El objetivo fundamental de esta obra es aprender y pensar como un biólogo, en vez de simplemente memorizar, porque los estudiantes de biología de hoy serán los que resuelvan los problemas mañana. Este es el siglo de la biología, no solo por el increíble ritmo de la investigación, sino también porque muchos de los importantes retos de hoy en día, como la escasez de recursos, la sobrepoblación, la extinción de especies, la resistencia a fármacos y el calentamiento global, tienen una naturaleza biológica.

Este ensayo hace una lectura del personaje Calibán, en la obra la Tempestad como uno de los ‘otros’ en las obras de Shakespeare, y de ninguna manera adopta una posición radical o una visión unidimensional que establezca que “él es un habitante de x o y continente, isla o comunidad” sino que establece que “él es uno de los ‘otros’ en un sentido más amplio de la otredad y lo foráneo en la época de Shakespeare”. En cada sociedad existen nociones de diferencia: ricos y pobres, aristócratas y pueblo, hombre y mujer, etc. Pero en la época de Shakespeare, junto a estas diferencias, el contacto con el extraño (the outsider) creó una ideología nacional de “diferencia”, de supremacía, en relación a: el ‘otro’, el ‘extranjero’, el ‘foráneo’, (ideología que prevalece hoy con algunos cambios). El ‘otro’ era al mismo tiempo atractivo y amenazante.

The Colombian composition, “Caimaré” (1949), by Luis Uribe Bueno (1916-2000) is a rare example of music written for saxophone and orchestra in Latin America. This piece reaches a particular importance in the repertoire for saxophone and orchestra because not only does it open a window into Colombian musical culture at the time, but it also presents a conciliation of the diverse musical elements that represented national identity of Colombia at that time. Additionally, the piece also raises some unsettling questions: Why did Luis Uribe Bueno compose music for saxophone and orchestra when the saxophone is an uncommon instrument in classical music and even more so in Andean Colombian music? Why did he write the piece? For whom? Was Caimaré just an isolated example, or were there other similar pieces? What were the music-cultural influences? In this paper, I will survey key aspects of Caimaré and its relationship to thehistory, composition, and performance of saxophone music in Colombia. I will show how the saxophone played a predominant role in the popular music of the Atlantic coastal region, as opposed to its relative rarity in the classical music tradition and in Andean folkloric contexts. My study will explore the role of the saxophone in one of the most representative tropical bands in Colombian music, Lucho Bermudez' s orchestra, and the influence that orchestra had on Uribe Bueno’s composition. Finally, this study will illustrate how Uribe Bueno combined traditional Spanish rhythms from the pasodoble and Caribbean influences from the Cuban bolero within the traditional Colombian pasillo in his representation of national music identity.

