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Event-based models focus on modelling of peak runoff from rainfall data. Conceptual models indicate simplified models that provide reasonably accurate answers despite their crude nature. Rainfall-runoff models are used to transform a rainfall event into a runoff event. This paper focuses on reviewing computational simulation of rainfall-runoff processes over a catchment. Lumped conceptual, event-based rainfall-runoff models have remained the dominant practice for design flood estimation in Australia for many years due to their simplicity, flexibility, and accuracy under certain conditions. Attempts to establish regionalization methods for prediction of design flood hydrographs in ungauged catchments have seen little success. Therefore, as well as reviewing key rainfall-runoff model components for design flood estimation with a special focus on event-based conceptual models, this paper covers the aspects of regionalization to promote their applications to ungauged catchments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software products to support project management are very complex and expensive and for that reason small and medium enterprises (SME) lack the possibilities to use them. The paper presents our study on the project management information system (PMIS) that is appropriate for SME through aspects of architecture, functional model and conceptual model. PMIS architecture presents applications and integrations between them. A functional model presents phases and modules, separately for the project portfolio management and project management. A conceptual model in presented through sub-models for the project portfolio management, project management and reporting. The paper represents the first stage of our research on PMIS for SME where the goal is to evaluate the option for the development of PMIS that is suitable for SME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims A discussion of partnership in the context of family-centred care in the acute paediatric setting, through a critical analysis of partnership models. Background Paediatric healthcare practitioners understand the importance of family-centred care, but struggle with how to translate the core tenets into action and are confused by several rival terms. Partnering relationships are included in definitions of family-centred care, yet less is known about strategies to fully engage or support parents in these partnerships. A rigorous examination of concepts embedded in family-centred care such as partnership may provide a better understanding of how to implement the broader concept and support exemplary care in today's clinical practice environment. Design Discussion paper. Data sources Electronic search (January 2000 - December 2014) performed on CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE, Sociological Abstracts and Psych INFO using keywords partnership, family-centred care and conceptual framework. Eligible references were drawn from the databases, reference lists and expert sources. Eight models met inclusion criteria and had currency and relevance to the acute paediatric setting. Implications for nursing Nurses should continue exploring partnership in various paediatric contexts given the wide-ranging definitions, lack of operational indicators and need for stronger relational statements in current models. An examination of key strategies, barriers and facilitators of partnership is recommended. Conclusion One partnership model had both high overall maturity and best fit with family-centred care principles. All models originate from Western and developed countries, indicating that future partnership models should be more geographically, culturally and economically diverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decision models are increasingly used to inform policy-making processes, and there is a need to improve their credibility. The estimation of health and economic outcomes generated from decision models is influenced by the development process itself. This paper aims to present the conceptual model development process of cardiometabolic disease (CMD) policy models in the UK setting. Methods: This conceptual model followed the International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research-Society of Medical Decision Making (ISPOR-SMDM) Modelling Good Research Practices Task Force-2. Results: First, for the conceptualisation of the problem, the CMD disease staging, progression and current clinical guidelines were summarised, followed by a systematic review of published policy models. We critically appraised policy models such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Key messages from the review emphasised the importance of understanding various determinants influencing model development, including risk factors, model structure, models' parameters, data utilisation, economic perspective, equality/equity consideration, transparency and validation process. Second, as a sequential process, is model conceptualisation, to determine which modelling types and their attributes best represent the defined problem. Expert opinions, including a clinician and experienced modellers, provided input on the state transition model to ensure the structure is clinically relevant. From this stage, the consideration and agreement to establish a disease state in a state transition model was discussed. Conclusion: This conceptual model serves as a basis for representing the systematic process for structuring a CMD policy model to enhance its transparency and credibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for osteoarthritis is one of several treatment options with benefits and harms that patients value differently. However, the process for determining TJA appropriateness does not sufficiently acknowledge patient perspectives. The aim of this paper is to propose an evidence‐informed patient‐centred conceptual model for elective TJA appropriateness for hip and knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Our interprofessional team developed a conceptual model for determining the appropriateness of adults considering elective TJA. The model was informed by a review of the evidence, a qualitative study we conducted with adults who underwent TJA for osteoarthritis to determine barriers and facilitators to the use of appropriateness criteria, and the research and clinical experience of team members. Results: Appropriateness is providing health services (e.g., TJA) with net benefits to the right patient at the right time. The proposed Patient‐centred Elective TJA Appropriateness Conceptual Model involves three key steps. First, assess adults with osteoarthritis to determine eligibility for TJA. Second, acknowledge the patient's informed preferences including their expectations and goals. Third, explore and support their mental and physical readiness for TJA. Given that osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, these steps can be revisited over time with patients. Discussion and Conclusion: Our proposed conceptual model reconceptualises the appropriateness of TJA to be more patient‐centred. Hence, this approach has the potential to be a more inclusive approach and ensure patients undergoing TJA are eligible, ready to proceed, and achieve what matters most to them. Future research is needed to test and validate the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Youth violence, victimization, and bullying are pervasive in schools across the United States and are detrimental for learning and healthy development. K‐12 school safety is an increasingly urgent issue to research and understand from multiple perspectives. Physical and psychological safety in school is linked to better student and school outcomes and is fundamental to fostering well‐being and prosocial behavior. METHODS: Despite research demonstrating positive outcomes associated with school safety, there is no comprehensive conceptual model in the literature that considers precursors, strategies, mechanisms, and outcomes of school safety together. The current paper presents an equity‐centered comprehensive model of school safety, which is intended as a holistic representation of the multiple factors and pathways that contribute to school safety and positive youth development. RESULTS: This model can guide research and practice through an equity‐centered and comprehensive approach. This model can enable practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to make informed decisions and reach consensus regarding planning and decisions related to reducing violence and establishing supportive school environments. CONCLUSION: Our model