Resumen (Objetivo) El principal objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el potencial de ahorro de agua potable, mediante el empleo de la pluvial como una fuente de abastecimiento para usos no potables, en dos barrios con viviendas de interés social del municipio de Viçosa (Minas Gerais, Brasil). (Metodología) Se utilizaron las estadísticas de consumo correspondientes a cada mes del 2020, para cada una de las casas que conforman los complejos habitacionales Benjamín José Cardoso y Sol Nascente, así como se estimó la fracción de agua potable destinada en los hogares para usos no potables. Se analizó la información correspondiente a los registros de lluvias mensuales de los últimos 50 años y se calculó el volumen mensual de agua de lluvia que podría colectarse en cada casa. (Resultados) El volumen promedio mensual de agua pluvial que podría captarse en el área de tejado de cada hogar es 3,39 m3. Durante los meses lluviosos del año, podría almacenarse un porcentaje de agua mayor al destinado para usos no potables; el dimensionamiento de un reservorio de agua de lluvia que supere las necesidades por mes del líquido para dichos propósitos podría viabilizar un excedente de agua colectada que garantice el recurso a lo largo de la temporada seca. (Conclusiones) Ya que el porcentaje promedio de ahorro de agua potable para ambos barrios supera el 53 %, el ahorro de consumo mensual puede contribuir a la reducción en el pago del servicio del agua potable y el consumo del líquido del municipio, principalmente en los meses de sequía.

Resumo (Objetivo) O principal objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o potencial de economia de água potável por meio do uso da água pluvial como fonte de abastecimento para usos não potáveis em dois bairros com habitações de interesse social no município de Viçosa (Minas Gerais-Brasil). (Metodologia) Foram utilizadas estatísticas de consumo de cada mês do ano de 2020 para cada uma das casas que compõem os conjuntos habitacionais Benjamin José Cardoso e Sol Nascente, e foi estimada a fração de água potável utilizada nas residências para usos não potáveis. Foram analisados os registros mensais de dos últimos 50 anos e calculado o volume mensal de águas pluviais que poderia ser coletado de cada residência. (Resultados) O volume médio mensal de águas pluviais que poderia ser coletado da área do telhado de cada residência é de 3,39 m3. Durante os meses chuvosos do ano, poderia ser armazenada uma porcentagem maior de água do que aquela destinada a usos não potáveis; o dimensionamento de um reservatório de águas pluviais que ultrapassem as necessidades mensais do líquido para esses fins poderia viabilizar um excedente de água coletada para garantir o líquido durante a estação seca. (Conclusões) Como a porcentagem média de economia de água potável para ambos os bairros é superior a 53%, a economia no consumo mensal pode contribuir para a redução do pagamento do serviço de água potável do município e do consumo do líquido, principalmente nos meses de seca.

Abstract (Objective) The main objective of this research was to evaluate the potential for saving drinking water by using rainwater as a source of supply for non-potable purposes in two neighborhoods with social housing in the municipality of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. (Methodology) The consumption statistics for each month of 2020 were used for each of the homes comprising the Benjamin José Cardoso and Sol Nascente Housing Complexes, and the fraction of drinking water that is destined in homes for nonpotable purposes was estimated. The information corresponding to the monthly rainfall records of the last 50 years was analyzed and the monthly volume of rainwater that could be harvested in each house was calculated. (Results) The average monthly volume of rainwater that could be captured through the roof area of each dwelling is 3.39 m3. During the rainy months of the year, it would be feasible to save a higher percentage of water than that allocated for non-potable purposes. Sizing a rainwater reservoir that exceeds the monthly needs for non-potable purposes would allow the surplus of collected water to supply the liquid during the dry season. (Conclusions) Since the average percentage of savings in drinking water for both neighborhoods exceeded 53%, the saving of the monthly consumption can contribute to the reduction of payments for the drinking water service and the consumption of the liquid in the municipality, particularly during drought months.

Abstract: This investigation studied the energy efficiency of a steam system in a hospital, considering the procedure in ASME EA-3-2009 standard. This is the standard for the energy assessment of industrial steam systems and aims to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of industrial steam systems by identifying opportunities and providing recommendations to optimize system performance. The obtained boiler energy efficiency was 80.29 %, by applying an energy balance, reaching 15.33 kW for heat losses in the distribution pipes. Two consistent improvement alternatives were proposed, starting by unifying the pipe diameter of the kitchen area of 5 m, generating a reduction of heat loss from 828 to 600 W, which represented a total annual energy saving of around 2.4 GJ/year. The investment cost is USD 47.40, considering the achievement of the break-even point after 9 months, where the insulation of the pipes with glass wool was considered second and it generated a reduction in losses of 5.98 kW, representing a total annual energy saving of about 62.91 GJ/year, which corresponds to approximately USD 1 672. The expenditure for insulating a 49 m pipe amounted to USD 462, factoring in both the NPV calculation and potential savings. The breakeven point was achieved within roughly 4 months, underscoring the economic advantage of implementing the two suggested improvement measures.

