Democratic Party's presumptive presidential nominee and former US vice president Joe Biden alleged on Friday that President Donald Trump utterly failed to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic and said...

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he will soon make an announcement on the World Health Organisation, which he alleged has become a puppet of China.

Several American lawmakers have introduced a legislation in Congress to give unused green cards or permanent legal residency status to thousands of foreign nurses and doctors to meet the urgent needs...

Ivanka Trump's personal assistant has tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, making her the third White House staff member to be infected from COVID-19, a media report said on Saturday.

China will reform its disease prevention and control system to address weaknesses exposed by the coronavirus outbreak, a senior health official said on Saturday.

Britain is to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for almost everyone arriving into the country to avoid a second peak of the coronavirus pandemic, The Times newspaper reported on Saturday.

The first Air India flight from the UK, scheduled as part of the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indians stranded overseas due to the coronavirus lockdown, took off from London's Heathrow Airport...

BJP leader Pankaja Munde has said that she was not upset over not being nominated by the party for the upcoming Legislative Council election.

Tamil Nadu has announced major relaxations in coronavirus lockdown guidelines starting Monday, including re-opening of standalone and neighbourhood shops and private companies.

WILMINGTON, DE – The Delaware Department of Labor will be celebrating the Fifth Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) with three open house events, one in each county throughout the state from 6 – 7 pm to showcase the value of apprenticeship in the community. Secretary Cerron Cade from The Delaware Department of Labor will be […]

Alireza Mansouri and Fattaneh Taghiyareh: Human interactions and opinion exchanges lead to social opinion dynamics, which is well described by opinion formation models. In these models, a random parameter is usually considered as the system noise, indicating the individual's inexplicable opinion changes. This noise could be an indicator of any other influential factors, such as public media, affects, and emotions. We study phase transitions, changes from one social phase to another, for various noise levels in a discrete opinion formation model based on the social impact theory with a scale-free random network as its interaction network topology. We also generate another similar model using the concept of social power based on the agents' node degrees in the interaction network as an estimation for their persuasiveness and supportiveness strengths and compare both models from phase transition viewpoint. We show by agent-based simulation and analytical considerations how opinion phases, including majority and non-majority, are formed in terms of the initial population of agents in opinion groups and noise levels. Two factors affect the system phase in equilibrium when the noise level increases: breaking up more segregated groups and dominance of stochastic behavior of the agents on their deterministic behavior. In the high enough noise levels, the system reaches a non-majority phase in equilibrium, regardless of the initial combination of opinion groups. In relatively low noise levels, the original model and the model whose agents' strengths are proportional to their centrality have different behaviors. The presence of a few high-connected influential leaders in the latter model consequences a different behavior in reaching equilibrium phase and different thresholds of noise levels for phase transitions.

Bruno Pietzsch, Sebastian Fiedler, Kai G. Mertens, Markus Richter, Cédric Scherer, Kirana Widyastuti, Marie-Christin Wimmler, Liubov Zakharova and Uta Berger: The recent advancement of agent-based modeling is characterized by higher demands on the parameterization, evaluation and documentation of these computationally expensive models. Accordingly, there is also a growing request for "easy to go" applications just mimicking the input-output behavior of such models. Metamodels are being increasingly used for these tasks. In this paper, we provide an overview of common metamodel types and the purposes of their usage in an agent-based modeling context. To guide modelers in the selection and application of metamodels for their own needs, we further assessed their implementation effort and performance. We performed a literature research in January 2019 using four different databases. Five different terms paraphrasing metamodels (approximation, emulator, meta-model, metamodel and surrogate) were used to capture the whole range of relevant literature in all disciplines. All metamodel applications found were then categorized into specific metamodel types and rated by different junior and senior researches from varying disciplines (including forest sciences, landscape ecology, or economics) regarding the implementation effort and performance. Specifically, we captured the metamodel performance according to (i) the consideration of uncertainties, (ii) the suitability assessment provided by the authors for the particular purpose, and (iii) the number of valuation criteria provided for suitability assessment. We selected 40 distinct metamodel applications from studies published in peer-reviewed journals from 2005 to 2019. These were used for the sensitivity analysis, calibration and upscaling of agent-based models, as well to mimic their prediction for different scenarios. This review provides information about the most applicable metamodel types for each purpose and forms a first guidance for the implementation and validation of metamodels for agent-based models.

