Information Systems Research Research Articles

The Application of Operations Research Information System Tools in Hospital Operations Management in Developing Nations

Hospital services in the developing world are always overwhelmed due to scarce resources compared to the demand from the public. Operations Research provides a set of tools that are very useful in the optimization of resources, hence providing a highly needed service in assuring that, the resources are optimally utilized to save lives and provide better healthcare services. This paper reviews applications of Operations Research information system tools(ORIST) in hospital operations to find ORIST status in developing nations like the East African Region.This study used a systematic literature review method and thematic analysis. Results revealed that there is a lot of OR work about hospital operations in the developing world. However, little has been reported from East Africa. A proposal is presented about research opportunities on hospital operations in East African regions by grouping applications into four areas namely; planning, management, medical practice and prevention. The paper concludes by inviting all stakeholders to cooperate and provide the necessary support to Operations-Research practitioners.

Microfinance, an Alternative for Financing Entrepreneurship: Implications and Trends-Bibliometric Analysis

Microfinance has become one of the most important financing alternatives for business start-ups, especially for vulnerable groups in poor regions. Microfinance provides access to financial products, especially to people who have been excluded from the traditional financial system. However, the mainstream literature on microfinance shows its impact on poverty alleviation, but it is not yet well developed to understand its dynamizing role in the entrepreneurial sector. There is still a large gap in the literature on analyzing microfinance as a financing alternative, so this paper seeks to find this relationship in the literature. A bibliometric analysis is applied, both of the performance of the publications and a word co-occurrence analysis during the period 2017–2022. The articles indexed in the Web of Science have been considered and systematized through the SCIMAT software v1.1.04, developed by the Soft Computing and Intelligent Information Systems Research Group, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. Microfinance institutions, education, entrepreneurship, organizational performance, business microcredits, and women microentrepreneurs have been identified as driving themes to be considered in future analyses. At the end of the document, the proposed future lines of research are presented. In addition, the results show the growing interest of the academic community in the topic, with 2022 being the year with the highest number of articles published on the topic.

Affective information processing of fake news: evidence from NeuroIS

ABSTRACT Fake news undermines individuals’ ability to make informed decisions. However, the theoretical understanding of how users assess online news as real or fake has thus far remained incomplete. In particular, previous research cannot explain why users fall for fake news inadvertently and despite careful thinking. In this work, we study the role of affect when users assess online news as real or fake. We employ NeuroIS measurements as a complementary approach beyond self-reports, which allows us to capture affective responses in situ, i.e., directly in the moment they occur. We draw upon cognitive dissonance theory, which suggests that users experiencing affective responses avoid unpleasant information to reduce psychological discomfort. In our NeuroIS experiment, we measured affective responses based on electrocardiography and eye tracking. We find that lower heart rate variability and shorter mean fixation duration are associated with greater perceived fakeness and a higher probability of incorrect assessments, thus providing evidence of affective information processing. These findings imply that users may fall for fake news automatically and without even noticing. This has direct implications for information systems (IS) research and practice as effective countermeasures against fake news must account for affective information processing.

EXPLORING LITERATURE REVIEW METHODOLOGIES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

This research conducts a thorough examination and comparative assessment of various approaches to literature review methods employed in the field of information systems (IS) research. The study aims to pinpoint both the positive and negative aspects of these literature review methodologies used in IS research and to offer useful recommendations for information systems researchers who endeavor to conduct top-notch literature review studies. The analyzed literature review methodologies comprised eleven varied methodologies such as narrative review, systematic literature review, critical literature review, realist review, meta-narrative review, mixed-methods review, rapid review, realist review, framework synthesis, mini literature review, and conceptual literature review. The results of this study bear significant consequences for scholars who aim to carry out thorough and organized literature review studies in the field of information systems research, ultimately enhancing the standard and precision of research in this domain. According to the research, different approaches to literature review have their own advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account based on the research question, available resources, and objectives.

