Category: MASON

New Paper: Synthetic Populations with Social Networks

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When developing geographically explicit agent-based models, one thing we spend a lot of time on is building synthetic populations and then linking the agents in the synthetic population to each other.  To overcome this issue we have a new paper pu…

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ABM Applications, ABM Examples, Agent Based Models, Disasters, Disease, GeoMason, Java, MASON, Microsimulation, python, Traffic Models

New Paper: Synthetic Populations with Social Networks

Posted on by

When developing geographically explicit agent-based models, one thing we spend a lot of time on is building synthetic populations and then linking the agents in the synthetic population to each other.  To overcome this issue we have a new paper pu…

Continue reading »
ABM Applications, ABM Examples, Agent Based Models, Disasters, Disease, GeoMason, Java, MASON, Microsimulation, python, Traffic Models

Come Work with Us: 2 Postdocs in Urban Simulation

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The George Mason University Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science within the College of Science, has an immediate opening for two postdoctoral fellows (up to 2-years), subject to budgetary approval. These positions will be part of the “Urban simulation” project team conducting research as part of the DARPA’s “Ground Truth” program, a network of DARPA-funded teams across the USA. The GMU team is directed by Andreas Züfle, Dieter Pfoser, and Andrew Crooks and supported by Carola Wenk at Tulane University. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

Postdoc 1

Responsibilities:
The primary job responsibilities of this position consist of the design, development and refinement of an agent-based simulation framework for urban areas. Using the existing Multiagent Simulation Toolkit (MASON) platform (written in Java), new agent logic will have to be implemented, thus creating agents that use socially plausible rules for mobility and interaction with other agents. A main goal is to create computationally efficient agent logic, thus allowing millions of agents to make decisions, find shortest paths between locations, and interact with their simulated world at the same time. For this purpose, implemented algorithms will need to be highly parallelizable, thus allowing to scale simulation via distribution among computing clusters located at GMU and Tulane. The successful candidate will also supervise graduate-level research assistants, collaborate with fellow scholars, and promote the department’s accomplishments through publications, presentations, and other public events.

Required Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in computer science, data science, or closely related field;
  • Strong programming skills in Java;
  • Excellent written communication skills demonstrated by prior publications;
  • A track record that demonstrates the ability to work well with interdisciplinary research teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Solid knowledge of graph algorithms;
  • Experience with Agent-Based Modeling and social science simulation;
  • Experience in design and implementation of software systems.
Postdoc 2
Responsibilities:
The primary job responsibilities of this position will be the design of an agent-based model based on the first principles underlying human needs, social interactions, and mobility to define socially plausible causalities. This model will contribute towards the design, development and refinement of an agent-based simulation framework for urban areas. Using the existing Multiagent Simulation Toolkit (MASON) platform (written in Java), new agent logic will have to be implemented, thus creating agents that use socially plausible rules for mobility and interaction with other agents. The successful candidate will also supervise graduate-level research assistants, collaborate with fellow scholars, and promote the department’s accomplishments through publications, presentations, and other public events.

Required Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in computer science, data science, or closely related field; 
  • Experience with Agent-Based Modeling and social science simulation; 
  • Excellent written communication skills demonstrated by prior publications; 
  • A track record that demonstrates the ability to work well with interdisciplinary research teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong programming skills in Java;

More Information: https://jobs.gmu.edu/postings/42109

    Continue reading »
    ABM, MASON

    Come Work with Us: 2 Postdocs in Urban Simulation

    Posted on by
    The George Mason University Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science within the College of Science, has an immediate opening for two postdoctoral fellows (up to 2-years), subject to budgetary approval. These positions will be part of the “Urban simulation” project team conducting research as part of the DARPA’s “Ground Truth” program, a network of DARPA-funded teams across the USA. The GMU team is directed by Andreas Züfle, Dieter Pfoser, and Andrew Crooks and supported by Carola Wenk at Tulane University. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

    Postdoc 1

    Responsibilities:
    The primary job responsibilities of this position consist of the design, development and refinement of an agent-based simulation framework for urban areas. Using the existing Multiagent Simulation Toolkit (MASON) platform (written in Java), new agent logic will have to be implemented, thus creating agents that use socially plausible rules for mobility and interaction with other agents. A main goal is to create computationally efficient agent logic, thus allowing millions of agents to make decisions, find shortest paths between locations, and interact with their simulated world at the same time. For this purpose, implemented algorithms will need to be highly parallelizable, thus allowing to scale simulation via distribution among computing clusters located at GMU and Tulane. The successful candidate will also supervise graduate-level research assistants, collaborate with fellow scholars, and promote the department’s accomplishments through publications, presentations, and other public events.

