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European Union's Green Deal is a legal obligation to EU countries to shift towards environment-friendly energy systems from fossil-fuel-based systems. This transition will bring significant global health benefits by combating climate change, but it is crucial to understand the so far understudied impacts on local communities' lives and, thus, on their health and well-being. The study proposes a novel conceptual framework based on socio-technical systems theory and the production of space theory to identify the interacting points between energy systems and health and well-being systems in the energy transition context. This framework is tested in Estonia's transitioning fossil fuel oil-shale-based energy system based on four focus group discussions, ten expert interviews, and document analysis. We innovatively pinpoint pathways, including feedback loops, through a causal loop diagram (CLD) impacting inhabitants' health and well-being from the interplay between energy and health and well-being systems. The analysis indicates that protecting and promoting health and well-being has been a challenge not only due to disruption created by the energy transition process but also due to the accumulated problems regarding socioeconomic conditions, environmental health impacts, and well-being at the local level. The compound effects of multiple existing and emerging issues, including the divergent interpretations of health and the lack of holistic support mechanisms for inhabitants to navigate the changes in sociocultural and economic space, can harm locals' health and well-being. The developed conceptual framework provides an important theoretical background to study the impacts on the mental and physical health, including social health and well-being, of the inhabitants living in the fossil-fuel-based industrial area. The CLD developed using this framework demonstrates the interacting points to avoid unintended consequences of energy transition.

Transitioning towards more plant-based protein diets is essential for public and planetary health. Current research about consumption practices of protein sources provides limited insight in the multidisciplinary nature and interconnectivity of the food environment. This study aimed to collect mental models of review authors by synthesizing both their implicit and explicit system views into an overarching system view. Published reviews were used to select participants and identify variables that explain the protein transition in relation to the food environment. To overcome differences in disciplines and scale levels (e.g. individual, interpersonal, environmental), variables were organized according to the Determinants of Nutrition and Eating Framework. Eight review authors shared their mental models in an interview. Participants were asked to construct a causal loop diagram (CLD), a tool proven valuable in making one's ontology explicit to others. Implicit system views in narrative were converted into CLDs using a coding framework. The overarching system view suggests that a multitude of feedback loops sustain current consumption patterns of protein sources, for example by reinforcement through habit, availability and peer support. Several aspects require further research, such as variable relationships that were subject to disagreement and the lack of reciprocity between the physical and social elements of the food environment. In addition, knowledge gaps were exposed, including long-term behaviour and interaction of multiple variables. As a boundary object, the overarching system view can facilitate the direction of future research. The findings underscore the interconnected nature of many disparate elements within the food environment, stressing the need for holistic methods like systems thinking. These are essential in developing a systemic understanding and facilitating the transition towards more plant-based diets.

BACKGROUND: Interest in applying a complex systems approach to understanding socioeconomic inequalities in health is growing, but an overview of existing research on this topic is lacking. In this systematic scoping review, we summarize the current state of the literature, identify shared drivers of multiple health and health behavior outcomes, and highlight areas ripe for future research. METHODS: SCOPUS, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched in April 2023 for peer-reviewed, English-language studies in high-income OECD countries containing a conceptual systems model or simulation model of socioeconomic inequalities in health or health behavior in the adult general population. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts. Data on study aim, type of model, all model elements, and all relationships were extracted. Model elements were categorized based on the Commission on Social Determinants of Health framework, and relationships between grouped elements were visualized in a summary conceptual systems map. RESULTS: A total of 42 publications were included; 18 only contained a simulation model, 20 only contained a conceptual model, and 4 contained both types of models. General health outcomes (e.g., health status, well-being) were modeled more often than specific outcomes like obesity. Dietary behavior and physical activity were by far the most commonly modeled health behaviors. Intermediary determinants of health (e.g., material circumstances, social cohesion) were included in nearly all models, whereas structural determinants (e.g., policies, societal values) were included in about a third of models. Using the summary conceptual systems map, we identified 15 shared drivers of socioeconomic inequalities in multiple health and health behavior outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The interconnectedness of socioeconomic position, multiple health and health behavior outcomes, and determinants of socioeconomic inequalities in health is clear from this review.

A large part of Swedish medical care is expected to be provided from the primary health centers. However, these centers are experiencing challenges in terms of shortages of personnel, an increased volume of patients, higher workload, increasing queue lengths, and increasing costs. Addressing these issues at the primary health centers is important for both improving the operation at the local centers and the functionality of the Swedish healthcare system. This thesis aims to explore the primary health center operation, focusing on a typical public primary health center in Stockholm. This is done to find parameters that affect the flow of patients and develop a graphical model that serves as a foundation for further model development, simulations and optimization of good health. To address the complex and dynamic primary health center system, a system dynamics approach is adopted. A literature review was conducted to gain an understanding of the primary health center environment and to identify parameters that impact the primary health centers ability to operate and/or affect the quality of service towards patients. The model development involved constructing cases and extracting parameters that change over time. The parameter relationships were determined through interpretation and are supported by literature. The model was qualitatively validated with the assistance of expert feedback. The presented result is determined to capture the basic operation of the primary health center and the model can be used as a foundation for further simulations., En stor del av den svenska sjukvården förväntas levereras från vårdcentraler. Vårdcentralerna står dock inför utmaningar när det gäller brist på personal, ökad patientvolym, högre arbetsbelastning, ökade kölängder och ökande kostnader. Att hantera dessa problem på vårdcentralerna är viktigt både för att förbättra den lokala verksamheten och funktionaliteten i svensk hälso- och sjukvård. Syftet med detta arbete är att undersöka vårdcentralens verksamhet och fokuserar på en typisk offentlig vårdcentral i Stockholm. Detta görs för att hitta parametrar som påverkar patientflödet, för att utveckla en grafisk modell som utgör en grund för vidare modellutveckling, simuleringar och optimering av god hälsa. För att adressera det komplexa och dynamiska vårdcentral-systemet antas ett system dynamiskt tillvägagångssätt. En litteraturgenomgång genomfördes för att få en förståelse för vårdcentralens miljö och identifiera parametrar som påverkar vårdcentralens förmåga att driva verksamheten och/eller påverkar kvaliteten på vården för patienter. Modellutvecklingen innebar att konstruera fall och extrahera parametrar som förändras över tid. Parametrarnas relationer bestämdes genom tolkning och stöds av litteratur. Modellen genomgick en kvalitativ valideringsprocess baserad på expertutlåtanden. Resultatet, den grafiska modellen, som presenteras anses fånga vårdcentralens grundläggande funktion och kan användas som grund för vidare simuleringar.

A large part of Swedish medical care is expected to be provided from the primary health centers. However, these centers are experiencing challenges in terms of shortages of personnel, an increased volume of patients, higher workload, increasing queue lengths, and increasing costs. Addressing these issues at the primary health centers is important for both improving the operation at the local centers and the functionality of the Swedish healthcare system. This thesis aims to explore the primary health center operation, focusing on a typical public primary health center in Stockholm. This is done to find parameters that affect the flow of patients and develop a graphical model that serves as a foundation for further model development, simulations and optimization of good health. To address the complex and dynamic primary health center system, a system dynamics approach is adopted. A literature review was conducted to gain an understanding of the primary health center environment and to identify parameters that impact the primary health centers ability to operate and/or affect the quality of service towards patients. The model development involved constructing cases and extracting parameters that change over time. The parameter relationships were determined through interpretation and are supported by literature. The model was qualitatively validated with the assistance of expert feedback. The presented result is determined to capture the basic operation of the primary health center and the model can be used as a foundation for further simulations., En stor del av den svenska sjukvården förväntas levereras från vårdcentraler. Vårdcentralerna står dock inför utmaningar när det gäller brist på personal, ökad patientvolym, högre arbetsbelastning, ökade kölängder och ökande kostnader. Att hantera dessa problem på vårdcentralerna är viktigt både för att förbättra den lokala verksamheten och funktionaliteten i svensk hälso- och sjukvård. Syftet med detta arbete är att undersöka vårdcentralens verksamhet och fokuserar på en typisk offentlig vårdcentral i Stockholm. Detta görs för att hitta parametrar som påverkar patientflödet, för att utveckla en grafisk modell som utgör en grund för vidare modellutveckling, simuleringar och optimering av god hälsa. För att adressera det komplexa och dynamiska vårdcentral-systemet antas ett system dynamiskt tillvägagångssätt. En litteraturgenomgång genomfördes för att få en förståelse för vårdcentralens miljö och identifiera parametrar som påverkar vårdcentralens förmåga att driva verksamheten och/eller påverkar kvaliteten på vården för patienter. Modellutvecklingen innebar att konstruera fall och extrahera parametrar som förändras över tid. Parametrarnas relationer bestämdes genom tolkning och stöds av litteratur. Modellen genomgick en kvalitativ valideringsprocess baserad på expertutlåtanden. Resultatet, den grafiska modellen, som presenteras anses fånga vårdcentralens grundläggande funktion och kan användas som grund för vidare simuleringar.

