Human-Computer Interaction, Ethics, and Biomedical Informatics.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of recent work at the intersection of Biomedical Informatics, Human-Computer Interaction, and Ethics. METHODS: Search terms for Human-Computer Interaction, Biomedical Informatics, and Ethics were used to identify relevant papers published between 2017 and 2019.Relevant papers were identified through multiple methods, including database searches, manual reviews of citations, recent publications, and special collections, as well as through peer recommendations. Identified articles were reviewed and organized into broad themes. RESULTS: We identified relevant papers at the intersection of Biomedical Informatics, Human-Computer Interactions, and Ethics in over a dozen journals. The content of these papers was organized into three broad themes: ethical issues associated with systems in use, systems design, and responsible conduct of research. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this overview demonstrate an active interest in exploring the ethical implications of Human-Computer Interaction concerns in Biomedical Informatics. Papers emphasizing ethical concerns associated with patient-facing tools, mobile devices, social media, privacy, inclusivity, and e-consent reflect the growing prominence of these topics in biomedical informatics research. New questions in these areas will likely continue to arise with the growth of precision medicine and citizen science.

Teledildonics and New Ways of "Being in Touch": A Phenomenological Analysis of the Use of Haptic Devices for Intimate Relations.

The aim of this paper is to analyse teledildonics from a phenomenological perspective in order to show the possible effects they will have on ourselves and on our society. The new way of using digital technologies is to merge digital activities with our everyday praxes, and there are already devices which enable subjects to be digitally connected in every moment of their lives. Even the most intimate ones are becoming mediated by devices such as teledildonics which digitally provide a tactual stimulation allowing users to have sexual intercourse through them. The efforts made in order to provide such an intertwinement of our everyday lives and digital technologies are evident, but the effects produced by them are not clear at all. This paper will analyse these technologies from a phenomenological perspective in order to understand their effects on the constitution of the subjects and on our society at the intimate level.

Using Ethical Reasoning to Amplify the Reach and Resonance of Professional Codes of Conduct in Training Big Data Scientists.

The use of Big Data--however the term is defined--involves a wide array of issues and stakeholders, thereby increasing numbers of complex decisions around issues including data acquisition, use, and sharing. Big Data is becoming a significant component of practice in an ever-increasing range of disciplines; however, since it is not a coherent "discipline" itself, specific codes of conduct for Big Data users and researchers do not exist. While many institutions have created, or will create, training opportunities (e.g., degree programs, workshops) to prepare people to work in and around Big Data, insufficient time, space, and thought have been dedicated to training these people to engage with the ethical, legal, and social issues in this new domain. Since Big Data practitioners come from, and work in, diverse contexts, neither a relevant professional code of conduct nor specific formal ethics training are likely to be readily available. This normative paper describes an approach to conceptualizing ethical reasoning and integrating it into training for Big Data use and research. Our approach is based on a published framework that emphasizes ethical reasoning rather than topical knowledge. We describe the formation of professional community norms from two key disciplines that contribute to the emergent field of Big Data: computer science and statistics. Historical analogies from these professions suggest strategies for introducing trainees and orienting practitioners both to ethical reasoning and to a code of professional conduct itself. We include two semester course syllabi to strengthen our thesis that codes of conduct (including and beyond those we describe) can be harnessed to support the development of ethical reasoning in, and a sense of professional identity among, Big Data practitioners.

Artificial intelligence and robot responsibilities: innovating beyond rights.

The enduring innovations in artificial intelligence and robotics offer the promised capacity of computer consciousness, sentience and rationality. The development of these advanced technologies have been considered to merit rights, however these can only be ascribed in the context of commensurate responsibilities and duties. This represents the discernable next-step for evolution in this field. Addressing these needs requires attention to the philosophical perspectives of moral responsibility for artificial intelligence and robotics. A contrast to the moral status of animals may be considered. At a practical level, the attainment of responsibilities by artificial intelligence and robots can benefit from the established responsibilities and duties of human society, as their subsistence exists within this domain. These responsibilities can be further interpreted and crystalized through legal principles, many of which have been conserved from ancient Roman law. The ultimate and unified goal of stipulating these responsibilities resides through the advancement of mankind and the enduring preservation of the core tenets of humanity.

