Dynamic Conceptual Model Research Articles

Short‐stature trees: Need for expanded knowledge on stand dynamics for their ecological and silvicultural management

Abstract Research Highlight discussing: Fajardo, A., Moreno‐Meynard, P. & Soto, D. P. (2024). Forest stand dynamics of a short‐stature tree species: Ecological knowledge for sustainable forest management. Journal of Applied Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2664.14662. Oliver stand dynamics conceptual model of tree stand succession was designed for tall trees but is not necessarily applicable to short‐stature tree species, which represent a large proportion of forests/woodlands worldwide. The South American short tree/shrub Nothofagus antarctica is a persuasive example of a short tree species that can benefit from an alternative conceptual model on stand dynamics. It also illustrates the high variability in stand dynamics observed in many short‐stature trees. Stand dynamics of short‐stature trees remain generally understudied, hindering their management and silvicultural use. Although generalisations may not be feasible due to the continuum of growth forms and succession dynamics of short trees, there is an urgent need to increase our knowledge for their sustainable management.

Dynamic model of changes in the trophic structure of an ecosystem affected by chronic radiation exposure

The conceptual dynamic ecosystem model was developed to evaluate the self-organization of trophic structure in ecosystems during the course of biogenic succession. This model was applied to analyze the possible changes in the ecosystem under impact of the anthropogenic physical stressor – chronic exposure to ionizing irradiation. The model predicts that amount of the limiting biogenic nutrient in the environment can modify the ecological effects of ionizing radiation. Negative effects of the chronic exposure are less significant in ecosystems with high food supply. The model does not show presence of any ecological effect of radiation at the exposure rates less than the derived consideration reference levels, obtained by International Commission on Radiological Protection for individual nature organisms. If the dose rates are higher than those levels, radiation exposure can affect ecological interactions between species. The model shows that environmental hormesis can exist in the ecosystems, impacted by the chronic radiation exposure. The reason of this effect is change of the ecological coefficients (for example, decrease of the predation rate), which in the certain range of parameters leads to the increase of biomasses of all species at the same amount of the limiting biogenic nutrient in ecosystem. Trigger regimes exist in the model ecosystem with mixed-feeding consumers. Within the trigger area, the realization of a particular trophic structure depends on initial species biomasses. A hysteresis phenomenon exists in such ecosystems, which means that the successive changes in the trophic structures realized following the increase of the influencing factor are not reproduced in the same order if the influencing factor was gradually decreased back to its previous values. The model predicts for this case, that the radioactively contaminated ecosystem does not necessarily return to its initial trophic structure, despite the dose rate decreases to the initial levels.

Power dynamics in business relationships in a turbulent environment: focus on anticipated power consequences and value creation

PurposeI aimed to develop a conceptual model of power dynamics focused on an anticipated power consequences in business relationships in a context of high environmental turbulence. I also intended to discuss the theoretical significance of my findings and indicate future research directions.Design/methodology/approachConceptual article indicating future research directions.FindingsThe proposal of the conceptual model of power dynamics focusing on anticipated power consequences in business relationships.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the presented model stem from the critique of the holistic view. My contribution lies in advancing our understanding of power dynamics in business relationships amid significant environmental change. I elucidate how transformative practices relate to power outcomes and value creation in these relationships.Practical implicationsThe model highlights the importance of a mindful approach to managing business relationships in a turbulent environment. It emphasizes considering expected power outcomes from activities and their impact on creating value in these relationships.Social implicationsThe proposed concept resonates with systems theory, which emphasizes how different levels of business relationships are interconnected. It enables the analysis of power dynamics at the individual level, such as employees, consumers and local communities. These groups often include the most vulnerable individuals impacted by relational business structures.Originality/valueThe focus on anticipated power consequences of transformative practices triggered by high environmental turbulences, while considering the impact of power distribution of relationship actors on the sharing of benefits and costs.

The DHSmart model for smart product-service system (smart PSS): dynamic, data-driven, human-centred

AbstractDespite its transformative impact, a systematic approach to Smart PSS development remains elusive. Addressing this, the study introduces a dynamic conceptual model named DHSmart and its accompanying canvas, adaptable to various contexts and technological advancements. Notably, it offers a structured approach to designing ‘Smart’ in Smart PSS, capturing the interplay between data, humans, and smart systems while directing digitalisation that achieves competitive advantage. It also serves as a unifying framework, enabling meaningful interdisciplinary contributions in theory and practice.

