Discrete-Event Modeling and Simulation of Diffusion Processes in Multiplex Networks

Abstract

A variety of phenomena (such as the spread of diseases, pollution in rivers, etc.) can be studied as diffusion processes over networks (i.e., the diffusion of the phenomenon over a set of interconnected entities). This research introduces a method to study such diffusion processes in multiplex dynamic networks. We use a formal Modeling and Simulation methodology (in our case, DEVS, Discrete-Event System Specification). We use DEVS formal models to integrate models defined using Agent-Based Modeling and Network Theory. We present (1) an Architecture to study Diffusion Processes in Multiplex dynamic networks (ADPM) and (2) a systematic Process to define, implement, and simulate diffusion processes over such networks. We show a theoretical definition and a concrete implementation of ADPM. We show how to use ADPM and the process in a case study based on a real nuclear emergency plan; this illustrates the application of the process, the architecture, and the developed software. Different scenarios are studied as Diffusion Processes to demonstrate the usability of ADPM.