Corso: Modelli Multi-Agente per Simulazioni in campo Biomedico

Descrizione del Corso:
In questo corso intensivo di tre giorni svilupperemo modelli multi-agente per simulare vari problemi in ambito biomedico. Verrà utilizzato il pacchetto software NetLogo, che è di diffuso utilizzo per le modellizzazioni basate su agenti in molteplici campi, non solo in ambito biomedico. NetLogo è dotato sia di un’interfaccia grafica intuitiva che permette all’utente di variare i parametri che siano stati specificati da uno sviluppatore; sia di un linguaggio di programmazione (basato su Logo, e [early entry] del mercato di programmazione di giochi).
Il corso utilizzerà NetLogo come strumento principale per la creazione dei modelli, ma si introdurranno gli elementi teorici di sistemi complessi e basati su agenti e anche un processo per creare modelli basati su agenti con un percorso di sviluppo ininterrotto implementando un modello a partire dalla definizione iniziale del dominio di un problema.
 

Learning objectives for the course
1. Demonstrate familiarity with the theory of agent-based models and complex adaptive
systems
2. Show intermediate- to advanced-level of competency with developing and using an agent-
based model implemented in NetLogo
3. Describe uses of agent-based models in biomedical domains

Class format
Each class is three hours in length. The course is designed as a lecture-laboratory, with guided in-
class exercises to illustrate topics covered in the lecture, as they are covered. We will also discuss
one paper each day, that illustrates the use of an agent-based model in a biomedical domain.

Suggested textbook:
Railsback S and Grimm V: Agent-Based and Individual-Based Modeling: A Practical
Introduction. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2012. Although not required
for the course, this is one of the best textbooks on ABMs and guides to NetLogo available!
Journal papers: As noted in the Course Schedule and distributed before the course begins.
Software:
• NetLogo download page: http://netlogoweb.org
o Download the Desktop App, not NetLogo Web!
o The software includes a comprehensive user manual, accessible from the Help menu.)

11 June: General Introduction to agent-based modeling and NetLogo

Morning
Course overview and introduction
• Agent-based modeling
• The NetLogo platform
• Example: AIDS
Afternoon
Creating an ABM with NetLogo
• The ODD modeling framework
• The NetLogo programming language
Example: AIDS model, found in the NetLogo Models Library: Sample Models/Social Science
folder.
Exercise: Implementing a simple model: Ants
Reading: Chiaccio F, et al.: Agent-based modeling of the immune system: NetLogo, a
promising framework. BioMed Research International, Article ID 907171, 2014.

12 June: Contagion and infectious disease modeling

Morning
Model design concepts I
• Emergence
• Observation
• Sensing
• Adaptive behavior
Afternoon
Model design concepts II
• Prediction
• Interaction
• Scheduling
• Stochasticity
• Collectives
Example: http://modelingcommons.org/browse/one_model/4332#model_tabs_browse_procedures
Exercise: Simulating an influenza outbreak using a common contagion model
Reading: Cooley P, et al.: The role of subway travel in an influenza epidemic: A New York City
simulation. Journal of Urban Health: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine 88(5):982-
994, 2011.

13 June: Built-environment interactions

Morning
Pattern-oriented matching
• Patterns for model structure
• Theory development
• Parameterization and calibration
Afternoon
Model analysis and course wrap-up
• Analyzing and understanding agent-based models
• Sensitivity, uncertainty and robustness
• What next?
Example: Pollution model, found in the NetLogo Models Library: Sample Models/Urban Suite
folder.
Exercise: Environmental modeling with NetLogo
Reading: Yang Y and Diez-Roux AV: Using an agent-based model to simulate children’s
active travel to school. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
10(67): 1-8, 2013

Aula C1, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale e dell’Informazione