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A Computational Methodology for Addressing Differentiated Access of Vulnerable Populations During Biological Emergencies

Mitigation response plans must be created to protect affected populations during biological emergencies resulting from the release of harmful biochemical substances. Medical countermeasures have been stockpiled by the federal government for such emergencies. However, it is the responsibility of local governments to maintain solid, functional plans to apply these countermeasures to the entire target population within short, mandated time frames. Further, vulnerabilities in the population may serve as barriers preventing certain individuals from participating in mitigation activities. Therefore, functional response plans must be capable of reaching vulnerable populations.Transportation vulnerability results from lack of access to transportation. Transportation vulnerable populations located too far from mitigation resources are at-risk of not being able to participate in mitigation activities. Quantification of these populations requires the development of computational methods to integrate spatial demographic data and transportation resource data from disparate sources into the context of planned mitigation efforts. Research described in this dissertation focuses on quantifying transportation vulnerable populations and maximizing participation in response efforts. Algorithms developed as part of this research are integrated into a computational framework to promote a transition from research and development to deployment and use by biological emergency planners.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc699851
Date08 1900
CreatorsO'Neill, Martin Joseph, II
ContributorsMikler, Armin R., Buckles, Bill P., 1942-, Huang, Yan, Hunter, Bruce Allan, Jacob, Tom, Tiwari, Chetan
PublisherUniversity of North Texas
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Formatxi, 115 pages : illustrations (chiefly color), color maps, Text
RightsPublic, O’Neill II, Martin Joseph, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

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