bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acquisition and Processing of Biomedical Data for Outpatient Care in Rural Areas
Authors: Keil Alexander , Hahn Kai , Brombach Nick , Brück Rainer , Farhan Nabeel , Gaus Olaf
Published: September 2022

Acquisition of medical data such as blood pressure, ECG, pulse, and other values is currently often carried out in doctor’s offices by physicians or medical staff. This requires valuable time of patients as well as of practices’ personel and can deliver specific data only of the time of the visit. In this paper we describe a different approach. Patients measure their biomedical vital data at home. Therefore a technical infrastructure together with a workflow were developed and applied within a current project with patients in a rural area. Vital data is transferred via smartphone apps to a cloud environment where doctors can easily access and assess the data.
A Large-scale Virtual Patient Cohort to Study ECG Features of Interatrial Conduction Block
Authors: Bender Jule , Nagel Claudia , Fröhlich Jonathan , Wieners Christian , Dössel Olaf , Loewe Axel
Published: September 2022

Interatrial conduction block refers to a disturbance in the propagation of electrical impulses in the conduction pathways between the right and the left atrium. It is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, stroke, and premature death. Clinical diagnostic criteria comprise an increased P wave duration and biphasic P waves in lead II, III and aVF due to retrograde activation of the left atrium. Machine learning algorithms could improve the diagnosis but require a large-scale, well-controlled and balanced dataset. In silico electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, optimally obtained from a statistical shape model to cover anatomical variability, carry the potential to produce an extensive database meeting the requirements for successful machine learning application. We generated the first in silico dataset including interatrial conduction block of 9,800 simulated ECG signals based on a bi-atrial statistical shape model. Automated feature analysis was performed to evaluate P wave morphology, duration and P wave terminal force in lead V1. Increased P wave duration and P wave terminal force in lead V1 were found for models with interatrial conduction block compared to healthy models. A wide variability of P wave morphology was detected for models with interatrial conduction block. Contrary to previous assumptions, our results suggest that a biphasic P wave morphology seems to be neither necessary nor sufficient for the diagnosis of interatrial conduction block. The presented dataset is ready for a classification with machine learning algorithms and can be easily extended.
Development of an AI-supported exercise therapy for advanced cancer patients
Authors: Wichum Felix , De Lazzari Nico , Götte Miriam , David Corinna , Wiede Christian , Seidl Karsten , Tewes Mitra
Published: September 2022

Exercise therapy is able to reduce symptom burden in advanced cancer patients (ACP). However, ACP daily form differs between days e.g. tumor and therapy induced. We included five ACP to classify individual exercise capacity due to cardiovascular parameters. Features are extracted from the electrocardiogram and then processed with a neural network after feature selection. Results indicate a high classification quality with an F1 score up to 0.95 ± 0.05. Including neuronal networks for training control can potentially help to manage exercise intensity ideal.
Continuous error processing during a closed-loop 2D tracking task
Authors: Pulferer Hannah S. , Müller-Putz Gernot R.
Published: September 2022

The usefulness of error-related potentials (ErrPs) for control in non-invasive Brain-Computer interface (BCI) research has been established over the last decades. To continuously correct for erroneous action of an end effector (e.g., robot arm) in a BCI however, these neural correlates relating only to the discrete perception of errors remain problematic. Using a pre-recorded dataset offering feedback in a 2D tracking task in different correct or erroneous conditions, we analyzed whether error processing during continuous feedback can be observed from the electroencephalogram (EEG). Within this dataset comprising 30 sessions of recordings, we were able to detect significant differences between correct and erroneous conditions. Furthermore, minimal significant difference between two erroneous conditions is reported, confirming the direct connection between error and cognitive response.
Explaining and Evaluating Deep Tissue Classification by Visualizing Activations of Most Relevant Intermediate Layers
Authors: Mohammed Aliya , Geppert Carol , Hartmann Arnd , Kuritcyn Petr , Bruns Volker , Schmid Ute , Wittenberg Thomas , Benz Michaela , Finzel Bettina
Published: September 2022

Deep Learning-based tissue classification may support pathologists in analyzing digitized whole slide images. However, in such critical tasks, only approaches that can be validated by medical experts in advance to deployment, are suitable. We present an approach that contributes to making automated tissue classification more transparent. We step beyond broadly used visualizations for last layers of a convolutional neural network by identifying most relevant intermediate layers applying Grad-CAM. A visual evaluation by a pathologist shows that these layers assign relevance, where important morphological structures are present in case of correct class decisions. We introduce a tool that can be easily used by medical experts for such validation purposes for any convolutional neural network and any layer. Visual explanations for intermediate layers provide insights into a neural network’s decision for histopathological tissue classification. In future research also the context of the input data must be considered.
Development of a pain journal for chronic pain management and remote monitoring
Authors: Le Van Hoang , Zeiner Klaus , Kampusch Stefan
Published: September 2022

