Abstract: The principal objective of this document is to describe some of the relationships and similarities between nostalgia and generativity, two constructs that have been studied separately but rarely together. In order to carry out the research, it has been made a narrative review of various theoretical and empirical articles on both concepts published in different multidisciplinary databases. After a brief synthesis of found literature, a reflective meta-reading was performed, revealing how nostalgia through its relationship with constructs linked to well-being could promote generativity and facilitate the disclosure of intentions and generative actions. Similarly, the review described how both notions are related to the strengthening of existential meaning and quality of life. Resumen: El presente documento tiene como objetivo principal describir algunas de las similitudes y relaciones que existen entre la nostalgia y la generatividad, dos constructos que han sido estudiados separadamente, pero pocas veces de manera conjunta. Para poder llevar a cabo la investigación, se ha realizado una revisión narrativa de varios artículos teóricos y empíricos sobre ambos conceptos que han sido publicados en diferentes bases de datos multidisciplinares. Luego de hacer una breve síntesis de lo encontrado, se realizó una metalectura reflexiva la cual, permitió evidenciar primeramente como la nostalgia a través de su relación con constructos ligados al bienestar pueden promover la generatividad, asimismo, facilita la divulgación de las intenciones y las acciones generativas. De igual manera, se describió como ambos conceptos están relacionados con el fortalecimiento del significado existencial y de la calidad de vida.

Abstract: CO2 emissions in recent years have reached the highest levels historically, with peaks in 2018 and stabilization in 2020 due to the pandemic. Construction and materials production is among the most contributing industries to the greenhouse gas emission (GHG) effect. Architectural design has become an essential tool to face this environmental problem, just like civil engineering with creating, manipulating, and implementing less toxic and harmful building materials, and the energy consumption control in the structure's life cycle, becoming strategies for the significant reduction of anthropogenic emissions. Charcoal manages to store 50% of its carbon content for centuries, while Biochar, due to its pyrolysis production process and natural decomposition, releases up to 90% of carbon in the first ten years. Biochar, the solid subproduct of the pyrolysis process, is widely considered an effective water retention composite thanks to its morphology and high surface area. The opportunity of using it to improve the mechanical properties and achieve rheological requirements in cement pastes and cement mortar on a micro-scale is explored in this study. The results have demonstrated that with small percentages (1 - 5% and 7%) of Biochar used as a filler and substitution by cement weight in the sample preparation process, not only the compressive and flexural strength are increasing, but also the fracture energy, with a more tortuous crack path that increases the final fracture surface at an early age of maturation. However, this same behavior is not reflected at a late maturation age since there is an enhancement compared to the plain cement samples, but not as significant as that which occurs at an early maturation. In cement paste samples, Biochar used as 2% filler by cement weight can increase by 63% and 23% the flexural and compressive strength after 7-days of curing, respectively, while 29% and 13% the flexural and compressive strength after 28-days of curing, respectively. When taking about fracture energy and ductility factor, the behavior still being positive, with an improvement of 124% and 18% respectively after 7-days of curing, while 150% and 14% respectively after 28-days of curing. In cement mortar samples, Biochar was used as a filler and as substitution by cement weight. In this case, the samples do not seem to follow the same trend or behavior as the cement paste, especially at a late maturity; the mechanical properties seem to remain the same as the plain mortar, close to about 6 MPa and 70 MPa at flexural and compressive strength, respectively. The rheological tests' experimental results suggest that the addition of Biochar can increase the consistency of cementitious paste at the fresh state (e.g., increase in plastic viscosity, shear stress, and yield stress) compared to the reference mixture, also offering a way to waste recycling. This main rheological parameter evaluated appears to increment as the addition of Biochar increments, making the sample more viscous. Biochar's effect in the cement matrix in main rheological properties depends on the sample's preparation and the agglomeration of the particles and their content in each preparation.