Katarzyna Growiec, Jakub Growiec and Bogumił Kamiński: We study the impact of endogenous creation and destruction of social ties in an artificial society on aggregate outcomes such as generalized trust, willingness to cooperate, social utility and economic performance. To this end we put forward a computational multi-agent model where agents of overlapping generations interact in a dynamically evolving social network. In the model, four distinct dimensions of individuals’ social capital: degree, centrality, heterophilous and homophilous interactions, determine their generalized trust and willingness to cooperate, altogether helping them achieve certain levels of social utility (i.e., utility from social contacts) and economic performance. We find that the stationary state of the simulated social network exhibits realistic small-world topology. We also observe that societies whose social networks are relatively frequently reconfigured, display relatively higher generalized trust, willingness to cooperate, and economic performance – at the cost of lower social utility. Similar outcomes are found for societies where social tie dissolution is relatively weakly linked to family closeness.

Volker Grimm, Steven F. Railsback, Christian E. Vincenot, Uta Berger, Cara Gallagher, Donald L. DeAngelis, Bruce Edmonds, Jiaqi Ge, Jarl Giske, Jürgen Groeneveld, Alice S.A. Johnston, Alexander Milles, Jacob Nabe-Nielsen, J. Gareth Polhill, Viktoriia Radchuk, Marie-Sophie Rohwäder, Richard A. Stillman, Jan C. Thiele and Daniel Ayllón: The Overview, Design concepts and Details (ODD) protocol for describing Individual- and Agent-Based Models (ABMs) is now widely accepted and used to document such models in journal articles. As a standardized document for providing a consistent, logical and readable account of the structure and dynamics of ABMs, some research groups also find it useful as a workflow for model design. Even so, there are still limitations to ODD that obstruct its more widespread adoption. Such limitations are discussed and addressed in this paper: the limited availability of guidance on how to use ODD; the length of ODD documents; limitations of ODD for highly complex models; lack of sufficient details of many ODDs to enable reimplementation without access to the model code; and the lack of provision for sections in the document structure covering model design rationale, the model’s underlying narrative, and the means by which the model’s fitness for purpose is evaluated. We document the steps we have taken to provide better guidance on: structuring complex ODDs and an ODD summary for inclusion in a journal article (with full details in supplementary material; Table 1); using ODD to point readers to relevant sections of the model code; update the document structure to include sections on model rationale and evaluation. We also further advocate the need for standard descriptions of simulation experiments and argue that ODD can in principle be used for any type of simulation model. Thereby ODD would provide a lingua franca for simulation modelling.

Governor Markell ordered flags to be lowered between March 7 and 11 as a mark of respect for the passing of former Delaware Judge and civil rights leader Leonard Williams.

The State of Delaware was one of just five states recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for its leadership in the first year of the Better Buildings Challenge.

Flags to be lowered in remembrance of victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

Governor Jack Markell has ordered the U.S. and Delaware flags at all state buildings and facilities lowered on Friday, November 1, to mark the passing of two former Delaware leaders.

Businesses owned by individuals with disabilities and certain small businesses will now be included in the state’s supplier diversity efforts thanks to an executive order recently signed by Governor Jack Markell.

Twenty-seven state employees were recognized for their acts of bravery.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, Thursday, May 15.

All State of Delaware employees will be able to access a new online class, Focus on Ability. This class will provide information about hiring and retaining employees with disabilities, including responding to and requesting accommodations, understanding invisible disabilities, and interacting comfortably and respectfully with people who have disabilities.

In recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities to be lowered to half-staff.

To honor the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and in concurrence with an order issued by President Obama, Governor Markell has ordered both the U.S. and Delaware State flags be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.​

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, Friday, May 15.

The Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination announces the release of the draft 2015 Strategies for State Policies and Spending Update.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags lowered to half-staff for the passing of former State Representative Charles P. West.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities lowered as a mark of respect for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities lowered in honor of former State Representative Benjamin Ewing.