Chronic pain is a global health problem, having a tremendous effect on the quality-of-life (QoL) of patients. Monitoring the outcome of a specific therapy and the condition of the patient is of utter importance for effective pain management. A smartphone application was developed for comprehensive pain management in chronic pain patients. It allows patients to enter and keep track of their health related QoL, pain, and medication intake in an easy, fast, and regular daily routine. The app was built based on standardized questionnaires and the needs of pain specialists and patients assessed via a brief survey in a small target group. The survey showed an unmet need for applications in clinical practice, which enable comprehensive monitoring of QoL, pain, therapeutic progress, and thus allow for patient engagement and overall improved pain management. Beneficially, patients can share their reported outcome measures gathered via the app with their pain specialist via PDF exports for remote monitoring. The smartphone app has been realized and is currently evaluated in beta tests. The easy, comprehensible, and routine assessment of the patient’s condition, combined with a future integration into an online therapy management system, may further advance pain management in chronic pain patients.
Using a single inertial sensor to control exergames for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Mittag Christina , Waldheim Vivian , Krause Axel , Seel Thomas
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Children with cerebral palsy (CCP) benefit from intensive arm training. Exergames that can be played at home offer the possibility to increase the frequency of therapy but require reliable and accurate real-time motion tracking via easy-to-use sensors in unsupervised settings and magnetically disturbed environments. Method: We propose an inertial-sensor-based method with a single sensor on the wrist for real-time tracking of the inclination of the forearm. The control parameter of the game was validated with an optical marker-based ground truth system. Results: First experiments with a therapist performing training movements in a healthy and simulated spastic manner show that the forearm inclination well captures the motion dynamics. The accuracy of the inertial-sensor-based measurement is validated with respect to the reference system in three healthy subjects. Orientation offsets between the inertial sensor and the forearm marker set in the range of 2° ̶ 6° and dynamic measurement errors about 3.1° were obtained. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that the proposed method is suitable for real-time control of exergames of CCP. The validation with an optical reference system showed that the forearm inclination can be used as for feedback and therapeutic progress monitoring.
Analysis on the effect of eye globe diameters on the biomechanics of posterior ocular tissues during horizontal adduction
Authors: Goyal Arsh , Kumar Bajpai Saumendra , Swaminathan Ramakrishnan
Published: September 2022

In this work, an attempt has been made to analyze the influence of pathological changes in eye globe dimensions towards the mechanical responses of optic nerve head tissues during eye adductions. For this study, a 3D baseline model geometry of posterior ocular tissues has been constructed. The eye globe diameters of the model are modified to mimic the changes in ocular globe morphology in control, glaucoma, myopia and glaucoma with myopia conditions. Adductions are simulated for each modified model as the rotation of the globe from 1o to 10o in steps of 1o. von Mises strain in lamina cribrosa (LC) and posterior displacement of LC are estimated. Results show that strains developed in LC and its posterior displacement are higher in diseased eyes compared to healthy eyes. It appears that eyes with higher axial length and globe anisotropy are more susceptible to optic nerve head damage. This study might be extended to assess the progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Ultrasound-Mediated Cavitation of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Huber Christian , George Benedikt , Rupitsch Stefan J. , Ermert Helmut , Ullmann Ingrid , Vossiek Martin , Lyer Stefan
Published: September 2022

Magnetic nanoparticles guided by an external magnetic field can be used to deliver drugs (e.g., chemotherapeutics) to malignant regions (e.g., tumor tissue). Some nonmagnetic, sonosensitive nanoparticles are known to generate cavitation induced by focused ultrasound. This can can be used to monitor spatial/temporal particle distribution and to stimulate local drug release in target regions. Little to nothing is known about the sonosensitivity of magnetic nanoparticles. Therefore, we investigated this physical phenomenon in the present contribution. We showed that certain magnetic nanoparticles have high cavitation potential and are promising for further research in this regard.
Bone ablation using a Ho:YAG laser
Authors: Cetin Cigdem , Drusová Sandra , Hamidi Arsham , Rauter Georg , Cattin Philippe , Zam Azhar , Canbaz Ferda
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to optimize the ablation depth and duration at a fixed energy using a Ho:YAG laser, considering fiber delivery applications. According to the measurements performed with an optical coherence tomography system, we obtained depths of about 1.4 mm with 500 mJ/pulse applied energy when moving the laser along a 1 cm line for 60 s (corresponding to ~50 pulses per position). Coupling this laser into a flexible fiber (θ= 250 μm) will be the next step for future minimal-invasive bone ablation trials. Furthermore, deeper ablation (~1.5 mm) was also achieved with different energy levels on bone samples.
Tiffeneau-Testing by means of a Smart-Shirt
Authors: Laufer Bernhard , Docherty Paul D. , Jalal Nour Aldeen , Krueger-Ziolek Sabine , Hoeflinger Fabian , Reindl Leonhard , Moeller Knut
Published: September 2022

