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 study on Venezuelan migration to post-conflict Colombia aims to explain how the reconstruction from conflict and forced migration processes have impacted women. It poses the question of how reconstruction approaches of Colombian and other Latin American civil society groups of women apply to Venezuelan migrant women in the border. Colombia hosts roughly 2 million Venezuelan migrants who have stayed despite the persistent violence caused partially by the turmoil of its politics in the post- conflict aftermath. Using testimonial accounts, the dissertation examines the distinct experiences of Venezuelan migrant women in the borderlands of Colombia. It reveals a blending of crises as the source of support networks. The imminent need to provide humanitarian assistance transformed in the creation of a system that opens the way to integration. From the emergency declaration, addendums to the law for Venezuelans to access the health care system to the adaptation for economic dynamics, women migrants find in Colombia a space for restart. Feasible peace processes in the region have gendered roots. This study claims that despite the recrudescence of violence in Colombia, Venezuelan migrants have an immaterial connection based on historic social, cultural roots that make it their country of preference over other border countries. Findings demonstrate there was an empirical gap in identifying one of the major triggers of the migration crisis. The binational tensions of August 2015 marked the starting point of one of the largest diasporas of the 21st Century.

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: “How can we say that a river is a thing when its constitutive elements, water molecules, keep changing and will be found here, elsewhere in the river…We should see ourselves not as things, perhaps, but as processes. The common-sense definition of individuals as things, and even of things in general, seems, after all, to be illusory, the result of a naïve perception of the world.” (Hillier, 2007). This research is developed from the premise that urban rivers are ecological structures that distinguish a territory, accentuating the socio-spatial differentiation of river cities along their continuum. Therefore, this study aims to describe the relationship between urban rivers and the morphological inequality at their edges. By inequality, this study refers to the spatial distribution of resources and opportunities for accessibility to them in relation to the population in a territory. It also measures the degree of spatial division and separation communities have among themselves to strengthen their sociocultural fabric. Some of these communities are segregated from urban centres’ social and active integration, which may be associated with spatial aspects that accentuate a poor integration with the social structure. Explosive population growth, the concentration of poverty, unemployment, forced displacement, and limited opportunities for access to educational and cultural recreational facilities and public space are some of the consequences of this socio-spatial segregation evident in communities around the world and constituting significant targets of the global urban agenda. For river cities, it is commonly associated that the dividing structure of rivers highlights such socio-spatial consequences. In many cases, due to accessibility of public services and resources across the length of this natural structure or even to the unplanned extension of the urban grid at scoping the river edges. Therefore, the result of such socio-spatial differentiation can be described in this study as spatial inequality in urban rivers, as it relates the physical aspect of rivers to the unequal social configuration along them. That is, how rivers as natural structures allow reading societies’ evolution and development processes in their territories. In order to address the term spatial inequality, this study attempts to distinguish between unequal and inequitable urban spaces. The former refers to the spatial morphological differences of the urban space and what it can offer within its physical-spatial and social possibilities. The second seeks to balance social needs by understanding its spatial morphological differences and physicalspatial conditions. Under this theoretical basis, this study sets out first to describe the spatial syntactic characteristics that comprise urban rivers. Secondly, to articulate the socioeconomic characteristics mapped within the urban rivers’ riparian area. This is in order to obtain a socio-spatial coding of inequality in urban rivers. Accordingly, the goal of this dissertation is first to open a critical query about the strength of urban river inequalities, as well as to display a socio-spatial configurational analysis of urban rivers that can enlighten the unequal diversification that these networks provide to the city. The findings of this study aim to frame morphological differences in urban rivers as the natural process of societies’ movement along them and comprehend that by strengthening differences and diversity, it is possible to approach more socially and spatially equitable cities.

