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Non mean-field behavior of the contact process on scale-free networks

Claudio Castellano·Romualdo Pastor-Satorras
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Abstract

We present an analysis of the classical contact process on scale-free networks. A mean-field study, both for finite and infinite network sizes, yields an absorbing-state phase transition at a finite critical value of the control parameter, characterized by a set of exponents depending on the network structure. Since finite size effects are large and the infinite network limit cannot be reached in practice, a numerical study of the transition requires the application of finite size scaling theory. Contrary to other critical phenomena studied previously, the contact process in scale-free networks exhibits a non-trivial critical behavior that cannot be quantitatively accounted for by mean-field theory.

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BibTeXRIS

Claudio Castellano, Romualdo Pastor-Satorras. 2006-01-30. Non mean-field behavior of the contact process on scale-free networks. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.96.038701

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