Exploring Smartphone-Based Artificial Intelligence Systems for Physical Activity in Urban Areas: A Scoping Review with a Focus on Psychosocial Theory, Inclusivity, Ethics, and Sustainability
Kai M. Gensitz, Shawan Mohammed, Daniela Ströckl
et al.
Over half of the global population resides in urban areas and a vast majority of adults worldwide own smartphones, which increasingly become pervasive sensing and intervention platforms, positioning human–computer interaction at the center of everyday behavior change (Harari & Gosling, 2023; Pawar, 2025; Ritchie et al., 2025). Building on this opportunity (An et al., 2023; Gao et al., 2024; Wang et al., 2023), we propose a scoping review that maps how digital health via smartphone (i.e., mobile health) uses artificial intelligence (AI) systems to assess and promote physical activity (PA) in urban areas (see Figure 1). The review will pay explicit attention to psychosocial theory integration, inclusivity and ethical considerations as well as sustainability aspects of AI systems. We will synthesize literature that spans mobile sensing, machine learning assessment, and AI-enabled interventions, while emphasizing design considerations for responsible, human-centered real-world deployment. The aims are to (1) chart the landscape of AI-enabled systems on smartphones as mobile health assessment (e.g., passive sensing, computer vision, natural language processing) and intervention (e.g., just-in-time adaptive interventions, on-device/in-cloud causal reasoning); (2) identify how psychosocial theory (e.g., Integrated Behavior-Change Model, Social-Cognitive Theory, Behavior Change Techniques) is operationalized in algorithms, interfaces, and user journeys; (3) reflect on surface equity, ethical considerations, accessibility practices (e.g., language, ability, context constraints), and existing gaps; and (4) articulate sustainability levers (e.g., energy-aware modelling, on-device vs. in-cloud computing). Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, we will implement a transparent, reproducible protocol with the following eligibility choices (Peters et al., 2022; Tricco et al., 2018): (a) Population: adults (18+), Concept: smartphone-based AI systems for PA - assessment and intervention - plus system development processes - psychosocial theory, inclusivity, ethics, and sustainability -, Context: urban areas globally; (b) Source databases spanning health and technology research (e.g., PubMed, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library) plus targeted citation searching on seed references (Hirt et al., 2024); (c) Timeframe includes studies from the first AI deployed on smartphones onward (i.e., Siri in 2011; Bosch, 2018) in English and German; (d) Data charting extracts methodological variables (e.g., design, sample, context) and outcome domains aligned with our conceptual framework: Technology (i.e., AI-type; on-device vs. cloud; sensing modalities), PA outcomes (e.g., exercise, daily activity, sedentary behavior disruption, active transport), psychosocial theory factors (e.g., intention, habit), inclusivity and ethics (e.g., accessibility, subgroup tailoring), sustainability (e.g., energy/climate considerations, nature-linked activity design), and system idea/development process (e.g., assessment or intervention, research vs. business, co-creation). Analysis will be descriptive (e.g., frequencies, evidence maps) with a conceptual synthesis of AI system designs and disseminations as mobile health via smartphones in urban areas. This review thus covers mobile health in applied contexts (i.e., PA promotion and behavior maintenance through AI via smartphones as everyday technology) and provides a rigorous map of current mobile health research, populations which are targeted, and conditions under which mobile health is implemented. A forward-looking agenda for informed, inclusive, ethical, and sustainable human–computer interaction in mobile health research and practice for the AI era concludes the review.
