Abstract: The research explores the role of regional Planning in fostering sustainable development in Colombia's diverse Pacific economic, social, and environmentally challenging context. Regional Planning is a traditional process that aims to enhance competitiveness, infrastructure connectivity between territories, and economic growth while addressing contemporary priorities like sustainable development. In response to these challenges, the Administrative and Planning Region (RAP Pacífico) in 2016 was created as a cooperative entity encompassing Pacific departments. This initiative seeks to stimulate economic and social development while overcoming financial, technical, and capacity related constraints. RAP Pacífico, through its Regional Strategic Plan, approved in 2021, departs from conventional approaches by adopting a collaborative and multidimensional strategy involving local authorities, private enterprises, and civil society. This research examines its innovative design strategies under the social innovation theory and its alignment with sustainable development goals. Moreover, the analysis sheds light on the potential of incorporating innovative elements in Planning exercises addressing complex societal challenges and aiming for regional sustainable development within the public management context, particularly in developing nations.

Abstract: Material Adverse Change clauses (MAC clauses) are contractual provisions that are usually incorporated within M&A and debt finance transactions. However, the low number of disputes that have arisen regarding the interpretation and application of such provisions have raised concerns given the uncertainty of its application and construction by the courts. Although the doctrine of good faith has been regarded as alien to English Contract Law, in this dissertation that claim is challenged by exploring other dimensions of such principle through two Civil Law jurisdictions and two recent judgements in English Law concerning MAC clauses in the context of Loan Agreements. Resumen: Las cláusulas de Cambio Adverso Sustancial (MAC, por sus siglas en inglés) son disposiciones contractuales que generalmente se incorporan en transacciones de fusiones y adquisiciones, así como en transacciones de financiamiento de deuda. Sin embargo, la baja cantidad de disputas que han surgido respecto a la interpretación y aplicación de tales disposiciones ha generado preocupación dada la incertidumbre en su aplicación y construcción por parte de los tribunales. Aunque la doctrina de la buena fe ha sido considerada ajena al Derecho de Contratos inglés, en esta tesis se cuestiona esa afirmación al explorar otras dimensiones de dicho principio a través de dos jurisdicciones de Derecho Civil y dos sentencias recientes en el Derecho inglés relacionadas con cláusulas MAC en el contexto de Acuerdos de Préstamo.

Abstract: Risk analysis techniques help to identify threats, problems and anomalies in processes and systems that may affect the health and safety of employees, the environment, equipment reliability and normative compliance. In this thesis, a stochastic risk analysis with Monte Carlo simulation applied to FMECA (Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis) was performed for a specific model of wind turbine located in the Alpha Ventus offshore wind Park. Monte Carlo simulations provide the decisionmaker with a range of possible outcomes and the probabilities of occurrences of these results, that are derived mainly from the uncertainty associated to the subjectivity of judgement from a group of experts. As a supplementary method to the stochastic FMECA, Risk Assessments Matrix (RAM) was also used for bivariate distributions of Severity and Occurrence of the identified failure modes. The results obtained were compared to the results that would be normally obtained with a conventional FMECA and RAM and will serve in future steps to develop Risk-Based Inspection plans for this model of wind turbine in this offshore wind park.