Resumen: En esta investigación se analizó la eficiencia energética de un sistema de vapor en un hospital, considerando la norma ASME EA-3-2009. Esta norma se utiliza para la evaluación energética de los sistemas de vapor industriales y busca mejorar la eficiencia energética y la sostenibilidad de estos sistemas identificando oportunidades y proponiendo medidas para optimizar el rendimiento. Se obtuvo una eficiencia energética de la caldera de 80.29 % mediante un balance de energías y las pérdidas de calor en las tuberías de distribución alcanzaron 15.33 kW. Se plantearon dos alternativas de mejora consistentes, iniciando con unificar el diámetro de tubería del área de cocina de 5 m, generando una reducción de pérdida de calor de 828 hasta 600 W, que representó un ahorro de energía anual total de 2.4 GJ/año, aproximadamente. El costo de inversión es de USD 47.40, considerando como alcanzable el punto de equilibrio a los 9 meses, donde se planteó en segundo lugar el aislamiento de las tuberías mediante lana de vidrio y generó la disminución de pérdidas en 5.98 kW, representando un ahorro de energía anual total de alrededor de 62.91 GJ/año, lo que corresponde a USD 1 672, aproximadamente. La inversión para el aislamiento de tuberías con una longitud de 49 m fue de USD 462, considerando el cálculo del VAN y los posibles ahorros, además el punto de equilibrio se alcanza a los 4 meses, aproximadamente, e indica el beneficio económico de aplicar las dos opciones de mejora planteadas.

ABSTRACT In this work, the implementation of solar panels in the Villa Clara Dairy Products Company, UEB Sagua la Grande, is evaluated. Measurements of the structures were made and optimal orientations were chosen to improve performance. The free software of the European commission PVGIS was used to facilitate the study of the solar resource and photovoltaic potential. It is a very useful tool for carrying out feasibility studies of photovoltaic systems. With the performance analysis, an annual generation of 648.5 MWh is forecast. This approach is not only energy efficient, but environmentally significant, as it will avoid the emission of 9,453 tons of CO2, 53 tons of SO2 and 18 tons of NO2 into the atmosphere. In addition, it is highlighted that the project will contribute to saving the country 2,882 tons of fuel. These results underline the importance and potential of renewable energy, not only to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but also to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

RESUMEN En el presente trabajo se evalúa la implementación de paneles solares en la Empresa de Productos Lácteos Villa Clara, UEB Sagua la Grande. Se realizaron mediciones de las estructuras y se eligieron las orientaciones óptimas para mejorar el rendimiento. Se utilizó el software gratuito de la comisión europea PVGIS, para facilitar el estudio del recurso solar y el potencial fotovoltaico. Se trata de una herramienta muy útil para hacer estudios de viabilidad de sistemas fotovoltaicos. Con el análisis de rendimiento, se pronostica una generación anual de 648,5 MWh. Este enfoque no solo es energéticamente eficiente, sino ambientalmente significativo, ya que evitará la emisión de 9453 toneladas de CO2, 53 toneladas de SO2 y 18 toneladas de NO2 a la atmósfera. Además, se destaca que el proyecto contribuirá al ahorro de 2882 toneladas de combustible al país. Estos resultados subrayan la importancia y el potencial de las energías renovables, no solo para reducir la dependencia de los combustibles fósiles, sino también para mitigar el cambio climático al reducir las emisiones de los gases de efecto invernadero.

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how the once-off increase in regional income that will result from investment in roads and the recurring increase in regional income that will stem from the use of economically viable new roads can be estimated. Once-off economic benefits occur because of the multiplier effect triggered by the initial investment expenditure on a road, while recurring economic benefits result from the income accelerator effect that use of the road during its service period will have. To determine the regional income multiplier effect of the investment expenditure on a proposed road during its construction period, it is necessary to estimate (i) the tax amounts included in the investment amount as a ratio of the total project investment amount, (ii) the monetary amount saved by project workers as a ratio of the total project investment amount, and (iii) the expenditure on imported project inputs as a ratio of the total project investment amount. An analysis that incorporates the above-mentioned three fund leakages from the circular flow of regional income will show that the representative income multiplier of South African rural paved road construction projects has a value of 4,58. The gross national income multiplier effect stemming from road construction expenditure can be categorised as follows: In the rating scale above, a gross national income multiplier effect stemming from road construction projects with a value of less than 2,00 is regarded as "poor", because such a multiplier value is usually associated with economically unviable road projects. Gross national road construction multiplier effects with a value of 2,00 or more are associated with economically viable projects. An analysis as referred to above will show that, with a once-off gross income multiplier value of 4,58, the construction of economically viable roads will afford the government a "very good" opportunity to generate income effectively, especially considering that the national economy-wide gross income multiplier in South Africa is 3,27, which shows that the gross income multiplier of road construction is 40% higher than the economy-wide gross income multiplier. The reasons why the once-off gross regional income multiplier stemming from construction expenditure on rural road projects is "very good" are as follows: Multiplier Rating 1 – 1,99 Poor 2 – 2,99 Satisfactory 3 – 3,99 Good 4 – 4,99 Very good < 5 Excellent (1) A substantial proportion of the payroll of road construction workers is subject to zero or low personal income tax rates. (2) The propensity to consume among rural, unskilled and semi-skilled workers (in areas where rural roads are constructed) is generally high, which implies a low savings leakage. (3) Labourers needed for road construction are usually recruited from (or from close by) the areas where a road is to be built. Furthermore, low-income earners tend to buy and consume goods that are produced locally. (4) Generally, there is a relatively small need to import economic resources for road construction projects. Items like timber, sand, stone, gravel, filling material, bitumen, cement, steel and most of the road construction equipment are of regional or, at least, South African origin. The pace at which an economically viable road will stimulate regional income will be reflected by the new traffic it induces and any existing traffic that it diverts from less beneficial roads. In the social cost-benefit analysis of a road, it is estimated by what proportion induced and diverted traffic will increase the road user surplus. This expected proportional increase in road user surplus will accelerate (stimulate) the once-off regional multiplier and is termed the "regional income stimulation factor". Project-driven induced investment activities - i.e. downstream investment activities made possible by the provision of the road - usually (a) involve technically more sophisticated construction projects than the analysed road itself, (b) require the importation of a greater proportion of finished goods and specialised equipment, and (c) involve more skilled and highly skilled workers, whose income is subject to high income tax rates and who exhibit a higher propensity for saving than unskilled workers. Such downstream activities will collectively have a greater leakage effect than that incorporated in the once-off regional multiplier pertaining to construction of the road, which will depress the magnitude of the recurring regional income accelerator. The different formulae used to calculate the recurring income accelerator are detailed in the body of the article.

Hierdie artikel dui aan hoe die eenmalige verhoging in streeksinkome wat uit investeringsbesteding tydens die bou van 'n pad spruit, en die herhalende bykomende streeksinkome wat uit die gebruik van 'n ekonomies geregverdigde nuwe pad spruit, deur onderskeidelik streeksinkomevermenigvuldigerontleding en streeksinkome-versnellerontleding beraam kan word. Om die effek van die streeksinkomevermenigvuldiger van die uitgawe verbonde aan die bou van 'n pad te bepaal, moet (i) die belastings wat by die bou-uitgawe ingesluit is, as 'n verhouding van die totale bou-uitgawe, (ii) die bedrae geld wat deur projekwerkers gespaar word, as 'n verhouding van die totale bou-uitgawe, en (iii) die besteding aan ingevoerde projekinsette, as 'n verhouding van die totale bou-uitgawe, bepaal word. Ontledings wat bogenoemde drie fondslekkasies uit die kringloop van streeksinkome in ag neem, toon dat die verteenwoordigende inkomevermenigvuldiger van Suid-Afrikaanse bouprojekte vir buitestedelike geplaveide paaie 'n waarde van 4,58 het. Op die beoordelingskaal van inkomevermenigvuldigerwaardes vir die bou van buitestedelike paaie bied dit aan die staat 'n "baie goeie" geleentheid om inkome te genereer, veral as in ag geneem word dat die gemiddelde inkomevermenigvuldiger van besteding in die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie 'n waarde van 3,27 het. Die formules waarmee die eenmalige inkomevermenigvuldiger beraam word, word in die liggaam van die artikel uiteengesit. Die herhalende versnelde streeksinkome wat uit die gebruik van 'n ekonomies lewensvat-bare pad spruit, is gelyk aan die produk van (a) die huidige waarde van die herhalende pad-gebruikersvoordele wat uit die gebruik van die pad spruit, en (b) die waarde van die streeks-inkomeversneller van die gebruik van die pad. 'n Streeksinkomeversneller wat as verstekwaarde kan dien in die ekonomiese-impakontleding van 'n ekonomies lewensvatbare geplaveide buitestedelike pad in gevalle waar dit nie haalbaar is om 'n projek-eie versneller te probeer beraam nie, word in die artikel bereken. Die formules waarmee die herhalende-inkomeversneller beraam word, word in die liggaam van die artikel uiteengesit.

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) provides a unique opportunity for water conservation. This research aimed to assess the performance of two types of RWH systems (gravity and pump-driven) at a local public school in replacing non-potable water for toilet flushing. The volume of harvested water, efficiency to meet demand, expenses involved and associated environmental burdens were key criteria of performance. Economic considerations included capital costs and return periods, while the environmental aspects encompassed simplified life cycle assessments (LCAs) as well as specific carbon footprints. The gravity-fed system supplied 452.5 kL/annum and covered 31.8% of the demand for flushing water for toilets for the school investigated. The pumped system provided 476.8 kL/annum representing 33.5% of the demand. Together they would be able to supply 65.3% of the demand. The catchment area of these two systems differed and there was no overlap. As expected, the gravity-fed system outperformed the pumped system, both economically and environmentally, because no energy for pumping was needed. In terms of costs, the difference was small, and the payback periods of both systems were similar. However, environmentally, the LCA scores for the pumped system were an order of magnitude higher for all 18 impact categories considered. Carbon footprints showed that in the construction stage both systems have similar footprints. For the operation stage, the comparison was extended, as there were higher energy requirements for the pumped system (about 4 times higher than those from the provision of municipal potable water), but in the same range or lower when compared with other alternative sources of water like groundwater abstraction, recycling of municipal water and desalination. The gravity-fed system required no energy for pumping. This study shows how trade-offs in assessing the overall performance of RWH systems can be considered, leading to better decision making.

A research project was carried out on a gold mine in the Vaal River region of South Africa (Witwatersrand Basin) to evaluate the effect of two particular aspects of rockbolt installation - the angle of inclination of the bolt relative to the orientation of the rock surface, and the protruding length of the bolt - on the mine's gully support system. A keyblock analysis approach indicated that these factors do not have an adverse impact on the stability of the strike gullies. This was confirmed by extensive empirical data collected from the case study mine. While safety is the primary concern, cost saving opportunities can be realized through reconsidering historically inherited support standards that are perceived to be correct and appropriate. The research described in this paper sets forth a practical approach, that is easy to implement and repeatable, to evaluate the role of rockbolts in stoping gullies.

Abstract In view of the growing scarcity of water for agriculture, the increase in food demand and future drought scenarios posed by climate change, it is essential to design new technologies that contribute to lower water consumption. In this research, high-resolution images have been used to estimate evapotranspiration in rice fields by applying the METRICTM (Mapping Evapotranspiration at High Resolution using Internalized Calibration) energy balance model. For this purpose, 5900 m2 of crop were monitored under continuous flood irrigation (CF) and 2600 m2 under alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWD), in addition to some plots with lateral filtration. Ten flights were conducted between tillering and flowering phases, five flights with a Matrice 210 UAV equipped with a Parrot Sequoia multispectral camera, and five flights with a Matrice 300 RTK equipped with a H20T thermal camera. Field data were collected from vegetation indices (NDVI and LAI), and readings from a radiometer, to adjust information from multispectral and thermal images, respectively, and to obtain the components of the surface energy balance. Mean values for crop evapotranspiration (ETc) of 6.34 ± 1.49 and 5.84 ± 0.41 mm d-1 were obtained for IC irrigation and AWD irrigation, respectively, obtaining a water saving of 42% with a yield reduction of 14%, providing a guide for proper irrigation management, however, it is suggested to use the model to optimize yield by obtaining critical thresholds for optimal application of AWD in the face of water resource scarcity.

Resumen Ante la creciente escasez del agua para la agricultura, el incremento de la demanda de alimentos y los futuros escenarios de sequía que nos plantea el cambio climático es indispensable diseñar nuevas tecnologías que contribuyan a un menor consumo de agua. En esta investigación se han empleado imágenes de alta resolución para estimar la evapotranspiración en arrozales aplicando el modelo de balance de energía METRICTM (Mapping Evapotranspiration at High Resolution using Internalized Calibration). Para ello, se monitorizaron 5900 m2 de cultivo bajo riego por inundación continua (IC) y 2600 m2 bajo la técnica de riego de alternancia humedecimiento y secado (AWD, por sus siglas en inglés), además de algunas parcelas con filtración lateral. Se realizaron 10 vuelos entre las etapas de macollamiento y floración, cinco vuelos con un VANT Matrice 210 con una cámara multiespectral Parrot Sequoia, y cinco vuelos con un Matrice 300 RTK equipado con una cámara térmica H20T. Se colectó información de campo de los índices de vegetación (NDVI e IAF), y lecturas de un radiómetro, para ajustar información de las imágenes multiespectrales y térmicas, respectivamente; y obtener los componentes del balance de energía en superficie. Se obtuvo valores medios para evapotranspiración del cultivo (ETc) de 6,34 ±1,49 y 5,84 ± 0,41 mm d-1 para riego IC y riego AWD, respectivamente, obteniéndose un ahorro de agua del 42% con una reducción del rendimiento en 14%, proporcionando una guía para la gestión adecuada del riego, sin embargo, se sugiere utilizar el modelo para optimizar el rendimiento obteniendo umbrales críticos para la aplicación óptima de AWD frente a la escasez del recurso hídrico.

Abstract The article deals with a relevant theme regarding problems related to food supply. The losses accounted at production process and consumer food waste justify research on the subject. The purpose of this paper is to explain food waste intention using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical lens. In addition to measuring the influence of attitudes, social norms, and perceived behavioral control on intention, additional constructs were introduced into the model. Affect, planning routines, food surplus, and environmental concerns were incorporated to fit a logistic regression model, presenting the probability of food waste occurrence as a proxy for the probability of intention to waste. An online questionnaire was developed to collect data from consumers in the Midwest of Brazil. The sample consisted of 419 responses. As a result, it was found that food waste occurred more in affluent households, fewer in number, better categorized as “waste people” by family and friends, and less adept at reusing leftovers or saving food. In general, the affective memory related to food corroborates the desire for an abundant table, making waste acceptable. This information is useful for the construction of action plans, public and private, aimed at behavioral changes related to waste.

Resumo O artigo trata de problemas relacionados ao abastecimento alimentar. As perdas do processo produtivo e o desperdício no consumo justificam a realização de pesquisas no tema. O objetivo do artigo foi explicar a intenção em desperdiçar alimentos à luz da Teoria do Comportamento Planejado (TPB). Além da medida da influência de atitudes, normas sociais e controle comportamental percebido sobre a intenção, construtos adicionais foram introduzidos no modelo. O afeto, o planejamento de rotina, o reuso de sobras e as preocupações ambientais foram incorporados para o ajuste de um modelo de regressão logística, apresentando a probabilidade de ocorrer desperdício como proxy para a probabilidade da intenção em desperdiçar. A coleta de dados ocorreu com aplicação de questionário online junto a consumidores do Centro Oeste brasileiro. A amostra constituiu de 419 respostas. Como resultado, constatou-se que o desperdício aconteceu mais nos domicílios abastados, menos numerosos, melhor categorizados como “desperdições” pela família/amigos e menos hábeis em reutilizar sobras ou guardar comidas. De modo geral, a memória afetiva do alimento corrobora o desejo por mesa farta, tornando o desperdício aceitável. Essas informações são úteis para a construção de planos de ação, público e privados, visando mudanças de comportamento relacionadas ao desperdício.

BACKGROUND: Maternal health information handouts are used by midwives to facilitate health education of pregnant women during their antenatal care (ANC) period. South Africa's Saving Mothers Report 2014 showed that delay in accessing medical help, as a patient-related avoidable factor, accounted for 27% of maternal and neonatal mortality AIM: To ascertain the perceptions of pregnant women attending ANC in the Msunduzi sub-district in uMgungundlovu District, towards the maternal health information handouts SETTING: The study was conducted at three primary health care (PHC) clinics (two PHC and one CHC [Community Health Care]) that provided ANC in the Msunduzi sub-district KwaZulu-Natal, in 2019 METHODS: Using a qualitative approach, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 10 participants from each clinic. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis RESULTS: The themes explored included: availability and access of handouts, usefulness, review of handouts, alternative methods available, and family involvement CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that although the maternal information handouts were given to the mothers during their maternal health visits, few of them were aware of these handouts. New strategies should be employed to deliver this vital information, as suggested by mothers CONTRIBUTION: The awareness of pregnant mothers about the information handouts contributes to the positive perinatal outcomes at clinic levels

