This research contrasts two of the most common methods used to estimate sprinkler response, semi-empirical correlations and computational models based on fluid dynamics. The semi-empirical calculations are based on Alpert’s relations and the modelling task is carried out with the software tool Fire Dynamic Simulator, FDS. The case studies implemented in this work were defined considering the limitations of Alpert’s equations. Different enclosure configurations were considered, such as, unconfined spaces (open rooms - steady state and time-dependent fires), confined spaces (rooms with parallel walls creating corridors – steady state fires) and obstructed areas (rooms with beams in the ceiling – steady state fires). The results obtained show that both approaches predict accurately the sprinklers activation time for unconfined configurations, except for the heat release of 500 kW since Alpert's relationships are not applicable for small fires. In general, the tendency observed is that semi-empirically calculated values are more conservative, resulting in the prediction of longer activation times. Therefore, this would result in designs based on the worst-case scenario, showing that Alpert’s correlations can be applied with certain confidence. On the contrary, for confined and obstructed scenarios, the outcomes show that the semi-empirical correlations are not completely reliable for this type of enclosures. In confined configurations, regardless of the magnitude of the heat release rate, the more confined the corridor, the sooner the sprinkler activation occurs. Therefore, in these cases, although Alpert's relationships consider the worst risk scenario by predicting longer activation times, the design of fire protection systems will be based on inappropriate values. In obstructed scenarios, even the smallest obstruction modifies the ceiling jet flow due to the presence of the beams, varying also the smooth ceiling jet attributes characteristic of unconfined scenarios. Therefore in rooms with obstructions, the semi-empirical correlations are not applicable anymore for devices located in a bay other than the primary, since Alpert´s equations predict shorter activation times to those that could be expected in reality, which means that the worst risk scenario would not be considered. This study demonstrates the importance of using computational tools for sprinkler response estimations, being a useful and valid alternative to analyse complex fire scenarios and to improve fire protection systems designs.

This dissertation explores the relationship between corruption and social trust in Colombia through a mixed methods study that combines descriptive statistics and semi-structured interviews. Two hypotheses are established: first, that corruption is a cause of low social trust and second, that there are external factors that affect the relationship between corruption and social trust. The analysis confirms both hypotheses as results show that there is a strong correlation between the two factors, corruption is a cause of low social trust in the country, and three main external factors affect this relationship in the national context, which are culture, violence and drug trafficking, and Catholicism.

In representative democratic systems, governments are expected to act in the interest of citizens in a responsive manner. A core feature of democracy settings is accountability which is needed for citizens to judge the propriety and effectiveness representatives’ actions and decisions. Generally, elections are seen as the main accountability mechanisms but they have shown to be insufficient for citizens to control their representatives and effective democracy. Despite its importance, literature on the field shows significant variance in its conceptualization what has hindered the development of a fixed tool for the systematic and rigorous analysis of accountability. This research focuses on the relationship between citizens and their representatives to hold them accountable –social accountability– by means other than elections. Qualitative content analysis was employed by this research to critically compare and analyse eight prominent tools developed to assess the level or quality of accountability. Furthermore, I argue that the Between Elections Democracy framework and its core concepts (e.g. responsiveness, ongoing interactions) can help to advance but so far the approach has not included the study of accountability. Thus, this research contributes to fill a gap in the BED framework by identifying social accountability as relevant phenomena to study and including other actors besides governments as representatives. Another significant contribution is the proposal of an initial set of indicators for a systematic and comparative evaluation of social accountability. Resumen: En sistemas de democracia representativa, se espera que los gobiernos actúen respondiendo a los intereses de los ciudadanos. Una característica esencial de establecimientos democráticos es la accountability (rendición de cuentas), la cual es necesaria para que los ciudadanos juzguen la efectividad de las actuaciones y decisiones de sus representantes. Generalmente, las elecciones son vistas como el principal mecanismo para juzgar y ‘exigir’ cuentas, pero éstas han mostrado ser insuficientes para que los ciudadanos ejerzan control sobre sus representantes y procurar una democracia efectiva. A pesar de su importancia, la literatura en este campo muestra una significativa variedad en la conceptualización, lo que ha obstaculizado el desarrollo de una herramienta para el estudio riguroso y sistemático de accountability. Esta investigación se enfoca en la relación entre ciudadanos y sus representantes para ejercer control sobre estos últimos – rendición de cuentas social- por medios distintos a las elecciones. El análisis cualitativo de contenido fue utilizado para críticamente, comparar y analizar ocho herramientas destacadas, desarrolladas para evaluar niveles o calidad de accountability. Incluso, este trabajo argumenta que el marco teórico de Democracia Entre Elecciones (BED en inglés) que incluye conceptos como receptividad e interacción permanente puede ayudar a avanzar en la tarea, pero hasta ahora no ha sido aplicado al estudio de rendición de cuentas. De esta manera, esta investigación contribuye al marco BED al incluir la rendición de cuentas como un fenómeno relevante. Otra importante contribución es la propuesta de indicadores para el análisis sistemático y comparativo de la rendición de cuentas.

