Abstract: BIM and Virtual Reality (VR) are technologies that aim to revolutionise the AEC industry, minimizing variations, replicating complex tasks, enhancing visualisation of objects, better coordination with stakeholders, and as an alternative training tool. However, they have multiple limitations that deter a successful implementation in the AEC sector, requiring high technical skills to be developed, complex processes, and expensive resources that do not satisfy their current needs. Therefore, this research aims to create a game-like simulation between BIM and VR to train people in pile construction activities, addressing the limitations about industry adoption to implement it as a feasible product. The objectives of this thesis are: I. Develop a methodological framework to replicate similar prototypes like the one developed, II. Create a BIM and VR application using decision tree scenarios to train people around piling procedures, III. Validate the prototype through online surveys to verify its usability, feasibility, and improvements. A complex simulation using multiple software was created to teach about the required elements for piling construction, being supported through cinematics to show different construction stages of the survey, logistics, site camp, drilling excavation, and concrete & rebar activities. Participants agreed that the Pile Training Module (PTM) delivers an enhanced training experience about complex concepts, highlighting its potential of replicating variable conditions of a real site. With this module, it was demonstrated that high levels of expertise and costs are no longer limitations for a meaningful VR and BIM application, representing a starting point for future prototypes that aim to become a real application for the AEC industry and academy.

Abstract: This paper employs a dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) model to study the time-varying correlation between three cryptocurrency strategies (market, size, and momentum) and three equity indexes (MSCI World, MSCI Emerging markets, and MSCI All cap) from November 2017 until May 2022. Paying close attention to events of market turmoil, like the Covid-19 crash in March 2020 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The results obtained, show that the correlation between the equity market and cryptocurrencies has increased over time eroding diversification benefits. However, the momentum and size strategies presented a stable near-zero correlation with the equity index during the time frame selected, including both of the crisis events. We conclude that whereas both (momentum and size) strategies can be used as diversification tools, size is preferred due to its lower volatility, and lower persistence when faced with a correlation spike. Resumen: Este trabajo emplea un modelo de correlación condicional dinámica (DCC) para estudiar los cambios en la correlación de tres estrategias con criptomonedas (mercado, tamaño y momentum) y tres índices bursátiles (MSCI World, MSCI Emerging markets y MSCI All cap), en el periodo comprendido entre noviembre de 2017 y mayo de 2022. Se presta especial atención a los eventos de crisis como el crash de la bolsa en marzo 2020 debido a la pandemia del Covid-19 y a la invasión rusa de Ucrania en febrero de 2022. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que la correlación entre el mercado accionario y las criptomonedas ha incrementado a lo largo del tiempo, deteriorando los beneficios de la diversificación. Sin embargo, las cripto estrategias de momentum y tamaño presentaron una correlación estable y cercana a cero con los índices accionarios durante el periodo comprendido en el estudio, incluyendo los eventos de crisis previamente mencionados. En conclusión, si bien las estrategias de momentum y tamaño pueden ser usadas como herramientas de diversificación en un portafolio de acciones, la estrategia de tamaño es preferible debido a su menor volatilidad y mayor persistencia frente a picos en la correlación de los activos.

Abstract: Estimating gross primary production (GPP) is important to understand the land–atmosphere CO2 exchange for major agroecosystems. Eddy covariance (EC) measurements provide accurate and reliable information about GPP, but flux measurements are often not available. Upscaling strategies gain importance as an alternative to the limitations of the use of the EC. Although the potato provides an important agroecosystem for worldwide carbon balance, there are currently no studies on potato GPP upscaling processes. This study reports two GPP scaling-up approaches from the detailed leaflevel characterization of gas exchange of potatoes. Multilayer and big leaf approaches were applied for extrapolating chamber and biometric measurements from leaf to canopy. Measurements of leaf area index and photosynthesis were performed from planting to the end of the canopy life cycle using an LP-80 ceptometer and an IRGA Li-Cor 6800, respectively. The results were compared to concurrent measurements of surface–atmosphere GPP from the EC measurements. Big-leaf models were able to simulate the general trend of GPP during the growth cycle, but they overestimated the GPP during the maximum LAI phase. Multilayer models correctly reproduced the behavior of potato GPP and closely predicted both: the daily magnitude and half-hourly variation in GPP when compared to EC measurements. Upscaling is a reliable alternative, but a good treatment of LAI and the photosynthetic light-response curves are decisive factors to achieve better GPP estimates. The results improved the knowledge of the biophysical control in the carbon fluxes of the potato crop.

Abstract: This study presents a language textbook analysis informed by generative second language acquisition (GenSLA), an area of investigation that has been rarely explored. In consequence, it proposes an original methodology. It also intends to contribute to bridging the gap between GenSLA and second language teaching. For those purposes, it tackles the research question: To what extent are secondlanguage textbook contents informed by GenSLA theory and research findings? The two research objectives are (1) to analyse how polarity item any is explicitly instructed in the language textbook series proposed by the Ministry of Education in Colombia for public secondary schools and (2) to analyse how polarity item any is incidentally instructed in the textbook series in terms of primary linguistic data (PLD). In terms of methodology, the study proposes two analyses for each research objective. First, to analyse explicit instruction (explanations, grammar activities, and teacher’s guidance). Second to analyse every instance of polarity item any provided by the textbooks through written and aural input. The main results show that the whole linguistic distribution of any is partially covered by explicit and incidental instruction. A cautious explanation is the emphasis of textbooks on meaning and interaction over form or metalinguistic knowledge. These results also demonstrate the need for instruction of any in veridical linguistic contexts licensed by negative implicature.

Abstract: This dissertation explores the role that social enterprises can play in transforming the economy. The overemphasis on economic goals has undermined social and environmental objectives, causing many of the crises we face today. To address this situation, this paper brings together the bodies of literature on the circular economy, ecological economics and local economic development to provide strategies, proposals and insights for achieving such transformation, while analysing the definition of social enterprises and using the policies of economic restructuring as a framework to conclude that the role of social enterprises is to demonstrate that it is possible to reconcile these three dimensions into sustainable, attractive and profitable business models, and to inspire other actors in the economy to apply these sustainable practices and approaches until their widespread adoption becomes the new industry standard. Resumen: Esta disertación explora el papel que pueden desempeñar las empresas sociales en la transformación de la economía. El énfasis excesivo en los objetivos económicos ha socavado los objetivos sociales y medioambientales, causando muchas de las crisis a las que nos enfrentamos hoy en día. Para hacer frente a esta situación, este trabajo reúne la literatura sobre la economía circular, la economía ecológica y el desarrollo económico local con el fin de proporcionar estrategias, propuestas y puntos de vista para lograr dicha transformación, al tiempo que analiza la definición de las empresas sociales y utiliza las políticas de reestructuración económica como marco para concluir que el papel de las empresas sociales es demostrar que es posible conciliar estas tres dimensiones en modelos de negocio sostenibles, atractivos y rentables, e inspirar a otros actores de la economía para aplicar estas prácticas y enfoques sostenibles hasta que su adopción generalizada se convierta en el nuevo estándar de la industria.

Resumen: Esta investigación tiene como objetivo responder la pregunta por el papel que juegan las redes sociales en el activismo, qué tipo de prácticas activistas albergan y cómo esto da forma a un espacio feminista en la red. Para lograr responder a estas preguntas he trabajado de cerca con cuatro activistas de cuatro colectivos colombianos reconocidos por su presencia digital, creación de contenido y trabajo activista en el contexto nacional. A saber: Hiedras y Bolívar en Falda en Medellín, Feministas en Construcción en Bogotá y Maleza en Manizales. Los cuatro colectivos y las activistas con las que tuve la oportunidad de discutir son un caso representativo del feminismo digital en el país. Por lo cual propongo implementar la metodología de estudio de caso. Este diseño de investigación provee herramientas para cumplir con los objetivos planteados en cuanto me permite, a partir de los datos empíricos y la teoría planteada, construir explicaciones y reconstruir patrones de las prácticas activistas mediáticas. Finalmente, a partir del análisis del activismo digital feminista en términos de prácticas mediáticas digitales se plantea una discusión, algunas conclusiones y reflexiones finales. Esta investigación espera aportar a la literatura sobre activismo digital feminista. Dado que el material es reducido mientras que los grupos activistas son cada vez más y con logros y alianzas cada vez más importantes. En tiempos donde las acciones políticas desde diferentes flancos de la sociedad colombiana que van en detrimento de los derechos de las mujeres tienen tanta fuerza y presencia en redes sociales, las voces feministas en las redes sociales constituyen una fuerza contestataria importante. Por esto, considero que indagar más sobre las relaciones entre prácticas, medios digitales y feminismo, es un aporte hacia una comprensión más amplia del presente y futuro del feminismo y los movimientos feministas contemporáneos. Abstract: This research aims to answer the question of the role that social networks play in activism, what kind of activist practices they harbor and how this shapes a feminist space on the web. In order to answer these questions I have worked closely with four activists from four Colombian collectives recognized for their digital presence, content creation and activist work in the national context. The collectives Hiedras and Bolivar en Falda in Medellin, Feministas en Construcción in Bogota and Maleza in Manizales. The four collectives and the activists with whom I had the opportunity to discuss are a representative case of digital feminism in the country. Therefore, I propose to implement the case study methodology. This research design provides tools to meet the objectives set out in that it allows me, from the empirical data and the theory proposed, to build explanations and reconstruct patterns of media activist practices. Finally, based on the analysis of feminist digital activism in terms of digital media practices, a discussion, some conclusions and final reflections are presented. This research hopes to contribute to the literature on feminist digital activism. Given that the material is reduced while activist groups are increasingly more and with increasingly important achievements and alliances. In times where political actions from different sides of Colombian society that are detrimental to women's rights have so much strength and presence in social networks, feminist voices in social networks are an important contestation force. For this reason, I believe that further research on the relationship between practices, digital media and feminism is a contribution to a broader understanding of the present and future of feminism and contemporary feminist movements.

