bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Overview of Digital Health Applications between Belgium and Germany
Authors: Schudt Florian , Rohloff-Meinke Christine , Koehler Niklas , Sohrabi Keywan , Gross Volker , Scholtes Michael
Published: September 2022

The increasing use of mobile digital technologies in our daily life is also affecting the healthcare sector. Digital health applications have the potential to improve disease monitoring and management, avoid hospitalizations, and more. A main task for the health care system is to create a framework that facilitates the identification of safe and effective apps for health care professionals and patients to generate the most health benefit as well as guide payer coverage decisions. Currently some European countries have already developed a national framework for market access approval, nevertheless only Belgium and Germany have additionally created a reimbursement system. The aim of this investigation is to compare the two different approaches of Belgium and Germany, based on the framework itself, the access requirements, and the experience so far. The overall approach seems to be similar, but scrutinizing the details, there are several significant differences. The evaluation procedure in Belgium consists of a 3-level validation pyramid while in Germany there is a normal procedure as well as a DiGA-Fast- Track. Only applications in stage 3 are reimbursable in Belgium whereas in Germany applications from provisional and permanent listing are reimbursable. The comparative overview shows that the two forerunners, Belgium, and Germany, use similar but not identical approaches, with partly relevant differences such as the evaluation procedure reimbursement and the formulation of the target group. The current situation (status 11.04.22) shows that the focus of the app indications differs between both countries. Furthermore, not a single app is listed in Belgium and Germany at the same time. From our perspective it should be a goal for manufacturers of CE marked medical devices to achieve reimbursement in as many member states as possible.
Image-based deep learning of finite element simulations for fast surrogate biomechanical organ deformations
Authors: Ziche Lorenz , Lenzig Bjarne , Bieck Richard , Neumuth Thomas , Schoenfelder Stephan
Published: September 2022

Introduction: We apply deep learning to emulate Finite Element simulations by exploiting neural networks as universal function approximators. A novel processing pipeline automates the incorporation of three-dimensional biomechanical simulation data into an image-based deep learning task where spatially resolved deformations are predicted using pixelwise regression. We show that a model trained in this way can quickly reproduce simulation results with reasonable preliminary performance. Methods: We trained a customized U-Net (32 input features) to predict displacement models based on the input force vectors. The pipeline was applied to a basic indentation process for an idealized reference geometry (puck) and a 3D liver model from the LiTS dataset. The generated 3D simulation data is normalized and projected onto 2D images using the midpoint circle algorithm such that x, y, and z coordinates are mapped to pixel values of RGB image channels. This way, 1500 simulations of the reference geometry and 500 simulations of the liver deformation with force-controlled, randomly initialized load distributions were performed. Simulations took about 2-5 minutes of computation time with FE models of 6000 and 10000 elements. The neural network was trained on the simulation database using pixelwise regression. Results: We successfully trained a model on the pixelwise regression of simulation results. The model optimization reached an f1- score of 0.69 and 0.61 for the puck and the liver. The displacement images were reprojected and compared to the 3D ground truth. The trained models reached an average surface distance of 3.1 ± 1.2 and 4.2 ± 2.2, as well as 4.3 ± 0.4 and 6.4 ± 0.2 for the Hausdorff distances. Conclusion: The model performance is still impractical for clinical decisions. Still, with mean computation times of under 250 ms, the approach's potential with a more extensive database and a more sophisticated deep learning architecture, e.g., GNN, is recognizable.
Reduced Steering Performance in Magnetic Drug Targeting Induced by Shielding Arising from Accumulation of Particles
Authors: Thalmayer Angelika S. , Zeising Samuel , Fischer Georg
Published: September 2022

Magnetic Drug Targeting is a new approach in cancer therapy, where magnetic nanoparticles are used as carriers for cancer drugs. Commonly, external magnets are employed for steering the particles inside the blood vessels towards a desired direction. However, an unwanted side effect of the steering is the accumulation of the particles underneath the steering magnet. Many researchers address the number of accumulated particles, but, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the retroaction of the accumulation profile on the generated magnetic field and, therefore, on the magnetic steering force, has not been investigated so far. Thus, in the proposed study, the influence of the accumulation profile on the magnetic force was numerically investigated. Therefore, a 2D model of a blood vessel with particles assumed as an accumulation profile and a nearby magnet was examined. Moreover, the length, thickness, and effective susceptibility of the approximated accumulation profile and the magnet size were varied. The results reveal that the field distribution is significantly affected, especially for high effective susceptibilities. The initially applied profile amplified the magnetic force; however, when the profile accumulated, it reduced the force up to 50 %. Overall, the results reveal that the retroaction of the particle distribution on the magnetic field must be considered in a simulation model.
On Gait Stability: Correlations between Lyapunov Exponent and Stride Time Variability
Authors: Chandrasekaran Sanjay , Ngo Chuong , Lueken Markus , Bollheimer Cornelius , Wolf Alon , Leonhardt Steffen
Published: September 2022

