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This study explores the revolutionary potential of merging building information modeling (BIM) and ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) in prefabricated shell building design, aiming to redefine the architectural landscape.

The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of structural performance data with qualitative case studies of real-world applications. Specific methods include finite element analysis (FEA) for assessing structural integrity and interviews with industry experts to gather insights on practical implementation.

The integration of BIM and UHPC enables the design of structures that are efficient, sustainable and architecturally innovative. Key findings include improved load-bearing capacity, reduced material usage and enhanced design flexibility.

The study focuses on technical aspects, with limited exploration of economic or regulatory factors. Future research could address these areas to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

The findings offer valuable insights for architects, engineers and construction professionals, demonstrating how BIM and UHPC can enhance the efficiency, sustainability and aesthetic appeal of prefabricated shell building designs.

The adoption of BIM and UHPC in prefabricated shell building design promotes the creation of robust and eco-friendly built environments, contributing to societal well-being through enhanced sustainability and reduced carbon footprints.

This study provides a novel perspective on the synergistic use of BIM and UHPC, offering justifications through empirical data and expert testimonials that highlight the unique advantages of this integration in modern construction.

National identity has a profound impact on building a modern state, maintaining social stability and promoting economic development. Based on three waves of data collected from the World Values Survey (WVS) in Hong Kong between 2005 and 2018, this study aims to examine the changes in the national identity awareness of Hong Kongese over time.

The data used in this paper originate from the WVS. The WVS is a cross-country time-series survey that has been carried out in seven waves in 85 countries around the world, since 1981. There are three waves of data involving Hong Kong, which were obtained from the surveys in 2005, 2014 and 2018.

This study examined the changes in the national identity awareness of Hong Kongese over time and found that this has shown both continuity and rupture. Extreme groups lacking national identity have emerged and become more common over the decades and the elites’ national identity is much stronger than that of the lower and middle classes. It also shows that political trust, social capital, subjective well-being and possession of authoritarian personality have strong explanatory power for the changes in Hong Kongese national identity over time, but their explanatory strength varies across eras.

Based on three waves of surveys conducted by the WVS in Hong Kong in 2005, 2014 and 2018, respectively, this paper charts these changes over time and explores the differences in how they are influenced by political trust, social capital, subjective well-being and authoritarian personality.

The COVID-19 pandemic had amplified feelings of isolation and alienation, particularly among school-aged children. The pandemic-related social distancing policies had led to a marked decline in students’ physical and social well-being, potentially fostering a sense of apathy among them. Upon returning to the “normal” in late 2022, a Chinese martial arts Outreach Program was launched in over 50 schools in Hong Kong, involving the entire student body and teachers at each school. This paper aims to explore the potential role of sports in enhancing student well-being in post-COVID times and as a societal response to the evolving sociopolitical landscape in Hong Kong, using the program as a case study.

Using ethnographic immersion, participant observation and semi-structured interviews, the study examines how the program sought to overcome the challenges students were facing during the pandemic through Chinese martial arts instruction and the teaching of traditional Chinese values.

The findings of this study reveal that the objectives of the Chinese martial arts Outreach Program not only centered on students’ immediate personal well-being but also entailed broader goals of advancing national education. The program’s design, which integrated sports and national education, emerged as a response to the pandemic and the sociopolitical transformations in Hong Kong, particularly following the implementation of the National Security Law.

The findings will deepen the understanding of how sport has been politicized as a means to respond to the societal changes in Hong Kong, especially after the pandemic.

The current study immerses itself in the realm of diversification prospects within a select group of preeminent global stock exchanges. Specifically, the study casts its discerning gaze upon the financial hubs of the United States, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Amsterdam and India. In this expansive vista of international financial markets, the present analytical study aims to unravel the multifaceted opportunities that lie therein for astute portfolio management and strategic investment decisions.

The study encompasses daily time series data spanning from 2019 to 2022. To assess the interconnectedness among these stock indices, advanced statistical techniques, including Johansen cointegration methods and vector autoregressive (VAR) models, have been applied.

The research outcomes reveal both unidirectional and bidirectional relationships between the Indian, Hong Kong and US stock exchanges, encompassing both short-term and long-term time frames. Interestingly, the empirical findings indicate the presence of diversification opportunities between the Indian stock exchange and the stock exchanges of Germany, France and Amsterdam.

These insights hold significant value for both Indian and international investors, including foreign institutional investors (FIIs), domestic institutional investors (DIIs) and retail investors, as they can utilize this knowledge to construct more effective and diversified investment portfolios by understanding the intricate interconnections between these prominent global stock exchanges.

This research undertaking aspires to bring coherence to a landscape rife with divergent interpretations and methodological divergences. We are poised to offer a comprehensive analysis, a beacon of clarity amidst the murkiness, to shed light on the intricate web of interconnections that underpin the world's stock exchanges. In so doing, we seek to contribute a seminal piece of scholarship that transcends the existing ambiguities and thus empowers the field with a deeper understanding of the multifaceted dynamics governing international stock markets.

Based on the density dependence theory, this paper attempts to explore how two types of interdependence among firms located in the same national high-tech zones (NHTZs) – mutualism and competition – affect entrepreneurship in the NHTZs. The authors suggest that increasing firm density can help enhance legitimacy and form mutual networks. However, as the competition becomes fierce, the above positive relationship will weaken when the firm density exceeds a certain level. In addition, the authors are interested in whether the age of NHTZs would affect their sensitivity to legitimacy and competition and whether firm density affects entrepreneurship.

This article formulates two hypotheses from the theoretical deduction. The hypotheses are examined using the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with a unique, unbalanced panel dataset of Chinese NHTZs spanning from 2014 to 2021. Considering potential endogeneity risk among the variables, the authors attempt to lag variables and ultimately find the results are still robust.

Drawing upon the density dependence theory, the empirical results show firm density is conducive to promoting entrepreneurship, while the positive relationship between community density and NHTZs' entrepreneurship gradually weakens as the firm density surpasses a certain level. The dynamics between mutualism and competition have different impacts on NHTZs' entrepreneurship. In addition, the results demonstrate that the linkage between firm interdependence and entrepreneurship is stronger for younger NHTZs. Firm density has an impact on entrepreneurship through legitimacy and excessive competition effects.

On the one hand, the research period of this paper is 2014–2021, as the China Torch Statistical Yearbook only started to publish operating revenues in 2014, so the data period of this paper is relatively short. More research can be done in the future when more data is disclosed. On the other hand, the qualitative analysis cannot be conducted because of the limited data and materials. In future research, the qualitative analysis of entrepreneurial activities in NHTZs, such as questionnaires or case studies, needs to be supplemented, which will be an interesting direction.

Most existing research has not distinguished the differences between NHTZs (Wang et al., 2019), especially the differences in legitimacy and access to resources caused by the age of NHTZs. This article considers the heterogeneity between NHTZs, which helps to provide theoretical and practical evidence for a transition economy like China to make trade-off decisions on balancing absorbing new entrants with promoting the efficient allocation of resources based on the density and age of NHTZs.

Drawing upon density dependency theory, this paper enriches the literature on agglomeration and entrepreneurship with a new perspective and extends the study to NHTZs.

First, this paper provides new evidence on how agglomeration affects entrepreneurship from an ecological perspective with the help of mutualism and competition interdependence. Most studies have explored the role of agglomeration in entrepreneurship, focussing on social networks, knowledge spillovers or resource endowments (Acs et al., 2013; Capozza et al., 2018; Yu, 2020). Drawing upon density dependency theory, this paper enriches the literature on agglomeration and entrepreneurship with a new perspective and extends the study to NHTZs. Second, the emphasis of science parks has been primarily on qualitative or case studies (Salvador et al., 2013; Guo and Verdini, 2015; Xie et al., 2018). We have diversified the quantitative research between agglomeration and entrepreneurship by using panel data from Chinese NHTZs from 2014 to 2021. Third, most existing research has not distinguished the differences between NHTZs (Wang et al., 2019), especially the differences in legitimacy and access to resources caused by the age of NHTZs. This article considers the heterogeneity between NHTZs, which helps to provide theoretical and practical evidence for a transition economy like China to make trade-off decisions on balancing absorbing new entrants with promoting the efficient allocation of resources based on the density and age of NHTZs. Finally, this paper meticulously investigates the profound influence and underlying mechanisms of firm density within NHTZs on entrepreneurship. It discerns two distinct mechanisms at play: the legitimacy effect and the impact of excessive competition resulting from firm density. This comprehensive analysis significantly contributes to our comprehension of the intricate interplay between firm density and entrepreneurship, shedding light on the dynamics of competition and mutual benefits.

As the complex influencing factors for financing decisions and limited information at the early project stage often render inappropriate financing mode and scheme (FMS) selection in the large-scale urban rail transit (URT) field, this study aims to identify the multiple influencing factors and establish a revised case-based reasoning (CBR) model by drawing on experience in historical URT projects to provide support for effective FMS decisions.

Our research proposes a two-phase, five-step CBR model for FMS decisions. We first establish a case database containing 116 large-scale URT projects and a multi-attribute FMS indicator system. Meanwhile, grey relational analysis (GRA), the entropy-revised G1 method and the time decay function have been employed to precisely revise the simple CBR model for selecting high-similarity cases. Then, the revised CBR model is verified by nine large-scale URT projects and a demonstration project to prove its decision accuracy and effectiveness.

We construct a similarity case indicator system of large-scale URT projects with 11 indicators across three attributes, in which local government fiscal pressure is considered the most influential indicator for FMS decision-making. Through the verification with typical URT projects, the accuracy of our revised CBR model can reach 89%. The identified high-similarity cases have been confirmed to be effective for recommending appropriate financing schemes matched with a specific financing mode.

This is the first study employing the CBR model, an artificial intelligence approach that simulates human cognition by learning from similar past experiences and cases to enhance the accuracy and reliability of FMS decisions. Based on the characteristics of the URT projects, we revise the CBR model in the case retrieval process to achieve a higher accuracy. The revised CBR model utilizes expert experience and historical information to provide a valuable auxiliary tool for guiding the relevant government departments in making systematic decisions at the early project stage with limited and ambiguous project information.

The United Kingdom (UK) construction sector is transforming with increasing confidence in offsite construction (OSC) solutions following its accrued benefits. To sustain this momentum, exploring viable strategies to promote successful OSC implementation is a top priority. This paper aims to identify and establish interrelationships and logical dependencies of critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing OSC on building projects in the UK.

This study utilised a qualitative research approach. Following a critical review of extant literature, brainstorming and focus group sessions were carried out with OSC experts in the UK construction industry to identify and contextualise CSFs for OSC implementation. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and matrix impact cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) were used to analyse and model the interrelationships between the contextualised CSFs.

The study identified eighteen CSFs for implementing OSC on projects in the UK positioned on seven hierarchical levels and clustered into dependent, linkage and independent factors. The top five CSFs established were client commitment, top management support, adequate OSC knowledge and experience, flexible leadership and flexible business models. These were located at the base of the ISM model, possessing the highest driving powers in facilitating the successful implementation of OSC on projects.

This study established a hierarchical interrelationship and the importance of the CSFs influencing the successful implementation of OSC. This would assist OSC clients and project teams in identifying and prioritising particular areas for strategic actions, which offer advantages in pursuing successful OSC project outcomes in the UK. Previous research on OSC implementation in the UK had not examined CSFs' interrelationships.

By exploring the impact of digital knowledge resources (DKR) on the carbon emission intensity of the pig industry (PCEI), this study aims to reveal the role of DKR in reducing PCEI.

Based on provincial panel data in China from 2011 to 2021, this study uses the entropy and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change coefficient methods to calculate the evaluation index system of DKR and PCEI, respectively. Empirical analysis using a panel fixed-effects model examines the influence of DKR on PCEI and its underlying mechanisms.

DKR can significantly reduce PCEI. This conclusion still holds even after undergoing endogeneity treatment and a series of robustness tests. Mechanism test results indicate that DKR can operate indirectly through the mediation mechanism of rural human capital (RHC) and pig breeding technology innovation (PTI), while environmental regulation intensity (ERI) plays a positive moderating role in the relationship between DKR and PCEI. The magnitude of the impact of DKR on PCEI depends on ERI. Further studies found that the impact of DKR on PCEI has obvious heterogeneity characteristics, and the promotion effect is more obvious in regions with good integration degrees and high development potential.

