Given its non-invasive nature, there is increasing interest in the use of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation across basic, translational and clinical research. Contemporaneously, tVNS can be achieved by stimulating either the auricular branch or the cervical bundle of the vagus nerve, referred to as transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and transcutaneous cervical VNS, respectively. In order to advance the field in a systematic manner, studies using these technologies need to adequately report sufficient methodological detail to enable comparison of results between (...) studies, replication of studies, as well as enhancing study participant safety. We systematically reviewed the existing tVNS literature to evaluate current reporting practices. Based on this review, and consensus among participating authors, we propose a set of minimal reporting items to guide future tVNS studies. The suggested items address specific technical aspects of the device and stimulation parameters. We also cover general recommendations including inclusion and exclusion criteria for participants, outcome parameters and the detailed reporting of side effects. Furthermore, we review strategies used to identify the optimal stimulation parameters for a given research setting and summarize ongoing developments in animal research with potential implications for the application of tVNS in humans. Finally, we discuss the potential of tVNS in future research as well as the associated challenges across several disciplines in research and clinical practice. (shrink)

Given its non-invasive nature, there is increasing interest in the use of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation across basic, translational and clinical research. Contemporaneously, tVNS can be achieved by stimulating either the auricular branch or the cervical bundle of the vagus nerve, referred to as transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and transcutaneous cervical VNS, respectively. In order to advance the field in a systematic manner, studies using these technologies need to adequately report sufficient methodological detail to enable comparison of results between (...) studies, replication of studies, as well as enhancing study participant safety. We systematically reviewed the existing tVNS literature to evaluate current reporting practices. Based on this review, and consensus among participating authors, we propose a set of minimal reporting items to guide future tVNS studies. The suggested items address specific technical aspects of the device and stimulation parameters. We also cover general recommendations including inclusion and exclusion criteria for participants, outcome parameters and the detailed reporting of side effects. Furthermore, we review strategies used to identify the optimal stimulation parameters for a given research setting and summarize ongoing developments in animal research with potential implications for the application of tVNS in humans. Finally, we discuss the potential of tVNS in future research as well as the associated challenges across several disciplines in research and clinical practice. (shrink)

Objective: To analyse the time variation of topics in bioethical publications as a proxy of the relative importance.Methods: We searched the Medline database for bioethics publications using the words “ethics or bioethics”, and for 360 specific topics publications, associating Medical Subject Heading topic descriptors to those words. We calculated the ratio of bioethics publications to the total publications of Medline, and the ratio of each topic publications to the total bioethics publications, for five-year intervals, from 1970 to 2004. We calculated (...) the time variation of ratios, dividing the difference between the highest and lowest ratio of each topic by its highest ratio. Four topics were described, selected to illustrate different patterns of variation: “Induced Abortion”, “Conflict of Interest”, “Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome”, “Medical Education.”Results: The ratio of bioethics publications to total Medline publications increased from 0.003 to 0.012. The variation of the topic’s ratios was higher than 0.7 for 68% of the topics. The Induced Abortion ratios decreased from 0.12 to 0.02. Conflict of Interest ratios increased from zero to 0.07. The Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ratios were nearly zero in the first three intervals, had a peak of 0.06 during 1985–9, followed by a decrease to 0.01. Medical Education ratios varied few, from 0.04 to 0.03.Conclusions: There was an increase of bioethical publications in the Medline database. The topics in bioethics literature have an important time variation. Some factors were suggested to explain this variation: current legal cases, resolution of the issue, saturation of a discussion and epidemiologic importance. (shrink)

We apply the Galilean covariant formulation of quantum dynamics to derive the phase-space representation of the Pauli–Schrödinger equation for the density matrix of spin-1/2 particles in the presence of an electromagnetic field. The Liouville operator for the particle with spin follows from using the Wigner–Moyal transformation and a suitable Clifford algebra constructed on the phase space of a (4 + 1)-dimensional space–time with Galilean geometry. Connections with the algebraic formalism of thermofield dynamics are also investigated.

