Do Publics Share Experts’ Concerns about Brain–Computer Interfaces? A Trinational Survey on the Ethics of Neural Technology

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 1242-1270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Sample ◽  
Sebastian Sattler ◽  
Stefanie Blain-Moraes ◽  
David Rodríguez-Arias ◽  
Eric Racine
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Academic Ethics ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
The 1960S

Since the 1960s, scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals have developed brain–computer interface (BCI) technologies, connecting the user’s brain activity to communication or motor devices. This new technology has also captured the imagination of publics, industry, and ethicists. Academic ethics has highlighted the ethical challenges of BCIs, although these conclusions often rely on speculative or conceptual methods rather than empirical evidence or public engagement. From a social science or empirical ethics perspective, this tendency could be considered problematic and even technocratic because of its disconnect from publics. In response, our trinational survey (Germany, Canada, and Spain) reports public attitudes toward BCIs ( N = 1,403) on ethical issues that were carefully derived from academic ethics literature. The results show moderately high levels of concern toward agent-related issues (e.g., changing the user’s self) and consequence-related issues (e.g., new forms of hacking). Both facets of concern were higher among respondents who reported as female or as religious, while education, age, own and peer disability, and country of residence were associated with either agent-related or consequence-related concerns. These findings provide a first look at BCI attitudes across three national contexts, suggesting that the language and content of academic BCI ethics may resonate with some publics and their values.

scholarly journals Ethical Considerations in Ending Exploratory Brain–Computer Interface Research Studies in Locked-in Syndrome

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 660-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
ERAN KLEIN ◽  
BETTS PETERS ◽  
MATT HIGGER
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Brain Computer Interface ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Ethical Frameworks ◽  
Recent Attention ◽  
Potential Tool

Abstract:Brain–computer interface (BCI) is a promising technology for restoring communication in individuals with locked-in syndrome (LIS). BCI technology offers a potential tool for individuals with impaired or absent means of effective communication to use brain activity to control an output device such as a computer keyboard. Exploratory studies of BCI devices for communication in people with LIS are underway. Research with individuals with LIS presents not only technological challenges, but ethical challenges as well. Whereas recent attention has been focused on ethical issues that arise at the initiation of studies, such as how to obtain valid consent, relatively little attention has been given to issues at the conclusion of studies. BCI research in LIS highlights one such challenge: How to decide when an exploratory BCI research study should end. In this article, we present the case of an individual with presumed LIS enrolled in an exploratory BCI study. We consider whether two common ethical frameworks for stopping randomized clinical trials—equipoise and nonexploitation—can be usefully applied to elucidating researcher obligations to end exploratory BCI research. We argue that neither framework is a good fit for exploratory BCI research. Instead, we apply recent work on clinician-researcher fiduciary obligations and in turn offer some preliminary recommendations for BCI researchers on how to end exploratory BCI studies.

scholarly journals Engineering Ethics of Neuralink Brain Computer Interfaces Devices

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akram Jassim Jawad
Keyword(s):  
Smart Home ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Engineering Ethics ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Engineering Profession ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk

Nowadays, smart home devices have started to take a part in everything in our life, which mainly have been developed to consist from brain computer interface (BCI). In recent months, Neuralink BCI (1024-Electode) has been approved to be used by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA. That makes the ethical related studies have more attention to apply these devices and technologies in our daily life with more security. In this work, the ethical challenges of smart home systems that use BCI for personal monitoring, such as Neuralink Interfaces, have been reviewed, analysed and discussed regarding the fundamental principles in ‘Statement of Ethical Principles for the Engineering Profession’ of the UK. Firstly, a brief introduction of Neuralink BCI technology and important applications in daily life were discussed with related ethics issues. Then, proposed solutions and recommendations for every situation have been introduced and discussed as well. The main proposed ways to address that are establishing and introducing the related laws and rules, technology development of security and safety, and educate for acceptance culture in the society.

scholarly journals Brain-Computer Interfaces for Internet of Things

Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (18) ◽  
pp. 1179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Laport ◽  
Francisco J. Vazquez-Araujo ◽  
Paula M. Castro ◽  
Adriana Dapena
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Communication Protocol ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Brain Computer Interface ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Event Classification ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
Controlling Elements ◽  
Artefact Reduction ◽  
The Brain

A brain-computer interface for controlling elements commonly used at home is presented in this paper. It includes the electroencephalography device needed to acquire signals associated to the brain activity, the algorithms for artefact reduction and event classification, and the communication protocol.

Brain Computer Interfaces for Silent Speech

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousef Rezaei Tabar ◽  
Ugur Halici
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Speech Communication ◽  
Disabled People ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
Life Problems ◽  
Signal Processing Methods ◽  
Silent Speech ◽  
Bci System ◽  
Different Parts

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) systems provide control of external devices by using only brain activity. In recent years, there has been a great interest in developing BCI systems for different applications. These systems are capable of solving daily life problems for both healthy and disabled people. One of the most important applications of BCI is to provide communication for disabled people that are totally paralysed. In this paper, different parts of a BCI system and different methods used in each part are reviewed. Neuroimaging devices, with an emphasis on EEG (electroencephalography), are presented and brain activities as well as signal processing methods used in EEG-based BCIs are explained in detail. Current methods and paradigms in BCI based speech communication are considered.

Resources and constraints for addressing ethical issues in medical humanitarian work: Experiences of expatriate healthcare professionals

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 261-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew R. Hunt, PT, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Nongovernmental Organizations ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
Humanitarian Relief ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Emergency Assistance ◽  
Healthcare Practice ◽  
The Impact

Objective: International nongovernmental organizations frequently provide emergency assistance in settings where armed conflict or natural disaster overwhelm the capacity of local and national agencies to respond to health and related needs of affected communities. Healthcare practice in humanitarian settings presents distinct clinical, logistical, and ethical challenges for clinicians and differs in important ways from clinical practice in the home countries of expatriate healthcare professionals. The aim of this research was to examine the moral experience of healthcare professionals who participate in humanitarian relief work.Design: I conducted a qualitative research study using interpretive description methodology.Participants: Fifteen Canadian healthcare professionals and three human resource or field coordination officers for nongovernmental organizations were interviewed.Results: In this article, I present findings related to expatriate healthcare professionals’ experiences of resources and constraints for addressing ethical issues in humanitarian crises. Resources for ethics deliberation and reflection include the following: opportunities for discussion; accessing and understanding local perspectives; access to outside perspectives; attitudes, such as humility, open-mindedness, and reflexivity; and development of good moral “reflexes.” Constraints for deliberation and reflection relate to three domains: individual considerations, contextual features of humanitarian relief work, and local team and project factors.Conclusion: These findings illuminate the complex nature of ethical reflection, deliberation, and decision-making in humanitarian healthcare practice. Healthcare professionals and relief organizations should seek to build upon resources for addressing ethical issues. When possible, they should minimize the impact of features that function as constraints.

scholarly journals Brain Computer Interface Controlled Voice Assistant

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 2370-2377
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Brain Computer Interface ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Project Work ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Bci System

A brain-controlled robot using brain computer interfaces (BCIs) was explored in this project. BCIs are systems that are able to circumvent traditional communication channels (i.e. muscles and thoughts), to ensure the human brain and physical devices communicate directly and are in charge by converting various patterns of brain activity to instructions in real time. An automation can be managed with these commands. The project work seeks to build and monitor a program that can help the disabled people accomplish certain activities independently of others in their daily lives. Develop open-source EEG and brain-computer interface analysis software. The quality and performance of BCI of different EEG signals are compared. Variable signals obtained through MATLAB Processing from the Brainwave sensor. Automation modules operate by means of the BCI system. The Brain Computer Interface aims to build a fast and reliable link between a person's brain and a personal computer. The controls also use the Brain-Computer Interface for home appliances. The system will integrate with any smartphones voice assistant.

