The research on electrochemical carbon molecule oxidation started in the past years as new electrochemistries were researched for new fuel cells systems and batteries that may line up as backup energy supply and storage systems in off-grid and on-grid microgrids, as modeled by our group at the University of Twente [1-3]. By lining up these two disciplines we hope to support the bridge between new electrochemical systems on one side, (pilot) production with partner companies, prediction, and validation of systems upon implementation in microgrids by our group. The electrochemical oxidation of glycerol in alkaline aqueous solution has been studied on gold and gold coated metals (Zn-Au and Cu-Au) by voltammetry and EIS (Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) for possible use in a new fuel cell as an outlet for the excess glycerol that is produced in the biodiesel industry. The observations show that the gold surface may change upon cycling by cyclic voltammetry. Besides, the current density shows non-linear behavior with the square root of the scan rate, implying that the reaction is not totally controlled by diffusion. EIS analysis using the EQUIVCRT software revealed that one out of twenty tested equivalent circuits fitted the data well at potentials of -0.05 V,- 0.15 V and -0.25 V vs. Ag/AgCl, identifying resistors and a Warburg element in parallel with the double layer capacitance, the elements are possibly related to the presence of double layers associated with hydroxypyrovate and oxalate ions. The results are consistent with the low-frequency error fitting analysis (10-4), AC Simulink-Matlab fitting responds and the Kronig-Kramers transform test. The tested Zn-Au and Cu-Au electrodes show similar voltammetry behavior as the gold electrode, as witnessed by the results of cycle analysis and the scan rate analysis. The discharge chronoamperometry test further shows that the Zn-Au electrode and Cu-Au have higher current densities than the gold electrode at a potential of -0.25 V vs. Ag/AgCl (5 mA cm-2, 4.5 mA cm-2, and 3 mA cm-2 respectively).

Abstract: Close-knit relationships are a distinctive facet of subsistence living, in which survival mode entrepreneurship is a way of life. These relationships fuel “bonding social capital” within informal economies as people rely on others to work, consume, and cope with scarce resources. At the same time, policy agendas encourage business growth and social mobility by shifting informal microenterprises into the formal economy. However, success in formalized contexts requires a different form of social capital—that is, “bridging social capital” with people outside one’s immediate social network and across institutional structures. Yet policy programs often stop short of addressing how subsistence entrepreneurs manage the inherent tensions across these forms of social capital. As such, this study unpacks the contextual value of social capital using data collected with street vendors in an urban Latin American setting. The analysis identifies four entrepreneurial paths pursued by street vendors and articulates the relative value of bonding and bridging social capital across different economic and social positions. The findings advance insights for a community-centric public policy approach and offer guidance for segmentation and value proposition development within subsistence entrepreneurship programs. Resumen: Las relaciones estrechas son una faceta distintiva de la vida de subsistencia, en la que el espíritu empresarial de modo de supervivencia es una forma de vida. Estas relaciones alimentan el ""capital social"" dentro de las economías informales ya que las personas dependen de otros para trabajar, consumir y hacer frente a los recursos escasos. La agenda pública fomenta el crecimiento empresarial y la movilidad social buscando trasladar a las microempresas informales a la economía formal. Sin embargo, el éxito en los contextos formales requiere una forma diferente de capital social, generando vínculos con las personas fuera de la red social inmediata y entre las estructuras institucionales. Sin embargo, los programas públicos no llegan a abordar cómo los empresarios de subsistencia manejan las tensiones inherentes a estas formas de capital social. Como tal, este estudio analiza el valor contextual del capital social utilizando datos recopilados con vendedores ambulantes en un entorno urbano latinoamericano. El análisis identifica cuatro caminos emprendedores que persiguen los vendedores ambulantes y articula el valor relativo de vincular y unir el capital social en diferentes posiciones económicas y sociales. Los hallazgos aportan ideas para un enfoque de política pública centrado en la comunidad y ofrecen orientación para la segmentación y el desarrollo de propuestas de valor dentro de los programas de emprendimiento de subsistencia.

