The place of mental properties in a physical world.

In describing the mind’s place in the physical world, philosophers have produced a diversity of views. On the far right of the spectrum we find substance dualists, who think that there is in addition to physical substance, mental substance. A little to the left strong property dualists claim that while there is only physical substance, there are in addition to physical properties, mental properties. These two views broadly represent accounts of mind on which physicalism is explicitly considered false. Among those who think physicalism is true, are reductionists and non-reductionists. The former sit on the far left, claiming that there is only physical substance and that mental properties just are physical properties. Non-reductionists are at the center; rejecting the possibility of reduction, claiming that mental properties are distinct from physical ones, while resisting anti-physicalist claims about mental properties and substance. In this paper I will argue that this spectrum needs to be substantially revised. In particular I will argue that non-reductive views are unavailable and that strong property dualist views are problematically related to views that are dualistic about substance. I will present an alternative physicalist view that does not appear on the above-mentioned spectrum. I will not provide an outright defense of the view, but I will argue that it is worth further consideration because it enables us to avoid many of the difficulties commonly associated with the abovementioned views. Ultimately the view’s success will be determined by the possibility of accounting for subjective properties of phenomenal experience in terms of objective physical ones. It is beyond the scope of this paper to pronounce on this matter, but I will argue that if one thinks that the difference between the subjectivity of experience and the objectivity of physical properties is due to anything more than shortcomings in human explanatory capabilities, one is really endorsing a non-physicalist position. In this way, I hope to show that the best chance for a future physicalism lies in the alternative view that I offer here

Fiddle Me This: A History and Discussion of Old-Time Fiddle Tunes in Western New York

This thesis documents the history of fiddle tunes in Western New York from their introduction to the area in the mid-seventeenth century to the present day. Using a wide array of both primary sources and scholarly articles, I demonstrate the importance of this musical tradition. In addition, the thesis presents new primary and secondary sources created by the author in the spring of 2017, including the recording of interviews and performances and their presentation online. The primary research included interviews with three musicians, whom I ask, “How do these fiddle tunes continue to influence people today?” In these sessions with the musicians, I also recorded performances of songs that were particularly popular here in New York. The interviews and recordings are enhanced by the addition of other related media, all of which is curated and shared via podcast at www.rochesterfiddlers.wordpress.com. The purpose of this thesis and its associated web-based project is to preserve this music for later generations and to educate listeners about the rich history and renewed popularity of fiddle tunes today

The molecular basis of thalassaemia in Sri Lanka

Blood samples from over 1600 schoolchildren revealed a prevalence of both trait and HbE trait, averaging 2.3% and 0.8% respectively. With the present popUlation estimate at 18.6 million, it is predicted that approximately 2650 patients with l3-thalassaemia major and 956 with HbE/I3-thalassaemia should consume >5% of the current health budget for treatment of these patients. Patients with the phenotype of severe thalassaemia, from seven centres, were analysed to understand the molecular basis of the disease. Twenty-four l3-globin gene mutations were identified with three mutations accounting for 84.4% of the 1234 alleles: IVSI-5 (G--7C) 56.1 %; IVSI-l (G--7A) 15.2% and HbE 13.1 %. Sixteen mutations have previously been described on the Indian subcontinent and demonstrate close regional links between the popUlations, especially North East India, and were supported by haplotype association. The IVSI-l (G--7A) mutation occurs commonly in countries around the Mediterranean but very rarely on the Indian subcontinent. In Sri Lanka it is associated with a different 3' haplotype, suggesting a multicentric origin. Three new mutations were found; a frameshift codon 6-10 IVSI-129 (A--7C) in the consensus splice site and a second frame shift, CD55 (-A). Four a-gene arrangements were demonstrated. An allele frequency of the a+-thalassaemia gene deletions were 6.5% and 1.1% for the _a3.7 deletion and the _a4.2 deletion, respectively. Cord blood analysis of Hb Bart's levels confirmed an estimated level of 7.1 % for a single a-gene nonexpression. Extra a-genes are common and the first instance of homozygosity for the aaaa arrangement was observed. No aOthalassaemia was revealed and only a single polymorphism was associated with a possible extremely mild a-thalassaemia allele. The phenotype associated with the various l3-globin genotypes was found to be extremely variable. Within the many factors that modify this phenotype the Xmn-I polymorphism was significantly associated with the level of haemoglobin expressed. A +1+ genotype appeared to be a good indicator of a milder outcome. The incidence of a-gene deletions was low in patients with HhElI3-thalassaemia and thus proposed this as a strong modifier for a mild phenotype. Other factors were associated with specific complications

Fine Art and Dementia: Looking at Paintings and Assessment for People with Dementia

This article describes an innovative teaching session designed and implemented at the University of Worcester, on the Foundation Degree in Dementia Studies. The class utilised teaching from art that was not linked in any way to the dementia context to promote learning for the students in a clinical aspect of their studies, that is assessment of need. Students reported that the approach enabled them to reflect upon their learning and engaged them in original learning, specifically new ways of thinking about aspects of their clinical practice. Additionally, new insight was provided into the value artworks may have as ‘creaturely objects’: as companions we have in our lives in a similar way to having animal or human companions. The article suggests that this pedagogic technique has wider implications; the approach of using fine art could be employed within a range of academic disciplines to encourage reflection upon learning and generate new insights

Scoping exercise on fallers’ clinics : report to the National Co-ordinating Centre for NHS Service Delivery and Organisation R & D (NCCSDO)

The National Service Framework for Older People has stated the need for fall-prevention programmes. An appraisal of fallers’ clinics launched by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) was suspended because of a lack of information regarding existing services and typology. This project aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting economic modelling to appraise fallers’ clinics. To achieve this a national survey of services and reviews of the evidence of effectiveness of various models of fallers’ clinics and screening tools were undertaken

Evaluation of 3D Printed Immobilisation Shells for Head and Neck IMRT

This paper presents the preclinical evaluation of a novel immobilization system for patients undergoing external beam radiation treatment of head and neck tumors. An immobilization mask is manufactured directly from a 3-D model, built using the CT data routinely acquired for treatment planning so there is no need to take plaster of Paris moulds. Research suggests that many patients find the mould room visit distressing and so rapid prototyping could potentially improve the overall patient experience. Evaluation of a computer model of the immobilization system using an anthropomorphic phantom shows that >99% of vertices are within a tolerance of ±0.2 mm. Hausdorff distance was used to analyze CT slices obtained by rescanning the phantom with a printed mask in position. These results show that for >80% of the slices the median “worse-case” tolerance is approximately 4 mm. These measurements suggest that printed masks can achieve similar levels of immobilization to those of systems currently in clinical use