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: Pharmaceutical Compounds (PCs), are synthetic substances intensively consumed by humans and continuously released into the urban wastewater. Often, the removal of PCs from wastewater is found to be insufficient, or even absent if population is not connected to the sewage system and wastewater is directly emitted into the environment. In the last decades, the PCs have aroused special attention because they have been found in surface water at concentrations that can cause negative effects on the aquatic biota and environment. Studies employing PCs monitoring and modelling techniques on surface waters have been mainly conducted in developed countries, while studies in developing countries are still scarce. Attempting to fill this gap, this work focused specifically in Colombia, where the occurrence of PCs has not been thoroughly studied and monitoring plans are barely done due to high costs. This work employed the Exposure to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (ePiE), a spatially distributed model only implemented and used in Europe, to predict concentrations of PCs in rivers and lakes by considering their consumption, fate and transport. So, it aimed to create a new ePiE model network taking as a case of study the prediction of Naproxen and Paracetamol in the Upper Catchment of the Cauca River, Colombia, an area with a different socio-economic and climatic conditions with respect to the European continent. The methodological approach included: a) data collection on PCs’ consumption, physicochemical properties and removal in Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs); b) consolidation of geodata of the study area such as hydrology, hydrography, urban agglomeration and WWTPs location; c) model building by using the open-source software environment R; d) analysis of the model sensitivity to input parameters; e) model validation. The results showed that all concentration predictions deviate within a range of only one order of magnitude from measurements which is a remarkable result when dealing with such high uncertainties. In terms of magnitude prediction, for the worst-case scenario, Naproxen and Paracetamol were found to exceed the environmental standards thresholds in 9% and 1% of the model river network nodes respectively. Overall, this research aimed to assess the applicability of the ePiE model in estimating the presence of PCs in a subregion of Colombia, demonstrating that it is feasible to expand ePiE to other areas and giving insights about the spatial distribution of pharmaceuticals substances so hotspots can be identified and several scenarios can be built in future works.

Revealing the Mechanistic Details for the Selective Deoxygenation of Carboxylic Acids over Dynamic MoO3 Catalysts Abstract: The selective activation of renewable carboxylic acids could enable the formation of a variety of highly valuable renewable products, including surfactants, valuable dienes, and renewable hydrogen carriers. A kinetic study is performed to enhance understanding of the selective deoxygenation of carboxylic acid on promoted MoO3 at mild temperatures. Although several studies indicate that deoxygenation of oxygenated biomass-derived compounds on MoO3 occurs via a reverse Mars–van Krevelen mechanism, this study suggests that the deoxygenation of pentanoic acid (PA) on an oxygen vacancy can also be explained by a Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism. A detailed analysis of the experimental data indicates that the incorporation of Pt on MoO3 shifts the reaction order with respect to hydrogen from 1 to 0.5 at a low partial pressure of PA. We reveal that the rate-determining step (RDS) shifts upon the incorporation of Pt from H2 dissociation to H addition to adsorbed acid molecules. We further illustrate how the RDS can shift as a function of PA coverage. The inhibition effect of PA and its possible causes are discussed for both MoO3 and 0.05 wt % Pt/MoO3 catalysts. Here, we decouple promoter effects from the creation of highly active sites located at the Pt/MoO3 interface. The nature of the active site involved upon Pt incorporation is also studied by separating Pt from MoO3 at a controlled distance using carbon nanotubes as hydrogen bridges, confirming that the kinetically relevant role of Pt is to serve as a promoter of the MoO3. Resumen: La activación selectiva de ácidos carboxílicos renovables podría permitir la formación de una variedad de productos renovables altamente valiosos, incluyendo tensioactivos, dienos valiosos y portadores de hidrógeno renovable. Se lleva a cabo un estudio cinético para mejorar la comprensión de la desoxigenación selectiva de ácido carboxílico sobre MoO3 promovido a temperaturas moderadas. Aunque varios estudios indican que la desoxigenación de compuestos derivados de biomasa oxigenada sobre MoO3 ocurre a través de un mecanismo Mars-van Krevelen inverso, este estudio sugiere que la desoxigenación del ácido pentanoico (PA) en una vacante de oxígeno también puede explicarse mediante un mecanismo de Langmuir-Hinshelwood. Un análisis detallado de los datos experimentales indica que la incorporación de Pt en MoO3 cambia el orden de reacción con respecto al hidrógeno de 1 a 0.5 a baja presión parcial de PA. Revelamos que el paso determinante de la velocidad (PDV) cambia con la incorporación de Pt desde la disociación de H2 hasta la adición de H a las moléculas de ácido adsorbidas. Ilustramos además cómo el PDV puede cambiar en función de la cobertura de PA. Se discute el efecto de inhibición de PA y sus posibles causas tanto para MoO3 como para los catalizadores 0.05% en peso de Pt/MoO3. Aquí, se desvinculan los efectos del promotor de la creación de sitios altamente activos ubicados en la interfaz Pt/MoO3. También se estudia la naturaleza del sitio activo involucrado en la incorporación de Pt al separar Pt de MoO3 a una distancia controlada usando nanotubos de carbono como puentes de hidrógeno, confirmando que el papel cinéticamente relevante de Pt es servir como promotor del MoO3.