Resumen: Los puentes atirantados son una tipología muy eficiente que posee agradables atributos estéticos. En los últimos años ha emergido como el sistema dominante para puentes de grandes luces, hasta 1200 m gracias a la combinación de distintos avances tecnológicos que la han convertido en muy competitiva. Aparte de la estabilidad aerodinámica, para esta tipología es relevante el estudio de la estabilidad del equilibrio elástico global y local del tablero frente a las cargas de compresión que se generan por el esquema de atirantamiento. En este trabajo se presenta un estudio paramétrico en puentes atirantados que permite identificar y evaluar un rango de luces donde los fenómenos de inestabilidad global del tablero son significativos. Para lograr este análisis se plantean varios objetivos, inicialmente de estudio, luego de modelación e identificación de rangos y finalmente de análisis y conclusiones. Los temas estudiados para el estado del conocimiento son la evolución del proyecto de tableros de puentes atirantados metálicos y mixtos en función de la luz, así como la tipología de tableros en función de la luz del tablero frente a los fenómenos de inestabilidad global. Para la modelización del tablero se considera el modelo de viga sobre cimentación elástica o modelo de Winkler con módulo de reacción constante y variable, junto con esfuerzos axiles de variación constante y variable. Con los resultados obtenidos se identifican rangos de luces donde la inestabilidad es importante para el análisis, al cual se le evalúan sus efectos no lineales y su posible repercusión en el proyecto del tablero.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the prevalence pattern of anemia among Indigenous children in Latin America. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed. Records were identified from the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Lilacs by two independent researchers between May and June 2021. Studies were included if the following criteria were met: a) studied Indigenous people b) was about children (from 0 to 12 years old); c) reported a prevalence estimate of anemia; d) had been conducted in any of the countries of Latin America; e) was published either in English, Portuguese, or Spanish; f) is a peer-reviewed article; and g) was published at any date. Results: Out of 2,401 unique records retrieved, 42 articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 39 different Indigenous communities were analyzed in the articles, and in 21 of them (54.0%) child anemia was a severe public health problem (prevalence ? 40%). Those communities were the Aymara (Bolivia); Aruak, Guaraní, Kamaiurá, Karapotó, Karibe, Kaxinanuá, Ma-cro-Jê, Suruí, Terena, Xavante (Brazil); Cabécar (Costa Rica), Achuar, Aguaruna, Awajún, Urarina, Yomybato (Peru); Piaroa and Yucpa (Venezuela); and Quechua (Peru and Bolivia). Children below two years had the highest prevalence of anemia (between 16.2% and 86.1%). Among Indigenous people, risk factors for anemia include nutrition, poor living conditions, access to health services, racism, and discrimination. Bolivia and Guatemala are scarcely studied, despite having the highest proportion of Indigenous communities in Latin America. Conclusions: Anemia constitutes a poorly documented public health problem among Indigenous children in 21 Indigenous communities in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru. In all Indigenous communities included in this study child anemia was an issue, especially in younger children. Resumen: Objetivo: Describir el patrón de prevalencia de anemia en niños indígenas de América Latina. Métodos: Se siguieron las directrices PRISMA. Los registros fueron identificados en las bases de datos PubMed, Google Scholar y Lilacs por dos investigadores independientes entre mayo y junio de 2021. Los estudios se incluyeron si cumplían los siguientes criterios: a) estudiaban a indígenas; b) eran sobre niños (de 0 a 12 años); c) reportaban una estimación de prevalencia de anemia; d) se habían realizado en cualquiera de los países de América Latina; e) se publicaron en inglés, portugués o español; f) eran artículos revisados por pares; y g) se publicaron en cualquier fecha. Resultados: De los 2.401 registros únicos recuperados, 42 artículos cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Un total de 39 comunidades indígenas diferentes fueron analizadas en los artículos, y en 21 de ellas (54,0%) la anemia infantil era un problema grave de salud pública (prevalencia ? 40%). Esas comunidades eran aymara (Bolivia); aruak, guaraní, kamaiurá, karapotó, karibe, kaxinanuá, macro- jê, suruí, terena, xavante (Brasil); cabécar (Costa Rica), achuar, aguaruna, awajún, urarina, yomybato (Perú); piaroa y yucpa (Venezuela); y quechua (Perú y Bolivia). Los niños menores de dos años presentaban la mayor prevalencia de anemia (entre el 16,2% y el 86,1%). Entre los indígenas, los factores de riesgo de la anemia son la nutrición, las malas condiciones de vida, el acceso a los servicios sanitarios, el racismo y la discriminación. Bolivia y Guatemala están escasamente estudiados, a pesar de tener la mayor proporción de comunidades indígenas de América Latina. Conclusiones: La anemia constituye un problema de salud pública poco documentado entre los niños indígenas de 21 comunidades indígenas de Bolivia, Brasil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, México y Perú. En todas las comunidades indígenas incluidas en este estudio, la anemia infantil era un problema, especialmente en los niños más pequeños.

