Development Of Conceptual Model Research Articles

Patient Experience of Living With Hemophilia A: A Conceptual Model of Humanistic and Symptomatic Experience in Adolescents, Adults, and Children

Background: People living with hemophilia A face challenges impacting their daily lives despite treatment innovations. Previous studies have explored perceptions and treatment experiences; however, there is a lack of an evidence-based, comprehensive model to identify concepts (clinical, physical, and psychological functioning) relevant for people with hemophilia A (PwHA). Objectives: The aim of this qualitative study was to address the question: What is the humanistic and symptomatic experience of adolescents, adults, and children living with hemophilia A and what is the impact of hemophilia A on their quality of life? Methods: Participants, identified through patient associations in the UK, were male PwHA and caregivers of male PwHA receiving prophylactic treatment. Qualitative research was conducted involving semistructured telephone interviews with PwHA and caregivers between April 2020 and September 2020 in the UK. Standard analytical techniques of conceptual model development were used. Results: Of 30 participants, 23 were PwHA and 7 were caregivers. A conceptual model was produced describing patient experience of symptoms, physical functioning, treatment experiences, and the impact of symptoms and treatment on daily lives. Participants reported hemophilia-related symptoms, including bleeding, pain, and joint stiffness, as well as difficulties engaging with social and leisure activities. They also reported protection from bleeds provided by their treatment, relief from symptoms, and the resultant sense of normality. Concepts were broadly relevant across all age groups; however, psychological impacts were reported only by adult PwHA, and caregivers reported impacts related to outdoor activities, play, and education. Participants indicated that their ideal treatment would be delivered orally. Discussion: This study highlights the range of symptoms experienced by PwHA across a broad range of age groups, thus enabling the evaluation of relevant concepts across different stages of life. The research supports development of a conceptual model documenting symptoms, impacts, and treatment experience relevant to PwHA. Conclusion: Insights gathered through the interviews and resulting conceptual model support development of new therapies to address the physical and social challenges identified by PwHA and highlight a need for novel hemophilia A treatments that can ease treatment administration, provide adequate level of protection, and enable life to be lived normally.

Sharing the motherload: A review and development of the CO-Parent conceptual model for early childhood obesity prevention.

Fathers remain under-represented in early childhood obesity prevention research and interventions, despite growing evidence that paternal biopsychosocial factors and behaviors from pre- and post-conception can influence lifelong offspring health. Informed by a literature review of high-quality evidence, "CO-Parent" (childhood obesity-Parent) is a new conceptual model underpinned by couple interdependence theory and a socioecological framework. Literature was searched for the concepts parental AND weight-related behaviors AND child weight or weight-related behaviors, in databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Global Health, Scopus, and SocINDEX. Prior evidence syntheses were prioritized as source data to inform model development. "CO-Parent" illustrates the interdependent and independent effects of maternal and paternal weight, weight-related behaviors, and well-being, across preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and the early years on child weight-related behaviors and weight up to age five. The influences of public policy, social, environmental, economic, community, and other complex modifiable mediating factors are included in the model. The "CO-Parent" conceptual model paves the way for a paradigm shift by recognizing fathers as key figures in early childhood obesity prevention initiatives, encouraging them to "share the motherload." It highlights both the independent and interdependent roles fathers play in the epidemiology of obesity starting from preconception. CO-Parent also provides the foundations necessary to guide future theory and research to be more inclusive of fathers to further understanding of the independent and interdependent influences of parents in early childhood obesity prevention.

Smart supply chain collaboration maturity evaluation model based on a q-Rung orthopair fuzzy decision making methodology

In today’s IT-intensive business context, evaluating supply chain (SC) collaboration maturity (CM) is crucial for guiding enterprises toward integrated processes that collaborate across enterprise boundaries. This study develops an SC CM evaluation model by integrating a conceptual maturity model with a q-Rung Orthopair Fuzzy Set (q-ROFs)-based decision-making methodology, including a new scoring method. The major aim of this study is to facilitate a qualitative multi-criteria evaluation of SC CM. The conceptual model develops criteria sets based on smart technologies (such as sensors, robotics, cloud, ERP) and business processes. The proposed methodology is applied to 10 generic case companies, demonstrating its ability to provide multi-criteria scorecards and comparative rankings within each maturity level. The results show that the suggested approach can be used to guide the future efforts of individual enterprises, serving for benchmarking purposes across multiple companies by providing an overall objective evaluation for managers and policymakers. The proposed methodology is original by: (a) conceptual model development, (b) developing a multi-criteria quantitative decision-making approach with a new scoring method and integrating it with unique process-based and IT-based criteria sets of the conceptual maturity model, and (c) facilitating managerial scorecards and evaluations.