Argumentación sobre la higiene del uso de las computadoras como medio de enseñanza, por niños preescolares / Argumentation about the hygiene of the use of computers by small primary school children as a teaching aid

La utilización de la computación en la edad preescolar en Cuba, se generalizó a partir del curso escolar 2001-2002, en todas las aulas preescolares situadas en las escuelas primarias, los círculos infantiles y en los grupos de cinco a seis años; atendidos por el programa Educa a tu hijo lo que constituye una experiencia novedosa. El trabajo con computadoras tiene determinados elementos que si no se trabajan de forma racional y científica, pueden influir en el estado de salud de las personas, principalmente en los niños de edad preescolar en pleno crecimiento y desarrollo. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo argumentar sobre la higiene del uso de las computadoras como medio de enseñanza por los niños preescolares. Se analizaron los requerimientos ergonómicos, que si no son satisfechos pueden provocar alteraciones a la salud de los individuos que operan estas máquinas y en particular la de las niñas y niños de edad preescolar y se relacionaron con sus características anátomo-fisiológicas. La institución educacional será la encargada de controlar el sistema de tareas docentes que componen el uso de la computadora y sus contenidos en la edad preescolar, bajo la orientación de las educadoras y maestras, las cuales deben tener los conocimientos fundamentales sobre las características del desarrollo en esta etapa de la vida de los niños relacionadas con esta actividad(AU)

Using computers in the preschool age in Cuba is a generalized practice since the 2001-2002 academic year in all the preschool classrooms located in the elementary schools, the daycare centers and the 5-6 years-old children groups, who are involved in Educate your child program that represents a novel experience. Working with computers implies certain elements that if not rationally and scientifically addressed may have negative impact on the health status of individuals, mainly preschool children at full growth and development. The present paper was aimed at giving arguments on the hygiene of the use of computers by preschool children as a teaching aid. The ergonomic requirements were analyzed; in the event that they are not properly met, they may cause health alterations in individuals who operate these pieces of equipment, particularly preschool age boys and girls according to their anatomical and physiological features. The educational institution will be in charge of managing the system of teaching tasks involving the use of computer and its contents at the preschool age, under the guiding of educators and teachers who should have the adequate knowledge about the characteristics of child development in this phase of life(AU)

Argumentación sobre la higiene del uso de las computadoras como medio de enseñanza, por niños preescolares / Argumentation about the hygiene of the use of computers by small primary school children as a teaching aid

La utilización de la computación en la edad preescolar en Cuba, se generalizó a partir del curso escolar 2001-2002, en todas las aulas preescolares situadas en las escuelas primarias, los círculos infantiles y en los grupos de cinco a seis años; atendidos por el programa; Educa a tu hijo; lo que constituye una experiencia novedosa. El trabajo con computadoras tiene determinados elementos que si no se trabajan de forma racional y científica, pueden influir en el estado de salud de las personas, principalmente en los niños de edad preescolar en pleno crecimiento y desarrollo. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo argumentar sobre la higiene del uso de las computadoras como medio de enseñanza por los niños preescolares. Se analizaron los requerimientos ergonómicos, que si no son satisfechos pueden provocar alteraciones a la salud de los individuos que operan estas máquinas y en particular la de las niñas y niños de edad preescolar y se relacionaron con sus características anátomo-fisiológicas. La institución educacional será la encargada de controlar el sistema de tareas docentes que componen el uso de la computadora y sus contenidos en la edad preescolar, bajo la orientación de las educadoras y maestras, las cuales deben tener los conocimientos fundamentales sobre las características del desarrollo en esta etapa de la vida de los niños relacionadas con esta actividad(AU)

