Abstract: Risk analysis techniques help to identify threats, problems and anomalies in processes and systems that may affect the health and safety of employees, the environment, equipment reliability and normative compliance. In this thesis, a stochastic risk analysis with Monte Carlo simulation applied to FMECA (Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis) was performed for a specific model of wind turbine located in the Alpha Ventus offshore wind Park. Monte Carlo simulations provide the decisionmaker with a range of possible outcomes and the probabilities of occurrences of these results, that are derived mainly from the uncertainty associated to the subjectivity of judgement from a group of experts. As a supplementary method to the stochastic FMECA, Risk Assessments Matrix (RAM) was also used for bivariate distributions of Severity and Occurrence of the identified failure modes. The results obtained were compared to the results that would be normally obtained with a conventional FMECA and RAM and will serve in future steps to develop Risk-Based Inspection plans for this model of wind turbine in this offshore wind park.

Abstract: Material Adverse Change clauses (MAC clauses) are contractual provisions that are usually incorporated within M&A and debt finance transactions. However, the low number of disputes that have arisen regarding the interpretation and application of such provisions have raised concerns given the uncertainty of its application and construction by the courts. Although the doctrine of good faith has been regarded as alien to English Contract Law, in this dissertation that claim is challenged by exploring other dimensions of such principle through two Civil Law jurisdictions and two recent judgements in English Law concerning MAC clauses in the context of Loan Agreements. Resumen: Las cláusulas de Cambio Adverso Sustancial (MAC, por sus siglas en inglés) son disposiciones contractuales que generalmente se incorporan en transacciones de fusiones y adquisiciones, así como en transacciones de financiamiento de deuda. Sin embargo, la baja cantidad de disputas que han surgido respecto a la interpretación y aplicación de tales disposiciones ha generado preocupación dada la incertidumbre en su aplicación y construcción por parte de los tribunales. Aunque la doctrina de la buena fe ha sido considerada ajena al Derecho de Contratos inglés, en esta tesis se cuestiona esa afirmación al explorar otras dimensiones de dicho principio a través de dos jurisdicciones de Derecho Civil y dos sentencias recientes en el Derecho inglés relacionadas con cláusulas MAC en el contexto de Acuerdos de Préstamo.

Abstract: The research explores the role of regional Planning in fostering sustainable development in Colombia's diverse Pacific economic, social, and environmentally challenging context. Regional Planning is a traditional process that aims to enhance competitiveness, infrastructure connectivity between territories, and economic growth while addressing contemporary priorities like sustainable development. In response to these challenges, the Administrative and Planning Region (RAP Pacífico) in 2016 was created as a cooperative entity encompassing Pacific departments. This initiative seeks to stimulate economic and social development while overcoming financial, technical, and capacity related constraints. RAP Pacífico, through its Regional Strategic Plan, approved in 2021, departs from conventional approaches by adopting a collaborative and multidimensional strategy involving local authorities, private enterprises, and civil society. This research examines its innovative design strategies under the social innovation theory and its alignment with sustainable development goals. Moreover, the analysis sheds light on the potential of incorporating innovative elements in Planning exercises addressing complex societal challenges and aiming for regional sustainable development within the public management context, particularly in developing nations.

Abstract: This thesis examines the modeling of inorganic behavior on Twitter and its implications for media dynamics. Three approaches —userbased, activity-based, and text-based detection— are combined to gain insights that benefit journalism and civil organizations. Resumen: Esta tesis examina el modelado del comportamiento inorgánico en Twitter y sus implicaciones para las dinámicas mediáticas. Se combinan tres enfoques (detección basada en características del usuario, basada en su actividad y basada en el contenido textual que publica o con el que interactúa), para encontrar patrones que ayuden a periodistas y organizaciones civiles a entender el fenómeno. Esta es una primera valoración positiva del uso del Inteligencia Artificial para explorar relaciones complejas que tienen significancia cualitativa en el estudio del comportamiento inorgánico en Twitter más allá de la detección.

