Despite the numerous and insightful studies on military change, the scope of the countries and militaries, which have been a subject of analysis is limited. The attention has been brought mainly to the study of lessons from the United States, Great Britain and France. Some other studies explore Russia (and former USSR), Ireland, Israel and Japan among others, while not many have sought to explain how the armed forces of states committed to fight against a long-lasting insurgency in a non-international armed conflict, amidst constrained economies and particular social and cultural settings, have undertaken the endeavour to innovate, emulate and adapt. The present dissertation explores three case studies featuring evidence of innovation, emulation and adaptation in Colombia, in which ‘defence ownership’ is introduced as the overarching concept identified as an enabler of military change in a developing country dealing with a non-international armed conflict. Furthermore, it is argued that the effects of ‘norm compliance’ had provided the framework of action for innovation, limited the extent of emulation and represented the converging mechanism for using military capabilities for social purposes.

Turning Point is a look into the state of Colombian cinema through the experience of a filmmaker who is working on his first feature film. Edison Vanegas, the father of a child with Down syndrome, is directing and producing Talento Millonario, a film that shows the skills and capabilities of people with learning difficulties. Turning Point tracks the efforts Vanegas makes to accomplish his goals as a filmmaker during the preproduction and production of the film. In order to obtain a wider picture, this documentary also includes the point of view of some of the most important players in the industry´s value chain like: director Victor Gaviria, producers Dago García and Juan Pablo Tamayo, the director of the Mixed Fund for Film Promotion Claudia Triana, among others. These experts will approach relevant issues concerning the state of affairs in national cinema. The film is an opportunity to learn about the effects of the “Film Act” created in 2003, which increased the number of productions being made in the country and gave filmmakers more tools and resources to make their project come to life. This does not necessarily mean consolidating the industry, because as we will see, there are still some major issues to solve and a long way to go. Master with distinction

After more than 50 years of internal armed conflict, the peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia- People’s Army (FARC-EP) raises both hope and concern. There are several opportunities for people, derived from wealth and land redistribution. However, the environmental sustainability of the mechanisms to implement the agreements represent the biggest challenges facing the future. Constructing future scenarios with indigenous peoples living in Forest Reserves and external agents working in La Pedrera, Amazonas Department, is a good case example to define what kind of futures they can envision. For this research project, I designed and served as facilitator during six scenario construction exercises, with 40 Forest Reserve dwellers. Additionally, I conducted six semi-structured formal interviews with relevant actors. The process of synthesising participants’ views, the current state of the territory, and perceived future opportunities and threats, lead me to a baseline and three future scenarios: Utopian, Business as Usual, and Dystopian. Furthermore, I used the capabilities approach, and Political Ecology, to understand the kinds of conflicts present in the area, to explore real possibilities of peace for the territory, and to expand the roles participants described as more conducive to achieve desirable futures.

Based on ethnographic fieldwork, this dissertation investigates borderscaping processes faced by irregular migrants and their living conditions in Madrid. It aims to study how borders/social boundaries are constructed in the city as irregular migrants move around living their lives -and how they deal to work, to live, to access to healthcare, etc. in a context of borderscapes that are present in the everyday life. This paper also attempts to determine how irregular migrants navigate the city and find ways to contest those borders. Through the case study of irregular migrants, this research examines their social interactions, their experiences with borderscapes surrounding them in different scenarios, and the tactics they implement to make use of the public space. In doing so, it sheds light on the dynamics which link their motivations and ways of getting around in a context of invisible borders. This paper highlights the practices that irregular migrants use to overcome borderscapes in an urban context of precariousness while performing different tactics trying to find a room for maneuver for negotiating their place in the city. This study aims to contribute to broadening the literature on the relation between irregular migration and its impact on multi-ethnic cities. Therefore, the research provides insights to the scholarships of borderscapes, a theoretical approach to the concept of borders as analytical entities that follow the migrant, particularly the one in an administrative irregular situation.

