BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common mental illnesses. It is posited that more than 25% of the population is affected by some mental disease during their lifetime. Treatment of each patient draws resources from the economy concerned. Therefore, it is important to quantify the potential economic impact. METHODS: Agent-based, system dynamics and numerical approaches to dynamic modeling of the population of the European Union and its patients with Alzheimer's disease are presented in this article. Simulations, their characteristics, and the results from different modeling tools are compared. RESULTS: The results of these approaches are compared with EU population growth predictions from the statistical office of the EU by Eurostat. The methodology of a creation of the models is described and all three modeling approaches are compared. The suitability of each modeling approach for the population modeling is discussed. CONCLUSION: In this case study, all three approaches gave us the results corresponding with the EU population prediction. Moreover, we were able to predict the number of patients with AD and, based on the modeling method, we were also able to monitor different characteristics of the population.

• Klíčová slova
• Alzheimer’s disease, agent-based model, numerical model, population modeling, population prediction, system dynamics.,
• MeSH
• Alzheimerova nemoc diagnóza   epidemiologie   MeSH
• biologické modely MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• systémová analýza * MeSH
• teoretické modely * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Eco-industrial parks (EIPs) are of increasing importance for implementing industrial ecology strategies and are facing increasing challenges in terms of environmental pollution and resource scarcity. As a complex adaptive system, an EIP involves multiple sectors and faces various disturbances that influence its evolutionary trajectories. This study adopts an agent-based model to simulate the material flows and industrial symbiosis process in the EIP, considering the initiative of each company and the ever-changing environment. The proposed EIP model emphasises the heterogeneity of companies and attempts to reflect multiple and dynamic factors that have received less attention in previous studies. This model contains two types of agents, companies and the external environment. A company agent makes decisions and interacts with other agents following its own behaviour rules, while the external environment agent functions to coordinate the material flows and exert influence on the companies. The model has been verified and validated by simulating a 20-year-period development of an empirical EIP in China. The simulation results are assessed by three indicators: eco-connectance, eco-efficiency, and industrial symbiosis indicator. Results showed that during the growing phase, the eco-connectance increased from 0.02 to 0.1 for the non-disturbance situation. The eco-efficiency and industrial symbiosis indicator also realised 78.5% and 74.8% of their total increments. The outcome of this research provides insights for the design of the strategies to improve the industrial symbiosis performance and is of high potential to facilitate EIPs in promoting eco-transformation and sustainable development.

• Klíčová slova
• Agent-based model, Eco-industrial park, Eco-transformation, Industrial ecology, Industrial symbiosis, Simulation,
• MeSH
• ekologie MeSH
• ekosystém * MeSH
• počítačová simulace MeSH
• průmysl MeSH
• zachování přírodních zdrojů * metody   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Čína MeSH

Agent-based models (ABMs) are one of the main sources of evidence for decisions regarding mitigation and suppression measures against the spread of SARS-CoV-2. These models have not been previously included in the hierarchy of evidence put forth by the evidence-based medicine movement, which prioritizes those research methods that deliver results less susceptible to the risk of confounding. We point out the need to assess the quality of evidence delivered by ABMs and ask the question of what is the risk that assumptions entertained in ABMs do not include all the key factors and make model predictions susceptible to the problem of confounding.

• Klíčová slova
• Agent-based models, EBM, SARS-CoV-2,
• MeSH
• COVID-19 epidemiologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• pandemie * MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 fyziologie   MeSH
• systémová analýza * MeSH
• teoretické modely MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Most of the theoretical contributions on the relationship between economy and environment assume the environment as a good distributed homogeneously among agents. The aim of this work is to relax this hypothesis and to consider that the environment can have a local character even if conditioned through externalities by the choices made at the global level. In this article, we adapt the classical framework introduced in John and Pecchenino (Econ J 104(427):1393-1410, 1994) to analyze the dynamic relationship between environment and economic process, and we propose an OLG agent-based model where each agent perceives her own level of environmental quality determined by her own decisions, and by the decisions of those living around her. Despite the attention devoted to local environmental aspects, network externalities (determined through the scheme of Moore neighborhoods) play a fundamental role in defining environmental dynamics and they may induce the emergence of cyclical dynamics. The occurrence of oscillations in the local environmental quality is partially mitigated by the presence of heterogeneity in individuals' preferences. Finally, when a centralized planner is introduced, the dynamics converge to stationary values regardless of the assumption on heterogeneity of agents.

