Abstract: We study the interactions between ’t Hooft-Polyakov magnetic monopoles and the domain walls formed by the same order parameter within an SU(2) gauge theory. We observe that the collision leads to the erasure of the magnetic monopoles, as suggested by Dvali et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 2281 (1998)]. The domain wall represents a layer of vacuum with un-Higgsed SU(2) gauge symmetry. When the monopole enters the wall, it unwinds, and the magnetic charge spreads over the wall. We perform numerical simulations of the collision process and, in particular, analyze the angular distribution of the emitted electromagnetic radiation. As in the previous studies, we observe that erasure always occurs. Although not forbidden by any conservation laws, the monopole never passes through the wall. This is explained by entropy suppression. The erasure phenomenon has important implications for cosmology, as it sheds a very different light on the monopole abundance in postinflationary phase transitions and provides potentially observable imprints in the form of electromagnetic and gravitational radiation. The phenomenon also sheds light on fundamental aspects of gauge theories with coexisting phases, such as confining and Higgs phases.

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce and numerically simulate a quantum field theoretical phenomenon called the gauge ``slingshot"" effect and study its production of gravitational waves. The effect occurs when a source, such as a magnetic monopole or a quark, crosses the boundary between the Coulomb and confining phases. The corresponding gauge field of the source, either electric or magnetic, gets confined into a flux tube stretching in the form of a string (cosmic or a QCD type) that attaches the source to the domain wall, separating the two phases. The string tension accelerates the source towards the wall as sort of a slingshot. The slingshot phenomenon is also exhibited by various sources of other co-dimensionality, such as cosmic strings confined by domain walls or vortices confined by Z_2 strings. Apart from the field-theoretic value, the slingshot effect has important cosmological implications, as it provides a distinct source for gravitational waves. The effect is expected to be generic in various standard model extensions, such as grand unification.

Abstract: When lower-dimensional self-sustained objects encounter higher-dimensional ones, they can be dissolved and absorbed. We delve into this intriguing erasure phenomenon resulting from topological defects’ interaction. This general phenomenon has significant implications in cosmology and fundamental physics, which we discuss in the first part of the thesis. We start with the erasure of onedimensional objects. One key finding is that vortices or strings of all kinds, such as cosmic strings, QCD flux tubes, or fundamental strings, undergo erasure when encountering defects like domain walls, solitonic structures, or D-branes that deconfine their fluxes. Consequently, a new mechanism of cosmic string break-up emerges. We explain the erasure phenomenon by the loss of coherence in the annihilation process. Additionally, for the case of point-like objects immersed in three-dimensional objects, we explore the interactions between magnetic monopoles and domain walls formed by the same order parameter within an SU(2) gauge theory. As previously suggested, a collision between monopoles and a domain wall leads to their erasure. The monopoles unwind and spread their magnetic charge over the wall, with the erasure process consistently occurring due to the loss of coherence in the collision and the entropy suppression on the recreation of a monopole. This erasure phenomenon has significant cosmological implications, particularly in post-inflationary phase transitions. Furthermore, it sheds light on the nature of gauge theories with coexisting phases, such as confining and Higgs phases. The erasure phenomenon has significant imprints in cosmology and astrophysics as well. In particular, a new mechanism of cosmic string break-up emerges. Moreover, the monopole erasure may serve as a solution to the cosmological monopole problem. In another investigation of interactions of topological defects, we examine the annihilation of a pair of ’t Hooft-Polyakov monopoles confined by a string. We focus on scenarios where the scales of monopoles and strings are comparable. The emitted GW spectrum agrees with previous calculations for wavelengths longer than the system width and before the collision. However, in head-on collisions, the monopoles are never re-created. Instead, the system decays into waves of Higgs and gauge fields, and the recreation of a monopole pair becomes highly improbable due to the loss of coherence during the annihilation process. This behavior is expected to be analogous in systems involving heavy quarks connected by a QCD string. Thus, in a similar regime, the string does not re-stretch after the initial collapse, but the system hadronizes and decays into numerous mesons and glueballs. In the second part of the thesis, we changed our subject of study to another self-sustained objects. These objects attain the maximal entropy permitted by unitarity. They are called saturons, as they saturate unitarity and entropy bounds. Interestingly enough, they share many properties with black holes, for which they are considered exceptional. For instance, the time evolution and information-processing properties of BHs are also found in saturons. Thus, we suggest a “Black hole-Saturon” correspondence. Our work confirms this connection within a renormalizable SU(N) invariant theory. The theory’s spectrum contains a tower of non-topological defects of the Q-ball type, or vacuum bubbles, representing bound states of SU(N) Goldstones. Surprisingly, despite the absence of gravity, these saturated bound states exhibit striking similarities to BHs, displaying an information horizon, an entropy governed by the Bekenstein-Hawking formula, thermal evaporation at a rate corresponding to their inverse radius, and an information retrieval time equivalent to Page’s time. The BH-Saturon correspondence has profound implications for BH physics and saturated systems, both in fundamental theory and observational aspects.

