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Making the invisible visible: Using a qualitative system dynamics model to map disparities in cumulative environmental stressors and children’s neurodevelopment

Payne-Sturges, DP.; Ballard, E.; Cory-Slechta, DA.; Thomas, SB.; Hovmand, PS. (2023)
Making the invisible visible: Using a qualitative system dynamics model to map disparities in cumulative environmental stressors and children's neurodevelopment. Environmental Research, 221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.115295.

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1.01 Systems Thinking Iceberg: Diving Beneath the Surface in Education Systems

This purpose of this brief is to unpack the Systems Thinking Iceberg as a way to organize reflection and dialogue about systemic challenges in education.

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1.02 Characteristics of Complex Problems

The purpose of this brief is to share (some) characteristics of complex problems, and introduce system dynamics as a set of tools for managing this complexity.

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1.03 Mental Models

The purpose of this brief is to introduce the concept of mental models, and to discuss how system dynamics tools can be used to elicit, negotiate, and transform them.

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1.04 Framing Dynamic Problems

The purpose of this brief is to help the reader recognize problems as dynamic or changing over time, and to present this thinking using graphical tools such as reference modes.

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1.05 Understanding Systems from a Feedback Perspective

The purpose of this brief is to introduce the concept of feedback thinking through the lens of challenges in K-12 education, and present Causal Loop Diagrams as tools to describe feedback relationships between components of a system

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1.06 Accumulations

The purpose of this brief is to describe how the concept of accumulation can help us understand system behavior and to introduce how stock and flow diagrams can be used to help us model problems and find solutions in K-12 education.

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1.07 System Archetypes

The purpose of this brief is to describe how education stakeholders can use system archetypes as a tool for recognizing, anticipating, and addressing the system dynamics driving the common patterns of problems in their school communities.

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1.08 Iceberg del Pensamiento Sistémico: Buceando Bajo la Superficie

El propósito de este breve documento es explicar el iceberg del pensamiento sistémico como una forma deorganizar la reflexión y el diálogo sobre los desafíos sistémicos en los sistemas alimentarios en relación conla salud.

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1.09 Definición de la Dinámica de Problemas

El propósito de este breve documento es ayudar al lector a reconocer los problemas como dinámicos o cambiantes a lo largo del tiempo, y aplicar este pensamiento utilizando herramientas gráficas como los modos de referencia

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1.10 Modelos Mentales

El propósito de este breve documento es introducir el concepto de modelos mentales y discutir cómo las herramientas de dinámica de sistemas se pueden usar para identificarlos, negociarlos y transformarlos.

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1.11 Acumulaciones y Diagramas de Niveles y Flujos

El propósito de este breve documento es describir el concepto de las acumulaciones y su utilidad para ayudarnos a comprender el comportamiento del sistema, y mostrarnos la forma en que los diagramas de niveles y flujos pueden ser utilizados para ayudarnos a modelar problemas y encontrar soluciones en el sistema alimentario y de salud.

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2.01 Online GMB: Challenges, Opportunities, and Barriers

The purpose of this brief is to provide some general points of comparison between in-person and online group model building and introduce challenges and opportunities that practitioners in the SSDL have faced when translating workshops to online spaces.

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2.02 An Overview of Platforms to Support Online GMB

The purpose of this brief is to review a number of online platforms that group model building practitioners have used since the rise of remote work, and to suggest promising combinations for groups who are hoping to implement their own online system dynamics work.

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2.03 Facilitation Team Roles in Online GMB

The purpose of this brief is to compare facilitation team roles in traditional, in-person GMB sessions with those in online GMB sessions, shedding particular light on how the realities of online platforms shift what tools facilitators have at their disposal when engaging a group of participants.

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A community-based system dynamics approach suggests solutions for improving healthy food access in a low-income urban environment

Mui Y, Ballard E, Lopatin E, Thornton RLJ, Pollack Porter K, Gittelsohn J. (2019) A community-based system dynamics approach suggests solutions for improving healthy food access in a low-income urban environment. PLOS ONE 14(5): e0216985. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216985.

