Search Results (105)

Between 2024 and 2025, Chinese land-based emission reduction projects frequently faced quality reviews and sanctions from Verra, a leading international standards-setting body. In addition to project stagnation and the withdrawal of carbon credits, China’s reputation as a host country in international efforts to reduce carbon emissions was severely damaged. These cases stem from a deeper social phenomenon: non-state actors like Verra have acquired rule-making power, and exercising this power has substantial implications for other entities, manifesting in the carbon emissions reduction field as tensions over the interests and reputations of project proponents and related parties. With non-state actors breaking the previous monopoly on rule-making power held solely by state actors, creating a “dualistic” confrontation, coordinating the relationship between the two becomes crucial, as promoting positive interaction becomes crucial. Otherwise, the dilemma of “compliant domestically, non-compliant internationally” and “international standards being difficult to implement domestically” will arise, as seen in these cases. This study used two cases of sanctions imposed by Verra on Chinese land-related projects as starting points. Then, taking China’s independent development of a methodology for silt-retention dam carbon sink projects to mitigate international sanctions as a third case. Following a research approach of “case analysis, in-depth investigation of bottlenecks, overcoming difficulties,” this study systematically examines the shortcomings and necessary efforts of both sides by exploring the various problems arising from the clash and conflict of rules between non-state actors and state actors. To address this issue, this study constructs a nested theoretical framework comprising two two-tiered theoretical structures. This study argues that both Verra and the government of China should work together to promote the legitimacy of emission reduction project standards and their effectiveness within host countries. The solutions proposed in this study can also provide experience and a reference for developing countries in addressing the expansion of power by non-state actors and the disconnect between domestic rules. Full article

We present a high-precision joint gravitational-lensing and kinematic analysis of nine massive galaxy clusters from the CLASH and CLASH-VLT surveys to test chameleon screening gravity and its $f\left(R\right)$ sub-class at Mpc scales. We investigate the dependence on the assumed parametrization of the total cluster mass profile by adopting three models, namely Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW), Burkert, and Hernquist. When cuspy models (NFW or Hernquist) are assumed in the general chameleon framework, the combined constraints from the nine clusters are fully consistent with General Relativity (GR), excluding large regions of the modified-gravity parameter space (the coupling constant $\mathcal{Q}$ and the background chameleon field ${\varphi }_{\infty }$), providing one of the tightest bounds on general chameleon models with clusters to date. In contrast, adopting a Burkert profile—disfavored by lensing data—leads to a mild (∼2σ) departure from the GR expectation in joint analysis. When considering the $f\left(R\right)$ sub-case, we obtain a bound on the background scalaron field of $|f_R| \lesssim 2-5 \times {10}^{-5}$ (95% C.L.) for NFW and Hernquist models, in agreement with current constraints at cosmological scales, and an apparent deviation from standard gravity of ${log}_{10}|f_R|=-4.7\pm 1.2$ for the Burkert case. We investigate the impact of systematics in the kinematical analysis, showing that the tension is mitigated when clusters exhibiting clear dynamical disturbance are excluded from the sample. Our results show that galaxy clusters provide competitive tests of screened modified gravity at mega-parsec scales, while highlighting the critical role of accurate mass modeling and dynamical-state assessment. The upcoming generation of wide-field lensing surveys and spectroscopic follow-up programs will enable similar analyses on substantially larger samples, offering the prospect of tightening cluster-based constraints on gravity and the dark sector. Full article

