RESUMEN Paraguay ha aumentado la inversión en educación en la última década por medio del Fondo Nacional de Inversión Pública y Desarrollo (FONACIDE) cuya finalidad consiste en abordar las carencias que afectan a la educación paraguaya. Entonces, considerando la creciente preocupación por la gestión de los recursos públicos dada la escasa infraestructura y el deficiente servicio del almuerzo escolar, en este trabajo se pretende analizar la eficiencia de la gestión de los gastos públicos en educación del FONACIDE de los departamentos de Paraguay durante el período 2015 a 2017, a través de la aplicación de la técnica Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) con análisis de ventana y retornos variables de escala con orientación producto. La técnica DEA con análisis de ventana consiste en medir el nivel de eficiencia de varias Decision Making Units (DMUs) en diferentes períodos de tiempo basado en el principio de promedios móviles. Los resultados muestran que la ineficiencia técnica pura media nacional es del 11,04%, por tanto, los departamentos en general podrían mejorar sus indicadores educativos utilizando los mismos niveles de financiamiento. Además, el mayor acceso a recursos no está vinculado a mejores rendimientos educativos. Por tanto, para potenciar el rendimiento educativo es necesario establecer otros criterios de redistribución presupuestaria del FONACIDE, considerando la necesidad de infraestructura y número de alumnos matriculados por departamento.

ABSTRACT Paraguay has increased investment in education over the past decade through the National Fund for Public Investment and Development (FONACIDE), whose goal is to address the deficiencies affecting Paraguayan education. Considering the growing concern over the management of public resources given the inadequate infrastructure and poor school lunch service, this paper aims to analyze the efficiency of public spending management in education by FONACIDE in the departments of Paraguay during the period 2015 to 2017. This is achieved through the application of the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique with window analysis and variable returns to scale with product orientation. The DEA technique with window analysis measures the efficiency level of several Decision-Making Units (DMUs) over different periods based on the moving averages principle. The results show that the average national pure technical inefficiency is 11.04%, meaning that the departments, in general, could improve their educational indicators using the same funding levels. Additionally, greater access to resources is not linked to better educational outcomes. Therefore, to enhance educational performance, it is necessary to establish other budget redistribution criteria for FONACIDE, considering the need for infrastructure and the number of enrolled students per department

Resumen El acceso equitativo y permanente a servicios públicos no siempre es una prioridad para la gestión local, en especial en territorios y poblaciones históricamente rezagadas. Esta contribución sostiene que en Copoya, localidad mayoritariamente ejidal de la Zona Metropolitana de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, el servicio estatal y comunitario por el suministro de agua potable no es eficiente. El problema se agudizó con el crecimiento urbano y la demanda por la tierra durante el siglo XX. A partir de entrevistas, recorridos de campo y notas de prensa, se destaca que la escasez del líquido lleva a sus residentes a buscar alternativas como la compra de pipas, pozos de traspatio y sistemas de agua no tratada que no resuelven el tema de fondo y que profundizan la pobreza y la desigualdad socioterritorial. Se concluye que la inexistencia de proyectos de inversión no permite una salida para el abastecimiento en el corto y mediano plazo.

Abstract Equitable and permanent access to public services is not always a priority for local management, especially in those territories and historically neglected populations. This contribution argues that in Copoya, a mostly ejido locality in the Metropolitan Zone of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, state and community service for drinking water supply is inefficient. The situation has worsened with urban growth and demand for land throughout the twentieth century. Interviews, field visits and press releases show that residents, due to the lack of water, look for alternatives such as purchasing pipes, backyard wells and untreated water systems. These alternatives do not solve the underlying issue and deepen their poverty and socio-territorial inequality. The article concludes that poor investment in projects does not allow a solution for the supply in the short and medium term.

Abstract: This study addresses the application of the Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) methodology in the analysis of dissolved gases in oil of power transformers, being this a critical component in electrical systems. The adoption of this six-phase structured method allowed a comprehensive evaluation of the condition of the transformer units of the Ecuadorian electrical system based on the analysis of investment and expansion data of the sector, as well as the study of 1 099 DGA (Dissolved Gas Analysis) profiles obtained from a population of 153 transformers located in the different regions of continental Ecuador. The findings described in this work have the potential to significantly improve investment and maintenance strategies and policies. In addition, the adoption of automation techniques in the DGA classification process is proposed, using supervised learning models to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the public energy service. The results suggest that this approach not only improves the diagnosis within the maintenance activities, but also provides a solid basis to draw a roadmap towards a predictive asset management, resulting in a substantial improvement of the reliability of the national power system.

