Abstract: The exchange of water and sediments between the Magdalena River and the Zapayán wetland is regulated by the complex interactions that exist between these important water bodies. The effect of these interactions in the Zapayán Water System (ZWS) are mainly the flood propagation, the water circulation pattern and the concentration of nutrients. The ZWS plays an important role in the regulation of floods for the villages and towns located downstream of it. The Zapayán wetland and it connection channel are located on the right bank of the Magdalena River 150 km upstream of its mouth in Bocas de Ceniza. In this study hydrodynamic interactions between the Magdalena River and the Zapayán wetland are investigated gathering the proper knowledge about the responses of this wetland to the flood events in the river by a series of regression equations generated from the output of a physically based model of the ZWS. The model calibration and validation processes were carried out by comparing the observed flood extent derived from a satellite image and the flood extent generated by the model. Four hydraulic indicators of the ZWS were analyzed using the physically based model results: water level, flood extent, overtopping flow area and the river-wetland discharge, and using the water level in the Magdalena River as independent or input variable, 18 regression equations were derived to describe and quantify the river-wetland interactions. Results show that the interaction of the Magdalena River and the Zapayán wetland depends on the head differences between these water bodies and the velocity of the water ascension in the river. The proposed equations are very promising, as they can be applied in combination with data of the Forecasting and Early Warning System of Colombia, generating information that will help the local authorities, stakeholders and decision makers, to reduce flood risk in the ZWS region. Resumen: El intercambio de agua y sedimentos entre el río Magdalena y la Ciénaga de Zapayán está regulado por las complejas interacciones que existen entre estos cuerpos de agua. El efecto de estas interacciones en el Sistema Hídrico de Zapayán (SHZ) son principalmente la propagación de inundaciones, el patrón de circulación del agua y la concentración de nutrientes. El SHZ desempeña un papel importante en la regulación de las inundaciones en los pueblos y ciudades situados aguas debajo de este. La Ciénaga de Zapayán y su caño se ubican en la margen derecha del río Magdalena 150 km aguas arriba de su desembocadura en Bocas de Ceniza. En este estudio se investigan las interacciones hidrodinámicas entre el río Magdalena y la Ciénaga de Zapayán reuniendo el conocimiento adecuado sobre las respuestas de esta a las inundaciones en el río mediante una serie de ecuaciones de regresión generadas a partir de la salida de un modelo hidrodinámico del SHZ. Los procesos de calibración y validación del modelo se llevaron a cabo comparando la extensión de la inundación observada derivada de una imagen satelital y la extensión de la inundación modelada. Se analizaron cuatro indicadores hidráulicos del SHZ utilizando los resultados del modelo hidrodinámico: nivel del agua, extensión de la inundación, área de flujo desbordante y descarga río-humedal, y utilizando el nivel del agua en el río Magdalena como variable independiente o de entrada, se generaron 18 ecuaciones de regresión derivadas para describir y cuantificar las interacciones río-ciénaga. Los resultados muestran que la interacción del río Magdalena y la Ciénaga de Zapayán depende de las diferencias de cabeza hidráulica entre estos cuerpos de agua y la velocidad de ascensión del agua en el río. Las ecuaciones propuestas son muy prometedoras, ya que pueden aplicarse en combinación con datos del Sistema de Pronóstico y Alerta Temprana de Colombia, generando información que ayudará a las autoridades locales, actores y administradores, a dar mejor manejo al SHZ.

Abstract: The transition from armed conflict to post-conflict periods in tropical countries can have significant impacts on natural ecosystems and their services. Colombia, a country currently transitioning into a post-conflict period, faces significant challenges arising from the peace agreement. These challenges are related to rural land development, socio-economic recovery, stabilization of the agricultural frontier, and the conservation of its tropical forests. Therefore, understanding the role of ecosystem services becomes important for sustainable land development strategies that prioritize the well-being of local communities and the conservation of tropical forests and the services they supply. The objective of this thesis was to explore the supply of ecosystem services in a post-conflict tropical forest region and assess the implications of different rural landscape alternatives on ecosystem services supply and local communities’ livelihoods, using El Capricho Environmental Unit for Peace and Social Services (El Capricho UAPSS) from San José del Guaviare, Colombia, as a case study. To achieve the research objective, the study employed as research methods the analysis of land cover maps and ecosystem services analysis, including the bundle analysis. The data collection methods included an expert assessment through the application of an online survey and literature review. Pastures were identified as the major land cover type in the baseline landscape, followed by secondary vegetation and dense forest. Three rural landscape alternatives were determined for future landscape development: agroforestry, forest conservation, and intensification of extensive livestock farming and timber extraction, also referred to as livestock & timber intensification. The study identified 22 main ecosystem services in the study area, categorized into nine provisioning, nine regulating and maintenance, and four cultural services. The findings revealed the high importance of water supply, livestock, water cycle regulation, and crops, among other services, for local communities. The assessment of ecosystem services showed that more natural land covers, such as dense forest and fragmented forest, exhibited higher capacities to supply ecosystem services compared to highly human-modified land covers. A possible trade-off between livestock service and other ecosystem services was also observed. Furthermore, the study assessed the ecosystem services supply within the baseline landscape and the three alternatives. For the baseline landscape, it was found that the more homogenous landscape pattern benefits some ES at the expense of others, highlighting the high potential supply of livestock and carbon sequestration. The agroforestry and forest conservation alternatives, characterized by landscape heterogeneity, showed a more balanced bundle of ecosystem services with a high potential supply. In contrast, the livestock & timber intensification alternative, characterized by landscape homogeneity, showed a decline in the potential supply of most ecosystem services. The implications of these findings for local communities suggest the importance of maintaining a diverse range of ecosystem services. Recommendations for sustainable rural landscape development include the promotion of agroforestry practices, forest conservation efforts, and careful management of livestock. Additionally, other economic activities can emerge by making use of ecosystem services with high potential supply, such as nature-based tourism, nature photography, and payment for ecosystem services schemes. This can support local communities’ livelihoods and provide new income opportunities and income diversification. These recommendations, combined with community involvement and monitoring systems, can help rural areas in post-conflict tropical forests achieve a high level of rural development and preserve ecosystem services.

Abstract: SEPSIS-3 IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN LABOUR Abstract Introduction: Maternal sepsis represents 10.7% of maternal deaths worldwide, ranking as the third cause of mortality after haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders. Despite its high incidence, it still lacks a gold standard diagnosis. The latest update that proposed new sepsis criteria and scores, Sepsis-3, did not mention pregnancy as part of the study population. This study aims to evaluate the inclusion or exclusion of Sepsis- 3 pregnancy. Methods: This is a literature review of the Sepsis-3 database looking for the inclusion or exclusion of pregnancy from the latest update in sepsis and the basis of current definitions and guidelines. In addition, I reported the retrospective measurement of qSOFA and SOFA scores in 100 pregnant patients in labour from the EPIFEVER-2 cohort at the Royal London Hospital compared to their infection status. Results: Sepsis-3 investigators evaluated the predictive validity of the SOFA and qSOFA score for mortality in sepsis among nearly 1 million patients, however, pregnant women were not included. The SOFA and qSOFA score overlap with the normal physiological changes of pregnancy and labour, in the EPIFEVER-2 cohort 16% of uninfected pregnant patients during labour scored 1 point on qSOFA and 17% 1 point on SOFA score. The highest SOFA score of 3 points was obtained in a patient with bleeding rather than infection. Conclusion: Pregnant patients were not included in the Sepsis-3 databases. Therefore, qSOFA and SOFA score have not been validated for use in this population. Furthermore, as they are not modified for the normal physiological changes of pregnancy, detection of patients without infection has been reported. Further validation of qSOFA or modified SOFA scores as sepsis-specific maternal warning scores is expected in future research.

Abstract: Older Colombians face significant adversities: poverty, violence and displacement. However, there is evidence that Latinos are often resilient. We examine resilience in older Colombians living in poverty using an ecological framework that identifies three levels: individual; community; and societal. In this paper we examine data from 16 semi-structured interviews with older Colombians that explore resilience within the context of poverty. We analyze our data using three stages: (1) modified grounded theory; (2) assignment of resilience status; (3) identification of components of the ecological framework which contribute to resilience in these participants. The most striking feature is that some participants are able to adapt to their situation, demonstrating resilience, whilst others are not. Individual characteristics such as psychological and material resources contribute to resilience. At the community level, family, social support, participation and cohesion promote resilience. Finally, at the societal level, social and welfare services, finance, religion and social policy, are important factors. These different levels of resilience are co-dependent, and we illustrate how this is so. We suggest that older Colombians living in poverty often demonstrate resilience, but that more can be done to enhance their lives. This includes interventions at the individual and community levels alongside changes in social policy.

Abstract: The forthcoming industrial environments will require a high level of automation to be flexible. In this sense, Industry 4.0 encourages the integration of new autonomous systems digitally interconnected that can interact with humans. This thesis is developed at CIM 4.0 in the frame of the FIXIT project aiming to produce an autonomous system integrated by a UAV and a UGV. As a result, a combined system that complies with the Industry 4.0 requirements is created and mainly serves an operator by performing inspection tasks. This work is focused on redesigning the UAV airframe. Normally these structures are manufactured with some conventional techniques like molding which limits building complex structures and presents high costs in most cases. In this sense, the scope is to create a personalized structure at a lower price than the standard airframes by implementing one of the industry 4.0 pillars: additive manufacturing. The topology optimization method is integrated into the design process to create a mass-customized structure with optimum structural properties. The role of Additive manufacturing in this work is crucial to obtain an innovative, customized system with an optimum cost considering the prices on the market. The thesis is performed in different phases, starting from the definition of the UAV configuration and the propulsion system. Then a multi-material comparison and the analysis of different airframe designs are performed considering the cost and structural performance. Following this is the detailed design, in which other necessary features like the landing system, devices’ supports, and protection structures are designed. Finally, is performed the manufacturing phase in which a functional prototype is printed through FDM technology. The result is a lightweight customized airframe with good mechanical properties and optimum cost that is well integrated with the electronic components and landing system, enabling its autonomous performance characterized by repeatability and effectiveness. Esta tesis se desarrolla en el marco del proyecto FIXIT en el Centro de Manufactura Integrada (CIM) 4.0 con el objetivo de crear un sistema autónomo integrado por un Vehículo Aéreo No Tripulado (UAV) y un Vehículo Terrestre No Tripulado (UGV). Resultado: Como resultado, se crea un sistema combinado que cumple con los requisitos de la Industria 4.0 y que principalmente sirve a un operador para realizar tareas de inspección. En este sentido, el objetivo de este proyecto de tesis es crear una estructura personalizada a un precio inferior al de las estructuras estándar mediante la implementación de uno de los pilares de la Industria 4.0: la fabricación aditiva. El método de optimización de la topología se integra en el proceso de diseño para crear una estructura personalizada con propiedades estructurales óptimas. El papel de la fabricación aditiva en este trabajo es crucial para obtener un sistema innovador y personalizado con un costo óptimo, teniendo en cuenta los precios del mercado. La tesis se realiza en diferentes fases, comenzando desde la definición de la configuración del UAV y el sistema de propulsión. Luego se realiza una comparación de materiales múltiples y se analizan diferentes diseños de la estructura del UAV teniendo en cuenta el costo y el rendimiento estructural. A continuación, se lleva a cabo el diseño detallado, en el que se diseñan otras características necesarias como el sistema de aterrizaje, los soportes de dispositivos y las estructuras de protección. Finalmente, se realiza la fase de fabricación en la que se imprime un prototipo funcional mediante la tecnología de Fabricación por Deposición Fundida (FDM). El resultado es una estructura personalizada y ligera con buenas propiedades mecánicas y un costo óptimo que se integra bien con los componentes electrónicos y el sistema de aterrizaje, lo que permite su funcionamiento autónomo caracterizado por la repetibilidad y la efectividad.

Abstract: This thesis revolves around Metarhizium, fungi well-known for their entomopathogenic nature but recently discovered to have multifaceted lifestyles. They thrive in soil as saprophytes and engage in plant rhizospheres, positively impacting plant health. However, the mechanisms underlying these interactions remain elusive. The thesis examines Metarhizium brunneum's connections with plants, insects, and pathogens through five distinct chapters. These chapters entail: 1) identifying fungal isolates' differences and their efficacy as biocontrol agents, 2) exploring their association with crops, particularly oilseed rape and potatoes, and understanding their effects on insect pests and plant diseases, 3) studying the impact on herbivores like Psylliodes chrysocephala, Myzus persicae, and Brevicoryne brassicae feeding on Brassica napus plants, 4) evaluating their influence on the cabbage root fly (Delia radicum) and the mechanisms involved in plant defense pathways, and 5) examining their ability to protect oilseed rape plants against Verticillium longisporum, dissecting the mechanisms through in vitro and greenhouse experiments. These research aspects collectively elucidate the potential applications of Metarhizium brunneum and contribute to a deeper understanding of its role in agricultural systems. Resumen: Esta tesis gira en torno a Metarhizium, hongos bien conocidos por su naturaleza entomopatógena, pero de los que recientemente se ha descubierto que tienen estilos de vida polifacéticos. Prosperan en el suelo como saprofitos y se introducen en las rizosferas de las plantas, influyendo positivamente en su salud. Sin embargo, los mecanismos que subyacen a estas interacciones siguen siendo elusivos. La tesis examina las conexiones de Metarhizium brunneum con plantas, insectos y patógenos a través de cinco capítulos distintos. Estos capítulos comprenden: 1) identificar las diferencias de los aislados fúngicos y su eficacia como agentes de biocontrol, 2) explorar su asociación con los cultivos, en particular la colza y la patata, y comprender sus efectos sobre las plagas de insectos y las enfermedades de las plantas, 3) estudiar el impacto sobre herbívoros como Psylliodes chrysocephala, Myzus persicae, y Brevicoryne brassicae que se alimentan de plantas de Brassica napus, 4) evaluar su influencia en la mosca de la raíz de la col (Delia radicum) y los mecanismos implicados en las vías de defensa de las plantas, y 5) examinar su capacidad para proteger las plantas de colza oleaginosa contra Verticillium longisporum, diseccionando los mecanismos mediante experimentos in vitro y en invernadero. Estos aspectos de la investigación dilucidan colectivamente las aplicaciones potenciales de Metarhizium brunneum y contribuyen a una comprensión más profunda de su papel en los sistemas agrícolas.

Abstract: Irrigation plays a critical role in paddy rice cultivation. Water availability becomes a limiting factor when irrigation do not consider crop water requirements and the predominant edaphic properties. This study was conducted in five paddy rice fields cultivation subjected to different irrigation schedules in the UsoCoello irrigation district, Tolima region, Colombia. The aim of this research was to assess the effectiveness of geophysical data, specifically apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) collected by means of the EM38-MK2 device and multispectral data based on the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) from Sentinel-2A to delineate site- specific management zones (MZs). Prior to analysis, the collected variables underwent exploratory data analysis to identify and remove outliers and inliers. Further, geostatistical techniques were employed to describe the spatial variability of ECa measurements. To reduce dimensionality and account for spatial correlations in the data, a modified version of principal component analysis (PCA) known as MULTISPATI-PCA was applied. Fuzzy k-means was performed to categorize the MZ based on two sPC, where the optimal number of MZs was determined based on summary indices. Finally, each MZ was validated using Mixed Linear Models (MLM) considering spatial structures with random stratified sampling of rice yield and soil water content from TDR measurements. NDWI and ECa were poorly positively correlated (6% to 31% correlation) for most of the Plots to slightly higher negative correlation (3% to 46%) being statistically significant (Pr <0.05), while the multispectral bands showed strong correlation with the vegetation index, they presented the opposite effect (weak correlations) between ECa. Data pre-processing removed 9% (Plot 2) to 21% (Plot 1) of the total observations, lowering the coefficient of variation (CV). The spatial structure was analyzed by semivariograms, and fitted by spherical, gaussian and exponential models showing a high cross validation coefficient (CVC) of 91%, 97.5%, 76%, 70% and 90% for Plot 1 to Plot 5, respectively. Two MZs were selected and their means exhibited statistically significant (Pr<0.05) differences through Tukey’s test, providing further evidence of the effectiveness of integrating geophysical and multispectral data in delineating these zones. This methodology will be used as input for optimizing paddy rice cultivation by means of irrigation scheduling in the UsoCoello irrigation district, Tolima, Colombia.

Abstract: The case studies of Sudan and Venezuela, in light of the existing literature on diasporas, provide an insight into the role diaspora organisations play in assisting their countries of origin during humanitarian crises. Through a comparative exercise it is shown how they collaborate, coordinate and distribute different types of resources in protracted situations where humanitarian aid is clearly needed but often limited. It is how the performed analysis makes it possible to establish both strengths and weaknesses of these diasporas’ involvement, something that should be carefully considered in terms of the impact on the overall well-being of affected and vulnerable communities in their homelands. Which, in turn, paves the way for more research to be done on diasporas as legitimate humanitarian actors in the international system, as well as highlights the necessity for establishing mutually beneficial relationships with traditional international actors.

Resumen: La unidad de cuidado intensivo es considerada como uno de los servicios integradores de más importancia en las instituciones de salud. La gestión de la calidad en ellas ha sido un reto complejo de abordar al tener características sui generis en dependencia de la calidad de los pacientes que recibe en relación con las especialidades disponibles. Es por ello por lo que a través del Consenso Colombiano De Calidad En Cuidados Intensivos se ha buscado estructurar un plan de gestión que permita encontrar un marco común y sobre el estructurar las estrategias de control y mejora. Por medio de las estrategias de planificación estratégica y gestión estudiadas en el máster en Dirección y Gestión Sanitaria de la Universidad Internacional de la Rioja, se identificaron aspectos claves a mejorar en la clínica Medicentro Familiar IPS, ubicada en la localidad de Fontibón, de la ciudad de Bogotá, D.C. Se evidencio que a pesar de haber un cumplimiento de los estándares mínimos de calidad de la resolución 0256 de 201 del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia, existen aspectos que merecen una atención: Estructural: no disponibilidad de los servicios de radiología intervencionista, hemodinamia y neurointervencionismo. Docente: ausencia de un plan de formación de residentes. Recursos humanos: tercerización del personal médico. Calidad: la falta de un sistema de reporte anónimo y temprano de actos inseguros y / o eventos adversos; problemas en el programa de optimización de antimicrobianos que favorecen la variabilidad en la selección e inicio de antibióticos. Abstract: The intensive care unit is considered one of the most important integrative services in health institutions. Quality management in them has been a complex challenge to address as they have sui generis characteristics depending on the quality of the patients they receive in relation to the available specialties. This is why, through the Colombian Consensus on Quality in Intensive Care, we have sought to structure a management plan that allows finding a common framework and structuring control and improvement strategies. Through the strategic planning and management strategies studied in the master's degree in Health Direction and Management at the International University of La Rioja, key aspects to improve were identified in the Medicentro Familiar IPS clinic, located in the town of Fontibón, in the city from Bogotá, D.C. It was evident that despite compliance with the minimum quality standards of resolution 0256 of 201 of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia, there are aspects that deserve attention: Structural: non-availability of interventional radiology services, hemodynamics and neurointerventionism. Teacher: absence of a resident training plan. Human resources: outsourcing of medical personnel. Quality: the lack of an anonymous and early reporting system for unsafe acts and/or adverse events; problems in the antimicrobial optimization program that favor variability in the selection and initiation of antibiotics.

Abstract: The representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 of the the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) indicates that if anthropogenic carbon emissions follow dramatic increasing trends, in the next ~200-300 years mean global temperatures can be ~5-10 ?C higher than today. This temperature increase may generate climate conditions similar to those of the late Paleoceneearly Eocene (~58-52 Ma), which recorded the highest temperatures in the last ~60 Ma. Late Paleocene-early Eocene climates were characterized by a series of light carbon injections that produced major global warming/ocean acidification events called hyperthermals, and other smaller carbon cycle perturbations. Although late Paleocene-early Eocene geological records offer a possibility to identify global warming impacts under the worst anthropogenic-driven climatic scenario, important aspects related to the triggers and environmental responses of late Paleocene-early Eocene carbon cycle perturbations remain elusive. Here, two major scientific problems of late Paleocene-early Eocene carbon cycle perturbations are addressed. Initially, new chemical datasets are presented to clarify the origins of the largest Paleocene-Eocene carbon cycle perturbation, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). Early Eocene carbon cycle perturbations have been interpreted to be orbitally forced events; however, the influence of orbital controls on PETM triggering remains controversial. New probabilistic-based approaches are used to indicate that the PETM was at least partially triggered by an orbitally controlled mechanism, which contrasts with previous studies that restricted PETM triggering to volcanic activity. Secondly, probabilistic-based age models and statistical assessments are presented to refine poorly studied carbon sequestration timescales following Paleocene-Eocene light carbon injections. New temporal constraints reveal that carbon sequestration following Paleocene-Eocene light carbon injections was accelerated in proportion to the size of the initial perturbation. Optimized carbon removal was partially related to accelerated chemical weathering. This process also ended ocean acidification induced by Paleocene-Eocene carbon cycle perturbations, and reestablished predominant calcium carbonate sedimentation in the oceans. However, chemical weathering was not the only optimized carbon sequestration mechanism following Paleocene-Eocene light carbon injections. Temperature variations associated with Paleocene-Eocene carbon cycle perturbations exerted controls on oxygen levels. Reduced oxygen levels associated with higher temperatures may have accelerated export production and oceanic biological pump, which also promoted enhanced carbon removal. The findings presented in this thesis represent significant advances for our knowledge of origins and carbon cycle feedbacks associated with global warming events; furthermore, this thesis emphasizes that probabilistic-based approaches and statistical assessments can provide a better understanding of paleoclimate records.