• Klíčová slova
• Agent-based models, Environmental externalities, Local environment, Overlapping generations,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

UNLABELLED: This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of tsunami evacuation models. The review covers scientific studies from the last decade (2012-2021) and is explicitly focused on models using an agent-based approach. The PRISMA methodology was used to analyze 171 selected papers, resulting in over 53 studies included in the detailed full-text analysis. This review is divided into two main parts: (1) a descriptive analysis of the presented models (focused on the modeling tools, validation, and software platform used, etc.), and (2) model analysis (e.g., model purpose, types of agents, input and output data, and modeled area). Special attention was given to the features of these models specifically associated with an agent-based approach. The results lead to the conclusion that the research domain of agent-based tsunami evacuation models is quite narrow and specialized, with a high degree of variability in the model attributes and properties. At the same time, the application of agent-specific methodologies, protocols, organizational paradigms, or standards is sparse. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11069-022-05643-x.

• Klíčová slova
• Agent-based model, Crowd motion, Evacuation, Natural hazard, Simulation, Tsunami,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

BACKGROUND: Our purpose is to assess epidemiological agent-based models-or ABMs-of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic methodologically. The rapid spread of the outbreak requires fast-paced decision-making regarding mitigation measures. However, the evidence for the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions such as imposed social distancing and school or workplace closures is scarce: few observational studies use quasi-experimental research designs, and conducting randomized controlled trials seems infeasible. Additionally, evidence from the previous coronavirus outbreaks of SARS and MERS lacks external validity, given the significant differences in contagiousness of those pathogens relative to SARS-CoV-2. To address the pressing policy questions that have emerged as a result of COVID-19, epidemiologists have produced numerous models that range from simple compartmental models to highly advanced agent-based models. These models have been criticized for involving simplifications and lacking empirical support for their assumptions. METHODS: To address these voices and methodologically appraise epidemiological ABMs, we consider AceMod (the model of the COVID-19 epidemic in Australia) as a case study of the modelling practice. RESULTS: Our example shows that, although epidemiological ABMs involve simplifications of various sorts, the key characteristics of social interactions and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 are represented sufficiently accurately. This is the case because these modellers treat empirical results as inputs for constructing modelling assumptions and rules that the agents follow; and they use calibration to assert the adequacy to benchmark variables. CONCLUSIONS: Given this, we claim that the best epidemiological ABMs are models of actual mechanisms and deliver both mechanistic and difference-making evidence. Consequently, they may also adequately describe the effects of possible interventions. Finally, we discuss the limitations of ABMs and put forward policy recommendations.

• Klíčová slova
• SARS-CoV-2, agent-based modelling, causal inference, difference-making evidence, mechanism, mechanistic evidence,
• MeSH
• Betacoronavirus MeSH
• COVID-19 MeSH
• koronavirové infekce epidemiologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• pandemie MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
• statistické modely * MeSH
• systémová analýza * MeSH
• virová pneumonie epidemiologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) can be formally implemented by various methods. This study compares suitability of four selected MCDM methods, namely WPM, TOPSIS, VIKOR, and PROMETHEE, for future applications in agent-based computational economic (ACE) models of larger scale (i.e., over 10 000 agents in one geographical region). These four MCDM methods were selected according to their appropriateness for computational processing in ACE applications. Tests of the selected methods were conducted on four hardware configurations. For each method, 100 tests were performed, which represented one testing iteration. With four testing iterations conducted on each hardware setting and separated testing of all configurations with the-server parameter de/activated, altogether, 12800 data points were collected and consequently analyzed. An illustrational decision-making scenario was used which allows the mutual comparison of all of the selected decision making methods. Our test results suggest that although all methods are convenient and can be used in practice, the VIKOR method accomplished the tests with the best results and thus can be recommended as the most suitable for simulations of large-scale agent-based models.

