Abstract: The CDM (Clean Development Mechanisms), VCM (Voluntary Carbon Markets) and PES (Payment for Ecosystem Services) that support the REDD+ pathway, have long been part of the sustainable development policy arena. The competition for resources to ‘develop for the developed’ has taken many turns (de Soussa Santos, 2006), and the consequent commodification of nature can be traced to different cultures, and back to an unknown history of who was the first. This research asks whether market-based solutions like REDD+ have failed. Some say they have, some that this is part of the process, and others, that –-‘better this than nothing’-, but is there a correct answer? The reason for placing REDD+ inside of CDM-VCM-PES is clarified through the green growth agenda, where forests are one of the main subject of carbon offsets in biodiversity programs. Of the 501 developing countries that have submitted assessments to the UNFCCC, just 15 submitted a summary on how safeguards are being addressed and respected (UNFCCC, 2022). For now, safeguards are the only mechanism for securing rights, but we need to ask which rights, and whose rights. This research uses a decolonizing perspective to address these question in the example of Colombia. The research offers guidance to those that seek to keep applying environmental safeguards as a direct way to address land rights and climate, environmental and social justice. It also attempts to advance the social constructions of different pathways to sustainable development and the strategies for tackling the underlying drivers of climate change from a decolonizing perspective.

Abstract: This dissertation is presented as three interrelated studies that were prepared as standalone articles. Each article focuses on one key subject that emerged from years of fieldwork and analysis: the different existing interpretations of sustainability in the wine industry; the imperative to have sensorially pleasing wines; and the lack of definition for sustainable and natural wines. By exploring these subjects, this dissertation studies the cultural practice of winemaking and wine tasting to examine how different interpretations, values, and practices of wine production and wine tasting are embodied and rationalized through distinct discourses of sustainability. Through participant observations, interviews, and informal conversations in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine region, the author begins by examining how the concepts of sustainability and nature are expressed and used by wine producers with different types of winemaking practices (Chapter 2). Through a comparative analysis of these expressions and uses of sustainability and nature, a sustainability continuum is proposed, as basis for a sustainability typology of wine producers. Chapter 3 then moves on to the topic of wine sensoriality and how its socio-cultural construction has a key role in furthering (or obstructing) the development of a sustainability-focused wine industry. For this chapter, the author draws on three distinct research projects, covering a wide spectrum of methodological and epistemological approaches, with both quantitative and qualitative tools, to provide a better understanding of the concept and role of wine expertise and how it manifests in the form of wine sensory assessments. This chapter provides evidence that wines with differing and unusual sensorial characteristics can be appreciated differently depending on the context and background of each taster and that certain sustainable wines (e.g., natural wines) with more sensorial differences than mainstream wines might be less accepted in regions where there is no space for variation from a set standard of taste and quality. Finally, Chapter 4 presents a new conceptualization of a specific type of sustainable wines - natural wines - as subversive art. With this, by providing an alternative conceptual way to describe an ill-defined winemaking approach, the chapter contributes to the study of social movements by presenting subversive and urban art as a framing element rather than a direct medium for dissent.

Abstract: BIM and Virtual Reality (VR) are technologies that aim to revolutionise the AEC industry, minimizing variations, replicating complex tasks, enhancing visualisation of objects, better coordination with stakeholders, and as an alternative training tool. However, they have multiple limitations that deter a successful implementation in the AEC sector, requiring high technical skills to be developed, complex processes, and expensive resources that do not satisfy their current needs. Therefore, this research aims to create a game-like simulation between BIM and VR to train people in pile construction activities, addressing the limitations about industry adoption to implement it as a feasible product. The objectives of this thesis are: I. Develop a methodological framework to replicate similar prototypes like the one developed, II. Create a BIM and VR application using decision tree scenarios to train people around piling procedures, III. Validate the prototype through online surveys to verify its usability, feasibility, and improvements. A complex simulation using multiple software was created to teach about the required elements for piling construction, being supported through cinematics to show different construction stages of the survey, logistics, site camp, drilling excavation, and concrete & rebar activities. Participants agreed that the Pile Training Module (PTM) delivers an enhanced training experience about complex concepts, highlighting its potential of replicating variable conditions of a real site. With this module, it was demonstrated that high levels of expertise and costs are no longer limitations for a meaningful VR and BIM application, representing a starting point for future prototypes that aim to become a real application for the AEC industry and academy.

