Abstract: The research explores the role of regional Planning in fostering sustainable development in Colombia's diverse Pacific economic, social, and environmentally challenging context. Regional Planning is a traditional process that aims to enhance competitiveness, infrastructure connectivity between territories, and economic growth while addressing contemporary priorities like sustainable development. In response to these challenges, the Administrative and Planning Region (RAP Pacífico) in 2016 was created as a cooperative entity encompassing Pacific departments. This initiative seeks to stimulate economic and social development while overcoming financial, technical, and capacity related constraints. RAP Pacífico, through its Regional Strategic Plan, approved in 2021, departs from conventional approaches by adopting a collaborative and multidimensional strategy involving local authorities, private enterprises, and civil society. This research examines its innovative design strategies under the social innovation theory and its alignment with sustainable development goals. Moreover, the analysis sheds light on the potential of incorporating innovative elements in Planning exercises addressing complex societal challenges and aiming for regional sustainable development within the public management context, particularly in developing nations.

Abstract: This thesis examines the modeling of inorganic behavior on Twitter and its implications for media dynamics. Three approaches —userbased, activity-based, and text-based detection— are combined to gain insights that benefit journalism and civil organizations. Resumen: Esta tesis examina el modelado del comportamiento inorgánico en Twitter y sus implicaciones para las dinámicas mediáticas. Se combinan tres enfoques (detección basada en características del usuario, basada en su actividad y basada en el contenido textual que publica o con el que interactúa), para encontrar patrones que ayuden a periodistas y organizaciones civiles a entender el fenómeno. Esta es una primera valoración positiva del uso del Inteligencia Artificial para explorar relaciones complejas que tienen significancia cualitativa en el estudio del comportamiento inorgánico en Twitter más allá de la detección.

Abstract: Claystone degradation under the effect of freezing and thaw cycles represents a key aspect in the production of erodible material in mountain ranges. Erosion processes have numerous potential consequences such as dam filling, increment in slope instability, increase of badlands, among others. Due to the possible effects related to erosion, numerous research processes have been carried out following primarily experimental approaches based on both soil physical characteristics and mechanical properties. However, these have been based on a macroscopic scale. This document presents the development of a research process based on the implementation of numerical models aimed at representing the processes involved in freezing and thawing phenomena on porous media and their effect on potential changes in soil microfabric. A calibration and validation process of the proposed numerical models was carried out based on experimental measurements of the thermal behavior of soil samples subjected to freezing and thawing cycles. Using the numerical relationships found, a methodology for determining the soil water retention curve (SWRC) was established (as a first approximation) based on a quick and relatively simple freezing and thawing test under undrained conditions. Simultaneously, and following the main objective of the research, the microfabric state during cyclic freezing and thawing was established following the relationship between SWRC and pore size distribution (PSD), as well as the possible hysteresis between freezing and thawing processes. The significant effect of these thermodynamic processes on the state of the terrain, was identified particularly in regard to increased erodibility. One possible cause for particle detachment necessary for erosion processes to occur lies in the development of macroporosity along with the existence of gaps between pore families in the PSD. This behavior was observed through the developed numerical processes. The combined effect of freezing and thawing cycles leads to an increase in soil erodibility. Finally, though a constitutive model-based approach, the cryogenic suction paths associated with freezing and thawing processes under the modification of the soil’s microstructure were established. A final perspective to soil's mechanical degradation is presented in terms of the hydraulic work associated with the cryogenic suction paths developed within the soil mass. Both the progressive evolution of the microstructure (through PSD) and the values of hydraulic work associated with each cycle show an attenuation in the incremental change as the cycles continue. Due to the numerical nature of the approximations and the trends found, further cyclical laboratory tests should be carried out. However, these represent a novel approach to the degradation phenomenon as well as the effects associated with the soil water retention curve.

