Agent-based modelling of cholera diffusion

This paper introduces a spatially explicit agent-based simulation model for micro-scale cholera diffusion. The model simulates both an environmental reservoir of naturally occurring V. cholerae bacteria and hyperinfectious V. cholerae. Objective of the research is to test if runoff from open refuse dumpsites plays a role in cholera diffusion. A number of experiments were conducted with the model for a case study in Kumasi, Ghana, based on an epidemic in 2005. Experiments confirm the importance of the hyperinfectious transmission route, however, they also reveal the importance of a representative spatial distribution of the income classes. Although the contribution of runoff from dumpsites can never be conclusively proven, the experiments show that modelling the epidemic via this mechanism is possible and improves the model results. Relevance of this research is that it shows the possibilities of agent-based modelling combined with pattern reproduction for cholera diffusion studies. The proposed model is simple in its setup but can be extended by adding additional elements such as human movement and change of behaviour of individuals based on disease awareness. Eventually, agent-based models will open opportunities to explore policy related research questions related to interventions to influence the diffusion process

The evolution of geomatics education in Zimbabwe

Geo information management plays a very significant socioeconomic role in the modern world and different professionals in this domain need to take time to appreciate their important contribution. Since the 1960’s a rapid professional evolution has greatly transcended the traditional role of the land surveyor creating clear shifts in role paradigms and blending this skill more firmly with the strengths of several other disciplines to give birth to the science of Geomatics. Evolution in this context refers to a process by which career components change their characteristics over a period, possibly into a more sophisticated form that adapts better to the demands of its changing surroundings. One of the most significant global challenges associated with evolution in Geomatics today is that of inadequate capacity building for seamless continuity of the profession. Tertiary education has been identified as a continuous contributor to professional continuity. This paper seeks to highlight Zimbabwe’s contribution to Geomatics education for capacity building. The methodology adopts the use of CIRO’s model of evaluation as a tool to effectively reveal milestones that characterised the evolution in Zimbabwe to date. Specific focus is given to the University of Zimbabwe and the Midlands State University as the two institutions offering full curriculum in Surveying and Geomatics at degree level currently. The study uses alumni and current student data records from polytechnics and universities in Zimbabwe to extract interesting statistics. Other primary data collection techniques such as surveys, interviews and use of data from social networking media like face book or twitter are employed to compile data on the student and industry perceptions in Zimbabwe’s Geomatics domain in line with the recommendations of the CIRO approach. It is hoped that Zimbabwe’s capacity building contribution may be painted colourfully in this paper as discussions about its evolution are revealed

Agent-based modelling of cholera diffusion

This paper introduces a spatially explicit agent-based simulation model for micro-scale cholera diffusion. The model simulates both an environmental reservoir of naturally occurring V.cholerae bacteria and hyperinfectious V. cholerae. Objective of the research is to test if runoff from open refuse dumpsites plays a role in cholera diffusion. A number of experiments were conducted with the model for a case study in Kumasi, Ghana, based on an epidemic in 2005. Experiments confirm the importance of the hyperinfectious transmission route, however, they also reveal the importance of a representative spatial distribution of the income classes. Although the contribution of runoff from dumpsites can never be conclusively proven, the experiments show that modelling the epidemic via this mechanism is possible and improves the model results. Relevance of this research is that it shows the possibilities of agent-based modelling combined with pattern reproduction for cholera diffusion studies. The proposed model is simple in its setup but can be extended by adding additional elements such as human movement and change of behaviour of individuals based on disease awareness. Eventually, agent-based models will open opportunities to explore policy related research questions related to interventions to influence the diffusion process