Abstract: This article presents a case study with various developments of digital twinning of a sample of load tests performed on several railways bridges. The case study is located in Extremadura, South Western Spain and its aim is the generation of a validated, multi-layered information construct in the form of a digital twin as the result of a load test. This result is conceived, not only to verify the assumptions of the design of the bridge but also, to optimize future maintenance plans of the network. This particular case study is framed within a vaster European effort on digitization of the construction sector. Research and Innovation Actions within this demo case are aimed at integrating routine requirements and procedures of load tests with cutting edge digital technologies for the generation of validated virtual replica of these physical bridges. The generated twins during these load tests behaviourally match the obtained response during loading and as such, represent an ideal model for future simulations and behavioural predictions. Different data-gathering techniques and numerical models are integrated within a Common Data Environment (CDE). All efforts related to measurement, simulation, 3D modelling, assessment and validation can be wrapped up systematically for further use during regular operation of the asset.

Abstract: Metarhizium brunneum is a soil-borne fungal entomopathogen that can associate with plant roots. Previous studies have demonstrated that root colonization by beneficial fungi can directly affect soilborne pathogens through competition and antibiosis, and can activate a systemic response in plants, resulting in a primed state for a faster and/or stronger response to stressors. However, the mechanisms by which Metarhizium inoculation ameliorates symptoms caused by plant pathogens are not well known. This study evaluated the ability of M. brunneum to protect oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) plants against the soil-borne pathogen Verticillium longisporum, and investigated whether the observed effects are a result of direct interaction and/or plant-mediated effects. In vitro and greenhouse experiments were conducted to measure fungal colonization of the rhizosphere and plant tissues, and targeted gene expression analysis was used to evaluate the plant response. The results show that M. brunneum delayed pathogen colonization of plant root tissues, resulting in decreased disease symptoms. Direct competition and antibiosis were found to be part of the mechanisms, as M. brunneum growth was stimulated by the pathogen and inhibited the in vitro growth of V. longisporum. Additionally, M. brunneum changed the plant response to the pathogen by locally activating key defence hormones in the salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA) pathways. Using a split-root setup, it was demonstrated that there is a plant-mediated effect, as improved plant growth and decreased disease symptoms were observed when M. brunneum was in the systemic compartment. Moreover, a stronger systemic induction of the gene PR1 suggested a priming effect, involving the SA pathway. Overall, this study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of M. brunneum against soil-borne pathogens in oilseed rape plants, highlighting the potential of this fungal entomopathogen as a biocontrol agent in sustainable agriculture Metarhizium brunneum es un hongo entomopatógeno del suelo que puede asociarse con las raíces de las plantas. Resumen: Estudios previos han demostrado que la colonización de raíces por hongos beneficiosos puede afectar a patógenos del suelo a través de la competencia, antibiosis, y activar respuesta sistémica en las plants. Sin embargo, los mecanismos por los cuales este hongo atenúa los síntomas causados por fitopatógenos no son bien conocidos. Este estudio evaluó la capacidad de M. brunneum para proteger las plantas de colza (Brassica napus L.) contra Verticillium longisporum, e investigó si los efectos observados son el resultado de una interacción directa y/o efectos mediados por la planta. Se realizaron experimentos in vitro y en invernadero para medir la colonización fúngica de la rizosfera y los tejidos de la planta, y se midió la expresión de genes específicos relacionados con la respuesta de la planta a patógenos. Los resultados muestran que M. brunneum retrasó la colonización del patógeno en las raíces de la planta, y disminuyo los síntomas de la enfermedad. La competencia directa y la antibiosis son parte de los mecanismos, ya que el crecimiento de M. brunneum fue estimulado por el patógeno e inhibió el crecimiento in vitro de V. longisporum. Además, M. brunneum cambió la respuesta de la planta hacia el patógeno al activar localmente genes de defensa mediadas por el ácido salicílico (SA) y del ácido abscísico. Mediante un experimento de raíces divididas, se demostró que existe un efecto mediado por la planta, ya que se observó un mejor crecimiento de la planta y una disminución de los síntomas de la enfermedad cuando M. brunneum estaba en el compartimento sistémico. Además, una mayor inducción sistémica del gen PR1 sugirió un efecto de ""priming"", mediado por SA.

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.

