A reformed division of labor for the science of well-being

This paper provides a philosophical assessment of leading theory-based, evidence-based and coherentist approaches to the definition and the measurement of wellbeing. It then builds on this assessment to articulate a reformed division of labor for the science of well-being and argues that this reformed division of labor can improve on the proffered approaches by combining the most plausible tenets of theory-based approaches with the most plausible tenets of coherentist approaches. This result does not per se exclude the possibility that theory-based and coherentist approaches may be independently improved or amended in the years to come. Still, together with the challenges that affect these approaches, it strengthens the case for combining the most plausible tenets of those approaches

A dissolution of the repugnant conclusion

This article articulates and defends a dissolution of the so-called repugnant conclusion, which focuses on the notion of life worth living figuring both in Parfit's formulation of the repugnant conclusion and in most responses to such a conclusion. The proposed dissolution demonstrates that the notion of life worth living is plagued by multiple ambiguities and that these ambiguities, in turn, hamper meaningful debate about both the issue of whether the repugnant conclusion can be avoided and the issue of whether the repugnant conclusion is actually repugnant. This result does not exclude that some modified versions of the repugnant conclusion may yield valuable insights about the value of populations and the tenability of different axiological/ethical theories. Still, if the proposed dissolution is correct, then the repugnant conclusion rests on an ill-defined notion and we lack the information required to assess the merits of the repugnant conclusion

Please wear a mask: a systematic case for mask wearing mandates

This paper combines considerations from ethics, medicine and public health policy to articulate and defend a systematic case for mask wearing mandates (MWM). The paper argues for two main claims of general interest in favour of MWM. First, MWM provide a more effective, just and fair way to tackle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic than policy alternatives such as laissez-faire approaches, mask wearing recommendations and physical distancing measures. And second, the proffered objections against MWM may justify some exemptions for specific categories of individuals, but do not cast doubt on the justifiability of these mandates. Hence, unless some novel decisive objections are put forward against MWM, governments should adopt MWM

Philosophical foundations of neuroeconomics: economics and the revolutionary challenge from neuroscience.

This PhD thesis focuses on the philosophical foundations of Neuroeconomics, an innovative research program which combines findings and modelling tools from economics, psychology and neuroscience to account for human choice behaviour. The proponents of Neuroeconomics often manifest the ambition to foster radical modifications in the accounts of choice behaviour developed by its parent disciplines. This enquiry provides a philosophically informed appraisal of the potential for success and the relevance of neuroeconomic research for economics. My central claim is that neuroeconomists can help other economists to build more predictive and explanatory models, yet are unlikely to foster revolutionary modifications in the economic theory of choice. The contents are organized as follows. In chapters 1-2, I present neuroeconomists’ investigative tools, distinguish the most influential approaches to neuroeconomic research and reconstruct the case in favour of a neural enrichment of economic theory. In chapters 3-7, I combine insights from neuro-psychology, economic methodology and philosophy of science to develop a systematic critique of Neuroeconomics. In particular, I articulate four lines of argument to demonstrate that economists are provisionally justified in retaining a methodologically distinctive approach to the modelling of decision making. My first argument points to several evidential and epistemological concerns which complicate the interpretation of neural data and cast doubt on the inferences neuroeconomists often make in their studies. My second argument aims to show that the trade-offs between the modelling desiderata that neuroeconomists and other economists respectively value severely constrain the incorporation of neural insights into economic models. My third argument questions neuroeconomists’ attempts to develop a unified theory of choice behaviour by identifying some central issues on which they hold contrasting positions. My fourth argument differentiates various senses of the term ‘revolution’ and illustrates that neuroeconomists are unlikely to provide revolutionary contributions to economic theory in any of these senses

The safety profile of drotrecogin alfa (activated)

Continued safety assessment is essential for any newly approved therapy. Drotrecogin alfa (activated; DrotAA), which is approved for use in severe sepsis, has undergone clinical trials with corresponding safety analyses since 1995. However, the only comprehensive review of all trials is that reported in 2003 by Bernard and coworkers. This is an important review that focuses on the safety profile of DrotAA in all published studies (six randomized clinical trials and five national registry studies) and in previously unpublished data. DrotAA treatment is associated with an increased risk for bleeding (which in general is manageable). Nevertheless, the available evidence shows that any adverse effects of DrotAA are outweighed by its benefits in patients with severe sepsis who are at high risk for death. So far, more than 9,000 patients have been enrolled in clinical trials involving DrotAA, providing a valuable safety database. It is of note that although DrotAA does increase the risk of bleeding, this has not been associated with an overall increase in the rate of all severe adverse events

La fauna parasitaria de Artemesia longinaris (Crustacea: Decapoda) en los principales puertos camaroneros del Mar Argentino

Fil: Martorelli, Sergio Roberto. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), La Plata, ArgentinaFil: Fumagalli, Soledad. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), La Plata, ArgentinaFil: Cardillo, Felicia. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), La Plata, Argentin

Tips for Buildings Energy Saving: Results of Some Research

Increasing global warming is largely attributable to human activities. International strategies have already been implemented to reduce emissions to zero, thus reducing energy consumption. Given the current world situation and the rising costs of raw materials (gas and oil), it is incumbent on us to find savings solutions that can also be implemented in our own small way; there are many solutions, especially in the domestic sphere. In this paper, the focus is on building energy savings that can be achieved using modern technologies and starting with the simplest solutions. In particular, this paper shows how the conscious use of natural lighting can lead to significant electricity savings. Moreover, it describes the effect of innovative building insulation materials and the effect due to the installation of a local photovoltaic power generation system; at the end, it illustrates the new horizons that are opening with the introduction of new building control techniques. Some studies are also reported where the extent of achievable savings can be understoo

Sustainability paradigm in the cosmetics industry: State of the art

Sustainability is one of the main impacting trends that is shaping today’s industries, and the cosmetics sector is no exception. The paper presents a systematic literature review of the sustainability paradigm affecting cosmetics industry, trying to investigate the state of the art of the scientific literature about the embracement of sustainability and Circular Economy paradigm by the cosmetics sector, digging deeper the distinctive practices that should be employed by companies along the cosmetic product lifecycle, and the connection with the several stakeholders involved in the Green Transition path. The study has been pursued from a double perspective: firstly, from a final customer’s point of view, trying to understand which main factors are influencing the green purchasing behavior in the cosmetics industry and their managerial implications. Then, from a product lifecycle perspective, deepening what are the best practices for the development of a sustainable cosmetic product. Moreover, the paper proposes possible insights to develop a managerial framework able to support cosmetics SMEs in their transition toward sustainability, starting from the findings identified in the literature review

A general and adaptive synthesis protocol for high-quality organosilane self‐assembled monolayers as tunable surface chemistry platforms for biochemical applications

The controlled modification of surface properties represents a pervasive requirement to be fulfilled when developing new technologies. In this paper, we propose an easy-to-implement protocol for the functionalization of glass with Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs). The adaptivity of the synthesis route was demonstrated by the controlled anchoring of thiol, amino, glycidyloxy, and methacrylate groups onto the glass surface. The optimization of the synthetic pathway was mirrored by extremely smooth SAMs (approx. 150 pm roughness), layer thickness comparable to the theoretical molecule length, absence of silane islands along the surface, quasi-unitary degree of packing, and tailored wettability and charge. The functionalization kinetics of two model silanes, 3-mercapto- and 3-amino-propyltrimethoxysilane, was determined by cross-comparing X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) data. Our SAMs with tailored physico-chemical attributes will be implemented as supports for the crystallization of pharmaceuticals and biomolecules in upcoming studies. Here, the application to a small molecule drug model, namely aspirin, was discussed as proof of concept

Thrombin regulates the ability of Schwann cells to support neuritogenesis and to maintain the integrity of the nodes of Ranvier

Schwann cells (SC) are characterized by a remarkable plasticity that enables them to promptly respond to nerve injury promoting axonal regeneration. In peripheral nerves after damage SC convert to a repair-promoting phenotype activating a sequence of supportive functions that drive myelin clearance, prevent neuronal death, and help axon growth and guidance. Regeneration of peripheral nerves after damage correlates inversely with thrombin levels. Thrombin is not only the key regulator of the coagulation cascade but also a protease with hormone-like activities that affects various cells of the central and peripheral nervous system mainly through the protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1). Aim of the present study was to investigate if and how thrombin could affect the axon supportive functions of SC. In particular, our results show that the activation of PAR1 in rat SC cultures with low levels of thrombin or PAR1 agonist peptides induces the release of molecules, which favor neuronal survival and neurite elongation. Conversely, the stimulation of SC with high levels of thrombin or PAR1 agonist peptides drives an opposite effect inducing SC to release factors that inhibit the extension of neurites. Moreover, high levels of thrombin administered to sciatic nerve ex vivo explants induce a dramatic change in SC morphology causing disappearance of the Cajal bands, enlargement of the Schmidt-Lanterman incisures and calcium-mediated demyelination of the paranodes. Our results indicate thrombin as a novel modulator of SC plasticity potentially able to favor or inhibit SC pro-regenerative properties according to its level at the site of lesion