We present a general derivation of the Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau (D.K.P) equation on the relativistic phase space proposed by Bohm and Hiley. We consider geometric algebras and the idea of algebraic spinors due to Riesz and Cartan. The generators βμ (p) of the D.K.P algebras are constructed in the standard fashion used to construct Clifford algebras out of bilinear forms. Free D.K.P particles and D.K.P particles in a prescribed external electromagnetic field are analized and general Liouville type equations for these cases are (...) obtained. Choosing particular values for the label p we classify the different types of the D.K.P Liouville operators. (shrink)

O termo racismo ambiental foi cunhado por Benjamin Franklin Chavis Jr. em 1981 nos Estados Unidos e de lá pra cá, este conceito foi sendo cada vez mais atrelado a uma materialização do racismo estrutural. A literatura tem mostrado que a discussão das relações étnico-raciais encontra pouco, ou nenhum lugar, nos cursos de formação de professores e, no caso do Ensino de Ciências, essa situação é ainda mais grave, uma vez que diversos professores acreditam que não cabe a eles abordar (...) questões como racismo, preconceito e discriminação. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma possibilidade de se discutir elementos da educação para as relações étnico raciais, a partir de um referencial que nos embasa, a Educação CTS (Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade), e de uma temática atual: o racismo ambiental. Para isso, elaboramos uma sequência de atividades utilizando o eixo C – Cidadania e Ação da Ferramenta Avaliativa Ciência-tecnologia-Sociedade (FACTS) como template para o planejamento destas atividades, o que se mostrou eficiente, uma vez que os critérios desta ferramenta, quando contemplados, apontam para o desenvolvimento de uma Educação Científica Crítica ao se trabalhar com conceitos relacionados à construção da cidadania e à participação cidadã. (shrink)

Metaphysical underdetermination arises when we are not able to decide, through purely theoretical criteria, between competing interpretations of scientific theories with different metaphysical commitments. This is the case in which non-relativistic quantum mechanics (QM) finds itself in. Among several available interpretations, there is the one that states that the interaction with the conscious mind of a human observer causes a change in the dynamics of quantum objects undergoing from indefinite to definite states. In this paper, we argue that there seems (...) to be also a metaphysical underdetermination concerning London and Bauer’s theory of measurement between two methods of phenomenological reduction: the eidetic and the transcendental approaches. Recently, Steven French argued that both methods can be combined in order to interpret London and Bauer’s formalism. However, in this paper we argue that the eidetic one is the only viable phenomenological way to interpret this particular theory of measurement in QM based on the formalism presented by London and Bauer, hence breaking this phenomenological underdetermination. (shrink)

There are decision problems in which rational deliberation fails to result in choosing a pure act. This phenomenon is known as decision instability and has been discussed in the literature on causal decision theory. In this paper we investigate another type of instability, called structural instability in dynamical systems theory. Structural instability indicates that certain qualitative features of the process of rational deliberation are under-determined in a decision situation. We illustrate some of the issues arising from structural instability with a (...) recent argument against causal decision theory proposed by Caspar Hare and Brian Hedden. We show that their argument is undermined by considerations arising from decision instability and structural instability. (shrink)

There are decision problems in which rational deliberation fails to result in choosing a pure act. This phenomenon is known as decision instability and has been discussed in the literature on causal decision theory. In this paper we investigate another type of instability, called structural instability in dynamical systems theory. Structural instability indicates that certain qualitative features of the process of rational deliberation are under-determined in a decision situation. We illustrate some of the issues arising from structural instability with a (...) recent argument against causal decision theory proposed by Caspar Hare and Brian Hedden. We show that their argument is undermined by considerations arising from decision instability and structural instability. (shrink)

According to a particular interpretation of quantum mechanics, the causal role of human consciousness in the measuring process is called upon to solve a foundational problem called the “measurement problem.” Traditionally, this interpretation is tied up with the metaphysics of substance dualism. As such, this interpretation of quantum mechanics inherits the dualist’s mind-body problem. Our working hypothesis is that a process-based approach to the consciousness causes collapse interpretation (CCCI) ---leaning on Whitehead’s solution to the mind-body problem--- offers a better metaphysical (...) understanding of consciousness and its role in interpreting quantum mechanics. This article is the kickoff for such a research program in the metaphysics of science. (shrink)

Games may seem like a waste of time, where we struggle under artificial rules for arbitrary goals. The author suggests that the rules and goals of games are not arbitrary at all. They are a way of specifying particular modes of agency. This is what make games a distinctive art form. Game designers designate goals and abilities for the player; they shape the agential skeleton which the player will inhabit during the game. Game designers work in the medium of agency. (...) Game-playing, then, illuminates a distinctive human capacity. We can take on ends temporarily for the sake of the experience of pursuing them. Game play shows that our agency is significantly more modular and more fluid than we might have thought. It also demonstrates our capacity to take on an inverted motivational structure. Sometimes we can take on an end for the sake of the activity of pursuing that end. (shrink)

