Scharp on inconsistent concepts and their engineered replacements, or: Can we mend these broken things?

Kevin Scharp’s influential work on the alethic paradoxes combines an extensively developed inconsistency theory with a substantial conceptual engineering project. I argue that Scharp’s inconsistency theory is in tension with his conceptual engineering project: the inconsistency theory includes an account of concepts that implies that the conceptual engineering project will fail. I recommend that Scharp revises his account of concepts, and show how doing so allows him to resolve the tension. The discussion is important for ongoing work on conceptual engineering. Firstly, it is important to get clear on whether Scharp’s conceptual engineering project is—or could be—successful. Secondly, the issues discussed herein may generalise to other conceptual engineering projects, such as explication and ameliorative projects. In particular, the discussion has implications for how conceptual engineers can think about concepts and their relation to how we use words

The effect of new oral anticoagulants and extended thromboprophylaxis policy on hip and knee arthroplasty outcomes: observational study

The efficacy and safety of the new oral anticoagulants (NOAC) and the benefits of extended duration thromboprophylaxis following hip and knee replacements remain uncertain. This observational study describes the relations between thromboprophylaxis policies following hip and knee replacements across England's NHS and patient outcomes between January 2008 and December 2011. From the national administrative database, we analyzed mortality, thromboembolic complications, emergency readmission, and bleeding rates for 201,418 hip and 230,282 knee replacements. There were no differences in outcomes for either LMWH or NOAC. We found no advantage in favor of any single anticoagulation policy or in changing policy. This study supports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' recommendation that the choice and duration of thromboprophylaxis prophylaxis be decided by the treating surgeon

Assessment and forecasting of lightning potential and its effect on launch operations at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and John F. Kennedy Space Center

Lightning plays a pivotal role in the operation decision process for space and ballistic launches at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center. Lightning forecasts are the responsibility of Detachment 11, 4th Weather Wing's Cape Canaveral Forecast Facility. These forecasts are important to daily ground processing as well as launch countdown decisions. The methodology and equipment used to forecast lightning are discussed. Impact on a recent mission is summarized