The field of Communication for Development and Social Change (CDSC henceforth) has enriching practices in peacebuilding contexts, especially in post-conflict and fragile states, with the use of approaches like behaviour change, edutainment and participatory media that aim to contribute to peace goals of reconciliation and reconstruction of social fabrics. Despite this, what happens ‘on the field’ has not been translated into theoretical developments of CDSC and peacebuilding studies, with few exceptions like Citizens’ Media (Rodríguez, 2000), Communication for Peace (Hoffmann, 2013) and ICT for Peacebuilding (Hattotuwa, 2004). Based on the above-mentioned frameworks and retaking the seminal CDSC works of Andreas Fuglesang (1982), this dissertation explores the potentialities and uses of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs henceforth) in one of the most sensitive aspects for reconciliation in post-conflict countries, collective memory. Particularly, the research seeks to explore methods used by the organisations and its dialogue with local expressions of memory in the creation of content and narratives that might contribute to the local peacebuilding processes. This is done through two case studies of memory-related initiatives in Colombia that use digital literacy and content production as part of their process. The first case study is the Alfabetizaciones Digitales (AD, Digital Literacies in Spanish), a project of the National Centre for Historical Memory, that worked with victims’ memory initiatives in the creation of websites and multimedia content. The second is Revelando Barrios (RB, Revealing Barrios in Spanish) an initiative of the NGO Ciudad Comuna based on social photography with youngsters of the Comuna 8 of Medellín, Antioquia. Using a methodology that combines Key Informant Interviews, content and data analysis, the main findings pointed to three aspects. First, that there is a general pattern of non-deterministic ICT use in both projects, with potential to foster ‘empowering’ collective actions and inter-generational dialogue. Second, the content analysis allowed the identification of a potential influence of what Fuglesang calls ‘conventions’ of digital language -i.e. the rules for writing on the web- in the content produced for the AD case study. Thirdly, that the main limitations of ICT use are those linked to the digital divide and the sustainability of the process; though, it is noted that participants and implementers developed solidarity mechanisms to alter the limitation of access to Internet and devices such as photo cameras. Dissertation awarded with Distinction, Award for Best Dissertation 2017 of the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics, University of Reading.

Face recognition is a specific case of object recognition. It has received special attention in the recent years due to a great variety of applications such as robot-human interaction, control by gesture, surveillance, security, and people tracking. The idea of face recognition is to give a computer system the ability of finding and recognizing human faces fast and precisely in images or videos. Face recognition aspires to work similar to human perception. Humans identify a big number of known faces, even after years of separation, or under extreme occlusion conditions, e.g. just by looking at a small part of a face. It is a complex task since faces can have different colors, poses, expressions, and sizes or they can be affected by illumination variations or occlusion conditions. Today, there are different methods of face recognition: feature-based approaches (low-level analysis, feature analysis, active shape models) that make explicit use of facial-features such as skin color, facial landmarks or face geometry, and image-based approaches (linear subspace models, neural networks, statistical approaches). The recent increase in the volume of data and computational resources has led to the need for fast and scalable recognition techniques. These techniques should be robust to non-rigid deformations, clutter, occlusion and illumination variations, but, at the same time, they must be sensitive to variations among faces from different persons. For these reasons, neural networks have become a surge of interest Initially, shallow regular neural networks could be used for small image sizes, but they would not scale to deeper networks since a huge amount of parameters would be necessary to be learnt, which can easily cause overfitting. As a result, Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were proposed. In a CNN, neurons in a layer are connected to small regions of previous layers, which is different to regular neural networks, where all neurons are connected in a full manner. Besides, CNNs make correct assumptions about the nature of the images, for example locality of pixel dependencies \cite{ImageNet}. In general, CNNs have fewer connections and parameters, they are easier to train, and they present similar or better performance than the regular neural networks \cite{ImageNet}. As an extension of the CNNs, deep CNNs were introduced by Imagenet authors because a big number of high-resolution images and powerful GPUs are now available. The authors increased the number of convolutional layers, and they use large receptive fields in the first convolutional layer. As a result, overfitting, which is inherent to the large size of the model, is avoided and effective results are achieved. In addition, the authors of the VGGnet continued adding convolutional layers, but they keep the size of the receptive fields very small (3x3 convolutions) with a stride of 1, throughout the whole network, which decreases the amount of parameters.