The research topic was about the responses of Gammarus pulex to chemical signals released from the predator fish, Leuciscus idus. The aim of this study is to compare the responses of individuals of G.pulex when these individuals are alone and in group. This research was done because there was lack of information about single and group responses of G.pulex to chemical signals released from predators. Three experiments (a pre-experiment, main experiment and a side experiment) were performed to compare the single and group responses of G.pulex to chemical stimuli. The first two experiments consisted in three treatments named Normal, Control and Fish water. The normal and control treatments were made by Dutch Standard Water whereas the fish water contained chemical cues of the predatory fish, L.idus. The side experiment included ammonium as a fourth treatment. The reason of the ammonium treatment was to compare the responses of G.pulex to ammonium and fish water to see if the responses of G.pulex could be stress responses to the ammonium rather than the fish cue contained in the fish water. In general, individuals and groups of G.pulex showed the lowest values of activity under the fish water treatment. In singles and groups of G.pulex, there were significant differences between the control and fish water and between the normal and fish water treatments indicating that the singles and groups respond to the fish water, which was the predator chemical source. Also, there were significant differences between the ammonium and fish water treatments suggesting that G.pulex distinguished between these two chemical sources. Generally, G.pulex tended to reduce activity in the presence of fish water, however, not all the individuals of G.pulex reduced the activity in the same manner, which suggested that there were variations in individual responses to the predator chemical source.

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and the emergence of resistant microorganisms have become a major challenge for the food industry. The purpose of this work was to microencapsulate the bacteriophage UFV-AREG1 in a calcium alginate matrix using microfluidic devices and to study the viability and efficiency of retention. The microcapsules were added to gel of propylene glycol for use as an antimicrobial in the food industry. The technique showed the number of the phage encapsulation, yielding drops with an average 100–250 ?m of diameter, 82.1 ± 2% retention efficiency and stability in the gel matrix for 21 days. The gel added to the microencapsulated phage showed efficiency (not detectable on the surface) in reducing bacterial contamination on the surface at a similar level to antimicrobial chemicals (alcohol 70%). Therefore, it was possible to microencapsulate bacteriophages in alginate-Ca and apply the microcapsules in gels for use as sanitizers in the food industry.

Abstract: Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungus very well known in medicine because is responsible of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised patients. The use of antifungals for this disease, in particular azoles, had given a good result until the appearance of the first azole-resistant aspergillosis in 1997. Since then more cases with different mechanisms of acquiring the resistance have appeared and have been studied. The pan-azole cases also exist and represent a challenge for them to be successfully treated without mortality involved. It has always been thought is the cycle only included the environment and the human being. But one important question remains, is if animals play a role in the cycle of transmission. This thesis is a beginning step, in the research of isolates of Azole-Resistant A. fumigatus present in the respiratory tissue of the most affected species in Veterinary Medicine, birds. Respiratory tissues from poultry (Gallus Gallus Domesticus) obtained in a slaughter house in the Utrecht province and a common seagull (Larus Canus) from the North-Holland province in the Netherlands were macroscopically analysed, manipulated in three diverse ways and then cultured at several temperatures. 19 A. fumigatus isolates were obtained from poultry and 1 from the seagull. All isolates were put through a resistant experiment. Along with resistant and susceptible strains obtained by Jianhua Zhang, all isolates were cultivated in Malt Agar, Malt Agar with itraconazole at 4 mg/ml and Malt Agar with Tebuconazole at 4mg/ml. The diameter of the colony was measured several days later, with at least three consecutive measurements done. They all presented a higher response to Tebuconazole than to Itraconazole, being none of them fully resistant. Further research can address molecular mechanisms involved in this kind of response. Resumen: Aspergillus fumigatus es un hongo muy conocido en la medicina porque es responsable de la aspergilosis invasiva (AI) en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. El uso de antifúngicos para esta enfermedad, en particular los azoles, había dado un buen resultado hasta la aparición de la primera aspergilosis resistente a azol en 1997. Desde entonces, han aparecido y se han estudiado más casos con diferentes mecanismos de adquisición de la resistencia. Los casos de resistencia a varios azoles también existen y representan un desafío para que puedan ser tratados con éxito sin la mortalidad involucrada. Siempre se ha pensado que el ciclo solo incluía el medio ambiente y el ser humano. Pero una pregunta importante que queda es si los animales juegan un papel en el ciclo de transmisión. Esta tesis es un paso inicial, en la investigación de aislamientos de A. fumigatus resistentes a Azoles presentes en el tejido respiratorio de las especies más afectadas en Medicina Veterinaria, las aves. Los tejidos respiratorios des aves de corral (Gallus Gallus Domesticus) obtenidos en un matadero en la provincia de Utrecht y una gaviota común (Larus Canus) de la provincia de Holanda Septentrional en los Países Bajos se analizaron macroscópicamente, se manipularon de tres maneras diferentes y luego se cultivaron a varias temperaturas. En total 19 aislamientos de A. fumigatus se obtuvieron de aves de corral y 1 de la gaviota. Todos los aislamientos se sometieron a un experimento resistente. Junto con las cepas resistentes y susceptibles obtenidas por Jianhua Zhang, todos los aislamientos se cultivaron en agar de malta, agar de malta con itraconazol a 4 mg / ml y agar de malta con tebuconazol a 4 mg / ml. El diámetro de la colonia se midió varios días después, con al menos tres mediciones consecutivas. Todos presentaron una respuesta más alta al tebuconazol que al itraconazol, ninguno de ellos era totalmente resistente. Investigación adicional puede abordar los mecanismos moleculares implicados en este tipo de respuesta.

