Esta tesis se inscribe en el campo de las ciencias del lenguaje y se precisa en la confluencia de los estudios de literacidad universitaria, de didáctica de lenguas y de formación de profesores de lenguas extranjeras. El objeto de estudio es la didáctica de la escritura en la formación de profesores de lenguas. El trabajo se desarrolla en dos tiempos, el primero guiado por un enfoque etnográfico y el segundo por un enfoque de investigación acción en programa de licenciatura. Una encuesta a 220 estudiantes, entrevistas con 43 profesores, observaciones de prácticas en nueve cursos y un grupo de discusión fueron los principales métodos de recolección de los datos. La primera parte del trabajo plantea que la construcción de propuestas de formación en didáctica de la escritura debe tener en cuenta las historias personales y la interpretación que hacen los participantes de la escritura y de sus prácticas. Este conjunto de fenómenos conforma sistemas de ideas que generan condiciones favorables o no a la realización de las acciones didácticas. De ahí la importancia de explorar el vínculo con la escritura de los participantes y de utilizar este conocimiento para interrogar las prácticas de enseñanza existentes. En la segunda parte, se plantea que para transformar la didáctica de la escritura en la formación universitaria se hace indispensable el trabajo en equipo. Un ciclo de investigación-acción logró sensibilizar a los docentes sobre dicha necesidad. El objetivo inmediato de esta investigación es poner en marcha proyectos de investigación-acción que incidan en el desarrollo de competencias en literacidad universitaria.

The great paradox of the current post-agreement transition might be its implications for the country's environment. The success or failure of addressing environmental considerations during the Agreement implementation could lead either to peacebuilding opportunities based on sustainable development, or to the country’s natural heritage destruction. The research argues that the Amazon natural heritage would be destroyed unless significant environmental considerations are merged with the established socio-economic priorities during the post-agreement. Attaining sustainable territorial development based on robust communities’ engagement, stable state presence and a better land management model is pressing. Although the peacebuilding path, as well as the sustainable territorial development, requires incremental structural changes at a national level, it is suggested that the Development Programmes with a Territorial-Based Approach (PDETs), as mechanisms of the Final Agreement’s implementation, could lead to a potential environmental peace in some of the Amazon’s prioritized municipalities. The overall aim of the research is to enhance the understanding of the relationship between the Colombian territories, post-agreement and deforestation, in order to determine to what extent the Colombian Amazon forest coverage could change during the post-agreement period. In doing so, the research establishes exploratory trends of the deforestation and armed conflict relationship, describes the main characteristics of the post-agreement environmental paradox and explores the case of the PDETs.

Aquaculture is one of the most rapidly growing agriculture industries in the world. However, its rapid development could result in significant environmental concerns such as antimicrobial resistance, eutrophication and climate change. To this date, very few studies have been conducted to investigate the Green House Gas (GHG) emissions produced by aquaculture systems and their negative effect on the environment. The aim of this study was to create and propose a novel model capable of measuring the amount of direct GHG emissions produced by a modified recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) using an adapted respiration chamber design. In order to achieve this aim, two types of laboratory-scale Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) aquaculture systems, soil-based and non-soil-based RAS, were used to identify and quantify the Methane (CH4) and Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The results of the water parameters analysis indicated that there was no significant difference (P> 0.05) in the water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and Nitrite (NO2) levels between treatments. The results of the gas analysis indicated that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in CH4 and CO2 emissions between treatments. However, a significant effect (P< 0.001) of time on the emissions of CH4 during the gas analysis and measurement period was evidenced, suggesting an increased methanogenic activity in the anoxic areas of the sediment through time. The results of this study suggest that the proposed novel model is effectively capable of measuring CH4 and CO2 emissions produced in recirculating aquaculture systems and that its application and adaptation to larger aquaculture production systems should be evaluated.