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has fundamentally changed the way interdisciplinary coordination works in construction projects; however, the theoretical mechanisms underlying open collaboration standards in this field remain insufficiently explored. This article fills this gap by presenting a systematic analysis of the BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) through the lens of reification and serialization, two fundamental concepts in information systems theory. Although the BCF format is widely used in the industry and implemented in major BIM tools for clash detection and issue tracking, the existing literature treats it primarily as an operational tool, overlooking the deeper information systems principles that govern its architecture. The analysis demonstrates that BCF achieves reification by transforming informal coordination knowledge—such as verbally communicated clashes, scattered email threads, and undocumented design decisions—into first-class objects (Topic, Comment, Viewpoint) equipped with unique identifiers, typed attributes, ownership, temporal metadata, and formalized inter-object relationships. Further analysis was conducted on BCF’s serialization mechanisms, including XML encoding for file exchange, JSON for RESTful API communication, and ZIP archiving as a distribution container, each of which was selected to balance human readability, schema validation, compression, and cross-platform portability. The complementarity of these two mechanisms was examined: reification determines what to preserve and in what structure, while serialization determines how to encode and in what format, which together enable interoperable, auditable, and automatable coordination workflows in heterogeneous software environments. The analysis was illustrated with a real-world BCF example from a major infrastructure project in Poland, demonstrating practical alignment between theoretical constructs and their implementation. The research results provide both a conceptual foundation for researchers working on openBIM standards and practical guidance for practitioners seeking to optimize issue management, the implementation of a Common Data Environment (CDE), and the specification of Exchange Information Requirements (EIR). The study contributes new knowledge in three areas: (1) To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it provides the first systematic theoretical analysis of BCF through the lens of reification and serialization, filling a gap between the format’s widespread practical use and its limited theoretical understanding. (2) It demonstrates how the formal criteria of reification (unique identity, typed attributes, ownership, temporal metadata, and inter-object relationships) map onto specific BCF entities, offering a transferable analytical framework for evaluating other openBIM standards. (3) It identifies the complementarity of reification and serialization as a design principle that can guide the development of future standards for digital twins and IoT-based facility management. Full article

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has changed the landscape of the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry in recent decades. However, BIM is not well researched in most developing countries; in particular, few studies have addressed its adoption in Malawi. A non-probability, purposive sampling approach was adopted. A total of 143 questionnaires were completed. This research reveals that, while construction experts are aware of BIM, the level of uptake remains quite low. Architects in Malawi are the most knowledgeable, followed by land surveyors and then engineers. This research shows that most experts in Malawi are at level 1 of BIM usage, which is the first stage of BIM adoption and is characterized by the use of 3D models and output representation. Furthermore, the study results have shown that the Malawian AEC sector is currently succeeding at the modelling stage of maturity but is stalled by lack of collaborative frameworks, such as Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). Therefore, unless the industry shifts toward a unified Common Data Environment (CDE), advanced capabilities like clash detection will remain underutilized and disconnected from broader project success metrics. Statistical analysis has shown that the correlation analysis demonstrates a strong link (r = 0.75) between Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and high BIM maturity, whereas traditional Design-Bid-Build methods show a critical misalignment with digital workflows. The study identifies high software costs and a lack of national standards as the primary barriers to adoption. Therefore, there is a need for robust sensitization to the benefits of BIM and training to improve its uptake in the context of Malawi’s construction industry. In order to advance Malawi’s BIM maturity, the research recommends a strategic shift toward integrated procurement models, the establishment of national BIM mandates, and the modernization of technical education to bridge the existing knowledge gap. Full article

Design coordination is a critical process for avoiding spatial conflicts and ensuring design alignment in large-scale construction projects. While Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools have improved coordination through 3D model integration and clash detection, inefficiencies persist due to fragmented workflows, frequent tool switching, and challenges with issue documentation. Cloud-based BIM collaboration tools offer a promising alternative by enabling real-time model sharing, centralized issue tracking, and enhanced stakeholder communication. However, empirical evidence on their practical implementation and effects on coordination processes remains limited. Unlike prior cloud-BIM reviews that focus on technical capabilities or adoption barriers in isolation, this study provides an empirically grounded framework that links specific tool features to observable workflow changes and their downstream impacts on coordination outcomes. This study investigates the impact of cloud-based BIM collaboration tools on the design coordination process, with a focus on issue identification, resolution, and documentation. A framework was developed using a mixed-methods approach comprising action research, an ethnographic case study, and comparative analysis of three large infrastructure projects to categorize workflow changes resulting from tool adoption. The findings indicate that cloud-based BIM tools streamline coordination by reducing manual transitions, automating documentation, and improving information accessibility during meetings. Nevertheless, their effectiveness is constrained by organizational structures and contract limitations. This study provides a validated process-change framework and practical insights for engineering managers seeking to align digital collaboration tools with project delivery strategies, contributing to both theory and practice in BIM-based coordination and digital transformation in the AEC industry. Full article