Background: Data are rare about the incidence of severe Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) and its association with mortality. We sought to: (1) estimate the probability of developing severe FALD in patients who undergo the Fontan procedure (Fontan patients), compared with severe liver complications in patients with a ventricular septal defect; (2) assess the severe FALD-mortality association; and (3) identify risk factors for developing severe FALD. Methods and Results: Using the Quebec Congenital Heart Disease database, a total of 512 Fontan patients and 10232 patients with a ventricular septal defect were identified. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated significantly higher cumulative risk of severe FALD in Fontan patients (11.95% and 52.24% at 10 and 35years, respectively), than the risk of severe liver complica- tions in patients with a ventricular septal defect (0.50% and 2.75%, respectively). At 5years, the cumulative risk of death was 12.60% in patients with severe FALD versus 3.70% in Fontan patients without FALD (log-rank P=0.0171). Cox proportional hazard models identified significant associations between the development of severe FALD and congestive heart failure and supraventricular tachycardia, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 2.36 (95% CI, 1.38–4.02) and 2.45 (95% CI, 1.37–4.39), respectively. More recent Fontan completion was related to reduced risks of severe FALD, with an HR of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93–0.97) for each more recent year. Conclusions: This large-scale population-based study documents that severe FALD in Fontan patients was associated with a >3-fold increase in mortality. The risk of FALD is time-dependent and can reach >50% by 35years after the Fontan operation. Conditions promoting poor Fontan hemodynamics were associated with severe FALD development.

Abstract: The hydrogen isotope composition of leaf wax biomarkers (?2Hwax) is a valuable tool for reconstructing continental paleohydrology, since it serves as a proxy for the hydrogen isotope composition of precipitation (?2Hpre). To yield robust palaeohydrological reconstructions using ?2Hwax in marine archives, it is necessary to examine the impacts of regional climate on ?2Hwax and assess the similarity between marine sedimentary ?2Hwax and the source of continental ?2Hwax. Here, we examined an aridity gradient from hyperarid to humid along the Chilean coast. We sampled sediments at the outlets of rivers draining into the Pacific as well as soils within catchments and marine surface sediments adjacent to the outlets of the studied rivers and analyzed the relationship between climatic variables and ?2Hwax values. We found that apparent fractionation between leaf waxes and source water is relatively constant in humid and semiarid regions (average: ?121 ‰). However, it becomes less negative in hyperarid regions (average: ?86 ‰) as a result of evapotranspirative processes affecting soil and leaf water 2H enrichment. We also observed that along strong aridity gradients, the 2H enrichment of ?2Hwax follows a non-linear relationship with water content and water flux variables, driven by strong soil evaporation and plant transpiration. Furthermore, our results indicate that ?2Hwax values in marine surface sediments largely reflect ?2Hwax values from the continent, confirming the robustness of marine ?2Hwax records for paleohydrological reconstructions along the Chilean margin. These findings also highlight the importance of considering the effects of hyperaridity in the interpretation of ?2Hwax values and pave the way for more quantitative paleohydrological reconstructions using ?2Hwax.

Resumen: En este trabajo de fin de máster, se utiliza el edificio Lake Shore Drive Apartments de Mies Van der Rohe como punto de partida para desarrollar un proyecto básico y de ejecución de un edificio de 208 viviendas con garajes y trasteros el cual cumpla con las especificaciones del Código Técnico de la Edificación. Se aplican los conocimientos adquiridos durante el máster en Construcción y Tecnología Arquitectónicas para explorar sistemas estructurales más eficientes y lograr que el edificio sea sostenible, con un consumo de energía casi nulo. Esto se logra a través del acondicionamiento pasivo de su envolvente, así como de la implementación de las instalaciones necesarias para el correcto funcionamiento de la edificación. Además, se implementan sistemas que garanticen su comportamiento frente al fuego. De igual manera, se elabora un presupuesto que permita conocer la viabilidad de la construcción, así como su mantenimiento durante su ciclo de vida.

Abstract: Bogotá Social Backbone proposes the development of a backbone of social infrastructure for the most needed people in Bogota, those who usually do not have access to the professional services of an architect. I selected three ""free"", abandoned, and problematic spaces along the Caracas Avenue in Bogotá, and three clients who inhabit them; a drug addict who was displaced from El Bronx, a prostitute from Santafé neighborhood and a recycler from Caracas 59. Social architecture is proposed with the objective of being a platform for these people to reintegrate into society with dignity, providing minimal housing, as well as places for training and for the development of a life project. Resumen: Bogotá Social Backbone propone el desarrollo de una columna vertebral de infraestructura social para las personas más necesitadas de Bogotá, aquellas que normalmente no tienen acceso a los servicios profesionales de un arquitecto. Seleccioné tres espacios ""libres"", abandonados y problemáticos a lo largo de la Avenida Caracas en Bogotá y tres clientes que los habitan; un drogadicto desplazado de El Bronx, una prostituta del barrio Santafé y un reciclador de la Caracas con 59. La arquitectura social se propone con el objetivo de ser una plataforma para que estas personas se reintegren dignamente a la sociedad, proporcionándoles una vivienda mínima, así como lugares para la formación y para el desarrollo de un proyecto de vida.

Abstract: Colombia is a country whose economy is largely driven by SMEs companies, but with the advance of technology, their production and growth is stagnating. Only companies that have under- stood the importance of innovation and have applied technologies framed in the DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION are making progress. One of the most critical reasons why these companies have not yet begun to go through this change of ideology is due to the lack of knowledge and support. The information is abundant but it is not compiled in a single digital site, where any- one can find it. Companies will continue to invest in technology to support the shift towards remote work and automation, but that is no longer enough. One of the most relevant findings when talking to various stakeholders, has been to understand that in the collective imagination of entrepreneurs, there are misconceptions about what DT means. It is common that this concept is framed in a series of myths that confuse and are transferred from voice to voice, creating a panorama of misinformation. That is why, I took on the challenge of creating a digital strategy that brings together in one place the dimensions that are part of the DT. The objective is to demystify the preconceived ideas of entrepreneurs so they can understand that their perception of digital reality has been created under ideas that do not correspond to the truth. Therefore, to achieve this change of mentality, a common and direct language will be used in order to make people feel identified with their false ideas about the concept and as a result, they will experience a desire to explore further. Resumen: Colombia es un país cuya economía está en gran medida impulsada por empresas pymes, pero con el avance de la tecnología, su producción y crecimiento se están estancando. Solo las empresas que han comprendido la importancia de la innovación y han aplicado tecnologías enmarcadas en la TRANSFORMACIÓN DIGITAL están progresando. Una de las razones más críticas por las cuales estas empresas aún no han comenzado a pasar por este cambio de ideología se debe a la falta de conocimiento y apoyo. La información es abundante, pero no está recopilada en un solo espacio digital, donde cualquiera pueda encontrarla. Las empresas continúan invirtiendo en tecnología para respaldar el cambio hacia el trabajo remoto y la automatización, pero eso ya no es suficiente. Uno de los hallazgos más relevantes al hablar con diversos interesados ha sido comprender que en la imaginación colectiva de los empresarios, hay conceptos erróneos sobre lo que significa la Transformación Digital. Es común que este concepto se enmarque en una serie de mitos que confunden y se transmiten voz a voz, creando un panorama de desinformación. Por eso, asumí el desafío de crear una estrategia digital que reúna en un solo lugar las dimensiones que forman parte de la TD. El objetivo es desmitificar las ideas preconcebidas de los empresarios para que puedan entender que su percepción de la realidad digital se ha creado bajo ideas que no corresponden a la verdad. Por lo tanto, para lograr este cambio de mentalidad, se utilizará un lenguaje común y directo con el fin de que las personas se sientan identificadas con sus ideas falsas sobre el concepto y, como resultado, experimenten el deseo de explorar más a fondo. Dentro de esta estrategia y como artefacto final, desarrollé un sitio web llamado ""Mitos Digitales"", los empresarios podrán comprender el concepto, sus componentes, beneficios, la tecnología más usada, historias de éxito y una recopilación de mitos desarticulados. Finalmente, podrán encontrar algunos recursos en términos de formación y ayuda financiera que el gobierno y las organizaciones privadas en Colombia están proporcionando para apoyar y fortalecer el crecimiento y desarrollo tecnológico de las pymes.

Resumen: La expresión “método socrático” es usada con regularidad en la literatura educativa, donde se discuten sus aplicaciones, virtudes y limitaciones. Sin embargo, no son tantos los esfuerzos que se hacen por precisar la noción misma de método socrático, en especial su relación con lo que sabemos del pensamiento de Sócrates. El objetivo de este capítulo es precisamente especificar este concepto, atendiendo a cuestiones como la posibilidad de convertirlo en un instrumento de enseñanza, su finalidad, los criterios para que un ejercicio pedagógico pueda ser considerado socrático y las condiciones para poder aplicarlo. Este objetivo se perseguirá mediante el rastreo de distintos elementos en algunos diálogos tempranos de Platón, los cuales serán contrastados con consideraciones presentadas por lecturas contemporáneas de los mismos. Abstract: The expression “Socratic method” is regularly used in the educational literature, where its applications, virtues and limitations are discussed. However, not so many efforts are made to specify the very notion of Socratic method, especially its relationship with what we know of Socrates’ thought. The aim of this chapter is precisely to specify this notion, addressing issues such as the possibility of turning it into a teaching tool, its purpose, the criteria for a pedagogical exercise to be considered Socratic and the conditions for its application. This objective will be pursued by tracing different elements in some of Plato’s early dialogues, which will be contrasted with considerations presented by contemporary readings of them.