Search Results (195)

Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) is increasingly used as a financial mechanism to accelerate renewable energy investments in public infrastructure; however, its effectiveness depends not only on technical performance but also on institutional governance arrangements. This study evaluates a 1.71 MWp grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system implemented under an EPC model at a public university in Türkiye, examining the interaction between operational performance and institutional governance structures. A mixed-methods research design was applied, combining SCADA-based electricity generation data for the 2024–2025 monitoring period with contract analysis and institutional evaluation. The results indicate that the PV system achieved stable electricity production levels and an average performance ratio of approximately 83%, demonstrating reliable operational performance under real operating conditions. Annual electricity generation reached about 2.13 GWh in 2024 and 2.44 GWh in 2025, corresponding to estimated carbon emission reductions of approximately 895 and 1025 tonnes of CO₂, respectively. Despite these technical achievements, the analysis reveals several governance-related challenges, including fragmented institutional responsibilities and limited transparency in monitoring and verification processes. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of EPC mechanisms depends on the integration of technical performance monitoring with coherent institutional roles and transparent governance structures. When supported by clear policy alignment and systematic monitoring frameworks, EPC-based photovoltaic investments can function as effective instruments for accelerating renewable energy deployment and supporting decarbonization strategies in public sector institutions. Full article

In smart construction, identifying the competencies required of engineering–procurement–construction (EPC) safety directors is important for improving personnel selection, training, and safety-governance effectiveness. Drawing on dynamic capabilities theory, this study develops an exploratory competency framework for EPC safety directors in smart-construction contexts. A mixed-method design was adopted, combining a structured literature review, bibliometric mapping with CiteSpace, semistructured interviews, expert review, and questionnaire-based item screening. Questionnaire data from 189 valid respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, item analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, and KMO/Bartlett tests to preliminarily assess the internal consistency and structural suitability of the proposed indicators. The results indicate that the retained exploratory framework comprises three higher-order dimensions—sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring—covering six competency elements and eighteen indicators after the remaining trend-sensing indicator was integrated into data analytics. Compared with conventional safety-management competency frameworks, the proposed framework places greater emphasis on data analytics, intelligent systems application, and cross-departmental coordination in digitally enabled project environments. The framework can be implemented as a role-profile template for recruitment, training-needs diagnosis, and performance appraisal of EPC safety directors, while further empirical validation is required before it is used as a standardized measurement scale. Full article

This paper evaluates a Sustainable Energy Efficiency Business Model (SEEBM) for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European industrial sector. The sustainability-oriented model, developed by the authors, combines Energy Performance Contracting (EPC), Energy Supply Contracting (ESC), and Energy Saving Insurance (ESI) within a unified framework to support industrial decarbonisation. The study identifies key performance indicators and translates them into a System Dynamics model using a Design-Based Research approach. The model is built from secondary data drawn from 45 SME case studies in the European SMEmPower project and is validated through extreme condition testing and behavioural sensitivity analysis. Results indicate that the integrated model significantly enhances financial performance, reducing the average payback period from average 36 months to 10 months. Sensitivity analysis highlights the influence of contract duration, energy saving rates, and energy prices on both payback and emissions reduction outcomes. This research introduces a novel dynamic framework integrating EPC, ESC, and ESI, enabling time-based evaluation of investment viability and environmental impact. It offers a replicable decision support tool for policymakers and market actors seeking scalable, low risk pathways to SME decarbonisation. Overall, the model provides practical insights for improving investment decisions while accelerating the transition toward sustainable industrial systems across Europe. Full article

