Development Of Conceptual Model Research Articles

Application Case of Accurate Site Investigation with Life-Cycle Conceptual Site Model Development

A life cycle conceptual site model (LC-CSM) can represent the actual spatial distribution and migration of pollution of a site very accurately and be beneficial in supporting decisions for accurate site remediation or risk management. A volatile chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminated site in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region was chosen as the study case. LC-CSMs were established following the site assessment, preliminary investigation, detailed investigation, and supplementary investigation of each stage. The application of field screening tests such as a membrane interface probe and the multi-electrode resistivity method assisted in identifying potential pollution sources and hot points. Concurrently, a large amount of vinyl chloride, the end product of chlorinated hydrocarbon degradation, was detected in some boreholes, indicating that pollutant biodegradation had occurred at this site. Some typical boreholes and cross-sections were chosen to analyze the biodegradation indicators and chemical fingerprints, combining the results of the comprehensive score of chlorinated hydrocarbon anaerobic biodegradability in groundwater reaching 22. It is judged that the site has strong anaerobic biodegradability. This step-by-step optimization forms an LC-CSM for site investigation, which provides scientific support for accurate site characterization.

Development of the ground model in an area of significant faulting and periglacial legacy: case study from Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

This case study describes a proposed commercial redevelopment at Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The site, located on the Tunbridge Wells Sand and Wadhurst Clay formations, has been affected by major structural faulting as well as by periglacial conditions during the Quaternary. A key aspect of the project was the development of a geological model to inform the engineering design. This study presents the ground model development process, starting with an appreciation of the macro geological setting, understanding the Quaternary landsystem, to focusing on the data from the intrusive ground investigation. The understanding of the primary sedimentary depositional system is critical to the development of a site geological conceptual model. Sediments from highly variable environments of deposition, such as were present in the Early Cretaceous, will present geotechnical and geohazard challenges to a site's development and this first-principles understanding is important in this process. The link from these fundamental geological principles to engineering design, communicated through the ground model, as demonstrated in this paper, is the requirement of the engineering geological appraisal. Locally complex geology demanded a phased site investigation approach, responding to an evolving design and to construction demands, and to meet defined programme requirements for a second-stage tender, to ultimately de-risk key areas with regard to the dynamic ground and groundwater conditions. Thematic collection: This article is part of the Ground models in engineering geology and hydrogeology collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/Ground-models-in-engineering-geology-and-hydrogeology

The application of environmental isotopes to conceptualize groundwater recharge in a coastal aquifer system: Case study of the West Coast Aquifer System, South Africa

Knowledge of natural recharge mechanisms of the West Coast Aquifer is vital for the implementation of water resource management strategies, which would secure groundwater resources for the region. The analysis of stable (2H and 18O) and radioactive (3H and 14C) environmental isotopes have been employed to identify the source of recharge and residence times of the shallow, confined and bedrock aquifers based on sampling conducted during 2017 and 2018. The δ18O values for groundwater ranged from −4.34 and 0.65‰ while δ2H values ranged from −18.8 and 6.8‰. Groundwater 3H activity ranged from 0.0 to 1.2 T.U, rainwater tritium was 1.4 T.U while 14C contents ranged from 0.0 to 1.2pMC. The stable isotope signatures revealed four water groups: non-evaporative shallow and deep groundwater with similar isotopic composition indicating same source of recharge; bedrock groundwater with enriched isotopic signature which show evaporation effect indicating recharge from precipitation where clay lenses are locally absent; non-evaporative shallow groundwater indicate recently infiltrated water; groundwater is not recharged by surface water when drought conditions persist. Deep groundwater in the low-plain discharge zone is recharged by seawater intrusion which is evidenced elevated chloride concentration (35700 mg/l) and enriched stable isotope composition. High tritium (>0.8 T.U) containing groundwater were found downgradient from recharge area, which confirms recent active recharge occurs a distance from postulated recharge area. Tritiated bedrock groundwater with older 14C ages had the same δ18O values as younger shallow groundwater which is consistent with it being derived from locally from low altitudes. The calculated carbon-14 residence times suggest aquifers were recharged under different climatic conditions during cooler periods of the late Pleistocene and Holocene (~2717–33000). The calculated radiocarbon age reflected in the tritium containing groundwater in the deep aquifer supports active localized recharge to deep groundwater system via focused mechanism. The application of environmental isotope methodology combined with an understanding of geology in the study area led to the development of a coherent conceptual flow model.

