Key challenges in agent-based modelling for geo-spatial simulation

Agent-based modelling (ABM) is fast becoming the dominant paradigm in social simulation due primarily to a worldview that suggests that complex systems emerge from the bottom-up, are highly decentralised, and are composed of a multitude of heterogeneous objects called agents. These agents act with some purpose and their interaction, usually through time and space, generates emergent order, often at higher levels than those at which such agents operate. ABM however raises as many challenges as it seeks to resolve. It is the purpose of this paper to catalogue these challenges and to illustrate them using three somewhat different agent-based models applied to city systems. The seven challenges we pose involve: the purpose for which the model is built, the extent to which the model is rooted in independent theory, the extent to which the model can be replicated, the ways the model might be verified, calibrated and validated, the way model dynamics are represented in terms of agent interactions, the extent to which the model is operational, and the way the model can be communicated and shared with others. Once catalogued, we then illustrate these challenges with a pedestrian model for emergency evacuation in central London, a hypothetical model of residential segregation tuned to London data which elaborates the standard Schelling (1971) model, and an agent-based residential location built according to spatial interactions principles, calibrated to trip data for Greater London. The ambiguities posed by this new style of modelling are drawn out as conclusions

Impact of infection preventionists on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid quality measures in Maryland nursing homes.

BackgroundHealth care-associated infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in US nursing homes (NHs). The objective of the research is to assess the impact of Maryland NH infection preventionists (IPs) on NH quality measures.MethodsTwo hundred thirty-four NHs were queried through mailed survey. These survey data were then linked with 2008 quality data from Nursing Home Compare and the On-line Survey Certification of Automated Records.ResultsThree of the 8 quality measures examined-influenza vaccination for both short- and long-stay residents and pressure ulcer prevention in high-risk residents-were significantly associated with the number of IPs. None of the quality measures were shown to be significant with IPs who received specialized training on infection prevention and management compared with those who did not receive specialized training.ConclusionIPs play a critical role in preventing and managing health care-associated infections in nursing homes, especially in the areas of influenza vaccination and pressure ulcer prevention among high-risk nursing home residents. Quality measures that reflect the effects of IP training may not have been elucidated yet. Further research is needed to support the IP role in order for policy to advocate for increased IP funding

Income-Only Trusts: A Win-Win-Win Option in Estate Planning

When appropriate, income-only trusts can achieve the multiple objectives of preserving assets while minimizing tax liability, protecting assets against the possibility of long-term care costs, and retaining control of the grantor. This article examines the important factors that need to be considered to use income-only trusts successfully

COMM 286: Business and Professional Communication—A Peer Review of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio

This instructional portfolio is an inquiry into the a large, multi-section standardized course at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This course was recently flipped into a hybrid design in order to improve consistency in learning objectives across course sections, streamline assessment processes, provide a better student educational experience, and to manage continued growth in the course. This inquiry examines the effectiveness of the course in meeting stakeholder needs, reducing communication apprehension, improving student confidence to communicate effectively in professional environments, and in teaching professional communication competencies. It is a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of the course to include student, GTA, and course director perspectives. Analysis includes professional reflection, evaluation of student performance across assessments, quantitative analysis of survey data collected from students, and qualitative analysis of open ended response data collected from students and GTAs. Results suggest both that the course is effective in meeting stakeholder needs and teaching communicative competencies across professional contexts and that there is room to improve the focus of the course. Results suggest a need to adjust learning objectives to de-emphasize interviewing skills and emphasize team communication skills in order to better meet the most pressing stakeholder needs in the current design of the course

Contrasting The Morbidity Pattern In An African Practice With That In A European General Practice In Salisbury

