In the educational field, reading comprehension is connected to learning achievement, and through it, one can interpret, retain, organize and value what has been read. It is an essential ability for the understanding and processing of information in learning. Furthermore, it is an essential skill to developing sustainable education. In this sense, sustainable development needs an advanced reading comprehension ability at elementary school in order to teach and learn future knowledge areas such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity, poverty reduction, and sustainable consumption. Nevertheless, there have been few works focused on analyzing reading comprehension, particularly in Mexico, where the reference is the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test on how well the Mexican students have developed this skill. Hence, this article shows the usefulness of employing Bayesian techniques in the analysis of reading comprehension at elementary school. The Bayesian network model allows for the determination of the language and communication level of achievement based on parameters such as learning style, learning pace, speed, and reading comprehension, obtaining an 85.36% precision. Moreover, the results confirm that teachers could determine changes in lesson planning and implement new pedagogical mechanisms to improve the level of learning and understanding contents.
The central-northern region of Veracruz has experienced significant changes in traditional coffee cultivation and cattle raising due to the increased demand for fresh and industrialized citrus products. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the use of agrochemicals in citrus production, driven by the belief that “more is better” and a limited awareness of responsible agricultural practices. This research examines citrus crop management in rural communities, focusing on farming practices aimed at improving production by controlling pests and diseases. Data for this study were collected from 51 producers through in-person surveys, using a 48-item questionnaire and the snowball sampling method. The findings reveal that despite 20 years of development, citrus production is still not fully established, and the excessive use of agrochemicals remains widespread. The expansion of citrus groves in the study region has altered the agricultural landscape and the socioeconomic structures of rural communities. Furthermore, environmental concerns about chemical residues in the fruit limit their commercialization and harm the environment through runoff into groundwater and water bodies. To address these issues, it is crucial to raise awareness and guide farmers toward the responsible use of chemicals in citrus cultivation, ensuring sustainable production and mitigating negative environmental impacts in all communities where citrus is grown.
This study evaluated the successful establishment of sponge gourds (Luffa cylindrica) through direct seeding under open-field conditions in a subtropical climate in Mexico. Three experimental sites, E1, E2, and E3, located in different rural communities with distinct altitudes and soil types (Luvisol and Andosol) were evaluated. E1 was enhanced with an organo-mineral substrate (SOM), while E2 and E3 served as controls without SOM application. Seeds from a single fruit were used for planting following standardized cultivation practices. Each experimental plot contained a total of 10 plants arranged in 10 rows with one plant per row. Yield variables, such as fruit count, length, diameter, weight, and seed quantity, were measured. E-1 exhibited superior growth, yielding 5–20 fruits per plant, with lengths of 9–15 cm, diameters up to 6.2 cm, and weights reaching 370 g, significantly surpassing E-2 and E-3. Kruskal-Wallis tests confirmed significant differences among the plots, indicating that seed germination enhanced by SOM in E-1 promoted improved growth characteristics. The production cost per fruit was $8.40 MXN in E-1, compared to $12.70 in E-2, and $13.60 MXN in E-3. These results support sponge gourds as a viable crop option for small- and medium-scale farmers in subtropical areas, offering both economic and environmental benefits.
30 September 2025 in Investigación y Ciencia de la Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes
La industria mueblera artesanal de madera (IMM) es motor para la economía local donde se asienta, preservando el sello cultural, generando y diversificando la participación de actores en su cadena de suministro. Sin embargo, enfrenta limitaciones en profesionalización, integración de procesos y acceso a mercados competitivos, afectando su sostenibilidad y crecimiento. Este estudio propone una escala de madurez organizacional basada en cinco dimensiones: administración, liderazgo, comercialización, integración logística y tecnología, para orientar y el desempeño de la industria. Mediante un enfoque mixto y la aplicación de un cuestionario estructurado validado en 120 unidades económicas de la IMM de Misantla en México, con las que se identificaron niveles intermedios de madurez organizacional, con fortalezas en disposición al cambio y debilidades en adopción tecnológica, comunicación y planificación estratégica. Los hallazgos muestran la necesidad de capacitación en gestión, fortalecimiento tecnológico y estrategias logísticas para mejorar la competitividad del sector de la industria artesanal.
Citrus production in Mexico relies predominantly on manual labor and traditional harvesting tools, which are often associated with physical overload, awkward postures, and reduced productivity. This study presents an exploratory, perception-based field evaluation of the BLIMPER, an early-stage ergonomic harvesting prototype designed for selective Persian lime collection. A total of 93 citrus harvesters participated through snowball sampling. A structured 33-item questionnaire was administered, covering five perception dimensions and open-ended comments. The instrument was expert-validated and demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.85). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Welch’s t-test for gender-based comparisons, and Hedges’ g to estimate the magnitude of the difference between groups. A modified Kano model was applied to classify perceived tool attributes and identify priorities for design refinement. The results indicated that 83–85% of respondents valued material strength, 64–70% approved of the unloading system, and 67–75% perceived reduced fatigue in the shoulders and lower back. The findings should be interpreted as an initial ergonomic validation based on user perceptions under real working conditions, rather than as evidence of readiness for large-scale deployment. The BLIMPER prototype shows potential to improve comfort and posture, while highlighting design aspects—weight distribution, mobility, and material selection—that require further optimization overall.