Longitudinal treatment patterns in patients recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Catalonia

AimTo investigate initial and subsequent treatments prescribed to newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. MethodsData from SIDIAP (Information System for Research in Primary Care) including all recorded incident T2DM patients in primary care between 2015 and 2020. We used descriptive statistics and different graphical techniques to describe the most frequent longitudinal patterns. ResultsA total of 86,854 patients were included. 78.3 % of the patients began treatment with a single metformin medication and 21.7 % began with a combination therapy (CT). Metformin was the most frequent treatment as first and third-line therapy, while the CT of metformin with DPP4i or sulfonylurea was more prevalent as second-line. Most common first to third-line pattern was initial metformin for 15 months, adding a second antidiabetic in the second line, staying in CT for 6 months, and switching back to single metformin. Treatment patterns varied depending on HbA1c levels, with higher levels (>8 %) being associated with changes to CT and lower levels with switches to monotherapy or temporary discontinuation. ConclusionThe study described in detail the different treatment patterns in incident T2DM patients in Catalonia, its adherence to the guidelines, and how the changes are associated to the HbA1c dynamics.

Reconceptualizing users: The roles and activities of people as they engage with digital technologies

The concept of the user has persisted in information systems research and practice since the field’s inception in the 1950s. However, the roles that people play and the activities they perform have changed considerably over time. People now engage with digital technologies for all kinds of activities and in all kinds of ways, including for both personal and professional purposes. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to reconceptualize the term “user.” We discuss the various activities that people engage in with digital technologies, the myriad roles they play, and an essential shift in what the term “user” means. Users might be active in shaping how a particular information system is used, they might be partners with an information system, they might be used by an information system, and they may spend sizable parts of their lives living essentially within information systems. We conclude by discussing the implications for the IS discipline of reconceptualizing the term “user.”

Systematic review and network meta-analysis of the accuracy of the orthodontic mini-implants placed in the inter-radicular space by image-guided-based techniques

ObjectiveThe aim of the present systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) is to analyze the accuracy of image-guided-based orthodontic mini-implants placement techniques in the inter-radicular space.MethodsThe study was conducted under the PRISMA recommendations. Three databases were searched up to July 2022. In vitro randomized experimental trials (RETs) including static computer-aided implant surgery (s-CAIS), mixed reality (MR), soft tissue static computer-aided implant surgery (ST s-CAIS) and conventional free-hand technique (FHT) for the orthodontic mini-implants placement in the inter-radicular space were selected. The risk of bias was assessed using the Current Research Information System scale. A random effects model was used in the NMA. Direct comparisons were combined with a random effects model in a frequentist NMA to estimate indirect comparisons, and the estimated effect size of the comparisons between techniques were analyzed by difference of means. Inconsistency was assessed with the Q test, with a significance level of p < 0.05, and a net heat plot.ResultsA total of 92 articles was identified, and 8 RETs (8 direct comparisons of 4 techniques) were included in the NMA, which examined 4 orthodontic mini-implants placement techniques: s-CAIS, MR, ST s-CAIS, and FHT. Taking FHT as reference, s-CAIS and ST s-CAIS showed statistically significant coronal and apical deviation. In addition, s-CAIS showed statistically significant angular deviation. However, MR did not show statistically significant differences with respect to FHT, which presented the highest p-score. At the coronal deviation, ST s-CAIS presented the highest P-score (0.862), followed by s-CAIS (0.721). At the apical deviation, s-CAIS presented the highest P-score (0.844), followed by ST s-CAIS (0.791). Finally, at the angular deviation s-CAIS presented again the highest P-score (0.851).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, it was found that the image-guided-based orthodontic mini-implants placement techniques showed more accuracy than the free-hand conventional placement technique; specially the computer-aided static navigation techniques for the orthodontic mini-implants placed in the inter-radicular space.

IT impact on open innovation performance: Insights from a large-scale empirical investigation

Motivated by prior inconclusive findings on the effectiveness of open innovation initiatives in generating business value and the complexity of open innovation, this study draws on the IT-enabled organizational capabilities perspective to propose that the mobilization of information technology (IT) resources can positively affect the development of open innovation initiatives and, in turn, improve firms' open innovation performance. Our empirical analysis of >1100 large Spanish firms confirms that firms' IT resource investments positively impact the development and execution of open innovation initiatives, which in turn improves firms' open innovation performance in terms of product and process innovations. This research contributes to the business value of IT and to Information Systems (IS) research on open innovation by evidencing the enabling role of IT investment in achieving open innovation performance gains.

Adoption of a quadratic usage framework for predicting blockchain use intention from the perspective of librarians in Southwest Nigerian universities

This study examined the quadratic usage framework for predicting the blockchain use intention of librarians in Southwest Nigerian universities. A pure quantitative method was adopted using a survey research design and a questionnaire as an instrument for data collection from 169 librarians who were drawn through a total enumeration from fifteen university libraries in Southwest Nigeria. A Quadratic Usage Framework (QUF) which is rarely used in Information System research has used a lens to predict the intention of librarians to use blockchain technology for library services. The findings revealed that the four factors of the model, access, skills, policy, and motivation are all correlated with librarians’ intention to use blockchain technology for library services in academic libraries. Also, all four QUF factors jointly predict the intention to use blockchain technology by librarians for library services in academic libraries and are also good individual predictors of intention to use blockchain. The analysis of variance performed on multiple regression yielded an F-ratio value of 80.69. This was found to be significant at 0.05 levels. These results suggest that all four determinants/factors together made up 78% of librarians’ intention to use blockchain technology for library services in academic libraries. The most significant challenges to librarians’ intention to use blockchain technology reported are limited budget available to libraries and inadequate supply of electricity, limited skills possessed by the librarians, slow internet connections, and attitudinal change/mindset of the librarians.

The regulation of and through information technology: Towards a conceptual ontology for IS research

This special issue addresses a largely neglected area of Information Systems (IS) research – the regulation of and through Information Technology (IT). As with other human technologies, IT artefacts present risks and can harm individuals, groups, organisations, economies, and society: However, this remains a largely unexplored topic in IS research. Nevertheless, regulators, social commentators, the media, and the public have voiced their concerns about such risks, particularly those related to artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, privacy, digital assets (e.g. cryptocurrencies), and the market dominance of digital platforms. Accordingly, regulations have been instituted or proposed to regulate IT artefacts in and across several business sectors. Additionally, in response to the informational challenges posed by a complex web of laws and regulations, regulators and business organisations have implemented IT artefacts to transform regulatory and supervisory processes or to enhance organisational risk management and compliance reporting capabilities. This special issue addresses the research challenges related to emergent issues surrounding the regulation of and through IT. In this editorial, we take stock of where the field currently stands. We advance a conceptual ontology of IT regulation to guide future research by specifying several taken-for-granted core concepts. By rendering the concepts, categories, and their relationships explicit, the model and its related research questions provide a firm foundation to generate a cumulative body of research on the regulation of and through IT.

Can ICT enhance workplace inclusion? ICT-enabled workplace inclusion practices and a new agenda for inclusion research in Information Systems

Workplace inclusion is a strategic concern for organizations, yet challenging to achieve. We investigate how Information and Communications Technology (ICT) use can enhance workplace inclusion. Based on qualitative data collected from a leading UK organization, we conceptualize four ICT-enabled workplace inclusion practices – Expanding, Orienting, Enculturating, and Reflecting. Each practice entails the use of multiple ICT applications to enhance workplace inclusion through a distinct set of organizational activities. We also highlight the Reflecting practice as key in enhancing other practices. Drawing from our findings, we develop a framework for ICT-enabled workplace inclusion that constitutes inter-related ICT-enabled practices focused on multiple organizational activities. We contribute to the literature on the strategic role of ICT for organizational/social good, a current area of research priority for the information systems discipline.

The Fault in Our Stars: Molecular Genetics and Information Technology Use

There is a growing interest in understanding the role of genetics in explaining heterogeneity in behaviors, including those related to information systems (IS). The majority of the recent genetics research focuses on searching the entire genome in genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to link DNA to human traits. The results of GWASs can be used on datasets to compute a measure of genetic propensity known as a polygenic score, or PGS. PGSs are widely viewed as the future of genetics research. We conducted an exploratory study, in the context of information technology (IT) use, to examine if the PGS approach can be used to better understand the role of genetics in IS research. Consistent with our hypotheses, genetic endowments associated with Educational Attainment and General Cognition positively predict technology use, and genetic endowments associated with Neuroticism, Depressive Symptoms, Myocardial Infarction, and Coronary Artery Disease negatively predict technology use more than half a century later (genetic endowments are established at conception and our sample consists of individuals aged 50 to 80). Many of the characteristics known to be associated with heterogeneity in IT use (e.g., trust, education) appear to be mediators linking PGSs to IT use. Nonetheless, a number of PGSs maintain meaningful direct effects.

Ambivalence Is Better than Indifference: A Behavioral and Neurophysiological Assessment of Ambivalence in Online Environments

Information representations such as ratings and reviews play an important role in assisting users in making decisions in online environments. Prior information systems (IS) research has mostly focused on the role of extreme valence, i.e., the positivity/negativity of information, portrayed by such representations. Yet this bipolar approach discounts how the coexistence of positivity and negativity (i.e., ambivalence) or their absence (i.e., indifference) is formed and leads to distinct attentional processes and outcomes such as purchase decisions. We theorize how and why the valence of information projected through such representations may elicit mixed feelings and influence decision-making in online environments. We conducted four randomized controlled experiments, including an electroencephalography (EEG) study, to disentangle the influence of ambivalence and indifference on decision-making in an online shopping context. We found that ambivalence and indifference to online information distinctly influenced attention and purchase decisions relative to positivity and negativity. Our findings further suggest the inability of incumbent bipolar representations, such as the widely implemented star rating system, to capture the mixed feelings expressed in online content. We propose a bivariate intervention that overcomes the limitations of bipolar representations by not only discerning ambivalence from indifference but also amplifying purchase decisions for products with ambivalent information by at least 50%, compared to incumbent bipolar representations. Our findings advance ongoing research on the role of information valence in online environments and offer implications for practice.

Older adults (OA) in clinical trials: Where are they? Representation of OA in clinical trials conducted at the national cancer institute (NCI) clinical center.

e18517 Background: Clinical trials are a significant source of evidence for diagnostic and management strategies in cancer patients. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are necessary to provide access to clinical trials and improve care. Despite the increase of OA in the United States (US), OA are still under-represented in clinical trials, with a lack of information on clinical outcomes and safety. The NCI provides oncologic care on research studies conducted at the Clinical Center (CC), the research hospital of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) where third-party payers are neither notified nor invoiced for treatments received. Participants come from all over the US and are primarily referred by their primary oncologists. We sought to evaluate the participation of OA in clinical trials at the NCI-CC. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, OA were defined as participants aged ≥65 years. The demographic data of OA enrolled from 2005 to 2019 were retrieved from the Biomedical Translational Research Information System (BTRIS), the NIH clinical research data repository. Data on the incidence of new cancer diagnoses in the US population for the same period (2005-2019) were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. We compared the proportions of OA enrolled in NCI-CC clinical trials with the corresponding data from SEER program. We further stratified the OA into four age subcategories: from 65 to 69, from 70 to 74, from 75 to 79, and older than 80 years of age. No inferential statistical analyses were performed. Results: A total of 37,326 participants were enrolled from 2005 to 2019 on NCI-CC clinical trials. The number of OA = 7,934 (21.3%). According to the SEER program, 11,017,070 people were diagnosed with cancer from 2005 to 2019, and 5,971,607 (54.2%) were OA. Notably, the proportions of OA enrolled in NCI-CC was lower than the SEER data in all the subcategories. Patients ≥75 years accounted for the most under-represented (Table). Conclusions: OA are under-represented in clinical trials conducted at the NCI-CC from 2005 to 2019, emphasizing the need to “geriatricize” clinical trials. Adaptations of trial design such as expansion of eligibility criteria, utilization of geriatric assessment tools, and inclusion of OA-specific enrollment targets may reduce barriers to enrollment. Outreach initiatives to the oncology community to reinforce the need for increased referral of OA along with incorporation of telehealth for trial screening and assessments could also be considered to expand enrollment and increase the evidence base to guide treatment of OA with cancer. [Table: see text]

Explainable artificial intelligence in information systems: A review of the status quo and future research directions

The quest to open black box artificial intelligence (AI) systems evolved into an emerging phenomenon of global interest for academia, business, and society and brought about the rise of the research field of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI). With its pluralistic view, information systems (IS) research is predestined to contribute to this emerging field; thus, it is not surprising that the number of publications on XAI has been rising significantly in IS research. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of XAI research in IS in general and electronic markets in particular using a structured literature review. Based on a literature search resulting in 180 research papers, this work provides an overview of the most receptive outlets, the development of the academic discussion, and the most relevant underlying concepts and methodologies. Furthermore, eight research areas with varying maturity in electronic markets are carved out. Finally, directions for a research agenda of XAI in IS are presented.

The ANeED study - ambroxol in new and early dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB): protocol for a phase IIa multicentre, randomised, double-blinded and placebo-controlled trial.

Currently, there are no disease-modifying pharmacological treatment options for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The hallmark of DLB is pathological alpha-synuclein (aS) deposition. There are growing amounts of data suggesting that reduced aS clearance is caused by failure in endolysosomal and authophagic pathways, as well as and glucocerebrosidase (GCase) dysfunction and mutations in the GCase gene (GBA). The population's studies demonstrated that the incidence of GBA mutations is higher among Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, and carriers of such mutations have a higher risk of developing PD. The incidence of GBA mutations is even higher in DLB and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) confirmed the correlation between GBA mutations and DLB. In vivo experiments have shown that ambroxol (ABX) may increase GCase activity and GCase levels and therefore enhance aS autophagy-lysosome degradation pathways. Moreover, there is an emerging hypothesis that ABX may have an effect as a DLB modifying drug. The aims of the study "Ambroxol in new and early Dementia with Lewy Bodies (ANeED) are to investigate the tolerability, safety and effects of ABX in patients with DLB. This is a multicentre, phase IIa, double-blinded, randomised and placebo-controlled clinical trial, using a parallel arm design for 18 months' follow-up. The allocation ratio is 1:1 (treatment:placebo). The ANeED study is an ongoing clinical drug trial with ABX. The unique, but not fully understood mechanism of ABX on the enhancement of lysosomal aS clearance may be promising as a possible modifying treatment in DLB. The clinical trial is registered in the international trials register - clinicaltrials.com (NCT0458825) and nationally at the Current Research Information System in Norway (CRISTIN 2235504).

Dialysis Center Business Plan: Design Thinking Marketing Strategy In Haemodialysis Services

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important public and medical problem in the world because of the huge burden on the health care system. The prevalence of CKD has increased dramatically in the last three decades The study was conducted at the RS X Dialysis Unit in February-March 2023. This research is a descriptive-analytical research. The type of data used is primary data and secondary data. The primary data used are the results of interviews. Identify internal factors based on indicators of strengths and weaknesses. The identification process aims to assess and evaluate the internal strategic factors that influence the success of hemodialysis services. Internal factors used in research based on the state of the Dialysis Unit in terms of management, marketing, research and development and information systems. The position of hemodialysis services at the Dialysis Unit of RS X Depok City is in a growth position. From the results of data processing using QSPM, alternative strategies are obtained, namely maintaining good service quality and facilities, increasing service time in accordance with the target achievement per day which is aligned with the availability of human resources, opening services for infectious spaces open for outpatients, utilizing Social Media for access socialization when the main access is closed during holidays, social media intervention in the marketing process related to the convenience of doing HD in RS X Depok City and education related to PGK-HD, make the HD RS X Depok City patient community a forum for sharing and educating patients and increasing the ease of access and HD facilities at RS X Depok City.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

The Effect Of Technology Characteristics In The Continued Use Of Charity Crowdfunding Platforms Through Trust And User Satisfaction

This research's objective is to examine the effect of technological characteristics on trust and satisfaction in using a charity crowdfunding platform so that the user will reuse the platform. The use of technology in excellent and sustainable online donation fundraising requires the fulfilment of technological characteristics. A study by Bhattacherjee (2001)) stated that continued use influences information technology's success. Another significant area in information systems research is user satisfaction because it is an essential factor in measuring the use and success of an information system (Bailey and Pearson, 1983; Ives et al., 1983; Doll and Torkzadeh, 1988; Delone and McLean, 1992 in Roca et al., 2006). This study used the purposive sampling method and tested the hypothesis using the Structural Equation Model (SEM). This research proves that trust affects the satisfaction of using a charity crowdfunding platform, but not with technological characteristics. Meanwhile, users' satisfaction influences continued use but not trust.&#x0D; Keywords: Technology Characteristics, Continued Use, User Satisfaction, User Trust, Charity Crowdfunding Platform.

‘Parentbot – A Digital healthcare Assistant (PDA)’: A mobile application-based perinatal intervention for parents: Development study

ObjectiveTo describe the development procedure of a mobile application-based parenting support program with integrated chatbot features entitled Parentbot – a Digital healthcare Assistant (PDA) for multi-racial Singaporean parents across the perinatal period. MethodsThe PDA development process was guided by the combined information systems research framework with design thinking modes, and Tuckman’s model of team development. A user acceptability testing (UAT) process was conducted among 11 adults of child-bearing age. Feedback was obtained using a custom-made evaluation form and the 26-item User Experience Questionnaire. ResultsThe combined information systems research framework with design thinking modes helped researchers to successfully create a PDA prototype based on end-users’ needs. Results from the UAT process indicated that the PDA provided participants with an overall positive user experience. Feedback gathered from UAT participants was used to enhance the PDA. ConclusionAlthough the effectiveness of the PDA in improving parental outcomes during the perinatal period is still being evaluated, this paper highlights the key details of developing a mobile application-based parenting intervention which future studies could learn from. Practice implicationsHaving carefully planned timelines with margins of delays, extra funds to resolve technical issues, team cohesion, and an experienced leader can facilitate intervention development.

Reimagining design science and behavioral science AIS research through a business activity lens

In this paper, we present a novel approach for reimagining the scope and impact of design science and behavioral science accounting information systems (AIS) research. We do so by first explicitly considering the broad impact of accounting on business functions. The proliferation of information technology throughout the organization coupled with the blurring of the lines between “accounting” and “business” activities has spawned a world where (technology-enabled) accounting has truly become the language of (technology-driven) business. Leveraging the International Standards Organization model of the phases of business activity, we highlight how utilization of information systems artifacts in each business activity phase yields a broad array of AIS research questions. Second, we encourage design science and behavioral science AIS research to work synergistically, such that the outputs of each paradigm inform the research conducted in the other paradigm. We suggest that a more purposeful integration of design science and behavioral science AIS research over time can improve the rigor and relevance of AIS research to advance knowledge in the field, amplify the impact of AIS research for our colleagues in both accounting and information systems, and improve the practical applicability of the research findings.