Types of Predication in Aristotle (Posterior Analytics I 22)

Predication is a complex entity in Aristotelian thought. The aim of the present essay is to account for this complexity, making explicit the diverse forms it assumes. To this end, we turn to a crucial chapter of the Posterior Analytics (1 22), where, in the most complete and developed manner within the corpus, Aristotle proceeds to systematize this topic. From the analysis, it will become apparent that predication can assume, generically, five forms: 1) the predication of essence (to autôi einai katêgoresthai), that is of the genus and the specific differentia; 2) essential predication (to autôi einai katêgoresthai), that is either of the genus or of the differentiae (or their genera); 3) the predication of accidents per se; 4) the predication of simple accidents (hôs sumbebêkota katêgoresthai); 5) accidental predication (kata sumbebêkos katêgoresthai). However, only types 2-4 are forms of strict predication (haplôs ). In effect, the “predication” of essence is not a genuine predication, but a formula for identity, constituting, technically, the statement of the essence of the subject (or its definition). On the other hand, accidental “predication” can only be conceived of as such equivocally, since it results from a linguistic accident through which the ontological subject of the attribution suffers a displacement to the syntactic position of the predicate, which is not, by nature, its own. In neither case does the phrase bring about any legitimate predication. The study concludes with a discussion of Aristotle’s thesis according to which no substance can be a predicate, which is implied by its notion of accidental predication, a thesis which has been – and in our opinion wrongly so – challenged in modern times.Predication is a complex entity in Aristotelian thought. The aim of the present essay is to account for this complexity, making explicit the diverse forms it assumes. To this end, we turn to a crucial chapter of the Posterior Analytics (1 22), where, in the most complete and developed manner within the corpus, Aristotle proceeds to systematize this topic. From the analysis, it will become apparent that predication can assume, generically, five forms: 1) the predication of essence (to autôi einai katêgoresthai), that is of the genus and the specific differentia; 2) essential predication (to autôi einai katêgoresthai), that is either of the genus or of the differentiae (or their genera); 3) the predication of accidents per se; 4) the predication of simple accidents (hôs sumbebêkota katêgoresthai); 5) accidental predication (kata sumbebêkos katêgoresthai). However, only types 2-4 are forms of strict predication (haplôs ). In effect, the “predication” of essence is not a genuine predication, but a formula for identity, constituting, technically, the statement of the essence of the subject (or its definition). On the other hand, accidental “predication” can only be conceived of as such equivocally, since it results from a linguistic accident through which the ontological subject of the attribution suffers a displacement to the syntactic position of the predicate, which is not, by nature, its own. In neither case does the phrase bring about any legitimate predication. The study concludes with a discussion of Aristotle’s thesis according to which no substance can be a predicate, which is implied by its notion of accidental predication, a thesis which has been – and in our opinion wrongly so – challenged in modern times

Aspasian Infidelities. On Aspasius’ Philosophical Background (EN I)

The discussion on Aspasius’ philosophical background has benefited in recent years from a wide consensus. According to this consensus, Aspasius should be regarded as a Peripatetic, or even as an “orthodox Peripatetic” (Barnes’ phrase). It is true that Aspasius’ commentary is generally in tune with Aristotle. It is true that he shows an extensive knowledge of Aristotelian research pertinent for the discussions and that he uses Aristotelian concepts, principles, and doctrines with ease as if they were his own, thus denoting an old assimila- tion of those materials and a long accommodation to them. In a word, it is true that Aspasius is an Aristotelian. He is, however, as I will try to show in this paper, an Aristotelian strongly influenced by Stoicism. I will do so by selecting those points from Aspasius’ commentary on book I of the Nicomachean Ethics where the Stoic influence is most flagrantly evident, namely in his interpretation of art (τέχνη), his conception of continence and incontinence and, especially, his interpretation of the relation between happiness, virtue, and external goods in Aristotle.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Chatbot development to assist patients in health care services

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia InformáticaDados de alta qualidade sobre tratamentos médicos e de informação técnica tornaram-se acessíveis, criando novas oportunidades de E-Saúde para a recuperação de um paciente. A implementação da aprendizagem automática nestas soluções provou ser essencial e eficaz na elaboração de aplicações para o utilizador para aliviar a sobrecarga do sector de saúde. Atualmente, muitas interações com os utentes são realizadas via telefonemas e mensagens de texto. Os agentes de conversação podem responder a estas questões, fomentando uma rápida interação com os pacientes. O objetivo fundamental desta dissertação é prestar apoio aos pacientes, fornecendo uma fonte de informação fidedigna que lhes permita instruir-se e esclarecer dúvidas sobre os procedimentos e repercussões dos seus problemas de saúde. Este propósito foi concretizado não apenas através de uma plataforma Web intuitiva e acessível, composta por perguntas frequentes, mas também integrando um agente de conversação inteligente para responder a questões. Para este fim, cientificamente, foi necessário conduzir a investigação, implementação e viabilidade dos agentes de conversação no domínio fechado para os cuidados de saúde. Constitui um importante contributo para a comunidade de desenvolvimento de chatbots, na qual se reúnem as últimas inovações e descobertas, bem os desafios actuais da aprendizagem automática, contribuindo para a consciencialização desta área.High-quality data on medical treatments and facility-level information has become accessible, creating new eHealth opportunities for the recuperation of a patient. Machine learning implementation in these solutions has been proven to be essential and effective in building user-centred applications to relieves the burden on the healthcare sector. Nowadays, many patient interactions are handled through healthcare services via phone calls and text message exchange. Conversation agents can provide answers to these queries, promoting fast patient interaction. The underlying aim of this dissertation is to assist patients by providing a reliable source of information to educate themselves and clarify any doubts about procedures and implications of their health issue. This purpose was achieved not only through an intuitive and accessible web platform, with frequently asked questions, but also by integrating an intelligent chatting agent to answer questions. To this end, scientifically, it was necessary to conduct the research, implementation and feasibility of closed-domain conversation agents for healthcare. It is a valuable input for the chatbot development community, which assembles the latest innovations and findings, as well as the current challenges of machine learning, contributing to the awareness of this field

Development of an X-ray detection system based on polymer-based scintillator composites

Dissertação de mestrado em Engenharia Eletrónica Industrial e de ComputadoresNowadays, radiation processing techniques are used in many fields and are undergoing fast developments. The demand for improving spatial resolution and to obtain more clear and accurate images, while reducing the radiation doses, have led to the replacement of the traditional techniques based on X-ray films processing by digital processing techniques, that combine high efficiency electronic sensors with computing algorithms. However, these current techniques and radiation detection methods face severe limitations and high costs when large areas or flexible applications are involved. In this work an X-ray detection system was developed, with the aim of presenting an innovative solution, efficient, flexible, and capable of being produced in a large area and at a low cost. To achieve these objectives, a Styrene-Ethylene/Butadiene-Styrene (SEBS) polymer films were prepared, containing scintillator nanoparticles, Gd2O3:Eu3+, that are responsible for converting X-rays into visible light. These materials present unique characteristics like flexibility, stretchability and easy and low cost production. It was also developed a compact electronic circuit responsible for acquiring and processing the visible light produced by the scintillator material. This circuit is based on a photodetector matrix and auxiliary components that have to obtain visible light values, multiplex the matrix sensors and communicate the results to a microcontroller. Thereafter, a firmware to the microcontroller was implemented to control the whole system, from sensors acquisition to sending the data through serial communication to a user interface. The results are displayed and presented to the user in a clear and organized way, allowing the user to make an easy and direct analysis. Finally, the system was subject to tests according to a previously defined experimental methodology. In these experiments, the system revealed a fluid, solid and clean performance with room for optimization, improvements and adaptation to new and innovative applications.Actualmente, as técnicas de processamento de radiação são usadas em muitas áreas de investigação e aplicação, ao mesmo tempo que sofrem uma constante e rápida evolução. A necessidade de melhorar a resolução e obter imagens mais claras e precisas, ao mesmo tempo que é reduzida a quantidade de radiação, levaram a que as técnicas tradicionais baseadas no processamento de películas radiográficas fossem sendo substituídas por técnicas de processamento digital, que aliam sensores electrónicos de alta eficiência com programação algorítmica. No entanto, estas técnicas e métodos de detecção de radiação actuais enfrentam duras limitações e elevados custos quando é pretendida a produção de grandes áreas de detecção ou a integração em aplicações flexíveis. Nesta dissertação é desenvolvido um sistema de detecção de raio-X com o objectivo de apresentar uma solução inovadora, que seja eficiente, flexível e capaz de ser produzida em grandes áreas e a baixo custo. Para cumprir estes objectivos, foi preparada uma matriz polimérica de StyreneEthylene/Butadiene-Styrene (SEBS) contendo concentrações de nanopartículas cintiladoras, Gd2O3:Eu 3+, responsáveis por converter os raios-X em luz visível. Este material cintilador apresenta características ímpares, como flexibilidade, extensibilidade, baixo custo e fácil produção e replicação. Foi também desenvolvido um circuito electrónico de reduzidas dimensões, responsável por adquirir e processar a luz visível produzida pelo cintilador. Este circuito foi implementado com base numa matriz de fotodetectores e componentes electrónicos auxiliares que têm como função obter os valores de luz visível, efectuar a multiplexagem dos sensores da matriz, e enviar os dados para o microcontrolador. Posteriormente foi desenvolvido um firmware para o microcontrolador capaz de efectuar o controlo de todo o sistema, desde a aquisição dos sensores até ao envio dos dados através de comunicação série para uma interface com o utilizador. Os resultados são apresentados ao utilizador de uma forma clara e organizada, permitindo uma análise directa e facilitada destes. Por fim, o sistema foi sujeito a testes de acordo com uma metodologia previamente definida. Nestes testes, o sistema revelou um desempenho fluído, sólido e direto, havendo espaço para a sua optimização, melhoramento e adaptação para novas aplicações

Anatomy Segmentation of Breast Ultrasound images

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, affecting hundreds of women. Even though the detection of cancer has been largely studied, the decision of which strategy to take concerning oncoplastic surgery still relies almost exclusively on the surgeon's perception of post-surgical aesthetic result, which sometime leads to unsatisfactory outcomes. In order to empower the patients on the joint decision process there needs to exist a better communication between the parts. This can be achieved by developing medical grade 3D models of the breast and explaining better the surgical options and their results. In order to obtain such models, some effort has been made concerning multi-modality radiological imaging combination. This line of research has yet to mature. In turn, the modality alignment requires accurate landmarks to be produced. 2D Ultrasound imaging has not been sufficiently studied for multimodal registration due to the image characteristics and thus, landmark segmentation is of utmost importance. This task can be challenging since US data presents high specular noise levels and the presence of some tissues alters the perception of other tissues. Objectives: ● Study and evaluation of different techniques for anatomical landmark segmentation, such as Skin, Fat and Glandular tissue, Lesions (masses and cysts), Pectoral muscle; ● Development of Ultrasound segmentation methods for acquiring landmarks; ● Evaluation of the developed methods with manual annotations and comparison of results with the current algorithm alternatives.Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, affecting hundreds of women. Even though the detection of cancer has been largely studied, the decision of which strategy to take concerning oncoplastic surgery still relies almost exclusively on the surgeon's perception of post-surgical aesthetic result, which sometime leads to unsatisfactory outcomes. In order to empower the patients on the joint decision process there needs to exist a better communication between the parts. This can be achieved by developing medical grade 3D models of the breast and explaining better the surgical options and their results. In order to obtain such models, some effort has been made concerning multi-modality radiological imaging combination. This line of research has yet to mature. In turn, the modality alignment requires accurate landmarks to be produced. 2D Ultrasound imaging has not been sufficiently studied for multimodal registration due to the image characteristics and thus, landmark segmentation is of utmost importance. This task can be challenging since US data presents high specular noise levels and the presence of some tissues alters the perception of other tissues. Objectives: ● Study and evaluation of different techniques for anatomical landmark segmentation, such as Skin, Fat and Glandular tissue, Lesions (masses and cysts), Pectoral muscle; ● Development of Ultrasound segmentation methods for acquiring landmarks; ● Evaluation of the developed methods with manual annotations and comparison of results with the current algorithm alternatives

A review on sequential injection methods for water analysis

The development of fast, automatic and less expensive methods of analysis has always been the main aim of flowmethodologies. The search for newprocedures that still maintain the reliability and accuracy of the reference procedures is an ever growing challenge. Newrequirements are continually added to analytical methodologies, such as lower consumption of samples and reagents, miniaturisation and portability of the equipment, computer interfaces for full decision systems and so on. Therefore, the development of flow methodologies meeting the extra requirements of water analysis is a challenging work. Sequential injection analysis (SIA) presents a set of characteristics that make it highly suitable for water analysis. With sequential injection analysis, most routine determinations in waters can be performed more quickly with much lower reagent consumption when compared to reference procedures. Additionally, SIA can be a valuable tool for analyte speciation and multiparametric analysis. This paper critically reviews the overall work in this area.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Measurement properties of step tests for exercise capacity in COPD : a systematic review

© The Author(s) 2020. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).Objective: To determine the level of evidence of the measurement properties (validity, reliability, and responsiveness) and interpretability of the step tests available for assessing the exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data sources: The data sources Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, PEDro, CENTRAL of Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched up to June 26, 2020. Review methods: Studies of any design that reported results for any measurement property of the step tests for assessing the exercise capacity in COPD patients were selected. One reviewer extracted the data, and two reviewers independently rated the level of evidence by using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurements Instruments recommendations. Results: Thirty-one studies were included in the data synthesis. Chester Step Test, Modified Incremental Step Test, two-, three-, four-, and six-Minute Step Test, Paced Step Test, and six-Minute Stepper Test were identified. A step test protocol was also found. The level of evidence of their results for the measurement properties was mostly determined as “low” to “very low.” The best level of evidence found was for the six-minute stepper test: “high” on construct validity (r = 0.56–0.71); and “moderate” on criterion validity (r = 0.36–0.69), and responsiveness (r = 0.26–0.34). Conclusion: The general level of evidence of the measurement properties of the step tests is “low” to “very low” for assessing exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which can limit their application in clinical practice. The six-minute Stepper Test is currently the most appropriate step test available.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

In-line phosphate pre-concentration in a flow injection method platform for monitoring fertilizers excess in soil leachates

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