Abstract: This project revises the 3D conceptual model for the Hvíthólar sub-area in the South Zone of Krafla Geothermal Field. Hvíthólar is one of 6 sub-areas in south Krafla, located at the intersection of the south boundary of Krafla caldera, striking E-W, and the NNE-SSW oriented fissure swarms of the North Volcanic Zone. The model developed in this study extends along Vestursvæði, Þríhvrningar, Hvíthólar and Sandabotnaskarð sub-areas with a combined area of around 30 km2. Hvíthólar is the only southern sub-area connected to Krafla power station and has exhibited a considerable production decline over the period of 1990 – 2013. According to a lumped simulation, the Hvíthólar reservoir follows a two tank open system with a volume of 6.00004 km3. The Hvíthólar enthalpy is approximately 1200 kJ/kg; chemically it presents a low concentration of Cl−, and high CO2. To date, most studies support the hypothesis that Hvíthólar characteristics and behaviour are due to the lack of a heat recharge and that the sub-area is in a phase of waning or even becoming extinct. An improved understanding of heat source location and permeability variations will provide the basis of future utilisation decisions. This study presents two alternative conceptual models for Hvíthólar in addition the existing one, as a means to test the current conceptual model in order to determine the potential to extend the life of the asset. An update of the geological model was carried out based on data from shallow and deep wells along the southern part of Krafla geothermal field. This update combined with existing data from surface exploration was used to generate three conceptual models in Leapfrog Geothermal. The models focus on the location of heat source, and the permeability variation at the intersection between caldera boundary and fissure swarm. Each of the models are validated with TOUGH2 simulations. Resumen: Este proyecto revisa el modelo conceptual 3D para la subárea Hvíthólar en la Zona Sur del Campo Geotérmico Krafla. Hvíthólar es una de las 6 subáreas en el sur de Krafla, ubicada en la intersección del límite sur de la caldera de Krafla, con rumbo E-O, y los enjambres de fisuras orientados NNE-SSO de la Zona Volcánica Norte. El modelo desarrollado en este estudio se extiende a lo largo de las subáreas Vestursvæði, Þríhvrningar, Hvíthólar y Sandabotnaskarð con un área combinada de alrededor de 30 km2. Hvíthólar es la única subárea sur conectada a la central de energía de Krafla y ha mostrado una disminución considerable de la producción durante el período 1990 - 2013. Según una simulación de lumped, el reservorio de Hvíthólar sigue un sistema abierto de dos tanques con un volumen de 6.00004 km3. La entalpía de Hvíthólar es de aproximadamente 1200 kJ / kg; químicamente presenta una baja concentración de Cl−, y alta concentración de CO2. Hasta la fecha, la mayoría de los estudios apoyan la hipótesis de que las características y el comportamiento de Hvíthólar se deben a la falta de una recarga de calor y que la subárea se encuentra en una fase de menguante o incluso de extinción. Un mejor entendimiento de la ubicación de la fuente de calor y las variaciones de permeabilidad en el campo proporcionarán la base de futuras decisiones de utilización. Este estudio presenta dos modelos conceptuales alternativos para Hvíthólar además del existente, como un medio para probar el modelo conceptual actual con el fin de determinar el potencial para extender la vida útil del activo. Una actualización del modelo geológico basado en datos de pozos poco profundos y profundos a lo largo de la parte sur del campo geotérmico Krafla fue realizada. Esta actualización, combinada con los datos existentes de la exploración de la superficie, se utilizó para generar tres modelos conceptuales en3D utilizando Leapfrog Geothermal. Los modelos se centran en la ubicación de la fuente de calor y la variación de la permeabilidad en la intersección entre el límite de la caldera y el enjambre de fisuras. Cada uno de los modelos está validado con simulaciones TOUGH2.

