Overview on agent-based social modelling and the use of formal languages

Transdisciplinary Models and Applications investigates a variety of programming languages used in validating and verifying models in order to assist in their eventual implementation. This book will explore different methods of evaluating and formalizing simulation models, enabling computer and industrial engineers, mathematicians, and students working with computer simulations to thoroughly understand the progression from simulation to product, improving the overall effectiveness of modeling systems.Postprint (author's final draft

Demographic agent-based simulation of Gambians immigrants in Spain

Changes in our society have created a challenge for policymakers, who confront a need of tools to evaluate the possible effects of their policies. Agent-based modelling and simulation is a promising methodology which can be used in the study of population dynamics. In this paper we introduce an agent-based simulation approach to project the population of Gambian migrants in Spain during 10 years. Our approach not only enables to simulate the life course of individuals, but also allows deeping on the movements, interactions, and behaviours of the target population. The model is able to capture individual characteristics and to overcome some data-related limitations with assumptions on behavioural rules. With this methodology, we want to show the potential of the tool with the study of a real case scenario.Postprint (author's final draft

Parallel simulation of large population dynamics

Agent-based modeling and simulation is a promising methodology that can be used in the study of population dynamics. We present the design and development of a simulation tool which provides basic support for modeling and simulating agent-based demographic systems. Our results prove that agent-based modeling can work effectively in the study of demographic scenarios which can help to better policy planning and analysis. Moreover, parallel environment looks suitable for the study of large-scale individual-based simulations of this kind.Postprint (published version

Perception of primary health professionals about Female Genital Mutilation: from healthcare to intercultural competence

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a deeply-rooted tradition in 28 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, carries important negative consequences for the health and quality of life of women and children. Migratory movements have brought this harmful traditional practice to our medical offices, with the subsequent conflicts related to how to approach this healthcare problem, involving not only a purely healthcare-related event but also questions of an ethical, cultural identity and human rights nature.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The aim of this study was to analyse the perceptions, degree of knowledge, attitudes and practices of the primary healthcare professionals in relation to FGM. A transversal, descriptive study was performed with a self-administered questionnaire to family physicians, paediatricians, nurses, midwives and gynaecologists. Trends towards changes in the two periods studied (2001 and 2004) were analysed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 225 (80%) professionals answered the questionnaire in 2001 and 184 (62%) in 2004. Sixteen percent declared detection of some case in 2004, rising three-fold from the number reported in 2001. Eighteen percent stated that they had no interest in FGM. Less than 40% correctly identified the typology, while less than 30% knew the countries in which the practice is carried out and 82% normally attended patients from these countries.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Female genital mutilations are present in primary healthcare medical offices with paediatricians and gynaecologists having the closest contact with the problem. Preventive measures should be designed as should sensitization to promote stands against these practices.</p

Approaching simulation to modelers: a user interface for large-scale demographic simulation

Extended version / Versió extesaAgent-based modeling is one of the promising modeling tools that can be used in the study of population dynamics. Two of the main obstacles hindering the use of agent-based simulation in practice are its scalability when the analysis requires large-scale models such as policy studies, and its ease-of-use especially for users with no programming experience. While there has been a significant work on the scalability issue, ease-of-use aspect has not been addressed in the same intensity. This paper presents a graphical user interface designed for a simulation tool which allows modelers with no programming background to specify agent-based demographic models and run them on parallel environments. The interface eases the definition of models to describe individual and group dynamics processes with both qualitative and quantitative data. The main advantage is to allow users to transparently run the models on high performance computing infrastructures.Postprint (author's final draft

Female Genital Mutilation: perceptions of healthcare professionals and the perspective of the migrant families

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice which is harmful to health and is profoundly rooted in many Sub-Saharan African countries. It is estimated that between 100 and 140 million women around the world have been victims of some form of FGM and that each year 3 million girls are at risk of being submitted to these practices. As a consequence of the migratory phenomena, the problems associated with FGM have extended to the Western countries receiving the immigrants. The practice of FGM has repercussions on the physical, psychic, sexual and reproductive health of women, severely deteriorating their current and future quality of life. Primary healthcare professionals are in a privileged position to detect and prevent these situations of risk which will be increasingly more present in Spain.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The objective of the study is to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the primary healthcare professionals, working in 25 health care centres in Barcelona and Girona regions, regarding FGM, as well as to investigate the perception of this subject among the migrant communities from countries with strong roots in these practices. A transversal descriptive study will be performed with a questionnaire to primary healthcare professionals and migrant healthcare users.</p> <p>Using a questionnaire specifically designed for this study, we will evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and skills of the healthcare professionals to approach this problem. In a sub-study, performed with a similar methodology but with the participation of cultural mediators, the perceptions of the migrant families in relation to their position and expectancies in view of the result of preventive interventions will be determined.</p> <p>Variables related to the socio-demographic aspects, knowledge of FGM (types, cultural origin, geographic distribution and ethnicity), evaluation of attitudes and beliefs towards FGM and previous contact or experience with cases or risk situations will be obtained.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Knowledge of these harmful practices and a preventive approach from a transcultural perspective may represent a positive intervention model for integrative care of immigrants, respecting their values and culture while also being effective in eliminating the physical and psychic consequences of FGM.</p

Parallel simulation of large population dynamics

Agent-based modeling and simulation is a promising methodology that can be used in the study of population dynamics. We present the design and development of a simulation tool which provides basic support for modeling and simulating agent-based demographic systems. Our results prove that agent-based modeling can work effectively in the study of demographic scenarios which can help to better policy planning and analysis. Moreover, parallel environment looks suitable for the study of large-scale individual-based simulations of this kind

Demographic agent-based simulation of Gambians immigrants in Spain

Changes in our society have created a challenge for policymakers, who confront a need of tools to evaluate the possible effects of their policies. Agent-based modelling and simulation is a promising methodology which can be used in the study of population dynamics. In this paper we introduce an agent-based simulation approach to project the population of Gambian migrants in Spain during 10 years. Our approach not only enables to simulate the life course of individuals, but also allows deeping on the movements, interactions, and behaviours of the target population. The model is able to capture individual characteristics and to overcome some data-related limitations with assumptions on behavioural rules. With this methodology, we want to show the potential of the tool with the study of a real case scenario

Agent-based simulation of large population dynamics

Agent-based modelling and simulation is a promising methodology that can be used in the study of population dynamics. One of the main obstacles hindering the use of agent-based simulation in practice is its scalability, especially if the analysis requires large-scale models. A possible solution is to run the agent-based models on top of a scalable parallel discrete-event simulation engine. In this paper we present a modelling and simulation platform implemented to provide a basic support for M&S of agent-based demographic systems. As a simulation application, we conducted a study to evaluate its performance in a parallel environment: a supercomputer. A user interface was also designed to allow modellers to easily define models to describe different demographic processes and transparently run them on any computer architecture environment. Our results prove that agent-based modelling can work effectively in the study of demographic scenarios which can help to better family policy planning and analysis. Moreover, parallel environment looks suitable for the study of large-based individual-based simulations of this kind.Postprint (published version