Challenges and Suggestions of Ethical Review on Clinical Research Involving Brain-Computer Interfaces

Brain-computer interface(BCI)technology is rapidly advancing in medical research and application.As an emerging biomedical engineering technology,it has garnered significant attention in the clinical research of brain disease diagnosis and treatment,neurological rehabilitation,and mental health.However,BCI also raises several challenges and ethical concerns in clinical research.In this article,the authors investigate and discuss three aspects of BCI in medicine and healthcare:the state of international ethical governance,multidimensional ethical challenges pertaining to BCI in clinical research,and suggestive concerns for ethical review.Despite the great potential of frontier BCI research and development in the field of medical care,the ethical challenges induced by itself and the complexities of clinical research and brain function have put forward new special fields for ethics in BCI.To ensure"responsible innovation"in BCI research in healthcare and medicine,the creation of an ethical global governance framework and system,along with special guidelines for cutting-edge BCI research in medicine,is suggested.

Errata regarding missing Ethical Statements in previously published articles:Part 3

Ethical statements were not included in the published version of the following articles that appeared in previous issues of Journal of Integrative Agriculture.The appropriate statements provided by the Authors are included below.

Errata regarding missing Ethical Statements in previously published articles:Part 5

Ethical statements were not included in the published version of the following articles that appeared in previous issues of Journal of Integrative Agriculture.The appropriate statements provided by the Authors are included below.

Errata regarding missing Ethical Statements in previously published articles:Part 4

Ethical statements were not included in the published version of the following articles that appeared in previous issues of Journal of Integrative Agriculture.The appropriate statements provided by the Authors are included below.

Errata regarding missing Ethical Statements in previously published articles:Part 1

Ethical statements were not included in the published version of the following articles that appeared in previous issues of Journal of Integrative Agriculture.The appropriate statements provided by the Authors are included below.

Errata regarding missing Ethical Statements in previously published articles:Part 2

Ethical statements were not included in the published version of the following articles that appeared in previous issues of Journal of Integrative Agriculture.The appropriate statements provided by the Authors are included below.

Ethical Decision-Making Framework Based on Incremental ILP Considering Conflicts

Humans are experiencing the inclusion of artificial agents in their lives,such as unmanned vehicles,service robots,voice assistants,and intelligent medical care.If the artificial agents cannot align with social values or make ethical decisions,they may not meet the expectations of humans.Traditionally,an ethical decision-making framework is constructed by rule-based or statistical approaches.In this paper,we propose an ethical decision-making framework based on incremental ILP(Inductive Logic Programming),which can overcome the brittleness of rule-based approaches and little interpretability of statistical approaches.As the current incremental ILP makes it difficult to solve conflicts,we propose a novel ethical decision-making framework considering conflicts in this paper,which adopts our proposed incremental ILP system.The framework consists of two processes:the learning process and the deduction process.The first process records bottom clauses with their score functions and learns rules guided by the entailment and the score function.The second process obtains an ethical decision based on the rules.In an ethical scenario about chatbots for teenagers’mental health,we verify that our framework can learn ethical rules and make ethical decisions.Besides,we extract incremental ILP from the framework and compare it with the state-of-the-art ILP systems based on ASP(Answer Set Programming)focusing on conflict resolution.The results of comparisons show that our proposed system can generate better-quality rules than most other systems.

Integrating GPT into the Journalism and Communication Industries:The Technological Logic,Ecosystem Reconstruction,and Ethical Chal enges

Generative AI,represented by GPT(Generative Pre-trained Transformer),is now leading the technological revolution and is reconstructing the journalism and communication industries'ecosystems because of its powerful generative capacity and diverse range of outputs.While GPT is busy revolutionizing and innovating the production of news content,working patterns,and operation modes,it has also given rise to ethical concerns in regard to news authenticity,data security,humanistic values,and other related aspects.Therefore,it is imperative to initiate strategies and approaches,such as establishing a mechanism for verifying information authenticity,enhancing data security and privacy regulations,and instituting an ethical supervision and governance framework for AI,in order to facilitate the systematic advancement of AI-based news production while reinstating public trust.