Resumen: De acuerdo con la información suministrada por el Grupo Intergubernamental de Expertos sobre Cambio Climático (IPCC), la temperatura media del planeta ha aumentado 1°C desde el periodo industrial (Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible, 2017a). Así, de seguir con las tendencias actuales de emisiones contaminantes la temperatura media en todo el mundo se incrementará en más de 4°C y, en consecuencia, aumentará la probabilidad de que se manifiesten impactos severos e irreversibles a causa del clima, como los desastres naturales, la pérdida de ecosistemas, la inseguridad alimentaria, entre otros. Como resultado de investigación se logró consolidar una síntesis que integra los conceptos de apropiación social del conocimiento, gobernanza, y cambio climático. Propiamente en Colombia, se requieren fortalecer procesos de gobierno con una base de acción pública más cooperativa, y caracterizada por un trabajo más horizontal que vertical, donde confluyan una cantidad de actores e instituciones. En lo que concierne al cambio climático, las circunstancias actuales reflejan que el país podría estar lejos de cumplir las cifras pactadas y que requiere fortalecer iniciativas que apoyen las acciones de mitigación y adaptación. Asimismo, se destaca que se consiguió diseñar una estrategia para soportar un proceso de apropiación social del conocimiento que facilita la generación y uso del conocimiento en cambio climático, y que propende a un buen modelo de gobernanza en Colombia. Previo a este diseño, se evidenció que la apropiación y educación sobre el cambio climático y el desarrollo sostenible también resalta por la diversidad de enfoques de enseñanza y aprendizaje. Finalmente, la validación de la estrategia propuesta permitió llegar a inferencias relacionadas sobre su aplicación dentro de un contexto real, y analizar su viabilidad por medio de una recopilación de evidencia que respalda su interpretación, resultados, y conclusiones. Abstract: According to the information provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the average temperature of the planet has increased by 1°C since the industrial era. Thus, if the current trends in pollutant emissions continue, the average temperature worldwide will increase by over 4°C and, the probability of severe and irreversible impacts caused by weather changes also will rise, such as natural disasters, loss of ecosystems, food availability, among others (Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible, 2017a). As one of the main results, a research synthesis integrating the concepts of social appropriation of knowledge, governance, and climate change was conducted. In the Colombian context, it is necessary to strengthen government processes with a public action founded on horizontal rather than vertical structures, where several actors and institutions converge. Regarding climate change, the current circumstances reflect that the country may be far from fulfilling its commitments and that it needs to strengthen initiative that support mitigation and adaptation actions. A strategy was also designed to support a process of social appropriation of knowledge that facilitates the generation and use of knowledge on climate change, and that also integrates and strengthens good governance actions in Colombia. Prior to this design, it became clear that the appropriation of knowledge on climate change and sustainable development is also highlighted by the diversity of teaching and learning approaches. Finally, the validation of the proposed strategy made it possible to draw related inferences about its application as a support for a process of social appropriation of knowledge and governance in the face of climate change within a real context, and to analyze its viability through a collection of evidence that supports results and conclusions.

Abstract: Stochastic time series methods for load forecasting are the traditional methods used by electric power companies [1] because they can model seasonal and stochastic behavior of the load [2]. A load time series has patterns that repeat at different time scales such as daily, weekly or yearly. These patterns indicate that load can be predicted and the shortest seasonality component has the highest effect on the forecast. There might be conditions in which load is in different time resolutions, has a different amount of missing data or is under special events such as COVID-19 pandemic. Load forecasting methods should be able to perform well under these circumstances. On the other hand, neural networks are a wide research topic, they can learn [3] and have low forecasting errors [4]. In this work we explain the main characteristics of load demand in time, load forecasting and we compare stochas-tic time series methods with neural networks for load forecasting in terms of the error with respect to the real load. Resumen: Los métodos de series de tiempo estocásticos para pronósticos de carga son los métodos tradicionales usados por compañías de energía eléctrica [1] porque pueden modelar el comportamiento estocástico y estacional de la carga [2]. Una serie de tiempo de carga tiene patrones que se repiten en diferentes escalas de tiempo como diaria, semanal o anual. Estos patrones indican que la carga puede ser predicha y que el componente de estacionalidad más corto tiene el efecto más grande en el pronóstico. Pude que haya condiciones en las cuales la carga este en diferentes resoluciones de tiempo, tenga una diferente cantidad de datos faltantes o este bajo eventos especiales como la pandemia COVID-19. Los métodos de pronóstico de carga deberían ser capaces de llevarse a cabo bien bajo estas circunstancias. Por otra parte, las redes neuronales son un tema de investigación amplio, ellas pueden aprender [3] y tienen errores de pronóstico bajos [4]. En este trabajo explicamos las principales características de la demanda de carga en el tiempo, pronósticos de carga y comparamos métodos de serie de tiempo estocásticos con redes neuronales para pronósticos de carga en términos del error con respecto a la carga real. [1] H. Wang, B.-S. Li, X.-Y. Han, D.-L. Wang and H. Jin, "Study of Neural Networks for Electric Power Load Forecasting," Third International Symposium on Neural Networks - Advances in Neural Networks - ISNN 2006, Proceedings, Part II, pp. 1277-1283, 2006. [2] K. Berk, Modeling and Forecasting Electricity Demand, Siegen: Springer Spektrum, 2015. [3] H. Alfares and N. Mohammad, "Electric load forecasting: Literature survey and classification of methods," International Journal of Systems Science - IJSySc. 33, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 23-34, 2002. [4] M. Singh and R. Maini, "Various Electricity Load Forecasting Techniques with Pros and Cons," International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE), vol. 8, pp. 220-229, 2020.

