Abstract: Resilience refers to a relevant social necessity of protect the human systems and its interdependencies against growing uncertainties and hazards. Daily life and development become more exposed to such uncertainty and disruption as human beings spread to inhabit over undifferentiated landscapes, impact at a global level on the Earth dynamics, face intercultural encounters because of globalization and multiply activities and interconnectivities into the information age, among other aspects. The general adjustments required in governance mechanisms to deal with such growing challenges and all those social changes needed to adequate our societies could be understood, at the end, as cultural processes of qualification, that in fact have been gathered, conceived, adjusted and operated along the historic processes of human civilization. This proposal is based on empirical and theoretical research to infer that culture is the principal domain to build resilience. Successful local level initiatives and local conflicts are analyzed to outdraw first a critical approach to vertical, technocratic interventions and secondly to outline some key elements and strategies to be considered for building culture – or building on culture, as a resilient mechanism at the local level. Wide range positive effects pretend to be foreseen and supported, in terms of increasing social capital and organizational framing of society. This approach supported by climate risk management´s cases of study, offers a perspective in general for intervention of urban conflicts to build resilience, that demands for an expansion in modes of relationship among humans and nature to create the social space, beyond of mere physical urban operations Resumen: La resiliencia se refiere a una necesidad social relevante de proteger los sistemas humanos y sus interdependencias frente a incertidumbres y peligros crecientes. La vida cotidiana y el desarrollo se vuelven más expuestos a tal incertidumbre y disrupción a medida que los seres humanos se extienden para habitar paisajes indiferenciados, impactan a nivel global en la dinámica de la Tierra, enfrentan encuentros interculturales debido a la globalización y multiplican actividades e interconectividades en la era de la información, entre otros. aspectos. Los ajustes generales requeridos en los mecanismos de gobernanza para hacer frente a tales desafíos crecientes y todos aquellos cambios sociales necesarios para adecuar nuestras sociedades podrían entenderse, en definitiva, como procesos culturales de calificación, que de hecho han sido recogidos, concebidos, ajustados y operados a lo largo de los procesos históricos de la civilización humana. Esta propuesta se basa en investigaciones empíricas y teóricas para inferir que la cultura es el dominio principal para construir resiliencia. Las iniciativas exitosas a nivel local y los conflictos locales se analizan para extraer, en primer lugar, un enfoque crítico de las intervenciones tecnocráticas verticales y, en segundo lugar, para delinear algunos elementos y estrategias clave que deben tenerse en cuenta para construir cultura, o construir sobre la cultura, como un mecanismo resiliente a nivel local. Se pretende prever y apoyar una amplia gama de efectos positivos, en términos de incremento del capital social y del encuadre organizativo de la sociedad. Este enfoque, apoyado en los casos de estudio de la gestión del riesgo climático, ofrece una perspectiva en general para la intervención de los conflictos urbanos para construir resiliencia, que demanda una expansión en los modos de relación entre los seres humanos y la naturaleza para crear el espacio social, más allá de lo meramente físico.

Abstract: The rapid and ongoing process of urbanisation in Bogota has brought about significant socio-spatial segregation between city-dwellers. Such segregation is becoming increasingly complex as patterns of fragmentation are evolving towards a more ‘cellular’ differentiation between rich and poor –urban segregation which changes in terms of scale: from macro (neighbourhoods) to micro scales (blocks, streets). Urban segregation has been associated as a barrier for disadvantaged communities, especially when it becomes an intensifier of inequalities. Unequal access to services, availability of local employment, urban facilities, opportunities and supportive social relationships are examples of how segregation affects the distribution of quality of life, undermines attempts for social inclusion and, ultimately, creates unjust geographies. Alongside this context, public policy and measurements of quality of life have frequently overlooked spatial contexts of inequalities since a utility-based definition of well-being is often taken for granted. With the city of Bogota as a testing ground, this thesis analyses how and to what extent new patterns of urban segregation affect the distribution of capabilities and quality of life among young adults. Based on a capability place-based approach to wellbeing, this research will attempt to conceptualise urban quality of life, look at how patterns of urban segregation affect urban functionings, and quantify to what extent microsegregation explains differentials in capability achievement of quality of life among young adults in Bogota.

