‘Data’ in the Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions, 1665–1886

Was there a concept of data before the so-called ‘data revolution’? This paper contributes to the history of the concept of data by investigating uses of the term ‘data’ in texts of the Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions for the period 1665–1886. It surveys how the notion enters the journal as a technical term in mathematics, and charts how over time it expands into various other scientific fields, including Earth sciences, physics and chemistry. The paper argues that in these texts the notion of data is not used merely as a rhetorical category, and also cannot strictly be identified with the category of evidence. Instead, the notion comes with an associated epistemic structure, one that is in line with its development from an early mathematical use

Leibniz and Probability in the Moral Domain

Leibniz’s account of probability has come into better focus over the past decades. However, less attention has been paid to a certain domain of application of that account, that is, the application of it to the moral or ethical domain—the sphere of action, choice and practice. This is significant, as Leibniz had some things to say about applying probability theory to the moral domain, and thought the matter quite relevant. Leibniz’s work in this area is conducted at a high level of abstraction. It establishes a proof of concept, rather than concrete guidelines for how to apply calculations to specific cases. Still, this highly abstract material does allow us to begin to construct a framework for thinking about Leibniz’s approach to the ethical side of probability

Monitoring gastrointestinal nematode and liver fluke infections in Belgium by bulk tank milk ELISA: are we making progress in parasite control?

Parasitic infections with gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes and liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) are common causes of reduced productivity in ruminants. In this paper, the results of a voluntary monitoring campaign on helminth infections in Belgian dairy herds are summarized and discussed. From 2009 until 2011, a bulk tank milk sample was collected in autumn and analyzed by antibody-detecting bulk tank milk ELISA's to assess the level of exposure to GI nematodes and liver fluke. The number of farms participating in the survey increased over the years, from 1216 in 2009 to 1731 in 2011. The proportion of herds with high exposure to GI nematodes varied significantly between the three years, from 67% in 2009 over 70% in 2010 to 63% in 2011. The proportion of herds with high exposure to F. hepatica remained stable around 30%. Important regional variations were observed with levels of exposure to GI nematodes increasing from the north to the south of the country, whereas the distribution of F. hepatica was concentrated in the province of West-Flanders, the southern part of East-Flanders, Hainaut and the northern part of Luxembourg. It can be concluded that, when compared with surveys conducted in surrounding countries, the levels of helminth exposure in Belgium can be considered high, especially for GI nematodes. If the aim is to decrease levels of exposure in the future, this will likely require control methods based on altered timings of treatment and changes in pasture management

Anton Wilhelm Amo’s Philosophy of Mind

One of Anton Wilhelm Amo's core contributions to philosophy is his study of the human mind. Amo argues that the human mind is a purely active, immaterial substance that always acts spontaneously and cannot itself be acted upon. Amo's account of the mind has far-reaching consequences for how he views the relation between mind and body, and our cognitive relation to the sensible world around us. This article introduces Amo's strongly representationalist position, and discusses the extent to which he circumvents the problem of epistemic isolation to which his views seem to give rise

A Novel Hydraulic Thick-walled Phantom for the Assessment of Left Ventricular Function

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Partial Support in Chronic Heart Failure

Partial left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support offers several advantages in treating chronic heart failure. It also raises concerns about insufficient support, worsening symptoms, and impediment of myocardial recovery. The clinical trial results for the CircuLite device (Medtronic) have shown that close monitoring can ensure improved outcomes for partial support. Another study on the ovine model demonstrated that partial and full support have similar effects regarding reverse remodeling. Thus, patients receiving partial LVAD support need regular follow-up care. Clinical assessment of symptoms and organ function must be used alongside objective judgment of patients’ needs to ensure support levels are appropriately adjusted

Effect of ketoprofen treatment in the prevention of postpartum dysgalactia syndrome in sows

Postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PDS) is an economically important condition in sows. The syndrome is characterized by a reduced milk and colostrum production within 12 to 48 hours post partum. The objective of this study was to determine whether preventive treatment with ketoprofen (Ketofen (R) 10%, Merial, Belgium) has a positive effect on the subclinical form of PDS. Sows (n = 39) were randomly divided into two groups: one served as control group whereas the other was treated intramuscularly with ketoprofen within twelve hours after parturition. During the first 24 hours postpartum, the rectal temperature of the sows decreased (-0.43 +/- 0.13 degrees C) in the ketoprofen group. In the control group, an increase was seen (+0.07 +/- 0.02 degrees C) (P < 0.05). There was no significant effect on back fat loss of the sows, weight gain of the piglets (n = 541) and survival rate. In conclusion, a single intramuscular administration of ketoprofen to sows shortly after farrowing decreased rectal temperature but did not improve the performance of the piglets