Abstract: The 2030 Agenda guides sustainable development. Colombia played a pivotal role in shaping the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) as a global agenda by presenting the proposal alongside Guatemala at the 2012 UN Sustainable Development Conference (Pineda Escobar, 2019). While the SDGs receive praise for their holistic approach and well being indicators (Perea Hinestroza, 2019), they face criticism. Including their origins in promoting economic growth (Adelman, 2018), challenges in addressing environmental protection (Weber & Weber, 2020), and narratives portraying them as universally positive, despite corporate and political influences (Olwig, 2021). This paper employs a comprehensive methodology, encompassing critical analysis, historical context, literature review, theoretical frameworks, and case studies. It scrutinizes the SDGs through decolonial and post development perspectives, alongside the concept of the Pluriverse. The Pluriverse, inspired by the Zapatistas, emphasizes diverse practices and knowledge coexistence without imposing universality (Arora et al.,2020). The analysis delves into the concept of Colonial Modernity (CM) and its historical influence, particularly from Western Europe (Mignolo, 2017). It explores how non modern worlds in Colombia, including indigenous, Afro descendant, and peasant communities, challenge prevailing development paradigms and offer alternative sustainability pathways. It focuses on indigenous engagement with the S DGs. It highlights the alignment between indigenous values and the SDGs and the significance of recognizing historical marginalization and violence (Medina, 2019; Morales & Calvo, 2023). The paper concludes by reflecting on the contributions of these diverse perspectives to the discourse on sustainable development and ways of living. Resumen: La Agenda 2030 guía el desarrollo sostenible. Colombia desempeñó un papel fundamental en la configuración de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) como agenda mundial al presentar la propuesta junto con Guatemala en la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Desarrollo Sostenible de 2012 (Pineda Escobar, 2019). Si bien los ODS reciben elogios por su enfoque holístico y sus indicadores de bienestar (Perea Hinestroza, 2019), enfrentan críticas. Incluyendo sus orígenes en la promoción del crecimiento económico (Adelman, 2018), los desafíos para abordar la protección del medio ambiente (Weber & Weber, 2020), y las narrativas que los retratan como universalmente positivos, a pesar de las influencias corporativas y políticas (Olwig, 2021). Este documento emplea una metodología integral, que abarca el análisis crítico, el contexto histórico, la revisión de la literatura, los marcos teóricos y los estudios de caso. Analiza los ODS a través de perspectivas decoloniales y postdesarrollistas, junto con el concepto del Pluriverso. El Pluriverso, inspirado en los zapatistas, hace hincapié en la coexistencia de diversas prácticas y conocimientos sin imponer la universalidad (Arora et al., 2020). El análisis profundiza en el concepto de Modernidad Colonial (MC) y su influencia histórica, particularmente de Europa Occidental (Mignolo, 2017). Explora cómo los mundos no modernos en Colombia, incluidas las comunidades indígenas, afrodescendientes y campesinas, desafían los paradigmas de desarrollo imperantes y ofrecen vías alternativas de sostenibilidad. Se centra en el compromiso indígena con los ODS. Destaca la alineación entre los valores indígenas y los ODS y la importancia de reconocer la marginación histórica y la violencia (Medina, 2019; Morales & Calvo, 2023). El documento concluye reflexionando sobre las contribuciones de estas diversas perspectivas al discurso sobre el desarrollo sostenible y las formas de vida.

Abstract: Agricultural intensification is a persistent and growing threat to biodiversity worldwide. Olive groves cover extensive areasin the Mediterranean basin and play a fundamental role as refuge and wintering quarters for many bird species, but the effectsof their current intensification on bird communities remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the response of wintering birdsto the management of olive groves with different degrees of intensification (traditional, intensive and superintensive manage-ment) in central Spain. Based on two bird censuses conducted in 25 groves in early and late winter, we examined the influenceof habitat structure and composition at different spatial scales on species richness and abundance of the entire farmland birdcommunity, and of the dietbased functional groups. Total species richness tended to decrease with intensive olive grove management, probably due to reduced habitat heterogeneity, whereas total abundance did not, indicating the capacity of intensiveand super-intensive olive groves to sustain large numbers of wintering birds. The negative effect of intensification was particu-larly evident in frugivore species richness, while frugivore abundance was positively (but marginally) associated with olive fruitavailability. Granivorous species were positively associated with lower vegetation cover, but insectivorous species did notrespond to intensification gradients. Species richness and abundance (total and by diet-based functional groups) also decreasedfrom early to late winter, which may be due to the effect of olive harvest, but also to an extreme cold event. Overall, our find-ings show how olive grove intensification and the associated management practices result in significant changes in habitatstructure and composition at different spatial scales, thus affecting wintering bird communities.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate and compare the mechanical properties, water sorption, water solubility, and degree of double bond conversion of three different commercially available threedimensional (3D) printing resins used for the fabrication of flexible occlusal splints. Methods: A digital printer was used to generate specimens from the evaluated splint materials (KeySplint Soft, IMPRIMO LC Splint flex, and V-Print splint comfort). The specimens were equally divided and tested either dry or after water storage at 37 ? C for 30 days. A three-point bending test was used to assess flexural strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness. A two-body wear test was performed using a dual-axis chewing simulator. Water sorption and water solubility were measured after 30 days. The degree of double bond conversion was determined by FTIR-spectrometry. All data for the evaluated properties were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: Both material and storage conditions had a significant effect on the flexural strength (P < 0.001), elastic modulus (P < 0.001), fracture toughness (P < 0.001), and wear (P < 0.001). The highest water sorption was noticed with IMPRIMO LC Splint flex (1.9 ± 0.0 %), while V-Print splint comfort displayed the lowest water solubility (0.2 ± 0.0 %). For the degree of conversion, it was statistically nonsignificant among the different materials (P = 0.087). Significance: Different flexible 3D-printed splints available in the market displayed variations in the evaluated properties and clinicians should consider these differences when choosing occlusal device materials. Among the tested flexible splint materials, KeySplint Soft had the greatest flexural strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, wear resistance, and degree of conversion. It also showed the lowest water sorption. Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar y comparar las propiedades mecánicas, sorción de agua, solubilidad en agua y grado de conversión de doble enlace de tres resinas de impresión tridimensionales (3D) diferentes, disponibles comercialmente, utilizadas para la fabricación de férulas oclusales flexibles. Métodos: Se utilizó una impresora digital para generar muestras a partir de los materiales de férula evaluados (KeySplint Soft, IMPRIMO LC Splint flex y V-Print splint comfort). Las muestras se dividieron equitativamente y se probaron en seco o después del almacenamiento en agua a 37 ? C durante 30 días. Se utilizó una prueba de flexión de tres puntos para evaluar la resistencia a la flexión, la elasticidad módulo y tenacidad a la fractura. Se realizó una prueba de desgaste de dos cuerpos utilizando un simulador de masticación de doble eje. La sorción y la solubilidad en agua se midieron después de 30 días. El grado de conversión del doble enlace fue determinado por espectrometría FTIR. Todos los datos de las propiedades evaluadas fueron recopilados y analizados estadísticamente. Resultados: Tanto el material como las condiciones de almacenamiento tuvieron un efecto significativo sobre la resistencia a la flexión (P < 0,001), módulo de elasticidad (P <0,001), tenacidad a la fractura (P <0,001) y desgaste (P <0,001). La mayor sorción de agua fue notado con IMPRIMO LC Splint flex (1,9 ± 0,0 %), mientras que la férula V-Print comfort mostró la menor solubilidad al agua (0,2 ± 0,0 %). Para el grado de conversión, no hubo diferencia significativa estadísticamente entre los diferentes materiales (P = 0,087). Importancia: Las diferentes férulas flexibles impresas en 3D disponibles en el mercado mostraron variaciones en las propiedades evaluadas y los clínicos deben considerar estas diferencias al elegir los materiales para dispositivos oclusales. Entre los materiales de férula flexibles probados, KeySplint Soft tuvo la mayor resistencia a la flexión, módulo elástico, tenacidad, resistencia al desgaste y grado de conversión. También mostró la menor sorción de agua.

