Epidemic spreading on adaptively weighted scale-free networks

J Math Biol. 2017 Apr;74(5):1263-1298. doi: 10.1007/s00285-016-1057-6. Epub 2016 Sep 17.

Abstract

We introduce three modified SIS models on scale-free networks that take into account variable population size, nonlinear infectivity, adaptive weights, behavior inertia and time delay, so as to better characterize the actual spread of epidemics. We develop new mathematical methods and techniques to study the dynamics of the models, including the basic reproduction number, and the global asymptotic stability of the disease-free and endemic equilibria. We show the disease-free equilibrium cannot undergo a Hopf bifurcation. We further analyze the effects of local information of diseases and various immunization schemes on epidemic dynamics. We also perform some stochastic network simulations which yield quantitative agreement with the deterministic mean-field approach.

Keywords: Adaptive weight; Behavior inertia; Immunization; Scale-free network; The basic reproduction number; Time delay.

MeSH terms

  • Basic Reproduction Number
  • Communicable Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Epidemics / statistics & numerical data*
  • Models, Biological*