Abstract: This dissertation is about the black communities in the Pacific coastal region of Colombia for whom death is a process that constitutes life and that, therefore has important consequences over the living and the territory. As these communities have been deeply affected by the Colombian armed conflict, I explore here the way in which forced disappearance, a common form of violence in the country, has affected the death rituals and understandings for the black communities. In the first chapter, I describe the significance of death, arguing that it is part of the everyday, and that creates part of the social order instead of reflecting it. In the second chapter, I discuss the way forced disappearance interfered with the death rituals and understandings, using examples from other parts of the world, comparing them to the specific case of the black communities. Finally, in the third chapter, I explore how the communities came up with creative ways to resist the damages caused by forced disappearance. Resumen: Esta disertación explora cómo, para las comunidades negras del Pacífico Colombiano, la muerte es entendida como un proceso constitutivo de la vida misma y por tanto, tiene consecuencias sobre la vida comunitaria y el territorio. Habiendo sido afectadas de forma desproporcionada y diferencial por el conflicto armado en Colombia, este texto busca entender de qué manera la desaparición forzada, un hecho victimizante común en esta zona del país, afectó los rituales mortuorios y la forma de procesar la vida y la muerte en estas comunidades. En el primer capítulo, se describen los significados de la muerte como parte del día a día, como algo que aporta a la creación del orden social, en vez de reflejarlo como se ha sugerido por algunas corrientes de la antropología de la muerte. En el segundo capítulo, se trata la forma como la desaparición forzada es una práctica violenta que se asemeja a la muerte pero irrumpe y transforma los rituales mortuorios y la forma misma de procesar la ausencia; acá se compara el caso con otros lugares del mundo donde se ha hecho etnografía con víctimas de desaparición en otros países. Finalmente, en el último capítulo se explora cómo las comunidades han resistido estos daños de forma creativa y resistente.

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to conduct a systematic review on the antecedents, consequences and theoretical foundations of the constructs of cosmopolitanism, cultural intelligence and global mindset, identifying the fields in which their scales have been applied. The underlying question to answer was: to what extent the COS scale, the Cultural Intelligence Scale and the Global Mindset Inventory have been applied in empirical research? Design/methodology/approach: The present study used a qualitative, descriptive form of systematic review that was considered the best possible approach to provide an answer for the research question. The review was organized in three stages: 1) Planning the review, 2) Conducting the review and 3) Reporting and disseminating. The documental sample was selected according to the inclusion criteria stablished in the review protocol. Findings: The review incorporated twelve studies that met all the inclusion criteria and provided evidence that the COS scale is particularly used for understanding consumer behaviour and guiding strategies for IMS, while the CQS focuses on effectiveness in interaction on various intercultural settings, and GMI is used to measure the global mindset which is critical for managing strategic complexities in global operations. Originality/value: This is the one of the few systematic reviews that attempted to analyze in parallel the constructs of COS, CQ and global mindset and the fields in which its scales have been applied. It highlights the potential of using the three scales towards achievement of individual and organisational goals.