    Required Qualifications:

    • Ph.D. in computer science, data science, or closely related field;
    • Strong programming skills in Java;
    • Excellent written communication skills demonstrated by prior publications;
    • A track record that demonstrates the ability to work well with interdisciplinary research teams.
    Preferred Qualifications:
    • Solid knowledge of graph algorithms;
    • Experience with Agent-Based Modeling and social science simulation;
    • Experience in design and implementation of software systems.
    Postdoc 2
    Responsibilities:
    The primary job responsibilities of this position will be the design of an agent-based model based on the first principles underlying human needs, social interactions, and mobility to define socially plausible causalities. This model will contribute towards the design, development and refinement of an agent-based simulation framework for urban areas. Using the existing Multiagent Simulation Toolkit (MASON) platform (written in Java), new agent logic will have to be implemented, thus creating agents that use socially plausible rules for mobility and interaction with other agents. The successful candidate will also supervise graduate-level research assistants, collaborate with fellow scholars, and promote the department’s accomplishments through publications, presentations, and other public events.

    Required Qualifications:

    • Ph.D. in computer science, data science, or closely related field; 
    • Experience with Agent-Based Modeling and social science simulation; 
    • Excellent written communication skills demonstrated by prior publications; 
    • A track record that demonstrates the ability to work well with interdisciplinary research teams.
    Preferred Qualifications:
    • Strong programming skills in Java;

    More Information: https://jobs.gmu.edu/postings/42109

      Continue reading »
      ABM, MASON

      Modeling the Emergence of Riots: A Geosimulation Approach

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      As you might of guessed the paper is about riots but that is not all. In the paper we have a highly detailed cognitive model implemented through the PECS (Physical conditions, Emotional state, Cognitive capabilities, and Social status) framework based around identity theory. The purpose of the model (and paper) is to explore how the unique socioeconomic variables underlying Kibera, a slum in Nairobi, coupled with local interactions of its residents, and the spread of a rumor, may trigger a riot such as those seen in 2007. 
      In order to explore this question from the “bottom up” we have developed a novel agent-based model that integrates social network analysis (SNA) and geographic information systems (GIS) for this purpose. In the paper we argue that this integration facilitates the modeling of dynamic social networks created through the agents’ daily interactions. The GIS is used to develop a realistic environment for agents to move and interact that includes a road network and points of interest which impact their daily lives.
      Below is the abstract and a summary of its highlights in order to give you a sense of what our research contribution is. In addition to this we also provide some images either from the paper itself or the from Overview, Design Concepts, and Details (ODD) protocol. Finally at the bottom of this post you can see one of the simulation runs, details of where the model can be downloaded along with the full citation.

      Paper Abstract:

      Immediately after the 2007 Kenyan election results were announced, the country erupted in protest. Riots were particularly severe in Kibera, an informal settlement located within the nations capital, Nairobi. Through the lens of geosimulation, an agent-based model is integrated with social network analysis and geographic information systems to explore how the environment and local interactions underlying Kibera, combined with an external trigger, such as a rumor, led to the emergence of riots. We ground our model on empirical data of Kibera’s geospatial landscape, heterogeneous population, and daily activities of its residents. In order to effectively construct a model of riots, however, we must have an understanding of human behavior, especially that related to an individual’s need for identity and the role rumors play on a person’s decision to riot. This provided the foundation to develop the agents’ cognitive model, which created a feedback system between the agents’ activities in physical space and interactions in social space. Results showed that youth are more susceptible to rioting. Systematically increasing education and employment opportunities, however, did not have simple linear effects on rioting, or even on quality of life with respect to income and activities. The situation is more complex. By linking agent-based modeling, social network analysis, and geographic information systems we were able to develop a cognitive framework for the agents, better represent human behavior by modeling the interactions that occur over both physical and social space, and capture the nonlinear, reinforcing nature of the emergence and dissolution of riots.

