Triangulation and the Private Language Argument

The paper attempts a novel defense of the main claim of Wittgenstein’s Private Language Argument, i.e. that ‘inner’ ostensive definition is impossible. Part 1 traces Wittgenstein’s target to the idea that ‘ostensive definition’ is a mental act, an idea that makes it tempting to think that its objects might just as well be private as public. Part 2 discusses a recent interpretation and defence of Wittgenstein’s position due to Stroud and McGinn. On their view, private ostensive definition establishes no pattern of use because it fails to specify the type of inner episode that is being ostended. But not explicitly specifying a type is harmless so long as the ostension in fact brings it about that the subject’s usage is sensitive to it. Part 3 proposes a new argument. Private ostensive definition does sustain a pattern of use, but that use is semantically indeterminate: nothing in it (or in the subject’s mind) settles which of two alternative schemes of reference applies. The conclusion discusses Wittgenstein’s best-known remarks on the subject from the perspective of this new argument

Functional Relationships between Kinetic, Flow, and Geometrical Parameters in a High-Temperature Chemical Microreactor.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and isothermal approximation were applied for the interpretation of experimental measurements of the C10H7Br pyrolysis efficiency in the high-temperature microreactor and of the pressure drop in the flow tube of the reactor. Applying isothermal approximation allows the derivation of analytical relationships between the kinetic, gas flow, and geometrical parameters of the microreactor, which, along with CFD simulations, accurately predict the experimental observations. On the basis of the obtained analytical relationships, a clear strategy for measuring rate coefficients of (pseudo) first-order bimolecular and unimolecular reactions using the microreactor was proposed. The pressure- and temperature-dependent rate coefficients for the C10H7Br pyrolysis calculated using variable reaction coordinate transition state theory were invoked to interpret the experimental data on the pyrolysis efficiency

A Solution for the problems caused by Eichornia crassipes in the Ampara District

Eichornia crassipes (Japan Jabara/Japan Japarli/Aathu Valai/Water hyacinth) is a nonnative invasive freshwater plant to Sri Lanka, which blocks the drainage and irrigation cannels. During heavy rainy season Eichornia crassipes plants block the flow of rivers and by spreading over the paddy fields cause floods frequently, destroy the aesthetic value of the water bodies and obstructs the fishing activities. Due to very rapid growth and spread rate, farmers and local authorities need to spent significant amount of money to remove these plants and need large dumping areas for disposing of these plants. A study was conducted to prepare compost using Eichornia crassipes as the main resource material along with paddy straw and cow dung. Multiple layers of these materials were mixed at 3rd and 6th weeks and the moisture content was maintained at 50 - 60%. In the 10th week, compost was ready and it was sieved. The return percentage of compost from the input was 65. The moisture percentage of the produced compost was 50.3 and the volatile solid percentage was 22.8. The compost contained 39.5 % carbon, the pH was 8.1 and 73.5 % of the produced compost was sieved through 4 mm sieve. The total production cost was Rs 4.40 kg-I and it had very good demand and the selling price was Rs. 13.00 kg-

Dyslipidemia among Sudanese Children Undergoing Maintenance Dialysis

Introduction: Dyslipidemia is an established risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. It is common among children undergoing maintenance dialysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the lipid profile of children undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in Sudan. Methods: We studied 17 children on HD, 11 children on CAPD and 28 controls. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGD) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured from fasting serum samples using electrophoresis and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was then calculated. Results: End stage renal failure (ESRF) children had higher mean TC (193±36 versus 135±17 mg/dl), higher mean TGD (120±38 versus 90±15 mg/dl), higher mean LDL-C (129±32 versus 69±18 mg/dl), and lower mean HDL-C (39±12 versus 49±4 mg/dl) than controls (P=0.00 for all parameters). CAPD patients had higher mean TC (211±39 versus 181±30 mg/dl) and higher LDL-C (145±35 versus 118±25 mg/dl) than controls (P=0.03 for both parameters). The prevalence of dyslipidemia among ESRF patients was 75% while none of the control group had lipid parameters outside the accepted range. Among ESRF patients, 39.3% had TC > 200 mg/dl, 21.4% had TGD > 150 mg/dl, 42.9% had LDL-C > 130 mg/dl, and 35.7% had HDL-C < 35 mg/dl. Abnormal HDL-C values were more prevalent among CAPD patients compared to HD patients (52.9% versus 9.1%, P=0.02) Conclusion: Despite the small number of studied children, this study is likely to reflect the high prevalence of dyslipidemia among children undergoing maintenance dialysis treatment in Sudan. Keywords: Children; Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis; Dyslipidemia; Hemodialysis; Suda

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among tuberculosis patients

Background: Tuberculosis is a common health problem in the world. Sudan is among the countries with the highest prevalence for tuberculosis andHBV, HCV infections. Co infection with viral hepatitis (HBV, HCV) among tuberculosis patients increases the risk of hepatotoxicity occurring during tuberculosis treatment, so itis important to know the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and Cviruses among tuberculosis patients.Objectives: To investigate seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among adult tuberculosis patients in tuberculosis center at Tropical Diseases Teaching Hospital (TDH).Methodology: This is a prospective cross sectional study, conducted in the period from December 2010 to October 2011 in tuberculosis center in TDH- Sudan. 200 adult tuberculosis patients (age 19years and above) were enrolled in this study, data were collected by using questionnaire. All patients' blood samples were tested for HBsAg and hepatitis C virus antibodies. Results were analyzed by using SPSS16 (Statistical package for social science16)Results: A total number of 200 confirmed tuberculosis patients were studied. 127 patients (63.5%) were males. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV in this study were9.5% and 3.5% respectively.Two patients (1%) were infected with both infections. The HBV vaccination among the study group was 6%.Conclusion: The HBV andHCV infectionsare common among tuberculosis patients with seroprevalence of 9.5%and 3.5% for HBV and HCV respectively. Our study also showed that there are multiple risk factors for contracting HBV and HCV infections in our patients, so screening for these virusesshould be included in the national TB control program.Keywords: mycobacterium, East Mediterranean, hepatotoxicity