Resumo: O artigo aborda a conjunção temática entre estética e política. Discute o pensamento de dois autores da filosofia contemporânea que fazem essa conexão: Kierkegaard e Rancière. Ele debate como o critério do interesse no estádio estético kierkegaardiano pode ser comparativamente analisado, no contexto estético-político de Rancière. O texto apresenta os regimes políticos de Rancière em alusão aos estádios da vida humana em Kierkegaard, especificamente se relacionando ao estádio estético. Objetiva oferecer um estudo atualizado da multiplicidade política contemporânea, através dos (...) diversos interesses estéticos que influenciam a formação social. O trabalho resulta em uma abordagem estético-política despida de inclinações ideológicas por si mesmas, mas que possibilita a indicação de vanguardas e retaguardas no pensamento político hodierno.: The paper concerns the relationship between politics and aesthetics In the philosophies of Kierkegaard and Rancière. The paper debates how the interests are the key element in Kierkegaard’s aesthetic stage in “comparison” to aesthetical-political context for Rancière. The paper presents the political regimes of Rancière in allusive recollection of human life stages as showed by Kierkegaard. The paper offers a study focused on the multiplicity of politics based on a vast of aesthetical interests and possibilities. The paper results in an aesthetical-political perception free from ideological aspiration, which is able to states avant-gardes and rearguards about nowadays political thinking. (shrink)

REFORMA POLÍTICA E FINANCIAMENTO DE CAMPANHA: ENTRE A IDEOLOGIA E NECESSIDADE.

Aborda os três estádios da vida humana tal como propostos por Kierkegaard. Foca na possibilidade de transição entre os estágios e as aplicabilidades teológicas de cada posicionamento descrito. Analisa o caráter existencial e antissistemático do pensamento kierkegaardiano; considera esses aspectos como relevantes em uma defesa do cristianismo ante à filosofia. Argumenta que o estádio religioso é o ápice da existência humana provisionado pelo salto de fé, ainda que conectado com os demais estádios existenciais, independentemente de qual estágio um homem se (...) encontre. A transição e variação entre os estádios são tomadas como um resultado da existência: é algo possível e comum ao homem, não sendo impossibilitadas segundo o atual estágio de vivência. Não incapacitam a simultânea e mútua intersecção entre os estádios, algo factível segundo a perspectiva teológica kierkegaardiana. Conclui que o estágio religioso é o desígnio existencial máximo após o salto de fé. (shrink)

Apresenta-se o tópico da verdade, em Martin Heidegger, ao explorar a relação existente entre o desvelamento do ente e a possibilidade desse entendimento da verdade ser compartilhado nos meandros coletivos do Dasein com os outros. Metodologicamente, adota-se a crítica da metafísica empreendida por Heidegger e observa-se que é possível traçar o entendimento de que a verdade, a partir do desvelamento do ente, é o ponto de convergência entre o Dasein e a forma como ele se relaciona com os outros que (...) lhe são semelhantes. Objetiva-se, primariamente, desenvolver os conceitos de formas de vida autêntica do Dasein em suas disposições comunitárias, em seu modo de ser coletivo, promovendo o entendimento “intersubjetivo” mútuo a partir do enfoque ontológico dado pelo filósofo. Como resultados do trabalho, observa-se que o estudo do ser-com os outros é imprescindível para que o entendimento do Dasein em toda a sua totalidade tanto em suas possibilidades hermenêuticas de ser-si-mesmo quanto em possibilidades mais alargadas de uma compreensão coletiva. (shrink)

Technology has substantially transformed the way legal services operate in many different countries. With a large and complex collection of digitized legal documents, the judiciary system worldwide presents a promising scenario for the development of intelligent tools. In this work, we tackle the challenging task of organizing and summarizing the constantly growing collection of legal documents, uncovering hidden topics, or themes that later can support tasks such as legal case retrieval and legal judgment prediction. Our approach to this problem relies (...) on topic discovery techniques combined with a variety of preprocessing techniques and learning-based vector representations of words, such as Doc2Vec and BERT-like models. The proposed method was validated using four different datasets composed of short and long legal documents in Brazilian Portuguese, from legal decisions to chapters in legal books. Analysis conducted by a team of legal specialists revealed the effectiveness of the proposed approach to uncover unique and relevant topics from large collections of legal documents, serving many purposes, such as giving support to legal case retrieval tools and also providing the team of legal specialists with a tool that can accelerate their work of labeling/tagging legal documents. (shrink)

