An Extended Reinforcement Algorithm for Estimation of Human Behaviour in Experimental Congestion Games

The paper reports simulations applied on two similar congestion games: the first is the classical minority game. The second one is an asymmetric variation of the minority game with linear payoff functions. For each game, simulation results based on an extended reinforcement algorithm are compared with real experimental statistics. It is shown that the extension of the reinforcement model is essential for fitting the experimental data and estimating the player\'s behaviour.Congestion Game, Minority Game, Laboratory Experiments, Reinforcement Algorithm, Payoff Sum Model, Game Theory, Experimental Economics

Genetic Action Trees A New Concept for Social and Economic Simulation

Multi-Agent Based Simulation is a branch of Distributed Artificial Intelligence that builds the base for computer simulations which connect the micro and macro level of social and economic scenarios. This paper presents a new method of modelling the formation and change of patterns of action in social systems with the help of Multi-Agent Simulations. The approach is based on two scientific concepts: Genetic Algorithms [Goldberg 1989, Holland 1975] and the theory of Action Trees [Goldman 1971]. Genetic Algorithms were developed following the biological mechanisms of evolution. Action Trees are used in analytic philosophy for the structural description of actions. The theory of Action Trees makes use of the observation of linguistic analysis that through the preposition by a semi-order is induced on a set of actions. Through the application of Genetic Algorithms on the attributes of the actions of an Action Tree an intuitively simple algorithm can be developed with which one can describe the learning behaviour of agents and the changes in action spaces. Using the extremely simplified economic action space, in this paper called “SMALLWORLDâ€, it is shown with the aid of this method how simulated agents react to the qualities and changes of their environment. Thus, one manages to endogenously evoke intuitively comprehensible changes in the agents‘ actions. This way, one can observe in these simulations that the agents move from a barter to a monetary economy because of the higher effectiveness or that they change their behaviour towards actions of fraud.Multi agent system, genetic algorithms, actiontrees, learning, decision making, economic and social behaviour, distributed artificial intelligence

Minority Game - Experiments and Simulations of Traffic Scenarios

This paper reports laboratory experiments and simulations on a minority game. The minority game is the most important example for a classic non-zerosum- game. The game can be applied on different situations with social and economic contests. We chose an elementary traffic scenario, in which subjects had to choose between a road A and a road B. Nine subjects participated in each session. Subjects played 100 rounds and had to choose between one of the roads. The road which the minority of players chose got positive payoffs. We constructed an extended reinforcement model which fits the empirical data.

An Extended Reinforcement Algorithm for Estimation of Human Behaviour in Congestion Games

The paper reports simulations applied on two similar congestion games: the first is the classical minority game. The second one is a asymmetric variation of the minority game with linear payoff functions. For each game simulation results based on an extended reinforcement algorithm are compared with real experimental statistics. It is shown that the extension of the reinforcement model is essential for fitting the experimental data and estimating the players behaviour.congestion game, minority game, laboratory experiments, reinforcement algorithm, payoff sum model

Survival-Day @ Wiesbaden business school - evaluation of a short-term educational intervention to reduce work-associated health risks during nursing internships of students in health care economics

Background: In 2013 RheinMain University launched its bachelor's degree program Health Care Economics requiring each student to participate in a mandatory two-month nursing internship. A preliminary risk assessment revealed serious risks for both students and patients and had to be addressed by appropriate measures such as mandatory systematic safety training for each student. Methods: A short-term educational intervention named "Survival-Day" was designed to minimize risks related to nursing internships of students. This intervention consists of six 45-min-units with theoretical input (2 units) and hands-on training (4 units) imparting basic knowledge and skills in CPR, hand hygiene and handling of masks and protective gowns, prevention of needle stick injuries, fire protection and firefighting. Performance of CPR was assessed using computerized manikins. Acceptance, necessity and usability were assessed anonymously by standardized written questionnaires after completion of nursing internships. Results: 462 students have completed the Survival-Day until January 2019. CPR performance showed acceptable adherence rates to guideline recommendations (mean 78.8%, SD ±22.6%). The majority of students performed aseptic health care activities (66%), treated patients with multi-resistant pathogens (62%) and disposed sharp instruments such as blood-contaminated needles (76%). According to students' self-reports about these hazardous activities, less than 50% of these students received adequate safety training at nursing facilities. However, no sentinel events such as needle stick injuries or students becoming second victim have been reported. Conclusion: Our study reveals severe discrepancies between legal obligation of nursing facilities to ensure safety instructions for nursing interns and initial training as perceived by this group. Mandatory initial training before conduction of hazardous tasks was mainly covered by our short-term educational intervention (Survival-Day). Regarding responsibility for their students a preliminary safety instruction program like the Survival-Day should be considered for all educational institutions sending students to nursing internships unless mandatory and sufficient safety trainings for nursing interns can be guaranteed by nursing facilities

At the Mercy of the Prisoner Next Door. Using an Experimental Measure of Selfishness as a Criminological Tool

