By exploiting the concept of emergent network properties and the hierarchical nature of networks, we have constructed several levels of models facilitating the investigations of issues in the area of respiratory neural control. The first of such models is an intracellular second messenger pathway model, which has been shown to be an important contributor to intracellular calcium metabolism and mediate responses to neuromodulators such as serotonin. At the next level, we have constructed new single neuron models of respiratory-related neurons (e.g. the pre-Btzinger complex neuron and the Hypoglossal motoneuron), where the electrical activities of the neurons are linked to intracellular mechanisms responsible for chemical homeostasis. Beyond the level of individual neurons, we have constructed models of neuron populations where the effects of different component neurons, varying strengths and types of inter-neuron couplings, as well as network topology are investigated. Our results from these simulation studies at different structural levels are in line with experiment observations. The small-world topology, as observed in previous anatomical studies, has been shown here to support rhythm generation along with a variety of other network-level phenomena. The interactions between different inter-neuron coupling types simultaneously manifesting at time-scales orders of magnitude apart suggest possible explanations for variations in the outputs measured from the XII rootlet in experiments. In addition, we have demonstrated the significance of pacemakers, along with the importance of considering neuromodulations and second-messenger pathways in an attempt to understand important physiological functions such as breathing activities.

意識的議題古老而難解，但是近年來認知神經科學領域對此議題的探討已經熱烈展開，本研究之主要目的即在探索視覺意識與大腦功能性連結之間的關係。 根據一項人臉知覺的實驗結果，本研究依照線性對非線性、局部對整體等兩項條件所構成的四個取向，分別擬定用以反映視覺意識的腦電波指標。結果發現，線性的局部指標—即γ波的強度，以及線性的整體指標—即γ波的相位耦合程度，兩者皆無法有效反映視覺意識。然而，非線性的局部指標—即吸子的相關維度，在特定通道上可以反映視覺意識；至於非線性的整體指標—即廣義的同步化程度，乃為四者中最能穩定反映視覺意識的指標。 除了得到上述若干可以有效反映視覺意識的腦電波指標之外，本研究實質上整合了認知神經科學、非線性動力系統理論、小波轉換理論以及小世界理論等當代思維，因此文中亦做出大量而深入的理論探討，並且提出對現有相關研究在邏輯或方法上的改進與澄清。 / Consciousness is an ancient and puzzling mystery. Until recently, scientists have made little significant progress on it. This study is aimed to search for the neural correlates of visual awareness. / Based on empirical data from an experiment of face perception, this study explores linear vs. nonlinear and local vs. global human EEG indexes of visual awareness. The results indicate that neither linear local index, i.e. γ-band power, nor linear global index, i.e. γ-band phase coherence, can reveal the participant’s state of awareness validly. However, nonlinear local index, i.e. correlation dimension of attractor, can be a valid index of visual awareness, but only on specific channels. Last but not least, nonlinear global index, i.e. generalized synchrony, can be the most valid and efficient index of visual awareness. / In addition to the empirical findings listed above, this study, an interdisciplinary combination of cognitive neuroscience, chaos theory, wavelet transform and small-world theory, also presents numerous theoretical discussions and modifications to other related studies logically or methodologically.

