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Chen Y, Wang F, Li T, Zhao L, Gong A, Nan W, Ding P, Fu Y. Considerations and discussions on the clear definition and definite scope of brain-computer interfaces. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1449208. [PMID: 39161655 PMCID: PMC11330831 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1449208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain-computer interface (BCI) is a revolutionizing human-computer interaction with potential applications in both medical and non-medical fields, emerging as a cutting-edge and trending research direction. Increasing numbers of groups are engaging in BCI research and development. However, in recent years, there has been some confusion regarding BCI, including misleading and hyped propaganda about BCI, and even non-BCI technologies being labeled as BCI. Therefore, a clear definition and a definite scope for BCI are thoroughly considered and discussed in the paper, based on the existing definitions of BCI, including the six key or essential components of BCI. In the review, different from previous definitions of BCI, BCI paradigms and neural coding are explicitly included in the clear definition of BCI provided, and the BCI user (the brain) is clearly identified as a key component of the BCI system. Different people may have different viewpoints on the definition and scope of BCI, as well as some related issues, which are discussed in the article. This review argues that a clear definition and definite scope of BCI will benefit future research and commercial applications. It is hoped that this review will reduce some of the confusion surrounding BCI and promote sustainable development in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiao Chen
- Faculty of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Brain Cognition and Brain-Computer Intelligence Integration Group, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Faculty of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Brain Cognition and Brain-Computer Intelligence Integration Group, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Tianwen Li
- Brain Cognition and Brain-Computer Intelligence Integration Group, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Science, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Brain Cognition and Brain-Computer Intelligence Integration Group, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Faculty of Science, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Anmin Gong
- School of Information Engineering, Chinese People’s Armed Police Force Engineering University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenya Nan
- School of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Ding
- Faculty of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Brain Cognition and Brain-Computer Intelligence Integration Group, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yunfa Fu
- Faculty of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Brain Cognition and Brain-Computer Intelligence Integration Group, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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Yao Y, Hasan WZW, Jiao W, Dong X, Ramli HR, Norsahperi NMH, Wen D. ChatGPT and BCI-VR: a new integrated diagnostic and therapeutic perspective for the accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment of mild cognitive impairment. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1426055. [PMID: 38895167 PMCID: PMC11183516 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1426055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yiduo Yao
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - W. Z. W. Hasan
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wenlong Jiao
- Brain Computer Intelligence and Intelligent Health Institute, School of Intelligence Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Chengde, China
| | - Xianling Dong
- Hebei International Research Center of Medical Engineering, Chengde Medical University, Hebei, China
| | - H. R. Ramli
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - N. M. H. Norsahperi
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dong Wen
- Brain Computer Intelligence and Intelligent Health Institute, School of Intelligence Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Chengde, China
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Soldado-Magraner J, Antonietti A, French J, Higgins N, Young MJ, Larrivee D, Monteleone R. Applying the IEEE BRAIN neuroethics framework to intra-cortical brain-computer interfaces. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:022001. [PMID: 38537269 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad3852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Objective. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are neuroprosthetic devices that allow for direct interaction between brains and machines. These types of neurotechnologies have recently experienced a strong drive in research and development, given, in part, that they promise to restore motor and communication abilities in individuals experiencing severe paralysis. While a rich literature analyzes the ethical, legal, and sociocultural implications (ELSCI) of these novel neurotechnologies, engineers, clinicians and BCI practitioners often do not have enough exposure to these topics.Approach. Here, we present the IEEE Neuroethics Framework, an international, multiyear, iterative initiative aimed at developing a robust, accessible set of considerations for diverse stakeholders.Main results. Using the framework, we provide practical examples of ELSCI considerations for BCI neurotechnologies. We focus on invasive technologies, and in particular, devices that are implanted intra-cortically for medical research applications.Significance. We demonstrate the utility of our framework in exposing a wide range of implications across different intra-cortical BCI technology modalities and conclude with recommendations on how to utilize this knowledge in the development and application of ethical guidelines for BCI neurotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Soldado-Magraner
