Using Network Dynamical Influence to Drive Consensus

Consensus and decision-making are often analysed in the context of networks, with many studies focusing attention on ranking the nodes of a network depending on their relative importance to information routing. Dynamical influence ranks the nodes with respect to their ability to influence the evolution of the associated network dynamical system. In this study it is shown that dynamical influence not only ranks the nodes, but also provides a naturally optimised distribution of effort to steer a network from one state to another. An example is provided where the "steering" refers to the physical change in velocity of self-propelled agents interacting through a network. Distinct from other works on this subject, this study looks at directed and hence more general graphs. The findings are presented with a theoretical angle, without targeting particular applications or networked systems; however, the framework and results offer parallels with biological flocks and swarms and opportunities for design of technological networks

Program of Research and Development on the THORIUM UTILIZATION IN PWRS : Final Report (1979-1988)

Detailed investigations performed for a standard 1,300 MW$_{e}$ PWR show that (Th,U)O$_{2}$ and (Th,Pu)O$_{2}$ fuels can be inserted in 3 and 4 cycle operating schemes without modifications in the fuel assembly or core design. The most important aspects of the fuel cycle have been covered. Ex-gel pelletizing of (Th,U)O$_{2}$ fuel making use of available LWR and HTR fuel manufacturing technology was demonstrated. The most promising applicationfor Th-based fuels at present was proved to be the use of recycle plutonium in extended burnup once-through fuel cycle. The program was performed in a cooperative way between Brazilian and German partners

Modelo sistêmico de ocorrência de ações coletivas: um estudo multicaso na comercialização de frutas, legumes e verduras Cooperation in marketing channels: a multicase study on fresh fruit and vegetable marketing

A cooperação desempenha um papel de grande relevância para a participação competitiva de indivíduos e empresas na atividade econômica, especialmente nas condições de um ambiente dinâmico e cercado de incertezas, como é o caso do setor de FLV. Assim, o principal objetivo dessa pesquisa foi elaborar um modelo sistêmico capaz de demonstrar as relações causais (interdependências) entre as variáveis de ocorrência da cooperação. Com base na confrontação teoria-pesquisa empírica, foram analisados os relacionamentos interorganizacionais horizontais e verticais a partir da análise de dez estudos de caso realizados em cinco regiões brasileiras. A partir dessa análise, foi possível elaborar um modelo sistêmico que demonstrava a existência de relações causais entre as variáveis de ocorrências da cooperação. Sob o ponto de vista sistêmico, na medida em que as variáveis estão inter-relacionadas, interferências externas ou decisões dos agentes resultam em ajustes em todo o sistema. Assim, há uma importante oportunidade para ações de políticas públicas e estratégias privadas visando à utilização de sistemas de comercialização inovadores.<br>Cooperation plays an important role in the competitive participation of individuals and firms in the economic activity, especially in dynamic and uncertain environments such as the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable (FFV) market in Brazil. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to develop a systemic model able to demonstrate causal interdependencies between cooperation occurrence variables. The systemic model revealed several collective action occurrence variables as well their interdependencies, identified in the literature and in the empirical study. From a systemic point of view, depending on how they are interrelated, changes in the variables or in the agents behaviour can lead to adjustments in the system. Thus, since the variables are dynamic, external interferences or agents´ decisions may affect the whole collective action. This is an important opportunity for public and private politics action focusing on innovative commercialization systems