Knowledge Of Modalities Research Articles

Is Knowledge of Essence the Basis of Modal Knowledge?

E. J. Lowe offers an account of modal knowledge that involves two primary theses. First, the basis of modal knowledge is essential knowledge, and the source of essential knowledge is grasp of essence. Second, all empirical knowledge ultimately depends on some modal knowledge. This article assesses Lowe’s account and defends four conclusions. First, there is a tension in Lowe’s account of grasp of essence; it wavers between an undemanding version, which holds that grasp of essence requires no more than our ordinary understanding of propositions, and a more demanding version, which holds that it requires rational insight into necessary relationships between essences. Second, both versions face serious challenges. Third, Lowe’s account of knowledge of essence does not provide a basis for modal knowledge. Fourth, Lowe’s supporting argument for his second thesis contains two significant gaps and the principles necessary to close the gaps reveal further tensions in his epistemological views.

The Limits of Modal Knowledge

Modal agnosticism is the view that we must be agnostic about whether things could have turned out differently. I argue that claims about unrealised possibilities (what I term ‘merely metaphysical modal claims’) are not justified by our modal intuitions, nor are they justified by any of the means proposed by philosophers. It follows that we do not have merely metaphysical modal knowledge, and that we must adopt modal agnosticism.

Non‐uniformism about the Epistemology of Modality: Strong and Weak

Uniformism about the epistemology of modality is the view that there is only one basic route to modal knowledge; non-uniformism is the view that there are several. Non-uniformism is becoming an inc ...

Counterfactuals versus conceivability as a guide to modal knowledge

I compare two prominent approaches to knowledge of metaphysical modality, the more traditional approach via conceiving viz. imagining a scenario and a more recent approach via counterfactual reasoning. In particular, Timothy Williamson has claimed that the proper context for a modal exercise of imagination is a counterfactual supposition. I critically assess this claim, arguing that a purely conceivability/imaginability-based approach has a key advantage compared to a counterfactual-based one. It can take on board Williamson’s insights about the structure of modal imagination while avoiding aspects of counterfactual reasoning which are orthogonal to figuring out metaphysical modality. In assessing whether A is possible, we creatively devise test scenarios, psychologically and metaphysically apt A-scenarios, which manifest the relevant metaphysical requirements and test them for their compatibility with A. In this exercise, imagination is subject to implicit constraints as Williamson has it, but it is not bound to drawing consequences from minimally altering actuality such as to make room for A.

Two Kinds of Exploratory Models

I analyze the exploratory function of two main modeling practices: targetless fictional models and hypothetical perspectival models. In both cases, I argue, modelers invite us to imagine or conceive something about the target system, which is known to be either nonexistent (fictional models) or just hypothetical (in perspectival models). I clarify the kind of imagining or conceiving involved in each modeling practice, and I show how each—in its own right—delivers important modal knowledge. I illustrate these two kinds of exploratory models with Maxwell’s ether model and supersymmetric particle models at the Large Hadron Collider.

Knowledge, attitude, and perceived barriers regarding colorectal cancer screening practices and risk factors among medical students in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health problem. It is the third most diagnosed common tumour and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early screening has been shown to decrease the incidence of CRC cancer and decrease mortality. In Saudi Arabia (SA), there is no national policy for CRC screening despite the growing incidence of the disease. This study investigated the knowledge of risk factors for CRC, recommendations for screening, and attitudes and barriers towards screening among medical students.MethodsData was collected using a self-administered valid and reliable questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and barriers measurements completed by 581 medical students from two Saudi schools. Frequencies and mean scores of knowledge and attitude were determined. The likelihood of students having adequate knowledge of CRC risk factors and screening modalities was estimated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsKnowledge of the risk factors for CRC and screening modalities, and attitude towards screening were poor in 52.47 and 57.83% of the surveyed medical students; respectively. Higher level of medical education (OR = 3.23; 95% CI: 2.01–5.18) and a positive attitude towards CRC screening (OR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.86–4.03) were independent predictors of higher knowledge levels. Lack of awareness about CRC and screening modalities among patients, and shortage of specialized healthcare providers were barriers independently associated with low knowledge levels.ConclusionsSaudi medical students have limited knowledge of CRC risk factors of and a poor attitude towards CRC screening. These results contribute to our understanding of missed teaching opportunities in Saudi medical schools and suggest intervening at the medical school, clinical practice, and population levels to increase CRC screening practices.

