COVID-19 and Rumors: A Dynamic Nested Optimal Control Model. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hezam, Ibrahim M.; Almshnanah, Abdulkarem; Mubarak, Ahmed A.; Das, Amrit; Foul, Abdelaziz; Alrasheedi, Adel Fahad
• Is Part Of: Pattern recognition. Volume 135(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- genetic algorithm -- KKT -- nested optimal control -- rumors; Pattern perception -- Periodicals; Perception des structures -- Périodiques; Patroonherkenning; 006.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.patcog.2022.109186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-3203

Abstract

Highlights: Designing an interactive mathematical model framework that integrates COVID-19 and rumors outbreaks. Formulating a nested optimal control model with COVID-19 model as the outer model and rumors model as the inner model. Minimizing the number of COVID-19 infected individuals and the rumors spreaders. Furthermore, minimizing the total cost associated with various intervention strategies. Proposing a solution methodology based on the collaboration between the genetic algorithm and the model and the modified approximation KKT to solve the proposed model. Investigating the sensitivity of the time-varied inputs of the optimal control by evaluating a novel set of control strategies to determine the optimal strategy. Abstract: Unfortunately, the COVID-19 outbreak has been accompanied by the spread of rumors and depressing news. Herein, we develop a dynamic nested optimal control model of COVID-19 and its rumor outbreaks. The model aims to curb the epidemics by reducing the number of individuals infected with COVID-19 and reducing the number of rumor-spreaders while minimizing the cost associated with the control interventions. We use the modified approximation Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions with the Hamiltonian function to simplify the model before solving it using a genetic algorithm. The present model highlights three prevention measures that affect COVID-19 and its rumor outbreaks. One represents the interventions to curb the COVID-19 pandemic. The other two represent interventions to increase awareness, disseminate the correct information, and impose penalties on the spreaders of false rumors. The results emphasize the importance of interventions in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated rumor problems alike.