Sustainability of development of regional systems in transition to the economy of knowledge

The article analyzes the interrelationships of the main terms and concepts used in the investigation of the regional socio-economic system stability when changing to knowledge economy, digitalization of technological processes and management. The object of the research is complex social, ecological and economic systems of a regional scale. The subject of the research is the conceptual apparatus of the research on the stability of regional systems. Key terms and elements of the conceptual apparatus, related characteristics of regional systems that determine their composition and structure, dynamic characteristics, properties have been analyzed. The statement on the applicability of the principles of self-organization to each of the components of complex regional systems has been substantiated. Distinctive features of the regional social, ecological and economic system as a complex object, such as multicomponent, subjectivity, nonlinearity, as well as the activity of elements, subsystems and the system as a whole, have been considered. A conceptual model of development of such complex self-organizing regional socio-economic systems has been presented which determines the relationship between the concepts and the basic characteristics of systems used in behavior analysis. An approach based on the use of principles of self-organization has been proposed, which allows to present the structure of interrelationships of the basic characteristics of the development of regional systems. These principles include the principle of multivariance, the principle of freedom of choice of decisions according to D. Gabor, as well as the principle of external addition, according to which the assessment of the effectiveness of the functioning of a complex system is assessed at the non-systemic level.

Hydrochemical and Isotopic Characterization of the Waters of the Manglaralto River Basin (Ecuador) to Contribute to the Management of the Coastal Aquifer

Coastal aquifers are strategic and fundamental in the development of touristic areas. The coastal aquifer within the Manglaralto River Basin in Ecuador is essential, as it is the only source of water supply for a large part of the northern part of the Santa Elena province. It is a semi-arid region where high volumes of water are pumped from the aquifer, causing a significant drawdown of groundwater levels, thus affecting the water quality. This work aims to characterize the characteristics of groundwater in the coastal aquifer using hydrochemistry and stable isotopes to propose a hydrogeological conceptual model. The methodology for determining the chemical and isotopic characteristics of groundwater follows the following scheme: (i) studies of ionic concentrations using the Piper diagram, (ii) assessment of the origin of salinity through the Cl/Br ratio, the presence of seawater intrusion through the Hydrochemical Facies Evolution Diagram HFE-D, (iii) characterization of precipitation events using stable isotopes (18O and 2H), and, (iv) development of a hydrogeological conceptual model of the study area. The results indicate that in the basin there are mixing processes of the existing water in the aquifer with recharge water, direct cation exchange processes in the freshening process during recharge, and evaporation in the unsaturated zone. A conceptual model of the flow system in the basin is built, based on the mentioned processes. The main conclusions are: seawater intrusion is present in the areas of the wells located closest to the coast, urban activity through septic tanks is affecting the quality of the aquifer, and rainfall is highly relevant in the different hydrochemical and isotopic processes that operate in the basin.

Conceptual model of development of inter-organizational relations in the production of electronic industry

Conceptual model of development of inter-organizational relations in the production of electronic industry

Developing and Validating Clinical Questionnaires.

Coinciding with the development and revision of conceptual models of psychopathology, there has been a proliferation in the number of self-report clinical questionnaires and studies evaluating their psychometric properties. Unfortunately, many clinical measures are constructed and evaluated using suboptimal methods. This review provides current guidelines for the conceptualization, development, and psychometric validation of clinical questionnaires using latent variable methods. A two-stage exploratory-confirmatory framework is provided. The exploratory stage includes item selection and revision, initial structural evaluation, and preliminary tests of concurrent validity (e.g., convergent and discriminant). The confirmatory stage involves replicating factor structure using a more restrictive model, identifying areas of model strain, conducting additional tests of concurrent and predictive validity, and evaluating measurement invariance. Recommendations are provided for (a) item generation, (b) how to use different types of exploratory and confirmatory factor models to determine structure, and (c) evaluating reliability and validity using a latent variable measurement model approach.

Embedding smart technologies in accounting to meet global irrigation challenges

PurposeAgriculture is under pressure to produce more food under increasingly variable climate conditions. Consequently, producers need management innovations that lead to improved physical and financial productivity. Currently, farm accounting technologies lack the sophistication to allow producers to analyse productivity of water. Furthermore water-related agricultural technology (“agtech”) systems do not readily link to accounting innovations. This study aims to establish a conceptual and practical framework for linking temporal, biophysical and management decision-making to accounting by develop a soil moisture and climate monitoring tool.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts an exploratory mixed-methods approach to understand supply of and demand for water accounting and water-related agtech; and bundling these innovations with farm accounting to generate a stable tool with the ability to improve agricultural practices over time. Three phases of data collection are the focus here: first, a desk-based review of water accounting and water technology – including benchmarking of key design characteristics of these methods and key actor interviews to verify and identify trends, allowing for conceptual model development; second, a producer survey to test demand for the “bundled” conceptual model; third and finally, a participant-based case study in potato-farming that links the data from direct monitoring and remote sensing to farm accounts.FindingsDesign characteristics of water accounting and agtech innovations are bundled into an overall irrigation decision-making conceptual model based on in-depth review of available innovations and verification by key actors. Producer surveys suggest enough demand to pursue practical bundling of these innovations undertaken by developing an integrated accounting, soil moisture and climate monitoring tool on-farm. Productivity trends over two seasons of case study data demonstrate the pivotal role of accounting in leading to better technical irrigation decisions and improving water productivity.Originality/valueThe model can assist practitioners to gauge strengths and weaknesses of contemporary water accounting fads and fashions and potential for innovation bundling for improved water productivity. The practical tool demonstrates how on-farm irrigation decision-making can be supported by linking farm accounting systems and smart technology

DIGITAL TOOLS AND PAPER-AND-PENCIL IN SOLVING-AND-EXPRESSING: HOW TECHNOLOGY EXPANDS A STUDENT’S CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF A COVARIATION PROBLEM

This study aims at understanding the role of the tools chosen throughout the processes of solving a non-routine mathematical problem and communicating its solution. In assuming that problem-solving is a synchronous activity of mathematization and expression of mathematical thinking we take our proposed Mathematical Problem Solving with Technology (MPST) model to analyze the processes of solving-and-expressing-problems. Resorting to qualitative methods for data collection and analysis, we report on the case of an 8th grader working on a covariation problem to examine the role that paper-and-pencil and digital tools play in the development of a conceptual model of the situation. We found that the resources used throughout the solving-and-expressing activity influenced the depth of the conceptual model developed, within a process of progressive mathematization. Whereas paper-and-pencil led to the emergence of a conceptual model based on exploring particular cases, the digital transformation of the solution was triggered by the process of communicating its mathematical justification and expanded the previous model. Moreover, the complexity of this activity is evidenced by its multiple sequences of processes. Finally, the integration process seems crucial as the concomitant use of technological and mathematical resources precedes major advancements in the expansion of the conceptual model.

ОНТОЛОГІЧНА ПІДСИСТЕМА МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ЗДОРОВ’Я ЛЮДИНИ

In the development of subsystems of the transdisciplinary intelligent information-analytical system of pandemic rehabilitation support (TISP), in particular the ontological subsystem of the White Book of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM), an important component is the stage of human health modeling based on the International functioning, restriction of vital functions and health (ICF). This modeling provides increased reliability of the fi nal results of the project. The work uses simulation modeling, which involves the following stages: stage 1 – development of an ontological conceptual model; stage 2 – development of a set of models and algorithms of interaction between stages of modeling and corresponding programs; stage 3 – planning and conducting computer simulations and stage 4 – analysis and interpretation of simulation results. Stage 1 in addition to the development of ontological conceptual model allows the formation of the main components of the ontological subsystem and the elementary processes of interaction between concepts, taking into account the relevant relationships. Stage 2, in addition to the development of algorithms and programs, also allows for research to create new architectures and programs for computer systems and a variety of tools to support the processes of reproduction and fixation of health, including sensors for health. At this stage, UML-diagrams of architecture, algorithms and application of the ontological subsystem at diff erent stages of rehabilitation processes are developed. Stage 3 considers computer modeling of rehabilitation processes as the most relevant today. This means that a person is ill, including in connection with a pandemic. At the same time, we have a person with limitations of daily functioning who needs rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is carried out by an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team. From the point of view of building the TISP knowledge base and medical applications, the description of Section 7 of the White Paper needs to be considered in more detail. The well-known expert model of human health assessment is also considered and the results of the research are presented in the form of a list of group coeffi cients of signifi cance of indicators and health factors. Methodological bases of construction of ontological subsystem of modeling of human health are developed, which include system-ontological analysis of knowledge domain “Modeling of human health”, its ontological representation and conceptual model.

Management of the Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Colombian Caribbean: A Conceptual Model

AbstractThe boll weevil [BW; Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)] is the main pest in the cotton-producing regions throughout the Americas from Southern Texas to Argentina. In the Colombian Caribbean, frequent population outbreaks have resulted in cotton planting bans in some localities and in massive applications of insecticides elsewhere (up to 15 insecticide sprays per cotton season). To date, information on boll weevil management strategies in Colombia is only available in the forms of gray literature (technical reports) and informal knowledge held by crop advisors and farmers. This study compiles this information using a standardized protocol for participatory construction of conceptual models for agricultural systems. The conceptual model developed in this study integrates the informal local knowledge of crop advisors and farmers with disciplinary knowledge describing management strategies for boll weevil. The collected data were assessed and organized using a systems approach to facilitate the future development of quantitative models and allow visualization of knowledge gaps. The model includes the description of the biological and technical-decisional subsystems. The latter subsystem explains boll weevil management at two temporal-spatial scales: 1) farm (field) scale management during the cotton season and 2) a regional boll weevil suppression strategy mainly aimed at controlling the insect populations that survived the intercotton season. The development of this conceptual model allowed describing the current management strategies for boll weevil and formulating hypotheses about the effectiveness of these strategies. This conceptual model provides guidelines for future research, and it can serve as a baseline for the development of quantitative models and simulations describing the decision-making process related to the management of boll weevil in the Colombian Caribbean.

Development of 3-Dementional Conceptual Model of Teaching Practicum in Korea

The aim of this study is to develop a conceptual model of teaching practicum for systematic understanding of the phenomenon of the teaching practicum and the efficiency of its operation. In this study, the core elements of a teaching practicum were derived through literature analysis. First, the 'phase' of teaching practicum, second, the 'type' of teaching practicum, and third, the 'support system' for teaching practicum . The researchers developed a 3D teaching practicum concept model using these three elements as the three axes of the model. The conceptual model-of-teaching practicum developed in this way was validated by an opinion survey undertaken by two groups of experts. The expert opinion survey was conducted with a group of 20 university professors and 13 professional teachers. As a result of analyzing the survey data, the CVR value was analyzed to be 0.42 or higher in the 1st expert group (professor group) and the CVR value above 0.62 in the 2nd expert group (13 professional teachers). As a result, the conceptual model of teaching practicum developed in this study was verified and the dimensions, sub-elements, and definitions of each were valid. The conceptual model-of-teaching practicum created through a theoretical approach can be used as basicdata for systematic understanding and efficient operation of the phenomenon of the teaching practicum.

