Impact of Dynamic Contact Rate on Resource-Epidemic Dynamics in Multiplex Networks

In this paper, we propose an improved multiplex network model to study the impact of dynamic contact rates on the resource-epidemic dynamics. The model incorporates individual behavior adjustments, where contact frequency changes based on the severity of the epidemic. We investigate three main aspects: (1) the effect of dynamic contact rates on epidemic spreading dynamics, (2) the influence of individual awareness levels and resource allocation willingness on the scale and speed of epidemic spread, and (3) the role of interlayer degree correlation in epidemic spreading. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we find that dynamic contact rates significantly reduce the overall infection rate and slow down the spread of the epidemic. Higher individual awareness levels decrease infection peaks and extend the duration of the spread. Positive interlayer degree correlations effectively contain the epidemic, reducing the infection peak and extending the spread duration. These findings provide valuable insights for developing effective epidemic control strategies.