Abstract: This paper employs a dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) model to study the time-varying correlation between three cryptocurrency strategies (market, size, and momentum) and three equity indexes (MSCI World, MSCI Emerging markets, and MSCI All cap) from November 2017 until May 2022. Paying close attention to events of market turmoil, like the Covid-19 crash in March 2020 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The results obtained, show that the correlation between the equity market and cryptocurrencies has increased over time eroding diversification benefits. However, the momentum and size strategies presented a stable near-zero correlation with the equity index during the time frame selected, including both of the crisis events. We conclude that whereas both (momentum and size) strategies can be used as diversification tools, size is preferred due to its lower volatility, and lower persistence when faced with a correlation spike. Resumen: Este trabajo emplea un modelo de correlación condicional dinámica (DCC) para estudiar los cambios en la correlación de tres estrategias con criptomonedas (mercado, tamaño y momentum) y tres índices bursátiles (MSCI World, MSCI Emerging markets y MSCI All cap), en el periodo comprendido entre noviembre de 2017 y mayo de 2022. Se presta especial atención a los eventos de crisis como el crash de la bolsa en marzo 2020 debido a la pandemia del Covid-19 y a la invasión rusa de Ucrania en febrero de 2022. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que la correlación entre el mercado accionario y las criptomonedas ha incrementado a lo largo del tiempo, deteriorando los beneficios de la diversificación. Sin embargo, las cripto estrategias de momentum y tamaño presentaron una correlación estable y cercana a cero con los índices accionarios durante el periodo comprendido en el estudio, incluyendo los eventos de crisis previamente mencionados. En conclusión, si bien las estrategias de momentum y tamaño pueden ser usadas como herramientas de diversificación en un portafolio de acciones, la estrategia de tamaño es preferible debido a su menor volatilidad y mayor persistencia frente a picos en la correlación de los activos.

Abstract: This study presents a language textbook analysis informed by generative second language acquisition (GenSLA), an area of investigation that has been rarely explored. In consequence, it proposes an original methodology. It also intends to contribute to bridging the gap between GenSLA and second language teaching. For those purposes, it tackles the research question: To what extent are secondlanguage textbook contents informed by GenSLA theory and research findings? The two research objectives are (1) to analyse how polarity item any is explicitly instructed in the language textbook series proposed by the Ministry of Education in Colombia for public secondary schools and (2) to analyse how polarity item any is incidentally instructed in the textbook series in terms of primary linguistic data (PLD). In terms of methodology, the study proposes two analyses for each research objective. First, to analyse explicit instruction (explanations, grammar activities, and teacher’s guidance). Second to analyse every instance of polarity item any provided by the textbooks through written and aural input. The main results show that the whole linguistic distribution of any is partially covered by explicit and incidental instruction. A cautious explanation is the emphasis of textbooks on meaning and interaction over form or metalinguistic knowledge. These results also demonstrate the need for instruction of any in veridical linguistic contexts licensed by negative implicature.

Abstract: This dissertation explores the role that social enterprises can play in transforming the economy. The overemphasis on economic goals has undermined social and environmental objectives, causing many of the crises we face today. To address this situation, this paper brings together the bodies of literature on the circular economy, ecological economics and local economic development to provide strategies, proposals and insights for achieving such transformation, while analysing the definition of social enterprises and using the policies of economic restructuring as a framework to conclude that the role of social enterprises is to demonstrate that it is possible to reconcile these three dimensions into sustainable, attractive and profitable business models, and to inspire other actors in the economy to apply these sustainable practices and approaches until their widespread adoption becomes the new industry standard. Resumen: Esta disertación explora el papel que pueden desempeñar las empresas sociales en la transformación de la economía. El énfasis excesivo en los objetivos económicos ha socavado los objetivos sociales y medioambientales, causando muchas de las crisis a las que nos enfrentamos hoy en día. Para hacer frente a esta situación, este trabajo reúne la literatura sobre la economía circular, la economía ecológica y el desarrollo económico local con el fin de proporcionar estrategias, propuestas y puntos de vista para lograr dicha transformación, al tiempo que analiza la definición de las empresas sociales y utiliza las políticas de reestructuración económica como marco para concluir que el papel de las empresas sociales es demostrar que es posible conciliar estas tres dimensiones en modelos de negocio sostenibles, atractivos y rentables, e inspirar a otros actores de la economía para aplicar estas prácticas y enfoques sostenibles hasta que su adopción generalizada se convierta en el nuevo estándar de la industria.

Abstract: Colombia and Venezuela have experienced a two-way migration since the 1920s. In the last decade, Venezuelan people fled to the neighbour Latin American countries in the most significant migration process faced in the continent. Colombia has become the most considerable receptor because of its closeness, and it demands that Colombian governments, humanitarian institutions, international cooperation, mass media, and civil society develop strategies to assimilate and achieve a successful social integration. This is the analysis of two processes of social integration through music, one institutional program run by “Batuta,” a foundation that promotes symphonic music practices to achieve social integration, and an individual migrant process of TráficoMC, a Venezuelan hip-hop artist based in Medellin, Colombia. Although they have different methods to achieve their aims, both have the same medium, music. This analysis reviews the complexity of using music in those particular social integration programs that have intended reducing xenophobia and endophobia attitudes to achieve a social integration that can conduce to a cultural and economic development of the whole population involved in the migration process.

