Brain Computer Interface free essay sample

Modifying the human body or enhancing our cognitive abilities using technology has been a long-time dream for many people. An increasing amount of research tries to link the human brain with machines allowing humans to control their environment through their thoughts. Research on BCIs began in the 1970s, but it wasnt until the mid-1990s that the first working experimental implants in humans appeared. Following years of animal experimentation, early working implants in humans now exist, designed to restore damaged hearing, sight and movement. The common thread throughout the research is the remarkable cortical plasticity of the brain, which often adapts to BCIs, treating prostheses controlled by implants as natural limbs. With recent advances in technology and knowledge, pioneering researchers could now conceivably attempt to produce BCIs that augment human functions rather than simply restoring them, previously only the realm of science fiction. 2. Brain Machine Interface (Brain Computer Interface): In this definition, the word â€Å"brain† means the brain or nervous system of an organic life form rather than the mind. Computer† means any processing or computational device, from simple circuits to silicon chips (including hypothetical future technologies such as quantum computing). A Brain Machine Interface (BMI), sometimes called a Direct Neural Interface or a Brain Computer Interface, is a direct communication pathway between a human or animal brain (or brain cell culture) and an external device. In one-way BCIs, computers either accept commands from the brain or send signals to it (for example, to restore vision) but not both. Two-way BCIs would allow brains and external devices to exchange information in both directions but have yet to be successfully implanted in animals or human. Brain-computer interface (BCI) is collaboration between a brain and a device that enables signals from the brain to direct some external activity, such as control of a cursor or a prosthetic limb. The interface enables a direct communications pathway between the brain and the object to be controlled. In the case of cursor control, for example, the signal is transmitted directly from the brain to the mechanism directing the cursor, rather than taking the normal route through the bodys neuromuscular system from the brain to the finger on a mouse. By reading signals from an array of neurons and using computer chips and programs to translate the signals into action, BCI can enable a person suffering from paralysis to write a book or control a motorized wheelchair or prosthetic limb through thought alone. Current brain-interface devices require deliberate conscious thought; some future applications, such as prosthetic control, are likely to work effortlessly. One of the biggest challenges in developing BCI technology has been the development of electrode devices and/or surgical methods that are minimally invasive. In the traditional BCI model, the brain accepts an implanted mechanical device and controls the device as a natural part of its representation of the body. Much current research is focused on the potential on non-invasive BCI. At the European Research and Innovation Exhibition in Paris in June 2006, American scientist Peter Brunner composed a message simply by concentrating on a display. Brunner wore a close-fitting (but completely external) cap fitted with a number of electrodes as shown in fig. Electroencephalographic (EEG) activity from Brunners brain was picked up by the caps electrodes and the information used, along with software, to identify specific letters or characters for the message. The BCI Brunner demonstrated is based on a method called the Wadsworth system. Like other EEG-based BCI technologies, the Wadsworth system uses adaptive algorithms and Pattern-matching techniques to facilitate communication. Both user and software are expected to adapt and learn, making the process more efficient with practice. During the presentation, a message was displayed from an American neurobiologist who uses the system to continue working, despite suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrigs disease). He was able to send the following e-mail message: I am a neuroscientist who (sic) couldnt work without BCI. I am writing this with my EEG courtesy of the Wadsworth Center Brain-Computer Interface Research Program. EEG Pattern Recognition This project aims to improve performance of NASA missions by developing brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies for augmented human-system interaction. BCI technologies will add completely new modes of interaction, which operate in parallel with keyboards, speech, or other manual controls, thereby increasing the bandwidth of human-system interaction. The research will extend recent feasibility demonstrations of electromyographic (EMG) methods for neurocontrol to the domain of electroencephalographic (EEG) methods of neurocontrol. These methods will bypass muscle activity and draw control signals directly from the human brain. BCI technologies will provide powerful and intuitive modes of interaction with 2-D and 3-D data, particularly for visualization and searching in complex data structures, such as geographical maps, satellite images, and terrain databases. . Model train control via brain interface machine: Hitachi has successfully tested a brain-machine interface that allows users to turn power switches on and off with their mind. Relying on optical topography, a neuroimaging technique that uses near-infrared light to map blood concentration in the brain, the system can recognize the changes in brain blood flow associated with mental activity and translate those changes into voltage signals for controlling external devices. In the experiments, test subjects were able to activate the power switch of a model train by performing mental arithmetic and reciting items from memory. The prototype brain-machine interface allows only simple control of switches, but with a better understanding of the subtle variations in blood concentrations associated with various brain activities, the signals can be refined and used to control more complex mechanical operations. In the long term, brain-machine interface technology may help paralyzed patients become independent by empowering them to carry out actions with their minds. In the short term, Hitachi sees potential applications for this brain-machine interface in the field of cognitive rehabilitation, where it can be used as an entertaining tool for demonstrating a patient’s progress. NOTE: The earliest interfaces developed in this breakthrough field of research require scientists to insert electrodes into the skull in order to physically tap directly into the brain, and researchers are currently trying to develop technologies that will enable them to access neurological activity through minimally invasive techniques. It is hoped that some day brain machine interfaces will be able to read neural signals non-invasively, from outside the skull, and that devices will be operated involuntarily, without deliberate conscious thought. Thus, for example, fighter pilots wearing specialized helmets may be able to operate some controls automatically, just by thinking. 4. Neuroprosthetics: Neuroprosthetics (also called Neural Prosthetics) is a discipline related to neuroscience and biomedical engineering concerned with developing neural prostheses, artificial devices to replace or improve the function of an impaired nervous system. The neuroprosthetic seeing the most widespread use is the cochlear implant, with approximately 100,000 in use worldwide as of 2006. There are several types of neuroprosthetic as follows: I. Sensory Prosthetics: i. Visual prosthetics: One of the prominent goals in neuroprosthetics is a visual supplement, noting roughly 95% of all people considered blind suffer significant impairment but have some capability (for example, seeing some sort of blur) only about 5% of blind people are totally blind. By the 1940s, researchers had established the concept of artificial electrical stimulation of the visual cortex, and in the late 1960s, British scientist Giles Brindley produced breakthrough findings with a system for placing electrodes on the brains surface. When specific areas of the brain were stimulated in blind volunteers, all reported seeing phosphenes that corresponded to where they would have appeared in space. However, experiments were discontinued because of the uncomfortably high currents required for stimulation on the surface of the brain. Encouraged by this work, the National Institutes of Health undertook a project to develop and deploy an interface based on ultra fine wire (25 to 50 micrometers) densely populated with electrode sites that could be implanted deep into the visual cortex, thus requiring less current than Brindleys original design. This work led to new electrode technology—finer than the width of human hair—that could be safely implanted in animals to electrically stimulate, and passively record, electrical activity in the brain. The efforts produced significant advances in neurophysiology, with publication of hundreds of papers in which researchers attempted to develop an electronic interface to the brain. ii. Auditory prosthetics (cochlear implant): A cochlear implant (or bionic ear) is a surgically implanted device that can help provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. Unlike hearing aids, the cochlear implant does not amplify sound, but works by directly stimulating any functioning auditory nerves inside the cochlea with electrical impulses. External components of the cochlear implant include a microphone, speech processor and transmitter. iii. Prosthetics for pain relief (Spinal Cord Stimulator): The Spinal Cord Stimulator or (Dorsal Column Stimulator) is used to treat chronic neurological pain. It is implanted near the dorsal surface of the spinal cord and an electric impulse generated by the device provides a tingling sensation that alters the perception of pain by the patient. A pulse generator or RF receiver is implanted in the abdomen or buttocks. A wire harness connects the lead to the pulse generator. II. Motor prosthetics: . Bladder control implants (Sacral anterior root stimulator): Where a spinal cord lesion leads to paraplegia, patients have difficulty emptying their bladders and this can cause infection. From 1969 onwards Brindley developed the sacral anterior root stimulator, with successful human trials from the early 1980s onwards. This device is implanted over the sacral anterior root ganglia of the spin al cord; controlled by an external transmitter, it delivers intermittent stimulation which improves bladder emptying. It also assists in defecation and enables male patients to have a sustained full erection. The related procedure of sacral nerve stimulation is for the control of incontinence in able-bodied patients. ii. Sensory/Motor prosthetics: In 2002 an implant was interfaced directly into the median nerve fibres of the scientist Kevin Warwick. The electrode array inserted contained 100 electrodes, of which 25 could be accessed at any one time. The signals produced were detailed enough that a robot arm developed by Warwicks colleague, Peter Kyberd, was able to mimic the actions of Warwicks own arm and provide a form of touch feedback via the implant. Fig: Electrode array Fig: Robot arm iii. Cognitive prosthetics: Sensory and motor prostheses deliver input to and output from the nervous system respectively. Theodore Berger at the University of Southern California defines a third class of prostheses aimed at restoring cognitive function by replacing circuits within the brain damaged by stroke, trauma or disease. Work has begun on a proof-of-concept device a hippocampal prosthesis which can mimic the function of a region of the hippocampus a part of the brain responsible for the formation of memories. . BMI versus Neuroprosthetics: Neuroprosthetics is an area of neuroscience concerned with neural prostheses — using artificial devices to replace the function of impaired nervous systems or sensory organs. The most widely used neuroprosthetic device is the cochlear implant, which was implanted in approximately 100,000 people worldwide as of 2006. [2] There are also several neuroprosthetic devices that aim to restore vision, in cluding retinal implants, although this article only discusses implants directly into the brain. The differences between BCIs and neuroprosthetics are mostly in the ways the terms are used: neuroprosthetics typically connect the nervous system, to a device, whereas the term â€Å"BCIs† usually connects the brain (or nervous system) with a computer system. Practical neuroprosthetics can be linked to any part of the nervous system, for example peripheral nerves, while the term BCI usually designates a narrower class of systems which interface with the central nervous system. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably and for good reason. Neuroprosthetics and BCI seek to achieve the same aims, such as restoring sight, hearing, movement, ability to communicate, and even cognitive function. Both use similar experimental methods and surgical techniques. 6. Future Trends and Scopes: Recent advances in cortically controlled brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) have demonstrated that goal-directed movement of external devices is possible in real-time using multi-electrode recordings from cortex. A number of challenges are currently being confronted to further advance BMI research to the next level. These include choosing the optimal decoding algorithm for the type of control to be performed, localizing the optimal cortical site for reliable control, and focusing on the most suitable electrophysiological signal for practical use in a BMI. We present results that attempt to address these challenges based on multi-electrode recording from multiple motor cortical areas in behaving monkeys. . Conclusion: Although brain–machine interfaces are often talked about in relation to disabled people, we can expect they will also be used by the non-disabled as a means to control their environment especially if the devices are non-invasive and no implants are needed. To date there has not been much public discussion of the implications of brain machine interfaces, the amount of public RD funding they receive, and control, distribution and access to these devices.