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States of America
| | - Alberto Antonietti
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano 20131, Italy
| | - Jennifer French
- Neurotech Network, St. Petersburg, FL 33733, United States of America
| | - Nathan Higgins
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Michael J Young
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States of America
| | - Denis Larrivee
- Mind and Brain Institute, University of Navarra Medical School, Pamplona, Navarra 31008, Spain
- Loyola University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Monteleone
- Disability Studies Program, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, United States of America
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Livanis E, Voultsos P, Vadikolias K, Pantazakos P, Tsaroucha A. Understanding the Ethical Issues of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs): A Blessing or the Beginning of a Dystopian Future? Cureus 2024; 16:e58243. [PMID: 38745805 PMCID: PMC11091939 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, scientific discoveries in the field of neuroscience combined with developments in the field of artificial intelligence have led to the development of a range of neurotechnologies. Advances in neuroimaging systems, neurostimulators, and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are leading to new ways of enhancing, controlling, and "reading" the brain. In addition, although BCIs were developed and used primarily in the medical field, they are now increasingly applied in other fields (entertainment, marketing, education, defense industry). We conducted a literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to provide background information about ethical issues related to the use of BCIs. Among the ethical issues that emerged from the thematic data analysis of the reviewed studies included questions revolving around human dignity, personhood and autonomy, user safety, stigma and discrimination, privacy and security, responsibility, research ethics, and social justice (including access to this technology). This paper attempts to address the various aspects of these concerns. A variety of distinct ethical issues were identified, which, for the most part, were in line with the findings of prior research. However, we identified two nuances, which are related to the empirical research on ethical issues related to BCIs and the impact of BCIs on international relationships. The paper also highlights the need for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the ethical development and use of this technology and concludes with several recommendations. The principles of bioethics provide an initial guiding framework, which, however, should be revised in the current artificial intelligence landscape so as to be responsive to challenges posed by the development and use of BCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstratios Livanis
- Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, GRC
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, GRC
| | - Polychronis Voultsos
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (Medical Law and Ethics) School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GRC
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, GRC
| | - Konstantinos Vadikolias
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, GRC
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupoli, GRC
| | - Panagiotis Pantazakos
- Department of Philosophy, School of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, GRC
| | - Alexandra Tsaroucha
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, GRC
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Yadav H, Maini S. Electroencephalogram based brain-computer interface: Applications, challenges, and opportunities. MULTIMEDIA TOOLS AND APPLICATIONS 2023:1-45. [PMID: 37362726 PMCID: PMC10157593 DOI: 10.1007/s11042-023-15653-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) is an exciting and emerging research area for researchers and scientists. It is a suitable combination of software and hardware to operate any device mentally. This review emphasizes the significant stages in the BCI domain, current problems, and state-of-the-art findings. This article also covers how current results can contribute to new knowledge about BCI, an overview of BCI from its early developments to recent advancements, BCI applications, challenges, and future directions. The authors pointed to unresolved issues and expressed how BCI is valuable for analyzing the human brain. Humans' dependence on machines has led humankind into a new future where BCI can play an essential role in improving this modern world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitesh Yadav
- Department of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology, Longowal, Punjab India
| | - Surita Maini
- Department of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology, Longowal, Punjab India
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Present and Emerging Ethical Issues with tDCS use: A Summary and Review. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12152-022-09508-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Lyreskog DM, Zohny H, Savulescu J, Singh I. Merging Minds: The Conceptual and Ethical Impacts of Emerging Technologies for Collective Minds. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2023; 16:12. [PMID: 37009261 PMCID: PMC10050050 DOI: 10.1007/s12152-023-09516-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