A CAJM article comparing and contrasting Morbidity Patterns between African and European General Practices in Harare (Salisbury).In Rhodesia, general practice among Europeans is fairly typical of practice in developed countries, and an analysis of morbidity statistics is fairly easy. In contrast, general practice among the African people in Rhodesia is more typical of developing countries, and with heavier work loads and fewer diagnostic facilities the morbidity picture is blurred. Yet the contrasting patterns in a multiracial society are of great importance epi- demiologically and administratively. This is especially so in a developing country such as Rhodesia, which is producing its first medical graduates. For these reasons no apology is made for presenting, as a pilot survey, the contrasting morbidity patterns in two general practices in Salisbury, Rhodesia, even though morbidity statistics, at best unreliable, are particularly unreliable in the case of the African practice

COMM 286: Business and Professional Communication—A Peer Review of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio

This instructional portfolio is an inquiry into the a large, multi-section standardized course at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This course was recently flipped into a hybrid design in order to improve consistency in learning objectives across course sections, streamline assessment processes, provide a better student educational experience, and to manage continued growth in the course. This inquiry examines the effectiveness of the course in meeting stakeholder needs, reducing communication apprehension, improving student confidence to communicate effectively in professional environments, and in teaching professional communication competencies. It is a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of the course to include student, GTA, and course director perspectives. Analysis includes professional reflection, evaluation of student performance across assessments, quantitative analysis of survey data collected from students, and qualitative analysis of open ended response data collected from students and GTAs. Results suggest both that the course is effective in meeting stakeholder needs and teaching communicative competencies across professional contexts and that there is room to improve the focus of the course. Results suggest a need to adjust learning objectives to de-emphasize interviewing skills and emphasize team communication skills in order to better meet the most pressing stakeholder needs in the current design of the course

Alien Registration- Castle, Bernice M. (Skowhegan, Somerset County)

https://digitalmaine.com/alien_docs/5165/thumbnail.jp

The role of real-time ultrasound in the assessment and management of preterm labour

In this thesis the use of real-time ultrasound in the assessment and management of preterm labour has been studied, with particular reference to the observation of fetal breathing movements, gross fetal body movements and the state of the uterine cervix. In addition, a longitudinal analysis of the trends in preterm labour in the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford between 1973 and 1981 has been performed. Finally, an attempt has been made to clarify the relationship between prostaglandin E2 and fetal breathing movements. The analysis of the trends in preterm labour in Oxford has shown that the incidence of preterm delivery remains unaltered. Of these patients, however, those eligible for tocolytic therapy (unexplained spontaneous preterm labour) form a small proportion. The incidence of extreme prematurity in this group is very low and the neonatal outcome is good. The presence or absence of Fetal Breathing Movements (FBM) by defined criteria is shown to be a highly sensitive index of whether the preterm labour is going to progress to delivery or not in singleton pregnancies with intact membranes. Its significance is lost when the membranes are ruptured and in multiple pregnancies. In pregnancies complicated by antepartum haemorrhage the presence or absence of Fetal Breathing Movements does not predict further haemorrhage leading to delivery. Fetal Breathing Movement status on admission bears no relationship to neonatal outcome and gives no indication of the presence of intrauterine infection. Silent chorioamnionitis has been highlighted as an important cause of "unexplained" preterm labour. Gross Fetal Body Movements (FM) are shown to give no early indication of impending preterm delivery. Evidence is presented to suggest that significant diminution in Fetal Movements is related to poor neonatal outcome. Ultrasonic measurement of the uterine cervix has been found to be technically feasible but of no benefit in the diagnosis of ongoing preterm labour. The relationship between prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the cessation of fetal breathing movement has been approached by elucidating the maternal absorption of PGE2 from a vaginal pessary. This then enabled me to sample fetal blood at the time of maximal maternal concentrations (the time we expect the fetal concentration to be greatest). This was performed by fetoscopy and demonstrated that a significant rise in fetal bicycleprostaglandin-E-metabolite (bicyclo-PGEM) occurs following maternal vaginal administration of PGE2. Using this information FBM has been assessed two and a half hours following the vaginal administration of PGE2. Although inconclusive, no reduction in FBM was demonstrated. as the bicyclo-PGE metabolite is used to assess PGE levels, this evidence decreases the probability that PGE mediates the reduction in FBM with the onset of labour