The right to a human in the loop: Political constructions of computer automation and personhood.

Contributing to recent scholarship on the governance of algorithms, this article explores the role of dignity in data protection law addressing automated decision-making. Delving into the historical roots of contemporary disputes between information societies, notably European Union and Council of Europe countries and the United States, reveals that the regulation of algorithms has a rich, culturally entrenched, politically relevant backstory. The article compares the making of law concerning data protection and privacy, focusing on the role automation has played in the two regimes. By situating diverse policy treatments within the cultural contexts from which they emerged, the article uncovers and examines two different legal constructions of automated data processing, one that has furnished a right to a human in the loop that is intended to protect the dignity of the data subject and the other that promotes and fosters full automation to establish and celebrate the fairness and objectivity of computers. The existence of a subtle right across European countries and its absence in the US will no doubt continue to be relevant to international technology policy as smart technologies are introduced in more and more areas of society.

Instrumentation, control and automation in wastewater--from London 1973 to Narbonne 2013.

Key developments of instrumentation, control and automation (ICA) applications in wastewater systems during the past 40 years are highlighted in this paper. From the first ICA conference in 1973 through to today there has been a tremendous increase in the understanding of the processes, instrumentation, computer systems and control theory. However, many developments have not been addressed here, such as sewer control, drinking water treatment and water distribution control. It is hoped that this review can stimulate new attempts to more effectively apply control and automation in water systems in the coming years.

Supplementing the neurosurgical virtuoso: evolution of automation from mythology to operating room adjunct.

A central concept of scientific advancement in the medical and surgical fields is the incorporation of successful emerging ideas and technologies throughout the scope of human endeavors. The field of automation and robotics is a pivotal representation of this concept. Arising in the mythology of Homer, the concept of automation and robotics grew exponentially over the millennia to provide the substrate for a paradigm shift in the current and future practice of neurosurgery. We trace the growth of this field from the seminal concepts of Homer and Aristotle to early incorporation into neurosurgical practice. Resulting changes provide drastic and welcome advances in areas of visualization, haptics, acoustics, dexterity, tremor reduction, motion scaling, and surgical precision.

Collecting, comparing, and computing sequences: the making of Margaret O. Dayhoff's Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure, 1954-1965.

Collecting, comparing, and computing molecular sequences are among the most prevalent practices in contemporary biological research. They represent a specific way of producing knowledge. This paper explores the historical development of these practices, focusing on the work of Margaret O. Dayhoff, Richard V. Eck, and Robert S. Ledley, who produced the first computer-based collection of protein sequences, published in book format in 1965 as the Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure. While these practices are generally associated with the rise of molecular evolution in the 1960s, this paper shows that they grew out of research agendas from the previous decade, including the biochemical investigation of the relations between the structures and function of proteins and the theoretical attempt to decipher the genetic code. It also shows how computers became essential for the handling and analysis of sequence data. Finally, this paper reflects on the relationships between experimenting and collecting as two distinct "ways of knowing" that were essential for the transformation of the life sciences in the twentieth century.

[Daedalus sive mechanicus--automated equipment and machines at the interface between mechanics and medicine]. / Daedalus sive mechanicus-- Automaten und Maschinen an der Schnittstelle zwischen Mechanik und Medizin.

Automata have always held a particular fascination. Their history leads back to their mythical ancestors, whose destinies raise considerable ethical questions about the sense of technology and about the boundaries between nature and art. In the 16th century engineers, architects and also physicians discussed the status of the ,artes mechanicae' and the machines they produced or used. Useful, sometimes dangerous, amusing and elaborate artefacts liven up their texts. Together with wonderful automata we find there also orthopaedic stretching machines and artificial limbs, whose acceptance by medical practice was anything but a matter of course.

Sobre máquinas e instrumentos (II): El mundo del ojo en la obra de E.T.A. Hoffmann / On machines and instruments (II): the world of the eye in the work of E.T.A. Hoffman

Continuando con lo desarrollado en el trabajo precedente se estudia en éste el conjunto de problemas vinculados al tema de la visión que suscita la mera existencia del cuerpo del autómata. Los ojos del androide y, sobre todo, las reacciones suscitadas por la contemplación de estas máquinas de aspecto humano, son objeto de la reflexión de Hoffmann desde una postura que parece instalarse en la noción goetheana de un «mundo del ojo» — Welt des Auges —. Desde esta perspectiva se despliega así mismo una aguda crítica del abordaje instrumental de la realidad natural tal como, desde el siglo XVII, venía planteándose en la ciencia (AU)

Continuing with the subject of the previous work, this article considers the whole series of problems connected to the question of the vision provoked by the mere existence of the body of the automaton. The eyes of the android and, above all, the reactions aroused by looking at these human-shaped machines are the object of Hoffman’s reflections, from a viewpoint apparently firmly set within the Goethean concept of the «world of the eye» — Welt des Auges . Similarly, there is also an in-depth analysis from this same perspective of the instrumental approach to natural reality as it had been perceived in science since the seventeenth century (AU)

[On machines and instruments (II): the world in the eye of the work of E. T. A. Hoffmann]. / Sobre maquinas e instrumentos (II): el mundo del ojo en la obra de E. T. A. Hoffmann.

Continuing with the subject of the previous work, this article considers the whole series of problems connected to the question of vision provoked by the mere existence of the body of the automaton. The eyes of the android and, above all, the reactions aroused by looking at these human-shaped machines are the object of Hoffman's reflections, from a viewpoint apparently firmly set within the Goethean concept of the <> - Welt des Auges. Similarly, there is as it had been perceived in science since the seventeenth century.

[From 1878 to 2006 - working in hyperbaric conditions during tunnelling]. / De 1878 à 2006 - Travaux hyperbares en tunnels.

To review the impact of Paul Bert's researches on hyperbaric work in tunnelling, the status of the industry in 1878 is described. Mostly based on the application of Triger's machine it was used to mine coal below the water table or to dig foundations for bridges in rivers or close to rivers. The results and conclusions obtained by Paul Bert which are applicable in that particular field are listed. The major steps of research or remarkable achievements in construction between 1878 and 2006 are presented as well as the evolution of decompression tables. Improvement in safety and conditions of caisson workers has been continuous until the technical revolution resulting from the introduction and the development of tunnelling boring machines (TBM) in the late 80's. TBM technology has resulted in major changes in tunnel construction. Hyperbaric interventions have also changed completely since human operators no longer work in pressurized conditions. Only occasional inspections and repairs are carried out under pressure. Present performance in hyperbaric conditions are reported, and high pressures reached in the 2000's using saturation technology are described. The future of hyperbaric works is also discussed whether for very high pressure, or complete replacement of caisson workers in TBMs. These descriptions show that Paul Bert provides us with very clear directions to improve safety in hyperbaric conditions and that none of his recommendations were mistaken, most being still relevant.

Computer applications in bioprocessing.

Biotechnologists have stayed at the forefront for practical applications for computing. As hardware and software for computing have evolved, the latest advances have found eager users in the area of bioprocessing. Accomplishments and their significance can be appreciated by tracing the history and the interplay between the computing tools and the problems that have been solved in bioprocessing.

Automation of industrial bioprocesses.

The dramatic development of new electronic devices within the last 25 years has had a substantial influence on the control and automation of industrial bioprocesses. Within this short period of time the method of controlling industrial bioprocesses has changed completely. In this paper, the authors will use a practical approach focusing on the industrial applications of automation systems. From the early attempts to use computers for the automation of biotechnological processes up to the modern process automation systems some milestones are highlighted. Special attention is given to the influence of Standards and Guidelines on the development of automation systems.

A historical note on "artificial life".

In this paper, I am dealing with some epistemological aspects of what Christopher Langton (1989) and some other scientists have been calling recently "artificial life", whose history, in fact, is far older. I want to take a view on the origin, further developments and latest issues of these models, and try to point out the major philosophical and epistemological problems arising with them.

La expansión del rol de la robótica en el laboratorio clínico / The spansion of roll of the robotic in the clinic laboratory

Un número creciente de robots serán empleados en laboratorios químicos industriales. Muchos de ellos serán usados para reducir las tareas monótonas de preparación de muestras, para minimizar la exposición humana a entornos riesgosos o para realizar gran número de procedimientos experimentales repetitivos. Por ejemplo, buscar la condición más efectiva o sus combinaciones en síntesis química o el mejor microorganismo en un gran número de cultivos. En el laboratorio clínico la situación es ligeramente diferente y la robótica no es tan ampliamente aplicada, pero hay una tendencia definida para emplear robots o sistemas robóticos, tanto como para reducir el volumen de trabajo y la exposición del personal a posibles biopeligros y para ayudar a obtener resultados más precisos y correctos. Estas necesidades son difíciles de llenar a través delos dispositivos automáticos usuales y especialmente cuando no estan disponibles dispositivos adecuados. Aparatos especialmente diseñados deberán ser producidos para satisfacer estas demandas y la robótica jugará una parte. Finalmente necesitamos evaluar la efectividad de la introducción de la robótica en términos de economía, estrategia, bioseguridad y otros aspectos. ejemplos típicos de implementación de la robótica en el laboratorio clínico son el transporte de especímenes, la automatización de la preparación de muestras, separación, fraccionamiento en al cuotas, así como procesos seleccionados en sistemas automatizados en gran escala. Como se describió previamente, los robots que están comercialmente disponibles actualmente, no son suficientemente inteligentes para ser fácilmente manejados por personal no entrenado en robótica. Hay una necesidad de personal dedicado a robótica que se incorpore al proyecto desde el principio del plan y que pueda mantener el sistema adecuadamente. Nosotros predecimos que esta situación permanecerá de esta forma por un tiempo considerable en el futuro. Los sistemas robots o mecanismos serán gradualmente introducidos en los laboratorios clínicos. La robótica será una de las mejores formas para mantener la bioseguridad en el entorno del laboratorio clínico y en el futuro se necesitarán laboratorios más automatizados con menos personal. Una vez más nosotros queremos enfatizar que se debe establecer una interfase estandarizada y un protocolo para la comunicación entre robots, computadoras e instrumentos, antes de que la robótica sea ampliamente empleada

La expansión del rol de la robótica en el laboratorio clínico / The spansion of roll of the robotic in the clinic laboratory

Un número creciente de robots serán empleados en laboratorios químicos industriales. Muchos de ellos serán usados para reducir las tareas monótonas de preparación de muestras, para minimizar la exposición humana a entornos riesgosos o para realizar gran número de procedimientos experimentales repetitivos. Por ejemplo, buscar la condición más efectiva o sus combinaciones en síntesis química o el mejor microorganismo en un gran número de cultivos. En el laboratorio clínico la situación es ligeramente diferente y la robótica no es tan ampliamente aplicada, pero hay una tendencia definida para emplear robots o sistemas robóticos, tanto como para reducir el volumen de trabajo y la exposición del personal a posibles biopeligros y para ayudar a obtener resultados más precisos y correctos. Estas necesidades son difíciles de llenar a través delos dispositivos automáticos usuales y especialmente cuando no estan disponibles dispositivos adecuados. Aparatos especialmente diseñados deberán ser producidos para satisfacer estas demandas y la robótica jugará una parte. Finalmente necesitamos evaluar la efectividad de la introducción de la robótica en términos de economía, estrategia, bioseguridad y otros aspectos. ejemplos típicos de implementación de la robótica en el laboratorio clínico son el transporte de especímenes, la automatización de la preparación de muestras, separación, fraccionamiento en al cuotas, así como procesos seleccionados en sistemas automatizados en gran escala. Como se describió previamente, los robots que están comercialmente disponibles actualmente, no son suficientemente inteligentes para ser fácilmente manejados por personal no entrenado en robótica. Hay una necesidad de personal dedicado a robótica que se incorpore al proyecto desde el principio del plan y que pueda mantener el sistema adecuadamente. Nosotros predecimos que esta situación permanecerá de esta forma por un tiempo considerable en el futuro. Los sistemas robots o mecanismos serán gradualmente introducidos en los laboratorios clínicos. La robótica será una de las mejores formas para mantener la bioseguridad en el entorno del laboratorio clínico y en el futuro se necesitarán laboratorios más automatizados con menos personal. Una vez más nosotros queremos enfatizar que se debe establecer una interfase estandarizada y un protocolo para la comunicación entre robots, computadoras e instrumentos, antes de que la robótica sea ampliamente empleada(AU)