Search Results (1,466)

Discrepancies between laboratory vehicle performance and real-world traffic conditions have been reported in numerous studies. In response, emission and fuel regulatory frameworks started incorporating real-world traffic evaluations and vehicle monitoring using portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) and on-board diagnostic (OBD) data. However, in regions with technical and economic constraints, such as Latin America, the use of PEMS is often limited, highlighting the need for low-cost methodologies to assess vehicle performance. OBD interfaces provide extensive vehicle and engine operational data in this context, offering a valuable alternative for analyzing vehicle performance in real-world conditions. This study proposes a straightforward methodology for assessing vehicle fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions under real-world traffic conditions using OBD data. An experimental campaign was conducted with three gasoline-powered passenger vehicles representative of the Ecuadorian fleet, operating as urban taxis in Ibarra, Ecuador. This methodology employs an OBD interface paired with a mobile phone data logging application to capture vehicle kinematics, engine parameters, and fuel consumption. These data were used to develop engine maps and assess vehicle performance using the vehicle-specific power (VSP) approach based on the energy required for vehicle propulsion. Additionally, VSP analysis combined with OBD data facilitated the development of an energy-emission model to characterize fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions for the tested vehicles. The results demonstrate that OBD systems effectively monitor vehicle performance in real-world conditions, offering crucial insights for improving urban transportation sustainability. Consequently, OBD data serve as a critical resource for research supporting decarbonization efforts in Latin America. Full article

We discuss the potential usefulness of molecular testing of soil, dust, and water samples to detect medically important parasites, and where such testing could be used to supplement stool sampling in humans. A wide variety of parasites including protozoa and helminths, many of which are zoonotic, have an important infection reservoir in the environment. In some cases, this environmental period is essential for further parasite development. We describe the progress in implementing methods for the molecular detection of these parasites in soil across eight collaborating centers in Latin America and represent a variety of potential applications in improving our understanding of parasite epidemiology and mapping, surveillance, and control of these parasites. This methodology offers new opportunities for improving our understanding of a wide variety of parasites of public health importance and novel tools for their control. Full article

This paper will investigate the dynamic nature of Latin American Christology, a Christology that cannot be separated from the tenets of liberation theology. I will first offer an overview of the development of Latin American Christology and liberation theology, along with its unique features; then, I will analyze some major representatives of Latin American Christology, specifically Jon Sobrino and St. Óscar Romero (through the research of Edgardo Colón-Emeric). Lastly, I will conclude with the relevance of Latin American Christology within the greater landscape of Christian theology today. The theologians considered in this paper are primarily Catholic theologians, with the exception of Edgardo Colón-Emeric, a Methodist pastor, who has become a global voice of authority on the life, thought, and vision of the martyred St. Óscar Romero. Latin American Christology, as will be argued in this paper, cannot be understood separately from the space, culture, and identity of Latin America—the land and the context. This measures to a pivotal pedagogical claim of Latin American Christology as a global teaching pillar for all Christologies and theologies, Catholic or Protestant, within Latin America or outside Latin America. Full article

In the knowledge era, intellectual capital has been considered a key factor in creating value within organisations. This study examines the relationships and interactions between the components of intellectual capital and the profitability of Panamanian banking and financial institutions listed on the Latin American Stock Exchange (LATINEX) from 2014 to 2020. A theoretical framework based on agency theories, signalling theory, and stakeholder theory was employed to support the results. The Valued-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC)™ model, which evaluates the intellectual capital of organisations based on information from financial statements, was also utilised. In this study, stepwise regression was applied to select the optimal number of predictors to be included in each multiple regression model to examine the relationship between the return on equity (ROE) and the components of the VAIC™ in addition to control variables such as size and indebtedness. The findings confirm this study’s hypothesis, demonstrating that the structural capital efficiency (SCE) and company size (SIZE) variables explain 57% of the variance in the ROE for the analysed institutions. The results suggest that the intellectual capital (IC) of financial sector institutions listed on LATINEX is significantly influenced by the SCE coefficient, which shows a negative relationship, suggesting that investment in structural capital does not enhance profitability. On the other hand, larger institutions exhibited higher profitability during the study period. This study was limited to the analysis of two sectors: banking and finance in companies listed on LATINEX. However, its rigorous theoretical and empirical foundation opens the way for future research in which other sectors can be considered, and cross-country comparisons can be made, strengthening the research in this field for Latin America. At the same time, this study offers market regulators a scientific methodology to oversee the activities of issuing companies. Full article

