Abstract: Colombia and Venezuela have experienced a two-way migration since the 1920s. In the last decade, Venezuelan people fled to the neighbour Latin American countries in the most significant migration process faced in the continent. Colombia has become the most considerable receptor because of its closeness, and it demands that Colombian governments, humanitarian institutions, international cooperation, mass media, and civil society develop strategies to assimilate and achieve a successful social integration. This is the analysis of two processes of social integration through music, one institutional program run by “Batuta,” a foundation that promotes symphonic music practices to achieve social integration, and an individual migrant process of TráficoMC, a Venezuelan hip-hop artist based in Medellin, Colombia. Although they have different methods to achieve their aims, both have the same medium, music. This analysis reviews the complexity of using music in those particular social integration programs that have intended reducing xenophobia and endophobia attitudes to achieve a social integration that can conduce to a cultural and economic development of the whole population involved in the migration process.

Resumen: Esta investigación tiene como objetivo responder la pregunta por el papel que juegan las redes sociales en el activismo, qué tipo de prácticas activistas albergan y cómo esto da forma a un espacio feminista en la red. Para lograr responder a estas preguntas he trabajado de cerca con cuatro activistas de cuatro colectivos colombianos reconocidos por su presencia digital, creación de contenido y trabajo activista en el contexto nacional. A saber: Hiedras y Bolívar en Falda en Medellín, Feministas en Construcción en Bogotá y Maleza en Manizales. Los cuatro colectivos y las activistas con las que tuve la oportunidad de discutir son un caso representativo del feminismo digital en el país. Por lo cual propongo implementar la metodología de estudio de caso. Este diseño de investigación provee herramientas para cumplir con los objetivos planteados en cuanto me permite, a partir de los datos empíricos y la teoría planteada, construir explicaciones y reconstruir patrones de las prácticas activistas mediáticas. Finalmente, a partir del análisis del activismo digital feminista en términos de prácticas mediáticas digitales se plantea una discusión, algunas conclusiones y reflexiones finales. Esta investigación espera aportar a la literatura sobre activismo digital feminista. Dado que el material es reducido mientras que los grupos activistas son cada vez más y con logros y alianzas cada vez más importantes. En tiempos donde las acciones políticas desde diferentes flancos de la sociedad colombiana que van en detrimento de los derechos de las mujeres tienen tanta fuerza y presencia en redes sociales, las voces feministas en las redes sociales constituyen una fuerza contestataria importante. Por esto, considero que indagar más sobre las relaciones entre prácticas, medios digitales y feminismo, es un aporte hacia una comprensión más amplia del presente y futuro del feminismo y los movimientos feministas contemporáneos. Abstract: This research aims to answer the question of the role that social networks play in activism, what kind of activist practices they harbor and how this shapes a feminist space on the web. In order to answer these questions I have worked closely with four activists from four Colombian collectives recognized for their digital presence, content creation and activist work in the national context. The collectives Hiedras and Bolivar en Falda in Medellin, Feministas en Construcción in Bogota and Maleza in Manizales. The four collectives and the activists with whom I had the opportunity to discuss are a representative case of digital feminism in the country. Therefore, I propose to implement the case study methodology. This research design provides tools to meet the objectives set out in that it allows me, from the empirical data and the theory proposed, to build explanations and reconstruct patterns of media activist practices. Finally, based on the analysis of feminist digital activism in terms of digital media practices, a discussion, some conclusions and final reflections are presented. This research hopes to contribute to the literature on feminist digital activism. Given that the material is reduced while activist groups are increasingly more and with increasingly important achievements and alliances. In times where political actions from different sides of Colombian society that are detrimental to women's rights have so much strength and presence in social networks, feminist voices in social networks are an important contestation force. For this reason, I believe that further research on the relationship between practices, digital media and feminism is a contribution to a broader understanding of the present and future of feminism and contemporary feminist movements.

Abstract: This dissertation explores the role that social enterprises can play in transforming the economy. The overemphasis on economic goals has undermined social and environmental objectives, causing many of the crises we face today. To address this situation, this paper brings together the bodies of literature on the circular economy, ecological economics and local economic development to provide strategies, proposals and insights for achieving such transformation, while analysing the definition of social enterprises and using the policies of economic restructuring as a framework to conclude that the role of social enterprises is to demonstrate that it is possible to reconcile these three dimensions into sustainable, attractive and profitable business models, and to inspire other actors in the economy to apply these sustainable practices and approaches until their widespread adoption becomes the new industry standard. Resumen: Esta disertación explora el papel que pueden desempeñar las empresas sociales en la transformación de la economía. El énfasis excesivo en los objetivos económicos ha socavado los objetivos sociales y medioambientales, causando muchas de las crisis a las que nos enfrentamos hoy en día. Para hacer frente a esta situación, este trabajo reúne la literatura sobre la economía circular, la economía ecológica y el desarrollo económico local con el fin de proporcionar estrategias, propuestas y puntos de vista para lograr dicha transformación, al tiempo que analiza la definición de las empresas sociales y utiliza las políticas de reestructuración económica como marco para concluir que el papel de las empresas sociales es demostrar que es posible conciliar estas tres dimensiones en modelos de negocio sostenibles, atractivos y rentables, e inspirar a otros actores de la economía para aplicar estas prácticas y enfoques sostenibles hasta que su adopción generalizada se convierta en el nuevo estándar de la industria.

