Dynamics of Complex Systems Built as Coupled Physical, Communication and Decision Layers

PLoS One. 2016 Jan 5;11(1):e0145135. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145135. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

This paper proposes a simple model to capture the complexity of multilayer systems where their constituent layers affect, and are affected by, each other. The physical layer is a circuit composed by a power source and resistors in parallel. Every individual agent aims at maximizing its own delivered power by adding, removing or keeping the resistors it has; the delivered power is in turn a non-linear function that depends on the other agents' behavior, its own internal state, its global state perception, the information received from its neighbors via the communication network and a randomized selfishness. We develop an agent-based simulation to analyze the effects of number of agents (system size), communication network topology, communication errors and the minimum power gain that triggers a behavioral change on the system dynamic. Our results show that a wave-like behavior at macro-level (caused by individual changes in the decision layer) can only emerge for a specific system size. The ratio between cooperators and defectors depends on the minimum gain assumed-lower minimal gains lead to less cooperation, and vice-versa. Different communication network topologies imply different levels of power utilization and fairness at the physical layer, and a certain level of error in the communication layer induces more cooperation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Communication*
  • Computer Communication Networks
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Decision Making
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Models, Theoretical*

Grants and funding

Funding support was provided by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (BR)[312146/2012-4] (http://cnpq.br/); the Academy of Finland (http://www.aka.fi/en); the joint funded project A Theory for Sustainable Smart Grids: Combining Communication Theory, Power Systems, Signal Processing and Economics from a Complexity Science Perspective (SUSTAIN), which covers the authors’ salary costs, and the Strategic Research Council/Finnish Academy BC-DC project (n.292854). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.