Nº 5, Marzo 2014

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• Abstract. Facing so much redundancy with the very presence of elements that are more, this work is a thoughtful invitation to simplify human activity systems. This invitation gives by example the existing of molecular machines within living beings, all characterized by an
  irreducible complexity. If these machines are able to operate efficiently without adding more components; it expects that a human organization could function without excess elements.

• Keywords: irreducible complexity, molecular machines, human organization, efficiency.

Wood and its use in traditional architecture in Mediterranean climate - Camila Burgos Leiva - Download
 

• Abstract. This work studies the behavior of traditional wood siding in Mediterranean
  climate to record the achievements of the elements arranged in order to cope with the
  outdoor environment; either as a protective or ornamental purpose. Three case studies of
  traditional family homes are examined from 1900 onwards, with particular attention to the
  reaction of the coating. The results demonstrate that with proper maintenance the wood
  has a very good performance, advantage which is strengthened nowadays because the
  diversification and technological advances. Therefore, in Mediterranean scenarios it is
  recommended to continue using this material as a coating due its history shows several
  benefits.

• Keywords: facades, timber cladding, wood, traditional architecture, mediterranean climate.

Evolutionary Economics and Prospective Research as tools for facing changing scenarios - Paz Díaz Castillo, María Veas Gómez y Rodrigo Barrera Pantoja - Download
 

• Abstract. This paper shows a potential way in which Evolutionary Economics and
  Prospective Research can be used. Through a literature review of both, it concludes that the
  utility would lie in the management of complexity by investors. These tools do not replace
  those traditional; but complement them, so they are able to increase the precision and
  accuracy of the results in the evaluation.

• Keywords: Evolutionary Economics, Prospective Research, evaluation, investor, change.

Internal Ecosystem Restoration: a way to take responsibility for the previous environmental damage - Lucio Cañete Arratia - Download
 

• Abstract. This paper presents a project for getting better the environment of the University of Santiago of Chile by means of changes which taking place within its campus, but impacting out of it. The main goal is artificially to recreate functions that were once performed and that they would have remained if the university had not existed. Since the university does exist, several natural structures do not exist within the campus and therefore some ecological functions performed by those structures accidentally neither exist. In this context of Social Responsibility, the project proposes the arrangement of waterbodies, the introduction of native trees, the construction of birdhouses and other modifications inside the campus for: thermal regulation, hunt of harmful rodents and capture of CO2 among other impacts in the region where the university is located. This pioneering project not only can be replicated in other universities in the world; but also in other companies and organizations where the existence of them has been depriving the environment of various benefits.

• Keywords: Social Responsibility, ecosystem, artificial changes, restoration, functions.