nocturna empleando imágenes satelitales. Mediante un análisis de cointegración se demuestra que existe de una relación de equilibrio a largo plazo y, empleando pruebas de causalidad, que es factible predecir los contagios por COVID-19 a partir de los cambios en la luminosidad. Con modelos econométricos para series de tiempo se demuestra que los contagios por COVID-19 responden a los cambios de luminosidad con alta significancia estadística y hasta con dos semanas de retraso, esto implica que la intensidad de la actividad que sucedía en el momento presente habría sido útil para planificar los recursos que serían necesarios dos semanas posteriores.

Abstract The effectiveness of the policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic is relevant both for assessing the impact caused and for deriving policy lessons in case such phenomena recur. The main objective here is to determine the relationship between human activity and reported COVID-19 cases. To measure human activity, a metric of nighttime lights is generated using satellite images. Conducting cointegration tests we found a long-term equilibrium relationship between the two variables, and through causality tests we confirmed that it is feasible to predict COVID-19 infections from changes in nighttime lights. Using econometric models for time series, it is shown that COVID-19 infections respond to changes in nighttime lights with high statistical significance and with a lag of up to two weeks, implying that the intensity of human activity that was happening now would have been useful for planning the resources that would be necessary two weeks later.

ABSTRACT The integration of cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies into avocado production is a promising strategy to boost productivity and profitability in this thriving industry. While previous reviews have explored the application of emerging technologies in avocado cultivation, there is a gap in the analysis of patent production. This research aims to bridge that gap by identifying trends in both scientific and technological innovations related to precision agriculture in avocado. Through a bibliometric analysis using data from Scopus and Lens.org, this study reveals that scientific production is primarily concentrated in industrialized countries, with limited research output from major avocado-producing nations. The focus of research has been on remote sensing and image processing techniques. In terms of technological development, innovations in agricultural data capture, collection, and processing, as well as components for agricultural machinery, have been the most prevalent. Market-available technologies are designed to predict crop yields and assess the impact of abiotic factors such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation. By adopting these precision agriculture tools, avocado farmers can make data-driven decisions to optimize resource use, improve crop health, and ultimately enhance overall farm performance.

RESUMEN La integración de tecnologías de agricultura de precisión de vanguardia en la producción de aguacate es una estrategia prometedora para impulsar la productividad y la rentabilidad en esta próspera industria. Si bien revisiones anteriores han explorado la aplicación de tecnologías emergentes en el cultivo de aguacate, existe un vacío en el análisis de la producción de patentes. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo cerrar esa brecha identificando tendencias en innovaciones científicas y tecnológicas relacionadas con la agricultura de precisión en el aguacate. A través de un análisis bibliométrico utilizando datos de Scopus y Lens.org, este estudio revela que la producción científica se concentra principalmente en los países industrializados, con una producción de investigación limitada de las principales naciones productoras de aguacate. La investigación se ha centrado en las técnicas de teledetección y procesamiento de imágenes. En términos de desarrollo tecnológico, las innovaciones en captura, recolección y procesamiento de datos agrícolas, así como en componentes para maquinaria agrícola, han sido las más predominantes. Las tecnologías disponibles en el mercado están diseñadas para predecir el rendimiento de los cultivos y evaluar el impacto de factores abióticos como la temperatura, la humedad y las precipitaciones. Al adoptar estas herramientas de agricultura de precisión, los productores de aguacate pueden tomar decisiones basadas en datos para optimizar el uso de recursos, mejorar la salud de los cultivos y, en última instancia, mejorar el rendimiento general de la finca.

The South African mineral resource royalty system, initiated in 2010, employs a hybrid ad valorem approach tied to profitability ratios. This rate is then applied to the total revenue from mineral sales. In this article we explore how the profitability ratio in the mineral resource royalty formulae interacts with the gold tax formula as applied to South African gold mines, devising a strategy for cut-off grade optimization. The study focuses on nine narrow, tabular-reef (Witwatersrand) gold mines. The approach involves a mixed-integer cut-off grade optimizer utilizing Excel Solver, incorporating relevant royalty and income tax formulae. Different mineral resource royalty cost scenarios were examined. Ignoring these costs in the break-even analysis lowers the cut-off grade but slightly boosts profits compared to considering expected costs. The developed optimizer model, recognizing the profitability aspect of the mineral resource royalty and income tax formulae, yielded a 6% lower cut-off grade than the base case. This is significant for increasing mine life. While the profit differences are marginal (0.2% compared to the break-even base case), substantial improvements were noted: a 6% increase in stope tons above cut-off grade, and a 4% rise in total revenue. Enhanced resource utilization (3% extra gold kilograms) reduces necessary development and overall costs, allowing for a reduction in the cut-off grade and ultimately, more profit.