Using computers in the preschool age in Cuba is a generalized practice since the 2001-2002 academic year in all the preschool classrooms located in the elementary schools, the daycare centers and the 5-6 years-old children groups, who are involved in Educate your child program that represents a novel experience. Working with computers implies certain elements that if not rationally and scientifically addressed may have negative impact on the health status of individuals, mainly preschool children at full growth and development. The present paper was aimed at giving arguments on the hygiene of the use of computers by preschool children as a teaching aid. The ergonomic requirements were analyzed; in the event that they are not properly met, they may cause health alterations in individuals who operate these pieces of equipment, particularly preschool age boys and girls according to their anatomical and physiological features. The educational institution will be in charge of managing the system of teaching tasks involving the use of computer and its contents at the preschool age, under the guiding of educators and teachers who should have the adequate knowledge about the characteristics of child development in this phase of life(AU)

The ethics of social media in dental practice: ethical tools and professional responses.

This article considers several important trends in dental practice that result from innovations in digital and social media. It provides ethical tools for analysis, Illuminates areas of ethical concern in the current practice environment and offers recommendations for future practice. A summary in the form of a checklist is posted at the end of this essay for dentists considering the use of social media in their practice.

Síndrome visual informático / Computer Vision Syndrome

En este trabajo se realiza un estudio sobre el síndrome visualinformático (SVI), para minimizar los trastornos ocasionados en losusuarios de ordenadores, a través de algunas consideraciones teóricasdel SVI, así como consejos útiles dirigidos a la finalidad del trabajo. Serealiza una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva para seleccionar los textosadecuados y mediante el análisis-síntesis procesar la información paraelaborar la propuesta, lo que arroja como resultado fundamental untexto sobre SVI que ayuda a los usuarios de ordenadores proteger susalud visual(AU)

In this work it is made a study of Computer Vision Syndrome (SVI), to minimize disruptions to computer users through the SVI some theoretical considerations and tips aimed at the purpose of work. There was a comprehensive literature review to select the appropriate texts and through analysis and synthesis process information about the proposal, which throw important results on SVI text that helps computer users to protect their eye health(AU)

Can technological artefacts be moral agents?

In this paper we discuss the hypothesis that, 'moral agency is distributed over both humans and technological artefacts', recently proposed by Peter-Paul Verbeek. We present some arguments for thinking that Verbeek is mistaken. We argue that artefacts such as bridges, word processors, or bombs can never be (part of) moral agents. After having discussed some possible responses, as well as a moderate view proposed by Illies and Meijers, we conclude that technological artefacts are neutral tools that are at most bearers of instrumental value.

Síndrome de visión de la computadora en estudiantes preuniversitarios / Computer vision syndrome observed in high school students

OBJETIVO: Describir el comportamiento clínico-epidemiológico del síndrome de visión de la computadora en estudiantes de décimo grado del preuniversitario Rafael María de Mendive desde septiembre del 2007 a junio del 2008. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal. El universo estuvo constituido por todos los alumnos del grado con manifestaciones clínicas relacionadas con el uso de la computadora (183 pacientes) y la muestra fue de 45, tomada mediante un muestreo aleatorio simple (1 de cada 4). Se tuvo en cuenta las siguientes variables: grupos de edad, sexo, manifestaciones clínicas, uso de cristales, tiempo de trabajo con la computadora, intervalo de reposo visual por hora de trabajo y evolución visual después de 3 meses del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Predominó el sexo femenino (68,9 por ciento) con una edad media de 16,5 y los síntomas relevantes fueron la cefalea (82,2 por ciento) y fatiga ocular (75,5 por ciento). Los pacientes que usaban cristales y que el tiempo de trabajo con el ordenador fue superior a 4 horas originó los síntomas visuales antes mencionado; así como la miopía dentro de las ametropías (70 por ciento) y los descansos visuales de 15-20 minutos mejoraron el complejo de síntomas (51,2 por ciento). CONCLUSIONES: El síndrome de visión de la computadora constituye un problema de salud en este centro educacional, por lo que es importante realizar siempre un diagnóstico precoz debido a los efectos negativos que trae consigo en el adolescente, la escuela y la familia(AU)

