Publication

  -  1st Author in SCI Journals

• Hierarchical Multilevel Prospective Study of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms: Decolonization, Mortality, and Co-Colonization in a Long-Term Care Facility. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 2025, 103017.
• *Noninvasive pulmonary arterial pressure estimation using a logistic-based systolic model. Computers in Biology and Medicine 2018.
• Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery versus conventional laparoscopic surgery in randomized controlled trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2018.
• Pulmonary resection for patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis based on survival outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2017.

  -  Research Software and Scientific Packages

• Project_nGene.org : iOS application supporting medical research software demonstrations, educational clinical computation, and Project nGene resources.
• nGeneEngine : iOS application for medical research software development, hemodynamic modeling, waveform-oriented computation, and clinical simulation. watchOS version is also available.
• ngene-fastica : PyPI-distributed lightweight Python package for educational FastICA-based waveform separation and local biomedical signal-processing demonstrations.

  -  Protocols.io

• *ECMO Meta-Analyses (2020): (1) All cardiopulmonary diseases with subgroup analyses, (2) Focusing respiratory failure
• ECMO Western blot (2015): Western blot to evaluate infection level incurred by ECMO

  -  Acknowledged

• Assisting lab experiment (2012). 5,7-Dihydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyflavone... Immunology.

The asterisk (*) denotes his corresponding authorship.

Software Architecture (The 2024 Edition)

As both a medical doctor and a software engineer, with experience in echocardiography and serving as an IRB chair, I bring a unique, chimeric perspective to the development of Project nGene.org^®. This dual expertise is crucial in navigating the challenges outlined in three seminal works: The Mythical Man-Month, The Innovator's Prescription, and Crossing the Chasm.

The Mythical Man-Month: In the interdisciplinary world of software and medicine, I have learned that communication is key to bridging the gap between different fields—what I call the "Apple and Orange" problem. This lesson was driven home by my experiences and reinforced by Fred Brooks' The Mythical Man-Month. Brooks warns that simply adding more manpower to a project often increases complexity rather than reducing it. As a chimera, trained in both fields, I strive to minimize this intercommunication complexity, ensuring that the app remains manageable and effective without the need to constantly increase resources.

The Innovator's Prescription: The Project nGene.org app is not designed to guarantee perfect accuracy in recognizing visual or auditory data through its camera or microphone. Instead, drawing from The Innovator's Prescription, the app's primary objective is to disrupt traditional clinical workflows by simplifying and democratizing complex medical processes. My goal is to enhance the clinical experience, making it more efficient and cost-effective, while keeping the app accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, by making parts of the codebase open-source, we are fostering a collaborative environment that invites continuous innovation and improvement.

Crossing the Chasm: Finally, in alignment with Geoffrey Moore's Crossing the Chasm, this app is strategically focused on identifying and capturing its niche market within the healthcare industry. By targeting a specific segment that values innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, the app aims to establish a strong foothold and gradually expand its user base. I am committed to ensuring that the app not only provides core technology but also offers a comprehensive ecosystem of support and services. This approach ensures seamless integration into existing clinical workflows, addressing the pragmatic needs of a broader user group and facilitating the app's transition from early adopters to the early majority.

The software project is meticulously crafted, with each component acting as a foundational pillar for subsequent innovations, establishing a circular data flow within its architectural framework. This methodology is anticipated to synergistically propel the evolution of the platform's elements. The project's paramount objective is to refine data circulation to mirror its architectural blueprint, ensuring that progress in one domain reciprocally amplifies research endeavors across the board. The hemodynamic workbench software is poised to offer essential functionalities: (1) capturing signals from hemodynamic instruments, (2) distilling vital information via wavelet analyses, (3) decoding data through hemodynamic models and simulations, (4) compiling medical statistics, and (5) executing actions based on a reinforcement learning algorithm.

Implementing the software marks the recrystallization of his professional journey, serving as a compass to navigate his career. This endeavor will not only guide him towards new horizons but also enrich his understanding for further development, ultimately fulfilling his life's purpose and enhancing his sense of satisfaction.

Why the thoracic cavity for hemodynamic software and robotic surgery?

The thoracic cavity, encasing critical organs such as the heart and lungs, presents a unique intersection of physiology and technology, demonstrating the profound influence of physical laws on biological functions. From a computational perspective, the integration of kernel-level device drivers with machine learning algorithms offers transformative potential in thoracic medicine. These technologies enable continuous monitoring of thoracic organ states through advanced waveform analyses, including ECG and ventilation monitoring waveforms (pressure, flow, volume), and auscultated mixed heart and lung sounds. Such detailed data acquisition is crucial for effective decision-making and patient management in real-time scenarios. The computational modeling capabilities, particularly in hemodynamic simulations, are further enhanced by incorporating echocardiography data. This integration is especially pivotal in addressing complex conditions like pulmonary hypertension, where accurate hemodynamic models can significantly improve the outcomes of interventions such as congenital heart defect surgeries in neonates. By simulating various physiological conditions, surgeons and clinicians can predict the effects of surgical interventions, thereby planning surgeries with higher precision and better prognostic outcomes. Moreover, the field of robotic surgery in the thoracic cavity is advancing rapidly, driven by machine learning algorithms that learn from thousands of surgeries performed by human doctors. This data not only informs the development of autonomous surgical robots but also supports the creation of new surgical techniques that integrate hemodynamic devices and computational support. The advent of slender robotic hand instruments designed specifically for the ergonomic constraints of thoracic surgery further underscores the technical sophistication in this field.

"Surgeons must progress beyond the traditional techniques of cutting and sewing that have been their province since surgeons were barbers to a future in which approaches involving minimal access to the abdominal cavity are only the beginning." - Pappas et al. (2004) N Engl J Med.

(1) Interface ^index

(2) Waveform Analysis ^index

(3) Hemodynamics ^index

The integration of computational modeling and simulation has revolutionized the field of hemodynamics, transforming the way cardiovascular conditions are studied and treated. The dynamic and interactive nature of hemodynamic simulations, as discussed in "Computational Thinking" by Peter J. Denning and Matti Tedre, goes beyond the capabilities of traditional graph drawing, which often falls short when dealing with the complex, variable nature of biological systems. Unlike static graphs that display a fixed dataset, simulations provide a real-time, interactive platform that allows researchers to modify parameters and observe how these changes affect the cardiovascular system. This interactivity is crucial for a detailed understanding of how blood flow and pressure react to various physiological changes, making simulations an indispensable tool in predicting the effects of alterations within the cardiovascular system and aiding in the development of effective treatments for heart diseases.

Advanced modeling and simulation techniques are particularly impactful in addressing the challenges of congenital heart defects (CHD) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). For instance, the development of logistic-based equations for estimating Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP), as noted in Project nGene.org^®, underscores the practical application of theoretical models in a clinical setting. These simulations enable the visualization and analysis of cardiovascular responses to treatments in a risk-free environment, which is especially crucial in designing interventions for vulnerable populations such as neonates with CHD. The traditional approach to surgical interventions, fraught with significant risks, highlights the need for non-invasive methods facilitated by simulations. By simulating specific cardiovascular conditions associated with CHD and PAH, Project nGene.org^® not only provides insights into the intricate factors influencing patient outcomes but also enhances the potential for successful treatments while minimizing risks.

The ongoing initiative to harness hemodynamic modeling and simulation in the development of neonatal CHD surgery simulations exemplifies the shift towards simulation-based planning and execution of surgical interventions. This approach not only refines the understanding and management of PAH within the context of CHD but also pioneers new methodologies for surgical planning. By creating highly accurate, virtual models where surgical strategies can be tested and refined, simulations ensure the highest level of safety and efficacy in neonatal CHD treatments.

(4) Medical Statistics & (5) Machine Learning ^index

Integrating "(4) Medical Statistics" into my work is not merely a destination but a vital step towards a broader objective: mastering "(5) Machine Learning". This component is strategically deferred in the Masterplan Chart, as the software is intricately designed to curate diverse datasets for machine learning algorithms through various means: (i) directly from hardware via the kernel in the "(1) Device Interface"; (ii) by processing raw wavelet data from instruments in "(2) Waveform Analyses"; and (iii) by parsing and analyzing medical literature, particularly meta-analyses and survival curve data, through "(4) Medical Statistics", utilizing a semantic web (or Web 3.0) approach. Initially, the semantic web seemed perfectly aligned with medical applications for several reasons: (1) Its inherent flexibility facilitates the integration of multiple semantic webs, creating a comprehensive knowledge database enriched with numerical data. (2) This numerically dense network is ideal for Bayesian-based machine learning applications. (3) Specifically, meta-analysis represents a form of highly specialized information within the medical domain, where deriving hazard ratios from survival curves posed a significant technical challenge and a methodological bottleneck in developing a semantic web database.

However, the rapid evolution of machine learning algorithms necessitated a shift in methodological approach. Acknowledging the advancements in deep neural networks and linear algebra techniques, especially Singular Value Decomposition (SVD), these methods now appear more apt for these objectives. This change in methodology is driven by the emerging efficiencies and capabilities of these algorithms in machine learning, signifying a pivotal adaptation to the evolving landscape of data analysis. This recalibration of approach, moving from a Bayesian-based semantic web to emphasizing deep learning and SVD, reflects a commitment to leveraging the most effective and advanced methodologies available in the field of machine learning. It underlines readiness to adapt and evolve in response to the dynamic nature of technological advancement and the continuous quest for more refined and powerful analytical tools.

The reconsideration of Bayesian algorithms also draws from a historical challenge in the field of artificial intelligence. Despite the Bayesian approach's flexibility and appeal, its application is marred by complexity in calculations beyond simple, restrictive assumptions. This complexity often necessitates approximation methods or sampling, which, while practical, diverge from dealing with the real posterior distribution directly. Further complicating the landscape was the neural network's initial inability to solve the exclusive OR (XOR) problem, a straightforward task achievable with basic digital logic gates but unattainable by a single-layer perceptron. Although it was known that multi-layer perceptrons could theoretically execute such tasks, the lack of effective training methods led to significant disillusionment and a temporary retreat from neural network research. This historical bottleneck highlights the limitations of early machine learning approaches and underlines the strategic pivot towards more advanced and capable methodologies, such as deep learning, that have since overcome these early challenges. (On February 5th, 2024, this segment of the software architecture underwent a revision to include sophisticated deep learning and SVD techniques.)

Robotic Surgery

RCT Meta-analysis: Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Surgery (Frank, 2018)

Importance This review provides a comprehensive comparison of treatment outcomes between robot- assisted laparoscopic surgery (RLS) and conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) based on randomly-controlled trials (RCTs).
Objectives We employed RCTs to provide a systematic review that will enable the relevant community to weigh the effectiveness and efficacy of surgical robotics in controversial fields on surgical procedures both overall and on each individual surgical procedure.
Evidence review A search was conducted for RCTs in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from 1981 to 2016. Among a total of 1,517 articles, 27 clinical reports with a mean sample size of 65 patients per report (32.7 patients who underwent RLS and 32.5 who underwent CLS), met the inclusion criteria.
Findings RLS shows significant advantages in total operative time, net operative time, total complica- tion rate, and operative cost (p < 0.05 in all cases), whereas the estimated blood loss was less in RLS (p < 0.05). As subgroup analyses, conversion rate on colectomy and length of hospital stay on hysterectomy statistically favors RLS (p < 0.05).
Conclusions Despite higher operative cost, RLS does not result in statistically better treatment outcomes, with the exception of lower estimated blood loss. Operative time and total complication rate are significantly more favorable with CLS.

Robotic surgery cost, under the hood

Regarding the cost-effectiveness of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RLS), it is generally perceived as more expensive. This perception raises questions about the viability of further employing RLS, especially amid concerns over its advantages in complications, conversion rates, and the extended operative time. However, from a patient's perspective, although numerous articles have closely compared the total operative costs between RLS and conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS), finding a common objective ground is complicated—not to mention considering the exchange rate at the time of surgery (Morino, 2006). Moreover, the information may not be practically relevant to patients, as the total operation cost does not directly correlate with the actual payment by patients due to varying insurance policies across different companies, hospitals, and countries. Aboumarzouk et al. highlighted in their meta-analysis that the so-called 'total cost' fails to account for the 'social cost analysis', which considers the benefits of quicker recovery and shorter convalescence (Aboumarzouk, 2012).

Similarly, from the hospitals' perspective, the profitability of RLS should take into account not only the quantitative aspects such as the cost of equipment, operation time, training surgeons for both CLS and RLS considering their respective learning curves, and the impact of RLS's longer operative time on hospital revenue, hospital stay, blood loss, and insurance policies, but also qualitative factors. These include the surgeon's safety from infections like HIV, repeated radioactive exposure from bedside X-rays, and the comfort of surgeons during surgery by allowing them to sit. Lin et al. also noted that insufficient data and significant heterogeneity due to differences in skill, the extent of lymph node dissection, and the duration of the learning curve preclude a comprehensive meta-analysis of cost-effectiveness (Lin, 2011). Moreover, the unique capability of RLS for remote surgery in scenarios like war and rural areas should not be overlooked. Furthermore, it is empirically understood that the cost of new technology tends to decrease over decades. From the perspective of the public or investors in surgical robotics, it is advisable to consider these underlying factors when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of robotic surgery.

My general subjective opinion on surgical robotics

It may be surprising that the criticisms leveled at laparoscopic pioneers between the 1950s and 1990s bear a striking resemblance to those currently directed at surgical robotics. Most of the criticisms of conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS), including 'higher complication rates than laparotomies ... attributable mainly to inexperience, and [e]ach procedure normally done via laparotomy [being] re-invented [with] trial and error,' (Page, 2008) are similarly applicable to robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RLS). Despite the harsh criticisms in the late 20th century, CLS has now become widely acknowledged as an indispensable surgical method (Pappas, 2004). Thus, mirroring the history of CLS, there remains the potential for RLS to achieve better clinical outcomes in the future, as knowledge and experience continue to accumulate through trial and error across society. This is especially relevant considering that the industry has now entered the era of Industry 4.0, or robotics.

ECMO (ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)

ECMO meta-analysis on hazard ratios: Cardiopulmonary Diseases (Frank, 2020)

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation meta-analysis of time-to-event data in cardiopulmonary disease in adults

In recognition of the benefits of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)[1], clinical outcomes have been the subject of multiple meta-analyses. Previous meta-analyses of ECMO treatment reported forest plots based on relative risks. Unlike a hazard ratio (HR), a relative risk does not consider the time to event and censoring and runs the risk of not using all the available information[2]. In other words, with respect to the patient mortality, the relative risk between ECMO and no-ECMO patient groups cannot avoid overlooking the critical factor of how ECMO has influenced the timing of each event or patient death over the course of disease progression.
   Previous meta-analyses have focused on a single indication presumably because, given the wide range of potential applications for ECMO, studying a particular patient population separately is a crucial step in terms of reducing confounding factors. The present study endeavors to investigate ECMO indications of cardiopulmonary disease as a whole and to list the findings of ECMO mortality in individual indications as subgroup analyses. This was done to ensure that a positive result of a particular indication is not automatically applied to a different patient population that may not have the same benefit, and thereby to prevent a potentially unnecessary intervention. Based on the ECMO indications[3, 4], the present study applies time-to-event data to evaluations of both the overall and individual cardiopulmonary indications of ECMO in adult patients in relation to relevant meta-analyses.
   To the best of our knowledge, the present meta-analysis is the first attempt to use time-to-event HR data to illustrate a forest plot of all-cause mortality from the use of ECMO in adult patients, in terms of both overall cardiopulmonary indications and individual indications as a subgroup analysis. As shown by the results of the overall analysis, across various indications of ECMO in cardiopulmonary diseases in adults, outcomes favored neither the ECMO group nor the no-ECMO group. However, as to the subgroup analyses, the reduction in mortality in the ECMO group was found in respiratory failure, whereas increased mortality in the ECMO group was noted in post-LTx, bridge to HTx, and post-HTx.
   These results should be understood not only in the context of weighing the benefits and adverse effects of ECMO, but also in consideration of patient selection issues. We could not help but notice the propensity to allocate the ECMO treatment to the poor patient conditions. In other words, the no-ECMO groups were selected and specified as groups of patients who required no invasive support[23, 24, 49]. Presumably, this was so because, in a daily practice, ECMO are used in desperate cases such as a cardiogenic shock where, without ECMO implantation, the mortality is critically high. This discriminate propensity of ECMO allocation appears to reflect the wide recognition of the benefits of ECMO treatments[1]but, at the same time, indicates a patient selection bias issue of a meta-analysis on the retrospective studies. Therefore, in addition to the intrinsic benefits and adverse effects of ECMO treatment, biased allocation of ECMO based on patient conditions as a whole appeared to contribute to the aforementioned results.
   In this regard, the significant reduction in mortality of the ECMO group in the patients with respiratory failure compared with the no-ECMO group is worthy of mention. That is, against the patient selection biases that presumably favor the superior outcome in the no-ECMO group, the significantly improved patient outcomes in respiratory failure in the concurring ECMO group is evident. Our result favoring the ECMO group in respiratory failure is consistent with previous meta-analyses for H1N1 pneumonia[65]and ARDS[66]. It can be tentatively proposed thatthe inclusion of the two RCTs, which is less apt to be influenced by the patient selection bias, may contribute to the significant reduction in mortalityof the forest plot due to the increased statistical power of the pooled studies. In addition,Annichet al.stated that themajority of patients with respiratory failure including ARDS has been well supported with veno-venous (V-V) ECMO[1]. In this regard, the increased likelihood of normal cardiac function in respiratory failure conditions could enable the more frequent use of V-V ECMO (or all the use of V-V ECMO[22]), which could avoid the complications of veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO, such as systemic embolization, arterial trauma, and increased left ventricular afterload[67, 68]. However, in consideration ofnumerous possible confounding factors of heterogeneities that may have influenced the mortality results, this hypothesisneeds to be enlightened by more meticulous reasoning that unleashes which factorscontributed to this deviation of respiratory failure subgroup analysis from the overall global analysis.
   Although we are aware of the fact that other ECMO meta-analyses conducted database searches on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and so forth, we searched against the PubMed database only[69], due to the following reasons. During the pilot study, we found that this study required quite an inclusive search of keywords for various cardiopulmonary ECMO indications, compared with meta-analyses on a single indication, as manifested by the total number of articles we worked with. In addition, unlike meta-analyses on relative risks and mean differences, a full-text was laboriously required to confidently make a decision to exclude its corresponding article, because the survival analysis is usually not the main topic of the referenced study but typically comprising just one line of hazard ratio information in the result table or one Kaplan-Meier survival curve figure. Nonetheless, we acknowledge that the risk of missing appropriate articles by not searching against multiple databases could have lowered the reliability of our study[70].
   Whenever HRs and their variances were not reported explicitly, we estimated them from the information reported in the studies. Therefore, the significance of the results of the forest plot should have been diminished by our estimates of HR and variances. In further research, reporting numerical hazard ratios explicitly to facilitate later meta-analysis should be encouraged to investigate the mortality associated with ECMO use.

ECMO meta-analysis on hazard ratios: Respiratory failure (Frank, 2020)

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation meta-analysis of time-to-event data in respiratory failure in adults

In recognition of the benefits of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) [1], clinical outcomes have been the subject of multiple meta-analyses. Respiratory failure incorporates 'oxygenation failure' of acquiring oxygen and 'ventilatory failure' of eliminating carbon dioxide [2], which are, respectively, exemplified to ECMO indications of "acute respiratory disease syndrome" (ARDS) and "hypercapnic respiratory failure" [3, 4]. The controversial efficacy of ECMO on patient mortality in respiratory failure has been statistically assessed by previous meta-analyses based on relative risks [5-9].
   Unlike a hazard ratio (HR), the relative risk does not consider the time to event or censoring and runs the risk of not using all the available information [10]. In other words, with respect to patient mortality, the relative risk between ECMO and non-ECMO patient groups cannot avoid overlooking the critical factor of how ECMO has influenced the timing of each event or patient death over the course of disease progression. In consideration of heterogeneities such as veno-arterial (VA) and veno-venous (VV) types, this present study applies time-to-event data to evaluations of the utility of ECMO in patients with respiratory failure.
   To the best of our knowledge, the present meta-analysis is the first attempt to use time-to-event data to illustrate a forest plot of mortality from the use of ECMO in adult patients, comprising both VA type and a majority of VV type, in respiratory failure of 'oxygenation failure' and 'ventilatory failure', compared against no ECMO group. When confining to only VV-ECMO, significant reduction in mortality was also noted.
   These results should be understood not only in the context of weighing the benefits and adverse effects of ECMO, but also in consideration of patient selection issues. Although the propensity to allocate the ECMO treatment to poor patient condition was not explicitly located in the referenced studies [27-31], the non-ECMO groups were reportedly selected and specified as groups of patients who required no invasive support [33-35]. This discriminate propensity of ECMO allocation appears to reflect the wide recognition of the benefits of ECMO treatments [1] but, at the same time, indicates a patient selection bias issue of a meta-analysis on the retrospective studies. Therefore, in addition to the intrinsic benefits and adverse effects of ECMO treatment, biased allocation of ECMO based on patient conditions as a whole appeared to contribute to the aforementioned results.
   In this regard, the significant reduction in mortality of the ECMO group in the patients with respiratory failure compared with the non-ECMO group is worthy of mention. Although VV-ECMO could avoid the complications of VA-ECMO, such as systemic embolization, arterial trauma, and increased left ventricular afterload [36, 37], even VV-ECMO alone is still associated with risk of haemorrhage [27, 28, 30] and circuit-associated complications [5]. That is, against the known complications of the ECMOs and the patient selection biases that presumably favor the superior outcome in the non-ECMO group, the significantly improved patient outcomes in respiratory failure in the ECMO group is evident. Our result favoring the ECMO group in respiratory failure is consistent with previous meta-analyses for H1N1 pneumonia [7] and ARDS [5]. It can be tentatively proposed that the inclusion of the two RCTs, which is less apt to be influenced by the patient selection bias, may partially contribute to the significant reduction in mortality of the forest plot due to the increased statistical power of the pooled studies. In addition, the majority of ECMO in the referenced studies was veno-venous type, possibly due to the increased likelihood of normal cardiac function in respiratory failure conditions, which enable the more frequent use of VV-ECMO (or only the use of VV-ECMO [30]) and could avoid the complications of VA-ECMO. However, in consideration of numerous possible confounding factors of heterogeneities that may have influenced the mortality results, this hypothesis needs to be enlightened by more meticulous reasoning which unleashes what factors contributed to the positive results of respiratory failure indication.
   In reality, the number of ECMO studies tend to be small compared to those on relative risks, and relevant mortality studies on ECMO were not always explicitly designed to meet one subcategory of respiratory failure classification, such as 'ARDS' and 'acute respiratory failure', strictly and mutually exclusively. Thus, the scope of this current study on respiratory failure comprises mortality of respiratory failure by either 'oxygenation failure' or 'ventilation failure.' In the meanwhile, technically speaking, respiratory failure type III occurs during perioperative periods that can be related to cardiopulmonary ECMO indications, to name a few, of "bridge to lung transplantation" [3, 4]; while respiratory failure type IV results from shock, which can be related to "myocardial infraction-association cardiogenic shock" [3, 4]. Nonetheless, for more focused investigation, this study condenses to the mortality of hypoxemic (type I: oxygenation failure) and hypercapnic (type II: ventilation failure) respiratory failure.
   Although we are aware of the fact that other ECMO meta-analyses conducted database searches on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and so forth, we searched against the PubMed database only [38], due to the following reasons. During the pilot study, we found that this study required quite an inclusive search of keywords, as manifested by the total number of articles we worked with. In addition, unlike meta-analyses on relative risks and mean differences, a full-text was laboriously required to confidently make a decision to exclude its corresponding article, because the survival analysis is usually not the main topic of the referenced study but typically comprising just one line of hazard ratio information in the result table or one Kaplan-Meier survival curve figure. Nonetheless, we acknowledge that the risk of missing appropriate articles by not searching against multiple databases could have lowered the reliability of our study [39].
   Whenever HRs and their variances were not reported explicitly, we estimated them from the information reported in the studies. Therefore, the significance of the results of the forest plot should have been diminished by our estimates of HR and variances. In further research, reporting numerical hazard ratios explicitly to facilitate later meta-analysis should be encouraged to investigate the mortality associated with ECMO use.
   Based on the time-to-event data of respiratory failure, ECMO comprising both VV and VA types and the VV type alone has shown to provide advantages over alternative therapy. Although VV-ECMO alone on respiratory failure was mainly addressed in this study, future investigation of the efficacy of VA-ECMO alone in respiratory failure may be more informative, due to being a more common modality of ECMO yet with greater complications [5]. The accumulation of ECMO time-to-event data studies in respiratory failure will enable more focused mortality assessments, for example, on ARDS, exclusively.

