Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Objectives: This article has two objectives. The first is to establish the scope of the development of performance appraisals in Argentine industrial companies and the second is to determine the characteristics that are assumed where they are carried out, taking into consideration a set of variables that make it possible to explain their behavior. Methodology: A quantitative analysis methodology is used based on the use of the database of the third National Survey of Employment and Innovation Dynamics, which allows generating a series of indicators linked to the performance appraisal in order to relate it to different variables based on a series of reference hypotheses. For this purpose, the Chi square test and the standardized residual coefficient were used, which establish the relationship between variables and categories respectively. Results: A limited extension is observed among Argentine industrial companies. Where they are carried out, those of an individualizing disciplinary nature prevail. Limitations: These are given by the survey itself by virtue of restricting the possibility of going deeper into the forms of performance evaluation applied in the firms. Conclusions: A heterogeneity of situations is observed depending on the hypotheses that were raised, both around the implementation and the assumed characteristics.

Objective: to evaluate how certification compliance relates to the level of agricultural sustainability in the table grape system. Methodology: This consisted of conducting semi-structured interviews with 14 producing and exporting organizations selected from a population of 41, with a 95% confidence level and a 7.5% margin of error. Results: There is an association between the structure of sustainable consumer demand, expressed in certifications, and the sustainability level of agricultural organizations. Limitations: semi-structured interviews with managers' collaborators and distributors are suggested to enrich the data. Conclusions: Empirical evidence indicates that a specialized market is encouraging agricultural organizations to adopt more sustainable practices in producing and exporting table grapes.

Objective: To analyze the inherent concepts of the so-called "risk society" and explore how genetically modified organisms fit the new risk’s characteristic of the current technological era. Approach: Modern food biotechnology, with its alterations in natural genetic structures, is considered a producer of new and uncertain risks that are difficult to predict or measure under traditional parameters. This paper identifies why genetically modified organisms represent a regulatory and management challenge in the risk society. Methodological approach: The analysis adopts a constructivist approach that considers risk as a social construction, grounded on the theories of authors such as Beck, Luhmann and Giddens. Scientific, legal, and social aspects are explored, emphasizing the uncertain nature of the risks associated with genetically modified organisms. Conclusions: Due to their uncertain and indeterminate nature, genetically modified organisms present risks that are difficult to assess by traditional scientific approaches. It is necessary to mitigate the potential risks of genetically modified organisms by developing stronger regulatory frameworks that go beyond obsolete notions of predictable and quantifiable risk, focusing instead on uncertainty and the comprehensive protection of human rights.

Objective: To describe the implementation of three school gardens in elementary schools in Coatepec, Veracruz and evaluate the contributions of their articulation with the New Mexican School. Methodology: It was developed with a five-phase Participatory Action Research methodological proposal: 1) motivation, 2) diagnosis, 3) co-design, 4) community action, and 5) evaluation. Results: 27 teachers, 548 students, two principals and parents participated. A total of 21 cultivation beds, 10 vertical modules, 10 tire pots, and one hydroponic module were co-designed. Fast-growing vegetables were planted, such as lettuce, radishes, cilantro, among others. These activities were articulated to 23 projects included in the textbooks of the New Mexican School. The experiences were shared at environmental festivals, encouraging participants to reflect on and assess themselves. Limitations: This paradigm shift in education, as well as the insertion of agroecology and sustainability as a way of life, entail challenges, since a scenario of uncertainty, adaptation, excessive administrative burden and lack of collaborative work among directors, teachers and the school community still prevails. Conclusions: The school gardens under this new educational model made possible to transfer learning and concepts outside the classroom, provide comprehensive education, obtain significant learning, develop critical thinking and take advantage of school spaces. In addition, common care, solidarity, commitment and collaboration of the entire school community were fostered.

Objective: The objective was to identify the peasant knowledge that amaranth producers preserve and use to control the leaf-cutting ant (Atta mexicana Smith) in the municipalities of Zapotitlán Salinas and Caltepec, Puebla. Methodology: Identify peasant knowledge through a semi-structured questionnaire to 61 producers from the Union of Amaranth Planters. Results: The results showed that 55.7 % resort to chemical methods to control this pest. The agroecological practice most used by producers was crop rotation (78.6 %). Repellent plants (36.06 %) and plant extracts (22.95 %) are used; they also use 11 native plants as insecticides and repellents for A. mexicana, finding significant differences in amaranth production. Limitations: This research did not consider the aspect of the price of the product or chemical inputs; it is recommended in future research to evaluate the national price of production and marketing, as well as the price of chemical control. Conclusions: Amaranth producers have generated, organized, and used knowledge and expertise about local plants and agroecological practices with positive effects to control Atta mexicana Smith (the main pest affecting production) and reduce crop damage.

Objective: To document ancestral and everyday cacao and corn beverages in Miahuatlán, Cunduacán. Methodology: This research is qualitative, using a case study approach. Direct and participant observations were conducted during ceremonial cacao celebrations in November 2023, with the aim of documenting the 13 beverages offered to cacao and those used in everyday use. Interviews were conducted with key informants in the community from January to April 2024 to explore the use of everyday cacao and corn-based beverages. Results: Twenty-four cacao and corn beverages were identified; of these, 13 were prepared and consumed during cacao ceremonies, and 11 were for family consumption. It was observed that the consumption of ancestral beverages such as cacao chorote, nixtamalized corn white pozol, and atol prepared with corn and cacao, among others, is maintained. Among the beverages consumed daily, the most notable are hot chocolate with cinnamon and atol with sugar and chocolate, among others. Limitations: As this is a case study, the findings cannot be generalized to other communities. Conclusions: Miahuatlán preserves ancestral traditions and customs in the use of cacao and corn, highlighting the importance and sacredness of their consumption in beverages.

Objective: Characterize the Alternative Markets (AM) to identify the moments that favor their creation, describe their functioning, evaluate the participation of their members, and apply the principles of the AM in the initiatives of Xico, Tlanehuayocán, Coatepec and Xalapa, in the state of Veracruz. Methodology: The snowball sampling method was used for their identification. The selection of the actors considered their level of participation in the management and operation of the initiatives, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The criteria were the following: historical evolution, origin, stakeholder assessment, regulation and normativity. Results: Three origins were identified: they arise from the organic production movement, they participated in environmental organizations, and they arose from local governmental calls. Their genesis expresses the conformation of a new local agro-food proposal that advocates the preservation of autonomy and self-government based on solidarity organization. Its operation is based on its operational level, proximity to major cities, proximity to academic centers and tourist presence. Limitation: The study should be extended to other AM. Conclusion: By basing their proposals on the principles, values and practices of solidarity and sustainable economy, the AM obtains greater recognition, aspects that serve as a guide for new AM.

Objective: Characterize the production and trade variables and calculate the trade competitiveness indicators of Mexican oranges (1994-2022). Methodology: Qualitative, quantitative type and uses the calculation of trade competitiveness indicators. Results: The production volumen was 3,191,147 tons in 1994 and 4,850,083 tons in 2022, the demand passed 3,191,902 tons to 4,798,361 tons for the years referred; real prices had an average annual growth rate of 0.77 %, the real price was 311.12 pesos in 1994 and 389.67 pesos in 2022; the trade balance showed continuous surpluses since 2013; the relative trade balance index, the tradability index, the trade dependency coefficient, the export specialization index, the Lafay index had an increasing trends showing positive values in the last 10 years, which indicates competitive advantages of the Mexican orange. Limitations: The research should cover a longer period of study. Conclusions: Orange is one of the most significant crops in the Mexican economy. Production and trade variables show increasing trends; however, real prices increased marginally, which implies a minimum income for producers. Trade indicators reflect that Mexico acquired competitive advantages in the last decade.

Objective: To analyze how formal and informal regional integration associations, such as ASEAN and AP, respond to the globalization-deglobalization duality and their main challenges. Methodology: Create a comparative analysis to describe the dynamics of regional integration. The variables of investment, GDP creation, intraregional trade, and the international project are compared. Results: Based on the statistical review, ASEAN shows greater resilience in adapting to the geoeconomic situation of the dual phenomenon; in contrast, for AP, its poor intraregional trade performance and internal political factors are considered to dilute its capacity to cope with globalization-deglobalization. Limitations: The comparison between the two associations might be affected by the heterogeneity of data on macroeconomic variables at the regional level and the lack of consideration of the influence of immense economic potential in the area. Conclusions: ASEAN performs better in taking advantage of the global context to attract capital, promote the growth of its member nations, and increase its international projection. In contrast, in AP, the weak performance in the variables analyzed and the political alternation in each nation affect its eventual consolidation.

Objective: Is the compilation of the collective memory of the Otomi women who make sour atole in the San Antonio Acahualco, State of Mexico's rural community to contribute to preserving this culinary product. As a theoretical foundation, Halbwachs' Theory of Collective Memory is explained, which postulates that the reconstruction of the past ensures the identity and value of a group. Methodology: A qualitative approach was chosen, an ethnographic work method, as well as participant observation and interview techniques applied to key informants: elderly women and traditional cooks. Results: characteristics of the drink, preparation process, and memories of Otomi women are reported. Limitations: Identified are the participants' reluctance to share their knowledge, which they only transmit to members of their family, as well as the difficulty in preparing the drink when it is not a favorable time for it. Conclusions: The need to have the presence of members of the family nucleus is highlighted to foster a climate of trust, as well as the interest in collecting memories of the elderly before they are lost in time.