SimEducation: a dynamic spatial microsimulation model for understanding educational inequalities.

This book is a practical guide on how to design, create and validate a spatial microsimulation model. These models are becoming more popular as academics and policy makers recognise the value of place in research and policy making. Recent spatial microsimulation models have been used to analyse health and social disadvantage for small areas; and to look at the effect of policy change for small areas. This provides a powerful analysis tool for researchers and policy makers

Recto-Femoral Fistula Presenting as Emphysematous Cellulitis of the Knee: A Case Report & Literature Review

Purpose. The rectofemoral fistula represents a devastating complication of colorectal surgery. Its early diagnosis and treatment are critical to obtain a good patient outcome. Case Presentation. A 75-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with high fever, ileus, low back pain, sciatic nerve palsy, and infection of the right knee. After numerous surgical debridements and antibiotic therapies, a rectofemoral fistula was diagnosed. Conclusion. Increased doctors' alertness is mandatory for the early identification and surgical treatment of patients suffering from a rectofemoral fistula before the stage of diffuse infection has significantly decreases their postoperative morbidity and mortality

Isolated Subtalar Distraction Arthrodesis Using Porous Tantalum: A Pilot Study

Background: During reconstructive procedures of the hindfoot, a structural graft is often needed to fill gaps. To eliminate donor site morbidity and limited availability of autografts, porous tantalum was used. Methods: Eighteen patients who underwent subtalar joint distraction arthrodesis by means of trabecular metal augment were reviewed retrospectively. The results were evaluated clinically, with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and were assessed radiologically. The mean follow-up period was 18 months. Results: Computed tomography showed sound fusion. There was a marked increase in AOFAS scores and a decrease in VAS scores. Arthrodesis was achieved in all cases with no major postoperative complications. Radiographically, there was a marked increase in all measured parameters (talocalcaneal angle, talocalcaneal height, talar declination angle), and the intraoperatively achieved correction was maintained at the last follow-up visit. Conclusion: Our data suggest that porous tantalum may be used as a structural graft option for subtalar arthrodesis

Spatial Microsimulation and Agent-Based Modelling

This chapter critically reviews the state-of-the-art in spatial microsimulation and agent-based modelling approaches with an emphasis on efforts to combine them in order to address applied geography problems. Spatial microsimulation typically involves the merging of census and social survey data to simulate a population of individuals within households (for different geographical units) whose characteristics are as close to the real population as it is possible to estimate (and for small areas for which this information is not available from published sources). Microsimulation is closely linked conceptually to another type of individual-level modelling: agent-based models (ABM). ABM are normally associated with the behaviour of multiple agents in a social or economic system. This chapter offers an overview of the state-of-the-art of both modelling approaches as well as a discussion of attempts to combine them, with an articulation of a relevant research agenda