4.7 Article

An influence network model to study discrepancies in expressed and private opinions

Journal

AUTOMATICA
Volume 107, Issue -, Pages 371-381

Publisher

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.automatica.2019.05.059

Keywords

Opinion dynamics; Social network analysis; Networks; Agent-based model; Social conformity

Ask authors/readers for more resources

In many social situations, a discrepancy arises between an individual's private and expressed opinions on a given topic. Motivated by Solomon Asch's seminal experiments on social conformity and other related socio-psychological works, we propose a novel opinion dynamics model to study how such a discrepancy can arise in general social networks of interpersonal influence. Each individual in the network has both a private and an expressed opinion: an individual's private opinion evolves under social influence from the expressed opinions of the individual's neighbours, while the individual determines his or her expressed opinion under a pressure to conform to the average expressed opinion of his or her neighbours, termed the local public opinion. General conditions on the network that guarantee exponentially fast convergence of the opinions to a limit are obtained. Further analysis of the limit yields several semi-quantitative conclusions, which have insightful social interpretations, including the establishing of conditions that ensure every individual in the network has such a discrepancy. Last, we show the generality and validity of the model by using it to explain and predict the results of Solomon Asch's seminal experiments. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Article Automation & Control Systems

Topological Analysis of Vector-Field Guided Path Following on Manifolds

Weijia Yao, Bohuan Lin, Brian D. O. Anderson, Ming Cao

Summary: A path-following control algorithm ensures convergence of system trajectories to a given desired path. Control algorithms using a guiding vector field can guarantee almost global convergence, except for some trajectories that converge to the vector field's singular set. In this article, the guiding vector field is generalized to smooth Riemannian manifolds, and theoretical results are provided from a topological viewpoint regarding the existence of singular points and nonpath-converging trajectories.

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AUTOMATIC CONTROL (2023)

Article Automation & Control Systems

A time-varying network model for sexually transmitted infections accounting for behavior and control actions

Kathinka Frieswijk, Lorenzo Zino, Ming Cao

Summary: This article proposes a stochastic network model for the spread of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), taking into account asymptomatic infected individuals and individuals' behavioral preferences. The research findings indicate that routine screening is crucial for controlling local outbreaks, while condom marketing campaigns are effective only when combined with screening.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROBUST AND NONLINEAR CONTROL (2023)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Local-HDP: Interactive open-ended 3D object category recognition in real-time robotic scenarios

H. Ayoobi, H. Kasaei, M. Cao, R. Verbrugge, B. Verheij

Summary: The Local Hierarchical Dirichlet Process (Local-HDP) allows agents to learn independent topics for each category incrementally and adapt to the environment over time. It autonomously determines the number of topics for each category and uses online variational inference for fast posterior approximation. Experimental results show significant advantages in terms of accuracy, scalability, and memory efficiency compared to other state-of-the-art approaches.

ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS (2022)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Stabilizing and Maneuvering Angle Rigid Multiagent Formations With Double-Integrator Agent Dynamics

Liangming Chen, Mingming Shi, Hector Garcia de Marina, Ming Cao

Summary: This article studies 2D formation stabilization and maneuvering of mobile agents governed by double-integrator dynamics. A carefully chosen set of angle constraints is used to achieve the desired angle rigid formation. Stabilization control law using local velocity and direction measurements is proposed. Formation maneuvering laws are also presented to guide the formation with desired translational velocity, orientation, and scale.

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CONTROL OF NETWORK SYSTEMS (2022)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Angle Rigidity for Multiagent Formations in 3-D

Liangming Chen, Ming Cao

Summary: This article establishes the concept and properties of angle rigidity for 3-D multipoint frameworks and designs control laws to stabilize angle rigid formations of mobile agents in 3-D. The article also investigates methods for constructing angle rigid frameworks and merging two angle rigid frameworks. Additionally, it studies the angle rigidity of convex polyhedra and utilizes the angle rigidity theory to design decentralized formation control strategies.

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AUTOMATIC CONTROL (2023)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Inverse reinforcement learning for identification of linear-quadratic zero-sum differential games

E. Martirosyan, M. Cao

Summary: In this paper, the inverse problem in linear-quadratic zero-sum differential games is addressed. The goal is to evaluate an unknown cost function based on observed trajectories generated by a stationary linear feedback Nash equilibrium pair. A model-based algorithm is introduced to accomplish this task using the given trajectories, combining inverse optimal control and reinforcement learning methods. The algorithm employs gradient descent optimization extensively and its convergence and stability are analyzed. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

SYSTEMS & CONTROL LETTERS (2023)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Wavy Whiskers in Wakes: Explaining the Trail-Tracking Capabilities of Whisker Arrays on Seal Muzzles

Xingwen Zheng, Amar M. Kamat, Ming Cao, Ajay Giri Prakash Kottapalli

Summary: Seals can detect prey up to 180 m away using their flow-sensing whiskers. The undulating morphology of their whiskers reduce vortex-induced vibrations, making them highly sensitive to biologically relevant flow stimuli. This study proposes a mathematical framework to accurately recreate the undulating geometry of harbor and grey seal whiskers. The research also reveals that grey seal whiskers have lower vortex-induced vibrations compared to harbor seal whiskers and a smooth cylinder, making them an ideal template for the biomimetic design of VIV-resistant underwater structures. Additionally, neighboring whiskers in an array influence each other, leading to increased vibrations and a possible signal-strengthening effect.

ADVANCED SCIENCE (2023)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Competitive Epidemic Spreading Over Networks

Mengbin Ye, Brian D. O. Anderson

Summary: This letter proposes an epidemic model for competitive viruses spreading over a metapopulation network, and summarizes the properties of equilibria, convergence results, and stability conditions of the model. It also discusses open problems and extensions of the model.

IEEE CONTROL SYSTEMS LETTERS (2023)

Article Robotics

Guiding Vector Fields for the Distributed Motion Coordination of Mobile Robots

Weijia Yao, Hector Garcia de Marina, Zhiyong Sun, Ming Cao

Summary: In this article, the authors propose coordinating guiding vector fields to achieve the simultaneous guidance, navigation, and motion coordination of a team of robots. The desired motion coordination is achieved by controlling virtual coordinates between guiding vector fields. The authors provide rigorous mathematical guarantees for the distributed motion coordination and navigation of robots on paths or surfaces, backed by dynamical systems theory and Lyapunov theory. The proposed algorithm is scalable and validated through simulations and experiments.

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ROBOTICS (2023)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Convergence Analysis of Dual Decomposition Algorithm in Distributed Optimization: Asynchrony and Inexactness

Yifan Su, Zhaojian Wang, Ming Cao, Mengshuo Jia, Feng Liu

Summary: This article analyzes the convergence of the dual decomposition algorithm in distributed optimization when both communication asynchrony and subproblem solution inexactness exist. The interaction between asynchrony and inexactness slows down the convergence rate from O(1/k) to O(1/v/k). With a constant step size, the objective function value converges to a neighborhood of the optimal value, and the solution converges to a neighborhood of the optimal solution. The violation of constraints diminishes in O(1/ k). Numerical simulations validate the theoretical results.

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON AUTOMATIC CONTROL (2023)

Article Robotics

Spontaneous-Ordering Platoon Control for Multirobot Path Navigation Using Guiding Vector Fields

Bin-Bin Hu, Hai-Tao Zhang, Weijia Yao, Jianing Ding, Ming Cao

Summary: In this article, a distributed guiding vector-field (DGVF) algorithm is proposed for a team of robots to form a spontaneous-ordering platoon moving along a predefined desired path in the n-dimensional Euclidean space. The algorithm eliminates singular points where vector fields vanish and governs robots to approach a closed and self-intersecting desired path. The interactions among neighboring robots and a virtual target robot enable the realization of the desired platoon with relative parametric displacements achieved in arbitrary ordering sequences. Rigorous analysis guarantees the global convergence of the platoon from any initial positions. Experimental validation and numerical simulations demonstrate the algorithm's effectiveness and robustness.

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ROBOTICS (2023)

Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Undulating Seal Whiskers Evolved Optimal Wavelength-to-Diameter Ratio for Efficient Reduction in Vortex-Induced Vibrations

Amar M. Kamat, Xingwen Zheng, Julian Bos, Ming Cao, Michael S. Triantafyllou, Ajay Giri Prakash Kottapalli

Summary: Seal whiskers have an undulating geometry that reduces vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) and aids in tracking prey. Research suggests that the wavelength-to-mean diameter ratio (lambda/Dm) of seal whiskers may have evolved to an optimal value of 4.5 to minimize VIV.

ADVANCED SCIENCE (2023)

Article Engineering, Multidisciplinary

A Polarized Temporal Network Model to Study the Spread of Recurrent Epidemic Diseases in a Partially Vaccinated Population

Kathinka Frieswijk, Lorenzo Zino, Ming Cao

Summary: This study presents a novel multi-population temporal network model for the spread of recurrent epidemic diseases. The research suggests that vaccination campaigns can help reduce pressure on hospitals, but without effective testing campaigns, resurgent outbreaks may still occur. Additionally, the study highlights the negative impact of homophily on local outbreak control.

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NETWORK SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (2023)

Proceedings Paper Engineering, Electrical & Electronic

NATURAL FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS OF SEAL WHISKERS USING A 3D-PRINTED MEMS GRAPHENE-BASED CANTILEVER SENSOR

Xingwen Zheng, Amar M. Kamat, Ming Cao, Ajay Giri Prakash Kottapalli

Summary: Seal whiskers have remarkable hydrodynamic trail tracking capability with different natural frequencies. However, there has been no thorough experimental investigation of the natural frequencies of seal whiskers. In this study, a novel and low-cost methodology was developed using a 3D-printed MEMS cantilever sensor to measure the natural frequencies of seal whiskers.

