Opinion-driven regulation of multi-strain pathogen transmission across species
Abstract
This study investigates the fundamental mechanisms underlying cross-species, multi-strain transmission in ecosystems from the opinion of group opinion dynamics. A multilayer interaction framework is proposed, incorporating signed-weighted social network dynamics to quantify group-level opinions and dynamically adjust key epidemiological parameters in real time. The analysis reveals that (1) infection pressure alters group opinion thresholds via cognitive-behavioral feedback, while the emerging collective consensus reciprocally regulates transmission intensity, forming a closed-loop feedback mechanism. (2) The topology of the opinion network governs epidemic phase transitions, inducing a bistable regime characterized by either low-risk (opinion cohesion) or high-risk (opinion polarization) states. By identifying critical nodes within the signed social graph, the study transforms group opinion intensity into dynamic warning thresholds, enabling targeted ecological interventions.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Opinion Dynamics and Social Influence
Complex Network Analysis Techniques
Ecosystem dynamics and resilience
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Chaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science
- Publisher
- AIP Publishing
- Volume
- 36
- Issue
- 2
- Publication date
- 1 February 2026
- Language
- EN