Cette thèse apporte des contributions à la modélisation, compréhension ainsi qu'à la communication efficace d'information dans les réseaux dynamiques peuplant la périphérie de l'Internet. Par réseaux dynamiques, nous signifions les réseaux pouvant être modélisés par des graphes dynamiques dans lesquels noeuds et liens évoluent temporellement. Dans la première partie de la thèse, nous proposons un nouveau modèle de mobilité - STEPS - qui permet de capturer un large spectre de comportement de mobilité humains. STEPS mets en oeuvre deux principes fondamentaux de la mobilité humaine : l'attachement préférentiel à une zone de prédilection et l'attraction vers une zone de prédilection. Nous proposons une modélisation markovienne de ce modèle de mobilité. Nous montrons que ce simple modèle paramétrique est capable de capturer les caractéristiques statistiques saillantes de la mobilité humaine comme la distribution des temps d'inter-contacts et de contacts. Dans la deuxième partie, en utilisant STEPS, nous analysons les propriétés comportementales et structurelles fondamentales des réseaux opportunistes. Nous redéfinissons dans le contexte des réseaux dynamiques la notion de structure petit monde et montrons comment une telle structure peut émerger. En particulier, nous montrons que les noeuds fortement dynamiques peuvent jouer le rôle de ponts entre les composants déconnectés, aident à réduire significativement la longueur du chemin caractéristique du réseau et contribuent à l'émergence du phénomène petit-monde dans les réseaux dynamiques. Nous proposons une façon de modéliser ce phénomène sous STEPS. À partir d'un réseau dynamique régulier dans lequel les noeuds limitent leur mobilité à leurs zones préférentielles respectives. Nous recablons ce réseau en injectant progressivement des noeuds nomades se déplaçant entre plusieurs zones. Nous montrons que le pourcentage de tels nœuds nomades est de 10%, le réseau possède une structure petit monde avec un fort taux de clusterisation et un faible longueur du chemin caractéristique. La troisième contribution de cette thèse porte sur l'étude de l'impact du désordre et de l'irrégularité des contacts sur la capacité de communication d'un réseau dynamique. Nous analysons le degré de désordre de réseaux opportunistes réels et montrons que si exploité correctement, celui-ci peut améliorer significativement les performances du routage. Nous introduisons ensuite un modèle permettant de capturer le niveau de désordre d'un réseau dynamique. Nous proposons deux algorithmes simples et efficaces qui exploitent la structure temporelle d'un réseau dynamique pour délivrer les messages avec un bon compromis entre l'usage des ressources et les performances. Les résultats de simulations et analytiques montrent que ce type d'algorithme est plus performant que les approches classiques. Nous mettons également en évidence aussi la structure de réseau pour laquelle ce type d'algorithme atteint ses performances optimum. Basé sur ce résultat théorique nous proposons un nouveau protocole de routage efficace pour les réseaux opportunistes centré sur le contenu. Dans ce protocole, les noeuds maintiennent, via leurs contacts opportunistes, une fonction d'utilité qui résume leur proximité spatio-temporelle par rapport aux autres noeuds. En conséquence, router dans un tel contexte se résume à suivre le gradient de plus grande pente conduisant vers le noeud destination. Cette propriété induit un algorithme de routage simple et efficace qui peut être utilisé aussi bien dans un contexte d'adressage IP que de réseau centré sur les contenus. Les résultats de simulation montrent que ce protocole superforme les protocoles de routage classiques déjà définis pour les réseaux opportunistes. La dernière contribution de cette thèse consiste à mettre en évidence une application potentielle des réseaux dynamiques dans le contexte du " mobile cloud computing ". En utilisant les techniques d'optimisation particulaires, nous montrons que la mobilité peut augmenter considérablement la capacité de calcul des réseaux dynamiques. De plus, nous montrons que la structure dynamique du réseau a un fort impact sur sa capacité de calcul.

Many complex systems arising from nature and human society can be described as complex networks. In this dissertation, on the basis of complex network theory, we pay attention to the topological structure of complex network and the dynamics on it. We established models to investigate the influences of the structure on the dynamics of networks and to shed light on some peculiar properties of complex systems. This dissertation includes four parts. In the first part, the empirical properties (degree distribution, clustering coefficient, diameter, and characteristic path length) of urban road network of Le Mans city in France are studied. The degree distribution shows a double power-law which we studied in detail. In the second part, we propose two models to investigate the possible mechanisms leading to the deviation from simple power law. In the first model, probabilistic addition of nodes and links, and rewiring of links are considered; in the second one, only random and preferential link growth is included. The simulation results of the modelling are compared with the real data. In the third part,the probabilistic uncertainty behavior of double power law distribution is investigated. The network optimization and optimal design of scale free network to random failures are discussed from the viewpoint of entropy maximization. We defined equilibrium network ensemble as stationary ensembles of graphs by using some thermodynamics like notions such as "energy", "temperature", "free energy" for network. In the forth part, an union-division model is established to investigate the time evolution of certain networks like cultural or economical networks. In this model, the nodes represent, for example, the cultures. Several quantities such as richness, age, identity, ingredient etc. are used to parameterize the probabilistic evolution of the network. The model offers a long term view on the apparently periodic dynamics of an ensemble of cultural or economic entities in interaction.

