Szymon Talaga and Andrzej Nowak: Real-world social networks often exhibit high levels of clustering, positive degree assortativity, short average path lengths (small-world property) and right-skewed but rarely power law degree distributions. On the other hand homophily, defined as the propensity of similar agents to connect to each other, is one of the most fundamental social processes observed in many human and animal societies. In this paper we examine the extent to which homophily is sufficient to produce the typical structural properties of social networks. To do so, we conduct a simulation study based on the Social Distance Attachment (SDA) model, a particular kind of Random Geometric Graph (RGG), in which nodes are embedded in a social space and connection probabilities depend functionally on distances between nodes. We derive the form of the model from first principles based on existing analytical results and argue that the mathematical construction of RGGs corresponds directly to the homophily principle, so they provide a good model for it. We find that homophily, especially when combined with a random edge rewiring, is sufficient to reproduce many of the characteristic features of social networks. Additionally, we devise a hybrid model combining SDA with the configuration model that allows generating homophilic networks with arbitrary degree sequences and we use it to study interactions of homophily with processes imposing constraints on degree distributions. We show that the effects of homophily on clustering are robust with respect to distribution constraints, while degree assortativity can be highly dependent on the particular kind of enforced degree sequence.

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 Jack Markell today recognized and celebrated the efforts of the 2012 recipients of the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service.

Over 300 State leaders, including Cabinet secretaries, state agency heads, division directors and human resources professionals participated in the Equal Employment Opportunity Summit which was hosted by the Governor’s Council on Equal Employment Opportunity.

Flags will remain at half-staff until Monday, December 24, in honor of the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

An eight member team from the Department of Technology and Information was chosen by Governor Jack Markell as the 2012 recipient of the Governor’s Team Excellence Award.

Governor Jack Markell unveiled a balanced budget proposal that invests in jobs, education and the safety and well-being of our children. His budget keeps the focus on core commitments such as healthcare and public safety and ensures continued fiscal responsibility.

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.

Governor Markell ordered flags to be lowered between April 16 and 22 as a mark of respect for the victims of the April 15 bombings in Boston, Massachusetts.

Governor Markell recognized and celebrated the efforts of the 2013 recipients of the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service.

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.

US and Delaware flags have been ordered lowered to half-staff until sunset on Friday, September 20, 2013, as a mark of respect for the victims of the Navy Yard shootings.

U.S. and Delaware flags have been ordered lowered to half-staff until the start of business on Monday, October 7, 2013, to honor firefighters who have died protecting Delawareans and in recognition of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

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.

Governor Markell has ordered the U.S. and Delaware flags at all state buildings and facilities lowered in memory of Nelson Mandela and to mark National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Governor Jack Markell unveiled a balanced budget proposal that promotes increased job and educational opportunities, supporting the theme of his State of the State address last week when he focused on ways to unleash the potential of all Delawareans.

The 20-member Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Brandywine Zoo Staff Team was recognized by Governor Markell as the 2013 Governor's Team Excellence Award recipient.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff in memory of former State Representative William Vernon.

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.

Governor Jack Markell today recognized and celebrated the efforts of the 2014 recipients of the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service.

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.

Governor Markell Orders Flags Lowered on Tuesday, June 17, for the passing of former State Representative Thomas E. Brady Jr.

Governor Markell Orders Flags Lowered on Wednesday, July 30, for the passing of former State Representative and Judge Vincent Bifferato.

Governor Markell orders flags lowered for the passing of retired Delaware Supreme Court Justice Joseph Walsh.

Governor Markell orders flags lowered for the passing of former State Representative C. Leslie Ridings Jr.

DOVER – This afternoon, President Obama ordered American flags at all government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff on Thursday, September 11, in observance of Patriot Day and National Day of Service to honor the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. In concurrence with the President’s order and in remembrance […]

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.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags lowered to half-staff for the passing of former State Representative Clifford G. "Biff" Lee.

American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities are to remain lowered to half-staff until Monday, December 8, to recognize Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Governor Jack Markell announced today that Friday, December 26, 2014, will be an additional holiday for state government.

Governor Jack Markell announced today that the "Improving Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities Workgroup," a team of employees from seven agencies focused on increasing the hiring and retention of people with disabilities, is the 2014 recipient of the Governor’s Team Excellence Award.

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.​

Five individuals receive the Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service.

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.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect for the victims of the shooting that took place on July 16, 2015 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, September 2, for the passing of former State Representative Joseph R. Petrilli, Sr.

Governor Markell has ordered the Delaware and American flags to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, September 11, in remembrance of the victims who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Governor Markell has ordered the Delaware flag at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff in honor of civil rights activist James H. Gilliam, Sr.

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 lowered on Thursday, October 22, in honor of Family Court Judge Alan N. Cooper and his many years of public service to the State of Delaware.

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 be lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect for the victims of the shooting that took place on December 2, 2015 in San Bernardino, California.

Governor Jack Markell announced today that Thursday, December 24, 2015, will be an additional holiday for state government.

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

Governor Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags lowered in honor of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

With the passing of former First Lady Nancy Reagan on Sunday, March 6, 2016, Governor Markell has ordered American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities be flown at half-staff beginning immediately as a mark of respect for the memory of Mrs. Reagan. The lowering of the flags also marks the passing of Former Delaware Supreme Court Justice Henry Ridgely Horsey on March 3, 2016.