RESEARCH METHODS AND GEOINFORMATION MODELS OF CHANGES IN LAND RESOURCES OF ALMATY REGION UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE

This article deals with the solution of scientific problems, including the development of holistic conceptual models for presenting, processing and analyzing geographic information, and comprehensively assesses the extent of the impact of regional systems on many dangerous natural and artificial processes. This makes it possible to resolve the contradiction between the need to analyze the state of various territorial systems in order to prevent the occurrence of emergencies due to the influence of natural and man-made processes.On the one hand, providing information and support in decision-making, and on the other, ensuring the provision of cartographic models of transport systems risk assessment of dangerous natural and man-made processes and their mapping. Integrated environmental assessment and modeling of industrial systems. A method for mapping payment systems and assessing the health of the population. Since the city of Almaty is a large metropolis, the ecological situation is very poor. This directly affects the ecology of the City, Public Health. We manage, process data by processing GIS data. In solving upcoming environmental problems, in developing new solutions, a special data card will come to the rescue. This will lead to solving problems from this point of view. It is possible to create monitoring maps by combining space surveys and statistical data. One of the most effective aspects of GIS data is that it allows you to optimally consider problems and work in any area. From this point of view, the GIS industry is developing rapidly. In the country, this industry is developing rapidly and is gaining a lot of demand.

The role of universities in enabling open innovation through the development of digital competence of faculty

The concept of open innovation, which involves the intentional exchange of internal and external knowledge to accelerate innovation, has been widely discussed in business management but, in recent years, has also entered the academic community. This concept aligns closely with the university's mission to advance knowledge, foster creativity, and address real-world problems. The present study aims to examine the role of universities in promoting educational innovation as a form of open innovation through developing the digital competence of faculty and using external sources of knowledge. Accordingly, this study explores the following research questions: 1) What educational innovations are facilitated by developing faculty's digital competence? 2) To what extent are these educational innovations linked to external knowledge sources? The study is based on the following research methods: scientific literature review, focus group discussion with faculty members, and conceptual model development through data triangulation. The findings position digital competence as an enabler of educational innovations and highlight the university's role in creating a conducive environment for open innovation by enabling collaboration with various actors, accessing and sharing knowledge and empowering the participation of diverse stakeholders. Moreover, the study concludes that enhancing faculty digital competence, integrating external knowledge through collaborative spaces, fostering industry partnerships, and investing in digital infrastructure can create a dynamic ecosystem that supports open innovation as an educational innovation.

Co-creation and evaluation of an algorithm for the development of a mobile application for wound care among new graduate nurses: A mixed methods study.

Chronic wounds are a growing concern due to aging populations, sedentary lifestyles and increasing rates of obesity and chronic diseases. The impact of such wounds is felt worldwide, posing a considerable clinical, environmental and socioeconomic challenge and impacting the quality of life. The increasing complexity of care requires a holistic approach, along with extensive knowledge and skills. The challenge experienced by health-care professionals is particularly significant for newly graduate nurses, who face a gap between theory and practice. Digital tools, such as mobile applications, can support wound care by facilitating more precise assessments, early treatment, complication prevention and better outcomes. They also aid in clinical decision-making and improve healthcare delivery in remote areas. Several mobile applications have emerged to enhance wound care. However, there are no applications dedicated to newly graduate nurses. The aim of this study was to co-create and evaluate an algorithm for the development of a wound care mobile application supporting clinical decisions for new graduate nurses. The development of this mobile application is envisioned to improve knowledge application and facilitate evidence-based practice. This study is part of a multiphase project that adopted a pragmatic epistemological approach, using the 'Knowledge-to-Action' conceptual model and Duchscher's Stages of Transition Theory. Following a scoping review, an expert consensus, and stakeholder meetings, this study was pursued through a sequential exploratory mixed methods design carried out in two phases. In the initial phase, 21 participants engaged in semi-structured focus groups to explore their needs regarding clinical decision support in wound care, explore their perceptions of the future mobile application's content and identify and categorize essential components. Through descriptive analysis, five overarching themes emerged, serving as guiding principles for conceptual data model development and refinement. These findings confirmed the significance of integrating a comprehensive glossary complemented by photos, ensuring compatibility between the mobile application and existing documentation systems, and providing quick access to information to avoid burdening work routines. Subsequently, the algorithm was created from the qualitative data collected. The second phase involved presenting an online SurveyMonkey® questionnaire to 34 participants who were not part of the initial phase to quantitatively measure the usability of this algorithm among future users. This phase revealed very positive feedback regarding the usability [score of 6.33 (±0.19) on a scale of 1-7], which reinforces its quality. The technology maturation process can now continue with the development of a prototype and subsequent validation in a laboratory setting.