Resumen: Este estudio aborda la aplicación de la metodología Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) en el análisis de los gases disueltos en aceite de transformadores de potencia, siendo este un componente crítico en los sistemas eléctricos. La adopción de este método estructurado de seis fases permitió evaluar de forma integral la condición de las unidades de transformación del sistema eléctrico ecuatoriano a partir del análisis de datos de inversión y expansión del sector, así como del estudio de 1 099 perfiles DGA (Dissolved Gas Analysis) obtenidos de una población de 153 transformadores ubicados en las distintas regiones de Ecuador continental. Los hallazgos descritos en este trabajo tienen el potencial de mejorar significativamente las estrategias y políticas de inversión y mantenimiento. Además, se propone la adopción de técnicas de automatización en el proceso de clasificación DGA, utilizando modelos de aprendizaje supervisado para potenciar la confiabilidad y eficiencia del servicio público de energía. Los resultados sugieren que este enfoque no solo mejora el diagnóstico dentro de las actividades de mantenimiento, sino que también proporciona una base sólida para trazar una hoja de ruta hacia una gestión predictiva de los activos, lo que se traduce en una mejora sustancial de la confiabilidad del sistema eléctrico nacional.

Die inflasiekoers en die produksiegaping speel 'n belangrike rol in die monetêrebeleidstand-punt. Alhoewel die publiek inflasie redelik goed verstaan, is die produksiegaping 'n relatief onbekende begrip. Definisies van potensiële produksie kan dubbelsinnig wees, aangesien die term dikwels gebruik word om verwante, maar logies afsonderlike, konsepte te beskryf. Die produksiegaping word ook nie direk waargeneem nie en word afgelei uit beramings van potensiële produksie, wat self nie waarneembaar of meetbaar is nie en dus beraam moet word. Hierdie beramings kan egter sensitief wees vir verskillende metodologiese paradigmas en databeskikbaarheid. Die doel van hierdie artikel is om by te dra tot 'n beter begrip van en groter deursigtigheid in plaaslike monetêre beleid deur die rol van die produksiegaping in Suid-Afrikaanse monetêre beleid te verduidelik. Eerstens word die idees onderliggend aan die konsep van die produksiegaping bespreek, waarna 'n werksdefinisie van die produksiegaping in die konteks van monetêre beleid voorgestel word. Verskeie metodologieë en empiriese tegnieke waarvolgens potensiële produksie en die produksiegaping beraam kan word, word bespreek, insluitende eenveranderlike statistiese tegnieke, strukturele modelle en semistrukturele benaderings. Die artikel verduidelik voorts hoe die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank (SARB) die plaaslike produksiegaping beraam en hoe hierdie beraamde produksiegaping op die monetêrebeleidstand-punt inwerk. Ten slotte word die SARB se monetêrebeleidstandpunt beskou met betrekking tot die inflasiekoers en produksiegapingsberamings oor die afgelope twee dekades ten einde die reaksie van die plaaslike monetêre beleid op groot ekonomiese skokke soos die wêreldwye finansiële krisis en COVID-19 te illustreer, en ten einde die beramings se sensitiwiteit vir datahersienings uit te lig.

The inflation rate and the output gap are two of the main determinants of the monetary policy stance. However, while inflation is relatively well understood by the public, the output gap is not. The output gap is not directly observed and is derived from estimates of potential output. Potential output is also not observable or measurable, and therefore needs to be estimated. Such estimates can, however, be sensitive to different methodological paradigms and the availability of data, while definitions of potential output may be ambiguous, because the term is often used to describe related, but logically distinct, concepts. With the aim of contributing to a better understanding of and greater transparency in domestic monetary policy, this paper describes the role of the output gap in South African monetary policy by broadly examining the following three questions: (i) What exactly is the output gap?; (ii) How is it measured? and (iii) Why is it important? To begin with, the idea underlying the concept of the output gap is explained and a tentative working definition of the output gap in the context of monetary policy is provided. Various methodologies and empirical techniques of estimating potential output and the output gap are then discussed, including univariate statistical techniques, structural models and semi-structural approaches. This is followed by an explanation of how the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) estimates the domestic output gap, and how the estimated output gap feeds into the monetary policy stance. Finally, the SARB's monetary policy stance is viewed in relation to the inflation rate and output gap estimates over the last two decades to illustrate the domestic monetary policy response to notable economic events such as the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 shock, and to highlight the sensitivity of the estimates to data revision. This paper shows that both actual and potential economic growth have declined over the last decade, even without taking into account the COVID-19 shock. This is consistent with the South African empirical literature, and points to a worrying and persistent stagnation in domestic economic activity. After strong economic activity during the early 2000s, the economy started slowing down in 2008. This may be ascribed to a number of factors, including the introduction of load-shedding in 2007, changes in the global economic landscape following the globalfinancial crisis, dwindling infrastructure investment after the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament, and uncertainty about domestic economic policy. COVID-19 brought about a massive economic shock in 2020. Lockdown regulations saw capital and labour withdrawn from economic use, which caused real GDP and potential output to contract by 6,2% and 2,7%, respectively, for the year. The output gap, which has mainly remained in negative territory since 2009, fell to -7,9% in the second quarter of 2020. In response to the crisis, the SARB drastically lowered the policy rate and applied several other financial market interventions, but even this extensive range of stimuli failed to prevent an economic collapse. Moreover, the output gap has remained negative despite a minor rebound of the economy in 2021 and 2022, which indicated that economic activity remained on its weakpre-COVID-19 trajectory. Inflation has stabilised markedly since 2010. This may be partly due to weak domestic economic activity that does not exert significant domestic inflationary pressures. In fact, many of the notable inflationary episodes of the last 25years were largely caused by external factors, such as the rand depreciation shock and the global financial crisis. This benign domestic inflationary environment has arguably made it easier for the SARB to achieve its inflation target. Such consistency has contributed to an increase in the SARB's credibility, which, in turn, has led to inflation expectations that are lower and better anchored.

