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Computational models of complex systems
Mago V., Dabbaghian V., Springer Publishing Company, Incorporated, Cham, Switzerland, 2014. 210 pp. Type: Book (978-3-319012-84-1)
Date Reviewed: Aug 5 2014

An ancient Chinese saying states: “Since you are inside the mountain, that is exactly the reason why you cannot see the mountain clearly.” This very environment that we live in is comprised of numberless complex systems, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to study them directly. Thanks to the advances in modern computer technology, computation modeling, as described in this book, provides a research tool to put real-world complex systems into virtual test beds for closer looks and manipulative investigations. As the editors note, “computational modeling is capable of capturing, manipulating, and communicating knowledge in ways not previously possible.” Simulation of computational models can provide both experimental and deductive hints and evidence to develop and test new theories effectively.

As shown in the book, researchers have been using computational modeling to observe knowledge, emotion, and cognition, the basic building blocks for studying behavioral economics and finance, without the concern of impacts on the real market. Models are also built to simulate phenomena in the healthcare industry, such as long-term care, patient mortality, and the classification of childhood disabilities. Aside from investigating the social aspects of the real world, computational modeling is also used to study geographical concerns such as land uses and land cover changes in early agricultural communities and human settlements over long historical periods. This amazing tool can also be applied to the study of national security topics such as the monitoring of terrorists’ activities in cyberspace. If necessary, the simulated world can go backward and forward in time and not be hampered by real geography. The sky is the limit!

From this book we gain an overview of some innovative efforts in studying complex systems in various social and economic areas by using analytical computational modeling. The outcomes of this research will go a long way in advancing human knowledge toward the ultimate understanding of the underlying rules governing this mystical, complex, and beautiful world.

Reviewer:  Xiangdong Che Review #: CR142587 (1410-0823)
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