Abstract: These orientation fluctuations trigger the so-called mismatch losses in PV strings, as every PV module along the same string is receiving different irradiance levels. In consequence, the string power output is determined by the PV module producing the least power. As of now, PV project developers do not count with PV modelling software capable of handling the wave dynamics created by wind blowing over water bodies, so they rely on strong gross assumptions in order to make these still inadequate tool work for this purpose, risking a miscalculation of the energy yield of these solar-based installations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of waves on the performance of floating systems along with the analysis of the cooling effects related to the exposure of PV modules to the free water surface. For this, it was selected three potential sites for the deployment of floating PV plants as well as two of the most popular racking structures used floating photovoltaics: individual floaters where each PV module is supported by a floater, and modular raft in which strings of PV modules are installed on top of rafts. For the wave field modelling, a python script has been developed relying on the PVlib package and meteorological inputs from the Meteonorm software and NASA’s MODIS satellite. The wave fields are modelled by means of the JONSWAP and the SPM wave energy spectrum for deep and shallow waters, respectively. Thus, a stochastic approach is taken for the modelling of the wave field, which is made of overlapping waves. With regards to the wave – PV module interaction, a geometrical approach was implemented supported on simple vector calculus, seeking low computational resource demands for a faster processing. Simulation results show how the direction of wave propagation is set to be the determining factor in the understanding, estimation, and the development of mitigation strategies of mismatch losses, while other wave characteristics do not play a crucial role in this issue. Similarly, it was demonstrated how modular rafts floating PV configurations present, under the right circumstances, energy gains compared to groundmounted setups. In contrast, individual floaters are set to always experience mismatch losses, ranging up to from 5% to 10%.

Abstract: Extinction learning and specifically the renewal effect has enabled for decades an insight into the complex dynamics of learning processes. Although context represents a critical stimulus in extinction learning, what constitutes a context and how it is represented is still not fully understood. Under the frame of the “Collaborative Research Center SFB 1280”, this master’s thesis established a functional experimental paradigm, on an open arena for context control experiments with birds. For this purpose, three pigeons were trained on a discrimination task following an ABA extinction-renewal protocol in two separate experiments. Three distinctive levels of contextual stimuli were tested in experiment 1: spatial awareness, local visual information and global visual information. Experiment 2 used modified versions of the spatial and local contexts. Results suggest a stronger renewal response for the local condition in both experiments and a medium renewal response for the spatial condition. The global condition barely produced any renewal. Manipulations on saliency and continuity of contextual stimuli provided evidence for context formation based on associative learning rules rather than relevant physical properties of contextual stimuli. Overall, the findings in this thesis support the assumption of no real distinction between cues and context.

Abstract: The present work revolves around the protection and adaption of the Hacienda Perodias, an old farmhouse from the XVII century that is located in southwest Colombia. Besides being part of the nation’s rural built heritage, this building complex is connected also to the processes of evangelization and slave trade carried out at that time in South America. In order to illustrate how profound this embodied memory is translated into today’s social and cultural dynamics, this work is organized into three parts. The first, standing from a broader scale, covers the socio-geographical scenario in which this typology of building, the Casa de Hacienda, emerged and the social meanings that have been attached to it throughout time. Next, entering the scale of the constructed object, the second part focuses on the geographical, historical and architectural dimensions of the farmhouse in addition to the analysis of its current condition. All this is in order to properly understand the scope of the adaptation possibilities that this object that has been abandoned for more than two decades may have, opportunities that are contained in the final part of this work. In a quest to re-signify the collective memory linked to its spaces, the third and final part presents the proposed intervention of the Hacienda as a large eco-park, a refuge for wildlife and low-impact human activities, which lies at its heart the architectural complex of Perodias, now revitalised as a community centre. By giving a new life to this site, the project would seek to protect both a built heritage represented in its architecture and the cultural values shared by the surrounding communities, whose history can also be found linked to the hacienda. As a new centre for the transmission of ancestral knowledge and cultural expressions that in turn aims to enhance the capacities and opportunities of its inhabitants, the Perodias hacienda would finally be reborn.