This article examines the personalist leadership style of Fabio Vásquez, a founding member of the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), the Colombian guerrilla group. Personalism, as a theoretical framework for understanding Latin American leaders, has primarily focused on traditional political practices, emphasizing the tensions and conflicts among formal institutions, political parties, and personalist politicians. While these studies provide valuable insights, they overlook leaders who operate outside conventional political structures who also rely on personalist strategies to attract and retain followers. This article seeks to bridge this gap by presenting a case study of Vásquez’s leadership style. In an era marked by the resurgence of populism and renewed interest in the effects of personalism on conventional politics, this article argues that examining personalist leadership within revolutionary insurgent groups that reject conventional party politics is necessary for a thorough understanding of the phenomenon. In particular, it offers a comprehensive overview of how Vásquez’s personalist strategies shaped the ELN’s early insurgency, ultimately revealing the strengths and vulnerabilities of such leadership within revolutionary movements. Full article

Insect pollination services amount to USD 235–577 billion. Seventy five percent of agricultural production for human consumption depends on pollination, mainly by bees. A decline in pollinators, including Meliponini tribe bees, will impact the economy, food security, human health, and ecosystem stability, especially in tropical forests where stingless bees are the main pollinators. The objective of this survey was to understand the relationship between good management practices and nest losses in meliponiculture, encompassing biosecurity and conservation criteria. A 36-question survey was organized and spread. We received 92 responses, representing 4548 managed nests. The primary motivation for engaging in meliponiculture was biodiversity conservation (92%). More than 50% of the questions on biosecurity were answered as “applied”. Hand washing before any activity with bees was the main rule, followed by material sterilization and personal protective equipment use. The annual mortality rate of stingless bee nests was estimated at 15%. Nest invaders (72%) and nearby sources of pollution (60%) were identified as the main potential causes of nest losses. From a general perspective, meliponiculture practices continue to expand remarkably. The implementation of effective nest management strategies is associated with a reduction in nest losses. It is important to consider One Health’s perspective to ensure optimal management practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: In 2020, ovarian cancer ranked fourth in global incidence among gynecological cancers and remains the deadliest cancer affecting women’s health. Survival rates are significantly higher when the disease is detected at early stages; however, the lack of effective early detection methods underscores the importance of identifying risk factors in order to implement preventive strategies. The objective of this work is to provide an overview of the risk factors of ovarian cancer in South America, emphasizing those linked to social determinants, genetic components, and comorbidities. Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. MeSH descriptors and keywords, such as “BRCA1 genes,” “BRCA2 genes”, “Latin America”, and “ovarian neoplasms” were used, along with terms related to socioeconomic and health factors. Inclusion criteria focused on original studies published in the last five years involving South American women. Results: Studies were identified from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. These studies addressed genetic factors, health status at diagnosis, and sociodemographic factors, revealing important data gaps, particularly on contraception and hormone replacement therapy. The prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in South America is estimated to be 15–20% among women with inherited risk factors. Social, demographic and economic factors vary by country, although commonalities include a higher prevalence among women over 50 years of age, those with limited education, and those who face barriers to accessing health care. Conclusions: Although the literature does not conclusively establish a direct link between obesity and/or diabetes and the development of ovarian cancer, the indirect association highlights the need for further clinical studies. A general research gap related to risk factors of ovarian cancer could be observed in the South American region. Full article

