Let denote the class of all cardinal sequences of length α associated with compact scattered spaces. Also put If λ is a cardinal and α λ1>>λn−1 and ordinals α0,…,αn−1 such that α=α0++αn−1 and where each .The proofs are based on constructions of universal locally compact scattered spaces.

We prove that if GCH holds and τ = 〈κα : α < η 〉 is a sequence of infinite cardinals such that κα ≥ |η | for each α < η, then there is a cardinal-preserving partial order that forces the existence of a scattered Boolean space whose cardinal sequence is τ.

Esta ponencia presenta un avance parcial de la investigación sobre la democracia en los municipios colombianos desde la adopción de la elección popular de los alcaldes. A partir de una conceptualización básica y operacional de la democracia se determinan sus principales dimensiones y se presentan los resultados obtenidos para algunas variables significativas que se han procesado, aplicando técnicas de análisis multivariado. El objetivo final (aún en elaboración) es generar un índice de calidad democrática que permita comparar y explicar los avances (...) y retrocesos de la democracia en los muy diversos municipios colombianos. (shrink)

We consider some questions of Donald Monk related to attainment of the tightness function in Boolean spaces. Then we prove in ZFC that attainment of tightness in the sense of the definition does not imply attainment of tightness in the free sequence sense. Our results give rise to full answers to [2, Problems 41, 42].

Much NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) fund-raising and publicity concern disasters, emergencies and the immediate relief of suffering. Donations and support may follow but they are prompted all too often by a superficially informed compassion or guilt with donors having little understanding of the results of their action. For all their impact, such campaigns can amount to demagogic sentimentalism leading to ‘compassion fatigue’ and lack of sustained support once media attention moves elsewhere. They thus undermine the unique mission of NGOs themselves. This (...) paper urges a different and more strategic approach to communication by NGOs, one which takes account of their unique status and their mission to promote solidarity. It argues that as well as solving problems of underdevelopment, NGOs need to remain independent and to shape public opinion if they are to flourish. And for this they need stable funding from informed donors giving in a spirit of solidarity to support development carried out explicitly in the name of human solidarity. The paper sets out guidelines for NGOs to communicate in ways likely to gain the support of such donors. And it describes the la Florida project in Columbia as an example of how the beneficiary can — in the spirit of solidarity — be brought to the centre of NGO action and communication. (shrink)

This paper presents the manner in which the DNA, the molecule of life, was discovered. Unlike what many people, even biologists, believe, it was Johannes Friedrich Miescher who originally discovered and isolated nuclein, currently known as DNA, in 1869, 75 years before Watson and Crick unveiled its structure. Also, in this paper we show, and above all demonstrate, the serendipity of this major discovery. Like many of his contemporaries, Miescher set out to discover how cells worked by means of studying (...) and analysing their proteins. During this arduous task, he detected an unexpected substance of unpredicted properties. This new substance precipitated when he added acid to the solution and it dissolved again when adding alkali. Unexpectedly and by a mere fluke, Miescher was the first person to obtain a DNA precipitate. The paper then presents the term serendipity and discusses how it has influenced the discovery of other important scientific milestones. Finally, we address the question of whether serendipitous discoveries can be nurtured and what role the computer could play in this process. (shrink)

Texto de presentación para el monográfico _De São Paulo a Puebla: la izquierda iberoamericana entre el retorno y la transformación (1990-2024)._.

El Jubileo Extraordinario de la Misericordia ha sido un importante acontecimiento eclesial, que ha permitido profundizar en esta realidad que el Papa Francisco define como “la viga maestra que sostiene la vida de la Iglesia”. En la historia de la Iglesia, los santos han vivido la experiencia de la misericordia de Dios de diversas maneras, y como vivencia personal la han reflejado en sus escritos. Es el caso de San Juan de Ávila, quien trató abundantemente sobre la misericordia tanto (...) en sus obras impresas como en su epistolario y en sus predicaciones. El presente artículo pretende resumir la riqueza del magisterio del Apóstol de Andalucía sobre la misericordia. (shrink)

Perhaps the hottest topic in the philosophy of chemistry is that of the relationship between chemistry and physics. The problem finds one of its main manifestations in the debate about the nature of molecular structure, given by the spatial arrangement of the nuclei in a molecule. The traditional strategy to address the problem is to consider chemical cases that challenge the definition of molecular structure in quantum–mechanical terms. Instead of taking that top-down strategy, in this paper we face the problem (...) of the reduction of molecular structure to quantum mechanics from a bottom-up perspective: our aim is to show how the theoretical peculiarities of quantum mechanics stand against the possibility of molecular structure, defined in terms of the spatial relations of the nuclei conceived as individual localized objects. We will argue that, according to the theory, quantum “particles” are not individuals that can be identified as different from others and that can be reidentified through time; therefore, they do not have the ontological stability necessary to maintain the relations that can lead to a spatially definite system with an identifiable shape. On the other hand, although quantum chemists use the resources supplied by quantum mechanics with successful results, this does no mean reduction: their “approximations” add certain assumptions that are not justified in the context of quantum mechanics or are even inconsistent with the very formal structure of the theory. (shrink)

Although during the last decades the philosophy of chemistry has greatly extended its thematic scope, the main difficulties appear in the attempt to link the chemical description of atoms and molecules and the description supplied by quantum mechanics. The aim of this paper is to analyze how the difficulties that threaten the continuous conceptual link between molecular chemistry and quantum mechanics can be overcome or, at least, moderated from the perspective of BM. With this purpose, in “The quantum-mechanical challenges” section (...) the foundational incompatibility between chemical and SQM descriptions will be briefly recalled. “Bohmian mechanics” section will be devoted to explain the main features of BM. In “Empirical equivalence and underdetermination” section, the consequences of the empirical equivalence between SQM and BM will be discussed. Finally, in the Conclusion, we will stress the scope of the obtained conclusions and the philosophical difficulties that still remain even after adopting BM for foundational purposes. (shrink)

By using the notion of a simplified (κ,1)-morass, we construct κ-thin-tall, κ-thin-thick and, in a forcing extension, κ-very thin-thick superatomic Boolean algebras for every infinite regular cardinal κ.

En este artículo el profesor Manuel Ángel Martínez expone los temas más importantes de la reflexión teológica de Antonio Royo Marín. Se centra especialmente en una de sus obras más importantes La Teología de la Perfección. Royo Marín ha sido un predicador infatigable. Muestra de ello son los numerosos escritos que dejó y su amplia divulgación entre muchos fieles cristianos. Varios grupos, repartidos en diversos lugares del mundo, siguen nutriéndose de su teología. La profundidad con la que están escritos y (...) la claridad de su exposición permiten a muchos lectores un acercamiento a la espiritualidad cristiana y a sus fuentes. Los Santos Padres de los primeros siglos del cristianismo, Santo Tomás, Santa Teresa de Jesús, San Juan de la Cruz, Santa Teresa de Lisieux, Santa Catalina de Siena, Juan González Arintero, entre otros, inspiraron la reflexión teológica de Royo Marín.El 17 de abril se cumplirán cinco años de su fallecimiento. Con este motivo y respondiendo a las numerosas demandas que nos han llegado, ofrecemos a todos los lectores la magnífica descripción que de su teología ha escrito en Ciencia Tomista el profesor Manuel Ángel Martínez Juan. (shrink)

En este artículo el profesor Manuel Ángel Martínez expone los temas más importantes de la reflexión teológica de Antonio Royo Marín. Se centra especialmente en una de sus obras más importantes La Teología de la Perfección. Royo Marín ha sido un predicador infatigable. Muestra de ello son los numerosos escritos que dejó y su amplia divulgación entre muchos fieles cristianos. Varios grupos, repartidos en diversos lugares del mundo, siguen nutriéndose de su teología. La profundidad con la que están escritos y (...) la claridad de su exposición permiten a muchos lectores un acercamiento a la espiritualidad cristiana y a sus fuentes. Los Santos Padres de los primeros siglos del cristianismo, Santo Tomás, Santa Teresa de Jesús, San Juan de la Cruz, Santa Teresa de Lisieux, Santa Catalina de Siena, Juan González Arintero, entre otros, inspiraron la reflexión teológica de Royo Marín.El 17 de abril se cumplirán cinco años de su fallecimiento. Con este motivo y respondiendo a las numerosas demandas que nos han llegado, ofrecemos a todos los lectores la magnífica descripción que de su teología ha escrito en Ciencia Tomista el profesor Manuel Ángel Martínez Juan. (shrink)

