Abstract: There is no doubt that public transport systems generate productivity benefits for cities. The expansion of public transport networks is also thought to promote social inclusion, as it can generate greater access to formal employment opportunities for those who are informally employed. This phenomenon is theorized and studied under the postulates of the Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis (SMH). Within the framework of the SMH, this paper analyses how geographic proximity to Transmilenio BRT stations affects the probability of being an informal worker in the city of Bogotá. The analysis shows that workers living close to stations have a lower probability of being informally employed. Moreover, this paper provides evidence of how proximity impacts differently high and low-skilled workers. This research contributes to the literature on SMH by providing empirical evidence from the perspective of informality in the developing world. Understanding the complex relationship between transport and informality can give greater focus to the development of future public policy. Resumen: No hay duda de que los sistemas de transporte público generan beneficios de productividad para las ciudades. También se considera que la expansión de las redes de transporte público promueve la inclusión social, ya que puede generar un mayor acceso a las oportunidades de empleo formal para quienes tienen se encuentran informalmente empleados. Este fenómeno es teorizado y estudiado bajo los postulados de la Hipótesis de Desajuste Espacial (SMH, por sus siglas en inglés). En el marco de la SMH, este trabajo analiza cómo la proximidad geográfica a las estaciones del sistema BRT Transmilenio afecta la probabilidad de ser un trabajador informal en la ciudad de Bogotá. El análisis muestra que los trabajadores que viven cerca de las estaciones tienen una menor probabilidad de encontrarse empleados de manera informal. Además, este documento proporciona evidencia de cómo la proximidad afecta a los trabajadores de alta y baja cualificación. Esta investigación contribuye a la literatura sobre SMH al proporcionar evidencia empírica desde la perspectiva de la informalidad en un contexto de país en desarrollo. Comprender la compleja relación entre el transporte y la informalidad puede dar mayor enfoque al desarrollo de las políticas públicas futuras.

Abstract: Many ecosystems are facing environmental threats. Some of the main concerns are now focused in developing countries. Strong environmental messages by numerous stakeholders have led to varied responses on environmental issues. Companies, governmental agencies and NGOs are responding to such issues by developing campaigns to promote sustainable practices amongst key stakeholders. Green advertising is one important form of communications employed to elicit environmentally friendly attitudes and consequently promote behavioural change. This study analyses the effect of a sponsored cinematographic green advertising strategy by a NGO and a major supermarket chain in a Latin American country. Based on in-depth interviews with Colombian movie audiences, this investigation demonstrates how (1) a movie focused on nationalistic identification can effectively provoke positive attitude change toward environmental sustainable practices, (2) the movie’s media format can heighten audience interest about adopting environmental sustainable practices and (3) these results benefit positively the two movie sponsors through association and affect transfer. Resumen: Varios ecosistemas enfrentan riesgos ambientales. Algunas de las preocupaciones se han enfocados en países en desarrollo, en donde varias estrategias de comunicación se han implementado como respuesta. El mercadeo verde es una importante estrategia de comunicación desarrollada para promover una actitud favorable hacia el medio ambiente y generar un cambio de comportamiento. Este estudio analiza el efecto de una campaña cinematográfica desarrollada por una ONG junto con una cadena de supermercado latinoamericana. Basado en entrevistas a profundidad, esta investigación muestra como: 1) Una campaña enfocada en una identificación nacionalista puede promover de manera efectiva una actitud positiva sobre prácticas ambientalmente sostenibles. 2) Como el formato de cine realza el interés sobre adoptar practicas sostenibles, 3) la forma como estos resultados benefician positivamente a los patrocinadores mediante asociación y transferencia.