Background/Objectives: Choline and essential fatty acids (EFA) are vital for fetal brain development, supporting pregnancy, and maintaining hormonal balance. They also promote overall health. The childbearing years present a window of opportunity to increase the intake of these key nutrients and develop healthy dietary habits. The aims of this study were to evaluate the intake of choline and EFA in women of childbearing age (15–49 years old), identify their food sources and determine if supplements containing choline and EFA were available across the Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS) countries. Methods: Survey data were collected for the ELANS, including participants from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela (n = 9218; 15–65 years old). Women of childbearing age were extracted from the largest database (n = 3704). Results: In general, choline intake was inadequate in all countries, while EFA intake was normal or above requirements. Chile had the lowest intake of choline, and Colombia had the highest. The results showed that some countries had more inadequate choline intake than others. Consuming a larger quantity of eggs helped reduce choline inadequacy, as did including eggs and fish in the diet. The intake of EFA, including ALA, EPA, and DHA, showed variability. The contributions of EPA and DHA were lower than that of ALA, and the results differed by age group. Conclusions: choline intake is inadequate, and EFA intake is variable among women of childbearing age in the ELANS study. More awareness and education are needed to achieve better intake of these nutrients. Full article

Platelets are small cell fragments that play a crucial role in hemostasis, requiring fast response times and fine signaling pathway regulation. For this regulation, platelets require a balance between two pathway types: the activatory and negative signaling pathways. Activatory signaling mediators are positive responses that enhance stimuli initiated by a receptor in the platelet membrane. Negative signaling regulates and controls the responses downstream of the same receptors to roll back or even avoid spontaneous thrombotic events. Several blood-related pathologies can be observed when these processes are unregulated, such as massive bleeding in activatory signaling inhibition or thrombotic events for negative signaling inhibition. The study of each protein and metabolite in isolation does not help to understand the role of the protein or how it can be contrasted; however, understanding the balance between active and negative signaling could help develop effective therapies to prevent thrombotic events and bleeding disorders. Full article

The paper computes Balassa’s index of revealed comparative advantage for machinery and equipment (a rough proxy for high-tech goods) for a number of emerging areas (East Asia, South-East Asia, South Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East) and for selected individual countries over some 50 years, from the early 1970s to the early 2020s. The focus is on why some economies were successful in promoting high-tech sectors. As could be expected, experience differs hugely. In some countries, interventionist trade or industrial policies were crucial in fostering comparative advantage. In others, however, the role of policies appears to have been minor and successes were achieved thanks to the free play of market forces (including an important contribution, at least in some countries, coming from foreign direct investment). Full article

The production of healthy animal-derived food entails the effective control of foodborne pathogens and strategies to mitigate microbial threats during rearing. Antibiotics have been traditionally employed in animal farming to manage bacterial infections. However, the prohibition of antibiotic growth promoters in livestock farming has brought significant changes in animal production practices. Although antibiotics are now restricted to treating and preventing bacterial infections, their overuse has caused serious public health issues, including antibiotic resistance and the presence of antibiotic residues in food and wastewater. Therefore, sustainable animal production is crucial in reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Annually, 40–50% of fruit and vegetable production is discarded worldwide. These discards present significant potential for extracting value-added ingredients, which can reduce costs, decrease waste, and enhance the food economy. This review highlights the negative impacts of antibiotic use in livestock farming and stresses the importance of analyzing the challenges and safety concerns of extracting value-added ingredients from fruit and vegetable co-products at an industrial scale. It also explores the current trends in reducing antibiotic use in livestock, with a focus on Latin American contexts. Finally, the suitability of using value-added ingredients derived from fruit and vegetable co-products for animal feeds is also discussed. Full article

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid deficient in cereals, especially maize. However, maize (Zea mays L.) is the main source of protein in some developing countries in Africa and Latin America. In general, the nutritional profile of cereals is poor, because they are deficient in essential amino acids such as tryptophan and lysine due to a relatively higher proportion of alcohol-soluble proteins. Quality protein maize (QPM) has been developed through genetic manipulation for the nutritional enrichment of maize to address these problems. Nevertheless, methods for protein, lysine and tryptophan are time-consuming and require relatively large amounts of samples. Therefore, we have advanced here a simple, cheap, fast, reliable and robust procedure for the determination of protein and tryptophan in the same biuret supernatant, which can also be used for chemical characterization of other cereals. Samples of 50 mg maize ground to pass through a 0.1 mm screen were sonicated for 5 min. in eppendorf vials with 1.5 mL of a biuret reagent each. After centrifugation and protein determination by biuret, 0.2 mL of supernatant was treated with 0.8 mL of a tryptophan reagent. Both total protein and tryptophan can be determined in microplates at 560 nm to speed up the measurements. The main advantage of the new micro-method is the rapid estimation of the nutrient quality of maize samples by a single weighing of a small amount of valuable plant materials. Full article