Although during the last decades the philosophy of chemistry has greatly extended its thematic scope, the main difficulties appear in the attempt to link the chemical description of atoms and molecules and the description supplied by quantum mechanics. The aim of this paper is to analyze how the difficulties that threaten the continuous conceptual link between molecular chemistry and quantum mechanics can be overcome or, at least, moderated from the perspective of BM. With this purpose, in “The quantum-mechanical challenges” section (...) the foundational incompatibility between chemical and SQM descriptions will be briefly recalled. “Bohmian mechanics” section will be devoted to explain the main features of BM. In “Empirical equivalence and underdetermination” section, the consequences of the empirical equivalence between SQM and BM will be discussed. Finally, in the Conclusion, we will stress the scope of the obtained conclusions and the philosophical difficulties that still remain even after adopting BM for foundational purposes. (shrink)

The retina pigment epithelium (RPE) is a highly specialised epithelium that serves as a multifunctional and indispensable component of the vertebrate eye. Although a great deal of attention has been paid to its transdifferentiation capabilities and its ancillary functions in neural retina development, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that specify the RPE itself. Recent advances in our understanding of the genetic network that controls the progressive specification of the eye anlage in vertebrates have provided some of the initial (...) cues to the mechanisms responsible for RPE patterning. Here, we have outlined many recent findings that suggest that a limited number of transcription factors, including Otx2, Mitf and Pax6 and a few signalling cascades, are the elements required for the onset of RPE specification in vertebrates. Furthermore, using this information and the data available on the specification of the pigmented cells of primitive chordates, we have ventured some hypotheses on the origin of RPE cells during evolution. BioEssays 26:766–777, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (shrink)

Con el objeto de identificar lo que creemos constituye una ontología política posmetafísica en el pensamiento de Bataille –fuertemente vinculada a la práctica de la escritura– el presente trabajo intenta situar la especificidad teórica que ocupa el exceso como problema ontológico en su filosofía, a partir del desarrollo de un recorrido que reflexiona sobre el estatuto de dicho exceso en Lévi-Strauss y el posestructuralismo, por un lado, y en el pensamiento político posfundacional, por el otro.

Con el objeto de identificar lo que creemos constituye una ontología política posmetafísica en el pensamiento de Bataille –fuertemente vinculada a la práctica de la escritura– el presente trabajo intenta situar la especificidad teórica que ocupa el exceso como problema ontológico en su filosofía a partir del desarrollo de un recorrido que reflexiona sobre el estatuto de dicho exceso en Lévi-Strauss y el posestructuralismo, por un lado, y en el pensamiento político posfundacional, por el otro.

Avec la publication de La communauté désœuvrée et La communauté inavouable, Maurice Blanchot et Jean-Luc Nancy commencent, au début des années 1980, un dialogue dont l’objet fut le thème de la communauté. Ce dialogue, cependant, n’impliquait pas seulement les noms de Blanchot et Nancy : ils se reconnaissaient héritiers d’une réflexion qui avait déjà commencé Nietzsche et Bataille. Plusieurs années plus tard, dans La communauté désavouée, Nancy revient sur ce débat et il s’y interroge : qu’est-ce que Blanchot voulait dire (...) avec les arguments qu’il avait opposé contre le livre écrit par Nancy? Partant de cette question, avec laquelle Nancy commence le dernier essai autour ce thème, ce travail propose de reconstruire le dialogue entre Blanchot et Nancy pour y trouver le lien entre communauté et écriture. (shrink)