suggests that a comprehensive approach can ensure the safety and well‐being of students and staff. By thinking ecologically, schools, communities, and stakeholders can ensure that all aspects of the school context are included in school safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient use of energy and other resources, as the basic postulates of the circular economy, is a prerequisite for the green transition to more sustainable cities in the future. The main scientific goal of the paper is the development of a new approach to city governance when it comes to the inefficient use of energy, predominantly fossil fuels, mainly in developing and poor countries. Energy efficiency problems faced by these countries require the introduction of urgent, applicable, and realistically achievable solutions. A prerequisite for adequate analysis and modeling of energy efficiency performance, measures, policies, outcomes, and impacts is the introduction and functioning of the big data management system, which should begin with data mining. On the other hand, adequate data collection has been neglected in many of these countries. The study shows a way to reduce this gap, but in accordance with realistic and limited possibilities for countries with less favorable conditions. In that respect, a conceptual model for the Analytical Service for facilitating energy efficiency in city governance was developed and presented as a driver that can enable cities to manage energy more efficiently. The model is based on an interdisciplinary approach and on the needs of cities in the Republic of Serbia. However, it is designed to allow upgrading in accordance with the capabilities and resources of cities, primarily applicable in developing and poor countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing focus on developing person-adaptive strategies to support sustained exercise behaviour, necessitating conceptual models to guide future research and applications. This paper introduces Flexible nonlinear periodisation (FNLP) – a proposed, but underdeveloped person-adaptive model originating in sport-specific conditioning – that, pending empirical refinement and evaluation, may be applied in health promotion and disease prevention settings. To initiate such efforts, the procedures of FNLP (i.e., acutely and dynamically matching exercise demand to individual assessments of mental and physical readiness) are integrated with contemporary health behaviour evidence and theory to propose a modified FNLP model and to show hypothesised pathways by which FNLP may support exercise adherence (e.g., flexible goal setting, management of affective responses, and provision of autonomy/variety-support). Considerations for future research are also provided to guide iterative, evidence-based efforts for further development, acceptability, implementation, and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thematic analysis is a highly popular technique among qualitative researchers for analyzing qualitative data, which usually comprises thick descriptive data. However, the application and use of thematic analysis has also involved complications due to confusion regarding the final outcome's presentation as a conceptual model. This paper develops a systematic thematic analysis process for creating a conceptual model from qualitative research findings. It explores the adaptability of the proposed process across various research methodologies, including constructivist methodologies, positivist methodologies, grounded theory, and interpretive phenomenology, and justifies their application. The paper distinguishes between inductive and deductive coding approaches and emphasizes the merits of each. It suggests that the derived systematic thematic analysis model is valuable across multiple disciplines, particularly in grounded theory, ethnographic approaches, and narrative approaches, while also being adaptable to more descriptive, positivist-based methodologies. By providing a methodological roadmap, this study enhances the rigor and replicability of thematic analysis and offers a comprehensive strategy for theoretical conceptualization in qualitative research. The contribution of this paper is a systematic six-step thematic analysis process that leads to the development of a conceptual model; each step is described in detail and examples are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyberspace map, as one of the important tools for describing cyberspace, provides a visual representation of the dynamic and elusive nature of cyberspace. It has become a research hotspot in multiple disciplinary fields. Compared with traditional maps, cyberspace maps lack the guidance of cartography theory and have not yet formed a unified understanding. Clarifying the concept of the cyberspace map and developing a conceptual model of it could enhance people's unified understanding of cyberspace. Drawing from the perspective of cartography, this paper analyzes the current situation of cyberspace map research, first discussing the characteristics and definition of the cyberspace map and then proposing the conceptual model of a cyberspace map. This model elaborates on the types of map elements and their specific composition, the strength of their element–space association, the mapping of relationships between elements, element symbolization, and map expression. Then, based on the model proposed in this paper, typical maps are compared and analyzed, and design suggestions are provided. Finally, the entire article is summarized. This paper aims to adapt the development trend of cartography to the ternary space, clarify the basic concept of the cyberspace map, promote the development of cyberspace mapping theory, and lay the foundation for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The term "Brazilian popular music" refers to a varied repertoire of musical styles with a strong connection to local culture. The initiatives of representation of this domain of interest occur through adaptations of generic models and strategies coming from contexts and musical styles that differ from the essential characteristics of the national music. The purpose of this paper is to present a characterization of Brazilian popular music as a conceptual model which supports the communication and analysis of this domain and serves as a reference ontology for various applications in the field of Information Science and others. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the purpose, a mapping about Brazilian popular music was done from a literature review and a data collection with expert users, based on domain analysis theory. From this characterization, the conceptual model was built using an Ontology Engineering approach. To facilitate understanding, the results were described using a more user-friendly notation. Findings: The paper presents a conceptual model as a first semantic reference on Brazilian popular music that serves (1) to better understand, communicate and analyze the domain of Brazilian popular music and, (2) to supply some semantic aspects not covered by the adaptations that have been proposed on the literature for musical representation. Originality/value: The paper adds a new perspective to the understanding of Brazilian popular music and open opportunity to explore other repertoires about popular music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we use data from 44 Danish families to develop a new conceptual framework for analysing family learning environments and how they shape children's opportunities in the Scandinavian context. We use data from qualitative interviews and a new smartphone app to outline six key dimensions of family learning environments that intersect in four types, which we label Expansive curators, Recreational home dwellers, Casual pragmatists and Disempowered strugglers. The dimensions and types of family learning environments provide a conceptual framework for (1) identifying a set of mechanisms that might explain intergenerational associations in socioeconomic outcomes; (2) linking dimensions of family learning environments often studied in isolation (e.g. family activities and networks); (3) incorporating dimensions of learning environments rarely considered (e.g. day care and children's use of digital devices); and (4) distinguishing socioeconomic gradients in family learning environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weight stigma is salient across the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum (PPP) periods because of prevailing prescriptive norms and expectations about weight and weight gain during the reproductive period. Weight stigma is associated with negative physical and psychological health outcomes for mother and child. A clearly defined, multi-level conceptual model for interventions, research, and policy is critical to mitigating the adverse effects of weight stigma in PPP populations. Conceptual models of weight stigma towards PPP women have advanced our understanding of this issue and guided evidence accumulation but there remains a gap in informing the translation of evidence into action. Guided by evidence-based paradigms for conceptual model development, this paper has two primary objectives. First, we review and summarise theories, frameworks, and models from the PPP population and general literature to inform our understanding of the development and perpetuation of weight stigma for PPP women. Second, we propose a novel comprehensive intervention-guiding conceptual model that draws from and synthesises across multiple disciplines – the SWIPE (Stigma of Weight In the PPP Experience) model. This conceptual model will help to plan coordinated, multi-layered, and effective strategies to reduce and ultimately eliminate weight stigma for PPP women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to explore the need to adapt enterprises risk management (ERM) to crisis environment, i.e., to the situation of martial law in Ukraine. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no ERM framework accounts for business operations in the situation of martial law (i.e. war environment). Organisational activities in hazardous, dynamic, and safety-oriented circumstances are researched in the area of high reliability theory. The paper presents the results of a preliminary literature review in these fields. As a result, the conceptual model "Enterprise Risk Management / High Reliability Theory" ("ERM/HRT") – which formulates the direction of the future research – was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Journalistic work has become increasingly precarious. Labor conditions in the profession meet several criteria of precarity, as established in the sociology of work. Journalists, especially freelancers, often have low and unstable incomes and only limited access to social insurance. Thus far, precarity research in journalism has primarily focused on empirical investigations of precarious employment rather than on theorizing how journalists actually perceive these working conditions. This paper proposes a theoretical model that determines the factors of security and insecurity that can lead to a stronger or weaker perception of precarity. Drawing on a review of the precarity literature, the model allows for subjectivity within the precarious experience of journalists. It shows that family responsibilities and personality traits belong to the subjective factors influencing journalists' perceptions of precarity. In addition, perceptions of insecure employment conditions depend on the life stage of the worker. We strongly recommend a multidimensional approach that captures not only the objective conditions of work but also journalists' subjective sense of precarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customer engagement (CE) is an emerging perspective that provides a holistic view of the ways in which customers' interactive experiences with organizations create value for both the parties. Central to this, is the need to develop an understanding of why a customer would choose to invest their resources (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral) with an organization, to be able to better facilitate this engagement and properly value the outcomes from it. Sport, with its inherently strong interactions for both participants and fans, would seem an ideal setting to study CE. To date, however, the CE work in sport domains has largely followed established paths. Given CE's potential to unify many disparate areas of sport research, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the CE work to date and highlights several ways sport can leverage and advance this work through both academic research and management practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: One of the most critical changes to academic library services in the last decade has been the development and implementation of research data services (RDS). This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of conceptual models for the RDS space. Design/methodology/approach: An extensive and comprehensive review of the literature on conceptual models for RDS is performed. Findings: Various conceptual models for RDS provide a compelling tool for guiding and evaluating RDS development and implementation within academic libraries. Originality/value: An insightful review and synthesis of context and issues in RDS models will help academic libraries to plan, develop and advance their RDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thematic analysis is a highly popular technique among qualitative researchers for analyzing qualitative data, which usually comprises thick descriptive data. However, the application and use of thematic analysis has also involved complications due to confusion regarding the final outcome's presentation as a conceptual model. This paper develops a systematic thematic analysis process for creating a conceptual model from qualitative research findings. It explores the adaptability of the proposed process across various research methodologies, including constructivist methodologies, positivist methodologies, grounded theory, and interpretive phenomenology, and justifies their application. The paper distinguishes between inductive and deductive coding approaches and emphasizes the merits of each. It suggests that the derived systematic thematic analysis model is valuable across multiple disciplines, particularly in grounded theory, ethnographic approaches, and narrative approaches, while also being adaptable to more descriptive, positivist-based methodologies. By providing a methodological roadmap, this study enhances the rigor and replicability of thematic analysis and offers a comprehensive strategy for theoretical conceptualization in qualitative research. The contribution of this paper is a systematic six-step thematic analysis process that leads to the development of a conceptual model; each step is described in detail and examples are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Methodology: Findings and Discussion: Conclusions: Determining intervention fidelity measures is a crucial methodologic requirement of any sound intervention; however, fidelity must be implemented within the intervention’s conceptual and operation models. The objectives of this manuscript were two-fold: (1) to provide an overview of the conceptual and operational model adopted to systematically design interventions and assess fidelity over the past 20 years and (2) to report the fidelity data of these motor skills interventions implemented by PE teachers enrolled in master and doctoral studies.The first phase of the study included a 20-hour seminar with the research team to establish the intervention’s theoretical foundation and the expected outcomes. In the second phase, we implemented the model’s operational specification regarding the experimental conditions, teachers’ training, ecological validity, and determination of the reliability indexes. In the third phase, we identified the fidelity measures, including the program’s specificity, quality of delivery, adherence, exposure, and engagement across several phases to enhance fidelity. The results of the fidelity measures are described using information from 21 previous intervention studies that adopted the Mastery Motivational Climate conceptual model and the TARGET framework.The climate specificity was achieved after 60 h of training that included lessons on the theoretical features of the intervention. This training enhanced the quality of self-reports (91%–93%) and external reports (88%–100%) in terms of adherence to the TARGET structures. This training also supported the teacher’s ability to follow the lesson plan 91% of the time. For ratters’ training, optimum intra- and inter-ratters’ reliability indexes were achieved after 30 h of training (80%–100% agreement). Across interventions, attendance was satisfactory (70%–90%), and dropout was low (15%). The teaching experience was related to the children’s attendance in the program (85%–96%). The field log showed that teachers were thoughtful about children’s attendance, engagement, and behaviors. Regarding children’s exposure, improvements in motor and psychosocial parameters were observed across interventions regardless of the length; more robust improvements were observed in the interventions that lasted 12 weeks