Complex Technology Research Articles

From experimentation to scaling: what shapes the funnel of AI adoption?

ABSTRACT Firms tend to manage the diffusion of complex and uncertain technologies through a ‘funnel', whereby firms first experiment (test and learn), then decide to exploit and scale technology. We study how internal and external factors typically affecting Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption influence the successive steps of the funnel for a sample of large firms worldwide. We demonstrate that competition influences AI adoption more at the exploitation than at the experimentation phase. Conversely, technology complements are more relevant at the start of the funnel, in contrast to organizational complements which are most relevant to ensure embedding of AI technologies in business practices.

The Potential Use of Targeted Proteomics and Metabolomics for the Identification and Monitoring of Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and is associated with a significantly worse prognosis compared to diabetic patients without kidney involvement, other microvascular complications, or non-diabetic chronic kidney disease, due to its higher risk of cardiovascular events, faster progression to end-stage kidney disease, and increased mortality. In clinical practice, diagnosis is based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria. However, given the limitations of these diagnostic markers, novel biomarkers must be identified. Omics is a new field of study involving the comprehensive analysis of various types of biological data at the molecular level. In different fields, they have shown promising results in (early) detection of diseases, personalized medicine, therapeutic monitoring, and understanding pathogenesis. DKD is primarily utilized in scientific research and has not yet been implemented in routine clinical practice. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of currently available data on targeted omics. After an extensive literature search, 25 different (panels of) omics were withheld and analyzed. Both serum/plasma and urine proteomics and metabolomics have been described with varying degrees of evidence. For all omics, there is still a relative paucity of data from large, prospective, longitudinal cohorts, presumably because of the heterogeneity of DKD and the lack of patient selection in studies, the complexity of omics technologies, and various practical and ethical considerations (e.g., limited accessibility, cost, and privacy concerns).

Integrating Jun Porcelain Culture into Modern Information Management Systems: A Study on Expanding Cultural Diplomacy Through Innovative Symbol Reconstruction and Digital Communication Techniques

This study explores the relationships between Jun porcelain cultural heritage, modern information management systems, and cultural diplomacy in the digital age. The purpose is to understand how these variables intersect and influence contemporary cultural dynamics, shedding light on the complexities of tradition, innovation, and technology in shaping cultural practices and identities. Through qualitative interviews with 13 experts from cultural institutions, information management professions, and diplomatic spheres, and a comprehensive literature review encompassing databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, this research seeks to elucidate how these variables intersect and influence contemporary cultural dynamics. The choice of qualitative interviews and literature review was made to provide a nuanced understanding of Jun porcelain cultural heritage, information management systems, and cultural diplomacy, leveraging the strengths of qualitative inquiry in capturing rich insights and contextual nuances. These methods offer advantages in uncovering the multifaceted nature of cultural practices, identifying key themes and patterns, and providing new insights into the dynamics of cultural heritage preservation, communication, and diplomatic exchange. The qualitative interviews and literature review revealed several key insights into the relationships between Jun porcelain cultural heritage, modern information management systems, and cultural diplomacy. Themes such as democratization of cultural access, digital inequalities, and cross-cultural dialogue emerged from the analysis, shedding light on the complex dynamics at play. The study builds upon existing research by offering nuanced perspectives on the intersections between tradition, innovation, and technology in shaping cultural practices and identities in the digital age. This research provides recommendations for cultural institutions, policymakers, and information professionals, including developing ethical frameworks for digital preservation, promoting inclusive cultural access, and fostering cross-cultural dialogue through digital diplomacy. Future studies should explore social media's impact on cultural diplomacy, the role of digital archives in preserving intangible cultural heritage, and emerging technologies' implications on cultural heritage interpretation. These efforts will advance understanding in cultural heritage preservation and information management in the digital age.

Implementación de Disipador de Energía, TADAS

El Salvador is a country with high seismic demand, so the design and construction processes of buildings today areaimed at reducing the vulnerability caused by earthquakes, as part of the philosophy of damage mitigation and correct structural performance, there are Advances in detailing and construction techniques, so the use of deformation. energy dissipation systems is a safe way to prevent damage at a reasonable economic cost compared to the use of other more complex and sophisticated technologies. In El Salvador, the implementation of the TADAS (Triangular plate Added Damping And Stiffness) energy dissipation system has been implemented in a pioneering way and on a small scale, in the case of a two-story building, structured with Steel frames with ordinary detailing. The first level corresponds to parking, so the TADAS devices have only been installed in a longitudinal direction, while the second level corresponds to various uses of meeting people in meeting rooms and office work, so architectural issue the existence of windows with a view not interrupted by structural elements turned out to be a condition for not installing TADAS on that level. The final result meets the requirements of the ASCE-7-16 standard in deformation control, and prevention of structural damage due to the ductility that TADAS provides to the global structure. All the structural elements satisfy resistance and service requirements given by AISC-ANSI-36016. ILIA: Investigaciones Latinoamericanas en Ingeniería y Arquitectura, No. 01, 2024: 103-107.

Improving production sequencing in the age of Industry 4.0: A mathematical launching model approach

Purpose: To enhance enterprise efficiency, this study examines the pivotal role of operations management in optimizing the use of materials, technology, equipment, and personnel, especially within the transformative framework of Industry 4.0.Design/methodology/approach: This article investigates operational preparation in the context of Industry 4.0. Through questionnaires and interviews with stakeholders, problems related to operational preparation were identified. To address these problems, a launching model was developed for production systems. The model considers several parameters important for the production process, including business goals, customer needs, and environmental conditions that impact enterprise performance and profit.Findings: The model determines the importance of jobs to be performed in a certain order to optimize production sequence. The proposed parameters are included in a mathematical-algorithmic launching model based on categorical levels related to the production process, such as profit, delivery times, processing times, total number of technological operations, product types, materials, required quality, product complexity, and resource use. The model was developed based on observations and investigations conducted in Kosovo's enterprises on operations research, and it has the potential to significantly improve production efficiency and profitability in the Industry 4.0 era.Practical implications: The findings of this study have practical implications for operations management within the Industry 4.0 framework, proposing a launching model designed to optimize production processes and enhance efficiency.Originality/value: The originality and value of this research lie in the development of a mathematical-algorithmic launching model that addresses operational preparation in the Industry 4.0 context, taking into account various crucial parameters.

Block Medcare: Advancing Healthcare Through Blockchain Integration

In an era driven by information exchange, transparency and security hold crucial importance, particularly within the healthcare industry, where data integrity and confidentiality are paramount. This paper investigates the integration of blockchain technology in healthcare, focusing on its potential to revolutionize Electronic Health Records (EHR) management and data sharing. By leveraging Ethereum-based blockchain implementations and smart contracts, we propose a novel system that empowers patients to securely store and manage their medical data. Our research addresses critical challenges in implementing blockchain in healthcare, including scalability, user privacy, and regulatory compliance. We propose a solution that combines digital signatures, Role-Based Access Control, and a multi-layered architecture to enhance security and ensure controlled access. The system's key functions, including user registration, data append, and data retrieval, are facilitated through smart contracts, providing a secure and efficient mechanism for managing health information. To validate our approach, we developed a decentralized application (dApp) that demonstrates the practical implementation of our blockchain-based healthcare solution. The dApp incorporates user-friendly interfaces for patients, doctors, and administrators, showcasing the system's potential to streamline healthcare processes while maintaining data security and integrity. Additionally, we conducted a survey to gain insights into the perceived benefits and challenges of blockchain adoption in healthcare. The results indicate strong interest among healthcare professionals and IT experts, while also highlighting concerns about integration costs and technological complexity. Our findings underscore the transformative potential of blockchain technology in healthcare, pointing towards a new era of patient-centric and secure healthcare services. By addressing current limitations and exploring future enhancements, such as integration with IoT devices and AI-driven analytics, this research contributes to the ongoing evolution of secure, efficient, and interoperable healthcare systems.

Inkjet assisted manufacturing of untethered magnetic devices: A comparison between three routes to pattern artificial water striders

AbstractUntethered devices controlled by an external magnetic field are becoming more and more widely used in a wealth of applicative fields: medicine, precise micromanipulation, and environment management. Their production strongly relies on the use of complex and time-consuming technologies typically borrowed from the microelectronic field. In an attempt to reduce costs and enhance manufacturing flexibility, additive manufacturing has been investigated as a relevant alternative for untethered microrobots production. Between the large number of additive manufacturing technologies, inkjet printing is relatively poorly investigated for the production of this kind of devices, and the present work aims at exploring its potential. The work establishes a comparison between different approaches for the inkjet manufacturing of magnetically guidable microdevices. In particular, it focuses on the manufacturing of fully inkjet-printed magnetic devices by proposing two methods of production. The first consists in the electroless metallization of non-magnetic devices printed with SU-8 resin, while the second is based on the inkjet printing of a dispersion of magnetic nanoparticles in SU-8 resin. As a result, inkjet-printed devices controllable by an external magnetic field can be obtained. Multi-step and one-step production methods are compared in terms of quality of the obtained elements, easiness of production, and mechanical properties. The morphology of the finished devices, their surface quality, and their magnetic actuability are analyzed and discussed.

Identifi cation of Adhesives for Repairing Ancient Ceramics: The Case of the Neolithic and Chalcolithic of Far Northeast Europe

This study focuses on the composition of the adhesives used to repair clay vessels, and on the technique of their preparation in the Late Neolithic and Chalcolithic (late 4th to early 3rd millennia BC) sites of Far Northeast Europe (the Republic of Komi and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug). Remains of adhesives were detected on 70 of 171 repaired pots. To date, five samples of ceramics from dwellings of the Chuzhyael culture have been analyzed. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed no markers of coniferous trees or bitumen; but did reveal markers of birch, suggesting that fractures and cracks on broken pots were plastered with birch tar. The composition of organic compounds in samples indicates the use of two vessels in the technological process: in one of them, birch bark was subjected to pyrolysis, while the other was a receptacle for tar. This comparatively complex technology reveals one more specialization in the domestic manufacture of the taiga hunter-gatherers, including the use of special furnaces. Analytic procedures employed by us open up new prospects for the study of the material culture of Far Northeast Europe, extend our knowledge of domestic manufacture, and offer new material for AMS dating.

Examining the Relationship Between Project Complexity and Project Success: The Moderating Role of Project Management Competencies in Ghana’s Construction Sector

ABSTRACT This study seeks to examine the relationship between project complexity and project success in construction projects in Ghana while assessing the moderating role of project management competencies (PMC). Using a quantitative cross-section research design, data was collected from 141 respondents in organizations that undertake construction projects in Ghana. Responses were analyzed using IBM SPSS (v.23.0) and Smart PLS 3.0. The results established a negative relationship between Technological, Organizational, and Environmental complexity and project success. Technological complexity was seen as the dimension of complexity that significantly affects the success outcomes of projects. PMC’s moderating influence was insignificant. The findings suggest that, for projects to have an increased success rate, organizations must thoroughly investigate the kind of project complexity expected to be present in the project, and this will inform decisions on the caliber of skills/competencies needed for a successful execution of the project.

Methodology for assessing the effectiveness of innovations, robotization and automation in the automotive industry

The current trend in the automotive industry confirms that innovation and process automation are increasingly helping the industry’s development and economic growth. In addition to the digitalisation of society, new technologies are also being actively developed. The economic development of a country is inextricably linked to the development of process innovation, process automation and robotisation. In this paper, the theoretical background of innovation approaches in the automotive industry and performance evaluation methodologies have been discussed. Industrial robots and robotic technological complexes, which are universally used in industry, have existed for about 50 years and at the present moment of time replace humans and displace them from the sphere of production to the sphere of services and control. To ensure balanced economic development, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan closely monitors the main economic sectors and endeavours to support domestic manufacturers in every possible way. The automobile industry is no exception. The purpose of this article is to conduct a brief theoretical review of the state of the automobile industry, as well as to study foreign experience. We have studied the methodology of economic efficiency assessment. The study showed that innovation, robotisation and automation undoubtedly lead to the economic development of both regions and the country as a whole.

EXPLORING DIGITAL MARKETING ADOPTION DYNAMICS IN PAKISTANI STARTUPS THROUGH THE TECHNOLOGY-ORGANIZATION-ENVIRONMENT (TOE) FRAMEWORK

This study investigates the factors involved in digital marketing adoption among small and medium startups (SMSs) in Pakistan using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. Data were collected through an online survey from 409 startups based in Karachi, Pakistan, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for analysis. Results indicate SMSs prioritize internal capabilities and resources for digital marketing adoption over external factors. Key factors identified in digital marketing adoption include technology knowledge, compatibility and cost while the effect of technology complexity was found to be insignificant. Top management support and digital marketing orientation were also crucial, highlighting the importance of strategic leadership and a focused digital approach. These findings highlight the distinct characteristics of SMSs compared to established SMEs, providing insights for developing targeted strategies and regulations to support the startup ecosystem. The research contributes to understanding the unique challenges and factors influencing digital marketing adoption in startups, paving the way for better and effective support mechanisms.

Exploring The Determinants of theLearning Management System (LMS) Quality of Use in TVET Institutions

Learning Management Systems (LMS) have emerged as a vital tool in the modern educational landscapeby providing a platform for seamless teaching and learning experiences. However, the factors influencing LMS quality of use remain under-explored, particularly in TVET settings. This study aims to explore the factors influencing the quality of LMS use with anemphasis on three key dimensions: information, system, and service quality. The study draws on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Social Cognitive Theory, Diffusion of Innovations Theory, and DeLone and McLean Information System Success Model by incorporating constructs such as compatibility, application self-efficacy, subjective norm, technological complexity, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) on a sample of 372 students from Malaysian Polytechnic institutions. The findings indicated compatibility, subjective norm, technological complexity significantly influence perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Application self-efficacy was observed to have a significant effect on perceived ease of use, but not on perceived usefulness. Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use demonstrated a significant relationship on the LMS quality of use. This study highlights the various factors of LMS quality of use, providing useful insights for stakeholders seeking to improve the utilisation of LMS in academic settings, especially in TVET environments.

Immersive Technology in Education

ABSTRACTImmersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are transforming higher education by providing engaging, experiential learning opportunities. However, their integration into educational practices presents challenges, including high costs, technological complexity, and the digital divide. This panel explores the application of immersive technologies in higher education, focusing on developing an immersive technology lab designed to support their adoption across the institution. The discussion will cover global perspectives on immersive learning, showcasing varied adoption rates and strategies across different regions. Additionally, the panel will highlight research opportunities in immersive education, emphasizing the need for studies on effective integration, impact on learning outcomes, and strategies to overcome barriers to adoption. The goal is to identify sustainable approaches to expose staff and students to immersive technologies, ensuring equitable opportunities for all stakeholders.

4-plex quantitative glycoproteomics using glycan/protein-stable isotope labeling in cell culture

Alterations in glycoprotein abundance and glycan structures are closely linked to numerous diseases. The quantitative exploration of glycoproteomics is pivotal for biomarker discovery, but comprehensive analysis within biological samples remains challenging due to low abundance, complexity, and lack of universal technology. We developed a multiplex glycoproteomic approach using an LC-ESI-MS platform for direct comparison of glycoproteomic quantitation. Glycopeptides were isotopically labeled during cell culture, achieving high labeling efficiency (≥ 95 %) for both glycans and peptides. Quantitation was validated by mixing the same cell line in a 1:1:1:1 ratio, with mathematical correction applied to deconvolute the ratios. This method proved reliable and was applied to a comparative glycoproteomic study of three breast cancer cell lines (HTB22, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-231BR) and one brain cancer cell line (CRL-1620), quantifying glycopeptides from three replicates. The expression of glycopeptides was relatively quantified, and up/down-regulation between cell lines was investigated. This approach provided insights into glycosylation microheterogeneity, crucial for breast cancer brain metastasis research. Benefits include eliminating fluctuations from nano electrospray ionization and reducing analysis time, enabling up to 4-plex profiling in a single injection. Metabolic labeling introduced mass differences at the MS1 level, ensuring increased sensitivity and higher resolution for accurate quantitation. SignificanceAlternations in glycoprotein abundance, changes in glycosylation levels, and variations in glycan structures are closely linked to numerous diseases. The quantitative exploration of glycoproteomics has emerged as a popular area of research for biomarker discovery. However, conducting a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the glycoproteome within biological samples remains challenging due to low abundance, inherent complexities, and the absence of universal quantitative technology. Here, we developed a multiplex glycoproteomic approach using an LC-ESI-MS platform to facilitate direct comparison of glycoproteomic quantitation and enhance throughput. This approach offers benefits such as eliminating quantitative fluctuations arising from nano electrospray ionization (ESI) and reducing analysis time, enabling up to 4-plex glycoproteomic profiling in a single injection. Glycopeptides were stable isotopic labeled during cell culture procedure, attaching to monosaccharides, amino acids, or both. We achieved a high labeling efficiency (≥ 95 %) for both glycans and peptides. Quantitation validation was tested on glycopeptides by mixing the same cell line with 1:1:1:1 ratio. Due to the overlapped isotopes, a mathematical correction was applied to deconvolute the ratio of 4-plex glycopeptides. This method demonstrated quantitative reliability and was successfully applied to a comparative glycoproteomic study of three breast cancer cells (HTB22, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-231BR) and one brain cancer cell (CRL-1620), identifying a total of 264 glycopeptides from three replicates. The expression of glycopeptides among these four cells was relatively quantified and up/down-regulation between two cell lines was investigated. The exploration of glycosylation microheterogeneity through glycopeptide quantification may offer valuable insights for further investigation into breast cancer brain metastasis.Conclusion: The primary advantage of our presented work lies in the multiplexing offered by combining two established labeling techniques, SILAC and IDAWG, both of which have been effectively used and widely cited in the scientific community. This combination enhances the applicability and accuracy of our method, as demonstrated by the extensive citations and successful use of these techniques independently. We believe that this multiplexing approach significantly advances the field, despite the method's current limitation to cell systems.

Clinical analysis of biomaterial-silicone keel complex in the vocal folds adhesion treatment

Objective:To retrospectively analyze the clinical effect of biomaterial combined with silicone keel technology in the prevention and treatment of vocal folds adhesion. Methods:The basic data, perioperative conditions and prognosis of 21 cases of vocal folds adhesion treated by biofilm-silicone keel complex were retrospectively analyzed in Huashan Hospital Fudan University. Results:A total of 21 patients were enrolled in this study（19 males（90.5%）, 2 females（9.5%）. Among these patients, 18 cases of early glottic laryngeal carcinoma（T1b）, 1 case of bilateral vocal folds leukoplecta and 2 cases of postoperative vocal folds adhesion. No accidental rupture of the silicone keel occurred during perioperative period, and the silicone keel was removed in 22.4±2.6 days. All patients were reviewed after removing the silicone keel, the overall effective rate was 90.5%（19/21）. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients（1 laryngeal infection, 4 granulation tissue hyperplasia）, all of whom were cured after conservative treatment. Conclusion:This study explored the feasibility of biomaterial in the treatment of vocal folds adhesion. The biomaterial-silicone keel complex technology is simple to operate and has effect on the prevention of vocal folds adhesions, which is worth of clinical promotion.

Exploring Barriers in Self-Reporting of Errors and Near Misses: A Cross-Sectional Study on Radiation Oncology in Saudi Arabia.

Radiation therapy utilizes complex technologies to target tumors. Radiation therapy is not immune to human errors. Reporting medical errors and near misses is crucial to improving patient outcomes and ensuring the safety of future patients. This study aimed to measure the attitudes of radiotherapy staff members in Saudi Arabia regarding reporting errors and near misses in radiation therapy practice. It also examined the participants' reporting patterns and behaviors and explored the potential barriers to reporting errors and near misses as perceived by the participants. A cross-sectional study utilizing an online questionnaire was implemented. A sample of 70health professionals working in radiation oncology departments in Saudi Arabia, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiotherapists, were recruited to participate in this study from January to June 2023. The data was analyzed using chi-squared testing to compare different groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis was used to find any statistically significant differences between different groups. The study included 70 radiotherapy staff members. Professional roles did not significantly impact participants' decisions to report minor or major errors, with most consistently reporting errors to their supervisors regardless of role. The study revealed that fear of professional sanctions and the potential negative impact on a department's reputation are significant barriers to reporting errors or near misses. However, Only 17% of radiation oncologists did consider departmental sanctions as a barrier. Participants identified communication failure as the most significant source of errors in radiation oncology departments. The study also found a high level of agreement among the participants regarding the responsibility of reporting errors and near misses. The study investigated reporting errors and near misses in radiotherapy and considered the factors influencing them. The findings highlight the importance of effective communication and the implementation of an electronic reporting system.

Behavior intention in coping cloud adaptation

This study investigates the indirect impact of perceived technology complexity on the adoption of cloud platforms by data scientists in Brazil. Specifically, it examines the mediating role of perceived work-related opportunities and behavioral intentions, as well as the use of exploration-to-innovate coping strategies. The research employs an online questionnaire survey and uses Confirmatory Factor Analysis, SEM, and OLS to analyze the data. The findings suggest that a serial mediation effect focused on behavioral aspects can better explain the adoption of cloud computing technology. The study identifies the need for further investigation into the potential moderating effects of voluntariness and self-efficacy on the relationship between perceived technology complexity and cloud platform adaptation. Moreover, incorporating other exogenous constructs such as new adaptation strategies, job outcomes, and job satisfaction may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing technology adoption in the context of data science. The study highlights that reducing technology complexity can lead to increased adoption, better user experience, better retention rates, more innovation possibilities, and better competition position. However, additional training and support requirements for data scientists can increase the cost and time required for onboarding and maintenance. A cloud platform that is easy to use can enable remote work and collaboration, opening up opportunities for job growth and flexible work arrangements. This can be particularly beneficial for Brazilian professionals who have strong innovation skills but limited training and support. By transcending geographic barriers and infrastructure limitations, a user-friendly cloud platform can help bridge the digital divide. On the other hand, a complex cloud platform can widen the digital divide, particularly in developing countries, exacerbating existing inequalities. The research contributes to theory building by providing a serial mediation framework that better explains technology adaptation phenomena by combining coping theory and technology acceptance model.

국제개발협력에서 디지털 공공재의 역할과 과제에 관한 연구

Purpose: This study examines the role and challenges of Digital Public Goods (DPGs) in international development cooperation. Emphasizing openness, it analyzes the socio-technical dimensions of DPGs, identifying key considerations and constraints for their development and application. Originality: DPGs are emerging as a strategic tool to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address digital inequality. However, questions persist about whether technical openness alone can ensure successful development outcomes, suggesting the need for a broader analysis. Methodology: Using a socio-technical systems approach, this study reviews scholarly work on open-source software and open data in the Digital for Development (D4D) field over the past 15 years. Result: The findings show that DPGs enhance public service efficiency, support service expansion, and foster innovation through open access to data and knowledge. Despite these benefits, challenges such as technological complexity, infrastructure limitations, gaps in stakeholder awareness, capabilities, and trust, and hierarchical governance structures reveal tensions between technical and social dimensions. Conclusion and Implication: For effective implementation, DPGs require not only technical openness but also open governance structures, sustainable financial and technical capacities, and context-specific strategies. Governments and international organizations play a critical role as coordinators, while the formation of intermediaries and tailored strategies is crucial. This study contributes to the growing body of DPG research by offering a comprehensive analysis through a socio-technical lens.

Comparative legal frameworks for regulating artificial intelligence: A model for harmonizing AI laws in Latin America and Africa

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies advance, the need for comprehensive and harmonized legal frameworks has become paramount. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of the regulatory approaches to AI in Latin America and Africa, regions with unique challenges and opportunities in AI governance. While both regions have shown growing interest in AI, their legal landscapes differ significantly, with fragmented policies and varying levels of enforcement. The analysis reveals that despite these differences, there are common concerns such as data privacy, ethical use, and the impact of AI on labor markets that demand coordinated regulatory responses. The paper proposes a model for harmonizing AI laws between these regions, focusing on fostering cross-regional collaboration, developing shared ethical guidelines, and establishing joint regulatory bodies to ensure consistent enforcement. This model aims to balance innovation with the protection of fundamental rights, drawing on successful frameworks from other jurisdictions while adapting to the socio-economic contexts of Latin America and Africa. The harmonization of AI laws is not only essential for mitigating risks associated with AI but also for promoting economic integration and technological collaboration between these regions. By aligning their regulatory approaches, Latin America and Africa can better position themselves in the global AI landscape, ensuring that AI development is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable. The paper concludes by highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in AI governance and the potential of a harmonized legal framework to foster innovation while safeguarding public interest. This comparative study serves as a foundational step towards creating a unified AI regulatory environment that can effectively address the complexities of AI technologies and their socio-economic impacts across these two diverse regions.

Risk-informed design: An unavailability allocation approach

Due to the technological complexity of nuclear power plants and the large number of components involved in their design, the objective space for balancing nuclear safety, availability performance, and cost in an optimization model becomes extremely vast. Consequently, this poses challenges in achieving operational optimization at the plant level, complicating the assurance of compliance with regulatory requirements. One solution is to partition the problem and analyze it at a system level to reduce the objective space. In this work, different options are analyzed to optimize cost and unavailability for systems that provide the means for meeting previously proposed unavailability targets. This ensures that licensing basis events (LBE) comply with risk targets and regulatory criteria. Additionally, the role of system unavailability due to maintenance activities and reliability issues related to unplanned component failures (e.g., random failures, common cause failures) in the optimization problem is analyzed. The various proposed optimization methods are implemented in the design of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) system. Evolutionary algorithms are used as optimization methods, with Genetic Algorithms for single-objective problems and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III (NSGA-III) for multi-objective problems. The main finding suggests that traditional models, which aim to minimize costs and unavailability, face challenges in adapting to the systems unavailability target. Therefore, optimization occurs by shifting the focus towards minimizing costs and distance to the unavailability target. This approach ensures that the results closely align with the unavailability target, thereby creating more efficiency in operating and maintenance costs while also ensuring acceptable design and operational regulatory compliance.