Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Quantification of Protein Interaction Network Dynamics using Multiplexed Co-Immunoprecipitation
Published on: August 21, 2019
Heterophobic interactions hinder consensus formation in sparse random networks
Alejandro Castro1, Tuan Minh Pham2,3, Ernesto Ortega4
1University of Havana, Group of Complex Systems and Statistical Physics, Department of Theoretical Physics, Havana, Cuba.
Abstract:
Heterophobic interactions, which drive individuals to be repelled from others with opposite opinions, play a role as important as homophilic ones in shaping many dynamical processes on social networks, such as opinion formation, social balance, or epidemic spreading. In this paper, we use belief propagation and Monte Carlo simulations on treelike signed graphs to predict that a sufficient propensity to heterophobia can impede a consensus that would otherwise emerge via a phase transition. As the strength of heterophobic interactions and the rationality of individuals with respect to social stress decrease, this transition changes from continuous to discontinuous, with a strong dependence on the initial conditions. The size of the parameter region where consensus can be reached from any initial condition decays as a power-law function of the number of discussed topics.
Related Concept Videos
Protein Networks
These interactions can be represented through maps depicting protein-protein interaction networks, represented as nodes and edges. Nodes are circles that are representative of a protein,...
Random Error
Random Variables
Uppercase letters such as X or Y denote a random variable. Lowercase letters like x or y denote the value of a random variable. If X is a random variable, then X is written in words, and x is given as a number.
For example, let X = the...
Randomized Experiments
Simple randomization
Simple...
Formation of Species
Network Covalent Solids
To break or to melt a covalent network solid, covalent bonds must be broken. Because covalent bonds are relatively strong, covalent network solids are typically...