Facing ethical concerns in the age of precise gene therapy:Outlook on inherited arrhythmias

This editorial,comments on the article by Spartalis et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Cardiology.We here provide an outlook on potential ethical concerns related to the future application of gene therapy in the field of inherited arrhythmias.As monogenic diseases with no or few therapeutic options available through standard care,inherited arrhythmias are ideal candidates to gene therapy in their treatment.Patients with inherited arrhythmias typically have a poor quality of life,especially young people engaged in agonistic sports.While genome editing for treatment of inherited arrhythmias still has theoretical application,advances in CRISPR/Cas9 technology now allows the generation of knock-in animal models of the disease.However,clinical translation is somehow expected soon and this make consistent discussing about ethical concerns related to gene editing in inherited arrhythmias.Genomic off-target activity is a known technical issue,but its relationship with ethnical and individual genetical diversity raises concerns about an equitable accessibility.Meanwhile,the costeffectiveness may further limit an equal distribution of gene therapies.The economic burden of gene therapies on healthcare systems is is increasingly recognized as a pressing concern.A growing body of studies are reporting uncertainty in payback periods with intuitive short-term effects for insurance-based healthcare systems,but potential concerns for universal healthcare systems in the long term as well.Altogether,those aspects strongly indicate a need of regulatory entities to manage those issues.

Promoting Ethical Sensitivity in Nursing Education:A Systematic Review of Case Study-Based Health Education

Introduction: Nursing ethical sensitivity refers to a nurse’s capacity for thoughtful consideration of ethical issues when faced with dilemmas. In the nursing domain, ethical dilemmas arise when nurses face challenges in making sound ethical decisions during clinical practice. These challenges may stem from conflicts between personal values and professional responsibilities. Methodology: Articles downloaded from Pub Med, CNKI, and Google Scholar were reviewed. Results: After rigorous screening, a meticulous analysis was conducted, encompassing 10 articles and involving a substantial cohort of 2863 participants. Existing literature revealed variations in the ethical dilemmas faced by nurses across different departments. The ethical sensitivity of nurses also varies, with higher ethical sensitivity correlating with stronger empathetic abilities. Zhen et al. classified the causes of ethical dilemmas into four main categories: (1) Ethical dilemmas arising from personal reasons of nursing students;(2) Ethical dilemmas stemming from the actions of teachers;(3) Ethical dilemmas triggered by patients;(4) Ethical dilemmas resulting from miscellaneous reasons. Conclusion: According to literature findings, nursing ethical sensitivity was positively linked to the nurse’s ethical decision-making ability. A case study-oriented teaching program has proven effective in enhancing ethical sensitivity among nursing students.

On Ethical Literary Criticism and Game Theory--An Interview with Professor Nie Zhenzhao

In 2014,Huang Kaihong,a professor at School of Foreign Languages and Cultures,Southwest University of Science and Technology,interviewed the Doctoral advisor Professor Nie Zhenzhao during the period of his academic visiting to Central China Normal University.As early as in 2005,Huang Kaihong conducted an interview with Professor Nie Zhenzhao on the topic of the general introduction of ethical literary criticism.So around 11 years later,the second interview mainly covers not only the ethical literary criticism theory,but the game theory and the relationship between them as well.Professor Nie thinks whether the game theory can be applied to literature research is still under discussion.The theory of ethical literary criticism is a kind of methodology based on science and it can get the attention of literary critics at home and abroad,which is because it fits the practical needs of literary criticism,draws the literary criticism away from only emphasizing criticism genres and the research of criticism terms,and pays attention to the true nature of the literary text in literature research.After consulting Professor Nie Zhenzhao about some related questions from the perspective of game theory.Huang Kaihong gets some significant information concerning literature research and understands the latest core terms and the concrete application method of ethical literary criticism,especially the relationship between the instructing and aesthetic functions of literature.

Presymptomatic Diagnosis and Gene Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease: Genomic, Therapeutic, and Ethical Aspects—A Systematic Review

