Hiddleston’s Causal Modeling Semantics and the Distinction between Forward-Tracking and Backtracking Counterfactuals

Some cases show that counterfactual conditionals (‘counterfactuals’ for short) are inherently ambiguous, equivocating between forward-tracking and backtracking counterfactu- als. Elsewhere, I have proposed a causal modeling semantics, which takes this phenomenon to be generated by two kinds of causal manipulations. (Lee 2015; Lee 2016) In an important paper (Hiddleston 2005), Eric Hiddleston offers a different causal modeling semantics, which he claims to be able to explain away the inherent ambiguity of counterfactuals. In this paper, I discuss these two semantic treatments and argue that my (bifurcated) semantics is theoretically more promising than Hiddleston’s (unified) semantics

Knowledge and Pragmatic Factors

The stakes-shifting cases suggest that pragmatic factors such as stakes play an important role in determining our intuitive judgments of whether or not S knows that p. This seems to be in conflict with intellectualism, according to which pragmatic factors in general should not be taken into account, when considering whether or not S knows that p. This paper develops a theory of judgments of knowledge status that reconciles intellectualism with our intuitive judgments regarding the stakes-shifting cases. I argue that pragmatic factors affect only our epistemic perspectives, i.e., the ways in which we evaluate S’s epistemic position. Therefore, pragmatic factors only have an indirect impact on our judgments of knowledge status

The role of tocotrienol in protecting against metabolic diseases

Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, and these two metabolic conditions cause significant healthcare burden worldwide. Chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress due to exposure of cells to excess nutrients in obesity may trigger insulin resistance and pancreatic β- cell dysfunction. Tocotrienol, as a functional food component with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cell signaling-mediating effects, may be a potential agent to complement the current management of obesity and diabetes. The review aimed to summarize the current evidence on the anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects of tocotrienol. Previous studies showed that tocotrienol could suppress adipogenesis and, subsequently, reduce body weight and fat mass in animals. This was achieved by regulating pathways of lipid metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis. It could also reduce the expression of transcription factors regulating adipogenesis and increase apoptosis of adipocytes. In diabetic models, tocotrienol was shown to improve glucose homeostasis. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors was suggested to be responsible for these effects. Tocotrienol also prevented multiple systemic complications due to obesity and diabetes in animal models through suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress. Several clinical trials have been conducted to validate the antidiabetic of tocotrienol, but the results were heterogeneous. There is no evidence showing the anti-obesity effects of tocotrienol in humans. Considering the limitations of the current studies, tocotrienol has the potential to be a functional food component to aid in the management of patients with obesity and diabetes. Keywords: adipose; diabetes; insulin resistance; metabolic syndrome; obesity; overweight; vitamin

A solution to skeptical puzzles

"May 2014."Dissertation Supervisor: Dr. Matthew McGrath.Includes vita.In this dissertation, I aim at resolving the skeptical puzzle. An instance of this puzzle is as follows: (1) I know that I have hands. (2) I don't know that I am not a brain in a vat (being stimulated to experience having hands). (3) If I know that I have hands, I know that I am not a brain in a vat. (1)-(3) are puzzling since, while each is individually plausible, they are jointly inconsistent. Siding with epistemic contextualism, I argue that the truth values of (1)-(3) vary with contexts. More precisely, (1), not-(2) and (3) are true in the ordinary context, while not-(1), (2), and (3) are true in the skeptical context. However, contextualists claim that the variability of the truth values consists in the variability of the standards for knowledge, while I claim that the variability is due to the variability of one's epistemic position with respect to p. I argue against the contextualist solution. I propose that one's epistemic position with respect to p should be characterized by the sensitivity of one's reason, where S's reason for p is sensitive just in case S would not have the same reason if p had not been the case. I argue that the assessment of the sensitivity of one's reason for p is relative to the epistemic inquiry the assessor is engaging in. There are two basic kinds of epistemic inquiry, defining by two distinct epistemic goals: the liberal goal and the conservative goal. I argue that (1) and not-(2) are true relative to the liberal inquiry, while not-(1) and (2) are true relative to the conservative inquiry. This explains why (1) and not-(2) are true in the ordinary context, while not-(1) and (2), the skeptical one.Includes bibliographical references (pages 287-294)

