networks; head to head

The second talk in the evening CREEN parallel session is from J. Holyst
about phase transitions in coupled complex networks where the network
properties are different in the two groups.

In one group there are a smaller number of members, but they are tightly
coupled. The second group is larger, but less tightly coupled. The model
uses an Ising model. The less coupled group has higher fluctuation in
opinion, and when it is brought into contact with the smaller group the
larger group undergoes a phase transition. To reverse the process if you
can find a hub in the tightly coupled system then when you convince them
their opinions gain traction.

This is a really nice paper and there are obvious tendancies to draw
parallels with real communities, such as for example two scientific
communities, or an immigrant community, but I am fairly certain that
this would at the moment be too simplistic.

He goes on to show a face off between ER graphs vs BA graphs, and this
shows that network structure has signifigant effect on the suseptability
of the community to opinion change.

One big application could be to look at these results in the context of
the new vote that Ireland will probably undergo early next year to
re-ratify the Lison treaty (I mean, I assume that is what is going to
happen in Ireland next year).