Abstract: Conceptually explore and propose the creation of a Media Lab focused mainly on research and production in Digital Narratives and Storytelling. The Proposal for a sustainable business model based on collaborative networks. A process of reviewing the concepts around social and cultural entrepreneurship. Resumen: Explorar conceptualmente y proponer la creación de un Media Lab centrado principalmente en la investigación y producción en Narrativas Digitales y Storytelling. La propuesta de un modelo de negocio sostenible basado en redes de colaboración. Un proceso de revisión de los conceptos en torno al emprendimiento social y cultural.

Abstract: Blue ocean carbon projects are climate mitigation and adaptation solutions that are considered winwin schemes for conservation and well-being and an ecosystem-based solution towards sustainable development. However, local communities have declared their concerns about the potential of ocean grabbing and the negative impacts on their livelihoods. Looking at the case of Colombia, coastal communities are vulnerable to climate change and marginalized communities such as indigenous peoples, women and afro-descendant groups live under poverty conditions and unsatisfied basic needs. Therefore, blue carbon projects should include safeguards to protect these communities from ocean grabbing based on procedural and substantive climate justice. Resumen: Los proyectos de carbono azul son soluciones de mitigación y adaptación para el cambio climático, que se consideran como esquemas gana-gana para la conservación y el bienestar, así como soluciones basadas en ecosistemas para el desarrollo sostenible. Sin embargo, las comunidades locales han manifestado su preocupacion en relación con la probabilidad de acaparamiento del oceano y los impactos negativos en sus medios de vida. En el caso de Colombia, las comunidades costeras son vulnerables al cambio climático, así como comunidades marginadas (comunidades indígenas, mujeres y afrodescentiendes) que viven en condiciones de pobreza y necesidades básicas insatisfechas. En ese sentido, los proyectos de carbono azul deben incluir salvaguardas para proteger a estas comunidades del acaparamiento del oceano con base en argumentos de justicia climática procedimental y sustantiva.

