César Vallejo University

The generation of agricultural waste represents a significant source of environmental pollution. In response to this problem, the use of banana pseudostem fibres (BPF), obtained from banana plant waste, is proposed as a sustainable alternative in the construction industry. Concrete, widely used for its compressive strength, versatility, durability and affordability, has inherent limitations in terms of its behaviour under bending and tensile stresses. To mitigate these deficiencies, this research examines the incorporation of 20–25 mm long BPF as concrete reinforcement in proportions of 0.5

Drawing on Sen’s capabilities approach and digital empowerment frameworks, this study investigates digital literacy as a mediating factor in the conversion of structural resources into empowerment outcomes for indigenous women artisans of native cotton in northern Peru. A cross-sectional explanatory study involving 100 craftswomen used structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the impact of technological infrastructure, sociodemographic factors, and sociocultural knowledge on economic, personal, and social empowerment, with digital literacy as the necessary mediating mechanism. A 45-item questionnaire assessed predictor variables, the four mediator dimensions (cognitive, technical, social and communicative competencies) and the three domains of empowerment as dependent variables. PLS-SEM analysis in SmartPLS 4.0 showed that the model fit well (SRMR = 0.072, CFI = 0.931) and that the structural factors accounted for 80.4% of the variance in digital literacy. The mediator had a large effect on all areas of empowerment but had the largest effect on economic empowerment (β = 0.846, R2 = 0.709) compared to personal and social empowerment (β = 0.618, β = 0.628, R2 ≈ 0.37). The indirect effects validated the mediating role of digital literacy, demonstrating its function as an essential conversion mechanism that transforms infrastructural, sociodemographic, and knowledge resources into tangible empowerment gains. The results provide empirical support for skills-based frameworks in digital inclusion initiatives, advancing SDGs 5, 8, and 9 by illustrating how digital skills empower vulnerable artisanal communities to transform traditional knowledge and access to technology into multifaceted empowerment outcomes.

Farmers are at risk of excessive exposure to solar radiation. Knowledge and practices in photoprotection were evaluated and barriers to sun protection were explored among insured farmers in Bagua Grande. A mixed methodology with a sequential explanatory design with quantitative dominance was used. A questionnaire in Spanish, “CHACES,” was administered to 203 farmers selected by simple random sampling, and seven people were interviewed in depth to achieve data saturation. The survey data were synthesized using Stata statistical software, and the interviews were analyzed thematically. 83

This study examines the impact of anti-corruption practices on transparency and efficiency in supplier selection in San Ignacio city in 2023, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The research followed a quantitative, descriptive, and correlational approach with a non-experimental design. An initial sample of 269 adult residents of the city of San Ignacio was selected through non-probability convenience sampling, of which 200 were included in the final analysis after data screening. Exploratory factor analysis identified two main dimensions of anti-corruption efforts: prevention and sanction, both showing a significant relationship with transparency in supplier selection. The findings highlight that preventive and punitive measures enhance ethical management and efficiency in public resource administration. However, the specific context of the municipality limits the generalisability of the results, suggesting the need for comparative studies in other regions. From a practical perspective, the results can guide public policy formulation aimed at strengthening transparency and ethics in government procurement processes. Furthermore, this research underscores the importance of public management based on ethics, accountability, and transparency, key elements for efficient governance and sustainable economic development. The use of advanced statistical techniques provides a robust empirical basis for improving public resource management and mitigating risks associated with corruption in government procurement processes

This study examines the predictive role of strategic planning and managerial skills in the competitiveness of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in northern Peru, addressing the limited use of inferential methods to assess managerial capabilities in emerging economies. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was applied to a stratified random sample of 358 firms. Data were collected using a 21-item questionnaire measured on a five-point Likert scale. Content validity was established through expert judgement, while internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach’s α = 0.81–0.91; composite reliability = 0.87–0.93). Analyses included Spearman correlation and ordinal logistic regression. Managerial skills significantly predicted competitiveness (OR = 2.63, p < 0.001), and this effect remained stable after adjustment for owner and firm characteristics. In contrast, strategic planning showed no independent predictive contribution after accounting for managerial skills (p = 0.376). Complementary mediation analysis did not support strategic planning as a mediating mechanism, and common method bias did not compromise the measures. The findings highlight managerial capabilities as a relevant factor associated with competitiveness and provide evidence to inform capability-building initiatives for MSEs in resource-constrained contexts.