這篇論文主要可以分成兩個部分。第一部分，我們整理了關於複雜網路的初步研討。最重要的特性有：小世界網路、無尺度度分布。並且介紹了三種模型：BA 模型、EBA模型，以及W-S small world model。接著對於一份實際的社會網路資料—台灣業餘桌球選手對戰網路，做網路的結構分析，試驗其是否具有上述的兩種特性。透過兩種可以模擬出無尺度度分布特性的模型：BA以及EBA模型。我們藉由這兩種模型模擬的結果，以及和競賽網路的比較，試者去闡述模型與理論間為何有些相似，卻又如此不同。並討論了賽制設計對於結構的影響。 在第二部分裡，我們回顧了一些對於網路的拓樸性效率以及可靠度效率的研討，並且討論了兩種不同負載定義下的連鎖故障行為。最後我們使用其中三種方法：拓樸性效率脆弱性、參與中間度(betweenness)過載引發的連鎖性故障行為，以及電力網路的動態電流變化造成的連鎖性故障，對於一個假想的電網做傳輸線的弱點排序。其中由動態電流過載(transient dynamic overload)造成的連鎖性故障可以視為一個簡化後的電力動態網路模型，藉由這三者間排序的不同，我們可以看到複雜網路分析以及基於電力網路傳輸特性所模擬的結果差異。 / This thesis can be divided into two parts. In the first part, we review some basic properties of the complex networks. The most important features are: small world networks and scale-free degree distribution. Then, we introduce three complex models : BA model, EBA model, and W-S small world model. Next, we analyze a real data—CTTC network to test if it has the features we have mentioned above. By the EBA and BA model simulations, we try to illustrate why there are some similarities between the simulations and real data, but they are still so different in most of aspects. In the second part, we review the definitions of the topology and reliable efficiency of a network structure. Next, we discuss two cascading failure model based on different definitions of load of a transmission line in a power grid. Finally, we use three different ways: topology efficiency vulnerability, cascading failure triggered by betweenness overload, and cascading failure triggered by the transient dynamics overload to test the vulnerability of edges in an assuming power grid. The cascading failure triggered by the transient dynamic overload can be viewed as a simplified power flow model. We sort the most vulnerable edges in three different ways. By this, we can observe the difference of the vulnerability analysis based on the complex network and the characteristic of the power transmission..

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-03T15:15:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 GerdivaneFD_DISSERT.pdf: 2461999 bytes, checksum: afd653d46e87e83d8b0144e8086a3d19 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-21 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / In this work a study of social networks based on analysis of family names is presented. A basic approach to the mathematical formalism of graphs is developed and then main theoretical models for complex networks are presented aiming to support the analysis of surnames networks models. These, in turn, are worked so as to be drawn leading quantities, such as aggregation coefficient, minimum average path length and connectivity distribution. Based on these quantities, it can be stated that surnames networks are an example of complex network, showing important features such as preferential attachment and small-world character / Neste trabalho ? apresentado um estudo das redes sociais baseado na an?lise dos nomes de fam?lias. Faz-se uma abordagem b?sica do formalismo matem?tico dos grafos e em seguida apresenta-se os principais modelos te?ricos para as Redes Complexas com o objetivo de fundamentar a an?lise das redes dos sobrenomes. Estas, por sua vez, s?o trabalhadas de modo a serem extra?das as principais grandezas, tais como coe ciente de agrega??o, menor caminho m?dio e distribui??o de conectividades. Com base nestas grandezas, pode-se a rmar que as redes de sobrenomes s?o um exemplo de rede complexa, exibindo caracter?sticas importantes como liga??o preferencial e o car?ter de mundo pequeno.

