Local Leaders in Random Networks

TL;DR

This paper analyzes local leaders in random networks, deriving an analytical probability expression and identifying a transition point at degree distribution tail exponent 3, supported by simulations.

Contribution

It provides the first analytical expression for local leader probability and identifies a phase transition at degree distribution exponent 3.

Findings

Probability of local leaders derived analytically

Transition at degree distribution tail exponent 3

Finite-size effects discussed

Abstract

We consider local leaders in random uncorrelated networks, i.e. nodes whose degree is higher or equal than the degree of all of their neighbors. An analytical expression is found for the probability of a node of degree $k$ to be a local leader. This quantity is shown to exhibit a transition from a situation where high degree nodes are local leaders to a situation where they are not when the tail of the degree distribution behaves like the power-law $\sim k^{-\gamma_c}$ with $\gamma_c=3$. Theoretical results are verified by computer simulations and the importance of finite-size effects is discussed.