Tiffeneau manoeuvres are an important method in pulmonary function testing of the human lungs and can help to diagnose respiratory obstructions. Data from a motion capture system and a spirometer was used to evaluate Tiffeneau indexes which can theoretically be derived via a Smart-Shirt that incorporates three circumference measurements of the upper body. The mean error was 4.5% regarding the Tiffeneau indexes gained by the spirometer, indicating that clinical diagnosis of obstruction is potentially possible using a Smart-Shirt.
Initial engagement and axial force model for self-tapping bone screws
Authors: Wilkie Jack , Rauter Georg , Möller Knut
Published: September 2022

Correctly torquing bone screws is important for implant fixation longevity and strength. A model-based smart screwdriver has been proposed to regulate torque, however current models ignore axial force and the initial engagement of the screw. This was addressed here by deriving a model based on the concept of a net axial force generated by a difference in contact areas on the inward and outward sides of the screw threads. This force is opposed by the shear strength of the material around the threads. The results of the derivation were able to predict the effects of different axial forces during insertion in relation to the hole material strength. The results may be used to compensate for initial thread breakage in future model-based smart screwdrivers to improve their accuracy.
Determination of free heme in stored red blood cells with an apo-horseradish peroxidase-based assay
Authors: Vijayan Vijith , Greite Robert , Schott Sebastian , Doricic Julian , Madyaningrana Kukuh , Pradhan Pooja , Martens Jörg , Blasczyk Rainer , Janciauskiene Sabina , Immenschuh Stephan
Published: September 2022

Transfusion effectiveness of red blood cells (RBCs) has been associated with duration of the storage period. Storage-dependent RBC alterations lead to hemolysis and release of toxic free heme, but the increase of free heme levels over time is largely unknown. In the current study, an apo-horseradish peroxidase (apoHRP)-based assay was applied to measure levels of free heme at regular intervals or periodically in supernatants of RBCs until a maximum storage period of 42 days. Free heme levels increased with linear time-dependent kinetics up to day 21 and accelerated disproportionally after day 28 until day 42, as determined with the apoHRP assay. Individual time courses of free heme in different RBC units exhibited high variability. Notably, levels of free hemoglobin, an established indicator of RBC damage, and those of total heme increased with continuous time-dependent linear kinetics over the entire 42 day storage period, respectively. Supernatants from RBC units with high levels of free heme led to inflammatory activation of human neutrophils. In conclusion, determining free heme in stored RBCs with the applied apoHRP assay may become feasible for testing of RBC storage quality in clinical transfusion medicine.
Reflections on Lao Sze-Kwang and His Double-Structured “Intra-Cultural” Philosophy of Culture
Authors: Ames Roger T.
Published: September 2022

In his own time, Lao Sze-Kwang formulated his own intra-cultural approach to the philosophy of culture that begins from the interdependence and organic nature of our cultural experience. In this article, I will address three questions: Why did Lao abandon his early reliance on the Hegelian model of philosophy of culture and formulate his own “two-structured” theory? Again, given Lao’s profound commitment and contribution to Chinese philosophy and its future directions, why is it not proper to describe him as a “Chinese philosopher”? And why is the much accomplished Lao Sze-Kwang not installed in the Chinese University of Hong Kong pantheon as yet one more of the great “New Confucian” philosophers that are associated with this institution?
Systematic assessment of template-based genome-scale metabolic models created with the BiGG Integration Tool
Authors: Oliveira Alexandre , Cunha Emanuel , Cruz Fernando , Capela João , Sequeira João C. , Sampaio Marta , Sampaio Cláudia , Dias Oscar
Published: September 2022

Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) are essential tools for in silico phenotype prediction and strain optimisation. The most straightforward GEMs reconstruction approach uses published models as templates to generate the initial draft, requiring further curation. Such an approach is used by BiGG Integration Tool (BIT), available for merlin users. This tool uses models from BiGG Models database as templates for the draft models. Moreover, BIT allows the selection between different template combinations. The main objective of this study is to assess the draft models generated using this tool and compare them BIT, comparing these to CarveMe models, both of which use the BiGG database, and curated models. For this, three organisms were selected, namely Streptococcus thermophilus, Xylella fastidiosa and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The models’ variability was assessed using reactions and genes’ metabolic functions. This study concluded that models generated with BIT for each organism were differentiated, despite sharing a significant portion of metabolic functions. Furthermore, the template seems to influence the content of the models, though to a lower extent. When comparing each draft with curated models, BIT had better performances than CarveMe in all metrics. Hence, BIT can be considered a fast and reliable alternative for draft reconstruction for bacteria models.
A primal-dual approach for the Robin inverse problem in a nonlinear elliptic equation: The case of the 𝐿1 − 𝐿2 cost functional
Authors: Hadri Aissam , Nachaoui Mourad , Laghrib Amine , Chakib Abdelkrim , Afraites Lekbir
Published: September 2022

In this work, we consider the inverse problem of identifying a Robin coefficient in a nonlinear elliptic equation with mixed boundary conditions.
We firstly reformulate the inverse problem as a regularized optimal control one, where the functional cost is of type

