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arXiv · 1511.00145

On the optimal control of opinion dynamics on evolving networks

Giacomo Albi·Lorenzo Pareschi·Mattia Zanella
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Abstract

In this work we are interested in the modelling and control of opinion dynamics spreading on a time evolving network with scale-free asymptotic degree distribution. The mathematical model is formulated as a coupling of an opinion alignment system with a probabilistic description of the network. The optimal control problem aims at forcing consensus over the network, to this goal a control strategy based on the degree of connection of each agent has been designed. A numerical method based on a model predictive strategy is then developed and different numerical tests are reported. The results show that in this way it is possible to drive the overall opinion toward a desired state even if we control only a suitable fraction of the nodes.

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Giacomo Albi, Lorenzo Pareschi, Mattia Zanella. 2015-10-31. On the optimal control of opinion dynamics on evolving networks. https://arxiv.org/abs/1511.00145

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