Developing a Dynamic Conceptual Model of a Home-Based Palliative Care Plan Using the Comprehensive Primary Health Care (PHC) Approach

Background: Palliative Care (PC) was a core component of Primary Health Care services during the World Health Assembly Resolution, 2014. The study aims to develop a Comprehensive Palliative Care Model (CPCM) for patients with life-threatening conditions compliant with the local context and unmet needs. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods approach will be adopted for the three-phased study in two districts of Telangana. Phase I, a literature review, will be performed to explore globally available PC models, followed by an on-ground observational study. Phase II will address the gaps in existing models while identifying the unmet needs of the patients and caregivers. The outcome of the above phases will help develop a CPCM in Phase III. The developed model will be validated using the Delphi technique. Results: The expected outcomes of the study are a) Phase-I: Details of the PC models available globally and locally, b) Phase-II: Availability of essential resources in the Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs), Knowledge and Attitude of the PC team, Barriers to provide PC, Unmet needs, and c) Phase-III: CPCM model Conclusion: The study attempts to provide a holistic PC model, considering the health system, patients, and caregivers and offering policy suggestions to the state.

Presenting a Structural Model for Brand Hate Reduction in the Iranian Home Appliance Industry with a Combined Meta-Synthesis and Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach

In the past, brand management researchers have paid more attention to positive aspects and attitudes towards the brand. However, today, customers' negative impacts and negative perceptions of the brand have received more attention, as this issue can increase organizational profitability and customer satisfaction. The aim of this research is to present a conceptual model for reducing brand hate among customers. In this research, initially, according to the meta-synthesis approach, by searching the Scopus database and using keywords related to brand hate, 488 articles were found. By removing irrelevant and undesirable articles based on the performed cycle, eventually 91 relevant articles remained. In this review, 10 factors affecting brand hate reduction were identified, and with the opinions of 13 experts and using the Interpretive Structural Modeling technique, a conceptual model was designed to reduce brand hate in the Iranian home appliance industry. The research results show that the factors of communication quality, complaint responsiveness, and after-sales services are recognized as the underlying factors of the model. Improving these factors can strengthen the structure of brand hate reduction. These findings are consistent with previous research and show that paying attention to environmental issues and improving them has a positive impact on brand social responsibility, product freshness, and timely delivery. These factors can improve the customer experience and better understand the price-quality fit, which will ultimately lead to positive word-of-mouth advertising and a reduction in brand hate. This research suggests that home appliance industry managers focus on basic factors and pay attention to environmental issues to be more successful in reducing brand hate. The findings of this research provide important clues for researchers interested in this field to present more dynamic conceptual models by better understanding these factors.

Storm-driven sedimentation and dynamics of a sediment slug in an ephemeral stream: Influence on sediment-routing systems within source areas

Abstract Stream-terrace morphostratigraphy and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) geochronology indicate that storm-driven sedimentation has caused down-system decoupling of the uppermost reaches of McMillan Creek (southern California, USA) from the lower reaches of McMillan Creek since 1960 ± 190 yr B.P. This is significant because source-to-sink studies report high degrees of sediment transport connectivity over millennial time scales during periods of high fluvial discharge in sediment routing systems. The most recent relatively large-magnitude episode of sedimentation emplaced a sediment slug in the ephemeral channel of McMillan Creek. The sediment slug is correlated to the “California Storm of January 1862” via OSL dating. In this paper, a conceptual model of sediment slug dynamics in an ephemeral stream over 16 decades is developed based on fluvial sedimentation events that in most instances included reworking slug-derived sediment. Due to the episodic nature of streamflow in ephemeral streams and the dearth of sediment transport between streamflow events, sediment slug coherency is sustained over longer periods of time in ephemeral streams than in perennial streams having steady or variable flow regimes. The longevity of sediment-slug coherency in ephemeral streams leads to more prolonged down-system decoupling in sediment routing systems than down-system decoupling caused by ordinary fluvial sedimentation. In McMillan Creek, it is possible that up-system decoupling driven by sedimentation has been contemporaneous with down-system decoupling, but factors other than sedimentation may have a more significant role in up-system decoupling. Source-to-sink studies completed in areas having a Mediterranean climate cannot assume that sediment flux out of upland source areas includes the total amount of sediment available for transport.

The sense of ksénos in Ancient Greek

Abstract The present work looks at the term ksénos as an access point to the enacted model of hospitality—ksenía—in ancient Greece. It deduces the onomasiological and semasiological spread of the term across the model’s participants, namely GUEST, STRANGER but also HOST, into a schematic prototypical core within a complex and dynamic conceptual integration model. Along the spatial continuum of DISTANCE-APPROACHING-PROXIMITY, the analysis looks into APPROACHING as an emergent space, where GIFT-EXCHANGE is interpreted as a process of mental-space shift on the part of a stable SELF confronting the incoming OTHER. POSSESSIONS EXCHANGE conceptualised as non-commodifiable and non-alienable to the giver activates the metaphorical relation HAVE as BE. Thus, the abrupt confrontation is accommodated as an ad hoc partial substitutability of each participant’s identity by the identity of the other. Some Proto-Indo-European etymologies proposed in literature for the term are reviewed, and their compatibility with the present analysis is evaluated.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Child-Friendly Cities: A Cross-Database Analysis from 2000 to 2022

This study performs a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on child-friendly cities (CFC) conducted from 2000 to 2022. It investigates the global and domestic research trends using two prominent databases, Web of Science (WOS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The study reveals increasing global and domestic research publications on CFC, demonstrating an expanding interest in the area. The contributions of this study are threefold. First, it describes the status of the CFC in two databases based on quantitative analysis and an intuitive visualization, identifying patterns, hotspots, trends, and gaps. Second, by comparing the two databases, we have the following four findings: (1) the advancement of CFC construction and research focus is linked to economic development; (2) collaborative efforts involving multiple parties are crucial for policy implementation and engaging children in decision making; (3) the two databases demonstrate differing research emphases on the environment; (4) it is essential to broaden the channels for child participation. Finally, we propose the PAF dynamic conceptual model call for the sustainable development of CFCs.

Towards diagnostic excellence on academic ward teams: building a conceptual model of team dynamics in the diagnostic process.

Achieving diagnostic excellence on medical wards requires teamwork and effective team dynamics. However, the study of ward team dynamics in teaching hospitals is relatively underdeveloped. We aim to enhance understanding of how ward team members interact in thediagnostic process and of the underlying behavioral, psychological, and cognitive mechanisms driving team interactions. We used mixed-methods to develop and refine a conceptual model of how ward team dynamics in an academic medical center influence the diagnostic process. First, we systematically searched existing literature for conceptual models and empirical studies of team dynamics. Then, we conducted field observations with thematic analysis to refine our model. We present a conceptual model of how medical ward team dynamics influence the diagnostic process, which serves as a roadmap for future research and interventions in this area. We identified three underexplored areas of team dynamics that are relevant to diagnostic excellence and that merit future investigation (1): ward team structures (e.g., team roles, responsibilities) (2); contextual factors (e.g., time constraints, location of team members, culture, diversity); and (3) emergent states (shared mental models, psychological safety, team trust, and team emotions). Optimizing the diagnostic process to achieve diagnostic excellence is likely to depend on addressing all of the potential barriers and facilitators to ward team dynamics presented in our model.

Towards a dynamic conceptual model for understanding the impact of social isolation on SIE women's adjustment and career development

PurposeSelf-initiated expatriates (SIE) women's career decisions are often based on the establishment of close personal relationships in various spheres of life. This paper aims to explore the effects of social isolation in times of crisis on SIE women's work, psychological and general adjustment.Design/methodology/approachThe model of expatriate women's adjustment by Caligiuri and Lazarova (2002) is reviewed and adapted to account for the impact of social isolation and loneliness on SIE women's adjustment and professional development in a crisis context. The interplay between duration and intensity of crisis and acculturative stress over time is highlighted; danger zones for potential maladjustment are identified, and adjustment-as-a-crisis context are incorporated into the model.FindingsThe spillover effects between different life spaces in times of isolation have a negative impact on SIE women's ability to develop supportive relationships in different life spaces. The organization becomes the main point of contact with the host culture, but pressure to perform, uncertain contracts, gendered role division and the experience of a double crisis add to the existing acculturative stress which may lead to maladjustment or further fit-dependent crisis over time.Originality/valueThe authors contribute to the theoretical understanding of the impact of social isolation on a single, vulnerable acculturating group, by expanding on an existing static model of adjustment, to account for the temporal (time) and spatial (multi-dimensional crisis context) constraints faced by SIE women which has not been done before.

Review of Policies for Indonesia’s Electricity Sector Transition and Qualitative Evaluation of Impacts and Influences Using a Conceptual Dynamic Model

Indonesia’s final energy demand is projected to increase by 70% in the next decade, with electricity expected to account for 32%. The increasing electricity demand poses a potential threat to national emissions reduction targets since fossil fuels generated 86% of the electricity in 2018, associated to 50% of the national CO2 emissions. Indonesia plans to reduce its CO2 emissions by 29% by increasing the total electricity generated from renewables, using a set of market-based and regulatory policies. However, economic, social, and environmental issues may arise from the widespread adoption of renewable energy. This study explores the economic, social, and environmental effects of renewable energy policies in the electricity sector. Our work presents an advance over previous studies that attempted to understand the electricity sector energy transition from a system perspective by exploring the structural feedback between it and economic, energy, and environmental systems. This enables the assessment of different energy policies using more macro indicators, which further emphasize the novelty of our work. A combination of system dynamics modelling and a policy analysis framework was applied to explore these issues. Our study proposes a dynamic hypothesis that the price of energy increases over time, in the absence of substitution, becoming a limiting factor in the transition to renewables in the electricity sector. The fiscal budget was found to be a bottleneck for renewable energy adoption in the electricity sector in Indonesia. We found that a fossil fuel depletion premium could be a potential supporting policy to enable the smooth phasing-out of fossil fuels and support a sustainable energy transition.

Utilizing a unified conceptual dynamic model for prediction of particle size of duel-matrix nanocomposites during mechanical alloying

This work focused on developing an analytical fast and reliable model to predict the morphological changes in nanocomposite powders during mechanical alloying. A conceptual dynamic model was developed and applied to predict the particle size of magnesium-based hybrid composite powder reinforced with Ti and SiC fabricated by mechanical alloying. The effect of milling time on the morphology, microstructure, and particle size of composite powders was investigated. The experimental and model predictions demonstrated that the optimal milling times varies between pure metal, duel matrix alloy and duel-matrix nanocomposite because it was obtained as 32 h for Mg milled, 16 h for Mg-30 wt% Ti and Mg- 20 wt% Ti- 10 wt% SiC nanocomposite with an average particle size 4.91 μm, 6.95 μm, and 5.38 μm, respectively. Prediction results by the CD model for the mentioned samples were equal to 5.33 μm, 6.7 μm, and 6.04 μm, respectively. By increasing the time of ball milling, the crystalline structure of SiC from changed hexagonal to cubic. Another effect of increasing time occurred on the crystallite size and caused the largest decrease, which was equal to 61.91%, to occur for composite Mg-Ti-SiC.

Building archean cratonic roots

Geophysical, geochemical, and geological investigations have attributed the stable behaviour of Earth’s continents to the presence of their Archean cratonic roots. These roots are likely composed of melt-depleted, low density residual peridotite with high magnesium number (Mg#), while devolatilisation from the upper mantle during magmatic events might have made these roots more viscous and intrinsically stronger than the convecting mantle. Several conceptual dynamic and petrological models of craton formation have been proposed. Dynamic models invoke far-field shortening or mantle melting events, e.g., by mantle plumes, to create melt-depleted and thick cratons. Compositional buoyancy and rheological modifications have also been invoked to create long-lived stable cratonic lithosphere. However, these conceptual models have not been tested in a dynamically self-consistent model. In this study, we present global thermochemical models of craton formation with coupled core-mantle-crust evolution driven entirely by gravitational forces. Our results with melting and crustal production (both oceanic and continental) show that formation of cratonic roots can occur through naturally occurring lateral compression and thickening of the lithosphere in a self-consistent manner, without the need to invoke far-field tectonic forces. Plume impingements, and gravitational sliding creates thrusting of lithosphere to form thick, stable, and strong lithosphere that has a strong resemblance to the Archean cratons that we can still observe today at the Earth’s surface. These models also suggest the recycling of denser eclogitic crust by delamination and dripping processes. Within our computed parameter space, a variety of tectonic regimes are observed which also transition with time. Based on these results, we propose that a ridge-only regime or a sluggish-lid regime might have been active on Earth during the Archean Eon as they offer favourable dynamics and conditions for craton formation.

Increased Attention to Smart Development in Rural Areas: A Scientometric Analysis of Smart Village Research

As the research on smart cities matures and thrives, research focusing on smart rural development has also emerged into the spotlight in recent years. An increasing number of scholars have called for extending the discussion of smart development in the rural context. In response, this paper aims to conduct a comprehensive scientometric review of the current academic literature in the discussion of smart development in rural areas, centering on the concept of the smart village, which is the most recognized concept in the existing literature and practices. The contributions of this study are threefold. First, an overview of the current implementation and understanding of smart village initiatives and conceptual frameworks provides practical and theoretical insights as prerequisites for comprehending the concept. Second, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first complete scientometric study in the smart village field and will establish baseline data for future analysis and comparison. It describes the status of the scientific landscape based on quantitative analysis and an intuitive visualization, identifying patterns, hotspots, trends, and gaps. Finally, we find that the current trend puts a relatively narrow focus on the technology-driven approaches, while the dimensions of society, services, and culture have been largely neglected. Therefore, a dynamic conceptual model is proposed to call for more human-driven perspectives. We believe that a knowledge-based, community-led, and human-centric rural society is the core of a smart village ecosystem.

The impact of cosmic rays on dynamical balance and disc–halo interaction in L⋆ disc galaxies

ABSTRACT Cosmic rays (CRs) are an important component in the interstellar medium, but their effect on the dynamics of the disc–halo interface (<10 kpc from the disc) is still unclear. We study the influence of CRs on the gas above the disc with high-resolution FIRE-2 cosmological simulations of late-type L⋆ galaxies at redshift z ∼ 0. We compare runs with and without CR feedback (with constant anisotropic diffusion κ∥ ∼ 3 × 1029 cm2 s−1 and streaming). Our simulations capture the relevant disc–halo interactions, including outflows, inflows, and galactic fountains. Extra-planar gas in all of the runs satisfies dynamical balance, where total pressure balances the weight of the overlying gas. While the kinetic pressure from non-uniform motion (≳1 kpc scale) dominates in the mid-plane, thermal and bulk pressures (or CR pressure if included) take over at large heights. We find that with CR feedback, (1) the warm (∼104 K) gas is slowly accelerated by CRs; (2) the hot (>5 × 105 K) gas scale height is suppressed; (3) the warm-hot (2 × 104–5 × 105 K) medium becomes the most volume-filling phase in the disc–halo interface. We develop a novel conceptual model of the near-disc gas dynamics in low-redshift L⋆ galaxies: with CRs, the disc–halo interface is filled with CR-driven warm winds and hot superbubbles that are propagating into the circumgalactic medium with a small fraction falling back to the disc. Without CRs, most outflows from hot superbubbles are trapped by the existing hot halo and gravity, so typically they form galactic fountains.

Recurrent droughts increase risk of cascading tipping events by outpacing adaptive capacities in the Amazon rainforest

Tipping elements are nonlinear subsystems of the Earth system that have the potential to abruptly shift to another state if environmental change occurs close to a critical threshold with large consequences for human societies and ecosystems. Among these tipping elements may be the Amazon rainforest, which has been undergoing intensive anthropogenic activities and increasingly frequent droughts. Here, we assess how extreme deviations from climatological rainfall regimes may cause local forest collapse that cascades through the coupled forest-climate system. We develop a conceptual dynamic network model to isolate and uncover the role of atmospheric moisture recycling in such tipping cascades. We account for heterogeneity in critical thresholds of the forest caused by adaptation to local climatic conditions. Our results reveal that, despite this adaptation, a future climate characterized by permanent drought conditions could trigger a transition to an open canopy state particularly in the southern Amazon. The loss of atmospheric moisture recycling contributes to one-third of the tipping events. Thus, by exceeding local thresholds in forest adaptive capacity, local climate change impacts may propagate to other regions of the Amazon basin, causing a risk of forest shifts even in regions where critical thresholds have not been crossed locally.