Resumen: Introducción: la hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa es actualmente una emergencia quirúrgica de difícil manejo, hecho que motivó a conocer su comportamiento y usando el índice de Rockall, el riesgo de los afectados de sufrir resultados adversos durante su evolución, aquellos partidarios a un alta precoz y las causas que lo impidieron. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal realizado en el Hospital General Docente “Ernesto Guevara de la Serna” sobre 182 pacientes atendidos durante el período 2009 – 2010. Resultados: Los hombres fueron los más afectados con el 54.4 %, el grupo de 60 - 80 años tuvo el mayor número de casos. La úlcera gastroduodenal fue la primera causa (52.7 %). La melena se presentó en 60.4 % como manifestación inicial. La Hipertensión arterial fue la comorbilidad más hallada (60.7 %). El 44.5 % necesitó de transfusión sanguínea. La mortalidad ocurrió en el 8.2 %. La mayor parte de la muestra se ubicó en el grupo de riesgo intermedio de Rockall (40.1 %). Recibió alta precoz el 11 %, siendo la inestabilidad hemodinámica la mayor responsable del bajo número (38 %). El Rockall tuvo sensibilidad del 98.3 %, especificidad del 56.9 %, VPP de 52.3 %, VPN de 98.6 % y una exactitud del 70.9 %. En los pacientes clasificados de bajo riesgo la única complicación que se presentó fue la recidiva en 1.4 % de ellos. Conclusiones: el alta precoz puede ser dada a pacientes con Rockall bajo, siempre que se tenga especial atención a la estabilidad hemodinámica. Abstract: Introduction:thenon-varice a lupper gastrointestinal bleeding is now a surgical emergency of difficult manage, motivated to know their behavior, and using the rate of Rockall, the risk of suffering adverse outcomes during their evolution, who can receive early discharged and the causes that prevented it. Methods: transversal descriptive study done at the General Teaching Hospital "Ernesto Guevara de la Serna" about 182 patients attended during the period 2009 to 2010. Results: men were the most affected with 54.4 %, the group of 60- 80 years had the highest number of cases. Gastroduodenal peptic ulcer was the leading cause (52.7 %). The melena was present in 60.4 % as the initial manifestation. Hipertensión was theco-morbidity more found(60.7 %). 44.5 %requiredblood transfusion. Mortality occurred in 8.2 %. Most of the simple was placed in the intermediate risk group of Rockall (40.1 %). 11 % of patient received early discharged, being the hemodynamic instability largely responsable for the low number (38 %). The Rockall had a sensitivity of 98.3 %, specificity 56.9 %, PPV of 52.3 %, NPV of 98.6 %, and anaccuracy of 70.9 %. In patients classified as low risk the only complication which occurred was there currence in 1.4 % of them. Conclusions: early discharge may be given to patients with low Rockall, always taking special care to hemodynamic stability.