Lyapunov exponent is a promising parameter to ascertain the stability of the human gait. In this work, we use a time-series model based on a second-order delay-system with inertial measurement units placed on the foot and wrist. Stability is analyzed in a localized sense, with the Lyapunov exponent computed in the temporal region between two heel-strike points, which are determined using a peak-detection algorithm. We have attempted to show correlations between variations in the stride time and stability of the gait under normal and abnormal conditions. In the latter case, we attach a weight on foot to emulate weakness. On comparison between both cases, we observe a statistical significance of p=0.0039 using Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test. Moreover, on observing the correlations between Lyapunov Exponent and Stride Time Variability, we notice a left-shift in the abnormal case, indicating a lower threshold for instability, with the Stride Time Variability being 0.07 as compared to 0.11 in the normal case.The results indicate that by exploiting the correlation between stride time variability and Lyapunov exponents, one can establish a threshold for gait stability.
Thyroid Nodule Region Estimation using Auto-Regressive Modelling and Machine Learning
Authors: Gomes Ataide Elmer Jeto , Jabaraj Mathews S. , Illanes Alfredo , Schenke Simone , Boese Axel , Kreissl Michael C. , Friebe Michael
Published: September 2022

Ultrasound (US) imaging is used for the diagnosis and also evaluation of thyroid nodules. A Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) is used for the risk stratification of thyroid nodules through US images. The composition of thyroid nodules plays an important role in the risk-stratification process. The percentages of cystic and solid components in a thyroid nodule are one of the features that are can be indicative of the risk of malignancy. In this work, we attempt to classify and estimate solid and cystic regions within nodules. 20x20 texture patches were extracted from solid and cystic regions and converted into signals. These signals are decomposed into low, mid, and high-frequency bands using Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT). A total of 36 features were extracted from the decomposed signals using Auto- Regressive Modeling. The features were fed into three different Machine Learning (ML) algorithms (Artificial Neural Networks, K-Nearest Neighbors, and Random Forest Classifier) to provide us with a classification of solid versus cystic regions in thyroid nodule US images. The Random Forest Classifier obtained an Accuracy, Sensitivity, and Specificity of 90.41%, 99% and 91% respectively which was the highest among the three chosen ML algorithms. Additionally, the output from the classification phase was also be used to determine the percentage of cystic and solid regions with a given thyroid nodule US image.
Pupillometry examinations of the human eye with the eye diagnostic device PEP-2000 – First results
Authors: Schieding Nikola , Reuter Thomas , Grundmann Andreas , Walther Sebastian , Klee Sascha
Published: September 2022

Pupillometry forms the diagnostic basis for numerous pathologies of the eye. For this reason, fast and accurate diagnostics in the field of ophthalmology are essential. Two examination techniques, full-field ERG and pupillometry were combined in a diagnostic device developed by ICM e.V. to reduce the examination process for both examiners and patients. In this paper, the device is examined for the quality of the pupillometry measurements. A study with 12 healthy subjects (3 f, 9 m, 36.33 ± 11.94 years) was conducted to evaluate the device. The results showed that the minimal pupil diameter is 40 % higher than the literature values. The main reason for the differences is the low light intensity of 15 cd/m2. However, the maximum pupil diameter is within the range of the researched values. The results of the pupillary reaction measurements show that the values obtained (amplitude, contraction time and peak time) are within the range of literature values. The latency time of 690 ms is 40 % too high. The reason for this could be the moderate pupil detection rate of 50-70 %. Nevertheless, plausible and comparable analysis values could be obtained with the eye diagnostic device PEP-2000. Further work will look at improving pupil detection rates.
Stretchable electrodes for biopotential measurements in wearable patches
Authors: Eyvazi Hesar Milad , Khan Dibyendu , Ingebrandt Sven
Published: September 2022

Soft, stretchable, and flexible electrodes offer a unique and nonintrusive option to monitor essential biopotential signals from the skin, which can be related to the functioning and status of different organs including the heart. Such stretchable electrodes, by forming an intimate contact to the human skin, not only increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the recorded biopotentials and reduce eventual signal artifacts, but are also more pleasant to wear. We developed a stretchable electrode patch for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring utilizing the medical-grade, transparent, and stretchable material Styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS). Our fabrication process is compatible with standard micro- and nano clean room processes and could be up-scaled accordingly.
Importance of interdisciplinary training for successful development of innovative biomedical implants
Authors: Doll Katharina , Doll Patrick W. , Doll Christian , Doll Theodor
Published: September 2022