L
1

-

L
2

L^{1}-L^{2}

; then we prove the existence and uniqueness of a minimizer to the resulting optimization problem in a suitable functional space.
Finally, we provide a primal-dual algorithm to solve the variational problem and give some numerical results that prove the accuracy of the proposed method in the identification of the Robin coefficient.
VERSCHIEDENE VERSIONEN DES NEGATIVEN UTILITARISMUS
Authors: Fricke Fabian
Published: September 2022

Karl Popper suggested that the utilitarian formula "Maximise happiness" should be replaced by the formula "Minimize suffering" - a view which has been called "negative utilitarianism". Can such a view be spelled out in a plausible way? Examining several ways of understanding the alleged ethical priority of pain over pleasure, I come to the conclusion that none of them is satisfactory as a basis for a theory of benevolence. However, once we move from hedonistic to preference utilitarianism two possible views emerge which, although not fundamentally different from classical utilitarianism, diverge from it in interesting ways and seem to warrant further study
Der Begriff der Notwendigkeit in der Antike und in der Gegenwart
Authors: Meixner Uwe
Published: September 2022

This paper has two parts. The first part (sections 1 to 5) is historical, presenting a brief history of the concept of necessity from the time of antiquity to the present. It is shown that the conceptions of necessity in antiquity had four main sources: matter-necessity, form-necessity, efficiencynecessity, and purpose-necessity. Special attention is accorded to the syncretistic concept of the necessity of fate, and its transformations from the beginning of antiquity to its end. Moreover, it is pointed out that already in antiquity we find the conception of proofnecessity, and the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic necessity. At present, of the original four main sources of conceptions of necessity, three have dried up, leaving only form-necessity still active. The second part of the paper (sections 6 to 9) is dedicated to the development of a rigorous theory of form-necessity (or nomological necessity, broadly conceived), at the end of which a skeptical note is struck regarding laws of nature
Contentless Syntax, Ineffable Semantics, and Transcendental Ontology. Reflections on Wittgenstein's Tractatus
Authors: Chrudzimski Arkadiusz
Published: September 2022

Wittgenstein's Tractatus [6] contains some very striking theses. We read, e.g., that \in a sense" we could not be wrong in logic, and that the whole subject matter of the theory of modalities could be reconstructed on the ground of the insights in the mechanism of the linguistic reference. Yet in the light of the last sentences of Tractatus the whole semantics turns out to be principally ineffable. In our paper we will try to clarify these matters. We show how these theses could be made plausible in the context of the transcendental method of Wittgenstein's Tractatus.
A Neo-Hintikkan Theory of Attitude Ascriptions
Authors: Alward Peter
Published: September 2022

In the paper, I develop what I call the “Neo-Hintikkan theory” of belief sentences. What is characteristic of this approach is that the meaning of an ascription is analyzed in terms of the believer’s “epistemic alternatives”: the set of worlds compatible with how the believer takes the world to be. The Neo-Hintikkan approach proceeds by assuming that (1) individuals in believers’ alternatives can share spatio-temporal parts with actual individuals, and (2) ascribers can refer to individuals in believer’s alternatives in virtue of their perceptual or causal interaction with the spatio-temporal parts these “believed individuals” share with actual individuals. The guiding idea underlying this view is that the source of substitutivity failure in certain central cases is that believers have put the spatio-temporal parts of the objects they have encountered together in the wrong way.
Realism, Naturalism, and Pragmatism: A Closer Look at the Views of Quine and Devitt
Authors: Caruso Gregg
Published: September 2022

Michael Devitt's views on realism and naturalism have a lot in common with those of W.V. Quine. Both appear to be realists; both accept naturalized epistemology and abandon the old goal of first philosophy; both view philosophy as continuous with the empirical procedures of science and hence view metaphysics as similarly empirical; and both seem to view realism as following from naturalism. Although Quine and Devitt share quite a bit ideologically, I think there is a deeper, more fundamental dissimilarity between the two. I will explore the difference between them in an attempt to bring out the subtle complexities surrounding the issue of realism{complexities, I will argue, Devitt sometimes overlooks. I will also explore a real tension in Quine between his earlier, more pragmatic (or anti-realist) tendencies and his later, more austere realism. I will conclude by defending a more Quinean brand of realism I call internal realism.
Zu Bolzanos Kritik der Kantischen Antinomien
Authors: Siitonen Arto
Published: September 2022

Bernard Bolzano criticised Kant's philosophy so vehemently that his pupil Franz Prihonsky called him "Anti-Kant". One of his criticisms concerns Kant's cosmological antinomies. The context of this critique is the problem of limits of knowledge. Kant wanted to prove that there are such boundaries, and to show where these are located. In this paper we will (i) schematize Kant's antinomies (to see what Bolzano really criticised on them) and (ii) summarize Bolzano's criticism, which is distributed over his and his student's work. At the beginning we will work out the (more fundamental) theoretical differences between Kant's and Bolzano's philosophy to see what roles these play in the construction of the antinomies.
Der Hauptsatz der Smullyanmengen
Authors: Zimmermann Alexander
Published: September 2022

