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Mathematical Modelling and Analysis of Rumours Spreading in a Population
Lee Pei Yng
Supervisor: Dr. Auni Aslah Bin Mat Daud
Bachelor of Science (Financial Mathematics)
School of Informatics and Applied Mathematics
The arrival of the Internet for social communication purposes has induced a new way of
rumour spreading among the individuals. The objectives of this research are to construct
a mathematical model for rumour spreading, conduct the stability analysis of the model
and carry out the sensitivity analysis on the model parameters. The dependent variables
of the model are ignorants, spreaders, medium spreaders and stiflers. A set of nonlinear
ordinary differential equations is developed to describe the dynamics of rumours
transmission among the individuals. The local stability analysis is performed using
Jacobian matrix and Routh-Hurwitz criteria to determine the stability of the equilibrium
points. Mathematical software is used to verify the results. The normalized forward
sensitivity index is used to determine the dominant model parameters. This research can
help the authorities to control the widespread of rumours in a population.
814 | UMT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY 2018