Livestock farming has been a practice of great importance for the evolution of civilization, not only influencing social, economic, and cultural aspects at a global level, but also food, the economy, and sustainability, especially in developing countries, where it generates significant pressure on natural resources and biodiversity. In this context, conflict arises between wildlife, mainly top predators, and livestock farmers. Despite the efforts of different communities to implement measures against predation, the conflict continues to increase. In Latin America, the livestock sector is growing at a much higher rate than in the rest of the world, particularly in Chile, where around a third of agricultural production units use livestock as their main source of livelihood. To understand the factors influencing the behavior of goat farmers when adopting measures, we applied a hurdle model with social, spatial, economic, and productive information to assess the decision to adopt measures and the intensity of the adoption of such practices. To perform this, we used data from a survey, administered in 2014 to 476 farmers located in the three provinces of the Coquimbo Region. Our dependent variable was defined by six measures: a protection dog, night confinement of the herd, supervised grazing, anti-carnivore corral, the death or capture of the predator, and repelling the predator. The adoption decision, as well as the intensity of adoption, were influenced by the location, household size, the type of livestock, the income generated by the livestock, health management, and access to technical advice. The decision to adopt measures was influenced by the production system and whether it was self-sustaining, while the intensity of adoption was influenced by herd size and the number of losses due to predation. The results showed the importance of developing and adjusting livestock support initiatives in the study area, including those that could be created, based on differentiated measures according to the profiles of farmers in the territory. Full article

Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (DEEs) are transforming the economic landscape through their integration of digital technologies, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth. This study explores the impact of DEEs on sustainable development, focusing specifically on Latin America. As DEEs continue to evolve, understanding their influence on economic, environmental, and social sustainability becomes crucial, particularly in a region characterized by significant developmental challenges. Utilizing a data panel from two different periods of analysis, from 2013 to 2017 and from 2018 to 2022, within the adapted DEE framework provided by the Global Entrepreneurship Development Institute (GEDI), we employ Principal Component Regression (PCR), Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA 3.0) to analyze DEE components across 14 Latin American countries. These countries may not have the full spectrum of digital capabilities, yet they are still able to harness the digital elements they do possess effectively. This suggests that even partial digitalization, when strategically utilized, can lead to substantial gains in sustainable development. Additionally, Networking, Digital Protection, and Digital Tech Transfer are DEE components that present a higher magnitude in social, environmental, and economic development in Latin American countries. This study not only contributes to a deeper understanding of a DEE’s role in fostering sustainable development, but it also offers actionable insights for policymakers and entrepreneurs to leverage DEEs for broader societal benefits. The implications of the findings present perspectives under the existing literature, and the conclusion shows recommendations for future research and strategy development. Full article

Credit unions in Latin America play an important role in the financial system, making a significant contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their focus on financial inclusion, sustainability, and economic resilience. Assessing the social responsibility of these cooperatives ensures ethical, sustainable operations that benefit the population. Unlike traditional financial institutions, cooperatives are based on principles focused on mutual benefit, democratic participation, and responsibility toward their members and the community. This critical literature review, conducted through scientific databases, synthesizes findings on social responsibility in credit unions. The financial system is relevant for global economic stability and growth, comprising institutions like credit unions that facilitate capital flow. It operates through financial instruments, intermediaries, and markets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and risk management. Effective financial management involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources to achieve stability and growth, integrating social responsibility. Credit unions in Latin America highlight cooperative principles, emphasizing member service, community development, and sustainable practices over profit maximization, thereby fostering economic inclusion and ethical business practices. In conclusion, credit unions provide affordable financial services while promoting values of solidarity and equity. However, as entities directly linked to communities, it is essential for them to monitor their actions in terms of social responsibility. This is important to measure and ensure their impact on society and its context. Finally, future research should focus on balancing economic viability with social responsibility, exploring innovative models, governance frameworks, and technological impacts. Full article