Carvacrol is a compound present in essential oils with proven antimicrobial activity against numerous pathogens. We firstly determine the post-antibiotic effect (PAE) of carvacrol (1×, 2×, 4× MIC) and post-antibiotic sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) effect (1× + 0.25× MIC and 2× + 0.25× MIC) for two concentrations of Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC14028 (10⁶ and 10⁸ CFU/mL). Prior to testing, the minimum concentration and exposure time to achieve the bacterial inhibition (MIC 0.6 mg/mL and 10 min) were determined by broth microdilution and time–kill curve methods, respectively. At the MIC, carvacrol did not generate any PAE. At twice the MIC, the PAE was 2 h with the standard inoculum (10⁶ CFU/mL) and 1 h with the high-density inoculum (10⁸ CFU/mL). At 4× MIC concentrations, the PAE was higher in both cases > 43.5 h. Continuous exposure of post-antibiotic phase bacteria (1× and 2× MIC) to carvacrol at 0.25× MIC (0.15 mg/mL) resulted in an increase in PAE (PA-SME) above 43.5 h with both inocula. These results suggest that the PA-SME of carvacrol for S. Typhimurium can be significantly prolonged by increasing the sub-MICs, which would allow dose spacing, reduce adverse effects and improve its efficacy in the treatment of infected animals and as a disinfectant in agri-food facilities.

Aquaculture plays a strategic role in food security and rural development in coastal regions. However, structural, economic, and institutional constraints affect small-scale producers in heterogeneous ways. This study analyzes how small-scale aquaculture producers in Manabí (Ecuador) perceive the main challenges affecting their activity, based on a typology comprising three production systems: Backyard, Transitional, and Commercial. A structured questionnaire was administered to 98 producers, including 20 variables assessed using a five-point Likert scale. The analysis combined non-parametric univariate tests (Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn post-hoc comparisons) and multivariate techniques to identify statistically significant differences and structured perception patterns across production systems. Significant differences were detected in variables related to biological input supply, market conditions, and structural production constraints. In particular, larvae and fingerling supply, selling prices, buyer availability, and pond surface area showed differentiated perception patterns across systems. Most differences occurred between Backyard farms and the other two production systems, while Transitional and Commercial farms displayed more similar perception profiles. Transversal constraints shared across systems included high feed costs, energy expenditure, and regulatory requirements. Principal Component Analysis identified two main perception gradients related to market and input constraints and to structural and managerial limitations. Discriminant analysis further confirmed the ability of these dimensions to differentiate production systems. These findings highlight the multidimensional nature of constraints affecting small-scale aquaculture and suggest that production systems are better interpreted as gradients of pressures rather than strictly discrete categories. The results underline the need for adaptive governance approaches combining transversal measures with system-specific interventions. Overall, the study provides empirical evidence to support the design of differentiated and context-sensitive policies aimed at strengthening the sustainable development of small-scale aquaculture in Manabí and similar territories.

El análisis del perfil de gobernanza constituye un elemento clave para comprender cómo se estructuran y gestionan las explotaciones agropecuarias, ya que permite identificar los mecanismos de toma de decisiones, la organización del trabajo, la participación familiar y el acceso a recursos que influyen en su desempeño y sostenibilidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar el perfil de gobernanza en una muestra de 132 unidades de producción (UP) elegidas al azar del Estado de Veracruz, con vistas al diseño de un programa de mejora en la gestión. Se analizaron 41 variables (19 cuantitativas y 22 cualitativas), relacionadas con la organización interna, toma de decisiones, participación, condiciones laborales, reinversión, acceso a capacitaciones y vínculos institucionales. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, comparativo y de correlación para identificar asociaciones entre los principales elementos de gobernanza y las características socio-productivas de las UP. Aunque los resultados obtenidos evidenciaron una alta variabilidad en el patrón de gobernanza, sólo se detectaron diferencias significativas asociadas al binomio género y la experiencia profesional en calidad de vida, mano de obra familiar, diversificación en la remuneración y origen geográfico de los trabajadores, fuente principal de ingresos, y tipo de tenencia y régimen legal de la tierra. El análisis de correlación mostró asociación entre elementos claves de la gobernanza, como la opinión de los trabajadores en la toma de decisiones y el grado de diversificación de ingresos en la explotación (0.35). De manera general, las UP presentaron debilidades en su estructura organizacional, acceso limitado a financiamiento y asistencia técnica. No obstante, se identificó interés por parte de los productores en acceder a modelos que permitan incrementar los ingresos y fortalecer la sostenibilidad. Esta información resultó relevante para el diseño de estrategias orientadas al fortalecimiento de la gobernanza y la sostenibilidad de las UP estudiadas bajo el enfoque ESG.