In this article we prove step by step the main theorem of Smullyan sets. This main theorem says that each element of a Smullyan set is simultaneously satisfiable in a semantic system of model sets

and therefore also, for example, in a semantic system of truth sets as well as in a semantic system according to Henkin. After that, we prove the semantical compactness of a propositional logic

system as an example of a utilisation of Smullyan sets and its main theorem.
Finkishness, Frankfurt-Szenarien und die konditionale Analyse von Fähigkeit
Authors: Schälike Julius
Published: September 2022

The conditional analysis interprets power/capability as disposition and gives it a counterfactual analysis. The phenomenon of finkishness poses a problem for this account. I argue that the conditional analysis has to be modified in order to solve these problems. The new analysis, I claim, is well suited to deal with Frankfurt-style scenarios as well, which conditional analyses are frequently thought to be incapable of.
How (Not) to Justify Induction
Authors: Jacquette Dale
Published: September 2022

A conceptual analysis of the problem of induction suggests that the difficulty of justifying probabilistic reasoning depends on a mistaken comparison between deductive and inductive inference.

Inductive reasoning is accordingly thought to stand in need of special justification because it does not measure up to the standard of conditional absolute certainty guaranteed by deductive validity. When comparison is made, however, it appears that deductive reasoning is subject to a counterpart argument that is just as threatening to the justification of deductive as to inductive inference. Trying to explain induction in such a way that it satisfies a special justificatory requirement in contrast with deduction is

therefore not the way to justify induction. An alternative approach is sought in a style of justification developed by Aristotle for the law of noncontradiction and by Kant for the conclusions of transcendental reasoning that with variations can be used to justify both deduction and induction. This strategy upholds a

principle when the principle must be presupposed even to raise doubts about the principle's justification.
A Critique of the Incentives Argument for Inequalities
Authors: Seeger Max
Published: September 2022

According to the incentives argument, inequalities in material goods are justifiable if they are to the benefit of the worst off members of society. In this paper, I point out what is easily overlooked, namely that inequalities are justifiable only if they are to the overall benefit of the worst off, that is, in terms of both material and social goods. I then address the question how gains in material goods can be weighed against probable losses in social goods. The ultimate criterion, so my idea, is how these gains and

losses affect a person's ability to reach her goals in life. Based on the idea that goals in life cannot be taken as given, I conclude that the absolute material gains are negligible compared to the losses of

social goods and the disadvantage in the relative position caused by material inequalities.
Karl Poppers problematische Sichtweise der Induktion
Authors: Hoerster Norbert
Published: September 2022

Karl Popper's well-known refusal of induction consists of three theses which have to be distinguished clearly: the thesis of deduction, the thesis of rationality, and the thesis of use. Whereas

the first thesis is correct, the second thesis is pretty questionable and the third thesis is definitely false. It will be argued that Popper himself does not adhere to the second and third thesis consequently, insofar he thinks that practical induction is legitimate whereas theoretical induction is not. Further it will be shown that

Popper's presentation of David Hume's thoughts on induction is inadequate.
Treating the Enhancement Debate: Irrelevant Distinctions in the Enhancement Medicine Debate
Authors: Roberts Joseph Tarquin Foulkes
Published: September 2022

This article argues against the relevance of the enhancement/treatment and biomedical/non-biomedical enhancement distinctions by analysing their validity in two ways: their clarity and whether they track our intuitions regarding what is permissible and impermissible. The treatment/enhancement distinction is found to be deficient in both respects. The biomedical/non-biomedical distinction, whilst clear, does not track our intuitions regarding what is permissible and impermissible. The article concludes that, in order to help the enhancement medicine debate, the distinctions should be abandoned due to the fact they hinder clear ethical analysis.
Can the ‘Theory of Mind’ Hypothesis Survive, Given Theoretical Insights Derived from the Study of Autism? A Response to Hacking and McGeer
Authors: Cull Matthew
Published: September 2022

In this paper I agree with both Ian Hacking and Victoria McGeer that the ‘Theory of Mind’ theory (ToM) is fundamentally flawed. However, I find reasons to reject both of their critiques of ToM as incoherent and instead build upon certain parts of McGeer’s work to develop my own rejection of ToM. I end by suggesting routes this rejection might take the philosophy of psychology down
Dawid et al.’s [2015] No Alternatives Argument: an empiricist note
Authors: Basshuysen Philippe van
Published: September 2022

In a recent paper [2], Dawid, Hartmann and Sprenger claim to prove the possibility of non-empirical theory confirmation via the No Alternatives Argument. In this note, I argue that from an empiricist point of view, their "proof" begs the question in the sense that it cannot convince someone who has not already been convinced of non-empirical theory confirmation before
Yet Another Puzzle of Ground
Authors: Korbmacher Johannes
Published: September 2022