Abstract: Resistance to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors in Palmer amaranth is a majorconcern, given the high selection pressure and increasing number of populations with reducedsensitivity to PPO herbicides in the US. We evaluated the effect of five soil-applied herbicides onPalmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeriS. Wats.) populations collected in 2014 and 2015 in Arkansas,USA. Soil-applied saflufenacil, sulfentrazone, and flumioxazin reduced the seedling emergence 91–100%; however, fomesafen and oxyfluorfen showed reduced (63–90%) efficacy on some populations.Target-site mutation (TSM) is the major mechanism of resistance to PPO herbicides; therefore, sixpopulations showing resistance to soil-applied fomesafen were selected for molecular investigations.A total of 81 survivors were genotyped for all known resistance-conferring mutations. A total of 64%and 36% survivors had single and double TSMs, respectively, with 69% of plants carrying TSM inboth alleles ofPPO2. Three survivors from two populations showed an additional copy ofPPO2,whereas all other survivors had one copy. Expression analysis showed 3- to 6-fold upregulation ofPPO2in all plants from resistant populations tested. Transgenic overexpression of WT-ApPPO2anddG210-Apppo2inA. thalianaconfirmed the reduced sensitivity to soil-applied fomesafen compared tothe wild type. Collectively, PPO inhibitors applied pre-emergence are still effective in controllingpopulations resistant to foliar-applied PPO herbicides. Mechanically, elevated expression of resistantPPO2, alongside functional TSM, contribute to reduced sensitivity to soilapplied fomesafen.

Abstract: Here we systematically investigate the CO2 and H2 activation and dissociation on small CunZn{0/+} (n=3-6) clusters using Density Functional Theory. We show that Cu6Zn is a superatom, displaying an increased HOMO-LUMO gap and is inert towards CO2 or H2 activation or dissociation. While other neutral clusters weakly activate CO2, the cationic clusters preferentially bind the CO2 in monodentate nonactivated way. Notably, Cu4Zn allows for the dissociation of activated CO2, whereas larger clusters destabilize all activated CO2 binding modes. Conversely, H2 dissociation is favored on all clusters examined, except for Cu6Zn. Cu3Zn+ and Cu4Zn, favor the formation of formate through the H2 dissociation pathway rather than CO2 dissociation. These findings suggest the potential of these clusters as synthetic targets and underscore their significance in the realm of CO2 hydrogenation. Resumen: En este estudio, llevamos a cabo una investigación sistemática sobre la activación y disociación del CO2 y H2 en pequeños clusters de CunZn{0/+} (n=3-6) utilizando la Teoría del Funcional de la Densidad. Demostramos que Cu6Zn es un superátomo, exhibiendo un aumento en la brecha HOMO-LUMO y es inerte ante la activación y disociación tanto del CO2 como del H2. Mientras que otros clusters neutros activan débilmente el CO2, los clusters catiónicos tienden a enlazar preferentemente el CO2 de manera monodentada no activada. Notablemente, Cu4Zn permite la disociación del CO2 activado, mientras que clusters más grandes desestabilizan todos los modos de enlace activados del CO2. Por otro lado, la disociación del H2 es favorecida en todos los clusters examinados, excepto para Cu6Zn. Cu3Zn+ y Cu4Zn favorecen la formación del ion formato a través de la ruta de disociación del H2 en lugar de la disociación del CO2. Estos hallazgos sugieren el potencial de estos clusters como objetivos sintéticos y subrayan su importancia en el ámbito de la hidrogenación del CO2.