• MeSH
• ekonomické modely MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metody pro podporu rozhodování MeSH
• rozhodování * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

• MeSH
• systémová analýza MeSH
• teoretické modely * MeSH
• zdravotnická zařízení - velikost MeSH
• zdravotnické plánování * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Československo MeSH

BACKGROUND: Based on the randomised Euro-EWING99-R1 trial, vincristine, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide (VAC) may be able to replace vincristine, adriamycin, ifosfamide (VAI) in the treatment of standard-risk Ewing sarcoma. However some heterogeneity of treatment effect by gender was observed. The current exploratory study aimed at investigating the influence of gender on treatment efficacy and acute toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Impact of gender on event-free survival (EFS), acute toxicity by course, switches between treatment arms and cumulative dose of alkylating agents was evaluated in multivariable models adjusted for age including terms to test for heterogeneity of treatment effect by gender. The analysis of the EFS was performed on the intention-to-treat population. RESULTS: EFS did not significantly differ between the 509 males and 347 females (p=0.33), but an interaction in terms of efficacy was suspected between treatment and gender (p=0.058): VAC was associated with poorer EFS than VAI in males, hazard ratio (HR) (VAC/VAI)=1.37 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98-1.90], contrasting with HR=0.81 [95%CI, 0.53-1.24] in females. Severe toxicity was more frequent in females, whatever the toxicity type. Thirty patients switched from VAI to VAC (9/251 males, 4%, and 21/174 females, 12%) mostly due to renal toxicity, and three from VAC to VAI (2/258 males, 0.8%, and 1/173 females, 0.6%). A reduction of alkylating agent cumulative dose >20% was more frequent in females (15% versus 9%, p=0.005), with no major difference between VAC and VAI (10% versus 13%, p=0.15). CONCLUSION: Differences of acute toxicity rate and cumulative doses of alkylating agents could not explain the marginal interaction observed in the Euro-EWING99-R1 trial data. Effects of gender-dependent polymorphism/activity of metabolic enzymes (e.g. known for CYP2B6) of ifosfamide versus cyclophosphamide should be explored. External data are required to further evaluate whether there is heterogeneity of alkylating agent effect by gender. TRIAL NUMBERS: NCT00987636 and EudraCT 2008-003658-13.

• Klíčová slova
• Alkylating agent, CYP2B6, CYP3A4, Constitutive androstane receptor, Efficacy, Ewing sarcomas, Gender, Interaction, Metabolism, Toxicity,
• MeSH
• alkylační protinádorové látky aplikace a dávkování   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• cyklofosfamid aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• disparity zdravotního stavu MeSH
• doxorubicin aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• Ewingův sarkom farmakoterapie   patologie   MeSH
• ifosfamid aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• nádory kostí farmakoterapie   patologie   MeSH
• náhrada léků MeSH
• přežití bez známek nemoci MeSH
• progrese nemoci MeSH
• proporcionální rizikové modely MeSH
• protokoly protinádorové kombinované chemoterapie aplikace a dávkování   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• sexuální faktory MeSH
• vinkristin aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH
• Názvy látek
• alkylační protinádorové látky MeSH
• cyklofosfamid MeSH
• doxorubicin MeSH
• ifosfamid MeSH
• vinkristin MeSH

Agent-based evacuation modeling represents an effective tool for making predictions about evacuation aspects of buildings such as evacuation times, congestions, and maximum safe building capacity. Collection of real behavioral data for calibrating agent-based evacuation models is time-consuming, costly, and completely impossible in the case of buildings in the design phase, where predictions about evacuation behavior are especially needed. In recent years evacuation experiments conducted in virtual reality (VR) have been frequently proposed in the literature as an effective tool for collecting data about human behavior. However, empirical studies which would assess validity of VR-based data for such purposes are still rare and considerably lacking in the agent-based evacuation modeling domain. This study explores opportunities that the VR behavioral data may bring for refining outputs of agent evacuation models. To this end, this study employed multiple input settings of agent-based evacuation models (ABEMs), including those based on the data gathered from the VR evacuation experiment that mapped out evacuation behaviors of individuals within the building. Calibration and evaluation of models was based on empirical data gathered from an original evacuation exercise conducted in a real building (N = 35) and its virtual twin (N = 38). This study found that the resulting predictions of single agent models using data collected in the VR environment after proposed corrections have the potential to better predict real-world evacuation behavior while offering desirable variance in the data outputs necessary for practical applications.

• Klíčová slova
• Agent modeling, Evacuation behavior, Evacuation time, Indoor navigation, Pathfinder, Virtual reality,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH