Complex Technology Research Articles

Assessing the Efficiency of Integrating BIM and Blockchain to Improve Information Management for Mars Buildings: A SWOT-AHP Analysis

This research investigates integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and blockchain technology to enhance building information’s security, reliability, and accuracy in Martian environments. Given the unique challenges posed by extraterrestrial construction, this study evaluates the feasibility of this hybrid approach through a structured SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. Expert inputs were collected through a comprehensive questionnaire identifying nine strengths, eight weaknesses, eight opportunities, and six threats to implementing BIM and blockchain technology in space projects. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to prioritize these factors. Findings indicate that the strengths are cost calculation and budgeting (26.21), and the weaknesses are technology complexity (25.488). Increased productivity (19.16) is the most important criterion at the opportunity point, and defects in data security (20.68) are the most important at the threat point. The SWOT analysis places BIM and blockchain integration in a conservative strategy quadrant, indicating that the technology holds significant promise but requires further development and refinement. Ultimately, this research contributes to the growing knowledge about extraterrestrial construction technologies and provides a foundation for developing flexible and autonomous building systems for Martian habitats.

Perspectives on Conducting Behavioral Intervention With Adolescents Using a Virtual Platform-A Thematic Analysis From the Viewpoint of Study Coordinators.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread adoption of virtual communication platforms. Virtual study visits were implemented in the pilot cluster randomized trial (CRT) stage of Teen Adherence in KidnEy transplant Improving Tracking To Optimize Outcomes (TAKE-IT TOO). The present study aimed to understand study coordinators' perspectives on conducting a behavioral intervention with adolescent kidney transplant recipients using virtual conferencing platforms. Study coordinator participants (N = 6) completed questionnaires and participated in a semi-structured interview that probed comfort with digital technology, issues encountered, and overall perspectives on conducting virtual study visits. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes. Participants expressed confidence with technology and ability to handle the complexities of the virtual conferencing. Some expressed that virtual study visits led to a change in work habits and higher workload due to increased technology complexity. Qualitative analyses of participant interviews revealed four themes: adaptability, accessibility, logistics (including subthemes scheduling and fluidity), and communication (including subthemes clarity, engagement, and rapport). Convenience for coordinators and the perceived comfort for adolescents were noted advantages for virtual visits. Technical issues, periodic adolescent distractions, and challenges with instructional teaching through virtual conferencing were identified as potential limitations of virtual study visits. Overall, virtual study visits were appreciated and endorsed by study coordinators. Researchers should consider the feasibility of completing study-related tasks virtually, including accessibility of visual materials on all type of electronic devices, and ensure adequate training of study personnel when deciding to implement virtual platform in CRTs.

The impact of ESG on firms’ export technology complexity

The impact of ESG on firms’ export technology complexity

Advancement in Precision Agriculture: A Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Innovative Robotics

Precision agriculture, a revolutionary approach to modern farming, leverages technology and data-driven techniques to optimize crop production and resource management. This review article delves into the advancements in precision agriculture, focusing on the integration of traditional practices with innovative robotics. The study explores the evolution of agricultural robotics, from early mechanized systems to cutting-edge autonomous robots powered by artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT. A comparative analysis is conducted to evaluate the efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact of traditional systems versus contemporary robotic solutions. The paper also examines the challenges in adopting robotics in agriculture, such as cost, technological complexity, and scalability for small and medium-scale farmers. Additionally, it highlights emerging trends, including drone-based crop monitoring, autonomous weeding systems, and precision seeding technologies, which aim to address global food security challenges while ensuring sustainability. This article serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers, technologists, and policymakers aiming to bridge the gap between traditional and modern agricultural systems, paving the way for smarter and more efficient farming practices

The Impact of Economic Complexity in Trade, Technology, and Research on CO2 Emissions: Evidence from OECD Countries

The Impact of Economic Complexity in Trade, Technology, and Research on CO2 Emissions: Evidence from OECD Countries

Computational propaganda and misinformation: AI technologies as tools of media manipulation

The purpose of this study was to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) influences and improves computational propaganda and misinformation efforts. The growing complexity of AI-driven technologies, like deepfakes, bots, and algorithmic manipulation, which have turned conventional propaganda strategies into more widespread and damaging media manipulation techniques, served as the researcher's inspiration. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis from academic studies and digital forensic investigations with qualitative case studies of misinformation efforts. The results brought to light important tactics including the platform-specific use of X (formerly Twitter) to propagate false information, emotional exploitation through fear-based messaging, and purposeful amplification through bot networks. According to this research, AI technologies enhanced controversial content by taking use of algorithmic biases, so generating echo chambers and eroding confidence in democratic processes. The study also emphasized how deepfake technologies and their ability to manipulate susceptible populations' emotions present ethical and sociopolitical issues. In order to counteract AI-generated misinformation, the study suggested promoting digital literacy and creating more potent detection methods, such digital watermarking. Future studies should concentrate on the long-term psychological effects of AI-driven misinformation on democratic participation, public trust, and regulatory reactions in various countries. Furthermore, investigating how new AI technologies are influencing other media, like video games and virtual reality, may help humans better comprehend how they affect society as a whole.

ПОЛИМОРФИЗМ ЛОКУСА A80V ГЕНА LEP У КОРОВ ХОЛМОГОРСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ

The aim of the study is to establish the allelic polymorphism of the A80V locus of the leptin gene (LEP) in long-lived Kholmogory cows at the breeding farm in the Arkhangelsk Region (JSC Kholmogory Breeding Farm). Objectives: to determine the frequencies of alleles and genotypes of the single nucleotide polymorphism A80V; to identify the relationship between the polymorphism of this locus and the duration of economic use in Kholmogory cows. The study was carried out in the period from 2023 to 2024 in the laboratory of innovative technologies in the agro-industrial complex based the Federal State Budgetary Institution FITSKIA Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The object of the study was a group of long-lived cows lactating for the 4th or more lactations (n = 81). DNA extraction was carried out from whole blood in accordance with the brief instructions for use of the MagnoPrime VET reagent kit. The allelic variants of the A80V locus of the LEP gene were determined by the PCR-RFLP method using a pair of specific primers (F: 5’-CAAGCAGGAAATAGGGAGTCATGG-3’ and R: 5’-CTGGTGAGGATCTGTTGGTAGGTC-3’) of the PspE I restriction endonuclease. Upon completion of the statistical processing of the typing results, the dominance of the A allele (90 %) and AA genotype (80.25 %) in the gene pool of the livestock was revealed, the V allele (10 %), genotypes AV (18.52 %) and VV (1.23 %) were encountered much less frequently. According to the value of the deviation of the empirical distribution of genotype frequencies from the theoretical one (0.016), marker selection for the studied locus is not carried out in this farm, which is confirmed in practice. The high frequency of occurrence of the allele A of the A80V locus of the LEP gene in the gene pool of long-lived cows of the Kholmogory breed suggests that it is this allele that determines the genetic predisposition of these animals to long-term economic use.

Identifying stakeholder perspectives and priorities for athlete monitoring technology: A mixed-methods study based on interviewing Belgian high-performance sports organisations

The rapid growth of technology in managing training processes offers both opportunities and challenges for sports practitioners. This study examines factors influencing technology adoption in four high-performance sports: golf, sprint kayak, freestyle snowboarding, and volleyball. Each discipline reflects distinct physiological and training needs. Using an interview-based approach and including 25 stakeholders (6 athletes, 14 coaches, and 5 high-performance managers), we captured qualitative and quantitative insights into the perceived benefits and challenges of technology in athlete monitoring. The thematic analysis identified key advantages of technology in athlete monitoring, including objective data support, enhanced engagement, real-time feedback, and increased confidence, while also highlighting concerns around misuse, time demands, and technological complexity. Conflicting views on motivation, comfort, and human oversight further emphasized the challenges in integrating technology effectively. To quantify these insights, we applied the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a structured prioritisation approach that is new within sports science, to rank essential technology features. Findings ranked Reliability (1st; 18.73%) and Validity (2nd; 18.42%) as top priorities, with Interpretability (3rd; 9.95%), Responsiveness (4th; 9.02%), and Complexity (5th; 8.08%) also valued. Key training priorities included monitoring Technique (1st; 15.94%), Performance (2nd; 15.24%), and Benchmarking (3rd; 11.90%). The thematic analysis highlights the importance of balanced use of technology. In a complementary approach, the AHP provides a structured method for assessing stakeholder priorities, enhancing decision-making and helping align technology development with practitioner needs. By introducing a framework that bridges communication between engineers, scientists, and practitioners, this study guides the development of user-centred sports technologies that effectively address real-world challenges in high-performance organisations.

Factors affecting the adoption of RFID in the food supply chain: a systematic literature review

The unsustainability of the current food system raises food security concerns worldwide due to the population’s increased demand for fresh food and food safety. Unsafe food incidents lead to a high risk of poverty and economic loss. This includes food waste, safety, and security during the sustainable food system process from farm production to consumer. There is a need to implement a fast traceability system like Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the sustainable food system to ensure food quality and safety, meet customer demands, and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 1—No poverty, 2—Zero hunger and 13—Climate action for 2030 target. The study objective was to explore the factors that affect the adoption of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the food supply chain. The study adopted the TOE (technology-organization-environment) framework to explore factors that affect RFID adoption in the food supply chain. The study utilized a systematic literature review to examine the TOE factors influencing the adoption of RFID in the food supply chain. The results indicate that technological (complexity, cost, and security), organizational (technical skill and management support), and environmental (maintenance and support, IT policies and regulations) are the major factors that affect the adoption of RFID in the sustainable food system industry. The study recommends organisations intending to adopt RFID allocate enough resources and be prepared to overcome RFID adoption external challenges. The study concludes that technological factors, organizational factors, and environmental factors are important factors for RFID adoption in the food supply chain. However, further empirical studies are necessary to overcome the challenges of systematic literature review based on secondary data and convenience sampling.

E-commerce and the metaverse: present and future trends of consumers’ adoption

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge structure of e-commerce in the Metaverse, which comprises virtual reality, augmented reality, extended reality and mixed reality. The consumer shopping experience has changed with the advent of this metaverse technology in the e-commerce platform. Utilizing a science mapping approach through bibliometric analysis, two analyses of bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis were applied to uncover the current and future trends of e-commerce and the Metaverse. 211 journal publications were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS), and VOSviewer was utilized to present the network structure of the research streams. Current and emerging themes suggest that most clusters are related to consumers’ interactivity and experience using metaverse technologies. The future trends are converged on the following consumer research streams: customer experience, acceptance interactivity and trust in Metaverse. Metaverse will inevitably be the future of e-commerce, and everyone must embrace and adapt to its evolution. Business owners and policymakers will benefit from the findings of this review to plan and design the most significant user-friendly metaverse service despite its sophisticated and complex technology. This study presents the gap in the literature of Metaverse from e-commerce by revealing the knowledge structure through science mapping of bibliometric technique.

Комплексная оценка мультипликативного эффекта внедрения зеленых технологий в агропромышленном комплексе на региональную экономику

This article examines the impact of green technologies on the agricultural sector and the multiplier effects that these technologies have on the regional economy. The article examines the role of innovative and sustainable methods in agriculture, as well as their impact on the economic development of related industries, such as agricultural processing, logistics and energy. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the socio-ecological consequences of the introduction of green technologies, such as changes in employment, improved quality of life and ecosystem sustainability. The article provides an overview of modern methods for assessing multiplier effects, such as inter-industry analysis and econometric modeling, and includes examples of the application of these methods to data from Russian regions. Based on the analysis of current trends in the field of green technologies in the agro-industrial complex, the main barriers to their implementation are identified, as well as recommendations for overcoming them. In conclusion, strategies and measures are proposed that can enhance the positive impact of green technologies on the regional economy, and prospects for further research in this area are outlined.

Making Complex Technologies Accessible Through Simple Controllability: Initial Results of a Feasibility Study

Making Complex Technologies Accessible Through Simple Controllability: Initial Results of a Feasibility Study

Swedish Version of the System Usability Scale: Translation, Adaption, and Psychometric Evaluation.

The Swedish health care system is undergoing a transformation. eHealth technologies are increasingly being used. The System Usability Scale is a widely used tool, offering a standardized and reliable measure for assessing the usability of digital health solutions. However, despite the existence of several translations of the System Usability Scale into Swedish, none have undergone psychometric validation. This highlights the urgent need for a validated and standardized Swedish version of the System Usability Scale to ensure accurate and reliable usability evaluations. The aim of the study was to translate and psychometrically evaluate a Swedish version of the System Usability Scale. The study utilized a 2-phase design. The first phase translated the System Usability Scale into Swedish and the second phase tested the scale's psychometric properties. A total of 62 participants generated a total of 82 measurements. Descriptive statistics were used to visualize participants' characteristics. The psychometric evaluation consisted of data quality, scaling assumptions, and acceptability. Construct validity was evaluated by convergent validity, and reliability was evaluated by internal consistency. The Swedish version of the System Usability Scale demonstrated high conformity with the original version. The scale showed high internal consistency with a Cronbach α of .852 and corrected item-total correlations ranging from 0.454 to 0.731. The construct validity was supported by a significant positive correlation between the System Usability Scale and domain 5 of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (P=.001). The Swedish version of the System Usability Scale demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties. It can be recommended for use in a Swedish context. The positive correlation with domain 5 of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire further supports the construct validity of the Swedish version of the System Usability Scale, affirming its suitability for evaluating digital health solutions. Additional tests of the Swedish version of the System Usability Scale, for example, in the evaluation of more complex eHealth technology, would further validate the scale.

Rehabilitation Options for the Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA)

This paper highlights the significant value of various rehabilitation therapies for treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Acupuncture, moxibustion, ultrasound, shortwave therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, low-intensity laser therapy, and electrotherapy are examples of widely recognized physical therapies with demonstrated efficacy. Based on a review of these techniques, moxibustion and electrotherapy rank as the most widely used therapies, with acupuncture coming in second. Electrotherapy is a simple, cost-effective method that can be administered at home, making it more convenient than acupuncture and other advanced techniques like ultrasound and PEMF. In contrast, acupuncture relies on the expertise of professionals. At the same time, more complex technologies such as shortwave, PEMF, and laser therapies are less accessible due to their technical nature and higher costs. However, while all of these therapies help treat KOA, their specific applications and ease of use vary, and the specifics of the choices need to be analysed on a case-by-case basis.

Transactive memory systems in supply chain teams: role of lone wolf tendencies, technology ease of use and team collaboration

Purpose This study aims to understand the influence of lone wolf tendencies, technology ease of use and team collaboration on the development of transactive memory systems (TMSs) and, consequently, their impact on the performance of supply chain and operations teams. Design/methodology/approach By using a comprehensive operations management simulation involving 160 business student teams, this research tests five hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling. Findings Lone wolf tendencies, technology ease of use and team collaboration contribute positively to an efficient TMS. This group cognitive system, in turn, strengthens a team’s competitive position and operational efficiency. This study highlights the need to reevaluate traditional management practices that discourage candidates with lone wolf characteristics. In addition, it shows that technology ease of use not only affects individual productivity as highlighted by the technology acceptance model but also influences the team knowledge system. Originality/value This study deepens understanding of the antecedents and consequences of TMSs in supply chain management. Lone wolf tendencies, characterized by independent work proclivity, are common in supply chain teams due to task complexities. Prior research on the impact of lone wolf behavior has yielded mixed results. Furthermore, although Industry 4.0 technologies are widely adopted in supply chain operations, it remains unclear how ease of using these complex technologies affects TMSs and team performance. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first to investigate the influence of lone wolf tendencies and technology ease of use on group cognitive systems.

From liability gaps to liability overlaps: shared responsibilities and fiduciary duties in AI and other complex technologies

AbstractComplex technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) can cause harm, raising the question of who is liable for the harm caused. Research has identified multiple liability gaps (i.e., unsatisfactory outcomes when applying existing liability rules) in legal frameworks. In this paper, the concepts of shared responsibilities and fiduciary duties are explored as avenues to address liability gaps. The development, deployment and use of complex technologies are not clearly distinguishable stages, as often suggested, but are processes of cooperation and co-creation. At the intersections of these stages, shared responsibilities and fiduciary duties of multiple actors can be observed. Although none of the actors have complete control or a complete overview, many actors have some control or influence, and, therefore, responsibilities based on fault, prevention or benefit. Shared responsibilities and fiduciary duties can turn liability gaps into liability overlaps. These concepts could be implemented in tort and contract law by amending existing law (e.g., by assuming that all stakeholders are liable unless they can prove they did not owe a duty of care) and by creating more room for partial liability reflecting partial responsibilities (e.g., a responsibility to signal or identify an issue without a corresponding responsibility to solve that issue). This approach better aligns legal liabilities with responsibilities, increases legal certainty, and increases cooperation and understanding between actors, improving the quality and safety of technologies. However, it may not solve all liability gaps, may have chilling effects on innovation, and may require further detailing through case law.

Inside the digital state: frontline work in the context of digital layering

Abstract Following decades of incremental digital development, public agencies today are permeated by a plethora of digital systems and tools. Transcending the dominant focus on individual technologies in the extant literature, this study introduces the concept of “digital layering” to capture the characteristics of this setting and develop a unique contextualized understanding of frontline work in the digital age. Drawing on extensive ethnographic fieldwork in The Danish Agricultural Agency and the Danish Tax Agency, the study shows that digital layering creates a context for frontline work characterized by the experience of complexity, fragmentation, and instability or fragility of digital technologies, which deeply affects both backstage tasks and public encounters. In response, frontline workers employ a range of compensatory practices in the organizational backstage, including workarounds, temporal flexibility, and collaborative IT support, and take on new organizational roles as “digital janitors” and “digital liaisons” to fix errors and raise awareness of the consequences of higher-level decision-making on the ground. During public encounters, they avoid or take precautionary measures when using digital tools and engage in digital detective work on behalf of citizens. Conceptualized as “digital repair work,” these compensatory practices and roles are aimed at protecting professional and bureaucratic values such as efficiency, transparency, responsiveness, and trustworthiness. The study results in a novel theoretical framework to guide future inquiry into digital layering and its implications for (frontline) work and organizations, including employee well-being, the continued enactment of professional and bureaucratic values, and citizens’ trust in government.

MasqueradeGAN‐GP: A Generative Adversarial Network Framework for Evading Black‐Box Intrusion Detection Systems

ABSTRACTThe proliferation of sophisticated malware poses an escalating threat to economic and national security, demanding a reevaluation of cybersecurity in next‐generation wireless networks like 6G. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) offers a crucial opportunity to enhance network defenses against increasingly complex cyber threats. However, the growing complexity of 6G technologies exposes current Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to covert malware exploitation, underscoring the need for more adaptive and resilient detection mechanisms. In response to these challenges, this study presents MasqueradeGAN‐GP, an innovative framework based on Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks with Gradient Penalty (WGAN‐GP). The MasqueradeGAN‐GP framework consists of a generator, responsible for transforming raw malicious traffic into a semblance of benign activity, and a discriminator, which dynamically assimilates the feature set of the IDS to discern between genuine and adversarial traffic. Additionally, it includes a restrictive modification mechanism to ensure the fidelity of attack vectors. Experiments conducted on the CICIDS 2017 and NSL‐KDD datasets indicate that MasqueradeGAN‐GP effectively evades detection, suggesting its potential for advancing IDS capabilities and reinforcing AI‐driven security solutions within the 6G landscape. This contributes to building a more robust detection system capable of facing adversarial malware attacks in future wireless communications.

From stones to sketches: investigating tracing behaviours in Japanese macaques.

The use of complex technologies by humans (Homo sapiens) and their ancestors is a key feature of our evolution, marked by the appearance of stone tools3.3-million years ago. These technologies reflect cognitive complexity and an advanced understanding of materials and mechanics. Studying current primates, especially those that use stones, offers insights into the evolution of human behaviours. In particular, stone manipulation by macaques suggests that some complex behaviours in humans, such as creation of cutting and biface tools, could have emerged unintentionally. The Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) of Shodoshima were observed to leave marks on the ground with stones and chalk. By analysing this manipulation of stones, I suggest that drawing in humans could have appeared unintentionally; these unintentional origins of mark-making behaviours may represent early precursors to human drawing.

Not just symbolism: Technologies may also have a less than direct connection with cognition.

I expand Stibbard-Hawkes' exploration of symbolism and cognition to suggest that we also ought to reconsider the strength of connections between cognition and technological complexity. Using early weaponry as a case study I suggest that complexity may be "hidden" in early tools, and further highlight that assessments of technologies as linear and progressive have roots in Western colonial thought.