Resumen (Introducción): Durante años, las aguas residuales de curtiembres han sido vertidas a diversas fuentes de aguas sin control alguno o con tecnologías poco eficientes, lo que genera un impacto en la calidad del agua. (Objetivo): El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la viabilidad técnico-económica del uso del biopolímero pectina y quitosano para el tratamiento de aguas residuales de curtiembres. (Metodología): Se efectuó la extracción de pectina a partir de la cocona y el quitosano a partir de camarón. Se realizó una prueba de jarras donde se combinó el agua residual y los biopolímeros, la velocidad de agitación fue de 120 rpm y el tiempo de contacto de 1, 2 y 3 h. Se realizaron análisis de pH, demanda química de oxígeno (DQO), demanda bioquímica de oxígeno (DBO), sólidos suspendidos totales (SST) y Cr+6 de las muestras obtenidas. Para la comparación con Valores Máximos Admisibles (VMA), se utilizaron las muestras que mostraron mayor remoción de SST y Cr+6. Para el análisis estadístico de los diferentes tiempos y concentraciones se realizó una prueba ANOVA y de comparación múltiple, para el cotejo de eficiencias entre pectina y quitosano se realizó 1 prueba T de student. (Resultados): En la cantidad de 1 g tanto de quitosano como de pectina se registró una remoción del Cr+6 de 98.33 % y 98.30 % respectivamente, ambos con un tiempo de 1 h. En los sólidos suspendidos totales hubo una reducción del 98 % con 1 h de mezcla para la pectina y 96 % con 3 h de mezcla usando el quitosano. La eficiencia de remoción entre quitosano y pectina no mostraron una diferencia significativa. En la parte económica existe un ahorro de 846.85 USD, mientras que para el quitosano se tendría un ahorro de 807.61 USD. La concentración de parámetros de sólido sedimentable y aceites y grasas se encontró dentro de los VMA. Sin embargo, para sulfuros, DBO y DQO no se cumplió. (Conclusiones): Con el uso de biopolímeros se logró una considerable disminución del Cr+6 y de los SST, además de que ambos resultaron ser muy eficientes. También es una tecnología más rentable económicamente, en comparación con la tecnología empleada por la curtiembre estudiada. Sin embargo, para poder alcanzar los requerimientos de los VMA se deben utilizar algunas tecnologías adicionales.

Abstract (Introduction): For years, wastewater from tanneries has been discharged into various water sources without any control or with inefficient technologies, generating an impact on water quality. (Objective): To evaluate the technical-economic feasibility of the use of the biopolymer pectin and chitosan for the treatment of tannery wastewater. (Methods): Extraction of pectin from cocona and chitosan from shrimp was performed. A jar test was performed where the wastewater and biopolymers were combined, the agitation speed was 120 rpm and the contact time was 1, 2 and 3 h. Analyses of pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS) and Cr+6 were performed on the samples obtained. For comparison with Maximum Allowable Values (MAV), the samples that showed the highest TSS and Cr+6 removal were used. For the statistical analysis of the different times and concentrations an ANOVA and multiple comparison test was performed, for the comparison of efficiencies between pectin and chitosan a Student's t-test was performed. (Results): In the amount of 1 g of both chitosan and pectin there was a removal of Cr+6 of 98.33 % and 98.30 % respectively, both with a time of 1 h. In total suspended solids there was a reduction of 98 % with 1 h of mixing for pectin and 96 % with 3 h of mixing using chitosan. The removal efficiency between chitosan and pectin did not show a significant difference. In the economic part there is a saving of 846.85 USD while for chitosan there would be a saving of 807.61 USD. The concentration of settleable solids and oils and fats parameters were found to be within the MAV. However, for sulfides, BOD and COD were not met. (Conclusions): With the use of biopolymers, a considerable decrease in Cr+6 and TSS was achieved, in addition to the fact that both proved to be very efficient. It is also a more economically profitable technology compared to the technology used by the tannery studied. However, in order to meet the requirements of the MAV, some additional technologies must be used.

Resumen Las medidas para mitigar el contagio de la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) generaron modificación en el comportamiento humano. En este contexto, el objetivo de la siguiente investigación es examinar la incidencia que tuvo el COVID-19 sobre el ahorro de energía eléctrica en los hogares de la ciudad de Loja durante la pandemia. Para lo cual, se realizó una encuesta, la misma que fue aplicada a 387 hogares de la ciudad para conocer el comportamiento ambiental que mantuvieron durante la pandemia. Posteriormente, se procesó la información mediante un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales por mínimos cuadrados parciales (PLS-SEM, por sus siglas en inglés). Se validó el modelo de medida y estructural para verificar la consistencia de los resultados e hipótesis de estudio. Los resultados encontrados revelan que la COVID-19 está relacionada de forma negativa con el ahorro de energía eléctrica, es decir, no aumentó el ahorro de energía eléctrica, por el contrario, este disminuyó. Adicionalmente, otros factores, asociados a la conciencia ambiental y las normas sociales, inciden en el ahorro de energía eléctrica. De los resultados encontrados se derivan algunas implicaciones de política orientadas a mejorar las prácticas ambientales de ahorro de energía eléctrica para impulsar la sostenibilidad ambiental.