Abstract: Claystone degradation under the effect of freezing and thaw cycles represents a key aspect in the production of erodible material in mountain ranges. Erosion processes have numerous potential consequences such as dam filling, increment in slope instability, increase of badlands, among others. Due to the possible effects related to erosion, numerous research processes have been carried out following primarily experimental approaches based on both soil physical characteristics and mechanical properties. However, these have been based on a macroscopic scale. This document presents the development of a research process based on the implementation of numerical models aimed at representing the processes involved in freezing and thawing phenomena on porous media and their effect on potential changes in soil microfabric. A calibration and validation process of the proposed numerical models was carried out based on experimental measurements of the thermal behavior of soil samples subjected to freezing and thawing cycles. Using the numerical relationships found, a methodology for determining the soil water retention curve (SWRC) was established (as a first approximation) based on a quick and relatively simple freezing and thawing test under undrained conditions. Simultaneously, and following the main objective of the research, the microfabric state during cyclic freezing and thawing was established following the relationship between SWRC and pore size distribution (PSD), as well as the possible hysteresis between freezing and thawing processes. The significant effect of these thermodynamic processes on the state of the terrain, was identified particularly in regard to increased erodibility. One possible cause for particle detachment necessary for erosion processes to occur lies in the development of macroporosity along with the existence of gaps between pore families in the PSD. This behavior was observed through the developed numerical processes. The combined effect of freezing and thawing cycles leads to an increase in soil erodibility. Finally, though a constitutive model-based approach, the cryogenic suction paths associated with freezing and thawing processes under the modification of the soil’s microstructure were established. A final perspective to soil's mechanical degradation is presented in terms of the hydraulic work associated with the cryogenic suction paths developed within the soil mass. Both the progressive evolution of the microstructure (through PSD) and the values of hydraulic work associated with each cycle show an attenuation in the incremental change as the cycles continue. Due to the numerical nature of the approximations and the trends found, further cyclical laboratory tests should be carried out. However, these represent a novel approach to the degradation phenomenon as well as the effects associated with the soil water retention curve.

Abstract: An economic model, the Colombian Forest Sector Model (CFSM), was created to analyze Colombia's commercial forest plantation policy spanning from 2018 to 2038 (PFCm policy). The CFSM is an econometric model that uses neoclassical theory to predict quantities and prices in Colombia's forest product markets. Phase I of the CFSM, detailed in this study, includes a growth and yield simulator for Colombian forest plantations and two market submodels: one for Unprocessed Wood and another for Manufactured Wood Products. Using the CFSM-I, two PFCm policy objectives were simulated to reveal their impacts on the Colombian forest sector. Simulations of expanding Colombia's forest plantation area from 0.3 million hectares in December 2015 to 1.5 million hectares by 2025 showed a fivefold increase in the volume of industrial wood available in plantations from 2015 to 2047, averaging 20.8 million cubic meters of underbark roundwood annually. This expansion would significantly affect the unprocessed wood market, multiplying wood supply and exports by 2.5 and 14.5 times, respectively, while reducing the supply price by an average of 24% compared to a scenario without plantation expansion. Simulations of a 5.5-fold expansion in Colombia's manufactured wood forest product industry's current (2022) production capacity from 2023 to 2038 indicated an average 8% increase in the consumption of unprocessed wood and manufactured wood products by the pulp and paper industry over the next 25 years, compared to a no-expansion scenario. Additionally, imports of these products and manufactured furniture industry products would decrease by 35% and 25%, respectively. Simulations of alternative plantation area expansion policies enriched the information available for policymakers and other stakeholders in preparation for the first round of the PFCm policy evaluation, scheduled for 2023 after the initial implementation period ended in December 2022. Resumen: Se creó un modelo económico, el MFSC, para el sector forestal de Colombia, con el propósito de analizar la política de plantaciones forestales comerciales en Colombia para el período 2018-2038 (PFCm). Este modelo, basado en la teoría neoclásica de mercados competitivos, proyecta cantidades y precios en los mercados de productos forestales colombianos. La Fase I del modelo, denominada CFSM-I, se enfoca en el crecimiento de plantaciones forestales y dos submodelos de mercado: madera sin procesar y productos manufacturados de madera. Las simulaciones muestran que una expansión de las plantaciones de 0,3 a 1,5 millones de hectáreas para 2025 incrementaría la disponibilidad de madera industrial en Colombia cinco veces, con un promedio anual de 20,8 millones de metros cúbicos de madera sin corteza. Esta expansión impactaría significativamente el mercado de madera sin procesar, multiplicando la oferta y las exportaciones por 2,5 y 14,5 veces, respectivamente, mientras que reduciría el precio de suministro en un 24% en comparación con la no expansión. Además, simulaciones de una expansión de 5,5 veces la capacidad actual de producción de productos maderables entre 2023 y 2038 indican un aumento del consumo de madera sin procesar y productos maderables manufacturados por la industria de la pulpa y papel en un 8% cada uno. Asimismo, las importaciones de estos productos y de productos manufacturados de la industria del mueble disminuirían un 35% y un 25%, respectivamente, en comparación con el escenario sin expansión. Estas simulaciones de políticas alternativas de expansión enriquecen la información disponible para los responsables de políticas nacionales y otras partes interesadas, de cara a la primera evaluación de la política del PFCm programada para 2023 después de su implementación inicial en diciembre de 2022.

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.

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.

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: 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.