References
An, R., Shen, J., Wang, J., & Yang, Y. (2023). A scoping review of methodologies for applying artificial intelligence to physical activity interventions. Journal of Sport and Health Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2023.09.010
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Gao, N., Yu, Z., Xu, Y., Yu, C., Wang, Y., Salim, F. D., & Shi, Y. (2024). Leveraging Large Language Models for Generating Mobile Sensing Strategies in Human Behavior Modeling. Companion of the 2024 on ACM International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing, 729–735. https://doi.org/10.1145/3675094.3678423
Harari, G. M., & Gosling, S. D. (2023). Understanding behaviours in context using mobile sensing. Nature Reviews Psychology, 2(12), 767–779. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-023-00235-3
Hirt, J., Nordhausen, T., Fuerst, T., Ewald, H., & Appenzeller-Herzog, C. (2024). Guidance on terminology, application, and reporting of citation searching: The TARCiS statement. BMJ, 385, e078384. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-078384
Pawar, P. (2025, January 2). Smartphone Statistics By Country, Demographics, Usage and Time Spent. Coolest Gadgets. https://coolest-gadgets.com/smartphone-statistics/
Peters, M. D. J., Godfrey, C., McInerney, P., Khalil, H., Larsen, P., Marnie, C., Pollock, D., Tricco, A. C., & Munn, Z. (2022). Best practice guidance and reporting items for the development of scoping review protocols. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 20(4), 953–968. https://doi.org/10.11124/JBIES-21-00242
Ritchie, H., Samborska, V., & Roser, M. (2025, March). Urbanization—The world population is moving to cities. Why is urbanization happening and what are the consequences? [Our World in Data]. Urbanization. https://ourworldindata.org/urbanization
Tricco, A. C., Lillie, E., Zarin, W., O’Brien, K. K., Colquhoun, H., Levac, D., Moher, D., Peters, M. D. J., Horsley, T., Weeks, L., Hempel, S., Akl, E. A., Chang, C., McGowan, J., Stewart, L., Hartling, L., Aldcroft, A., Wilson, M. G., Garritty, C., … Straus, S. E. (2018). PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation. Annals of Internal Medicine, 169(7), 467–473. https://doi.org/10.7326/M18-0850
Wang, T., Du, Y., Gong, Y., Choo, K.-K. R., & Guo, Y. (2023). Applications of Federated Learning in Mobile Health: Scoping Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e43006. https://doi.org/10.2196/43006
Ethics Readiness of Technology: The case for aligning ethical approaches with technological maturity
Eline de Jong
The ethics of emerging technologies faces an anticipation dilemma: engaging too early risks overly speculative concerns, while engaging too late may forfeit the chance to shape a technology's trajectory. Despite various methods to address this challenge, no framework exists to assess their suitability across different stages of technological development. This paper proposes such a framework. I conceptualise two main ethical approaches: outcomes-oriented ethics, which assesses the potential consequences of a technology's materialisation, and meaning-oriented ethics, which examines how (social) meaning is attributed to a technology. I argue that the strengths and limitations of outcomes- and meaning-oriented ethics depend on the uncertainties surrounding a technology, which shift as it matures. To capture this evolution, I introduce the concept of ethics readiness: the readiness of a technology to undergo detailed ethical scrutiny. Building on the widely known Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), I propose Ethics Readiness Levels (ERLs) to illustrate how the suitability of ethical approaches evolves with a technology's development. At lower ERLs, where uncertainties are most pronounced, meaning-oriented ethics proves more effective, while at higher ERLs, as impacts become clearer, outcomes-oriented ethics gains relevance. By linking Ethics Readiness to Technology Readiness, this framework underscores that the appropriateness of ethical approaches evolves alongside technological maturity, ensuring scrutiny remains grounded and relevant. Finally, I demonstrate the practical value of this framework by applying it to quantum technologies, showing how Ethics Readiness can guide effective ethical engagement.