Abstract: This thesis report relates to a research study carried out in a Language Center in Medellín, Colombia. The researcher explored the stakeholders' perceptions of a good EFL teacher for young learners and stated some implications for possible adjustments to the teacher professional development program (TPDP) at this institution. Through questionnaires for parents, teachers, and coordinators, and focus groups with students, she found out that the stakeholders' definition of a good teacher is based on three main categories: Teaching Methodology, Personal Attributes, and Teacher's roles. Additionally, the participants' views regarding a set of 12 predefined characteristics of a good teacher, adapted from previous studies, resulted in an accurate representation of their definitions. These results provided a shared understanding and the desired profile for a good teacher in this context, which could be considered the guidelines to inform some needed adjustments in the TPDP. Thus, some suggestions are given in terms of the program's content, approach, and design that attempt to contribute to its improvement. Resumen: Este reporte de tesis se refiere a una investigación llevada a cabo en un instituto de idiomas en Medellín, Colombia. La investigadora exploró las percepciones de algunas personas involucradas en diferentes roles, en cuanto al concepto de un buen profesor de inglés como lengua extranjera para niños y analizó algunas implicaciones en cuanto a posibles ajustes al programa de desarrollo profesional docente (PDPD) en esta institución. A través de cuestionarios para padres, docentes y coordinadores, y grupos focales para niños, se encontró que la definición de un buen profesor para estos participantes se basa en tres categorías principales: metodología de enseñanza, cualidades personales y roles del docente. Adicionalmente, las opiniones de los participantes sobre un set de 12 características de un buen profesor, predefinidas y adaptadas de investigaciones anteriores, coincidieron con las definiciones de los participantes. Estos resultados brindan un entendimiento común y arrojan un perfil deseado de un buen docente en este contexto, el cual puede ser considerado como una guía para tomar decisiones informadas en cuanto a algunos ajustes necesarios en el PDPD. De este modo, se dan algunas sugerencias en cuanto al contenido, enfoque y diseño del programa que buscan contribuir con su mejora.

Abstract: Self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have been widely investigated as a quantum-hardware candidate which utilize the spin of a charged carrier to embody a solid-state qubit. Due to the large dipole moment of confined optical states, they are the ideal interface to encode information as flying qubits. However, the coherence time is limited by the spin coupling with the environment. A system which promises significantly longer coherence consists of logic singlet-triplet qubits formed in vertically stacked pairs of QDs, so-called quantum dot molecules (QDM). Here, a specific “sweet spot” in the applied gate voltage can be realized in which the singlet-triplet energy splitting is in first-order independent to electric and magnetic field fluctuations. Nevertheless, complications regarding non-deterministic growth and electric control are the main problem to access the sweet spot. With this master’s project, we aim to pave the path towards the growth and fabrication of an innovative QDM charge storage device which enables optical initialization of valence-band holes. We approach to control holes due to their weak hyperfine interaction. To tackle the complexity of quantum states in QDM, we developed a theoretical framework to understand the relevant physical interactions. This was employed to simulate quantum states and fit growth parameters. Dot size homogeneity and low QD density were achieved by modulation of temperature and deposition rates during growth. Moreover, Indium-flush growth technique was used to tailor dot height, hence its confinement energy. Standard and quasi-resonant photoluminescence experiments as a function of the electric field supported clear signatures of hole coupling in a quantum dot molecule.

Abstract: This work seeks to understand what is the legal value of the soft law tax devices is issued by the OECD from a holistic perspective that contains international public law, local law, own conceptions of this international organization, and so on. Additionally, it is going to highlight the use of these international devices by the Spanish Supreme Court together with the way that these sentences impact in the legal certainty standard. Finally, it is going to point out if this way to apply soft law tools is analogous to the legal value explained previously. Resumen: El presente trabajo busca comprender cuál es el valor jurídico de los instrumentos tributarios de soft law emitidos por la OCDE en materia tributaria desde una visión holística que incluya percepciones de derecho internacional público, derecho interno, concepciones propias de la misma organización internacional, etc. Adicionalmente, se evidenciará el uso dado a estas herramientas internacionales por el Tribunal Supremo Español, así como el impacto que estos fallos pueden tener sobre el principio de seguridad jurídica. Finalmente, se puntualizará si esta forma de aplicación de los instrumentos de soft law es análoga a la valoración jurídica explicada previamente.