or more. Concerning dose–response, the time the children had to practice and improve motor skills ranged from 30 min to 300 min, depending on the skill; children's success within the tasks increased over the intervention period (from 20% to 80%). The parents’ surveys revealed that children’s engagement in active playing at home increased and screen time decreased.The conceptual and operational models were essential to identify the core components of the intervention. Systematic teacher training was essential for the fidelity of the mastery climates interventions. Several fidelity measures (program specificity, quality of the delivery, adherence, exposure, and participant engagement) were critical to the implementation and success of the motor skill interventions. High reliability and fidelity scores were achieved and were highly correlated to the outcomes across interventions. The framework and model presented in this paper will allow for future replication studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify the core components of acute pain management in children, re‐conceptualise the process and update the existing model to inform nursing research and clinical practice. Background: Acute pain in hospitalised children remains suboptimal, despite extensive nursing research and education. Improvements require a patient‐centred approach and a conceptual model which includes the role of parents and partnership. Design: Using Rodgers' Evolutionary method, a concept analysis was conducted to define the core components for effective acute pain management in children. Methods: A scoping review of peer‐reviewed literature from 1990 through 2020 was conducted using the terms "pain management," "pain control," "pain treatment," "multi modal," and "concept*". Abstracts from 85 articles were initially reviewed with 30 articles retained for analysis. Core concepts were identified, defined and synthesised. The PRISMA 2020 checklist was used. Results: A new model was developed from a synthesis of past work which incorporates the role of parents, the complexity of the process and definitions for shared decision‐making. Trust, safety, collaborative communication and genuine partnership were identified as the core components for effective pain management in children, with the triadic relationship of nurses, patients and parents in genuine partnership foundational to the nursing process. Conclusion: The new model for acute pain management in children transforms the nurse's role from gatekeeper to facilitator, shifting the process from nurse driven to patient‐centred. The new collaborative model will promote shared decision‐making for individualised pain assessments, interventions and evaluations. Relevance to clinical practice: Establishing the nurse, child, parent partnership as an essential foundation to pain management has the potential to expand pain assessments, optimise treatment selections, advancing clinical practice, patient outcomes and nursing science. No Patient or Public Contributions were included in this paper as this was a concept analysis pulling from past works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Video games have become a ubiquitous form of entertainment and have been enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. The gaming industry has evolved rapidly, with new games being released every year that push the boundaries of technology and creativity. To ensure that video games are not just technically advanced, but also enjoyable and engaging, measuring the gaming experience is essential because it helps game designers understand how players interact with the game and identify areas for its improvement. The objective of this paper is to examine an interplay of gaming experience dimensions in the context of platform video games and to determine the extent to which they contribute to players' behavioral intentions. To fulfil this objective, an empirical study was undertaken, involving participants with diverse gaming backgrounds. They were requested to engage in the gameplay of the Stranded Away platformer game and subsequently respond to a post-use questionnaire. The psychometric features of the introduced conceptual model were evaluated with the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method. The reported findings demonstrate the importance of evaluating different facets of the gaming experience in video games and showcase the potential of the proposed model and measuring instrument as tools for game designers to enhance the overall quality of their products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the acceleration of Internet informatization and the vigorous development of social media, tourists are inclined to share their travel feelings online. This paper proposes a new framework for exploring the image of destinations from the perspective of tourists based on the online reviews of scenic spots. This study divides the image of destinations into three dimensions, mining the information of online reviews through statistical analysis and text matching, and analyzing the LDA topic model and emotional tendency. Combining the theory and method of probabilistic linguistic term set to obtain the element endowment information of scenic spots and form the destination image. Finally, the proposed method is successfully applied to the image perception of 10 5A scenic spots, and relevant policy suggestions are provided for managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of Internet of Things (IoT) as a new source of "big" data and value creation, businesses encounter novel opportunities as well as challenges in IoT design. Although recent research argues that digital technology can enable new kinds of development processes that are distinctive from their counterparts in the 20th century, minimal attention has been focused on the IoT design process. In order to contextualize New Product Development (NPD) processes for IoT, this paper comprehensively interrogates existing, and emerging development approaches for products, services, software, and integrated products, and several factors that affect designing IoT. This discussion includes the generic development process, the commonalities and differences of different development approaches, and processes. The paper demonstrates that only a few existing approaches reflect vital characteristics of networked artifacts or the integration of data science within the development model, which is one of the key attributes of IoT design. From these investigations, we propose " The Mobius Strip Model of IoT Development ProcessI ," a conceptual process for IoT design, which is distinctive to others. The continuous loops of the IoT design integrate the attributes and phases of different processes and consist of two different development approaches and strategies. Understanding the particular attributes of the IoT NPD process can help novice and experienced researchers in both feeding and drawing insight from the broader design discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present a prototype cataloging interface, which provides easier data entry, follows the cataloger's thought process and is based on the advantages of the IFLA LRM model. The paper summarizes all stages of the conceptual design and shows how the LRM was implemented. The main purpose of the cataloging interface design is to show how a LRM-based cataloging module might look like and how it could improve the existing cataloging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is an essential water resource for domestic use, agriculture and other socioeconomic activities, as well as ecological services around the world. Participative approach to water resources management is essential, and requires all stakeholders to have sufficient knowledge and understanding of processes taking place, from rainfall to recharge, drainage and discharge [De Marsily and Besbes, 2017]. Understanding unseen processes require abstraction and imagination. In many cases, detailed 3D conceptual models may help non-specialists to understand underground environments and thereby address questions related to the management of groundwater resources [Jeannin et al., 2013, Malard, 2018]. In order to increase the understanding of dynamic hydrogeological processes, a flow animation module (FAM) has been developed within Visual KARSYS (https://www.visualkarsys.com/); a web tool dedicated to 3D conceptual modelling of complex aquifers. Concepts and principles of 3D conceptual models and of the new FAM are presented and discussed in this paper with an application to a volcanic aquifer in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The public distribution