A preliminary study of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and antimicrobial resistance profile of bacteria in selected pig farms in Peninsular Malaysia

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common and devastating human and animal pathogens. In this study, conventional technique of isolation and identification was used to isolate Staphylococus aureus, Staphylococcus hyicus, Streptococcus spp., and E. coli. Detection and confirmation of MRSA was done using Staphytect® Kit and Oxacillin Resistance Screening Agar Base (ORSAB). Two farms from each pig industry rearing state namely Selangor, Perak, Johor and Penang were selected. Nasal and rectal swab samples were taken from 64 piglets and nasal swab samples were taken from 16 farm workers. Nineteen (13.2%) MRSA were isolated. Fourteen (21.9%) isolates were from pigs while 5 (31.3%) isolates originated from humans. These alarming findings from the present study indicated that MRSA is an emerging pathogen as well as a zoonotic potential in pigs and humans in Malaysia. This study also determined the antimicrobial sensitivity profile of some isolates towards commonly used antimicrobials in pig farms. Results showed that lincomycin is no longer effective for treatment in the farms while spectinomycin, florfenicol and enrofloxacin are starting to be less effective in controlling pathogens. Both colistin and ceftiofur are still effective as the bacteria tested are sensitive towards them. The findings from this study warrant that suitable measures must be undertaken to prevent the spread of MRSA as well as to control the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the farms

Design of Optical Diagnostic System for Wave Rotor Constant Volume Combustor

The recent energy price hike brings the urge to produce a more efficient power generation engines, which could result in lower fuel consumption, higher efficiency and less pollutants. Such a new approach is being developed at IUPUI with the participation of global engine maker Rolls Royce, utilizing an alternate thermodynamic cycle (Humphrey cycle) and a novel pulsed combustor for gas turbine engines, called a Wave Rotor Combustor (WRC). The proposed wave rotor ignition test rig consists of two combustion chambers (a rotating pre-chamber and a stationary main chamber), electrical and ignition systems and data acquisition system. Experiments and numerical studies have been conducted to study the ignition and flame propagation process using different hydrocarbon fuels (methane, ethylene and propane). Currently, hydrogen cannot be used for experiments because it does not produce soot; consequently, the flame propagation process cannot be visualized with the images captured using high speed camera. Therefore, the objective of the present research is to design an optical system to visualize the flame propagation process in a WRC for all fuels including hydrogen. Among various optical techniques available for flow visualization, Schlieren photography is commonly used for flows with sharp density gradients. Based on the configuration there are different types of Schlieren imaging system such as Z-type, parallel beam system and single mirror system. From our present research we have identified that Z-type Schlieren system meets all our requirements; suitable for present study, low cost, easy to set-up. All the components required to design the Z-type Schlieren system have been finalized, ordered and all the components have been received. Initially, Schlieren system is being tested using a simple combustion light source such as candle flame. Later, experiments will be conducted using different fuels to visualize the flame propagation process inside the wave rotor combustor

A Review on the Relationship between Aspirin and Bone Health

Aspirin is a cyclooxygenase inhibitor commonly used in primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Its users are elderly population susceptible to osteoporosis. It also inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 essential in bone remodeling. This prompts the question whether it can influence bone health among users. This review aimed to summarize the current literature on the use of aspirin on bone health. A literature search on experimental and clinical evidence on the effects of aspirin on bone health was performed using major scientific databases. In vitro studies showed that aspirin could enhance the survival of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, the progenitors of osteoblasts, and stimulate the differentiation of preosteoblasts. Aspirin also inhibited the nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) pathway and decreased the expression of receptor activator of NFκB ligand, thus suppressing the formation of osteoclast. Aspirin could prevent bone loss in animal models of osteoporosis. Despite a positive effect on bone mineral density, the limited human epidemiological studies revealed that aspirin could not reduce fracture risk. A study even suggested that the use of aspirin increased fracture risk. As a conclusion, aspirin may increase bone mineral density but its effect on fracture prevention is inconclusive. More data are needed to determine the effects of aspirin and bone health in human