Building Information Modeling (BIM) supports information integration and coordination across the construction lifecycle, but benefits depend on collaboration that is shaped by the selected project delivery method (PDM). BIM-PDM evidence is difficult to consolidate due to heterogeneous terminology and fragmented, context-specific studies. This scoping review maps which PDMs are addressed in the BIM-related literature and how adequacy is framed. Following PRISMA-ScR, Web of Science and Scopus were searched and 71 studies met the eligibility criteria. Publications increased markedly after 2018 and were geographically concentrated, with the largest shares associated with author affiliations in China, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, and the United States. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) was the most frequently examined (46 studies), followed by Design–Bid–Build (DBB) (29), Design–Build (DB) (29), Public–Private Partnership (PPP) (17), and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) (14), while Alliancing, Lean-oriented delivery approaches, and Construction Management were comparatively underrepresented. A temporal analysis indicates a recent shift toward collaborative delivery methods in BIM research. Case-based studies are predominantly situated in public sector projects, with DBB, DB, EPC, and IPD examined across both infrastructure and building contexts, while PPP is limited to infrastructure. The literature is largely focused on design and construction phases, with limited attention to early project stages and operation and maintenance. Results indicate both traditional and relationship-based PDMs are studied in the existing literature, with research framing PDMs that allow for early contractor involvement as most compatible with BIM. Moreover, IPD, DB, and EPC show the best alignment compared to most used traditional DBB methods primarily due to the early involvement of the contractor in the project. EPC and DB achieve this through the allocation of responsibility to the contractor, whereas IPD relies on the early engagement of key participants and the systematic alignment of their objectives. Collaborative and relationship-based approaches are consistently presented as the most suitable for BIM, while DBB tends to constrain BIM benefits because of its fragmented nature. This study contributes by providing a systematic synthesis of BIM-PDM relationships in the scientific literature, identifying the key mechanisms underlying the suitability of different delivery methods for BIM implementation, and offering recommendations for future research based on the identified gaps. Full article

Background: In an earlier murine model of myocardial infarction (MI), we showed that CD8 cells and myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) infiltrate the infarcted myocardium within the first week. However, in humans, the spatial interplay between CD8⁺ T cells and dendritic cells in the spatial context of human myocardial infarction remains underexplored. Objective: In the present study, we applied spatial transcriptomics and functional assays to characterize immune–stromal dynamics in infarcted myocardium and peripheral blood. Methods & Results: Spatial transcriptomics analysis of infarcted human myocardium at days 2 and 6 post-MI, combined with peripheral blood flow cytometry and EPC colony-forming assays, was performed. Cell composition, pathway enrichment, and cell-to-cell communication analyses were conducted to map immune–stromal cells’ dynamics across time points. Spatial mapping identified dynamic shifts in immune, fibroblast, and endothelial populations, with fibroblasts and endothelial cells remaining abundant throughout. CD8⁺ T cells accumulated in ischemic regions while their circulating levels declined. Gene Ontology and pathway analyses of CD8A⁺ transcripts revealed enrichment of proinflammatory and NF-κB survival programs. ITGAX/CD33/THBD⁺ APCs progressively increased within infarct zones, activating antigen-presentation and leukocyte chemotaxis pathways. Early (day 2) APC–endothelial crosstalk showed the strongest predicted recruitment signals for CD8⁺ T cells, which diminished by day 6. Finally, EPC colony-forming capacity showed a tendency for reduction in MI patients and inversely correlated with coronary lesion burden, indicating impaired vascular repair potential. Conclusions: This integrative spatial and functional study demonstrates that APC-driven CD8⁺ recruitment and EPC dysfunction are key features of human MI. Immune–endothelial niches facilitate early cytotoxic T-cell infiltration, while progenitor depletion limits vascular regeneration. These findings provide mechanistic insight into immune–vascular imbalance during infarct healing and highlight potential therapeutic targets to modulate inflammation and restore vascular repair. Full article