Abstract: Colombia and Venezuela have experienced a two-way migration since the 1920s. In the last decade, Venezuelan people fled to the neighbour Latin American countries in the most significant migration process faced in the continent. Colombia has become the most considerable receptor because of its closeness, and it demands that Colombian governments, humanitarian institutions, international cooperation, mass media, and civil society develop strategies to assimilate and achieve a successful social integration. This is the analysis of two processes of social integration through music, one institutional program run by “Batuta,” a foundation that promotes symphonic music practices to achieve social integration, and an individual migrant process of TráficoMC, a Venezuelan hip-hop artist based in Medellin, Colombia. Although they have different methods to achieve their aims, both have the same medium, music. This analysis reviews the complexity of using music in those particular social integration programs that have intended reducing xenophobia and endophobia attitudes to achieve a social integration that can conduce to a cultural and economic development of the whole population involved in the migration process.

Resumen: Las restricciones derivadas de la pandemia por el coronavirus 2019 instauraron un contexto prolongado de implementación forzosa de teletrabajo en diversas organizaciones e instituciones. El presente estudio examina el impacto ejercido por la intensidad en la adopción de dicho esquema laboral sobre la satisfacción de los colaboradores del sector de la educación superior. Para ello, se aplicó un instrumento transversal sobre una muestra de 154 colaboradores de una universidad colombiana, cuyos datos fueron analizados mediante un modelamiento de ecuaciones estructurales. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren la existencia de una asociación significativa entre las variables en cuestión. Se observa además que tanto los individuos mayores de 40 años como aquellos que cuentan con un lugar aislado para teletrabajar tienden a favorecer dicha relación. Abstract: The restrictions derived from the pandemic by the coronavirus 2019 created a prolonged context of forced implementations of telework in several organizations and institutions. This study examines the impact exerted by the intensity of the adoption of this work scheme on the satisfaction of employees in the higher education sector. To do this, the study applies a cross-sectional instrument to a sample of 154 employees of a Colombian university, and the data obtained was subsequently analyzed by structural equation modeling. Results suggest the existence of a significant association between the variables in question. It is also observed that both individuals over 40 years of age and those who have an isolated place to telework tend to favor this relationship.

Abstract: The affective commitment of a company’s members is usually influenced by the level of deepening of the socially responsible actions carried out by the corresponding company. The present work brings together the contributions derived from the in-depth analysis of the aforementioned causal link. It does so by focusing on a practical and managerial frame. In this sense, the study is based on a preliminary process of semi-systematic review and qualitative screening, which identifies the conclusions of relevant works in the academic literature regarding the relationship between corporate social responsibility and employees’ identification with their company. The work converges in a set of useful initiatives to comprehensively enrich the role of management, which seek to cultivate such relationship. In this way, the work uses relevant academic conclusions in the particular study field, and makes them available to the managerial practice in companies and organizations.

Abstract: The present study discusses the effective functionality of mission and vision statements in a business environment. In this spirit, the study evaluates the potential association between these two strategic elements and the achievement of organizational results, especially in terms of the competitive capacity of a company. Particularly, the study formulates a conceptual approach to determine the potential incidence of a mission and a vision statement’s quality on the organizational levels of value appropriation. Subsequently, using structural equation modeling through partial least squares, this approach is evaluated on a sample of 120 large companies registered in the Department of Santander, Colombia. The findings suggest that, although there is a positive association between a good mission and a good vision, the value appropriation only seems to depend on the former and not on the latter. The study validates that an adequately constructed mission statement could become a powerful mechanism for the sake of formulating and implementing strategies. Additionally, it states that the ability to build a quality mission is related to the company’s ability to create appropriate value and therefore, be competitive. Resumen: El presente estudio se centra en la discusión sobre la utilidad efectiva de las declaraciones de misión y visión en un ámbito empresarial. Para ello, se evalúa la asociación existente entre estos dos elementos de naturaleza estratégica con respecto a la consecución de resultados, especialmente en términos de la capacidad competitiva de una compañía. Puntualmente, se formula un planteamiento conceptual conducente a determinar la potencial incidencia de una misión y una visión de calidad sobre los niveles organizacionales de apropiación de valor. Posteriormente, haciendo uso de un modelamiento de ecuaciones estructurales mediante mínimos cuadrados parciales, dicho planteamiento es evaluado sobre una muestra de 120 grandes compañías registradas en el Departamento de Santander, Colombia. Los hallazgos sugieren que, pese a que existe una asociación positiva entre una misión y una visión de calidad, la apropiación de valor solo parecería depender de lo primero y no de lo segundo. El estudio valida la idea de que una misión adecuadamente construida podría llegar a ser una herramienta poderosa en términos no solo de formulación, sino de la implementación de estrategias. Adicionalmente, declara que la capacidad de construcción de una misión de calidad está relacionada con la capacidad que tiene la compañía de crear y apropiar valor y, por ende, ser competitiva.