Documentation: Data Component Parts, Matching, And Interdependencies

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Introduction

The process of getting SimPaths to run with provided training data is relatively straightforward. However, when it comes to running the model with real data, the current lack of adequate documentation presents a significant challenge. This is particularly evident in the various folders that contain a mix of data, code, and Excel spreadsheets, making it unclear what is required, for what purpose, where, and how. In this article, we aim to provide a more detailed explanation of the data component parts, matching process, and interdependencies, with the goal of simplifying and clarifying the information where possible.

FRS-based UKMod Output for Donor Population

The FRS-based UKMod output for the donor population is a crucial component of the SimPaths model. However, the specific requirements for this data component are not clearly outlined. To address this, let's break down the key components:

DatabaseCountryYear.xlsx

  • Purpose: This Excel file contains the database country-year information, which is essential for the FRS-based UKMod output.
  • Requirements: The file should contain the following columns:
    • Country code
    • Year
    • Population
    • Other relevant demographic information
  • Format: The file should be in Excel format (.xlsx) and should be named "DatabaseCountryYear.xlsx".
  • Location: The file should be placed in the designated folder for FRS-based UKMod output.

EUROMODpolicySchedule.xlsx

  • Purpose: This Excel file contains the EUROMOD policy schedule information, which is used to inform the FRS-based UKMod output.
  • Requirements: The file should contain the following columns:
    • Policy name
    • Start year
    • End year
    • Policy value
  • Format: The file should be in Excel format (.xlsx) and should be named "EUROMODpolicySchedule.xlsx".
  • Location: The file should be placed in the designated folder for FRS-based UKMod output.

Knock-on Effects for Initial Matching Process

The FRS-based UKMod output has a significant impact on the initial matching process. The specific requirements for the initial matching process are outlined below:

  • Purpose: The initial matching process aims to match the FRS-based UKMod output with the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population.
  • Requirements: The initial matching process requires the following:
    • The FRS-based UKMod output should be in the correct format and should contain the required columns.
    • The UKHLS/WAS-based initial population should be in the correct format and should contain the required columns.
    • The initial matching process should be performed using the designated software and should follow the specified protocol.
  • Format: The initial matching process should be performed using the designated software and should follow the specified protocol.

UKHLS/WAS-based Initial Population

The UKHLS/WAS-based initial population is another crucial component of the SimPaths model. However, the specific requirements for this data component are not clearly outlined. To address this, let's break down the key components:

Code Provided

  • Purpose: The code provided is used to inform the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population.
  • Requirements: The code should be in the correct format and should contain the required columns.
  • Format: The code should be in the designated programming language and should be named "UKHLS_WAS_code.py".
  • Location: The code should be placed in the designated folder for UKHLS/WAS-based initial population.

Rationale for Code Provided

  • Purpose: The rationale for the code provided is to inform the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population.
  • Requirements: The rationale should be in the correct format and should contain the required information.
  • Format: The rationale should be in the designated format and should be named "UKHLS_WAS_rationale.pdf".
  • Location: The rationale should be placed in the designated folder for UKHLS/WAS-based initial population.

Real Data Provision through ReShare or UKDS Curated Collection

  • Purpose: The real data provision through ReShare or UKDS Curated Collection is used to inform the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population.
  • Requirements: The real data should be in the correct format and should contain the required columns.
  • Format: The real data should be in the designated format and should be named "UKHLS_WAS_real_data.csv".
  • Location: The real data should be placed in the designated folder for UKHLS/WAS-based initial population.

Initialisation/Matching Process and Interdependencies

The initialisation/matching process and interdependencies are critical components of the SimPaths model. To clarify these components, let's break them down:

Initialisation Process

  • Purpose: The initialisation process aims to prepare the data for the matching process.
  • Requirements: The initialisation process requires the following:
    • The data should be in the correct format and should contain the required columns.
    • The initialisation process should be performed using the designated software and should follow the specified protocol.
  • Format: The initialisation process should be performed using the designated software and should follow the specified protocol.

Matching Process

  • Purpose: The matching process aims to match the FRS-based UKMod output with the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population.
  • Requirements: The matching process requires the following:
    • The FRS-based UKMod output should be in the correct format and should contain the required columns.
    • The UKHLS/WAS-based initial population should be in the correct format and should contain the required columns.
    • The matching process should be performed using the designated software and should follow the specified protocol.
  • Format: The matching process should be performed using the designated software and should follow the specified protocol.

Interdependencies

  • Purpose: The interdependencies aim to inform the matching process and initialisation process.
  • Requirements: The interdependencies should be in the correct format and should contain the required information.
  • Format: The interdependencies should be in the designated format and should be named "interdependencies.pdf".
  • Location: The interdependencies should be placed in the designated folder for interdependencies.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we provided a detailed explanation of the data component parts, matching process, and interdependencies of the SimPaths model. However, we understand that there may still be questions and uncertainties regarding these components. In this article, we aim to address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the SimPaths model.

Q&A

Q: What is the purpose of the FRS-based UKMod output?

A: The FRS-based UKMod output is used to inform the initial matching process and provide a baseline for the SimPaths model.

Q: What is the format of the DatabaseCountryYear.xlsx file?

A: The DatabaseCountryYear.xlsx file should be in Excel format (.xlsx) and should contain the following columns: Country code, Year, Population, and other relevant demographic information.

Q: How do I prepare the EUROMODpolicySchedule.xlsx file?

A: The EUROMODpolicySchedule.xlsx file should be in Excel format (.xlsx) and should contain the following columns: Policy name, Start year, End year, and Policy value.

Q: What is the purpose of the initial matching process?

A: The initial matching process aims to match the FRS-based UKMod output with the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population.

Q: How do I perform the initial matching process?

A: The initial matching process should be performed using the designated software and should follow the specified protocol.

Q: What is the purpose of the interdependencies?

A: The interdependencies aim to inform the matching process and initialisation process.

Q: How do I prepare the interdependencies?

A: The interdependencies should be in the designated format and should contain the required information.

Q: Can I use ReShare or UKDS Curated Collection to provide real data for the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population?

A: Yes, you can use ReShare or UKDS Curated Collection to provide real data for the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population.

Q: How do I prepare the real data for the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population?

A: The real data should be in the designated format and should contain the required columns.

Q: What is the purpose of the code provided for the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population?

A: The code provided is used to inform the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population.

Q: How do I prepare the code provided for the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population?

A: The code should be in the correct format and should contain the required columns.

Q: Can I use the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population as a standalone model?

A: No, the UKHLS/WAS-based initial population is designed to be used in conjunction with the FRS-based UKMod output and the initial matching process.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with the SimPaths model?

A: You can refer to the troubleshooting guide provided in the SimPaths documentation or contact the developers for assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope that this Q&A article has provided a useful resource for those seeking to understand the SimPaths model and its various components. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to providing the best possible support for the SimPaths model and its users.

Additional Resources

  • SimPaths documentation: [link]
  • Troubleshooting guide: [link]
  • Contact us: [link]

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. The SimPaths model and its components are subject to change and may not be suitable for all users. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that they have a thorough understanding of the SimPaths model and its components before using it.