Abstract The article exposes the public policy of closing the border of the Dominican Republic against the Haitian population since 1937, a situation that has been beneficial for global corporations that have increased their profit margins by taking advantage of the context of poverty, violence, and racism experienced by the Haitian population. The case of the textile corporation Compagnie Développement Industriel (CODEVI) is studied, which has placed an industrial site on the Haitian-Dominican border line. Methodologically, an anthropological and geographical study was carried out, consisting of interviews and visits to both workers and company officials, in addition to a documentary review of the economic policy of both countries and the legislation regulating transnational corporations. In this way, the creative political, legal, technical, and territorial devices used to exploit cheap Haitian labor are exposed, evidencing the national and racial segregation imposed by the textile company. It is concluded that this system of labor exploitation generates great economic profits in exchange for a minimal investment that does not contribute significantly to overcome the extreme poverty experienced by workers living in the impoverished Haitian border town of Ouanaminthe.

Resumen En el presente artículo se analiza la política racial de cierre de frontera que desde 1937 se ha instaurado en la zona dominico-haitiana, situación que ha resultado beneficiosa para corporativos globales que han incrementado sus márgenes de ganancia aprovechando el contexto de pobreza, violencia y racismo que vive la población haitiana. Se estudia el caso de la empresa textil Compagnie Développement Industriel (CODEVI), la cual ha desarrollado un sofisticado emplazamiento industrial sobre esta línea fronteriza. Metodológicamente se realiza un trabajo antropológico y geográfico que consistió en entrevistas y visitas tanto a personas trabajadoras como funcionarias de la empresa, además de una revisión documental de la política económica de ambos países y de legislaciones de corporaciones trasnacionales. De este modo, se exponen los ingeniosos dispositivos políticos, legales, técnicos y territoriales utilizados para explotar la mano de obra barata haitiana, evidenciando la segregación nacional y racial que impone la empresa textil. Se concluye que este sistema de explotación laboral obtiene grandes ganancias económicas a cambio de una mínima inversión que no contribuye significativamente a superar la extrema pobreza que viven trabajadores y trabajadoras que residen en la depauperada ciudad fronteriza haitiana de Ouanaminthe.

RESUMO A partir do exercício narrativo, este artigo examina o conceito de desigualdades em saúde, sua relação com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) e os desafios da operacionalização do princípio da Agenda 2030 de ‘Não deixar ninguém para trás’ (Leaving No One Behind - LNOB). Também são destacadas as implicações desses debates para a implementação dos ODS, direcionadas para grupos populacionais vulnerabilizados em territorialidades locais e sua efetiva participação nesse processo. Por fim, apresenta a Atenção Primária à Saúde, dentro do contexto brasileiro, enquanto estratégia de atenção integral à saúde que se concentra na prevenção, na promoção e na reabilitação dos usuários, podendo contribuir para a abordagem local do LNOB e para a criação de territórios sustentáveis e saudáveis. Já se está na metade do período acertado para o prazo final da agenda, e os desafios são muitos. É necessário urgência em sua implementação, o que exige planejamento nacional, investimento na capacidade do setor público e infraestrutura digital, capacitação dos governos locais e melhorarias no monitoramento e revisão dos ODS. Inclui, ainda, a importância de enfrentar os desafios emergentes e preencher as lacunas existentes na arquitetura internacional relacionada com os ODS desde 2015. narrativo (ODS 203 Não trás Leaving LNOB. . LNOB) processo fim Saúde brasileiro prevenção usuários saudáveis agenda muitos nacional digital Inclui ainda 2015 20 201 2