Resumen Introducción: La técnica de anestesia local con epinefrina sin el uso de manguito hemostático (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia - No Tourniquet, WALANT) se desarrolló para mejorar el acceso a la atención de la cirugía de mano y optimizar recursos médicos. El principal objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la experiencia del paciente y analizar el ahorro de costos hospitalarios en el tratamiento quirúrgico de descompresión del síndrome del túnel carpiano utilizando esta técnica anestésica. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo observacional en pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de síndrome del túnel carpiano operados entre 2016 y 2022. El grado de satisfacción del paciente fue evaluado mediante un cuestionario sobre el dolor en diferentes momentos, la ansiedad y la experiencia con el procedimiento. También se analizaron los costos de la técnica anestésica. Resultados: Se evaluó a 92 pacientes. La mayoría se mostró satisfecha y el 94,5% confirmó que volvería a elegir este procedimiento, los niveles de dolor y ansiedad fueron bajos. Se registró un ahorro de costos del 60,6% por procedimiento. Conclusiones: La descompresión del síndrome del túnel carpiano con técnica WALANT generó un ahorro de costos considerable para el sistema de salud nacional, los resultados fueron buenos sobre la base de la satisfacción, la ansiedad y el dolor; y es un procedimiento seguro, cómodo y eficiente. Los beneficios y su rentabilidad al emplear menos recursos hospitalarios podrían ser optimizados y reproducidos para generar un ahorro considerable en gastos de salud.

Abstract Introduction: Wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) is an anesthetic technique that was developed to improve patient access to treatment and optimize the use of available medical resources in hand surgery. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate patient experience and hospital cost savings during surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with this technique at a South American public hospital. Materials and Methods: Between 2016 and 2022, a descriptive prospective observational study was conducted on patients with a clinical diagnosis of CTS who had undergone surgical treatment. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a questionnaire that asked about pain during different periods of time, anxiety, and the procedure itself. The costs of the anesthetic technique were also analyzed. Results: 92 patients were evaluated and the majority of them were satisfied with their WALANT experience; 94.5% said they would choose this procedure again, citing low levels of pain and anxiety. A cost reduction of 60.6% per procedure was achieved. Conclusions: CTS decompression with the WALANT technique resulted in significant cost savings for the national health system, as well as favorable outcomes in terms of satisfaction, anxiety, and pain; the procedure was safe, comfortable, and efficient. The benefits and profitability of employing fewer hospital resources could be further optimized and replicated to result in significant healthcare cost savings.

ABSTRACT Public procurement is crucial for the proper functioning of a country, but unfortunately, it can face problems that undermine its efficiency and transparency. For this reason, this research analyzes the top 23 companies that sold over $2.21 billion to the Ecuadorian government between 2015 and 2020. A descriptive methodology and a quantitative approach were used to classify the companies based on their origin, economic activity, and financial situation. The results reveal that 67% of these companies are of Ecuadorian origin. In terms of their financial situation, although they have a strong liquidity position, financing expenses completely dilute their profits, resulting in a negative net profit margin. This finding suggests the need to establish public policies that promote the diversification of economic sectors and the implementation of effective financial management strategies in contracting companies to improve their profitability and long-term financial sustainability.

RESUMEN La contratación pública es crucial para el buen funcionamiento de un país, pero desafortunadamente puede enfrentar problemas que perjudican su eficiencia y transparencia. Por este motivo, esta investigación analiza las 23 principales empresas que entre 2015 y 2020 vendieron más de 2.21 mil millones de dólares con el Estado ecuatoriano. Se utilizó una metodología descriptiva y un enfoque cuantitativo para clasificar a las empresas según su origen, actividad económica y situación financiera. Los resultados revelan que el 67% de estas empresas son de origen ecuatoriano. En cuanto a su situación financiera, aunque tienen una posición sólida en términos de liquidez, los gastos del financiamiento diluyen en su totalidad las utilidades, generando una rentabilidad neta de ventas negativa. Este hallazgo sugiere la necesidad de establecer políticas públicas que promuevan la diversificación de los sectores económicos y la implementación de estrategias de gestión financiera efectivas en las empresas contratistas para mejorar su rentabilidad y sostenibilidad financiera en el largo plazo.