The development of novel and innovative biomaterials and biomedical devices like medical implants is a sophisticated task that requires expertise ranging from physicians over engineers and natural scientists to regulatory officers for clinical translation to be most efficient. This short communication should highlight the specific requirements and perspectives of the different disciplines and conclude on the importance of interdisciplinary training for early-stage researchers. For this purpose, experts for clinical practice, material development, biological testing and medical device approval with profound experience in interdisciplinary research summarized and discussed current literature and knowledge. Multiple interactions right from the start of the design phase until the medical device approval could clearly be identified. As not all relevant study programs already include interdisciplinary training, implementing structured interdisciplinary doctoral programs is advised to accelerate innovative biomedical implant development.
Thrilling AI – A novel, signal-based digital biomarker for diagnosing canine heart diseases
Authors: Bisgin Pinar , Strube Tom , Henze Jasmin , Ljungvall Ingrid , Häggström Jens , Wess Gerhard , Stadler Julia , Schummer Christoph , Meister Sven , Howar Falk Maria
Published: September 2022

Auscultation methods enable non-invasive diagnosis of diseases, e.g. of the heart, based on heartbeat sounds. Regular, early examinations using machine learning techniques could help to detect diseases at an early stage to prevent serious health conditions and then provide optimal therapy through continuous monitoring. There is already a lot of work on human data using AI algorithms to detect patterns in signals or images. However, there is hardly no work on detecting heart murmurs with digital such as Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease. In this paper, we present a canine auscultation project that aims to provide a tool to establish a baseline of classification parameters from audio signals that could be used to monitor canine health status by analyzing deviations from this baseline. In the future, data analysis could also lead to prediction and early detection of other diseases.
Fabrication of biodegradable nanofibers via melt extrusion of immiscible blends
Authors: Guo Zheng , Wang Zebo , Qin Yajie , Zhang Jintao , Qi Yu , Liu Binguo , Pan Wei
Published: September 2022

Polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB-co-4HB)) nanofibers were prepared by melt extrusion of immiscible blends of PLA/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and P(3HB-co-4HB)/PVA via in situ formation of microfibrils during the melt extrusion process. The morphology of the blends and nanofibers after removal of PVA with water was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The intermolecular interactions in the blends were studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The compatibility of the components of the PVA/PLA blends was better than that of the PVA/P(3HB-co-4HB) blends. By varying the process conditions, the average diameter of the PLA nanofibers could be controlled in the range of 78–150 nm and that of the P(3HB-co-4HB) nanofibers could be controlled in the range of 274–424 nm.
“Self-Cultivation as the Root of All”—The Individual in the Recursive Process of “Ensuring Peace for All Under Heaven, Good State Governance and Regulation of Family Affairs, and Self-Cultivation”
Authors: Ren Jiantao
Published: September 2022

Today, “regulation of family affairs, good state governance and ensuring peace to all under heaven” has become a fixed-format narrative through which China remains attached to its traditions. However, most such expressions digress from the original context of The Great Learning and so have become a way of conveying modern and international ideas instead. “Regulation of family affairs, good state governance and ensuring peace to all under heaven” in the context of The Great Learning are the last three of the “eight essential principles (studying things, acquiring knowledge, being sincere in thought, rectifying one’s heart/mind, cultivating oneself, regulating one’s family affairs, governing the state well, and ensuring peace to all under heaven),” and seemingly separate from the other five. However, only by connecting the eight principles together, both progressively and recursively, can one accurately and fully understand the meaning of the last three (“regulation of family affairs, good state governance and ensuring peace to all under heaven”). They are listed in a progressive order but only by going backward to “studying things” can we truly understand the profound meaning of the “complete eight.” In these two-way orders, “self-cultivation” by the individual is the key link. Such an understanding helps to focus on the basic collectivist ideas of Confucian thought, and to highlight its modern significance.
Causal inference for oncology: past developments and current challenges
Authors: Moodie Erica E. M.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we review some important early developments on causal inference in medical statistics and epidemiology that were inspired by questions in oncology. We examine two classical examples from the literature and point to a current area of ongoing methodological development, namely the estimation of optimal adaptive treatment strategies. While causal approaches to analysis have become more routine in oncology research, many exciting challenges and open problems remain, particularly in the context of censored outcomes.
The extrusion of EPDM using an external gear pump: experiments and simulations
Authors: de Bie Vincent G. , Spanjaards Michelle M.A. , Hulsen Martien A. , Anderson Patrick D.
Published: September 2022

