Agent-Based Simulation on Women's Role in a Family Line on Civil Service Examination in Chinese History

In this paper, following our previous work on civil service examinations in imperial China, we investigate women's role in a Chinese historical family line using an agent-based simulation (ABS) model with a grid oriented genetic algorithm (GOGA) framework. We utilize a GOGA framework, because our ABS had such large parameter spaces with real values that it required much greater computational resources. First, we studied the genealogical records. Second, based on that study, we implemented an agent-based model with the family lines branched out into two clusters to compare different family norms. Third, using an "inverse simulation" technique, we optimized the agent-based model in order to fit the simulation profiles to real profile data with real-coded GA. From these intensive experiments, we have found that (1) The combined influence of the father, uncle, mother and the aunt has important significance in maintaining a successful family norm, and (2) a particular role of the aunt to pass it on as well.Agent-Based Simulation, Grid Oriented Genetic Algorithm, Inverse Simulation, Family Norm, Civil Service Examination

Teaching simulation on collaborative learning, ability groups and mixed-ability groups

In this research, a teaching simulation model is built where the understanding status, knowledge structure, and collaborative effect of each learner are integrated by using a doubly structural network model. The purpose of the model is to analyse the actual conditions of understanding of learners regarding instructions given in classrooms. The influence of teaching strategies on learning effects is analysed in the model. Moreover, the influence of the seating arrangement of learners on collaborative learning effects and ability groups are discussed. As a result of the simulation, the following points were found: (1) the learning effects depend on the difference in teaching strategies, (2) a teaching strategy where learning skills, material structure, and collaborative learning are integrated is the most effective, (3) the seating arrangement affects collaborative learning, and (4) ability groups have adverse effects on learners in collaborative learning

How passenger decides a check-in option in an airport : self-service technology adoption model in passenger process

This study intends to propose "Self-Service Technology Adoption Model" by utilizing the knowledge and experiences of front line experts. The Agent-Based Model has a fuzzy inference system to let passengers choose a check-in option: a conventional style check-in position or a self-service kiosk. The experiments are conducted with observed data, which are collected from the airline's Departure Control System (DCS). We tried approximating the experimental space to "the real world" and evaluating the proposed model by measuring how it reproduces the observed self-service usage rate in "the real world". This study also suggests the efficient practice of air-travel passenger handling with self-service kiosks in an international passenger terminal by the simulation of the proposed agent-based model. Through conducting the experiments, the scenario and the key factor are indicated, which may possibly accelerate the self-service usage rate with cost effective way and less impact for customer services

Carrot or stick? A study on “bid-rigging norms” by simulation: inducing factors and deterring measures

This study aims to analyze the structure of the emergence and maintenance of the cartel mechanism as an informal organization and the measures to deter bid-rigging. We propose an agent-based bid-rigging norms model and validate it with a mathematical model. We clarify that the auction system primarily used in public procurements has a structure inducing bid-rigging in which meta-norms are unnecessary. We also show that punishment for deviation from bid-rigging plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining it. In addition, we explore the authorities' actions to deter bid-rigging by examining three measures: the flexible setting of reserve prices, the administrative surcharge and leniency system under the Antimonopoly Law, and applying the bid-rigging offense under the Criminal Law. As a result, the study reveals that the administrative surcharge and the leniency system are insufficient to deter bid-rigging, and the adequate measures are the flexible setting of reserve prices and applying the bid-rigging offense. Furthermore, the simultaneous implementation of these three measures more effectively enables deterring bid-rigging

Editorial: Tipping points in societies

Energie and Industri

Teaching simulation on collaborative learning, ability groups and mixed-ability groups

In this research, a teaching simulation model is built where the understanding status, knowledge structure, and collaborative effect of each learner are integrated by using a doubly structural network model. The purpose of the model is to analyse the actual conditions of understanding of learners regarding instructions given in classrooms. The influence of teaching strategies on learning effects is analysed in the model. Moreover, the influence of the seating arrangement of learners on collaborative learning effects and ability groups are discussed. As a result of the simulation, the following points were found: (1) the learning effects depend on the difference in teaching strategies, (2) a teaching strategy where learning skills, material structure, and collaborative learning are integrated is the most effective, (3) the seating arrangement affects collaborative learning, and (4) ability groups have adverse effects on learners in collaborative learning