AbstractA growing number of technologies are currently being developed to improve and distribute thinking and decision-making. Rapid progress in brain-to-brain interfacing and swarming technologies promises to transform how we think about collective and collaborative cognitive tasks across domains, ranging from research to entertainment, and from therapeutics to military applications. As these tools continue to improve, we are prompted to monitor how they may affect our society on a broader level, but also how they may reshape our fundamental understanding of agency, responsibility, and other key concepts of our moral landscape.In this paper we take a closer look at this class of technologies – Technologies for Collective Minds – to see not only how their implementation may react with commonly held moral values, but also how they challenge our underlying concepts of what constitutes collective or individual agency. We argue that prominent contemporary frameworks for understanding collective agency and responsibility are insufficient in terms of accurately describing the relationships enabled by Technologies for Collective Minds, and that they therefore risk obstructing ethical analysis of the implementation of these technologies in society. We propose a more multidimensional approach to better understand this set of technologies, and to facilitate future research on the ethics of Technologies for Collective Minds.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Lyreskog
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Warneford Ln, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hazem Zohny
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Warneford Ln, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ilina Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Warneford Ln, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Chang D, Xiang Y, Zhao J, Qian Y, Li F. Exploration of Brain-Computer Interaction for Supporting Children's Attention Training: A Multimodal Design Based on Attention Network and Gamification Design. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15046. [PMID: 36429765 PMCID: PMC9690270 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology have shown great potential in terms of estimating users' mental state and supporting children's attention training. However, existing training tasks are relatively simple and lack a reliable task-generation process. Moreover, the training experience has not been deeply studied, and the empirical validation of the training effect is still insufficient. This study thusly proposed a BCI training system for children's attention improvement. In particular, to achieve a systematic training process, the attention network was referred to generate the training games for alerting, orienting and executive attentions, and to improve the training experience and adherence, the gamification design theory was introduced to derive attractive training tasks. A preliminary experiment was conducted to set and modify the training parameters. Subsequently, a series of contrasting user experiments were organized to examine the impact of BCI training. To test the training effect of the proposed system, a hypothesis-testing approach was adopted. The results revealed that the proposed BCI gamification attention training system can significantly improve the participants' attention behaviors and concentration ability. Moreover, an immersive, inspiring and smooth training process can be created, and a pleasant user experience can be achieved. Generally, this work is promising in terms of providing a valuable reference for related practices, especially for how to generate BCI attention training tasks using attention networks and how to improve training adherence by integrating multimodal gamification elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Chang
- School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yan Xiang
- School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yuning Qian
- School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Martini M, Kemper C. [Cybersecurity of brain-computer interfaces]. INTERNATIONAL CYBERSECURITY LAW REVIEW 2022; 3:191-243. [PMID: 37521509 PMCID: PMC8929247 DOI: 10.1365/s43439-022-00046-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Brain-computer interfaces inspire visions of superhuman powers, enabling users to control protheses and other devices solely with their thoughts. But the rapid development and commercialization of this technology also brings security risks. Attacks on brain-computer interfaces may cause harrowing consequences for users, from eavesdropping on neurological data to manipulating brain activity. At present, data protection law, the regulation of medical devices, and the new rules on the sale of goods with digital elements all govern aspects of cybersecurity. There are, nevertheless, significant gaps. The article analyzes how the legal system currently addresses the risks of cyberattacks on brain-computer interfaces-and how policymakers could address such risks in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Martini
- Deutsche Universität für Verwaltungswissenschaften (DUV), Speyer, Deutschland
- Deutsches Forschungsinstitut für öffentliche Verwaltung (FÖV), Speyer, Deutschland
| | - Carolin Kemper
- Deutsches Forschungsinstitut für öffentliche Verwaltung (FÖV), Speyer, Deutschland
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Abstract
Various phrases such as “social implications”, social impact” and “ethical, legal and social implications” are used to indicate the impact of a given scientific or technological advancements on the ‘social’. The impact on the ‘social’ is one focus of science and technology governance discussions. Many terms and phrases can be used to audit the engagement of a given technology (such as quantum technologies) with the ‘social’. Marginalized groups are particularly impacted by the ‘social’. Equity, Diversity, and, Inclusion (EDI) and similar phrases are part of discussing the ‘social’. EDI frameworks and phrases are employed as policy concepts to decrease the research, education, and general workplace problems members of marginalized groups such as women, Indigenous peoples, visible/racialized minorities, disabled people, and LGBTQ2S+ encounter at universities and other workplaces. How quantum technologies-focused discussions engage with the ‘social’ can impact EDI activities, and quantum technologies-focused discussions can be impacted in turn by EDI activities. The objective of this study was to map the engagement with the ‘social’ in the quantum