networks; head to head

The second talk in the evening CREEN parallel session is from J. Holyst

about phase transitions in coupled complex networks where the network

properties are different in the two groups.

In one group there are a smaller number of members, but they are tightly

coupled. The second group is larger, but less tightly coupled. The model

uses an Ising model. The less coupled group has higher fluctuation in

opinion, and when it is brought into contact with the smaller group the

larger group undergoes a phase transition. To reverse the process if you

can find a hub in the tightly coupled system then when you convince them

their opinions gain traction.

This is a really nice paper and there are obvious tendancies to draw

parallels with real communities, such as for example two scientific

communities, or an immigrant community, but I am fairly certain that

this would at the moment be too simplistic.

He goes on to show a face off between ER graphs vs BA graphs, and this

shows that network structure has signifigant effect on the suseptability

of the community to opinion change.

One big application could be to look at these results in the context of

the new vote that Ireland will probably undergo early next year to

re-ratify the Lison treaty (I mean, I assume that is what is going to

happen in Ireland next year).

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