Newton and Leibniz on Non-substantival Space

The aim of this paper is to analyze Leibniz and Newton’s conception of space, and to point out where their agreements and disagreements lie with respect to its mode of existence. I shall offer a definite characterization of Leibniz and Newton’s conceptions of space. I will show that, according to their own concepts of substance, both Newtonian and Leibnizian spaces are not substantival. The reason of that consists in the fact that space is not capable of action. Moreover, there is a sense in which space is relational, because their parts are individuated only by means of their mutual relations

Ablazione mediante radiofrequenza e microwave dei tumori primitivi del fegato: comparazione dei risultati e degli accessi (percutaneo, laparoscopico ed open)

L’HCC rappresenta la settima causa di morte per tumore in Italia e la quinta nel mondo con circa 5000 decessi annui (circa il 3% delle morti per tumore) e 500.000 nuovi casi all’anno. Attualmente solo il 5-15% dei pazienti affetti da HCC risultano candidabili, al momento della diagnosi, ad un trattamento epatico resettivo. L’elevato numero di pazienti affetti da neoplasia epatica primitiva non suscettibili di terapia chirurgica radicale o in attesa di trapianto, ha rappresentato lo stimolo grazie al quale sono state messe in opera alcune procedure di trattamento alternative alla chirurgia quali appunto la radiofrequenza (RFA) e le Micro-Wave. Scopo di questa ricerca è stato appunto quello di valutare i risultati relativi all’impiego della radiofrequenza e delle micro-onde nel trattamento delle neoplasie epatiche primitive non resecabili sia attraverso il confronto, per entrambe le metodiche, delle tre diverse tecniche di esecuzione ( percutanea, videoassistita e laparotomica) sia attraverso l’analisi e la comparazione dei risultati (morbidità, mortalità, recidiva locale) Primo obiettivo è stato pertanto quello di analizzare e di individuare i possibili criteri di selezione e di arruolamento dei pazienti per le diverse metodiche attraverso l’analisi dei dati demografici e tumore-specifici, di descrivere e standardizzare le diverse tecniche analizzando i dati ricavati dai risultati intraoperatori, procedura-correlati (tempo/temperatura), e procedure associate (interventi associati, complicanze intraoperatorie). Sono stati rilevati ed analizzati i dati forniti dal monitoraggio clinico/ laboratoristico durante la degenza e le morbidità perioperatorie di entrambe le procedure nei diversi approcci chirurgici. A tal proposito sono stati esaminati i criteri di selezione delle tre differenti tecniche di approccio per l’RF e per le MW al fine di valutarne la reale applicabilità clinica correlata alla valutazione del rapporto costo/beneficio compreso l'utilizzo di metodiche quali l'ecografia intra operatoria laparoscopica. Come secondo ed ultimo obiettivo sono stati analizzati e comparati i dati relativi al follow up oncologico in termini di recidiva locale a breve e medio termine al fine di valutare la radicalità oncologica delle due procedure ablative

Sobre el carácter no empírico de los enunciados de confirmación

According to all traditional theories of confirmation, statements such as “E confirms H” (where H is a hypothesis and E is the evidence that supports H) are a priori. Peter Achinstein has recently challenged this orthodox position. He claims that at least some confirmation statements are empirical. In this paper I criticize this thesis. I first show that Achinstein´s arguments are either flawed or inconclusive. I then argue that there are strong reasons to conceive of all confirmation statements as a priori. I conclude that inductive logic, if possible, must be a priori knowledge

The gingival Stillman's clefts: histopathology and cellular characteristics

Stillman's cleft is a mucogingival triangular-shaped defect on the buccal surface of a root with unknown etiology and pathogenesis. The aim of this study is to examine the Stillman's cleft obtained from excision during root coverage surgical procedures at an histopathological level

Risk assessment for the transport of goods through road tunnels

This paper is written for the specific purpose of the International Workshop on Promotion of Technical Harmonisation on Risk-based Decision Making organised by the European Commission - DG JRC to be held between 22 and 24 May, 2000 in Stresa (Italy). Its main aim is to present personal views of the authors concerning QRA development and use. The authors have been part of an international team in charge of the development of a software dedicated to assessment of risk due to transport of Dangerous Goods (DGs) by road. They have also used the QRA software and assessed risk for real cases. Tunnels represent singularities where risk per km may be high, so special care has been taken so as to explore their contribution when a risk assessment is performed for a whole route including tunnels. Presentation will focus on QRA for transport of goods through road tunnels (by Heavy Good Vehicles : HGVs). These personal views have been also expressed by filling out a questionnaire sent to all experts attending the workshop and addressing detailed points on QRA development and use

¿Revolución en la física del éter o cambio conceptual gradual? La desmecanización del éter de Maxwell a Einstein

Después de la formulación de la teoría de la relatividad general, Einstein reivindicó el concepto de éter, que él mismo había creído desterrar de la fisica con la formulación de la relatividad especial. A partir de 1918 sostuvo que la relatividad general, al dotar al espacio-tiempo de propiedades fisicas, implicaba la existencia de un éter gravitatorio, el cual, sin embargo, debía concebirse como carente de toda propiedad mecánica, incluso la de moviotiento o de reposo. De esta manera, identificó el éter gravitatorio con el espacio-tiempo de la relatividad general

Una reivindicación de los experimentos cruciales

in this paper i assess Pierre Duhem’s criticism of crucial experiments, and argue that we have reasons to vindicate their existence. i then analize the experiments carried out by Fizeau and Foucault in 1850, and criticize Duhem’s interpretation of their results. i contend that the results of crucial experiences can be described in terms that are neutral with respect to the competing theories. For that reason an experimental result is relatively stable and open to different interpretations in the light of new theories. i conclude by distinguishing successful crucial experiments from decisive experiments. The former are meant to provide evidence that confirms one theory and disconfirms its rivals, but not necessarily to provide sufficient reasons for accepting or rejecting one of those theories.En este artículo reviso la crítica de Pierre Duhem a los experimentos cruciales y reivindico la existencia de esta clase de experimentos. Luego, estudio los experimentos de Fizeau y Foucault de 1850 y critico la interpretación que Duhem hizo de estos resultados experimentales. Argumento que el resultado de un experimento crucial siempre puede describirse en términos neutrales respecto de las teorías rivales en disputa. Por esta razón, dichos resultados experimentales son relativamente estables y pueden ser reinterpretados en nuevos contextos teóricos. Finalmente, distingo los experimentos cruciales exitosos, aquellos que confirman una teoría dada y disconfirman a sus rivales, de los experimentos decisivos. Los primeros permiten confirmar una teoría y disconfirmar a sus rivales, pero no necesariamente proporcionan razones suficientes para aceptar o rechazar una de tales teorías