We analyze the spread of a social interaction agent of finite duration of interest, such as a petition, behavioral trend, or opinion, through a heterogeneous population using a multi-group SIR model. By integrating the model equations, we obtain explicit final-size relations and identify threshold conditions that determine whether propagation can be sustained. For one-, two-, and three-group systems, we show how within-group reinforcement and cross-group influence shape the geometry of the no-propagation boundary. The results provide a clear geometric characterization of heterogeneous diffusion and offer practical guidance for designing interventions that either promote or inhibit spread.
Threshold analysis of multi-group SIR models with heterogeneous mixing / Bellingeri, M., Bilge, A.H., Peker-Dobie, A., Harman, S.. - In: FRONTIERS IN PHYSICS. - ISSN 2296-424X. - 14:(2026). [10.3389/fphy.2026.1755888]
Threshold analysis of multi-group SIR models with heterogeneous mixing
Bellingeri, Michele;
2026-01-01
Abstract
We analyze the spread of a social interaction agent of finite duration of interest, such as a petition, behavioral trend, or opinion, through a heterogeneous population using a multi-group SIR model. By integrating the model equations, we obtain explicit final-size relations and identify threshold conditions that determine whether propagation can be sustained. For one-, two-, and three-group systems, we show how within-group reinforcement and cross-group influence shape the geometry of the no-propagation boundary. The results provide a clear geometric characterization of heterogeneous diffusion and offer practical guidance for designing interventions that either promote or inhibit spread.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.


