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How to calculate estimates in a new way: a method from a SPbGASU instructor on integrating the CIM into costing standards

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Alexander Skidan

At the Department of Construction Economics and Housing and Utilities, Alexander Skidan, PhD in Economics and Associate Professor of the Department, proposed a methodology for generating cost estimates based on a digital information model (DIM) as part of a grant for research by SPbGASU faculty in 2025. The study explains the rationale for digitizing estimates, the problems this solves, and who will benefit most from these solutions.

Traditional estimates rely heavily on two-dimensional drawings and manual calculations, which are a source of errors, wasted time, and controversial comments during expert assessments. The study demonstrates that with proper integration of the CIM, estimate data can be automatically extracted from the model, reducing human error and increasing process transparency. The study establishes a methodology for interaction between designers, estimators, clients, and experts in a unified digital space.

Stage

Designer / TIM specialist

Estimator

Technical customer

General contractor

Expertise

Creation of CIM and attribute filling

Generates a model, introduces attributes

Provides consultation on cost estimates

Approves requirements for the composition and quality of data

Information about the structure of the CIM

–

Extraction of the VOR

Prepares VOR data in digital form

Checks the correctness of the parameters and forms the structure of the future estimate

Controls data completeness

Receives preliminary volumes

–

Assignment of estimate standards

Provides classified model elements

Compares the elements of the CIM with the standards of the SNB

–

–

–

Cost calculation and estimate generation

Ensures the correctness of the source data, makes changes, records the GUID and parameters

Performs cost calculations and generates estimates

Controls budget indicators

Getting acquainted with the calculation

–

Preparing data for examination

Exports CIM and related data (IFC, XML)

Generates CVOR and estimates, checks for completeness (GGE XML)

Monitors compliance with requirements

Receives the final document

Checking volumes and costs by ifcGUID

Expertise and approval

–

Provides advice on expert comments

Main approver

Informed

Conducts an inspection and issues a conclusion

The study describes a set of practical rules and a matrix of responsibilities for each participant in the formation of estimate documentation: unified glossaries of terms and attributes for the model, requirements for the level of detail (LOD) for estimating purposes, data transfer regulations, and automatic estimate downloads in XML format.

Main advantages and practical benefits:

Speed: the estimate is generated in parallel with the project and can be 100 percent ready by the time the model is completed; Accuracy: multiple interpretations of names and manual data transfers are eliminated; Transparency: the expert receives calculation formulas and references to the model elements, which reduces the number of formal comments.

Who needs this right now?

For public and private customers – for more reliable budget control and transparency in the use of funds.

For contractors – to quickly respond to project changes and have an up-to-date estimate when negotiating with subcontractors.

For banks and investors – a more accurate assessment of the cost and risks of a project.

For software and standards developers, the methodology specifies technical integration points (IFC, TIMML, XML), which is important for plugins and converters.

For estimators and CIM specialists – a transition to the role of analyst and coordinator, and not just a table assembler.

The developed methodology recognizes that the transition will require effort: standardizing terminology, setting up parameter templates, training estimators to use the model, and adapting software from different manufacturers. It is useful to rely on existing regulations and orders from the Ministry of Construction/GOST standards, which already provide the regulatory framework for integrating the CIM into estimating practice.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The UN, despite all its problems, remains the most successful experience in creating international organizations – V. Putin

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Sochi, October 3 (Xinhua) — The United Nations (UN) emerged from victory in World War II and, despite its serious problems, remains the most successful example of international organization. At the same time, the UN must be brought into line with the increased role of the world's majority countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this Thursday at a plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

"The UN, of course, is a legacy of victory in World War II, the most successful experience to date in creating an international organization within which it is possible to solve pressing global problems," said Vladimir Putin.

"Yes, of course, there are many, many problems with the UN's work. But there's nothing better than the UN yet. This must also be acknowledged," he continued.

The Russian President noted that the world has become multipolar, with the weight of global majority countries increasing sharply. The UN's structure and bodies must be adapted to the needs of global majority countries, Putin believes.

"Now, the countries of the global majority naturally form a convincing majority in the UN. This means it's time to bring its structure and governing bodies into line with this fact. This, incidentally, will be much more in line with the fundamental principles of democracy," the Russian leader emphasized.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Xi Jinping and the President of Singapore exchanged congratulations on the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam exchanged congratulations on Friday on the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Noting that China and Singapore are friendly neighbors and important partners, Xi Jinping said that over the 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have adhered to the principles of mutual respect, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.

China-Singapore relations are constantly improving and developing, and cooperation in various fields is yielding rich results, he said. The two sides are also jointly advancing their modernization processes, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries, the Chinese president added.

Beijing stands ready to seize the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to further deepen political mutual trust, promote high-level cooperation, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system and the basic norms of international relations, so as to promote a comprehensive, high-quality, future-oriented partnership between China and Singapore and make greater contributions to peace and prosperity in the region and the world, Xi Jinping stressed.

In turn, T. Shanmugaratnam noted that in 2023, Singapore-China relations reached the level of a comprehensive, high-quality, future-oriented partnership, and cooperation between the two governments continued to develop, constantly integrating new elements and demonstrating forward-looking thinking.

Responding to the demands of the times, the two sides are actively expanding cooperation in new areas, and the peoples of the two countries are steadily strengthening cultural ties, the President stated. He expressed firm confidence that the two countries will continue to work closely together, taking their relations to a new level.

On the same day, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang and Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong exchanged congratulatory messages.

Li Qiang stated that China is willing to further strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Singapore, deepen high-level cooperation in various fields, and work together to safeguard the multilateral trading system, so as to contribute to the development of both countries as well as the prosperity and stability of the region.

L. Wong, in turn, noted that relations between Singapore and China have continued to deepen over the years, strengthening mutual trust. Singapore is ready to continue expanding cooperation with China in various areas and jointly uphold free trade and the multilateral trading system, he added.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The Chinese-Russian Gastronomic Festival promotes the tasting of dishes from China's Northeast region.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

HARBIN, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) — A China-Russia food festival was held Wednesday in Suifenhe, a city on the border between China and Russia and administratively subordinate to Mudanjiang City in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, with the aim of mutually enriching the cultures of the two countries.

The event took place on the first day of the eight-day holiday to celebrate National Day and the Zhongqiujie Festival. A festive atmosphere permeated the city.

"It's so lively here! The festive atmosphere is simply unforgettable," said a Russian woman named Valeria, holding her mobile phone.

Since China introduced a trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens holding regular passports on September 15, 2025, the intersections and alleys of this border town have become filled with an exotic atmosphere.

On the streets, the words "Privet" and "Nihao" intertwined. In restaurants, Russian guests sampled authentic Northeastern Chinese cuisine.

The festival also launched a culinary map of Mudanjiang, which became a practical guide to “traveling with your taste buds.”

According to a local resident named Sun, the food map is very useful, clearly marking all the dining options, from local eateries to specialty banquet halls. "It's a 'navigational map' that helps us find delicious dishes throughout the city," he added.

In addition to the food festival, Suifenhe also experiences a cross-border shopping boom during the holidays, and the city hosts literary and artistic performances, bringing a graceful “international flair” to the border town. -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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130th anniversary of Sergei Yesenin's birth

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

October 3 marks the 130th anniversary of the birth of one of the most beloved, revered, and widely read Russian poets, Sergei Yesenin.

"The last poet of the village" was born in 1895 in the village of Konstantinovo in the Ryazan province. Thanks to his upbringing in a wealthy family, the peasant's son received a good education and by the age of 15 began writing poetry regularly. After his first publication in the children's magazine "Mirok," he joined the Surikov literary and musical circle and managed to meet the leader of the Russian Symbolists, Alexander Blok, from whom he received letters of recommendation.

Having entered the literary community of Petrograd, the young Yesenin began performing together with the representative of the new peasant poets, Nikolai Klyuev, in the guise of folk storytellers, through which he gained his first popularity, including in court circles.

In 1918, he moved to Moscow and became a member of the local writers' union. There, he met Anatoly Mariengof and Vadim Shershenevich, with whom he co-authored the Imagists' "Declaration." Until the end of his life, Yesenin remained one of the leading theorists and leaders of this literary movement.