Abstract: The use of phytoextraction plant species to accumulate soil metals into harvestable plant parts is a method used for managing soils with high cadmium (Cd). We evaluated three Cd accumulating species recently recommended for such use in cacao farms where Cd removal is needed to maintain markets: Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Brassica napus (rapeseed), and Chyrsopogon zizanioides (vetiver). Plants were grown in two greenhouse pot experiments with different Cd-spiked growth media: (sand plus perlite) and a natural soil. Plant total Cd and Cd uptake in shoot biomass of all species, across both experiments, increased linearly with increasing amounts of added Cd. Rapeseed had the highest plant total Cd and sunflower had the highest Cd uptake in shoot biomass. The highest application of Cd cor-responded to the highest plant total Cd and shoot biomass Cd uptake, regardless of species. The bio-concentration factor (BCF) for each species increased in a curvilinear manner with added Cd, with maximum BCF values for plants grown in the sand and perlite matrix at 2.5 mg kg-1 added Cd and in the natural soil at 5.0 mg kg-1 added Cd. We conclude that the Cd uptake (shoot biomass only) capability of the three species examined is greatest for sunflower given its increased uptake with Cd additions, its BCF value >1, and lack of observed visual Cd toxicity symptoms, fungus and insect damage. Although these species had BCF >1, the potential annual removal of Cd would have been too small to support a meaningful phytoextraction practice. Resumen: El uso de especies de plantas de fitoextracción para acumular metales del suelo en partes de plantas cosechables es un método utilizado para el manejo de suelos con alto contenido de cadmio (Cd). Evaluamos tres especies acumuladoras de Cd recientemente recomendadas para dicho uso en granjas de cacao donde es necesaria la eliminación de Cd para mantener los mercados: Helianthus annuus (girasol), Brassica napus (colza) y Chyrsopogon zizanioides (vetiver). Las plantas se cultivaron en dos experimentos en macetas de invernadero con diferentes medios de crecimiento enriquecidos con Cd: (arena más perlita) y suelo natural. La absorción total de Cd por parte de las plantas y la absorción de Cd en la biomasa de brotes de todas las especies, en ambos experimentos, aumentó linealmente con cantidades crecientes de Cd agregado. La colza tuvo el mayor Cd total en la planta y el girasol tuvo la mayor absorción de Cd en la biomasa de los brotes. La mayor aplicación de Cd correspondió a la mayor absorción de Cd total de la planta y de la biomasa de los brotes,independientemente de la especie. El factor de bioconcentración (FBC) para cada especie aumentó de manera curvilínea con el Cd añadido, con valores máximos de FBC para las plantas cultivadas en la matriz de arena y perlita con 2,5 mg kg-1 de Cd añadido y en el suelo natural con 5,0 mg kg-1 Cd añadido. Concluimos que la capacidad de absorción de Cd (solo biomasa de brotes) de las tres especies examinadas es mayor para el girasol dada su mayor absorción con adiciones de Cd, su valor BCF > 1 y la falta de síntomas visuales observados de toxicidad por Cd, daños por hongos e insectos. Aunque estas especies tenían BCF >1, la posible eliminación anual de Cd habría sido demasiado pequeña para respaldar una práctica de fitoextracción significativa.

Abstract: The use of phytoextraction plant species to accumulate soil metals into harvestable plant parts is a method used for managing soils with high cadmium (Cd). We evaluated three Cd accumulating species recently recommended for such use in cacao farms where Cd removal is needed to maintain markets: Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Brassica napus (rapeseed), and Chyrsopogon zizanioides (vetiver). Plants were grown in two greenhouse pot experiments with different Cd-spiked growth media: (sand plus perlite) and a natural soil. Plant total Cd and Cd uptake in shoot biomass of all species, across both experiments, increased linearly with increasing amounts of added Cd. Rapeseed had the highest plant total Cd and sunflower had the highest Cd uptake in shoot biomass. The highest application of Cd corresponded to the highest plant total Cd and shoot biomass Cd uptake, regardless of species. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) for each species increased in a curvilinear manner with added Cd, with maximum BCF values for plants grown in the sand and perlite matrix at 2.5 mg kg-1 added Cd and in the natural soil at 5.0 mg kg-1 added Cd. We conclude that the Cd uptake (shoot biomass only) capability of the three species examined is greatest for sunflower given its increased uptake with Cd additions, its BCF value > 1, and lack of observed visual Cd toxicity symptoms, fungus and insect damage. Although these species had BCF >1, the potential annual removal of Cd would have been too small to support a meaningful phytoextraction practice. Resumen: El uso de especies de plantas de fitoextracción para acumular metales del suelo en partes de plantas cosechables es un método utilizado para manejar suelos con alto contenido de cadmio (Cd). Evaluamos tres especies acumuladoras de Cd recomendadas recientemente para tal uso en fincas de cacao donde se necesita remoción de Cd para mantener los mercados: Helianthus annuus (girasol), Brassica napus (colza) y Chyrsopogon zizanioides (vetiver). Las plantas se cultivaron en dos experimentos en macetas de invernadero con diferentes medios de crecimiento enriquecidos con Cd: (arena más perlita) y un suelo natural. La absorción total de Cd y Cd de la planta en la biomasa de brotes de todas las especies, en ambos experimentos, aumentó linealmente con cantidades crecientes de Cd agregado. La colza tuvo el mayor Cd total de la planta y el girasol tuvo la mayor absorción de Cd en la biomasa de los brotes. La mayor aplicación de Cd correspondió a la mayor absorción de Cd total de la planta y de la biomasa de brotes, independientemente de la especie. El factor de bioconcentración (FBC) para cada especie aumentó de manera curvilínea con Cd agregado, con valores máximos de FBC para plantas cultivadas en la matriz de arena y perlita a 2.5 mg kg-1 de Cd agregado y en el suelo natural a 5.0 mg kg-1 añadido Cd. Concluimos que la capacidad de absorción de Cd (solo biomasa de brotes) de las tres especies examinadas es mayor para el girasol debido a su mayor absorción con adiciones de Cd, su valor de FBC> 1 y la falta de síntomas de toxicidad visual de Cd, hongos e insectos observados. Aunque estas especies tenían FBC> 1, la posible eliminación anual de Cd habría sido demasiado pequeña para sustentar una práctica de fitoextracción significativa.