Emergency contraception in Jordan: Assessing retail pharmacists’ awareness, opinions, and perceptions of need

ObjectivesJordan has a robust contraceptive method mix in both the public and private sectors and oral contraceptive pills and the copper-T intrauterine device are widely available. However, Jordan remains one of only a few countries in the world without a registered dedicated product for emergency contraception (EC). We aimed to explore retail pharmacists’ knowledge of and attitudes toward EC in six Jordanian governorates. Study designIn 2016, we conducted 100 structured interviews with pharmacists in both urban and rural areas regarding their EC knowledge and provision practices. We interviewed representatives from both chain and independently-owned pharmacies in purposively selected areas of the country. We analyzed interviews for content and themes using deductive and inductive techniques. ResultsOur findings reveal a lack of knowledge of all EC modalities as well as misinformation about effectiveness and protocols for use. However, after describing dedicated progestin-only EC pills, study participants expressed tremendous enthusiasm for a dedicated product and the overwhelming majority indicated that they would stock EC pills if and when they were registered. ConclusionThe private sector plays a major role in contraceptive service delivery in Jordan. Although pharmacists are not well-versed in post-coital contraception they appear interested in incorporating EC pills into the contraceptive method mix. Redoubling efforts to register a dedicated progestin-only EC pill and supporting initiatives to educate pharmacists about how to use available technologies as EC appear warranted. ImplicationsLack of access to emergency contraception has significant implications for women, in general, and refugee and displaced populations in particular. Supporting efforts to incorporate EC pills into the contraceptive mix in Jordan is a first step in supporting adherence to global standards of care and could help address unmet contraceptive needs.

Use of Complementary and Integrative Therapies by Fibromyalgia Patients: A 14-Year Follow-up Study.

ObjectiveTo reevaluate the frequency and pattern of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) use in patients with fibromyalgia (FM).Patients and MethodsConsecutive patients with FM who were referred to the Mayo Clinic fibromyalgia treatment program from January 5 through July 27, 2017, were invited to complete a survey about their use of CIM therapies in the preceding 6 months. The survey asked about 3 primary CIM domains: treatments and techniques, vitamins and minerals, and herbs and other dietary supplements. For direct comparative purposes, we reused the survey instrument from our prior analogous study of CIM use, performed in 2003.ResultsOf the 310 patients who completed the survey, 304 (98.1%) reported using some form of CIM, similar to the percentage reported in our 2003 study (98%). The most frequently used CIM therapies in the current cohort were spiritual healing (54.0% [163 of 302]), massage therapy (50.0% [152 of 304]), chiropractic treatments (39.3% [118 of 300]), aromatherapy (39.0% [117 of 300]), exercise for a specific medical problem (38.6% [117 of 303]), melatonin (37.9% [77 of 203]), magnesium (36.3% [107 of 295]), green tea (36.1% [73 of 202]), and fish oil (34.5% [68 of 197]). We noted numerous substantial differences from the 2003 data in terms of the pattern of CIM use.ConclusionThe use of CIM therapies among patients with FM continues to be extremely common for adult patients of all ages. Given the continued high prevalence of CIM use, health care professionals must have awareness and knowledge of these various modalities and their potential incorporation into a multifaceted FM treatment regimen.

A Semantic Approach to the English Modality

Modality is a semantic concept dealing with necessity and possibility of the knowledge of the world. It is basically divided into two types, viz. epistemic modality and deontic modality. Various grammatical categories are possibly used to show modality. However, modal verbs are one of the most important means related to the modality. Modal verbs are flexible in showing modality. This article discusses basic knowledge of modality including definition, classification (epistemic and deontic) and relationship between modality and modal verbs etc.

Current Status of Molecular Imaging of Infection: A Primer.

