A genocidal geopolitical conjuncture: con-textualising the destruction of the Unión Patriótica in Colombia (1980s-2010)

This thesis is a critique of the idea that genocide is a domestic process and that only some groups are worthy of protection against genocide. By looking at the destruction of the Unión Patriótica in the con-text of a genocidal geopolitical conjuncture, in which a polarised circulation of sympathy, antipathy, indifference and oblivion occurred, the thesis not only challenges the notion that genocides occur in locations detached from the international community, but also unveils how affect is mobilised through narratives which support and contest this fantasy. Thus, the thesis contends that geopolitical narratives can help solidify a genocidal conjuncture by allowing the amalgamation of various actors into a perpetrator bloc, but also disintegrate it by bringing about a fluid transnational network of resistance to genocide. In contrast to the two-dimensional geopolitical imagery that genocide takes place within the borders of the nation-state, it is argued, instead, that a fragmented geography, galvanised by a continuous victimisation-resistance spiral that links different actors, places, and dramas together, enables genocide to unfold. The thesis therefore proposes con-textualisation as a new method to research genocide as a geopolitical phenomenon

Customer experience in the hotel industry: a systematic literature review and research agenda

Purpose: Academic research on customer experience (CX) in the hospitality industry has recently experienced vast growth as managers have increasingly focused on delivering distinctive experiences to their guests. Despite the relevance of this topic, studies conducted in this area within the hotel context are scarce and dispersed. This paper aims to classify the main academic studies and to present a definition of hotel CX, a conceptual model, emerging trends and future research gaps. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review (SLR) was selected as the research methodology. Adapted from preferred reporting items of SLR and meta-analysis statements, this study entailed an in-depth review of 46 articles published in English between 2006 and 2021. The articles were compiled using keyword searches in Scopus and Web of Science. Findings: This study facilitates an understanding of the hotel CX. The conceptual framework derived from the SLR includes the entire set of antecedents, consequences, mediators and moderators of this concept. The results also illustrate the topic’s academic evolution and expose major guidelines that can help determine areas for future research. Originality/value: This study adds value to the hospitality research literature via SLR. The framework of CX in the hotel industry synthesizes the existing knowledge on this topic and identifies research gaps. The proposed framework allows for the improvement of future hotel CX studies

The influential role of hotel-generated content on social media

Purpose: This study aims to determine how hotel-generated content (HGC) on official social media accounts influences booking intention by considering the mediating role of three key constructs: user evaluations of the perceived quality of information, engagement and brand attitude. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 834 valid online questionnaires were collected to empirically test the measurement and structural model using a partial least square path modeling approach. Findings: Although HGC does not have a direct effect on booking intention, this construct has a positive influence on both the perceived quality of information and engagement, which in turn positively influence booking intention. In addition, greater engagement generates a positive attitude, which increases booking intention. Originality/value: This study represents a new step in understanding the influence of HGC on tourist behavior by extending research on guests’ decision-making processes and empirically demonstrating the chain of related influences that begins with HGC to promote booking intention

Effect of mould inoculation on formation of chunky graphite in heavy section spheroidal graphite cast iron parts

The manufacturing process of heavy section ductile iron castings is strongly influenced by the risk of graphite degeneration under slow cooling rates. Appearance of this kind of defect is commonly linked to significant reductions in the mechanical properties of large castings. Studies on the effect of inoculation on chunky graphite formation in heavy sections have led to contradictory results in the literature and this triggered the present work. New experimental data are presented on the effect of mould inoculation on chunky graphite appearance during solidification of nodular irons which clearly demonstrate that mould inoculation increases the risk of chunky graphite formation in heavy sections. This is in agreement with some previous works which are reviewed, and it is suggested that the contradiction with other results could relate to the fact that these latter works dealt with chill casting

Organizacion: Tecnicas e Instrumentos de Analisis y Diseño en la Elaboracion de Manuales de Procedimientos Administrativos

El presente trabajo de seminario de graduación para optar al título en licenciado en administración de empresa, en donde se presenta el tema de organización y su subtema las técnicas e instrumentos de análisis y diseño en la elaboración de manuales de procedimientos y administrativos. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo general el análisis de las técnicas e instrumentos de análisis y diseño en la elaboración de manuales de procedimientos y administrativos; como específicos se mencionará la metodología de los estudios de organización y métodos, la descripción de las generalidades de organización y métodos administrativos, la determinación de los instrumentos de análisis a los sistemas administrativos y la explicación de las técnicas para la elaboración de manuales de procedimientos y manuales administrativos. El presente trabajo de seminario consta de cuatro capítulos en donde se trata de abarcar todo lo fundamental del tema en estudio. El capítulo uno metodología de los estudios de organización y métodos con sus principales temarios tales como planificación del estudio, recopilación de información, análisis de información, elaboración y presentación del informe final, y la implementación y seguimiento. El capítulo dos organización y métodos administrativos, y sus tópicos tales como conceptos, origen de organización y métodos, funciones, ubicación dentro de la empresa, personal de organización y métodos, y los obstáculos y limitaciones de la organización y métodos. El capítulo tres instrumentos de análisis a los sistemas administrativos, en donde se abarca temarios primordiales tales como el enfoque de los sistemas administrativos en las organizaciones, análisis y diseño de la distribución del trabajo, análisis y diseño de procesos y procedimientos de trabajo, análisis y diseño de portadores de información, y por último análisis y diseño de disposición de oficinas. Y el capítulo cuatro elaboración de manuales de procedimientos y administrativos con sus dos principales temarios que son elaboración de manuales de procedimientos, y elaboración de manuales administrativos. Al final del informe se presentan conclusiones, así como también las distintas fuentes bibliográficas

Estudio de la plastisfera: Desarrollo del biofilm y presencia de bacterias indicadoras fecales en microplásticos del estuario del Río de la Plata

Microplastics (MPs) are considered emerging pollutants and often enter aquatic ecosystems carried by currents and tides until they accumulate on the shorelines. In many cases they may be colonized by diverse microorganisms forming a community called plastisphere, which can even act as a reservoir for pathogenic microorganisms. This study carried out in the Río de la Plata estuary (southern coastal fringe, Argentina) focused on two main objectives, the analysis of the biofilm colonizing MPs under laboratory conditions, and the detection of bacteria indicating faecal contamination (Escherichia coli and Enterococci), in MPs from the intertidal sediment at coastal sites with different land uses, in the freshwater sector of the Río de la Plata estuary. The colonization experiment was carried out in the laboratory with water from the estuary for a period of 35 days (residence time of the water in the freshwater sector of the estuary). The results revealed a remarkable development and diversity of biofilm organisms from the second week of colonization on, covering the surface of the microplastic and thus masking this pollutant. On the other hand, the presence of faecal indicator bacteria in the MPs of the intertidal sediment was confirmed in all the studied sites, being proportionally higher on MPs found in areas influenced by sewage discharges.Los microplásticos (MPs) son considerados contaminantes emergentes y suelen ingresar en los ecosistemas acuáticos donde son transportados por las corrientes y mareas hasta acumularse en las costas. En muchos casos éstos pueden ser colonizados por diversos microorganismos conformando una comunidad denominada plastisfera y hasta pueden actuar como reservorio de microorganismos patógenos. En el estuario del Río de la Plata (Franja Costera Sur, Argentina), se realizó un estudio cuyo objetivo fue analizar el biofilm que se desarrolla sobre MPs en condiciones de laboratorio y analizar la presencia de bacterias indicadoras de contaminación fecal (Escherichia coli y Enterococos) en MPs hallados en el sedimento intermareal en sitios costeros con diferentes usos del suelo, en el sector de agua dulce del estuario del Río de la Plata. La experiencia de colonización se realizó en laboratorio con agua procedente del estuario durante un período de 35 días (tiempo de residencia del agua en el sector de agua dulce del estuario). Los resultados revelaron un notable desarrollo y diversidad de organismos del biofilm a partir de la segunda semana de colonización, recubriendo la superficie del microplástico y enmascarando así a este contaminante. Por otra parte, se confirmó la presencia de bacterias indicadoras fecales en los MPs del sedimento intermareal en todos los sitios estudiados, siendo proporcionalmente mayor en los MPs hallados en áreas influenciadas por descargas cloacales.Fil: Pazos, Rocío Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Limnología "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Instituto de Limnología; ArgentinaFil: Suarez, Jimena Camila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Limnología "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Instituto de Limnología; ArgentinaFil: Gomez, Nora. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Limnología "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Instituto de Limnología; Argentin

Foreign Investors and the Colombian Peace Process

The International Investment Regime (IIR) materialises in international arbitral tribunals that protect the rights of foreign investors. Could these tribunals hamper the implementation of exceptional measures agreed to end armed conflicts? The principle of proportionality, usually employed to balance competing demands such as the interests of international investors and the right of states to self-determination, could fall short when it comes to the concept of a nation and a society’s right to peace. Focusing on the Colombian peace process, this article argues that the agreement on land redistribution, a cornerstone of the peace agreements, benefits the whole society, including foreign investors. However, the colonialist nature of the IIR could lead foreign investors, who see their investments and expected profits affected, to demand compensation for governmental land acquisition. The Colombian case suggests powerful lessons for the willingness of transitional states to defend their people’s right to peace in international tribunals