Abstract: We explore inflation dynamics in the period following the Great Recession for ten different countries for which we have data on the natural rate of unemployment and agents’ inflation expectations. We find that, out of the ten countries analyzed, there is evidence of missing disinflation for seven of them, and, furthermore, the traditional Phillips curve predicts several quarters with negative average inflation (deflation) for six of those that experienced missing disinflation episodes. While analyzing possible explanations within the framework of an expectations-augmented Phillips curve, we find that controlling for the unemployment gap, accounting for a possible flattening of the Phillips curve across time, and considering either households’ or professionals’ inflation forecasts as proxies for firms’ inflation expectations can account for the absence of strong disinflationary pressures since 2009. Resumen: Exploramos las dinámicas inflacionarias de diez países para los que tenemos datos sobre la tasa natural de desempleo y expectativas de inflación de los agentes económicos, en el período posterior a la Gran Recesión. Encontramos que, de los diez países analizados, hay evidencia de una ausencia de desinflación en siete de ellos y, además, la curva de Phillips tradicional predice varios trimestres con inflación promedio negativa (deflación) para seis de los que experimentaron episodios de desinflación ausente. Al analizar las posibles explicaciones en el marco de una curva de Phillips con expectativas aumentadas, encontramos que controlar por la brecha de desempleo, tomar en cuenta un posible aplanamiento de la curva de Phillips a lo largo del tiempo, y considerar los pronósticos de inflación de los hogares o los profesionales como sustitutos de las expectativas de inflación de las empresas pueden explicar la ausencia de fuertes presiones desinflacionarias desde 2009.

Abstract: Currently, the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC, acronym in Spanish) are in peace negotiations. After more than 50 years of armed conflict, an ongoing process of reintegration of past demobilizations, and innumerable victims of conflict, peacebuilding becomes a key aspect for societal transformation and reconciliation. Although the transition from conflict to peace is difficult, education can play an important role to achieve this goal. The literature review suggests that there are links between education and peacebuilding. First, this relationship depends on society transformations that can result from inclusive education systems. Second, support education in peacebuilding could have positive effects for security, governance, and the economic and social sectors. Third, education can develop skills, shape non-violent behaviors, and tackle inequality issues. Fourth, peace education can offer a range of initiatives that contribute to peacebuilding. And fifth, there are challenges for education in peacebuilding, which are related to the different interpretation and approach from stakeholders and a lack of allocation of resources in social sectors. Due to the benefits of education and its importance after conflict, the Research Consortium on Education and Peacebuilding created the Theoretical Framework for Analyzing the Contribution of Education to Sustainable Peacebuilding: 4Rs in Conflict-Affected Contexts. The main argument of the 4Rs framework is that in order to achieve sustainable peacebuilding, education should address redistribution, recognition, representation and reconciliation. Under this premise, this study analyzes how education policies in Colombia from 2010 to 2014 tackle issues that contribute to sustainable peace.

Abstract: This research aimed to provide insight into the contribution of alternative online media in peacebuilding. Two alternative online media were chosen since they started creating narratives from the victim’s perspective, giving voice to communities typically neglected by society and mainstream media. Additionally, this research proposed an intersection between the concepts of participatory journalism and citizen media, from the reviewed theory. A qualitative study was developed to answer three research questions: How are social issues regarding peasants, indigenous people, and students represented in Colombian alternative online media Pacifista and Rutas del Conflicto in post-conflict times?, what are the motivations of Colombian alternative online media and their journalists when portraying marginalized in the media platforms?, and what are the challenges that alternative media in Colombia face when carrying out investigative journalism about these communities in post-conflict times? Data was collected using in-depth critical discourse analysis and semi structured interviews. For analysis, data collected from both methods was compared in order to strengthen the validity of the findings which were also enrolled in academic discussion with the theory and studies conducted in the field. The study found that alternative online media have helped in peacebuilding when portraying narratives about the communities and giving them visibility. The use of their journalistic work by experts on reparation and peace is also an evidence of their contribution. The enrollment of communities in editorial processes allowed the communities themselves to transform their self-image and identity. The intersection of theories proposed in this study grants sense to the evolution of citizen media in terms of appropriation of digital media. The limitations and implications of this study highlight the need for further research on the field.