The poet's work, dedicated to the nature of his native land, love for women, and the tranquility of rural and cheerful city life, was distinguished by its vivid imagery and remains relevant today. His poems are taught in schools and set to music by renowned performers, from Alexander Vertinsky, Ivan Kozlovsky, and Muslim Magomayev to Misha Mavashi, the band Mongol Shuudan, and Bring Me the Horizon. Each of us remembers at least one line from Yesenin, which can now be seen in word clouds on screens at the State University of Management.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: October 3, 2025.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Mexico demands the release of activists detained by Israel

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday demanded the "immediate repatriation" of six Mexicans detained by Israeli authorities after intercepting a flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The president confirmed the number of detainees during her regular press conference, saying they were at the port of Ashdod.

The detained activists aboard the Sumud flotilla vessels have still not received consular assistance. According to K. Sheinbaum, Israeli authorities have stated that they "intend to place them in a temporary detention center," and the Mexican consulate is ready to "provide any support."

The Mexican president demanded that humanitarian aid reach the Palestinians and that “this aggression against Gaza be stopped.”

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promptly monitor this unfortunate event, ensuring the rights of our detained compatriots and seeking their speedy return to our country through all possible legal and diplomatic means," the ministry added.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The International Book Fair opened in the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

RIYADH, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) — The Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 opened on Thursday, bringing together more than 2,000 local and international publishers from over 25 countries, as well as a number of cultural institutions.

The fair, held under the motto "Riyadh Reads," will last 10 days. Organized by the Saudi Arabian Commission for Literature, Publishing, and Translation, it will feature over 200 cultural events, including seminars, lectures, poetry readings, and master classes featuring renowned writers and intellectuals.

According to Abdullatif Al-Wasel, head of the commission, the fair is in line with the kingdom's strategy to strengthen its cultural leadership both regionally and globally. He emphasized the importance of using culture to raise public awareness and stimulate economic growth, in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

This year, Uzbekistan is the book fair's guest of honor. It presents its literary heritage in a special pavilion featuring manuscripts and a diverse cultural program dedicated to Uzbek artists.

This year, more than 10 Chinese publishing houses are participating in the fair, organizing a special pavilion called "Reading China." It will feature over a thousand book titles and will also feature various cultural events.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Lightning: Xi Jinping and the President of Singapore exchanged congratulations on the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Xinhua | October 3, 2025

Keywords: China-Singapore

Source: Xinhua

Flash: Xi Jinping and the President of Singapore exchanged congratulations on the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Flash: Xi Jinping and the President of Singapore exchanged congratulations on the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The modern world needs agreements, not the imposition of someone else's will – Vladimir Putin

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Sochi, October 3 (Xinhua) – No one in the world is ready to play by rules set somewhere far away. Any solutions are possible only through compromise and agreement. It is in the spirit of such diplomacy that new international institutions, such as BRICS, the SCO, and a host of other international organizations, are developing. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking Thursday at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

"We need to find common ground and shared interests. No one is ready to play by rules set by one person somewhere far away," said Vladimir Putin.

"Any solutions are possible only on the basis of agreements that satisfy all interested parties, or the overwhelming majority. Otherwise, there will be no viable solution at all, only empty rhetoric and a fruitless game of ambition. Therefore, achieving results requires harmony and balance," the Russian leader noted.

According to him, it is in this spirit that new institutions are developing. These include the expanding BRICS community, organizations of the largest regions, such as the SCO, Eurasian organizations, and smaller, but no less important, regional associations.

"All these new structures are different, but they share a crucial quality: they don't operate on a hierarchical basis, subordinating themselves to a single, supreme authority. They're not against anyone, they're for themselves. I repeat: the modern world needs agreements, not the imposition of someone else's will. Hegemony, any kind of hegemony, simply can't and won't cope with the scale of the tasks," the Russian president emphasized.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Xi Jinping's global governance initiative aligns with Russia's Eurasian security vision, Putin said.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Sochi, October 3 (Xinhua) – Chinese President Xi Jinping's global governance initiative aligns with Russia's ideas on Eurasian security. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to questions from experts at the Valdai International Discussion Club.

"Some of President Xi Jinping's initiatives, on global governance, for example, are highly consistent with our ideas on Eurasian security," Putin said.

The Russian leader also assessed the consequences of introducing a visa-free regime with China.

"What will be the consequences? I think they will be extremely positive, because the foundation of interstate relations is created, first and foremost, at the human level," the Russian president said.

He said that a mirror decision on a visa-free regime for Chinese tourists will be announced in the near future. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.