Foundations of Social Modeling

2009 ◽  
pp. 169-181
Author(s):  
Ben Kei Daniel
Keyword(s):  
Computational Models ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Computer Systems ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Technical Aspect ◽  
Social Modeling ◽  
Object A ◽  
General Terms ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Complex Phenomena

A model is an abstract representation of reality. It can be an object, a system or an idea. In general terms, one could say that a model is a simplification of reality. Modeling is a fundamental and quantitative way to understand complex phenomena and systems. Modelling make up a scientific approach that can be applied to analyse a wide range of physical and social problems. Modelling of complex systems is becoming increasingly a common practice in virtually different disciplines, giving rise to active fields of studies such as mathematical modelling, econometrics, social modelling, computational physics, chemistry, mechanics, and biology, to name just a few. Through modeling one can readily cross over from one discipline to another, the basic concepts and techniques are relatively the same. Computational models are useful tools for representing abstractions and concrete realities. Computational models are intended to provide knowledge about social and technical aspect of systems and their users. They are capable of providing computer systems designers and research analysts with rich insights to build processes, procedures and tools to support systems operations in order to adapt these operations to peoples’ technology needs. This Chapter presents an overview of computational modelling. It provides examples of computational models types and how they are currently used to inform our understanding of issues connected to users and computer systems. The goal of the Chapter is to present the reader with the background knowledge necessary for understanding the Bayesian computational approach presented in this book and to draw their attention to think about ways in which modelling can be used to analyse and understand problems in other social systems.

Neural competition and statistical mechanics

1996 ◽  
Vol 263 (1370) ◽  
pp. 601-606 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Target Innervation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pharmacological Manipulations ◽  
Activity Dependent ◽  
Neural Competition

Computational models of activity-dependent competitive neural plasticity typically impose competition in networks in which plasticity is accommodated by permitting changes in the efficacies of synapses in an anatomically fixed network. This is despite the fact that much evidence suggests that neurons compete for neurotrophins, during both target innervation and activity-dependent synaptic re-arrangement, which influence the sprouting and retraction of axonal processes. We therefore present a new approach to the computational modelling of competitive neural plasticity which permits neurons to compete explicitly for neurotrophins. This competition is associated with the sprouting and retraction of axonal processes. Because there is much uncertainty regarding the basic mechanisms, we adopt the powerful machinery of statistical mechanics to avoid the need to address these issues. We show that such an approach can readily account for a wide range of plasticity phenomena in a range of systems, including the results of various pharmacological manipulations.

scholarly journals Manipulation and protection against manipulation in activities of the head of the internal affairs body of the Russian Federation

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 101-114
Author(s):  
Ol'ga Vozzhenikova ◽  
Salavat Muhtarov
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
Specific Property ◽  
General Terms ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Internal Affairs ◽  
Applied Knowledge

The aim of the research in this work is to study the features of psychological manipulation and ways to neutralize it as components of the activities of the heads of the internal affairs body of the Russian Federation. The phenomenon of "manipulation" has been studied by researchers in this field for a long time. In general terms, it means a sequence of some intentions and actions, the final result of which is not obvious to those to whom it is directed. The development of the global information and communication environment makes various theoretical and applied knowledge of a specific property available to a wide range of people and creates favorable conditions for the use of this knowledge for the purpose of manipulation and manipulative influence on certain social groups, entire social systems and their individual representatives. By the nature of their activities, the heads of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation often have to deal with psychological manipulation, the involvement in which is related to official necessity. A study (survey) was carried out with the participation of 50 students of the management faculty of the Academy of Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia aged 30 to 55 years, the purpose of which was to study the features of psychological manipulation in the activities of the head of the internal affairs body of the Russian Federation. The results of the study showed that there is a need to develop the manager's competence in the field of manipulative influence. Today in psychological science and practice there are many technologies for the use, recognition and protection from psychological manipulations, which can be successfully used by the heads of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation in managerial activities, but this requires special training from them.

scholarly journals Insights from Computational Modelling: Selective Stimulation of Retinal Ganglion Cells

