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For almost a year, humanity has been threatened by the new coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2, which originated in China, and from there has spread to almost all regions around the globe. The incidence and mortality of this dangerous virus, which have recently increased in countries like Colombia, has overwhelmed public health systems and has created enormous difficulties and challenges at the economic, social, and political levels. With the aim of quickly finding treatment alternatives, running parallel to prevention initiatives spurred by the arrival of an effective vaccine, computational biology and computer-aided technologies have now been playing a booming role and have rapidly positioned themselves as key players in the pharmaceutical industry. This paper presents the main findings of a study focused on designing and discovering new agents with inhibitory capacity against the new coronavirus, describing the methodological strategy employed and presenting the implications, challenges, and future perspectives associated with finding a molecule with promising therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of four electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests carried out in the anechoic chamber of Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá, Colombia) on mechanical ventilators manufactured by different Colombian initiatives responding to the COVID-19 emergency. The four tests were carried out in accordance with the IEC 60601-1-2 product standard. The tests were the following: radiated immunity in the 80 MHz to 1000 MHz frequency, according to generic standard IEC 61000-4-3; radiated immunity at specific frequencies of 385 MHz, 450 MHz, 710 MHz, 745 MHz, 780 MHz, 810 MHz, 870 MHz and 930 MHz, in accordance with generic standard IEC 61000-4-3; conducted emissions, in accordance with the CISPR 11 standard; and radiated emissions, in accordance with the CISPR 11 standard. It describes the standards used to carry out the tests, the experimental setup used in each test, the observed results and the mitigation measures required to pass the tests. The results are discussed and necessary measures are suggested to promote the development of electromagnetic compatibility in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Federation of Coffee Growers (FNC) is the largest coffee growing organization in the country, and it assembles coffee growers from departments including Caldas, Antioquia, Quindío, and Risaralda. It has spent the past ninety years ensuring improvement in the quality of life for the people living in these areas. One of the FNC's many undertakings that should be emphasized is the construction of road infrastructure that allows for coffee to transported and therefore sold and the social development of the communities in its areas of influence. This paper is written by Mauricio Medina, the leader of the FNC's Social Development Unit, who emphasizes that if the projects are to be successful, it is necessary to turn to these types of experiences for post-conflict investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the development of a computer application for production planning and scheduling in a Colombian auto part company. Such an application integrates sales forecasts and firm orders, to calculate a Master Production Schedule which is validated with a detailed shop floor scheduling plan. A case study illustrates the functionality of the proposed application and compares the computer-calculated production plans with the current practices. The results show that the implementation of the application can improve service levels and customer satisfaction, given some prerequisites described in the paper are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the study that evaluates the incorporation of FACTS technologies in the expansion planning process of the Colombian National Transmission System (NTS). The application methodology uses as starting point the optimization of the exploitation of the existing system by increasing its transmission capacity and it is based on steady-state analysis. This paper presents the results of the feasibility study for a wide application of FACTS systems in the Colombian Transmission System for improving transmission capabilities and reliability and security levels after year 2005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-standing conflict in Colombia has inflicted substantial costs on the population and the economic development of the country. Since conflict occurs mainly in the country's rural areas, the economic impacts of violence are higher for these territories. The purpose of this paper is to describe the impact of armed conflict on Colombia's rural population and the current conditions of rural areas as well as discuss whether the peace agreements with FARC may contribute to improve these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last stage of classical transport modelling, known as the sequential model of the four steps, estimates the flow pattern of the system. Then, in a post-processing phase all measures of system performance such as the level of service and externalities are estimated. This paper compares the estimated BPR and conical volume-delay with data taken in six multilane roads in Bogota, finding ranges of recommended function parameters values. We concluded that the values traditionally used for these functions are not the best for explaining the congestion that occurs in the environment studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an analysis of two cases of new infrastructure consolidation in industrial areas. The first involves the restructuring of industrial infrastructure in intraurban areas of Montreal in Quebec, Canada, carried out as a part of the technological upgrading process characteristic of transitions from industrial to knowledge-based societies. Local planning processes were identified that took into account the contribution of all social actors to a sustainable production model. The second case focuses on the consolidation of industrial infrastructure in Yumbo, Valle Department, Colombia, and suggests local strategies to ensure future territorial sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is the development of an accessibility estimation method as a transport policy assessment tool based on the state of the art of the accessibility concept and measurement techniques, and available information directly related to socioeconomic data, transport demand and supply characteristics for specific areas of Bogotá. Study areas and indicators are defined in order to determine relevant relationships between transport and access to opportunities for individuals with specific socioeconomic characteristics and present mobility conditions. In addition, evaluation of restricted travel budgets scenarios defined both by the standard transport theory and individuals is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a summary of the Project on Clusters in the Mining and Energy Industry that the Universidad de los Andes developed for the National Planning Department. The document starts with a description of the methodology that combines macro analysis with detailed analysis. Next, we present the main findings regarding the characterization and location of the mining and energy industries, as well as of the related industries. We end with a detailed presentation of the four cluster proposals designed to create value. The first proposal relates to the structuring of the marketing function to achieve improvements in the productivity of small and medium coal mining. The second one refers to the creation of a National Program to develop Goods and Services Suppliers for the oil and large coal mining industries. The last two proposals focus on the development of business clusters, the first one for petrochemicals and plastics in the Bolivar-Atlantico region and the other one for new plastic materials in Bogota, with a leading role of the academia. The whole analysis and the detailed proposals can be found in the project reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of more refined models and computational techniques for seismic hazard evaluation and the availability of more data related to seismic events have allowed the updating of national seismic hazard studies. This paper summarizes the new methodology used to estimate the expected seismic intensities for design and construction of earthquake resistant structures in the country. Seismic intensities are obtained for different return periods and spectral ordinates, for the different heights of buildings. This data is useful in establishing design values in the new national building code NSR-10 and for the development of seismic microzonation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the inadequate conjunction between water wealth and urban development, we are constantly having to deal with tragedy, spending huge resources on ongoing repair work on constructions and on helping the lood victims. However, no country is exempt from urban loods, its consequences may be vary according to the characteristics of the cities and their relationships with their bodies of water. After reviewing disaster statistics and the basic concepts of risk, and evaluating typical engineering proposals, this paper introduces some background to the problems in Colombia, and proposes a new form of river management as a solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the results of electromagnetic field characterization produced by wireless communication systems, such radio, TV antennas and mobile telephone base stations in urban environments are presented. The characterization was carried out in 110 sites in the city of Cali - Colombia during three measurement campaigns. In general, the values found were lower than 5% of the reference level established by the International Commission for the Protection of Non-Ionizing Radiation, ICNIRP (0,2 mW/cm²) and adopted by the Colombian government. However, in three sites the measured values were close to this level and in other two sites the level was exceeded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows an assessment exercise of the air pollutant emissions measurement methods required by the IDEAM and environmental authorities, particularly the stack particulate matter isokinetic sampling and the diesel exhaust opacity measurement. The assessment methodology included the identification and assessment of critical factors, a review of currently applied controls and a practical performance assessment exercise. Serious training of the personnel in charge of isokinetic sampling resulted in misinterpretation of sampling methods, which means that a training and certification scheme is needed. On the other hand, the individual characteristics of the opacity meters and the appropriate design of the software to comply with the technical standards are not well known by suppliers. Therefore, better accreditation procedures for the technologies being imported are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of stated-preference in a discrete choice experiments designed to examine the potential demand for a new type of passenger train between Tunja and Bogotá. The study investigates choice behaviour between three modes of transportation: bus, train and car. Each mode is represented in terms of cost, travel time and headway with a mixed logit model, which includes regularly for individuals. The model was used to experiment with different scenarios, finding the modal split for each. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic growth in Bogota and its region will produce important changes in urban development and mobility. Increases in private vehicle ownership in the next decades will contribute to urban sprawl and car dependency in a development pattern similar to the one lived by North American cities. This paper underlines the policy and strategy to be adopted by Bogota District in order to prevent a path of non-sustainable development, promote a more inclusive city and an efficient integration with the Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GALIL rifle developed by the Israel Military Industries (IMI) is manufactured in Colombia, by the military industry (INDUMIL). This rifle is the standard for Colombian forces. The rifles have night sights that use Gaseous Tritium Light Sources (GTLS) that are imported. An important step for INDUMIL to obtain the required authorizations to handle this radioactive material is to determine the health risk, associated with the use of Tritium in GTLS. The study carried out follows the recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USA). The study concludes that the risk associated with storing and transporting sights between INDUMIL factories, fitting sights on rifles, using these rifles and discarding sights is very low. A future paper will deal with the risk in case of accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofuels constitute an important alternative for the current national and worldwide energy demand. The main goal of this paper is to summarize the recent contributions of Universidad de los Andes for the development of technologies related to its production. Such efforts have been conveyed to the use of sub products like oil palm empty-fruit-bunch or domestic solid waste for ethanol production, hydrogen production and liquid fuels through anaerobic digestion and waste pyrolysis respectively, and biodiesel by fatty acids esterification. Generally, the limitations of these technologies stand on discovering adequate catalysts either from biological or chemical origin, finding optimum reaction conditions (temperature, pressure and reactive systems) accounting yield and selectivity and, finally, feedstock selection from an economical perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the development of the utilization of solar energy in Colombia and discusses its development prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution gives up-to-date information on the use of wind generated electricity worldwide. It also describes the most immediate investment plans in the increase of wind as an alternative, non polluted energy source in Europe, as well as in the Latin America region. Based upon recent studies, carried out by the author, the paper assesses the wind energy potential for electricity generation in Colombia. At the end, some comments are made on developments and wind energy use in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a mathematical model of the problem of the planning of systems of electrical distribution which considers the location and sizing of new feeders and substations, and the reconductorazing of existing feeders. The mathematical model used is of the type Lineal Mixed Integer Programming (LMIP) and to solve it, an algorithm of Branch and Bound is used. In order to test the proposed algorithm, the electrical system of the city of Pereira is used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the main findings of the work carried out by Universidad de los Andes and Universidad Nacional de Colombia, with support from Colciencias -- the Colombian National Science Development Institution) and ISAGEN, a power generation company. These results are briefed in the following items: i) The main drivers for penetration of new energy sources and cleaner Technologies (not only for electricity) in the country, will be in its order: energy basket diversification, reduction of dependence on fossil fuels (as it is the case of biofuels), minimization of environmental impact, and support to technology and industrial development. ii) Current regulation of the energy market is not explicitly against the development of these power sources and technologies, however the market architecture and rules were made thinking in conventional sources and technologies, then some adjustments should be carried out to "level de playing field" for renewable in the country, this should aim to include all external cost and benefits from its installation and operation, as well as from the participation of distributed generation in grids. iii) It is indispensable to have appropriate financial schemes for longer pay-back periods with these technologies, investors should be aware of the benefits and complementarities that can be achieved in power markets, such as emission reduction. In addition, governments should give some priority to in-country technology development and to the adoption of some of these sources when conditions are the most favourable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to explore the incidence of the bidding processes, in civil engineering practice, that are producing the suspension of many consulting and construction projects. New circumstances involve low bidding cost evaluation and shorter times for project completion. This affects the possible training of young engineers. [TRANSLATION]

EIn 1997 the Ministry of Environmental Affairs of Colombia adapted its National Cleaner Production Policy as a complementary environmental strategy to introduce prevention oriented approach into management practices of industry. Since then a range of different initiatives have been developed, all focused on the improvement of the environmental performance of companies. The results of the demonstration projects, voluntary agreements, capacity buildings programs among others, sustain the potential of this strategy to combine the reduction of environmental contamination with cost reductions and competitiveness improvement. Now, ten years after its expedition, Cleaner Production (CP) is still an emergent strategy for environmental management and industrial development in Colombian, even when the context of the time period and the main drivers, have changed. When in the early year's incentives to participate and contribute to CP initiatives were closely related to the new developed environmental regulation in Colombia and responses of industry towards those. Now, ten years later, the globalization of the economy and the integration of environmental variables in competitiveness make CP an important strategy to assume corporate social responsibility and respond to market and trade requirements. Taking into account this importance, this article proposes new ideas and strategies for the renovation of the National Cleaner Production Policy in Colombia. The proposed ideas and strategies are based on a: (i) historical review of the different CP initiatives in Colombia, (ii) the experience of the authors who have participated in a broad range of CP initiatives during the last ten years, and (iii) a literature review of CP initiatives and developments mainly published in the Journal of Cleaner Production. The conclusions of this paper show how the Cleaner Production Policy in Colombia has to develop towards an innovative business development strategy, changing its early emphasis of optimizing of existing processes and the implementation of best practices towards the innovation and promotion of cleaner technologies and sustainable business. Also the integration of the National Green Marketing Strategy with the Cleaner Production Policy opens up new perspectives to integrate environmental strategy with business development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a consulting project in which a linear programming model was developed for establishing optimal packaging and delivery policies in a Colombian food company. The problem consists in minimizing transportation costs subject to capacity and packaging constraints and demand satisfaction. A sensitivity analysis showing possible future scenarios is also presented. Currently the company uses the model for optimizing its logistics operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the long term planning analysis of a power transmission system as a nonlinear integer mixed optimization problem that includes in the objective function the expected power not served as index that explicitly measures the reliability. This problem is solved combining the techniques of genetic algorithms for the optimization part and the state space enumeration for the reliability. As a real example, an expansion study of the power transmission system that serves the city of Pereira in Colombia is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first part of this paper the basics of the estimation of the stochastic production function is discussed. In the second part an application of the former is presented aimed at the hierarquization of the educational institutions which depend of the District of Bogotá, according to a measure of the technical efficiency --using inputs to maximize the output. For the present, a Cobb-Douglas production function is assumed with a symmetric noise and a semi-normal efficiency perturbations. Using maximum likelihood the parameters are obtained and the efficiency for each institution is calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colombia has lacked an adequate planning process for the design, construction, and operation of wastewater treatment facilities in most of the municipalities. National, regional and local agencies have conflicting criteria for managing this sector. Furthermore, there is a lack of adequate tools to support decisions with appropriate environmental, financial, social, and technical information. In this paper, a computer model is presented as a tool to support at a national level the decision making process for planning municipal wastewater treatment facilities in Colombia. A geographical information system was used to obtain a structured river network from a digital elevation model. Modeling flows, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and coliform bacteria throughout the entire national drainage network allowed the analysis of several wastewater treatment scenarios, using bacteriological contamination (i.e.: coliform bacteria) as the main indicator of public health risks resulting from wastewater pollution. Total length of oxygen deprived river reaches in the hydrological network was much less than the length of the bacteriological degraded reaches. Using multivariate analysis, different wastewater treatment scenarios were analyzed to determine their effectiveness to mitigate wastewater pollution, based on environmental, socioeconomic and infrastructure criteria. As a result, prioritizations for investment in wastewater treatment plants were obtained at municipal and basin levels. The decision making tool integrates the objectives of the national agencies involved in wastewater management policies, solving the conflicts between agencies and optimizing the use of financial resources for the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On December 19th 2002 the accusatory system was formally introduced in the Colombian Constitution. This is, perhaps, the most complex change that our judicial system has undergone in the last decade. The implementation of the new criminal system implied a profound change in several institutions: a) the criminal courts, b) the general prosecution office; c) the national defense office; and d) all other state agencies that support criminal investigations. In order to design this transition the Comisión Interinstitucional para la Implantación del Sistema Penal Acusatorio (a governmental Commission responsible for the implementation of the accusatory system) open up a bidding. Uniandes in a temporal Union with the Instituto SER de Investigación, won this call for tenders. This paper briefly describes the way this multidisciplinary effort was done under the direction of the industrial engineering department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes the main results of a research project carried out to determine the main characteristics and mechanical properties of the structural elements that conform the earth made constructions, and to propose seismic rehabilitation alternatives according to the seismic hazard and characteristics of this kind of structures in Colombia. The proposed seismic rehabilitation alternatives consist of reinforcement with wire mesh covered with lime based mortar, and confining reinforcement with wooden elements. These alternatives were subjected to a series of tests on small specimens, full scale walls loaded on both directions, shaking table tests on 1:5 scale models and cyclic horizontal loading on 1:1.5 house models. The results of the research allow to establish advantages and disadvantages for the rehabilitation alternatives studied. Considering the high seismic vulnerability of earth made constructions, the confining reinforcement with wooden elements was found to be a promising alternative to reduce the seismic risk of this type of constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of virtual media as a support to formal higher education requires a methodology able to support the teacher's specific educative needs and the pedagogical requirements of diverse subjects and knowledge areas. This paper presents the methodology used on the construction of Learning Virtual Environments as a complement to the face to face activities of ten different disciplines courses on the Universidad de los Andes, at Bogotá (Colombia). The procedure and balance of this methodology are part of the reflection contained in this document. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]