      Keywords: agent-based modeling; geographic information systems; social network analysis; riots; social influence; rumor propagation.

      Paper Highlights:

      • An agent-based model integrates geographic information systems and social network analysis to model the emergence of riots. 
      • The physical environment and agent attributes are developed using empirical data, including GIS and socioeconomic data. 
      • The agent’s cognitive framework allowed for modeling their activities in physical space and interactions in social space. 
      • Through the integration of the three techniques, we were able to capture the complex, nonlinear nature of riots. 
      • Results show that youth are most vulnerable, and, increasing education and employment has nonlinear affects on rioting.

      The high-level UML diagram of the model
      A high-level representation of the model’s agent behavior incorporated into the PECS framework

      An example of the evolution of social networks of ten Residents across the first two days of a simulation run.

      The movie below shows the agent-based model which explores ethnic clashes in the Kenyan slum. The environment is made up of households, businesses, and service facilities (such data comes from OpenStreetMap). Agents within the model use a transportation network to move across the environment. As agents go about their daily activities, they interact with other agents – building out an evolving social network. Agents seek to meet their identity standard. Failure to reach their identity standard increases the agents frustration which can lead to an aggressive response (i.e. moving from blue to red color) such as rioting.

      As with many of our models, we provide the data, model code and detailed model description in the form of the ODD protocol for others to use, learn more or to extend. Click here for more information.

      Full Reference:

      Pires, B. and Crooks, A.T. (2017), Modeling the Emergence of Riots: A Geosimulation Approach, Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 61: 66-80. (pdf)

      As normal, any thoughts or comments are most appreciated.
       

      Continue reading »
      ABM, ABM Examples, GeoMason, GIS, MASON, Slums, SNA, Social Networks

      Modeling the Emergence of Riots: A Geosimulation Approach

      Posted on by
      As you might of guessed the paper is about riots but that is not all. In the paper we have a highly detailed cognitive model implemented through the PECS (Physical conditions, Emotional state, Cognitive capabilities, and Social status) framework based around identity theory. The purpose of the model (and paper) is to explore how the unique socioeconomic variables underlying Kibera, a slum in Nairobi, coupled with local interactions of its residents, and the spread of a rumor, may trigger a riot such as those seen in 2007. 
      In order to explore this question from the “bottom up” we have developed a novel agent-based model that integrates social network analysis (SNA) and geographic information systems (GIS) for this purpose. In the paper we argue that this integration facilitates the modeling of dynamic social networks created through the agents’ daily interactions. The GIS is used to develop a realistic environment for agents to move and interact that includes a road network and points of interest which impact their daily lives.
      Below is the abstract and a summary of its highlights in order to give you a sense of what our research contribution is. In addition to this we also provide some images either from the paper itself or the from Overview, Design Concepts, and Details (ODD) protocol. Finally at the bottom of this post you can see one of the simulation runs, details of where the model can be downloaded along with the full citation.

      Paper Abstract:

      Immediately after the 2007 Kenyan election results were announced, the country erupted in protest. Riots were particularly severe in Kibera, an informal settlement located within the nations capital, Nairobi. Through the lens of geosimulation, an agent-based model is integrated with social network analysis and geographic information systems to explore how the environment and local interactions underlying Kibera, combined with an external trigger, such as a rumor, led to the emergence of riots. We ground our model on empirical data of Kibera’s geospatial landscape, heterogeneous population, and daily activities of its residents. In order to effectively construct a model of riots, however, we must have an understanding of human behavior, especially that related to an individual’s need for identity and the role rumors play on a person’s decision to riot. This provided the foundation to develop the agents’ cognitive model, which created a feedback system between the agents’ activities in physical space and interactions in social space. Results showed that youth are more susceptible to rioting. Systematically increasing education and employment opportunities, however, did not have simple linear effects on rioting, or even on quality of life with respect to income and activities. The situation is more complex. By linking agent-based modeling, social network analysis, and geographic information systems we were able to develop a cognitive framework for the agents, better represent human behavior by modeling the interactions that occur over both physical and social space, and capture the nonlinear, reinforcing nature of the emergence and dissolution of riots.