Abstract: This thesis advances the understanding of brand polarization, a nascent concept in the marketing and branding academic literature. Brand polarization is defined as an affective phenomenon that involves passionate positive and negative feelings and offers a new analytical lens to the consumer-brand relationship knowledge. The current thesis addresses the nature, drivers and outcomes of the brand polarization phenomenon and answers three research questions. To better understand brand polarization, the theoretical development involves a systematic literature review of five related concepts (polarization in political science and social psychology, brand rivalry, brand love and brand hate) and lie foundation for the development of a new conceptual model. The empirical analysis adopts a sequential mixed-methods research design, where data is first collected via 22 semistructured interviews, followed by a survey of 1,238 lovers and haters of polarizing brands in three different product categories. The qualitative study utilises semi-structured interviews to identify the key antecedents and outcomes of brand polarization, and these preliminary insights inform the confirm the relationships hypothesised in the conceptual model. The findings show the multidimensional nature of brand polarization, (brand passion, self-brand benchmarking, intra-group identification and inter-group dissociation), and offer a new measurement for the phenomenon. The results also identify five drivers of brand polarization, namely brand strength, brand uniqueness, association with important issues, ideological compatibility/incompatibility and sense of community. Finally, the evidence supports the role of brand polarization in pairs of oppositional concepts including complimenting and complaining behaviours; brand loyalty and disloyalty; using pro and anti-brand merchandise; participation in a brand and anti-brand community; forgiveness and retaliation behaviours; positive and negative WoM; and defending and attacking the brand. The research offers theoretical, methodological and managerial implications. Resumen: Esta tesis avanza en la comprensión de la polarización de marca, un concepto naciente en la literatura académica de marketing y branding. La polarización de la marca se define como un fenómeno afectivo que involucra sentimientos apasionados positivos y negativos y ofrece una nueva visión analítica al conocimiento de la relación consumidor-marca. La presente tesis aborda la naturaleza, los antecedentes y las consecuencias del fenómeno de polarización de la marca. Para comprender mejor la polarización de marcas, el desarrollo teórico implica una revisión sistemática de la literatura de cinco conceptos relacionados (polarización en ciencias políticas, polarización en psicología social, rivalidad de marcas, amor y odio de marcas) y sentar las bases para el desarrollo de un nuevo modelo conceptual. El análisis empírico adopta un diseño de investigación secuencial de métodos mixtos con un estudio cualitativo y cuantitativo. El estudio cualitativo utiliza entrevistas semiestructuradas para identificar los antecedentes y resultados clave de la polarización de marca, y estos conocimientos preliminares informan la dimensionalidad del fenómeno y el modelo conceptual. La investigación cuantitativa confirma las relaciones planteadas en el modelo conceptual. Los hallazgos de la tesis muestran la naturaleza multidimensional del fenómeno (pasión por la marca, evaluación comparativa del consumidor con la marca, identificación intragrupo y disociación intergrupal). Los resultados también identifican cinco antecedentes de la polarización de la marca. Finalmente, la evidencia respalda el papel de la polarización de la marca en siete pares de conceptos opuestos. La investigación ofrece varias implicaciones teóricas, metodológicas y de gestión.

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.

Resumen: A sus 64 años, el reconocido arquitecto Le Corbusier decidió construir el Cabanon, una pequeña cabaña de 16m2 en la orilla del Mediterráneo, como un refugio apartado en el que pasaba sus vacaciones. Resulta intrigante que el arquitecto emblemático del ""movimiento moderno"", símbolo de progreso cultural y tecnológico basado en la ciencia e industrialización, optara, al final de su carrera, por apartarse de la vida ""moderna"" y las ""comodidades"" que ésta conlleva. Esta es la motivación para un análisis que se adentra en la evaluación de las condiciones de habitabilidad térmica de la estructura, junto con la implementación de estrategias bioclimáticas que logren prolongar el tiempo en el que ésta mantiene temperaturas interiores dentro de rangos considerados como confortables. Esta aproximación busca explorar el comportamiento térmico de arquitecturas icónicas y fomentar la reflexión sobre el concepto de la mínima habitabilidad en un contexto de crisis ambiental. Además, presenta la oportunidad de comparar las exigencias normativas españolas con los estándares de confort más actuales. La metodología implica simulaciones del comportamiento térmico a lo largo del año y la aplicación de los rangos de temperaturas confortables según las normativas CTE- DB-HE y EN 16798-1. En la medida en que el Cabanon sea capaz de ofrecer condiciones confortables desde el punto de vista térmico, podríamos cuestionarnos si la arquitectura y energía que demandan nuestras ciudades es un imperativo para proporcionar ambientes térmicamente habitables. ¿Es la reducción de un consumo inevitable e in- sostenible de energía la única vía hacia la sostenibilidad? ¿O es a partir de una arquitectura deconstruida, que elimina la dependencia de energía externa, como podemos acercarnos a estándares de vida contemporáneos? Los resultados revelan que, según la EN 16798-1, el Cabanon lograba proporcionar condiciones de confort térmico durante el 88% del tiempo del mes en que era habitado, y un 53% según el CTE-DB- HE. Mediante un análisis detallado del contexto y la aplicación de estrategias bioclimáticas, esta cabaña consigue extender el porcentaje a un 91% de todo el año dentro de la EN 16798-1 y un 60% en el rango CTE.DB.HE. Ofreciendo hasta un 25% más de horas de confort que una vivienda estándar que cumple con la normativa europea vigente en cuanto a ahorro energético. Esto confirma la utilidad del modelo adaptativo para elevar los límites de confort durante los meses cálidos y proporcionar una proyección precisa de la neutralidad térmica en edificios ventilados naturalmente. En contraste, la normativa española no provee esta precisión y sus exigencias conllevan al aumento de la demanda energética. El análisis del comportamiento térmico del Cabanon, además de ser un trabajo investigativo de arquitectura histórica, explora en qué medida la energía del entorno puede proveer condiciones que nos acerquen al confort térmico en la vivienda mediterránea. Partir de esta comprensión, ofrece un abordaje alternativo con fines proyectuales en el que se vuelve válido comenzar con lo mínimo para alcanzar lo máximo, en lugar de partir de lo máximo para lograr lo mínimo.

