<p>The adaptability of a complex network determines its ability to maintain stability in a time-dependent environment. Stable complex network dynamics are orchestrated through the exchange of information between constituents (nodes) to modify collective network behaviors. The connection strength between nodes controls the amount of information exchange and serves as the medium by which network structure changes from the microscales to the macroscales. This study proposes the parameters of connectivity between constituents in terms of efficacy of information transmission and reception. &nbsp;These parameters control the change of the microstate configurations of a complex network from which macrostate dynamics emerges that govern the adaptability of the network. &nbsp;These networks are dynamic systems whose collective emergent global properties are the result of the nonlinear culmination of their local individual constituent behaviors and their dynamic couplings. &nbsp;The individual (local) constituents which compose the network ensemble exhibit dynamic, nonstationary behaviors and are coupled with each other to generate an amalgamation of overall (global) synchronous and asynchronous emergent patterns based on a desired objective and physical system constraints. &nbsp;The individual constituents and their respective couplings are intrinsically dynamic and transient with a particular degree of variance in the time and frequency domains. &nbsp;This time-dependent nature of coupling between constituents is defined as the degree of coupling which controls the magnitude of information transfer between nodes in the network. &nbsp;Thus, the degree of coupling is the foundational basis that allows the global collective properties of the system to have a high degree of adaptability and robustness to time-varying environments which includes external disruptions that can compromise system stability. &nbsp;Consequently, the local dynamics constructively interfere to produce coupled dynamics with each other to generate a mix of global asynchronous and synchronous organization across spatial and temporal scales that correspond to stable ensemble behaviors. &nbsp;Effectively regulating the degree of coupling between constituents is a fundamental basis in a complex network’s capability to adapt to disturbances coming from within as well as without. &nbsp;General parameters defining the degree of coupling are the efficacy of information transmission and the efficacy of information reception. &nbsp;In this study, synaptic plasticity (the modulation of the degree of coupling between neurons) in the human brain is used as an example to enumerate how the parameters controlling the degree of coupling between nodes (the efficacy of information transmission and reception) can be defined, modeled and universally implemented to further a comprehensive understanding of the nonlinear nature of complex networks in general.</p>

On the Efficacy of Information Transfer in Complex Networks

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/IMECE/IMECE2021/volume/85543

ASME 2021 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE2021)

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