Agent-based models and their application in investigating the risks of epidemic disease transmission

Document Type : Extension scientific paper

Authors

Department of Mathematics, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world once again faced the governments and local officials with a big and unexpected challenge. Examining all aspects of this epidemic brought experts from different fields, especially mathematics, into the field of fighting this challenge. In the meantime, mathematical modeling of disease transmission has gained double importance due to its simple and understandable nature as well as its proven ability to help solve such issues. Different models presented for different diseases increase the power of investigation and prevention of dangerous epidemics. In this article, with the help of agent-based models, we have investigated the spread and transmission of epidemic diseases (especially in small environments). In the reviewed model, the spatio-temporal transfer process is also considered for each agent. Also, the decision of the investigated agents will be based on the rules prepared for them. To define the main social characteristics as well as the health conditions used during the interaction of the agents with each other, an individual profile is predicted for each agent in the model. Due to the good flexibility of the stated model, different numerical simulations have been implemented with it. From what was obtained in this research, it can be seen that in order to control and deal with epidemic diseases, especially in small environments, several factors must be taken seriously, of which, serious and severe restrictions on the movement of agents, their gatherings and the observance of health and protective instructions (for example, using a mask and quarantine agents) cab be pointed out. 

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References

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Soft Computing Journal
Volume 13, Issue 1 - Serial Number 25
September 2024
Pages 108-121

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 July 2023
  • Revise Date: 25 August 2023
  • Accept Date: 22 September 2023

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