Formation Of Communication Networks Research Articles

Regional development and communication networks: Case study of Western Ukraine

Motives: Communications are the basis of the existence of contemporary civilization. Today, innovation processes are carried out the most intensively, perhaps, in communications. The level of the formation of communication networks largely determines both the preconditions and the contemporary development of areas. Aim: The aim of our research is to analyze the interdependencies between the level of socio-economic development of areas and the formation of their communications on the example of local territorial units of Western Ukraine. Results: The correlation analysis demonstrates significant links between communication networks and the development of areas. It is not always possible to say unequivocally what cause and effect are in a particular case. According to the results of our study, socio-economic development in Western Ukraine has a more significant impact on the functioning of communication networks than communication networks on socio-economic development. Like other natural and socio-economic resources, communication networks are only prerequisites for the area's development. The emergence, perception by the population, and wide spread of new communications depend on some factors, among which an important place belongs to the area's socio-economic development level.

Mapping The Digital Movement in The Hashtags #2024AniesPresiden, #GanjarPresiden and #PrabowoPresiden

Hashtag mobilization has currently become one of the ways to mobilize opinion. As the 2024 presidential election draws nearer, hashtags which are considered effective to mobilize support for presidential candidates in 2024 have emerged and have been widely discussed on Twitter, using different hashtags, namely #2024AniesPresiden, #GanjarPresiden, and #PrabowoPresiden. This research uses Theory of Digital Movement of Opinion, a type of digital activism characterized by spontaneous and disorganized reactions from social media users on Twitter. This research aims to map those three hashtags: can different hashtags produce different mobilizations? The research method is descriptive and quantitative with social network analysis conducted by taking data from the three hashtags in the period from April 29, 2022 to May 12, 2022. This study found 235 accounts talking about #2024AniesPresiden, 22 accounts talking about #GanjarPresiden, and eight accounts talking about #PrabowoPresiden, where data was processed using NodeXL software. The base and its mappings are related to the diameter, density, and centrality (betweenness, closeness, and degree). The @SMILEINDO24 in the hashtag #2024AniesPresiden, the @ganjar_center in the hashtag #GanjarPresiden, and the @djagger17 in the hashtag #PrabowoPresiden are also found as the central or most influential actors in disseminating information and serving as a liaison. In contrast, the @AniesIndonesia in the hashtag #2024AniesPresiden, the @ganjar_center in the hashtag #GanjarPresiden, and the @prabowo in the hashtag #PrabowoPresiden are the critical actors in the formation of communication networks and information flow. The findings of this study have implications on dominant actors that can be used or exploited by policymakers so that these actors can influence public opinion and mobilize opinion movements.

Time-Fractal Modulation—Possible Modulation Effects in Human Therapy

The malignant processes deviate from the healthy homeostatic control, and various “tricks” enable malignant cells to avoid the healthy regulation. Consequently, the malignant structures miss the apoptosis and proliferate without restriction, and without the formation of communication networks in the newly formed cells. The modulation supports the homeostatic control to rearrange the health regulation processes in various ways. The modulation acts with stochastic processes, using stochastic resonances for molecular excitations, supporting the regulative enzymatic processes. The number of stochastic resonant frequencies is as many as the number of enzymatic reactions. The malignant cells differ structurally and dynamically in their connections and interactions from their healthy host tissues. The radiofrequency carrier is modulated with an appropriate time-fractal (1/f) noise to select the autonomic cancer-cells, destroy them, or force the precancerous, semi-individual cells to participate in the networking connections. The modulation in this way limits the cellular autonomy of malignant cells and boosts the healthy control. The resonant energy triggers apoptotic processes and helps immunogenic actions deliver extracellular genetic information for antigen-presentation. The modulation is applied in clinical practice. The therapy (modulated electro-hyperthermia, mEHT) is intensively used in oncology in complementary applications and for palliative stages, and occasionally even as a monotherapy.