Assessment Worksheet free essay sample

What is GRUB and why is it important to lock it down? GRUB is a bootloader. A bootloader is a program that allows the user or administrator to choose which operating system or kernel to load when the computer starts. It is very important to lock this down because of the high access to the kernel and how important aspects can be modified on the fly at anytime during the bootup process because it is unprotected by password. 2. Discuss the purpose of granting â€Å"sudo† access. Why is it a good idea not to log in as a root user? It gives the person access using the sudo access, superuser capability and allows them to run programs with the ecurity privileges of such. Root user has priviledges to do anything on the computer, and has access to kernel. This can cause unstability of the kernel, or even in the wrong hands compromise the system. We will write a custom essay sample on Assessment Worksheet or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 3. If a file is set with the immutable flag, what security controls does this provide for the file? Immutable permissions designation prevents a file from being changed, even by someone with root level access. 38443_LB02_Pass1. indd 35 28/02/13 4:46 PM 36 Lab #2 | Configure Basic Security Controls on a CentOS Linux Server 4. Is it possible for anyone to edit GRUB with â€Å"vi†? No. Only those with the password can modify GRUB. 5. What visual clues in the prompt tell you that you are logged in as a root user? When logged in as the root user there is a # where there is usually a $ for normal users. 6. What is iptables and how does this help harden the CentOS Linux Server? Iptables are the tables provided by the Linux kernel firewall and the chains and the chains and rules it stores. 7. Why is it important to configure and enable iptables on your CentOS Linux Server? It filters network traffic, and determines how the packets are handled securing the server. 38443_LB02_Pass1. ndd 36 28/02/13 4:46 PM Assessment Worksheet 8. What is the difference between â€Å"setfacl† and â€Å"getfacl†? How can â€Å"setfacl† help achieve security 37 hardening? getfacl get file access control lists. It displays the file name, owner, the group and the Access control list. setfacl set file access control lists. This sets ACLs of files and directories. This can help security hardening, by restricting access to files and directories that are critical to the operation of the kernel.

How to Write a Sample Reflection on Visit Essay

How to Write a Sample Reflection on Visit EssaySample reflection on visit essay can be helpful for studying those documents when you want to study what are written in the document or you want to know what people say about the document. The sample reflection on visit essay can be used to give you a clearer picture of what a document is all about. It will help you find the right thoughts about the document and about the writer that's why you need to use it often.You must be the one who must write the sample for your essays. You should not ask someone else to do this. You may ask a friend if he or she would like to give you the sample but it should be something that you did not do yourself. You have to be the one who would have the chance to write about the document or the person and this is very good for students who want to have a pen and paper as well as computer with them at their homes so they can work on their own.The most important thing you must know is the 'how' of writing and that is to take your time. Writing is not only your hobby. It is also part of a professional career and this is why you need to do it right.The first step you need to do is decide what is the right time to do it. Make sure that the times you will study the sample is the best for you. For example, if you need to study the sample during afternoon for studying the document, it is better for you to be able to do it when you will have enough time to do this.Take some time to look for a sample that you can use to write the sample. There are lots of ways for you to find sample. You may ask for the help of a classmate, or a friend. This is the best way to study as you will have a few minutes and you can do it when you will have the free time.Write about the reflection on visit essay in the notebook that is provided to you. When you do not have a notebook, a word document is just what you need. Do not put any paragraph that is not related to the situation in the writing. You may add few word s and some sentences here and there, but make sure that the topics are related to the topic you have chosen.After you finished writing the reflection, it is time to give it to your friend or a person who will look for a document and will give you the result. This is your chance to find out what you do and what you should do next. You have to take this time to reflect to yourself. You should always look back and then make sure that what you have written is perfect and then you can take a chance to make it a reality.

Each Year, Three Thousand To Five Thousand People Are Diagnosed With D

"Each year, three thousand to five thousand people are diagnosed with Down Syndrome in the United States. It is found in approximately one out of one thousand all live births." (Nadel,37). Down Syndrome occurs when there is an abnormality in chromosome 21. Most people with Down Syndrome (approximately ninety-five percent) has an extra 21 chromosome. Instead of the normal number of forty-six chromosomes in each cell, the individual with Down Syndrome has forty-seven chromosomes. "This condition is called trisomy 21."(Pueschel,6) .Down Syndrome is a combination of birth defects including some degree of physical abnormalities, musculoskeletal disorders, and hypothyroidism. Granted, individuals with Down Syndrome have distinct physical characteristics. Generally they are more similar to the average person in the community than they are different. The physical features are important to the physician in making the clinical diagnosis. Not every child with Down Syndrome has all the characteristics; some may only have a few, and others may show most of the signs of Down Syndrome. Some of the physical features in children with Down Syndrome include flattening of the back of the head, slanting of the eyelids, small skin folds at the inner corner of the eyes, depressed nasal bridge, slightly smaller ears, small mouth, decreased muscle tone, loose ligaments, and small hands and feet. "About fifty percent of all children have one line across the palm, and there is often a gap between the first and second toes" (Pueschel,240). The physical features observed in children with Down Syndrome usually do not cause any disability in the child. Moreover, there are many health problems associated with Down Syndrome. "Sixty to eighty percent of children with Down Syndrome have hearing deficits." (Pueschel,235). If there is a significant hearing loss, the child should be seen by an ear, nose and throat specialist. "Forty to forty-five percent of children with Down Syndrome have congenital heart disease" (Marino,63). Many of these children will have to undergo cardiac surgery. Intestinal abnormalities also occur at a higher frequency in children with Down Syndrome. For example, blockages of the esophagus, small bowel, and at the anus are not uncommon in infants with Down Syndrome. These may need to be surgically corrected at once in order to have a normal functioning intestinal tract. Children with Down Syndrome often have more eye problems than other children who do not have this chromosome disorder. For example, "three percent of infants with Down Syndrome have cataracts."(Pueschel,49) They need to be removed surgically. Other eye problems such as cross-eye, near-sightedness, far-sightedness and other eye conditions are frequently observed in children with Down Syndrome. Another concern relates to nutritional aspects. Some children with Down Syndrome, in particular those with severe heart disease often fail to thrive in infancy. On the other hand, obesity is often noted during adolescence and early adulthood. Maintaining an appropriate diet can prevent these conditions. It is important for individuals with Down Syndrome who skeletal problems have also been noted to be more common in children with Down Syndrome to get special help, including patients with kneecap subluxation, hip dislocation, and atlantoaxial instability. The latter condition occurs when the first two neck bones are not well aligned because of the presence of loose ligaments. Most of these people, however, do not have any symptoms, and "only one to two percent of patients with Down Syndrome have a serious neck problem that requires surgery"(Pueschel,217). Furthermore, The thyroid gland sits at the base of the front of the neck and makes thyroid hormone from iodide, thyroglobulin and tyrosine. This results in the production of thyroxine (T4), which is a prohormone and the actual thyroid hormone, T3. Both T3 and T4 are secreted by the thyroid into the blood stream. Hypothyroidism is the most common problem for individuals with Down Syndrome. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid cannot produce enough thyroid hormone. This can be present at birth (congenital) or may be acquired at any age. Every state in the US does a routine screen on all newborns for hypothyroidism. "In newborns and infants with Down Syndrome, the most common reason for hypothyroidism is that the thyroid did not form correctly in the fetus" (Pueschel, 220). In acquired hypothyroidism, the most common reasons in toddlers and older children with Down Syndrome is autoimmunity (where the body makes antibodies against its own thyroid) and thyroidits (where the thyroid tissue becomes replaced with white blood cells and fibrous tissue). The symptoms of low thyroid hormone are difficult to pick up, especially in infants. They include decreased growth, and development, an enlarged tongue, decreased muscle tone, dry skin and constipation, all

Note Taking Example

Note Taking Example Note Taking – Coursework Example Proper planning and disciplined approach to tackle things is very important aspect of success in personal and professional life. One of the successful strategies that facilitates in the college and life is to take notes and create order for smooth completion of tasks. In college, the practice of note taking hugely helps to complete assignment and helps in the learning process. Note taking activities involve tools like notebook, pen and pencil. Notebook with loose sheets helps to change the order of priority. In the notebooks, only one side should be used for writing, keeping blank the other side helps to jot down notes while reading or points that that might help improve the writing. For scientific or mathematical writings, it is better to use pencil as formula or equations could easily be erased and corrected. Note taking is common practice in college and primarily is an activity that is used for outlining the process for efficient learning or writing. It is invariable done in oneâ €™s own words which are easy to understand. Thus, while teacher is teaching verbally, through white board or using power point, making notes helps to remember, review and revise the material taught. Moreover, taking notes while reading study material or important text, hugely helps in being comprehensive and clear in writing or learning the defined course material. It can be made in powerpoint also. Note taking activities are very important for students as it helps them to separate the essential and non essential information and produce a concise summary. In real life, notes help to plan day-today activities and complete essential tasks. Moreover, notes also help to plan the strategies for programs and projects at work and help complete them efficiently and timely.(words: 287)ReferenceFieldman, Robert S. (2002). Power Learning: Strategies for Success in College and Life. NY: McGraw Hill.

Reflection scenario based essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Reflection scenario based - Essay Example Abuse does not only include physical or verbal abuse. They are of different types and can occur at home, hospital wards, at work or in nursing homes (Age UK, 2013). The term neglect means not getting appropriate services, facilities, treatment and stuff which make you feel comfortable and safe (Tidy, 2013). Older adults are people above the age of 65 referring to the retirement age ( Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2010). They are frail and dependent and are at great risk of getting abused. This paper will discuss how older adults in the acute mental ward are safeguarded and which issues are mostly faced depending upon the particular scenarios. In acute adult wards safeguarding patients of old age is a very challenging task. While safeguarding patients the health care providers encounter several issues. As, in the old age people become very weak a slight physical harm may result into bruises or fractures so they need to be handled with extreme care. For the older adults suffering from mental disabilities, it is very difficult to make them understand about anything. They are almost unable to protect themselves or even participate in safeguarding therefore the responsibilities on the care providers become much higher. Older adults with mental illnesses cannot take care of their financial problems in particular because of lack of understanding and their mental incapacity. The adult ward nurses and staff have to manage their financial issues which sometimes also involve lawyers and police. Handling all these problems is more specific with older adults with mental incapacity. Being older adults the vulnerability to get abused increases, but if it is associated with mental illness the threshold of abuse becomes maximum and therefore, the problems in safeguarding also get intensified. In short, the major issues are lack of understanding due to

Compare and Contrast Michelangelo's David with Bernini's version Essay

Compare and Contrast Michelangelo's David with Bernini's version - Essay Example This statue lacks depth, since all the focus is on the frontal view. David’s expression is cool and enigmatic, which distances the viewer and encourages contemplation of his beauty rather than empathy with the story of David and Goliath. Bernini’s David, on the other hand, is leaning to one side, in a bent position. It is as if he is moving through time, having just picked up the stone, and now aiming it in his sling and about to fire it at Goliath. The viewer is drawn his facial expression, which is contorted in quite extreme emotion, and the sweeping line from his left ankle to his head. There is no mistaking a frown of concentration around his eyes and a firm determination in his downturned mouth. Bernini’s David has both arms drawn to the left, holding the sling tight, which takes him temporarily off balance. Arm and leg muscles are tensed, making the sculpture dramatic, and dynamic, almost as if he is about to step out from the podium. This is an open form sculpture which interacts with the space around it in a dramatic way, while Michelangelo’s David is static, and merely looks out from a still