We show that any predicational theory of partial ground that extends a standard theory of syntax and that proves some commonly accepted principles for partial ground is inconsistent. We suggest a way to obtain a consistent predicational theory of ground.
The Layer Cake Model of the World and Non-Reductive Physicalism
Authors: Baxendale Matthew
Published: September 2022

In this paper I argue that non-reductive physicalism (NRP) continues to rely on the ontological aspect of the layer cake model of the world (LCM). NRP is a post-unity account of the relationship between phenomena in the world in the sense that it has been developed in response to the perceived failure of the unity of science thesis. The LCM constitutes a framework for the organisation of phenomena in the world. It articulates the idea that phenomena in the world are organised into levels. Specifically, that phenomena are layered into distinct, hierarchical levels of organisation. Historically, the unity of science thesis and the LCM have been intertwined; the LCM being the framework within which a unity of science might be possible. My argument will demonstrate that, despite a move away from unity of science positions, the LCM persists in post-unity accounts. In order to argue for this thesis, I present a close analysis of Oppenheim & Putnam's classic presentation of the LCM; picking out the principle of hierarchic compositionality which, I argue, captures the ontological aspect of the LCM. I then demonstrate how NRP continues to rely upon the principle and, as a result, continues to support the ontological aspect of the LCM. This result is significant. It shows that whilst the rejection of the reductionist aspect of the thesis has served as the basis for post-unity positions these positions do not engage directly with the framework within which reduction might be facilitated - the LCM. Furthermore, it demonstrates that pluralist or disunity accounts of the relationship between phenomena in the world will also have to engage directly with the framework of the LCM in order to avoid being merely anti-reductionist.
Carnap's Logic of Science and Reference to the Present Moment
Authors: Fischer Florian
Published: September 2022

The important switch from the so-called old B-theory to the new tenseless theory of time (NTT), which had significant implications for the field of tense and indexicals, occurred after Carnap's era. Against this new background, Carnap's original inter-translatability thesis can no longer be upheld. The most natural way out would be to modify Carnap's position according to the NTT; but this is not compatible with Carnap's metaphysi- cal neutrality thesis. Even worse, Carnap's work on measurement theory can be used to develop an argument in favour of the A-theory. I argue that there are tensed basic sentences which are needed in order to construct a tenseless system and thus cannot be translated without loss of meaning into tenseless ones (old B-theory) or made true by tenseless facts (NTT).
Erkenntnisbasis und Intersubjektivitat. Moritz Schlick und Béla Juhos uber Konstatierungen
Authors: Friedl Johannes
Published: September 2022

When Schlick introduced his theory of "Konstatierungen" in the Vienna Circle's Protocol-Sentence Debate, the sole other member of the Circle who took part on his side was his former disciple Béla Juhos. However, Juhos' own conception, developed in full extend only later, differs in important respects from the one of his teacher. Both conceptions are critically examined in the first part of this paper. The second part is devoted to an examination of the charge that such basic propositions are by all means useless because of incommunicability.
The Modal Argument against Nominal Description Theory
Authors: Raclavský Jiří
Published: September 2022

The paper examines Loar's and Bach's defence of Nominal Description Theory against Kripkean Modal Argument (MA). Using formal tools of hyperintensional logic, I discriminate three kinds of nominal description which are possible substitutes for a proper name, thus considering various readings of the MA. On its natural understanding, the MA is valid { contrary to what Loar and Bach say. On the other hand, the soundness of the MA remains doubtful, as pointed out already by Loar and Bach
Worrall zu Theorienunterbestimmtheit und Strukturenrealismus: Wirklich kein Problem?
Authors: Leerhoff Holger
Published: September 2022

In the debate of scientific realism, the argument from underdeter- mination of theories by evidence is put forward by the antirealist side. According to this argument, for any scientific theory rival theories can be found which are equally well supported by the evidence but incompatible with the original theory. Structural realism is a form of realism that limits the realistic belief in the existence of the entities and structures talked about in scientific theories: Only the structures of reality are relevant in an epistemic sense and responsible for the truth and falsehood of theories. In the light of the antirealistic arguments, structural realism is supposed to have clear advantages over other varieties of scientific realism. In particular, Worrall ([21]) argues that structural realism is immune against the argument from underdetermination. I will sketch Worrall's line of argument in a more systematic manner and conclude that it is based on some problematic preconditions
The Inexpressibility Objection
Authors: Costantini Filippo
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we offer a contribution to the discussion of one of the most important objections against a relativist position in the absolute generality debate. The inexpressibility objection accuses the generality-relativist of not being able to coherently express her own position. First, we examine Glanzberg's attempt to reply to this objection and we show that it fails. Second, we study the prospects of generalizing the relativist position. In particular, we analyze Fine's and Linnebo's modal approaches and we argue that, even though they are able to coherently express one of the core ideas of relativism while avoiding the inexpressibility objection, there is an important sense in which they are no longer relativist positions. Third, while strengthening the idea that the inexpressibility objection does succeed, we argue that this is no guarantee of the falsity of relativism. Relativism may be inexpressible but true. However, we stress that even if the inexpressibility objection does not supply a definitive, knock-down objection against relativism, if we want to discuss relativism in a rational way, the objection offers a compelling reason not to embrace generality-relativism.
Do Categorical Properties Confer Dispositions on Their Bearers?
Authors: Livanios Vassilis
Published: September 2022

