Flexible Planning Research Articles

Unravelling motives and time use of additional leave in a flexible benefits plan: a mixed-methods case study in Belgium

Working-time reduction emerges as a promising measure for fostering a well-being economy, as it allows to reconsider time allocation between paid labour and other activities, potentially improving human and environmental well-being. This study investigates the motives for and planned time use of additional leave in the context of a flexible benefits plan, a specific form of working-time reduction that is increasingly popular among employees and employers. Despite its popularity, little is known about the rationale behind this choice and its potential to create socio-environmental benefits. Data were collected from a Belgian media company in 2022 using a mixed-methods approach, comprising a survey (N = 241) and semi-structured interviews (N = 13). The findings reveal that a mix of motives matters for choosing additional leave, including push, pull, personal and contextual factors, as well as the specifics of the flexible benefits plan. While the desire for more leisure emerges as a primary driver, difficulties in taking up the standard amount of leave present a key barrier. Employees plan to use their extra leave for diverse activities, mainly personal and social activities, household tasks, travel, and ad-hoc pursuits. However, preferences vary based on parental status, with couples having children primarily intending to use the leave for caregiving responsibilities. Notably, the primary activities for intended time use align with increased well-being and have relatively low environmental impacts, although positive effects may be partially offset for well-being (such as when paid work is replaced with unpaid care or household work) or for the environment (such as when spending the extra leave on environmentally intensive (travel) activities). These findings tentatively suggest that choosing additional leave in flexible benefits plans could contribute to a well-being economy.

A Comparative Study of AStar, LPA* and DStarLite Path Planning Algorithms Based on Matlab

In the realm of robotics and autonomous systems, path planning is a pivotal component that determines the efficacy and safety of navigational tasks. With the proliferation of autonomous vehicles, drones, and mobile robots, the need for efficient and adaptive path planning algorithms has become increasingly acute. This paper studies AStar, LPA and DStarLite path planning algorithms based on Matlab platform, and compares their performance through simulation experiments. AStar algorithm is simple and widely applicable, but it has some shortcomings in path smoothness and computational efficiency. LPA improves path smoothness by introducing dynamic cost updating, but it may sacrifice some computational efficiency. The DStarLite algorithm performs well in dynamic environments with an efficient incremental update strategy that maintains high path smoothness and low computational costs. The experimental results show that DStarLite is the fastest in most cases, LPA* and DStarLite are superior to AStar in path smoothness. Future research may explore combining the advantages of each algorithm to develop more efficient, flexible and robust path planning algorithms to cope with complex and changeable actual scenarios.

Barriers and facilitators to conducting randomised controlled trials within routine care of neurorehabilitation centres: a qualitative study

BackgroundRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard for generating clinical evidence. The focus on high internal validity in RCTs challenges the external validity and generalisability of findings, potentially hindering their application in routine care. In neurorehabilitation, limited literature addresses conducting RCTs feasibly and efficiently. We investigated barriers and facilitators to conducting RCTs within routine care of neurorehabilitation centres from the perspective of stakeholders in neurorehabilitation in Germany and Austria.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in neurorehabilitation from four centres in Germany and Austria, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour model (COM-B). Employing a hybrid approach, the interview analysis integrated both deductive, theory-driven analysis based on the TDF domains and COM-B model and inductive, reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsTwelve stakeholders (4 physicians, 4 therapy managers, 4 therapists; 5 females, 7 males; with research experience spanning 0–40 years) were interviewed. Key barriers to conducting RCTs in neurological rehabilitation centres include limited financial, human, and time resources, high clinical workloads, and a lack of interest of some therapists. Ineffective leadership, perceived lack of research expertise, and communication issues were also significant barriers. Social influence factors such as lack of employer support and inadequate training access further contributed to the challenges. Additionally, barriers included insufficient research infrastructure, limited space, internal power struggles, and rigid cost bearer specifications. Key facilitators included physicians’ and therapists’ motivation to advance the field, contribute to knowledge, and to prioritise patient health. Support from supervisors, joint decision-making, and efficient organisation were crucial facilitators. Flexible therapy planning, mutual support, and interdisciplinary collaboration also played important roles.ConclusionOur results suggest that increasing professional development and understanding, along with providing adequate financial, human, time, and spatial resources to support research endeavours, implementing effective communication strategies to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and coordination among team members may contribute to increased motivation and facilitate RCTs within the setting of neurorehabilitation centres.Trial registrationThis study was prospectively registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (08.04.2021 DRKSID DRKS00024982).