Abstract: Over twenty years passed since American and Canadian forces arrived in Afghanistan to start the War on Terrorism as a response to 9/11, and during this period, there has been an enormous controversy about the nature and the scope of the Afghanistan intervention. Amidst this controversy, this dissertation aims to unravel a strategic puzzle: why and how the United States and Canada adopted similar engagement levels, especially similar counterinsurgency (COIN) strategies between 2005/2006 and 2011. During this time, the United States and Canada fought against insurgent groups, sought to maintain stabilized areas by mentoring Afghan forces, and invested in infrastructure and governance. These goals, which corresponded to the ‘clear,’ ‘hold,’ and ‘build’ COIN components, entailed sending troops and civilian officials to a war zone and committing financial resources. According to structural realism as a dominant IR theory, the similarity of American and Canadian engagements constitutes a puzzle because this theory would expect that countries with different relative standings in the international system are meant to adopt different foreign and security policies. To unravel this puzzle, this dissertation uses neoclassical realism. Like a realist theory, it examines the effects of relative material capabilities on foreign policy, which is an essential factor in comparing American and Canadian foreign and security policies. Yet, unlike structural realism, it considers dimensions other than states’ relative standing, such as perceptions and domestic politics, which, along with the relative standing, help to unpack the puzzle above. Based on this theory, the central argument of this dissertation is that the similarity of American and Canadian engagements resulted from similar systemic stimuli from the post-9/11 strategic environment, foreign policy executives’ (FPE) similar strategic beliefs, and comparable abilities to mobilize domestic resources. By showing the occurrence of factors on both American and Canadian sides bringing about the outcome above, this dissertation seeks to undermine the ideas of the “Americanization” of Canadian foreign and security policy and the syndrome of “parochialism” of the United States regarding its Northern neighbour.

Abstract: Blue ocean carbon projects are climate mitigation and adaptation solutions that are considered winwin schemes for conservation and well-being and an ecosystem-based solution towards sustainable development. However, local communities have declared their concerns about the potential of ocean grabbing and the negative impacts on their livelihoods. Looking at the case of Colombia, coastal communities are vulnerable to climate change and marginalized communities such as indigenous peoples, women and afro-descendant groups live under poverty conditions and unsatisfied basic needs. Therefore, blue carbon projects should include safeguards to protect these communities from ocean grabbing based on procedural and substantive climate justice. Resumen: Los proyectos de carbono azul son soluciones de mitigación y adaptación para el cambio climático, que se consideran como esquemas gana-gana para la conservación y el bienestar, así como soluciones basadas en ecosistemas para el desarrollo sostenible. Sin embargo, las comunidades locales han manifestado su preocupacion en relación con la probabilidad de acaparamiento del oceano y los impactos negativos en sus medios de vida. En el caso de Colombia, las comunidades costeras son vulnerables al cambio climático, así como comunidades marginadas (comunidades indígenas, mujeres y afrodescentiendes) que viven en condiciones de pobreza y necesidades básicas insatisfechas. En ese sentido, los proyectos de carbono azul deben incluir salvaguardas para proteger a estas comunidades del acaparamiento del oceano con base en argumentos de justicia climática procedimental y sustantiva.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the prevalence pattern of anemia among Indigenous children in Latin America. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed. Records were identified from the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Lilacs by two independent researchers between May and June 2021. Studies were included if the following criteria were met: a) studied Indigenous people b) was about children (from 0 to 12 years old); c) reported a prevalence estimate of anemia; d) had been conducted in any of the countries of Latin America; e) was published either in English, Portuguese, or Spanish; f) is a peer-reviewed article; and g) was published at any date. Results: Out of 2,401 unique records retrieved, 42 articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 39 different Indigenous communities were analyzed in the articles, and in 21 of them (54.0%) child anemia was a severe public health problem (prevalence ? 40%). Those communities were the Aymara (Bolivia); Aruak, Guaraní, Kamaiurá, Karapotó, Karibe, Kaxinanuá, Ma-cro-Jê, Suruí, Terena, Xavante (Brazil); Cabécar (Costa Rica), Achuar, Aguaruna, Awajún, Urarina, Yomybato (Peru); Piaroa and Yucpa (Venezuela); and Quechua (Peru and Bolivia). Children below two years had the highest prevalence of anemia (between 16.2% and 86.1%). Among Indigenous people, risk factors for anemia include nutrition, poor living conditions, access to health services, racism, and discrimination. Bolivia and Guatemala are scarcely studied, despite having the highest proportion of Indigenous communities in Latin America. Conclusions: Anemia constitutes a poorly documented public health problem among Indigenous children in 21 Indigenous communities in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru. In all Indigenous communities included in this study child anemia was an issue, especially in younger children. Resumen: Objetivo: Describir el patrón de prevalencia de anemia en niños indígenas de América Latina. Métodos: Se siguieron las directrices PRISMA. Los registros fueron identificados en las bases de datos PubMed, Google Scholar y Lilacs por dos investigadores independientes entre mayo y junio de 2021. Los estudios se incluyeron si cumplían los siguientes criterios: a) estudiaban a indígenas; b) eran sobre niños (de 0 a 12 años); c) reportaban una estimación de prevalencia de anemia; d) se habían realizado en cualquiera de los países de América Latina; e) se publicaron en inglés, portugués o español; f) eran artículos revisados por pares; y g) se publicaron en cualquier fecha. Resultados: De los 2.401 registros únicos recuperados, 42 artículos cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Un total de 39 comunidades indígenas diferentes fueron analizadas en los artículos, y en 21 de ellas (54,0%) la anemia infantil era un problema grave de salud pública (prevalencia ? 40%). Esas comunidades eran aymara (Bolivia); aruak, guaraní, kamaiurá, karapotó, karibe, kaxinanuá, macro- jê, suruí, terena, xavante (Brasil); cabécar (Costa Rica), achuar, aguaruna, awajún, urarina, yomybato (Perú); piaroa y yucpa (Venezuela); y quechua (Perú y Bolivia). Los niños menores de dos años presentaban la mayor prevalencia de anemia (entre el 16,2% y el 86,1%). Entre los indígenas, los factores de riesgo de la anemia son la nutrición, las malas condiciones de vida, el acceso a los servicios sanitarios, el racismo y la discriminación. Bolivia y Guatemala están escasamente estudiados, a pesar de tener la mayor proporción de comunidades indígenas de América Latina. Conclusiones: La anemia constituye un problema de salud pública poco documentado entre los niños indígenas de 21 comunidades indígenas de Bolivia, Brasil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, México y Perú. En todas las comunidades indígenas incluidas en este estudio, la anemia infantil era un problema, especialmente en los niños más pequeños.