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical and epidemiological behavior of the computer vision syndrome in 10th grade students from Rafael María de Mendive high school in the period of September 2007 to June 2008 METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in which the universe of study was made up of all students of this educational level, who presented with clinical features derived from the computer use (183 patients).The final sample comprised 45 students selected on the basis of simple randomized sampling (1 out of 4). There were taken into consideration some variables: age groups, sex, clinical features, use of glasses, length of time spent in computer work, visual rest period per working hour and visual evolution after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: Females predominated (68,9 percent) aged 16.5 years as average and the most relevant symptoms were headache (82,2 percent) and eyestrain (75.5 percent). Patients who wore glasses and worked over 4 hours at computer showed the above-mentioned visual symptoms; additionally, myopia within the ametropies (70 percent) and the visual resting lasting 15-20 minutes improved this set of symptoms (51,2 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Computer vision syndrome is a real health problem in our environment; therefore, it is important to making an early diagnosis of this entity due to its negative effects in teenagers, the school and the family(AU)

Síndrome de visión de la computadora en estudiantes preuniversitarios / Computer vision syndrome observed in high school students

OBJETIVO: Describir el comportamiento clínico-epidemiológico del síndrome de visión de la computadora en estudiantes de décimo grado del preuniversitario Rafael María de Mendive desde septiembre del 2007 a junio del 2008. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal. El universo estuvo constituido por todos los alumnos del grado con manifestaciones clínicas relacionadas con el uso de la computadora (183 pacientes) y la muestra fue de 45, tomada mediante un muestreo aleatorio simple (1 de cada 4). Se tuvo en cuenta las siguientes variables: grupos de edad, sexo, manifestaciones clínicas, uso de cristales, tiempo de trabajo con la computadora, intervalo de reposo visual por hora de trabajo y evolución visual después de 3 meses del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Predominó el sexo femenino (68,9 por ciento) con una edad media de 16,5 y los síntomas relevantes fueron la cefalea (82,2 por ciento) y fatiga ocular (75,5 por ciento). Los pacientes que usaban cristales y que el tiempo de trabajo con el ordenador fue superior a 4 horas originó los síntomas visuales antes mencionado; así como la miopía dentro de las ametropías (70 por ciento) y los descansos visuales de 15-20 minutos mejoraron el complejo de síntomas (51,2 por ciento). CONCLUSIONES: El síndrome de visión de la computadora constituye un problema de salud en este centro educacional, por lo que es importante realizar siempre un diagnóstico precoz debido a los efectos negativos que trae consigo en el adolescente, la escuela y la familia

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical and epidemiological behavior of the computer vision syndrome in 10th grade students from Rafael María de Mendive high school in the period of September 2007 to June 2008 METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in which the universe of study was made up of all students of this educational level, who presented with clinical features derived from the computer use (183 patients).The final sample comprised 45 students selected on the basis of simple randomized sampling (1 out of 4). There were taken into consideration some variables: age groups, sex, clinical features, use of glasses, length of time spent in computer work, visual rest period per working hour and visual evolution after 3 months of treatment. RESULTS: Females predominated (68,9 percent) aged 16.5 years as average and the most relevant symptoms were headache (82,2 percent) and eyestrain (75.5 percent). Patients who wore glasses and worked over 4 hours at computer showed the above-mentioned visual symptoms; additionally, myopia within the ametropies (70 percent) and the visual resting lasting 15-20 minutes improved this set of symptoms (51,2 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Computer vision syndrome is a real health problem in our environment; therefore, it is important to making an early diagnosis of this entity due to its negative effects in teenagers, the school and the family

Cyberethics and co-operation in the information society.