ABSTRACT Based on the narrative exercise, this article examines the concept of health inequalities, its relationship with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and challenges in operationalizing the 2030 Agenda principle of ‘Leaving No One Behind’ (LNOB). The implications of these debates for the implementation of the SDGs aimed at vulnerable population groups in local territories and their effective participation in this process are also highlighted. Finally, it presents Primary Health Care, in the Brazilian context, as a fundamental health care strategy that focuses on prevention, promotion and rehabilitation of users, and can contribute to the local LNOB approach and the creation of sustainable and healthy territories. We are halfway through the scheduled deadline for the agenda, and the challenges are many. Urgency is needed in its implementation, which requires national planning, investment in public sector capacity and digital infrastructure, capacity building of local governments and improvements in monitoring and reviewing the SDGs. It also includes the importance of facing emerging challenges and filling existing gaps in the international architecture related to the SDGs since 2015. exercise inequalities (SDGs 203 Leaving Behind LNOB. . (LNOB) highlighted Finally Care context prevention users agenda many planning infrastructure 2015 20 (LNOB 201 2

Abstract The federalisation of science and technology in Argentina has gained momentum with the enactment of Law 27.614/2021 and the implementation, since 2022, of a ministerial budgetary program for this purpose. This article seeks to assess the territorial impact of Equipar Ciencia, one of the instruments associated with this funding. For this purpose, we analyse provincial data from the three main phases of allocation (June 2022-June 2023) and discuss the results in light of official statements and technical aspects of this and other science policy instruments. The provincial distribution of Equipar is consistent with a logic of positive discrimination, taking into account inequalities of origin and favouring the approval of a significant part of applications from less developed provinces, as opposed to what happens with scientific projects of the I+D+i Agency or the entry of researchers to CONICET. This dissociation does not facilitate a coherent policy of territorial deconcentration of public investment. Among the different institutional resistances, the federalisation funds and Equipar continue to be managed in a centralised manner.

Resumo A federalização da ciência e a tecnologia na Argentina ganhou impulso com a sanção da Lei 27.614/2021 e a implementação, desde 2022, de um programa orçamentário ministerial para esse fim. Este artigo procura avaliar o impacto territorial do Equipar Ciência, um dos instrumentos associados ao referido financiamento. Para isso, são analisados os dados provinciais das três principais rondas de repasse (junho 2022-junho 2023) e são discutidos os resultados a luz de declarações de agentes públicos bem como aspectos técnicos deste e outros instrumentos da política científica. A distribuição provincial do Equipar enquadra-se numa lógica de discriminação positiva, tendo em conta as desigualdades de origem e favorecendo a aprovação de boa parte dos pedidos de províncias de menor desenvolvimento relativo, ao contrário do que acontece com os projetos científicos da Agência I+D+i ou o ingresso de pesquisadores no CONICET. Esta dissociação não permite uma política consistente de desconcentração territorial do investimento público. Entre as diversas inércias institucionais, os fundos de federalização e o Equipar continuam a ser geridos de forma centralizada.

Resumen La federalización de la ciencia y la tecnología en Argentina ha ganado impulso con la sanción de la ley 27.614/2021 y la instrumentación, desde 2022, de un programa presupuestario ministerial para tal fin. Este artículo busca evaluar el impacto territorial del Equipar Ciencia, uno de los instrumentos asociados a dicho financiamiento. Para ello, se analizan datos provinciales de las tres principales rondas de adjudicación (junio de 2022-junio de 2023) y se discuten los resultados a la luz de declaraciones de funcionarios y aspectos técnicos de este y otros instrumentos de la política científica. La distribución provincial del Equipar se condice con una lógica de discriminación positiva, atendiendo a las desigualdades de origen y favoreciendo la aprobación de buena parte de las solicitudes de provincias de menor desarrollo relativo, lo contrario a lo que ocurre con los proyectos científicos de la Agencia I+D+i o el ingreso de investigadores al CONICET. Esta disociación no permite una política consistente de desconcentración territorial de la inversión pública. Entre las diversas inercias institucionales, los fondos de federalización y el Equipar continúan siendo gestionados de forma centralizada.