Explainable Machine Learning for Macroeconomic and Financial Nowcasting: A Decision-Grade Framework for Business and Policy
Luca Attolico
Macroeconomic nowcasting sits at the intersection of traditional econometrics, data-rich information systems, and AI applications in business, economics, and policy. Machine learning (ML) methods are increasingly used to nowcast quarterly GDP growth, but adoption in high-stakes settings requires that predictive accuracy be matched by interpretability and robust uncertainty quantification. This article reviews recent developments in macroeconomic nowcasting and compares econometric benchmarks with ML approaches in data-rich and shock-prone environments, emphasizing the use of nowcasts as decision inputs rather than as mere error-minimization exercises. The discussion is organized along three axes. First, we contrast penalized regressions, dimension-reduction techniques, tree ensembles, and neural networks with autoregressive models, Dynamic Factor Models, and Random Walks, emphasizing how each family handles small samples, collinearity, mixed frequencies, and regime shifts. Second, we examine explainability tools (intrinsic measures and model-agnostic XAI methods), focusing on temporal stability, sign coherence, and their ability to sustain credible economic narratives and nowcast revisions. Third, we analyze non-parametric uncertainty quantification via block bootstrapping for predictive intervals and confidence bands on feature importance under serial dependence and ragged edge. We translate these elements into a reference workflow for "decision-grade" nowcasting systems, including vintage management, time-aware validation, and automated reliability audits, and we outline a research agenda on regime-dependent model comparison, bootstrap design for latent components, and temporal stability of explanations. Explainable ML and uncertainty quantification emerge as structural components of a responsible forecasting pipeline, not optional refinements.
Three Kinds of AI Ethics
Emanuele Ratti
There is an overwhelming abundance of works in AI Ethics. This growth is chaotic because of how sudden it is, its volume, and its multidisciplinary nature. This makes difficult to keep track of debates, and to systematically characterize goals, research questions, methods, and expertise required by AI ethicists. In this article, I show that the relation between AI and ethics can be characterized in at least three ways, which correspond to three well-represented kinds of AI ethics: ethics and AI; ethics in AI; ethics of AI. I elucidate the features of these three kinds of AI Ethics, characterize their research questions, and identify the kind of expertise that each kind needs. I also show how certain criticisms to AI ethics are misplaced, as being done from the point of view of one kind of AI ethics, to another kind with different goals. All in all, this work sheds light on the nature of AI ethics, and sets the groundwork for more informed discussions about the scope, methods, and training of AI ethicists.
Ethics of Blockchain Technologies
Georgy Ishmaev
This chapter explores three key questions in blockchain ethics. First, it situates blockchain ethics within the broader field of technology ethics, outlining its goals and guiding principles. Second, it examines the unique ethical challenges of blockchain applications, including permissionless systems, incentive mechanisms, and privacy concerns. Key obstacles, such as conceptual modeling and information asymmetries, are identified as critical issues. Finally, the chapter argues that blockchain ethics should be approached as an engineering discipline, emphasizing the analysis and design of trade-offs in complex systems.
Corporate Social Responsibility Legal Framework in Southeast Asia: Comparing Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand
Martono Anggusti, Fitri Yanni Dewi Siregar, Ruetaitip Chansrakaeo
Introduction: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved over time, reflecting changes in corporate thinking and practices regarding their relationships with society and the environment.
Purposes of the Research: This research aims to analyze the regulation and implementation of CSR in Indonesia to compare it with CSR regulations in other Southeast Asian countries, namely Malaysia and Thailand.
Methods of the Research: This research is a normative legal study that emphasizes a conceptual and legislative approach.
Results of the Research: The development of the concept of CSR began in the 18th century by Robert Owen, who provided facilities for employees. CSR rapidly evolved in the 20th century, with large companies in the US establishing social departments. Milton Friedman's thinking about profit as the primary goal of business and John Elkington's concept of the "triple bottom line" also influenced the development of CSR. CSR functions as the moral responsibility of companies towards society and the environment, implemented through transparency, ethics, and responsible business decisions. In Indonesia, CSR has been regulated by law since 2007, with the aim of improving the quality of life and supporting sustainable development. A comparison of CSR regulations in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand shows that although their goals are similar, namely to encourage corporate contributions to social and environmental development, their approaches differ. Indonesia implements strict legal obligations, Malaysia combines voluntary elements with supportive regulations, while Thailand prioritizes a cultural and voluntary approach with government recognition. Thailand is recognized as the best example in the implementation of CSR in ASEAN, with a higher quality of implementation compared to other countries.