Resumen: Los puentes atirantados son una tipología muy eficiente que posee agradables atributos estéticos. En los últimos años ha emergido como el sistema dominante para puentes de grandes luces, hasta 1200 m gracias a la combinación de distintos avances tecnológicos que la han convertido en muy competitiva. Aparte de la estabilidad aerodinámica, para esta tipología es relevante el estudio de la estabilidad del equilibrio elástico global y local del tablero frente a las cargas de compresión que se generan por el esquema de atirantamiento. En este trabajo se presenta un estudio paramétrico en puentes atirantados que permite identificar y evaluar un rango de luces donde los fenómenos de inestabilidad global del tablero son significativos. Para lograr este análisis se plantean varios objetivos, inicialmente de estudio, luego de modelación e identificación de rangos y finalmente de análisis y conclusiones. Los temas estudiados para el estado del conocimiento son la evolución del proyecto de tableros de puentes atirantados metálicos y mixtos en función de la luz, así como la tipología de tableros en función de la luz del tablero frente a los fenómenos de inestabilidad global. Para la modelización del tablero se considera el modelo de viga sobre cimentación elástica o modelo de Winkler con módulo de reacción constante y variable, junto con esfuerzos axiles de variación constante y variable. Con los resultados obtenidos se identifican rangos de luces donde la inestabilidad es importante para el análisis, al cual se le evalúan sus efectos no lineales y su posible repercusión en el proyecto del tablero.