Abstract: This study presents a language textbook analysis informed by generative second language acquisition (GenSLA), an area of investigation that has been rarely explored. In consequence, it proposes an original methodology. It also intends to contribute to bridging the gap between GenSLA and second language teaching. For those purposes, it tackles the research question: To what extent are secondlanguage textbook contents informed by GenSLA theory and research findings? The two research objectives are (1) to analyse how polarity item any is explicitly instructed in the language textbook series proposed by the Ministry of Education in Colombia for public secondary schools and (2) to analyse how polarity item any is incidentally instructed in the textbook series in terms of primary linguistic data (PLD). In terms of methodology, the study proposes two analyses for each research objective. First, to analyse explicit instruction (explanations, grammar activities, and teacher’s guidance). Second to analyse every instance of polarity item any provided by the textbooks through written and aural input. The main results show that the whole linguistic distribution of any is partially covered by explicit and incidental instruction. A cautious explanation is the emphasis of textbooks on meaning and interaction over form or metalinguistic knowledge. These results also demonstrate the need for instruction of any in veridical linguistic contexts licensed by negative implicature.

Abstract: This paper employs a dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) model to study the time-varying correlation between three cryptocurrency strategies (market, size, and momentum) and three equity indexes (MSCI World, MSCI Emerging markets, and MSCI All cap) from November 2017 until May 2022. Paying close attention to events of market turmoil, like the Covid-19 crash in March 2020 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The results obtained, show that the correlation between the equity market and cryptocurrencies has increased over time eroding diversification benefits. However, the momentum and size strategies presented a stable near-zero correlation with the equity index during the time frame selected, including both of the crisis events. We conclude that whereas both (momentum and size) strategies can be used as diversification tools, size is preferred due to its lower volatility, and lower persistence when faced with a correlation spike. Resumen: Este trabajo emplea un modelo de correlación condicional dinámica (DCC) para estudiar los cambios en la correlación de tres estrategias con criptomonedas (mercado, tamaño y momentum) y tres índices bursátiles (MSCI World, MSCI Emerging markets y MSCI All cap), en el periodo comprendido entre noviembre de 2017 y mayo de 2022. Se presta especial atención a los eventos de crisis como el crash de la bolsa en marzo 2020 debido a la pandemia del Covid-19 y a la invasión rusa de Ucrania en febrero de 2022. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que la correlación entre el mercado accionario y las criptomonedas ha incrementado a lo largo del tiempo, deteriorando los beneficios de la diversificación. Sin embargo, las cripto estrategias de momentum y tamaño presentaron una correlación estable y cercana a cero con los índices accionarios durante el periodo comprendido en el estudio, incluyendo los eventos de crisis previamente mencionados. En conclusión, si bien las estrategias de momentum y tamaño pueden ser usadas como herramientas de diversificación en un portafolio de acciones, la estrategia de tamaño es preferible debido a su menor volatilidad y mayor persistencia frente a picos en la correlación de los activos.

Abstract: BIM and Virtual Reality (VR) are technologies that aim to revolutionise the AEC industry, minimizing variations, replicating complex tasks, enhancing visualisation of objects, better coordination with stakeholders, and as an alternative training tool. However, they have multiple limitations that deter a successful implementation in the AEC sector, requiring high technical skills to be developed, complex processes, and expensive resources that do not satisfy their current needs. Therefore, this research aims to create a game-like simulation between BIM and VR to train people in pile construction activities, addressing the limitations about industry adoption to implement it as a feasible product. The objectives of this thesis are: I. Develop a methodological framework to replicate similar prototypes like the one developed, II. Create a BIM and VR application using decision tree scenarios to train people around piling procedures, III. Validate the prototype through online surveys to verify its usability, feasibility, and improvements. A complex simulation using multiple software was created to teach about the required elements for piling construction, being supported through cinematics to show different construction stages of the survey, logistics, site camp, drilling excavation, and concrete & rebar activities. Participants agreed that the Pile Training Module (PTM) delivers an enhanced training experience about complex concepts, highlighting its potential of replicating variable conditions of a real site. With this module, it was demonstrated that high levels of expertise and costs are no longer limitations for a meaningful VR and BIM application, representing a starting point for future prototypes that aim to become a real application for the AEC industry and academy.

