In:
Complexity, Wiley, Vol. 18, No. 2 ( 2012-11), p. 53-62
Abstract:
Natural networks are considered as thermodynamic systems that evolve from one state to another by consuming free energy. The least‐time consumption of free energy is found to result in ubiquitous scale‐free characteristics. The network evolution will yield the scale‐independent qualities because the least‐time imperative will prefer attachment of nodes that contribute most to the free‐energy consumption. The analysis of evolutionary equation of motion, derived from statistical physics of open systems, reveals that evolution of natural networks is a path‐dependent and nondeterministic process. Despite the noncomputability of evolution, many mathematical models of networks can be recognized as approximations of the least‐time process as well as many measures of networks can be appreciated as practical assessments of the system's thermodynamic status. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2012
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1076-2787
,
1099-0526
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2012
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2004607-8
SSG:
11
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