2020 ◽  
pp. 233-247
Author(s):  
Tianruo Guo ◽  
David Tsai ◽  
Siwei Bai ◽  
Mohit Shivdasani ◽  
Madhuvanthi Muralidharan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Retinal Prostheses ◽  
Differential Activation ◽  
Photoreceptor Layer ◽  
Suprachoroidal Space ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractImprovements to the efficacy of retinal neuroprostheses can be achieved by developing more sophisticated neural stimulation strategies to enable selective or differential activation of specific retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Recent retinal studies have demonstrated the ability to differentially recruit ON and OFF RGCs – the two major information pathways of the retina – using high-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS). However, there remain many unknowns, since this is a relatively unexplored field. For example, can we achieve ON/OFF selectivity over a wide range of stimulus frequencies and amplitudes? Furthermore, existing demonstrations of HFS efficacy in retinal prostheses have been based on epiretinal placement of electrodes. Other clinically popular techniques include subretinal or suprachoroidal placement, where electrodes are located at the photoreceptor layer or in the suprachoroidal space, respectively, and these locations are quite distant from the RGC layer. Would HFS-based differential activation work from these locations? In this chapter, we conducted in silico investigations to explore the generalizability of HFS to differentially active ON and OFF RGCs. Computational models are particularly well suited for these investigations. The electric field can be accurately described by mathematical formulations, and simulated neurons can be “probed” at resolutions well beyond those achievable by today’s state-of-the-art experimental techniques.

scholarly journals Computational modelling of nerve stimulation and recording with peripheral visceral neural interfaces

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Calvin Eiber ◽  
Sophie C Payne ◽  
Natalia Biscola ◽  
Leif Havton ◽  
Janet Keast ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Electrode Array ◽  
Neural Interface ◽  
Vagus Nerves ◽  
Neuron Models ◽  
Pelvic Nerve ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Objective: Neuromodulation of visceral nerves is being intensively studied for treating a wide range of conditions, but effective translation requires increasing the efficacy and predictability of neural interface performance. Here we use computational models of rat visceral nerve to predict how neuroanatomical variability could affect both electrical stimulation and recording with an experimental planar neural interface. Approach: We developed a hybrid computational pipeline, Visceral Nerve Ensemble Recording & Stimulation (ViNERS), to couple finite-element modelling of extracellular electrical fields with biophysical simulations of individual axons. Anatomical properties of fascicles and axons in rat pelvic and vagus nerves were measured or obtained from public datasets. To validate ViNERS, we simulated pelvic nerve stimulation and recording with an experimental four-electrode planar array. Main results: Axon diameters measured from pelvic nerve were used to model a population of myelinated and unmyelinated axons and simulate recordings of electrically evoked single-unit field potentials (SUFPs). Across visceral nerve fascicles of increasing size, our simulations predicted an increase in stimulation threshold and a decrease in SUFP amplitude. Simulated threshold changes were dominated by changes in perineurium thickness, which correlates with fascicle diameter. We also demonstrated that ViNERS could simulate recordings of electrically-evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) that were qualitatively similar to pelvic nerve recording made with the array used for simulation. Significance: We introduce ViNERS as a new open-source computational tool for modelling large-scale stimulation and recording from visceral nerves. ViNERS predicts how neuroanatomical variation in rat pelvic nerve affects stimulation and recording with an experimental planar electrode array. We show ViNERS can simulate ECAPS that capture features of our recordings, but our results suggest the underlying NEURON models need to be further refined and specifically adapted to accurately simulate visceral nerve axons.

scholarly journals Computational modelling for decision-making: where, why, what, who and how

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 172096 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muffy Calder ◽  
Claire Craig ◽  
Dave Culley ◽  
Richard de Cani ◽  
Christl A. Donnelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
Complex World ◽  
Close Collaboration ◽  
Science And Engineering ◽  
Whole Process ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Significant Factors

In order to deal with an increasingly complex world, we need ever more sophisticated computational models that can help us make decisions wisely and understand the potential consequences of choices. But creating a model requires far more than just raw data and technical skills: it requires a close collaboration between model commissioners, developers, users and reviewers. Good modelling requires its users and commissioners to understand more about the whole process, including the different kinds of purpose a model can have and the different technical bases. This paper offers a guide to the process of commissioning, developing and deploying models across a wide range of domains from public policy to science and engineering. It provides two checklists to help potential modellers, commissioners and users ensure they have considered the most significant factors that will determine success. We conclude there is a need to reinforce modelling as a discipline, so that misconstruction is less likely; to increase understanding of modelling in all domains, so that the misuse of models is reduced; and to bring commissioners closer to modelling, so that the results are more useful.

