Transcendental-Phenomenological Proof and Descriptive Metaphysics

Following P.F. Strawson's reading of Kant, the majority of the literature on transcendental arguments seeks to divorce such arguments from their original Kantian context. This thesis is concerned with Mark Sacks's recent defence of transcendental arguments, which takes a different approach. A critique is given of Sacks's work and extensions and modifications of his approach are recommended. It is proposed that certain difficulties encountered by Kant's transcendentally-ideal approach can be overcome with Hegelian solutions

Effect of Lithium on proliferation and cell cycle progression in a tight epithelia cell culture from the distal part of the kidney.

The state-of-the-art technique for testing inhalable gases in vitro is the air-liquid-interphase (ALI) method. The concept is based on the cultivation of cells on microporous membranes and can result in an efficient contact to airborne test atmospheres under controlled conditions. Various biological models including cell lines, primary cells, co-cultures and complex ex-vivo models can be applied. Round-robin prevalidation studies with model gases demonstrated the sensitivity and relevance of the basic technique in principle. However, until now major limiting factors still exist including robustness, practicability, applicability and efficacy of the method regarding aerosol applications. A limited control of the individual cell exposure and a lack of more complex routine cell models also still prevent a general acceptance of this promising method for routine testing. In a first step we therefore focused on the improvement of the technique concerning (i) the integration of the complex exposure process in a smooth lab workflow, (ii) the incorporation of a cell culture model with an artificial lung surfactant and (iii) the deposition of airborne particulate matter for aerosol testing. As a result, an exposure device and procedure was developed permitting a more uniform and smooth processing of cells than the common technique. By that way, the handling of the biological test systems can be conducted in a more appropriate way leading to a higher robustness, practicability and ease of use. Nowadays, the presence of surfactant as a part of the biological model is generally accepted as essential for the relevance of the in vitro testing in inhalation toxicology. To realize applicability for routine testing at the same time, a cell culture model, including A549 cells and an artificial fluid composed comparably to natural lung surfactant was applied. Results of a first series of exposures using test gases show that this model can be used in such an exposure regime. Moreover, typical protective characteristics of the surfactant could be documented. To increase the applicability of the ALI-method in aerosol testing, numerical simulations (CFD) were applied for the optimization of the particle transportation. In the physical models of the simulation a combination of different physical deposition mechanisms was regarded. First results of simulation and laboratory experiments showed a clearly increased deposition efficiency of particles from aerosols in the test system. At the same time, no adverse effects of the deposition procedure were observed in the exposed cells. Therefore, the improvement of the procedure so far seems promising to further enhance the applicability of alternative methods in the study of inhaled substances significantly

A Canadian replication of Telep and Lum’s (2014) examination of police officers’ receptivity to empirical research

Research conducted in the United States (U.S.) suggests that many police professionals are unaware of, or resistant to, empirical research, and see little value in adopting evidence-based approaches for tackling policing issues. To determine whether similar views are held by Canadian police professionals, 598 police professionals (civilians and officers) from seven police services across Canada were surveyed. The survey was designed by Lum and Telep (n.d. Officer receptivity survey on evidence-based policing. Fairfax, VA: Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy, George Mason University) to determine respondents’ knowledge of, and support for, evidence-based policing (EBP). Using their survey allowed us to compare our results to the data they collected in the U.S. Although Canadian respondents had similar concerns regarding EBP as those in the U.S., in several ways, Canadian police professionals were more open to the idea of EBP. The results are encouraging, but still suggest a lack of buy-in from some police professionals in certain regards. Potential reasons for the cross-national discrepancies, and the consequences of the findings, are discussed

Are the development policy implications of the new economy, new? All that is old is new again

There is an (optimistic) view within the literature that the convergence of two long-run broad trends, globalization and advances in information and communication technology, has resulted in a 'new' world economy. Within such a new economy, knowledge replaces traditional productivity input as the primary driver of economic growth. Evidence of this new economy is scarce, yet proponents are optimistic that such an economy offers great hope for developing countries. If this optimism is warranted appropriate government policies would include improving access levels and quality of telecommunication and electricity infrastructure, education and providing both direct and indirect support to encourage local firms to become engaged with the global economy. Ironically, these policies are consistent with current orthodox development policies currently pursued within the 'old' economy. In this regard, it seems that all that is old is new again. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.