This paper divides DKR into three dimensions: digital technology knowledge (DTK), digital management knowledge (DMK) and digital application knowledge (DAK), providing a new framework for research and enriching the understanding of the relationship between DKR and PCEI. Furthermore, the research results reveal the application potential of DKR in the pig industry, particularly in terms of resource allocation efficiency. This is of great significance for promoting low-carbon development in the pig industry and provides insights for the low-carbon transformation of other industries. In addition, the study emphasizes the moderating effect of ERI on the mechanism of carbon reduction in the pig industry through DKR. This offers a new perspective for understanding the relationship between knowledge management and environmental governance, providing a reference basis for policy formulation in related fields.

This paper further enriches the role of DKR in the livestock industry. Integrating DKR with traditional industries promotes knowledge innovation, information distribution and utilization and scientific decision-making. This has significant value in promoting the development and application of carbon reduction technologies, enhancing industrial competitive advantages, and other aspects.

Polycentricity has become a crucial spatial development strategy. This paper aims to clarify the impact and mechanism of polycentric spatial structure on the urban–rural income gap, provide better countermeasures to narrow it and make development suggestions for cities of different scales.

Based on the panel data of Chinese cities from 2010 to 2019, this paper empirically examines the specific impact of polycentric spatial structure on the urban–rural income gap by utilizing a two-way fixed effects model.

The results show that the polycentric spatial structure is favorable for reducing the urban–rural income gap, and upgrading the industrial structure and improving transportation infrastructure are important mechanisms. Moreover, the role of polycentric spatial structure is more significant in large cities. However, in small and medium-sized cities, the role of polycentric spatial structure is not significant.

The limitations of this study include two main aspects. One is that this paper only analyzes the mediating effect of industrial structure and transport infrastructure, and we do not examine other mechanisms. The second is that due to data availability, this paper uses data from 2010 to 2019, and the research period can be further extended in future studies.

This study has policy implications for building a polycentric city network and also provides insights into the planning of cities of different scales.

The polycentric spatial structure is important for narrowing the urban–rural income gap, especially in large cities. Improvement of transportation infrastructure and upgrading of industrial structure are important mechanisms. However, the polycentric spatial structure does not play a significant role in small and medium-sized cities. Thus, the polycentric spatial structure is not suitable for every kind of city. Relevant departments should carry out urban planning according to local conditions.

As a critical concern of urban planning, polycentricity significantly affects the urban–rural income gap. Relevant studies have analyzed the impact of polycentric spatial structure on regional income disparity, and few studies have focused on the relationship between polycentric spatial structure and the urban–rural income gap. Using city panel data in China, this paper explores the impact of polycentric spatial structure on the urban-rural income gap. Meanwhile, we test the mediating role of transportation infrastructure improvement and industrial structure upgrading. This study broadens the analysis of the urban–rural income gap’s influencing factors and provides a path reference for narrowing the urban–rural income gap.

The purpose of the this study is to discover the impact of practices of knowledge management, intellectual property protection and management innovation on entrepreneurial leadership, which in turn leads to sustainable growth in small and medium-sized enterprises.

The data was collected from 292 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the USA using a cross-sectional survey. To evaluate the study hypotheses and analyse the data, structural equation modelling was used. SMART-PLS software was used for both confirmatory factor analysis and structural analysis.

The work has significantly contributed in revealing that knowledge management practices, management innovation and intellectual property protection have a substantial and constructive impact on entrepreneurial leadership, which in turn leads to sustainable growth in SMEs.

The study findings recommend that SMEs must focus on knowledge management practices, intellectual property protection and management innovation to nurture entrepreneurial leadership, which can lead to sustainable growth. SMEs can benefit from investing in knowledge management practices, protecting their intellectual property and innovating their management practices to achieve sustainable growth. Also, the absorptive capacity of an SME can help it to aggravate the impact of the above factors and lead them to sustainable growth faster.

The current work studies the association between knowledge management practices, intellectual property protection, management innovation, entrepreneurial leadership and sustainable growth in SMEs, thus contributing to the literature. The study provides insights into the factors that can nurture entrepreneurial leadership and contribute to sustainable growth in SMEs, which can inform policy and practice in the field of entrepreneurship.