Comparing System Dynamics and Agent-Based Simulation for Tumour Growth and its Interactions with Effector Cells

There is little research concerning comparisons and combination of System Dynamics Simulation (SDS) and Agent Based Simulation (ABS). ABS is a paradigm used in many levels of abstraction, including those levels covered by SDS. We believe that the establishment of frameworks for the choice between these two simulation approaches would contribute to the simulation research. Hence, our work aims for the establishment of directions for the choice between SDS and ABS approaches for immune system-related problems. Previously, we compared the use of ABS and SDS for modelling agents' behaviour in an environment with nomovement or interactions between these agents. We concluded that for these types of agents it is preferable to use SDS, as it takes up less computational resources and produces the same results as those obtained by the ABS model. In order to move this research forward, our next research question is: if we introduce interactions between these agents will SDS still be the most appropriate paradigm to be used? To answer this question for immune system simulation problems, we will use, as case studies, models involving interactions between tumour cells and immune effector cells. Experiments show that there are cases where SDS and ABS can not be used interchangeably, and therefore, their comparison is not straightforward.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figures, 2 tables, International Summer Computer Simulation Conference 201

System Dynamics Modelling of the Processes Involving the Maintenance of the Naive T Cell Repertoire

The study of immune system aging, i.e. immunosenescence, is a relatively new research topic. It deals with understanding the processes of immunodegradation that indicate signs of functionality loss possibly leading to death. Even though it is not possible to prevent immunosenescence, there is great benefit in comprehending its causes, which may help to reverse some of the damage done and thus improve life expectancy. One of the main factors influencing the process of immunosenescence is the number and phenotypical variety of naive T cells in an individual. This work presents a review of immunosenescence, proposes system dynamics modelling of the processes involving the maintenance of the naive T cell repertoire and presents some preliminary results.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures, 1 table, 9th Annual Workshop on Computational Intelligence (UKCI 2009), Nottingham, U

A Systemic Dynamics Model of Text Production

This paper introduces a quantitative model of text as it unfolds in time. The model conceptualizes text as a functional unit of language. This organization can be difficult to identify because it forms complex patterns of linguistic laws, probability and dynamics. These patterns are covert configurations and need complex methods to be investigated. One such method is to draw from qualitative frameworks derived from the quantitative properties of language. Previous studies (Plum & Cowling, 1987; Rybicki & Eder, 2011; Zhang & Liu, 2017) have shown that covert configurations can be obtained through qualitative frameworks. When dynamics is considered, however, a model of text production including the variable time is needed. This paper therefore aims at addressing this research gap by proposing a dynamics model of text unfolding. It draws from systemic theory and models its categories quantitatively. Time is introduced as variation of choice. The model is applied to a sample of text. Results show how individual choices contribute to text unfolding – describing the amount of meanings at any given moment in text time. In addition, the dynamic accumulation indicates core characteristics of a text, which can be further explored in text behavior and typology

The University Library and the development of higher education

En el artículo se aborda la importancia que tiene la biblioteca universitaria para el desarrollo de la Educación Superior, como inagotable fuente de conocimiento que cumple con la misión de hacer accesible la información de sus acervos a su comunidad universitaria. Se destacan funciones que se han llevado a cabo en esta institución desde su surgimiento en el siglo XII hasta la actualidad, con la incorporación de las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones. Se evidencia no sólo su relevancia para el apoyo a la docencia y la investigación, sino como una institución determinante en el desarrollo cultural de sus usuarios.No artigo se aborda a importância que tem a biblioteca universitária para o desenvolvimento da Educação Superior, como inesgotável fonte de conhecimento que cumpre com a missão de fazer acessível a informação de suas acervos a sua comunidade universitária. Destacam-se funções que se levaram a cabo nesta instituição desde seu surgimento no século XII até a atualidade, com a incorporação das tecnologias da informação e as comunicações. Se evidência não só sua relevância para o apoio à docência e a pesquisa, senão como uma instituição determinante no desenvolvimento cultural de seus usuários.The article refers to the importance of the university library for Higher Education as a greater source of knowledge. It also deals with the tasks that have been carried out in this institution since its foundation in the XII century up to now. It also states the different technologies for communication. Besides, its relevance is shown not only to support the academic and research process but also to contribute in the users´ cultural development