5,651 research outputs found
Mean-field analysis of the q-voter model on networks
We present a detailed investigation of the behavior of the nonlinear q-voter
model for opinion dynamics. At the mean-field level we derive analytically, for
any value of the number q of agents involved in the elementary update, the
phase diagram, the exit probability and the consensus time at the transition
point. The mean-field formalism is extended to the case that the interaction
pattern is given by generic heterogeneous networks. We finally discuss the case
of random regular networks and compare analytical results with simulations.Comment: 20 pages, 10 figure
Simplified Night Sky Display System
A document describes a simple night sky display system that is portable, lightweight, and includes, at most, four components in its simplest configuration. The total volume of this system is no more than 10(sup 6) cm(sup 3) in a disassembled state, and weighs no more than 20 kilograms. The four basic components are a computer, a projector, a spherical light-reflecting first surface and mount, and a spherical second surface for display. The computer has temporary or permanent memory that contains at least one signal representing one or more images of a portion of the sky when viewed from an arbitrary position, and at a selected time. The first surface reflector is spherical and receives and reflects the image from the projector onto the second surface, which is shaped like a hemisphere. This system may be used to simulate selected portions of the night sky, preserving the appearance and kinesthetic sense of the celestial sphere surrounding the Earth or any other point in space. These points will then show motions of planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae, and comets that are visible from that position. The images may be motionless, or move with the passage of time. The array of images presented, and vantage points in space, are limited only by the computer software that is available, or can be developed. An optional approach is to have the screen (second surface) self-inflate by means of gas within the enclosed volume, and then self-regulate that gas in order to support itself without any other mechanical support
Voter models on weighted networks
We study the dynamics of the voter and Moran processes running on top of
complex network substrates where each edge has a weight depending on the degree
of the nodes it connects. For each elementary dynamical step the first node is
chosen at random and the second is selected with probability proportional to
the weight of the connecting edge. We present a heterogeneous mean-field
approach allowing to identify conservation laws and to calculate exit
probabilities along with consensus times. In the specific case when the weight
is given by the product of nodes' degree raised to a power theta, we derive a
rich phase-diagram, with the consensus time exhibiting various scaling laws
depending on theta and on the exponent of the degree distribution gamma.
Numerical simulations give very good agreement for small values of |theta|. An
additional analytical treatment (heterogeneous pair approximation) improves the
agreement with numerics, but the theoretical understanding of the behavior in
the limit of large |theta| remains an open challenge.Comment: 21 double-spaced pages, 6 figure
Opinion Formation in Laggard Societies
We introduce a statistical physics model for opinion dynamics on random
networks where agents adopt the opinion held by the majority of their direct
neighbors only if the fraction of these neighbors exceeds a certain threshold,
p_u. We find a transition from total final consensus to a mixed phase where
opinions coexist amongst the agents. The relevant parameters are the relative
sizes in the initial opinion distribution within the population and the
connectivity of the underlying network. As the order parameter we define the
asymptotic state of opinions. In the phase diagram we find regions of total
consensus and a mixed phase. As the 'laggard parameter' p_u increases the
regions of consensus shrink. In addition we introduce rewiring of the
underlying network during the opinion formation process and discuss the
resulting consequences in the phase diagram.Comment: 5 pages, eps fig
Statistical physics of the Schelling model of segregation
We investigate the static and dynamic properties of a celebrated model of
social segregation, providing a complete explanation of the mechanisms leading
to segregation both in one- and two-dimensional systems. Standard statistical
physics methods shed light on the rich phenomenology of this simple model,
exhibiting static phase transitions typical of kinetic constrained models,
nontrivial coarsening like in driven-particle systems and percolation-related
phenomena.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure
On ovothiol biosynthesis and biological roles: from life in the ocean to therapeutic potential
Covering: up to 2018 Ovothiols are sulfur-containing natural products biosynthesized by marine invertebrates, microalgae, and bacteria. These compounds are characterized by unique chemical properties suggestive of numerous cellular functions. For example, ovothiols may be cytoprotectants against oxidative stress, serve as building blocks of more complex structures and may act as molecular messengers for inter- and intracellular signaling. Detailed understanding of ovothiol physiological role in marine organisms may unearth novel concepts in cellular redox biochemistry and highlight the therapeutic potential of this antioxidant. The recent discovery of ovothiol biosynthetic genes has paved the way for a systematic investigation of ovothiol-modulated cellular processes. In this highlight we review the early research on ovothiol and we discuss key questions that may now be addressed using genome-based approaches. This highlight article provides an overview of recent progress towards elucidating the biosynthesis, function and potential application of ovothiols
The process of irreversible nucleation in multilayer growth. II. Exact results in one and two dimensions
We study irreversible dimer nucleation on top of terraces during epitaxial
growth in one and two dimensions, for all values of the step-edge barrier. The
problem is solved exactly by transforming it into a first passage problem for a
random walker in a higher-dimensional space. The spatial distribution of
nucleation events is shown to differ markedly from the mean-field estimate
except in the limit of very weak step-edge barriers. The nucleation rate is
computed exactly, including numerical prefactors.Comment: 22 pages, 10 figures. To appear in Phys. Rev.
Biodiversity and evolution of the dendroflora in the Mediterranean
The main old representatives of the Mediterranean dendroflora, their origin and distribution
are treated. Relevant threats and strategy for in situ and ex situ conservation are also discussed
here
Motion Sickness Minimization Alerting System Using The Next Curvature Topology
Current intelligent car prototypes increasingly move to become autonomous where no driver is required. If an automated vehicle has rearward and forward facing seats and none of the passengers pay attention to the road, they increasingly experience the motion sickness because of the inability of passengers to anticipate the future motion trajectory. In this paper, we focus on anticipatory audio and video cues using pleasant sounds and a Human Machine Interface to display and inform the passengers about the upcoming trajectories that may lead to make the passengers sick. To be able to anticipate the next moves, we require an evaluation system of the next 1 kilometer of the road using the map. The road is investigated based on the amount of the turns and the maximum speed allowed that lead to lateral accelerations that is high enough based on Motion Sickness Dose Value to make the passengers sick. The system alerts the passengers through a Human Machine Interface to focus on the road for prevention of the Motion Sickness. We evaluate our method by using Motion Sickness Dose Value. Based on this work, we can prevent the sickness due to lateral accelerations by making the passengers to focus on the road and decrease the vestibular conflict
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