Abstract: QoL studies conceptualise urban well-being as a multidimensional process that is influenced by personal and environmental factors. A much less explored field in QoL has to do with the notion of capabilities and functionings as measurements to evaluate the level of quality of life that people experience in cities. By investigating the young adults category, this article develops a measurement of QoL based on the normative framework of the Capability Approach (CA) to capture urban domains that affect quality of life in Bogota. This study introduces a quantitative methodology to use secondary aggregated data to build a QoL measurement based on capabilities. A nonlinear categorical principal component analysis was used to explore the underlying factor structure of a calibration sample (n=6,998). Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted to validate identified factors, revealing a good fit (SRMR=0.033, CFI=0.910). The result is a Young Adult Capability Index (YACI) that empirically explores the use of capability achievements as a space for evaluating urban QoL in young adults. A multiple linear regression was calculated to predict YACI based on additional variables which are sensitive to inequality for young adults. Results show that capability scores are lower once young adults enter adulthood. Women arrive with better capabilities from childhood and adolescence than men, but rapidly undergo a marked process of decapitalisation of capabilities during their transition to adulthood, suggesting the need for more attention in the elaboration of public policies for this type of population.

Abstract: Although the analysis of urban poverty has advanced towards the integration of objective and subjective approaches to assessing urban development, evaluation of quality of life in cities remains tied to a commodity framework which conceptualises it as the mere dotation of urban amenities. Multidimensional indicators of quality of life attempt to overcome this sort of restriction by considering broader informational spaces to assess well-being in cities. The capability approach has gone some way in addressing this as a multidimensional approach, however the interpretation of spatial phenomena has been absent from its application, meaning that the role of space in the configuration of urban poverty has been neglected. Drawing on cross-sectional data, this paper examines a multidimensional measure of urban poverty based on capabilities of young adults in Bogota in order to identify clusters of deprivation and affluence of well-being and determine levels of urban segregation based on this type of metric. The result is a spatialised index of capabilities that allow us to assess well-being from a perspective of socio-spatial differences. The findings support the importance of considering spatial patterning of capabilities in understanding poverty dynamics in cities. Spatialised capabilities may help to support urban policy design and promote greater understanding of spatial inequalities in cities.

Abstract: Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a dominant inherited congenital developmental disorder characterized by facial dysmorphism, growth and cognitive impairment, limb malformations and multiple organ involvement. Mutations in five genes, encoding subunits of the cohesin complex (SMC1A, SMC3, RAD21) and its regulators (NIPBL, HDAC8), are responsible for ~ 70% of CdLS cases. Cohesin complex participates in chromosome segregation, DNA repair mechanisms, gene expression and chromosome conformation. Turner syndrome (TS) affects about one in 2000 live born females and results from complete or partial absence of one of the X chromosomes, frequently accompanied by cell-line mosaicism. Here, we describe a patient with CdLS due to a mutation in the NIPBL gene (c.1445_1448delGAGA, p.(Arg482Asnfs*20)) and mosaic TS (mos 45,X/46,XX karyotype). The patient showed multiple clinical features related to CdLS: craniofacial dysmorphism, pre- and post-natal growth delay, minor musculoskeletal anomalies, congenital heart defects and hirsutism. She also presented severe neurological involvement, including slight hypertonia, learning disabilities, verbal and motor development delay, intellectual impairment and (autistic-like features, aggression, self-injurious behaviour). In addition, the proband was clinically diagnosed with TS because of two typical recognizable features: the peripheral lymphedema and the webbed neck. Molecular characterization showed that the NIPBL mutation was present in the two tissues analyzed from different embryonic origins (peripheral blood lymphocytes from mesoderm and oral mucosa epithelial cells from ectoderm). However, FISH analyses revealed that the percentage of cells with monosomy X was low and tissue-specific. These findings indicate that, ontogenically, the NIPBL mutation may have appeared before the mosaic monosomy X. The coexistence in a patient of two rare disorders raises the issue of whether there is indeed a cause-effect association. In addition, we are forced to investigate the correlation between the genotype (a frameshift NIPBL mutation) and karyotype (mosaic X chromosome aneuploidy), with the patient’s phenotype. Therefore, we compare the clinical signs of each organ system described in our case to the typical clinical features of Cornelia de Lange and Turner syndromes. We conclude that our case seems to show a predominant CdLS phenotype, although additional TS manifestations might appear in adolescence. Besides, the significant neurological involvement reinforces the idea that the brain is the organ most sensitive to cohesin disruption.

Abstract: Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is an autosomal dominant (NIPBL, SMC3 and RAD21) or X-linked (SMC1A and HDAC8) disorder, characterized by distinctive craniofacial appearance, growth retardation, intellectual disability and limb anomalies. Its clinical presentation can be extremely variable. Here we report on a girl with classical CdLS phenotype, growth retardation, intellectual disability and gastroesophageal reflux disease, who is mosaic for the c.6647A>C mutation in the NIPBL gene. While this mutation was undetected by standard Sanger sequencing, it was identified by subsequent exome and panel sequencing approaches. Allele quantification by pyrosequencing showed the presence of the mutation in about 10%, 23.5% and 46.5% of DNA samples from peripheral blood leukocytes, buccal epithelial cells and fibroblasts, respectively. NIPBL mutations in a mosaic state are a frequent cause of CdLS, but clinical diagnosis of these patients can be challenging. In our case, the panel enriched sequencing as well as the exome sequencing clearly demonstrated to be very sensitive tools for mosaic mutation detection.