External gear pumps are used in fluid transport systems because of their tight clearances and accurate flow control. These tight clearances are a challenge for numerical studies in terms of spatial discretization. In earlier work, the flow of a viscous fluid in an external gear pump is computed using the finite element method (FEM). An element size based on the respective distance between boundaries is proposed. In this study, results based on the earlier work are compared to extrusion experiments of EPDM. The aim of this study is not only to validate the numerical simulations, but also to determine what material characteristics need to be taken into account for an accurate output prediction of the external gear pump. Especially the introduction of shear-thinning behavior results in an improvement of the amplitude of the pressure difference fluctuation. Taking into account compressibility, alters the torque fluctuation in such a way that it mimics the experiments. Unfortunately, the fluctuation in torque still has a too high amplitude. Eventually, simulations are performed including shear-thinning behavior, a temperature- and pressure-dependent viscosity, and compressibility. The effect of measuring the material behavior using oscillatory or shear experiments is shown. Furthermore, the simulations are applied to a second EPDM. Finally, different processing conditions are tested. For the simulations, only qualitative agreement is found, possibly as a result of the no slip boundary condition.
Federated machine learning for a facilitated implementation of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare – a proof of concept study for the prediction of coronary artery calcification scores
Authors: Wolff Justus , Matschinske Julian , Baumgart Dietrich , Pytlik Anne , Keck Andreas , Natarajan Arunakiry , von Schacky Claudio E. , Pauling Josch K. , Baumbach Jan
Published: September 2022

The implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) still faces significant hurdles and one key factor is the access to data. One approach that could support that is federated machine learning (FL) since it allows for privacy preserving data access. For this proof of concept, a prediction model for coronary artery calcification scores (CACS) has been applied. The FL was trained based on the data in the different institutions, while the centralized machine learning model was trained on one allocation of data. Both algorithms predict patients with risk scores ≥5 based on age, biological sex, waist circumference, dyslipidemia and HbA1c. The centralized model yields a sensitivity of c. 66% and a specificity of c. 70%. The FL slightly outperforms that with a sensitivity of 67% while slightly underperforming it with a specificity of 69%. It could be demonstrated that CACS prediction is feasible via both, a centralized and an FL approach, and that both show very comparable accuracy. In order to increase accuracy, additional and a higher volume of patient data is required and for that FL is utterly necessary. The developed “CACulator” serves as proof of concept, is available as research tool and shall support future research to facilitate AI implementation.
Erklärungen in der Geschichtswissenschaft
Authors: Jahn Dorothea
Published: September 2022

Oft genügen geschichtswissenschaftliche Erklärungen nicht den strengen Maßstäben einer Kausalerklärung, wie sie etwa in der Physik vorkommen mag. Das heißt aber nicht, daß es in der Geschichtswissenschaft keine Erklärungen gibt. Wir haben an Beispielen gesehen, daß Historiker und Historikerinnen (i) sehr wohl auch 'Warum?'-Fragen zu beantworten versuchen, und daß sich (ii) diese Antworten zum Teil sogar in direkte DN-bzw. IS-Erklärungen umformen lassen. Es besteht also keine Ursache, die Geschichtswissenschaft von den sogenannten "theoretischen Wissenschaften" methodologisch scharf zu trennen. Außerdem liefern nicht wenige Erklärungen in geschichtswissenschaftlichen Kontexten Beispiele für normalerweise epistemisch befriedigende Erklärungsepisoden, die nicht in das Schema der strikten Kausalerklärung passen. Dazu zählen aufgrund der differenzierten Fragestellungen an Historiker auch bloße detaillierte Geschehensbeschreibungen oder teleologische Erklärungen von Handlungen.
Nichtverfügbare Gemeingüter
Authors: Lenk Hans , Maring Matthias
Published: September 2022

Non-available common goods or: private non-availability of merit common goods The traditional emphasis on the individualistic concept of property stressed and analyzed by Locke and Kant led to a devaluation in philosophy and economy of traditionally usual forms of collective property, in particular of land, e. g., in form of the so-called "commons". Under the auspices of successful liberal and social market economy - though at times with the emphasis on "property obliges the owner" - private capitalism as the dominant economy and a certain kind of value-neutral conception - and thus free availability - of nature consequently implied that the merit character of collective goods pertaining to nature and natural landscapes etc. was not taken seriously anymore (including the common interest in avoiding depletion, deterioration, erosion, pollution etc.) New developments in jurisprudence and economy however show that even in principle a total private allocation of collective goods like the environment is neither possible nor meaningful, e. g. as regards the protection of the environment as an extremely important orientation at the common weal, in particular with respect to succeeding generations. In media coverage regarding environment problems, external effects and social traps should be taken into consideration regarding the aspect of a collective good including the necessary evaluation under common interests, i. e. the merit aspect should be more explicitly taken into account than hitherto. Das positive gesetzte Recht, in der Gesetzgebung festgelegt, ist weitgehend - zumindest was die Menschen- und Grundrechte angeht - von allgemeinen sittlichen Werten geprägt (Zweckmäßigkeitsüberlegungen sind eher bei der Spezialgesetzgebung einschlägig). So ist das Prinzip der Gerechtigkeit ethischer Maßstab des positiven Rechts und findet als Gebot der Gleichbehandlung Eingang in die Verfassung (z.B. Grundgesetz der Bundesrepublik Deutschland Art. 3). Ethische Normen werden soziokulturell relativ sanktioniert; es sind soziokulturell relative Aussagen, die jedoch mit dem Anspruch auf allgemeine Geltung und Verbindlichkeit formuliert werden. Auch das Recht als Teil der Kultur ist sozial konventionalisiertes Menschenprodukt, obgleich doch jeder einzelne davon (mit)geprägt ist.
Sind Sprachkonventionen Regelm¨aßigkeiten?
Authors: Pfister Jonas
Published: September 2022