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A Novel System Dynamics Model of Female Obesity and Fertility

Nasim S. Sabounchi, Peter S. Hovmand, Nathaniel D.Osgood, Roland F. Dyck, Emily S. Jungheim, “A Novel System Dynamics Model of Female Obesity and Fertility”, American Journal of Public Health 104, no. 7 (July 1, 2014): pp. 1240-1246. DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.301898

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A participatory model of the paradox of primary care

Homa, L., Rose, J., Hovmand, P.S., Cherng, S.T., Riolo, R.L., Kraus, A.,…Williams, C. (2015). A participatory model of the paradox of primary care. Annals of Family Medicine, 13(5), 456-465.

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A systematic review of system dynamics and agent-based obesity models: Evaluating obesity as part of the global syndemic.

Morshed, A.B.; Kasman, M; Heuberger, B.; Hammond, R.A.; & Hovmand, P.S. 2019. A systematic review of system dynamics and agent-based obesity models: Evaluating obesity as part of the global syndemic. Obesity Reviews, 2019. DOI: 10.1111/obr.12877

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Application of systems dynamics and group model building to identify barriers and facilitators to acute care delivery in a resource limited setting

Muttalib, F., Ballard, E., Langton, J. et al. Application of systems dynamics and group model building to identify barriers and facilitators to acute care delivery in a resource limited setting. BMC Health Serv Res 21, 26 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-06014-7

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Applying systems science to evaluate a community – based social marketing innovation: A case study

Biroscak, B. J., Schneider, T., Panzera, A. D., Bryant, C. A., McDermott, R. J., Mayer, A. B., . . . Hovmand, P. S. (2014). Applying systems science to evaluate a community - based social marketing innovation: A case study. Social Marketing Quarterly, 20(4), 247-267. 10.1177/1524500414556649

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Best fitting-prediction equations for basal metabolic rate: informing obesity interventions in diverse populations

Sabounchi, N.S. & Rahmandad, H. (2013). Best fitting-prediction equations for basal metabolic rate: informing obesity interventions in diverse populations. International Journal of Obesity, 37(10):1364-70. doi:10.1038/ijo.2012.218

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Boundary objects for participatory group model building of agent-based models

Rose, J., Homa, L., Hovmand, P., Kraus, A., Burgess, K., Biswas, A., . . . Stange, K. C. (2015). Boundary objects for participatory group model building of agent-based models. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, , 2015-March 2950-2959. 10.1109/HICSS.2015.357

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Boundary objects in translation: the role of language in participatory system dynamics modeling

Ballard, E., Werner, K. and Priyadarshini, P. (2021), Boundary objects in translation: the role of language in participatory system dynamics modeling. Syst. Dyn. Rev., 37: 310-332. https://doi.org/10.1002/sdr.1694

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Capability Traps Impeding Homeless Services: A Community-Based System Dynamics Evaluation

Patrick J. Fowler, Kenneth Wright, Katherine E. Marcal, Ellis Ballard & Peter S. Hovmand (2019) Capability Traps Impeding Homeless Services: A Community- Based System Dynamics Evaluation, Journal of Social Service Research, 45:3, 348-359, DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2018.1480560

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Combining Community-Engaged Research with Group Model Building to Address Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Mortality and Treatment

Williams F, Colditz GA, Hovmand P, Gehlert S. (2018). Combining Community-Engaged Research with Group Model Building to Address Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Mortality and Treatment. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 11(1). 

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Community Based System Dynamics

Hovmand, Peter S. 2013. Community Based System Dynamics. Springer, New York.

Community Based System Dynamics introduces researchers and practitioners to the design and application of participatory systems modeling with diverse communities.

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Community based system dynamics as an approach for understanding and acting on messy problems: A case study for global mental health intervention in Afghanistan

Trani, J.-F., Ballard, E., Bakhshi, P., & Hovmand, P. (2016). Community based system dynamic as an approach for understanding and acting on messy problems: A case study for global mental health intervention in Afghanistan. Conflict and Health, 10, 25.

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Community‐Based System Dynamics for Mobilizing Communities to Advance School Health

Ballard, E., Farrell, A., & Long, M. (2020). Community‐Based System Dynamics for Mobilizing Communities to Advance School Health. Journal of School Health, 90(12), 964–975. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12961
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Conceptualizing productive engagement in a system dynamics framework

Morrow-Howell, N., Halvorsen, C.J., Hovmand, P., Lee, C., Ballard, E. (2017). Conceptualizing productive engagement in a system dynamics framework. Innovation in Aging, 1(1).

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Defining and Intervening on Cumulative Environmental Neurodevelopmental Risks: Introducing a Complex Systems Approach

Payne-Sturges, D. C., Cory-Slechta, D. A., Puett, R. C., Thomas, S. B., Hammond, R., & Hovmand, P. S. (2021). Defining and Intervening on Cumulative Environmental Neurodevelopmental Risks: Introducing a Complex Systems Approach. Environmental Health Perspectives, 129(3), 035001. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7333
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Developing a Socioculturally Nuanced Systems Model of Childhood Obesity in Manhattan’s Chinese American Community via Group Model Building

Swierad, E., Huang, T. T.-K., Ballard, E., Flórez, K., & Li, S. (2020). Developing a Socioculturally Nuanced Systems Model of Childhood Obesity in Manhattan’s Chinese American Community via Group Model Building. Journal of Obesity, 2020, 4819143. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/4819143

 

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Fires, Fuel, and the Fate of 3 Billion

Yadama GN & Katzman M. 2013. Fires, Fuel, and the Fate of 3 Billion: The State of the Energy Impoverished. Oxford University Press, New York.

Fires, Fuel, and the Fate of 3 Billion examines the complex nexus of issues at play in the developing world’s use of crude cookstoves– factors such as poverty, energy, environment, and gender inequality. Dr. Yadama is a long time partner of the SSDL and a co-instructor with Dr. Hovmand in the annual Winter Institute in India.

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First eight years: a case study of starting a social system design lab

Hovmand, P.S. (2017). First eight years: a case study of starting a social system design lab. System Dynamics Review, 33.

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Group model building “scripts” as a collaborative tool

Hovmand, P. S., Andersen, D. F., Rouwette, E., Richardson, G. P., Rux, K., & Calhoun, A. (2012). Group model building “scripts” as a collaborative tool. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 29, 179-193.

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Housing and child welfare: Emerging evidence and implications for scaling up services

Fowler, P.J., Farrell, A.F., Marcal, K.E., Chung, S., & Hovmand, P.S. (2017). Housing and child welfare: Emerging evidence and implications for scaling up services. American Journal of Community Psychology, 60(1-2), 134-144.

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How the Senior Community Service Employment Program Influences Participant Well-Being: A Participatory Research Approach With Program Recommendations

Halvorsen, C. J., Werner, K., McColloch, E., & Yulikova, O. (2023). How the Senior Community Service Employment Program Influences Participant Well-Being: A Participatory Research Approach With Program Recommendations. Research on Aging, 45(1), 77–91. https://doi.org/10.1177/01640275221098613

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Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice and Organizational Performance

Hovmand, P.S. & Gillespie, D.F. (2010). Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice and Organizational Performance. Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 37(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-008-9154-y

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Learning to track systems change using causal loop diagrams

Brown, A.; Millar, L.; Hovmand, P.S.; Kuhlberg, J.; Love, P.; Nagorcka-Smith, P.; Odenthal, M.; Owen, B.; Whelan, J.; Allender, S. (2019). Learning to track systems change using causal loop diagrams. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2016.10.210