system (PDS) of a country plays a vital role in eradicating hunger and ensuring food security. However, operational inefficiencies like poor beneficiary identification, non-uniform transaction records, and lack of integration among stakeholders hinder the success of such a system. This paper proposes a conceptual model to explore the possibility of using blockchain to eliminate such inefficiencies and ensure trust in the system. It first studies the existing operations of Indian PDS and identifies the transactions requiring information exchanges, storage, and verifications. Then, it proposes a blockchain based solution that leverage smart contracts and consortium-based ecosystem that can bring efficiencies in the PDS system. This paper also proposes a conceptual model for off-chain big data and enlists the possible analytics to support the decision-making of various stakeholders. Finally, it explores the suitability of implementing the proposed model as a consortium blockchain using Hyperledger Fabric and big data analytics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital platform ecosystem governance refers to a platform owner's decisions and mechanisms that seek to influence complementors and users to build and sustain an ecosystem. The relevance of digital platform ecosystem governance is broadly acknowledged by researchers. However, the extant body of research is fragmented, and varied terminologies are employed, leading to challenges in identifying and recognizing results across different fields. This article provides a multidisciplinary and systematic literature review with the aim of consolidating knowledge on this important topic. Based on an analysis of 103 journal articles and conference papers, this review synthesizes the literature into a conceptual model with five building blocks of platform ecosystem governance. The model aims to create a robust foundation for researchers approaching the topic for the first time and conducting subsequent research. The conceptual model also offers practical guidance for governing ecosystems in a structured manner. Finally, this article provides a research agenda with five areas for future investigation. • Multidisciplinary, systematic literature review on platform ecosystem governance. • Synthesis of the literature into a conceptual model with five building blocks. • Robust foundation for understanding the topic and for future research. • Research agenda with five areas and questions for future investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migrant and ethnic inequalities in maternal and perinatal mortality persist across high‐income countries. Addressing social adversity and inequities across the childbirth trajectory cannot be left to chance and the good intentions of practitioners. Robust, evidence‐based tools designed to address inequity by enhancing both the quality of provision and the experience of care are needed. Methods: An inductive modelling approach was used to develop a new evidence‐based conceptual model of woman–midwife relationships, drawing on data from an ethnographic study of relationships between migrant Pakistani women and midwives, conducted between 2013 and 2016 in South Wales, UK. Key analytic themes from early data were translated into social–ecological concepts, and a model was developed to represent how these key themes interacted to influence the woman–midwife relationship. Results: Three key concepts influencing the woman–midwife relationship were developed from the three major themes of the underpinning research: (1) Healthcare System; (2) Culture and Religion; and (3) Family Relationships. Two additional weaving concepts appeared to act as a link between these three key concepts: (1) Authoritative Knowledge and (2) Communication of Information. Social and political factors were also considered as contextual factors within the model. A visual representation of this model was developed and presented. Conclusions: The model presented in this paper, along with future work to further test and refine it in other contexts, has the potential to impact on inequalities by facilitating future discussion on cultural issues, encouraging collaborative learning and knowledge production and providing a framework for future global midwifery practice, education and research. Patient or Public Contribution: At the outset of the underpinning research, a project involvement group was created to contribute to study design and conduct. This group consisted of the three authors, an Advocacy Officer at Race Equality First and an NHS Consultant Midwife. This group met regularly throughout the research process, and members were involved in discussions regarding ethical/cultural/social issues, recruitment methods, the creation of participant information materials, interpretation of data and the dissemination strategy. Ideas for the underpinning research were also discussed with members of the Pakistani community during community events and at meetings with staff from minority ethnic and migrant support charities (BAWSO, Race Equality First, The Mentor Ring). Local midwives contributed to study design through conversations during informal observations of antenatal appointments for asylum seekers and refugees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there are still some obstacles in the development of China's construction projects, such as low information transmission efficiency, poor information coordination and sharing, and low value of information utilization. Based on this, the BIM architecture is described and applied. This paper uses the SURAIN model algorithm. The conceptual model of information integration management with data layer, information model layer and functional application layer as the core in distributed network environment is constructed and verified. The results show that the functional design of the BIM information integration management system platform for building information is conducive to the improvement of building information transmission efficiency and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this paper, a conceptual framework for integrating production scheduling in flowshop manufacturing cells, known as flowshop group scheduling (FSGSP), and unequalarea facility layout (UAFLP) decisions is proposed. The objective is to define a conceptual model that allows the integration of these important decisions, as well as other complementary decisions, based on a brief literature review. Materials and Methods: First, a brief literature review is carried out to identify the elements, solution techniques and complementary decisions for the UAFLP, FSGSP and layout-scheduling approaches. Then, these elements, solution techniques and complementary decisions are described and considered for the definition of the conceptual framework. Results: Based on the results of the literature review, a 4-phase integrative model is proposed to integrate the UALFP and FSGSP decisions as well as their complementary decisions so that the sum of the material handling and tardiness penalty costs are minimized for a solution alternative. The phases include the input data collection and preparation process, the definition of the UAFLP, FSGSP and their complementary decisions, the optimization of the decisions when exact, approximate, and artificial intelligence techniques have been applied, and the selection of the alternative with the minimum total costs. Conclusions: The integration of these decisions using the proposed framework must be grounded in a lean-manufacturing-based operations strategy whereby the benefits of reducing mudas, such as material handling, high work-in-process inventory levels and high machine setup times can be obtained. Finally, the application of this framework, as well as the evaluation of its benefits for a real-world, industrial context can be considered as future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has facilitated storage and reuse of information throughout the lifecycle of construction projects. Despite its benefits, construction industry has witnessed several obstacles in adopting BIM technology in terms of people management. This paper investigates how ADKAR model (an acronym for five stages of effective lasting people change: awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement) can contribute to successful adoption of BIM in construction sector. This study was conducted in two main stages: a rigorous literature review process followed by data collection using eight in-depth interviews with construction project managers. Data was analyzed following Bryman and Bell's [(2007). Business Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press] steps for thematic analysis. The results from interviews combined with results of literature review contribute to the development of an integrated conceptual model of change management. The conceptual model identifies two main phases of determinants for successful change management process towards the adoption of BIM technology using ADKAR model. Firstly, engineers as designers with different specialist (i.e., architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical), engineers as contractors, and clients require the enhancement of all five dimensions of ADKAR for a lasting change. Secondly, government requires the enhancement of three main dimensions of ADKAR model, namely awareness, desire, and reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical wetlands are amongst the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth and have immense socioecological value. However, tropical wetlands are considered exploitable resources and continue to be drained and converted to other "productive" uses. It is therefore urgent to identify and understand the interactions between various drivers of change triggering degradation of such wetlands. In the present study, we systematically reviewed and analyzed the existing literature on wetlands in two tropical countries namely India and Brazil with special reference to inland wetlands, and proposed a conceptual model illustrating the intricate linkages of such wetlands with different drivers of change. We also developed the Nature Futures' Framework to depict the diverse values of inland wetlands contributing to human wellbeing in the two tropical countries. Findings revealed similar drivers of change triggering the degradation of Indian and Brazilian wetlands. These include changes in climate & land use, population growth, poor land governance due to weak policies, besides other anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, and overexploitation of wetland resources. Among these, land-use change such as agriculture intensification and infrastructure development were the major direct drivers; whereas, institutional and governance factors such as the absence of concrete policy measures were the major indirect drivers threatening the inland wetlands in India and Brazil. Results also revealed some contrasting drivers of change such as illegal human settlements, and land grabbing by the brick industry for Indian wetlands; while, gold mining and intensification of bovine systems for Brazilian wetlands. Our paper also provides an insight into the status of wetland conservation in India and Brazil. We recommend the promotion of community-based conservation practices while adopting sustainable livelihood strategies by the local people for the conservation and wise use of inland wetlands in India and Brazil. The arguments raised in the paper have the potential to assist the stakeholders and/or decision-makers towards implementing sustainable management strategies for inland wetlands in the two countries, and tropical wetlands in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper displays the design and application of a model that simulates the queuing system of a fictional post office. Starting point for solving more complicated optimization tasks is to create a system model that consists of elements of reality and the relationships between these elements. The key part of the paper includes the model of a queuing system of a post office created in Anylogic simulation software. The model of the post office displays post office with 5 postal counters, a certain input flow and a certain service time with an exponential probability distribution. The model also includes statistics and cost calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims at extending earlier models of outdoor thermal perception by fusing new knowledge from recent literature and deriving perspectives for future research and methods from the new model. Previous models focused on physical and physiological aspects. Only recently, the psychological aspects of thermal perception received more attention, such as spatial perception. Furthermore, in recent literature on thermal perception, two time scales have been described: the short-term and the long-term thermal perception. Based on this new literature, we develop a conceptual, more comprehensive model that takes these factors into account as well. It hypothesizes how thermal sensation and psychological processes interact on the two time scales. However, to be able to describe relationships between psychological aspects of thermal perception more precisely, more research is required on the following issues: (1) influence of momentary personal references and preferences (e.g., mood), (2) influence of long-term personal references and preferences (e.g., cultural aspects, habituation), and (3) influence of the perception of the spatial environment on thermal perception. Moreover, the relation between momentary and long-term thermal perception has not been studied yet. We conclude this paper with an outlook on possible methods to study these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At least two per thousand newborns are affected by hearing loss, with up to 40% with an additional disability. Early identification by universal newborn hearing screening and early intervention services are available in many countries around the world, with limited data on their effectiveness and a lack of knowledge about specific intervention-related determinants of child and family outcomes. This concept paper aimed to better understand the mechanisms by which multi-dimensional family-centred early intervention influences child outcomes, through parent behaviour, targeted by intervention by a review of the literature, primarily in the field of childhood hearing loss, supplemented by research findings on physiological and atypical child development. We present a conceptual model of influences of multi-disciplinary family-centred early intervention on family coping/functioning and parent–child interaction, with effects on child psycho-social and cognitive outcomes. Social communication and language skills are postulated as mediators between parent–child interaction and non-verbal child outcomes. Multi-disciplinary networks of professionals trained in family-centred practice and the evaluation of existing services, with respect to best practice guidelines for family-centred early intervention, are recommended. There is a need for longitudinal epidemiological studies, including specific intervention measures, family behaviours and multidimensional child outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) of educators represent a promising approach to achieving continuous school improvement. At the same time, a range of studies in this area, including several systematic reviews and meta-analyses, report multiple conceptual and methodological challenges, or, at best, mixed results. The aim of this theoretical discussion paper, therefore, is to seek, first, to synthesise and connect to previous studies focused on professional learning communities and networks by combining and reflecting on their findings and recommendations. Second, we aim to contribute to the methodological development of the field in order to propose research that can link what happens in PLNs to changes in outcomes for students. For the latter, we will also make use of new insights from the field with regard to the use of big data in education. We propose a conceptual model of what defines PLNs, enactment process variables, and influencing factors, presenting our theory-of-action for how PLNs can be effective. Second, we discuss challenges and recommendations in studying PLN impact regarding research approach, research design and measurement. This discussion includes consideration of the use of big data to help to make the analysis of patterns in, and relations between, different types of PLN research data more efficient and reliable. We need to define and study the processes and effects of PLNs more efficiently and effectively, to support PLNs in fulfilling the promise of increased teacher learning, improved outcomes for students, and, ultimately, sustainable school improvement at scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This conceptual paper relates disparate evidence on the factors influencing reading format choice and preference, whether print or digital, in order to inform educational practice and scholarship. Design/methodology/approach: The authors propose a reading event analysis model (REAM) to help guide practitioners and scholars through a consideration of relevant factors, as evidenced by empirical research, to predicting whether