Language is ruled by conventions. In order to understand how language functions we need to know what conventions are. According to David Lewis conventions are regularities in action or in action and belief, that perpetuate themselves because they serve some common interest. Ruth Millikan has criticized this analysis for being too complex. She claims to offer an analysis in simpler terms that does neither rely on regularities nor rationality. She defines what she calls “natural conventions” as patterns that are reproduced due partly to weight of precedent. After brief outlines of the two proposals it is shown in this article that Millikans argument against Lewis’ analysis is based on a misconception of regularities, that her own analysis does itself rely on regularities and that she cannot do without rationality if she wants to explain the conventionality of language.
The Real World Regained? Searle’s External Realism Examined
Authors: McDermid Douglas
Published: September 2022

In Mind, Language, and Society: Philosophy
in the Real World, John Searle presents an uncompromising apologia for realism which is distinguished both by its lucidity and by its vigour. His basic strategy is to show that realists have at their disposal the resources needed to refute skeptics who allege that a mind-independent world is unknowable. In this paper, I reconstruct Searle´s principal pro-realist argument (Section 3), then argue that it is vitiated by its reliance on two unwarranted assumptions (Sections 4-6). First, however, I summarize the position- “external realism”-Searle defends (Section 2)
Family Resemblances A Thesis about the Change of Meaning over Time
Authors: Prien Bernd
Published: September 2022

I argue that close examination of Wittgenstein’s remarks on family resemblances (PI 65-67) shows that he is proposing a theory about the development of language over time. According to this theory, a concept is enlarged to a newly discovered object when it is similar to other objects falling under this concept. However, being empirical, theories of language-development cannot be regarded as philosophical positions. I therefore argue that Wittgenstein puts forward this theory only for therapeutical reasons. He thereby wants to bring the metaphysical question “Why do we call all games ‘games’?” back to its everyday use
Must Values Have Subjective Existence?
Authors: Torell Kurt
Published: September 2022

In this paper, I begin by outlining two assumptions that are routinely taken for granted in ethical discourse, one of which entails that values have subjective existence. I then consider a causal account of valuational activity offered by Bruce Morito which serves to question the truth of that assumption, and the extent to which that account falls short of overturning it. Finally, in light of that short-coming, I sketch what I characterize as a “quasi-objective theory of value” the truth of which depends upon a non-regularist and non-actualist conception of laws of nature
Eine komparative Theorie der Stärke von Argumenten
Authors: Dorn Georg J. W.
Published: September 2022

This article presents a comparative theory of subjective argument strength simple enough for application. Using the axioms and corollaries of the theory, anyone with an elementary knowledge of logic and probability theory can produce an - at least minimally rational - ranking of any set of arguments according to their subjective strength, provided that the arguments in question are descriptive ones in standard form. The basic idea is that the strength of argument A as seen by person x is a function of three values: x ’s degree of belief in the premisses of A; x ’s degree of belief in the conclusion of A under the assumption that all premisses of A are true; and x ’s belief in the conclusion of A under the assumption that not all premisses of A are true.
The Challenge of Observing Reality’s Inherent Joints
Authors: Page Sam
Published: September 2022

Individuative Realism is the thesis that reality is individuated intrinsically-that is, that reality is divided up into objects that are circumscribed by boundaries that are totally independent of our gerrymandering. One strategy for substantiating the thesis would involve discovering some of reality’s inherent joints by direct observation. This paper critically considers the observational strategy by examining a number of proposals for how reality might be individuated intrinsically, and demonstrating case-by-case that the individuation in question is likely imposed by us, rather than inherent in nature. It is additionally suggested that even if objects with crisply unambiguous boundaries were discovered, it would still not be enough to vindicate Individuative Realism
On the Impossibility of Hybrid Time in a Relativistic Setting
Authors: Schmidt Martin
Published: September 2022

There are two rival theories of time: static and dynamic. The Special Theory of Relativity is one of the strongest arguments for static time. However, the defenders of dynamic time claim that their approach is also possible in a relativistic setting. This debate supported the third theory: the hybrid theory of time. The aim of this paper, however, is to argue that the hybrid theory (combining both static and dynamic elements) is against the nature of the Special Theory of Relativity. The argument is motivated by H. Stein’s attempt to separate definite past from indefinite future by timelike and lightlike relations in and on the past pointing light cone. The paper shows that this approach leads to restricted and extremely unintuitive notion of co-presence. This is considered as a serious objection against the animation of static time in a relativistic setting
Representationalism, Inversion and Color Constancy
Authors: Smith Renée
Published: September 2022

