Month: August 2022

Information access equality on generative models of complex networks

Xindi Wang, Onur Varol & Tina Eliassi-Rad 

Applied Network Science volume 7, Article number: 54 (2022)

It is well known that networks generated by common mechanisms such as preferential attachment and homophily can disadvantage the minority group by limiting their ability to establish links with the majority group. This has the effect of limiting minority nodes’ access to information. We present the results of an empirical study on the equality of information access in network models with different growth mechanisms and spreading processes. For growth mechanisms, we focus on the majority/minority dichotomy, homophily, preferential attachment, and diversity. For spreading processes, we investigate simple versus complex contagions, different transmission rates within and between groups, and various seeding conditions. We observe two phenomena. First, information access equality is a complex interplay between network structures and the spreading processes. Second, there is a trade-off between equality and efficiency of information access under certain circumstances (e.g., when inter-group edges are low and information transmits asymmetrically). Our findings can be used to make recommendations for mechanistic design of social networks with information access equality.

Read the full article at: appliednetsci.springeropen.com

Postdoctoral Fellowship at NAS, Mahidol University in Nakhonsawan, Thailand

Centre for Theoretical Physics and Natural Philosophy (NAS) would like to invite applications for two postdoctoral positions.

One position will be in cosmology with a particular focus on dark energy and modified gravity models. The candidate should have a PhD in either physics or in astrophysics with strong expertise and knowledge in both the theoretical and observational aspects of cosmology.

Another position will be offered in complexity. The candidate should have a PhD in Physics with a prior experience in time series and network analysis together with a strong practical programming skill in statistical and/or machine learning data analysis.

Initially, the position will be offered for one year and can be extended for two more years. Upon satisfactory performance, it may lead to a tenure track position.

More at: na.mahidol.ac.th

Heterogeneity Extends Criticality

Fernanda Sánchez-Puig , Octavio Zapata , Omar K. Pineda , Gerardo Iñiguez, Carlos Gershenson 

The dynamics of many complex systems can be classified as ordered, chaotic, or critical. Order offers stability and robustness, while chaos allows for change and adaptability. Criticality, then, is often seen as a balance required by living systems at different scales. In classical models, however, criticality is only found near phase transitions, restricting the parameter space (and thus the likelihood) of critical dynamics, as most parameters yield “undesirable” solutions. Here we show that this limitation is due to the homogeneity built-in these models, i.e., all elements sharing parameter values. By exploring heterogeneous versions of archetypal models in physics and computer science, we observe critical dynamics in a broader range of parameters, and thus could be more common than previously thought.

Read the full article at: www.preprints.org

Controlling Complexity: From Nonlinear Systems To Complex Networks And Beyond. Ischia, Italy. September 9 – 10, 2022

The International Workshop Controlling Complexity aims at bringing together researchers from the fields of nonlinear systems and control, optimization, and complex networks to celebrate the 70th birthday of Franco Garofalo who started the research group on nonlinear systems and complex networks at the University of Naples Federico II with a group of students and colleagues who are now established researchers in Italy and abroad. The workshop will gather scholars from the Control Community to share their views and perspectives on the emerging challenges in the analysis, design and control of complex systems. We welcome the participation of young researchers and PhD students.

Read the full article at: www.sicc-it.org