Abstract: This dissertation is presented as three interrelated studies that were prepared as standalone articles. Each article focuses on one key subject that emerged from years of fieldwork and analysis: the different existing interpretations of sustainability in the wine industry; the imperative to have sensorially pleasing wines; and the lack of definition for sustainable and natural wines. By exploring these subjects, this dissertation studies the cultural practice of winemaking and wine tasting to examine how different interpretations, values, and practices of wine production and wine tasting are embodied and rationalized through distinct discourses of sustainability. Through participant observations, interviews, and informal conversations in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine region, the author begins by examining how the concepts of sustainability and nature are expressed and used by wine producers with different types of winemaking practices (Chapter 2). Through a comparative analysis of these expressions and uses of sustainability and nature, a sustainability continuum is proposed, as basis for a sustainability typology of wine producers. Chapter 3 then moves on to the topic of wine sensoriality and how its socio-cultural construction has a key role in furthering (or obstructing) the development of a sustainability-focused wine industry. For this chapter, the author draws on three distinct research projects, covering a wide spectrum of methodological and epistemological approaches, with both quantitative and qualitative tools, to provide a better understanding of the concept and role of wine expertise and how it manifests in the form of wine sensory assessments. This chapter provides evidence that wines with differing and unusual sensorial characteristics can be appreciated differently depending on the context and background of each taster and that certain sustainable wines (e.g., natural wines) with more sensorial differences than mainstream wines might be less accepted in regions where there is no space for variation from a set standard of taste and quality. Finally, Chapter 4 presents a new conceptualization of a specific type of sustainable wines - natural wines - as subversive art. With this, by providing an alternative conceptual way to describe an ill-defined winemaking approach, the chapter contributes to the study of social movements by presenting subversive and urban art as a framing element rather than a direct medium for dissent.

Abstract: The CDM (Clean Development Mechanisms), VCM (Voluntary Carbon Markets) and PES (Payment for Ecosystem Services) that support the REDD+ pathway, have long been part of the sustainable development policy arena. The competition for resources to ‘develop for the developed’ has taken many turns (de Soussa Santos, 2006), and the consequent commodification of nature can be traced to different cultures, and back to an unknown history of who was the first. This research asks whether market-based solutions like REDD+ have failed. Some say they have, some that this is part of the process, and others, that –-‘better this than nothing’-, but is there a correct answer? The reason for placing REDD+ inside of CDM-VCM-PES is clarified through the green growth agenda, where forests are one of the main subject of carbon offsets in biodiversity programs. Of the 501 developing countries that have submitted assessments to the UNFCCC, just 15 submitted a summary on how safeguards are being addressed and respected (UNFCCC, 2022). For now, safeguards are the only mechanism for securing rights, but we need to ask which rights, and whose rights. This research uses a decolonizing perspective to address these question in the example of Colombia. The research offers guidance to those that seek to keep applying environmental safeguards as a direct way to address land rights and climate, environmental and social justice. It also attempts to advance the social constructions of different pathways to sustainable development and the strategies for tackling the underlying drivers of climate change from a decolonizing perspective.

Abstract: In recent years, breweries have had to adapt the way they use resources and manage the by-products of the production chain, such as organic and packaging waste. Likewise, they’ve needed to find a way to respond to the environmental pressures of the beer industry, such as energy and water usage as well as resource depletion. Several alternatives have been proposed to face these environmental burdens, one example is the application of Circular Economy principles in the production process. This research focuses on the supply chain-related challenges that small craft breweries face when they use circular or alternative raw materials in their production chain. This research seeks to understand the circular supply chain in the brewing industry by analysing three small European breweries. Data collection consisted of multiple sources, among which were interviews. The main goal is to identify the challenges faced by the companies that switched their production methods leaning toward circularity and to find a possible way to address them. The challenges will be analysed following the Circular Business Model and the Circular Supply Chain Theoretical Approaches. The contribution of this project is in terms of management decision-making for a circular supply chain in small businesses in the food industry.

Abstract: The constant evolution of power systems and their protection and control systems has brought the need to investigate different concepts that could help improve the implementation and testing of protection and control systems during the complete lifecycle of electrical substations. Centralized protection and control system is a concept that has been under study for many years already but has gained more force lately, thanks to the evolution of computing technology and the more substantial influence of the standard IEC61850 in electrical substations. This thesis has studied the centralized protection and control systems starting with the development of a market availably. The result shows that even though the general concept between the available systems is the same, the specific architecture depends on the technology used to implement the centralized concept. The result also shows that the two technologies leading the market availability are the SASensor from Locamation and the SSC600 from ABB. The technologies virtualization and Synaptec’s Refase system are also investigated in this thesis. Protection and control test methodologies do also depend on the technology to be tested. Therefore, this thesis shows an overall protection and control testing lifecycle analysis of a centralized protection and control system. The architecture of the reference system used for the testing lifecycle evaluation has similarities to a decentralized digital substation architecture. Using that kind of architecture allows fully IEC61850 based protection and control testing, as the results have shown it. Therefore, knowledge, tools, and procedures developed for decentralized digital substations also apply to the centralized concept. The last part of this work presents a practical application example that uses the SSC600 as a protection and control central unit. The device configuration is based on a power system example designed for the thesis. The IEC61850 system engineering of the system and test procedures are part of the results of the practical part.