Sydney Shoemaker has gone to great lengths to defend a repre-sentationalist view of phenomenal character, and yet he describes this view as breaking with standard representationalism in two ways. First, he thinks his representationalist position is consis- tent with the possibility of spectrum inversion, and second, he thinks there are qualia. Thus, we can think of his position in the qualia debate as moderate representationalism (or, equally, moderate qualia realism) by taking up some middle ground be- tween these two major camps. This \moderate" view faces several problems. Here I will very briey explain Shoemaker's represen- tationalist account of spectrum inversion in which he appeals to the existence of a certain sort of subjective property of objects, namely, what he calls appearance properties (formerly he called these phenomenal properties). I will argue that an alternative ver- sion of representationalism provides a more plausible explanation of both inversion-type scenarios and Shoemaker's color constancy case, which he uses to motivate the existence of these subjective properties, without positing appearance properties at all.
Explaining and Expanding the Scope of Strawson's Reactive Attitudes: An Examination and Application of Freedom and Resentment
Authors: Rossi-Keen Daniel E.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, I examine P. F. Strawson's "Freedom and Resentment" [6] in an effort to clarify the essential features of attitudes that Strawson believes may be understood as reactive. I propose a definition of the reactive attitudes that outlines the various conditions that must be met in order to give rise to a given reactive attitude. I then expand upon Strawson's work (as captured in my definition of reactive attitudes) by introducing two additional categories of reactive attitudes: self-reflexive reactive attitudes and second-personal reflexive reactive attitudes. In addition to explaining the new categories of reactive attitudes that I seek to introduce, I also set forth reasons that lead me to accept such attitudes as reactive. Finally, I outline why I believe the self-reflexive reactive attitudes provide the foundation upon which all the other reactive attitudes rest.
Kripke's modal argument is challenged by his implausible conception of introspection
Authors: Heinzel Alexander , Northoff Georg
Published: September 2022

Kripke presented one of the most inuential modal arguments against psycho-physical identities. His argument as exemplified by the identity of pain and its respective neural correlates will be

analysed in detail. It shall be argued that his reasoning relies on an implausible conception of introspection implying an implausible conception of mental phenomena such as pain. His account does not consider

possible interaction of pain and attention as well as the interaction of pain with other psychological factors. Theoretical and empirical evidences for a diferent account of pain, which represent a challenge for Kripke's argument, will be discussed.
McTaggart, the ow of time, and the Disanalogy between Time and Space
Authors: Yehezkel Gal
Published: September 2022

McTaggart's negative thesis in his proof for the unreality of time, which contends that the A-series is contradictory, is still today upheld as a proof of the unreality of the properties of past, present, and future, and of the `flow of time'. In my paper, I defend the possibility of a complete and consistent description of the A-series, thus refuting McTaggart's negative thesis. I show that the failure to acknowledge the possibility of such a description is due to an ambiguity in natural language. Once this ambiguity is clarified, and in light of the disanalogy between time and space, the usual

description of the A-series, `Event e was future, is present, and will be past', is shown to be a successful description of the change in the temporal A-properties (the `flow of time')
From a Mereotopological Point of View: Putting the Scientic Magnifying Glass on Kant's First Antinomy
Authors: Gebharter Alexander , Mirnig Alexander G.
Published: September 2022

In his Critique of Pure Reason Immanuel Kant presents four anti- nomies. In his attempt to solve the first of these antinomies he examines and analyzes"thesis" and "antithesis" more thoroughly and

employs the terms `part', `whole' and `boundary' in his argumentation for their validity. According to Kant, the whole problem surrounding the antinomy was caused by applying the concept of the world to nature and then using both terms interchangeably. While interesting, this solution is still not that much more

than a well thought out idea if it does not also include an adequate formal explication. Since the aforementioned terms all have counterparts in modern mereotopology, a discipline that has seen

significant progress in recent times, we will apply these concepts to Kant's analysis in an attempt to evaluate Kant's solution in light of modern analytic philosophy.
Are all Actions Movements of the Agent's Body?
Authors: Fink Julian
Published: September 2022

Davidson famously contended that all actions are movements of the agent's body. It has been objected, however, that Davidson's view is incompatible with his own definition of primitive actions.

This paper argues that this objection is based on an incorrect reading of Davidson's argument. I will show that by reading "movements", in "all actions are bodily movements", transitively, Davidson's definition of primitive actions ceases to conflict with his thesis that all actions are bodily movements.
Elektronen, Amseln, Farben. Wovon können unsere nicht-inferentiellen Beobachtungsüberzeugungen handeln?
Authors: Eckes Magdalena
Published: September 2022

What concepts figure in our non-inferential beliefs: "electrons",

"cardinals" or color-concepts? Neo-Pragmatists like Sellars, Bran-dom and McDowell took different routes to answer this question. All of these routes rely heavily on the concept of inference. This paper seeks to examine the plausibility of each route while taking a close look on the way "non-inferentiality" is conceived.
On a Broader Notion of Rigidity
Authors: Zouhar Marián
Published: September 2022