YAP-induced Ccl2 expression is associated with a switch in hepatic macrophage identity and vascular remodelling in liver cancer.

The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with the formation of communication networks leading to the recruitment of disease-modifying macrophages. However, how oncogenes in tumour cells control paracrine communication is not fully understood. Transgenic mice with liver-specific expression of the constitutively active yes-associated protein (YAPS127A ) or an orthotopic implantation model served as tumour models. FACS-sorted F4/80+ /CD11bdim /CD146- /retinoid- macrophages from healthy and tumour-bearing livers were used for transcriptomic profiling. Expression data of 242 human HCCs and a tissue microarray consisting of 91 HCCs and seven liver tissues were analyzed. Screening of primary tumour cells expressing YAPS127A identified CC chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2) as a macrophage chemoattractant, whose expression was regulated in a YAP/TEA domain family member 4 (TEAD4)-dependent manner. Ccl2 expression was associated with a loss of Kupffer cells (KCs) and an increase in immature macrophages (Mɸimm ) in hepatocarcinogenesis. Recruited Mɸimm were characterized by a lack of functional polarization (M0 signature) and high expression of the Ccl2 receptors C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (Ccr2), C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (Cx3cr1) and pro-angiogenic platelet-derived growth factors (Pdgfa/Pdgfb). Mɸimm formed cellular clusters in the perivascular space, which correlated with vascular morphometric changes indicative for angiogenesis. In human HCCs, the M0 signature served as an identifier for poor clinical outcome and CCL2 correlated with YAP expression and vascular network formation. In conclusion, YAP/TEAD4-regulated Ccl2 associates with perivascular recruitment of unpolarized Mɸimm and may contribute to a proangiogenic microenvironment in liver cancer.

Dynamics of local interactions and evacuation behaviors in a social network

This paper examines how social interaction affects the choice to evacuate during a network formation process. The primary objective is to evaluate in detail the influence of other individuals by considering how influencers and entire network structures affect one-to-one interactions. This study proposes an analytical framework for the simultaneous evaluation of local interaction and face-to-face communication network formation. This framework is appropriate for dynamic scenarios, because local interactions strongly influence human decision-making and because network formation changes over time. Our detailed local interaction model, which is based on Brock and Durlauf (2001), analyzes the differences in the interaction weights related to pairs and behaviors. We estimate the utility and the asymmetric weight parameters in the local interaction model by using the nested pseudo-likelihood approach. Our proposed network formation model, which is based on the discrete choice model, evaluates the probability of face-to-face communication and the spatial correlations of the interaction pairs in an area. Our case study validates the introduction of (1) asymmetric weights of interaction in the evacuation departure choice and (2) spatial correlation in the network formation model, using the behavioral data collected during a no-notice disaster in a devastated settlement. In numerical simulations, the proposed evaluation framework can effectively illustrate the impact of network structures on the choice probabilities influenced by interactions. Additionally, the framework is useful for evaluating the critical measures for prompt evacuation.

Robust communication network formation: a decentralized approach

The formation of robust communication networks between independently acting agents is of practical interest in multiple domains, for example, in sensor placement and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle communication. These are the cases where it is only feasible to have the communicating actors modify the network locally, i.e., without relying on the knowledge of the entire network structure and the other actors’ decisions. This calls for approaches to optimizing network structure in a decentralized way. We present an actor-oriented modeling approach to design and parameterize models that enable the creation of networks that exhibit the properties desirable for efficient information sharing. Computational experiments show that the achieved network formation rules, specified in a calculated way, allow agents to maintain robust network structure by activating only a limited number of direct communication channels. The obtained results are promising, as evidenced by the reported comparisons to optimal network configuration solutions obtained in a centralized way.

An Efficient Cluster Head Selection and Routing in Mobile WSN

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) includes numerous sensor nodes that are connected to each other through the use of wireless short distance links. The transfer of data between the individual nodes is found to be energy-constrained and the energy-efficient protocol in WSNs is a huge requirement. In addition, the deployment of large numbers of sensor nodes increases the size of the network, which in turn increases the energy consumption rate. An efficient protocol is developed in this research that includes grid-based mobile communication network formation, efficient path selection through cluster head selection and data communication. In addition, multi-stage authentication is implemented to provide security from source node to destination node for the transfer of data. Implementation is performed via NS2-based platform and the result obtained shows that the proposed system outperforms other existing techniques in terms of packet delivery and use of energy through network lifetime.

Post-Truth Medya ve Tüketici Davranışlarına Etkisi: "Genç Yetişkinler" Üzerine Keşifsel Bir Araştırma - Post-Truth Media and Its Impact on Consumer Behavior: An Exploratory Study on "Young Adults"

In the new system created by the Web 2.0 revolution of Internet and digital Technologies and enabling content creation, the second generation of services offered by jointly sharing has laid the ground for its formation of communication networks that directly affect consumer behavior and grouping on social media in countries with high rate of social media usage such as Turkey. In the new communication environment, the concept of Post-Truth, which has become popular as a result of the fact that public judgements affected by emotions and personal convictions away from rationality and has been choosen as the Word of 2016 by Oxford Dictionaries, has become a factor that affects consumer behavior and difficult to control in daily life. In this study, focus group interviews was conducted to determine the effect of Post-Truth media on consumption behaviors of the “Young Adults” segment which was determined as the 18-34 age range, and the effect of Post-Truth concept and Post-Truth media on consumer behavior was emphasized. Research findings point out that; consumers do not respect the Post-Truth news about the brands they are loyal to and that they interpret the same situation and news in different ways depending on whether or not the news source is compatible with their own political views, businesses should not prefer the social media channels and activities associated with a particular political view in order not to be affected by the Post-Truth media because of the fact that Post-Truth news is generally perceived as political-based.

Modeling Valued Organizational Communication Networks Using Exponential Random Graph Models

For years, organizational communication scholars have been interested in the mechanisms that influence the formation of communication networks. One way to gain a deeper insight into the factors that shape such networks is to model them using exponential random graph modeling (ERGM). However, ERGM has only been applicable to binary networks, reducing communication to something that is either present or not. This article illustrates valued ERGM for organizational communication networks that have a weight associated with each tie. Using a data set on friendship strength between collaborative scientists, results show there are important differences when the network is modeled as binary versus when modeled as valued. In particular, the valued model showed that scientists are more selective regarding friendship (less outdegree activity). Moreover, there were several differences regarding how popular certain disciplines were over others. An online appendix with the R code and data is also included.

Ketamine Promotes Neurite Growth and Recovers Dexamethasone-Induced Mobility Decrease in Cultured Hippocampal Cells

The “plasticity hypothesis” proposes that major depression is caused by morphological and biochemical modifications in neurons and astrocytes and that the illness is at least partially associated with modifications of cellular communications between these cells. In this study we examined effects of Ketamine, an NMDA antagonist that was conventionally used as an anesthetic, on dexamethasone-treated neurons. Several clinical trials have shown that this drug has very potent anti-depressive properties, becoming effective within a few hours. Ketamine has also been shown to have fast effect on the neuronal plasticity, including synaptogenesis and dendrite formation. In this project, we studied its morphodynamic effects in hippocampal neuronal cultures by motion-, neurite growth analysis and cluster formation. Time-lapse images taken over 48 hours and the resulting videos were analyzed by several newly developed complex algorithms for morphometry and cell mobility. Dexamethasone, a synthetic corticosteroid, was used to induce depression-associated changes in cultured hippocampal neurons. Results show that ketamine significantly neutralized dexamethasone-induced reduction of cell mobility and cell cluster formation. Neither dexamethasone nor ketamine had strong effects on the density and growth of neurites. In summary, given the complex actions of ketamine on morphodynamic parameters in cultured neurons, its mechanism as an anti-depressant cannot be explained with its NMDA-antagonistic properties alone but implies additional impact on the formation of communication networks and morphology related pathways.

