Background: Type 2 diabetes is often a stigmatized condition as it is considered a lifestyle-related disease in many societies. It is important to understand stigma and its sources, but little research on this matter was found in the UK. This study aimed to investigate perceived stigma, self-stigma and flourishing in the context of type 2 diabetes. Method: The present study sought to investigate the lived experiences of people with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis in the UK. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted, 6 individuals living with type 2 diabetes were interviewed (aged 41-79 years; 66.67% female; 33.33% male). Results: Reflective thematic analysis of the data generated four overarching themes. The first theme, ‘Receiving a diabetes diagnosis’ encapsulates the psychological reaction at the time participants received their diagnosis. The second theme, ‘coping with diabetes’ encapsulates what patients experience after diagnosis. The third theme, ‘Accepting the diagnosis’ shows current attitudes and feelings towards diabetes. Finally, the fourth theme, ‘Stigma around type 2 diabetes’ refers to the attitudes participants have perceived from others and its sources. Discussion: The results indicate that patients in this study perceive stigma from health providers, media, and the general population, but they have not internalised it. They believe stigmatising comments come from a lack of awareness and lack of knowledge about diabetes. The findings demonstrate gaps in the patient-health provider relationship that lead to resistance towards attending medical appointments.

Abstract: Territorial analysis contributes to sustainable rural development practices and social action. Based on the qualitative methodological principle in the application of collective mapping, where peasants are the main actors in identifying local realities from a participatory geographic perspective, it is possible to characterize multiple rural realities and their community diversity. Firstly, recent qualitative methodological tools are identified to evaluate the scope of application and level of satisfaction of local actors in a Colombian rural context. Secondly, an explanation of the collective mapping method with communities is addressed for its subsequent application. Finally, local perspectives are examined based on the documentation of sociocultural and environmental components, threats, pollution, and places of interest within the territory that allow for the construction of the visual tool in active community participation workshops. Therefore, the article’s purpose is to discuss the benefits of collective mapping as a playful and visual option for the rediscovery of the territory from local perspectives, leading to reflection on the need to create sustainable rural development strategies. Resumen: El análisis territorial contribuye a las prácticas de desarrollo rural sostenible y a la acción social. Basado en el principio metodológico cualitativo en la aplicación de la cartografía colectiva, donde los campesinos son los principales actores en la identificación de las realidades locales desde una perspectiva geográfica participativa, es posible caracterizar múltiples realidades rurales y su diversidad comunitaria. En primer lugar, se identifican herramientas metodológicas cualitativas recientes para evaluar el ámbito de aplicación y el nivel de satisfacción de los actores locales en un contexto rural colombiano. En segundo lugar, se aborda una explicación del método de mapeo colectivo con comunidades para su posterior aplicación. Finalmente, se examinan las perspectivas locales a partir de la documentación de componentes socioculturales y ambientales, amenazas, contaminación y sitios de interés dentro del territorio que permiten la construcción de la herramienta visual en talleres de participación activa comunitaria. Por lo tanto, el propósito del artículo es discutir los beneficios del mapeo colectivo como opción lúdica y visual para el redescubrimiento del territorio desde perspectivas locales, llevando a la reflexión sobre la necesidad de crear estrategias de desarrollo rural sostenible.

Abstract: The ‘Green economy’, a central plank of the sustainable development political and economic international agenda, relies on industrial extraction of water, minerals and other earths to produce ‘green energy’ to feed capitalist growth. The term Green extractivism describes a global problem that we examine through the case of lithium extraction in the territory of Atacameño-Likanantay (Indigenous) peoples in the Salar de Atacama, Chile. Green extractivism is a multiscalar logic and practice justified in international sustainable development policies, responding to the demands of capital, modifying international and national legal and political instruments, and permeating social, ecological and political realities in the territories of extraction. Green extractivism has many consistencies with the asymmetries of power and economic dependency that characterises the history of extractivism in Chile and Latin America. As such, Green extractivism provides a new logic to sustain consistencies in transnational capitalism. This paper traces national political and legal histories of lithium from the mid-twentieth century, demonstrating the long extractivist relationship between the state and the lithium companies that operate in the Salar de Atacama. We consider, in particular, the dynamics of Atacameño-Likanantay peoples’ participation in and refusals of industry and state processes, which trouble extractivist logics.