Abstract: Ludwig Wittgenstein, austrian-born philosopher, wrote that “the limits of my language mean the limits of my world. All I know is what I have words for”. We tend to think so highly of our language because we think so highly about ourselves. Yet imagine being able to communicate emotions without words. Words can’t express the visceral nature of our emotions. Words aren’t enough. How can we experience our emotional world, and others, in a more visceral, primitive way? This project proposes the creation of a new sense, using embodied technology, to allow human beings to have a different experience of each other’s emotions, through the study of the long distance relationship scenario. In this human augmentation scenario, design, and specially speculative design have an inherent power to create discussion, awareness and bring attention to how the new developed technologies could affect our existence. This project is meant to ask questions rather than find a solution. It is meant for everyone who is ready to think about the future of human beings and our evolution as a species. This document presents an overview of the five (5) months project while detailing the extension of the work and exploration of the product proposed for emotional human augmentation. Resumen: Ludwig Wittgenstein, filósofo nacido en Austria, escribió ""los límites de mi lenguaje son los límites de mi mundo"". Todo lo que sé es aquello para lo que tengo palabras "". Tenemos tan buena opinión de nuestro idioma, porque tenemos una alta opinión de nosotros mismos. Sin embargo, imagine poder comunicar emociones sin palabras. Las palabras no pueden expresar la naturaleza visceral de nuestras emociones. Las palabras no son suficientes. ¿Cómo podemos experimentar nuestro mundo emocional, y otros, de una manera más visceral y primitiva? Este proyecto propone la creación de un nuevo sentido, utilizando tecnología incorporada al cuerpo humano, para permitir a los seres humanos tener una experiencia diferente de las emociones de los demás, a través del estudio del escenario de una relación a larga distancia. En este escenario de aumento humano, el diseño y especialmente el diseño especulativo tienen un poder inherente para crear debate, conciencia y llamar la atención sobre cómo las nuevas tecnologías en desarrollo actual podrían afectar nuestra existencia. Este proyecto pretende hacer preguntas en lugar de encontrar una solución. Está dirigido a todos los que estén dispuestos a pensar sobre el futuro de los seres humanos y nuestra evolución como especie. Este documento presenta una visión general del proyecto de cinco (5) meses al tiempo que detalla la extensión del trabajo y la exploración del producto propuesto para el aumento humano emocional.

Abstract: With increasing disasters provoking increasing damage along the world, damage data collection has become a raising concern as the basis to determine the effectivity of risk management strategies. However present methodologies for damage data collection and recording after a disaster, as well as the uses given to these data, differ along countries, creating inconsistencies. In such a context, this thesis focuses on the feasibility of using damage data obtained with current methodologies for collection and recording for a specific use that is disaster forensic investigation. A literature review was performed to de?ne the different requirements of damage data for each of their four applications: loss accounting, risk modelling, disaster forensic analysis and compensation. Special attention was given to disaster forensic analysis given its utility to supply a post-event comprehensive overview of the disaster. Through literature review it was also possible to describe the current practices for damage data collection and recording in Europe and specifically in Italy. This let to the identification of key challenges for the use of damage data for a different application than its original purpose. The November 2013-February 2014 flood in the Umbria region was chosen as the case study to perform a disaster forensic analysis with data collected with current practices in Italy, which are compensation oriented. As a result, it was possible to identify overlapping characteristics of data for compensation and disaster forensics applications. Moreover, a second set of specific challenges for the use of data was set, like: dealing with uncertainty leading to low quality of data in a smarter way, improving standards, having a more coherent way to account for the change of data on time, decreasing the time needed for data elaboration. Future developments on this field are encouraged to address these challenges. This will also set a step forward towards compatible methods for the collection of loss data worldwide that eventually can lead to European or global structured databases. Resumen: Con los incrementados desastres que provocan incrementados daños en todo el mundo, la colección de datos de daño se ha convertido en una elevada preocupación como la base para determinar la efectividad de estrategias para la gestión del riesgo. Sin embargo, las metodologías presentes para la colección y registro de datos de daño después de un desastre, al igual que los usos dados a estos datos, difieren de país a país, creando inconsistencias. En ese contexto, esta tesis se concentra en la factibilidad de usar datos de daño obtenidos con las metodologías presentes para la colección y registro en el uso específico de investigación forense de desastres. Una revisión bibliográfica fue realizada para determinar los diferentes requisitos de los datos de daño para cada una de las cuatro aplicaciones: Contabilidad de perdidas, modelo de riesgos, análisis forense de desastres y compensación. Especial atención se dio al análisis forense de desastres por su utilidad para suministrar un panorama general del desastre. A través de la revisión bibliográfica también fe posible describir las practicas actuales para la colección y registro de datos de daño en Europa y específicamente en Italia. Esto llevo a la identificación de desafíos clave para el uso de datos de daño para una aplicación diferente que la de su propósito original. La inundación en la región de Umbria de Noviembre 2013- Febrero 2014 fue seleccionada como el caso estudio para realizar un análisis forense de desastre con daros recolectados con las actuales prácticas para Italia, que son orientadas hacia la compensación. Como resultado, fue posible identificar las características comunes de los datos para las aplicaciones de compensación y análisis forense de desastres. Además, un segundo conjunto de desafíos para el uso de datos fue establecido, como: Lidiar con la incertidumbre que lleva a baja calidad de datos en una manera más inteligente; mejorar los estándares; tener una manera más coherente de tener en cuenta el cambio del dato en el tiempo; reducir el tiempo necesario para la elaboración de datos. Futuros desarrollos en este campo son incentivados a dirigirse hacia estos desafíos. Esto permitirá establecer un paso adelante hacia métodos de colección de daros de daño compatible en todo el mundo que eventualmente puedan conducir a bases de datos estructuradas a nivel Europeo o Global.