Do criminals maximise money? Are criminals more or less selfish than the average subject? Can prisons apply measures that reduce the degree of selfishness of their inmates? Using a tried and tested tool from experimental economics, we cast new light on these old criminological questions. In a standard dictator game, prisoners give a substantial amount, which calls for more refined versions of utility in rational choice theories of crime. Prisoners do not give less than average subjects, not even than subjects from other closely knit communities. This speaks against the idea that people commit crimes because they are excessively selfish. Finally those who receive better marks at prison school give more, as do those who improve their marks over time. This suggests that this correctional intervention also reduces selfishness.experiment, Crime, Prison, Dictator Game, Hurdle Model

The Minority of Three-Game: An Experimental and Theoretical Analysis

We report experimental and theoretical results on the minority of three-game where three players have to choose one of two alternatives independently and the most rewarding alternative is the one chosen by a single player. This coordination game has many asymmetric equilibria in pure strategies that are non strict and payoff-asymmetric, and a unique symmetric mixed strategy equilibrium in which each player's behavior is based on the toss of a fair coin. We show that such a straightforward behavior is predicted by Harsanyi and Selten's (1988) equilibrium selection theory as well as alternative solution concepts like impulse balance equilibrium and sampling equilibrium. Our results indicate that participants rely on various decision rules, and that only a quarter of them decide according to the toss of a fair coin. Reinforcement learning is the most successful decision rule as it describes best the behavior of about a third of our participants.Coordination, Minority game, Mixed strategy, Learning models, Experiments

Experiments and Simulations on Day-to-Day Route Choice-Behaviour

The paper reports laboratory experiments on a day-to-day route choice game with two routes. Subjects had to choose between a main road M and a side road S. The capacity was greater for the main road. 18 subjects participated in each session. In equilibrium the number of subjects is 12 on M and 6 on S. Two treatments with 6 sessions each were run at the Laboratory of Experimental Economics at Bonn University using RatImage. Feedback was given in treatment I only about own travel time and in treatment II on travel time for M and S. Money payoffs increase with decreasing time. The main results are as follows. 1. Mean numbers on M and S are very near to the equilibrium. 2. Fluctuations persist until the end of the sessions in both treatments. 3. Fluctuations are smaller under treatment II .The effect is small but significant. 4. The total number of changes is significantly greater in treatment I. 5. Subjects’ road changes and payoffs are negatively correlated in all sessions. 6. A direct response mode reacts with more changes for bad payoffs whereas a contrary response mode shows opposite reactions. Both response modes can be observed. 7. The simulation of an extended payoff sum learning model closely fits the main results of the statistical evaluation of the data.travel behaviour research, information in intelligent transportation systems, day-to-day route choice, laboratory experiments, payoff sum model

Solarthermische Kraftwerke

[PDF] von wupperinst.org Solarthermische Kraftwerke Autoren Robert Pitz-Paal, Thomas Wetzel, Peter Nitz, Julia C Terrapon-Pfaff, Thomas Fink, Ole Soukup Publikationsdatum 2018/7/10 Beschreibung Der Schutz des Klimas und die dafür erforderliche Umstellung der Energieversorgung auf erneuerbare Energien ist eine globale Herausforderung, welche nach maßgeschneiderten Lösungen für die unterschiedlichen Klimazonen und Märkte der Erde verlangt. Die verstärkte Solarenergienutzung spielt dabei eine maßgebliche Rolle. Die Rolle Deutschlands als Exportnation beschränkt sich hierbei nicht auf die Klimawende im eigenen Land, sondern beinhaltet auch den weltweiten Export erneuerbarer Energietechnologien. Die Kosten der photovoltaischen Stromerzeugung (PV) und der Windkraft sind in den vergangenen Jahren erfreulicherweise deutlich gesunken, entsprechend wurden in vielen Ländern große Kapazitäten zugebaut. Die resultierende stark gestiegene Einspeisung fluktuierender Erzeuger stellt Netzbetreiber vor neue Herausforderungen, insbesondere durch die extremen Lastschwankungen für plan-und steuerbare, heute größtenteils fossil befeuerte konventionelle Kraftwerke

Solarthermische Kraftwerke

Der Schutz des Klimas und die dafür erforderliche Umstellung der Energieversorgung auf erneuerbare Energien ist eine globale Herausforderung, welche nach maßgeschneiderten Lösungen für die unterschiedlichen Klimazonen und Märkte der Erde verlangt. Die verstärkte Solarenergienutzung spielt dabei eine maßgebliche Rolle. Die Rolle Deutschlands als Exportnation beschränkt sich hierbei nicht auf die Klimawende im eigenen Land, sondern beinhaltet auch den weltweiten Export erneuerbarer Energietechnologien. Die Kosten der photovoltaischen Stromerzeugung (PV) und der Windkraft sind in den vergangenen Jahren erfreulicherweise deutlich gesunken, entsprechend wurden in vielen Ländern große Kapazitäten zugebaut. Die resultierende stark gestiegene Einspeisung fluktuierender Erzeuger stellt Netzbetreiber vor neue Herausforderungen, insbesondere durch die extremen Lastschwankungen für plan- und steuerbare, heute größtenteils fossil befeuerte konventionelle Kraftwerke. Hier bieten solarthermische Kraftwerke Lösungen