EEG-Based Brain–Computer Interfaces

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert Pfurtscheller ◽  
Clemens Brunner ◽  
Christa Neuper
Keyword(s):  
Communication Channel ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Clinical Applications ◽  
Current User ◽  
Physiological Signals ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
Control Signals ◽  
And Control ◽  
Eeg Features

A brain–computer interface (BCI) offers an alternative to natural communication and control by recording brain activity, processing it online, and producing control signals that reflect the user’s intent or the current user state. Therefore, a BCI provides a non-muscular communication channel that can be used to convey messages and commands without any muscle activity. This chapter presents information on the use of different electroencephalographic (EEG) features such as steady-state visual evoked potentials, P300 components, event-related desynchronization, or a combination of different EEG features and other physiological signals for EEG-based BCIs. This chapter also reviews motor imagery as a control strategy, discusses various training paradigms, and highlights the importance of feedback. It also discusses important clinical applications such as spelling systems, neuroprostheses, and rehabilitation after stroke. The chapter concludes with a discussion on different perspectives for the future of BCIs.

scholarly journals Brain-Computer Interfaces for Internet of Things

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Laport ◽  
Francisco J. Vazquez-Araujo ◽  
Paula M. Castro ◽  
Adriana Dapena
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Communication Protocol ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Brain Computer Interface ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Event Classification ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
Controlling Elements ◽  
Artefact Reduction ◽  
The Brain

A brain-computer interface for controlling elements commonly used at home is presented in this paper. It includes the electroencephalography device needed to acquire signals associated to the brain activity, the algorithms for artefact reduction and event classification, and the communication protocol.

scholarly journals Using Brain-Computer Interface to Control a Virtual Drone Using Non-Invasive Motor Imagery and Machine Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 11876
Author(s):  
Catalin Dumitrescu ◽  
Ilona-Madalina Costea ◽  
Augustin Semenescu
Keyword(s):  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Brain Computer Interface ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Extraction Methods ◽  
Computer Interface ◽  
Eeg Signals ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
Sensorimotor Rhythms

In recent years, the control of devices “by the power of the mind” has become a very controversial topic but has also been very well researched in the field of state-of-the-art gadgets, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and even smart TVs, and also in medicine, to be used by people with disabilities for whom these technologies may be the only way to communicate with the outside world. It is well known that BCI control is a skill and can be improved through practice and training. This paper aims to improve and diversify signal processing methods for the implementation of a brain-computer interface (BCI) based on neurological phenomena recorded during motor tasks using motor imagery (MI). The aim of the research is to extract, select and classify the characteristics of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, which are based on sensorimotor rhythms, for the implementation of BCI systems. This article investigates systems based on brain-computer interfaces, especially those that use the electroencephalogram as a method of acquisition of MI tasks. The purpose of this article is to allow users to manipulate quadcopter virtual structures (external, robotic objects) simply through brain activity, correlated with certain mental tasks using undecimal transformation (UWT) to reduce noise, Independent Component Analysis (ICA) together with determination coefficient (r2) and, for classification, a hybrid neural network consisting of Radial Basis Functions (RBF) and a multilayer perceptron–recurrent network (MLP–RNN), obtaining a classification accuracy of 95.5%. Following the tests performed, it can be stated that the use of biopotentials in human–computer interfaces is a viable method for applications in the field of BCI. The results presented show that BCI training can produce a rapid change in behavioral performance and cognitive properties. If more than one training session is used, the results may be beneficial for increasing poor cognitive performance. To achieve this goal, three steps were taken: understanding the functioning of BCI systems and the neurological phenomena involved; acquiring EEG signals based on sensorimotor rhythms recorded during MI tasks; applying and optimizing extraction methods, selecting and classifying characteristics using neuronal networks.

Ethical Issues in Newborn Screening

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey R. Botkin
Keyword(s):  
Newborn Screening ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
New Technology ◽  
The United States ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
History Of ◽  
Ethical And Legal Issues ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Developed World

Many new parents have little awareness of the battery of screening tests that are routinely conducted on newborns in the United States and the developed world. Newborn screening, one of the most significant achievements in public health over the past 50 years, invites ongoing debate over a number of ethical and legal issues that have been part of the newborn screening landscape since the inception of the programs in the 1960s. This chapter reviews the history of newborn screening, outlines some of the key ethical and legal issues raised by these programs, and offers a prediction about how new technology may change these systems over the next few decades.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document