Conceptualisation for mobile commerce adoption in SMEs: a perspective of developing countries

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the related literature on organisational mobile commerce (m-commerce) adoption with the use of an iterative methodology for reviewing, analysing and critically assessing the related literature. Such a review leads to the development of a conceptual framework for a best-fit explanation on the critical determinants of m-commerce adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of developing countries. Such a framework can overcome the limitations encountered in the previous organisational m-commerce adoption research. It sheds light on four important groups of factors for better understanding the critical determinants for organisational m-commerce adoption, namely technological factors, organisational factors, environmental factors, and managerial factors. The study contributes to organisational m-commerce adoption research by extending previous works on organisational m-commerce adoption with the development of a comprehensive conceptual model from the perspective of developing countries for better exploring the critical determinants of m-commerce adoption in SMEs.

Ecological Boundaries and Interference with the Global Nitrogen Cycle: A Review on Soil Nitrogen Management Strategies

Purpose : Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is a major input in agro-ecosystems and has health, economic, and environmental implications. Changes in the global N cycle has transgressed the ecological safe boundary at present. Therefore, sustainable soil N management tools should be identified and implemented to reduce environmental implications of agriculture. This review paper intends to describe the magnitude of the global N based pollution, its health, economic, and environmental implications and suggest for approaches to achieve sustainable soil N management. Research Method : This paper shares a literature review on current efforts in optimizing soil N management. The central topic is an on-farm experiment conducted in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA that monitors and manages in-season N in maize using a crop sensor technology. Other reliable findings from previously conducted studies worldwide are presented as well. Findings : Results of field studies revealed that there were no significant variations in maize grain yields between sensor-based treatment and farmer’s business-as-usual treatment However, the crop sensor-based treatment recorded savings of N at an average rate of 32 kg/ha. Based on the reported findings in literature, advanced fertilizer technology, manipulation of fertilizer application methods and development of conceptual models to predict the crop N need are other potential tools to optimize N in agriculture. Research Limitation : The behavior of reactive N in soil is unpredictable due to a complex interacting effect of crop, soil, climatic and management factors.Originality/ Value : In Sri Lanka as a country having a significant stake in agriculture, understanding and adoption of some of these available new technologies for efficient N management will serve well in our efforts for ecological sustainability.

3D models of buildings of the future for use in construction printing

The article presents the development of conceptual models of buildings constructed with using Building Information Modeling software complexes. It describes the advantages and disadvantages of modern additive technologies. Features of their using are specified. Examples of their integration in modern construction are shown. Construction areas for which building models were developed were selected. The main ways of development of construction in the selected areas of activity are indicated. An analysis of current trends in the field of architecture is presented, and a forecast of future architectural trends for the coming decades based on the results provided by 3D Fast Build technology is made. The functional features of the buildings construction of the designated time period are taken into account. They were theoretically integrated into selected objects related to various construction areas, with their further design and modeling in the Autodesk Revit program, taking into account all identified trends and expected functionality.

FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT FOR DYNAMIC SYSTEM VALIDATION

Validation is one of the most important stages of modeling, and it is a necessity before utilizing the model for further analyses. Especially for the studies that start with conceptual models, the validation process is more complex than others. In this study, we used a multi-methodology approach to develop a framework to support the conceptual model development and validation in System Dynamics (SD) modeling. In the proposed framework, we integrated methods from SD methodology with methods from the Analytic Network Process (ANP). The proposed framework was then used for clinical laboratory performance analysis. The purpose was to use the proposed framework to conduct structural validity of the SD model, to prioritize Clinical Laboratory (CL) performance indicators, and capture their relations. Results indicate that the proposed framework can be used to generate an enriched and validated conceptual model for a CL performance system that can be useful for healthcare decision-makers. Also, the proposed multi-methodology framework can be applied to any complex systems to validate the conceptual models.

E-Marketing Audit sebagai Tools Pengendalian Usaha pada UKM di Kota Malang

This study aims to: 1) design an information system related to marketing audits, especially marketing functions in the form of an E-Marketing Audit model design based on conceptual studies and empirical exploration, 2) develop a web-based information system, and 3) apply the E-Marketing Audit model for SMEs Malang City. This study uses a qualitative research methods. Qualitative research is conducted to define the need for marketing audits using depth in interviews to enrich the development of conceptual models and applicable systems. While system development uses the waterfall SDLC model development method. This method is a sequential or sequential approach to the software life flow starting from analysis, design, coding, testing and implementation. The object of research is an SME in Malang City, observation activities are conducted on 20 SMEs in Malang City and depth interview is conducted with 3 SMEs who represent the characteristics needed in this research. This activity is aimed at elaborating on the need for the formation of a model as a basis for designing an applicable model of E-Marketing audit for SMEs in Malang. The results obtained are in the form of a web-based marketing audit system that is ready to be used by prospective users (SMEs). The resulting marketing audit system features recording product sales, recording of production costs and product price variations, recording sales channels (if an SME uses more than 1 distribution channel), auditing promotional activities by connecting the system to social media and measuring its impact. https://doi.org/10.26905/jmdk.v8i2.5097

Participatory place-based integrated ecosystem assessment in Sitka, Alaska: Constructing and operationalizing a socio-ecological conceptual model for sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)

An integrated ecosystem assessment (IEA) is a framework that organizes science to aid in the transition from traditional single-species management towards ecosystem-based management. Within the Gulf of Alaska, we started a small-scale IEA framework with active engagement of local stakeholders in the fishing community of Sitka. The initial step of this framework was the development of conceptual models. Here, we present a co-produced conceptual model using data gathered from participatory focus groups and a literature review of ecosystem attributes driving the abundance of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria). We then assembled a qualitative network model (QNM), a mathematical representation of a conceptual system in which perturbations of individual components can be assessed for their qualitative effect. Simulations were conducted to test different biophysical scenarios, while evaluating tradeoffs across ecological and human dimension components. In contrast to large adult sablefish, juvenile and small adults responded similarly to most biophysical conditions. In general, human dimension components responded negatively to the tested scenarios. These results highlight the potential need for management strategies that differentiate between small and large adults, particularly if current sablefish stock assessment trends persist, such as the lack of older fish contributing to spawning biomass and uncertainties in estimates of year-class strength.

Barriers and facilitators to patient uptake and utilisation of digital interventions for the self-management of low back pain: a systematic review of qualitative studies

ObjectivesLow back pain (LBP) is a leading contributor to disability globally. Self-management is a core component of LBP management. We aimed to synthesise published qualitative literature concerning digital health interventions...

Formation of Readiness of Future Teachers of Physical Education for Animation Activity in Secondary Schools of Ukraine

The purpose of the study is to determine the content and organizational and pedagogical conditions of professional training of future teachers of physical education for animation activities in secondary schools and involves the development and experimental testing of the relevant conceptual model. For a physical education teacher, animation is a purposeful activity that provides the formation of a spiritually and physically health, socially active personality of a student capable of self-development and self-improvement in the field of leisure. The structural components of the readiness of future physical education teachers for animation activities, which is considered as a systemic quality of personality, are motivational and target, cognitive and content, activity and creative, and reflexive and evaluative. The effectiveness of professional training of future physical education teachers for animation activities in secondary school is ensured by the implementation of a set of organizational and pedagogical conditions, namely: orientation of the content of pedagogical education of future physical education teachers on the formation of readiness for animation activities; directing the practical training of students to the development of skills in the design and organization of animation activities in a secondary school; formation of students' holistic idea of the essence of animation activities by involving them in the developmental animation educational environment.