The research on electrochemical carbon molecule oxidation started in the past years as new electrochemistries were researched for new fuel cells systems and batteries that may line up as backup energy supply and storage systems in off-grid and on-grid microgrids, as modeled by our group at the University of Twente [1-3]. By lining up these two disciplines we hope to support the bridge between new electrochemical systems on one side, (pilot) production with partner companies, prediction, and validation of systems upon implementation in microgrids by our group. The electrochemical oxidation of glycerol in alkaline aqueous solution has been studied on gold and gold coated metals (Zn-Au and Cu-Au) by voltammetry and EIS (Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) for possible use in a new fuel cell as an outlet for the excess glycerol that is produced in the biodiesel industry. The observations show that the gold surface may change upon cycling by cyclic voltammetry. Besides, the current density shows non-linear behavior with the square root of the scan rate, implying that the reaction is not totally controlled by diffusion. EIS analysis using the EQUIVCRT software revealed that one out of twenty tested equivalent circuits fitted the data well at potentials of -0.05 V,- 0.15 V and -0.25 V vs. Ag/AgCl, identifying resistors and a Warburg element in parallel with the double layer capacitance, the elements are possibly related to the presence of double layers associated with hydroxypyrovate and oxalate ions. The results are consistent with the low-frequency error fitting analysis (10-4), AC Simulink-Matlab fitting responds and the Kronig-Kramers transform test. The tested Zn-Au and Cu-Au electrodes show similar voltammetry behavior as the gold electrode, as witnessed by the results of cycle analysis and the scan rate analysis. The discharge chronoamperometry test further shows that the Zn-Au electrode and Cu-Au have higher current densities than the gold electrode at a potential of -0.25 V vs. Ag/AgCl (5 mA cm-2, 4.5 mA cm-2, and 3 mA cm-2 respectively).

Abstract: Conceptually explore and propose the creation of a Media Lab focused mainly on research and production in Digital Narratives and Storytelling. The Proposal for a sustainable business model based on collaborative networks. A process of reviewing the concepts around social and cultural entrepreneurship. Resumen: Explorar conceptualmente y proponer la creación de un Media Lab centrado principalmente en la investigación y producción en Narrativas Digitales y Storytelling. La propuesta de un modelo de negocio sostenible basado en redes de colaboración. Un proceso de revisión de los conceptos en torno al emprendimiento social y cultural.

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.

Current sustainability models rely on the triple line approach, in which economic growth, environmental sustainability and social are fundamental pivots. In recent years, the model of Biomimicry has emerged as a sustainable option of production, challenging the industrial revolution in which resource depletion and maximization of profits are key .At present , economic growth and environmental benefits has been well documented, however little is known about how social justice can be impacted by this biomimicry production systems. In the present study, a framework has been created with the purpose of assessing biomimicry production systems (BPS) in terms of social justice. In specific, an approach of poverty that has been gaining attention in the past decades and which represent poverty as a result of social relations has been used for its construction. The framework has then been done to understand the extent to which BPS can disrupt relational poverty (RP). As a study case, the polyculture quinoa production systems in the South America altiplano is presented. Evidence shows that these ancient farming systems have disruption effects on RP mechanisms with different intensities. This model of production rivals monocroping areas in areas like the Peruvian coast in terms of the avoidance relations that perpetrate poverty and of diversity, a fundamental aspect of Biomimicry. Other beneficial relations relate to moral economy were found as opportunities for these BPS’s. The framework generated here can be used to analyse other BPS in terms of social justice, it is robust and covers much of the aspects involved in power relations, agency and empowerment.