This research focuses on the value transformation of cultural heritage objects, the stakeholders involved and the relationship, mutual agreement and trust between the two contexts of the owner and borrower. The research question is, how does a cultural heritage object’s value change in the process of transferring from one context to another? This transition can either reinforce or create new value for the object or decrease its value. The Cultural Heritage Value Transformation research project was conducted from July to December 2016 as part of the internship module from the Master of Museology programme at the Reinwardt Academy, Amsterdam University of the Arts. The present research on heritage valuation is incorporate in the RCE project “Heritage in Use” lead by Arjen Kok. The use, handling or public functioning of the heritage objects is studied to learn about the effect on the valuation of the cultural heritage objects. This project is part of the RCE programme “Heritage of the Modern Age” lead by Tatja Scholte. The research is linked to a project of the RCE Collections department that studies the effects of long term loans of museum objects in non-museum environments. The research hopes to contribute to cultural heritage objects by sparking a valuation discussion that illustrates how the objects’ values are transformed by the institutions, stakeholders and communities involved in the cultural heritage transition. We must also consider the object’s environment influence in the two contexts. The stakeholders (collectors, curators, conservators and communities) affect the object’s biography, stressing on the socio-cultural implications and artistic or symbolic significance.

Abstract: Different contract types means different incentives, burdens and relationships. The contract type responsibilities and price should be in accordance with the project needs and organization capacities, not knowing this could entail less project profitability and chances of success. It is necessary to understand the alternatives and how they behave, in order to develop the right strategies to avoid overruns and improve the project quality. The goal of this thesis is to develop a decision analysis model for contract type selection. This model will become a useful tool for contractor and client preferences in an easy and effective way. Decision analysis is a powerful tool that will help us to bring clarity of thought in this process; during this thesis it is described what is a project, its phases, activities and the components that understand it, in the same way it is presented the contract management life cycle. This model attempts to link and evaluate the contract types, differentiators, and the client and contractor preferences in order to quantify the costs and benefits of each type, which could be the best option. One priority of this thesis is to understand the synergetic relationship between contract type, contract management, project management and contract price, in order to take the best decision, increasing the probability to achieve a successful project execution. As application example, a contract type selection for the EPCI (Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Installation) of a topside for a semisubmersible platform is presented.Resumen: Diferentes tipos de contrato significa diferentes incentivos, cargas y relaciones. Las responsabilidades y el precio del tipo de contrato deben estar de acuerdo con las necesidades del proyecto y las capacidades de la organización, sin saber que esto podría implicar una menor rentabilidad del proyecto y posibilidades de éxito. Es necesario comprender las alternativas y la forma en que se comportan, a fin de desarrollar las estrategias correctas para evitar los excesos y mejorar la calidad del proyecto. El objetivo de esta tesis es desarrollar un modelo de análisis de decisión para la selección del tipo de contrato. Este modelo se convertirá en una herramienta útil para las preferencias de los contratistas y clientes de una manera fácil y efectiva. El análisis de decisiones es una herramienta poderosa que nos ayudará a tener claridad de pensamiento en este proceso; Durante esta tesis se describe qué es un proyecto, sus fases, actividades y los componentes que lo comprenden, de la misma manera que se presenta el ciclo de vida de gestión de contratos. Este modelo intenta vincular y evaluar los tipos de contrato, los diferenciadores y las preferencias del cliente y del contratista para cuantificar los costos y beneficios de cada tipo, lo que podría ser la mejor opción. Una de las prioridades de esta tesis es comprender la relación sinérgica entre el tipo de contrato, la gestión de contratos, la gestión de proyectos y el precio del contrato, para tomar la mejor decisión, aumentando la probabilidad de lograr una ejecución exitosa del proyecto. Como ejemplo de aplicación, se presenta una selección de tipo de contrato para el EPCI (Ingeniería, Aprovisionamiento, Construcción e Instalación) de un topside para una plataforma semisumergible.