Abstract: Since 2012 peace negotiations between the Colombian government and FARC have been taking place, with the objective of achieving a “stable and lasting peace” for Colombia. In parallel, the Colombian Ministry of Defence has been working on how to reform its security forces to transform the Colombian Military into a “military force of the post-conflict” that can effectively fulfil its constitutional mandate after peace is signed with FARC. The main argument of this paper is that the COLMIL must commit to both traditional and statebuilding roles in its reforms in order to effectively contribute to peace. This paper finds that because of the institutional strength of the COLMIL, it is in a privileged position to perform in the statebuilding role. It further finds that after signing peace with FARC the country will enter a Hybrid Post-conflict Environment, in which COLMIL must maintain current capabilities and adapt to the new threats it will face. Resumen: Desde el 2012 se han estado llevando a cabo negociaciones de paz entre el gobierno Colombiano y las FARC, con el objetivo de lograr una “paz estable y duradera” para Colombia. En paralelo, el Ministerio de Defensa Nacional ha estado trabajando en como reformar su sector de seguridad para transformas a las Fuerzas Militares de Colombia en una “fuerza militar para el posconflicto” que pueda cumplir de manera efectiva su mandato constitucional luego de que se firme la paz con las FARC. El argumento principal de este escrito es que las FFMM deben comprometerse a incluir tanto el rol tradicional como el rol de construcción de Estado en sus reformas para así poder contribuir de manera efectiva a la paz. Esta investigación encuentra que debido a la fortaleza institucional de las FFMM, esta se encuentra en una posición privilegiada para desarrollar el rol de construcción de Estado. Igualmente encuentra que, luego de firmarse la paz con las FARC, el país entrará a un ambiente de posconflicto híbrido, durante el cual las FFMM deberán mantener sus capacidades actuales y al tiempo adaptarse a las nuevas amenazas que enfrentará.

Abstract: The extraction of natural resources has been one of the main sources of income and economic development in Colombia in the last twenty years. Such activity has been developed in a territory characterized by a pre-existing armed conflict that has lasted for more than five decades. This complex situation has accentuated violent struggles concerning the control and access to natural resources, which in turn has become the main source of income and a strategic priority for all Colombia´s armed groups, including the military and external actors such as international private security companies. By drawing on a historically situated dialectical analysis of structure-agency this research highlights the lacunas of scholarly treatment on the issue and addresses the question of to what extent resource extraction should be understood as a mean for economic development and mitigation of armed conflicto or whether it configures the production and reproduction of violence in Colombia. This study argues that the extraction of natural resources in a geographical territory characterized by a pre-existing armed conflict, specifically the Colombian case, contributes to the maintenance of the internal warfare. The argument will be illustrated by situating the contextual background of the case, examining the theories that explain the relationship between natural resource extraction and armed conflict, and presenting an analysis of historical structures and social action over time elucidating the role of natural resources in the production and reproduction of violence. Resumen: La extracción de recursos naturales ha sido una de las principales fuentes de ingresos y desarrollo económico en Colombia durante los últimos veinte años. El extractivismo se desarrolló en un territorio caracterizado por la existencia de un conflicto armado, que ha durado más de cinco décadas. Esta situación compleja ha acentuado las luchas violentas relacionadas con el control y acceso a los recursos naturales, que a su vez se ha convertido en la principal fuente de ingresos y una prioridad estratégica para todos los grupos armados de Colombia, incluidas las Fuerzas Armadas y actores externos como las empresas internacionales de seguridad privada. A través de un análisis dialéctico de estructura y agencia, esta investigación destaca los vacíos del tratamiento académico sobre el tema y aborda la pregunta de hasta qué punto la extracción de recursos debe entenderse como un medio para el desarrollo económico y la mitigación del conflicto armado o si configura la producción y reproducción de la violencia en Colombia. Este estudio argumenta que la extracción de recursos naturales en un territorio caracterizado por el conflicto armado contribuye al mantenimiento de la guerra interna. El argumento se ilustrará a través del caso del extractivismo en Colombia, examinando las teorías que explican la relación entre la extracción de recursos naturales y el conflicto armado, y presentando un análisis de las estructuras históricas y la acción colectiva social a lo largo del tiempo dilucidando el papel de la extracción de recursos naturales en la producción y reproducción de la violencia.