Abstract: Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that poses a threat to food safety via the ingestion of food products with Cd. The uptake of Cd by the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao) has gained attention after the European Union set limits for Cd in chocolate products, the main commodity produced from cacao beans. In this study, we analyzed levels of Cd in soils and plant tissues across five cacao farms in the Piura region of Peru to identify the origins of Cd accumulation, and the natural and human factors controlling its concentration. Our results show that Cd levels varied in the order: leaves (1.25 mg/kg) > beans (0.78 mg/kg) > soils at 5 cm (0.68 mg/kg) > soils at 20 cm (0.6 mg/kg). Our findings suggest that the higher concentration of Cd in plant tissues and surface soils can be explained by readily available Cd from fertilizers and a litter layer being absorbed, cycled, and accumulated by the plant. Moreover, even when fertilizers are within regulatory limits, their continuous application, combined with the biocycling of Cd, may lead to high Cd concentrations in beans and leaves. Conversely, farms on alluvial soils and more stable topographic positions display higher soil and plant Cd concentrations. Likewise, farms located at lower altitudes, with higher contributing areas are more likely to receive Cd transported through sediments and water in the river network. Our results also suggest that variations in the underlying geology and soil mineralogy may be a source of potentially Cd bearing sediments. Overall, this study indicates that the high levels of Cd in plants in the study area are the result of a combined mechanism involving plant bioaccumulation and high Cd in fertilizers for the most part, with a minor contribution from potential Cd bearing minerals in sediments of alluvial soils. Resumen: El Cd es un metal pesado que representa una amenaza para la seguridad alimentaria a través de la ingestión de productos alimenticios con Cd. La absorción de Cd por el árbol del cacao ha llamado la atención después de que la Unión Europea estableciera límites para el Cd en los productos de chocolate, el principal producto producido a partir de los granos de cacao. En este estudio, analizamos los niveles de Cd en suelos y tejidos vegetales en 5 fincas de cacao en la región Piura de Perú para identificar los orígenes de la acumulación de Cd y los factores naturales y humanos que controlan su concentración. Nuestros resultados muestran que los niveles de Cd variaron en el orden: hojas (1,25 mg/kg) > frijol (0,78 mg/kg) > suelos a 5 cm (0,68 mg/kg) > suelos a 20 cm (0,6 mg/kg). Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que la mayor concentración de Cd en los tejidos vegetales y en los suelos superficiales puede explicarse porque el Cd fácilmente disponible en los fertilizantes y una capa de hojarasca es absorbido, ciclado y acumulado por la planta. Además, incluso cuando los fertilizantes se encuentran dentro de los límites reglamentarios, su aplicación continua, combinada con el biociclado del Cd, puede provocar altas concentraciones de cadmio en los frijoles y las hojas. Por el contrario, las granjas en suelos aluviales y posiciones topográficas más estables muestran concentraciones más altas de Cd en el suelo y en las plantas. Asimismo, las fincas ubicadas en altitudes más bajas, con áreas de mayor contribución, tienen más probabilidades de recibir Cd transportado a través de sedimentos y agua en la red fluvial. Nuestros resultados también sugieren que las variaciones en la geología subyacente y la mineralogía del suelo pueden ser una fuente de sedimentos potencialmente portadores de Cd. En general, este estudio indica que los altos niveles de Cd en las plantas en el área de estudio son el resultado de un mecanismo combinado que involucra la bioacumulación de las plantas y los altos niveles de Cd en los fertilizantes en su mayor parte, con una contribución menor de los minerales potenciales que contienen Cd en los sedimentos de las zonas aluviales.

The shift from government to governance has committed its goal to realize a more inclusive and plural way to govern contemporary societies. It has allowed the different actors to interrelate themselves in decision-making processes around strategic metropolitan projects. Citizen participation is also increasingly playing a role in the planning domain, as the traditional role of government as the main decision-maker, becomes challenged or accompanied by new and emerging participatory structures. The recent literature on governance in the Latin American metropolitan context is just developing, as the term first appeared in the region in the 1990s. Although the region is advancing into the consolidation of governance structures, the metropolitan institutional framework is still deficient in the region for its short-lived background in democracy. By delving the context of the Aburrá Valley in Colombia, the present thesis is based on a single case study investigation which uses two frameworks: governance and citizen participation. The thesis aims to answer the question: How have the different actors been interrelated in the decision-making process of Parque del Río Medellín and what were the policy outcomes? Parque del Río Medellín is a project that not only aims to enhance the deficit of public space in the city and improve mobility and quality of life conditions for its inhabit-ants, but also to challenge the current land use model which has saturated to an almost un-sustainable point the slopes of the valley. The results of the investigation achieved through elite semi-structured interviews, show that public sector actors deploy enormous amounts of resources and decision-making capacity, while civil society actors mildly influence the decision-making process. On the other hand, the role of citizen participation around the project resembles classic ‘tokenism’ or symbolic participation achieved through ‘imaginary workshops’, ‘socializations’ or round tables. Finally, the investigation reveals the role of the municipal mayor and his ‘political’ will is crucial to understand the present and future a project, that while is strategic, paradoxically receives scarce attention on behalf of the citi-zens or other civil society actors.

Abstract: The Pulp Fruit Imports and commercialization from Colombia to Spain Business Plan is a project that aims to support the solution of 3 main challenges in Colombia (Organic food waste, Ex-warriors from peace accords signature returning to society trough farming opportunities and life quality improvement to current farmers) while needs from Spanish consumers are satisfied. This last ones, after the pandemic, increased their awareness of consuming responsibly, which means protect their health and the environment at the same time the want enjoy a convenient and natural drink to join their meals and that allows them to continue with their life rhythm. For that reason, Amazonas Eco offers a range of exotic fruits that are transformed into pulp fruit through a local strategic partner with Bio certifications, then transported to Spain to be sold through the customer's preferred channels. This business plan includes a bibliographical study that uses Colombian and Spanish available data from different authorities combined with a filed work survey conducted to Spanish consumers that was used afterwards to develop case of study of Marketing Analysis using Statistical tools such as Multiple regression and Conjoint Analysis. These both supported to define main market trends, STEEP and Porter Analysis and marketing strategy (Segmentation, Price, Placement and Promotion). Furthermore interviews were done to a current exported and producer of pulp fruit from Colombia and to and Spanish expert profesor in logistics, these last interviews supported to define business model, Operational model and Financial forecasts. The principal market trends are explained into 3 main categories: 1. Sourcing: Exports from Colombia to the EU in organic food grew from 2019 to 2020 by 35% (European Commission) meaning almost 28.000 additional tons per year. 2. Consumption: the imports of Spain for the frozen fruit market have an average annual growth between 2012 and 2016 of 7,5% jumping from 219.000 MUSD to 291.000 MUSD in those years. (Zambrano Achi and Pozo Burgos). 3. SOM: Initially Amazonas Eco will focus in Cataluña, therefore the market size is given by the population size and the average price and consumption of nectars and fresh juices and soft drinks. Combined the total expected market size would be 75 MEUR (“Últimos datos de consumo alimentario”). After defining a reachable scope in a SOM and Colombia's production capacity the company expects sales of 100 tons/year with an income of 1.2 MEUR. The Operational model is build under 3 main pillars: Farmers, Pulp fruit producer in Colombia, then imports to Spain followed by storage in a warehouse and distributed through a third part logistics service provider reaching Organic markets (preferred channel of main segment) and consumers. Financial model is done by identifying needed assets and operational expenses using marketing analysis to defined expected sales and required inventory. With this financial statements are build for 3 years followed by Net present Value exercise and break even point. This company will request 390,000 EUR of equity. According to the assumptions the NPV of the project is positive therefore, it is decided to go forward with it. The IRR is 15% meaning that NPV will be negative when the cost of capital is higher than this. Break Even point is reachable at 75.500 kg in one year keeping the cost structure. Statement of financial positioning, comprehensive income statement and cash flow statement are built under a conservative model with the assumptions given above where an organic growth is expected for this business holding positive income and cash flow since year 1.