The South African food system is facing severe challenges as increasing hunger, rising food costs, lack of dietary diversity, child stunting, foodborne illnesses, food waste and an obesity epidemic coupled with malnutrition are observed. In this study, we aimed to establish the application of science and technology advances in the food and beverage industry in South Africa in response to food consumption pattern changes since 1994 and how they could be used to address food security challenges. We found that food consumption shifts have been towards sugar-sweetened beverages, processed and packaged food, animal-source foods and added caloric sweeteners, and away from vegetables. These dietary shifts are concerning as they relate to public health. Most commitments to improve the nutritional status of South Africans have been limited to corporate social investment strategies and should be extended into core business strategies. Furthermore, although the South African food and beverage industry has kept pace with developments in food manufacturing practices, there has been little experimentation with non-commercial novel technologies. The expert survey revealed that indigenous African crops and food waste recovery are the two most promising emerging food sources that could be available to South Africans in the shortest time frame. South Africa has many enabling drivers to become a global leader in food technology advances. However, many barriers need to be overcome for industry, academia and government to collaborate to advance novel food science and technologies to reach commercialisation. SIGNIFICANCE: • Drivers and consequences of food consumption changes in South Africa were modelled and broad food consumption trends between 1994 and 2009/2012 were identified. • For the first time, the Access to Nutrition Index methodology was applied to South African owned food companies to identify strategies to enhance nutrition practices. Companies need to do more to deliver affordable and accessible products. • Drivers and barriers in adopting advanced food science and technology were modelled. A collective ecosystem approach with industry, academia and government mobilisation around critical areas like hunger, malnutrition and poverty could be a way to tackle the failing food system.

Abstract Objective: To estimate the direct costs of treating excess body weight in children and adolescents attending a public children’s hospital. Methods: This study analyzed the costs of the disease within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) for 2,221 patients with excess body weight using a microcosting approach. The costs included operational expenses, consultations, and laboratory and imaging tests obtained from medical records for the period from 2009 to 2019. Healthcare expenses were obtained from the Table of Procedures, Medications, Orthoses/Prostheses, and Special Materials of SUS and from the hospital’s finance department. Results: Medical consultations accounted for 50.6% (R$703,503.00) of the total cost (R $1,388,449.40) of treatment over the period investigated. The cost of treating excess body weight was 11.8 times higher for children aged 5–18 years compared to children aged 2–5 years over the same period. Additionally, the cost of treating obesity was approximately 4.0 and 6.3 times higher than the cost of treating overweight children aged 2–5 and 5–18 years, respectively. Conclusion: The average annual cost of treating excess body weight was R$138,845.00. Weight status and age influenced the cost of treating this disease, with higher costs being observed for individuals with obesity and children over 5 years of age. Additionally, the important deficit in reimbursement by SUS and the small number of other health professionals highlight the need for restructuring this treatment model to ensure its effectiveness, including a substantial increase in government investment. Objective childrens s hospital Methods (SUS 2221 2 221 2,22 approach 200 2019 Procedures Medications OrthosesProstheses Orthoses Prostheses Orthoses/Prostheses hospitals department Results 506 50 6 50.6 R$703,503.00 R70350300 R 703 503 00 (R$703,503.00 $1,388,449.40 138844940 1 388 449 40 investigated 118 11 8 11. 518 18 5–1 25 2– Additionally 4 0 4. 63 3 6. respectively Conclusion R13884500 138 845 R$138,845.00 effectiveness investment 222 22 2,2 20 201 50. R$703,503.0 R7035030 70 (R$703,503.0 $1,388,449.4 13884494 38 44 51 5– R1388450 13 84 R$138,845.0 2, R$703,503. R703503 7 (R$703,503. $1,388,449. 1388449 R138845 R$138,845. R$703,503 R70350 (R$703,503 $1,388,449 138844 R13884 R$138,845 R$703,50 R7035 (R$703,50 $1,388,44 13884 R1388 R$138,84 R$703,5 R703 (R$703,5 $1,388,4 1388 R138 R$138,8 R$703, R70 (R$703, $1,388, R13 R$138, R$703 R7 (R$703 $1,388 R1 R$138 R$70 (R$70 $1,38 R$13 R$7 (R$7 $1,3 R$1 R$ (R$ $1, $1 $

ABSTRACT This research aimed to suggest practical strategies for Mexico's economic development through the trend of nearshoring. It involved identifying, analyzing, and organizing the causes of the conflict between China and the USA over international trade and exploring the opportunities that nearshoring to Mexico can offer. Qualitative research methods were applied, and documentary research techniques were used based on two study objects: a) the Sino-American dispute over international trade and b) nearshoring to Mexico. Nearshoring to Mexico is driven by various factors, including tariff benefits from Free Trade Agreements, low labor costs in manufacturing companies, and a stable exchange rate. Therefore, Mexico needs to encourage the development of industrial parks, implement an effective Public Security Policy, offer tax incentives to attract Foreign Direct Investment and improve port, road, and air infrastructure to take full advantage of this trend.

RESUMEN Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo sugerir estrategias prácticas para el desarrollo económico de México a través de la tendencia del nearshoring. Implicó identificar, analizar y organizar las causas del conflicto entre China y Estados Unidos sobre el comercio internacional y explorar las oportunidades que puede ofrecer el nearshoring a México. Se aplicaron métodos de investigación cualitativos y se utilizaron técnicas de investigación documental basadas en dos objetos de estudio: a) la disputa chino-estadounidense sobre el comercio internacional y b) el nearshoring a México. El nearshoring a México está impulsado por varios factores, incluidos los beneficios arancelarios de los Tratados de Libre Comercio, los bajos costos laborales en las empresas manufactureras y un tipo de cambio estable. Por lo tanto, México necesita fomentar el desarrollo de parques industriales, implementar una Política de Seguridad Pública efectiva, ofrecer incentivos fiscales para atraer Inversión Extranjera Directa y mejorar la infraestructura portuaria, vial y aérea para aprovechar al máximo esta tendencia.