According to S. Kripke, an expression is rigid provided it refers to the same object in all possible worlds in which the object exists. On the other hand, H. Putnam claims that an expression is rigid provided it refers to the same object in all possible worlds in which it refers to anything at all. The paper shows that the two notions of rigidity are not equivalent because (i) Putnam's rigidity is much broader than Kripke's; (ii) unlike Putnam's rigidity, Kripke's is interwoven with essentialism; and (iii) identity statements between rigid designators in Putnam's sense need not be necessarily true (if true at all).
The Twofold Indeterminacy of Intention
Authors: Botting David
Published: September 2022

In this paper I hope to answer the questions "How do we make something an intentional object?" and "What kinds of things can be intentional objects?" My response will be a direct reference

theory following Chisholm. Such a theory has as a consequence, I will argue, different types of indeterminacy in our attitudes. This is due to Chisholm's concept of conceptual entailment. I hold that if the self-ascribed attribute conceptually entails another which gives a different intentional object, then the attitude is indeterminate as to which is the actual object or objects, although all such objects are 'purported' to be such.
Roundabout Semantic Significance of the “Attributive/Referential” Distinction
Authors: Rostworowski Wojciech
Published: September 2022

Abstract In this paper, I argue that contrary to the approach widely taken in the literature, it is possible to retain Russell’s theory of definite descriptions and grant some semantic significance to the distinction between the attributive and the referential use. The core of the argumentation is based on recognition of the so-called “roundabout” way in which the use of a definite description may be significant to the semantic features of the sentence: it is a case where the use of a description contributes to the semantics of the sentence by affecting another expression of that sentence. I offer an appropriate example which illustrates the case in question and I demonstrate that the semantic difference between the two uses can be easily captured by Russell’s account
Why Sufficientarianism is not Indifferent to Taxation
Authors: Kanschik Philipp
Published: September 2022

The indifference objection is one of the most powerful objections to sufficientarianism. Critics argue that sufficientarianism is objectionably indifferent to the distribution of benefits and

burdens. This article focuses on the criticism of the latter, particularly the claim that sufficientarianism is indifferent to taxation. Contrary to this allegation, it is argued that sufficientarianism warrants progressive taxation, the reason being that even those who are sufficiently well off face the risk of being pushed below sufficiency. This risk decreases the better off someone is as it is easier for those who are better off to deal

with sufficiency-threatening circumstances. It is argued that the risk of insufficiency understood as a function of distance to the threshold justifies progressive taxation. The proposed line of reasoning corresponds to the sufficientarian belief that there should be no redistribution between the rich, as the differences in risk of insufficiency eventually become marginal among those who are very well off. Moreover, the proposed rationale for progressive taxation does not depend on prioritarian or egalitarian reasoning.

Rather, it transpires that sufficientarianism is well-suited to justify the progressive redistributive system of the modern welfare state.
Self-Exempting Conciliationism is Arbitrary
Authors: Blessenohl Simon
Published: September 2022

Self-exempting conciliationism is the view that it is rational to give weight to the opinions of peers in disagreement, except in disagreements about how to respond to disagreement. The special treatment of disagreements about disagreement, which is important to avoid self-undermining, seems arbitrary. Two arguments against this objection were put forward. Elga [3] aims to show that there is an independent motivation for conciliationism to be self-exempting. Pittard [5] argues that the special treatment is not arbitrary because the concern for epistemic deference motivates conciliatory responses only in ordinary disagreements, but not in disagreements about disagreement. I will argue that both replies fail|none of them can provide a consistent justication for why one ought to be conciliatory in disagreements except in cases of disagreement about disagreement.
Sellars and McDowell on Objectivity
Authors: Philie Patrice
Published: September 2022

On the surface, one of the main di erences between John Mc- Dowell and Wilfrid Sellars when it comes to their conceptions of intentionality has to do with their respective accounts of meaning. McDowell advocates a relational account of meaning, whereas Sellars holds, on the contrary, that a correct view of intentionality is only possible through a non-relational account of meaning. According to McDowell, Sellars does not consider the possibility of his own relational view because he su ers from a `blind spot'. It is implied that if Sellars saw this possibility, he would see the light and embrace something like McDowell's own account. I would like to argue in this paper that the whole issue goes much deeper than that. Sellars does not su er from a `blind spot' and showing why this is the case should give us an idea of how far apart these two thinkers really are, appearances notwithstanding. It will also reveal that the heart of their disagreement does not consist in a dispute over whether the correct shape of an account of meaning should be relational or not. Sellars's and McDowell's respective outlooks on intentionality di er fundamentally with regards to the concept of objectivity.
Lassen sich fremdpsychische Zustände wahrnehmen?
Authors: Kraschl Dominikus
Published: September 2022

