Contagion dynamics on adaptive multiplex networks with awareness-dependent rewiring

TL;DR

This paper introduces an integrated modeling approach for epidemic and awareness spreading on adaptive multiplex networks, highlighting how awareness-dependent rewiring influences contagion thresholds and epidemic prevalence.

Contribution

It develops a novel effective degree model that incorporates local contact changes and derives threshold conditions, validated by extensive simulations.

Findings

Awareness-dependent rewiring raises the contagion threshold.

Enhanced awareness diffusion and rewiring reduce epidemic prevalence.

Critical phenomena depend on awareness diffusion rate, indicating a metacritical point.

Abstract

In this article we develop a highly integrated effective degree approach to modeling epidemic and awareness spreading processes on multiplex networks coupled with awareness-dependent adaptive rewiring. This approach keeps track of the number of nearest neighbors in each state of an individual; consequently, it allows for the integration of changes in local contacts into the multiplex network model. We derive a formula for the threshold condition of contagion outbreak; also, we provide a lower bound for the threshold parameter to indicate the effect of adaptive rewiring. The threshold analysis is confirmed by extensive simulations. Our results show that awareness-dependent link rewiring plays an important role in enhancing the transmission threshold as well as lowering the epidemic prevalence. Moreover, it is revealed that intensified awareness diffusion in conjunction with enhanced link rewiring makes a greater contribution to disease prevention and control. In addition, the critical phenomenon is observed in the dependence of the epidemic threshold on the awareness diffusion rate, supporting the metacritical point previously reported in the literature. This work might shed light on the understanding of the interplay between epidemic dynamics and social contagion on adaptive networks.