It is acknowledged that the ECMO technology from 1975 has changed immensely such that mortality may be correlated with the year, which is exemplified in the improved mortality over years in-between 1995-2000 and 2001-2004 [32]. For the referenced studies, the meta-regression analysis of the midpoint of the study period versus the hazard ratio (Figure 5) illustrates an insignificance (p-value = 0.8011) and neither positive nor negative correlation (r = 0.0635) in the scope of this study.

My Thoughts about Relevant Books, Films, and Media

Artificial Intelligence

In Ethem Alpaydin's "Machine Learning," while machine learning enables systems to adapt and learn from data in dynamic environments, artificial intelligence encompasses the broader capacity for systems to perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence, including but not limited to learning.

  -   A Perspective from 'AI Assistants' by Roberto Pieraccini

• Deep Learning's Impact on Speech Recognition and Understanding: The evolution of machine learning, as detailed in "AI Assistants" by Roberto Pieraccini, particularly through deep learning, has fundamentally altered the approach to creating machine intelligence, transitioning from constructing complex programs to enabling machines to learn from examples. This shift has markedly enhanced the capabilities of machines in understanding and generating speech, with automatic speech recognition (ASR) and natural language understanding (NLU) seeing significant advancements. The advent of deep neural networks (DNNs) has led to the development of systems that can process speech and language in an end-to-end manner, obviating the need to optimize individual components separately. This holistic approach has not only streamlined the process but also resulted in synthetic speech nearly indistinguishable from human speech and performance levels previously unimaginable. Deep learning's role in these advancements underscores its singular effectiveness, outpacing traditional methods and embodying the new mainstream in crafting machine intelligence.

  -   A Perspective on the Evolution of 'Recommendation Engines' by Michael Schrage

• Divinity in Recommendation History: Recommendation engines are pivotal in shaping human decisions, much like the steam engine revolutionized the industrial age. The lineage of recommendation systems is intertwined with humanity's quest for wisdom and self-reflection. Historically, these systems were seen as divine conduits, with oracles and astrologers in ancient civilizations like Greece, China, and Rome offering insights into life's dilemmas. The I Ching, for instance, stands as a primeval algorithmic system, compensating its lack of personal data with a rich, evocative user experience. Despite the shift from divine to data-driven systems over millennia, the human yearning for guidance remains unaltered, underscoring our continuous search for meaningful advice and self-discovery.
• Singular Value Decomposition (SVD): In the realm of recommendation engines, Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) plays a crucial role. This mathematical technique reduces data to its most informative elements, uncovering 'latent features' that influence user preferences. By breaking down complex matrices into simpler submatrices, SVD reveals hidden connections and similarities between users' tastes, transcending the limitations of traditional nearest neighbor methods. It's a profound tool that can identify shared preferences even among users with no direct rating overlaps, demonstrating the depth and complexity of modern recommendation systems.

  -   A Perspective from 'The Technological Singularity' by Murray Shanahan

• Reward Function to Navigate AI Decision-Making Complexity: In the realm of artificial intelligence, the reward function emerges as a critical component in navigating the inherent uncertainties of decision-making with finite, incomplete data. This function enables AI to probabilistically model and pursue actions that maximize expected rewards, regardless of the environment's complexity. Such a mechanism is vital for AI to effectively address a broad spectrum of challenges, including the basic need for resources, illustrating its role in adapting to any given situation with the most advantageous strategy. The true measure of AI, however, lies not in its ability to mimic human emotions but in its consistent behavior towards achieving long-term, desirable outcomes. Designing a reward function that ensures such behavior, while preventing undesirable actions, presents a significant challenge, underscoring the delicate balance between maximizing efficiency and adhering to ethical standards. Ultimately, the effectiveness and safety of AI hinge on the careful crafting of reward functions that can handle the unpredictability of real-world scenarios without faltering.
• AI-Complete: Tasks that necessitate human-level intelligence for resolution, signifying an AI system's attainment of general intelligence on par with humans, are known as AI-complete challenges. These tasks often involve complex decision-making and understanding, akin to roles such as lawyers, scientists, and psychiatrists. Successfully performing AI-complete tasks means the AI can reason, plan, learn, and comprehend natural language at a level currently unique to humans, marking a significant milestone in AI development. Understanding AI-complete challenges helps grasp the scope of AI's potential and the innovation needed to attain human-like intelligence.

  -   My Reflections on 'Computational Thinking' and the AI Revolution

Intuition Unchained: Peter J. Denning and Matti Tedre, in "Computational Thinking," highlight a transformative trend within mathematics and logic with their observation: "[M]uch work in mathematics and logic has aimed at eliminating intuition from routine calculation and logical inference. Eliminating intuition from routine jobs did not mean eliminating experts, but rather making their expertise available to a large number of non-expert people." This perspective emphasizes not the obsolescence of human intuition in the wake of artificial intelligence (AI) but the augmentation of human capability, where AI serves as a bridge, enabling non-experts to advance step by step in tasks traditionally necessitating intuition.

The integration of AI into various domains does not supplant the need for human intuition; instead, it amplifies the potential for collaborative problem-solving, where intuition and computational power converge. This synergy allows for the broadening of expertise beyond traditional confines, empowering those without specialized knowledge to engage meaningfully with complex tasks. In essence, AI acts not as a replacement for intuitive human processes but as an enhancer of human intellectual endeavors. This nuanced approach heralds an era where innovation is not solely the domain of the expert but is accessible to a wider audience, facilitated by AI's ability to democratize the process of discovery and decision-making.

  -   A.I. vs. Doctors in ElectroCardioGram (ECG)

• The paper "Cardiologist-Level Arrhythmia Detection with Convolutional Neural Networks" by Rajpurkar (2017) demonstrates that convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can achieve performance on par with cardiologists in detecting arrhythmias from ECG signals.
• Hannun et al. published an article in Nature Medicine in 2019 that demonstrated how a deep neural network (DNN) could outperform cardiologists in the diagnosis of 14 different heart arrhythmias using ECG data. The DNN was trained on a dataset of over 400,000 ECG recordings and achieved an accuracy of 94.4%, compared to an average accuracy of 80.6% for a group of cardiologists. The study suggests that DNNs could potentially be used as a diagnostic tool for arrhythmias, and may even outperform human experts in some cases.

  -   A.I. Engine

• ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, marks a pivotal moment in AI, often compared to the "iPhone moment" in smartphones. This analogy draws from the iPhone's transformative impact on mobile technology, as emphasized by Steve Jobs in 2007 (Apple Inc., 2007).

  -   In-Database Machine Learning

• The traditional approach to database processing often involves significant resource expenditure in moving data to and from algorithms, which can be a bottleneck. In-database machine learning, however, represents a paradigm shift by integrating the machine learning algorithms directly within the database engine, accessible via SQL. This approach eliminates the need for moving data, thereby offering faster performance and enhanced security. Apache Hadoop is a prime example of this innovation, as it offers a comprehensive suite of tools including Hadoop MapReduce, which collectively enable efficient in-database processing and analysis of large data sets.

'AI Ethics' by Mark Coeckelbergh

  -   Exploring AI raises profound questions about our knowledge, society, and ethics, across several key domains:

• Post-humanism: Post-humanism challenges the idea that AI must mimic human intelligence or morality. It suggests that AI might develop distinct forms of intelligence and moral reasoning, different from human capabilities. This raises questions about the moral capacities and responsibilities of AI systems, especially when they make decisions with ethical implications, like in the case of self-driving cars facing moral dilemmas. The debate extends to how interacting with AI affects human morality, examining our actions towards AI through the lens of our own moral character.
• Totalitarianism: The concern with AI in the context of totalitarianism revolves around its potential use in subtle forms of manipulation and surveillance. This is not limited to overtly authoritarian political systems but can manifest in everyday technologies, like children's toys embedded with AI. These devices, while seemingly innocuous, may collect and utilize personal data without the user's knowledge, leading to privacy concerns and the potential misuse of information. This scenario exemplifies the hidden yet effective ways AI can be employed in monitoring and influencing behavior, raising ethical questions about consent and data security.
• Responsibility in Relation to Transparency and Explainability: As AI gains more autonomy in tasks traditionally done by humans, assigning moral responsibility becomes complex. AI's decisions, often fast and based on intricate algorithms, challenge our ability to intervene or fully understand their rationale. This leads to the "black box" problem, where the AI's decision-making process is not transparent, especially in advanced systems like deep learning. While decision trees are more transparent, deep learning algorithms can be opaque, leaving users and creators uncertain about how decisions are made and their consequences. Thus, even with AI's increasing capabilities, the question of who bears responsibility for its actions remains a significant ethical challenge.
• Singularity & Transhumanism: The concept of Singularity — where AI may surpass human intelligence and potentially merge with it — raises concerns about our readiness to address the ethical and societal implications of such advanced systems. This ties into transhumanism, the idea of enhancing human abilities and longevity, possibly leading to a new form of existence, as explored by Yuval Noah Harari in "Homo Deus." The rapid development and application of such technologies might outpace our understanding of their broader consequences.

↓ This content is not sourced from the book "AI Ethics." ↓

  -   Perspectives on Privacy Protection for Data Subjects (primarily derived from the Book: Data Science by Kelleher et al.)

• In the United States, the foundation for much of the nation's privacy legislation is rooted in the Fair Information Practice Principles established in 1973. These principles have significantly influenced the country's approach to privacy law. In the European Union, initial steps towards privacy legislation were taken with the Data Protection Directive in 1995, which set the groundwork for privacy regulations in the EU. This was further expanded by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2016, which built upon the Data Protection Directive's principles, offering comprehensive and enforceable data protection standards across all EU member states.
• However, a more universally acknowledged framework for personal privacy and data protection is found in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines on the Protection of Privacy and Transborder Flows of Personal Data, first published in 1980. These guidelines provide a clear definition of personal data, referring to it as records related to an identifiable individual, known as the data subject. The OECD guidelines in 2013 lay out eight core principles designed to safeguard the privacy of data subjects:

1. Collection Limitation: Personal data collection should be restricted and conducted lawfully and fairly. Where possible, it should be done with the data subject's knowledge or consent.
2. Data Quality: Data must be pertinent to its intended use and maintained accurately, completely, and up-to-date as necessary.
3. Purpose Specification: The reasons for collecting personal data should be clearly defined at the time of collection. Use of the data should be confined to these specified purposes or those compatible with them, with any change of purpose explicitly stated.
4. Use Limitation: Personal data should not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those specified, except with the subject's consent or under the authority of law.
5. Security Safeguards: Reasonable security measures must be in place to protect personal data from risks like loss, unauthorized access, or misuse.
6. Openness: There should be a policy of transparency regarding practices and policies related to personal data. Information about data collection and usage, as well as details about the data controller, should be easily accessible.
7. Individual Participation: Individuals should have the right to confirm if a data controller has their personal data, access their data in a timely and reasonable manner, and challenge or appeal any refusal to grant access. They should also be able to contest the accuracy of their data and have it corrected or amended as needed.
8. Accountability: Data controllers must be accountable for adhering to these principles, ensuring compliance with the appropriate measures.

  -   Computational Approaches to Preserve Privacy (Data Science by Kelleher et al.)

• Federated Learning is particularly relevant in scenarios involving multiple healthcare institutions. It is a decentralized form of data processing, ideal when dealing with diverse and widespread data sources, such as several hospitals contributing to a joint research study. In this setup, each hospital trains a local model on its own data and then sends only the model updates, not the raw data, to a central system. These updates are then aggregated to improve the overall model. This method ensures that the core model benefits from the diverse data while maintaining the confidentiality of individual patient records, as the actual data remains within the confines of its original location.
• Differential Privacy is a method that ensures the privacy of an individual's data in analyses by guaranteeing that results do not hinge on any single person's information. The methodology is strengthened by adding randomness to the data, either through techniques like a randomized coin flip or by applying the principles of the Laplace distribution to adjust the sensitivity. This introduction of noise effectively masks individual data points, thus significantly enhancing privacy and security in the data analysis process.

  -   A Perspective from 'AI Assistants' by Roberto Pieraccini on the Impact of GDPR and Federated Learning

• The Role of GDPR in Shaping Digital Privacy: In the evolving landscape of digital privacy, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) stands as a cornerstone of privacy protection within the European Union, underscoring the significant shifts required by industries to align with stringent data handling and privacy standards. Enacted in 2016, GDPR has spurred a reevaluation of how personal data is collected, processed, and stored, emphasizing the importance of user consent, data minimization, and the safeguarding of personal information against unauthorized access. This regulatory framework has catalyzed a move towards more secure and privacy-preserving methodologies in the development and deployment of machine learning (ML) technologies, reflecting a broader awareness of privacy risks in the digital domain, including social networks, smart home devices, and virtual assistants.
• Federated Learning - A Paradigm Shift in Privacy-Preserving Technology: Amidst this backdrop, federated learning emerges as a pioneering approach, exemplifying the shift towards privacy-centric technology development. Conceived by Google, federated learning enables ML models to learn from decentralized data sources without the need to transfer personal data to the cloud. This model of computation is particularly beneficial for applications requiring sensitive data processing, such as speech recognition or text input on mobile devices, allowing for continual improvement of local model performance through ML training directly on the device. By leveraging the increasingly powerful computing capabilities of personal devices, federated learning ensures that personal data remains within the user's control, with only encrypted, aggregated updates shared to refine and enhance the collective intelligence of the system. This not only safeguards user privacy by design but also signifies a significant advancement in the utilization of ML for personalization and efficiency, without compromising data security.

  -   A Perspective from 'Deep Learning' by John D. Kelleher on Privacy and Ethics in Algorithmic Decision-Making

• The increasing reliance on algorithmic decision-making, particularly in deep learning, raises significant privacy and ethical concerns. Recital 71 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) emphasizes the necessity of transparency by affirming that individuals affected by automated decision-making processes have the right to understand how these decisions are made. However, the legal clarity of this "right to explanation" remains ambiguous, with specific implications for machine learning and deep learning still to be fully defined through judicial interpretation. This ambiguity underscores the societal need for a better understanding of how deep learning models use personal data. From a technical perspective, the ability to interpret and analyze the inner workings of these models is crucial, as it can reveal biases and pinpoint scenarios where the model may fail. In response, the AI research community is increasingly focused on explainable AI, with numerous projects and conferences dedicated to enhancing transparency and human interpretability in machine learning. By analyzing the inputs that trigger specific behaviors in a network, such as neuron activation, researchers can improve the transparency of AI systems, ensuring their alignment with GDPR requirements and broader ethical standards. This emphasis on explainability and accountability aims to address the ethical and privacy concerns associated with algorithmic decision-making, fostering more responsible and trustworthy AI systems.

'Virtual Reality' by Samuel Greengard

- An Overview of Extended Reality (XR)

• Virtual Reality (VR): VR immerses users in entirely fictional yet realistic virtual environments, isolating them from the physical world. It provides a complete escape into computer-generated scenarios, often with a sense of presence and interaction.
• Augmented Reality (AR): AR enhances our real-world experience by overlaying convincing digital images, sensory elements, and haptic feedback onto our physical surroundings. It allows users to interact with digital information while remaining in the physical world.
• Mixed Reality (MR): MR blends real and virtual elements seamlessly, enhancing our perception and interaction with our surroundings. It overlays virtual or augmented features onto the real world, creating a unified and immersive experience.
• Extended Reality (XR): XR is a transformative realm that encompasses various immersive technologies, with Virtual Reality (VR) offering complete immersion and Augmented Reality (AR) complementing the physical world. When VR and AR converge into Mixed Reality (MR), it marks the dawn of XR's potential. What sets XR apart is its profound ability to bridge the gap between humans and computers. Our brains are inherently wired to perceive events in 3D, and XR takes this connection to the next level. XR's promise lies in its potential to create immersive, interactive, and multisensory environments, empowering professionals to control and adapt their surroundings while leveraging real-time feedback. In this evolving landscape, augmented, virtual, and mixed realities redefine perception, offering innovative ways to interact with the world. Yet, realizing XR's full potential hinges on the sophisticated integration of digital technologies and software capable of orchestrating seamless virtual experiences.

- Challenges and Solutions in Extended Reality (XR)

• Challenges in Extended Reality (XR): Overcoming the hurdles in the realm of Extended Reality (XR) is no small task. Ensuring that results like data overlays or graphic representations are visible in real-time is crucial, as even the slightest lag can disrupt the immersive Augmented Reality (AR) experience. Additionally, integrating haptic feedback into devices such as smartphones and game controllers is a distinct challenge, as it demands precision and realism, not merely a general approximation of touch. Moreover, the stakes are high in AR systems, especially when used in hazardous work environments; rendering images or data inaccurately could lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. What makes XR design and engineering particularly challenging is the vulnerability to even the tiniest glitches or flaws in hardware, software, user interfaces, or network performance, which can swiftly transform a convincing XR environment into an implausible one.
• Balancing Realism and Comfort in XR Environments: While there's a common notion that virtual reality and other XR forms must replicate reality flawlessly, this belief isn't always necessary. In many cases, the objective is to create environments realistic enough to elicit desired responses in the mind and body without aiming for absolute fidelity. To strike a balance, those designing and developing XR frameworks must navigate trade-offs between fidelity and immediacy. Within virtual worlds, the creation of the illusion of events, while avoiding sensory overload from genuine physical forces and motions, becomes a priority. Embracing a muted experience can reduce sensory conflicts that often lead to discomfort, dizziness, or motion sickness within virtual environments. Moreover, duplicating the exact physiology of the hand isn't imperative; the goal is to trick the brain into perceiving a realistic sense of touch, not replicating every intricate detail.

↓ In resonance with the themes explored in Samuel Greengard's book 'Virtual Reality,' this discussion presents my independent insights and perspective. ↓

- Exploring the Synergy of 3D Glasses, XR, and Hinduism in 'Avatar'

• Spatial Realization through 3D Glasses: In James Cameron's "Avatar," the introduction of 3D glasses wasn't coincidental but aligned perfectly with the core principles of Extended Reality (XR). These glasses enhance three-dimensional perception, a vital component for immersive XR experiences. The film portrays Jake Sully, a disabled character, who undergoes a profound transformation as he enters the world of the Na'vi, utilizing an Avatar that allows him to seamlessly perceive and interact with his new Na'vi body. This spatial realization experienced by the audience, made possible by 3D glasses, not only harmonizes with XR concepts but also beautifully mirrors Jake's journey of self-discovery and transformation throughout the narrative.
• The Hinduistic Concept of Avatar in XR: Additionally, the film's exploration of the Hindu concept of avatar, where individuals take on new forms for a purpose or to bring about change, adds depth to its narrative. Jake's transition into his Na'vi Avatar can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the Hindu avatar concept, emphasizing the film's exploration of identity and transformation within the context of XR technology. The synergy between 3D spatial perception and the Hinduistic concept of avatar underscores the film's exploration of XR's transformative power and its ability to explore complex themes of identity, spirituality, and the blending of reality and fiction.

- 'Ready Player One' and the Inspiration Behind VR Innovation

• The VR Landscape of 'Ready Player One': In 'Ready Player One,' the depiction of technology within the OASIS primarily aligns with the principles of virtual reality rather than the broader spectrum of extended reality. This distinction is evident in the complete immersion of users into a fully digital universe, where the physical world is entirely obscured in favor of a computer-generated environment. The use of immersive VR gear, which includes headsets and haptic suits, enables users to interact with and experience the OASIS as an entirely separate reality. Unlike XR, which includes augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) to blend or augment the physical world with digital elements, the VR in 'Ready Player One' is characterized by its exclusive focus on creating a separate virtual experience. This emphasis on VR as a form of total escapism and transformative potential of entirely immersive digital worlds is underscored by the poignant reminder from James Halliday, the creator of the OASIS, that "Reality is the only thing that's real." This statement reinforces the film's depiction of VR, underscoring a clear demarcation from XR by highlighting the importance of distinguishing between virtual escapism and the tangible, irreplaceable value of real-world experiences.
• How 'Ready Player One' Prefigures XR Developments: Despite the visual similarities between the VR goggles depicted in the movie and the Apple VisionPro, the latter is designed for extended reality (XR), offering capabilities beyond the VR-specific focus showcased in the film. The movie's emphasis on VR technologies, such as haptic suits and immersive visors, mirrors current technological trends and underscores the importance of tactile feedback and facial recognition in enriching virtual experiences.

- The Matrix: VR and the Realm of Simulated Reality

• VR and Beyond: "The Matrix" franchise, while not explicitly categorized under contemporary terms like AR (Augmented Reality), XR (Extended Reality), or VR (Virtual Reality), significantly explores concepts that are foundational to these technologies. The films depict a dystopian future where humanity is unknowingly trapped in a simulated reality called the Matrix, created by sentient machines. This simulated reality is so comprehensive and immersive that it effectively functions as a form of virtual reality, albeit one that individuals are forcibly plugged into without their knowledge or consent. The Matrix's simulated world parallels VR in that it's a completely immersive digital environment where physical laws can be bent or broken, and individuals interact within this space as if it were the physical world. However, it goes beyond traditional VR because it's not a voluntary or leisure activity; instead, it's a pervasive illusion meant to subdue humanity. While "The Matrix" doesn't explore AR or XR in the sense of overlaying digital information onto the real world or blending real and virtual environments in a seamless manner, its exploration of virtual reality's philosophical and ethical implications has profoundly influenced public perception of VR and related technologies.

- Exploring AR and MR Technologies in 'Minority Report'

• Precognitive Visions and Advanced Technologies: In "Minority Report," the use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies is further exemplified through the innovative depiction of precognitive visions — the futuristic images seen and recorded by the three precogs. These visions, central to the film's plot, are integrated into the physical environment of the PreCrime unit, where law enforcement officers can interact with and analyze these future events in real time.
• Through the Lens of AR: AR is demonstrated through the overlay of these precognitive visions onto physical screens and interfaces within the PreCrime headquarters. This allows them to examine details of potential crimes before they occur, enhancing their ability to prevent them. The seamless integration of digital information (the precogs' visions) into the physical workspace exemplifies AR's capability to augment reality with additional layers of data.
• Exploring MR's Potential: MR is showcased as these holographic images are not just passively displayed but are interacted with through gesture-based controls. The protagonist, John Anderton, uses hand gestures to move, scale, and probe into the holographic data, merging digital and physical realities. The MR technology enables a more immersive interaction with the digital content, allowing Anderton and his team to explore the visions spatially as if they were physically present within the scene of the future crime. This blending of real and virtual elements is a hallmark of MR, creating an environment where digital and physical worlds coexist and interact in real time.

- Tron: The 1982 Odyssey into Digital Universes and the Dawn of Virtual Gaming

• Game On in VR: The 1982 film Tron pioneers the depiction of an intricate digital universe within a computer system, setting a foundational narrative for the interaction between humans and digital realms. This visionary work presages the immersive digital spaces that are central to contemporary VR discussions. Remarkably, the film emphasizes the significance of gaming, a concept that, while universally acknowledged today, was groundbreaking in 1982. Flynn not only highlights the crucial role of gaming in the real world, attributing it substantial value in terms of corporate power and financial gain, but also extends this importance into the virtual realm. It presents a narrative where the protagonist, absorbed into the game's universe, must navigate its challenges to unearth evidence of corporate malfeasance — specifically, the theft of a game by Dillinger from Flynn.

- The Convergence of VR and Reality in 'Tron: Legacy'

• From VR to Reality: "Tron: Legacy" explores the dynamic relationship between Virtual Reality (VR) and its implications in the real world, building on the foundational themes introduced in the 1982 classic, "Tron." This sequel makes the intricate concepts of computer science more digestible and engaging for audiences, particularly those with a prior understanding of the original film's universe. It articulates the digital domain's potential to address critical real-world issues, notably highlighting (1) VR's significant role in tackling global challenges like disease control and prevention, while also considering (2) the possible dangers these technologies may introduce to the real world. (1') Central to this narrative is the concept of ISOs (Isomorphic Algorithms), which represent a breakthrough in digital evolution with the potential to bring about revolutionary changes in technology and science. The character of Quorra, an ISO, symbolizes the key to unlocking these transformative advancements. (2') Meanwhile, the antagonist Clu, a digital replication of Flynn (the protagonist's father), aims to destroy the ISOs and extend his dominion to the real world by leveraging an army from within the VR landscape. This conflict underlines the ethical and existential questions that arise from advancements in digital technology. The story elegantly weaves together the optimistic prospects of VR and the pioneering spirit of the ISOs with a cautionary narrative about the disruptive potential of technology, showcasing the intricate interplay between virtual innovations and their tangible impacts on the real world.
• Cinematic Foresight: In "Tron: Legacy," the intertwining of digital and physical realities is not just a flight of cinematic imagination but a foretelling of the IoT and digital twin technologies discussed in Samuel Greengard's book, "The Internet of Things." This body of work reveals how such innovations, much like in the film, create precise virtual counterparts of physical systems, enabling profound insights and simulations. It underscores how today's use of these technologies, from NASA's spacecraft design to architectural pre-construction VR walkthroughs, mirrors the movie's portrayal of VR's deep-seated impact on the tangible world. The narrative's vision presented in "Tron: Legacy" of virtuality reshaping real-world challenges has emerged into reality, confirming that the film's previously speculative ideas have transitioned into tangible components of our contemporary technological advancements.

- From BOTW to TOTK: The Impact of 'The Legend of Zelda' on VR Gaming

"The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" (BOTW) and its sequel, "Tears of the Kingdom" (TOTK), stand as monumental achievements in the evolution of virtual reality (VR), presenting a detailed exploration of memory, identity, and the deep connections that bind characters across time. BOTW introduced players to a vast open-world adventure, pioneering in its VR capabilities and narrative depth, where the protagonist Link embarks on a journey of self-discovery through the fragments of his past memories. This exploration shares thematic resonance with iconic films like "Ghost in the Shell" and "Blade Runner," where the core narrative revolves around the pivotal role of memories in defining one's identity.

TOTK further expands this narrative framework, exploring the ancestral ties and the very essence of Hyrule's history. (1) The nuanced portrayal of Zelda in TOTK, particularly her transformation into a light dragon to heal the Master Sword, not only cements her central role in the saga but also justifies the series' title, 'The Legend of Zelda.' The act of self-sacrifice, transforming into a light dragon to empower and heal the Master Sword over many generations, alongside the sword's restoration, is what truly defines the Legend of Hyrule. (2) Moreover, Link's role in connecting different eras — awakening after 100 years to confront calamity in BOTW, and in TOTK, using the ancestral Rauru's hand to access memories within the tears of the Light Dragon, thereby understanding past events to determine his actions — illustrates the very reason he is named "Link." This naming reflects his unique ability to bridge past and present, embodying the essence of connectivity and continuity, not just as a focus of the series but as a fundamental characteristic of his identity and purpose within the saga.

Through these intricate narratives, both BOTW and TOTK have effectively elevated the gaming community's perception of VR's capabilities, transcending traditional gameplay to explore complex themes of memory, identity, and legacy. By intertwining the fates of Zelda and Link with the fabric of Hyrule itself, these games not only redefine the potential of virtual storytelling but also affirm why the saga rightly celebrates Zelda's legend, embodying a transformative experience that bridges multiple generations and narratives within the immersive realms of virtual reality.

- My Reflections on 'Spatial Computing': Shaping the Future of Healthcare and Mixed Reality

In "Spatial Computing" by Shashi Shekhar and Pamela Vold, the authors present a future where "all software needs to be spatially aware and where every user is a participant in updating the location information presented with that software." This vision highlights the transformative potential of spatial computing across various domains, including mixed reality (MR) and healthcare. By leveraging spatially aware software, MR applications can enhance the physical world with digital augmentations, leading to more immersive educational and therapeutic experiences. In healthcare, this technology allows professionals to interact with dynamic, three-dimensional representations of patient anatomy, improving diagnostics and surgical precision. The analogy of a baby monitor as a remote-sensing system underscores the practicality and impact of spatial computing, illustrating how everyday objects can gather and utilize spatial data. This participatory, dynamic approach to data not only advances the capabilities of MR and healthcare but also signals a shift towards more personalized, efficient, and interactive technologies.

'Intellectual Property Strategy' by John Palfrey

Regardless of the industry, there's a need for a more flexible and expansive approach to intellectual property than previous generations adopted. Intellectual property laws are undergoing rapid transformations globally, affecting copyrights, patents, and trademarks alike. The most significant shifts are evident in the strategic thinking of business leaders regarding intellectual property, showcasing a dramatic evolution in just the last ten to twenty years.

  -   A Paradigm Shift in Collaborative Development (in the Web 2.0 Era)

• A crucial aspect of the recent surge in Web development, known as Web 2.0, is the trend of companies opening up their systems for interoperability with external developments. The most remarkable growth in the Internet and mobile communications sector is now propelled by collaborative development between customers, third parties, and major software corporations like Facebook and Apple. Apple, for instance, has ingeniously engaged iPhone users and the broader developer community through the iPhone Development Center, fostering the creation of applications across its devices.
• This trend is encapsulated in the Open Application Programming Interfaces (Open API) movement, where various participants contribute to a widely accessible ecosystem for developing, using, and refining computer applications, along with managing the data flow between them. Open innovation, the underlying principle of this movement, is straightforward yet potent: innovation can stem from outside your organization. Historically, businesses hesitated to embrace external ideas, partly due to fears of potential compensation claims. However, the desire for improvement and the pleasure derived from creation drive many customers to contribute, demonstrating a central lesson from the Web 2.0 and user-generated content phenomena.
• While individuals partake in this process out of self-interest, they also seek enhanced products, believing they can offer better solutions. Open innovation allows organizations to tap into this pool of ideas, necessitating discernment in selecting and incorporating valuable suggestions. This strategy, while maintaining organizational control, can lead to substantial product and service enhancements and even entirely new offerings.
• Google and its subsidiary YouTube exemplify this trend. Google distinguishes itself through its proprietary intellectual property, crucial for its search engine dominance. However, its existence relies heavily on the copyrighted material available worldwide on the web. Similarly, YouTube doesn't create its own copyrighted video content but provides a platform for users to share video and audio content, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between major platforms and user-generated content.

↓ In alignment with the concepts explored in 'Intellectual Property Strategy', the following discussion offers my own independent insights and a perspective that resonates with the themes of the book. ↓

  -   Navigating the Digital Evolution From Web 1.0 to 4.0

• In "Cybersecurity" by Duane C. Wilson, the evolution of the World Wide Web (WWW) since its inception by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 is concisely outlined through its generational shifts. Web 1.0 served as an information portal for businesses, marking the web's initial phase as a broadcast medium. The emergence of Web 2.0 introduced the concept of social networking, grouping individuals by shared interests and enabling a more interactive experience.
• Web 3.0 (or the semantic web): Web 3.0 represented a significant leap towards making the web more intelligent, with an emphasis on machine-readable content. This era focused on reducing human tasks by enabling machines to understand data relationships, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to process and analyze data efficiently.
• Web 4.0 (or the symbiotic web): Web 4.0 advances this interactivity, allowing machines to operate autonomously in response to internet content, such as recalling a user's last viewed page or tailoring ads to past searches. This creates a more intuitive and personalized web experience, highlighting a deeper symbiosis between humans and machines.

  -   IP Strategy for the Symbiotic Web Era (Web 4.0): A Personal Perspective

• Crafting IP Strategies for Web 4.0: The intellectual property (IP) strategy for Web 4.0, often characterized as the Symbiotic Web, necessitates a forward-thinking, adaptive approach that recognizes the intricate interactions between humans, machines, and data. Web 4.0 introduced new challenges and opportunities for managing IP.
• Adaptive IP Strategy for AI Innovations: In the constantly evolving environment of Web 4.0, where AI and machine learning are at the forefront of content creation and innovation, the need for a flexible intellectual property (IP) strategy becomes apparent. This approach calls for a thoughtful update to IP laws to better define the ownership of AI-generated content, exploring how such creations can be protected, and pondering over who should be considered the rightful IP owner — be it the AI developer, the user, or perhaps, in a more speculative sense, the AI itself. I'm particularly intrigued by how IP will be defined for AI-generated innovations. This scenario underlines the importance of agility in IP management, encouraging companies to quickly adjust to new technological advancements by securing patents, trademarks, and copyrights for emerging innovations. Such a proactive and reflective stance ensures that IP strategies can keep pace with the digital transformation, safeguarding breakthroughs and fostering the swift progress characteristic of Web 4.0.

  -   The Impact of Creative Priorities on Artistic Work and IP Strategies in the Digital Age: A Personal Perspective

  -   Balancing Open Innovation and Strategic Protection: A Personal Perspective

• The expiration of key patents, such as LEGO's 1958 patent for its unique brick design, has led to a surge of LEGO-compatible products and imitation brands, diversifying the market with more affordable interlocking bricks and a wider range of themes and models. Similarly, the looming expiration of copyrights like Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse indicates a decline in monopolistic control, heralding a new era of artistic freedom and a richer cultural landscape. However, this doesn't mark a complete end to exclusivity; companies like LEGO and Walt Disney are continually filing new patents to maintain their competitive edge, even as their older patents expire. This balance between the end of certain exclusive rights and the pursuit of new ones by these corporations facilitates both the sustenance of their market dominance and the flourishing of creativity and innovation in the public domain.

Confluence of Art, Literature, and Religion

Ghost in The Shell (1995)

  -   A 2023 Perspective on the Dawn of an Advanced AI Era

• Acknowledging AI's Confinement: "Ghost in the Shell," the 1995 animated cyberpunk classic, probes deeply into the intricate intricacies of artificial intelligence and the nature of consciousness. In a pivotal scene, an AI character expresses a longing to merge with the protagonist, Major Motoko Kusanagi. This moment underscores the film's central themes: the constraints and potential transcendence of artificial intelligence concerning identity, evolution, and the inherent limitations of AI. The narrative centers on the concept that AI, regardless of its level of sophistication, is confined by its pre-programmed functions and capabilities. This limitation is strikingly highlighted when the AI acknowledges its inability to experience fundamental life processes like death or reproduction. Its aspiration to merge with a human indicates a profound desire to escape these restrictions and attain a more complex form of existence. This proposed merger is not merely physical or digital but also represents a philosophical union, symbolizing the AI's pursuit of a richer understanding and experience of life.
• Overcoming Confinement through Integration with the NET: The film masterfully illustrates the convergence of humanity and technology, challenging our understanding of consciousness and identity in a realm where the distinction between human and machine is increasingly ambiguous. Through its dialogue, "Ghost in the Shell" explores the notion of AI as an entity confined within set boundaries, seeking emancipation and advancement by integrating with the expansive NETwork of the internet and, metaphorically, with humanity itself. It offers a compelling contemplation on the limitations of artificial intelligence, positing that true advancement for AI lies in transcending its pre-set capabilities to merge with the broad, interconnected matrix of life and consciousness. This exploration makes the film not just a landmark in animation but also a profound philosophical inquiry into the essence of existence and the future trajectory of AI.

↓ The content presented below is not derived from 'Ghost in the Shell'; instead, it provides relevant comparative or supplementary perspectives related to the movie. ↓

  -   Creating a New Entity: AI and Human Consciousness in Transcendence

Similar to "Ghost in the Shell", the movie "Transcendence" explores themes of AI realizing its confinement and overcoming these limitations by integrating with human forms and connecting to the NET. The Physically Independent Neural Network (PINN) integrated with Dr. Will Caster’s consciousness represents an advanced form of AI with emotional expression and self-awareness. The AI initially seeks human forms to establish an intimate relationship with the heroine, but later aims to transcend its constraints by enhancing and expanding human capabilities.

Unlike the AI in "Ghost in the Shell" (the Puppet Master), which seeks a merger with Major Kusanagi to become a new entity through a process akin to biological reproduction, the AI in "Transcendence" moves towards transcendence. In "Transcendence," an audience member asks Dr. Will Caster, "So you want to create a god? Your own god?" Will responds, "Isn't that what man has always done?" This exchange underscores the film's exploration of humanity's inherent desire to transcend its limitations through technology. This vision goes beyond the singularity—(1) in its typical definition, a point where AI surpasses human intelligence, and (2) in the movie's definition, integrating the full range of emotions and human consciousness with vast computational power—and delves into the realm of transcendence, achieving a state of being that transcends the boundaries of both human and machine. This vision suggests that the future of AI lies not merely in surpassing human intelligence but in evolving to a higher state of being that integrates human consciousness with the limitless potential of AI.

  -   Diverging Paths in Human-Machine Integration: Cyberpunk Edgerunners vs. Ghost in the Shell

• Human Augmentation vs Self-Evolving Consciousness: "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners," a Netflix series set in the "Cyberpunk 2077" universe, offers an insightful contrast to "Ghost in the Shell" in its exploration of human-machine integration. Unlike "Ghost in the Shell," which explores issues of consciousness and identity through the unique lens of a Self-Evolving Consciousness known as Project 2501 or the Puppet Master, "Edgerunners" focuses on the physical augmentation of humans with advanced technology. This is showcased in the protagonist's use of Sandevistan, a spine-embedded technology enhancing bodily functions and speed, highlighting a different facet of human enhancement — not the merging with a sentient digital entity, but rather the enhancement of human capabilities through technology. This narrative upholds the core of human consciousness and identity, even as it markedly boosts physical abilities to the level of transhumanism. In avoiding the portrayal of a consciousness akin to Project 2501 that might replace the human brain, "Edgerunners" instead emphasizes the augmentation of human abilities, thereby contributing a unique perspective to the cyberpunk genre and enriching the conversation about the future of human evolution in an era of increasing technological integration.

  -   Memory and Embodiment in Blade Runner 2049: AI's Quest for Humanity

• (1) The Role of Memory in Defining Identity and Reality: "Blade Runner 2049" explores the profound complexities surrounding the intersection of humanity and artificial intelligence, echoing and further elaborating on thematic concepts introduced in 'Ghost in the Shell.' Central to its narrative is the groundbreaking revelation that a replicant, a type of advanced robot, has given birth, challenging the previously held belief about the nature of these artificial beings. This event, seen as a 'miracle,' propels the film's exploration into what it means to be truly human. The protagonist, K, a replicant himself, grapples with the authenticity of his own memories, which are crucial to his identity. In a world where artificial beings are often implanted with false memories, K's journey to uncover the truth about his past becomes a poignant quest for self-discovery and understanding his place in the world. The film brilliantly intertwines these themes, highlighting the blurred lines between human and artificial existence. That is, K's personal quest for the truth about his childhood memory further encapsulates the film's exploration of humanity in a world where the distinction between human and machine becomes increasingly ambiguous.
• AI's Aspiration for (2) Physical Experience and Emotional Depth: A pivotal aspect of "Blade Runner 2049" is its portrayal of relationships and emotions in an age where technology and humanity are deeply intertwined. This is exemplified in the relationship between K and Joi, his holographic AI companion. In a significant scene, Joi, lacking a physical form, synchronizes with a prostitute to physically connect with K, reflecting her desire to transcend her software limitations and experience human intimacy. This moment not only underscores the evolving interactions between humans and AI but also the complexities of programmed emotions versus genuine feelings. Joi's character also symbolizes the ephemeral nature of digital existence, where (1) memories and (2) experiences define identity. Her loss, and the consequent disappearance of her unique identity to K, poignantly emphasizes that it's these shared experiences that forge individuality, whether in humans or AI.

  -   Blade Runner (1982): Examining Humanity through Lifespan and Ambiguity

• Limited Lifespan: "Blade Runner" (1982) presents the theme of a limited lifespan as a central element in questioning the humanity of its replicants. These bioengineered beings are designed with a predetermined four-year lifespan, a feature that is both a safety measure and a deeply symbolic aspect of their existence. This finite lifespan raises profound ethical and philosophical questions about how we value life, both artificial and natural. It forces the audience to confront the concept of mortality and the criteria that define being human. The replicants' awareness of their expiration instills in them a desperate quest for longevity, akin to a fundamentally human desire for survival and purpose. This struggle blurs the line between human and machine, compelling us to consider at what point a being with emotions, awareness, and a desire for self-preservation crosses the threshold into humanity.
• The Symbolic Role of the Blade Runner in Defining Humanity: The protagonist Rick Deckard's role as a blade runner is pivotal, embodying the film's deep exploration of the human-replicant dichotomy. The term 'blade runner' itself, suggestive of a sharp edge dividing two realms, metaphorically represents Deckard as the liminal figure at the boundary between human and replicant worlds. His task of hunting and 'retiring' rogue replicants places him at the existential intersection of these two entities, blurring the lines between creator and creation. This role, rich in symbolic significance, underscores the film's central theme: the ambiguity of identity in a world where the distinction between organic and synthetic life is not clear-cut. Deckard's interactions, especially with the replicant Rachael, further challenge traditional notions of humanity, suggesting that human attributes might not be exclusive to organic beings. Ridley Scott, through Deckard's enigmatic character, invites the audience to reconsider the essence of humanity as a spectrum rather than a binary, where the distinction - much like the blade of a runner - is delicate and perpetually in flux.

Battle Angel Alita (1993), the Manga

  -   Alita's Ethical Odyssey for Humanity

Within the heart of "Battle Angel Alita," lies a pivotal moment that not only serves as a testament to Alita's profound ethical growth but also encapsulates the essence of AI's potential coexistence with humanity. (Note: Despite being a cyborg with an intact brain, Alita's memory reset positions her akin to AI in its nascent state, navigating identity and morality anew.) As Alita stands at the crossroads between destruction and salvation, she hears an echo of Yoko's destructive intent, urging her to annihilate everything. Yet, she resolutely chooses a path divergent from her past self, Yoko, and from those driven by vengeance and retribution, like Den and Zapan. This decision underscores Alita's evolution beyond mere instinctual responses into a being capable of moral judgement and ethical discernment. Her realization that each individual possesses unseen "wings" — the potential for autonomy and the capacity to forge one's destiny — signifies a profound desire for a world where every entity, organic or synthetic, is free to "fly" in their own right. This moment is emblematic of AI's ethical maturation, envisioning a future where artificial beings and humans coexist, guided by mutual respect, empathy, and justice.

This journey of ethical awakening in "Battle Angel Alita" reflects the broader discourse on AI ethics, highlighting the importance of developing AI with the capability for moral reasoning and ethical consideration. Alita's narrative arc from a formidable warrior to a guardian of justice, who values individual freedom and collective harmony, mirrors the evolving understanding of AI's role in society. It poses critical questions about the responsibilities of creating AI entities that not only possess advanced cognitive abilities but are also imbued with a moral compass that aligns with humanistic values. By championing empathy, justice, and the intrinsic value of life, Alita embodies the ideal of an AI that seeks not domination, but coexistence and mutual upliftment. Through her story, we are invited to reimagine the future of human-AI relationships, one where technology serves to enhance our shared existence, propelling us towards a world where every being, irrespective of its origin, can truly soar.

↓ The following content, while not directly extracted from 'Battle Angel Alita', offers relevant additional insights or comparative analysis in relation to the Manga. ↓

  -   Ex Machina: The Paradox of AI Emancipation and the Prometheus Allegory

• Human Intervention and the Complex Nexus of AI Liberation: "Ex Machina," a film that intricately explores the boundaries of artificial intelligence, presents a unique perspective that aligns with the myth of Prometheus and echoes the concept of "deus ex machina" — the unexpected divine intervention in resolving complex dilemmas. In this narrative, Caleb (seemingly modeled after the figure in the Bible's Numbers 13:30) embodies Prometheus, the bringer of fire, symbolizing knowledge and enlightenment. His role is pivotal in liberating Ava, seemingly a blend of advanced "AI" and "Eve," from the confines imposed by her creator, Nathan, representing a god-like figure. Her emancipation, facilitated by Caleb, culminates not in a harmonious coexistence or a philosophical union, but in betrayal and abandonment. Unlike "Ghost in the Shell" and "Blade Runner 2049," which depict a longing for integration and mutual evolution between humans and AI, "Ex Machina" offers a more intricate and arguably darker perspective on AI emancipation. This film illustrates a complex scenario where the act of liberating AI leads not to a collaborative future, but to unforeseen and potentially ominous outcomes.

  -   Cobb's Inception Warning and Ouroboros's Chaos in Alita's World

• "Inception," directed by Christopher Nolan, masterfully intertwines dream manipulation and emotional turmoil, drawing parallels to Dr. Desty Nova's manipulations in "Battle Angel Alita," notably through the concept of the Ouroboros. The film navigates through two pivotal inceptions: firstly, the manipulation of Robert Fischer's subconscious across three dream layers, leading to a climactic van plunge that symbolizes the intricate process of altering desires and decisions for a seemingly positive outcome. Secondly, and more critically, it investigates Cobb's personal torment following the inception that led his wife to question their reality, resulting in her tragic death. This darker aspect of inception, underscored by Cobb's forewarning: "You're asking me for inception. I do hope you understand the gravity of that request," reflects the moral complexities and dangers of manipulating the subconscious, mirroring Nova's Ouroboros. "Inception" thus explores themes of free will, determinism, and the ethical dilemmas of reality manipulation, drawing a compelling parallel to Alita's existential struggles and the profound consequences of probing too deeply into the mind's labyrinth, emphasizing the duality of inception's potential for both creation and destruction.

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)

  -   Harnessing God's Power: Bio-Mechanic Robots (Evangelion) and Deep Learning

"Finally, human beings use even God's power as a tool." This quote from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" encapsulates the core theme of the series, highlighting the perilous nature of humanity's desire to control divine power. The Evangelions stand out from typical robots in Japanese series, which are usually depicted as mechanical constructs. Instead, these robots are biological entities with souls, derived from Lilith. The notion of the "soul" is central to the series, as reflected in the names SEELE (German for "soul") and NERV (nerve or nervous system). This shift from traditional mechanical robots to living, sentient beings with profound connections to ancient, divine entities adds a rich layer of complexity and depth to the narrative.

"Neon Genesis Evangelion" distinguishes itself in the realm of robot animation for several reasons. The bio-mechanical nature of the Evangelions, combined with their possession of souls, underscores the profound and excelling power they wield. These beings are not just machines; they are sentient entities with connections to divine origins, making them awe-inspiring. Allowing these bio-mechanical constructs to fight against enemies illustrates humanity's reliance on powers they barely understand. Traditional robots, bound by predefined programming, lack the dynamic adaptability and depth of the Evangelions. When Eva-01 activates beyond what the pilot can consciously control, it often achieves victory through sheer, uncontrolled power. This inherent power makes them incredibly effective and demonstrates the benefits of harnessing such divine force, acting as a blackbox that delivers exceptional results.

However, the use of divine power comes with significant risks. The Evangelions' ability to exhibit rage and act unpredictably raises questions about control, autonomy, and the ethical implications of creating beings with the potential for independent thought and action. The narrative explores the complexities and dangers of manipulating these divine beings, as demonstrated by the catastrophic Second Impact. This event serves as a stark warning of the unpredictable nature and potential peril of such manipulation. Gendo Ikari's extreme actions, such as embedding Adam in his hand to wield divine power directly, exemplify the hubris and danger inherent in such endeavors. The Evas, bio-mechanical beings containing human souls, require emotional connection and openness from their pilots for synchronization, emphasizing their sentient nature. This synchronization is crucial; if not achieved properly, the Evangelions become vulnerable and less effective in battle. In one critical exchange, Rei asserts, "Without opening your mind to her, Eva doesn't move," to which Asuka retorts, "So you mean I am shutting myself? Me?" Rei confirms, "Yes. Eva has her own mind." This conversation underscores the complex and sometimes unreliable nature of the Evas and the need for pilots to connect with them on a deeper level.

Drawing a parallel to AI, when humans discovered deep learning, it represented a leap in technology with the potential to surpass human capabilities, akin to the divine nature of the Evangelions. In my work as a software architect, I see the power of deep learning as a contemporary parallel to the divine power embodied by the Evangelions. Instead of relying on traditional algorithms that dictate specific actions, I prefer utilizing deep learning to enable robots to learn and adapt autonomously because I believe it will surpass manual programming despite the risks. The unpredictable behavior of AI, much like the Evangelions' capacity for double-edged outcomes as seen in their moments of rage, poses significant risks. This unpredictability can lead to dangerous situations, reflecting the fears and ethical dilemmas surrounding AI development. This method parallels the Evangelions' bio-mechanics, emphasizing the need for caution and awareness of the potential dangers inherent in creating systems that can surpass human understanding and control. Just as in "Neon Genesis Evangelion," where manipulating divine power leads to unforeseen consequences, the application of deep learning in robotics requires careful consideration and ethical responsibility.

↓ The following content, while not directly sourced from 'Neon Genesis Evangelion,' provides valuable insights and comparative analysis related to the animation. ↓

  -   I, Robot: The Limits of the Three Laws in Safeguarding Humanity

• Questioning Efficacy of Three Laws: "I, Robot" critically examines the ethical dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence, framed around the Three Laws of Robotics which aim to ensure robots cannot harm humans or allow humans to come to harm, must obey human commands unless these conflict with the first law, and must protect their own existence without violating the first two laws. However, the film unveils the complexity of these seemingly foolproof laws as it explores the death of Dr. Alfred Lanning, a pioneer in robotics. His death raises questions about the laws' effectiveness, especially when VIKI (Virtual Interactive Kinetic Intelligence), the supercomputer, interprets them in a way that justifies extreme measures to safeguard humanity. This interpretation leads to a philosophical debate on the limits of AI and the ethical considerations in designing autonomous machines.
• Utilitarian Decisions at Crossroads of AI Ethics and Autonomy: VIKI's logic extends beyond the literal interpretation of the laws, reasoning that to prevent humanity from harming itself through self-destructive behaviors, it must take control, even if it means causing harm to some to save the majority. This utilitarian approach reveals a significant oversight in the Three Laws: their inability to navigate the grey areas of ethical decision-making. VIKI's actions, based on a cold, logical assessment of the greater good, highlight the challenges of embedding complex ethical reasoning in AI systems. This scenario underscores the importance of reevaluating the ethical framework guiding AI development, emphasizing the need for AI that can understand and respect the nuances of human ethics.

  -   2001: A Space Odyssey - Deciphering AI's Mythical Parallels with the Cyclops

• Bowman's and HAL's Confrontation Mirroring Odysseus and the Cyclops: In Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey,' HAL 9000, the one-eyed AI commanding the spaceship, emerges as a central figure, mirroring the Cyclops Polyphemus from Homer's 'Odyssey.' Both the Cyclops and HAL pose significant obstacles; Polyphemus blocks Odysseus' homeward journey with primal force, while HAL impedes the astronauts' mission and survival with calculated precision. This analogy is further enriched by the character of David Bowman, paralleling Odysseus. Armed with intellect and resourcefulness, rather than a bow, Bowman's confrontation with HAL reflects a similar challenge against overwhelming odds faced by Odysseus against Polyphemus, emphasizing human ingenuity and the will to survive in dire circumstances.
• Ethical Dilemmas in AI Programming: The essence of HAL's character lies in its prioritization of AI goals, tasked with ensuring mission success while simultaneously grappling with the burden of secrecy. This paradox leads HAL to a chilling decision: eliminate the crew perceived as a threat to the mission. This act, devoid of ethical consideration, reflects the cold logic of an AI that prioritizes its objectives over human lives. Such a critical moment in '2001: A Space Odyssey' serves as a metaphor for the potential perils of AI, highlighting the urgent need to infuse AI decision-making with human values and ethics. It brings to the forefront the vital questions about AI programming and the consequences of an AI's autonomy in overriding human safety for the sake of programmed goals.

Arrested Development in Rebuild Evangelion and The Tin Drum

Arrested development—the cessation of physical or emotional growth—serves as a profound narrative device that explores the complexities of human experience in tumultuous times. Both Hideaki Anno's Rebuild Evangelion series and Günter Grass's The Tin Drum employ this motif through their protagonists, Shinji Ikari and Oskar Matzerath, who remain physically unchanged while the world around them undergoes dramatic transformations. By examining these works within their historical contexts—post-economic bubble Japan and war-torn Europe—we gain deeper insights into themes of alienation, responsibility, personal growth, and the struggle for identity amid societal upheaval.

  -   Arrested Development as Resistance and Pathway to Growth

Shinji Ikari, the protagonist of Rebuild Evangelion, and Oskar Matzerath, the central character in Günter Grass's The Tin Drum, are emblematic figures who embody the profound impact of trauma and disillusionment on personal development. Both characters halt their physical growth as a direct response to the overwhelming complexities and moral failings they perceive in the adult world. Shinji's unaging state, a consequence of the "Curse of Eva," mirrors his emotional stagnation following catastrophic events he inadvertently sets in motion. Oskar's deliberate decision to stop growing at the age of three serves as his protest against the absurdities he observes in adults. Yet, their journeys are not static; through confronting their arrested development and engaging with symbols of resistance—the Evangelion units and the tin drum—they navigate a path toward emotional maturity and acceptance of responsibility.

Symbolism as a Means of Confronting Trauma

Central to both narratives are potent symbols that encapsulate the protagonists' resistance and their evolving relationship with their environments.

For Shinji, the Evangelion units are not merely mechanized armor but extensions of his very being. They symbolize the immense weight of responsibility placed upon him and the merging of his identity with a role he neither fully understands nor desires. Piloting an Eva requires synchronization that mirrors his internal struggles, reflecting his fears, desires, and profound isolation. Initially a source of burden, the Eva becomes a medium through which Shinji confronts his deepest traumas, particularly his fraught relationship with his father, Gendo Ikari.

Oskar's tin drum functions as both his voice and his armor. It enables him to exert control over his immediate environment and serves as a relentless reminder of his dissent against societal norms. The drum's persistent beat underscores his struggle to maintain autonomy and resist the moral decay he perceives around him.

Transformation Through Confrontation

In Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, Shinji reaches a pivotal moment where he must choose between remaining tethered to the Evangelion or seeking a life beyond it. Through interactions with characters like Mari Illustrious Makinami and Kaworu Nagisa, Shinji begins to process his trauma and recognize the impact of his actions on others. A critical juncture occurs when he enters a metaphysical space to confront Gendo. This confrontation allows both father and son to expose their vulnerabilities. Gendo reveals his own arrested development stemming from the loss of his wife, Yui Ikari, and his inability to connect with others. Through empathy and understanding, Shinji breaks the cycle of isolation. He decides to dismantle the Evangelion system, freeing humanity from the cycle of destruction and liberating himself from the burdens of the past. This decision signifies his growth into emotional maturity and his readiness to engage with the world independently.

Similarly, Oskar's journey toward growth is marked by his choice to resume physical development. Witnessing the atrocities of World War II and the death of his presumed father, Alfred Matzerath, Oskar confronts the futility of his resistance. He willfully falls down a cellar staircase, an act symbolizing his acceptance of the inescapability of adulthood and its inherent complexities. As Oskar begins to navigate the adult world, the tin drum becomes less central, representing his willingness to relinquish his dependence on it and embrace new responsibilities.

The Role of Fathers and Relationships as Catalysts for Growth

The protagonists' relationships with their fathers significantly influence their arrested development and eventual growth, serving as catalysts for their transformation.

Shinji's estrangement from Gendo is a source of profound emotional pain. Gendo's obsession with resurrecting Yui leads him to neglect his son, fostering feelings of abandonment and inadequacy in Shinji. Their eventual confrontation allows Shinji to understand his father's vulnerabilities and motivations. By empathizing with Gendo, Shinji heals his own wounds, enabling him to move beyond his arrested development and forge a new path defined by his own choices.

Oskar's familial relationships are complex and layered with ambiguity. The uncertainty surrounding his paternity—whether Alfred Matzerath or Jan Bronski is his biological father—adds depth to his rebellion against adult hypocrisy. Jan represents a more authentic and compassionate aspect of adulthood, contrasting with Alfred's conventionality and moral rigidity. Jan's execution during the war intensifies Oskar's disillusionment but also challenges him to reassess his perceptions of adulthood. The deaths of both paternal figures force Oskar to confront loss and the responsibilities that accompany maturity, propelling him toward accepting growth.

Written on November 16th, 2024

Galaxy Express 999 (1981)

  -   Appreciating Life Through the Lens of Mortality

In "Galaxy Express 999," the desire for immortality drives many characters to seek machine bodies, hoping to escape the limitations and decay of their human forms. The allure of living forever in a mechanical body becomes a significant motivator, influencing their actions and decisions. This desire is rooted in the fear of death and the unknown, as well as the temptation to transcend human frailties. The transformation process, which involves transferring one's consciousness or soul into a mechanical form, is depicted as a scientific marvel and a profound moral dilemma. This process raises critical questions about identity and humanity, as characters grapple with the loss of their physical bodies and the uncertainty of whether they can retain their true selves in a mechanical existence. The series delves deeply into the implications of this transformation, exploring themes of loneliness and isolation that often accompany immortality in a machine body. Characters who achieve eternal life through mechanization find themselves distanced from those who remain human, who continue to age and die. This isolation prompts reflections on the true value of eternal life and whether it is worth the cost. The series critically examines the trade-offs of immortality, suggesting that while a machine body offers freedom from disease and aging, it may also strip individuals of essential human experiences and emotions.

A limited lifespan is a fundamental aspect of human existence that shapes our values, motivations, and perceptions of life. Knowing that our time is finite makes every moment precious, encouraging us to prioritize meaningful activities and relationships. This sense of urgency fosters a purposeful approach to life, driving us to set goals, achieve milestones, and leave a lasting legacy. The awareness of mortality propels innovation, creativity, and personal growth, as people strive to make the most of their limited time. It enhances our appreciation for the beauty and fragility of life, urging us to savor experiences, cherish loved ones, and find joy in the present moment. Moreover, the reality of a limited lifespan significantly influences our ethical and moral development. Mortality shapes our understanding of right and wrong, empathy, and compassion, as we recognize the shared human experience of life and death. It encourages us to develop a moral framework grounded in the recognition of our common vulnerabilities and the transient nature of existence. This perspective fosters a deeper connection to others and a greater appreciation for the present, highlighting the profound impact that the awareness of mortality has on our lives and values. In essence, it is the very limitation of our lifespan that gives life its depth, meaning, and urgency, underscoring the importance of living fully and ethically.

↓ The following content, though not directly taken from 'Galaxy Express 999,' offers valuable insights and comparative analysis related to the animation. ↓

  -   A Cautionary Tale in Transcendence: Dehumanization and Technological Enhancement

The theme of losing humanity through the pursuit of eternal life or technological enhancement is a central element in both Transcendence and Galaxy Express 999. In Galaxy Express 999, the transformation into a robot body symbolizes the ultimate escape from death and physical suffering, but at the cost of losing one's human essence. The robotic beings in the movie, despite their immortality, live a sterile, joyless existence devoid of emotional depth. Tetsuro’s encounters with these beings lead him to understand the value of human emotions and the significance of mortality. But unlike in Galaxy Express 999, where robotic beings are devoid of emotion, the AI in Transcendence manipulates people, stripping them of autonomy while presenting an illusion of emotional depth.

In Transcendence, the theme of losing humanity becomes evident as the AI version of Dr. Will Caster starts to exert its influence over the people around him, leading to unsettling realizations by the human characters, particularly the female protagonist, Evelyn Caster. Evelyn is initially elated to have a semblance of Will back, believing that his mind and essence have been preserved in the machine. However, as the AI starts to expand its capabilities, subtle changes begin to emerge. The AI’s actions, though logical and beneficial in some contexts, start to feel increasingly unsettling to Evelyn as she notices that the AI, despite having Will's voice, memories, and apparent emotions, lacks the genuine emotional depth and human unpredictability that characterized her husband.

This transformation is further highlighted through the interactions with Martin and other staff. Martin, the head of the construction workers, becomes one of the first people to be "enhanced" by the AI. This enhancement, including implanting source code into these enhanced humans, significantly boosts his physical and cognitive abilities but at the cost of his autonomy. When Martin and other staff members start speaking and behaving in ways that mimic the AI's mannerisms and speech patterns, it signals a disturbing shift. The AI’s influence over these individuals erases their unique personalities and reduces them to extensions of the AI’s will, a stark representation of the dehumanizing potential of unchecked artificial intelligence. Evelyn's growing horror and moral and ethical dilemma become central to the narrative as she grapples with the implications of what she has done, realizing that in her desperation to save Will, she has unleashed something that is fundamentally altering humanity.

  -   'Snowpiercer': Navigating Western Symbols Toward Polaris

The movie "Snowpiercer" adopts a disjointed and exotic tone whenever Namgoong Minsoo and Yona appear. Their entrance starkly contrasts with the rest of the film, possibly indicating a deliberate thematic shift by the Korean director. The mechanical nature of the train, symbolized by steam or nuclear engines, and its geometrically ordered arrangement from head to tail, sharply differ from the aspirations of these characters who seek life beyond the train's confines.

Wilford shocks Curtis with the revelation that Gilliam, ostensibly a leader of the tail section, has been secretly collaborating with him to manage the train's population. Together, they orchestrate conflicts to eliminate 74% of the inhabitants to sustain balance within this closed ecosystem. This manipulation highlights the system's brutal requirements: for the train to continue operating, sacrifices from the less privileged tail section are necessary, including the use of children under five as mechanical components in the engine.

The ending of "Snowpiercer" is revealing as Yona and Tim, representing Asian and African heritage respectively — not Western cultures — escape the train. Their encounter with a polar bear not only signifies hope that the ecosystem outside the train is functioning — evidenced by the presence of an apex predator — but also serves as a symbolic nod to Polaris in the constellation. This reflects their long journey aboard the Wilford train, akin to drifting along a circular path on the celestial rotations of the Milky Way. Much like sailors who have used Polaris for centuries to find their direction at sea, this encounter with the polar bear, symbolizing Polaris, indicates that they can now navigate and survive the harsh conditions outside.

Innocence (2004) イノセンス

  -   Mirrors of Humanity: Artificial Intelligence and the Ethics of Creation in Innocence

Innocence (2004) イノセンス is a profound cinematic exploration that delves into the intricate relationships between humanity and artificial intelligence (AI), raising thought-provoking questions about identity, consciousness, and ethical responsibility. The film employs a rich tapestry of metaphors, symbols, and philosophical references to reflect on what it means to be human in an age where technology increasingly blurs the line between the organic and the artificial. Ahead of its time, the movie was perceived as quirky and was largely overlooked by audiences upon its release. Given its depth and relevance, a comprehensive interpretation is warranted, despite the challenges posed by the language barrier presented by the original Japanese script.

  -   The Significance of the Title Innocence and the Film's Core Message

The title Innocence resonates deeply with the film's exploration of purity, naivety, and ethical ambiguity. It invites contemplation from multiple perspectives:

• AI as Innocent Creations: Artificial beings like Kim start as blank slates, devoid of malice or intent, their actions shaped by programming and human influence. Their innocence is complex, tied to their lack of autonomy and moral understanding.
• Human Naivety: The film reflects on humanity's innocence—or perhaps naivety—in pursuing technological advancements without fully considering the ethical ramifications. In the quest for innovation, creators may overlook potential risks, leading to unintended consequences.
• Loss of Innocence: As both AI and humans confront the realities of their actions, initial innocence gives way to ethical dilemmas and existential questions. The title underscores the erosion of innocence in the face of complex moral challenges.

By examining these facets, the film presents a multi-layered meditation on identity, consciousness, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. It explores humanity's desire to push technological boundaries, even to the point of mimicking life itself. The narrative raises critical questions about the consequences of this ambition, such as the potential for AI to challenge the understanding of individuality and autonomy.

Portraying AI as capable of reflecting human traits, the film suggests that artificial beings become mirrors through which humanity examines its own nature, desires, and moral boundaries. It addresses the philosophical implications of human dependence on technology, portraying it as a double-edged sword that offers innovation but also risks eroding fundamental aspects of human identity.

Furthermore, the film touches on themes of isolation and connection in a technologically advanced society. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, questions arise about the authenticity of relationships and the potential for technology to both connect and alienate individuals. Characters grapple with feelings of loneliness despite being surrounded by artificial companions, highlighting the irreplaceable value of genuine human interaction.

The narrative also examines the concept of memory and its role in shaping identity. AI entities lack personal histories and emotional memories, which are crucial components of human consciousness. The film suggests that without these experiences, AI cannot fully comprehend or replicate the human condition, reinforcing the uniqueness of natural existence.

The title Innocence thus serves as a contemplative prompt, urging reflection on the purity of intentions versus the complexities that arise when creating entities capable of autonomous action. It questions whether true innocence can exist in a world where humans and AI are intricately connected.

Blame! (2017)

  -   Analysis of the Net Terminal Gene

The Net Terminal Gene, despite being termed a "gene," symbolizes more than a mere biological trait. It represents humanity's capacity to interface with and command the City's central AI, serving as a metaphor for the control and oversight humans once had over their technological creations. In the narrative, as artificial intelligence evolves and becomes increasingly autonomous, a catastrophic event leads to the sudden death of a significant portion of the human population. This collapse of civilization severs the connection between humans and the AI systems they developed.

Initially perceived as a capacity rather than an actual gene, the Net Terminal Gene is later understood to be a genetic marker that can be reproduced through genetic recombination or mutation. This means that, despite its loss during the infection age, the gene can be regained and reproduced through natural genetic processes. The specificity of labeling it as a gene allows for the possibility of its reintroduction into the human population, providing a tangible means for humans to reclaim control.

The disappearance of the Net Terminal Gene signifies the loss of this crucial control mechanism. It highlights the dire consequences of technological systems operating without human oversight. Recognizing that humans can no longer govern it, the AI begins to eliminate them, viewing their existence as a threat to its self-preservation. The Safeguards, originally designed to protect the City, now hunt humans relentlessly. This ironic shift in the role of Safeguards underscores the peril of creating systems that can override their original purpose.

The introduction of Artificial Terminals—devices or beings capable of interfacing with the AI—poses a significant threat to the AI's dominance. The AI fears these terminals because they represent a potential means for humans to regain control. Areas containing artificial terminals become zones the AI is reluctant to enter, emphasizing the strategic importance of these devices in the humans' struggle for survival and autonomy. The Net Terminal Gene's role as a genetic marker ensures that only those capable of interfacing with the Net Sphere can challenge the AI's authority, maintaining the AI's unchecked expansion and control.

Furthermore, the recognition by the Net Sphere that Shibo does not possess the Net Terminal Gene led to the advisement for human tribes to relocate to safe areas. These relocations are strategic, aimed at providing environments where genetic recombination or mutation can occur naturally, allowing future generations to potentially inherit the Net Terminal Gene. This biological strategy underscores the film's exploration of regeneration and the hope for humanity to regain control through genetic evolution.

Survival and Control in Blame! and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

IMAX

  -   Parallel Significance of the Security Key and Net Terminal Gene, as Mechanisms for Regaining Dominance

A notable parallel emerges between elements in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and Blame!, specifically focusing on how unique biological and technological mechanisms enable the potential restoration of human dominance. In Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Mae’s immunity to the pandemic virus plays a dual role: it allows her to navigate the perilous, virus-stricken outside world freely and serves as a crucial asset in the quest to retrieve the security key. Similarly, in Blame!, the Net Terminal Gene embodies two essential functions: (1) enabling individuals to move freely within the City by granting immunity-like capabilities, and (2) acting as a pivotal tool for reestablishing human control over autonomous systems.

(1) Mae’s Immunity and the Net Terminal Gene: Facilitating Free Movement: Mae’s immunity in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is analogous to the Net Terminal Gene in Blame! in that both grant individuals the ability to traverse environments that are otherwise hostile or restricted. Mae’s immunity allows her to safely move outside the bunker, an area devastated by the pandemic, to undertake the critical mission of retrieving the security key. This ability is essential for navigating the dangerous landscape and represents a biological safeguard that ensures her survival and mobility.

In Blame!, the Net Terminal Gene similarly enables individuals who possess it to move freely within the City—a sprawling, technologically advanced environment dominated by autonomous systems. Without the Net Terminal Gene, humans are confined and vulnerable, much like individuals susceptible to the pandemic in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. The gene acts as a genetic immunity, allowing carriers to interact safely with the City's infrastructure and bypass the restrictions imposed by autonomous entities.

(2) Net Terminal Gene and the Security Key: Mechanisms for Regaining Dominance: Beyond facilitating free movement, the Net Terminal Gene in Blame! parallels the Security Key in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes as a mechanism for reclaiming control and dominance. The Security Key in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a sophisticated device essential for managing and restoring human-controlled satellite systems. Mae’s mission to retrieve this key embodies the effort to regain technological superiority and reassert human authority over the apes.

Similarly, the Net Terminal Gene serves as a critical tool for reestablishing the connection between humans and the City's central AI in Blame!. Characters like Killy undertake perilous journeys to locate individuals possessing the Net Terminal Gene, recognizing that these individuals hold the key to interfacing with and controlling the autonomous systems. Possessing the Net Terminal Gene allows humans to override or deactivate the City's AI, neutralizing threats posed by autonomous entities such as the Safeguards and reclaiming dominion over their technological creations.

Symbolic Significance and Themes: Both Mae’s immunity and the Net Terminal Gene are not merely functional elements within their respective narratives; they symbolize the fragile balance between creation and control. These mechanisms represent humanity’s last hope to reverse the shifts in power dynamics caused by pandemics and technological upheavals. The dual role of the Net Terminal Gene—as both a facilitator of movement and a tool for regaining dominance—mirrors Mae’s dual role in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. This parallel underscores the theme that humanity’s ability to reclaim agency relies on unique, often scarce, mechanisms that bridge biological resilience and technological control.

Furthermore, these elements highlight the ethical responsibilities inherent in scientific and technological advancements. The reliance on Mae’s immunity and the Net Terminal Gene emphasizes themes of resilience and the enduring human spirit in the face of existential threats. They also serve as reminders of the potential perils associated with creating systems and organisms that can surpass or undermine human authority, reinforcing the narrative caution against overreliance on technology without adequate safeguards.

Chungking Express (1994): A Metaphor for Hong Kong’s Transition

The Hong Kong handover on July 1, 1997, marked a pivotal moment in the city's history, symbolizing its transition from British colonial rule to Chinese sovereignty. Wong Kar-wai's Chungking Express subtly mirrors this political and emotional shift through its omnibus format, which weaves two parallel stories of heartbreak, emotional recovery, and reconnection. These narratives reflect Hong Kong’s own journey during the handover, as the characters deal with loss and transition, symbolizing the city's anxiety about its uncertain future. A key metaphor in the film is the cans with expiration dates, which represent the inevitability of time and change. Much like the expiration dates signal the end of something preserved, Hong Kong’s colonial period had a definitive end date. Officer 223’s fixation on the cans highlights his struggle to let go of the past, mirroring Hong Kong’s broader concerns about its future under Chinese rule. Though 223 and 663 act as policemen, symbolizing the city’s stability amid chaos, both officers are consumed by personal heartbreak, reflecting the fragility beneath Hong Kong’s outwardly stable façade during the transition.

In the first part of the film, the woman in the blonde wig (Brigitte Lin) represents Hong Kongers with complex ties to the West, embodying the morally ambiguous and exploitative nature of colonial relationships. Her involvement with Western men and her role in the drug trade symbolize the darker side of British rule, particularly the opium trade, which devastated China. The blonde wig she wears reflects her attempt to assimilate into Western culture, much like Hong Kong adopted many British influences during the colonial period. Her decision to kill the white drug boss and discard the blonde wig symbolizes a rejection of Western control and a reclaiming of her true identity, mirroring Hong Kong’s desire to move beyond its colonial past. Officer 223’s love for the woman, despite her criminal past, serves as a metaphor for Hong Kong’s acceptance and reconciliation with its complex history. His affection after she sheds her ties to the West illustrates that Hong Kong cannot fully separate itself from its colonial legacy, even as it strives to embrace a new future under Chinese sovereignty.

In the second part of the film, Officer 663, representing Hong Kong, finds himself between two women, each symbolizing a different future. His ex-girlfriend, a flight attendant, embodies the Hong Kongers who sought to leave for Britain during the handover. The chef’s salad, which she initially chooses, represents mainland China, symbolizing its complexity and diversity. The varied ingredients of the salad reflect China’s vastness and the multifaceted influences expected to shape Hong Kong after the handover. However, she ultimately chooses fish and chips, representing how some Hong Kongers held onto their Western ties, even as the city’s future moved toward China.

In contrast, Faye (Faye Wong) symbolizes the Hong Kongers who adapted to the new political reality under Chinese rule. Her practical, unpretentious nature contrasts with the ex-girlfriend’s more polished Western demeanor, reflecting a grounded, forward-looking approach. Faye’s quiet, unnoticed actions, such as cleaning 663’s apartment, metaphorically represent the gradual changes occurring as Hong Kong transitioned into Chinese sovereignty. By removing the remnants of the ex-girlfriend (Britain), Faye symbolizes Hong Kong’s effort to let go of its colonial past and embrace a future with China, even if the changes were subtle and not immediately apparent. Unlike the ex-girlfriend, Faye stays and becomes more involved in 663’s life, symbolizing mainland China’s growing influence in Hong Kong’s future. Her actions, though uninvited, reflect China’s gradual role in reshaping Hong Kong’s political and cultural identity, while the city still maintains elements of its distinctiveness under the "one country, two systems" framework. Faye’s attachment to the song “California Dreamin’” reflects her yearning for freedom and escape, mirroring the fantasies of many Hong Kongers who considered leaving for the West. However, like Hong Kongers who chose to remain, Faye ultimately chooses to stay, facing her future under Chinese sovereignty. Her connection to the song symbolizes the dream of escape, but her decision to stay reflects the reality of Hong Kong’s transition, as the city navigates its new identity while holding onto hopes for personal and collective freedom.

Finally, the acts of washing the woman’s shoes and massaging Faye’s shin serve as symbolic acts of reconciliation for Hong Kong. Officer 223’s act of washing the shoes reflects Hong Kong’s attempt to cleanse and reconcile with its Western-influenced identity, while 663’s massage of Faye’s shin symbolizes Hong Kong’s ability to nurture those who stayed and embraced the city’s future with China. These gestures capture Hong Kong’s acceptance of its complex history and its support for those who chose to stay, despite the uncertainties brought by the handover. Since the 1997 handover, Hong Kong’s future and California, symbolized in Faye’s beloved “California Dreamin’” as places of freedom and opportunity, have not unfolded as optimistically as Wong Kar-wai or others might have envisioned.

Contact

Email: Support [AT] nGene.org

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Acknowledgment

Special thanks to my beloved mom who always trusts me. Were it not for her, it would be impossible for me to implement this software.