Operational and commercial optimization for monitoring and sensoring ions in water is a challenging task for the current scientific and industrial world. For resolving this issue sensor could help identify new viable water sources that can mitigate today's global water crisis. The current water crisis primarily correlates to the increasing water demand due to burgeoning population, accelerated industrialization and urbanization. The about six-fold increase in water consumption with a corresponding three-fold increase in global population was recorded in the past century Gude, 2015) This is a clear indicator of potential and adverse water stress conditions. A statistic predicts over 33 countries are liable to face acute water stress by 2040, which calls for rapid action for efficient crisis management. On the other hand, companies related to the food, water treatment, and pharmaceutical fields are facing technological challenges to ensure the purity of their water sources. Reuse of water in production processes can reduce costs allowing manufacturers to be competitive. One of the main issues for reusing the water is the lack of fast and reliable sensoring devices for the characterization of the water. Another is the long response time of conventional tests. This requires sensoring technologies that can eliminate these obstacles and that can identify a potential risk of reusing contaminated water. This research focuses on the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI); a technique to identify and quantify ions in drinking water based on optical interferometric measurements. The refractive index identifies which component is present in an analyzed sample. The visibility term involves a concentration parameter that allows quantifying the component present. This two-term were simulated in a MATLAB algorithm based on a fitting method between the generated interferometric spectral signal from the MZ and a model based on theoretical MZI equations. The use of this fitting model can give valuable insights for further applications of water sensoring technologies such as an optofluidic chip, a promising technology for identification and quantification of ions in drinking water.

This paper investigates strategies that have been used in companies from different countries to alleviate the impact of extortion from armed groups in businesses, especially in construction companies. Based on these experiences a risk management decision-making criterion will be outlined, resulting on broad recommendations to assist local small and medium size companies in the decision-making process when dealing with an incident of extortion. At the end, a list of potential recommendations is highlighted to assist companies in this process. The methodology for this thesis is based on desk-top research, literature review taken from companies’ websites, NGO’s websites, states reports, journal articles, statistics and relevant cases studies from companies dealing with extortion. The outcome of this investigation would be a decision-making criterion and a list of recommendations that companies could use to mitigate or avoid extortions in Colombia.

The nineteenth century was a period of great change for most Latin American nations, which gained independence from a decaying Spanish Empire and saw their birth as republics and engaged in a process of social, political and economic change in the construction of a national identity. In this process, the work of artists and writers was of particular importance, as it was meant to spread around the newborn republics the invented traditions and cultural imaginary upon which a strictly gendered idea of nationhood was to be founded. Negotiating between traditional/colonial and progressive/republican values, writers and artists created a gendered notion of the “ideal Colombian” through their works, and relegated the Colombian woman to the domestic field, the ideal of womanhood being one of pure and submissive virginity. Although such works highlighted certain characteristics of personality, they also emphasized the importance of appearances, of manners, and of fashion/dress. This thesis focuses on the portrayal of femininity through dress: it studies the construction of the ideal Colombian woman through the clothes she wears in two novels, Jorge Isaacs’ María (1867) and Eugenio Díaz Castro’s Manuela (1858), and the watercolors produced by Carmelo Fernández, Henry Price, and Manuel María Paz for the Comisión Corográfica, this work identifies the different ways in which the specific characteristics of the ideal Colombian woman of the nineteenth century are portrayed through dress, as well as the potential opportunities for the subversion of such ideals and the creation of alternative forms of femininity.