Abstract: An economic model, the Colombian Forest Sector Model (CFSM), was created to analyze Colombia's commercial forest plantation policy spanning from 2018 to 2038 (PFCm policy). The CFSM is an econometric model that uses neoclassical theory to predict quantities and prices in Colombia's forest product markets. Phase I of the CFSM, detailed in this study, includes a growth and yield simulator for Colombian forest plantations and two market submodels: one for Unprocessed Wood and another for Manufactured Wood Products. Using the CFSM-I, two PFCm policy objectives were simulated to reveal their impacts on the Colombian forest sector. Simulations of expanding Colombia's forest plantation area from 0.3 million hectares in December 2015 to 1.5 million hectares by 2025 showed a fivefold increase in the volume of industrial wood available in plantations from 2015 to 2047, averaging 20.8 million cubic meters of underbark roundwood annually. This expansion would significantly affect the unprocessed wood market, multiplying wood supply and exports by 2.5 and 14.5 times, respectively, while reducing the supply price by an average of 24% compared to a scenario without plantation expansion. Simulations of a 5.5-fold expansion in Colombia's manufactured wood forest product industry's current (2022) production capacity from 2023 to 2038 indicated an average 8% increase in the consumption of unprocessed wood and manufactured wood products by the pulp and paper industry over the next 25 years, compared to a no-expansion scenario. Additionally, imports of these products and manufactured furniture industry products would decrease by 35% and 25%, respectively. Simulations of alternative plantation area expansion policies enriched the information available for policymakers and other stakeholders in preparation for the first round of the PFCm policy evaluation, scheduled for 2023 after the initial implementation period ended in December 2022. Resumen: Se creó un modelo económico, el MFSC, para el sector forestal de Colombia, con el propósito de analizar la política de plantaciones forestales comerciales en Colombia para el período 2018-2038 (PFCm). Este modelo, basado en la teoría neoclásica de mercados competitivos, proyecta cantidades y precios en los mercados de productos forestales colombianos. La Fase I del modelo, denominada CFSM-I, se enfoca en el crecimiento de plantaciones forestales y dos submodelos de mercado: madera sin procesar y productos manufacturados de madera. Las simulaciones muestran que una expansión de las plantaciones de 0,3 a 1,5 millones de hectáreas para 2025 incrementaría la disponibilidad de madera industrial en Colombia cinco veces, con un promedio anual de 20,8 millones de metros cúbicos de madera sin corteza. Esta expansión impactaría significativamente el mercado de madera sin procesar, multiplicando la oferta y las exportaciones por 2,5 y 14,5 veces, respectivamente, mientras que reduciría el precio de suministro en un 24% en comparación con la no expansión. Además, simulaciones de una expansión de 5,5 veces la capacidad actual de producción de productos maderables entre 2023 y 2038 indican un aumento del consumo de madera sin procesar y productos maderables manufacturados por la industria de la pulpa y papel en un 8% cada uno. Asimismo, las importaciones de estos productos y de productos manufacturados de la industria del mueble disminuirían un 35% y un 25%, respectivamente, en comparación con el escenario sin expansión. Estas simulaciones de políticas alternativas de expansión enriquecen la información disponible para los responsables de políticas nacionales y otras partes interesadas, de cara a la primera evaluación de la política del PFCm programada para 2023 después de su implementación inicial en diciembre de 2022.

Abstract: Claystone degradation under the effect of freezing and thaw cycles represents a key aspect in the production of erodible material in mountain ranges. Erosion processes have numerous potential consequences such as dam filling, increment in slope instability, increase of badlands, among others. Due to the possible effects related to erosion, numerous research processes have been carried out following primarily experimental approaches based on both soil physical characteristics and mechanical properties. However, these have been based on a macroscopic scale. This document presents the development of a research process based on the implementation of numerical models aimed at representing the processes involved in freezing and thawing phenomena on porous media and their effect on potential changes in soil microfabric. A calibration and validation process of the proposed numerical models was carried out based on experimental measurements of the thermal behavior of soil samples subjected to freezing and thawing cycles. Using the numerical relationships found, a methodology for determining the soil water retention curve (SWRC) was established (as a first approximation) based on a quick and relatively simple freezing and thawing test under undrained conditions. Simultaneously, and following the main objective of the research, the microfabric state during cyclic freezing and thawing was established following the relationship between SWRC and pore size distribution (PSD), as well as the possible hysteresis between freezing and thawing processes. The significant effect of these thermodynamic processes on the state of the terrain, was identified particularly in regard to increased erodibility. One possible cause for particle detachment necessary for erosion processes to occur lies in the development of macroporosity along with the existence of gaps between pore families in the PSD. This behavior was observed through the developed numerical processes. The combined effect of freezing and thawing cycles leads to an increase in soil erodibility. Finally, though a constitutive model-based approach, the cryogenic suction paths associated with freezing and thawing processes under the modification of the soil’s microstructure were established. A final perspective to soil's mechanical degradation is presented in terms of the hydraulic work associated with the cryogenic suction paths developed within the soil mass. Both the progressive evolution of the microstructure (through PSD) and the values of hydraulic work associated with each cycle show an attenuation in the incremental change as the cycles continue. Due to the numerical nature of the approximations and the trends found, further cyclical laboratory tests should be carried out. However, these represent a novel approach to the degradation phenomenon as well as the effects associated with the soil water retention curve.