Modelos e teorias científicas surgem da necessidade do homem entender melhor o funcionamento do mundo em que vive. Constantemente, novos modelos e técnicas são criados com esse objetivo. Uma dessas teorias recentemente desenvolvida é a da Criticalidade Auto-Organizada. No Capítulo 2 desta tese, apresentamos uma breve introdução a Criticalidade Auto-Organizada. Tendo a criticalidade auto-organizada como pano de fundo, no Capítulo 3, estudamos a dinâmica Bak-Sneppen (e diversas variantes) e a comparamos com alguns algoritmos de otimização. Apresentamos no Capítulo 4, uma revisão histórica e conceitual das redes complexas. Revisamos alguns importantes modelos tais como: Erdös-Rényi, Watts-Strogatz, de configuração e Barabási-Albert. No Capítulo 5, estudamos o modelo Barabási-Albert não-linear. Para este modelo, obtivemos uma expressão analítica para a distribuição de conectividades P(k), válida para amplo espectro do espaço de parâmetros. Propusemos também uma forma analítica para o coeficiente de agrupamento, que foi corroborada por nossas simulações numéricas. Verificamos que a rede Barabási-Albert não-linear pode ser assortativa ou desassortativa e que, somente no caso da rede Barabási-Albert linear, ela é não assortativa. No Capítulo 6, utilizando dados coletados do CD-ROM da revista Placar, construímos uma rede bastante peculiar -- a rede do futebol brasileiro. Primeiramente analisamos a rede bipartida formada por jogadores e clubes. Verificamos que a probabilidade de que um jogador tenha participado de M partidas decai exponencialmente com M, ao passo que a probabilidade de que um jogador tenha marcado G gols segue uma lei de potência. A partir da rede bipartida, construímos a rede unipartida de jogadores, que batizamos de rede de jogadores do futebol brasileiro. Nessa rede, determinamos várias grandezas: o comprimento médio do menor caminho e os coeficientes de agrupamento e de assortatividade. A rede de jogadores de futebol brasileiro nos permitiu analisar a evolução temporal dessas grandezas, uma oportunidade rara em se tratando de redes reais. / Models and scientific theories arise from the necessity of the human being to better understand how the world works. Driven by this purpose new models and techniques have been created. For instance, one of these theories recently developed is the Self-Organized Criticality, which is shortly introduced in the Chapter 2 of this thesis. In the framework of the Self-Organized Criticality theory, we investigate the standard Bak-Sneppen dynamics as well some variants of it and compare them with optimization algorithms (Chapter 3). We present a historical and conceptual review of complex networks in the Chapter 4. Some important models like: Erdös-Rényi, Watts-Strogatz, configuration model and Barabási-Albert are revised. In the Chapter 5, we analyze the nonlinear Barabási-Albert model. For this model, we got an analytical expression for the connectivity distribution P(k), which is valid for a wide range of the space parameters. We also proposed an exact analytical expression for the clustering coefficient which corroborates very well with our numerical simulations. The nonlinear Barabási-Albert network can be assortative or disassortative and only in the particular case of the linear Barabási-Albert model, the network is no assortative. In the Chapter 6, we used collected data from a CD-ROM released by the magazine Placar and constructed a very peculiar network -- the Brazilian soccer network. First, we analyzed the bipartite network formed by players and clubs. We find out that the probability of a footballer has played M matches decays exponentially with M, whereas the probability of a footballer to score G gols follows a power-law. From the bipartite network, we built the unipartite Brazilian soccer players network. For this network, we determined several important quantities: the average shortest path length, the clustering coefficient and the assortative coefficient. We were also able to analise the time evolution of these quantities -- which represents a very rare opportunity in the study of real networks.

