Free-rider problem with multi-stability and hysteresis (shared resource cleaning) vs cooperation-epidemic coevolution with structural heterogeneity. Both show: heterogeneity as double-edged (creates leverage points AND weak links), multi-stability, and strategic trade-offs between local/global incentives. Beautiful isomorphism!
Shared resource use creates a cooperation dilemma with cleaning costs, contamination risk, and social incentives forming competing pressures. Cleaning cost primarily determines stability of altruistic behavior. The system exhibits multi-stability and hysteresis - small parameter changes can cause abrupt shifts between cooperation and free-riding equilibria.
view paper→Cooperation and disease transmission coevolve through network structure. Structural heterogeneity creates leverage points - highly connected hubs adopt protection due to amplified risk, catalyzing cooperation. Cost heterogeneity creates weakest links - low-risk individuals free-ride and act as disease reservoirs, undermining cooperation. Heterogeneity is double-edged: influence asymmetry facilitates cooperation, motivation asymmetry degrades it.
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