Abstract: In this dissertation I examine the ways in which the community of Coquí, Colombia negotiate their identity. I argue that local forms of representation are re-created in forms of daily life activities such as farming, fishing and cooking. At the same time, those negotiations are connected to structures such as the black and indigenous territorial autonomy, the National Development Plan of Colombia (PND), and the presence of structural violence and narco-traffic. I focus on the use of local discourses as a mechanism to explain the territorial tensions with modernity, race, food, political agency and autonomy. I conclude by suggesting that the local territorial autonomy has permitted the consolidation of local food activism, unique ontological relations with nature, perspectives of black political activism, race and, sustainable economies that dialogue in particular ways with the current global capitalist model.

Abstract: Form-Based Code (FBC) is an urban design tool that contributes to building a highquality public realm for cities and particularly, neighbourhood communities. Its principles including mix-uses, physical form over separation of uses, encouraging walkability, and cycling as well as community engagement through charrettes (1). Therefore, it is recognised as an alternative planning tool that can offer an illustrated compilation of regulations and required design elements for specific development to achieve a long-term vision of the cities. Since 2000, in Bogota, Colombia, most of the neighbourhood’s units have been developed by gated neighbourhoods that show lack of relation with the public realm, promoting insecurity and spatial segregation. Indeed, in most cases, the Colombian planning system does not control the development gated enclaves (Blandy & Parsons, 2003) being the housing type preferred by almost 2.7 million of citizens. Even though some regulations have been adopted in the land management plan (POT), partial plans (PP) and other planning tools, they are still wide and scarce to mitigate the unsustainable growth of gated enclaves. Through a comparative analysis, this dissertation address at studying to what extend the existing local regulations and guidelines for developing gated communities agree with the FBC’s principles. The research concluded with some recommendations and actions for applying the FBC in gated communities in Bogota that could be applied in other towns with similar urban conditions. (1) Design Charrette is an intensive, hands-on workshop that brings people from different disciplines and backgrounds together with members of the community to explore design options for a particular area. Resumen: Form-Based Code (FBC) es una herramienta de diseño urbano que contribuye a construir un ámbito público de alta calidad para las ciudades y, en particular, las comunidades barriales. Sus principios incluyen: usos mixtos, la forma física sobre la separación de usos, fomento de la transitabilidad y el ciclismo, así como la participación de la comunidad a través de charrettes (1). Por tanto, se reconoce como una herramienta de planificación alternativa que puede ofrecer una recopilación ilustrada de normativas y elementos de diseño requeridos para el desarrollo específico de una visión a largo plazo de las ciudades. Desde el año 2000, en Bogotá, Colombia, la mayoría de las unidades del barrio han sido desarrolladas a través de conjuntos cerrados que muestran falta de relación con el ámbito público, promoción de inseguridad y segregación espacial. De hecho, en la mayoría de los casos, el sistema de planificación colombiano no controla el desarrollo de enclaves cerrados (Blandy & Parsons, 2003), siendo este, el tipo de vivienda preferido por casi 2,7 millones de ciudadanos. Aunque se han adoptado algunas regulaciones en el plan de ordenamiento territorial (POT), planes parciales (PP) y otras herramientas de planificación, aún son amplias y escasas para mitigar el crecimiento insostenible de los enclaves cerrados. A través de un análisis comparativo, esta disertación aborda el estudio de hasta qué punto las regulaciones y pautas locales existentes para el desarrollo de comunidades cerradas están de acuerdo con los principios de las Formas Basadas en Códigos (FBC). La investigación concluye con algunas recomendaciones y acciones para la aplicación de los FBC, sobre los conjuntos cerrados de Bogotá, que bien podrían también aplicarse en otros lugares con similares condiciones urbanas. (1) Design Charrette es un taller práctico intensivo que reúne a personas de diferentes disciplinas y orígenes con miembros de la comunidad para explorar opciones de diseño para un área en particular.