Abstract: After reaching peak output, surpassing the corresponding production profile, or simply as a result of financial decisions, an oil and gas field must face decommissioning stage, removing wholly or partially offshore petroleum installations, subsea pipelines, and related assets in compliance with international, regional and local legislations. Decommissioning is to be performed responsibly, efficiently and considering every factor at stake. To do so, the oil and gas industry in the United Kingdom has experienced both successes and failures, which could make its approach a possible model for other countries. Colombia is currently exploring for hydrocarbons offshore. If commercially viable discoveries are made, decommissioning will gain importance in the upcoming years and, therefore, a proper and well-structured legal and regulatory framework shall be in place. This paper analyses the current state of decommissioning in the UK, the main challenges of it, and the possible final treatment for resulting materials. Subsequently, an overview of the current state of offshore exploration in Colombia is provided as well as its incipient legislation, hopefully identifying improvement points for the latter. As will be seen, many attempts have been made regarding legislation on decommissioning, but strict regulations are still not officially in place since the offshore petroleum operations are relatively new (frontier basins on offer). In consequence, the UK’s experience will serve as a foundation for the strengthening of existing and future legislation, both consolidated with the purpose of developing state-owned natural resources in the most responsible and sustainable way. Resumen: Después de alcanzar el pico de producción, superar el perfil de producción correspondiente o simplemente como resultado de decisiones financieras, un campo de petróleo y gas debe enfrentar la etapa de desmantelamiento, eliminando las instalaciones petroleras costa afuera total o parcialmente, ductos submarinos y activos relacionados de conformidad con las normas internacionales, regionales y locales. El desmantelamiento ha de realizarse de manera responsable, eficiente y considerando cada factor en juego. Para hacerlo, la industria del petróleo y el gas en el Reino Unido ha experimentado éxitos y fracasos, lo que podría hacer que su enfoque sea un posible modelo para otros países. Colombia actualmente está explorando hidrocarburos en alta mar. Si se realizan descubrimientos comercialmente viables, el abandono y desmantelamiento cobrará importancia en los próximos años y, por lo tanto, deberá haber en firme un marco legal y regulatorio adecuado y bien estructurado. Este ensayo analiza el estado actual del abandono y desmantelamiento en el Reino Unido, sus principales desafíos y el posible tratamiento final para los materiales resultantes. Posteriormente, se proporciona una visión general del estado actual de la exploración costa afuera en Colombia, así como su legislación incipiente, con la esperanza de identificar puntos de mejora para este último. Como se verá, se han realizado muchos intentos con respecto a la legislación sobre el desmantelamiento, pero las regulaciones estrictas todavía no están vigentes oficialmente debido a que las operaciones petroleras marinas son relativamente nuevas (se ofrecen cuencas fronterizas). En consecuencia, la experiencia del Reino Unido servirá como base para el fortalecimiento de la legislación existente y futura, ambas consolidadas con el propósito de desarrollar recursos naturales de propiedad estatal de la manera más responsable y sostenible.

Abstract: Climate change poses great challenges to modern societies, central amongst which is to decouple human need satisfaction from energy use. Energy systems are the main source of greenhouse gas emissions, and the services provided by energy (such as heating, power, transport and lighting) are vital to support human development. To address this challenge, we advocate for a eudaimonic need-centred understanding of human well-being, as opposed to hedonic subjective views of well-being. We also argue for a shift in the way we analyse energy demand, from energy throughput to energy services. By adopting these perspectives on either end of the wellbeing-energy spectrum, a “double decoupling” potential can be uncovered. We present a novel analytic framework and showcase several methodological approaches for analysing the relationship between, and decoupling of, energy services and human needs. We conclude by proposing future directions of research in this area based on the analytic framework. Resumen: El cambio climático plantea grandes retos para las sociedades modernas, entre los cuales es de central importancia desacoplar la satisfacción de necesidades humanas de luso de la energía. Los sistemas energéticos son la mayor fuente de emisiones de gases efecto invernadero, y los servicios provistos por la energía (como calentamiento, fuerza, movilidad e iluminación) son vitales para el desarrollo humano. Para abordar este reto, abogamos por un entendimiento de bienestar humano eudamónico centrado en necesidades, contrario a posiciones hedónicas subjetivas de bienestar. También argumentamos en favor de un cambio en la manera como analizamos la demanda energética, pasando de energía final a servicios energéticos. Por medio de la adopción de estas perspectivas a ambos lados del espectro energía-bienestar, se descubre un potencial de “doble desacoplamiento”. Presentamos un marco teórico original al igual que varias aproximaciones metodológicas para analizar la relación entre (y el desacoplamiento de) servicios energéticos y necesidades humanas. Concluimos proponiendo futuras avenidas de investigación en esta área, basadas en este marco teórico.

Nest morphology can affect the breeding success of birds. Thus, birds inhabiting different environments may experience divergent selection for nest structure and composition that results in intraspecific geographic variation in nest architecture. We describe interpopulation differences in nest architecture among Thorn-tailed Rayaditos (Aphrastura spinicauda) in 2 contrasting environments near the species’ distribution limits: a temperate and very humid environment in north-central Chile (the forest relicts of Fray Jorge National Park; 308380S, 718400W) and a cold and windy sub-Antarctic environment in the south of Chile (Isla Navarino; 55840S, 678400W). We collected a total of 62 nests from Fray Jorge and 61 nests from Navarino in 2013 and 2014, measured their dimensions, and quantified their constitutive materials. We tested the nests’ thermal properties (simulating heat loss by convection and conduction) and hygroscopic features (water absorption and water loss capacity) and used general linear models to (1) compare these properties between populations and (2) test for a relationship between nest morphology and function. Nests from the northern population exhibited lower rates of heat loss by convection because they were larger and had a lower ratio of surface area to volume; these nests also absorbed less water, probably because of their greater content of plant-derived materials. In the southern population, nests were more compact and better insulated with feathers and hairs, with lower rates of heat loss by conduction. By separately analyzing the roles of convection, conduction, and humidity, our results suggest that potential trade-offs (insulation–humidity) could be differently affecting the nest building behavior of these populations. Therefore, Thorn-tailed Rayaditos may be using site-specific strategies to cope with the local climate in contrasting environments.