President Obama today ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff “as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 22, 2016, in Brussels, Belgium.” In concurrence with the President’s order and as an expression of Delaware’s sympathy for the […]

On Sunday, Delaware will lay to rest fallen firefighter Tim McClanahan. Mr. McClanahan passed away on Monday, July 11, 2016, following a Delaware Air Rescue Team training accident. He was a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School, was a past member of Milton and Rehoboth Beach Fire Departments, and a current member of the Lewes […]

On July 14, Governor Markell ordered the Delaware flag to be flown at half-staff until July 18, 2016 as a remembrance of fallen firefighter Tim McClanahan. This afternoon, President Obama ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until July 19, 2016 “as a mark of respect for […]

With the passing of State Representative Harold J. “Jack” Peterman yesterday, Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning the morning of Friday, August 12 as a mark of respect for Representative Peterman and his service to Delaware. Representative Peterman served in the Delaware […]

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is currently accepting comments and will hold a series of public hearings on three OMB regulations in accordance with the regulatory review provisions of HB 147 of the 148th General Assembly. Comments will be accepted through November 1 for the following regulations: • 4102 Regulations for the Annual […]

With the passing of former State Representative V. George Carey on September 11, 2016 Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning Tuesday morning, September 13th as a mark of respect for Representative Carey and his service to Delaware. Representative Carey faithfully served the […]

Governor Markell today ordered both the U.S. and State flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of fallen Wilmington firefighters Lt. Christopher Leach and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes. Both firefighters died this morning serving their community and fellow Delawareans valiantly, while battling a blaze in Wilmington. Flags are to remain at half-staff until further […]

Everyday across Delaware, thousands of firefighters serve their communities and protect the public by responding to not only fires but almost any emergency situation. In honor of the men and women who have died while protecting Delawareans, in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service (to be held on Sunday, October 9) and in […]

Governor Markell today ordered both the U.S. and State flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of fallen Wilmington Senior Firefighter Ardythe Hope. Senior Firefighter Hope passed away from her injuries as a result of battling a blaze in Wilmington the morning of September 24. Flags are to remain at half-staff until further notice.

With the passing of David P. Buckson on Tuesday, January 17 Governor Carney has ordered the United States and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning Friday, January 20 as a mark of respect for Mr. Buckson and his service to Delaware. Mr. Buckson served on the bench of the […]

Long-term plan addresses Delaware’s structural budget challenges DOVER, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday presented his plan to close a $385 million structural budget shortfall and balance the Fiscal Year 2018 state budget through an equal mix of budget reductions and new revenues. Governor Carney’s budget proposal – combined with the plan to study long-term […]

On Wednesday afternoon, President Trump ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff on the day of interment of John Glenn, “as a mark of respect for the memory of John Glenn.” As the interment is scheduled for tomorrow, April 6 and in concurrence with the President’s order Governor […]

Governor Carney this evening ordered both the U.S. and State flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of fallen Delaware State Police Corporal Stephen J. Ballard. Corporal Ballard was killed this afternoon valiantly protecting the community and fellow Delawareans in the line of duty. Flags are to remain at half-staff until further notice.

On Peace Officers Memorial Day, Monday May 15 we pay tribute to the local, state, and Federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty.  In accordance with federal law (36 U.S.C. 175), Governor Carney requests that the Delaware and United States flags be lowered to half-staff the morning […]

Governor Carney has ordered both the U.S. and State flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of City of Dover Police Corporal Thomas Hannon. Corporal Hannon, a 12 year veteran with the Dover Police Department, passed away as a result of complications from an injury sustained while on duty. Flags are to remain at […]

This morning, President Trump ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff until October 6, 2017 as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless act of violence in Las Vegas. In concurrence with the President’s order and as an expression of Delaware’s sympathy for the […]

With the passing of former State Representative Jay Wingate on October 12, 2017, Governor Carney has ordered the United States and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning at the close of business this Friday afternoon, October 20 as a mark of respect for Mr. Wingate and his service to […]

With the passing of former State Senator Roger Martin on Thursday, October 27 Governor Carney has ordered the United States and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning Friday morning, November 3 as a mark of respect for Mr. Martin and his service to Delaware. Mr. Martin was elected to […]

This morning President Trump ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on Thursday, November 9, in honor of the victims of the tragedy in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Governor Carney last week ordered flags to be flown at half staff over the weekend through this […]

Governor Carney has ordered the United States and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning Friday morning, December 1 to mark the passing of former Delaware Representative John Van Sant. Mr. Van Sant served the people of the Thirteenth District in the Delaware House of Representatives for twenty four years. […]

Tomorrow, December 7, 2017 marks National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Each year on December 7, we honor the over 2,400 men and women who lost their lives for our country on this day in 1941. In recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Governor Carney has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings […]