This review underscores the critical significance of incorporating networks science in epidemiology. Classic mathematical compartmental models (CMs) employed to describe epidemic spreading may fail to capture the intricacies of real disease dynamics. Rooted in the mean-field assumption, CMs oversimplify by assuming that every individual has the potential to “infect” any other, neglecting the inherent complexity of underlying network structures. Since social interactions follow a networked pattern with specific links between individuals based on social behaviors, joining classic CMs and network science in epidemiology becomes essential for a more authentic portrayal of epidemic spreading. This review delves into noteworthy research studies that, from various perspectives, elucidate how the synergy between networks and CMs can enhance the accuracy of epidemic descriptions. In conclusion, we explore research prospects aimed at further elevating the integration of networks within the realm of epidemiology, recognizing its pivotal role in refining our understanding of disease dynamics.

The Critical Role of Networks to Describe Disease Spreading Dynamics in Social Systems: A Perspective / Bellingeri, Michele; Bevacqua, Daniele; Scotognella, Francesco; Cassi, Davide. - In: MATHEMATICS. - ISSN 2227-7390. - (2024). [10.3390/math12060792]

The Critical Role of Networks to Describe Disease Spreading Dynamics in Social Systems: A Perspective

Michele Bellingeri
;
Daniele Bevacqua;Davide Cassi
2024-01-01

Abstract

This review underscores the critical significance of incorporating networks science in epidemiology. Classic mathematical compartmental models (CMs) employed to describe epidemic spreading may fail to capture the intricacies of real disease dynamics. Rooted in the mean-field assumption, CMs oversimplify by assuming that every individual has the potential to “infect” any other, neglecting the inherent complexity of underlying network structures. Since social interactions follow a networked pattern with specific links between individuals based on social behaviors, joining classic CMs and network science in epidemiology becomes essential for a more authentic portrayal of epidemic spreading. This review delves into noteworthy research studies that, from various perspectives, elucidate how the synergy between networks and CMs can enhance the accuracy of epidemic descriptions. In conclusion, we explore research prospects aimed at further elevating the integration of networks within the realm of epidemiology, recognizing its pivotal role in refining our understanding of disease dynamics.
2024
The Critical Role of Networks to Describe Disease Spreading Dynamics in Social Systems: A Perspective / Bellingeri, Michele; Bevacqua, Daniele; Scotognella, Francesco; Cassi, Davide. - In: MATHEMATICS. - ISSN 2227-7390. - (2024). [10.3390/math12060792]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11381/2973292
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