print or digital formats will best support the reading and/or learning objectives of a reader in a given reading event in the current technological era. Findings: The evidence synthesized and communicated by the REAM model reflects complex interactions between reader characteristics, task characteristics and text characteristics that influence the effects and outcomes of reading in print or digital format. Research limitations/implications: This model serves to guide scholars in the design of future empirical studies that account for critical performance variables related to reading comprehension and user preference. Practical implications: In examining the effects of reading format on learning and the relationship of learning to overall reader format preferences, this model will help educators, educational administrators, industry practitioners, technologists and interface developers transfer current findings to practice, make decisions and determine developmental priorities to meet the needs of readers and learners across a variety of contexts and support the pursuit of equity in education. Originality/value: This model is necessary and contributes important original synthesis and to an area of scholarship that in recent years has yielded results that at times appear contradictory. The model provides possible resolutions to these apparent contradictions in a construct that lends translational value for practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports ongoing research on the process and results of implementing a conceptual model of privacy by design. The model is based on building blocks derived from a comparative analysis of approaches to privacy by design by different authors. We then implemented the model to the data processing operations of Slovenia's central health information system (eHealth). The main goal of our research was to ensure personal data processing compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and privacy by design criteria set by the model. Findings were used to answer the research questions: whether the proposed conceptual model is general enough to be used in most personal data processing operations, regardless of context; does the successful implementation of conceptual model requirements in personal data processing operations lead to compliance with the GDPR and with the additional requirements of privacy by design, and is the efficiency of complying with personal data processing higher when using the conceptual model compared to other approaches. Current results show that the model is robust enough to be used in a complex system of personal data processing. It also enables a relatively quick assessment of the gap between the actual and target situation, while suggesting which measures should be taken to comply. However, the model still must be tested in several organizations and other contexts of personal data processing, as only a comparative meta-analysis can provide reliable answers to the questions posed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic has seen a sudden increase in the demand for healthcare organizations to improve their utilization of digital platforms to supplement the reach of conventional healthcare services. In the wake of this crisis, dentistry is on the cusp of a major overhaul, promoting preventive practices and a rapid shift to teledentistry platforms. A random push to adapt to teledentistry platforms may cause the straining of available resources and manpower, especially in sectors involved in the care of vulnerable population groups like children, individuals with special needs and those in the low socioeconomic strata. It is thus advisable to make this transition systematically, beginning with an analysis of feasibility, done periodically, to maximize efficiency. Described in this article is a system to facilitate this transition by utilizing a matrix model, laying foundation for assessment of feasibility based on target population characteristics. It calls for the improvement of population characteristics to reduce strain on the healthcare sector using key indicators of the model, paired against potential barriers, and is described using a case study from the field. Key points: • The concept model described in this paper lays foundation for assessment of the feasibility for tele‐dentistry platforms based on population characteristics. • Key indicators for assessing feasibility and suggestions for improvement have been highlighted against the barriers in each component of the model categories. • Applicability of this model has been described using a case study from an integrated platform for children and individuals with special health care needs, in South India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research has confirmed the importance of workplace social capital in the nursing workforce. Integration of the empirical evidence about nurses' workplace social capital into a scientific collection can provide a comprehensive presentation of this concept. This scientific collection can be a conduit for further research and advancement of nursing management and leadership. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to discuss the process of developing a conceptual model of nurses' workplace social capital, an effective and concise approach to illustrate a scientific phenomenon. Methods: The model of nurses' workplace social capital was developed following Walker and Avant's strategy of theory synthesis. Empirical evidence relevant to nurses' workplace social capital was synthesized by systematically examining the existing literature. PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched periodically from October 2017 to July 2020. Results: Our proposed conceptual model lays out the determinants and outcomes of nurses' workplace social capital and specifies the relational statements among these concepts. Nurses' workplace social capital is influenced by the organizational and individual determinants shaped by multiple layers of sub-concepts. The development and implementation of nurses' workplace social capital has three themes of consequences: 1) nurses' outcomes; 2) patients' outcomes; and 3) organizational outcomes. All the concepts and statements have been organized and aligned with the principles of "inventory of determinants or results" and "theoretical blocks". Conclusion: Our theoretical synthesis offers a comprehensive picture of the current knowledge of nurses' workplace social capital. Efforts should be dedicated to evaluating, revising, and revamping this newly developed model based on future empirical evidence. Our synthesized conceptual model is the segue to more comprehensive studies about nurses' workplace social capital. Interventional programs for the development of social capital can be structured based on the identified determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines issues, related to the integration of software solutions. In this sense, the paper presents features of information systems with multilayered architecture. The integration of the individual physical layers of the system is the most important issue for these software solutions. The main purpose of the article is to explore the possibilities for realization of such integration and to present a conceptual model for communication between the different layers of an information system through an intermediary web service. To achieve its goal, the article uses various scientific methods, including study, analysis, research, modeling and experimentation. The results of this paper support the main hypothesis of the study, namely defining the advantages of integrating information systems with the help of an intermediary software service. The conclusion highlights the possibilities for improvement of communication between different physical layers of software solutions with distributed business logic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Many offenders struggle when attempting to reintegrate into society after release from prison, and the conditions they face after release often lead to reoffending. The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model on reintegration after prison. The model has the potential to guide practitioners in their understanding of the relationships between welfare services and the agency of the offender.Design/methodology/approach: The model was developed from a small-scale study in the Norwegian Criminal Justice system, which is well known for its emphasis on rehabilitation and crime prevention. Data collection aimed to explore the reintegration process from the perspective of the hard-to-reach and vulnerable population of serial offenders. Nine