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.

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.

Mauricio Nasi Lignarolo (b. Bogotá, 1949* - 2023) is an Italian/Colombian composer, harpist, multikeyboard instrumentalist, and biologist currently living in Bogotá, Colombia, where he has lectured at colleges and universities, offered composition workshops and seminars, and performed in a variety of ensembles. Maestro Nasi is a multi-faceted individual, immersed in numerous fields of the arts and sciences, and a speaker of multiple languages, including Latin. He began composing in 1975 and to date has written a total of 183 musical works, several of them adapted in diverse instrumental versions. Currently, most of his works remain unpublished. His creative style revives traditional tonality and musical modes, with clear romantic-impressionist influences, writing toccatas, berceuses, and pavanes, predominantly—a body of work that positions him as a leading cosmopolitan modern composer. The data for my doctoral essay has been primarily collected directly from the primary source, Maestro Nasi, through video-recorded interviews, from his archives, and from the manuscripts of all his compositions, which are located in his personal library. This essay classifies and integrates all the information into a detailed biography, a study of his piano pieces, and a complete catalogue of his works in chronological order and by genre. My project brings attention to a remarkable but littleknown artistic voice, introducing him to the English-speaking world. Resumen: Mauricio Nasi Lignarolo (n. Bogotá, 1949* - 2023) es un compositor ítalo-colombiano, arpista, multiinstrumentista de teclado y biólogo. Actualmente reside en Bogotá, Colombia, donde ha impartido conferencias en colegios y universidades, ofrecido talleres de composición y seminarios, y actuado en diversas agrupaciones musicales. El Maestro Nasi es una figura versátil, inmersa en numerosos campos de las artes y las ciencias, y habla varios idiomas, incluido el latín. Comenzó a componer en 1975 y hasta la fecha ha escrito un total de 183 obras musicales, varias de las cuales han sido adaptadas en diversas versiones instrumentales. En la actualidad, la mayoría de sus obras permanecen inéditas. Su estilo creativo revive la tonalidad tradicional y los modos musicales, con claras influencias románticas e impresionistas, componiendo principalmente toccatas, berceuses y pavanas. Este conjunto de obras lo sitúa como un destacado compositor moderno y cosmopolita. Los datos para mi tesis doctoral se han recopilado principalmente directamente de la fuente principal, el Maestro Nasi, a través de entrevistas en video, de sus archivos personales y de los manuscritos de todas sus composiciones, que se encuentran en su biblioteca personal. Esta tesis clasifica e integra toda la información en una biografía detallada, un estudio de sus piezas para piano y un catálogo completo de sus obras en orden cronológico y por género. Mi proyecto llama la atención sobre una voz artística notable pero poco conocida, presentándola al mundo de habla inglesa.