Núm. 15, enero-junio (2009)

Mexico's history from pre-hispanic to present times as well as the consideration of the important influence received by Spain and other countries is necessary knowledge to understand the reason of its distinguished gastronomical place. Mexico is rich in natural resources as well as traditions and customs. Each state of the republic has unique characteristics due to its great bio diversity climate, geographical location and various ethnic groups. The peculiarities mentioned above make it necessary to group various states into regions with common features always taking into consideration the variety, and often uniqueness, of ingredients, and utensils, some of them used in pre Hispanic times; this is necessary for a better understanding which will allow a more efficient national and international diffusion. The purpose of this article is, after a brief analysis of the characteristics of each state, classify the gastronomical regions which will allow us to understand the similarities of each region, based not only on its geographical location. It will serve as support for the study of states and ethnic groups making it possible for us to understand Mexico's multiculturalism.

The purpose of this article is to comprehend occupational health focusing on its origin, evolution, importance and interrelation with other specialized areas. Labor has been fundamental ever since the appearance of mankind on earth. This is why a healthy and safe work environment is of utter importance. Occupational health is related to other disciplines such as medicine, nursing, engineering, sociology, ergonomics, psychology, etc. It may thus be defined as an interrelated discipline in charge of fostering and maintaining total physical, mental and social wellbeing of working people, not only the absence or prevention of sickness. The many interconnected concepts involved in occupational health require a general vision and knowledge so as to understand its importance; in order to achieve this goal this article explores the origin, evolution, institutionalization of occupational health, as well as an holistic approach to its complete description.

Holy and ritual substance used for sacramental anointment; basic ingredient for seasoning, marinating, frying and baking; also used as raw material in the elaboration of fuel, tint and medicine; for over 7000 years it has always been connected to life in common and festivity. Vegetable oil, also known as «oleum» is all this and more; with a long Mozarabic and Judeo-Christian tradition which arrived in America on the ships with Christopher Columbus more than 500 years ago and merged with local seeds and traditions. With time, recipes diversified, culinary techniques were improved and the production of a great variety of oils made of fruits and seeds, was made possible by technology. Confectionery, all kinds of fritters and condiments are some of its uses in Mexico. At the dawn of the XXth century and by North American influence, oil became the principal caloric source, a bulk merchandise, and raw matter for biofuels; it has also been signaled out as guilty of producing illness. Nevertheless, at present, oil is a dynamic and ever-changing substance and continues to be the golden and translucent substance similar to amber and honey, suitable for reunions and festivities. This is what we intend to demonstrate in the following pages.

One of the most relevant characteristics of entrepreneurial activity in the present XXI century is that it is highly conditioned by internationalization and by the role played by new information and communication technologies; they have enabled corporations not only to operate with grater speed and efficiency, but have also opened doors to new business models and ways of competing which were unthinkable before. Hotel management is one of the business sectors which have largely benefited from such technology, this can be seen in the radical changes that are taking place in the way the hotel industry promotes, reserves and sells its product. Mexico has roughly 15,000 establishments, and over 580,000 rooms which account for nearly 15 % of the gross national tourism product. The main goal of this article is to describe the characteristics and highlight the role played by the new Information and Communication technologies in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success in Hotel Industry. Even though there is no consensus as to the magnitude of the benefits derived from adopting these technologies, what does seem to be clear is the need of maintaining a correct alignment with business strategies so as to generate a source of value creation and competitive advantages.

The economic integration of Latin America and the Caribbean has forced governments to develop and establish public policies which should contribute to generate, on one hand, a social, political and economic certainty required by international markets to consider a country as «viable» for investments and market developments; and, on the other hand, to establish market conditions which guarantee the supply demanded by the population. In this context, one of the policies which may contribute to create the best conditions for economic development in the countries of the region is «Competition Policy», most of all because of its contribution towards creating a favorable environment to enable economic agents to develop free competition with clear rules. These rules, as will be presented in this article, are necessary to promote economic and commercial activities. This document intends to serve as a conceptual and theoretical reference framework for study and research on Competition Policy. It was elaborated upon the revision of a very extensive and exhaustive bibliography in reference to Competition Policy within the topics dealt with by the public economic sector and economic regulation.

Las nuevas tendencias mundiales apuntan constantemente a la integración cultural. Ya sea que hablemos de políticas públicas o tendencias gastronómicas, es impensable remitirnos a conceptos nacionalistas puros. Los nuevos paradigmas expresan la fusión entre culturas diversas o la adecuación a patrones culturales extranjeros. La globalización ha hecho posible la convergencia de diferentes puntos de vista que obligan, paradójicamente, a hacer una introspección hacia los propios valores culturales de cada región. No sólo para cuestionarlos, sino para rescatar nuestra propia identidad como personas.

This article places a stake on an education respectful of personal identity: female/male identity. It is understood that an egalitarian vision of both genders, such as is sustained by first wave feminism, will never be able to provide an answer to modern society challenges.