Resumo Introdução: As doenças respiratórias são uma das principais causas de doença e morte, ocupando o terceiro lugar em Portugal. Globalmente, a Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crónica (DPOC) é a terceira principal causa de morte, a seguir às doenças cardiovasculares e ao acidente vascular cerebral. Identificar indivíduos de alto risco e implementar tratamento precoce é crucial devido à variabilidade dos sintomas e exacerbações na DPOC. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar estratégias eficazes para prevenir exacerbações e complicações relacionadas. Métodos: Foi desenvolvido um estudo Delphi que envolveu 15 especialistas de diversas áreas, incluindo médicos, enfermeiros, gestores de saúde, decisores políticos, especialistas em saúde pública e representantes de organizações de pessoas com doença. Os especialistas utilizaram uma escala, variando de “Concordo” a “Discordo”, para alcançar um nível de consenso de 73,3% para cada estratégia. Foram realizadas três rodadas para abordar seis perguntas relacionadas com o diagnóstico precoce e seguimento dos doentes. A primeira ronda centrou-se na identificação dos principais desafios enfrentados pelo sistema de saúde português na gestão da DPOC, dos obstáculos na identificação e gestão das exacerbações da DPOC e das estratégias eficazes para ultrapassar as barreiras identificadas. A segunda e a terceira rondas envolveram a análise da informação recolhida e a votação de cada indicador para obter consenso. Os indicadores resultantes foram categorizados em dois grupos: barreiras, desafios e constrangimentos na gestão da DPOC e estratégias de ação para melhorar a prevenção, a referenciação e diminuir exacerbações e o peso desta doença. Resultados: De um total de 134 indicadores válidos gerados, 108 obtiveram consenso. Dos indicadores consensualizados pelos peritos, 18 dizem respeito a barreiras, desafios e constrangimentos, enquanto 90 são referentes a estratégias de ação para a DPOC. Entre as estratégias formuladas, 25 indicadores com consenso visam estratégias de prevenção, 24 indicadores com consenso têm como alvo a referenciação da DPOC e 41 indicadores com consenso concentram-se em mitigar as exacerbações da DPOC e reduzir a carga da doença. Discussão/Conclusão: Este estudo enfatiza a necessidade de investimento integrado na saúde respiratória e o reconhecimento do impacto da DPOC na vida das pessoas, nos sistemas de saúde e na economia. A prevenção e o tratamento adequado das exacerbações são cruciais para uma gestão eficaz da DPOC e para reduzir a morbidade e a mortalidade associadas. Os especialistas destacam a importância de melhorar a coordenação entre diferentes níveis de cuidados, integrar sistemas de informação e descentralizar as responsabilidades hospitalares. A pandemia da COVID-19 reforçou a importância da saúde respiratória individual e coletiva, enfatizando a necessidade de investir na promoção da saúde e na consciencialização sobre a DPOC.

Abstract Introduction: Respiratory diseases, ranking the third in Portugal, contribute significantly to illness and mortality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third-leading cause of death globally. Identifying high-risk individuals and implementing early treatment is crucial due to the variability of COPD symptoms and exacerbations. This study aimed to identify effective strategies for preventing exacerbations and complications. Methods: A Delphi involving 15 experts was performed. Experts included physicians, nurses, health managers, policymakers, public health experts, and patient organizations. Consensus was achieved at 73.3% for each strategy using a scale ranging from “agree” to “disagree.” Three rounds were conducted to address six questions related to early diagnosis and patient follow-up. Challenges faced by the Portuguese Health System in managing COPD, obstacles in COPD exacerbation diagnosis and management, and effective strategies to overcome barriers were identified in the first round. The second and third rounds involved analyzing the gathered information and voting on each indicator to achieve consensus, respectively. Indicators were categorized into constraints and barriers, and strategies for reducing COPD exacerbations and disease burden. Results: Out of a total of 134 valid indicators generated, 108 achieved consensus. Among the indicators agreed upon by experts, 18 pertained to barriers, challenges, and constraints, while 90 focused on action strategies for COPD. Among the strategies formulated, 25 consensus indicators target prevention strategies, 24 consensus indicators aim to enhance COPD referrals, and 41 consensus indicators focus on mitigating COPD exacerbations and reducing the overall disease burden. Discussion/Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for integrated investment in respiratory healthcare and recognition of the impact of COPD on patients, healthcare systems, and economies. Prevention and appropriate treatment of exacerbations are crucial for effective COPD management and reducing associated morbidity and mortality. Experts highlight the importance of improving coordination between different levels of care, integrating information systems, and decentralizing hospital responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the importance of individual and collective respiratory health, necessitating investment in health promotion and COPD awareness.