      Keywords: agent-based modeling; geographic information systems; social network analysis; riots; social influence; rumor propagation.

      Paper Highlights:

      • An agent-based model integrates geographic information systems and social network analysis to model the emergence of riots. 
      • The physical environment and agent attributes are developed using empirical data, including GIS and socioeconomic data. 
      • The agent’s cognitive framework allowed for modeling their activities in physical space and interactions in social space. 
      • Through the integration of the three techniques, we were able to capture the complex, nonlinear nature of riots. 
      • Results show that youth are most vulnerable, and, increasing education and employment has nonlinear affects on rioting.

      The high-level UML diagram of the model
      A high-level representation of the model’s agent behavior incorporated into the PECS framework

      An example of the evolution of social networks of ten Residents across the first two days of a simulation run.

      The movie below shows the agent-based model which explores ethnic clashes in the Kenyan slum. The environment is made up of households, businesses, and service facilities (such data comes from OpenStreetMap). Agents within the model use a transportation network to move across the environment. As agents go about their daily activities, they interact with other agents – building out an evolving social network. Agents seek to meet their identity standard. Failure to reach their identity standard increases the agents frustration which can lead to an aggressive response (i.e. moving from blue to red color) such as rioting.

      As with many of our models, we provide the data, model code and detailed model description in the form of the ODD protocol for others to use, learn more or to extend. Click here for more information.

      Full Reference:

      Pires, B. and Crooks, A.T. (2017), Modeling the Emergence of Riots: A Geosimulation Approach, Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 61: 66-80. (pdf)

      As normal, any thoughts or comments are most appreciated.
       

      Continue reading »
      ABM, ABM Examples, GeoMason, GIS, MASON, Slums, SNA, Social Networks

      CSS Phds and Masters 2016

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      One of the great rewards with working within a university is the interaction with students and seeing them advance through their studies and carryout innovative research projects.

      This last academic year the Computational Social Science Program here at Mason had a bumper crop of graduates both at the PhD and masters level.

       In the picture are newly hooded Drs Palmer, Rouly and Magallanes.
      Along with the not so new Drs Axtell, Crooks and Cioffi.

      Our recent PhD graduates included:

           In the picture are newly hooded Drs Scott, Russo, Masad, Dover and Shin. Along with the not so new Drs Cioffi, Crooks,  Kennedy and Mrs. Underwood.

          Along with our PhD graduates we also had a number of Masters students graduate in the MAIS with a Concentration in Computational Social Science Program. Well done to Rui Zhang, Justin Brandenburg, Matthew Oldham, Stefan McCabe, Craig Brown and Stefani Fournier.

          Continue reading »
          CSS, MASON

          CSS Phds and Masters 2016

          Posted on by

          One of the great rewards with working within a university is the interaction with students and seeing them advance through their studies and carryout innovative research projects.

          This last academic year the Computational Social Science Program here at Mason had a bumper crop of graduates both at the PhD and masters level.

           In the picture are newly hooded Drs Palmer, Rouly and Magallanes.
          Along with the not so new Drs Axtell, Crooks and Cioffi.

          Our recent PhD graduates included:

               In the picture are newly hooded Drs Scott, Russo, Masad, Dover and Shin. Along with the not so new Drs Cioffi, Crooks,  Kennedy and Mrs. Underwood.

              Along with our PhD graduates we also had a number of Masters students graduate in the MAIS with a Concentration in Computational Social Science Program. Well done to Rui Zhang, Justin Brandenburg, Matthew Oldham, Stefan McCabe, Craig Brown and Stefani Fournier.

              Continue reading »
              CSS, MASON
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