The conceptualisation of cardiometabolic disease policy model in the UK

BackgroundDecision 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.MethodsThis 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.ResultsFirst, 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.ConclusionThis conceptual model serves as a basis for representing the systematic process for structuring a CMD policy model to enhance its transparency and credibility.

Bibliometric analysis of service quality and customer satisfaction in Islamic banking: a roadmap for future research

Purpose This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, assessing studies related to service quality and customer satisfaction in Islamic banking. Design/methodology/approach Using a bibliometric approach, this research draws from literature samples retrieved in April 2023 from the SCOPUS database. The sample encompasses 138 articles published between 1999 and 2023, adhering to specific selection criteria. Analytical tools such as R program, VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel were used to categorise the data into three primary domains: productivity, citation patterns and network analysis. These categories further include the identification of research flows and prospective areas for further investigation. Findings The results indicate a substantial surge in publications between 2011 and 2022 involving 372 authors. This study identifies the primary contributors in terms of countries, affiliations, publications, sources and researchers. Seven distinct clusters emerged from the 138 papers, encompassing customer attitude, comparison studies, digital banking, customer loyalty, customer trust, consumer determinants and service quality. Additionally, the study outlines a future research agenda, posing specific research questions. Research limitations/implications Recognising the limitations inherent in focusing solely on Scopus-indexed publications, future studies may benefit from incorporating various databases, such as the Web of Science, for a more expansive exploration of study units. A systematic review of articles on a specific topic could also enhance the comprehensiveness of the study. Practical implications This investigation empowers Islamic bank managers to devise targeted marketing plans, differentiating themselves from competitors. By implementing relevant improvements in operational and service processes, managers can enhance the customer experience, fostering a lasting competitive advantage. For academics, this study lays a robust foundation for further research, encouraging the development of a comprehensive conceptual model and empirical testing. The identification of current research gaps enables researchers to focus on areas that remain underexplored. Originality/value This study not only illuminates critical gaps in existing research but also proposes a research agenda to guide future researchers in remaining pertinent, particularly within the context of Islamic banking marketing.

50328 Patient experience of chronic spontaneous urticaria: conceptual model development and identification of patient-reported outcome measures

50328 Patient experience of chronic spontaneous urticaria: conceptual model development and identification of patient-reported outcome measures

Memorability of Tourism Experiences and The Influence Towards Revisit Intention to The Museum: A Conceptual Model Development

Museums play an important role in cultural tourism as they display cultural heritage, present the culture and history of different regions, and have educational and entertainment functions. Museum visitors belong to the same tourism industry that makes up the whole contribution to the country's GDP. It is indisputable to address tourism as an industry that focuses on visitors' personal experience, whereby tourists are eager for a memorable tourism experience (MTE). Specifically, a study on MTE and revisit intention has existed in recent years. Despite the growth of studies on MTE and revisit intention, studies that focus on museum settings were found to be scarce. Hence, this article aims to integrate previous research about MTE and revisit intention that finally will propose a conceptual framework for future study. This case study will use a non-probability sampling method that will consider the National Museum as the survey site. The findings of this study are expected to assist the relevant tourism stakeholders in maneuvering tourism experience marketing and promoting revisit intention among the visitors of the museums in Malaysia.

