Latin America has suffered for many years deep economic, political, and social problems that have led to high levels of unemployment. Therefore, microentrepreneurship has been a way out of these precarious economic systems. This research presents an interpretative hermeneutic analysis of the meaning of work for microentrepreneurs in the metropolitan region of Lima, Peru. The qualitative naturalistic methodology was used and data were obtained through 24 interviews with microentrepreneurs according to inclusion criteria such as: located in the metropolitan region of Lima (divided into 4 regions: A, B, C, and D), more than 5 years of experience, more than 25 years of age, university level of study and having had a formal job. The data were processed through ATLAS.ti9, which allowed us to analyze the discourses of the microentrepreneurs. The main findings show the following emerging categories: Motivation for entrepreneurship, Advantages of self-employment, relationship with stakeholders or interest groups, and family involvement in the business. It is concluded that Latin American microentrepreneurs associate entrepreneurship as an opportunity to improve their quality of life and establish relationships with stakeholders, with the family playing a key role in the success or failure of the business.

There is global pressure to make advanced biofuels profitable. For cellulosic ethanol, three aspects remain as bottlenecks: collection of feedstocks, pretreatment methods, and enzyme production. In this paper, the first aspect is investigated, by addressing the main challenges for the logistics of agricultural residues. A logistic supply chain of corn stover collection and utilization for cellulosic ethanol production in Mexico is proposed, and a cost structure is designed for its estimation. By applying a value chain methodology, seven links and a set of three minimum selling prices (MSPs) of agricultural residues were determined. Furthermore, the harvest index (HI), crop residue index (CRI), nutrient substitution by extraction of agricultural residues, and harvest costs of corn stover were also calculated for a case study. The main results were a HI of 0.45, a CRI of 1.21, and nutrient substitution potential of 7 kg N, 2.2 kg P₂O₅, and 12.2 kg K₂O per ton of corn stover. The set of the three estimated MSPs for corn stover was: $28.49 USD/ton (for delivery to the biorefinery’s gate), $31.15 USD/ton (for delivery and storage), and $48.14 USD/ton (for delivery, storage, and nutrient replenishment). Given the impact of the feedstock cost on the profitability of cellulosic ethanol, knowing details of the logistical information and its costs is critical to advancing the field of biofuels in Mexico. We also found that only 20% of farmers currently sell their residues; however, 65% of farmers would be willing to do so, a significant percentage for cellulosic ethanol production.

Introduction: This study provides an economic assessment of the health effects due to exposure to particulate matter PM_2.5 in three medium-size cities of northwestern Mexico: Los Mochis, Culiacan and Mazatlán. People in these cities are exposed to high pollutant concentrations that exceed limits suggested in domestic and international guidelines. PM_2.5 is an air contaminant negatively associated with people’s health when is highly concentrated in the atmosphere; its diameter is below 2.5 µm and causes the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. To account for the economic impact of air pollution, a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) was used by the means of the European Aphekom Project. We figured the cost-savings of complying with current environmental standards and computed gains in life expectancy, total avoidable premature mortality, preventable cardiovascular disease, and the economic costs of air pollution related to PM_2.5. A formal analysis of air pollution epidemiology is not pursued in this paper. Results: The cost of reducing PM_2.5 pollution associated with negative health outcomes was based on two different scenarios: Official Mexican Standard (NOM, Spanish acronym) and World Health Organization (WHO) environmental standards. The mean PM_2.5 concentrations in 2017 were 22.8, 22.4 and 14.1 µg/m³ for Los Mochis, Mazatlán and Culiacan, respectively. Conclusions: The mean avoidable mortality for all causes associated to PM_2.5 exposure in these cities was 638 for the NOM scenario (i.e., with a reduction to 12 µg/m³) compared to 739 for the WHO scenario (reduction to 10 µg/m³). Complying with the WHO guideline of 10 µg/m³ in annual PM_2.5 mean would add up to 15 months of life expectancy at age 30, depending on the city. The mean economic cost per year of the PM_2.5 effects on human life in these three cities was USD 600 million (NOM scenario) and USD 695 million (WHO scenario). Thus, effective public health and industrial policy interventions to improve air quality are socially advantageous and cost-saving to promote better health.

Background This study provides an assessment of the health effects due to exposure to particulate matter PM_2.5 (diameter < 2.5 µm that cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated) in three medium size cities of north western Mexico (Los Mochis, Culiacan and Mazatlan). We computed the total avoidable premature mortality, avoidable cardiovascular disease, gains in life expectancy, as well as the economic costs by air contamination corresponding to PM_2.5. To achieve this goal, the Health Impacts Assessment (HIA) methodology provided by the European Aphekom Project was used. People in these cities are exposed to high PM_2.5 concentrations that exceed limits implemented in domestic and international guidelines. Results We determined the cost of the PM_2.5 pollutant associated with health outcomes under two different scenarios: Official Mexican Standard (NOM, Spanish acronym) and World Health Organization (WHO). The mean PM_2.5 concentrations in 2017 were 22.8, 22.4 y 14.1 µg/m³ for the cities Los Mochis, Mazatlan and Culiacan, respectively. The mean avoidable mortality for all causes associated to the exposure to PM_2.5 in the three cities was 638 for the NOM scenario (i.e., with a reduction to 12 µg/m³) compared to 739 for the WHO scenario (reduction to 10 µg/m³). Complying with the WHO guideline of 10 µg/m³ in annual PM_2.5 mean would add up to 15 months of life expectancy at age 30, depending on the city. Conclusions The mean economic cost per year of the PM_2.5 effects on human life in these three cities was $600 (NOM scenario) and $695 million dollars (WHO scenario). Effective public health and industrial policy interventions are socially advantageous and cost-saving to promote better health.

This article aims to estimate the Value per Statistical Life (VSL) and Value per Statistical Life Year (VSLY) at the sub-national level, which can be used to calculate the economic impact of health and environmental problems. We estimate the value of life for Mexico and its 32 states, grouped into 5 regions for 2021. We used the OECD’s guidelines on “Mortality Risk Valuation in Environment, Health and Transport Policies,” which applies the measure of Willingness to Pay (WTP) and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). Mexico’s overall VSL of $2 000 000 USD in 2021 showcases the value placed on human life. The variation in VSL across the 32 states, with Chiapas having the lowest VSL of $400 000 USD and Mexico City boasting the highest VSL of $3 300 000 USD highlights the different levels of regional development and people’s willingness to pay to reduce the risk of mortality. Our estimates of VSL and VSLY have the potential to contribute to the evaluation of public policies in the fields of health and the environment. Monetizing human life through these estimates can offer valuable insights to policymakers at both the national and sub-national levels. By quantifying the economic value placed on human life, this paper helps decision-makers prioritize investments, assess the cost-effectiveness of interventions, and allocate resources to maximize societal well-being.