Acupuncture Efficacy in the Treatment of Persistent Primary Nocturnal Enuresis

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of traditional Chinese acupuncture in the treatment of persistent primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE).Methods: Fifty children and adolescents suffering from persistent PNE were recruited from the Pediatrics and Urology Outpatient Clinic of Zagazig University Hospital during the year 2010. They included 31 boys and 19 girls, with a mean age of 116± years (range 9–17 years). The children and their parents underwent thorough counseling followed by two courses of treatment, each course administered over 10 consecutive days. Patients were instructed to continue regular follow-up, every three months, after starting the therapy. The response rate (cure, improvement, or failure) was monitored by recording dry nights and the number of spontaneous arousals to void per week on a calendar. Children who showed partial or no response after six months of observation received another two courses of acupuncture therapy, and were followed up for a further six months period.Results: After the initial two courses of treatment, the cure rate at six months was 76% with an additional 18% achieving partial improvement. Twelve children needed another two courses of treatment. After one year of follow-up, 92% of patients showed complete cure and 8% showed failure of acupuncture therapy.Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment in patients with PNE appears effective in increasing the percentage of dry nights, with stable results even after the end of treatment courses. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm these results and to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture.Keywords: Acupuncture Therapy; Nocturnal Enuresis; Traditional Medicin

Low-temperature formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Titan’s atmosphere

The detection of benzene in Titan’s atmosphere led to the emergence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as potential nucleation agents triggering the growth of Titan’s orange-brownish haze layers. However, the fundamental mechanisms leading to the formation of PAHs in Titan’s low-temperature atmosphere have remained elusive. We provide persuasive evidence through laboratory experiments and computations that prototype PAHs like anthracene and phenanthrene (C14H10) are synthesized via barrierless reactions involving naphthyl radicals (C10H7•) with vinylacetylene (CH2=CH–C≡CH) in low-temperature environments. These elementary reactions are rapid, have no entrance barriers, and synthesize anthracene and phenanthrene via van der Waals complexes and submerged barriers. This facile route to anthracene and phenanthrene—potential building blocks to complex PAHs and aerosols in Titan—signifies a critical shift in the perception that PAHs can only be formed under high-temperature conditions, providing a detailed understanding of the chemistry of Titan’s atmosphere by untangling elementary reactions on the most fundamental level

ANALYSIS OF ILLICIT DRUGS AND NICOTINE IN A BUCCAL TOBACCO BRAND MARKETED IN YEMEN

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to check the potential presence of illicit drugs and to quantify the amount of nicotine in a buccal tobacco brand that had been observed to be increasingly used by Yemeni youths, since 2014, causing narcosis resembling states among them. Methods: Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) described by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was used to screen illicit drugs in the tested brand. The illicit drugs investigated included opiates, heroin, amphetamines, and cocaine. The TLC results were confirmed as recommended by the UNODC using color chemical tests. Identification and quantification of nicotine in the brand was carried out using an appropriate high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. Results: No illicit drug was found in the tested tobacco brand. On the other hand, it was found that the amount of nicotine in just a single dose (sachet) of the buccal brand was 17.67±0.901 mg, which was 3.53-fold greater than usual buccal dose of nicotine (5 mg). Conclusion: With the exception of cannabis, opioids, and hallucinogens that were not investigated in this study due to technical obstacles, other major illicit narcotic drugs are not found in the brand. The brand contains high amount of nicotine/sachet. However, knowing that the user may use more than one sachet of the brands a day, there is a great potential of nicotine overdosing due to intake of the brand. This may cause a narcosis resembling state called “Nesbitt’s paradox,” characterized by reducing neuronal activity of the user

Do Termitaria Indicate the Presence of Groundwater? A Case Study of Hydrogeophysical Investigation on a Land Parcel with Termite Activity.

Termite nests have long been suggested to be good indicators of groundwater but only a few studies are available to demonstrate the relationship between the two. This study therefore aims at investigating the most favourable spots for locating groundwater structures on a small parcel of land with conspicuous termite activity. To achieve this, geophysical soundings using the renowned vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique was carried out on the gridded study area. A total of nine VESs with one at the foot of a termitarium were conducted. The VES results were interpreted and assessed via two different techniques: (1) physical evaluation as performed by drillers in the field and (2) integration of primary and secondary geoelectrical parameters in a geographic information system (GIS). The result of the physical evaluation indicated a clear case of subjectivity in the interpretation but was consistent with the choice of VES points 1 and 6 (termitarium location) as being the most prospective points to be considered for drilling. Similarly, the integration of the geoelectrical parameters led to the mapping of the most prospective groundwater portion of the study area with the termitarium chiefly in the center of the most suitable region. This shows that termitaria are valuable landscape features that can be employed as biomarkers in the search of groundwater