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Leverage points to improve smoking cessation treatment in a large tertiary care hospital: a systems-based mixed methods study

Ramsey, A.T.; Prentice, D.; Ballard, E.; Chen, L.; & Beirut, L.J. 2019. Leverage points to improve smoking cessation treatment in a large tertiary care hospital: a systems-based mixed methods study. BMJ Open, 9(7). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030066 

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Outcomes for implementation research: conceptual distinctions, measurement challenges, and research agenda

Proctor E, Silmere H, Raghavan R, Hovmand P, Aarons G, Bunger A, Griffey R, Hensley M. (2011). Outcomes for implementation research: conceptual distinctions, measurement challenges, and research agenda. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 38(2). 

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Promoting knowledge to policy translation for urban health using community-based system dynamics in Brazil

Morais, L.M.O., Kuhlberg, J., Ballard, E. et al. Promoting knowledge to policy translation for urban health using community-based system dynamics in Brazil. Health Res Policy Sys 19, 53 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-020-00663-0

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Scaling Up Housing Services Within the Child Welfare System: Policy Insights From Simulation Modeling

Patrick J Fowler, Katherine E Marcal, Saras Chung, Derek S Brown, Melissa Jonson-Reid, Peter S Hovmand. (2019). Scaling up housing services within the child welfare system: Policy insights from simulation modeling. Child Maltreatment, 1-10. 

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Scaling-up impact in perinatology through systems science: Bridging the collaboration and translational divides in cross- disciplinary research and public policy

Munar, W., Hovmand, P. S., Fleming, C., & Darmstadt G.L. (2015). Scaling-up impact in perinatology through systems science: Bridging the collaboration and translational divides in cross- disciplinary research and public policy. Seminars in Perinatology, 39 (3), 416-423.

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Simulation modeling for primary care planning in Singapore

Matchar, D.B., Ansah, J.P., Bayer, S., & Hovmand, P. (2017). Simulation modeling for primary care planning in Singapore. Paper presented at the Proceedings – Winter Simulation Conference, 2123-2134.

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Simultaneous linear estimation using structural equation modeling

Hovmand, PS & Chalise, N. (2015). In Rahmandad, H.; Oliva, R.; & Osgood, N. Editors. Analytical Methods for Dynamic Modelers. Cambridge: MIT Press.

A user-friendly introduction to useful analytical tools for model building, estimation, and analysis, presenting key methods and examples.

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Solving Homelessness from a Complex Systems Perspective: Insights for Prevention Responses

Fowler, P.J.; Hovmand, P.S.; Marcal, K.E.; Das, S. (2019). Solving Homelessness from a Complex Systems Perspective: Insights for Prevention Responses. Annual Review of Public Health, 40. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040617-013553

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Strengthening child inclusion in the classroom in rural schools of Pakistan and Afghanistan: What did we learn by testing the system dynamics protocol for community engagement?

Jean-François Trani, Parul Bakhshi, Alan Mozaffari, Munib Sohail, Hashim Rawab, Ian Kaplan, Ellis Ballard, Peter Hovmand. (2019). Strengthening child inclusion in the classroom in rural schools of Pakistan and Afghanistan: What did we learn by testing the system dynamics protocol for community engagement? Research in Comparative and International Education, 14(1).

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Systems thinking in 49 communities related to healthy eating, active living, and childhood obesity.

Brennan, L.K., Sabounchi, N.S., Kemner, A.L., & Hovmand, P. (2015). Systems thinking in 49 communities related to healthy eating, active living, and childhood obesity. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice : JPHMP, 21, S55-S69.

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The “Long Tail” and Public Health: New Thinking for Addressing Health Disparities

Kreuter, M.W.; Hovmand, P.S.; Pfeiffer, D.J.; Fairchild, M.; Rath, S.; Golla, B.; & Casey, C. 2014. The “Long Tail” and Public Health: New Thinking for Addressing Health Disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 104(12). doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302039