Sustainable Business and Global Supply Chains in ASEAN: Escaping the Middle- Income Trap
Masatoshi Hara
This study explores the influence of sustainable business strategies and facilitative policy frameworks on ASEAN companies' upgrading and integration into global supply chains (GSCs). The study employs a qualitative document analysis approach to critically examine 12 national and regional policy reports, 6 international institutional reports, and 12 firm-level sustainability and annual reports. Thematic coding and cross-case comparative analysis were conducted using ATLAS.ti software to determine main drivers of sustainable GSC involvement at firm and policy levels. There are suggested and argued conceptual frameworks: the Sustainable Value Chain Upgrading Framework and the Policy-Driven Sustainable Trade Framework. Evidence indicates that firms embracing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values, circular economy approaches, and innovation investment possess higher market positioning and supply chain resilience. Meanwhile, green growth policies at the national level and international efforts promoting sustainable trade assist in guaranteeing main compliance reduction and corporate sustainability uptake incentives. Cross-country analysis reveals growing convergence towards ASEAN global ESG standards among ASEAN firms, with differences in social impact strategies localized. The article contributes to the existing literature by integrating firm- and policy-level perspectives and offers practical recommendations to policymakers and business managers interested in pursuing economic upgrading through sustainability in the region. The findings call for dynamic firm-policy interactions to attain resilient, inclusive, and sustainable engagement in global value chains.
Business ethics, Social responsibility of business
Enhancing Market Reach and Profitability in the Indian Aquaculture Industry
Avinash Betala, Masatoshi Hara
The Indian aquaculture industry, a global leader, faces persistent challenges in marketing, pricing, and supply chain management that limit profitability and market expansion. This study investigates how marketing channels, pricing strategies, and supply chain practices influence commercial success, focusing on West Godavari (Andhra Pradesh), Hooghly (West Bengal), and Kollam (Kerala). Semi-structured interviews with 45 stakeholders, including farmers, marketers, and supply chain managers—reveal that using online platforms and targeting export markets significantly enhances reach and profitability. Value-based pricing improves margins by aligning prices with product quality and customer perception. Efficient supply chain management, particularly through blockchain and automation, is vital for maintaining product integrity and meeting market demands. However, high implementation costs, lack of technical expertise, and resistance to change hinder adoption, especially among smaller operators. The study concludes that sustainable growth requires integrating diversified marketing strategies, value-driven pricing, and tech-enabled logistics. Key recommendations include investing in digital tools, embracing innovation, and fostering stakeholder collaboration to address operational barriers and strengthen the industry’s economic impact.
Business ethics, Social responsibility of business
Consumer Perceptions of Influencer Marketing: Business Insights and Leadership from the Retail Sector
Steven Kayambazinthu Msosa, Lynelle Martin, Prudence Nokuthula Mkhonza
et al.
As the digital era evolves, businesses and organisations cannot help but notice its potential and risks. Influencer marketing provides brands with the unique ability to speak to their target audience meaningfully by utilising influencers' understanding of their followers’ preferences to create relevant content and shape consumer decision-making. Therefore, this study analysed consumers' perceptions of influencer marketing in the retail sector. A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was adopted to gauge customers’ perceptions of influencer marketing. A simple random sample of 150 respondents from Kwazulu-Natal was utilised. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics using SPSS. The findings of this study show that customers’ decision-making is highly influenced by the influencer’s attractiveness, expertise, trustworthiness, personal connection, and homophily. Therefore, businesses and brands ought to invest in the influencer selection process by carrying out qualitative or quantitative surveys of the target market or outsourcing the services of an influencer marketing agency. The emphasis should be on identifying influencers that are value-aligned to the brand and who can influence support for the patronage of the brand’s products and sustainable customer loyalty. This study has contributed to the literature on influencer marketing in the developing world, specifically regarding South Africa. Furthermore, the study has implications for policy and management such that it can be used as a tool for benchmarking and altering policies and procedures, as well as facilitating the development of strategies that enhance consumer buying intentions.
Etika Bisnis dalam Hukum Islam: Implikasi terhadap Praktik Bisnis Modern
Sylvia Mufarrochah, Febri Falisa Putri, Achmad Murtadho
et al.
This research aims to analyze modern business practices within Islamic business ethics and the challenges and opportunities in implementing modern business practices from the perspective of business ethics in Islamic law. The implications of the application of Islamic business ethics in modern business practices can be seen in efforts to create a balance between profit and morality, as well as addressing socio-economic problems that often arise in today's business world, such as unfair distribution of wealth, exploitation of labor, and environmental damage. The urgency of this problem is increasingly relevant when today's business world prioritizes the principle of profitability which sometimes conflicts with ethical values. Phenomena such as market manipulation, monopolistic practices, and exploitation carried out by large companies show the importance of implementing business ethics in Islam that emphasizes balance and sustainability. Therefore, it is important to conduct a more in-depth study of how the principles of Islamic business ethics can be adapted and integrated into modern business practices so that they not only provide economic benefits but also provide broad social benefits to society. The implementation of these ethics can also help increase public trust in the business world and create a more equitable and sustainable business environment. This type of research will use a qualitative approach and literature analysis to analyze Islamic economic values and business ethics. The qualitative approach involves a thorough examination of primary and secondary sources related to Islamic economic principles and ethics. This process will include an analysis of texts related to the topic.
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk analisis terhadap praktik bisnis modern dalam etika bisnis Islam dan tantangan dan peluang dalam menerapkan praktik bisnis modern dalam perspektif etika bisnis dalam hukum Islam. Implikasi dari penerapan etika bisnis Islam dalam praktik bisnis modern dapat dilihat dalam upaya menciptakan keseimbangan antara profit dan moralitas, serta menanggulangi masalah sosial-ekonomi yang sering muncul dalam dunia bisnis saat ini, seperti ketidakadilan distribusi kekayaan, eksploitasi tenaga kerja, dan kerusakan lingkungan. Urgensi permasalahan ini semakin relevan ketika dunia bisnis masa kini mengedepankan prinsip profitabilitas yang kadang bertentangan dengan nilai-nilai etika. Fenomena seperti manipulasi pasar, praktik monopoli, serta eksploitasi yang dilakukan oleh perusahaan besar menunjukkan pentingnya penerapan etika bisnis dalam Islam yang menekankan pada keseimbangan dan keberlanjutan. Penting untuk melakukan kajian lebih mendalam tentang bagaimana prinsip-prinsip etika bisnis Islam dapat diadaptasi dan diintegrasikan dalam praktik bisnis modern, agar tidak hanya memberikan keuntungan ekonomi, tetapi juga memberikan manfaat sosial yang luas bagi masyarakat. Implementasi etika ini juga dapat membantu meningkatkan kepercayaan publik terhadap dunia bisnis dan menciptakan lingkungan usaha yang lebih adil dan berkelanjutan. Jenis penelitian ini akan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dan analisis pustaka untuk menganalisis nilai-nilai ekonomi dan etika bisnis Islam. Pendekatan kualitatif melibatkan pemeriksaan menyeluruh terhadap sumber-sumber primer dan sekunder yang terkait dengan prinsip-prinsip ekonomi dan etika Islam. Proses ini akan mencakup analisis teks-teks yang terkait dengan topik tersebut.
Collaborative consumption for low and high trust requiring business models: from fare sharing to supporting the elderly and people with disability
Alex Zarifis, Xusen Cheng, Julia Kroenung
This paper offers an overview of collaborative consumption (CC), the related business models (BM), the value added (VA) from the consumer's perspective and the role of trust. CC is expanding but it is unclear what opportunities it offers and what the challenges will be. This research evaluates the current CC BMs and identifies 13 ways they add value from the consumer's perspective. This research further explores whether CC BMs fall into two categories in terms of what the consumer values. In the first category, the CC BMs require a low level of trust while in the second category of CC BMs a higher level of trust is necessary. It was found that 13 VA by CC BMs could be grouped into personal interest, communal interest and trust building. It is important for organisations to acknowledge how their CC BM relates to these dimensions.
A Situated-Infrastructuring of WhatsApp for Business in India
Ankolika De
WhatsApp has become a pivotal communication tool in India, transcending cultural boundaries and deeply integrating into the nation's digital landscape. Meta's introduction of WhatsApp for Business aligns seamlessly with the platform's popularity, offering businesses a crucial tool. However, the monetization plans pose challenges, particularly for smaller businesses, in balancing revenue goals with accessibility. This study, employing discourse analysis, examines Meta's infrastructuring of WhatsApp in India, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of technological, social, and cultural dimensions. Consequently, it highlights potential power differences caused by the deployment of WhatsApp for Business followed by its gradual but significant modifications, encouraging scholars to investigate the implications and ethics of rapid technological changes, particularly for marginalized users.
On the role of ethics and sustainability in business innovation
Maria Fay, Frederik F. Flöther
For organizations to survive and flourish in the long term, innovation and novelty must be continually introduced, which is particularly true in today's rapidly changing world. This raises a variety of ethical and sustainability considerations that seldom receive the attention they deserve. Existing innovation adoption frameworks often focus on technological, organizational, environmental, and social factors impacting adoption. In this chapter, we explore the ethical and sustainability angles, particularly as they relate to emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) being a prominent example. We consider how to facilitate the development and cultivation of innovation cultures in organizations, including budding startups as well as established enterprises, through approaches such as systems thinking.
Raising AI Ethics Awareness through an AI Ethics Quiz for Software Practitioners
Aastha Pant, Rashina Hoda, Paul McIntosh
Context:Today, ethical issues surrounding AI systems are increasingly prevalent, highlighting the critical need to integrate AI ethics into system design to prevent societal harm. Raising awareness and fostering a deep understanding of AI ethics among software practitioners is essential for achieving this goal. However, research indicates a significant gap in practitioners' awareness and knowledge of AI ethics and ethical principles. While much effort has been directed toward helping practitioners operationalise AI ethical principles such as fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy, less attention has been paid to raising initial awareness, which should be the foundational step. Objective: Addressing this gap, we developed a software-based tool, the AI Ethics Quiz, to raise awareness and enhance the knowledge of AI ethics among software practitioners. Our objective was to organise interactive workshops, introduce the AI Ethics Quiz, and evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing awareness and knowledge of AI ethics and ethical principles among practitioners. Method: We conducted two one-hour workshops (one in-person and one online) involving 29 software practitioners. Data was collected through pre-quiz questionnaire, the AI Ethics Quiz, and a post-quiz questionnaire. Results: The anonymous responses revealed that the quiz significantly improved practitioners' awareness and understanding of AI ethics. Additionally, practitioners found the quiz engaging and reported it created a meaningful learning experience regarding AI ethics. In this paper, we share insights gained from conducting these interactive workshops and introducing the AI Ethics Quiz to practitioners. Conclusion: We also provide recommendations for software companies and leaders to adopt similar initiatives, which may help them enhance practitioners' awareness and understanding of AI ethics.
Cost of Quality Management: Encouraging Business Leaders to Manage and Invest in Quality Enhancement
Nesrine Hakem, Mehdi Bouchetara, Wissam Belimane
et al.
The quality management is a complex set of constant activities aimed at improving the quality of products and services, regularly evaluating and monitoring it, preventing defects, limiting and reducing malfunctions, and correcting production defects before and after the sale of goods. Ineffective quality management leads to such problems as product returns, claims, replacement or repair, loss of customer base, damage to brand reputation, etc. This paper aims to analyze advanced strategies, methodologies, methods and tools for effective control of quality management costs, ways and means of their strategic integration into the practice of business quality management, emphasize the importance of optimizing the cost of quality management in enterprises. The proposals developed in this article are demonstrated on the example of the woodwork division of MEKKERA (MDM), a subsidiary of the HASNAOUI Group in Algeria. An approach represented in the article combines qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data collection involved semi-structured interviews with four company managers, processed using NVIVO software. The purpose of these interviews was to understand the reasons that led the company to include the evaluation of the Cost of Quality in its quality objectives for 2023, as well as the perspectives and goals aimed for by the company in this initiative. A Quantitative analysis relied on secondary data from the company’s database: direct quality costs were calculated using the P-A-F and Ferrebœuf models, prevention and detection measures’ effectiveness and production process performance were evaluated; key performance indicators for indirect quality acquisition costs were defined. Findings revealed the company exceeded set thresholds for internal and external failure costs, necessitating improvements. Ishikawa method identified causes, and corrective actions were proposed using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
Exploring barriers and ethical challenges to medical data sharing: perspectives from Chinese researchers
Xiaojie Li, Yali Cong
Abstract Background The impetus for policies promoting medical data sharing in China has gained significant traction. Nonetheless, the present legal and ethical framework governing the research use of medical data in China, is characterized by a more restrictive rather than permissive approach. The proportion of Chinese medical data being leveraged for scientific research still has room for improvement at present, indicating a significant untapped potential for advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes. Building upon this research, we aim to delve deeper into the challenges researchers encounter in the sharing of medical data through focus group interviews. Methods We conducted two focus group interviews study with researchers representing diverse disciplines to explore their perspectives on 21 June 2021 and 28 July 2021. A total of seventeen researchers willingly participated in this study, representing various professional backgrounds. Similar codes were merged. Research team discussions were also utilized to select interviewees’ statements that were regarded as typical or representative. Results The respondents demonstrated a strong understanding that medical data should not be disseminated arbitrarily, recognizing the importance of sharing data in compliance with laws. Through the interview, we found that although respondents stressed the importance of careful consideration regarding if and when this information can be responsibly released, none of the respondents raised the issue of necessitating consent from data subjects for the research use of medical data. This observation sharply contrasts with the stringent separate consent provisions for secondary data use outlined in the PIPL. Conclusions The findings from the focus group studies shed light on researchers’ barriers and ethical challenges towards medical data sharing for scientific research, highlighting their deep concern for data security and cautious approach to sharing. The key objectives aimed at facilitating and enabling the reuse of medical data encompass enhancing interoperability, harmonizing data standards, improving data quality, safeguarding privacy, ensuring informed consent, incentivizing patients, and establishing explicit regulations pertaining to data access and utilization.
Medical philosophy. Medical ethics
Diversity Audit at Starbucks: Assessment of Workforce Demography, Inclusion Initiatives, and Corporate Culture
Maria Minenko, Bahaudin G. Mujtaba
The main goal of this diversity audit is to evaluate Starbucks’ present diversity and inclusion programs for efficacy. This audit evaluates organizational policies, worker satisfaction, workforce inclusionary practices, and the results of diversity programs at two Starbucks locations. The audit uses a mixed-methods approach, combining the analysis of publicly available data and direct observational studies, in South Florida locations, to provide a comprehensive knowledge of Starbucks’ diversity policy. The findings demonstrate a noteworthy level of gender diversity and highlight areas in which minority representation in senior management roles needs to be strengthened. Creating employee resource groups, stepping up diversity training, using targeted recruitment techniques, and conducting frequent diversity audits to guarantee ongoing improvement are just a few of the recommendations. The paper provides actionable insights to help firms like Starbucks maintain a competitive edge in a diversified global market and enhance their inclusivity. The advancement of an inclusive culture that recognizes and benefits from diversity at all organizational levels depends on many measures that are tracked and improved consistently. By implementing practical suggestions, modern organizations can ensure that their diversity initiatives stay relevant and successful, upholding their standing as pioneers in corporate diversity programs. In addition to assisting Starbucks in navigating a challenging international market, a proactive commitment to diversity and inclusion will help create a more just society. In a culturally diverse work environment, a diversity audit is a crucial tool for corporations to assess and improve their workforce equity, accessibility to everyone, and inclusivity. By conducting a thorough review of existing policies, practices, and employee experiences, diversity audits help identify biases, barriers, and areas for growth before any costly lawsuits surface. This process enables companies to pinpoint disparities in hiring, promotion, and retention rates, as well as uncover hidden biases in decision-making processes. With audit findings, corporations can develop targeted strategies to foster a more inclusive culture, enhance employee engagement, and boost innovation. Ultimately, a diversity audit helps organizations ensure fairness, equity, and equal opportunities for all prospects and employees, thereby leading to increased productivity, better brand reputation, and a competitive advantage in both attracting and retaining diverse top talent for the firm.
Walking the Walk of AI Ethics: Organizational Challenges and the Individualization of Risk among Ethics Entrepreneurs
Sanna J. Ali, Angèle Christin, Andrew Smart
et al.
Amidst decline in public trust in technology, computing ethics have taken center stage, and critics have raised questions about corporate ethics washing. Yet few studies examine the actual implementation of AI ethics values in technology companies. Based on a qualitative analysis of technology workers tasked with integrating AI ethics into product development, we find that workers experience an environment where policies, practices, and outcomes are decoupled. We analyze AI ethics workers as ethics entrepreneurs who work to institutionalize new ethics-related practices within organizations. We show that ethics entrepreneurs face three major barriers to their work. First, they struggle to have ethics prioritized in an environment centered around software product launches. Second, ethics are difficult to quantify in a context where company goals are incentivized by metrics. Third, the frequent reorganization of teams makes it difficult to access knowledge and maintain relationships central to their work. Consequently, individuals take on great personal risk when raising ethics issues, especially when they come from marginalized backgrounds. These findings shed light on complex dynamics of institutional change at technology companies.
AI Ethics and Ordoliberalism 2.0: Towards A 'Digital Bill of Rights'
Manuel Woersdoerfer
This article analyzes AI ethics from a distinct business ethics perspective, i.e., 'ordoliberalism 2.0.' It argues that the ongoing discourse on (generative) AI relies too much on corporate self-regulation and voluntary codes of conduct and thus lacks adequate governance mechanisms. To address these issues, the paper suggests not only introducing hard-law legislation with a more effective oversight structure but also merging already existing AI guidelines with an ordoliberal-inspired regulatory and competition policy. However, this link between AI ethics, regulation, and antitrust is not yet adequately discussed in the academic literature and beyond. The paper thus closes a significant gap in the academic literature and adds to the predominantly legal-political and philosophical discourse on AI governance. The paper's research questions and goals are twofold: First, it identifies ordoliberal-inspired AI ethics principles that could serve as the foundation for a 'digital bill of rights.' Second, it shows how those principles could be implemented at the macro level with the help of ordoliberal competition and regulatory policy.
Ethics in Computing Education: Challenges and Experience with Embedded Ethics
Sudeep Pasricha
The next generation of computer engineers and scientists must be proficient in not just the technical knowledge required to analyze, optimize, and create emerging microelectronics systems, but also with the skills required to make ethical decisions during design. Teaching computer ethics in computing curricula is therefore becoming an important requirement with significant ramifications for our increasingly connected and computing-reliant society. In this paper, we reflect on the many challenges and questions with effectively integrating ethics into modern computing curricula. We describe a case study of integrating ethics modules into the computer engineering curricula at Colorado State University.