This study explores how institutional- and ideological-level pressures affect both the gatekeeping role and mental well-being of journalists reporting on traumatic incidents, particularly war, conflict, and crime in Pakistan. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on in-depth interviews with (n = 50) journalists, including Directors, Reporters, Editors, NLEs, Cameramen, and Photographers from print, broadcast, and online media outlets across Pakistan. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Thematic analysis was applied, and the data were interpreted through the Hierarchy of Influences (HOI) model, an extension of gatekeeping theory. Findings reveal that official/unofficial sources, government agencies, interest groups, and cultural norms significantly influence journalistic decision-making. Importantly, participants also reported emotional distress, moral injury, and institutional neglect when covering traumatic stories. The study concludes that journalists’ dual pressures from media owners driven by ratings and audience interest in sensationalism not only shapes news content but also contributes to psychological strain and burnout. The head office’s demand for emotionally charged coverage often clashes with reporters’ ethical limits, intensifying the internal conflict between professional duty and emotional resilience. The study argues that traumatic event coverage in Pakistani media is not only ethically complex but also psychologically stressful. It highlights the need for trauma-informed newsroom policies, organizational support, and ethical editorial leadership to protect journalists and their mental health. It contributes to the broader discourse on mental well-being in high-risk journalism, especially in conflict zones. Full article

Achieving reliable interoperability between architectural and structural models remains one of the main challenges in BIM-based design workflows. Despite the widespread adoption of Building Information Modeling, the automatic transfer of information between modeling software and FEM analysis tools continues to generate inconsistencies, information loss, and the need for manual interventions. This study examines these issues through the case study of a reinforced-concrete residential building located in Palermo, used to evaluate BIM-to-FEM exchanges between Revit^®, Robot Structural Analysis^®, PRO_SAP^®, and JASP^®. The interoperability tests highlight significant limitations in both native and IFC-based workflows. The direct Revit–Robot link ensures good geometric consistency but still requires manual correction of analytical axes, connections, and boundary conditions. Indirect transfers via IFC exhibit greater instability: both IFC2x3 Coordination View 2.0 and IFC4 Reference View show difficulties in correctly interpreting structural elements and do not adequately preserve analytical relationships, resulting in unconnected slabs, disconnected nodes, and missing constraint information. In PRO_SAP^®, several elements are also absent after IFC import. To address these issues, the study proposes a workflow based on the integration of Revit^® and JASP^® aimed at generating a reliable federated model. This model was further validated in Navisworks^®, Solibri Anywhere^®, BIM Vision^®, and Enscape^® to assess its correct interpretation across different software environments. This approach enhances interdisciplinary coordination, supports clash detection, facilitates immersive VR-based review, and centralizes architectural, structural, and MEP models into a unified environment. The results show that structured workflows and careful management of native and IFC transfers significantly improve model reliability and reduce design inconsistencies. Full article

In the transition toward a more digital and data-driven construction industry, understanding how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are integrated is key to planning, delivering, and operating projects effectively. This review examines recent studies to identify usage patterns of AI and BIM. Searches were conducted on the Web of Science Core Collection from 2022 to 2025. After running a reproducible review protocol aligned with PRISMA 2020, which began with 1212 articles, and after a funneling process, 12 studies met the predefined eligibility criteria. In the present study, the synthesis was non-meta-analytic; instead, the information was analyzed by using standardized tabulation with a consistent format and compared using a two-level weighting scheme. The methodological approach combines full-text reading and descriptive coding with a reproducible weighting scheme that accounts for mentions per study and integrates them at the corpus level using open-source tools. The results show a strong focus on Deep Learning (DL), with a greater presence in Digital Twins (DT) and BIM Modeling (BIMM); Multidimensional BIM (4D/5D) appears as a secondary line, while the Common Data Environment (CDE) and Clash detection (CD) are sporadic. The coupling of DL-DT and DL-BIMM predominates. Simultaneously, Machine Learning (ML) provides explainable analysis on structured data, and Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) and Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) with Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) act as enablers for data generation/adaptation and deployment with traceability. It is concluded that advancing metrics and shared datasets, especially for CDE and CD, along with developing reproducible workflows oriented toward MLOps, are key to scaling AI in real-world environments. Full article

