Cultural syndromes: Socially learned but real

While some of mental disorders due to emotional distress occur cross-culturally, others seem to be much more bound to particular cultures. In this paper, I propose that many of these “cultural syndromes” are culturally sanctioned responses to overwhelming negative emotions. I show how tools from cultural evolution theory can be employed for understanding how the syndromes are relatively confined to and retained within particular cultures. Finally, I argue that such an account allows for some cultural syndromes to be or become mental disorders and also steers clear of some of the anti-realist trappings associated with a social constructivism of cultural syndromes

Assigning English change ringing patterns (permutation) in acoustic and EA music.

Change Ringing has been developed in English church towers since the 16th century. The number of towers in England dominates other countries in the British Isles - hence English, rather than British Change Ringing. Strangely, it occurred in few places other than former British colonies. Bells have provided symbolic and cultural messages for civilisations throughout the centuries. They can provide signals and important information (someone’s coming, bring out your dead…). Composers’ have used bells for a corresponding amount of time, whether it is to investigate the spectral content (the very sound of a bell) or the envelope or pattern created through a peal of bells (Sir Peter Maxwell-Davies [1], Sir Harrison Birtwistle and Anthony Gilbert most notably in the 20th and 21st Centuries). Permutations found in English Change Ringing Patterns can be very beautiful as a pure selfcontained logical entity. They are not rung to sound a melody but rather create different mathematical patterns using the permutations on the set of available bells. This paper discusses a variety of applications within musical composition

The enigma of Vitruvian resonating vases and the relevance of the concept for today

The clarity of sound within Greek or Roman theatres (without any form of enhancement) will be impressive to any visitor. The seats arranged in curved rows around the circular orchestra form large horizontal reflecting surfaces. The paths of sound waves travel from the source (the actor or singer) to each of the listeners in a direct path (i.e. without obstruction or reflection). Vitruvius, however, claimed further enhancements could be made. In theatres, also, are copper vases and these are placed in chambers under the rows of seats in accordance with mathematical reckoning. The Greeks call them Echeia. The differences of the sounds which arise are combined into musical symphonies... … it becomes fuller, and reaches the audience with a richer and sweeter note. Vitruvius, on Architecture, Book I, – on training of architects, Loeb This paper explores the notion of intent and purpose behind the Vitruvian concept and also addresses an arguably more complex issue, that of a potential fusion between archaeology, science and art.Peer reviewe

The need for cost-effective choices to treat patients with bipolar 1 disorders including asenapine

Bipolar 1 disorders (BPD) are a chronic disorder with prevalence rates up to 2.6% of the adult population or higher and appreciable direct and indirect costs. As a result, a concern to health authorities especially given the low age of onset. Consequently, a need to treat BPD patients well and improve their quality of life. Pharmacotherapy includes mood stabilisers and atypical antipsychotics (AAPs). AAPs have different mechanisms of action and side-effects so treatment needs to be tailored. Asenapine in clinical trials is as effective as olanzapine with less metabolic side-effects. Chitnis and colleagues have shown in routine care that asenapine also reduces hospital and emergency room admissions making it cost neutral in BPD, which is of interest to health authorities and clinicians

Scientific realism with historical essences: the case of species

AbstractNatural kinds, real kinds, or, following J.S. Mill simply, Kinds, are thought to be an important asset for scientific realists in the non-fundamental (or “special”) sciences. Essential natures are less in vogue. I show that the realist would do well to couple her Kinds with essential natures in order to strengthen their epistemic and ontological credentials. I argue that these essential natures need not however be intrinsic to the Kind’s members; they may be historical. I concentrate on assessing the merits of historical essential natures in a paradigm case of Kinds in the non-fundamental sciences: species. I specify two basic jobs for essential natures: (1) offering individuation criteria, and (2) providing a causal explanation of the Kind’s multiple projectable properties. I argue that at least in the case of species historical essences are fit for both tasks. The principled resistance to Kinds with historical essences should also be cleared.</jats:p

Western European markets for biosimilar drugs : worth differentiation

This paper discusses pharmaceutical expenditure in OECD countries

Challenges associated with high prices of new cancer medicines : potential ways forward for CEE countries based on HTA principles

This presentation discusses the costs to health systems of cancer care

Guilt, Agency, Listening and 32-bit – a composer’s need to capture the sound of Covid

© 2021 WILDLIFE SOUND RECORDING SOCIETY.As a composer and sound designer, academic and researcher, listener, cyclist, home-schooler and dad, my working patterns and life-style have changed enormously over the past year. Having taken for granted many aspects of our sonic environment, ecoacoustics [Krause 2015] and soundscape ecology, this has gradually evolved into a fascination with my local sound world. And I can only apologise! This is partly based on ignorance; partly based on the belief that I can’t listen ‘critically’ due to my locality, and certainly based on the erroneous belief I can’t ‘capture’ sounds due to my locality. One thing is for sure, my listening has changed.Peer reviewe