RESUMEN La comprensión de las prácticas de movilidad de mujeres agricultoras en función de la comercialización de sus productos resulta de suma importancia para identificar sus necesidades y desafíos como grupo social vulnerable. La investigación analizó las prácticas de movilidad y comercialización que utilizan las mujeres agricultoras de la parroquia rural Sinincay, del cantón Cuenca, Ecuador. Mediante la asunción de una metodología mixta de carácter transversal, se aplicaron encuestas para la recolección de información. Los resultados revelaron que las oportunidades para comercializar productos se concentran en el área urbana. El 57.7 de las mujeres comercializa sus productos en lugares no aptos para ello, principalmente en la vía pública, cerca de mercados y plazas. El 72.3 %, al no disponer de vehículo propio dependen de otros medios de transporte, situación que incide en la inversión de tiempo y costo de los desplazamientos. Además, el 93.8 % no forma parte de ninguna organización, lo que conlleva a la realización de la mayoría de viajes de forma individual. Estos hallazgos constituyen un insumo importante para que los organismos pertinentes generen acciones para mejorar la situación de este importante grupo poblacional.

ABSTRACT Understanding women farmers' mobility practices in marketing their products is of utmost importance in identifying their needs and challenges as a vulnerable social group. The research analyzed the mobility and marketing practices used by women farmers in the rural parish of Sinincay in the canton of Cuenca, Ecuador. Using a mixed methodology of a cross-sectional nature, surveys were applied to collect information. The results revealed that the opportunities for marketing products are concentrated in the urban area. A total of 57.7% of the women market their products in places not suitable for this purpose, mainly on public roads, near markets and squares. Since 72.3 % do not have their own vehicle, they depend on other means of transportation, a situation that affects the investment of time and the cost of travel. In addition, 93.8% do not belong to any organization, which means that most trips are made individually. These findings constitute an essential input for the relevant agencies to generate actions to improve the situation of this important population group.

RESUMEN La brecha digital hace referencia a la forma de exclusión social que afecta el uso de la tecnología e impacta en mayor medida a los pueblos originarios. En Oaxaca, por su alta densidad de población indígena, se observa un continuum histórico de desigualdad que se expresa en la pobreza, la marginación, la baja escolaridad y el bajo poder adquisitivo, barreras para el acceso a las tecnologías digitales. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar los factores sociodemográficos, económicos, culturales y geográficos que inciden en el acceso a Internet por parte de la población indígena, así como una revisión de las políticas de inclusión digital emprendidas para la reducción de la brecha digital. Tal abordaje supuso el uso del modelo estadístico probit, utilizando datos del Censo de población y vivienda 2020. Las estadísticas arrojaron que la educación, el poder adquisitivo, el acceso a servicios básicos y el hecho de residir en lugares de mayor concentración poblacional son condicionantes para fomentar el acceso a Internet. Asimismo, se vislumbró la necesidad de diseñar y aplicar políticas digitales con la participación de los tres niveles gubernamentales (federal, estatal y municipal) y agentes sociales locales, bajo un marco del reconocimiento de la diversidad cultural; políticas que vayan más allá de lo instrumental y que promuevan la inversión pública-privada en telecomunicaciones, además de seguir avanzando en mejorar el bienestar de la población indígena.

ABSTRACT The digital divide refers to the form of social exclusion that affects the use of technology and has a greater impact on indigenous peoples. In Oaxaca, due to its high density of indigenous population, there is a historical continuum of inequality that is expressed in poverty, marginalisation, low schooling and low purchasing power, which are barriers to access to digital technologies. The aim of this paper is to analyse the socio-demographic, economic, cultural and geographic factors that affect access to the Internet by the indigenous population, as well as a review of the digital inclusion policies undertaken to reduce the digital divide. This approach involved the use of the probit statistical model, using data from the 2020 Population and Housing Census. The statistics showed that education, purchasing power, access to basic services and residing in places with a higher population concentration are conditioning factors for promoting access to the Internet. Likewise, the need to design and implement digital policies with the participation of the three levels of government (federal, state and municipal) and local social agents, within a framework of recognition of cultural diversity; policies that go beyond the instrumental and that promote public-private investment in telecommunications, in addition to continuing to make progress in improving the well-being of the indigenous population.

