A Mathematical Model to Analyze the Role of Uncertain and Indeterminate Factors in the Spread of Pandemics like COVID-19 Using Neutrosophy: A Case Study of India.

COVID-19 has been declared as pandemic by WHO. This disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). The spread of this virus from Wuhan, China to the rest of the world has led to increasing concerns as it is considered a threat to mankind. The present work in situation analysis using neutrosophy identifies factors which should be taken care of so that the spread of this virus can be contained. Known factors as put forward by experts together with indeterminate factors which are still not taken into consideration are used to model the situation. This work using neutrosophic cognitive maps proves mathematically how these indeterminate and unknown factors are responsible for the spread of COVID-19 in India. The Neutrosophic Cognitive Map (NCM) is an enhanced version of Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) since it takes into account the concept of indeterminacy and uncertainty, which is not addressed by FCMs. The obtained results not only show the importance of determinate factors (measures taken by the government bodies) in containing the spread of this deadly virus but also show how indeterminate and uncertain factors such as poverty, negligence, ineffectual healthcare, age, immunity, unscientific practices on religious grounds and illiteracy play a vital role in this regard. This model, in general, helps policymakers and government agencies to represent any complicated situation mathematically thereby helping them in responding appropriately and forming new policies for dealing with such pandemics. This work also signifies how neutrosophic theories can be applied in the analysis of the situation for dealing with real life problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]