Resumen: En un contexto de búsqueda de oportunidades de inversión, la impresión inicial que sobre un emprendedor se forme un inversionista influye de manera directa en su propio proceso decisional. En ese sentido, el presente trabajo busca estudiar las implicaciones que subyacen a este panorama inicial, puntualmente en un escenario de decisiones de inversión sobre iniciativas que apuestan por el desarrollo sostenible (i.e., inversiones de impacto). Para ello, haciendo uso de un caso de estudio, se despliega un proceso de análisis cualitativo que permite identificar las especificidades del estilo de liderazgo de un emprendedor de impacto determinado, así como la forma en que este mismo estilo podría afectar la eventual decisión de un potencial inversionista. En ese orden de ideas, el presente trabajo contribuye a la transferibilidad y profundización del tópico en cuestión, en diversas áreas del conocimiento. Abstract: In a context of seeking investment opportunities, the initial impression that an investor forms on an entrepreneur influences their own decision-making process. In this sense, the present work seeks to study the implications underlying this initial panorama, specifically in a scenario of investment decisions on initiatives that are committed to reach a sustainable development (i.e., impact investments). For this purpose, and using a case study, a qualitative analysis process is deployed, allowing the identification of the corresponding leadership style of a given impact entrepreneur, as well as the way in which this same style could affect the eventual decision of a potential investor. In that order of ideas, the present work contributes to the transferability and deepening of the topic at issue in various areas of knowledge.

Resumen: Esta investigación analiza el problema de la formación del canon literario a través de la propuesta del sistema poético del escritor cubano José Lezama Lima. Su método de enseñanza de los objetos de la imaginación (Curso Délfico) se articula con el concepto de eras imaginarias que desarrolló en su obra ensayística y ejemplificó en sus novelas Paradiso (1966) y Oppiano Licario (1977). Para ello, en el primer capítulo, se describe la propuesta de paideia que el cubano llevó a cabo desde la vida material como autor biográfico y, a la par, en el mundo de la imaginación a través de su obra literaria. Más adelante, en el segundo capítulo, se desglosa el concepto del canon y su utilización en la teoría literaria y la historia de la literatura. A este concepto general se suman los aportes que de la misma idea da Lezama a través del Curso Délfico. En el tercer capítulo se estudia el concepto de eras imaginarias en el corpus que integran los ensayos ""Preludio a las eras imaginarias"" (1949), ""Mitos y cansancio clásico"" (1957) y ""A partir de la poesía"" (1959). En el último capítulo se ejemplifica, a través de tres obras, tres de las modalidades del canon de Lezama: 1) la interdisciplinariedad desde sus Diarios, 2) la interculturalidad en su novela Paradiso y 3) lo interartístico en su novela Oppiano Licario. Abstract: This investigation analyzes the problem of literary canon formation through the lenses of José Lezama Lima's poetic system. His method for teaching the objects of imagination (named the Delphic Course) is linked to the concept of imaginary eras developed in his essays and exemplified in his novels Paradiso (1965) and Oppiano Licario (1977). In order to expose that link, the text is organized in four chapters. The first chapter consists in a description of the paideia proposed by Lezama, a project he carried out simultaneously in the physical world, through his unorthodox teaching labour, and in the imaginary world through his oeuvre. Afterwards, the second chapter develops the concept of canon and its uses in literary history and literary theory. In addition to this general outline of the canon, Lezama's ideas of the canon found through his Delphic Course are discussed. The third chapter studies the concept of imaginary eras through the corpus composed by the essays: ""Prelude to the imaginary eras"" (1949), ""Myths and classical fatigue"" (1957) and ""From poetry"" (1959). The last chapter illustrates three modalities of canon through three of his works: 1) interdisciplinarity in his Diaries, 2) interculturality in his novel Paradiso and 3) the interartistic nature in his novel Oppiano Licario.

Abstract: This work investigates a system that uses the reversible reaction CaCO3/CaO for energy storage. This system feeds on excess electrical energy for the endothermic decomposition of CaCO3 into CaO and CO2 (calcination). This reaction occurs in a solid-gas bed reactor that uses steam for fluidization, and the solid fraction remains in it. After the reaction, the CO2 is separated from the steam and enters a compression unit where it is pressurized before being stored at 110 bar. When an energy déficit occurs, the CO2 is expanded by a gas turbine and fed into the reactor, where exothermic absorption of CO2 on CaO takes place (carbonization). The large amounts of heat released in this process are used to generate high-pressure steam (110 bar and 520 °C), which is used in a conventional steam cycle to generate electrical power. In this way, the energy charging and discharging modes configure a cycle for the energy storage system. Thermodynamic simulations were performed in the IPSEpro process simulation software for the charging and discharging modes. For this purpose, mathematical models for the calcination and carbonation reactions were developed using the MDK module. These simulations were used to integrate over time, allowing the estimation of the progression of an entire cycle. Different cycles were evaluated for the conditions of interest, such as adding fresh CaCO3 before each cycle and different carbonation and calcination temperatures. In all cases, the production of 15 MW of electrical power was constant. In addition, the calculated data were used to determine power, thermal, and other efficiencies that facilitate system performance evaluation. Finally, the energy storage density of the system was evaluated under different conditions.