Development of a new patient-reported outcome measure for complex cryptoglandular fistulas (20-Item complex cryptoglandular fistula questionnaire™): a qualitative study

BackgroundThere are limited tools to measure the burden of disease and effectiveness of medical/surgical interventions in patients with cryptoglandular fistulas. The aim of this study was to explore concepts that are relevant and important to patients with complex cryptoglandular fistulas (CCF) and to develop a patient-centred, disease-specific, patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to assess symptom burden and impacts of CCF.MethodsA targeted literature review was conducted, followed by one-to-one telephone interviews with five colorectal surgeons (USA, n = 3; UK, n = 1; Spain, n = 1) and 20 US adult patients with CCF to inform the development of a conceptual model and a CCF-specific PROM. The targeted literature review informed the development of the preliminary conceptual model and identified a PROM in the literature that was used as a reference to generate the draft CCF-specific PROM. The colorectal surgeon interviews provided insights on the experience of patients with CCF to refine the conceptual model, formulate probing questions for use in patient interviews, and to develop the draft CCF-specific PROM. Patients’ descriptions of their experiences with symptoms and the impacts on their lives and evaluation of the draft CCF-specific PROM in concept elicitation and cognitive interviews were used to develop the final conceptual model and final CCF-specific PROM.ResultsTen symptoms (odour, pain during bowel movement, abscess, post-operative pain, discharge/drainage/leakage, anal/perianal pain, inflammation/swelling, skin irritation, bleeding and itchiness) and 11 impacts (discomfort, inability to exercise, embarrassment, difficulty sitting, worry about disease, adapted life to maintain hygiene, negatively impacted social life/isolation, inability to perform daily activities, reduced interest in sex, negatively impacted intimate relationships and negatively impacted mood) were reported as most salient by patients. The patient experience, clinician perspective, and literature review provided input to item generation. Evaluation of relevance and patient understanding through cognitive interviews with patients provided evidence for the content validity of the new patient-reported outcome measure: the 20-item Complex Cryptoglandular Fistula Questionnaire™ (CCFQ-20™).ConclusionThe CCFQ-20™ is a new clinician-guided, patient-validated, disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure that measures disease impact and quality of life in patients with CCF.

Exploring cognitive-behavioral drivers impacting consumer continuance intention of fitness apps using a hybrid approach of text mining, SEM, and ANN

Amidst the digital revolution, consumer wellness services have been transformed by the proliferation of health and fitness apps (HFAs). Leveraging the information systems continuance theory, this research investigates three primary cognitive and behavioral drivers involving satisfaction, attitude, and habit that impact continuance intention. It also examines the underlying antecedents of these drivers. The investigation into what shapes users' attitudes incorporates elements from the health belief model and the dual passion theory. Additionally, to determine what drives user satisfaction, the study analyzes online consumer reviews through structural topic modeling. This study utilizes a combination of topic modeling, PLS-SEM, and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) analysis for development and validation of conceptual model. After conducting a survey and analyzing 367 responses via PLS-SEM, the findings indicated that harmonious passion, health consciousness, and perceived disease threat greatly influenced users' attitudes toward these apps. The results emphasized satisfaction, attitude, and habit formation as crucial determinants of continued app use. An additional key contribution to the literature was the exploration of habit as a partial mediator between attitude and satisfaction in determining continued app usage, which has remained unexplored in the HFAs context. A comparison of results between the PLS-SEM and ANN analysis showed that there is a mismatch in the rankings of security and customization on satisfaction. This implies that there are possibly hidden factors that could affect security and customization differently in real-world settings. The study concludes by offering practical recommendations for managers of HFAs to enhance consumer service experiences and drive continuance intention.

Strontium isotopes in the atmosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere: Developing a systematic “fingerprinting” framework of rocks and water in sedimentary basins in eastern Australia