There seems to be a deep tension between two aspects of aesthetic appreciation. On the one hand, we care about getting things right. On the other hand, we demand autonomy. We want appreciators to arrive at their aesthetic judgments through their own cognitive efforts, rather than deferring to experts. These two demands seem to be in tension; after all, if we want to get the right judgments, we should defer to the judgments of experts. The best explanation, I suggest, is (...) that aesthetic appreciation is something like a game. When we play a game, we try to win. But often, winning isn’t the point; playing is. Aesthetic appreciation involves the same flipped motivational structure: we aim at the goal of correctness, but having correct judgments isn’t the point. The point is the engaged process of interpreting, investigating, and exploring the aesthetic object. Deferring to aesthetic testimony, then, makes the same mistake as looking up the answer to a puzzle, rather than solving it for oneself. The shortcut defeats the whole point. This suggests a new account of aesthetic value: the engagement account. The primary value of the activity of aesthetic appreciation lies in the process of trying to generate correct judgments, and not in having correct judgments. -/- *There is an audio version available: look for the Soundcloud link, below.*. (shrink)

I propose to study one problem for epistemic dependence on experts: how to locate experts on what I will call cognitive islands. Cognitive islands are those domains for knowledge in which expertise is required to evaluate other experts. They exist under two conditions: first, that there is no test for expertise available to the inexpert; and second, that the domain is not linked to another domain with such a test. Cognitive islands are the places where we have the fewest resources (...) for evaluating experts, which makes our expert dependences particularly risky. -/- Some have argued that cognitive islands lead to the complete unusability of expert testimony: that anybody who needs expert advice on a cognitive island will be entirely unable to find it. I argue against this radical form of pessimism, but propose a more moderate alternative. I demonstrate that we have some resources for finding experts on cognitive islands, but that cognitive islands leave us vulnerable to an epistemic trap which I will call runaway echo chambers. In a runaway echo chamber, our inexpertise may lead us to pick out bad experts, which will simply reinforce our mistaken beliefs and sensibilities. (shrink)

O Livro dos Feitos é uma obra que apresenta as principais conquistas no âmbito da Reconquista realizadas pelo rei Jaime I de Aragão. Os objetos que formam sua tradição textual apresentam não somente as características do primeiro texto produzido pelo rei, mas também destacam as modificações/manipulações que foram acrescentadas aos diversos objetos da tradição textual no decorrer dos séculos. Neste artigo, apresentamos um dos objetos desta tradição textual, especificamente a edição R-15398 da Biblioteca Nacional de España, e analisamos a relação (...) entre o mesmo e sua historicidade. (shrink)

RESUMO Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar o conceito de aspas verbo-visuais e suas classificações. O fenômeno deve ser entendido como um desdobramento metaenunciativo opacificante, resultante de determinadas relações entre elementos verbais e visuais constitutivos de um mesmo enunciado, uma vez tomada sua dimensão verbo-visual. São três as classificações do fenômeno: aspas verbo-visuais de relação direta entre elementos verbais e visuais, aspas verbo-visuais de opacificação de elementos verbais no plano visual e aspas verbo-visuais de alegoria verbo-visual opacificante. A contribuição pretendida (...) é oferecer ao campo dos estudos sobre a linguagem o conceito de aspas verbo-visuais e suas classificações, com o intuito de auxiliar com um novo instrumental teórico-metodológico as pesquisas que se debruçam sobre a dimensão verbo-visual dos enunciados e suas formas de produção de efeitos de sentido. ABSTRACT This article aims to present the concept of verbal-visual quotation marks and their classifications. Once the phenomenon is taken in its verbal-visual dimension, it must be understood as an opacifying meta-utterative unfolding, resulting from certain relations between verbal and visual elements that constitute the same utterance. The three classifications of the phenomenon are: verbal-visual quotation marks with a direct relationship between verbal and visual elements; verbal-visual quotation marks that opacify verbal elements on the visual plane, and verbal-visual quotation marks with opacifying verbal-visual allegory. This paper aims to contribute to the field of language studies by providing it with the concept of verbal-visual quotation marks and its classifications, and to offer a new theoretical-methodological instrument to research that focuses on the verbal-visual dimension of utterances and their ways of producing meaning effects. (shrink)

[This book] develops an account of rationality and justice that is tradition specific.-http://undpress.nd.edu.