Title: Emergency logistics strategy in response to anthrax attacks based on system dynamics

Authors: Jiaxiang Hu, Lindu Zhao

Addresses: Institute of Systems Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China. ' Institute of Systems Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China

Abstract: To find the efficient logistics strategy for the anthrax attack, the anthrax progression model and emergency logistics model under the traditional and collaboration modes are constructed based on the System Dynamics (SD) approach. Then, a combination mode that integrates the two modes is proposed. Through the simulation, we analysed some factors which can affect the rescue effect, and we studied which mode is the best logistics strategy response to the anthrax attacks. This study provides insights for the decision-makers who cope with the emergency events, such as the bioterrorists attacks.

Keywords: anthrax attacks; detection time; system dynamics; emergency logistics networks; time delay; collaboration mode; logistics strategy; simulation; bioterrorism; terrorism; terrorist attacks; modelling; anthrax progression models; emergency management; emergency response.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMOR.2011.042440

International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research, 2011 Vol.3 No.5, pp.490 - 509

Published online: 12 Feb 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article