Abstract: An economic model, the Colombian Forest Sector Model (CFSM), was created to analyze Colombia's commercial forest plantation policy spanning from 2018 to 2038 (PFCm policy). The CFSM is an econometric model that uses neoclassical theory to predict quantities and prices in Colombia's forest product markets. Phase I of the CFSM, detailed in this study, includes a growth and yield simulator for Colombian forest plantations and two market submodels: one for Unprocessed Wood and another for Manufactured Wood Products. Using the CFSM-I, two PFCm policy objectives were simulated to reveal their impacts on the Colombian forest sector. Simulations of expanding Colombia's forest plantation area from 0.3 million hectares in December 2015 to 1.5 million hectares by 2025 showed a fivefold increase in the volume of industrial wood available in plantations from 2015 to 2047, averaging 20.8 million cubic meters of underbark roundwood annually. This expansion would significantly affect the unprocessed wood market, multiplying wood supply and exports by 2.5 and 14.5 times, respectively, while reducing the supply price by an average of 24% compared to a scenario without plantation expansion. Simulations of a 5.5-fold expansion in Colombia's manufactured wood forest product industry's current (2022) production capacity from 2023 to 2038 indicated an average 8% increase in the consumption of unprocessed wood and manufactured wood products by the pulp and paper industry over the next 25 years, compared to a no-expansion scenario. Additionally, imports of these products and manufactured furniture industry products would decrease by 35% and 25%, respectively. Simulations of alternative plantation area expansion policies enriched the information available for policymakers and other stakeholders in preparation for the first round of the PFCm policy evaluation, scheduled for 2023 after the initial implementation period ended in December 2022. Resumen: Se creó un modelo económico, el MFSC, para el sector forestal de Colombia, con el propósito de analizar la política de plantaciones forestales comerciales en Colombia para el período 2018-2038 (PFCm). Este modelo, basado en la teoría neoclásica de mercados competitivos, proyecta cantidades y precios en los mercados de productos forestales colombianos. La Fase I del modelo, denominada CFSM-I, se enfoca en el crecimiento de plantaciones forestales y dos submodelos de mercado: madera sin procesar y productos manufacturados de madera. Las simulaciones muestran que una expansión de las plantaciones de 0,3 a 1,5 millones de hectáreas para 2025 incrementaría la disponibilidad de madera industrial en Colombia cinco veces, con un promedio anual de 20,8 millones de metros cúbicos de madera sin corteza. Esta expansión impactaría significativamente el mercado de madera sin procesar, multiplicando la oferta y las exportaciones por 2,5 y 14,5 veces, respectivamente, mientras que reduciría el precio de suministro en un 24% en comparación con la no expansión. Además, simulaciones de una expansión de 5,5 veces la capacidad actual de producción de productos maderables entre 2023 y 2038 indican un aumento del consumo de madera sin procesar y productos maderables manufacturados por la industria de la pulpa y papel en un 8% cada uno. Asimismo, las importaciones de estos productos y de productos manufacturados de la industria del mueble disminuirían un 35% y un 25%, respectivamente, en comparación con el escenario sin expansión. Estas simulaciones de políticas alternativas de expansión enriquecen la información disponible para los responsables de políticas nacionales y otras partes interesadas, de cara a la primera evaluación de la política del PFCm programada para 2023 después de su implementación inicial en diciembre de 2022.

Background: Type 2 diabetes is often a stigmatized condition as it is considered a lifestyle-related disease in many societies. It is important to understand stigma and its sources, but little research on this matter was found in the UK. This study aimed to investigate perceived stigma, self-stigma and flourishing in the context of type 2 diabetes. Method: The present study sought to investigate the lived experiences of people with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis in the UK. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted, 6 individuals living with type 2 diabetes were interviewed (aged 41-79 years; 66.67% female; 33.33% male). Results: Reflective thematic analysis of the data generated four overarching themes. The first theme, ‘Receiving a diabetes diagnosis’ encapsulates the psychological reaction at the time participants received their diagnosis. The second theme, ‘coping with diabetes’ encapsulates what patients experience after diagnosis. The third theme, ‘Accepting the diagnosis’ shows current attitudes and feelings towards diabetes. Finally, the fourth theme, ‘Stigma around type 2 diabetes’ refers to the attitudes participants have perceived from others and its sources. Discussion: The results indicate that patients in this study perceive stigma from health providers, media, and the general population, but they have not internalised it. They believe stigmatising comments come from a lack of awareness and lack of knowledge about diabetes. The findings demonstrate gaps in the patient-health provider relationship that lead to resistance towards attending medical appointments.

Abstract: The egg weight (EW) increases as the hen ages, but unfortunately, eggshell quality does not improve with increasing EW. Dietary changes can help control the increase EW, resulting in improved eggshell quality. This experiment aimed to deterMomine the effect of different digestive lysine (dLYS) levels on the production performance and eggshell quality of 82-87-week-old Lohmann Brown hens and identify the optimal level of dLYS intake to achieve an optimal production performance and the level of dLYS that can improve eggshell quality by modifying EW. A total of 240 Lohmann Brown hens were selected for the experiment (79-87 weeks). These were distributed in individual cages and 6 treatments with 40 replicates per treatment. The cages were divided into 40 blocks of 6 consecutive cages. In each block, the treatments were randomly distributed in the room. The treatments were 6 different diets with different dLYS levels (6.72, 6.40 (control diet (CON)), 6.08, 5.76, 5.44, 5.12 g/kg). The production performance and eggshell quality were evaluated, and the ideal dLYS was calculated by linear broken-line regression. Modifying dLYS levels from 6.08 to 5.12 g/kg decreased a hen day egg production (HDEP) by 4.4%, and reduced egg mass (EM) by 3.2 g/d. Adjusting dLYS levels from 5.44 to 5.12 g/kg reduced 2.2 g the egg weight (EW). Changing dLYS levels from 6.40 to 5.44 g/kg increased the average feed daily intake (ADFI) by 5 g. The different dLYS levels did not affect the feed conversion ratio (FCR), but it showed a tendency (P = 0.074). Eggshell quality attributes were not affected by different dLYS levels. The optimal dLYS intake requirement was 713, 646, 626, and 627 mg/b/d to achieve an optimal HDEP, EW, EM, and FCR respectively. In conclusion, the results of this experiment can help the laying hen industry to determine the optimal dLYS for managing EW increase, keeping a good HDEP, EM, FCR, and maintaining eggshell quality in long-life laying hens.