Understanding the connection between aquifers, aquitards, and groundwater-dependant ecosystems remains a key challenge when developing a conceptual hydrogeological model. The aim of this study was to develop a systematic strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) fingerprinting framework of rocks and water within the sedimentary Surat and Clarence-Moreton basins (SCM basins) in eastern Australia – an area of extensive coal seam gas development and high potential for aquifer and groundwater-surface water connectivity. To do this, new groundwater samples (n = 298) were collected, analyzed and integrated with published data (n = 154) from the basins' major sedimentary, volcanic and alluvial aquifers, including the major coal seam gas target, the Walloon Coal Measures. Samples were also analyzed from rainfall (n = 2) and surface water (n = 40). In addition, rock core samples (n = 39) from exploration and stratigraphic wells were analyzed to determine the range of Sr isotope composition from host rocks. The analyses of cores demonstrate a distinct and systematic contrast in 87Sr/86Sr between different hydrogeological units. This confirms that all major hydrogeological units have a narrow range with unique 87Sr/86Sr population characteristics that are useful for guiding conceptual model development. Comparison with selected hydrochemical and groundwater age tracers (14C and 36Cl) suggests only limited changes of 87Sr/86Sr from recharge beds to the deeper parts of the basins or with a decrease in natural 14C and 36Cl tracer content along flow paths. Stream sampling during baseflow conditions confirms that 87Sr/86Sr in surface waters are similar to those of the underlying bedrock formations. We demonstrated that 87Sr/86Sr analyses of rocks and water provide a powerful hydrostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic fingerprinting framework in the SCM basins, enabling reliable assessments of plausible aquifer and groundwater-surface water interconnectivity pathways. Applied in other complex multi-aquifer sedimentary basins in Australia, and globally, a similar approach can help to constrain conceptual hydrogeological models and facilitate improved water resource management.

Factors Influencing Women’s Entrepreneurial Success in a Patriarchal Society: Empirical Evidence from Morocco

The purpose of the current study is to identify factors associated with women’s entrepreneurial success. By embracing social feminism theory, this study provides a well-rounded analysis of the individual, social, institutional, and economic factors that shape successful women’s business development in a patriarchal society within a Muslim and Arab country. Following the conceptual model development, data were obtained from 212 Moroccan women business owners using a web-based questionnaire. The results, based on structural equation modeling, revealed the positive and direct influence of individual factors on women entrepreneurs’ success, including the need for achievement, and risk-taking. Additionally, external factors, particularly government support, social support, and access to finance, were found to be an important determinant of the entrepreneurial success of Moroccan women. This study enriches the existing knowledge on the determinants of the entrepreneurial success of women in developing countries. It offers offer useful managerial implications for policymakers who should implement appropriate actions to promote gender equality, as well as foster an environment conducive to enabling Moroccan women to launch and develop their own businesses.

Conceptual Model of and Intervention Development for Unplanned Suicide Attempts.

More than half of those who die by suicide do not communicate about suicide prior to their death. This project describes the emotional state and decision-making among "unplanned" attempt survivors to inform a conceptual model and suicide prevention interventions. This qualitative study purposefully sampled patients who reported having no suicidal thoughts on a standardized mental health questionnaire within 60 days (about 2 months) prior to a nonfatal suicide attempt documented in the health record. Participants verbally consented to telephone interview participation. Semistructured audio-recorded interviews elicited suicide attempt survivor descriptions of their emotional state and experiences in the days, hours, and minutes leading up to their suicide attempt. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using grounded theory. The biopsychosocial theory of emotion regulation informed conceptual model development. Participants (N = 26) described 2 distinct "phases" prior to the attempt. First, a phase of increasing life stressors, transitory and nonspecific suicidal thoughts, and a reluctance to disclose experiences. Second, an overwhelming emotional state led to a sudden suicide attempt and nondisclosure due to the rapidity and intensity of the experience. These results informed the conceptual model and intervention development to manage unplanned and overwhelming urges to attempt suicide. Qualitative analysis informed the development of an intervention for the high-intensity "hot" period preceding an attempt, including specific steps to manage a highly intense emotional state in combination with overwhelming urges to kill oneself. Future research is needed to evaluate whether and how this intervention helps support people with a chance of "unplanned" suicide attempts.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Development and Validation: A Primer for Clinicians

A comprehensive definition of health includes the assessment of patient experiences of a disease and its treatment. These patient experiences are best captured by standardized patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments. A PRO is reported directly by the patient (or caregiver) and provides the patient's perspective into how a disease and its treatment impact their lives. PRO instruments are typically standardized, validated questionnaires with items that are scaled and can be combined to represent an underlying health-related construct such as physical, social, and role functioning, psychological well-being, symptoms, pain, and quality of life. Over the past few decades, PROs have become increasingly used in clinical trials as endpoints to better understand treatment benefits from the patient's perspective and in clinical practice to identify unmet needs of patients, health risk surveillance, and monitor outcomes of care. In this paper, we describe the process for developing standardized PRO instruments, from conceptual model development through instrument validation.