Silicon and germanium present distinct and interesting transport properties. However, composites made of silicon?germanium (SiGe) have resulted in a breakthrough in terms of their transport properties. Currently, these alloys are used in different applications, such as microelectronic devices and integrated circuits, photovoltaic cells, and thermoelectric applications. With respect to thermoelectricity, in the last decades, Si0.8Ge0.2 has attracted significant attention as an energy harvesting material, for powering space applications and other industrial applications. This chapter focuses on the recent advances and new approaches in silicon?germanium (Si1?xGex) nanostructures for thermoelectric devices with high thermoelectric efficiency obtained through magnetron sputtering.

The intent of this research is to propose and analyse a set of policies in the construction industry to enhance social development. First, the paper shows the connections between the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and social entrepreneurship (SE), the reduction of the leakage, and then the generation of social value (SV) for sustainable regional development. For that, the article analyses briefly the literatures on SE and leakage, and focuses on the relevance of SME and social entrepreneurs as promoters of SV creation and development. Second, the paper proposes a framework and proposes a set of 20 policies aimed to reduce leakage, reinforce SMEs and entrepreneurship and also to promote SE behaviour by the diverse economic agents in the construction industry, in order to increase the generation of SV and sustainable development. Then, the paper analyses the acceptability, feasibility and viability of these proposed polices, which can be useful for academics and practitioners. For that, the study uses the Delphi methodology, applied to an expert- group of 23 professionals (representatives of the private and public sector) belonging to the Colombian construction industry. The results emphasize the relevance of the development of local incumbents and the social focus of firms to increase the generation of SV. Oppositely, policies interfering economic freedom and free trade receive the lowest rates in the three criteria considered.

The distribution of suitable habitat influences natal and breeding dispersal at small spatial scales, resulting in strong microgeographic genetic structure. Although environmental variation can promote interpopulation differences in dispersal behavior and local spatial patterns, the effects of distinct ecological conditions on within-species variation in dispersal strategies and in fine-scale genetic structure remain poorly understood. We studied local dispersal and fine-scale genetic structure in the thorn-tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), a South American bird that breeds along a wide latitudinal gradient. We combine capture-mark-recapture data from eight breeding seasons and molecular genetics to compare two peripheral populations with contrasting environments in Chile: Navarino Island, a continuous and low density habitat, and Fray Jorge National Park, a fragmented, densely populated and more stressful environment. Natal dispersal showed no sex bias in Navarino but was female-biased in the more dense population in Fray Jorge. In the latter, male movements were restricted, and some birds seemed to skip breeding in their first year, suggesting habitat saturation. Breeding dispersal was limited in both populations, with males being more philopatric than females. Spatial genetic autocorrelation analyzes using 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci confirmed the observed dispersal patterns: a fine-scale genetic structure was only detectable for males in Fray Jorge for distances up to 450 m. Furthermore, two-dimensional autocorrelation analyzes and estimates of genetic relatedness indicated that related males tended to be spatially clustered in this population. Our study shows evidence for context-dependent variation in natal dispersal and corresponding local genetic structure in peripheral populations of this bird. It seems likely that the costs of dispersal are higher in the fragmented and higher density environment in Fray Jorge, particularly for males. The observed differences in microgeographic genetic structure for rayaditos might reflect the genetic consequences of population-specific responses to contrasting environmental pressures near the range limits of its distribution.

Here; we present the genome sequence of the Escherichia coli bacteriophage UFV-AREG1. This phage was isolated from cowshed wastewater and showed specificity for enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43895); E. coli 0111 (CDC O11ab) and E. coli (ATCC 23229).

The search for new technologies that guarantee the safety and quality of food has intensified, as has concern for consumer health, leading to the adoption of measures to reduce food-related risks. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of active biodegradable films incorporated with bacteriophage for future application in packaging materials. Cellulose acetate films incorporated with solution of bacteriophages showed antimicrobial activity against Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 displayed the formation of inhibition zones in Muller-Hinton agar, and a growth curve, using the diffusion method in liquid medium. There was an increase in the lag phase and slower growth of microorganisms in the environment containing bacteriophages with the films, compared to control. The mechanical and physical properties of films, such as thickness, elongation and puncture resistance showed no significant effects. However, tensile resistance was different between control and treatments. The addition of bacteriophage altered the film surface, as observed by atomic force microscopy. There was a higher porosity of the films containing the bacteriophage solution compared to control. The acetate films may be incorporated with bacteriophages, since the physical and mechanical properties of the films were not changed drastically and there was an effect of the antimicrobial film.