Abstract: This thesis proposes an update to the NS-047 technical standard of the aqueduct and sewerage company of Bogota for storm drain design, introducing the comprehensive and modern UPC methodology. The research addresses the limitations of the current standard, emphasizing the importance of critical parameters such as flow depth and velocities for pedestrian and vehicle safety during storms. By considering a wide range of hydrologic and hydraulic factors, the UPC method provides a realistic representation of stormwater behavior and enables better system understanding and optimization. The adoption of UPC is expected to enhance stormwater management, promoting safety and sustainability in urban flood control. The application of the UPC methodology to a real-life case study, the CASU road project in Bogotá, demonstrates its effectiveness in optimizing storm drain design. The analysis identified areas for improvement, resulting in a revised approach with strategically located storm drains that effectively controlled runoff while reducing the number of structures. This optimization not only saves costs but also minimizes risks for road users. The comparison between EAAB and UPC methodologies highlights the superiority of the UPC method in terms of its comprehensive approach, graphical outputs, and ability to incorporate multiple roadways. To further improve storm drains designs, experimentation is recommended to determine capture coefficients for different structures, especially in low points critical for drainage efficiency and flood prevention. Obtaining accurate capture coefficients through real-world experiments will enhance the overall stormwater management performance and inform design decisions. By complementing the EAAB standard with the UPC methodology and conducting experimentation for capture coefficients, this research aims to provide a clearer, practical, and more effective storm drain design approach for infrastructure projects in Bogotá and other areas in Colombia.

Abstract: Not having an environmental liabilities regime in Colombia has created a complex contamination scenario that poses a risk to its biodiversity. Even if environmental authorities and the judiciary try their best to hold parties accountable and thus carry out the liabilities cleanup process, the lack of a binding regulation renders these efforts null and void. A solution to this complicated issue could be replicating in the Colombian context some of the provisions included in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act applicable in the United States. Resumen: No contar con un régimen de pasivos ambientales en Colombia ha creado un escenario de contaminación complejo que pone en riesgo su biodiversidad. Incluso si las autoridades ambientales y el poder judicial hacen todo lo posible para responsabilizar a las partes y así llevar a cabo el proceso de limpieza de pasivos, la falta de una regulación vinculante hace que estos esfuerzos sean nulos y sin efecto. Una solución a este complicado tema podría ser replicar en el contexto colombiano algunas de las disposiciones incluidas en la Ley de Respuesta, Compensación y Responsabilidad Ambiental Integral aplicable en Estados Unidos.

Abstract: This paper synthesizes a Cooperative Inquiry conducted in collaboration with Colombian Deaf women to question mainstream and monolithic definitions of Inclusion. Through facilitated dialogues and creative methodologies, the study aimed to explore alternatives and new understandings of inclusion that recognises different experiences of gender, disability, and Deafhood. Throughout six chapters, it addresses the question of how the notion of inclusion can better recognize and embrace the experiences of these Deaf women, delving simultaneously into unexpected findings concerning methodological considerations while conducting action research (AR) with this population. Overall, this process sheds light on experiences of intersectional exclusion and inclusion, while also discussing the effectiveness of AR methods employed to foster conscientisation within this population. Resumen: Este artículo sintetiza una Investigación Cooperativa llevada a cabo en colaboración con mujeres Sordas colombianas con el propósito de cuestionar definiciones convencionales y monolíticas de inclusión. A través de diálogos facilitados y metodologías creativas, este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar concepciones nuevas y alternativas de la inclusión que reconozcan diversas experiencias de género, discapacidad y Sordedad. A lo largo de seis capítulos, aborda la pregunta de cómo la noción de inclusión puede reconocer y abrazar mejor las vivencias de estas mujeres, adentrándose al mismo tiempo en hallazgos inesperados relacionados con consideraciones metodológicas del llevar a cabo investigación-acción participativa (IAP) con esta población. Este proceso, resalta experiencias de exclusión e inclusión interseccional, a la vez que discute la efectividad de los métodos IAP empleados para fomentar la concientización dentro de esta población.

Abstract: This MA thesis researches collective memory and the way it is archived. Starting from the idea of Colombia as a country without memory, the inquiry questions history as a discipline that linearly presents events, leaving important realities aside, and explores folklore as a more complete alternative to remembering past knowledge. As a timeless, anonymous, and non-institutionalized form of cultural expression, folklore can be seen as a living archive of beliefs and memories. Its form of archiving knowledge and memory is presented as an embodied tool to access and keep passing on the history of a nation. Resumen: Esta tesis de maestría investiga la memoria colectiva y la forma en que es archivada. Partiendo de la idea de Colombia como un país sin memoria, en esta investigación se cuestiona la Historia como una disciplina que presenta linealmente los acontecimientos, dejando de lado realidades importantes, y explora el folclore como una alternativa más completa de reconocer conocimientos del pasado. Como forma de expresión cultural atemporal, anónima y no institucionalizada, el folclore puede verse como un archivo vivo de creencias y recuerdos. Su forma de recolectar y traspasar conocimiento y memoria se presenta como una herramienta encarnada para acceder y transmitir la historia de una nación.