Model

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• According to open assessment: A method that has its management operationalised into a software so that the method can be performed with minimal human work. A model can be automatically run by a computer after the input parameters have been entered. The output of the computation is optimally the result of a variable. A model can also refer to a freely structured object, see a definition below.
• According to Intarese: A representation or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system or concept. In relation to the toolbox a model is a tool that is applied for calculating something, e.g. propagation model of stressors, dose-response-relationships. <section end=glossary />

Model description

Model description contains the general format for the description of models.

Summary

• How to access

Name

Scope

• Purpose
  • The method that this model relates to. (All methods are about information processing, and all models are managing a particular method.)
  • The management needs for which the model is needed (instead of just ad hoc management of the method).
• Boundaries (related to the part of reality that the model deals with)
  • Field(s) of model: Choose between Outdoor Air; Indoor Air; Water; Soil; Noise; Exposure; Multimedia; Consumer products; Drinking water; Dose-Response, PBPK; Integrated Assessment systems; Monetary Evaluation; etc.
  • Spatial coverage
  • Spatial resolution
  • Temporal coverage
  • Temporal resolution
  • Pollutants / Stressors / Agents covered
  • Health effects
  • Population data
  • Source types of emissions / sectors
  • Physical information (e.g. meteorologies)

Definition of the process

• Input (separately described for each input)
  • Data type
  • Data sources
  • Data format
  • Input stemming from other models
• Output (separately described for each output)
  • Data type (incl. if the output is point estimates or a distribution)
  • Data sources
  • Data format
  • Results
  • Output that goes into other models
  • Database type: Please choose between ORACLE; SQL; MS-ACCESS; etc
• Rationale
  • Rationale (general)
  • Weaknesses of the model
  • Comments

Procedure

• Procedure as such
• Assumptions and constraints made to facilitate the calculation
• Management of the model
  • Operating System: Please choose between WINDOWS; UNIX; LINUX; OS-MAC; VAX-VMS; etc.
  • Portability: YES (which OS) / NO
  • Software requirements
  • Please list here the software(s) that are needed to run the model (if someone)
  • Hardware platform on which it runs
  • Time required for a typical run
  • Programming language and functions
    • Please specify which programming language and/or functions used
    • Developed by/support available from
    • Intellectual property rights (who is allowed to access or use the model?)
      • Owned by ...
      • Canned model cannot be modified / Open source / Operated under license / Other
    • Degree of mastery (who could use the model? Must he/she be trained?): In familiarization / Basic user / Expert user
    • Can modify/reprogram within platform YES / NO
    • Can transport to alternate platform YES / NO
    • Unit responsible for running and maintenance
    • Contact person

See also

References