Abstract: The author sets out a strategy for the sustainable development of a geothermal resource park within the geo-thermoelectric field Domo San Pedro (DSP), Nayarit, Mexico. The DSP project is owned by Grupo Dragón (GD), which it is the first private geothermal project within the country. The resource park is a pioneer initiative for sustainable large-scale geothermal direct-use development in the country. Currently, initiatives toward the development of geothermal direct-use projects, using the excess heat of the electricity generation, are being taken at the location. A fish farming project and a greenhouse are being developed under the Social Responsibility area, and a fruit drying pilot project is taking place in collaboration with the Engineering Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). A coordinated long-term value proposal is recommended to achieve resource allocation efficiency and stakeholder engagement through the process. The DSP RP strategy looks for a holistic sustainable, efficient and inclusive way of using the geothermal resource, implicating directuse development, socioeconomic benefits for the local community of San Pedro Lagunillas and an environmental industrial solution for all the parties involved. A symbiotic relationship among parties is proposed, fostering the sustainable development of geothermal low enthalpy projects in Mexico. The author presents a background analysis that will define the DSP Resource Park proposal, as well as a development strategy that will ensure the long-term success of the park. Resumen: La autora plantea una estrategia para el desarrollo sostenible de un parque de recursos geotérmicos dentro del campo geotermoeléctrico Domo San Pedro (DSP), Nayarit, México. El proyecto DSP es propiedad del Grupo Dragón (GD), siendo el primer desarrollo geotérmico privado del país. El parque de recursos es una iniciativa pionera para el desarrollo sostenible de los recursos geotérmicos de uso directo en México. Se han venido desarrollando iniciativas para el desarrollo de proyectos de uso directo geotérmico asociados a la planta, aprovechando el exceso de calor de la generación eléctrica. El departamento de Responsabilidad Social desarrolla un proyecto de piscicultura y un invernadero, así como un proyecto piloto de secado de frutas en colaboración con el Instituto de Ingeniería de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). La tesis plantea una propuesta de valor coordinada a largo plazo para lograr la eficiencia en la asignación de recursos y la participación de las partes interesadas a lo largo del proceso de establecimiento del parque de recursos. La estrategia busca una forma holística sostenible, eficiente e inclusiva de utilizar el recurso geotérmico, implicando el desarrollo de usos directos, beneficios socioeconómicos para la comunidad local de San Pedro Lagunillas y una solución ambiental industrial para todas las partes involucradas. Se propone una relación simbiótica entre las partes, fomentando el desarrollo sustentable de proyectos geotérmicos de baja entalpía en México. Así, la autora presenta un análisis de antecedentes que definirá la propuesta del parque de recursos, así como una estrategia de desarrollo que asegurará el éxito a largo plazo de la iniciativa.

Abstract: This dissertation explores how three applications of AI, namely classifiers, natural language processing and generative AI, have contributed and might contribute to the realisation of Richard Susskind’s predictions for the future of legal practice, as set in his 2023 book ‘Tomorrow’s Lawyers’. Besides reviewing Susskind’s predictions, it proposes a model to describe how lawyers work and uses it to identify existing uses of technology in the legal field. Also, it provides a general and non-technical approach to AI and its history and main features. With this context, it delves into the selected AI applications and explores how they work, their early legal applications, and their challenges. The research’s conclusion highlights the selected AI applications as powerful enablers for Susskind’s predictions. Moreover, how generative AI has the potential to disrupt the market of legal services and outperform lawyers in multiple tasks. A key insight refers to the latent market of underserved individuals, communities, and small and medium enterprises and how it offers an unbeatable opportunity for online-embedded generative AI-based legal services, which would improve access to legal services. Finally, this dissertation suggests an unavoidable shift in the general comprehension of the abbreviations ‘LL.M’ and ‘LLM’ within the legal field.

Abstract: With growing traffic demands and structural degradation accelerated by climate change, there is a critical need for continued advancement of concrete repair and strengthening technologies to enable extended bridge service life. Specifically, transitioning to cost-effective reinforced concrete (RC) retrofit strategies that further enhance durability under service loading conditions and minimize damage development under extreme hazard conditions, which are more probable to occur in longer-lasting concrete structures, are key elements of next-generation concrete bridges. This thesis explores the use of iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs) as an active shear retrofit strategy for RC components. SMAs are a class of smart materials with the unique property of the shape memory effect, allowing them to fully recover plastic deformations when subsequently heated. By installing prestrained Fe-SMA strips and activating the shape memory effect, an active pressure can be introduced to help close cracks and apply a confining stress in the concrete. The primary objective is to evaluate the performance and practicality of Fe-SMA as an active shear strengthening technique in comparison to traditional methods such as external steel reinforcement and fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The experimental phase of this study involved conducting push-off tests on RC specimens retrofitted with pre-deformed Fe-SMA strips. The goal was to assess the efficiency of active shear retrofitting. Additionally, finite element analysis (FEA) simulations were employed to model Fe SMA-retrofitted RC structures and investigate their behaviour under shear loading conditions. Key findings indicate that Fe-SMA retrofits, through transverse prestressing as part of the active retrofit strategy, contributed to notable improvements in the stiffness and strength of damaged RC components. Similar to passive retrofit methods, increased shear capacity was observed with higher levels of transverse reinforcement. Notably, combinations of substantial shear reinforcement ratios and elevated transverse prestressing provided the most significant gains in shear strength. Furthermore, the addition of prestressed Fe-SMA retrofits was found to effectively reduce shear crack widths and mitigate the progression of subsequent shear crack width growth. This study not only demonstrates the potential of Fe-SMA as a promising solution for active shear strengthening but also contributes to the development of future field-scale tests. The presence of Fe-SMA in damaged structures offers the prospect of multiple improvements, marking a significant advancement in the field of shear retrofitting.

Resumen: El estudio resalta la oportunidad para fortalecer la biodiversidad, especialmente a través de la enseñanza de las ciencias ambientales y biociencias con un impacto esperado en el aumento en los niveles de alfabetización científica y su relación bidireccional con la educación y la cultura ambiental en la sociedad colombiana, con foco de estudio e impacto en la población estudiantil de ciencias naturales, biología y educación ambiental en los tres niveles educativos, así como la comunidad académica de las áreas de bioeconomía, ecosistemas naturales y territorios sostenibles. Se realizó una revisión y selección de la literatura científica bajo criterios de inclusión y exclusión como el año de publicación, los idiomas, los países de publicación y/o ejecución del estudio y las bases de datos utilizadas. Así, se tuvieron en cuenta autores que publicaran trabajos de investigación cualitativa y cuantitativa tanto aplicada como no aplicada tales como Boff, Caamaño, Calixto Flores, García & Rodríguez, González González y López & Sánchez. Se encontraron numerosas tendencias, tensiones y limitaciones en la integración de los conceptos de educación ambiental, biodiversidad y alfabetización científica, que se presentan como desafíos en el qué, el para qué y la estructura de la educación ambiental; las definiciones y la enseñanza en la alfabetización científica y la complejidad y relevancia en la comprensión de la biodiversidad. Se hallaron herramientas y conceptualizaciones con un impacto positivo para la conservación de los ecosistemas naturales estratégicos del país como la transversalización de la educación ambiental en el currículo; y el uso sostenible de los recursos por parte de las comunidades y la resignificación y apropiación del ambiente dentro de la cultura de las regiones como las necesidades ambientales contextuales de las poblaciones alfabetizadas. Se resalta el abordaje amplio y complejo de la biodiversidad dentro de un planteamiento nuevo hacia una pedagogía ambiental.

Abstract: The Fourth Industrial Revolution has increased data exchange among organizations, creating security and privacy concerns. Federated Learning (FL) has emerged as a popular approach to address these challenges by enabling privacy-preserving machine learning (ML) on sensitive data. FL is an ML approach where models are trained locally on decentralized data, allowing organizations to collaborate and learn from each other’s data without sharing it, thereby ensuring data privacy and security. This thesis explores the application of FL for arrhythmia classification based on 12-lead ECGs while preserving medical records privacy. The performance of the FL models is evaluated under different degrees of heterogeneity in client labels, so-called Independent and Identically distributed or IID. The methodology involves a global server coordinating local modules and a four-step processing pipeline, where the local models’ weights are aggregated at the global server, and the resulting model is sent back to the clients (hospitals). The study achieves competitive classification performance for IID and non-IID data, along with a 28% reduction in training time compared to state-of-the-art methods. The findings have implications for privacy-preserving ML and early detection and diagnosis of cardiac diseases. Finally, the thesis demonstrates the FL’s effectiveness for accurate arrhythmia classification while preserving medical records’ privacy, making it a valuable tool in healthcare applications and contributing to advancing the Data Science field. Resumen: La Cuarta Revolución Industrial ha aumentado el intercambio de datos entre organizaciones, generando preocupaciones en cuanto a seguridad y privacidad. El Aprendizaje Federado (AF) ha surgido como un enfoque popular para abordar estos desafíos al permitir el aprendizaje automático (AA) preservando la privacidad en datos sensibles. El AF es un enfoque de AA en el que los modelos se entrenan localmente en datos descentralizados, lo que permite a las organizaciones colaborar y aprender de los datos de los demás sin compartirlos, garantizando así la privacidad y seguridad de los datos. Esta tesis explora la aplicación del AF para la clasificación de arritmias basada en electrocardiogramas (ECG) de 12 derivaciones, preservando al mismo tiempo la privacidad de los registros médicos. El rendimiento de los modelos de AF se evalúa bajo diferentes grados de heterogeneidad en las etiquetas de los clientes, conocido como Independiente e Idénticamente Distribuido o IID. La metodología implica un servidor global que coordina módulos locales y un proceso de cuatro pasos, donde los pesos de los modelos locales se agregan en el servidor global, y el modelo resultante se envía de vuelta a los clientes (hospitales). El estudio logra un rendimiento de clasificación competitivo para datos IID y no IID, junto con una reducción del 28% en el tiempo de entrenamiento en comparación con los métodos más avanzados. Los hallazgos tienen implicaciones para el AA preservando la privacidad y la detección temprana y diagnóstico de enfermedades cardíacas. Finalmente, la tesis demuestra la eficacia del AF para una clasificación precisa de arritmias preservando la privacidad de los registros médicos, convirtiéndolo en una herramienta valiosa en aplicaciones de atención médica y contribuyendo al avance del campo de la Ciencia de Datos.

Background: Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is one of the most challenging clinical consequences to manage after stroke as no effective treatment has been developed. However, the mechanisms of PSF remain unclear. Aims: This study aimed to replicate Vecchio et al (2017) using resting-state EEG in stroke patients suffering from varying degrees of fatigue to describe the functional organisation within sensory and motor networks. Methods: Resting-state eyes-open EEG was recorded in 22 strokesurvivors. Upper limb functional tests (grip strength, Nine Hole Peg Test), symbol digit modalities test (SDTM), anxiety and depression scale (HADS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-7), state fatigue, and Neurological Fatigue Index (NFI-stroke) were measured. Graph theory was used to calculate the small-world (SW) index. SW was calculated in four separate networks, motor and sensory within the left and right hemispheres. Exact low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) was applied using seven frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2, and gamma). Results: Correlation analysis demonstrated a positive association between SW in the right motor network in beta2 band and higher FSS-7 score and a negative correlation between SW in the left sensory network in alpha1 and higher state fatigue. Conclusion: Beta oscillations have been associated with top-down processes which are crucial for perceptual inference and alpha oscillations are involved in sensorimotor information processing. The interaction between the top-down and bottom-up processes, and perceived error explains the sensory attenuation model of fatigue. Our results were consistent this model of fatigue as stroke survivors had difficulty in attenuating the sensory input leading to higher perceived effort.

The Carnival of Barranquilla represents the maximum cultural expression of the city’s cultural life and, just as it produces an alternate life for its inhabitants, also transforms its urban space, understood as form and life, on different dimensions. Regarding a notion of cultural consumption as closely related to the place and the social network in which it takes place, this research raises the comprehension of carnival as a urban phenomenon and as a collective construction that allows new possibilities on space for different social actors and groups that inhabit it, although they are segregated on the daily scene. From a phenomenological perspective, this work makes a qualitative approach to characterize through cartographies, ethnographic narratives and in-depth interviews, the practices of use and appropriation of urban space, and the meanings and representations that are constructed about it. The results of the research showed an alterity of urban life during carnival: changes in the routes, destinations and spatial limits; different ways of using and appropriating public space and collective symbolization processes around carnival and the diverse scenarios that it generates. Resumen: El Carnaval de Barranquilla representa la máxima expresión de la vida cultural de la ciudad y, así como produce una vida alterna para sus habitantes, transforma también su espacio urbano, en tanto forma y vida urbana, en diferentes dimensiones. Considerando una noción de consumo cultural en estrecha relación con el lugar y la trama social en que se desarrolla, esta investigación plantea la comprensión del Carnaval como fenómeno urbano y como construcción colectiva que permite nuevos posibles en el espacio para los diferentes actores y grupos sociales que lo habitan, pese a que se encuentran segregados cotidianamente. Desde una perspectiva fenomenológica, el trabajo hace una aproximación cualitativa para caracterizar a través de cartografías, relatos etnográficos y entrevistas en profundidad las prácticas de uso y apropiación del espacio urbano y los significados y representaciones que sobre este se construyen. Los resultados de la investigación mostraron una alteridad en la vida urbana durante el Carnaval: cambios en las rutas, destinos y límites espaciales; diferentes formas de uso y apropiación del espacio público y procesos de simbolización colectiva en torno al Carnaval y los diversos tipos de escenarios que genera.