The meaning of organizational culture and structure for interprofessional collaboration

Abstract In Germany, early neurological rehabilitation (ENR) acts as a link between acute inpatient care and rehabilitation, aiming to restore patients’ ability to rehabilitate amid their complex clinical conditions. Interprofessional cooperation (IPC) is crucial for harmonized treatment due to patients’ vulnerability. An interprofessional team comprising medical, nursing, and various therapy professionals is essential for this purpose. To explore the meaning of organizational culture and structure to IPC, 15 group discussions in 5 clinics were conducted with n = 76 participants. 1. Weekly team meetings are used to coordinate treatment goals and outcomes, but their implementation varies from clinic to clinic. Two types of meetings were identified: those that focus primarily on billing compliance and others that address patients’ long-term perspectives. However, both require additional social service involvement and are not sufficient to adequately address daily tasks, requiring additional IPC coordination. Some clinics have therefore introduced daily meetings to improve the coordination of IPC tasks. 2. Therapy planning and therapist assignment shape IPC and task fulfillment. Three therapy planning methods were observed: centralized, block-based, and flexible, each with different therapist allocation strategies. Centralized planning with flexible allocation leads to appointment pressure and interprofessional communication challenges. Block therapy reduces therapist turnover and promotes better interprofessional coordination in patient care. Flexible therapy planning is conducted through daily interprofessional meetings with shared task allocation and planning leads to a shared understanding. Initial analysis underscores the meaning of organizational structure on interprofessional task fulfillment in ENR, emphasizing the importance of enhancing different cooperation formats which can balance stability and flexibility and integrate social services effectively in patientcare. Key messages • Morning interprofessional meetings on the ward facilitate flexible responses to daily changes in patients’ health conditions and promote interprofessional collaboration. • The consideration of occupational group-specific processes in ward organization is a necessary structural prerequisite for successful interprofessional collaboration.

Maximizing profitability in integrated energy markets: A novel framework for multi-faceted energy trading

The emergence of Integrated Energy Systems (IESs) has shifted energy management from traditional electricity paradigms to a more diverse approach involving electricity, thermal energy, and natural gas. This study introduces a framework for an Integrated Energy Network (IEN) that enables simultaneous trading across these interconnected markets. The objective is to maximize the profitability of integrated energy companies by optimizing energy trading strategies. The proposed business strategy incorporates integrated load response, addressing constraints within electric distribution systems, heating networks, and natural gas pipelines. A three-stage process is used: information sharing in the unified energy market, energy conversion in hubs, and flexible load planning in the retail market. Flexible loads are categorized as displaceable, reducible, or transformable. A Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) mean-variance model addresses market price volatility. Simulations on a test system validate the model, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving profitability and operational efficiency for integrated energy companies.

Seismic nonlinear interaction and uplifting effects between the nuclear island building and soil

Since the Fukushima nuclear accident, seismic design requirements have increased, necessitating a more refined evaluation of base uplift for weakly anchored nuclear island buildings. The elevated cooling water over 3000 t is a distinguishing feature of third-generation reactor buildings (RBs). To assess potential safety-adverse coupling effects, seismic wave propagation process through viscoelastic soils, discontinuous interfaces, and sloshing water was analysed. To facilitate nonlinear systematic simulation and parametric study, the traditional soil-structure interaction direct methods are improved and programmed on: thickness-independent viscous-spring elements for stable static-dynamic boundary transitions; seismic forces separated from the artificial boundary for flexible mesh planning; elevated water simulated with gravity stacking and hydrodynamic action. A nuclear island region encompassing water-cooled RBs and underlying soil cushion layer was investigated as a typical scenario to reveal rules using the proposed high-precision simulation platform. Non-negligible structural risks and correlations between multiple factors were quantitatively elucidated according to simulation findings. A time-lagged increase in the base overturning moment may occur because of water oscillations. As the water level increases to 85 %, the uplift height increases, adversely affecting the in-structure response spectra. Earthquake-induced intense uplift may lead to an increase in hydrodynamic pressure along the inner wall. The research results support the practical assessment of buildings with water cooling facilities located in soft composite sites with high seismic intensities.