Generally studies about identity and consumption have assumed that individuals are immersed in a context of abundance, in which their possibilities to fulfil their needs and desires to purposefully construct a consumption lifestyle are granted. Within this context, studies from the Consumer Culture Theory perspective have described how individuals navigate consumer culture by developing enduring relationships with possessions that help them to build identities and a sense of self. However, this is not always possible during every individual’s life. Certain situational factors not only provoke the individual’s loss of what they have already built, but also lead them to a restricted consumption context. The present study focuses on forced and uncertain changing events, those whose severity and/or rapid change disrupts an individual’s entire life. Through a phenomenological approach of the homeless experience, this study attempts to understand individuals’ transition into a restricted consumption context. The empirical data obtained from a twenty two month ethnographic study evidences that experiencing homelessness, individuals’ loss of possessions and the perceived uncertainty that characterizes life on the streets, trigger not only a self-transformation process, but also alter their relationship with the material world. The findings are contrasted with the current literature extending previous work about transition and consumption by: a) Proposing a new transformational routine to describe the forced self-transformations and how consumption (or the lack of it) becomes an element that influences the deconstruction and construction of a new self. b) Identifying how in a restricted consumption context, individuals develop a different relationship with the material world, and how this changes their modes of consumption.

Abstract: Within this thesis, some of the major rigorous thermodynamic models available in the commercial process simulation tool Aspen Plus are tested for their suitability in the description of a process for the hydroformylation of dodecene in a DMF/decane thermomorphic solvent system, and applied within the rigorous process simulation of this system. The activity coefficient model NRTL is applied together with the rigorous Henry’s law, and its performance on LLE and GLE description is evaluated, respectively. In addition, the flexible equation of state model RKS, using modified Huron-Vidal mixing rules based on the activity coefficient method NRTL, is evaluated as well. Both methods are able to describe LLE and GLE within the range of process operation. The use of a purely predictive model PSRK or predictive methods to calculate required NRTL parameters is also evaluated. It is evidenced in this work that original UNIFAC method fails in the prediction of the LLE Tridecanal-DMF-Decane, so that only modified UNIFAC methods should be considered for a predictive calculation of this phase equilibria. The influence of the thermodynamic model selection on the simulation results is quantified and compared with available experimental data from a Miniplant with full recycle between reactor and decanter. This influence is found on the calculation of liquid molar volumes, which considerably affects simulation results. Resumen: En esta tesis, algunos de los principales modelos termodinámicos rigurosos disponibles en la herramienta comercial de simulación de procesos Aspen Plus son evaluados en su capacidad para describir un proceso de hidroformilación de dodeceno en un sistema termomórfico de solventes DMF/decano aplicado dentro de la simulación rigurosa de proceso de este sistema. El modelo de coeficiente de actividad NRTL se aplica junto con la ley rigurosa de Henry, y su desempeño en la descripción de los equilibrios líquido-líquido y gas-líquido es evaluada. Adicionalmente, también se evalúa el modelo de ecuación de estado RKS, usando las reglas de mezcla modificadas Huron-Vidal basadas en el método de coeficiente de actividad NRTL. Ambos métodos son capaces de describir los equilibrios líquido-líquido y gas-líquido dentro del rango de operación del proceso. El uso de un modelo puramente predictivo como el PRSK o métodos predictivos para calcular los parámetros NRTL requeridos también se evalúa. En este trabajo se evidencia que los métodos de UNIFAC originales fallan en la predicción del equilibrio líquido-líquido del sistema Tridecanal-DMF-Decano, de tal manera que sólo los métodos UNIFAC modificados deben ser considerados para el cálculo predictivo de este equilibrio de fases. La influencia de la selección del modelo termodinámico en los resultados de simulación de proceso es cuantificada y comparada con los datos experimentales disponibles de una Miniplanta con reciclo total entre el reactor y el decantador. Se encontró que el cálculo de los volúmenes molares de líquido afectan considerablemente los resultados de la simulación.