Abstract The measures to mitigate the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread generated changes in human behavior. In this context, the following investigation aims to examine the incidence that COVID-19 had on saving electrical energy in homes in Loja's City during the pandemic. Therefore, a survey was carried out, the same one that was applied to 387 homes in the city, to find out the environmental behavior they maintained during the pandemic. Subsequently, the information was processed using a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The measurement and structural model were validated to verify the consistency of the results and study hypotheses. The results revealed that COVID-19 is negatively related to the saving of electric energy; that is, it did not increase the saving of electric energy; on the contrary, it decreased. Other factors associated with environmental awareness and social norms influence the conservation of electrical energy. From the results, some policy implications are derived to improve environmental practices of saving electricity to promote ecological sustainability.

Abstract This paper pays tribute to Professor Thirlwall’s substantive work in growth and development economics by providing a review of his book Inflation, Saving and Growth in Developing Economies (1974b) [hereafter ISGD]. Indeed, the hallmark of a good economics book is whether its theoretical content and empirical predictions made several decades ago remain relevant when assessed against more recent evidence. Thirlwall’s ISGD book exhibits all these qualities. It emphasises the importance of distinguishing between different types of inflation. Structural inflation and, to a lesser extent, cost inflation, should be seen as the inevitable outcomes of the growth and development process, whereas demand inflation may act as a direct stimulus to growth, as predicted by the Kaldor-Thirlwall model of forced saving and the inflation tax model. These theoretical insights remain highly relevant in today’s developing economies. Studies tend to show that inflation thresholds, up until the point where the effect of inflation on growth is positive, tend to be higher in developing economies relative to advanced countries, owing to a combination of structural, cost and demand-side sources of inflation. The analysis further argues that inflationary finance of development, as advanced in ISGD, remains a viable development strategy when open-economy constraints are considered.

Resumen En este artículo rindo un tributo a la sustancial obra del Profesor Thirlwall sobre la economía del crecimiento y del desarrollo, para lo cual suministro una revisión de su Inflation, Saving and Growth in Developing Economies (1974b) [ISGD en adelante]. En realidad, la calidad de un buen libro de economía consiste en si su contenido teórico y sus predicciones empíricas formuladas hace varias décadas son relevantes cuando se evalúan a la luz de una evidencia más reciente. El libro ISGD de Thirlwall tiene todas estas cualidades. Enfatiza la importancia de distinguir entre diferentes tipos de inflación. La inflación estructural y, en menor medida, la inflación de costos deben considerarse como resultados inevitables del proceso de crecimiento y desarrollo, mientras que la inflación de demanda puede actuar como un estímulo directo al crecimiento, tal como lo pronosticaron el modelo Kaldor-Thirlwall de ahorro involuntario y el de impuesto de inflación. Estos discernimientos teóricos aún son muy relevantes en las economías en desarrollo actuales. Varios estudios muestran que los umbrales de inflación, hasta el punto en que el efecto de la inflación sobre el crecimiento es positivo, tienden a ser mayores en las economías en desarrollo que en los países avanzados, debido a una combinación de fuentes de inflación estructurales, de costos y de demanda. El análisis argumenta, además, que el financiamiento inflacionario del desarrollo, tal como se plantea en ISGD, sigue siendo una estrategia de desarrollo viable cuando se consideran restricciones de economía abierta.

Resumen En el año 2022, en la Argentina, el consumo energético del parque edilicio construido de los Sectores Residencial y Comercial-Público superó el 34 % y una parte significativa de este consumo se debe a los requerimientos para climatización. A su vez, las demandas de climatización se ven afectadas por la eficiencia energética de la envolvente edilicia, ya que a través de esta se produce el intercambio de calor entre el interior del edificio y su entorno. Este trabajo presenta la aplicación de un método de minería de datos, las reglas de asociación, para descubrir las soluciones tecnológico-constructivas más representativas presentes en la envolvente edilicia, en este caso, correspondientes a edificios destinados a la salud (Sector Comercial-Público). Para ello, es necesario identificar las distintas soluciones tecnológico-constructivas presentes en la envolvente (muros, carpinterías y techos) en los distintos edificios. Con tales datos como entrada, el algoritmo produce como resultados conjuntos de combinaciones de elementos de la envolvente que aparecen asociadas frecuentemente. A partir de estos resultados, se espera mejorar la eficiencia energética de las envolventes más representativas a partir de sugerir medidas específicas para cada terna encontrada facilitando, así, su implementación a escala masiva.