Abstract: Over twenty years passed since American and Canadian forces arrived in Afghanistan to start the War on Terrorism as a response to 9/11, and during this period, there has been an enormous controversy about the nature and the scope of the Afghanistan intervention. Amidst this controversy, this dissertation aims to unravel a strategic puzzle: why and how the United States and Canada adopted similar engagement levels, especially similar counterinsurgency (COIN) strategies between 2005/2006 and 2011. During this time, the United States and Canada fought against insurgent groups, sought to maintain stabilized areas by mentoring Afghan forces, and invested in infrastructure and governance. These goals, which corresponded to the ‘clear,’ ‘hold,’ and ‘build’ COIN components, entailed sending troops and civilian officials to a war zone and committing financial resources. According to structural realism as a dominant IR theory, the similarity of American and Canadian engagements constitutes a puzzle because this theory would expect that countries with different relative standings in the international system are meant to adopt different foreign and security policies. To unravel this puzzle, this dissertation uses neoclassical realism. Like a realist theory, it examines the effects of relative material capabilities on foreign policy, which is an essential factor in comparing American and Canadian foreign and security policies. Yet, unlike structural realism, it considers dimensions other than states’ relative standing, such as perceptions and domestic politics, which, along with the relative standing, help to unpack the puzzle above. Based on this theory, the central argument of this dissertation is that the similarity of American and Canadian engagements resulted from similar systemic stimuli from the post-9/11 strategic environment, foreign policy executives’ (FPE) similar strategic beliefs, and comparable abilities to mobilize domestic resources. By showing the occurrence of factors on both American and Canadian sides bringing about the outcome above, this dissertation seeks to undermine the ideas of the “Americanization” of Canadian foreign and security policy and the syndrome of “parochialism” of the United States regarding its Northern neighbour.

Abstract: Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), also known as the spotted wing Drosophila (SWD), is a fastspreading polyphagous pest. Native from South-east Asia, it is well known for causing serious damage in soft-skinned fruit due to the puncture made by the enlarged serrated ovipositor of adult females and the subsequent larvae feeding. Currently, the most commonly used approaches to control D. suzukii infestation are the frequent foliar application of synthetic insecticides and non-selective traps. However, these strategies are inefficient to control D. suzukii spread and crop infestation. Through this study, we aimed to evaluate Drosophila suzukii responses to two different types of chemical stimuli (attractive and repulsive) to be implemented as part of a push-pull system. Both, push and pull components were separately evaluated for a better understanding of Drosophila suzukii behavior. As attractive candidates, aggregation pheromones were studied and to evaluate repellent and oviposition deterrent responses, the following chemical candidates: 1-heptanol, 2-heptanol, 1-hexanol, 2-hexanol, delta-undecalactone (dUDL) and propionic acid were tested. Our results suggest that aggregation pheromones influence different D. suzuki females' and males' host choices. Repellence responses were observed in 1-hexanol and 2-hexanol treatments and oviposition deterrence behavior was observed in 1-hexanol as well, but also in 1-heptanol and 2-heptanol treatments. Our results offer new insights into the use of two-choice assays in D. suzukii behavior studies and new knowledge related to the mechanisms underlying these promising push-pull elements.

Background and aim: Mental health services in Colombia have had a complex history shaped by 50 of years armed conflict, disproportionate clinical approach and social factors such as stigma. Nevertheless, recent global tendencies and interventions have suggested basing mental health services on communities and the recovery approach and considering the social determinants of mental health during planning. Colombia has involved these approaches in its legal and practical framework in recent years, but multiple internal and external factors have retarded an accurate implementation. This systematic review aims to contribute to mental health services understanding in Colombia, offering an implementation research approach. Methods: A comprehensive strategy search was developed to include peer-reviewed studies where mental health services were mentioned or described. The review was conducted in five databases (Medline (OVID), PubMed, Scopus, Scielo and BVS), three languages (English, Spanish & Portuguese) and was limited to the last ten years. Moreover, it followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify barriers and facilitators during the implementation of mental health services. Results: Twelve articles were selected. The principal reported barriers were lack of coordination, workloads, and funding. Implementation differences between public and private settings were significant and repeatedly reported. On the other hand, good planning strategies and the involvement of communities, stakeholders, users, and external champions facilitated implementation. Remarkable efforts to adopt community-based mental health services were described as well. Conclusions: Overall, this review offers significant insight into current mental health services, their implementation status, and principal barriers to effective implementation. It is suggested to continue applying community and recovery approaches in mental health services, but also to improve coordination between all actors (e.g., public and private organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and users and their families).