The first satellite dish arrived in the South American country of Colombia in 1970. Two decades later, hundreds of them covered the roofs of apartment buildings, community centers, and town halls all around the country. This dissertation follows the trajectory of big satellite dishes by looking at a network that connects amateurs in the United States and traders in Miami and Medellín to populations living in urban and rural Colombia. In a timescale of forty years, big satellite dishes changed not only technologically, but also in how government agents, businesses, and users conceived of them. Grounded in infrastructure studies of media and Latin American communication and science and technology studies, this dissertation looks at three particular aspects: the role of informal infrastructures in the development of technological modernity, the labor and knowledge of local technicians needed in transitions in media technologies, and the participation of media infrastructures in the production of culture. Despite considered stable and finished, infrastructure design and maintenance reveal an important set of values connecting culture and technology. In the case of television, the dissertation explores a network of actors, objects and practices that affected urban and rural spaces and shaped understanding of intellectual property in a Latin American Country. Resumen: La primera antena parabólica llegó a Colombia en 1970. Dos décadas después, cientos de estas cubrieron los techos de edificios de apartamentos, centros comunitarios y alcaldías de todo el país. Esta disertación sigue la trayectoria de las grandes antenas parabólicas al observar una red que conecta a los aficionados en los Estados Unidos y los comerciantes en Miami y Medellín con las poblaciones que viven en las zonas urbanas y rurales de Colombia. En una escala de tiempo de cuarenta años, las grandes antenas parabólicas cambiaron no solo tecnológicamente, sino también en cómo los concebían los agentes gubernamentales, las empresas y los usuarios. Basada en estudios de infraestructura de medios y estudios latinoamericanos de comunicación y ciencia y tecnología, esta disertación analiza tres aspectos particulares: el papel de las infraestructuras informales en el desarrollo de la modernidad tecnológica, el trabajo y el conocimiento de los técnicos locales necesarios en las transiciones en las tecnologías de los medios, y la participación de las infraestructuras de medios en la producción de cultura. A pesar de considerarse estable y terminado, el diseño y el mantenimiento de la infraestructura revelan un conjunto importante de valores que conectan cultura y tecnología. En el caso de la televisión, la disertación explora una red de actores, objetos y prácticas que afectaron los espacios urbanos y rurales y moldearon la comprensión de la propiedad intelectual en un país latinoamericano.

Currently, the peace agreement reached between the Colombian Government and the extinct guerrilla of the FARC, after more than five-decades of protracted NIAC, is of great interest to the international community. This thesis provides a scrutiny on a selection of core concessions granted in this peace agreement, now on implementation, aiming to corroborate their congruence with the objective of sustainable peace. In this endeavor, it is intended to identify the novelties and contributions to the law on post-conflict justice, to understand the interaction of international and domestic law, and, ultimately, to corroborate evidence for a prospective jus post bellum internum. In this sense, this thesis is exploratory in nature. One of the most relevant features of the peace agreement with the FARC is its holistic approach. All its processes and mechanisms are linked by a regime of conditionality and incentives, which ties the punitive, economic, and social benefits for the ex-fighters to their submission to the transitional justice regime, through verifiable contributions to truth, reparations to victims, and guarantees of non-recurrence. The analysis of the selection of concessions is framed under the broader topics of criminal accountability and punishment, and political, economic, and social reincorporation of ex-fighters. In relation to criminal accountability and punishment, the peace agreement presented a revolutionary idea in relation to special and alternative sanctions to imprisonment [with different levels of restriction of other rights] for jus cogens crimes, within a criminal Special Jurisdiction for Peace (‘SPJ’) with a predominant reparative justice approach, placing the victims in the center of every process. This novelty succeeded in providing alternatives in the traditional debate on granting amnesties for international crimes and the State’s duty to investigate, prosecute, and punish, while aiming for ‘just peace’. The success of this tribunal majorly relies on its own performance. Regarding political reincorporation for ex-fighters, States enjoy great margin of discretion in how to handle power-sharing and political participation of rebel groups. The participation of the FARC in politics is linked to the conditionality regime in the SJP and only when compatible with the special sanction would be feasible. Ensuring democratic platforms for those who lay down their arms peacefully is in fulfillment of equality, rather than a violation of it. Additionally, on the light of the rights of victims, this do not comprise a prohibition for perpetrators for taking part in politics and, on the contrary, their participation in the democratic fora is part of the overall non-recurrence strategy and as an example of reconciliation. In relation to economic and social reincorporation of ex-fighters, the main novelty resides in sequencing and linking the integral program of reincorporation to the SJP conditionality regime, connected to the fulfillment of the rights of victims. By identifying socially-productive projects, assisting not only the ex-fighters but their receiving communities, and focusing on activities such as demining and contributing to environment protection, the State fulfills its international obligations while complying with its internal IHRL obligations owed to the demobilized as vulnerable populations. It is shown that reincorporation processes are categorically dependent on the specific setting, the major challenges reside on the security threats to the ex-fighters and social leaders, and the strengthening of the collective programs seems a viable project for the long-term stabilization of the ex-fighters. The way in which general international law, IHL, IHRL, and ICL interrelate with domestic law in post-conflict situations of NIACs is varied but permanent. Depending on the substantive matter under scrutiny this interaction will be more or less complex. It can be said that international law constantly generates a two-way interaction. Demanding guarantees for abolishing impunity, but obliging the State to guarantee to those who in good faith lay down their arms the full exercise and enjoyment of their political and ESC rights. In this sense, international law not only imposes limits on concessions from peacetime law, but in occasions serves to support them. In conclusion, the analyzed concessions considered in the peace agreement succeeded in providing avenues for achieving the ‘greater good’ of sustainable peace, while fulfilling the rights of victims fully, attaining justice in a restorative and wider sense and contributing with valuable novelties for peace processes in the shadow of the Rome Statute. Bearing in mind the analyses made in this thesis, it can be corroborated that the emergence of a jus post bellum internum is feasible, provided that freedom of maneuver for States is maintained, allowing them to innovate in peace negotiations, deciding on concessions, and designing transitional systems that better suit their contexts, delivering meionexia [justice]. International law must inform States’ decisions, but the limits imposed are only derived from peremptory norms. In this sense, a jus post bellum internum has the potential to make more uniform and straight-forward the application of international law to different post-conflict contexts, without compromising the necessary flexibility for States to attain ‘just peace’. Resumen: Actualmente, el acuerdo de paz alcanzado entre el Gobierno colombiano y la extinta guerrilla de las FARC, después de más de cinco décadas de prolongado conflicto armado interno (NIAC por su acrónimo en inglés), es de gran interés para la comunidad internacional. Esta tesis examina una selección de concesiones fundamentales otorgadas en este acuerdo de paz, ahora en ejecución, con el objetivo de corroborar su congruencia con el objetivo de una paz sostenible. En este esfuerzo, se pretende identificar las novedades y contribuciones al derecho sobre la justicia en situaciones de post-conflicto, comprender la interacción entre el derecho internacional y el derecho interno y, en última instancia, corroborar evidencia para la existencia de un posible jus post bellum internum. En este sentido, esta tesis tiene una naturaleza exploratoria. Una de las características más relevantes del acuerdo de paz con las FARC es su enfoque holístico. Todos sus procesos y mecanismos están vinculados por un régimen de condicionalidad e incentivos, que vincula los beneficios punitivos, económicos y sociales para los ex combatientes a su sometimiento al régimen de justicia transicional, a través de contribuciones verificables a la verdad, reparaciones a las víctimas y garantías de no recurrencia. El análisis de la selección de concesiones se enmarca en los temas más amplios de la responsabilidad penal y el castigo, y la reincorporación política, económica y social de los ex combatientes. En relación con la responsabilidad penal y el castigo, el acuerdo de paz presentó una idea revolucionaria en relación con las sanciones especiales y alternativas al encarcelamiento [con diferentes niveles de restricción de otros derechos] por delitos de jus cogens, dentro de una Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz (‘JEP’) penal con un enfoque predominante de justicia reparadora, colocando a las víctimas en el centro de cada proceso. Esta novedad logró ofrecer alternativas en el debate tradicional sobre la concesión de amnistías por crímenes internacionales y el deber del Estado de investigar, enjuiciar y castigar, al tiempo que buscaba una paz justa. El éxito de este tribunal depende en gran medida de su propia actuación. En cuanto a la reincorporación política de los ex combatientes, los Estados gozan de un gran margen de discrecionalidad en cuanto a la forma de manejar la distribución del poder y la participación política de los grupos rebeldes. La participación de las FARC en la política está ligada al régimen de condicionalidad del JEP y sólo cuando sea compatible con la sanción especial sería factible. Garantizar plataformas democráticas para aquellos que deponen las armas pacíficamente es una acción en cumplimiento de la igualdad y no una violación de la misma. Además, a la luz de los derechos de las víctimas, éstos no incluyen la prohibición de que los perpetradores participen en la política y, por el contrario, su participación en los foros democráticos forma parte de la estrategia general de no recurrencia y es un ejemplo de reconciliación. En relación a la reincorporación económica y social de los ex combatientes, la principal novedad reside en la secuenciación y vinculación del programa integral de reincorporación al régimen de condicionalidad del JEP, vinculado al cumplimiento a las víctimas y garantía a sus derechos. Mediante la identificación de proyectos socialmente productivos, la asistencia no sólo a los ex combatientes, sino también a las comunidades que los acogen, y su concentración en actividades como el desminado y la contribución a la protección del medio ambiente, el Estado cumple con sus obligaciones internacionales al tiempo que cumple con sus obligaciones internas en relación con los desmovilizados en su condición de poblaciones vulnerables. Se demuestra que los procesos de reincorporación dependen categóricamente del contexto específico en el que se dan, los principales desafíos residen en las amenazas a la seguridad de los ex combatientes y líderes sociales, y el fortalecimiento de los programas colectivos parece un proyecto viable para la estabilización a largo plazo de los ex milicianos. La forma en que el derecho internacional general, el derecho internacional de los derechos humanos y el derecho internacional criminal se interrelacionan con el derecho interno en situaciones de post-conflicto en NIACs es variada pero siempre permanente. Dependiendo del asunto sustantivo que se esté examinando, esta interacción será más o menos compleja. Se puede decir que el derecho internacional genera constantemente una interacción bidireccional. Exige garantías para la abolición de la impunidad, pero obliga al Estado a garantizar a quiénes de buena fe depongan las armas el pleno ejercicio y disfrute de sus derechos políticos y económicos, sociales y culturales. En este sentido, el derecho internacional no sólo impone límites a las concesiones del derecho en tiempos de paz, sino que en ocasiones sirve para apoyarlas. En conclusión, las concesiones analizadas en el acuerdo de paz lograron proporcionar vías para lograr el ‘bien mayor’ representado en una paz sostenible, a la vez que se cumplían plenamente los derechos de las víctimas, se alcanza la justicia en un sentido más amplio y restaurativo y se aportan valiosas novedades para los procesos de paz a la sombra del Estatuto de Roma. Teniendo en cuenta los análisis realizados en esta tesis, se puede corroborar que el surgimiento de un jus post bellum internum es factible, siempre que se mantenga la libertad de maniobra de los Estados, que les permita innovar en las negociaciones de paz, decidir sobre las concesiones y diseñar la transición.