Abstract: Innovation is an essential asset in an ever-changing world. Commercial brands that used to focus solely on profit are increasingly facing criticism from different parts of society to the point of risking their sustainability and space in the future. Pro-social and impact-driven brands are rising, and such is the literature about business models navigating new kinds of 'enlightened' free-market strategies. Since museums have experienced -and still are- a similar change, they can be considered experts in navigating social and cultural impact matters. Through the methodology of cross-industry innovation, one sector can learn from another to disrupt the status quo and achieve valuable paradigm shifts. This article reviews the literature on the change of brands and museums towards the social, laying the foundations for an interesting dialogue between two apparent opposite creative sectors, comercial and cultural, profit-driven and non-profit social institutions.

Resumen: Colombia se enfrenta a múltiples retos de desarrollo rural debido a presiones tanto externas como internas. Por un lado, su importancia en la producción mundial de alimentos exige formas sostenibles de aumentar la productividad al tiempo que se salvaguardan y protegen sus recursos naturales y culturales. Por otro lado, la voluntad política de posicionar el campo como motor económico del país frente a la desmineralización de la economía se suma a la importancia de estos paisajes para la construcción de paz. Esta investigación aborda las ruralidades en transición en Colombia y propone el enfoque sistémico del paisaje como herramienta para orientar el desarrollo rural hacia la sostenibilidad. El proceso investigativo llevado a cabo es de carácter mixto, abarcando enfoques teóricos, cartográficos, fotográficos y de trabajo de campo. Se analizan las características, realidades y retos de la ruralidad colombiana, se argumenta la relevancia del paisaje como guía para el proceso de desarrollo y se realiza una aproximación empírica a un estudio de caso en Colombia que muestra cómo se están abordando los nuevos enfoques de desarrollo en los territorios rurales del país. A partir de estos hallazgos se definen una serie de estrategias, lineamientos y acciones desde una visión amplia pero con proyección de implementación local para aprovechar el paisaje como recurso y herramienta para el desarrollo rural desde un enfoque sistémico que contribuya a un desarrollo económicamente viable, socialmente responsable y ambientalmente amigable. Esta investigación busca contribuir al debate sobre el desarrollo rural en Colombia, promoviendo un enfoque integral y holístico que considere la complejidad de los paisajes rurales, la conservación de la biodiversidad, la protección de las culturas locales y la promoción de prácticas productivas sostenibles. Se espera que las estrategias y lineamientos propuestos sean de utilidad para la toma de decisiones y la planeación de políticas públicas orientadas al desarrollo rural sostenible en Colombia y otros contextos similares.

Abstract: The author examines the special considerations needed when planning transportation systems using transportation modeling with a gender-sensitive approach. The findings of this thesis are highly relevant as they demonstrate how traditional planning processes are blind to the needs and experiences of women in transportation. Using mixed methods, combining transportation survey data, an existing 4-step model, and expert interviews, the case of Bogotá, Colombia, is examined. This thesis evaluates the clear differences between women’s mobility behavior and men’s, exploring how, if so, 4-step models can represent and evaluate these different behaviors. The results of this thesis demonstrate the need to develop more precise and disaggregated transportation models to develop gender-sensitive policies in the field of urban mobility. Furthermore, this thesis presents a way forward for incorporating gender criteria into transportation modeling, which can be useful for cities to develop long-term plans to improve their technical processes. Resumen: El autor examina las consideraciones especiales necesarias a la hora de planificar sistemas de transporte utilizando modelos de transporte con un enfoque sensible al género. Los hallazgos de esta tesis son muy relevantes, ya que demuestran cómo los procesos de planificación tradicionales son ajenos a las necesidades y experiencias de las mujeres en el transporte. Utilizando métodos mixtos, combinando datos de encuestas de transporte, un modelo existente de 4 pasos y entrevistas a expertos, se analiza el caso de Bogotá, Colombia. Esta tesis evalúa las claras diferencias entre los patrones de desplazamiento de las mujeres y los de los hombres, explorando cómo, en su caso, los modelos de 4 pasos pueden representar y evaluar estos diferentes comportamientos. Los resultados de esta tesis demuestran la necesidad de desarrollar modelos de transporte más precisos y desagregados para desarrollar políticas sensibles al género en el campo de la movilidad urbana. Además, esta tesis presenta un camino a seguir para incorporar criterios de género en la modelización del transporte, lo que puede ser útil para que las ciudades desarrollen planes a largo plazo para mejorar sus procesos técnicos.