prisoners in two different prisons were interviewed. A thematic analysis identified two main themes that related, first, to the personal challenges the offenders faced in the rehabilitation and reintegration process and, second, to the factors in the welfare services that interacted with the prisoners' psychosocial issues in the reintegration process.Findings: Findings suggest that the interaction between the psychosocial needs of the prisoners and the organization of the welfare services is complex and does not harmonize. The findings underpin the argument that the current reintegration strategies for certain groups of inmates need to be questioned and challenged.Research Limitations/implications: The model is a conceptual model intended to provide a lens from which to reinterpret offenders' experiences of reintegration and applied to only the small and exploratory study described in this paper. As such, it requires further testing and substantiation, and the model and the study's findings should be regarded as tentative and cannot be generalized to a larger population. The prisoners were selected by the first author for convenience, and it is possible that this also influenced the findings. Other inmates may have presented other experiences.Originality/value: There are few studies looking into reintegration from the reoffenders' perspective, and this study also presents a model that serves as a reflective and analytical tool to developing new approaches to supporting offenders in their reintegration into society from prison in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Service industries are contributing potentially in building a strong economy for the nation. Thus, it is utmost important to measure service quality in different industries. Various studies have been conducted on service quality in different service industries; however, studies on service quality issues in the management education sector are relatively new as compared to other service industries particularly in the Indian context. Management education plays a very crucial role in developing an individual and society as a whole. It has been considered as one of the most popular and important professional education in India. Therefore, it is indispensable to discuss management education specifically in the Indian context. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and provide a conceptual framework regarding measuring the service quality in management education. Based on the earlier studies, the study attempts to develop a conceptual model of service quality in Management education. The paper also briefly describes the issues and challenges of service quality in management education and presents important implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The paper presents a conceptual modeling for hybrid systems engineering capture structure constraints and behavior. • The model combines ER-based concepts with Event-B. • The paper contains an application case study. Abstract Systems engineering concerns the complete process for the development of complex systems comprising hardware, software, facilities and personnel. Such systems are hybrid, as some components are characterized by continuous behavior, whereas the behavior of others is discrete. In this paper we present a concise conceptual model for hybrid systems engineering with semantics grounded in a hybrid extension of Event-B. We show that structural modeling can be based on well-known concepts of the entity-relationship model requiring only some extensions to data types and constraints, while behavioral modeling requires a careful separation of synchronous and asynchronous interaction and high-level means for the integration of continuous functions. On these grounds we address the separation of concerns for continuous and hybrid components. The article uses a sophisticated industrial example of a hemodialysis machine to illustrate the modeling method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper illustrates a conceptual model for a new patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) aimed at measuring financial toxicity (FT) in oncological setting in Italy, where citizens are provided universal healthcare coverage.Methods: Focus groups with overall 34 patients/caregivers in three different Italian centers (from Northern, Centre, and Southern Italy) and an open-ended survey with 97 medical oncologists were undertaken. Transcripts from focus groups and the open-ended survey were analyzed to identify themes and links between themes. Themes from the qualitative research were supplemented with those reported in the literature; concepts identified formed the basis for item development that were then tested through the importance analysis (with 45 patients) and the cognitive debriefing (with other 45 patients) to test relevance and comprehension of the first draft PRO instrument.Results: Ten domains were extracted by analyzing 156 concepts generated from focus groups and the open-ended survey. After controlling for redundancy, 55 items were generated and tested through the importance analysis. After controlling comprehension and feasibility through cognitive debriefing interviews, a first version of the questionnaire consisting of 30 items was devised.Conclusions: This qualitative study represents the first part of a study conducted to develop a new PROM to assess FT in Italy, by using a bottom-up approach that makes the most of patients' experiences and the health system analysis.Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT03473379 first posted on March 22, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interview anxiety is common among interviewees and has the potential to undermine an applicant's interview performance. Nevertheless, there is much that we do not understand about the role of anxiety in job interviews. In this paper, we advance a conceptual model that highlights the multidimensional nature of interview anxiety by incorporating its cognitive, behavioral, and physiological components, termed the Tripartite Interview Anxiety Framework (TIAF). This model highlights the role of person, interviewer, and contextual characteristics in shaping interview anxiety, elucidates the underlying relations between interview anxiety and performance, and delineates critical moderators of these important relations. In doing so, the TIAF simultaneously advances the theory of interview anxiety, promotes further work in this area, and highlights implications for practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue brings together nine articles on the experiences of multiracial and multiethnic individuals from nine different countries across the globe – the United Kingdom, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Canada, the United States, Japan, Singapore and Israel. The articles in this volume address the diverse experiences of the identification, socialising and mainstreaming of multiethnic and multiracial individuals in different national contexts. The collection consists of both qualitative and quantitative research from various disciplines in the social sciences and thus contributes to an interdisciplinary understanding and a multi-method approach to this reality. Through a cross-country analysis of the results provided by each paper, this Introduction proposes a conceptual framework for better understanding the realities of mixedness globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning is recognized as an important component of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in particular, due to its potential to transform individual, social, and organizational values, standards and practices to support a sustainable development. Nevertheless, only a few models developed to describe learning processes in EIA systems seem to be grounded on the combination of both theoretical aspects and empirical evidence of learning, which requires further investigation. This paper is based on the development of a conceptual model to understand learning processes through the practice of EIA, and evidence-gathering of learning in EIA systems focused on the role played by the leading organization. The outcomes were based on literature review and empirical research using two EIA regulatory agencies in Brazil as case studies. Data collection and analysis were supported by participant observation, personal interviews and qualitative content analysis. Although specific to the context, the evidence produced have corroborated the implicit feature of learning in EIA systems and, we believe, reinforced the relevance of the conceptual model as developed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]