A Nuclei-Based Conceptual Model of (Eco)evolutionary Dynamics in Fungal Heterokaryons.

Filamentous fungi are characterised by specific features, such as multinuclearity, coexistence of genetically different nuclei and nuclear movement across the mycelial network. These attributes make them an interesting, yet rather underappreciated, system for studying (eco)evolutionary dynamics. This is especially noticeable among theoretical studies, where rather few consider nuclei and their role in (eco)evolutionary dynamics. To encourage such theoretical approaches, we here provide an overview of existing research on nuclear genotype heterogeneity (NGH) and its sources, such as mutations and vegetative non-self-fusion. We then discuss the resulting intra-mycelial nuclear dynamics and the potential consequences for fitness and adaptation. Finally, we formulate a nuclei-based conceptual framework, which considers three levels of selection: a single nucleus, a subpopulation of nuclei and the mycelium. We compare this framework to other concepts, for example those that consider only the mycelium as the level of selection, and outline the benefits of our approach for studying (eco)evolutionary dynamics. Our concept should serve as a baseline for modelling approaches, such as individual-based simulations, which will contribute greatly to our understanding of multilevel selection and (eco)evolutionary dynamics in filamentous fungi.

Network Dynamic for Experimental Learning Cycle and Innovation Process: A Conceptual Model

Abstract This study develops a conceptual model of network dynamics on innovation by integrating observations and insights from a world-leading innovation company with concepts and theories from the relevant literature. This study first defines the two stages of the innovation process – early-stage and late-stage and unpacks two types of network activities – knowledge networks and social networks. This work then suggests that the experimental learning cycle with failures spontaneously stimulates network activities to become cognitively activated in the innovation process and incorporates six testable propositions. This study illuminates the idea of Learning by Networking and demonstrates that inventors constitute the reality about what knowledge involves and which people act and intentionally create network dynamics for each task, thus merging these streams as a sequential phenomenon.

Processes of reforming the educational policy of Ukraine and the countries of the European Union: a comparative analysis

A comparative comprehensive analysis of the socio-pedagogical problem field of modernization of the educational system of Ukraine and the EU in the context of administrative reform and taking into account economic needs and the establishment of universal democratic values has been conducted.
 A comparative pedagogical study of the theoretical, organizational, methodological and regulatory principles of reforming the educational system of Ukraine, which is currently acquiring national features and integrated into the world educational space, has been carried out.
 Conceptual principles of reforming the educational system of Ukraine as a basis for improving the quality of life of citizens from the standpoint of an innovative educational project in the context and professional psychological and pedagogical aspects of training in the field of educational policy have been theoretically substantiated. The provision is that education, like other institutions of public life, requires operational and strategic management actions, aimed at its modernization and renewal.
 A conceptual integral dynamic model of reforming educational policy in Ukraine with substantiation of methodological approaches and theoretical positions has been developed on the basis of comparative pedagogical research.
 A necessity of expansion and qualitative improvement of the network of preschool educational institutions has been proved.
 There are trends that Ukrainian secondary education will eventually become on a par with the world standards of secondary school.
 A need to create and coordinate a strong system of out-of-school education in Ukraine has been justified, as the mass unemployment of children and youth in out-of-school time entails huge negative consequences.
 Peculiarities of reforming the system of training of working professions and vocational education in Ukraine have been specified.
 A strategic issue is the state policy on teacher training.
 Ukrainian origins of the phenomenon of pedagogical skill as a fundamental basis of the theory and practice of educational policy to improve the quality of teaching and learning in EU countries have been revealed.
 A necessity of development of a target program of professional and pedagogical selection and preparation of experts in the field of educational policy for Ukraine and an algorithm of estimation of its efficiency on the basis of the comparative analysis has been proved.
 The content of the concept of "educational policy" has been clarified, knowledge of the regulatory framework for reforming educational policy in the EU has been deepened.