Information Technology Research Articles

Pill epistemology

ABSTRACT The rise of social media and the internet as predominant modes by which most Americans access and communicate information has transformed how we understand knowledge. Coterminous with such technologies is a widespread turn toward conspiracy theories and extremist politics as explanatory mechanisms for current events. This article theorizes a newly emerging mode of knowledge characterized by the speed and scope of information technology and predicated on dramatic shifts in behavior and ideology. I argue that this mode of knowing is a form of epistemology, a theory of knowledge which seeks to understand how humans experience and process information. Framing this emerging mode of knowledge as epistemology, this article develops a theory of the rise and predominance of what I call “pill epistemology,” a powerful and dangerous model for seeking and sharing knowledge online. Using discussions of “redpilling” in online conspiracy theories, I map four stages of pill epistemology: awakening, becoming, behaving, and communicating. I argue that pill epistemology masquerades as a process of reason and knowledge but contains logical jumps into paranoid delusion, which are difficult to identify but which lead into the realm of conspiracy theory and which will continue to impact the health of our information ecosystems.

EHealth, digital information and technology use of men with prostate cancer.

The investigation of digital information sources and technologies specifically used by men with prostate cancer is scarce. This study seeks to address current gaps in the literature by investigating prostate cancer-specific internet and technology use by men with prostate cancer and factors associated with this use. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in three Australian urology clinics (local in Sydney, Western Sydney and Murrumbidgee) in 2023. Data analysis included descriptive and bivariate analysis. Chi square tests of independence, Mann-Whitney U tests and Fischer exact tests were used to assess demographic, prostate cancer-specific and psychometric variables with prostate cancer-specific usage of each website, social media and technology type. A total of 349 men responded. Mean age of respondents was 69.6 years (SD 7.8). 74.5% (n = 260) had undergone radical prostatectomy, while 10% (n = 35) reported locally advanced/metastatic disease. Information websites were used by 77.7% (n = 271) of men. Social media was used by 37% (n = 129), and total internet use was 79.1% (n = 276). Younger age, higher education and higher income were commonly associated with a greater extent of use of information source and technology types. High variability in usage and factor association was demonstrated between and within analysed group categories. Men with prostate cancer use a broad variety of digital information sources and technologies to access prostate cancer information at a higher rate than ever before. This work stresses the significant variability in the extent of use which men demonstrate among these resources and the factors which may play a role in this behaviour.

IT Professional Technology Solutions for the Enterprise

IT Professional Technology Solutions for the Enterprise

Emerging trends in managed care pharmacy: A mixed-method study.

Over the past 5 years, managed care pharmacy has been shaped by a global pandemic, advancements in generative artificial intelligence (AI), Medicare drug price negotiation policies, and significant therapeutic developments. Collective intelligence methods can be used to anticipate future developments in practice to help organizations plan and develop new strategies around those changes. To identify emerging trends in managed care pharmacy. In this sequential mixed-method study, we invited experts to participate in a multidisciplinary advisory panel to develop a survey with 5 overarching domains. The qualitative analysis for our advisory panel meetings used a thematic analysis approach. To analyze the cross-sectional survey results, we used descriptive statistics and exploratory bivariate statistics to test for possible relationships with survey respondent demographics and likelihood predictions. To assess respondent opinions on the overall likelihood of an event occurring in the next 5 years, we combined "Highly likely/Somewhat likely" responses and compared with "Highly unlikely/Somewhat unlikely" responses. Following our advisory panel focus groups, a total of 53 scenarios were developed for inclusion in the quantitative survey under the domains of (1) information technology, (2) therapeutics and diagnostics, (3) payment models, (4) pharmacy operations, and (5) public policy. A total of 1,238 individuals were invited to participate in the survey. Of eligible participants, 201 complete survey responses were received for a final response rate of 16.2%. Survey participants rated increased use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists by at least 25%, at least 1 major data breach, more than 10 new orphan drug approvals, and AI use in more than half of prior authorization reviews as the most likely scenarios to occur in the next 5 years. Respondents identified the following broad issues as those most likely to impact their organizations (employers) in the next 5 years: federal and state policy changes impacting managed care, cell and gene therapies, impact of AI on managed care operations, and emerging payment models. This study provides valuable insights into the emerging trends that are expected to shape managed care pharmacy over the next 5 years. The integration of advanced technologies, such as AI, along with the increasing focus on specialty therapeutics, represents both opportunities and challenges for managed care organizations. However, areas with lower consensus highlight the need for caution in strategic planning.