Polarisation encoding is widely used in fibre-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), but random birefringence in optical fibres causes the transmitted states to drift, requiring active compensation at the receiver. Electronic Polarisation Controllers (EPCs) are commonly used for this purpose, yet the relationship between their control voltages and the resulting polarisation transformation is highly nonlinear and difficult to model. While optimisation algorithms are frequently employed to align and stabilise polarisation states, their comparative performance has not been systematically studied in realistic QKD settings. In this work, we benchmark four optimisation algorithms for electronic polarisation control, using both a numerical model and a 50 km fibre-based experimental setup. We evaluate each algorithm in terms of convergence time, failure rate, and stability, under both initial alignment and continuous drift compensation scenarios. Coordinate Descent achieved the fastest average alignment time (2.1 ms in simulation; 34.6 s experimentally), while Simulated Annealing delivered perfect reliability. We further propose a hybrid control strategy that combines fast initial alignment with high-reliability realignment. This approach was validated over a continuous 2 h QKD simulation with real fibre drift, demonstrating robust polarisation control without manual intervention. Our results provide guidance for algorithm selection in practical QKD deployments and suggest a pathway to resilient, autonomous polarisation tracking in long-distance quantum networks. Full article

With the escalating demand for forest-derived ecological products, quantifying forest ecological product production capacity (EPC) has become essential for precise ecological governance. Addressing the methodological gaps and complexity in current assessments, this study develops a transferable Forest EPC theoretical framework integrated across four dimensions: environmental background, vegetation status, human pressure, and human investment. Using Henan Province as a case study, we established a multi-criteria evaluation model to characterize the spatial drivers and supply potential of Forest EPC. Our findings reveal that the provincial forest EPC stands at a moderate level (0.341). The spatial distribution is highly heterogeneous: the “medium” EPC grade dominates the landscape (36.69%), whereas “high-level” areas are critically scarce (3.76%). Notably, forest EPC exhibits a strong spatial gradient, with high-performance clusters in the southern and western highlands contrasting with lower values in the northern plains. The identification of significant spatial autocorrelation (Global Moran’s I = 0.71) highlights the necessity of regional collaborative management. This study provides a methodological reference that is adaptable to diverse regional contexts through the recalibration of local indicators and weights, offering a scientific benchmark for optimizing the spatial layout of ecological product supply. Full article

The EPC model is currently the mainstream implementation approach for landscape projects, but fragmented management of the design–construction interface constrains project performance. Addressing issues such as cost overruns and schedule delays caused by ambiguous responsibility allocation, inefficient information transfer, and frequent design changes in EPC landscape projects, this paper focuses on the Xiaoyalong Wetland Park project in Kashi, Xinjiang, as a core case study. Combined with research on 12 representative projects, it identifies 16 interface management factors across four dimensions: contract management, organizational coordination, technical support, and ecological–artistic integration. Employing a mixed-methods approach combining questionnaire surveys (186 valid samples) and semi-structured interviews, validated through SPSS and structural equation modeling, this study confirms that early collaborative design serves as a core driver. Based on empirical findings, it derives and proposes a three-tiered optimization strategy: “foundation at the root layer, coordination at the transition layer, and assurance at the direct layer”. Pilot application of this strategy demonstrated significant effectiveness, reducing design change rates by 32%, shortening coordination time by 28%, and lowering cost overrun rates by 15%. This study enriches the theoretical framework of interface management in landscape engineering EPC projects and provides practical guidance for similar projects in arid regions. Full article

Against the backdrop of carbon quota trading policies and Energy Performance Contracting (EPC), Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) engage in supply chain emission reduction via embedded low-carbon services. However, the impact mechanism of their financing mode selection on emission reduction efficiency and economic benefits has not been fully revealed, and there is a lack of support from a systematic theoretical and engineering design framework. Therefore, this study innovatively constructs a multi-agent Stackelberg game model with bank financing, green bond financing, and internal factoring financing. We incorporate the embedding degree, emission reduction cost coefficient, and financing mode selection into a unified analysis framework. The research findings are as follows: (1) There is a significant positive linear relationship between supply chain profit and the embedding degree. In contrast, the profit of ESCOs shows an inverted “U-shaped” change trend. Moreover, there is a sustainable cooperation threshold for each of the three financing modes. (2) Green bond financing can significantly increase the overall emission reduction rate of the industrial supply chain in high-embedding-degree scenarios. However, due to emission reduction investment cost pressure, ESCOs tend to choose bank financing. (3) The dynamic change of the emission reduction investment cost coefficient will trigger a reversal effect on the financing preferences of the supply chain and ESCOs. This study unveils the internal mechanism of multi-party decision-making in the low-carbon industrial supply chain and is supported by cross-country institutional evidence and comparative case-based analysis, providing a scientific basis and engineering design guidance for optimizing ESCO financing strategies, crafting incentive contracts, and enhancing government subsidy policies. Full article

Individuals born after intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular complications, including elevated blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), particularly endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), play a critical role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Previously, Simoncini et al. observed that in a rat model of IUGR, six-month-old males exhibited elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) and microvascular rarefaction compared with control (CTRL) rats. These vascular alterations were accompanied by reduced numbers and impaired function of bone marrow-derived ECFCs, which were associated with oxidative stress and stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS). In contrast, IUGR females of the same age and from the same litter did not exhibit higher SBP or microvascular rarefaction, raising the question of whether ECFC dysfunction in IUGR female rats can be present without vascular alterations. So, we investigated ECFCs isolated from six-month-old female IUGR offspring (maternal 9% casein diet) and CTRL females (23% casein diet). To complete the vascular assessment, we performed in vivo and in vitro investigations. No alteration in pulse wave velocity (measured by echo-Doppler) was observed; however, IUGR females showed decreased aortic collagen and increased elastin content compared with CTRL. Regarding ECFCs, those from IUGR females maintained their endothelial identity (CD31⁺/CD146⁺ ratio among viable CD45⁻ cells) but exhibited slight alterations in progenitor marker expression (CD34) compared with those of CTRL females. Functionally, IUGR-ECFCs displayed a delayed proliferation phase between 6 and 24 h, while their ability to form capillary-like structures remained unchanged, however their capacity to form capillary-like structures was preserved. Regarding the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, a biologically relevant trend toward reduced NO levels and decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression was observed, whereas oxidative stress and SIPS markers remained unchanged. Overall, these findings indicate that ECFCs from six-month-old female IUGR rats exhibit only minor functional alterations, which may contribute to vascular protection against increase SBP, microvascular rarefaction, and arterial stiffness. Full article

This study creates and refines a risk–effectiveness–integrated dynamic simulation framework that brings together risk and effectiveness factors affecting qualified workforce allocation in multi-project contexts, specifically in the construction of industrial production facilities. Based on a case study of three overlapping projects in West Java, Indonesia, this study examines the requirements for an expert workforce across the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) phases. Conventional mitigation measures generally assume that a qualified expert workforce is immediately available. However, hiring the right personnel with specific qualifications for a project takes time. To fill this gap, this paper presents a system dynamics-based model that explicitly integrates quantified project risks and execution effectiveness to determine expert workforce requirements at the multi-project level. This aspect is often addressed implicitly in the existing workforce planning approaches. This mixed-methods strategy includes a literature review, variable validation, simulation modeling, and case analysis. The results show that workforce planning based on integrated risk and effectiveness factors significantly improves project delivery by anticipating expert workforce shortages and reducing the need for reactive solutions. Model validation using real project data demonstrates that the simulated expert workforce demand reproduces both the average behavior and variability observed in real-world practice, satisfying quantitative behavioral validation criteria across projects and the EPC phases. The model contributes to sustainability by enhancing long-term workforce resilience, reducing resource waste, and supporting more efficient industrial project delivery. Full article

This study investigates the impact of environmental judicial reform on corporate sustainable development, specifically focusing on the establishment of Environmental Protection Courts (EPCs) in China. Leveraging a quasi-natural experiment created by the staggered rollout of EPCs, we employ a difference-in-differences (DID) model based on a comprehensive dataset of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2024. The empirical results demonstrate that the establishment of EPCs significantly enhances corporate ESG performance. This promoting effect remains robust across a series of validity tests, including alternative ESG measures and green patent indicators. Mechanism analysis reveals a dual channel: externally, the reform intensifies local governmental supervision and penalty risks; internally, it elevates managerial green cognition and fosters substantive green investment. Heterogeneity analysis further indicates that the effect is more pronounced in regions with stronger judicial foundations and, notably, for non-heavy-polluting firms sensitive to reputational risks. This paper contributes to the literature by unpacking the “black box” of the judicial transmission mechanism and providing causal evidence of how specialized environmental justice shapes corporate sustainability strategies. Full article