Abstract: In the context of the dialogues between the delegations of the Colombian National Government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC – EP) in order to culminate the internal conflict in Colombia, the parties defined six points to be discussed; one of them was the comprehensive agricultural development. This goal includes topics related to the access and land use, formalization of property rights, development programs with a territorial approach, among others. On September 24, 2014, the parties published a joint draft of this policy called: “The Comprehensive Rural Reform” and according to its joint communication “it contains important transformations to set the foundations for peace and to ensure the non-repetition of the conflict.” The aim of this thesis is analyzed whether the Comprehensive Rural Reform sets the groundwork that positively affects the likelihood and creation of self-organizations with communal associative forms which lead to a sustainable development and management of land in Colombian Countryside to overtake the failures of the property rights system created due to the complex social environment of the country, based on the application of the Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) Framework developed by Elinor Ostrom. The study examines the current context of Colombia’s countryside and its problematics. Then, it makes a literature review about the economic approaches (classical and dynamic) of property rights and their expected outcomes regarding communal ownership. Afterward, we present briefly the Socio- Ecological System (SES) Framework, emphasizing those variables that have been identified in field studies as basis to overcome the tragedy of contested access. Lastly, we settle an application of this framework to the Colombian Land Reform Bill and the presentation of our conclusions. Resumen: En el contexto de los diálogos entre las delegaciones del Gobierno Nacional de Colombia y las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Ejército del Pueblo (FARC - EP) para culminar el conflicto interno en Colombia, las partes definieron seis puntos para ser discutidos; uno de ellos fue el desarrollo agrario integral. Este objetivo incluye temas relacionados con el acceso y uso de la tierra, formalización de derechos de propiedad, programas de desarrollo con enfoque territorial, entre otros. El 24 de septiembre de 2014, las partes publicaron un borrador conjunto de esta política llamado ""La Reforma Rural Integral"" y según su comunicación conjunta ""contiene importantes transformaciones para sentar las bases de la paz y garantizar la no repetición del conflicto"". El objetivo de esta tesis es analizar si la Reforma Rural Integral establece las bases que afectan positivamente la probabilidad y la creación de organizaciones asociativas comunitarias que conducen a un desarrollo auto sostenible y de gestión de la tierra en el campo colombiano, como un método para superar los fracasos del sistema de derechos de propiedad en Colombia, debido al complejo entorno social del país, mediante la aplicación del Marco de referencia de los Sistemas Socio-ecológicos (SES) desarrollado por Elinor Ostrom. El estudio examina el contexto actual del campo colombiano y su problemática. Luego, hace una revisión de la literatura sobre los enfoques económicos (clásicos y dinámicos) de los derechos de propiedad y sus resultados esperados con respecto a la propiedad comunal. Posteriormente, se presenta brevemente el Marco del Sistema Socio-Ecológico (SES), enfatizando aquellas variables que han sido identificadas en estudios de campo como base para superar la tragedia del acceso impugnado. Finalmente, se realiza una aplicación de este marco al Proyecto de Reforma Rural Integral en Colombia y se presentan nuestras conclusiones.

Abstract: This exploratory paper analyzes the way in which context influences advertising creativity practices. To establish the role of context, this paper utilized both Social Identity theory and Systems Model of Creativity. Twenty four in-depth interviews with top creative directors of the main advertising agencies in Colombia (Latin America) were collected. Findings suggests the Colombia creative identity is under construction. This identity is influenced by the broader Colombian social context including the unique business characteristics of the country’s communication industry, the level of economic hardship experience by the population, and the actual social conflict lived situation. These findings extend the System Model of Creativity and several practical implications not only in relation to Colombia, but also the broader global advertising industry are presented. Resumen: Este artículo exploratorio analiza la forma en que el contexto influencia las prácticas creativas publicitarias. Para establecer el papel del contexto, este artículo utiliza las teorías de Identidad Social, y el Modelo del Sistema Creativo. Veinte y cuatro entrevistas en profundidad con los directores creativos de las agencias más importantes de Colombia (Latino américa) fueron desarrolladas. Los resultados sugieren que la identidad creativa Colombiana está en construcción. Esta identidad está influenciada por el contexto social Colombiano incluyendo las características de la industria, las dificultades económicas de la población y el conflicto social. Estos resultados extienden el Modelo del Sistema Creativo y brinda varias implicaciones prácticas no solo en relación con Colombia, también a toda la industria creativa.