Communication network formation with link specificity and value transferability

We model strategic communication network formation with (i) link specificity: link maintenance lowers specific attention and thus value (negative externality previously ignored for communication) and (ii) value transferability via indirect links for informational but not for social value (positive externality modeled uniformly before). Assuming only social value, the pairwise stable set includes many nonstandard networks under high and particular combinations of complete components under low link specificity. Allowing for social and informational value reduces this set to certain fragmented networks under high and the complete network under low link specificity. These extremes are efficient, whereas intermediate link specificity generates inefficiency.

Communication Network Formation with Link Specificity and Value Transferability

We propose a model on strategic formation of communication networks with (i) link specificity: the more direct links somebody maintains, the less she can specify her attention per link, the lower her links’ value, while this negative externality was previously ignored in the communication context, and (ii) value transferability via indirect links for informational but not for social value from communication, while this positive externality was modeled uniformly before. Assuming only social value to isolate the impact of link specificity, the pairwise stable set includes many nonstandard networks under high or particular combinations of fully connected components under low link specificity. Allowing for social and informational value, the joint effect of link specificity and value transferability reduces the stable set to certain fragmented networks under high or the complete network under low link specificity. These extremes are beneficial for efficiency, whereas quite inefficient networks may arise for intermediate link specificity. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

OPINION DYNAMICS AND COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

This paper examines the interplay of opinion exchange dynamics and communication network formation. An opinion formation procedure is introduced which is based on an abstract representation of opinions as k-dimensional bit-strings. Individuals interact if the difference in the opinion strings is below a defined similarity threshold dI. Depending on dI, different behavior of the population is observed: low values result in a state of highly fragmented opinions and higher values yield consensus. The first contribution of this research is to identify the values of parameters dI and k, such that the transition between fragmented opinions and homogeneity takes place. Then, we look at this transition from two perspectives: first by studying the group size distribution and second by analyzing the communication network that is formed by the interactions that take place during the simulation. The emerging networks are classified by statistical means and we find that nontrivial social structures emerge from simple rules for individual communication. Generating networks allows to compare model outcomes with real-world communication patterns.

Communication Network Formation with Link Specificity and Value Transferability

We propose a model on strategic formation of communication networks with (i) link specificity: the more direct links somebody maintains, the less she can specify her attention per link, the lower her links’ value, while this negative externality was previously ignored in the communication context, and (ii) value transferability via indirect links for informational but not for social value from communication, while this positive externality was modeled uniformly before. Assuming only social value to isolate the impact of link specificity, the pairwise stable set includes many nonstandard networks under high or particular combinations of fully connected components under low link specificity. Allowing for social and informational value, the joint effect of link specificity and value transferability reduces the stable set to certain fragmented networks under high or the complete network under low link specificity. These extremes are beneficial for efficiency, whereas quite inefficient networks may arise for intermediate link specificity.

BASIC ASPECTS OF THE POLITICAL IDEOLOGY OF THE RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT „NEW GENERATION”