OBJECTIVE. Molecular imaging of infection has evolved since its inception. This articles covers a number of infectious processes, including osteomyelitis, diabetic foot infections, periprosthetic infections, cardiovascular infections (including those due to implantable devices), abdominal infections, and fever of unknown origin. Planar, SPECT, SPECT/CT, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and PET/MRI are also discussed. CONCLUSION. Molecular imaging of infection is a complex topic. Knowledge of the available modalities allows the imager to select the highest-yield study to answer the clinical question.

E. J. Lowe on the modal ontological argument

AbstractE. J. Lowe has defended a modal ontological argument that draws upon Plantinga's version. Briefly, the argument is this: God is a necessary being; possibly, God exists; hence, God exists. In this article, I accept the validity of Lowe's modal ontological argument and focus on how he seeks to justify the argument's possibility claim in reference to his essence-based account of modal knowledge. I argue that here Lowe's defence fails. I have two complaints. I call them ‘the modified “perfect island” objection’ and ‘the conflicting possibilities objection’. Both of these refer to the concern that Lowe's modal epistemology is too permissive: it permits justification of possibility claims that question the acceptability of the underlying modal epistemology.

Knowledge and Practice of Cervical Cancer Screening among Women in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria.

Background: Cervical cancer is the 2nd commonest cancer among women worldwide and the most common cancer among women in developing countries like Nigeria. Though preventable by screening for premalignant and early cervical lesions, this is predicated on the knowledge and practice of a cervical screening. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of cervical cancer screening among women in Orlu, Local Government Area(LGA) Imo State, Nigeria. Materials & Methods: A community based cross-sectional study with the use of 502 interviewer – administered questionnaires was conducted among women in Orlu LGA of Imo State. All the women in the communities attending the annual August Meeting who consented were recruited for this study. Results: The study showed that the mean age of the respondents was 42±2.8years. Furthermore, 82.3% of respondents attained postsecondary school educational level, 61.8% & 21.1% were multiparous and grand multiparous respectively. Also, 80.5% of respondents have heard about cervical cancer screening. Majority (67.5%) of these respondents heard it from health care providers. There was a positive statistically significant relationship between educational status and the likelihood of having knowledge of cervical cancer screening, (p< 0.01). The level of practice of cervical cancer screening was very low among the respondents(13.5%).Though majority of the respondents have high level of educational attainment this did not reflect their practice of cervical cancer screening. Conclusion: There was high knowledge of cervical cancer and cervical screening modalities among women in Orlu but their practice of cervical cancer screening was very low. There is an urgent need to educate and encourage women on the benefits of cervical cancer screening. Key words: cervical cancer, knowledge, Practice, Orlu women, Screening.

Nursing Challenges Caring for HSCT Patients with Gvhd

Topic Significance & Study Purpose/Background/Rationale care of BMT patients is complicated. Trends in BMT demonstrated improved survival with patients experiencing better quality of life (QOL) during treatment, early recovery and long term because of expanding pool of stem cell sources, more effective less toxic regimens, new supportive care drugs, maintenance therapy and specialized medical and nursing care. Nonetheless, disease recurrence, graft versus host disease (GVHD), organ failure and secondary cancer are common causes of late death. considerations of HSCT patients with requires an additional set of skills and knowledge that include side effects both expected and less common, assessment skills, treatment administration both standard and novel, and acute or intensive care. care of patients with acute and chronic also require symptom recognition and knowledge of treatment modalities, management and care of both physical and psychosocial elements, and requires consistent coordination of care for possible prolonged period of time. The nurses' role is to advocate for the HSCT patient and that may include preparing for end of life if the patient's disease is refractory to treatment for GVHD. Methods, Intervention, & Analysis Specialized clinics have been set up at many larger centers. This is a multidisciplinary clinic that includes the clinic nurse, APP, BMT physician who specializes in GVHD, dermatologist and other experts in the field of gynecology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, GI medicine, pulmonary, pathology, symptom research, infectious disease, endocrinology, dental and ophthalmology. The patient is always in the central in the clinic focus. Findings & Interpretation care of BMT patients with skin will be determined by the degree of skin alteration with distinct decisions made about hygiene, both topical and systemic treatment, infection prevention, relief of discomfort, functional ability (ADL) and body image alteration. Care of the patient with chronic will also focus on prevention and early detection. Discussion & Implications Patient education about such aspects as sun protection, skin assessment, and recognition of risk for skin and oral cancer are important and covered in our survivorship program patient visit at or around day 100. A one-page handout on Nursing Care Consideration of Skin GVHD will be discussed.

