Relating Wigner's Friend scenarios to Nonclassical Causal Compatibility, Monogamy Relations, and Fine Tuning

Nonclassical causal modeling was developed in order to explain violations of Bell inequalities while adhering to relativistic causal structure and faithfulness -- that is, avoiding fine-tuned causal explanations. Recently, a no-go theorem stronger than Bell's theorem has been derived, based on extensions of Wigner's friend thought experiment: the Local Friendliness (LF) no-go theorem. We herein contend that LF no-go theorem poses formidable challenges for the field of causal modeling, even when nonclassical and/or cyclic causal explanations are considered. We first recast the LF inequalities, one of the key elements of the LF no-go theorem, as special cases of monogamy relations stemming from a statistical marginal problem; we then further recast LF inequalities as causal compatibility inequalities emerging from a nonclassical causal marginal problem. We find that the LF inequalities emerge from the causal modeling perspective even when allowing the latent causes of observed events to admit post-quantum descriptions, such as Generalised Probabilistic Theories (GPT) or even more exotic causal compatibility prescriptions. We prove that no nonclassical causal model can explain violations of LF inequalities without both rejecting various well-motivated causal-metaphysical assumptions and violating the No Fine-Tuning principle. Finally, we note that these obstacles cannot be overcome even if one were to appeal to cyclic causal models.Comment: 14+6 pages, 9 figures. Comments welcome

Deciphering rankl signaling implications in craniofacial skeleton growth through its permanent and transient invalidations

Tese (doutorado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, 2019.Tese (doutorado)—Université de Paris, École doctorale MTCI – Médicament – Toxicologie – Chimie – Imageries ED563, Laboratoire Physiopathologie Orale Moléculaire INSERM UMR_S1138 2019.Observações relativas a patologias osteopetróticas mostraram que os achados oro-dentais mais frequentes em pacientes consistiam em osteomielite dos maxilares, defeitos de erupção e anomalias dentárias. Essas observações levantaram a questão da origem de tais variações no fenótipo dento-alveolar associado à osteopetrose, além de apenas uma função osteoclástica defeituosa. O objetivo deste projeto foi avaliar a importância do impacto das inativações da via de sinalização RANKL/RANK/OPG/LGR4 e seus efeitos no crescimento ósseo craniofacial, no desenvolvimento dental e na erupção. Optamos por trabalhar com modelos de osteopetrose em camundongos correspondentes a inativações permanentes e transitórias da proteína mestre da osteoclastogênese, RANKL. A série de experimentos realizados em um contexto osteopetrótico de inativação permanente do RANKL permitiu afirmar que o RANKL solúvel da mãe é capaz de atravessar a barreira placentária e, portanto, pode participar do desenvolvimento do esqueleto craniofacial, principalmente por suas implicações na comunicação célula-célula e controle da diferenciação dos osteoclastos. Durante o desenvolvimento posterior do dente, os camundongos Rankl knock out mostraram importantes alterações nas raízes. Nossas análises comparativas das conseqüências dento-alveolares das inativações transitórias e permanentes do RANKL permitiram demonstrar que, além da osteoclastogênese defeituosa, as perturbações das comunicações célula-célula estão presentes com uma gravidade gradual em relação à penetrância da inativação de RANKL em termos de intensidade e tempo. Nossos resultados obtidos em modelos de camundongos demonstraram que erupções molares defeituosas, mais especificamente retenções dos molares, fazem parte da alteração geral do crescimento craniofacial. Os achados clínicos, evidenciaram que as retenções primárias de erupção estão associadas a um fenótipo craniofacial específico. Esse estudo sugere que dentes retidos em pacientes podem ser conseqüências de perturbações espaço-temporais da sinalização RANKL por atores exógenos que ainda precisam ser caracterizados.Observations relative to osteopetrotic pathologies, showed that the most common oro-dental features in patients with osteopetrosis include osteomyelitis of the jaws, eruption defects and dental anomalies. These observations have raised the question of the origin of such variations in the dento-alveolar phenotype associated to osteopetrosis other than just a defective osteoclastic function. The aim of this project was to assess the importance of the impact of RANKL/RANK/OPG/LGR4 signaling pathway invalidations and its effects on the craniofacial bone growth, the dental development and eruption. We have chosen to work with osteopetrosis models in mouse corresponding to permanent and transient invalidations of the master protein of the osteoclastogenesis, RANKL. The series of experiments performed in an osteopetrotic context of permanent invalidation of RANKL enabled to state that the maternal soluble RANKL is able to cross the placenta barrier and so may participate in the development of the craniofacial skeleton, mostly through its implications in cell-to-cell communications and the osteoclast differentiation control. During tooth later development, the Rankl null mutant mice showed important root alterations. Our comparative analyses of the dento-alveolar consequences of transient and permanent invalidations of RANKL has enabled to demonstrate that in addition to the defective osteoclastogenesis, perturbations of the cell-to-cell communications are present with a gradual severity in relation with the penetrance of the RANKL invalidation in terms of intensity and timing. Our results obtained in mouse models demonstrated that defective molar eruptions, more specifically molar retentions, are part of general craniofacial growth alteration. This was confirmed by our clinical data evidencing that primary eruption retentions are associated with a particular craniofacial phenotype. This study suggests that any retained teeth in patients could be the consequence of spatio-temporal perturbations of the RANKL signaling by exogenous actors that remain to be characterized.Les observations relatives aux pathologies ostéopétrotiques ont montré que les résultats bucco- dentaires les plus fréquents chez les patients consistaient en une ostéomyélite des mâchoires, des anomalies d'éruption et des anomalies dentaires. Ces observations ont soulevé la question de l'origine de tels défauts du phénotype dento-alvéolaire associés à l'ostéopétrose, en plus d’une fonction ostéoclastique défectueuse. L’objectif de ce projet était d’évaluer l’importance de l’impact des invalidations de la voie de signalisation RANKL/RANK/OPG /LGR4 et ses effets sur la croissance osseuse crâniofaciale, le développement dentaire et l’éruption. Nous avons choisi de travailler avec différents modèles d'ostéopétrose chez la souris correspondant à des invalidations permanentes et transitoires d’un facteur maître de l'ostéoclastogenèse, RANKL. L’ensemble des expériences effectuées dans un contexte ostéopétrotique d’invalidation permanente de RANKL a permis d’affirmer que le RANKL maternelle soluble est capable de franchir la barrière placentaire. Il peut donc participer au développement du squelette crâniofacial, principalement par ses implications dans des communications cellulaires et le contrôle de la différenciation des ostéoclastes. Au cours du développement ultérieur des dents, les souris mutantes pour Rankl présentaient des altérations importantes des racines. Nos analyses comparatives des conséquences dento-alvéolaires des invalidations transitoires et permanentes de RANKL ont permis de démontrer qu'outre l'ostéoclastogenèse défectueuse, des perturbations des communications cellulaires sont présentes avec une sévérité progressive en relation avec la pénétrance de l’invalidation RANKL en termes d'intensité et de fenêtre temporelle. Nos résultats obtenus sur des modèles murins invalidés pour Rankl ont démontré que les éruptions molaires défectueuses, plus particulièrement les rétentions primaires molaires, font partie de l'altération générale de la croissance crâniofaciale. Ceci a été confirmé par nos données cliniques démontrant que les rétentions d'éruptions primaires sont associées à un phénotype crâniofacial particulier. Cette étude suggère que toutes les dents incluses chez les patients pourraient être la conséquence de perturbations spatio-temporelles de la signalisation RANKL par des acteurs exogènes qui restent à caractériser

Leiomiomas ano-retais: descrição de dois casos com características anatômicas diferentes e revisão da literatura

Gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors comprise a rare group of gastrointestinal tract wall tumors that have long been a source of confusion and controversy, especially in terms of pathological classification, preoperative diagnosis, management strategies, and prognosis. This report describes the clinical manifestations and management of 2 rectal leiomyomas and reviews the pertinent literature. Case 1: A 44-year-old woman was admitted reporting a nodule in the right para-anal region for the previous 2 years. At proctological examination, a 4-cm diameter fibrous mass situated in the para-anal region that produced an arch under the smooth muscle on the right rectal wall just above the anorectal ring was noted. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis showed the lesion and detected no other abnormalities. Surgical treatment consisted of wide local resection of the tumor through a para-anal incision, with no attempts to perform lymphadenectomy. Case 2: A 40-year-old male patient was admitted reporting constant anal pain for 4 months. He presented a 3-cm submucosal nodule at the anterior rectal wall just above the dentate line. After 2 inconclusive preoperative biopsies, transanal resection of the tumor was performed. Histological analysis of the specimen showed a benign leiomyoma. A review of the literature is presented, emphasizing some clinical and therapeutic aspects of this unusual rectal tumor.Os tumores mesenquimais gastrointestinais constituem um grupo raro de neoplasias que têm sido fonte de confusão e controvérsia, especialmente quanto à classificação patológica, diagnóstico pré-operatório, manuseio e prognóstico. O presente artigo descreve as manifestações clínicas e o tratamento de dois pacientes com leiomioma retal e revê a literatura pertinente. Caso 1: Uma mulher de 44 anos foi admitida referindo um nódulo na região paranal direita nos últimos 2 anos. Ao exame físico notou-se uma massa fibrosa de 4 centímetros de diâmetro situada na região paranal que produzia um discreto abaulamento na musculatura lisa da parede retal, logo acima do anel ano-retal. As imagens de tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética do abdômen e pelve confirmaram a lesão e não detectaram outras anormalidades. O tratamento cirúrgico consistiu de ressecção alargada do tumor através de uma incisão paranal, sem se realizar linfadenectomia. Caso 2: Outro paciente com 40 anos foi admitido com história de dor anal constante há 4 meses. Este homem apresentava nódulo submucoso de 3 cm na parede retal anterior, logo acima da linha pectínea. Após duas biópsias inconclusivas, realizou-se a ressecção transanal do tumor. A análise histológica do espécime demonstrou tratar-se de um leiomioma benigno. Uma breve revisão da literatura é apresentada, enfatizando alguns aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos deste tumor retal pouco comum

EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL EM ASSENTAMENTOS RURAIS: UMA TECNOLOGIA SOCIAL PARA CONSERVAÇÃO SOCIOAMBIENTAL E GERAÇÃO DE RENDA

The present article deals about environmental education as a Social Technology, developed in rural settlements in order to benefit from the construction of new habits and alternatives involving the reduction of environmental degradation with income generation. Through a literature review of some successful experiences are pointed to assumptions that must be understood to undertake the change of consciousness and attitudes in families settled as: a qualitative approach; the shared vision; the problematization of questions for decision of the technology applied. Points out that the actions should be developed in the medium and long term, with a view to continuity and the permanence of the pursuit of knowledge, leading to a cultural vision of reality to ensure improved relations man, land and environment.O presente artigo trata sobre a Educação Ambiental como uma Tecnologia Social, desenvolvida em assentamentos rurais com o objetivo de beneficiar a construção de novos hábitos e alternativas que associem a redução da degradação ambiental com a geração de renda. Através de uma revisão bibliográfica de algumas experiências exitosas são apontadas algumas premissas que devem ser entendidas para empreender a mudança de consciência e atitudes nas famílias assentadas como: a abordagem qualitativa; a visão compartilhada; a problematização de questões para decisão da tecnologia a ser aplicada. Aponta que as ações devem ser desenvolvidas a médio e longo prazo, tendo em vista a continuidade e a permanência da busca pelo conhecimento, levando a uma visão sistemica da realidade para garantir a melhoria das relações homem, terra, meio ambiente

Antimicrobial performance of lignin embedded in bacterial nanocellulose membranes

The development of bio-based antimicrobial polymeric composites has never been so urgent. Novel antimi- crobial fibrous-based biocomposites will certainly allow the development of important solutions to fight the present and future Pandemics, while reducing the dependence of petrochemical based polymers and fibers. Lignin has a pivotal function in preventing the invasion of phytopathogens, thus, this work explores the anti- microbial potential of lignin when embedded in a biosynthesized fibrous nanomatrix with superior mechanical properties: bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). Lignin was subjected to alkali treatment to promote the inclusion of lignin within BNC which comprises pores ranging from 20 to 300 nm. Both alkali treatment efficiency, bac- tericidal and antiviral activities were investigatedThe authors would like to acknowledge the project PLASMAMED - PTDC/CTM-TEX/28295/2017 fnanced by FCT, FEDER and POCI in the frame of the Portugal 2020 program, the project UID/CTM/00264/2019 of 2C2T under the COMPETE and FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) co-fnanced by FEDER through the PT2020 program. Liliana Melro acknowledges her Doctoral grant awarded by FCT (2020.04919.BD)

Diseño de un modelo financiero y administrativo para fortalecer la educación económica y financiera en los mercados itinerantes del convenio con la secretaría de desarrollo económico de Bogotá D.C

El objetivo de este documento es analizar el manejo financiero y administrativo de un grupo de microempresarios los cuales se integraron a través del trabajo conjunto con la secretaría de desarrollo económico, y desarrollar dos modelos técnicos con los cuales se busca fortalecer la estrategia de educación financiera, promoviendo el impulso técnico y profesional de la población intervenida. En vista de la realidad económica del país que se vio golpeada por una desaceleración generando así problemáticas en el tejido empresarial del país, es conveniente aportar al sostenimiento y desarrollo de las unidades productivas que no cuentan con la estructura suficiente para soportar los cambios coyunturales y los crecimientos constantes.Universidad Libre - Facultad de ciencias económicas, administrativas y contables, Contaduría PublicaThe objective of this document is to analyze the financial and administrative management of a group of microentrepreneurs which were integrated through joint work with the economic development secretariat, and to develop two technical models with which it is sought to strengthen the financial education strategy, promoting the technical and professional impulse of the intervened population. In view of the economic reality of the country that was hit by a slowdown generating problems in the business sector of the country, it is convenient to contribute to the sustainability and development of the productive units that do not have the sufficient structure to support the conjunctural changes and the constant growths

DISCLOSURE DOS ELEMENTOS PATRIMONIAIS DO SETOR PÚBLICO NA REGIÃO SUDESTE

A evidenciação dos elementos patrimoniais, sejam eles públicos ou privados, tem assumido um espaço de destaque no setor contábil, visando melhorar a transparência das informações de caráter financeiro, econômico, orçamentário e operacional, possibilitando a realização de tomadas de decisões que promovam um progresso patrimonial da entidade. Essa melhora na transparência vem ganhando notoriedade no setor público brasileiro, por meio do processo de convergência, à luz das orientações provenientes das Normas Internacionais de Contabilidade Aplicadas ao Setor Público (IPSAS). Este artigo objetiva verificar a evolução do disclosure dos elementos patrimoniais do setor público na região sudeste brasileira. Para isso comparou-se os dados apresentados nas notas explicativas das demonstrações contábeis do setor público dos estados da região sudeste no período de 2014 a 2016, utilizando-se uma pesquisa qualitativa e documental. Os resultados indicam que os governos, no âmbito estadual, iniciaram a implantação das práticas contábeis patrimoniais obrigatórias e avançam gradualmente na evidenciação dos itens pesquisados, com melhores índices em 2016. O estado do Rio de Janeiro apresenta o melhor disclosure na região sudeste, demonstrando no total maior média de dados. São Paulo aparece em segundo, em terceiro está o Espírito Santo e em último com menor disclosure na média de dados está Minas Gerais.

Bio-synthesised fibrous-based meshes for abdominal hernia with enhanced mechanical and antimicrobial properties

Abdominal hernia (AH) encompasses the most prevalent types of hernia: inguinal, umbilical and incisional. Notwithstanding current hernia complications represent a low death toll (nearly 0.001 % in developed countries), non-reducible hernias are the most severe cases, which require urgent surgical intervention due to their life-threatening nature. In a single year, at the United States of America, more than 800 thousand surgeries are performed to repair inguinal hernias. Abdominal hernia ubiquitous symptoms include pain, which may represent a mild discomfort or even an impairing morbidity. Nevertheless, some patients suffer from morbidity in the post-operative period. Recurrence was reduced when the application of a propylene mesh replaced primary suture repair more than 60 years ago. Surprisingly, currently the most prevalent hernia mesh materials are based on petrochemical plastics such as polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Unfortunately, despite the plethora of commercial hernia meshes, an improvement of the hernia meshes is still warranted, since petrochemical materials exhibit a deterioration over time which generate complications and recurrence. This project envisages the complete replacement of the conventional plastic-based material of hernia meshes by a fully bio- based material with superior mechanical properties: bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). BNC is synthesized by bacteria and is composed of a 3D matrix of 100 % nanofibrils of cellulose, each with a diameter ranging between 20 to 100 nm. When BNC producing bacterium are cultured in static culture, the BNC is formed as membrane (nanoporous mesh comprising pores of 100 to 300 nm in diameter) at the surface of the culture medium and adopts the shape of the available surface. Therefore, it is easy to control the membrane surface shape, as well as its thickness, which can be controlled by the incubation time (longer incubation time will result in a larger thickness). The selection of the most adequate bacterium for the production of the hernia mesh will be performed Nevertheless, for a hernia mesh to be viable it requires pores with a specific diameter to allow the permeability of leukocytes, fibroblasts, and permit the arrangement of collagen and blood vessels. Per se, the BNC mesh does not possess such large specific pores with the required diameter (> 75 μm), thus it is proposed the design and development of a template to achieve a AH mesh that meets the necessary requirements. Furthermore, due to the high complexity of hernia mesh infection, which is extremely difficult to adequately treat without removing the mesh, this project envisages the functionalization of BNC AH mesh with antimicrobial properties. Two approaches will be considered for the BNC AH mesh functionalization, namely: in situ synthesis and adsorption through filtration. NPs optimal concentration and functionalization process will be examined and tailored to obtain a BNC AH mesh with effective antimicrobial activity and negligible cytotoxicity. According the AH implantation site, three different hernia meshes classes are usually applied: low, medium and high weight, thus the optimal antimicrobial BNC meshes of each class will be patented to represent a viable commercial alternative, by displaying superior mechanical properties, biocompatibility and low infection propensity, to considerably improve AH patience overall wellbeing.FEDER funds under the COMPETE program and by National Funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) under the project POCI-01- 0145-FEDER-007136 and UID/CTM/00264/2013. PLASMAMED project PTDC/CTMTEX/28295/2017 funded by FCT, FEDER e POCI through the program Portugal 202

Antimicrobial activity of bacterial nanocellulose modified with chestnut extract

Chestnut wood extracts are rich in tannins that exhibit numerous health-promoting properties. The incorporation of 5% (w/v) chestnut extract within the nanofibrous structure of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) produced by Gluconacetobacter hansenii ATCC 53582 was obtained through exhaustion. This simple processing methodology resulted in a flexible (upon addition of 2% (w/v) glycerol), biodegradable, biocompatible nanocomposite for potential application in medical appliances.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), FEDER funds through Portugal 2020 Competitive Factors Operational Program (POCI), and thePortuguese Government (PG) for the projects: UID/CTM/00264/2021 of Centre for Textil e Science and Technology (2C2T) and PTDC/CTM-TEX/1213/2020;FCT, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education (MCTES), the European Social Fund (FSE) and the European Union (UE)for her Ph.D. funding via scholarship 2020.04919.BD;FCT, FEDER, POCI, and PG for her research grant POCI-01-0247-ERDF-047124