Analysis of the influence of blended learning on personality education among undergraduates in wisdom education

This paper investigates the influence of blended learning on the personality education aspect of wisdom education among undergraduates in Jinan, Shandong province, China. The rapid development of information technology brings many opportunities to education but also results in various challenges. The main purpose of this study is to establish a model for wisdom education. This study employs a pragmatic approach, with qualitative research serving as the dominant role and quantitative research as a support. Interviews were conducted with a sample of 23 lecturers and students, and a questionnaire was given to a larger, more representative sample of students (n = 423) using the blended learning mode. The results from the multiple data sources were then integrated to inform the development of a new conceptual model of personality education in the blended learning mode, which highlighted a significant correlation between personality education and the blended learning mode. The research findings were systematically organized in a coherent manner, ensuring that each of the research objectives was addressed impartially. Although it is recognized that the current study has certain limitations, the proposed model for the purpose of enhancing personality education in the context of wisdom education represents a significant milestone in the history of the field.

Development and experimental validation of conceptual models for solenoid-based in-vessel two-channel control rod position indicator

In this study, we proposed in-vessel two-channel control rod positioner models for small nuclear reactors and carried out performance tests to evaluate applicability of the models. Embedding control rod positioners in reactors reduces the volume of small reactors and minimizes the penetration parts of reactor. In this study, two models having two physically separated solenoids were developed for measuring the position of the control rod by using the inductance change of a solenoid. First, the principle of measuring the position of a ferromagnetic rod by using a solenoid was formulated, and the change in solenoid inductance with the rod position was calculated through finite element analysis. Based on the proposed models, test products were manufactured and tested on three items to confirm the feasibility of the proposed solenoid-based two-channel control rod position indicator.

How climate change and modern slavery interact in the supply chain: A conceptual model development through a systemic review

AbstractDespite growing recognition of the interconnectedness between climate change and modern slavery within supply chains, these issues are often studied in isolation, leading to a fragmented understanding of their relationship. This research aims to bridge this gap by investigating the key factors in supply chains that influence both climate change and modern slavery and how interactions among supply chain stakeholders impact the relationship between them. Utilising the PRISMA literature review method, we systematically reviewed 56 articles to identify the underlying mechanisms and stakeholders' interactions that influence the dynamics between climate change and modern slavery in supply chains. Our findings culminate in a conceptual model that delineates 11 factors bi‐directionally impacting both climate change and modern slavery. These factors include social (migration, violent conflict, and war as well as tradition and culture), environmental (deforestation, soil erosion, disruption of protected area, extreme weather, and resource) and economic (liabilities, employment, education, and pandemic). Furthermore, it highlights how stakeholder interactions at the government, NGO, supplier, focal firm, worker, and consumer levels impact this relationship. Finally, the model underscores the potential of technology adoption, sustainable development strategies, and stakeholder engagement and collaboration as levers to positively influence the relationship between climate change and modern slavery in supply chains.

Occurrence and fate of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in an urban aquifer located at the Besòs River Delta (Spain)

Urban aquifers are at risk of contamination from persistent and mobile organic compounds (PMOCs), especially per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are artificial organic substances widely used across various industrial sectors. PFAS are considered toxic, mobile and persistent, and have therefore gained significant attention in environmental chemistry. Moreover, precursors could transform into more recalcitrant products under natural conditions. However, there is limited information about the processes which affect their behaviour in groundwater at the field-scale. In this context, the aim of this study is to assess the presence of PFAS in an urban aquifer in Barcelona, and identify processes that control their evolution along the groundwater flow. 21 groundwater and 6 river samples were collected revealing the presence of 16 PFAS products and 3 novel PFAS. Short and ultra-short chain PFAS were found to be ubiquitous, with the highest concentrations detected for perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFSA). Long chain PFAS and novel PFAS were found to be present in very low concentrations (<50 ng/L). It was observed that redox conditions influence the behaviour of a number of PFAS controlling their attenuation or recalcitrant behaviour. Most substances showed accumulation, possibly explained by sorption/desorption processes or transformation processes, highlighting the challenges associated with PFAS remediation. In addition, the removal processes of different intensities for three PFAS were revealed. Our results help to establish the principles of the evolution of PFAS along the groundwater flow, which are important for the development of conceptual models used to plan and adopt site specific groundwater management activities (e.g., Managed Aquifer Recharge).