Over the past three decades, genomic and epigenetic sciences have identified more than 70 genes involved in the molecular pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). DNA methylation, abnormal histone and chromatin regulation and the action of various miRNAs induce AD. The identification of mutated genes has paved the way for the development of diagnostic kits and the initiation of gene therapy trials. However, despite major advances in neuroscience research, there is yet no suitable treatment for AD. Therefore, the early diagnosis of this neurodegenerative disease raises several ethical questions, including the balance between the principle of non-maleficence and the principle of beneficence. The aims of this research were to present the genomic and ethical aspects of AD, and to highlight the ethical principles involved in its presymptomatic diagnosis and therapy. A systematic review of the literature in PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct was carried out to outline the genomic aspects and ethical principles relating not only to the presymptomatic diagnosis of AD, but also to its gene therapy. A total of 16 publications were selected. AD is a multifactorial disease that can be genetically classified into Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease and Familial Alzheimer’s Disease based on family history. Gene therapy targeting specific disease-causing genes is a promising therapeutic strategy. Advancements in artificial intelligence applications may enable the prediction of AD onset several years in advance. While early diagnosis of AD may empower patients with full decision competence for early decision-making, it also carries implications for the patient’s family members, who are at risk of developing the disease, potentially becoming a source of confusion or anxiety. AD has a significant impact on the life of individuals at risk and their families. Given the absence of disease modifying therapy, genetic screening and early diagnosis for this condition raise ethical issues that must be carefully considered in the context of fundamental bioethical principles, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.

PFAS: Ecological Implications, Remedial Actions and Ethical Considerations

The C-F bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry. It is responsible for the great stability of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “PFAS”, a group of man-made chemicals that include perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Thermal stability, surface activity, dielectric characteristics, chemical resistance, and inertness are just a few of the technical advantages that this group has over hydrocarbons, and since the 1950s, these chemicals have been largely utilized in a variety of domestic and industrial endeavors. The hydrophilic and lipophilic nature of this class of chemicals accounts for its uniqueness. Up until today, the chemistry and ecotoxicology of these chemicals continue to emerge. Issues concerning the destructive power of ignorance expedited by an ineffective regulatory institution continue to show that manufacturing chemicals are insufficient without giving serious thought to issues of openness and humanity’s awareness of its own safety. When discussing the nature of humanity and how it can be defined or redefined, it is important to allude to the significance of integrating business with ethics in its various forms. This paper highlights the importance of holding polluters accountable for PFAS contamination cleanup costs while emphasizing the need for chemical manufacturers to test and disclose the health and environmental effects of PFAS compounds. In addition, the sources, types, properties, applications, distribution, toxicological implications, regulations, and analytical methods associated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are explored. The effectiveness of the remedial methods described in this paper needs to be progressively tested while exploring other sustainable approaches.

Reading of The Guiltless from the Perspective of Ethical Literary Criticism

The Guiltless is Hermann Broch’s last novel,and it is also a work that embodies Broch’s literary and artistic view.The novel takes place in a period of social and historical change,and the conflict between the old and the new ethical relations leads to the confusion of the ethical relations,which causes the relationship between the characters to become distorted.This paper tries to analyze the relationship between Baroness W and her family from the perspective of Ethical Literary Criticism in aspects of ethical environment,ethical selection and ethical identity.It reveals that in the period of social and historical change,in the environment of social ethics disorder,the distorted ethical selection of characters and the loss of ethical identity.Hermann Broch attempts to arouse readers’ethical reflection by depicting such an era and such characters.

Gene therapy for Parkinson’s Disease and Ethical Challenges: A Systematic Review

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder with a pathophysiology deriving from the synergy of abnormal aggregation of neuroinflammation, synuclein and dysfunction of lysosomes, mitochondria and synaptic transport difficulties influenced by genetic and idiopathic factors. Worldwide, PD has a prevalence of 2-3% in people over the age of 65. To date, there is no certified, effective treatment for PD. Aim: The aims of this research were: (i) to present, on the basis of recent advances in molecular genetics and epigenetics, the genomic aspects and challenges of gene therapy trials for PD;(ii) to outline the ethical principles applicable to therapeutic trials for PD. Method: A systematic literature review was carried out to identify relevant articles reporting on genomic aspects and gene therapy in PD from 2001 to October 2023. The search was conducted in French and/or English in three databases: PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. PRISMA guidelines were used in this systematic review. Results: A total of thirty-three publications were selected. An inductive thematic analysis revealed that numerous genetic mutations (SNCA, Parkin, PINK1, DJ-1, LRRK2, ATP13A2, VPS35, Parkin/PRKN, PINK1, DJ1/PARK7) and epigenetic events such as the action of certain miRNAs (miR-7, miR-153, miR-133b, miR-124, miR-137) are responsible for the onset of PD, and that genetic therapy for this pathology raises ethical questions that need to be elucidated in the light of the bioethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. Conclusion: There is no zero risk in biotechnology. Then, it will be necessary to assess all the potential risks of Parkinson disease’s gene therapy to make the right decision. It is therefore essential to pursue research and, with the guidance of ethics, to advance treatment options and meet the challenges of brain manipulation and its impact on human identity. The golden rule of medicine remains: “Primum non nocere”.

