Development of information diffusion models based on mathematical models of disease diffusion

Authors

farzaneh fazli Dr, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, IranFollow
Seyyed Aliakbar Famil-Rohani Dr, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, IranFollow
Alireza Isfandyari-Mogaddam Dr, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, IranFollow
Manoochehr Karami Dr, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, IranFollow

Date of this Version

2019

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose: Analysis of information diffusion process based on models of spread of epidemics is one of the issues considered by the researchers. Limited studies have addressed investigation and analysis of scientific information diffusion. Current study was conducted aiming at identifying scientific information diffusion process among academic faculty members using mathematical models of spread of diseases during 2016.

Methodology: Mathematical models of spread of epidemics including SIS, SI, and SIR models were used for analysis of scientific information diffusion. The study was conducted using semi-experimental method on 147 faculty members in three stages including evaluation of current status at time t0, after implementation of intervention of models including susceptible, infected (informed) and recovered (information saturation). Using statistical methods, chance of disease transmission from each compartment to the next one was measured.

Findings: Research findings suggested feasibility of SIS, SI, and SIR models in describing information diffusion process. People who are susceptible to scientific information will not remain in a constant state after receiving information. So that 51.6% of the people remain in a state of informed and 39.1% return to susceptible conditions. Also, only 9.3% of people will switch to saturated and unnecessary conditions.

Conclusion: Application of models of epidemics spread and its extension to scientific information diffusion is accurate. In addition, mostly individuals will remain at constant state after receiving scientific information.