近年來區塊鏈技術及其相關應用成為熱門焦點，區塊鏈最大的特色包含去中心化以及匿名性等特性，然而在這樣的分散式網路中我們很難判斷對方是否值得信賴，在數位憑證中我們透過可信賴第三方擔任憑證中心為用戶簽發金鑰憑證以此建立用戶之間的信賴關係，但在區塊鏈此種分散式網路中找到一個可信賴第三方實屬不易，並且可能會與區塊鏈去中心化之特性背道而馳，因此本研究參考PGP信任網與小世界理論的概念，建立一套可適用於分散式環境中基於聲譽的信任度評估機制，並將此機制結合智能合約實現一個信任度評估機制購物平台，目的希望用戶與陌生人交易前，可透過此機制計算出信任度，提供用戶做為參考，幫助用戶更容易判斷陌生人是否可信，以降低受騙風險。 / In recent years, the blockchain technology and its relevant applications become hot spots. The greatest feature of the blockchain is the decentralization. Nonetheless, it is difficult for us to judge whether the other person get involved in the decentralized network is credible. Furthermore, it is difficult to find a reliable third party in such a point-to-point network. Consequently, this paper refers to the PGP web of trust and the small world problem to establish a set of reputation-based trust evaluation mechanism for decentralized environments, we combine this mechanism with a smart contract to achieve a trust evaluation mechanism shopping platform, It is expected that achievements of the paper can facilitate people’s judgment regarding the reliability of strangers and reduce the risks of being deceived.

Sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network (WSN) have a small, non-rechargeable power supply. Each message transmission or reception depletes a sensor node’s energy. Many WSN applications are ad-hoc deployments where a sensor node is only aware of its immediate neighbours. The lack of a predefined route path and the need to restrict the amount of communication that occurs within the application area impose constraints on WSNs not prevalent in other types of networks. An area of active research has been how to notify the central sink (or monitoring hub) about an event in real-time by utilising the minimum number of messages to route a message from a source node to the destination sink node. In this thesis, strategies to limit communication within a WSN application area, while ensuring that events are reported on and responded to in real-time, is presented. A solution based on modelling a WSN as a small world network and then transmitting an initialisation message (IM) on network start-up to create multiple route paths from any sensor node to one or more sinks is proposed. The reason for modelling a WSN as a small world network is to reduce the number of nodes required to re-transmit a message from a source sensor node to a sink. The purpose of sending an IM at network start-up is to ensure that communication within the WSN is minimised. When routing a message to a static sink, the nodes closest to the static sink receive a disproportionate number of messages, resulting in their energy being consumed earlier. The use of mobile sinks has been proposed but to our knowledge no studies have been undertaken on the paths these mobile sinks should follow. An algorithm to determine the optimum path for mobile sinks to follow in a WSN application area is described. The purpose of an optimum path is to allow more equitable usage of all nodes to transfer an event message to a mobile sink. The idea of using multiple static sinks placed at specific points in the small world model is broadened to include using multiple mobile sinks called actors to move within a WSN application area and respond to an event in real-time. Current coordination solutions to determine which actor(s) must respond to the event result in excessive message communication and limit the real-time response to an event. An info gap decision theory (IGDT) model to coordinate which actor or set of actors should respond to the event is described. A comparison of the small world routing (SWR) model against routing using flooding and gossiping shows that the SWR model significantly reduces the number of messages transmitted within the network. An analysis of the number of IMs transmitted and received at individual node level shows that prudent selection of the hop count (number of additional nodes required to route a message to sink) to a sink node will result in a reduced number of messages transmitted and received per node within the network. The use of the IGDT model results in a robust decision on the actor(s) chosen to respond to an event even when uncertainty about the location and available energy of other actor(s) exists. / Thesis (PhD(Eng))--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering / unrestricted