Dual prostacyclin infusions: A case report of a patient symptom-driven transition from high-dose intravenous epoprostenol to subcutaneous treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. A case of successful transition from high-dose epoprostenol to high-dose subcutaneous treprostinil for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is reported. PAH is a chronically progressive disease characterized by pulmonary artery luminal narrowing that causes increased pulmonary artery pressures leading to right ventricular failure. Parenteral prostacyclin analogues, such as epoprostenol and treprostinil, are direct vasodilators and are cornerstones of therapy for patients with severe disease that have been proven to reduce mortality and increase exercise tolerance. These agents must be administered continuously via intravenous or subcutaneous devices and are high-risk medications due to their potent vasodilatory actions. Chronic use of these medications requires constant attention from both providers and patients because of potential complications including central venous catheter infection, thromboembolism, therapy interruptions, and other undesirable consequences. This case report describes management of a 35-year-old male patient on high-dose outpatient intravenous epoprostenol (101ng/kg/min; dosing weight, 47kg) for treatment of PAH who was admitted to the hospital with a malfunctioning central venous catheter. Surrounding manipulation of the central catheter, the patient experienced an ischemic stroke that led to cognitive disability resulting in a lack of ability to manage his previously used home infusion device. The patient was successfully transitioned from intravenous epoprostenol to subcutaneous treprostinil (discharge dose, 200ng/kg/min) over 5 days by infusing both medications simultaneously and adjusting doses based upon patient-reported symptoms. This successful transition from high-dose epoprostenol to high-dose subcutaneous treprostinil demonstrates the importance in considering patient-specific factors during high-risk medication transitions, the value of a patient-directed flexible prostacyclin transition plan, and the benefit of institutional training and education in ensuring the safe use of parenteral prostacyclin analogues.

Design And Build Project Risk Analysis at Tugu Pal 0 Stage II Project Construction

The implementation of the design and build method in the Phase II Pal Nol Monument construction project, managed by the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency (PUPR) of South Kalimantan Province, aims to analyze the risks associated with the design and construction processes. This project, which utilizes an integrated design and build construction method (multi-year), is located on Jl. Dharma Praja within the South Kalimantan Provincial Office Area and executed by the contractor KSO ADHI-PUTRA. A comprehensive risk mitigation strategy for the project includes detailed work planning, effective coordination, periodic evaluation, a thorough understanding of design specifications, continuous risk analysis, flexible contingency plans, and strong communication with government entities and stakeholders. Keywords: Risk Analysis, Design and Build, Construction, Tugu PAL 0 Stage II

Model-based assembly process planning for flexible aircraft cabin architectures

The configuration and equipment of an aircraft cabin has a significant impact on the passenger’s flight experience. To meet the needs of passengers and improve the flight experience, airlines repeatedly demand customised adaptations to the cabin design. The implementation of these changes requires a high degree of flexibility in production and can lead to difficulties in setting up a fixed final assembly line. In addition, unforeseen events and changes in the OEMs’ supply chain require a rapid response in aircraft production to be able to deliver on time. Digitalisation in product development and production planning makes it possible to overcome these challenges and makes an important contribution to flexibility, time and cost efficiency. This paper presents a digital approach to modelling and flexible planning of assembly processes of the cabin. To this end, aircraft design data is automatically linked to the assembly system to react quickly to design changes in the assembly planning process. The integration is realised in a system architecture model depicted with the systems modelling language (SysML). The architecture model follows the formal process description defined in VDI3682. A planning algorithm then uses the production architecture parameters to optimise the assembly processes, e.g. in terms of time. The approach presented is demonstrated using the example of scheduling the pre-assembly processes of the "crown module". The latter includes all structural and functional components above the window panels, such as overhead bins, electrics and air conditioning. The results show how changes in aircraft and cabin design or in the production plant and resources can be flexibly evaluated. This allows conceptual changes to be evaluated and traded before the cabin design is frozen and transferred to real production. These advantages contribute to the time and cost optimisation of aircraft production. This work thus makes a valuable contribution to the further development of digital solutions in aircraft production.

Exploring the Impact of MBTI Personality Types on Teaching Methods

The importance of personality traits impacting teaching practices is comprehending how teachers at different educational system levels treat learners, develop curricula, adopt applications and technologies, and give feedback. This research studies the influence of the correlation between the MBTI personality types of educators in the University of Swat and their teaching preferences, in addition to identifying educators’ learning style preferences connected to organized and flexible lesson planning, and active and reflective teaching. Under a quantitative research design approach, a structured questionnaire was completed by 50 teachers and associated staff. MBTI was used to determine participants' personality types with the researcher having established a Teaching Preferences Questionnaire to determine the participants’ perception about various teaching and learning styles. The feedback provided was made using a 5-point Likert scale and data analysis was done using SPSS version 27.0. To test the correlation between the various teaching preferences and the MBTI personality types, a set of statistical tools which included independent T-tests, ANOVA, Chi-Square tests, logistic regression, and Pearson correlation test were employed. This study revealed a significant relationship between personality traits and teaching behaviors. Teachers with relatively greater levels of feeling-oriented and intuitive characteristics were observed to adopt a dynamic approach to teaching which involved students incorporated concepts such as teaching involving students and had greater empathy and concern towards students. It was also found that students with certain personality types are more willing to adopt different technologies for enhancing the processes of teaching and learning. The study reveals a profound influence of the personality traits formulated by the MBTI on the choices of educators in teaching and the real methods applied. More specifically, the features of being feeling-oriented, intuitive, and judging predetermine the outlook on approaches to Active Teaching, structured lesson planning, application of technology in the learning process, and feedback methods.

From Tradition to Innovation: Analyzing Strategies and Support for Enhancing Badminton Course Teaching Quality through Educational Technology.

This study aims to explore the impact of Multimedia-Assisted Teaching (MAT) on the quality of physical education (PE) instruction in universities, with a particular focus on badminton courses. A quasi-experimental design was employed, including pre-tests and post-tests, involving two badminton classes at Ming Chuan University, with a total of 101 students. These two classes were assigned to an experimental group (using MAT) and a control group (traditional teaching methods). The research instrument used was the Physical Education Teaching Quality Scale (PETQ), which includes four factors: course content, teaching strategies, classroom management, and learning assessment. The results indicated that, compared to traditional teaching methods, the use of MAT significantly enhanced students' perception of the quality of PE instruction. The experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group across all scale factors, suggesting that MAT is more effective in capturing students' attention and improving learning outcomes. The conclusion suggests that MAT has significant advantages in improving the quality of physical education instruction. The integration of MAT enables more flexible lesson planning and enhances the learning process through the features of multimedia-assisted teaching. It is recommended that physical education teachers consider applying multimedia technologies to aid teaching, in order to increase student engagement and effectiveness.

COVID-19 as an advantage or a disaster? Crisis and change management strategies of Hong Kong social entrepreneurs during the pandemic

PurposeA qualitative approach based on grounded theory was utilized, with data collected through 26 semi-structured interviews with social entrepreneurs. Alas’s Triangular Model provided the framework for data analysis and interpretation.Design/methodology/approachThis study explores how Hong Kong social enterprises approached crisis and change management during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining their resilience-building strategies.FindingsThe pandemic triggered an existential crisis for many social enterprises, causing severe revenue losses. However, strong leadership and cultures based on social mission enabled resilience. Enterprises demonstrated agility by rapidly transitioning operations online and establishing partnerships. Technology adaptation and social innovation were pivotal to sustaining impact.Research limitations/implicationsAs the sample comprises enterprises that survived the pandemic, insights into failed enterprises are lacking. Comparative analysis could illuminate differences in crisis response between successful and unsuccessful cases.Practical implicationsThe study’s practical implications suggest that social enterprises should focus on developing flexible crisis management plans, cultivating purposeful leadership, embracing digital transformation, strengthening collaborative networks and prioritizing organizational learning to effectively navigate crises while staying true to their social missions.Social implicationsFindings demonstrate how shared values and cultures grounded in purpose can anchor organizations amidst upheaval, fostering resilience. This underscores the role of social enterprises in modeling responsiveness to societal needs.Originality/valueWhile research has examined social enterprises’ vulnerability in crises, investigation into their crisis management practices is limited. This study enriches understanding of how social enterprises effectively navigate turbulence.

{MFPP(R). An R package for matrix-based flexible project planning

Project planning and scheduling are essential parts of project management. While project planning and scheduling tools are already available to support traditional project management approaches, flexible project management approaches, such as agile, extreme, and hybrid project planning, are less well supported by software tools, especially freely available software packages. To our knowledge, no existing R package for project planning and scheduling can support flexible projects. This paper aims to fill this gap by introducing and describing the R package mfpp for matrix-based flexible project planning/scheduling. This package includes a comprehensive set of tools for project managers to schedule both traditional and flexible project plans. The use of the package is illustrated through examples.

Development of United Kingdom Teaching Materials Containing Local Wisdom for Islamic University Students

This research aims to develop United Kingdom language teaching materials integrating local wisdom for Islamic higher education students. Local wisdom encompasses cultural values and knowledge internalized by students daily, hoping to increase their relevance and involvement in the learning process. The method used in this study is the Jolly and Bolitho development model, which involves the stages of needs analysis, planning, development, and evaluation of teaching materials. The results of this research are United Kingdom teaching materials specifically designed to meet the needs of students at Islamic universities, focusing on texts and content rooted in local wisdom. The development process faced several obstacles, including difficulties obtaining local knowledge-based texts, adjusting content to suit student needs, designing flexible learning plans, and time constraints. Experts validate and apply the teaching materials developed. The conclusion shows that integrating local wisdom in United Kingdom teaching materials makes learning more relevant and interesting for students and contributes to the preservation of local culture. Using culture-based learning resources allows students to learn language and cultural concepts in an integrated manner, which can ultimately increase their understanding and appreciation of local values in a global context.

Less than full-time training, barriers and future needs. A UK-wide online survey of doctors in training.

The the current views of less-than full-time (LTFT) training by both LTFT and full-time (FT) doctors in training, with regards to health and well-being, clinical and non-clinical opportunities, in addition to associated future workforce implications and challenges, are uncertain. We performed a cross-sectional study of UK-based doctors in training via an online questionnaire, designed and piloted by the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh (RCPE) Trainees and Members Committee. Design was informed by prior investigation into LTFT training undertaken amongst similar populations by RCPE in 2019. The survey was distributed from May to September 2023 via email to trainees across the United Kingdom and was open to all specialties and training grades. The survey focused on lived experience of both LTFT and FT training, as well as perceived challenges for the future workforce. There were 648 responses from doctors in training across the United Kingdom, with an even spread of LTFT and FT trainees. Most responses (53%) were from trainees in medical specialties. Most LTFT trainees plan to train at this pace for more than 5 years. LTFT was commonly linked to improved work-life balance and well-being, with FT training perceived to feature high stress and burnout. Concerns around LTFT relate to administrative errors, reduced training opportunities and colleague prejudice. Trainees are concerned about LTFT leading to rota gaps and incoherent workforce planning around training numbers. With ever-increasing popularity in LTFT training, flexible and robust long-term workforce planning is necessary for the system to adapt to a new normal and improve retention of doctors in training.

FLUENT: Towards a more flexible design and planning approach

The following paper introduces the FLUENT model, a contemporary university course planning approach built on the findings from a research which used the results of a survey, interviews to university key informants and a literature review based on the PRISMA methodology. FLUENT is an acronym that stands for Flexible Universal Education Model for a New Hybrid. Faced with the complexity of teaching and uncertainty in planning, the model aims to comprehensively address course planning intricacies. Unlike traditional models, FLUENT adopts a fully online perspective, acknowledging the potential of online education. It incorporates evidence-backed elements from course design, as for example emphasizing deep understanding, accurate planning, or crucial structuring elements. The structuring elements encompass time, space, technology, students' agency, and teachers' reflectivity. Additionally, FLUENT integrates principles of reversibility, addressing unforeseen circumstances, and recognizes students in both face-to-face and online environments. The model promotes flexibility, personalization, interaction, and collaboration, aligning with the pillars of future learning. FLUENT stands out by offering reversible design, considering diverse needs of students, and being adaptable to diverse institutional infrastructures. The model emphasizes learning paths, competencies, and aligning objectives, providing a comprehensive framework for course planning.

A framework for integrated resource planning in surgical clinics

The problem under study is based on the challenges faced by the Orthopaedic Clinic at St. Olav’s Hospital in Trondheim, Norway. Variations in demand and supply cause fluctuating waiting lists, and it is challenging to level the activities between the clinic’s two units, the outpatient clinic and the operating theater, to obtain short waiting times for all activities. Based on these challenges, we describe and present a planning problem referred to as the Long-term Master Scheduling Problem (LMSP), where the objective is to construct an integrated Long-term Master Schedule (LMS) that facilitates short waiting times in both units. The LMS can be separated into two schedules, one cyclic high-level schedule, and one non-cyclic low-level schedule. The demand for outpatient clinic consultations and surgeries is stochastic, as are the waiting lists. To account for this, we propose a planning framework consisting of an optimization model to solve the LMSP, and a two-level planning procedure. In the planning procedure, we first solve the LMSP to construct the LMS for the upcoming planning horizon. Then, to adjust to the fluctuating waiting lists, we periodically refine the low-level schedule by solving a constrained LMSP. We also develop a simulation-based evaluation procedure to evaluate the planning framework in a real-life setting and use this to investigate different planning strategies. We find that imposing flexible, dynamic and agile planning strategies improve waiting time outcomes and patient throughput. Furthermore, combining the strategies yields additive improvements.

FRKVF: High-accuracy motion interpolation for polishing operations using fourth-order Runge-Kutta and velocity flexibility planning

Traditional interpolation algorithms often fail to meet the precision requirements of ultra-precision machining when applied to super-precision polishing machines. Moreover, the processing of fused silica glass optical components is frequently threatened by mechanical impacts due to their fragility. In order to address this issue, this paper proposes a high-precision motion interpolation method based on fourth-order Runge-Kutta and velocity-flexible planning. This method is designed for open-architecture small multi-axis optical polishing machines to polish quartz glass. The algorithm initially employs composite Simpson's rule to calculate the lengths of sub-paths within the polishing trajectory. Based on these length values, flexible velocity planning is executed to ensure the smooth continuity of velocity, acceleration, and jerk during motion interpolation. This reduces the risk of mechanical impacts that could damage the components during the machining process. The introduction of the adaptive fourth-order Runge-Kutta method significantly enhances the parameter point calculation accuracy of NURBS curves. The incorporation of adaptive principles also maintains a higher processing speed, thereby greatly improving processing efficiency. This method comprehensively addresses both the precision of curve interpolation and execution efficiency. Finally, experimental validation is conducted on an open-architecture small multi-axis optical polishing machine. The proposed method based on FRKVF not only mitigates mechanical impacts resulting from discontinuous acceleration, thereby ensuring the machining quality of optical components, but also satisfies the high-precision requirements for processing fused silica optical elements.

Muddling from the middle out: Multi-scalar governance for place-based and adaptive sustainability in Texas

Given the eclectic and localized nature of environmental risks, planning for sustainability requires solutions that integrate local knowledge and systems while acknowledging the need for continuous re-evaluation. Social-ecological complexity, increasing climate volatility and uncertainty, and rapid technological innovation underscore the need for flexible and adaptive planning. Thus, rules should not be universally applied but should instead be place-based and adaptive. To demonstrate these key concepts, we present a case study of water planning in Texas, whose rapid growth and extreme weather make it a bellwether example. We review historic use and compare the 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2022 Texas State Water Plans to examine how planning outcomes evolve across time and space. Though imperfect, water planning in Texas is a concrete example of place-based and adaptive sustainability. Urban regions throughout the state exhibit a diversity of strategies that, through the repeated 5-year cycles, are ever responding to evolving trends and emerging technologies. Regional planning institutions play a crucial role, constituting an important soft infrastructure that links state capacity and processes with local agents. As opposed to “top-down” or “bottom-up”, we frame this governance as “middle-out” and discuss how such a structure might extend beyond the water sector.

Enhanced integrated energy system planning through unified model coupling multiple energy and carbon emission flows

Integrated energy system plays a crucial role in achieving low carbon emissions while supplying multiple loads. As the energy Internet continues to evolve, integrated energy system, acting as a cell-level prosumer, exhibits intricate coupling characteristics between multiple energy flows and carbon flows. This paper presents a flexible planning method based on a unified energy-carbon coupled operation model. It can realize blank-paper planning under multiple energy-carbon flow constraints, that is, jointly optimize equipment configuration and capacity size from scratch. The proposed method combines clustering algorithms and Latin hypercube sampling to generate the operational scenarios for renewable resources and energy loads, enhancing the representativeness and reliability of planning solutions. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively meet the requirements of electricity, cooling and heat loads under different seasonal scenarios. Furthermore, it elucidates the corresponding carbon emission distribution across distinct energy flows of the planned system. Compared with the conventional fixed equipment connected planning method, the more flexible blank-paper planning method can achieve annual economic cost savings of about 7.5 % and reduce annual carbon emissions by 6.7 %.