RESUMO A brecha digital refere-se à forma de exclusão social que afeta o uso da tecnologia e impacta em maior medida os povos indígenas. Em Oaxaca, devido à sua alta densidade de população indígena, observa-se um continuum histórico de desigualdade que se expressa na pobreza, na marginalização, na baixa escolaridade e no baixo poder de compra, barreiras ao acesso às tecnologias digitais. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar os fatores sociodemográficos, econômicos, culturais e geográficos que afetam o acesso à Internet da população indígena, bem como uma revisão das políticas de inclusão digital empreendidas para reduzir a brecha digital. Esta abordagem envolveu o uso do modelo estatístico probit, utilizando dados do Censo Demográfico e Habitacional de 2020. As estatísticas mostraram que a escolaridade, o poder de compra, o acesso a serviços básicos e o fato de residir em locais com maior concentração populacional são fatores condicionantes para promover o acesso à internet. Da mesma forma, percebeu-se a necessidade de desenhar e aplicar políticas digitais com a participação dos três níveis de governo (federal, estadual e municipal) e dos agentes sociais locais, num quadro de reconhecimento da diversidade cultural; políticas que vão além do instrumental e promovam o investimento público-privado em telecomunicações, além de continuar avançando na melhoria do bem-estar da população indígena.

Abstract The Expenditure Ceiling, effective from 2017 to 2022, marked a significant period in Brazilian fiscal policy and triggered numerous debates regarding its impact on macroeconomic variables. This article employs the synthetic control method and utilizes annual data from the World Bank and IMF to assess its influence on the central bank policy rate (Selic) from 2017 to 2021 and the real rate of public investment between 2017 and 2019. The findings indicate that the implementation of the expenditure ceiling aligned with a decrease in the Selic rate, consistent with previous research on long-term and neutral interest rates. However, analyzing public investment proves challenging due to the substantial reduction in government investments resulting from the 2015-2016 recession. Ceiling 201 2022 variables (Selic 202 2019 longterm long term rates However 20152016 2015 2016 2015-201 recession 20 2015201 2015-20 2 201520 2015-2 20152 2015-

Resumo Tendo vigorado entre 2017 e 2022, o Teto de Gastos marcou um importante período da política fiscal brasileira e gerou uma série de debates acerca de seus efeitos sobre variáveis macroeconômicas. Usando a metodologia do Controle Sintético e dados anuais do Banco Mundial e do FMI, este artigo avalia o seu impacto sobre a taxa básica de juros (Selic) entre 2017 e 2021 e sobre a taxa real de investimento público entre 2017 e 2019. Os resultados indicam que a implementação do Teto coincidiu com uma queda na Selic não observada no contrafactual, estando em linha com resultados anteriores relacionados às taxas de juros longas. A análise do investimento público, por sua vez, revela que não é possível isolar o efeito do Teto, haja vista a queda de investimentos governamentais durante a recessão de 2015-2016. 201 2022 macroeconômicas FMI (Selic 202 2019 contrafactual longas vez 20152016. 20152016 2015 2016. 2016 2015-2016 20 2015201 2015-201 2 201520 2015-20 20152 2015-2 2015-

Insects are one of the most species-rich groups on Earth. They comprise much of animal diversity and play vital roles in ecosystems, including pollination, pest control, and decomposition. However, only a fraction of this diversity has been formally described. South Africa is recognised as one of the most biologically diverse countries globally, with an estimated 44 000 insect species. Many crops rely on insect pollinators, including canola, apples, oranges, and sunflowers. A shortage of wild pollinators currently threatens crop yields, yet our knowledge of insect diversity within South Africa is sparse. There are few taxonomic specialists relative to South Africa's biodiversity, and the methods used for insect identification can be time-consuming and expensive. DNA barcoding provides an important research tool to accelerate insect biodiversity research. In this review, we queried the public DNA barcoding BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System) database for records of "Insecta" within South Africa, and 416 211 published records assigned to 28 239 unique BINs (Barcode Index Numbers) were returned. We identified five taxonomic orders with more BINs than known species in southern Africa (Hymenoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera, Plecoptera, and Strepsiptera). Most of the barcoded records were derived from Malaise trap sampling in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, while the rest of South Africa remains poorly sampled. We suggest that there is a need for a comprehensive national sampling effort alongside increased investment in taxonomic expertise to generate critical baseline data on insect biodiversity before species are lost to extinction. SIGNIFICANCE: Insects provide critical ecosystem services, but our knowledge of insect biodiversity is limited. DNA barcoding can help fill biodiversity knowledge gaps; however, within South Africa, sampling has been uneven. Well-sampled provinces include Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, while the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, North-West and Western Cape remain under-sampled. We argue for a broad national Malaise trapping effort to generate crucial baseline data on insect biodiversity. Without urgent investment in taxonomic expertise and biomonitoring, we risk losing much of our biodiversity before it is even described.