scholarly journals Value Sensitive Design to Achieve the UN SDGs with AI: A Case of Elderly Care Robots

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Umbrello ◽  
Marianna Capasso ◽  
Maurizio Balistreri ◽  
Alberto Pirni ◽  
Federica Merenda
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Value Sensitive Design ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
Care Robots ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Design Requirements

AbstractHealthcare is becoming increasingly automated with the development and deployment of care robots. There are many benefits to care robots but they also pose many challenging ethical issues. This paper takes care robots for the elderly as the subject of analysis, building on previous literature in the domain of the ethics and design of care robots. Using the value sensitive design (VSD) approach to technology design, this paper extends its application to care robots by integrating the values of care, values that are specific to AI, and higher-scale values such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ethical issues specific to care robots for the elderly are discussed at length alongside examples of specific design requirements that work to ameliorate these ethical concerns.

scholarly journals The Ethical Balance of Using Smart Information Systems for Promoting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 4826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Ryan ◽  
Josephina Antoniou ◽  
Laurence Brooks ◽  
Tilimbe Jiya ◽  
Kevin Macnish ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Big Data Analytics ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Impact

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are internationally agreed goals that allow us to determine what humanity, as represented by 193 member states, finds acceptable and desirable. The paper explores how technology can be used to address the SDGs and in particular Smart Information Systems (SIS). SIS, the technologies that build on big data analytics, typically facilitated by AI techniques such as machine learning, are expected to grow in importance and impact. Some of these impacts are likely to be beneficial, notably the growth in efficiency and profits, which will contribute to societal wellbeing. At the same time, there are significant ethical concerns about the consequences of algorithmic biases, job loss, power asymmetries and surveillance, as a result of SIS use. SIS have the potential to exacerbate inequality and further entrench the market dominance of big tech companies, if left uncontrolled. Measuring the impact of SIS on SDGs thus provides a way of assessing whether an SIS or an application of such a technology is acceptable in terms of balancing foreseeable benefits and harms. One possible approach is to use the SDGs as guidelines to determine the ethical nature of SIS implementation. While the idea of using SDGs as a yardstick to measure the acceptability of emerging technologies is conceptually strong, there should be empirical evidence to support such approaches. The paper describes the findings of a set of 6 case studies of SIS across a broad range of application areas, such as smart cities, agriculture, finance, insurance and logistics, explicitly focusing on ethical issues that SIS commonly raise and empirical insights from organisations using these technologies.

Analysis of sustainability insertion in materials selection courses of engineering undergraduate programmes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeniffer Fonseca Zanitt ◽  
Izabela Simon Rampasso ◽  
Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves Quelhas ◽  
Milena Pavan Serafim ◽  
Walter Leal Filho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Materials Selection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Subject

Purpose This study aims to analyse how the materials selection courses of engineering undergraduate programmes can be better aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach Initially, a content analysis was performed in 39 materials selection course descriptions from 40 engineering undergraduate programmes of Brazilian higher education institutions, and subsequently, Delphi method procedures were conducted with professors that teach or have taught the course and are knowledgeable in the subject of sustainability. Findings Considering the analysed course descriptions, it was shown that most of the materials selection courses do not consider or present little emphasis on sustainability aspects. Regarding the Delphi method, eight items were evidenced to consider sustainability aspects in the analysed courses. Originality/value This study contributes to the debates about sustainability insertion in engineering undergraduate programmes. More specifically, the findings presented consolidated information that professors and coordinators can use to align materials selection courses with the SDGs better.

scholarly journals Barriers and critical success factors applying cleaner production: a survey with Brazilian specialists

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 603
Author(s):  
Leticia Canal Vieira ◽  
Fernando Gonçalves Amaral
Keyword(s):  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
External Environment ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Cleaner Production ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Effective Dissemination ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Subject

Cleaner Production is an initiative seeking for achieving sustainable development goals. Yet, it has not been satisfactorily disseminated in Brazilian industries. The purpose of this article was identifying the barriers and critical success factors, considering both the external and internal Brazilian environment. A survey was conducted among the professionals involved with the subject of Cleaner Production in Brazil, reaching 185 respondents. Data was analyzed using the Principal Component Analysis. The results indicated that the main success factors concern the organization characteristics, and are related to culture, strategic planning and resources for the implementation of Cleaner Production. In the case of barriers, it can be highlighted the inadequate vision and culture of organizations, followed by the lack of support from the external environment. Contrary to other studies, economic aspects did not seem to be crucial in the opinion of respondents. When measures that can be taken for a more effective dissemination of CP in Brazil are approached, it can be perceived that a repositioning of the external environment (government, other companies, academia, and consumers) is necessary, acting as a strong incentive and support for applying CP.  