The subject of the article – the religious organization “New Generation” – is discussed as a new religious movement, and in the aspect of sociology of religion is to be typologically interpreted as a Christian neo-charismatic evangelical movement having formed as a result of cleavage. Attention is focused on the ways of political collaboration of the movement “New Generation” and the fundamental aspects of its political ideology. The choice of the study subject is grounded on the lengthy and active activity of the group in the territory of Latvia, its topicality, popularity and dynamic growth in the material as well as in the social and political aspects. It is proved by several indicators of social attention and identification – the number of publications in press, intensity of thematic discussions and forums on the Internet, publicity measures, TV broadcasts, political and public activities. The aim of the paper is to identify the main aspects of the political ideology of the religious organization “New Generation” by analyzing the available sources. In order to clear up these aspects, it is necessary to view the courses of activity of the religious organization and its activities in the spheres of civil, public and political participation. As the reference objects, mass media materials have been used as well as periodicals featuring the discourse of the organization (interviews with the organization leaders). As the primary source, the book New World Order by Alexey Ledyaev, the founder and main leader of „New Generation”, has been used in which he voices the main postulates of his revelation as well as the political guidelines for the future development of the system of administration of the world and of Latvia. The book of A. Ledyaev is to be judged as the quintessence of the political ideology of „New Generation” following which the social life in the congregation of this movement has been formed and ensured and which determines the degree of political participation and content of the movement adherents. The following hypothesis is brought forward in the study – the elements and aspects forming the political ideology and the system of world-outlook and values of the religious movement “New Generation” clearly indicate a representation of the ideology of the Christian reconstructionism and its adaptation to the context and political situation of Latvia. Factors like the social agents involved in the formation of communication networks, the rhetoric of expression used in the construction of the space for discourse, the content of ideas reflected in the narratives applied in the context of the organization, models of development planning of the strategic policy and political slogans allow identification of “New Generation” as a religious movement oriented to Christian fundamentalism, which construct its political ideology using the political technologies and action models of the rightist Christians. The political ideology realized by the organization contains features of Christian reconstructionism – political programmes and strategies. On this score, „New Generation” belongs to those Christian fundamentalist organizations that practise a radical and clearly targeted policy.

CIUCEU

In this article, a study on informal communication network formation in a university environment is presented. The teacher communication network is analyzed through community detection techniques. It is evident that informal communication is an important process that traverses the vertical hierarchical structure of departments and courses in a university environment. A multi-agent model of the case study is presented here, showing the implications of using real data as training sets for multi-agent-based simulations. The influence of the “social neighborhood,” as a mechanism to create assortative networks of contacts without full knowledge of the network, is discussed. It is shown that the radius of this social neighborhood has an effect on the outcome of the network structure and that in a university’s case this distance is relatively small.

Developer Heterogeneity and Formation of Communication Networks in Open Source Software Projects

Over the last few years, open source software (OSS) development has gained a huge popularity and has attracted a large variety of developers under its fold. According to software engineering folklore, the architecture and the organization of software depend on the communication patterns of the contributors. Communication patterns among developers influence knowledge sharing among them. Unlike in a formal organization, the communication network structures in an OSS project evolve unrestricted and unplanned. We develop a non-cooperative game theoretic model to investigate the network formation in an OSS team and to characterize the stable and efficient structures. We incorporate developer heterogeneity in the network based on their informative value. We find that, for a given scenario, there may exist several stable structures which are inefficient. We also find that there may not always exist a stable structure that is efficient. This can be explained by the fact that the stability of the structure is dependent on the developer's maximization of self utility whereas the efficiency of the structure is dependent on the maximization of group utility. In general, a tension exists between the stability and efficiency of structures because developers act in their self interest rather than the group interest. We find, whenever there is such a tension, the stable structure is either under-connected across types or over-connected within type of developers from an efficiency perspective. Empirically, we use the latent class model and analyze two real-world OSS projects hosted at Sourceforge.net. For each project, different types of developers and a stable structure is identified, which fits well with the predictions of our model. We further discuss implications of our results and provide directions for future research.

Network formation models with costs for establishing links

In this paper we study endogenous formation of communication networks in situations where the economic possibilities of groups of players can be described by a cooperative game. We concentrate on the in uence that the existence of costs for establishing communication links has on the communication networks that are formed. The starting points in this paper are two game-theoretic models of the formation of communication links that were studied in the literature fairly recently, the extensive-form model by Aumann and Myerson (1988) and the strategic-form model that was studied by Dutta, van den Nouweland and Tijs (1998). We follow their analyses as closely as possible and use an extension of the Myerson value to determine the payoffs to the players in communication situations when forming links is not costless. We find that for both models, the pattern of structures formed as costs increase depends on whether the underlying coalitional game is superadditive and/or convex.