Abstract: The use of bacterial pigments with biotechnological potential advances are growing and more and from this natural source are developed several products with different applications in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics and other industries, presenting advantages in economic and environmental issues, fulfilling a demand and bringing benefits For consumer health and reducing the use of chemical synthetized products. The aim of this study was the production, working volume and characterization of pigments synthesized by Chryseobacterium KR6 and Lysobacter A03 bacteria isolated from chicken and penguin feathers, respectively. The pigments were characterized by KOH 20% test, UV-visible, colors system CIELAB, HPLC-DAD-MS, FTIR and was evaluated the antioxidant capacity. The pigments from KR6 and A03 presents some characteristics from flexirubin and xanthomonadin non- brominated type pigments respectively. Pigment from KR6 shows a positive bathochromic shift when colonies or the extracted pigment are in presence of alkaline solution (KOH20%) and also have a λmax at 450nm in acetone when analyzed by UV-Vis. The FTIR analysis shows some principal functional groups that might be from a flexirubin molecule. Pigment from A03 didn’t present any shift when flooded with KOH and the λmax was 419 nm and 427 nm in acetone and chloroform respectively. The two pigments presented antioxidant activity evaluated by the capture of the free radical ABTS. It was not possible to propose a chemical structure for the two pigments; purification processes are necessary for a molecular identification of the biotechnologically viable pigments.

Abstract: This thesis addresses the numerical optimization of the design and scheduling of a biomethane plant integrated with a reversible solid oxide cell, amongst other technologies, that allow the processing of biogas coming from OFMSW anaerobic digestion as to maximize profitability on a yearly basis under different circumstances. The optimization model is carried out through a mixed integer linear program as to obtain the adequate sizes of the different technologies that compose the integrated energy plant whilst taking advantage of the energy and material stream interactions to reach optimal financial feasibility. The inclusion of a reversible oxide fuel cell allows the system to work in different modes as in Power-to-gas and Gas-to-power, generating interest on to the different services that the system can provide to the gas and electricity grids and most importantly to a future decarbonized energy scenario. Furthermore, inclusion of linear models for an amine scrubbing section for biomethane upgrading, a photovoltaic solar field, gas and heat storage units, a battery energy storage system and a biogas boiler into the MILP is carried out as they are part of the technologies in study for the integrated energy plant. The seasonal variability for gas and electricity prices, part load performances, size effects, weather related data, and technological modelling of components are all part of the challenges to be tackled as to obtain a MILP able to compute accurate, adequate and optimal solutions for the design and scheduling problem whilst subjected to technological, environmental and operational constraints. Resumen: Esta tesis se centra en la optimización numérica del diseño y operación de una planta de biometano integrada con una celda de hidrogeno reversible, entre otras tecnologías, que permiten el procesamiento de biogás proveniente de la digestión anaeróbica de material orgánico con el objetivo de maximizar las ganancias en temporalidad anual ante diferentes circunstancias. El modelo de optimización se lleva a cabo con un algoritmo de programación lineal de entornos mixtos para obtener los tamaños de diseño adecuados de las diferentes tecnologías que componen a la planta integrada de energía mientras se toma ventaja de las interacciones entre cada flujo de energía y/o materia para obtener la mas óptima viabilidad económica. La inclusión de una celda reversible de hidrógeno permite al sistema trabajar en diferentes modos como electricidad a gas o gas a electricidad, generando interés en los distintos servicios que el sistema puede proveer a las redes de gas y electricidad y aun más importante a un futuro escenario mundial de energético descarbonizado. Mas aún, la inclusión de modelos lineales como