Les grands incendies de forêts sont responsables de la quasi-totalité de la surface brulée et contribuent, par les émissions de particules et de gaz à effet de serre qu’ils génèrent, au réchauffement climatique. Des observations satellitaires ont mis en évidence un comportement fractal que l’on attribue aux hétérogénéités locales (topographie, végétation, conditions météorologiques) rencontrées par ces feux lors de leur propagation. Le présent travail a été consacré au développement et à la validation d’un modèle hybride de propagation d’incendie, capable de reproduire ce comportement. Ce modèle est une extension du modèle original de réseau de « petit monde » où les phénomènes qui se produisent à l’échelle macroscopique, comme le rayonnement du front de flammes et l’inflammation pilotée de la strate végétale sont traités de façon déterministe. Pour décrire le rayonnement, nous avons utilisé un modèle de flamme solide couplé à une méthode de Monte Carlo. La validation a porté sur des configurations simples, mais aussi plus complexes, comme le rayonnement d’un front hétérogène de flammes ou celui d’une flamme d’éthanol. Un modèle d’inflammation a ensuite été élaboré et appliqué à des litières d’aiguilles de pin. Les paramètres du modèle ont été optimisés par un algorithme génétique, conduisant au meilleur accord avec les résultats expérimentaux, en termes de temps d‘inflammation et de perte de masses. Il a été montré que l’oxydation du résidu charbonneux joue un rôle prépondérant sur l’inflammation à bas flux. Le modèle de propagation de petit monde a été validé sur un brûlage dirigé et sur un feu historique, montrant un bon accord en termes de surface brûlée, de vitesse de propagation, de contours de feu, et de propriétés fractales. On a montré qu’il pouvait être utilisé pour le dimensionnement d’ouvrages de défense, comme les coupures de combustible, ou pour expliquer le comportement atypique du feu dans certaines situations (talweg, ruptures de pente, etc.). Son application a également permis d’optimiser le nombre et l’emplacement d’un réseau de capteurs déployés dans la végétation dans le but de localiser précisément et détecter précocement le départ d’un feu. / Most of the area burned by forest fires is attributable to the few fires that escape initial attack to become large. As a consequence large-scale fires produce a large amount of green-house gases and particles which contribute to the global warming. Heterogeneous conditions of weather, fuel, and topography are generally encountered during the propagation of large fires. This shapes irregular contours and fractal post-fire patterns, as revealed by satellite maps. Among existing wildfire spread models, stochastic models seem to be good candidates for studying the erratic behavior of large fires, due to the above-mentioned heterogeneous conditions. The model we developed is a variant of the so-called small-world network model. Flame radiation and fuel piloted ignition are taken into account in a deterministic way at the macroscopic scale. The radiative interaction domain of a burning cell is determined from Monte Carlo simulation using the solid flame model. Some cases are studied, ranging from relatively simple to more complex geometries like an irregular flame fronts or an ethanol pool fire. Then, a numerical model is developed to investigate the piloted ignition of litters composed of maritime pine needles. A genetic algorithm is used to locate a set of model parameters that provide optimal agreement between the model predictions and the experimental data in terms of ignition time and mass loss. The model results had shown the importance of char surface oxidation for heat fluxes close to the critical flux for ignition. Finally, the small-world network model was used to simulate fire patterns in heterogeneous landscapes. Model validation was achieved to an acceptable degree in terms of contours, burned area and fractal properties, through comparison of results with data from a small controlled bushfire experiment and a historical Mediterranean fire. Therefore, it has been proven to be a powerful tool in the sizing of fortifications as fuel break areas at the wildland urban interface or in the understanding of atypical behavior in particular configurations (talweg, slope breaking, etc.). It has also been used for the optimization of an in-situ sensor network whose purpose is to detect precociously and to locate precisely small fires, preventing them from spreading and burning out of control. Our objective was to determine the minimum number and placement of sensors deployed in the forest.