Abstract: This research aims at critically appraising the connections that can be traced between the regulation of strategic approaches towards public procurement and the interest of integrating sustainability and innovation driven goals within procurement proceedings. As such, the investigation is framed under areas of research that have not acquired significant attention until recently; on the one hand, the interaction of sustainability and environmental concerns has increased at the same rate that the environmental crisis has worryingly amplified, and the study of law and technology has simultaneously gained attention as regulation attempts to keep the pace in which technology rapidly change human experience. Along these two intertwined objects of academic interest, this research will attempt to demonstrate that the synergy between public procurement and sustainability concerns may be further enhanced and strengthened by reaching out to the support that technological innovations may provide along the multiple stages of the procurement process. The investigation is thus concerned not only in identifying the advantages derived from such cooperative interaction, but also in examining the margins and shortcomings which this involvement entails.

The study set out to shed light on the key drivers and barriers that influence leaders deciding whether or not to invest in legal tech. Understanding these factors is a starting point to reduce the uncertainty that surrounds the future of the law industry. Accordingly, the fundamental question in the study asks what are the main drivers and barriers that influence the decision-making process to allocate resources on legal tech. The following sub-questions are discussed through the dissertation to find a reasonable answer: - What is legal tech, and why is it relevant? - How do the barriers/drivers found in the research influence the innovation-decision process? La tesis busca indagar acerca de las motivaciones y barreras clave que influencian a los altos gerentes de las firmas de abogados al momento de tomar la decisión de invertir en legal tech. Entender estos factores es un punto inicial para reducir la incertidumbre que rodea el futuro de la industria del derecho. De acuerdo con lo anterior, la pregunta central que hace el estudio es cuáles son las causas que influyen el proceso de toma de decisión para destinar recursos en legal tech. Adicionalmente y con el propósito de encontrar una respuesta a la inquietud planteada, la investigación aborda las siguientes sub-preguntas: - Qué es legal tech, y por qué es relevante? - Cómo influencian los motivos y las barreras encontrados en la investigación, el proceso de decisión de innovación.