un sistema de mejora de la calidad del biometano mediante absorción con aminas, un campo de energía solar fotovoltaica, unidades de almacenamiento de gas y calor, un sistema de almacenamiento de energías mediante baterías y una caldera de biogás en el modelo de programación lineal es llevado a cabo pues son parte de las tecnologías en estudio para la planta energética integrada. La variación estacional por los precios de gas y electricidad, desempeño a cargas parciales, efectos de tamaños, data ambiental, y el modelado tecnológico de los componentes son parte de los retos a ser resueltos para poder obtener un MILP capaz de computar precisas, adecuadas y optimas soluciones para el problema de diseño y operación mientras se encuentra sujeto a restricciones tecnológicas, ambientales y operacionales.

Abstract: This research paper describes and analyses the defining moments in the journey of healing from sexual violence in the context of armed conflict in Colombia. Following the experience of three women of Tamboreras del Cauca, it identifies the external and internal re- sources that facilitated their journey. Taking reconciliation as the approach and some models as reference, was possible to place this experience as an example of what it takes to restore people's story and relation- ships after trauma and how this could be a work in progress towards reconciliation in times of post-agreement in Colombia. Through in-depth interviewing, I could get close to their stories, and unfold from their narratives, what and how each element has contributed to their transformation, from the individual to the collective space. In particular, the role of the arts and metaphors to reach new levels to understand how to address traumatic experiences. From there, bring attention to the creative act and imagination behind reconciliation as a condition, in the log-term, to stable peace.

Abstract: Agriculture plays a crucial role in food security as it increases the food production, employment, and income of a country. Agriculture provides 54% of Ghana’s GDP. Inorganic fertiliser is commonly used to increase production. However, this is costly and can deplete the soil in the absence of other land husbandry techniques, affecting soil health and yield. There is an environmental benefit derived from using organic fertiliser, as it improves soil structure, but there is a need to understand the socioeconomic implications of introducing sustainable practices in farm production. This study develops a financial model to assess the effect of different fertiliser practices (fully organic, fully inorganic, and integrated organic and inorganic) on farmers’ net revenue over time and compares them to the opportunity cost of holding capital in a bank. The analysis identifies increasing yields for all practices over 19 years, but the fully organic yields grow faster than the others. Additionally, all practices show a positive net present value, implying that maize production generates better revenue than returns provided by local banks. Over time, the integrated practice produces the highest yields and net profit. The research further shows that farmers are willing to include organic fertiliser in their land management, but there is limited availability of raw materials to produce it, which represents a major barrier to adoption. Additional research on fertiliser environmental impacts in the area and changes in other capital and labour inputs caused by the different fertiliser practices is recommended. Resumen: La agricultura juega un papel fundamental en la seguridad alimentaria, debido a que contribuye a la producción de alimentos, el empleo, y los ingresos de un país. La agricultura en Ghana aporta el 54% del PIB. Los fertilizantes orgánicos son usados comúnmente para aumentar la producción. Sin embargo, aplicar fertilizantes es costoso y puede erosionar el suelo si se hace sin acompañarse de otras técnicas agrícolas, afectando la salud del suelo y el cultivo. Hay un beneficio ambiental derivado del uso de fertilizantes orgánicos, pues se mejora la estructura del suelo, pero es necesario entender las implicaciones socioeconómicas de introducir prácticas sostenibles en el campo. Este estudio desarrolla un modelo financiero para evaluar el efecto que tienen diferentes prácticas de fertilizante (completamente orgánico, integrado y completamente inorgánico) en la utilidad neta de un