Background: With AMU projected to increase, South East Asia (SEA) is at high risk of experiencing disproportionate health, social, and economic burdens due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our objective was to identify factors influencing AMR in SEA’s food system and places for intervention by integrating the perspectives of experts from the region to inform policy and management decisions. Materials and methods: We conducted two 6.5 h workshops and two 90-min interviews involving 18 AMR and other disciplinary experts from human, animal, and environment sectors who brainstormed the factors influencing AMR and identified leverage points (places) for intervention. Transcripts and workshop materials were coded for factors and their connections and transcribed into a causal loop diagram (CLD). Thematic analysis described AMR dynamics in SEA’s food system and leverage points for intervention. The CLD and themes were confirmed via participant feedback. Results: Participants constructed a CLD of AMR in the SEA food system that contained 98 factors interlinked by 362 connections. CLD factors reflected eight sub-areas of the SEA food system (e.g., government). Seven themes [e.g., antimicrobial and pesticide use and AMR spread (n = 40 quotes)], six “overarching factors” that impact the entire AMR system [e.g., the drive to survive (n = 12 quotes)], and 10 places for intervention that target CLD factors (n = 5) and overarching factors (n = 2) emerged from workshop discussions. Conclusion: The participant derived CLD of factors influencing AMR in the SEA food system demonstrates that AMR is a product of numerous interlinked actions taken across the One Health spectrum and that finding solutions is no simple task. Developing the model enabled the identification of potentially promising leverage points across human, animal, and environment sectors that, if comprehensively targeted using multi-pronged interventions, could evoke system wide changes that mitigate AMR. Even targeti

This thesis proposes an approach to evaluate the safety of autonomous vehicles in real traffic by using Causal Loop Diagrams from System Dynamic theory from a previous System-Theoretic Process Analysis. The Causal Loop Diagram allows the user to model behavioural relationships among various components of the system. A case study has been implemented where an intersection between mixed traffic and autonomous vehicles was analyzed. Risks were analyzed with causal relations that were modelled in Causal Loop Diagrams. The practice of combining STPA and SD consolidates it as a potential framework to analyse the safety of autonomous vehicles in complex traffic and can be applied in other areas., Outgoing

The Netherlands is experiencing a significant increase in its aging population. Multi morbidity and a rapidly growing shortage of healthcare personnel are putting pressure on the healthcare system, leading to capacity issues. The capacity problems of care have medical, safety, social, and economic consequences. Policy measures are needed to address these challenges and improve the transfer care system. Therefore, the research question is: On which factors should policy interventions by the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport be aimed, to improve the performance of the Dutch transfer care system? This study uses qualitative System Dynamics (SD), a method that uses causal loop diagrams, to analyze the relationships between factors that influence the transfer care system performance, such as the demographic changes and workforce shortage. The goal is to find strategies and solutions for a sustainable healthcare system. A visual SD model is used to highlight the complexity of the transfer care system and to reveal inter dependencies, interactions, and feedback loops, aiming to understand system dynamics. A literature review, multiple interviews and case studies have revealed factors and interactions that are modeled in a causal loop diagram. This qualitative System Dynamics analysis revealed both unidirectional (+ or -) and different polarity (+/-) interactions/feedback loops between/among the indicators, which implicates that certain policy interventions (mentioned in Dutch policy notes and other publications) may not achieve the intended results. Based on the interactions found, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport can start using a bundle of interventions aiming on reducing workload/number of admissions and simultaneously keeping availability of aftercare constant. Additionally, the Ministry can improve other indicators, when keeping workload constant. However, to determine how many additional interventions are needed to keep workload and availability afterca, Complex Systems Engineering and Management (CoSEM)

This study addressed the complexity involved in integrating the causative risk factors influencing construction profitability. Most of the existing studies cover the individual effects of profitability influencing factors. Very few focus on the systematic impact without incorporating the complexity and associated dynamics, presenting a gap targeted by the current study. The current study aimed to assess causative interrelations and interdependencies between profitability influencing risk factors (PIRF), through systems thinking (ST) and system dynamics (SD) modeling. The SD approach was used to evaluate the integrated impacts on profitability-influencing risk categories (PIRC) in construction projects. The causative influencing factors affecting construction profitability were identified through a comprehensive literature review. These were ranked using content analysis, and categorized into significant issues. Through 250 structured surveys and 15 expert opinion meetings, the path for quantitative and qualitative evaluations was prepared. Following these investigations, a causal loop diagram (CLD) was established using the ST technique, and the integrated effect was quantified using SD modeling. The study finds the rising cost of material, supply chain process, payment issues, planning and scheduling problems, financial difficulties, and effective control of manpower and equipment resources as the most critical PIRFs. The integrated effects of PIRFs on PIRC were quantified using SD modeling. This study helps field professionals with profitability-influencing factors, diagnosing issues, and integrating impacts regarding decision-making and policy formulation. For researchers, it presents a list of factors that can be investigated in detail, and the holistic interrelationships established.

This research seeks to investigate the effects of a Group Model Building approach on the sustainability knowledge base prior to the weighting of design requirements. Current practice shows that the knowledge about sustainability impacts and implications on other design objectives often is limited and dispersed among decision-makers. Including sustainability criteria in needs and requirements, therefore, tend to rely on limited knowledge and decision-support, leading to decision-makers often prioritizing design objectives that they are more experienced with. The aim of this research was to capture and discuss effects on team alignment of contextual sustainability understanding from co-modeling impacts and implications of sustainability on other design objectives. The research question guiding the study is ‘what are the effects of a group model building approach on early sustainability design decisions?’. A mixed-methods research, structured according to four assumptions, was designed to analyze effects quantitatively and qualitatively. The assumptions were that the proposed approach helps design teams foster an improved contextual sustainability understanding, align the view of the relative importance of sustainability, identify suitable sustainability improvement, and increase the knowledge maturity of their design decisions. The results triangulation showed that the participants showed signs of improved sustainability understanding of their design projects and that improvement actions were identified from applying the approach. A statistically relevant converging effect could be found on the team alignment of the weighting of sustainability criteria but not on the knowledge maturity. These findings are discussed to conclude on main contributions, limitations, and areas for future work., open access

This research seeks to investigate the effects of a Group Model Building approach on the sustainability knowledge base prior to the weighting of design requirements. Current practice shows that the knowledge about sustainability impacts and implications on other design objectives often is limited and dispersed among decision-makers. Including sustainability criteria in needs and requirements, therefore, tend to rely on limited knowledge and decision-support, leading to decision-makers often prioritizing design objectives that they are more experienced with. The aim of this research was to capture and discuss effects on team alignment of contextual sustainability understanding from co-modeling impacts and implications of sustainability on other design objectives. The research question guiding the study is ‘what are the effects of a group model building approach on early sustainability design decisions?’. A mixed-methods research, structured according to four assumptions, was designed to analyze effects quantitatively and qualitatively. The assumptions were that the proposed approach helps design teams foster an improved contextual sustainability understanding, align the view of the relative importance of sustainability, identify suitable sustainability improvement, and increase the knowledge maturity of their design decisions. The results triangulation showed that the participants showed signs of improved sustainability understanding of their design projects and that improvement actions were identified from applying the approach. A statistically relevant converging effect could be found on the team alignment of the weighting of sustainability criteria but not on the knowledge maturity. These findings are discussed to conclude on main contributions, limitations, and areas for future work., open access

Purpose: To improve of the systemic understanding of the causes of CKD mortality for the ideation of solutions with Public Research Centers. Methodology: A community-based system dynamics methodology was implemented to generate a map of systems and solutions. Theoretical Findings: Four causal cycles were identified: Primary risk management; comprehensive management of patients at risk; management of the patient in the final stage; and comprehensive management of the patient in the final stage. Practical Findings: The axes of solution were to increase the number of patients with self-care from stage four to five, and in the Renal Replacement Therapy stage; and increase the number of patients with end-stage treatment. Originality: The discoveries of the map guide the development of solutions and research programs of public research centers, as well as the disciplinary integration of medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and community. Conclusions and limitations: The generated map can be used to prospect the potential impact of both interventions and scenarios with current conditions., Objetivo: Mejorar la comprensión sistémica de las causas de mortalidad por ERC para la ideación de soluciones con de Centros Públicos de Investigación. Metodología: Se implementó una metodología de dinámica de sistemas de base comunitaria para generar un mapa de sistemas y de soluciones. Hallazgos Teóricos: Se identificaron cuatro ciclos causales: Manejo del riesgo primario; manejo integral de los pacientes en riesgo; manejo del paciente en etapa final; y manejo integral del paciente en etapa final. Hallazgos Prácticos: Los ejes de solución fueron aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con autocuidado de la etapa cuatro a cinco, y en etapa de Terapia Renal Sustitutiva; y aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con tratamiento en etapas finales. Originalidad desde el punto de vista transdisciplinar y de innovación sostenible: Los descubrimientos del mapa orientan el desarrollo integral de soluciones y programas de investigación de centros públicos de investigación, así como la integración disciplinar de medicina, psicología, nutrición, trabajo social, y comunidad. Conclusiones y limitaciones: El mapa generado puede servir para prospectar el impacto potencial tanto intervenciones como de escenarios con las condiciones actuales.

Purpose: To improve of the systemic understanding of the causes of CKD mortality for the ideation of solutions with Public Research Centers. Methodology: A community-based system dynamics methodology was implemented to generate a map of systems and solutions. Theoretical Findings: Four causal cycles were identified: Primary risk management; comprehensive management of patients at risk; management of the patient in the final stage; and comprehensive management of the patient in the final stage. Practical Findings: The axes of solution were to increase the number of patients with self-care from stage four to five, and in the Renal Replacement Therapy stage; and increase the number of patients with end-stage treatment. Originality: The discoveries of the map guide the development of solutions and research programs of public research centers, as well as the disciplinary integration of medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and community. Conclusions and limitations: The generated map can be used to prospect the potential impact of both interventions and scenarios with current conditions., Objetivo: Mejorar la comprensión sistémica de las causas de mortalidad por ERC para la ideación de soluciones con de Centros Públicos de Investigación. Metodología: Se implementó una metodología de dinámica de sistemas de base comunitaria para generar un mapa de sistemas y de soluciones. Hallazgos Teóricos: Se identificaron cuatro ciclos causales: Manejo del riesgo primario; manejo integral de los pacientes en riesgo; manejo del paciente en etapa final; y manejo integral del paciente en etapa final. Hallazgos Prácticos: Los ejes de solución fueron aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con autocuidado de la etapa cuatro a cinco, y en etapa de Terapia Renal Sustitutiva; y aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con tratamiento en etapas finales. Originalidad desde el punto de vista transdisciplinar y de innovación sostenible: Los descubrimientos del mapa orientan el desarrollo integral de soluciones y programas de investigación de centros públicos de investigación, así como la integración disciplinar de medicina, psicología, nutrición, trabajo social, y comunidad. Conclusiones y limitaciones: El mapa generado puede servir para prospectar el impacto potencial tanto intervenciones como de escenarios con las condiciones actuales.

Purpose: To improve of the systemic understanding of the causes of CKD mortality for the ideation of solutions with Public Research Centers. Methodology: A community-based system dynamics methodology was implemented to generate a map of systems and solutions. Theoretical Findings: Four causal cycles were identified: Primary risk management; comprehensive management of patients at risk; management of the patient in the final stage; and comprehensive management of the patient in the final stage. Practical Findings: The axes of solution were to increase the number of patients with self-care from stage four to five, and in the Renal Replacement Therapy stage; and increase the number of patients with end-stage treatment. Originality: The discoveries of the map guide the development of solutions and research programs of public research centers, as well as the disciplinary integration of medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and community. Conclusions and limitations: The generated map can be used to prospect the potential impact of both interventions and scenarios with current conditions., Objetivo: Mejorar la comprensión sistémica de las causas de mortalidad por ERC para la ideación de soluciones con de Centros Públicos de Investigación. Metodología: Se implementó una metodología de dinámica de sistemas de base comunitaria para generar un mapa de sistemas y de soluciones. Hallazgos Teóricos: Se identificaron cuatro ciclos causales: Manejo del riesgo primario; manejo integral de los pacientes en riesgo; manejo del paciente en etapa final; y manejo integral del paciente en etapa final. Hallazgos Prácticos: Los ejes de solución fueron aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con autocuidado de la etapa cuatro a cinco, y en etapa de Terapia Renal Sustitutiva; y aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con tratamiento en etapas finales. Originalidad desde el punto de vista transdisciplinar y de innovación sostenible: Los descubrimientos del mapa orientan el desarrollo integral de soluciones y programas de investigación de centros públicos de investigación, así como la integración disciplinar de medicina, psicología, nutrición, trabajo social, y comunidad. Conclusiones y limitaciones: El mapa generado puede servir para prospectar el impacto potencial tanto intervenciones como de escenarios con las condiciones actuales.

Purpose: To improve of the systemic understanding of the causes of CKD mortality for the ideation of solutions with Public Research Centers. Methodology: A community-based system dynamics methodology was implemented to generate a map of systems and solutions. Theoretical Findings: Four causal cycles were identified: Primary risk management; comprehensive management of patients at risk; management of the patient in the final stage; and comprehensive management of the patient in the final stage. Practical Findings: The axes of solution were to increase the number of patients with self-care from stage four to five, and in the Renal Replacement Therapy stage; and increase the number of patients with end-stage treatment. Originality: The discoveries of the map guide the development of solutions and research programs of public research centers, as well as the disciplinary integration of medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and community. Conclusions and limitations: The generated map can be used to prospect the potential impact of both interventions and scenarios with current conditions., Objetivo: Mejorar la comprensión sistémica de las causas de mortalidad por ERC para la ideación de soluciones con de Centros Públicos de Investigación. Metodología: Se implementó una metodología de dinámica de sistemas de base comunitaria para generar un mapa de sistemas y de soluciones. Hallazgos Teóricos: Se identificaron cuatro ciclos causales: Manejo del riesgo primario; manejo integral de los pacientes en riesgo; manejo del paciente en etapa final; y manejo integral del paciente en etapa final. Hallazgos Prácticos: Los ejes de solución fueron aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con autocuidado de la etapa cuatro a cinco, y en etapa de Terapia Renal Sustitutiva; y aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con tratamiento en etapas finales. Originalidad desde el punto de vista transdisciplinar y de innovación sostenible: Los descubrimientos del mapa orientan el desarrollo integral de soluciones y programas de investigación de centros públicos de investigación, así como la integración disciplinar de medicina, psicología, nutrición, trabajo social, y comunidad. Conclusiones y limitaciones: El mapa generado puede servir para prospectar el impacto potencial tanto intervenciones como de escenarios con las condiciones actuales.

Purpose: To improve of the systemic understanding of the causes of CKD mortality for the ideation of solutions with Public Research Centers. Methodology: A community-based system dynamics methodology was implemented to generate a map of systems and solutions. Theoretical Findings: Four causal cycles were identified: Primary risk management; comprehensive management of patients at risk; management of the patient in the final stage; and comprehensive management of the patient in the final stage. Practical Findings: The axes of solution were to increase the number of patients with self-care from stage four to five, and in the Renal Replacement Therapy stage; and increase the number of patients with end-stage treatment. Originality: The discoveries of the map guide the development of solutions and research programs of public research centers, as well as the disciplinary integration of medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and community. Conclusions and limitations: The generated map can be used to prospect the potential impact of both interventions and scenarios with current conditions., Objetivo: Mejorar la comprensión sistémica de las causas de mortalidad por ERC para la ideación de soluciones con de Centros Públicos de Investigación. Metodología: Se implementó una metodología de dinámica de sistemas de base comunitaria para generar un mapa de sistemas y de soluciones. Hallazgos Teóricos: Se identificaron cuatro ciclos causales: Manejo del riesgo primario; manejo integral de los pacientes en riesgo; manejo del paciente en etapa final; y manejo integral del paciente en etapa final. Hallazgos Prácticos: Los ejes de solución fueron aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con autocuidado de la etapa cuatro a cinco, y en etapa de Terapia Renal Sustitutiva; y aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con tratamiento en etapas finales. Originalidad desde el punto de vista transdisciplinar y de innovación sostenible: Los descubrimientos del mapa orientan el desarrollo integral de soluciones y programas de investigación de centros públicos de investigación, así como la integración disciplinar de medicina, psicología, nutrición, trabajo social, y comunidad. Conclusiones y limitaciones: El mapa generado puede servir para prospectar el impacto potencial tanto intervenciones como de escenarios con las condiciones actuales.

