Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a simulated environment in which the behaviour of one or more individuals is modelled, the method comprising: defining a state of the environment at a first point in time; receiving an input defining an action to be performed by one or more individuals in the simulated environment; and in response to the input, updating the state of the environment based on a social-ecological model, wherein the social-ecological model simulates the behaviour of people within the environment and how the people respond to changes associated with said action, wherein the social-ecological model is a machine learning model that is trained using data reflective of real-life past events, the social-ecological model being configured to accept as input a parameterised dataset describing the state of the environment at the first point in time and to output an updated dataset that describes the updated state of the environment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a simulated environment in which the behaviour of one or more individuals is modelled, the method comprising: defining a state of the environment at a first point in time; receiving an input defining an action to be performed by one or more individuals in the simulated environment; and in response to the input, updating the state of the environment based on a social-ecological model, wherein the social-ecological model simulates the behaviour of people within the environment and how the people respond to changes associated with said action, wherein the social-ecological model is a machine learning model that is trained using data reflective of real-life past events, the social-ecological model being configured to accept as input a parameterised dataset describing the state of the environment at the first point in time and to output an updated dataset that describes the updated state of the environment.

Abstract: A search method and system that accesses a preference data base established by users of the system. The users may not be required to rate businesses they enter into the data base. The entry of the business into the data base constitutes an endorsement of (a “vote” for) the business. A searching party may establish a social filter to narrow the focus of searches performed.