Abstract: In this study, a model assisted strategy is developed to control the distribution of colloids in porous media in the framework of nanoremediation, an innovative environmental nanotechnology aimed at reclaiming contaminated aquifers. This approach is exemplified by the delivery of humic acid-stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles (FeOx), a typical reagent for in situ immobilization of heavy metals. By tuned sequential injections of FeOx suspensions and of solutions containing a destabilizing agent (i.e. calcium or magnesium), the two fronts, which advance at different rates, overlap at the target location (i.e., the central portion) of the porous systems. Here, the particles deposit and accumulate irreversibly, creating a reactive zone. An analytical expression predicting the position of the clustering zone in 1D systems is derived from first principles of advective-dispersive transport. Through this equation, the sequence and duration of the injection of the different solutions in the medium is assessed. The model robustness is demonstrated by its successful application to various systems, comprising the use of different sands or immobilizing cations, both in 1D and 2D geometries. The method represents an advancement in the control of nanomaterial fate in the environment, and could enhance nanoremediation making it an effective alternative to more conventional techniques. Resumen: En este estudio, una estrategia modelística es desarrollada con el fin de controlar la distribución de coloides en medios porosos en el marco de la nanorremediación, una nanotecnología ambiental enfocada a la recuperación de acuíferos contaminados. En el presente análisis, se usan de nanopartículas de óxido de hierro estabilizadas con ácido húmico (FeOx), un reactivo típico para la inmovilización in situ de metales pesados. Mediante aplicaciones secuenciales controladas de suspensiones de FeOx y soluciones que contienen un agente desestabilizador (calcio o magnesio), los dos frentes, que avanzan a diferentes velocidades, se superponen en la ubicación deseada (en este caso en el centro) del medio porosos. Aquí, las partículas se depositan y acumulan de forma irreversible, creando una zona reactiva. Una expresión analítica que predice la posición de la zona de deposición en sistemas unidimensionales (1D) se deriva de los primeros principios del transporte advectivo-dispersivo. A través de esta ecuación se evalúa la secuencia y duración de la inyección de las diferentes soluciones en el medio poroso. La robustez del modelo se demuestra con la exitosa aplicación en diversos sistemas, que comprenden el uso de diferentes tamaños de grano o cationes inmovilizadores, tanto en geometrías 1D como 2D. El método representa un avance en el control del destino final de los nanomateriales en el medio ambiente y podría mejorar la nanorremediación, convirtiéndolo en una alternativa eficaz a las técnicas convencionales actuales.

Resumen: Un acercamiento y comparación de los métodos usados para la evaluación y participación de comunidades afectadas por la ejecución de obras de infraestructura de interés nacional respecto de los métodos o reglamentos alemanes vigentes a la fecha en los dos países. Como producto de esta tesis se generó un borrador de reglamento que integra los métodos colombianos con los alemanes en los casos de éxito.

Abstract: This thesis explores how interventions based on changing social norms can transform the behaviour of people and contribute to tackle social and policy challenges in real-world contexts. Specifically, it focuses on how a policy experience that had important and enduring effects in a large city (the civic culture interventions of Antanas Mockus in Bogotá, Colombia), could inform the application of more effective and sustainable than those that are typically applied in the academic literature. To do this, three studies were conducted to explore: (i) the intervention strategies and mechanisms that social norm interventions apply to achieve behavioural change (through a systematic review of over 90 field studies), (ii) the narratives through which different policy actors interpret and disseminate intervention messages (through narratives from citizens, the press and designers about Mockus’ most iconic intervention), and (iii) the way in which interventions that leverage social norms can reconfigure the physical, psychological and social layers of local installations (through two long-term experimental interventions to change driving behaviours among truck drivers). While typical social norm interventions in the academic literature tend to use easy-toimplement one-size-fits-all mechanisms (based mostly on giving group summary information to students remotely), our results illustrate the need and the potential of applying social norm interventions that: - Use strategically a wider range of intervention mechanisms that are closer to where behaviour actually happens and leverage social interactions. - Reconfigure the local physical, psychological, and social determinants of behaviour in a way that is tailored to the target contexts and behaviours, creating collective selfreflections on participants and giving them tools for social regulation and change. - Create engaging narratives around the behaviours and social expectations that must change, reframing social challenges and the agency of different actors around them. Our findings offer indications of a valuable and cost-effective approach to behavioural and social norm change that promotes collective reflection, engagement and action (rather than boring instructions, prohibitions, punishments or automatic nudging), and that thus has a higher potential of achieving enduring large-scale transformations in complex challenges than other approaches that are common in policy and organizational settings. By offering insights into the orientation and practical techniques of these interventions, as well as discussing implications for both researchers and practitioners, we hope to inform more effective and sustainable interventions to tackle social challenges in the real world. Resumen: Esta tesis explora cómo las intervenciones basadas en el cambio de normas sociales pueden transformar el comportamiento de las personas y contribuir a enfrentar retos sociales y de política en contextos reales. En concreto, se centra en cómo una experiencia de política que tuvo efectos importantes y duraderos en una ciudad grande (las intervenciones de cultura ciudadana de Antanas Mockus en Bogotá, Colombia), pueden informar la aplicación de intervenciones más efectivas y sostenibles que las que se suelen aplicar en la literatura académica. Para ello, se llevaron a cabo tres estudios para explorar: (i) las estrategias y mecanismos de intervención que se aplican en las intervenciones de normas sociales para transformar comportamientos (a través de una revisión sistemática de más de 90 estudios de campo), (ii) las narrativas a través de las cuales los diferentes actores de política interpretan y difunden mensajes sobre la intervención (a través de las narrativas de los ciudadanos, la prensa y los diseñadores de la intervención más emblemática de Mockus), y (iii) el modo en que las intervenciones de normas sociales pueden reconfigurar las capas físicas, psicológicas y sociales de las instalaciones locales (a través de dos intervenciones experimentales para cambiar comportamientos de conducción entre conductores de carga). Mientras que las intervenciones típicas de normas sociales en la literatura académica tienden a utilizar mecanismos simples y estandarizados (basados sobre todo en dar información a distancia con un resumen de las opiniones de un grupo de estudiantes), nuestros resultados ilustran la necesidad y el potencial de aplicar intervenciones sobre normas sociales que: - Utilicen estratégicamente un conjunto más amplio de mecanismos de intervención que de acerquen mas a donde se producen realmente los comportamientos y que aprovechen las interacciones sociales. - Reconfiguren los determinantes físicos, psicológicos y sociales de los comportamientos de una manera que se adapte a los contextos y comportamientos objetivo, creando autorreflexiones colectivas en los participantes y dándoles herramientas para la regulación y el cambio social. - Creen narrativas atractivas en torno a los comportamientos y las expectativas sociales que deben cambiar. Nuestros hallazgos ofrecen indicios de un enfoque valioso y costo-efectivo para el cambio de comportamientos y normas sociales que promueve la reflexión, el compromiso y la acción colectiva (en lugar de instrucciones aburridas, prohibiciones, castigos o "nudges" automáticos), y que, por tanto, tiene un mayor potencial de lograr transformaciones duraderas a gran escala para retos complejos comparado con otros enfoques que ordinariamente se utilizan en los entornos política y en las organizaciones. Al ofrecer información sobre el enfoque y las técnicas prácticas de estas intervenciones, así como debatir las implicaciones para investigadores y profesionales, esperamos informar intervenciones más eficaces y sostenibles para enfrentar los retos sociales en contextos reales.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality that may affect over 5% of children and approximately 2.8% of adults worldwide. Pharmacological and behavioral therapies for ADHD exist, but critical symptoms such as dysexecutive deficits remain unaffected. In a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, crossover mechanistic study, we assessed the cognitive and physiological effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in 40 adult patients with ADHD in order to identify diagnostic (cross-sectional) and treatment biomarkers (targets). METHODS: Patients performed three experimental sessions in which they received 30 minutes of 2 mA anodal tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, 30 minutes of 2 mA anodal tDCS targeting the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and 30 minutes of sham. Before and after each session, half the patients completed the Eriksen flanker task and the other half completed the stop signal task while we assessed behavior (reaction time, accuracy) and neurophysiology (event-related potentials). RESULTS: Anodal tDCS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex modulated cognitive (reaction time) and physiological (P300 amplitude) measures in the Eriksen flanker task in a state-dependent manner, but no effects were found in the stop signal reaction time of the stop signal task. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show procognitive effects in ADHD associated with the modulation of event-related potential signatures of cognitive control, linking target engagement with cognitive benefit, proving the value of eventrelated potentials as cross-sectional biomarkers of executive performance, and mechanistically supporting the statedependent nature of tDCS. We interpret these results as an improvement in cognitive control but not action cancellation, supporting the existence of different impulsivity constructs with overlapping but distinct anatomical substrates, and highlighting the implications for the development of individualized therapeutics.