Inherent directionality explains the lack of feedback loops in empirical networks.

ABSTRACT: We explore the hypothesis that the relative abundance of feedback loops in many empirical complex networks is severely reduced owing to the presence of an inherent global directionality. Aimed at quantifying this idea, we propose a simple probabilistic model in which a free parameter γ controls the degree of inherent directionality. Upon strengthening such directionality, the model predicts a drastic reduction in the fraction of loops which are also feedback loops. To test this prediction, we extensively enumerated loops and feedback loops in many empirical biological, ecological and socio-technological directed networks. We show that, in almost all cases, empirical networks have a much smaller fraction of feedback loops than network randomizations. Quite remarkably, this empirical finding

SUBMITTER: Dominguez-Garcia V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4273603 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature