This paper holistically assesses the current literature by examining how cross-vector flexibility is observed, coordinated, and verified in low-carbon energy systems based on sector coupling. To this end, the interplay between cross-vector flexibility, digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled observability, predictive control approaches, local coordination mechanisms, and flexibility markets is addressed within a common analytical framework. This review shows that cross-vector flexibility is more than an energy conversion technology problem; it is also a coordination problem. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, a systematic Scopus search and screening process yielded an analytical core of 107 studies. Within this core, only 19 studies (17.8%) progress beyond synthetic simulation: thirteen use real or case-based data, six provide co-simulation, hardware-in-the-loop or closed-loop field evidence, and none verifies delivered flexibility against a baseline. Observability is addressed as a primary concern in only seven of the 107 studies, making it the least represented layer of the coordination stack. In addition, 88 studies (82.2% of the core) represent no socio-technical conditions. The value of flexibility depends not only on the capacity to shift, store, or convert energy, but also on the ability to monitor system states, ensure coordination between different actors and energy carriers, verify the service provided, and create mechanisms by which flexibility can be procured and evaluated as a service. When these layers are considered together, the observability and validation deficiencies spread upwards throughout the coordination stack, which limits the applicability of advanced control approaches and market designs in real systems. Therefore, greater emphasis should be placed on observability infrastructures that support validation, transparent interface definitions between coordination layers, validation processes that extend beyond simulation, and assessment frameworks that explicitly consider behavioral and institutional realities. Developing these elements is critical to transforming cross-vector flexibility from a concept primarily assessed in simulation environments into a verifiable, transferable, and operationally deployable service in decarbonized multi-energy systems.
This research note examines how non-disabled frontline hotel employees perceive colleagues with disabilities through an ableism lens. Drawing on 32 semi-structured interviews with employees of a multinational hospitality company across Southern and Eastern Europe, the findings reveal two broad evaluative framings: success narratives and challenge narratives. Within each, perceptions differed in the locus of ableist evaluation, with disability becoming relevant indirectly through evaluations of work performance or work redistribution associated with disability-related arrangements, or directly as the basis for evaluating employees or their achievements. Combining these dimensions, the study develops a four-part typology comprising Normative Success, Exceptionalism, Perceived Burden and Disability Attribution. The findings show that both success and challenge narratives can encompass distinct forms of ableism, extending hospitality disability-employment research beyond broad benefits/challenges framings of disability employment. Practical implications arising from these findings are offered.
Abstract The ongoing globalization of construction project investments, commerce, migration, and digital connectivity has significantly increased intercultural interactions during all stages of international construction projects, often resulting in complex international disputes. In such contexts, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms—particularly mediation and negotiation—are increasingly favored due to their adaptability and efficiency. Effective mediation, however, necessitates an understanding of cultural psychology because mediators play a pivotal role in fostering legally sound and mutually acceptable outcomes. In multicultural settings, this process is further complicated by linguistic barriers, divergent communication styles, and deeply ingrained cultural values. This paper critically examines the theoretical nature of conflict, integrates negotiation principles, and introduces a structured procedural framework to address the unique challenges of cross-cultural mediation by suggesting a six-step process and the RESPECT framework (R = rapport, respect for the differences; E = empathy, emotional realization; S = silence, simplicity; P = patience, problem-solving; E = emotional management; C = communication; and T = tension control, tenacity, transformation) for mediators navigating cross-cultural disputes. Moreover, the RESPECT framework can be used not only by professional mediators but also by project managers and project stakeholder representatives who must address culturally influenced disagreements during the execution of international construction projects.
Donkey milk is a promising substrate for functional fermented dairy products, although its probiotic fermentation remains insufficiently characterised. This study evaluated the fermentation performance of five commercial probiotic strains in donkey milk, alone or in combination with Streptococcus thermophilus ST-BODY3 and inulin. Fermentation kinetics, organic acid production, sensory properties, and probiotic viability during 21 d of refrigerated storage were evaluated. All strains reached populations exceeding 6 log CFU mL-1. Co-culture with S. thermophilus accelerated acidification and shortened fermentation, whereas Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 showed comparatively poor performance. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei CASEI 431 remained highly viable, while Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 benefited from co-culture and inulin. Lactic acid predominated, particularly in inulin-supplemented co-cultures. Sensory evaluation revealed strain-dependent differences. The R0052 + S. thermophilus + inulin formulation achieved the highest consumer acceptance and purchase intention, supporting its potential as a novel fermented donkey milk beverage.
Time-domain simulation of power system dynamics requires solving large, sparse systems of nonlinear, stiff differential-algebraic equations. Traditional simulation tools have primarily emphasized solution accuracy; however, in the presence of digital controllers, such simulations remain computationally intensive as they must handle many discontinuities. In many practical applications, obtaining an approximate system response from the detailed model is sufficient, reducing the need for full-scale, high-fidelity simulations using small time steps. Simplified simulations provide a means to capture system dynamics quickly. However, the numerous discontinuities arising from the operation of digital controllers can become problematic for a simplified simulation, leading to significant inaccuracies and even divergence of the solver. This paper proposes a simplified simulation method suitable for power systems controlled by digital controllers, aiming to mitigate the accuracy loss of simplified simulation in the presence of multiple controllers.