campesino a lo largo del tiempo, y las compara con el costo de oportunidad de invertir en un banco. El análisis identifica un incremento en las cosechas bajo todas las prácticas de fertilizante durante 19 años, y señala que la práctica completamente orgánica crece más aceleradamente que las demás. Adicionalmente, todas las prácticas demuestran un valor presente neto positivo, lo cual implica que cultivar maíz genera mayores utilidades que invertir en un banco local. Una práctica integrada produce más cosecha y mejores ganancias a lo largo del tiempo. El estudio además muestra que los campesinos están dispuestos a incluir fertilizante orgánico en su programa de administración de tierras, pero hay una disponibilidad limitada de materia prima para producirlo, lo cual representa una barrera importante para la adopción de esta práctica. Es recomendable realizar estudios adicionales para estimar el impacto ambiental que generan los fertilizantes en el área que son aplicados, y los cambios en capital y mano de obra ocasionados por un cambio en la práctica de fertilizante.

Abstract: Pixel art has been the constitutive visual language in video games for almost five decades. Despite being relegated to a 'retro' or 'vintage' style with the 3D arrival, pixel art has been increasingly relevant again since the rise of independent game development in the 2010s. Moreover, the video game industry's dominant trades aim for a continuous invigoration of hyper-realistic representations. In these circumstances, What is the cultural value that pixel art experience offers within the contemporary aesthetical conditions of the video game industry? This research intends to answer this question in two moments. First, determine the phenomenological experience that occurs when individuals get in contact with pixel art imagery. Secondly, evaluate the features of the phenomenological experience under philosophical terms to estimate its cultural relevance. Due to the intrinsic conditions of information disunity and unconventionality of the images, imagination appears as the fundamental driver that guides the comprehension of pixel art. The cognitive process is active and subjective, requiring the participation of the player’s imaginary mental referents. Furthermore, the qualities of this experience are congruent with philosophical aesthetical values such as the state of play, harmfulness and anaesthetization. Therefore, pixel art could be depicted as a limited, abstract and challenging proposition that needs to be expanded through the player’s productive thinking. In this way, pixel art stands as a medium that offers a distinctive and potent experience fueled by our imagination. Resumen: El pixel art ha sido el lenguaje visual constitutivo de los videojuegos durante casi cinco décadas. A pesar de quedar relegado a un estilo 'retro' o 'vintage' con la llegada del 3D, el pixel art ha vuelto a ser cada vez más relevante desde el surgimiento del desarrollo de juegos independientes en la década de 2010. Además, las producciones dominantes de la industria de los videojuegos apuntan a un fortalecimiento continuo de las representaciones hiperrealistas. En estas circunstancias, ¿cuál es el valor cultural que ofrece la experiencia del pixel art dentro de las condiciones estéticas contemporáneas? Esta investigación pretende responder a esta pregunta en dos momentos. Primero, determinar la experiencia fenomenológica que ocurre cuando las personas entran en contacto con imágenes de pixel art. Y en segundo lugar, evaluar las características de la experiencia fenomenológica en términos filosóficos para estimar su relevancia cultural. Debido a las condiciones intrínsecas de desunión de la información y la no convencionalidad de las imágenes; la imaginación aparece como el motor fundamental que guía la comprensión del pixel art. El proceso cognitivo es activo y subjetivo, requiriendo la participación de los referentes mentales imaginarios del jugador. Además, las cualidades de esta experiencia son congruentes con valores estéticos filosóficos como el estado de juego, la nocividad y la anestesia. Por lo tanto, el pixel art podría representarse como una propuesta limitada, abstracta y desafiante que debe expandirse a través del pensamiento productivo del jugador. De esta manera, el pixel art se erige como un medio que ofrece una experiencia distintiva y potente, alimentada por nuestra imaginación.