Can epidemic models describe the diffusion of topics across disciplines?

Details Can epidemic models describe the diffusion of topics across disciplines? Can epidemic models describe the diffusion of topics across disciplines?

2009-05-22

arxiv.org/abs/0905.3585v1

Physics

Physics and Society

15 pages, 4 figures, 1 table

Scientific paper

This paper introduces a new approach to describe the spread of research topics across disciplines using epidemic models. The approach is based on applying individual-based models from mathematical epidemiology to the diffusion of a research topic over a contact network that represents knowledge flows over the map of science -as obtained from citations between ISI Subject Categories. Using research publications on the protein class kinesin as a case study, we report a better fit between model and empirical data when using the citation-based contact network. Incubation periods on the order of 4 to 15.5 years support the view that, whilst research topics may grow very quickly, they face difficulties to overcome disciplinary boundaries.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Can epidemic models describe the diffusion of topics across disciplines? does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Can epidemic models describe the diffusion of topics across disciplines?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Can epidemic models describe the diffusion of topics across disciplines? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-324916