Collection Practices Research Articles

HARNESSING BUSINESS DATA ANALYTICS FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN THE DIGITAL ERA

In the fast-paced, data-driven landscape of modern business, the ability to harness the power of data analytics has become paramount for organizations seeking to gain a competitive edge, drive innovation, and navigate complex market dynamics. Business Data Analytics, the practice of collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to derive actionable insights, lies at the heart of this digital transformation journey. This presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of Business Data Analytics, providing insights into its foundational principles, cutting-edge methodologies, and real-world applications across diverse industries. This presentation serves as a roadmap for organizations seeking to unlock the transformative power of Business Data Analytics. By embracing a data-driven mindset, investing in cutting-edge analytics capabilities, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation, organizations can position themselves for success in an ever-evolving business environment. As we look to the future, the opportunities for Business Data Analytics are limitless, offering organizations the tools they need to thrive and innovate in the digital age.

Harnessing Business Data Analytics for Competitive Advantage in the Digital Era

In the fast-paced, data-driven landscape of modern business, the ability to harness the power of data analytics has become paramount for organizations seeking to gain a competitive edge, drive innovation, and navigate complex market dynamics. Business Data Analytics, the practice of collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to derive actionable insights, lies at the heart of this digital transformation journey. This presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of Business Data Analytics, providing insights into its foundational principles, cutting-edge methodologies, and real-world applications across diverse industries. This presentation serves as a roadmap for organizations seeking to unlock the transformative power of Business Data Analytics. By embracing a data-driven mindset, investing in cutting-edge analytics capabilities, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation, organizations can position themselves for success in an ever-evolving business environment. As we look to the future, the opportunities for Business Data Analytics are limitless, offering organizations the tools they need to thrive and innovate in the digital age.

Examining the Integrity of Apple’s Privacy Labels: GDPR Compliance and Unnecessary Data Collection in iOS Apps

This study investigates the effectiveness of Apple’s privacy labels, introduced in iOS 14, in promoting transparency around app data collection practices with respect to the GDPR. Specifically, we address two key research questions: (1) What special categories of personal data, as regulated by the GDPR, are collected and used by apps, and for which purposes? (2) What disparities exist between app-stated permissions and the apparent unnecessary data gathering across various categories in the iOS App Store? By analyzing a comprehensive dataset of 541,662 iOS apps, we identify common practices related to prevalent use of sensitive and special categories of personal data, revealing widespread instances of unnecessary data collection, misuse, and potential GDPR violations. Furthermore, our analysis uncovers significant inconsistencies between the permissions stated by apps and the actual data they gather, highlighting a critical gap in user privacy protection within the iOS ecosystem. These findings underscore the need for stricter regulatory oversight of app stores and the necessity of effective privacy notices to build accountability and trust and ensure transparency. This study offers actionable insights for regulators, app developers, and users towards creating secure and transparent digital ecosystems.

Emergency Department Use Following Self-Harm and Suicide Ideation: An Analysis of the Influence of Cultural and/or Linguistic Diversity Using Data From the Self-Harm Monitoring System for Victoria (2012-2019).

Self-harm and suicide ideation are global health concerns, significantly impacting culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations. Emergency departments (EDs) play a role in intervening following such presentations, yet there is limited research focusing on the CALD population's use of these services in Australia. This study aimed to explore patterns in ED use for self-harm and suicide ideation, comparing CALD and non-CALD persons in terms of service use, presentation themes and likelihood of repeat presentations. This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from presentations for self-harm and suicide ideation to the ED of a major metropolitan hospital in Victoria, Australia, from 2012 to 2019. The study used thematic analysis of triage notes, recurrent event analysis and logistic and linear regressions to compare CALD and non-CALD presentations. CALD presentations comprised 1.3% (n = 202) of the total (n = 15 606). CALD presentations were more likely to occur during business hours, less likely to be triaged as urgent and more likely to result in ward admission. Occupation stressors were more common in CALD presentations. A lower likelihood of repeat presentations was observed among CALD persons. The study also highlighted the limitations of current data collection practices in capturing the full spectrum of CALD presentations. This study found variability in the recording of CALD status, warranting further investigation into how data collection in EDs may be improved. Increased ward admission rate and lower likelihood of repeat presentation by CALD persons also indicate that further research is required to understand help-seeking and clinical decision-making in the CALD population.

User Perception of Smart Home Surveillance: An Integrative Review

Smart Home Technologies (SHTs) have recently become popular for a variety of purposes, including healthcare, entertainment, and convenience, among others. While SHT manufacturers promise to provide a range of services relating to home security, health and wellness, automated domestic tasks, entertainment, and beyond, user perceptions vary widely in terms of benefits and drawbacks. Moreover, surveillance studies researchers have warned against normalizing technologies that may exacerbate uneven power dynamics between users and household members, marketing companies, insurance brokers, law enforcement, and others. Through an analysis of the interdisciplinary literature stemming from computer science and engineering, gerontology, the social sciences, and related fields, we explore the extent to which these potential risks and related concerns are reflected upon by smart home users. This scoping review aims to explore SHT user perceptions of privacy attitudes, the purposes of smart home surveillance, risks and benefits, and impacts on home safety. Through our review of sixty-eight relevant studies, we found that many smart home users reported satisfaction over perceived benefits such as an increased sense of safety and home security. Many others displayed limited understandings of data collection practices or expressed privacy concerns. Nonetheless, SHT usage prevailed among these users. Others report a perceived trade-off between privacy and other factors, such as convenience, and some may have resorted to privacy cynicism, a coping mechanism for dealing with ubiquitous surveillance. In order to better understand SHT adoption trends despite concerns, exploring the conflict between user perceptions of privacy, understanding of SHT data collection purposes, risks and benefits, and home safety, is essential.

Evidence-Based Recommendations for Tablet Recordings From the Bridge2AI-Voice Acoustic Experiments

BackgroundAs part of a larger goal to create best practices for voice data collection to fuel voice AI research, the objective of this study was to investigate the ability of readily available iOS and Android tablets with and without low-cost headset microphones to produce recordings and subsequent acoustic measures of voice comparable to “research quality” instrumentation. MethodsRecordings of 24 sustained vowel samples representing a wide range of typical and disordered voices were played via a head-and-torso model and recorded using a research quality standard microphone/preamplifier/audio interface. Acoustic measurements from the standard were compared to two popular tablets using their built-in microphones and with low-cost headset microphones at different distances from the mouth. ResultsVoice measurements obtained via tablets + headset microphones close to the mouth (2.5 and 5cm) strongly correlated (r’s > 0.90) with the research standard and resulted in no significant differences for measures of vocal frequency and perturbation. In contrast, voice measurements obtained using the tablets’ built-in microphones at typical reading distances (30 and 45cm) tended to show substantial variability in measurement, greater mean differences in voice measurements, and relatively poorer correlations vs. the standard. ConclusionFindings from this study support preliminary recommendations from the Bridge2AI-Voice Consortium recommending the use of smartphones paired with low-cost headset microphones as adequate methods of recording for large-scale voice data collection from a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings. Compared to recording using a tablet directly, a headset microphone controls for recording distance and reduces the effects of background noise, resulting in decreased variability in recording quality. Data Availability StatementData supporting the results reported in this article may be obtained upon request from the contact author.

Paving the way to establishing the digital-friendly health and care information model in Kazakhstan

IntroductionKazakhstan has made significant strides in digital health implementation since 2013, transitioning from paper-based systems to wide implementation of digital solutions. However, challenges persist, notably the misalignment between existing data collection requirements and ongoing digital transformations. To address this obstacle, the development of a new digital-friendly requirements for health data collection at provider levels was initiated. Material and methodsA comparative analysis of all existing requirements on health and care data collection set a foundation for further actions. A dedicated technical working group, established by the Ministry of Healthcare, oversaw this process, while several specialized expert groups participated in detailed discussions to ensure alignment with healthcare needs. We took as a basis the legislative act enforcing use of data forms inherited from pre-digital era. Data elements from most used forms were cataloged, checked for consistency, and standardized. ISO 13940 standard guided transformation of rigid paper-based forms into flexible digital-friendly data sets. ResultsAnalysis of the healthcare legislation reveals significant optimization opportunities. We categorized 157 forms into four groups by their content and role and focusing on clinical and administrative records for transformation. Data elements’ analysis led to developing 209 standardized classifications with data values. 83 data sets, encompassing clinical and administrative domains, were developed to substitute 63 (out of 157) forms. Therefore, the foundation for better data and structure interoperability was set. DiscussionThe top-down approach to digital health standardization, combined with open market policies, results in inconsistent data collection practices. Developed data sets align with the goal of developing the national Electronic Health Records system as enabler for interoperability and adds a bottom-up perspective to digital health standardization. This effort addresses the lack of guidance for digital data model development, however additional efforts required to change the current practice and finalize the national legislation transformation into digital-friendly mode.

Facilitators and barriers to monitoring and evaluation at syringe service programs

BackgroundSyringe services programs (SSPs) provide harm reduction supplies and services to people who use drugs and are often required by funders or partners to collect data from program participants. SSPs can use these data during monitoring and evaluation (M&E) to inform programmatic decision making, however little is known about facilitators and barriers to collecting and using data at SSPs.MethodsUsing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we conducted 12 key informant interviews with SSP staff to describe the overall landscape of data systems at SSPs, understand facilitators and barriers to data collection and use at SSPs, and generate recommendations for best practices for data collection at SSPs. We used 30 CFIR constructs to develop individual interview guides, guide data analysis, and interpret study findings.ResultsFour main themes emerged from our analysis: SSP M&E systems are primarily designed to be responsive to perceived SSP client needs and preferences; SSP staffing capacity influences the likelihood of modifying M&E systems; external funding frequently forces changes to M&E systems; and strong M&E systems are often a necessary precursor for accessing funding.ConclusionsOur findings highlight that SSPs are not resistant to data collection and M&E, but face substantial barriers to implementation, including lack of funding and disjointed data reporting requirements. There is a need to expand M&E-focused funding opportunities, harmonize quantitative indicators collected across funders, and minimize data collection to essential data points for SSPs.

Waste management from dental clinics: A case study in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Healthcare waste management is a critical aspect of public health and environmental protection, particularly in establishments such as dental clinics. This study examined the dental clinic waste (DCW) management processes in clinics within the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Utilizing data from Healthcare Waste Management Plans (HCWMP) provided by the Urban Cleaning Superintendence, the study investigated waste generation, segregation, storage, collection, treatment, and final disposal practices. The results revealed that hazardous DCW represented a significant portion (26.5 %) of waste generated in dental clinics, exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold. Biological waste (22.9 %), mainly consisting of cotton, gauze, and gloves contaminated with blood or body fluids, was the most generated hazardous waste group, followed by chemical (2.2 %) and sharps waste (1.3 %). Incineration was the predominant treatment method for hazardous DCW, raising concerns about environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. Non-hazardous waste, primarily destined for landfills, had limited recycling rates (2.4 %), emphasizing the need for improved waste management strategies to minimize environmental impacts and increase circular economy. Challenges in DCW management included inadequate segregation practices, limited recycling initiatives, and incomplete HCWMPs lacking descriptions of waste management beyond establishment boundaries. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive training programs, strengthened regulations, and increased environmental awareness among healthcare professionals. In conclusion, improving DCW management in dental clinics is crucial for mitigating occupational and environmental risks. Collective efforts are needed to enhance waste segregation, promote recycling, and ensure compliance with regulations, ultimately safeguarding public health and the environment.

Cultural Memory and Trauma: Commemorating the Past in Post-Conflict Bosnia Herzegovina

Post-conflict societies grapple with the complex interplay of cultural memory and trauma. Bosnia and Herzegovina, marked by the devastating 1992-1995 war, provides a poignant case study. This research delves into how collective memory shapes commemoration practices and influences the ongoing process of healing and reconciliation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating qualitative data collection and analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with survivors, community leaders, and cultural practitioners. Additionally, content analysis was performed on commemorative events, memorials, and public discourses. Findings highlight the dynamic nature of cultural memory. Commemoration practices serve as sites of contestation, reflecting diverse narratives and interpretations of the past. Trauma manifests in both individual and collective experiences, shaping identity and influencing social relations. In conclusion, the study underscores the crucial role of cultural memory in post-conflict societies. Commemoration serves as a vehicle for acknowledging suffering, promoting healing, and fostering reconciliation. However, it is essential to navigate the complexities of diverse narratives and ensure inclusive representation.

Tackling Labour Monopsony by Gig Platforms: The Anti-Monopoly Law as an Alternative Legal Approach to the Labour Law System in China

Abstract In the gig economy, workers could be subject to exploitative and coercive practices by platforms and their stringent labour algorithms. Since gig workers are not defined as typical employees, the Chinese labour law system fails to adequately protect gig workers. Furthermore, the limited scope of labour law protection is also another reason for the ineffectiveness of the Chinese labour law system. Even if gig workers can be identified as employees, the regulation of labour algorithms is uncovered by the existing labour laws. Additionally, collective bargaining rights of gig workers may help but as explained in Section 4, they are still immature and collective barging practices are likely to violate the Chinese Anti-Monopoly Law. This article claims that the enforcement of the Anti-Monopoly Law can be an alternative approach to protecting gig workers as the gig platforms may constitute a labour monopsony. Therefore, anti-trust enforcement can step in and punish exploitative and coercive practices harming gig workers. However, there are limitations of the Anti-Monopoly Law in dealing with these practices and thereby the advantages of the Chinese labour law system regarding the protection of gig workers should still be taken seriously.

Problem-solving? No, problem-opening! A method to reframe and teach data ethics as a transdisciplinary endeavour

Starting from the recognition of the limits of today's common essentialist and axiological understandings of data and ethics, in this article we make the case for an ecosystemic understanding of data ethics (for the city) that accounts for the inherent value-laden entanglements and unintended (both positive and negative) consequences of the development, implementation, and use of data-driven technologies in real-life contexts. To operationalize our view, we conceived and taught a master course titled ‘Ethics for the data-driven city’ delivered within the Department of Urbanism at the Delft University of Technology. By endorsing a definition of data as a sociotechnical process, of ethics as a collective practice, and of the city as a complex system, the course enacts a transdisciplinary approach and problem-opening method that compel students to recognize and tackle the unavoidable multifacetedness of all ethical stances, as well as the intrinsic open-endedness of all tech solutions, thus seeking a fair balance for the whole data-driven urban environment. The article discusses the results of the teaching experience, which took the form of a research-and-design workshop, alongside the students’ feedback and further pedagogical developments.

Interpolation of microbiome composition in longitudinal data sets.

Since missing samples are common in longitudinal microbiome dataset due to inconsistent collection practices, it is important to evaluate and benchmark different interpolation methods for predicting microbiome composition in such samples and facilitate downstream analysis. Our study rigorously evaluated several such methods and identified the K-nearest neighbors approach as particularly effective for this task. The study also notes significant variability in interpolation accuracy among individuals, influenced by factors such as age, sample size, and sampling frequency. Furthermore, we developed a predictive model for estimating interpolation accuracy at a specific time point, enhancing the reliability of such analyses in future studies. Combined, our study, thus, provides critical insights and tools that enhance the accuracy and reliability of data interpolation methods in the growing field of longitudinal microbiome research.

Feminist Ideologies at Work: Culture, Collectivism, and Entrepreneurship among Disadvantaged Women in India

This study explores the role of feminist ideologies in enabling entrepreneurship among disadvantaged women in societies entrenched in structures of patriarchy. The study draws on evidence from Lijjat, a women’s cooperative in India. Through careful consideration of the context and relations in which marginalized women were able to initiate, develop, and successfully grow a business, results draw two key conclusions. First, pragmatist feminist ideologies are particularly supportive of women’s economic activities in a patriarchal context. Second, ideological influences on women’s entrepreneurship exist both at the individual level (motivation) and at the collective level (organizational practices). Studying the intersection of these tiers enables a better understanding of how women’s entrepreneurship at the grassroots level can be supported in male-dominated cultures. HIGHLIGHTS Patriarchal norms limit disadvantaged women’s entrepreneurial opportunities in India. Lijjat, a women’s cooperative, provides insight into the role of feminist ideologies in empowering women. Pragmatist feminist ideologies encourage women to challenge traditional norms through entrepreneurship. These ideologies shape both individual motivations and collective organizational practices at Lijjat. Supporting women’s cooperatives can improve women’s economic participation and empowerment.

Mapping as a collective and southern practice

AbstractThis reflective paper describes a relationship to mapping as a collective and southern practice. Using examples from the author's own involvement in collective map‐making practices based in New Delhi, the paper roots mapping in the context of southern urbanisms, taking examples of informal housing, work, and workplaces to debate the role of mapping vis‐à‐vis the desire for either more or less visibility. It then argues that mapping must reflect prevailing rationalities of governance and power, thinking about both why we make maps and who makes maps. Finally, it suggests that mapping as a process must extend from the making of a map to an active engagement in how it circulates and is read. The paper suggests the author's own experience with collective political formations as a possible institutional form that can hold such an approach to mapping.

Pertanggungjawaban Pidana Debt Collector dan Korporasi: Tinjauan Terhadap Pelanggaran Hukum dalam Penagihan Hutang

The problem that occurs is the unclear relationship between creditors, namely online loans, and debt collectors, which gives rise to public complaints about debt collection practices by debt collectors who often violate the law. Criminal acts committed by debt collectors in debt collection can be subject to criminal sanctions based on applicable laws, such as the Criminal Code and the ITE Law. Fintech companies as corporations can also be held criminally responsible for the actions of debt collectors working on their behalf. The aim of this research is to find out the responsibility of debt collectors and corporations for criminal acts committed by debt collectors in carrying out debt collection practices. This research uses a normative juridical approach by analyzing library materials and secondary data, such as journals, books and statutory regulations.

Course H[OER]oes? Ethical Data Collection in Open Digital Societies

In 2021 networked learning community scholars responded to a call inviting discussion of how they made meaning of the term networked learning and understood its associated practices (Gourlay et al., 2021). The insights shared and questions raised have implications for all educators and scholars working with and among students of all levels. The purpose of this roundtable discussion will be to consider the relevance of these insights and questions for those whose work centers open educational resources and collection of data related to their use. In particular, participants will discuss whether and how to gather, analyse and store data in ways which honour the "trusting relationships" (Gourlay et al., 2021, p. 337) considered essential to "socially just" (Bali, 2020, n.p.) networked learning experiences. Discussants will be invited to unravel to what extent the use, modification, or creation of open educational resources qualify as networked learning, explore the impact the use of related technology has on pedagogy, and work together to explicate whom, in fact, such practices and connections are ultimately for (Gourlay et al., 2021). The authors of this paper will share research and experiences related to the development of a student data privacy framework intended to guide data collection practices for materials created in association with the academic library's open educational resource publishing program.

AI integration in business development: Ethical considerations and practical solutions

The winds of change are sweeping through the business landscape, propelled by the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI). This integration isn't merely a technological upgrade; it's a paradigm shift, unlocking a treasure trove of opportunities for companies to achieve unprecedented growth, efficiency, and innovation. Imagine AI-powered systems that analyze vast amounts of data, identify new market opportunities, predict customer behavior with uncanny accuracy, and even automating tedious tasks associated with lead generation and qualification. This is the future that AI promises, a future brimming with potential. However, the path to this future is not without its challenges. The immense power of AI comes with a critical responsibility: ensuring its ethical and responsible use. This review paper delves into the ethical considerations that businesses must navigate as they integrate AI into their business development strategies, exploring potential pitfalls like bias in algorithms, data privacy concerns, and job displacement. But fear not, for this paper doesn't just identify challenges; it also proposes practical solutions to navigate these complexities effectively. By acknowledging the potential for bias in AI algorithms and taking proactive steps to mitigate it, businesses can ensure fairness and inclusivity in their AI-driven decision-making. Imagine a team of data scientists meticulously scrutinizing training data, removing skewed information that could lead to discriminatory outcomes in lead generation or customer targeting. This commitment to responsible data practices fosters trust and ensures AI is used for good. Data privacy is another paramount concern in the age of AI. As AI systems collect and analyze vast amounts of customer data, businesses have a responsibility to safeguard this information. Imagine robust data security measures in place, protecting sensitive customer data with encryption protocols and access controls. Furthermore, fostering transparency about data collection practices and obtaining explicit consent from customers builds trust and demonstrates a commitment to responsible data stewardship. The specter of job displacement also looms large in the discussion of AI. While automation powered by AI might replace some repetitive tasks, it's important to remember that it also creates new opportunities. Imagine a world where AI handles lead scoring and qualification, freeing up human business developers to focus on high-value activities like strategic relationship building and closing deals. By investing in retraining programs and fostering a culture of continuous learning, businesses can empower their workforce to adapt and thrive in this evolving landscape.

QAnon and the Epistemic Communities of the Unreal: A Conceptual Toolkit for a Sociology of Grassroots Conspiracism

The messy politics of combating the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the confusion caused by the global (dis)infodemic, have propelled conspiracism from the fringes of society into the public mainstream. Despite the growing political impact of digitally enabled conspiracy theories, they are predominantly delegitimized on three fronts – as psychopathology, pseudoscience, and/or parapolitics. In contrast, this article employs three non-pathologizing conceptual counteroffers borrowed from critical theory, deconstructionist historiography, and citizenship studies – namely, cognitive mapping, narrative emplotment, and performative citizenship – to politicize conspiracy theorizing ‘from below’. Using QAnon as a case-in-point, the article introduces two novel concepts that invite a sociological approach to conspiracism: first, the epistemic communities of the unreal, which designates the participatory, interactive, and decentralized nature of collaboratively creating unreal explanations of the real world; and second, grassroots conspiracism, which denotes the ways in which these bottom-up, horizontal, and collective meaning-making practices and knowledge-production processes are expanding spaces of and for politics.

Twisted knowledge construction on X/Twitter: an analysis of constructivist sensemaking on social media leading to political radicalization

PurposeThis study aims to identify how Brazilian followers of an X/Twitter profile engage in theory-building processes leading up to the January 8, 2023 riots in Brasília, the Brazilian capital. This paper seeks to understand how cognitive and sociocultural processes weave together to weaponize collective knowledge construction that, in isolation, could be seen as virtuous but, in specific contexts, might lead to radicalization.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses qualitative content analysis of comments on ambiguous X/Twitter posts published by a conspiratorial profile associated with former President Jair Bolsonaro. Content was published in the three weeks that preceded the coup d’état attempt by Bolsonaro supporters on January 8, 2023.FindingsFindings point to users’ resorting to intuitive knowledge to support sensemaking processes in their search for subliminal meanings in tweets. That includes, for example, attempts to crack binary code-encrypted messages. This study also identified practices of cross-media sourcing, where users collect evidence from alternative social media channels to interpret messages containing verbal and visual information. Finally, this study found that religious symbols are often instrumentalized and become a lens through which followers organize information to integrate with their existing knowledge and assumptions.Research limitations/implicationsWith this work, the authors build on existing scholarship on epistemologies used by conspiratorial and radicalized groups as they engage in systematic sensemaking and often refer to religion to interpret messages that motivate extreme political position-taking. This study addresses a similar phenomenon as it unfolds in an understudied geographical context (Brazil) and seeks to demonstrate how individuals engage in collective sensemaking practices. The authors hope that their findings inform educators as they explore the affordances of social media to foster positive collective learning experiences in reasoning supported by social media.Originality/valueThe originality of this study is twofold. First, this study uses an analytical lens that draws on the learning sciences and cognitive science for inquiry of radicalization happening around social media. The authors understand that social media lend themselves particularly interesting to the analysis, as they are settings where notions of mastery blur, and individuals engage in conversations on complex, controversial topics. With that engagement, they demonstrate willingness to reason collectively. Second, this study investigates how those phenomena unfold in an understudied context, responding to calls for more diversity in research in the learning sciences as well as in media studies.