Purpose: To improve of the systemic understanding of the causes of CKD mortality for the ideation of solutions with Public Research Centers. Methodology: A community-based system dynamics methodology was implemented to generate a map of systems and solutions. Theoretical Findings: Four causal cycles were identified: Primary risk management; comprehensive management of patients at risk; management of the patient in the final stage; and comprehensive management of the patient in the final stage. Practical Findings: The axes of solution were to increase the number of patients with self-care from stage four to five, and in the Renal Replacement Therapy stage; and increase the number of patients with end-stage treatment. Originality: The discoveries of the map guide the development of solutions and research programs of public research centers, as well as the disciplinary integration of medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and community. Conclusions and limitations: The generated map can be used to prospect the potential impact of both interventions and scenarios with current conditions., Objetivo: Mejorar la comprensión sistémica de las causas de mortalidad por ERC para la ideación de soluciones con de Centros Públicos de Investigación. Metodología: Se implementó una metodología de dinámica de sistemas de base comunitaria para generar un mapa de sistemas y de soluciones. Hallazgos Teóricos: Se identificaron cuatro ciclos causales: Manejo del riesgo primario; manejo integral de los pacientes en riesgo; manejo del paciente en etapa final; y manejo integral del paciente en etapa final. Hallazgos Prácticos: Los ejes de solución fueron aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con autocuidado de la etapa cuatro a cinco, y en etapa de Terapia Renal Sustitutiva; y aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con tratamiento en etapas finales. Originalidad desde el punto de vista transdisciplinar y de innovación sostenible: Los descubrimientos del mapa orientan el desarrollo integral de soluciones y programas de investigación de centros públicos de investigación, así como la integración disciplinar de medicina, psicología, nutrición, trabajo social, y comunidad. Conclusiones y limitaciones: El mapa generado puede servir para prospectar el impacto potencial tanto intervenciones como de escenarios con las condiciones actuales.

Water, energy, and food (WEF) systems form a complex interconnected network, operational at scales from the household up to the global. These scales, like the nexus sectors themselves, and mutually interconnected, with lower-level characteristics help drive higher-level resource management, and vice versa. This chapter highlights recent WEF nexus research at spatial scales from household, to national, and up to global. The studies demonstrate the vast diversity in nexus issues and challenges, along with a concomitant diversity of research and assessment approaches to tackling and better understanding these issues. This chapter closes with a discussion on interactions between the scales, and how policy developed at one scale may impact on other scales, potentially in unanticipated and detriment ways. The investigation into cross-spatial scalar nexus interactions is in its infancy and represents a promising avenue for future research effort. Another aspect not covered so far by research is the issue of differences in the temporal scale in the nexus, both in terms of policy setting and implementation and in terms of impacts to people. This chapter represents another major topic for future research to better guide, develop, and understand the impact of policy and climate change on nexus resources and livelihoods, and vice versa., Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public., Water Resources

As part of the global efforts to mitigate climate change, policymakers are designing measures to reduce the carbon emissions of the freight transport system. As global agreements for decarbonisation specify strict time windows, it is important to understand the speed at which the transport system is capable of changing. Our paper proposes a causal loop diagram based on System Dynamics that qualitatively maps the system’s causal and dynamic responses to five key decarbonisation strategies. As the main contribution, this conceptual model provided a broad overview of the freight system, formed by subsystems that interact with each other through feedback loops, forming its dynamic behaviour. Through this conceptual modelling effort, we can identify the rebound effects of policies over the whole system, which could defeat the desired decarbonisation results. The model pointed out policies and feedback loops as the dynamic levers to promote freight decarbonisation and influence the system’s dynamic responses., Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public., Transport and Planning

Purpose: To improve of the systemic understanding of the causes of CKD mortality for the ideation of solutions with Public Research Centers. Methodology: A community-based system dynamics methodology was implemented to generate a map of systems and solutions. Theoretical Findings: Four causal cycles were identified: Primary risk management; comprehensive management of patients at risk; management of the patient in the final stage; and comprehensive management of the patient in the final stage. Practical Findings: The axes of solution were to increase the number of patients with self-care from stage four to five, and in the Renal Replacement Therapy stage; and increase the number of patients with end-stage treatment. Originality: The discoveries of the map guide the development of solutions and research programs of public research centers, as well as the disciplinary integration of medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and community. Conclusions and limitations: The generated map can be used to prospect the potential impact of both interventions and scenarios with current conditions., Objetivo: Mejorar la comprensión sistémica de las causas de mortalidad por ERC para la ideación de soluciones con de Centros Públicos de Investigación. Metodología: Se implementó una metodología de dinámica de sistemas de base comunitaria para generar un mapa de sistemas y de soluciones. Hallazgos Teóricos: Se identificaron cuatro ciclos causales: Manejo del riesgo primario; manejo integral de los pacientes en riesgo; manejo del paciente en etapa final; y manejo integral del paciente en etapa final. Hallazgos Prácticos: Los ejes de solución fueron aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con autocuidado de la etapa cuatro a cinco, y en etapa de Terapia Renal Sustitutiva; y aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con tratamiento en etapas finales. Originalidad desde el punto de vista transdisciplinar y de innovación sostenible: Los descubrimientos del mapa orientan el desarrollo integral de soluciones y programas de investigación de centros públicos de investigación, así como la integración disciplinar de medicina, psicología, nutrición, trabajo social, y comunidad. Conclusiones y limitaciones: El mapa generado puede servir para prospectar el impacto potencial tanto intervenciones como de escenarios con las condiciones actuales.

There have been recent calls for Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) to expand its reach and focus to address larger scale societal and global issues. An area of growing awareness is the issue of the gender data gap, whereby women are under-represented in research data, leading to inequitable outcomes when research findings are used to design real world technologies, products, environments, processes, and policies. The aim of this paper is to showcase how structured HFE methods can be used to address the gender data gap. We applied the Sociotechnical Systems Design Toolkit which involved using causal loop diagrams and abstraction hierarchy modelling from Cognitive Work Analysis to understand the system in which the issue occurs and key pain points, followed by the application of the Design with Intent Toolkit to generate design ideas. A total of 43 ideas were developed that could be implemented by universities to address the research data gap. The application demonstrates the utility of HFE methods in tackling complex issues and offers an opportunity for the HFE community to reflect upon the importance of gender sensitive research practices and gender equity more broadly.

Purpose: To improve of the systemic understanding of the causes of CKD mortality for the ideation of solutions with Public Research Centers. Methodology: A community-based system dynamics methodology was implemented to generate a map of systems and solutions. Theoretical Findings: Four causal cycles were identified: Primary risk management; comprehensive management of patients at risk; management of the patient in the final stage; and comprehensive management of the patient in the final stage. Practical Findings: The axes of solution were to increase the number of patients with self-care from stage four to five, and in the Renal Replacement Therapy stage; and increase the number of patients with end-stage treatment. Originality: The discoveries of the map guide the development of solutions and research programs of public research centers, as well as the disciplinary integration of medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and community. Conclusions and limitations: The generated map can be used to prospect the potential impact of both interventions and scenarios with current conditions., Objetivo: Mejorar la comprensión sistémica de las causas de mortalidad por ERC para la ideación de soluciones con de Centros Públicos de Investigación. Metodología: Se implementó una metodología de dinámica de sistemas de base comunitaria para generar un mapa de sistemas y de soluciones. Hallazgos Teóricos: Se identificaron cuatro ciclos causales: Manejo del riesgo primario; manejo integral de los pacientes en riesgo; manejo del paciente en etapa final; y manejo integral del paciente en etapa final. Hallazgos Prácticos: Los ejes de solución fueron aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con autocuidado de la etapa cuatro a cinco, y en etapa de Terapia Renal Sustitutiva; y aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con tratamiento en etapas finales. Originalidad desde el punto de vista transdisciplinar y de innovación sostenible: Los descubrimientos del mapa orientan el desarrollo integral de soluciones y programas de investigación de centros públicos de investigación, así como la integración disciplinar de medicina, psicología, nutrición, trabajo social, y comunidad. Conclusiones y limitaciones: El mapa generado puede servir para prospectar el impacto potencial tanto intervenciones como de escenarios con las condiciones actuales.

Purpose: To improve of the systemic understanding of the causes of CKD mortality for the ideation of solutions with Public Research Centers. Methodology: A community-based system dynamics methodology was implemented to generate a map of systems and solutions. Theoretical Findings: Four causal cycles were identified: Primary risk management; comprehensive management of patients at risk; management of the patient in the final stage; and comprehensive management of the patient in the final stage. Practical Findings: The axes of solution were to increase the number of patients with self-care from stage four to five, and in the Renal Replacement Therapy stage; and increase the number of patients with end-stage treatment. Originality: The discoveries of the map guide the development of solutions and research programs of public research centers, as well as the disciplinary integration of medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and community. Conclusions and limitations: The generated map can be used to prospect the potential impact of both interventions and scenarios with current conditions., Objetivo: Mejorar la comprensión sistémica de las causas de mortalidad por ERC para la ideación de soluciones con de Centros Públicos de Investigación. Metodología: Se implementó una metodología de dinámica de sistemas de base comunitaria para generar un mapa de sistemas y de soluciones. Hallazgos Teóricos: Se identificaron cuatro ciclos causales: Manejo del riesgo primario; manejo integral de los pacientes en riesgo; manejo del paciente en etapa final; y manejo integral del paciente en etapa final. Hallazgos Prácticos: Los ejes de solución fueron aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con autocuidado de la etapa cuatro a cinco, y en etapa de Terapia Renal Sustitutiva; y aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con tratamiento en etapas finales. Originalidad desde el punto de vista transdisciplinar y de innovación sostenible: Los descubrimientos del mapa orientan el desarrollo integral de soluciones y programas de investigación de centros públicos de investigación, así como la integración disciplinar de medicina, psicología, nutrición, trabajo social, y comunidad. Conclusiones y limitaciones: El mapa generado puede servir para prospectar el impacto potencial tanto intervenciones como de escenarios con las condiciones actuales.

Purpose: To improve of the systemic understanding of the causes of CKD mortality for the ideation of solutions with Public Research Centers. Methodology: A community-based system dynamics methodology was implemented to generate a map of systems and solutions. Theoretical Findings: Four causal cycles were identified: Primary risk management; comprehensive management of patients at risk; management of the patient in the final stage; and comprehensive management of the patient in the final stage. Practical Findings: The axes of solution were to increase the number of patients with self-care from stage four to five, and in the Renal Replacement Therapy stage; and increase the number of patients with end-stage treatment. Originality: The discoveries of the map guide the development of solutions and research programs of public research centers, as well as the disciplinary integration of medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and community. Conclusions and limitations: The generated map can be used to prospect the potential impact of both interventions and scenarios with current conditions., Objetivo: Mejorar la comprensión sistémica de las causas de mortalidad por ERC para la ideación de soluciones con de Centros Públicos de Investigación. Metodología: Se implementó una metodología de dinámica de sistemas de base comunitaria para generar un mapa de sistemas y de soluciones. Hallazgos Teóricos: Se identificaron cuatro ciclos causales: Manejo del riesgo primario; manejo integral de los pacientes en riesgo; manejo del paciente en etapa final; y manejo integral del paciente en etapa final. Hallazgos Prácticos: Los ejes de solución fueron aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con autocuidado de la etapa cuatro a cinco, y en etapa de Terapia Renal Sustitutiva; y aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con tratamiento en etapas finales. Originalidad desde el punto de vista transdisciplinar y de innovación sostenible: Los descubrimientos del mapa orientan el desarrollo integral de soluciones y programas de investigación de centros públicos de investigación, así como la integración disciplinar de medicina, psicología, nutrición, trabajo social, y comunidad. Conclusiones y limitaciones: El mapa generado puede servir para prospectar el impacto potencial tanto intervenciones como de escenarios con las condiciones actuales.

Purpose: To improve of the systemic understanding of the causes of CKD mortality for the ideation of solutions with Public Research Centers. Methodology: A community-based system dynamics methodology was implemented to generate a map of systems and solutions. Theoretical Findings: Four causal cycles were identified: Primary risk management; comprehensive management of patients at risk; management of the patient in the final stage; and comprehensive management of the patient in the final stage. Practical Findings: The axes of solution were to increase the number of patients with self-care from stage four to five, and in the Renal Replacement Therapy stage; and increase the number of patients with end-stage treatment. Originality: The discoveries of the map guide the development of solutions and research programs of public research centers, as well as the disciplinary integration of medicine, psychology, nutrition, social work, and community. Conclusions and limitations: The generated map can be used to prospect the potential impact of both interventions and scenarios with current conditions., Objetivo: Mejorar la comprensión sistémica de las causas de mortalidad por ERC para la ideación de soluciones con de Centros Públicos de Investigación. Metodología: Se implementó una metodología de dinámica de sistemas de base comunitaria para generar un mapa de sistemas y de soluciones. Hallazgos Teóricos: Se identificaron cuatro ciclos causales: Manejo del riesgo primario; manejo integral de los pacientes en riesgo; manejo del paciente en etapa final; y manejo integral del paciente en etapa final. Hallazgos Prácticos: Los ejes de solución fueron aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con autocuidado de la etapa cuatro a cinco, y en etapa de Terapia Renal Sustitutiva; y aumentar la cantidad de pacientes con tratamiento en etapas finales. Originalidad desde el punto de vista transdisciplinar y de innovación sostenible: Los descubrimientos del mapa orientan el desarrollo integral de soluciones y programas de investigación de centros públicos de investigación, así como la integración disciplinar de medicina, psicología, nutrición, trabajo social, y comunidad. Conclusiones y limitaciones: El mapa generado puede servir para prospectar el impacto potencial tanto intervenciones como de escenarios con las condiciones actuales.

This research seeks to investigate the effects of a Group Model Building approach on the sustainability knowledge base prior to the weighting of design requirements. Current practice shows that the knowledge about sustainability impacts and implications on other design objectives often is limited and dispersed among decision-makers. Including sustainability criteria in needs and requirements, therefore, tend to rely on limited knowledge and decision-support, leading to decision-makers often prioritizing design objectives that they are more experienced with. The aim of this research was to capture and discuss effects on team alignment of contextual sustainability understanding from co-modeling impacts and implications of sustainability on other design objectives. The research question guiding the study is ‘what are the effects of a group model building approach on early sustainability design decisions?’. A mixed-methods research, structured according to four assumptions, was designed to analyze effects quantitatively and qualitatively. The assumptions were that the proposed approach helps design teams foster an improved contextual sustainability understanding, align the view of the relative importance of sustainability, identify suitable sustainability improvement, and increase the knowledge maturity of their design decisions. The results triangulation showed that the participants showed signs of improved sustainability understanding of their design projects and that improvement actions were identified from applying the approach. A statistically relevant converging effect could be found on the team alignment of the weighting of sustainability criteria but not on the knowledge maturity. These findings are discussed to conclude on main contributions, limitations, and areas for future work., open access

This research seeks to investigate the effects of a Group Model Building approach on the sustainability knowledge base prior to the weighting of design requirements. Current practice shows that the knowledge about sustainability impacts and implications on other design objectives often is limited and dispersed among decision-makers. Including sustainability criteria in needs and requirements, therefore, tend to rely on limited knowledge and decision-support, leading to decision-makers often prioritizing design objectives that they are more experienced with. The aim of this research was to capture and discuss effects on team alignment of contextual sustainability understanding from co-modeling impacts and implications of sustainability on other design objectives. The research question guiding the study is ‘what are the effects of a group model building approach on early sustainability design decisions?’. A mixed-methods research, structured according to four assumptions, was designed to analyze effects quantitatively and qualitatively. The assumptions were that the proposed approach helps design teams foster an improved contextual sustainability understanding, align the view of the relative importance of sustainability, identify suitable sustainability improvement, and increase the knowledge maturity of their design decisions. The results triangulation showed that the participants showed signs of improved sustainability understanding of their design projects and that improvement actions were identified from applying the approach. A statistically relevant converging effect could be found on the team alignment of the weighting of sustainability criteria but not on the knowledge maturity. These findings are discussed to conclude on main contributions, limitations, and areas for future work., open access

This research seeks to investigate the effects of a Group Model Building approach on the sustainability knowledge base prior to the weighting of design requirements. Current practice shows that the knowledge about sustainability impacts and implications on other design objectives often is limited and dispersed among decision-makers. Including sustainability criteria in needs and requirements, therefore, tend to rely on limited knowledge and decision-support, leading to decision-makers often prioritizing design objectives that they are more experienced with. The aim of this research was to capture and discuss effects on team alignment of contextual sustainability understanding from co-modeling impacts and implications of sustainability on other design objectives. The research question guiding the study is ‘what are the effects of a group model building approach on early sustainability design decisions?’. A mixed-methods research, structured according to four assumptions, was designed to analyze effects quantitatively and qualitatively. The assumptions were that the proposed approach helps design teams foster an improved contextual sustainability understanding, align the view of the relative importance of sustainability, identify suitable sustainability improvement, and increase the knowledge maturity of their design decisions. The results triangulation showed that the participants showed signs of improved sustainability understanding of their design projects and that improvement actions were identified from applying the approach. A statistically relevant converging effect could be found on the team alignment of the weighting of sustainability criteria but not on the knowledge maturity. These findings are discussed to conclude on main contributions, limitations, and areas for future work., open access

This research seeks to investigate the effects of a Group Model Building approach on the sustainability knowledge base prior to the weighting of design requirements. Current practice shows that the knowledge about sustainability impacts and implications on other design objectives often is limited and dispersed among decision-makers. Including sustainability criteria in needs and requirements, therefore, tend to rely on limited knowledge and decision-support, leading to decision-makers often prioritizing design objectives that they are more experienced with. The aim of this research was to capture and discuss effects on team alignment of contextual sustainability understanding from co-modeling impacts and implications of sustainability on other design objectives. The research question guiding the study is ‘what are the effects of a group model building approach on early sustainability design decisions?’. A mixed-methods research, structured according to four assumptions, was designed to analyze effects quantitatively and qualitatively. The assumptions were that the proposed approach helps design teams foster an improved contextual sustainability understanding, align the view of the relative importance of sustainability, identify suitable sustainability improvement, and increase the knowledge maturity of their design decisions. The results triangulation showed that the participants showed signs of improved sustainability understanding of their design projects and that improvement actions were identified from applying the approach. A statistically relevant converging effect could be found on the team alignment of the weighting of sustainability criteria but not on the knowledge maturity. These findings are discussed to conclude on main contributions, limitations, and areas for future work., open access

Full Text, Thesis (PhD Doctorate), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), School of Eng & Built Env, Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology, In the past decade, there has been an exponential increase on the PV adoption in Australia. However, concerns have been raised over the potential environmental and human health impacts from the photovoltaic (PV) panel waste generated once the technologies reach their end-of-life (EoL). Creating a circular economy system for this product is imperative to avoid these negative impacts and to unlock economic opportunities from recovering valuable materials inside the PV panels. However, with current recycling technologies and waste volume, it is not possible to achieve an economy of scale. Designing a product stewardship scheme coupled with landfill regulations are one way to mitigate this problem by incentivising producers to financially contribute to the collection and recovery activities. Promoting an effective waste management policy requires a holistic and systemic consideration due to the multi-faceted nature of stakeholder interests and goals in this system. Thus, the overarching aim of this research is to develop a systems model and a serious game that can explore different transition pathways toward managing EoL PV panels in Australia through a careful consideration into the causal relationships, feedback mechanisms, and time delays that are present in the system. This research selected the residential-scale PV panel sector as its case study because this sector makes up the largest number of PV adoption. This research started with identifying the knowledge gaps and synthesising the drivers, barriers, and enablers from the academic literature. These factors were then validated through an expert review process to adapt them to the Australian context. A stakeholder surveys was conducted to rank and compare these factors among different types of stakeholders to understand the problems that need to be addressed and the potential strategies to overcome them. Subsequently, a causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed to visualise the system structure and complexity where

The retirement village industry in Australia has been accommodating an increasing number of residents in recent decades. However, a thorough understanding of the dynamic behaviour of the industry remains largely unknown, which prevents a better prediction of its future growth. This study incorporates system dynamics thinking into residents’ relocation decisions and aims to develop a causal loop diagram to have a full understanding of the complex interactions of variables affecting their relocation, which in turn determines the future growth pattern of the industry. Based on thematic analysis using literature review and interview data, five primary causal loops are identified, including the positive reinforcing loops of word-of-mouth effect and new-supply effect, and three negative balancing loops of the move-out effect, price effect and home-village distance effect. Of these five causal loops, the most dominant ones in determining the system behaviour are the word-of-mouth (reinforcing) and home-village distance (balancing) effects. The causal loop diagram provides a better understanding of the underlying structure of the retirement village industry and will help guide the industry and policy makers in formulating strategies to create a more ageing-friendly living environment for seniors in Australia

This thesis was a step forward in examining the underlying behaviour of the Australian retirement village industry and the effect of social sustainability on its behaviour. Three system dynamic models were developed to simulate future growth of the Australian retirement village industry when no social sustainability, base social sustainability and maximum social sustainability were taken into consideration. These models reveal the growth pattern of the industry and quantify the significant impact of social sustainability on its future growth until the end of this century.

Although the construction industry has made considerable progress in reducing the environmental impacts by waste diversion, the consumption rate of natural resources for construction material is still on the higher side. Hence, there needs to be a higher emphasis on reusing old building components in new construction without down-cycling them and retaining their original functions. Barriers involved in reusing recoverable building elements have multiple dimensions. Based on the current development of the industry, the solutions exist as isolated digital tools and focus only on one issue. This calls for a holistic approach to develop a solution which not only focuses on developing a technical tool but also focuses on embedding the solution in the process of reusing building elements. The main objective of this research is thus, to investigate the application of 'Systems thinking' as a holistic approach that focuses on developing a digital platform ecosystem based on the interventions amongst the actors and processes within the system. A serious gaming approach was used to simulate the system such that it can effectively derive its needs. Through the application of systems thinking and modelling approach to the problem, a set of six intervention strategies were derived. These strategies indicated that the digital platform ecosystem for enhancing reuse will fundamentally rely on these intervention strategies and thrive on reinforcing power from one side of the market to the other. By building on these intervention strategies, four propositions of change were given by comparing the existing scenario of the industry to the desired structure of a digital platform ecosystem. The research is concluded with the acknowledgement that implementation of the intervention strategies will require certain adaptations in the system. A conclusive, but not an exhaustive list of recommended adaptations in the design process and actor-network is provided to accompany the interventions st, Civil Engineering | Construction Management and Engineering

Mobility hubs are a promising concept that has been gaining increased attention. Mobility hubs, a place where several (shared) modalities are combined, are seen as an enabler of shared mobility. Shared mobility and mobility hubs could therefore provide attractive alternatives for private vehicles and contribute to municipal policy goals. Like to create more accessible and liveable cities. This study explores the influencing factors for the usage and effects of neighbourhood mobility hubs through an ex-post evaluation of some already existing neighbourhood mobility hubs in the Netherlands. This is examined in a qualitative manner by employing a literature review, applying qualitative system dynamics methodology and conducting semi-structured interviews. A causal loop diagram is constructed that visualises the complexity of mobility hubs and shows the various factors and relations that influence the usage and effects of mobility hubs. The diagram shows that while there is potential, there is also still uncertainty about the precise effects (such as private car usage and ownership), as they may be either positive or negative. The research has contributed to filling the scientific gap on (neighbourhood) mobility hubs, and by mapping influencing factors and effects, provided a framework for further future evaluation of mobility hubs., Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics

To accelerate the transformation to a sustainable mobility system, we propose a causal loop diagram to better understand the dynamic behavior of policy interventions and trends. As such, we identified five core agents through a set of expert interviews. By utilizing concept maps and causal loop diagrams we further integrated subcomponents of each agent into a holistic and connected model, enabling the qualitative assessment of feedback loops. We use the example of battery electric vehicles and evaluate policy measures and trends on their potential impact on adoption. In addition, we set the causal loop diagram, trends and niche-innovations into the context of socio-economic system transformation to grasp the full potential in transforming the prevailing private, fossil fuel based, car regime providing recommendations to support this transformation. The causal loop diagram could serve as a basis for in-depth quantitative studies and deepened assessment of feedback loops in transforming mobility systems.

Within the Indonesian national road network, Bina Marga, assisted by regional offices (Balai), manage nearly 18,000 bridges scattered across 34 provinces. Maintaining its reliability is vital as inland transportation remains the most effective mobility means for ± 270 million inhabitants. Therefore, as a road service provider under the Ministry of Public Work and Housing, they aim to achieve a high maturity level in public infrastructure asset management (PIAM) practices. It is done by improving the current Bridge Management Systems (BMS) 1992 guideline. However, managing such a vast network is challenging. The limited human resources in quality & quantity hinder Bina Marga and Balai to strive for reliable data and adequate routine maintenance. Inspired by Indonesian collectivism, the study explores local community involvement to improve bridge data quality and adequate routine maintenance, i.e., BMS x Locals. Its objective is to recommend Bina Marga to improve the current BMS practices through a BMS x Locals guideline. The study sketches the current state of BMS, identifies drivers in outsourcing locals, identifies the type of works and groups, identifies locals’ willingness to be outsourced, and generates situational strategies. The research question is formulated as: How can the local community be involved as the external resources to assist Bina Marga’s in Indonesian Bridge Management Systems (BMS). This study uses interviews and desk study to collect data on six Bina Marga & five Balai NTB officials, and five locals in West Nusa Tenggara province. In addition, various data analyses are performed, consisting of Causal Loop Diagram (CLD), Multi-criteria Decision-Making Analysis (MCDA), SWOT & TOWS analysis. The study results and the BMS x Locals guideline have been validated by a high-level Balai official. For the result, CLD reveals that Bina Marga is struggling for a high PIAM maturity level because of the absence of specific quadrennial strategic p, Civil Engineering | Construction Management and Engineering

It is argued that there are interconnected and dynamic factors that influence the sustainability of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in developing countries. Five sustainability factors are often mentioned by literature: financial, institutional, environmental, technical, and social (FIETS) factors. This article aims to understand the interaction of those five sustainability factors in the context of WASH services in Indonesia. A system approach, in the form of a “modified” causal loop diagram, was utilized to analyze this interaction. The strength of influence from one factor to others were obtained from small surveys of 16 WASH practitioners and experts from international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in Indonesia and national government institutions related to WASH. It was found that institutional factor is the “leverage” factor, i.e., the most influential and least dependent, in the WASH services system in Indonesia. It means that WASH institutional strengthening is necessary to sustain WASH services in Indonesia. Furthermore, the most important feedback loop is social–WASH services. This depicts the importance of the bi-directional effect of WASH services and the social conditions of the community, i.e., the more supportive the community is, the higher the likelihood of the sustainability of WASH services, and then positively influence back the social conditions of the community. Moreover, the relationship between factors varies across context or location. Finally, this paper shows that the sustainability of WASH services involves complex interactions of the sustainability factors and understanding these interactions is critical to sustaining the WASH services or program in rural Indonesia., Sanitary Engineering

For decades, the drug problem has been approached primarily in the context of a war on drugs, in which militaries and law enforcement agencies are used to execute drug prohibition and punitive policies. So far, this solution has only managed to increase the resilience of illegal drug supply chains to the detriment of the resilience of individuals, states, and the international order, as the case studies of Mexico and Brazil demonstrate. By contrast, case studies of Switzerland and Peru exemplify the advantages of pursuing a broader, system-oriented approach. This thesis examines the advantages of exhaustively studying a problem to offer sound alternative solutions. In their role as problem solvers, systems thinkers must provide decision makers with reliable tools to implement strategies with the greatest probability of success. Thus, the study of the complex drug problem cannot be limited to fragmented analyses that offer short-term solutions based on simplistic heuristics. This thesis uses qualitative-exploratory analysis, case studies, and system dynamics concepts to capture the drug problem structure and behavior in causal loop diagrams. In the case of Mexico, the application of these tools and methodology leads to recommending the development of legitimate job opportunities—guiding government and non-government investment and improving security conditions—as a potential leverage point alternative to the war on drugs’s punitive policies for mitigating the drug problem., Coronel, Mexican Army, Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

In the past decade, there has been an exponential increase on the PV adoption in Australia. However, concerns have been raised over the potential environmental and human health impacts from the photovoltaic (PV) panel waste generated once the technologies reach their end-of-life (EoL). Creating a circular economy system for this product is imperative to avoid these negative impacts and to unlock economic opportunities from recovering valuable materials inside the PV panels. However, with current recycling technologies and waste volume, it is not possible to achieve an economy of scale. Designing a product stewardship scheme coupled with landfill regulations are one way to mitigate this problem by incentivising producers to financially contribute to the collection and recovery activities. Promoting an effective waste management policy requires a holistic and systemic consideration due to the multi-faceted nature of stakeholder interests and goals in this system. Thus, the overarching aim of this research is to develop a systems model and a serious game that can explore different transition pathways toward managing EoL PV panels in Australia through a careful consideration into the causal relationships, feedback mechanisms, and time delays that are present in the system. This research selected the residential-scale PV panel sector as its case study because this sector makes up the largest number of PV adoption. This research started with identifying the knowledge gaps and synthesising the drivers, barriers, and enablers from the academic literature. These factors were then validated through an expert review process to adapt them to the Australian context. A stakeholder surveys was conducted to rank and compare these factors among different types of stakeholders to understand the problems that need to be addressed and the potential strategies to overcome them. Subsequently, a causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed to visualise the system structure and complexity where, Thesis (PhD Doctorate), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), School of Eng & Built Env, Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology, Full Text

To accelerate the transformation to a sustainable mobility system, we propose a causal loop diagram to better understand the dynamic behavior of policy interventions and trends. As such, we identified five core agents through a set of expert interviews. By utilizing concept maps and causal loop diagrams we further integrated subcomponents of each agent into a holistic and connected model, enabling the qualitative assessment of feedback loops. We use the example of battery electric vehicles and evaluate policy measures and trends on their potential impact on adoption. In addition, we set the causal loop diagram, trends and niche-innovations into the context of socio-economic system transformation to grasp the full potential in transforming the prevailing private, fossil fuel based, car regime providing recommendations to support this transformation. The causal loop diagram could serve as a basis for in-depth quantitative studies and deepened assessment of feedback loops in transforming mobility systems.

It is argued that there are interconnected and dynamic factors that influence the sustainability of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in developing countries. Five sustainability factors are often mentioned by literature: financial, institutional, environmental, technical, and social (FIETS) factors. This article aims to understand the interaction of those five sustainability factors in the context of WASH services in Indonesia. A system approach, in the form of a “modified” causal loop diagram, was utilized to analyze this interaction. The strength of influence from one factor to others were obtained from small surveys of 16 WASH practitioners and experts from international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in Indonesia and national government institutions related to WASH. It was found that institutional factor is the “leverage” factor, i.e., the most influential and least dependent, in the WASH services system in Indonesia. It means that WASH institutional strengthening is necessary to sustain WASH services in Indonesia. Furthermore, the most important feedback loop is social–WASH services. This depicts the importance of the bi-directional effect of WASH services and the social conditions of the community, i.e., the more supportive the community is, the higher the likelihood of the sustainability of WASH services, and then positively influence back the social conditions of the community. Moreover, the relationship between factors varies across context or location. Finally, this paper shows that the sustainability of WASH services involves complex interactions of the sustainability factors and understanding these interactions is critical to sustaining the WASH services or program in rural Indonesia., Sanitary Engineering

Although the construction industry has made considerable progress in reducing the environmental impacts by waste diversion, the consumption rate of natural resources for construction material is still on the higher side. Hence, there needs to be a higher emphasis on reusing old building components in new construction without down-cycling them and retaining their original functions. Barriers involved in reusing recoverable building elements have multiple dimensions. Based on the current development of the industry, the solutions exist as isolated digital tools and focus only on one issue. This calls for a holistic approach to develop a solution which not only focuses on developing a technical tool but also focuses on embedding the solution in the process of reusing building elements. The main objective of this research is thus, to investigate the application of 'Systems thinking' as a holistic approach that focuses on developing a digital platform ecosystem based on the interventions amongst the actors and processes within the system. A serious gaming approach was used to simulate the system such that it can effectively derive its needs. Through the application of systems thinking and modelling approach to the problem, a set of six intervention strategies were derived. These strategies indicated that the digital platform ecosystem for enhancing reuse will fundamentally rely on these intervention strategies and thrive on reinforcing power from one side of the market to the other. By building on these intervention strategies, four propositions of change were given by comparing the existing scenario of the industry to the desired structure of a digital platform ecosystem. The research is concluded with the acknowledgement that implementation of the intervention strategies will require certain adaptations in the system. A conclusive, but not an exhaustive list of recommended adaptations in the design process and actor-network is provided to accompany the interventions st, Civil Engineering | Construction Management and Engineering

Mobility hubs are a promising concept that has been gaining increased attention. Mobility hubs, a place where several (shared) modalities are combined, are seen as an enabler of shared mobility. Shared mobility and mobility hubs could therefore provide attractive alternatives for private vehicles and contribute to municipal policy goals. Like to create more accessible and liveable cities. This study explores the influencing factors for the usage and effects of neighbourhood mobility hubs through an ex-post evaluation of some already existing neighbourhood mobility hubs in the Netherlands. This is examined in a qualitative manner by employing a literature review, applying qualitative system dynamics methodology and conducting semi-structured interviews. A causal loop diagram is constructed that visualises the complexity of mobility hubs and shows the various factors and relations that influence the usage and effects of mobility hubs. The diagram shows that while there is potential, there is also still uncertainty about the precise effects (such as private car usage and ownership), as they may be either positive or negative. The research has contributed to filling the scientific gap on (neighbourhood) mobility hubs, and by mapping influencing factors and effects, provided a framework for further future evaluation of mobility hubs., Transport, Infrastructure and Logistics

Within the Indonesian national road network, Bina Marga, assisted by regional offices (Balai), manage nearly 18,000 bridges scattered across 34 provinces. Maintaining its reliability is vital as inland transportation remains the most effective mobility means for ± 270 million inhabitants. Therefore, as a road service provider under the Ministry of Public Work and Housing, they aim to achieve a high maturity level in public infrastructure asset management (PIAM) practices. It is done by improving the current Bridge Management Systems (BMS) 1992 guideline. However, managing such a vast network is challenging. The limited human resources in quality & quantity hinder Bina Marga and Balai to strive for reliable data and adequate routine maintenance. Inspired by Indonesian collectivism, the study explores local community involvement to improve bridge data quality and adequate routine maintenance, i.e., BMS x Locals. Its objective is to recommend Bina Marga to improve the current BMS practices through a BMS x Locals guideline. The study sketches the current state of BMS, identifies drivers in outsourcing locals, identifies the type of works and groups, identifies locals’ willingness to be outsourced, and generates situational strategies. The research question is formulated as: How can the local community be involved as the external resources to assist Bina Marga’s in Indonesian Bridge Management Systems (BMS). This study uses interviews and desk study to collect data on six Bina Marga & five Balai NTB officials, and five locals in West Nusa Tenggara province. In addition, various data analyses are performed, consisting of Causal Loop Diagram (CLD), Multi-criteria Decision-Making Analysis (MCDA), SWOT & TOWS analysis. The study results and the BMS x Locals guideline have been validated by a high-level Balai official. For the result, CLD reveals that Bina Marga is struggling for a high PIAM maturity level because of the absence of specific quadrennial strategic p, Civil Engineering | Construction Management and Engineering

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex, multicausal disorder involving several spatiotemporal scales and scientific domains. While many studies focus on specific parts of this system, the complexity of AD is rarely studied as a whole. In this work, we apply systems thinking to map out known causal mechanisms and risk factors ranging from intracellular to psychosocial scales in sporadic AD. We report on the first systemic causal loop diagram (CLD) for AD, which is the result of an interdisciplinary group model building (GMB) process. The GMB was based on the input of experts from multiple domains and all proposed mechanisms were supported by scientific literature. The CLD elucidates interaction and feedback mechanisms that contribute to cognitive decline from midlife onward as described by the experts. As an immediate outcome, we observed several non-trivial reinforcing feedback loops involving factors at multiple spatial scales, which are rarely considered within the same theoretical framework. We also observed high centrality for modifiable risk factors such as social relationships and physical activity, which suggests they may be promising leverage points for interventions. This illustrates how a CLD from an interdisciplinary GMB process may lead to novel insights into complex disorders. Furthermore, the CLD is the first step in the development of a computational model for simulating the effects of risk factors on AD.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex, multicausal disorder involving several spatiotemporal scales and scientific domains. While many studies focus on specific parts of this system, the complexity of AD is rarely studied as a whole. In this work, we apply systems thinking to map out known causal mechanisms and risk factors ranging from intracellular to psychosocial scales in sporadic AD. We report on the first systemic causal loop diagram (CLD) for AD, which is the result of an interdisciplinary group model building (GMB) process. The GMB was based on the input of experts from multiple domains and all proposed mechanisms were supported by scientific literature. The CLD elucidates interaction and feedback mechanisms that contribute to cognitive decline from midlife onward as described by the experts. As an immediate outcome, we observed several non-trivial reinforcing feedback loops involving factors at multiple spatial scales, which are rarely considered within the same theoretical framework. We also observed high centrality for modifiable risk factors such as social relationships and physical activity, which suggests they may be promising leverage points for interventions. This illustrates how a CLD from an interdisciplinary GMB process may lead to novel insights into complex disorders. Furthermore, the CLD is the first step in the development of a computational model for simulating the effects of risk factors on AD.

This paper discusses how group model building can be used to support strategic sustainable development. Four cases in which causal loop diagrams and, or, system dynamics have been used are described. In addition, some recent and adjacent research studies are discussed to expand the ideas for future applications. The paper suggests how different means of visualization, that is, qualitative or quantitative modelling can support different levels of strategic sustainability thinking and planning., Many initiatives to sustainable development have emerged over the years in different domains ofplanning. At global scale, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are well-established and used asguidance for both public and business policy development and strategy planning. The GlobalReporting Initiative is also increasingly being used which, gathered under a common framework,enhances transparency, understanding and communication of sustainability-related impacts oforganizations. At regional scale, (manufacturing-) corporations can take support in their sustainabilityefforts by a combination of different initiatives, such as life cycle assessment, eco-design, cleanerproduction and corporate social responsibility (Lozano, 2012), to mention a few. Many of theseinitiatives have emerged in collaboration with academia, but many of them have seemed to lack astructured approach to planning that acknowledges the complexity and interdependencies of the socioecological systems which human society rely upon. Now, several authors have therefore highlightedthe need for a strategic perspective on how a sustainability transition can be achieved (see e.g.,Nikulina et al., 2019). This is a core purpose of the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development(FSSD) (Broman and Robért, 2017), which aims to guide how planning can be structured strategicallytowards system scale sustainability with minimized risks for sub-optimized solutions. The opportunity to support strategic sustainable development through GMB applications have beeninvestigated in this paper, guided by the research question ‘In which way does the steps of the groupmodel building process support a strategic sustainability perspective in planning and decisionmaking?’ Four examples, i.e., sustainable product development workshop method, sustainabilitydriven design optimization, transport strategy and planning, and sustainability and complexitymodelling in higher education, provided together illustrate that the design of a

Automated vehicles are likely to have significant impacts on the transport system such as increased road capacity, more productive/enjoyable time spent travelling in a car, and increased vehicle kilometres travelled. However, there is a great risk that automated driving may negatively impact the environment if adequate policies are not put in place. This chapter examines the effects of driverless vehicles and the types of policies required to attain sustainable implementation of the technology. To understand the effects on a systemic level, and to understand the needs and impacts of policies, the dynamics must be understood. Therefore, a causal loop diagram (CLD) is developed and analysed. One important insight is that the effects of driverless vehicles are mainly on the vehicular level (e.g., the reduced number of accidents per vehicle). These effects can be cancelled out on a systemic level (e.g., due to increased vehicle-kilometre travelled (VKT) that increases total number of accidents). The marginal costs of road transport are central to both freight and passenger transport. Automation will reduce marginal costs and shift the equilibrium in the transport system towards a state with higher VKT. This will lead to greater energy consumption and higher emissions. To attain sustainability goals, there might be a need to balance this reduction of marginal costs by using policy instruments. In the work, CLDs is experienced to be a useful tool to support the collaboration between experts from different fields in the dialogue about policies., Part of ISBN 9781839826504 9781839826511QC 20230714

This paper discusses how group model building can be used to support strategic sustainable development. Four cases in which causal loop diagrams and, or, system dynamics have been used are described. In addition, some recent and adjacent research studies are discussed to expand the ideas for future applications. The paper suggests how different means of visualization, that is, qualitative or quantitative modelling can support different levels of strategic sustainability thinking and planning., Many initiatives to sustainable development have emerged over the years in different domains ofplanning. At global scale, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are well-established and used asguidance for both public and business policy development and strategy planning. The GlobalReporting Initiative is also increasingly being used which, gathered under a common framework,enhances transparency, understanding and communication of sustainability-related impacts oforganizations. At regional scale, (manufacturing-) corporations can take support in their sustainabilityefforts by a combination of different initiatives, such as life cycle assessment, eco-design, cleanerproduction and corporate social responsibility (Lozano, 2012), to mention a few. Many of theseinitiatives have emerged in collaboration with academia, but many of them have seemed to lack astructured approach to planning that acknowledges the complexity and interdependencies of the socioecological systems which human society rely upon. Now, several authors have therefore highlightedthe need for a strategic perspective on how a sustainability transition can be achieved (see e.g.,Nikulina et al., 2019). This is a core purpose of the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development(FSSD) (Broman and Robért, 2017), which aims to guide how planning can be structured strategicallytowards system scale sustainability with minimized risks for sub-optimized solutions. The opportunity to support strategic sustainable development through GMB applications have beeninvestigated in this paper, guided by the research question ‘In which way does the steps of the groupmodel building process support a strategic sustainability perspective in planning and decisionmaking?’ Four examples, i.e., sustainable product development workshop method, sustainabilitydriven design optimization, transport strategy and planning, and sustainability and complexitymodelling in higher education, provided together illustrate that the design of a