Abstract: The objective of this thesis is to demonstrate that resilience is not a neutral and apolitical concept. For this, I focus on deconstructing the representations, values, meanings, rationalities, and references of desire embedded in discourses, images and development projects promoting resilience in the Cauca, Colombia. Based on ethnographic evidence, I argue that resilience is a discursive mechanism attached to a cultural project - modernity/coloniality- that seeks to maintain structures of power through the reproduction of colonial sociocultural hierarchies between those who are resilient, located in ‘developed’ countries, and those who are vulnerable, living in the poor periphery. Although the promotion of resilience capacities has been enhanced by the increasing feeling of risk exposure, I found that the Misak and Nasa communities have Other forms of understanding and facing crises. Based on their own cosmologies and worldviews, these communities developed the concept of pervivencia aiming to recognise their capacity and right to construct the conditions and strategies to face uncertainties and risks outside modern Eurocentric epistemology. Ignoring the existence of Other forms of thinking and being has lead development organisations to misinterpret how people face uncertainties and crises in rural areas of the Cauca. It is for this reason that I suggest that the concept of resilience does not offer the best analytical tool to analyse Misak and Nasa practices for facing risks as it cannot incorporate Other possible worlds and logics. Resumen: El objetivo de esta tesis es demostrar que la resiliencia no es un concepto neutro y apolítico. Para ello, me centro en deconstruir las representaciones, valores, significados, racionalidades y referentes del deseo incrustados en discursos, imágenes y proyectos de desarrollo que promueven la resiliencia en el Cauca, Colombia. Con base en evidencia etnográfica, sostengo que la resiliencia es un mecanismo discursivo adscrito a un proyecto cultural -modernidad/colonialidad- que busca mantener estructuras de poder a través de la reproducción de jerarquías socioculturales coloniales entre quienes son resilientes, ubicados en países ""desarrollados"", y quienes son vulnerables, que viven en la periferia pobre. Aunque la promoción de las capacidades de resiliencia se ha visto reforzada por la creciente sensación de exposición al riesgo, descubrí que las comunidades misak y nasa tienen otras formas de entender y afrontar las crisis. Basándose en sus propias cosmologías y cosmovisiones, estas comunidades desarrollaron el concepto de pervivencia con el objetivo de reconocer su capacidad y derecho a construir las condiciones y estrategias para afrontar las incertidumbres y los riesgos al margen de la epistemología eurocéntrica moderna. Ignorar la existencia de Otras formas de pensar y de ser ha llevado a las organizaciones de desarrollo a malinterpretar la forma como la gente enfrenta las incertidumbres y las crisis en las zonas rurales del Cauca. Es por esta razón que sugiero que el concepto de resiliencia no ofrece la mejor herramienta analítica para analizar las prácticas Misak y Nasa para enfrentar los riesgos, ya que no puede incorporar Otros mundos y lógicas posibles.