The task of this paper is to ground the notion of cyberethics of co-operation. The evolution of modern society has resulted in a shift from industrial society towards informational capitalism. This transformation is a multidimensional shift that affects all aspects of society. Hence also the ethical system of society is penetrated by the emergence of the knowledge society and ethical guidelines for the information age are needed. Ethical issues and conflicts in the knowledge society are connected to topics of ecological and social sustainability. For information ethics and cyberethics, the sustainable design of society, social, and socio-technological systems is important. In this context the notions of sustainability and co-operation are discussed. Based on these categories, the approach of cyberethics of co-operation can be theoretically grounded.

Response to commentators of "a critique of positive responsibility".

It has been claimed that (1) computer professionals should be held responsible for an undisclosed list of "undesirable events" associated with their work and (2) most if not all computer disasters can be avoided by truly understanding responsibility. Commentators of "A Critique of Positive Responsibility in Computing" argue that this is not Donald Gotterbarn's view (Gotterbarn, JSEE 14(2):235-239, 2008) but that a critique of the view nevertheless raises significant moral issues within computing such as the ethical goals of a computing profession, the appropriate ethical stance toward bugs, and the public good with respect to computing (Miller, JSEE 14(2):245-249, 2008). Commentators also argue that "A Critique"'s "profitable misreading" demonstrates the "moral ecology" of organizations "dedicated narrowly to financial success" and that other "moral ecologies" that are customer or quality driven can be shown to be more important or preeminent (Huff, JSEE 14(2):241-244, 2008). It is argued here that (1) the hyper-inflated reading of Gotterbarn's and Ladd's views on positive responsibility persists despite Gotterbarn's explicit rejection of it, and that (2) such a reading of positive responsibility cannot be placed within a single moral ecology, nor can a single moral ecology be shown to be any more important or preeminent than others.

Ways of thinking about and teaching ethical problem solving: microethics and macroethics in engineering.

Engineering ethics entails three frames of reference: individual, professional, and social. "Microethics" considers individuals and internal relations of the engineering profession; "macroethics" applies to the collective social responsibility of the profession and to societal decisions about technology. Most research and teaching in engineering ethics, including online resources, has had a "micro" focus. Mechanisms for incorporating macroethical perspectives include: integrating engineering ethics and science, technology and society (STS); closer integration of engineering ethics and computer ethics; and consideration of the influence of professional engineering societies and corporate social responsibility programs on ethical engineering practice. Integrating macroethical issues and concerns in engineering ethics involves broadening the context of ethical problem solving. This in turn implies: developing courses emphasizing both micro and macro perspectives, providing faculty development that includes training in both STS and practical ethics; and revision of curriculum materials, including online resources. Multidisciplinary collaboration is recommended 1) to create online case studies emphasizing ethical decision making in individual, professional, and societal contexts; 2) to leverage existing online computer ethics resources with relevance to engineering education and practice; and 3) to create transparent linkages between public policy positions advocated by professional societies and codes of ethics.

The protection of the patient's private life: the computer challenge. Second part.

Today, medical practice is invaded by a growing number of technologies of all kinds, among which computer techniques have an important place. Although they have significant advantages, for instance in terms of medical record management, they give rise to several problems, particularly concerning the confidentiality of the patient's data with regards to third party. A great number of specific provisions, complementary to the general texts protecting private life (examined in the first part of this two parts article), endeavour to solve these problems. It is true that these provisions are recent, have various origins and often appear as rules difficult to understand. Yet, they are partially inspired by a common logic. Relying on these common features, the authors make two suggestions for the future, in order to avoid that the growing computerisation of medical practice eventually destabilises the health care relationship: a) Any dictatorship of confidentiality must be rejected b) Stimulating a sense of professionalism is most likely the way to avoid an anarchic and unrealistic development of rules aimed at regulating the health care relationship.