Localization in spreading processes on complex networks

Abstract

Many systems such as protein-protein interactions, power-grid, flights and social interactions in the microblogging Twitter can be represented by complex networks considering that each element is a node and their interactions establish edges connecting them. The flow of people, goods, and information highlights the relevance of spreading processes on the top of complex networks. In social networks, small groups of users are capable of spreading a rumor in social medias achieving users which are not their followers, increasing their social engagement. Epidemics such as Ebola, which has a favorable environment in West Africa, can become global by hosts moving around the world. Thus, localization plays an important role in spreading processes. The connection between complex networks properties and localization would provide tools required to prevent the transition of local to global outbreaks. Here, we propose a broad study of localization and its effects in spreading processes on complex networks. Models are applied to mimic the main features of the spreading processes and real networks. Finally, we expect to develop a benchmark mechanism to identify and study localization in spreading processes on complex networks. (AU)