Abstract: One of the recurring problems in the construction industry is its recognised lack of productivity due to different factors, among which could be highlighted the fragmentation of the information flow between the different phases of the project life cycle and the difficulty in communication between the different stakeholders. To address this, the industry has reacted through the use of prefabrication and the implementation of new technologies such as Building Information Modelling. The aim is to improve both productivity, through mass customisation, and the flow of information between phases and stakeholders in the projects, through the use of software and platforms, which also give the possibility of automation with processes such as Generative Design. The dissertation investigates the use of these technologies in the area of prefabrication in construction, focusing on the current implementation of configurators and the associated automation that could be derived from their use for the development of projects. Taking a hybrid prefabrication system (wood and concrete) currently used by CASAIS company as a case study, the research seeks to develop a framework that exploits the modular characteristics of these systems, especially in the design phase. It is in this phase where it is possible to take advantage of the limited number of parameters of the prefabricated elements in automating the generation of design proposals and in obtaining information related to KPIs, which would, in turn, allow a more objective feasibility analysis during this first phase of the project. The indicated solution is, firstly, the proposal of a methodology to develop a configurator applied to the case study, which uses tools and/or platforms, that are currently present in the market related to BIM and the construction industry. Then the dissertation continues with the specific development of the section of the methodology corresponding to the generation of the computational model, and for this purpose visual programming is used, taking as initial information the relevant parameters and data to be obtained that are typical of the prefabrication system studied. The research seeks to make a contribution to the current progress in terms of productivity and information flow that has been developed in the construction industry with the implementation of prefabrication and BIM. With the use of configurators, associated with these new technologies, an incursion into automation methods is proposed, especially in the project gestation phases through Generative Design. Thus, by making use of the mass customisation possibilities offered by prefabrication systems and the integration of nonprofessional agents, (taking advantage of the ease of use of the configurators), a more integrated design process and a more objective decision-making process can be achieved, since it is based on more accurate data related to the feasibility of the projects.

Resumen: Uno de los grandes desafíos de las sociedades occidentales modernas, es justamente, la búsqueda constante de escenarios que permitan resolver los conflictos de manera pacífica a través del diálogo respetuoso, abierto y constructivo. Es así como se han plateado mecanismos como la conciliación, el arbitraje y la amigable composición para su resolución. Sin embargo, el uso de estos medios en ocasiones se ve retado dado el incesante dinamismo social, la aparición de nuevos conflictos y el uso reiterativo de formas tradicionales de solución de estos. Coetáneamente entre las comunidades indígenas existen normas consuetudinarias, procedimientos ancestrales e instituciones como la palabra, que han ayudado a preservar el orden y la convivencia, empleando una sabiduría ancestral basada en la observación de la naturaleza, la autoridad ejercida con responsabilidad y el uso de la retórica y la estética del lenguaje como herramientas para mantener el acercamiento y el entendimiento mutuo entre las familias y los eirruku wayuu. Los indígenas asentados en la península de La Guajira que comprende el departamento de La Guajira, al norte de Colombia y en el noroeste del estado Zulia en Venezuela conocidos como wayuu, se constituyen en la etnia más numerosa de ambos países y en un gran referente de estudio por la existencia de una cultura jurídica consuetudinaria basada en un sistema normativo milenario y en la insigne figura del Pütchipü´üi como mediador y tejedor de la palabra entre los miembros de esta comunidad, para asegurar el orden, la justicia y su supervivencia en un mundo cada vez más hostil y amenazante de sus costumbres y tradiciones. Abstract: One of the great challenges of modern western societies is precisely the constant search for scenarios that allow conflicts to be resolved peacefully through respectful, open and constructive dialogue. This is how mechanisms such as conciliation, arbitration and friendly composition have been established for its resolution. However, the use of these means is sometimes challenged given the incessant social dynamism, the appearance of new conflicts and the repetitive use of traditional ways of solving them. At the same time, among indigenous communities, there are customary norms, ancestral procedures, and institutions such as the word, which have helped to preserve order and coexistence, using an ancestral wisdom based on the observation of nature, the authority exercised with responsibility and the use of the rhetoric and the aesthetics of language as tools to maintain rapprochement and mutual understanding between families and the eirruku wayuu. The indigenous people settled in the La Guajira peninsula, which includes the department of La Guajira, in the north of Colombia and in the northwest of the Zulia state in Venezuela, known as wayuu, are the most numerous ethnic group in both countries and a great reference of study for the existence of a customary legal culture based on a millenary normative system and on the distinguished figure of the Pütchipü´üi as mediator and weaver of the word among the members of this community, to ensure order, justice and their survival in a world increasingly hostile and threatening of its customs and traditions.