technologies-focused academic literature. A scoping review coupled with a manifest coding approach was used to answer three research questions: (1) Which terms, phrases, and measures that can be seen to cover aspects of the ‘social’ are present in the quantum technologies-focused academic literature? (2) To what extent are EDI frameworks and phrases present in the quantum technologies-focused academic literature? (3) Which marginalized groups visible in EDI discourses are covered in the quantum technologies-focused academic literature? Using the academic databases SCOPUS, EBSCO-HOST, Web of Science, Compendex, Inspec Archive, and Knovel, 362,728 English language abstracts were obtained for the manifest coding using 62 Quantum-related technical phrases and 1062 English language abstracts were obtained using 17 non-technical Quantum-related phrases. Within the 362,728 abstracts of the 200 terms and phrases (which did not have to contain the term “social”) used to answer the research questions, 87 were not mentioned in any abstracts, 47 were mentioned in less than 10, 30 were mentioned in between 10 and 100, and 29 were mentioned in over 100 abstracts. Within the 1062 abstracts, 164 terms and phrases were not mentioned at all, 19 were mentioned in over 10, 8 were mentioned in between 10 and 100 (all false positive), and one was mentioned in over 100 abstracts (false positive). The term “social” or phrases containing “social” appeared in only 867 of the 362,728 abstracts and only 10 of the 1062 abstracts. EDI frameworks and phrases were not present in the 362,728 abstracts and 1062 abstracts, and many marginalized groups engaged with in EDI discussions were not present in the 362,728 and 1062 abstracts either. The results reveal vast opportunities to engage with the ‘social’ of quantum technologies in many different ways, including through EDI frameworks and concepts and by engaging with marginalized groups covered under EDI.
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Wang R, Zhu J, Zhang J, Ma Y, Jiang H. Psychological assessments of a senile patient with tetraplegia who received brain-computer interface implantation: a case report. Neurol Sci 2021; 43:1427-1430. [PMID: 34812967 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05393-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research on individuals with brain-computer interface (BCI) presents not only technological challenges but ethical challenges (e.g., psychological aspects) as well. We assessed the mental health of a senile patient with tetraplegia after an invasive implantation of BCI and a long-term daily training, in order to provide new experience about the ethical impact of BCI on users and inform future clinical applications of such devices. METHODS This case was a 71-year-old man with tetraplegia for 2 years. Prior to the implant surgery of BCI, and 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, and 9 months after training, a series of tests for cognition, emotion, social support, sleep, and quality of life were performed to evaluate the patient's mental health. RESULTS Compared with baseline before surgery, the patients' cognition, emotion, social support, sleep, and quality of life improved after the surgery and the long-term daily training. At 3 months post-training, the patient's cognitive score measured by Mini-mental State Examination reached the cutoff point for cognitive impairment in the elderly. Subjective well-being and quality of life showed a slight decline at 9 months post-training compared with that 3 months post-training but remained above the baseline. CONCLUSION This study shows the psychological benefits in a senile patient after an invasive BCI implantation and a long-term daily training. BCI ethics is still in its early stages, and further research is needed to understand emerging psychological states of this specific population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Junming Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Hongjie Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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Human Enhancements and Voting: Towards a Declaration of Rights and Responsibilities of Beings. PHILOSOPHIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/philosophies6010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The phenomenon and ethics of “voting” will be explored in the context of human enhancements. “Voting” will be examined for enhanced humans with moderate and extreme enhancements. Existing patterns of discrimination in voting around the globe could continue substantially “as is” for those with moderate enhancements. For extreme enhancements, voting rights could be challenged if the very humanity of the enhanced was in doubt. Humans who were not enhanced could also be disenfranchised if certain enhancements become prevalent. Voting will be examined using a theory of engagement articulated by Professor Sophie Loidolt that emphasizes the importance of legitimization and justification by “facing the appeal of the other” to determine what is “right” from a phenomenological first-person perspective. Seeking inspiration from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948, voting rights and responsibilities will be re-framed from a foundational working hypothesis that all enhanced and non-enhanced humans should have a right to vote directly. Representative voting will be considered as an admittedly imperfect alternative or additional option. The framework in which voting occurs, as well as the processes, temporal cadence, and role of voting, requires the participation from as diverse a group of humans as possible. Voting rights delivered by fiat to enhanced or non-enhanced humans who were excluded from participation in the design and ratification of the governance structure is not legitimate. Applying and extending Loidolt’s framework, we must recognize the urgency that demands the impossible, with openness to that universality in progress (or universality to come) that keeps being constituted from the outside.
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