Categorical Monism (that is, the view that all fundamental natural properties are purely categorical) has recently been challenged by a number of philosophers. In this paper, I examine a challenge which can be based on Gabriele Contessa's [10] defence of the view that only powers can confer dispositions. In his paper Contessa argues against what he calls the Nomic Theory of Disposition Conferral (NTDC). According to NTDC, in each world in which they exist, (categorical) properties confer specific dispositions on their bearers; yet, which disposition a (categorical) property confers on its bearers depends on what the (contingent) laws of nature happen to be. Contessa, inter alia, rests his case on an intuitive analogy between cases of mimicking (in which objects do not actually possess the dispositions associated with their displayed behaviour) and cases of disposition conferral through the action of laws. In this paper, I criticize various aspects of Contessa's argumentation and show that the conclusion he arrives at (that is, only powers can confer dispositions) is controversial.
Against an Identity Criterion for Fictional Ersatz Realism
Authors: Meier Timo
Published: September 2022

Fictional ersatz realism is the metaphysical stance that abstract fictional entities exist and are dependent on fiction and literary practices. Everett [4] tackled the position of ersatz realism by claiming that the ersatz realist cannot provide an identity criterion for fictional entities that does not imply a contradiction. Al- though Woodward [20] proposed a defense to Everett's argument, I will argue that ersatz realism is no tenable position, as it still cannot provide an adequate identity criterion. To establish this result, I will provide a base frame for identity criteria available to the ersatz realist. Afterwords, I will show that to any identity criterion the ersatz realist may propose there is a story such that a fictional entity corresponding to this story is not self-identical, imposing a contradiction to the metaphysical account of ersatz realism.
Emergence of Public Meaning from a Teleosemantic and Game Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Baraghith Karim
Published: September 2022

The generalized theory of evolution suggests that evolutionary algorithms apply to biological and cultural processes like language alike. Variation, selection and reproduction constitute abstract and formal traits of complex, open and often self-regulating systems. Accepting this basic assumption provides us with a powerful background methodology for this investigation: explaining the emergence and proliferation of semantic patterns, that become conventional. A teleosemantic theory of public (conventional) meaning (Millikan 1984; 2005) grounded in a generalized theory of evolution explains the proliferation of public language forms in terms of their adaptive proper function. It has also been suggested, that the emergence of meaning, can be formalized with game-theoretical tools (Skyrms 2010) within signaling systems of coordination. I want to show how closely related these approaches are, both in terms of explanandum and of outcomes. To put it in a nutshell: If the emergence of public meaning can be satisfyingly explained in terms of signaling games, then the cultural evolutionary dynamics will serve as an adequate model to describe their proliferation. Public or conventional meaning (in contrast to personal meaning) can be fully understood in terms of its evolutionary function in a population of communicators. Furthermore, I want to argue how this understanding of conventional meaning could lead us to a strong semantic holism
Optimistic Realism over Selectivism
Authors: Park Seungbae
Published: September 2022

Selectivism holds that some theoretical contents of most present theories will be preserved in future theories. By contrast, optimistic realism holds that most theoretical contents of most present theories will be preserved in future theories. I construct a pessimistic induction over selectivists to undermine selectivism, and an optimistic induction over optimistic realists to support optimistic realism. The former holds that since the selectivists of the early twentieth century were overly cautious about their present theories, those of the early twenty-first century are also overly cautious about their present theories. The latter holds that since the optimistic realists of the early twentieth century were right about their present theories, those of the early twentyfirst century are also right about their present theories
Boundaries and Things. A Metaphysical Study of the Brentano-Chisholm Theory
Authors: Nuñez Erices Gonzalo
Published: September 2022

The fact that boundaries are ontologically dependent entities is agreed by Franz Brentano and Roderick Chisholm. This article studies both authors as a single metaphysical account about boundaries. The Brentano-Chisholm theory understands that boundaries and the objects to which they belong hold a mutual relationship of ontological dependence: the existence of a boundary depends upon a continuum of higher spatial dimensionality, but also is a conditio sine qua non for the existence of a continuum. Although the view that ordinary material objects and their boundaries (or surfaces) ontologically depend on each other is correct, it does not grasp their asymmetric relationship: while the existence of a surface rigidly depends upon the existence of the very object it belongs to, the existence of a physical object generically depends upon having some surface. In modal terms, both are two kinds of de re ontological dependence that this article tries to distinguish.
On Ajdukiewicz's and Quine's Views on Ontology
Authors: Kosecki Artur
Published: September 2022