Abstract: Changes in demographics and epidemiology have made non-communicable diseases (NCDs) a global and highly relevant problem. Globally, oral diseases cause serious health and economic burdens, leading to a substantial reduction in quality of life for those affected. Oral diseases and other NCDs share modifiable risk factors, including tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets, as well as the same socioeconomic determinants. The oral cavity provides valuable insights into overall health, as systemic diseases such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and autoimmune disorders often presents oral manifestations. However, in prison settings, where access to healthcare is limited and challenging as a human right, individuals experience exacerbated oral health outcomes and complications. Oral health status serves as a mirror of overall health, highlighting the interconnectedness between oral health and general well-being. The involvement of health authorities in prison settings plays a significant role in promoting and maintaining optimal oral health, which in turn has a profound impact on the physical and mental health of PLP. The World Health Organization's Oral Health Report of 2022 emphasizes the importance of addressing oral health inequalities as a crucial step in achieving fairness and implementing preventive interventions. Therefore, coherent and comprehensive regulation and legislation in oral health are needed to achieve social justice, ethical public health policies and professional practice. This study used a combination of methods with a focus on qualitative research. The first phase involved following the guidelines set out in “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA)” to conduct a comprehensive and systematic scoping review addressing the primary and secondary objectives of the study. The third objective was covered by semi structured interviews involving purposive sampling, identified by three target groups: dentist personnel working in prisons; prison health experts; harm reduction policymakers, to gain insight from global prison health experts on potential areas of improvement for oral health in prison. In the first phase of this study, scientific articles published between January and August 2022 were gathered and reviewed. Subsequently, in 2023, a series of interviews were conducted involving fifteen participants. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Ruprecht Karls Faculty of Medicine in Heidelberg (S 288/2023). The data collection instrument was carefully designed to accommodate the specific profiles of the participants, all owing for necessary adjustments to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the study. Online in depth semi structured interviews were conducted via Zoom with relevant health prison experts. The combination of inductive and deductive approaches was used to design the study, collect and analyze data, and answer the research questions. The major findings of this study shed light on the persistent neglection of oral health into the health systems across different settings. Challenges and limitations in addressing oral health in prison, remains with a focus on the provision of emergency treatments and dental mutilations as services provided instead of conservatives approaches. Comprehensive and specialized dental care is necessary to avoid burdens on the health system, mostly from preventable oral disorders. Oral care and basic dental hygiene are still on the list of necessities in prison settings, as well as lack of resources, committed staff, and infrastructure to support the delivery of comprehensive dental services in prisons. In order to increase access to quality dental care, address oral health disparities, and promote the overall well-being of PLP, policy reforms, capacity building, and collaboration are necessary.