Current research on automated vehicles focuses mainly on the drivers of automated vehicles, on its potential to improve the efficiency of traffic operations, safety, congestion and societal benefits, public’s acceptance of automated vehicles as a transport system and the willingness to buy automated vehicles. Nevertheless, there is a research gap in an equally important topic of research; the interactions of the automated vehicles with Vulnerable Road Users (VRU), i.e., cyclists and pedestrians. The WEpods (shuttle buses) are the first automated pods on public roads amidst other traffic, for an extended period of time in the province of Gelderland, in the Netherlands. The main research question revolves around the safety perception of vulnerable road users (VRUs) when interacting with automated vehicles, specifically at unsignalised intersections, and their crossing behaviour in comparison with traditional motor vehicles. The data on road users’ perception was gathered through face-to-face interviews (𝑁=22), a focus group (𝑁=8), and an online survey (𝑁=198). The results of this research showed that in terms of perceived safety, in general, VRUs (pedestrians and cyclists) feel significantly safer when sharing the road with the WEpods (max. speed of 15 𝑘𝑚/ℎ) compared to traditional motor vehicles (max. speed of 30 𝑘𝑚/ℎ). However, cyclists reported feeling less safe when interacting at unsignalised intersections with the automated vehicles, while there was not significant effect on pedestrians. Similarly, pedestrians more often opted for crossing facilities in the presence of the WEpods than in the presence of traditional motor vehicles (this can be interpreted as the result of perhaps feeling less safe), while no significant difference was reported for cyclists. Some of the reasons that could explain the trust in the WEpods are its low operational speed and the trust of most (81.1%) of the VRUs in the automated technology. This makes them expect the WEpods will stop in all possible instances, even when other traffic participants violate traffic rules. Surprisingly, a significant proportion (63.2%) of the participants was not aware of the presence of the steward on board of the WEpods. On the other hand, variables such as the awareness of the steward and having interacted with the WEpods increased the perceived safety amongst VRUs. Moreover, eye contact and gestures use as part of the actual interaction with human drivers of traditional motor vehicles particularly when crossing, was reported to be of importance by the respondents and has also been previously reported in the literature. The VRUs who said that they rely on cues given by drivers, more often indicated a preference to cross at dedicated facilities in the presence of the WEpods than those who stated not to depend on this type of communication. In order to substitute this lack of “real” interaction, information about the WEpods’ operations appeared to be desired by most of the participants in the form of visual information or a mix of auditory and visual. Finally, it was found that individual characteristics of the VRUs, such as their gender and other demographic variables could also have an impact on their perceived safety of VRUs interacting with the WEpods. The findings of the current research appear to point at a prudent attitude of cyclists and pedestrians in their interaction with automated vehicles. Nevertheless, this conservative mindset could be balanced by informing other road users about both, the features (e.g., the presence of a steward on board) and the limitations (e.g., the technology unable to respond to unexpected conditions) of the WEpods. It is considered that this information, along with a suitable communication of intentions of the vehicle to its surroundings are adequate tools to achieve a safe interaction between VRUs and automated vehicles.

Abstract: Greater local economic activity could improve children’s educational attainment by expanding the resources that could be invested in education. However, increased economic activity could also result in limited educational gains, as children may be induced into employment. This paper studies violence as an alternative explanation for the limited gains, focusing on Colombia, an oil-producing country with a long-standing civil conflict. Existing evidence shows that oil price shocks fuel civil conflicts; I explore whether increased violence undermines any positive effect greater oil resources might have on educational attainment by considering exogenous increases in international oil prices and geographic variations in oil production. Estimates suggest rising oil prices between 1998 and 2005 had limited effects on the number of years of schooling and whether children are behind grade for their age. Moreover, oil price shocks had small but surprising negative effects on primary school enrollment. My analysis reveals that the negative effects on younger children education might be driven by the aforementioned increase in civil conflicts and by additional oil resources being invested in sectors other than education. Resumen: Una economía más dinámica puede mejorar la escolaridad de los niños, a través de los mayores recursos que se inviertan en educación. Sin embargo, un mayor dinamismo también podría resultar en pocas ganancias educativas, si incentiva el trabajo infantil. El presente artículo explora la violencia como una explicación alterna a este fenómeno, enfocándose en Colombia, un país productor de petróleo que ha sufrido de un largo conflicto armado. Con base en evidencia existente que documenta la intensificación del conflicto armado causado por los aumentos en los precios del petróleo, éste artículo investiga si la mayor violencia destruye el efecto positivo de los mayores recursos petroleros en la escolaridad de los niños. Este artículo utiliza el aumento exógeno en los precios del petróleo y la variación geográfica en la producción de petróleo para identificar dicho efecto. Los resultados sugieren que el aumento en los precios del petróleo de 1998 a 2005 no tuvo ningún efecto en los años de escolaridad de los niños, ni en su probabilidad de estar atrasados en el colegio. Más aún, los aumentos en los precios del petróleo tuvieron efectos pequeños pero negativos en la matricula primaria. El análisis sugiere que éstos efectos negativos pueden darse debido a la intensificación del conflicto armado y a la inversión de los recursos petroleros en sectores diferentes a la educación.