scholarly journals Mathematics Applied to the Economy and Sustainable Development Goals: A Necessary Relationship of Dependence

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 339
Author(s):  
Matilde Lafuente-Lechuga ◽  
Javier Cifuentes-Faura ◽  
Úrsula Faura-Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Mathematical Techniques ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Academic Year

Higher education must include training in sustainability to make all actors aware of the serious problems our planet is facing. Mathematics plays an important role in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and at the same time these allow working with real situations in the subject of mathematics, providing the student with active learning. Sustainability is used to make the student see the usefulness of mathematics while instilling values and attitudes towards it. A set of problems have been raised during the academic year that are solved with the developed mathematical techniques, and through a survey, the students’ perceptions about the usefulness of mathematics to reach the goals established in the SDG has been evaluated. The results show that, regardless of the student’s gender, the student’s assessment of the usefulness of this subject in solving real problems improved. It has been observed that this teaching methodology has helped to motivate students and even those who do not like this subject have improved their appreciation of it.

scholarly journals Digital education prospects after COVID 19

2021 ◽  
Vol 296 ◽  
pp. 08016
Author(s):  
Evgeniia Dragunova ◽  
Anna Sokolova
Keyword(s):  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Digital Content ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Content Creation ◽  
Digital Education ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Digital Addiction ◽  
High Level

The article describes the transformation of higher education during and after the pandemic. Digital Education is examined as one of the ways that can ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals. Not only positive features of digital education but also obstacles on the way to its development and implementation are considered. It’s determined how much the scientific community is interested in the subject of digital education. There has been analyzed the sentiment of blogosphere visitors who create and discuss the content related to the topic of digital education. The analysis identifies that negative posts are associated with the topic of digital security and the risk of digital addictions. In addition, this article presents the results of Internet-based testing of students that reveal the level of digital literacy and readiness to work in a digital environment. The problems students face are mainly related to aspects such as “digital content creation skills” and “digital security”. Also, the analysis of the frequency of interaction with gadgets and the risk of student digital addiction is carried out. It’s revealed that some of the respondents have a risk of internet addiction and a high level of nomophobia.

scholarly journals Studi Aksesibilitas Halte Bis Trans Menuju Lingkungan Inklusif

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-97
Author(s):  
Arina Hayati ◽  
Kirami Bararatin ◽  
Iwan Adi Indrawan ◽  
Nurfahmi Muchlis
Keyword(s):  
Community Service ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
User Participation ◽  
Public Buildings ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
The Public ◽  
Bus Stop ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
New Urban Agenda

The provision of an inclusive environment was one of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11 targets that was also listed in the declaration document of the 2016 NUA (New Urban Agenda) Habitat III. This was no exception for the public buildings and transport facilities provision that should meet and accommodate the needs of all users including persons with disabilities, the elderly, children, and women. Currently, Indonesia has committed to ratify and implement the CRPD, including the enactment of several regulations and the provision of access environment in public buildings. However, such implementation has not been maximized and complies with standards based on inclusion design. This paper is part of a Research-Based-Community Service to observe and evaluate bus stop and the pedestrian way in Surabaya. Yet, the discussion only highlights the result of pre-eliminary study of accessibility condition at bus stop based user paricpation. Methods of observation and environmental simulation were used to obtain research data. The results show various problems caused by lack of user participation and understanding and information on the design of accessible environment. This led to many application designs on the environment not in accordance with existing regulations and the needs of users especially those with special needs.

scholarly journals Robots responding to care needs? A multitasking care robot pursued for 25 years, available products offer simple entertainment and instrumental assistance

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-256
Author(s):  
Lina Van Aerschot ◽  
Jaana Parviainen
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Service Robots ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Care Robots ◽  
Ethics Research ◽  
Human Care ◽  
Ecologically Sustainable

Abstract Twenty-five years ago, robotics guru Joseph Engelberger had a mission to motivate research teams all over the world to design the ‘Elderly Care Giver’, a multitasking personal robot assistant for everyday care needs in old age. In this article, we discuss how this vision of omnipotent care robots has influenced the design strategies of care robotics, the development of R&D initiatives and ethics research on use of care robots. Despite the expectations of robots revolutionizing care of older people, the role of robots in human care has remained marginal. The value of world trade in service robots, including care robots, is rather small. We argue that the implementation of robots in care is not primarily due to negative user attitudes or ethical problems, but to problems in R&D and manufacturing. The care robots currently available on the market are capable of simple, repetitive tasks or colloquial interaction. Thus far, also research on care robots is mostly conducted using imaginary scenarios or small-scale tests built up for research purposes. To develop useful and affordable robot solutions that are ethically, socially and ecologically sustainable, we suggest that robot initiatives should be evaluated within the framework of care ecosystems. This implies that attention has to be paid to the social, emotional and practical contexts in which care is given and received. Also, the political, economic and ecological realities of organizing care and producing technological commodities have to be acknowledged. It is time to openly discuss the drivers behind care robot initiatives to outline the bigger picture of organizing care under conditions of limited resources.

scholarly journals Armed conflict and public health: into the 21st century

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. e287-e298 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Garry ◽  
F Checchi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Long Term Consequences

Abstract Background Many people worldwide are affected by conflict, and countries affected are less likely to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This review outlines the effects of conflict on health and focuses on areas requiring more attention. Methods We completed a search of the literature using Medline, Embase and Global Health. Results Health effects of conflict include trauma; mental health; non-communicable diseases (NCDs); child health; sexual, reproductive and maternal health; and infectious diseases. Conflict damages health directly through fighting, and indirectly through wider socioeconomic effects. Health outcomes are influenced by pre-existing population health and demographics, and access to appropriate healthcare. Vulnerable populations (the elderly, children, neonates and women) are especially at risk. Conclusion Several areas pose key challenges including: tactics of war as a public health problem; a lack of focus on neonatal care and NCDs; the long-term consequences of conflict across a life-course and into future generations; and the need to focus on wellbeing beyond standard health parameters. Clear decisions about prioritisation need to be made. The effects on civilians must be documented and recorded. Further research is required to understand chronic health needs and effects on future generations, to support fair and equitable resource prioritisation to best meet the needs of conflict-affected populations.

scholarly journals Sustainable Development Goals and Physical Education. A Proposal for Practice-Based Models

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvador Baena-Morales ◽  
Daniel Jerez-Mayorga ◽  
Pedro Delgado Floody ◽  
Jesús Martínez-Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Relationship

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a global strategy that aims to obtain a more equitable and just world. These objectives are organized in 17 SDGs, which are detailed in 169 targets. Different international institutions have emphasized education's relevance to developing citizens who contribute to the SDGs' achievement for 2030. However, a review focused on Physical Education exclusively has not been performed yet. Therefore, the objective of this work is double. First, to analyze and select the specific goals of the SDGs that can be implemented in the subject of Physical Education. And second, to relate these specific goals to the different models based on Physical Education practices. This review showed how three institutional documents have previously related sport, physical exercise and physical education to the specific goals of the SDGs. Based on the search done, this document selects those goals that could be integrated into the educational context through Physical Education. The bibliographic and narrative analysis carried out in this research shows that of the 169 specific goals proposed in the SDGs, only 24 could be worked on in Physical Education. In addition, after this previous analysis, a proposal for the relationship between the practice-based models and these 24 goals is presented. The contributions made in this paper will allow teachers to establish links between PE sessions and SDGs while raising awareness to develop students who contribute to a more sustainable world.

scholarly journals Educating Digital Citizens on Sustainable Development Goals

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia Lozano-Díaz ◽  
Juan S. Fernández-Prados
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Social Activism ◽  
Political Engagement ◽  
Digital Citizenship ◽  
Digital Activism ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The University

The 2030 Agenda sets out seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The educational goal is to promote the education of citizens on sustainable development, among other things. Educating today's digital citizens on sustainability means training them for justice and social activism, commitment and political engagement. However, research into the subject shows a lack of consistency in the education of university students. This paper presents a study of students of Education, on education on sustainability through the practice of active and critical digital citizenship. A quasi-experimental method was used to learn about the behaviours of digital citizens, and intervention was carried out by means of an SDG-focused workshop and observation of the final level of commitment. The results show a positive level of commitment and digital activism around content related to sustainable development, which can be addressed from the university syllabus in a cross-curricular way.

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