Content area

Abstract

We study the influence minimization problem: given a graph \(G\) and a seed set \(S\), blocking at most \(b\) nodes or \(b\) edges such that the influence spread of the seed set is minimized. This is a pivotal yet underexplored aspect of network analytics, which can limit the spread of undesirable phenomena in networks, such as misinformation and epidemics. Given the inherent NP-hardness of the problem under the IC and LT models, previous studies have employed greedy algorithms and Monte Carlo Simulations for its resolution. However, existing techniques become cost-prohibitive when applied to large networks due to the necessity of enumerating all the candidate blockers and computing the decrease in expected spread from blocking each of them. This significantly restricts the practicality and effectiveness of existing methods, especially when prompt decision-making is crucial. In this paper, we propose the AdvancedGreedy algorithm, which utilizes a novel graph sampling technique that incorporates the dominator tree structure. We find that AdvancedGreedy can achieve a \((1-1/e-\epsilon)\)-approximation in the problem under the LT model. Experimental evaluations on real-life networks reveal that our proposed algorithms exhibit a significant enhancement in efficiency, surpassing the state-of-the-art algorithm by three orders of magnitude, while achieving high effectiveness.

Details

1009240
Title
Influence Minimization via Blocking Strategies
Publication title
arXiv.org; Ithaca
Publication year
2024
Publication date
Dec 5, 2024
Section
Computer Science
Publisher
Cornell University Library, arXiv.org
Source
arXiv.org
Place of publication
Ithaca
Country of publication
United States
University/institution
Cornell University Library arXiv.org
e-ISSN
2331-8422
Source type
Working Paper
Language of publication
English
Document type
Working Paper
Publication history
 
 
Online publication date
2024-12-06
Milestone dates
2023-12-29 (Submission v1); 2024-12-05 (Submission v2)
Publication history
 
 
   First posting date
06 Dec 2024
ProQuest document ID
3141684866
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/working-papers/influence-minimization-via-blocking-strategies/docview/3141684866/se-2?accountid=208611
Full text outside of ProQuest
Copyright
© 2024. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.
Last updated
2024-12-07
Database
2 databases
  • ProQuest One Academic
  • ProQuest One Academic