Analyzing and Modeling Real-World Phenomena with Complex Networks: A Survey of Applications

Luciano da F. Costa (1) , Osvaldo N. Oliveira Jr. (1) , Gonzalo Travieso (1) , Francisco A. Rodrigues (1) , Paulino R. Villas Boas (1) , Lucas Antiqueira (1) , Matheus P. Viana (1) , Luis E. C. da Rocha (2)

1 IFSC - IFSC-USP
2 Department of Physics [Umeå]

The success of new scientific areas can be assessed by their potential in contributing to new theoretical approaches and in applications to real-world problems. Complex networks have fared extremely well in both of these aspects, with their sound theoretical basis developed over the years and with a variety of applications. In this survey, we analyze the applications of complex networks to real-world problems and data, with emphasis in representation, analysis and modeling, after an introduction to the main concepts and models. Whenever possible, the main results in the studies surveyed are discussed within the context of the corresponding area. Details are given about the size of the networks, in addition to the measurements and theoretical models used to study the associated real-world problems. A diversity of phenomena are surveyed, which may be classified into no less than 21 areas, which is clear indication of the impact of the field of complex networks.

Mots clés: complex networks; applications

Domaines: Physique et Société [physics.soc-ph]; Physique Numérique [physics.comp-ph]

Luciano da F. Costa, Osvaldo N. Oliveira Jr., Gonzalo Travieso, Francisco A. Rodrigues, Paulino R. Villas Boas, et al.. Analyzing and Modeling Real-World Phenomena with Complex Networks: A Survey of Applications. 2008. ⟨hal-00293567⟩