In recent decades, the expansion of economic activity has been accompanied by negative environmental impacts. In response, there have been dramatic changes worldwide in terms of an increased demand for environmentally friendly products and services. To achieve these eco-innovations, firms have sought to acquire knowledge and implement operational flexibility by cooperating with different agents such as universities through a value cocreation system that is also expected to enhance firms’ performance. Using a sample of 250 companies, the present paper examines the (...) role of cooperation with universities in the development of diverse environmental innovations and building operational flexibility and, through this, improving firm performance. Results show that firms that value cooperation with universities develop a wider range of environmental innovations and increase their sales and benefits. (shrink)

In connection with some known results on uncountable cardinal sequences for superatomic Boolean algebras, we shall describe some open questions for superatomic Boolean algebras concerning singular cardinals.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe how local research ethics committees (LRECs) consider and apply research ethics in the evaluation of biomedical research proposals. Design: A qualitative study was conducted using purposeful sampling, focus groups and a grounded theory approach to generate data and to analyse the work of the LRECs. Setting and participants: 11 LRECs of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS). Results: LRECs considered ethics to be implicit in all types of research, but that ethics reviews were only necessary (...) for projects that included the direct participation of human beings. The LRECs appeared to understand the importance of consent, as in the completion of a consent form, but did not emphasise the importance of the process of acquiring ‘informed’ consent. The committees considered their main roles or functions to be: (a) to improve the methodological quality of research and to verify – if applicable – the ethical aspects; (b) to encourage personnel to undergo research training; (c) to follow‐up research to oversee the adherence to norms and compliance with a specified research timetable. Conclusions: This study provides a valuable insight into how these LRECs understand the ethical review process. The emphasis of the committees was on rules, regulations, improving research methodology and research training, rather than a focus on efforts to protect the rights and well being of research subjects. The results encourage further normative and descriptive lines of investigation concerning education and the development of LRECs. (shrink)

Cognitive Archaeology is a theoretical perspective in archaeology, the boundaries of which fade into the field of cognitive science. From a classic perspective, Cognitive Archaeology is, according to Huffman Beach , “the study of prehistoric ideology: the ideals, values, and beliefs that constitute a society’s worldview” . For this purpose a cognitive archaeologist studies historical and archaeological evidence in a series of diverse objects like material symbols, tools, the relation with the space, political and religious thinking. However, an approach to (...) these topics involves taking into account the way people of antiquity represented their reality. In other words, it involves thinking about how the mind has built itself through history by its interaction with the material world.To explore the limits of our conceptions of the material world and their relations with the mind in the constitution of human cognition Lambros Malafouris presents How Things Shape the Mind: A Th .. (shrink)

Using Koszmider's strongly unbounded functions, we show the following consistency result: Suppose that κ, λ are infinite cardinals such that κ++ + ≤ λ, κ<κ = κ and 2κ = κ+, and η is an ordinal with κ+ ≤ η < κ++ and cf = κ+. Then, in some cardinal-preserving generic extension there is a superatomic Boolean algebra equation image such that equation image, equation image for every α < η and equation image. Especially, equation image and equation image can (...) be cardinal sequences of superatomic Boolean algebras. (shrink)

The World Health Organization, in its last review of its International Classification of Diseases, established a new classification for chronic pain. Among the principal categories, of particular interest is chronic primary pain as a new type of diagnosis in those cases in which the etiology of the disease is not clear, being termed as chronic primary visceral pain when it is situated in the thorax, abdomen, or pelvis. Due to the novelty of the term, the objective of the systematic review (...) was to examine the psychopathological and neuropsychological disorders associated with chronic primary visceral pain. We carried out a search of the scientific literature following the PRISMA directives using the Pubmed, Medline, PsycInfo and Scopus databases. A total of 33 articles were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analysis of the studies showed that most persons with chronic primary visceral pain suffer from at least one psychological disorder; the most prevalent being anxiety, depressive or somatoform disorders. The most frequent psychopathological symptoms are anxiety, depression and somatization. Similarly, the findings are insufficient to determine the existence of deficits in the domains of executive functioning, memory and intelligence. However, the existence of attention biases does seem to be clear. This review supposes a starting point for conceptualizing chronic primary visceral pain. It is necessary to continue further research so as to obtain a better understanding of this pathology and the disorders associated. (shrink)