PFAS: Ecological Implications, Remedial Actions and Ethical Considerations

The C-F bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry. It is responsible for the great stability of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “PFAS”, a group of man-made chemicals that include perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Thermal stability, surface activity, dielectric characteristics, chemical resistance, and inertness are just a few of the technical advantages that this group has over hydrocarbons, and since the 1950s, these chemicals have been largely utilized in a variety of domestic and industrial endeavors. The hydrophilic and lipophilic nature of this class of chemicals accounts for its uniqueness. Up until today, the chemistry and ecotoxicology of these chemicals continue to emerge. Issues concerning the destructive power of ignorance expedited by an ineffective regulatory institution continue to show that manufacturing chemicals are insufficient without giving serious thought to issues of openness and humanity’s awareness of its own safety. When discussing the nature of humanity and how it can be defined or redefined, it is important to allude to the significance of integrating business with ethics in its various forms. This paper highlights the importance of holding polluters accountable for PFAS contamination cleanup costs while emphasizing the need for chemical manufacturers to test and disclose the health and environmental effects of PFAS compounds. In addition, the sources, types, properties, applications, distribution, toxicological implications, regulations, and analytical methods associated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are explored. The effectiveness of the remedial methods described in this paper needs to be progressively tested while exploring other sustainable approaches.

Ethical Criteria in Research in Music Education in Brazil

The growth of research in Music Education in Brazil,together with the advancement of ethical care in research,originated this research that aimed to investigate aspects related to ethical care in research in Music Education in Brazil,based on Resolution No.510/2016,which deals with ethics in research with human beings.Data were collected via Internet,in the journal of the Brazilian Association of Music Education(known by the acronym ABEM),with a time frame from 2016 to 2022.As a result,five papers were found.It is understood,in this sense,that there is room for the growth of investigations in Music Education that deal with research ethics.Despite the advances in legislation regarding research ethics,as well as the need for investigations in Music Education to also consider these issues in their data collection and analysis,the theme has still been little considered in methodological procedures.

On the Ethical Dimensions of Literary Criticism in the Realm of We Media

In the realm of We Media,literary criticism is not completely free and unrestricted during its continuous production process;instead,it should adhere to certain ethical norms.The ethical dimensions of literary criticism in We Media focus on fostering a fair relationship between criticism activities and text,society,and the audience in order to facilitate healthy and orderly criticism that yields positive outcomes.The ethics of literary criticism in We Media can be categorized into aesthetic ethics,cultural ethics,political ethics,and media ethics within its internal structure,all of which ultimately converge into the realm of art production ethics.It is important to embrace a consciousness of intersubjectivity and adopt a cognitive approach of situationism in order to avoid blind restrictions and misjudgments in order to foster a positive and healthy ecosystem for literary criticism in We Media.Additionally,it is crucial to adhere to bottom-line thinking and emphasize responsibility,taste,and discipline while regulating the field of criticism,the audience,and critical text.

Female Ethical Images in The Thorn Birds

Titled as the name of the main characters,the seven parts in The Thorn Birds together tell the story of the three generations of the Cleary family from 1915 to 1969.Fiona and Paddy are the first generation,Meggie and Ralph are the second generation,and Justine and Dane are the third generation.Although they are both thorny birds,they have different personal characteristics and life pursuits.Fiona,Meggie,and Justine,as women,are more and more rebellious from generation to generation.They are more and more daring to fight against the Almighty God and their cruel fates.But at the same time,in the process of pursuing self-happiness,there are also dislocations of ethical identity of these women who inevitably make wrong ethical choices.The author of this thesis tries to analyze the ethical identity of the three generations of women in The Thorn Birds from a relatively comprehensive perspective based on literary ethics,and then analyzes the round ethical image of these female characters.

Stevens’s Ethical Identity Dilemma in The Remains of the Day

Based on ethical literary criticism,this paper aims to analyze the factors contributing to Stevens’loss of ethical identity.It contends that distorted ethical relationships are the primary driver behind Stevens’s ethical identity dilemma,which includes the abnormal father-son relationship,Stevens’s blind admiration for his master,and his avoidance of Miss Kenton’s feelings.