Ongoing Processes in a Fitness Network Model under Restricted Resources

PLoS One. 2015 May 18;10(5):e0127284. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127284. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

In real networks, the resources that make up the nodes and edges are finite. This constraint poses a serious problem for network modeling, namely, the compatibility between robustness and efficiency. However, these concepts are generally in conflict with each other. In this study, we propose a new fitness-driven network model for finite resources. In our model, each individual has its own fitness, which it tries to increase. The main assumption in fitness-driven networks is that incomplete estimation of fitness results in a dynamical growing network. By taking into account these internal dynamics, nodes and edges emerge as a result of exchanges between finite resources. We show that our network model exhibits exponential distributions in the in- and out-degree distributions and a power law distribution of edge weights. Furthermore, our network model resolves the trade-off relationship between robustness and efficiency. Our result suggests that growing and anti-growing networks are the result of resolving the trade-off problem itself.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Statistics as Topic

Grants and funding

The authors have no support or funding to report.