Abstract: The Colombian Navy currently has a deficit of logistical vessels to support other maritime and landbased units. Through the Naval Development Plan 2042, the Navy’s objective is to acquire, among other objectives, one multipurpose vessel or Landing Platform Dock and four logistic ships. This study aims to apply the MCDA methodology for selecting a logistic ship within the alternatives presented by the Chief of Naval Planning. In developing this study, a Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model has been made for the Colombian Navy. The Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique (SMART) has been applied to select the most optimal logistic vessel according to the considerations and specifications provided by the Navy. Four alternatives of different designs and companies were assessed in this study: KERSHIP B2M, FASSMER MPV 70 MKII, DAMEN Logistic Support Vessel LSV 6513 and BCC 6012 (Cargo and cabotage vessel) from COTECMAR shipyard. Our main idea was to break down the overall problem into smaller parts, focusing on them separately. The SMART model was structured in a step-by-step procedure described in an easy-to-follow and user-friendly manner. Six fundamental objectives were identified and assessed by experts. The decision-maker then assessed the main attributes resulted from the expert’s evaluation. The decision-maker preferences were identified for the following criteria: cost, operational capabilities, and support capacity to determine the most preferred alternative. The results suggest that the B2M and BCC 6012 were the most preferred alternative, lying on the efficient frontier. Through sensitivity analysis, the decision-maker was supported to assess how efficient the vessel selection is and thus achieve an optimal choice within the alternatives. The results indicate that MCDA and SMART can support decision-makers in analysing, structuring, and interpreting priorities in a decision-making process. The main output of this thesis has been the implementation of a decision model to assist decision-making in selecting a logistics vessel for the Navy.

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.

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.

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.

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: Esta investigación tiene como objetivo responder la pregunta por el papel que juegan las redes sociales en el activismo, qué tipo de prácticas activistas albergan y cómo esto da forma a un espacio feminista en la red. Para lograr responder a estas preguntas he trabajado de cerca con cuatro activistas de cuatro colectivos colombianos reconocidos por su presencia digital, creación de contenido y trabajo activista en el contexto nacional. A saber: Hiedras y Bolívar en Falda en Medellín, Feministas en Construcción en Bogotá y Maleza en Manizales. Los cuatro colectivos y las activistas con las que tuve la oportunidad de discutir son un caso representativo del feminismo digital en el país. Por lo cual propongo implementar la metodología de estudio de caso. Este diseño de investigación provee herramientas para cumplir con los objetivos planteados en cuanto me permite, a partir de los datos empíricos y la teoría planteada, construir explicaciones y reconstruir patrones de las prácticas activistas mediáticas. Finalmente, a partir del análisis del activismo digital feminista en términos de prácticas mediáticas digitales se plantea una discusión, algunas conclusiones y reflexiones finales. Esta investigación espera aportar a la literatura sobre activismo digital feminista. Dado que el material es reducido mientras que los grupos activistas son cada vez más y con logros y alianzas cada vez más importantes. En tiempos donde las acciones políticas desde diferentes flancos de la sociedad colombiana que van en detrimento de los derechos de las mujeres tienen tanta fuerza y presencia en redes sociales, las voces feministas en las redes sociales constituyen una fuerza contestataria importante. Por esto, considero que indagar más sobre las relaciones entre prácticas, medios digitales y feminismo, es un aporte hacia una comprensión más amplia del presente y futuro del feminismo y los movimientos feministas contemporáneos. Abstract: This research aims to answer the question of the role that social networks play in activism, what kind of activist practices they harbor and how this shapes a feminist space on the web. In order to answer these questions I have worked closely with four activists from four Colombian collectives recognized for their digital presence, content creation and activist work in the national context. The collectives Hiedras and Bolivar en Falda in Medellin, Feministas en Construcción in Bogota and Maleza in Manizales. The four collectives and the activists with whom I had the opportunity to discuss are a representative case of digital feminism in the country. Therefore, I propose to implement the case study methodology. This research design provides tools to meet the objectives set out in that it allows me, from the empirical data and the theory proposed, to build explanations and reconstruct patterns of media activist practices. Finally, based on the analysis of feminist digital activism in terms of digital media practices, a discussion, some conclusions and final reflections are presented. This research hopes to contribute to the literature on feminist digital activism. Given that the material is reduced while activist groups are increasingly more and with increasingly important achievements and alliances. In times where political actions from different sides of Colombian society that are detrimental to women's rights have so much strength and presence in social networks, feminist voices in social networks are an important contestation force. For this reason, I believe that further research on the relationship between practices, digital media and feminism is a contribution to a broader understanding of the present and future of feminism and contemporary feminist movements.

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 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: 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: In recent years, breweries have had to adapt the way they use resources and manage the by-products of the production chain, such as organic and packaging waste. Likewise, they’ve needed to find a way to respond to the environmental pressures of the beer industry, such as energy and water usage as well as resource depletion. Several alternatives have been proposed to face these environmental burdens, one example is the application of Circular Economy principles in the production process. This research focuses on the supply chain-related challenges that small craft breweries face when they use circular or alternative raw materials in their production chain. This research seeks to understand the circular supply chain in the brewing industry by analysing three small European breweries. Data collection consisted of multiple sources, among which were interviews. The main goal is to identify the challenges faced by the companies that switched their production methods leaning toward circularity and to find a possible way to address them. The challenges will be analysed following the Circular Business Model and the Circular Supply Chain Theoretical Approaches. The contribution of this project is in terms of management decision-making for a circular supply chain in small businesses in the food industry.