Fortifying industrial cybersecurity: a novel industrial internet of things architecture enhanced by honeypot integration

The industrial internet of things (IIoT) has significantly transformed the industrial sectors by connecting devices, machines, and systems to enhance automation, efficiency, and decision-making. However, the increased interconnectivity also poses significant security challenges because IIoT devices control critical infrastructures and processes. Our work presents an implementation of a robust industrial cybersecurity strategy with a segmented network architecture, collaborative efforts between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) teams for enhanced resilience and effectiveness, and vertical honeypots across all Industry 4.0 levels integrated with Wazuh for log transmission and proactive threat response, alongside Snort intrusion detection system (IDS) monitoring network traffic. Additionally, we reinforce our architecture by Wazuh with Elasticsearch and Kibana as a security information and event management solution, facilitating data analysis and compliance enforcement through custom rulesets and cybersecurity threat intelligence (CTI) integration, with automatic updates for continuous adaptation against emerging threats.

Emerging trends in information technology: Perspectives on the 2024 AMCP Foundation Survey.

Emerging trends in information technology: Perspectives on the 2024 AMCP Foundation Survey.

Exploration and Practice of Constructing Trusted Public IT Systems Using Blockchain-Based Service Network

Exploration and Practice of Constructing Trusted Public IT Systems Using Blockchain-Based Service Network

Understanding work-arrangement choices: factors and implications

ABSTRACT Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have spurred new work arrangements, yet factors influencing these choices remain unclear. This study employs mixed-logit modeling to investigate the determinants of work arrangements—’fully work-from-home (WFH),’ ‘hybrid,’ and ‘no WFH’ – and their impact on activity-travel behavior. Conducted in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada, the study combines travel survey data with Census and built-environment data for analysis. Significant differences are found in activity count, work duration, vehicle kilometers traveled, and commute time among the work-arrangement groups. ‘Hybrid’ and ‘no WFH’ individuals tend to reside closer to downtown, while ‘full WFH’ individuals prefer suburban and rural areas. Results identify individual, household, and accessibility attributes as key determinants, confirming random heterogeneity among respondents. Results suggest shorter auto commute times correlate with higher likelihood of ‘no WFH’ and lower likelihood of ‘full WFH.’ This research aids policymakers and transportation professionals in developing effective travel demand management strategies.

Mechatronic System Based on Bluetooth Communication with a Mobile Application for Automatic Irrigation in Greenhouses

Non-automatic irrigation in greenhouses presents significant disadvantages, such as waste of water and loss of time, although they are highly widespread and low cost. Research highlights the importance of rationally managing and using water through information technologies to improve crop quality, recommending the use of automated irrigation systems, although challenges are faced in the proper integration of electronic devices in agricultural environments. For this reason, it is considered that the use of drip irrigation, the integration of embedded systems with Bluetooth connection, and mobile applications facilitates its use. This paper describes the design and implementation of a prototype mechatronic system to manage greenhouse irrigation, using an embedded system based on a microcontroller. In this case, temperature and humidity sensors are used that control a water pump, monitor environmental factors, and display data in the mobile application connected via Bluetooth, activating the water pump automatically. The results show that the prototype is functional, meets the stated objectives, and proposes improvements related to the range of Bluetooth communication and the implementation of a solar panel for use in areas without electricity supply. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2025-09-01-02 Full Text: PDF

Pengaruh Teknologi Informasi Terhadap Transformasi Digital dan Inovasi dalam Organisasi

In the rapidly evolving digital era, information technology (IT) serves as the backbone of the digital transformation process experienced by organizations across various sectors. Digital transformation goes beyond technology adoption; it entails fundamental changes in how organizations operate, innovate, and interact with customers and other stakeholders. This article reviews the impact of IT on digital transformation and innovation within organizations, highlighting how IT contributes to enhancing operational efficiency, accelerating the development of new products and services, and enriching customer experiences. Additionally, it explores the main challenges organizations face when adopting new technologies, such as high implementation costs, shifts in workplace culture, and data security risks. This study aims to help organizations understand the essential role of IT in supporting innovation and maintaining competitiveness in a dynamic market.

Tantangan Etika Dalam Profesi Teknologi Informasi

The profession in Information Technology (IT) poses many challenges, especially related to ethics, especially in privacy and data security. In working, IT professionals must face ethical dilemmas. They must balance between using innovative technology and protecting users' personal information. Professional ethics in IT are rules that determine how a professional should act, including maintaining integrity and honesty. This is important to maintain public trust in the technology services provided. However, with the increasing number of digital activities and data usage, the risk of data misuse and privacy violations is also increasing. In addition, the use of the internet as a modern communication tool also raises concerns about increasing privacy violations. This study focuses on the study of ethical principles in IT work and the issues that arise in data protection and privacy in the digital age. By understanding ethical rules and regulations on privacy, hopefully awareness of ethics will increase and data security practices can be improved to reduce the risk of privacy violations.

Mobile Phone Usage and Willingness to Use Mobile Phones to Support Medication Adherence and Receive Text Message Appointment Reminders in Older Outpatients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Information technology can be used to improve the management of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the willingness of older outpatients with type 2 diabetes to use mobile phones to support medication adherence and receive text message appointment reminders and investigated the factors associated with this willingness. This study was a cross-sectional study conducted at the outpatient department of Dong Da General Hospital. Participants aged 60 and over managed and treated for type 2 diabetes were asked about mobile phone usage. Data were also collected on sociodemographic information, diabetes characteristics, and medical history. In the 584 study participants recruited, the mean age was 73.2 (SD: 8.3) years. Approximately 80% patients with diabetes had medium or high treatment adherence and 52.4% had hemoglobin A1c (HbAlc) < 7.5%. In the multilevel logistic regression analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with willingness to using phones to support medication adherence: college, university, or higher level (odds ratio [OR] = 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10, 4.99), current smoking (OR = 5.40, 95% CI = 1.01, 28.94), whether they had a mobile phone and type of phone (basic phone: OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.42, 4.30; smartphone: OR = 17.93, 95% CI = 8.81, 36.47) . The following factors were significantly associated with willingness to receive these appointment reminders via mobile phone: whether they had a mobile phone and type of phone (basic phone: OR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.70, 4.59; smartphone: OR = 9.61, 95% CI = 4.61, 19.99) and HbA1c < 7.5 (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.43, 0.99). Our study would suggest that there is potential value in using mobile phone to improve the management of diabetes in community living older people but this alone cannot be relied upon.

Quantitative analysis of 'virtual' SSP assessment clinics in the NHS bowel cancer screening programme in England.

Bowel cancer screening in England is initially carried out using a home testing kit, with those who require further testing first being referred to an assessment clinic. During COVID-19, these assessment clinics became 'virtual' (telephone or video-call) where previously they had only been held face-to-face. A before and after study design was constructed to examine the impact of this change in clinic type on key programme metrics. The data showed fewer people changed their specialist screening practitioner appointments when the modality was virtual, with the virtual group also having higher clinic uptake and shorter times to first offered and first attended clinics.Despite clinical opinion that not being able to physically see a patient would negatively impact diagnostic test quality, suggesting that incomplete tests would rise, referrals to colonoscopy would fall, and bowel preparation quality would suffer, the data did not support any of these suppositions.Whilst the data indicated that diagnostic test uptake was lower in the virtual group, the presence of COVID-19 is likely to have skewed findings.The IT system is being developed to support virtual clinics, which will aid future data analysis/monitoring and assist staff with clinic management.

The importance of ICT adoption on MSMEs performance: the mediating role of distinctive competencies

Purpose This study aims to examine and identify how the resource-based view and dynamic capability theory contribute to information and communication technology (ICT) adoption to improve micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) performance, mediated by distinctive competencies. This research provides insight into how MSMEs can improve performance by strategically adopting ICT tools and developing distinctive competencies. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through online questionnaires from creative industry MSMEs (fashion, culinary and crafts) in Indonesia. The results were analyzed using the partial least squares-structural equation method technique (Fornell and Cha, 1994) with Smart PLS 3.0 (Ringle et al., 2015). Findings The results show that ICT adoption significantly impacts the MSMEs marketing performance in the creative industry sector. In addition, adopting ICT tools influences the development of distinctive competencies among MSMEs, improving MSMEs marketing performance. Distinctive competencies were found to mediate the relationship between ICT adoption and MSMEs marketing performance, which underscores the importance of technology skills, organizational skills, environmental skills and entrepreneurial mindset in driving business success. These findings highlight the critical role of distinctive competencies as a key factor in leveraging ICT adoption to improve MSMEs marketing performance. Research limitations/implications The main limitation is that this research coverage area is less extensive due to the time constraints of this study. Future work could cover different regions and explore other mediators in the ICT–performance relationship. Practical implications This research assists MSMEs in improving performance by adopting ICT and developing distinctive competencies with targeted training in relevant skills. Social implications This research highlights the potential to improve MSMEs marketing performance and drive economic growth and resilience through ICT adoption. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of the relationship between ICT adoption, distinctive competencies and MSME marketing performance in the context of the creative industries sector. This study offers a new perspective on how MSMEs can use ICT tools and develop distinctive competencies to enhance their marketing performance competitive advantage and achieve sustainable growth. By emphasizing the mediating role of distinctive competencies, this study highlights how ICT adoption impacts positively MSME marketing performance, providing valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers and researchers in entrepreneurship and technology adoption.

A Review on Literature: How Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Supports Circular Economy for Sustainable Development

A Review on Literature: How Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Supports Circular Economy for Sustainable Development

New experiences in the medical industry: online-to-offline (O2O) commerce usage intentions

Purpose This study aims to propose a research framework grounded in the technology acceptance model (TAM) to assess the new service experiences in the medical industry through examining the intention to use online-to-offline (O2O) medical platforms. It focuses on the connections between immediacy of connection, context-based affordability, reliability and perceived convenience and perceived usefulness. This study also looks at how these determinants affect users’ intentions to use O2O medical platforms, with a particular emphasis on the moderating effect of customer online reviews. Design/methodology/approach This study was a quantitative research endeavour grounded in the TAM model that analysed usage intention of O2O medical platforms. Conducted in Sarawak, within the Borneo region, a total of 251 rows of data were collected by questionnaire and underwent initial analysis using SPSS, followed by a more in-depth two-stage partial least squares structural equation model analysis conducted with SmartPLS4. Findings According to this study’s findings, perceived usefulness and perceived convenience are significantly impacted by the proposed predictors – immediacy of connection, context-based affordability and reliability. Furthermore, intention to use O2O medical platforms was discovered to have a positive and significant impact from perceived usefulness and perceived convenience. It is noteworthy that the association among perceived convenience and perceived usefulness – which leads to usage intention of O2O medical platforms – did not show the moderating effect of customer online reviews. Research limitations/implications The findings suggested that context-based affordability, immediacy of connection and reliability need to be focused on by the information and communication technology developers, policymakers and medical professionals, as these variables can influence perceived convenience and usefulness, which will further impact the intention to use O2O medical platforms. Originality/value The formulated research framework holds significance in comprehending the usage intention of O2O medical platforms among consumers in Sarawak. O2O medical platforms have experienced global growth; however, limited studies were found in the Malaysian context. Hence, the objective of this study is to examine the intention to use O2O medical platforms in a relatively understudied area, specifically in Sarawak, an island located in Borneo, Malaysia.

A study of human factors toward compliance with organization’s information security policy

ABSTRACT While organizations increasingly rely on information technology for competitive advantage, safeguarding sensitive data hinges on more than just technical safeguards. Alarmingly, employee actions account for a growing percentage of information security breaches, highlighting the critical role of human factors. Building upon the understanding that human resources are key to maintaining organizational security, this study investigates the relationship between five key human factors security culture, awareness, training, risk perception, and reinforcement and employee compliance with information security policies. Through quantitative research, we propose and validate a conceptual framework demonstrating a significant positive association between these human factors and compliant behavior. Our findings emphasize the profound influence of security culture as a primary driver of secure practices within organizations. These insights offer practical guidance for organizations to move beyond a technology centric approach and prioritize a human centric security strategy that integrates these factors into policy design, training programs, and organizational culture.

Bibliometric Analysis of Academic Research in the Field of Utilizing Modern Information Technologies in Castles

Bibliometric Analysis of Academic Research in the Field of Utilizing Modern Information Technologies in Castles

Pengaruh Organisasi Kemahasiswaan Terhadap Belajar Mahasiswa Difakultas Sains Dan Teknologi

Student activity in organizations plays an important role in developing knowledge and preparing them to enter the world of work. Through organizations, students are accustomed to conveying thoughts and ideas that can increase self-confidence and motivation to learn, which has a positive impact on academic achievement. This research aims to examine the role of student organizations in supporting student abilities, using descriptive methods. The research sample consisted of 10 students from the 2022/2023 information technology study program. The research results show that there is a significant influence between student involvement in student organizations on their learning achievement. Student organizations provide opportunities for students to develop their talents, interests and potential through productive, creative and practical activities carried out on campus, for example extracurricular activities, which in turn increase motivation and academic achievement. In addition, involvement in an organization can shape character, skills, self-confidence, as well as expand knowledge, insight and social networks. This research also reveals that students are involved in organizations not only for existence or popularity, but as a form of self-actualization. Therefore, it is recommended that the campus, such as the Deputy Chair III for Student Affairs and Study Programs, provide further support to encourage student organization activities that can improve student achievement. Overall, this research shows that involvement in student organizations has a significant positive relationship with learning motivation, which influences academic quality and preparation for the world of work.

The impact of knowledge sharing on well-being at work − Is organizational learning capability a mediating link?

Purpose Well-being at work is a prime concern for learning organizations where work is knowledge-intensive and the need for updated learning exerts high work pressure. This study aims to examine the mediating influence of organizational learning capability in facilitating routine and novel knowledge sharing to foster employees’ well-being at work in Indian information technology (IT) organizations. This research explores whether the sharing of routine knowledge and novel knowledge contributes to employees’ well-being at work by enhancing organizational learning capability. Design/methodology/approach Using a quantitative approach, the authors collected data from 209 employees in IT organizations in India via a questionnaire survey. After verifying the reliability and validity of the data, the authors analysed the data using co-variance-based structural equation modelling using AMOS 26. Findings The results show that the indirect effect of routine and novel knowledge sharing on well-being at work was influenced by the mediating role of organizational learning capability. Routine knowledge sharing has a significant positive impact on organizational learning capability and well-being at work. While novel knowledge sharing positively predicted organizational learning capability, it did not have a direct impact on well-being at work. Moreover, organizational learning capability has a direct positive effect on employees’ well-being at work. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design of the study makes the cause-and-effect relationship difficult to conclude. Moreover, the use of self-report measures poses methodological biases. Thus, longitudinal studies with objective measurements are recommended. Future studies can examine the role of individual characteristics such as learning orientation and personality in the studied framework. Practical implications Employee well-being and organizational learning can be enhanced through knowledge sharing practices, promoted by human resource policies and leaders. This promotes on-the-job learning, reducing working hours for training and learning purposes. By fostering a culture of openness, mutual trust and networking, organizations can enhance their employees’ work−life balance and overall performance. Originality/value This paper addresses a paucity in the literature concerning the outcomes of knowledge sharing and factors that lead to well-being at work. Drawing on the learning-based well-being perspective and job-demand resource theory, this research pioneers the examination of the mediating effect of organizational learning capability in the link between routine and novel knowledge sharing and employees’ well-being in IT learning organizations in India. Findings of this study may help managers of IT firms boost organizational learning and improve knowledge workers’ well-being, thus helping to maximize their performance and enhance employee retention and welfare.