This article argues that sustainability governance in small-scale regenerative aquaculture arises less from formal regulation than from the relational, ethical, and temporal labour of practitioners. Based on an ethnographic study of Câr-y-Môr, Wales’s first community-owned regenerative ocean farm, the research combines over 250 h of participant observation, 25 interviews, and document analysis with transdisciplinary humanities-informed sustainability science (THiSS). The study shows how technocratic environmentalism, reliant on auditing, reporting, and standardised procedures, often clashes with the shifting rhythms of tides, weather, and the embodied work of marine labour. Ethnography uniquely reveals the embodied knowledge, improvisation, and moral commitment through which practitioners continually remake governance, translating bureaucratic rules into ecologically and socially meaningful practice. The findings demonstrate that adaptive governance requires recognition of local and experiential expertise, proportionate regulatory frameworks, and protected spaces for experimentation and learning. Seen in this way, sustainability shifts from a fixed goal to a relational process. When governance learns from practice and care is recognised as a form of knowledge, it becomes more adaptive, situated, and responsive, revealing both the constraints of technocratic control and the possibilities of care-based policy and practice. Full article

Background: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus in the Pneumoviridae family. HMPV is an enveloped, negative-sense RNA virus encoding three surface proteins: SH, G, and F. The highly immunogenic fusion (F) protein is essential for viral entry and a key target for vaccine development. The F protein exists in two conformations: prefusion and postfusion. The prefusion form is highly immunogenic and considered a potent vaccine antigen. However, this conformation needs to be stabilized to improve its immunogenicity for effective vaccine development. Specific mutations are necessary to maintain the prefusion state and prevent it from changing to the postfusion form. Methods: In silico mutagenesis was performed on the C-terminal domain of the pre-F protein, focusing on five amino acids at positions 469 to 473 (LVDQS), using the established pre-F structure (PDB: 8W3Q) as the reference. The amino acid sequence was sequentially mutated based on hydrophobicity, resulting in mutants M1 (IIFLL), M2 (LLIVL), M3 (WWVLL), and M4 (YMWLL). Increasing hydrophobicity was found to enhance protein stability and structural rigidity. Results: Epitope mapping revealed that all mutants displayed significant B and T cell epitopes similar to the reference protein. The structure and stability of all mutants were analyzed using molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations, and secondary structure analysis. Based on the lowest RMSD, clash score, MolProbity value, stable radius of gyration, and low RMSF, the M1 mutant demonstrated superior structural stability. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the M1 mutant of the pre-F protein could be the most stable and structurally accurate candidate for vaccine development against HMPV. Full article

The study of the relationship between religion and newspapers embodies a well-established research field. However, relatively few studies focus on interfaith dialogue in the press. Against this backdrop, important questions about the manifestations and dynamics of interreligious dialogue in newspapers remain largely unexplored. Adopting a quali-quantitative approach and a topic-detection methodology, the research analyzes 1186 articles from four Italian newspapers (Corriere della Sera, Il Giornale, La Stampa, Il Mattino di Padova) mentioning interreligious dialogue between 2010 and 2023. The research seeks to answer the question: how do major Italian newspapers discursively construct and represent the topic of interreligious dialogue in their coverage? The results identify five representations of interreligious dialogue in the Italian press, each interconnected and/or partially overlapping. Specifically, the analysis of the newspapers’ articles reveals: (i) a broad but fragmented and episodic representation of interreligious dialogue, highlighting a lack of systematic or sustained discussion on the topic; (ii) a hegemonic presence of the Catholic Church in the various representations of interreligious dialogue, expressed through the Pope, Church organizations, and leaders; (iii) a widespread portrayal of Islam as a “challenging religion”, associated with the idea of a “clash of civilizations” and issues surrounding the integration of Muslim immigrants; (iv) a general focus on traditional Abrahamic religions in the representation of interreligious dialogue, which tends to exclude other religious minorities. Full article

Data-driven strategies that leverage digital technologies for task improvement are increasingly being adopted across organizations. However, theoretical and empirical insights into how such strategies are implemented—and the organizational tensions they may generate—remain scarce. This study explores how a digital, data-driven strategy is interpreted and enacted within a complex organizational setting. We examine in a qualitative case study the Danish National Police’s digitalization strategy for a shift from reactive crime response to proactive crime prevention. Theoretically, the study is based on institutional theory, in particular, institutional logics (such as the state, corporation, and profession) that may underlie such new strategies. A qualitative case study was conducted drawing on document analysis, a review of key empirical studies, and additional interviews and meetings during strategy implementation (2013–2022). The findings reveal that the implementation process was shaped by divergent interpretations of the new data-driven strategy, rooted in institutional logics. The different interpretations surfaced underlying tensions about organizational priorities and practices. The theoretical novelty of the study is that we contribute to the concept of intra-institutional complexity, showing how conflicting interpretations of a single institutional logic—rather than clashes between distinct logics—can generate significant organizational friction. We identify three forms of such complexity: mission dilemmas, resource allocation challenges, and identity pressures. These findings advance the understanding of how digital strategies may unfold in practice and highlight the interpretive flexibility—and potential contestation—of institutional change within organizations. Full article

This study interrogates the semiotic destabilization of rural cultural symbols in China’s burgeoning short video sphere, with particular focus on the discursive reconstruction of “tǔ wèi” labeling. This paper, through semantic tracing and content analysis, combined with empirical data from over 130,000 “tǔ wèi” videos on Douyin (Tik Tok), categorizes the “tǔ wèi” content into two major styles: the novelty-hunting and ugliness-seeking style and the rural original ecological style. It also compares the differences in popularity, quality, and value orientation between the two. The research finds that the semantic segmentation of the “tǔ wèi” label is rooted in clash of civilizations and the urban–rural dichotomy, as well as the promotion of the traffic logic and symbol abuse of short video platforms. This segmentation has exacerbated the stigmatization of Chinese farming culture and weakened cultural confidence. It is suggested that efforts should be made from three aspects: deep exploration of indigenous “tǔ” cultural resources, optimization of algorithm recommendation mechanisms, and reconstruction of discourse contexts, to promote the semantic return of the “tǔ wèi” label and consolidate cultural subjectivity. Full article

This study investigates the gendered nexus between climate change, food insecurity, and conflict in Plateau State, Nigeria. This region in north-central Nigeria is marked by recurring farmer–herder clashes and climate-induced environmental degradation. Drawing on qualitative methods, including interviews, gender-disaggregated focus groups, and key informant discussions, the research explores how climate variability and violent conflict interact to exacerbate household food insecurity. The methodology allows the capture of nuanced perspectives and lived experiences, particularly emphasizing the differentiated impacts on women and men. The findings reveal that irregular rainfall patterns, declining agricultural yields, and escalating violence have disrupted traditional farming systems and undermined rural livelihoods. The study also shows that women, though they are responsible for household food management, face disproportionate burdens due to restricted mobility, limited access to resources, and a heightened exposure to gender-based violence. Grounded in Conflict Theory, Frustration–Aggression Theory, and Feminist Political Ecology, the analysis shows how intersecting vulnerabilities, such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status, shape experiences of food insecurity and adaptation strategies. Women often find creative and local ways to cope with challenges, including seed preservation, rationing, and informal trade. However, systemic barriers continue to hinder sustainable progress. This study emphasized the need for integrating gender-sensitive interventions into policy frameworks, such as land tenure reforms, targeted agricultural support for women, and improved security measures, to effectively mitigate food insecurity and promote sustainable livelihoods, especially in conflict-affected regions. Full article

Urban color represents the visual skin of a city, embodying regional culture, historical memory, and the contemporary spirit. However, while the existing studies focus on pedestrian-level facade colors, the “fifth facade” from a bird’s-eye view has been largely overlooked. Moreover, color distortions in traditional remote sensing imagery hinder precise analysis. This study targeted 56 Chinese coastal cities, decoding the spatiotemporal patterns of their fifth facade color (FFC). Through developing an innovative natural color optimization algorithm, the oversaturation and color bias of Sentinel-2 imageries were addressed. Several color indicators, including dominant colors, hue–saturation–value, color richness, and color harmony, were developed to analyze the spatial variations of FFC. Results revealed that FFC in Chinese coastal cities is dominated by gray, black, and brown, reflecting the commonality of cement jungles. Among them, northern warm grays exude solidity, as in Weifang, while southern cool grays convey modern elegance, as in Shenzhen. Blue PVC rooftops (e.g., Tianjin) and red-brick villages (e.g., Quanzhou) serve as symbols of industrial function and cultural heritage. Economically advanced cities (e.g., Shanghai) lead in color richness, linking vitality to visual diversity, while high-harmony cities (e.g., Lianyungang) foster livability through coordinated colors. The study also warns of color pollution risks. Cities like Qingdao exposed planning imbalances through color clashes. This research pioneers a systematic and large-scale decoding of urban fifth facade color from a remote sensing perspective, quantitatively revealing the dilemma of “identical cities” in modernization development. The findings inject color rationality into urban planning and create readable and warm city images. Full article