Solution chemistry effects on the solvation shell of metal ions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangwen Wang ◽  
Dimitrios Toroz ◽  
Seonmyeong Kim ◽  
Simon Clegg ◽  
Gun-Sik Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metal Ions ◽  
Pure Water ◽  
Solvation Shell ◽  
Solution Chemistry ◽  
Chemical Characteristics ◽  
Velocity Autocorrelation Function ◽  
Ionic Solvation ◽  
General Terms ◽  
Alkaline Earth Metal Ions ◽  
Wide Range

<div> <p>As natural aqueous solutions are far from being pure water, being rich in ions, the properties of solvated ions are of relevance for a wide range of systems, including biological and geochemical environments. We conducted ab initio and classical MD simulations of the alkaline earth metal ions Mg<sup>2+</sup> and Ca<sup>2+</sup> and of the alkali metal ions Li<sup>+</sup>, Na<sup>+</sup>, K<sup>+</sup> and Cs<sup>+</sup> in pure water and electrolyte solutions containing the counterions Cl<sup>–</sup> and SO<sub>4</sub><sup>2–</sup>. Through a detailed analysis of these simulations, this study reports on the effect of solution chemistry (composition and concentration of the solution) to the ion–water structural properties and interaction strength, and to the dynamics, hydrogen bond network, and low-frequency dynamics of the ionic solvation shell. Except for the ion–water radial distribution function, which is weakly dependent on the counter-ions and concentrations, we found that all other properties can be significantly influenced by the chemical characteristics of the solution. Calculation of the velocity autocorrelation function of magnesium ions, for example, shows that chlorine ions located in the second coordination shell of Mg<sup>2+</sup> weaken the Mg(H<sub>2</sub>O)<sub>6</sub><sup>2+</sup> hydration ‘cage’ of the cation. The result reported in this study suggest that ionic solvation shell can be significantly influenced by the interactions between other ions present in solution ions, especially those of opposite charge. In more general terms, the chemical characteristics of the solution, including the balance between ion-solvent and ion-ion interactions, could result in significant differences in behavior and function of the ionic solvation shell.</p> </div>

Recycling and Reuse in the Roman Economy

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Late Antique ◽  
Roman Economy ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Status ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Methodological Approaches ◽  
First Time ◽  
Site Types

The recycling and reuse of materials and objects were extensive in the past, but have rarely been embedded into models of the economy; even more rarely has any attempt been made to assess the scale of these practices. Recent developments, including the use of large datasets, computational modelling, and high-resolution analytical chemistry, are increasingly offering the means to reconstruct recycling and reuse, and even to approach the thorny matter of quantification. Growing scholarly interest in the topic has also led to an increasing recognition of these practices from those employing more traditional methodological approaches, which are sometimes coupled with innovative archaeological theory. Thanks to these efforts, it has been possible for the first time in this volume to draw together archaeological case studies on the recycling and reuse of a wide range of materials, from papyri and textiles, to amphorae, metals and glass, building materials and statuary. Recycling and reuse occur at a range of site types, and often in contexts which cross-cut material categories, or move from one object category to another. The volume focuses principally on the Roman Imperial and late antique world, over a broad geographical span ranging from Britain to North Africa and the East Mediterranean. Last, but not least, the volume is unique in focusing upon these activities as a part of the status quo, and not just as a response to crisis.

Calculation of the primary trajectories of seeds and other particles in strong winds

1983 ◽  
Vol 219 (1215) ◽  
pp. 217-217
Keyword(s):  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Aerodynamic Resistance ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Spherical Particles ◽  
Spores And Pollen ◽  
General Terms ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Strong Winds ◽  
Dispersal Distances ◽  
Enormous Number

The movement of variously dense spherical particles representing a variety of seeds, fruits, spores and pollen, and released from rest into arbitrary winds and a gravitational field is discussed in general terms that account in detail for changes in the quasi-static aerodynamic resistance to motion experienced by such particles during aerial flight. A hybrid analytical-empirical law is established which describes this resistance fairly accurately for particle Reynolds numbers in the range 0—60 000 and that allows for the numerical integration of the equations of motion so as to cover a very wide range of flight conditions. This makes possible the provision of a set of four-parameter universal range tables from which the dispersal distances for an enormous number of practical cases may be estimated. One particular case of particle movement in a region of pseudo-thermal convection is also discussed and this shows how a marked degree of deposition concentration may be induced in some circumstances by such a flow. Botanists and ecologists concerned with seed and particle dispersal in the environment may find the universal range tables of particular interest and use. This is because the tables obviate the need for the integration of the equations of motion when dealing with individual cases and permit an estimation of range purely on the basis of the specified quantities of particle size, density and altitude of release, atmospheric wind speed, density and viscosity, and the acceleration due to gravity.

An efficient approach to converting three-dimensional image data into highly accurate computational models

2008 ◽  
Vol 366 (1878) ◽  
pp. 3155-3173 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.G Young ◽  
T.B.H Beresford-West ◽  
S.R.L Coward ◽  
B Notarberardino ◽  
B Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mesh Generation ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Model Material ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Material Inhomogeneity ◽  
Dimensional Image ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Impact Modelling

Image-based meshing is opening up exciting new possibilities for the application of computational continuum mechanics methods (finite-element and computational fluid dynamics) to a wide range of biomechanical and biomedical problems that were previously intractable owing to the difficulty in obtaining suitably realistic models. Innovative surface and volume mesh generation techniques have recently been developed, which convert three-dimensional imaging data, as obtained from magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, micro-CT and ultrasound, for example, directly into meshes suitable for use in physics-based simulations. These techniques have several key advantages, including the ability to robustly generate meshes for topologies of arbitrary complexity (such as bioscaffolds or composite micro-architectures) and with any number of constituent materials (multi-part modelling), providing meshes in which the geometric accuracy of mesh domains is only dependent on the image accuracy (image-based accuracy) and the ability for certain problems to model material inhomogeneity by assigning the properties based on image signal strength. Commonly used mesh generation techniques will be compared with the proposed enhanced volumetric marching cubes (EVoMaCs) approach and some issues specific to simulations based on three-dimensional image data will be discussed. A number of case studies will be presented to illustrate how these techniques can be used effectively across a wide range of problems from characterization of micro-scaffolds through to head impact modelling.

The attachment length in orificed hollow cathodes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Wordingham ◽  
Pierre-Yves Taunay ◽  
Edgar Choueiri
Keyword(s):  
Electron Temperature ◽  
Plasma Density ◽  
Hollow Cathode ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Closed Form Solution ◽  
Form Solution ◽  
Decay Length ◽  
Plasma Density Profile ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Approximate Boundary Condition

Abstract A first-principles approach to obtain the attachment length within a hollow cathode with a constrictive orifice, and its scaling with internal cathode pressure, is developed. This parameter, defined herein as the plasma density decay length scale upstream of (away from) the cathode orifice, is critical because it controls the utilization of the hollow cathode insert and influences cathode life. A two-dimensional framework is developed from the ambipolar diffusion equation for the insert-region plasma. A closed-form solution for the plasma density is obtained using standard partial differential equation techniques by applying an approximate boundary condition at the cathode orifice plane. This approach also yields the attachment length and electron temperature without reliance on measured plasma property data or complex computational models. The predicted plasma density profile is validated against measurements from the NSTAR discharge cathode, and calculated electron temperatures and attachment lengths agree with published values. Nondimensionalization of the governing equations reveals that the solution depends almost exclusively on the neutral pressure-diameter product in the insert plasma region. Evaluation of analytical results over a wide range of input parameters yields scaling relations for the variation of the attachment length and electron temperature with the pressure-diameter product. For the range of orifice-to-insert diameter ratio studied, the influence of orifice size is shown to be small except through its effect on insert pressure, and the attachment length is shown to be proportional to the insert inner radius, suggesting high-pressure cathodes should be constructed with larger-diameter inserts.

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