China’s prefabricated construction industry, despite its recent emergence, faces challenges such as limited standardization, poor integration, and low industrialization. In the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model for prefabricated buildings, numerous risks arise due to the long project lifecycle, complex technical requirements, and force majeure factors. These risks may cause substantial project losses if not effectively controlled. This study, from the perspective of general contractors, explores risk assessment for prefabricated building projects under the EPC model to promote construction practices and enhance project resilience. The objective is to help contractors mitigate risks and ensure the smooth and environmentally responsible implementation of prefabricated projects. Risks were identified through literature review and case analysis, and a statistical process refined them into a structured index. The Analytic Network Process (ANP) was applied to assign indicator weights, establishing a comprehensive risk evaluation model. The Gray System Theory was then employed to assess the risks in a case study from Southwest China, validating the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed model. This research provides a systematic approach and theoretical support for EPC-based risk assessment, offering guidance for risk management and contributing to development in the construction industry. Full article

As one of the most technically and managerially complex types of construction projects, super-high-rise buildings require deep multidisciplinary integration and intensive collaboration throughout their lifecycle. Conventional stage-based delivery models, such as the EPC, are often inadequate for handling this complexity. In recent years, the integrated Financing–Engineering, Procurement and Construction–Operation (F+EPC+O) model has emerged to address lifecycle governance challenges in building projects. This study explores how an investment-led F+EPC+O model builds dynamic capabilities to enable lifecycle collaboration in complex projects. It is based on a case study of the Xiamen Hemei Center and employs a qualitative case study approach to examine the operation of an internal F+EPC+O in the project. Drawing on multi-source data, including internal archives, BIM/CIM logs, and interviews, the findings identify three elements—lifecycle incentive alignment, internal power symmetry, and extended operation duration—that shape the Sensing–Seizing–Reconfiguring (SSR) capabilities of the approach. Specifically, Sensing is achieved through NPV-based decision frameworks and cross-stage trade-off lists; Seizing is achieved through BIM/CIM issue closure and joint rapid-cycle decision-making; and Reconfiguring is achieved through performance feedback and institutionalized knowledge repositories. The findings indicate that the SSR dynamic cycle transforms institutional integration into value co-creation, turning project complexity into a source of collaborative advantage. Full article

In response to the pressing need to increase energy efficiency in buildings, new regulations are continually being introduced to enforce higher standards. The recent recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD IV) emphasizes the establishment of national performance standards, which will supposedly be based on the national Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). However, energy certifications across several European countries rely on a quasi-steady state approach, which fails to accurately represent real-performance conditions due to inherent limitations. This is more evident in buildings located in warm climates, where actual energy demands far exceed those predicted by energy certifications. To address these discrepancies, a shift towards dynamic performance assessment methods is pivotal. This research compares the heating and cooling energy demand of an office building using two approaches: the quasi-steady state, prescribed by the Italian standard, and the dynamic state. After calibrating the dynamic model, it was employed to perform a simulation incorporating more detailed user profiles and boundary conditions than those used in the quasi-steady state method. This approach allows the preservation of both reasonable accuracy and practical applicability. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of influential parameters seeks to elucidate the main causes of divergence between simulated and measured performance and to identify opportunities for improving EPC. The simulation outcomes indicate that, while the stationary model yields heating energy demand relatively aligned with the measured data, it shows substantial discrepancies (about 50%) in the cooling predictions. Moreover, the findings reinforce the inadequacy of the simpler approach and advocate for the integration of dynamic state simulation in energy performance assessment, aligning with the objectives of the recent EPBD. Full article