Abstract: European Commission Regulation (2006) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2012) legislation setting cadmium (Cd) human ingestion thresholds in food products is now affecting cacao bean (Theobroma cacao L.) production in Latin American countries via the rejection of food products exceeding maximum ingestion threshold levels. Cacao producers must be proactive and minimize Cd uptake by commodities and such strategies must be affordable for low income communities (or countries) where agricultural development is critical to stabilizing socio-political-economic systems. Two potential options for producers include: (a) the use of phytoextractor species, which can remediate some soil pollutants; and (b) metal immobilization via soil pH adjustment. We hypothesize that the use of a Cd phytoextractor species in an intercropping scheme, with the addition of dolomitic lime (to raise soil pH and decrease soil Cd availability), will decrease total Cd uptake in cacao and in spinach plants. The effectiveness of four phytoextractor species was evaluated: Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Brassica napus (oilseed rape), Chyrsopogon zizanioides (vetiver), and Heliconia psittacorum (heliconia). The efficacy of a combined phytoextraction and immobilization (per the use of dolomitic lime to raise soil pH) strategy was assessed. Resumen: El Reglamento de la Comisión Europea (2006) y la legislación de la Autoridad Europea de Seguridad Alimentaria (EFSA) (2012) que establecen umbrales de ingestión humana de cadmio (Cd) en productos alimenticios ahora están afectando la producción de granos de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) en los países de América Latina a través del rechazo de alimentos. productos que superen los niveles umbrales máximos de ingestión. Los productores de cacao deben ser proactivos y minimizar la absorción de cadmio por parte de los productos básicos y dichas estrategias deben ser asequibles para las comunidades (o países) de bajos ingresos donde el desarrollo agrícola es fundamental para estabilizar los sistemas sociopolíticos y económicos. Dos opciones potenciales para los productores incluyen: (a) el uso de especies fitoextractoras, que pueden remediar algunos contaminantes del suelo; y (b) inmovilización de metales mediante el ajuste del pH del suelo. Nuestra hipótesis es que el uso de una especie fitoextractora de Cd en un esquema de cultivo asociado, con la adición de cal dolomítica (para elevar el pH del suelo y disminuir la disponibilidad de Cd en el suelo), disminuirá la absorción total de Cd en las plantas de cacao y espinaca. Se evaluó la efectividad de cuatro especies fitoextractoras: Helianthus annuus (girasol), Brassica napus (colza), Chyrsopogon zizanioides (vetiver) y Heliconia psittacorum (heliconia). Se evaluó la eficacia de una estrategia combinada de fitoextracción e inmovilización (mediante el uso de cal dolomítica para elevar el pH del suelo).

Abstract: Technology, events, and sustainability are three interconnected concepts that play a key role in influencing our society and business landscape. Technology has changed various aspects of our lives and the events industry is no exception. The advent of advanced digital tools and platforms has transformed the way events are organized, conducted, and experienced. Events such as festivals, conferences and celebrations traditionally pose significant environmental problems due to their resource-intensive nature. The mass gatherings of people combined with excessive energy consumption, waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions have contributed to the global climate crisis. Faced with this problem, sustainability has become a key factor in event management. Sustainable development in the context of events refers to the adoption of practices that minimize negative environmental, social, and economic impacts. It encompasses a range of strategies including resource efficiency, waste reduction, carbon neutrality and promoting social responsibility. Incorporating sustainability principles into event management helps to take environmental concerns into account and aligns with the growing demand for responsible and ethical practices from consumers and stakeholders. The importance of this research lies in its potential to provide valued insights into how technology can be used to increase sustainability in the events industry. This study examines the intersection of these three concepts and aims to contribute to the development of innovative approaches and best practices for organizing green events. Additionally, understanding the sustainability perspectives and expectations of event attendees will provide valuable guidance to industry leaders in meeting changing market demands. At a time when the climate crisis requires urgent action and when consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of businesses and industries on the environment, it is important to seek innovative solutions that respond to these challenges.