Given the large drop in the US monetary policy interest rate during the past decade, a significative spillover effect was reflected over Colombia as it had to lower its own policy rate considerably to avoid a further currency appreciation. Its impact on the real exchange rate misalignment is assessed using a Vector Error Correction Model with fundamentals such as the real interest rates differential, net foreign assets, terms of trade, the Balassa Samuelson effect, which reflects the productivity growth differential and the government expenditure employing quarterly data. In order to contrast the importance of this effect two periods were analyzed, one from 1996q1 to 2005q4 and another from 2006q1 to 2014q4. Results show that although the impact of the real interest rate differential does not have a large contribution to the determination of the real exchange rate it has changed its effect sign and now seems to explain a larger proportion of the forecast error variance in longer horizons. Other fundamentals, such as the net foreign assets, the terms of trade and the Balassa Samuelson effect are found to be key determinants for the long run equilibrium.

Abstract: The research studies the role of Architects performing as Design Managers in construction projects. It reflects on the industry’s shifting environment, where architects, once central members in project delivery, are increasingly being displaced by new disciplines, technicians and suppliers. The dissertation identifies Design Management, a function of Project Management, as a strategic position from which architects can improve projects’ value. As Design Managers, architects can integrate their knowledge in space creation with Project Management skills to improve project performance in terms of budget, schedule, and spatial, social and environmental qualities. The role was studied through two case studies; two stations for UK’s High-Speed 2 (HS2) programme: The redevelopment of Euston Station in London, and the new station development at Old Oak Common. Data was collected from nine semi-structured interviews with Design Managers and design team members working on one of these projects. The research findings indicated that projects as large and complex as these require Design Managers from multiple backgrounds, among which architects have significant opportunities to increase value capture. Although the role is mostly concerned with Project Management tasks, the Design Manager’s background -in this case, architecture- enables them to increase value capture beyond projects’ basic requirements. Architects as Design Managers can integrate multidisciplinary designs considering how they can improve users’ experience and the project’s connection to their communities and environment to create more human and inviting projects with a long-term value perspective. Resumen: La investigación estudia el rol de los arquitectos desempeñándose como gestores de diseño en proyectos de construcción. Es una reflexión en el entorno cambiante de la industria en donde los arquitectos, alguna vez actores centrales del desarrollo de proyectos, han sido gradualmente desplazados por otras disciplinas, técnicos y proveedores. Esta tesis identifica la Gestión de Diseño, una función de Gestión de proyectos, como una posición estratégica dese la que los arquitectos pueden mejorar el valor de los proyectos. Como Gestores de Diseño, los arquitectos pueden integrar su conocimiento en creación de espacio con habilidades de Gestión de Proyectos para mejorar el desempeño de los proyectos en términos de presupuesto, cronograma y calidad espacial, social y ambiental. El rol se estudió a través de dos casos de estudio; dos estaciones para el programa de El tren de alta velocidad HS2 en Reino Unido: El desarrollo de la estación de Euston en Londres y el nuevo desarrollo de la estación Old Oak Common. Los datos se recolectaron a partir de nueve entrevistas semi-estructuradas con gestores de diseño y otros profesionales participando en estos proyectos. Los hallazgos indicaron que los proyectos de esta escala y complejidad requieren gestores de diseño con múltiples trayectorias profesionales, entre los cuales, los arquitectos tienen una oportunidad significativa de capturar valor. Aunque el rol está en gran parte asociado a tareas de Gestión de Proyectos, la experiencia del profesional desempeñándolo -en este caso, arquitectura- permite la captura de valor por encima de los requerimientos básicos del proyecto. Los arquitectos como gestores de diseño pueden integrar diseños multidisciplinarios, considerando como mejorar la experiencia de los usuarios, y la integración del proyecto con sus comunidades y su entorno para generar proyectos más humanos, acogedores y con una perspectiva de valor a largo plazo.