This paper discusses whether other people's mental states are, at times, perceivable. Against such a possibility it was objected that other people's mental states are not empirically accessible and therefore, at best, recognizable by inference to the best explanation of their behaviour. However, this fairly common view is committed to a narrow empiricist concept of perception. Hence, this article explores a broader concept of perception and analyses its application-conditions with respect to the perception of other people's mental states.
Do You Really Want to Know? Challenging Pragmatism and Clearing Space for the Intrinsic Value View
Authors: Bruckner Michael
Published: September 2022

Pragmatic theories of epistemic normativity ground norms of belief formation in true belief's instrumental value as a means to promoting our desires. I argue that advocates of this view face a dilemma: either they agree that epistemic norms prescribe truth-conducive procedures of belief formation, which is untenable against the backdrop of their theory, or they dismiss the truth-conduciveness criterion and thereby render themselves incapable of explaining an intuition that most of us share: in cases where false beliefs generate the same pragmatic output as true ones, truth-conducive procedures of belief formation are still preferable to fallacious ones. After establishing this objection, I make a case for the position that regards the intrinsic value of true belief as the source of epistemic normativity by showing how it meets the challenge that pragmatism falls victim to.
The Ability Hypothesis: An Empirically Based Defense
Authors: Zakeri Mahdi , Ghasemi Majid
Published: September 2022

We defend Laurence Nemirow's and David Lewis's Ability Hypothesis against Paul Raymont's criticisms in defense of Jackson's Knowledge Argument. According to the Ability Hypothesis, what Mary lacked when she was in her black-and-white room was a set of abilities; she did not know how to recognize or imagine certain types of experience. Her subsequent discovery of what it is like to experience color amounts to no more than her acquiring these abilities. Appealing to the Molyneux test, Raymont has argued that knowledge of what an experience is like cannot be equated with the possession of any set of abilities, since one can be in possession of a recognitional ability concerning a certain type of experience without knowing what that experience is like. We argue that the intermodal recognitional ability in the Molyneux test and similar ones depends on previous experience and thus makes an implicit appeal to knowledge of what it is like.
The Mind-Dependence of the Relational Structure of Time (or: What Henri Bergson Would Say to B-theorists)
Authors: Deppe Sonja
Published: September 2022

Tenseless theorists assert that the relational structure of earlier/ later is the essential structure of time. Using B-notions, so they think, we speak about time `as it is' in a metaphysical sense and hence from the outside of our subjective perspective on it. I suggest on the contrary that the relational structure of earlier/later is part of our own intellectual structuring within the access to temporal phenomena. Furthermore it is essentially characterized by the structure of juxtaposition which originates in spatial experience rather than in temporal. In order to show this I consult Henri Bergson's analysis of our temporal experience on the one hand and of our intellectual practice on the other hand. I will conclude that it is not unplausible to take the relational account of time to be more closely connected to the nature of our intellect than to the nature of time itself.
Lucretius On Time and Its Perception
Authors: Zinn Pamela
Published: September 2022

This paper analyzes the ontology and epistemology of time in Lucretius’ De rerum natura. It uses the physiology of perception as well as epistemology to shed new light on the metaphysics. It presents an exegesis-based interpretation of the nature of time and of its perception, both arguing for and refining this interpretation by showing its explanatory power. The paper shows that Lucretius represents the perception of time or sensus temporis as a distinct sensory faculty, reconstructs how it emerges and operates, and relates it to his account of perception more generally. The sense of time in turn is seen to explain aspects of related faculties, including thought and sight, and cases of apparent simultaneity. The paper thus contributes to, among other things, our understanding of the speed of perception and Lucretius’ account of the nature of time itself - arguing that Lucretius represents time as both continuous (not atomic) and real, as well as something perceived.
New Experiments On Psychological Egoism
Authors: Popovic Nenad Natan
Published: September 2022

Psychological egoism is the doctrine that all of our actions are ultimately motivated by self-interest, even including seemingly altruistic actions. Although this view is commonly referred to as \vacuous" or \trivially true" because of its immunity to counterexamples, I argue that there are possible observations that can refute this thesis. I describe the experiments, identify the results that could in principle falsify the strongest possible version of psychological egoism and formulate a probabilistic argument against this view. Ultimately, I conclude that a \trivially true" formulation of psychological egoism is an empirical theory that is in all likelihood false.
On Treating Past and Present Scientific Theories Differently
Authors: Park Seungbae
Published: September 2022

Scientific realists argue that present theories are more successful than past theories, so present theories will not be superseded by alternatives, even though past theories were superseded by alternatives. Alai [1] objects that although present theories are more successful than past theories, they will be replaced by future theories, just as past theories were replaced by present theories. He contends, however, that past theories were partly true, and that present theories are largely true. I argue that Alai's discrimination between past and present theories is subject to his own criticism against realists' discriminations between past and present theories, and also subject to other criticisms that philosophers have raised against scientific realism and pessimism