Kant on the epistemic role of the imagination

In recent years, more and more people have become attracted by the idea that the imagination should play a central role in explaining our knowledge of what is possible and necessary and what would be the case if things were different from how they actually are. The biggest challenge for this account is to explain how the imagination can be restricted in such a way that it can play this epistemic role, for there are certainly also unrestricted uses of the imagination in which it fails to yield the requisite knowledge. In this paper, I inquire how Kant’s account of the imagination could inspire the contemporary debate at this point. I first give an overview about Kant’s account of the imagination and its different roles for our cognition of the real world. I then show that some recent attempts to separate the epistemically valuable uses of the imagination from the epistemically worthless ones bear some striking similarities to Kant’s ideas about how the imagination helps us to get insight into metaphysical possibility. By discussing what Kant says about the method of a priori imaginative construction in the case of concepts such as that of matter and that of disembodied minds, I also point to those aspects of his view which make his views really distinct from all contemporary accounts, but which he himself thought bear the greatest potential of making the imagination a source of modal knowledge.

Effect of teaching communication skills to medical undergraduate students: An exploratory study

Introduction: Good communication skills are an essential component of physician training. Effective communication between the doctor and the patient leads to better compliance, better health outcomes, decreased litigation, and higher satisfaction both for doctors and patients. Traditional medical teaching imparts students with theoretical and practical knowledge of diseases process, diagnostic and treatment modalities but does not address communication skills, which are most essential in dealing with patients. Material and Methods: The present randomized control study was conducted in a Medical College of North Karnataka. A total of 60 students participated who were randomly assigned into two groups. Attitude toward learning communication skill was assessed using the Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS). Pre- and post-assessment of communication skill was done using the Kalamazoo Essential Elements Communication Checklist. Results: All the study participants (n = 60) were 3rd-year MBBS students with the mean age of 21 ± 1.8 years. The CSAS median score for positive attitude was 57.5 and for negative attitude was 25 (minimum score = 13 and maximum score = 65). Significant difference was noted in the study group after training in communication skills (P Conclusion: Adequate training in communication does improve the skills of medical students and help in better relationship with patients.

Role play - An effective tool to teach communication skills in pediatrics to medical undergraduates.

PURPOSE:Communication skills are essential for medical practice throughout the life of a doctor. Traditional undergraduate medical teaching in pediatrics focuses on teaching students with theoretical and practical knowledge of diseases, their diagnosis, and treatment modalities. This study was done to use role play as a tool to teach basic communication skills to the final-year undergraduate students in pediatrics and to assess perceptions of students and faculty for using role play to teach counseling and communication skills in pediatrics.METHODS:It was an observational, questionnaire-based study conducted in the Department of Pediatrics on the final-year medical undergraduates. Two modules for role play on common pediatric topics were designed and role play was conducted. At the end of the session, student and faculty feedback were taken by a prevalidated questionnaire with both close (using the 5-point Likert scale) and open-ended questions. In pre- and post-role play sessions, communication skills assessment scoring was done. Statistical evaluation of the collected data was then carried out using SPSS 22.RESULTS:A total of 98 final-year students participated in this study. Role play was found to be the most preferred tool (33%) for teaching communication skills to the students. Majority of the students (88.78%) and faculty (91.67%) felt that role play helped in teaching communicating skills. Comparison of pre- and post-role play scores on communication skills showed statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Role play can be used as an effective tool to teach communication skills to undergraduate medical students in pediatrics.