Abstract In the year 2022, in Argentina, the energy consumption of the building stock of the Residential and Commercial-Public Sectors exceeded 34 % and a significant part of this consumption is due to air conditioning requirements. In turn, the air conditioning demands are affected by the energy efficiency of the building envelope, since it is through it that the heat exchange between the interior of the building and its surroundings takes place. This work presents the application of a data mining method, the association rules, to discover the most representative technological-constructive solutions present in the building envelope, in this case, corresponding to buildings intended for health (Commercial-Public Sector). To do so, it is necessary to identify the different technological-constructive solutions present in the building envelope (walls, windows and ceilings) in the different buildings. With such data as input, the algorithm produces as results sets of combinations of envelope elements that appear frequently associated. From these results, it is expected to improve the energy efficiency of the most representative building envelopes by suggesting specific measures for each set found, thus facilitating their implementation on a massive scale.

Resumo No ano 2022, na Argentina, o consumo de energia do parque imobiliário residencial e comercial-público será superior a 34 % e uma parte significativa deste consumo será devido a requisitos de ar condicionado. Por sua vez, as exigências de ar condicionado são afectadas pela eficiência energética da envolvente do edifício, uma vez que é através da envolvente do edifício que se realiza a troca de calor entre o interior do edifício e a sua envolvente. Este documento apresenta a aplicação de um método de mineração de dados, as regras de associação, para descobrir as soluções tecnológicas construtivas mais representativas presentes no invólucro do edifício, neste caso, correspondentes aos edifícios de saúde (Sector Comercial-Público). Para tal, é necessário identificar as diferentes soluções tecnológico-construtivas presentes na envolvente do edifício (paredes, carpintarias e tectos) nos diferentes edifícios. Com dados como a entrada, o algoritmo produz como resultados conjuntos de combinações de elementos do envelope que são frequentemente associados. Com base nestes resultados, espera-se melhorar a eficiência energética dos envelopes mais representativos, sugerindo medidas específicas para cada conjunto encontrado, facilitando assim a sua implementação à escala de massa.

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated school closures and movement restrictions that disrupted holistic development and adaptive coping in learners worldwide. Adaptive coping is also referred to as resilience. Holistic development covers the biophysiological, psychological, social, spiritual and educational domains of child development. Several researchers have explored the impact of developmental risks caused by school closures and movement restrictions on learner development. With this article we aim to present a synthesis of these reviewed papers. We reviewed 81 peer-reviewed papers that were published globally from 2020 to 2023. The focus of these papers was on biophysical, psychological, social, religious and academic development in learners. We did not develop a priori themes to guide us; instead, themes emerged from the articles that were reviewed. The findings show that although the lockdown restrictions were aimed at preventing the spread of the virus and saving lives, the imposed restrictions affected the development of learners in biophysiological, psychological, social, educational and religious domains. Furthermore, the findings show that the impact of the lockdown necessitated multisystemic interventions on different levels to enable learners to overcome backlogs and promote resilience.

RESUMEN Investigación cuya finalidad fue demostrar si el Covid-19 influyó en las finanzas de las empresas de transporte interprovincial de una región del sur del Perú. De metodología cualitativa, de técnica fenomenológica y como instrumento aplicado es, la entrevista estructurada y no estructurada. A través del intercambio de opiniones se logró identificar las categorías y subcategorías: el compromiso financiero, problemas y soluciones de liquidez. Los gerentes de las empresas y dueños de las unidades móviles identificaron estrategias como el ahorro de los saldos del dinero recaudado; contar con otras fuentes de ingreso, adquirir un negocio dedicado a otro rubro. Soluciones con respecto a la liquidez de la empresa, de esa manera de forma progresiva puedan cubrir sus gastos sin dificultad.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to demonstrate whether Covid-19 influenced the finances of interprovincial transportation companies in a region of southern Peru. The qualitative methodology, phenomenological technique and the instrument applied was the structured and unstructured interview. Through the exchange of opinions, the following categories and subcategories were identified: financial commitment, liquidity problems and solutions. The managers of the companies and owners of the mobile units identified strategies such as saving the balances of the money collected; having other sources of income, acquiring a business dedicated to another line of business. Solutions regarding the company's liquidity, so that they can progressively cover their expenses without difficulty.