The aim of the paper is to analyze the views of Willard van Orman Quine and compare them with the views of Kazimierz Ajdukiewicz, an eminent philosopher from the Lvov-Warsaw School. I will argue that Ajdukiewicz's approach to ontology is deationary and, in that respect, similar to Quine's. In my analysis of these two ontological stances, I would like to refer to Price's deationist interpretation of Quine's views in order to highlight the similarity between Ajdukiewicz's views and Quine's stance on ontology. Additionally, as both Ajdukiewicz and Quine used a method of paraphrase, my paper also discusses similarities and differences in the methods used by these central representatives of two philosophical environments { Polish and Anglosphere.
The Epistemology of Understanding. A contextualist approach
Authors: Bachmann Marcus
Published: September 2022

This paper aims to provide a unifying approach to the analysis of understanding coherencies (interrogative understanding, e.g. understanding why something is the case) and understanding subject matters (objectual understanding) by highlighting the contextualist nature of understanding. Inspired by the relevant alternatives contextualism about knowledge, I will argue that understanding (in the above mentioned sense) inherently has context-sensitive features and that a theory of understanding that highlights those features can incorporate our intuitions towards understanding as well as consolidate the different accounts of how to analyse understanding. In developing a contextualist account of understanding, I will argue that an account of the features commonly taken to be central to understanding greatly benefits from a contextualist framework. Central to my analysis will be the claim that a person has to fulfill the function of a competent problem solver in order to qualify for the ascription of understanding. In addition to the theoretical elucidation of my contextualist approach to understanding, a demanding hypothetical scenario will be developed to function as a test case.
Steadfast Views of Disagreement are Incoherent
Authors: Tokhadze Tamaz
Published: September 2022

In this paper, I argue that Steadfast Views of peer disagreement - a family of views according to which standing firm in the face of peer disagreement can be rationally permissible are incoherent. First, I articulate two constraints that any Steadfast Views of disagreement should endorse: (i) Steadfastness's Core (ii) The Deference Principle. I show that (i) and (ii) are inconsistent: they cannot both be true. My argument, briefly put, is that one cannot rationally treat one's peer's opinion as unconditionally relevant to a hypothesis, H, but conditional on the supposition of a disagreement, irrelevant to H. Because Steadfast Views endorse a set of mutually inconsistent propositions, I conclude that Steadfast Views are incoherent
All Else Being Equal? Über Extension und Intension von Ceteris-Paribus- Gesetzen nach Lipton
Authors: Hoffmann Christian Hugo
Published: September 2022

Naturgesetze spielen eine zentrale Rolle in der Wissenschaftstheorie. Traditionell fokussierten Wissenschaftstheoretiker auf (Fundamental-)Gesetze der Physik, die man als zumindest wahre, universell gültige und kontrafaktische Konditionale stützende Aussagen ansah. Wiewohl diese Behauptung üuber Gesetze für den Bereich der Physik wohl zutre_en mag, scheinen doch die Gesetze in den Spezialwissenschaften andere Charakteristika aufzuweisen. Von ihnen wird behauptet, sie hätten Ausnahmen, seien also Ceteris-Paribus-Gesetze. Den Ausführungen von Peter Lipton in seinem Artikel "All Else Being Equal" folgend wird eine zweiteilige Forschungsfrage er örtert: Existieren genuine Ceteris-Paribus-Gesetze und, wenn ja, was ist darunter genau zu verstehen? Der Beitrag dieser Arbeit liegt insofern in einer kritischen Würdigung von Liptons Vorschlag als auch in seiner anschließenden Einordnung begrüundet
Against the Theistic Multiverse
Authors: Uckelman Sara L.
Published: September 2022

We argue that Kraay's "theistic multiverse" response to the objections to theism [11] is unsuccessful as it simply shifts the problems leveled against theism from the level of possible worlds to the level of possible universes. Furthermore, when we restate the objections at the level of possible universes, we can show how Kraay's conclusion about the uniqueness of the theistic multiverse is undermined.
The role and mechanism of tryptophan – kynurenine metabolic pathway in depression
Authors: Gong Xiaoli , Chang Rui , Zou Ju , Tan Sijie , Huang Zeyi
Published: September 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental illness characterized by persistent low mood and anhedonia, normally accompanied with cognitive impairment. Due to its rising incidence and high rate of recurrence and disability, MDD poses a substantial threat to patients’ physical and mental health, as well as a significant economic cost to society. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of MDD are still unclear. Chronic inflammation may cause indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) to become overactive throughout the body and brain, resulting in excess quinolinic acid (QUIN) and less kynuric acid (KYNA) in the brain. QUIN’s neurotoxicity damages glial cells and neurons, accelerates neuronal apoptosis, hinders neuroplasticity, and causes depression due to inflammation. Therefore, abnormal TRP-KYN metabolic pathway and its metabolites have been closely related to MDD, suggesting changes in the TRP-KYN metabolic pathway might contribute to MDD. In addition, targeting TRP-KYN with traditional Chinese medicine showed promising treatment effects for MDD. This review summarizes the recent studies on the TRP-KYN metabolic pathway and its metabolites in depression, which would provide a theoretical basis for exploring the etiology and pathogenesis of depression.