Awareness and Knowledge of Physiotherapy among Medical and Health Sciences Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Inter-disciplinary collaboration between members of the health care team is an emerging importance in today’s context. It is therefore fundamental for health professional students to have a good understanding of the roles of health professions other than their own to achieve better outcomes in the delivery of health care when they begin to practice. The purposes of the study were: (1) to ascertain the level of awareness and knowledge of physiotherapy among medical and health sciences students and (2) to assess the need to emphasize inter-professional education in their curriculum. Methods: A total of 198 students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of UTAR Sungai Long Campus participated in the study. The method for sampling applied was non-probability sampling using convenient sampling technique. A pre-validated printed questionnaire was distributed to Medical, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Nursing students. Data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentage analysis. The statistical tests used in this study were Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test. Results: 98.5% of the students reported that they knew what physiotherapy is. However, only 37.4% of the students had adequate awareness of physiotherapist work setting, and 4% had adequate awareness of sub-specialties in physiotherapy. A high number of students had inadequate knowledge on the cases seen by physiotherapists (87.9%) and the conditions treated by physiotherapists (90.9%). About 57.6% students had inadequate knowledge of the examination procedures conducted by physiotherapists, and 98% had inadequate knowledge of physiotherapy modalities. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is lack of awareness and knowledge of physiotherapy among medical and health sciences undergraduates. Appropriate strategies must be taken to enhance their knowledge about physiotherapy. This can be done through the emphasis of inter-professional education during their undergraduate program of study.

Is mathematical knowledge a precedent for modal knowledge?: A novel objection to Lewis’s modal epistemology

Abstract The goal of this paper is to raise a novel objection to Lewis’s modal realist epistemology. After reformulating his modal epistemology, I shall argue that his view that we have necessary knowledge of the existence of counterparts ends up with an absurdity. Specifically, his analogy between mathematical knowledge and modal knowledge leads to an unpleasant conclusion that one’s counterpart exists in all possible worlds. My argument shows that if Lewis’s modal realism is true, we cannot know what is possible. Conversely, if we can know what is possible, his modal realism is false. In the remainder of the paper, I shall consider and block possible objections to my argument.

НАПРЯМИ РОЗРОБКИ ІНТЕЛЕКТУАЛЬНИХ МОДЕЛЕЙ ТА МЕТОДІВ ОБРОБКИ ІНФОРМАЦІЇ ДЛЯ УПРАВЛІННЯ ПРОЦЕСОМ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНОЇ ПІДТРИМКИ ПРИЙНЯТТЯ РІШЕНЬ В АВТОМАТИЗОВАНИХ СИСТЕМАХ УПРАВЛІННЯ ПОВІТРЯНИМ РУХОМ

В роботі запропоновано шляхи переходу від машиноцентричного до антропометричного підходу при проектуванні автоматизованих систем управління повітряним рухом, з урахуванням сучасних досягнень розробки та впровадження систем підтримки прийняття рішень в складних організаційно-технічних системах. Удосконалення ситуаційного аналізу обстановки для управління процесом інформаційної підтримки прийняття рішень оператором автоматизованих систем управління повітряним рухом передбачає підвищення рівня автоматизації і інтелектуалізацію низки задач до яких відносяться оцінка обстановки, яка складається в зоні відповідальності органу управління; розробка методів представлення знань про завдання виявлення нештатних ситуацій в повітряному просторі; вибір і розробка методів і процедур формалізації знань про обстановку, яка складається; розробка процедур інтерпретації модальних знань; розробка методів вирішення завдань оцінки обстановки, яка складається; розробка методів розв'язання задач розпізнавання та оцінки позаштатних ситуацій в повітряному просторі; оцінка ступеня небезпеки ситуацій, що складаються в межах зони відповідальності органу управління. В результаті даного дослідження визначені напрями розробки та удосконалення інтелектуальних моделей та методів обробки інформації для управління процесом інформаційної підтримки при прийнятті рішень в автоматизованих системах управління повітряним рухом. Запропонований підхід, який передбачає необхідність розробки методів автоматизованого рішення задач оцінки обстановки, а також зміни структури інформаційних моделей і методів управління ними. При цьому ситуації обстановки, що складаються мають бути класифіковані а задача підготовки прийняття рішення має розглядатися як задача розпізнавання.

Acid Peptic Disease.

The management of peptic ulcer disease has radically changed over the last 40years from primarily surgical treatment to medical therapy nearly eliminating the need for elective surgery in these patients. Although there has been a decline in patients requiring acute surgical intervention for complications of peptic ulcer disease (perforation, bleeding, and obstruction), these patients still make up a significant proportion of hospital admissions every year. The modern acute care surgeon must have significant knowledge of the multiple treatment modalities used to appropriately care for these patients.