Abstract: This thesis examines the modeling of inorganic behavior on Twitter and its implications for media dynamics. Three approaches —userbased, activity-based, and text-based detection— are combined to gain insights that benefit journalism and civil organizations. Resumen: Esta tesis examina el modelado del comportamiento inorgánico en Twitter y sus implicaciones para las dinámicas mediáticas. Se combinan tres enfoques (detección basada en características del usuario, basada en su actividad y basada en el contenido textual que publica o con el que interactúa), para encontrar patrones que ayuden a periodistas y organizaciones civiles a entender el fenómeno. Esta es una primera valoración positiva del uso del Inteligencia Artificial para explorar relaciones complejas que tienen significancia cualitativa en el estudio del comportamiento inorgánico en Twitter más allá de la detección.

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: The French philosopher Gilbert Simondon is known for his critique of the way in which the substantialist and hylomorphic perspectives conceive individuation. For Simondon, individuation is not thought as an achieved plenitude but as a process in which the individual is constantly being constituted, both individually and collectively. In this way, he shows the shift from a theory of relation to a theory of individuation processes in which ontology gives way to ontogenesis. This article intends to show how Simondon’s thought on education is closely related to the way individuation is presented as a process and not as a result. If education is relationship, it occurs within a process of individuation instead of being the event of an encounter between already constituted individuals. Basically, the school, like individuation, is a field of tensions and potentialities. Simondon is optimistic that an education that improves communication conditions within educational processes will have restorative effects on the social fabric. This text will contribute not only to a greater knowledge of Simondon’s educational ideas, but also to think about education as an articulating axis of a more supportive and liberating society. Resumen: El filósofo francés Gilbert Simondon es conocido por su crítica a la forma como las perspectivas sustancialista e hilemórfica conciben la individuación. Para Simondon, la individuación no se piensa desde una plenitud alcanzada, sino desde un proceso en el que el individuo se está constituyendo individual y colectivamente. De este modo, muestra el desplazamiento de una teoría de la relación a una teoría de los procesos de individuación en la cual la ontología cede el paso a la ontogénesis. El presente artículo quiere mostrar cómo el pensamiento de Simondon sobre la educación guarda una estrecha relación con la forma en que la individuación se presenta como proceso y no como resultado. Si la educación es relación, esta se da dentro de un proceso de individuación y no es el evento de un encuentro entre individuos ya constituidos. En el fondo, la escuela, como la individuación, es un campo de tensiones y potencialidades. Simondon es optimista en que una educación que mejore las condiciones de comunicación en el interior de los procesos educativos tendrá unos efectos restauradores en el entramado social, y podrá ser, por tanto, el eje articulador de una sociedad más solidaria y liberadora.

Resumen: En su obra “Las Fronteras de la Justicia” (FJ), Martha Nussbaum nos instruye bajo una serie de convincentes argumentos, como las ilustres teorías de la justicia del contractualismo o contrato social, a pesar de sus grandes contribuciones a la justicia, aun presentan dificultades para extender sus principios a todos los integrantes de la sociedad política. Cerrar esta brecha, es el objetivo principal de este trabajo, siento también uno de los aspectos más relevantes de su trayectoria académica. Los intereses de la filósofa al desarrollar lo que ella denomina una “teoría del bien”, van desde lo académico hasta lo personal, pues, como se verá más adelante, se trata de una situación que ha afectado su grupo familiar más cercano. Si bien Nussbaum es una crítica del contractualismo clásico, es menester aclarar que, no es una opositora, de hecho, considera que teorías como las de Locke, Rousseau o Rawls, son muy acertadas y poderosas, en su opinión, estas han surgido para eliminar las desigualdades entre seres humanos y los privilegios inmerecidos, contribuyendo así a una sociedad más justa; no obstante, puntualiza que los principios de justicia aún están inconclusos, por lo cual, deben completarse para que lleguen a todos los que se encuentran excluidos. Con su propuesta, la autora no pretende crear una teoría de la justicia nueva, su objetivo es completar los presupuestos de la justicia actual. Para lograr su fin, sugiere que los principios de la justicia deben ser observados bajo un enfoque distinto al tradicional, ya no sobre los bienes materiales sino desde las capacidades humanas, esto conlleva necesariamente la reformulación de ciertos conceptos, como el fin del contrato social, los deberes morales, las relaciones internacionales y, sobre todo, el valor moral de la persona. Una vez Nussbaum, logra replantear los conceptos antes mencionados (bajo una fuerte influencia aristotélica y kantiana), elabora un argumento que asegura, es la clave para extender la justicia a todos los seres humanos en condiciones de igualdad. Aunque la autora, en un inicio expresa que se trata de un argumento basado en la exclusión de tres grupos sociales -personas con deficiencias físicas y mentales, animales y extranjeros- lo cierto es que la mayor parte de este trabajo gira en torno al primer grupo, siendo este la hoja de ruta para para los otros, lo cual le ha valido fuertes críticas.