2022 IEEE 35TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MICRO ELECTRO MECHANICAL SYSTEMS CONFERENCE (MEMS) (2022)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Different Environment Feedback in Fast-Slow Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics and Resulting Limit Cycles

Lulu Gong, Ming Cao

Summary: The fast-slow dynamics of eco-evolutionary systems with feedback actions of environmental resources are studied. It is found that although two drastically different types of resources are considered, the resulting closed-loop systems exhibit similar behavior, including equilibria and stability conditions. Further examination reveals that the global dynamic behaviors of the two types of closed-loop systems can be fundamentally different in terms of limit cycles.

IEEE CONTROL SYSTEMS LETTERS (2022)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Submodularity-based false data injection attack scheme in multi-agent dynamical systems

Xiaoyu Luo, Chengcheng Zhao, Chongrong Fang, Jianping He

Summary: This paper investigates the problem of false data injection attacks in multi-agent dynamical systems and proposes FDI attack set selection algorithms to maximize the convergence error by finding the optimal subset of compromised agents.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Robust state estimation via twisting observer☆

Nitin K. Singh, Abhisek K. Behera

Summary: In this paper, a twisting observer is proposed for robustly estimating the states of a second-order uncertain system. The observer approximates the unknown sign term for the non-measurable state with a delayed output-based switching function, and achieves the desired steady-state accuracy by controlling the delay parameter. The application of the observer to output feedback stabilization is also discussed.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

On the existence of diagonal Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals for a class of nonlinear positive time-delay systems

Alexander Aleksandrov

Summary: This paper investigates the absolute stability problem for positive Persidskii systems with delay, proposes a special construction method for diagonal Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals, and derives a criterion for the existence of such functionals guaranteeing the absolute stability, as well as obtaining sufficient conditions for a family of time-delay Persidskii systems to construct a common diagonal Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional. The efficiency of the developed approaches is demonstrated through four examples.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

A mean field game approach for a class of linear quadratic discrete choice problems with congestion avoidance

Noureddine Toumi, Roland Malhame, Jerome Le Ny

Summary: This paper addresses large multi-agent dynamic discrete choice problems using a linear quadratic mean field games framework. The model incorporates the features where agents have to reach a predefined set of possible destinations within a fixed time frame and running costs can become negative to simulate crowd avoidance. An upper bound on the time horizon is derived to prevent agents from escaping to infinity in finite time. The existence of a Nash equilibrium for infinite population and its epsilon-Nash property for a large but finite population are established. Simulations are conducted to explore the model behavior in various scenarios.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Data-driven fixed-structure frequency-based de2 anddew controller design

Philippe Schuchert, Vaibhav Gupta, Alireza Karimi

Summary: This paper presents the design of fixed-structure controllers for the As2 and Asw synthesis problem using frequency response data. The minimization of the norm of the transfer function between the exogenous inputs and performance outputs is approximated through a convex optimization problem involving Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). A general controller parametrization is used for continuous and discrete-time controllers with matrix transfer function or state-space representation. Numerical results show that the proposed data-driven method achieves performance equivalent to model-based approaches when a parametric model is available.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Graph-based conditions for feedback stabilization of switched and LPV

Matteo Della Rossa, Thiago Alves Lima, Marc Jungers, Raphael M. Jungers

Summary: This paper presents new stabilizability conditions for switched linear systems with arbitrary and uncontrollable underlying switching signals. The study focuses on two specific settings: the robust case with completely unknown and unobservable active mode, and the mode-dependent case with controller depending on the current active switching mode. The technical developments are based on graph-theory tools and path-complete Lyapunov functions framework, enabling the design of robust and mode-dependent piecewise linear state-feedback controllers using directed and labeled graphs.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Decentralized event-triggered estimation of nonlinear systems☆

Elena Petri, Romain Postoyan, Daniele Astolfi, Dragan Nesic, W. P. M. H. (Maurice) Heemels

Summary: This study investigates a scenario where a perturbed nonlinear system transmits its output measurements to a remote observer via a packet-based communication network. By designing both the observer and the local transmission policies, accurate state estimates can be obtained while only sporadically using the communication network.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Robust stutter bisimulation for abstraction and controller synthesis with disturbance

Jonas Krook, Robi Malik, Sahar Mohajerani, Martin Fabian

Summary: This paper proposes a method to synthesise controllers for cyber-physical systems subjected to disturbances, such that the controlled system satisfies specifications given as linear temporal logic formulas. The approach constructs a finite-state abstraction of the original system and synthesises a controller for the abstraction. It introduces the robust stutter bisimulation relation to account for disturbances and uncertainty, ensuring that related states have similar effects under the same controller. The paper demonstrates that the existence of a controller for the abstracted system implies the existence of a controller for the original system enforcing the linear temporal logic formula.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Recursive posterior Cramér-Rao lower bound on Lie groups

Clement Chahbazian, Karim Dahia, Nicolas Merlinge, Benedicte Winter-Bonnet, Aurelien Blanc, Christian Musso

Summary: The paper derives a recursive formula of the Fisher information matrix on Lie groups and applies it to nonlinear Gaussian systems on Lie groups for testing. The proposed recursive CRLB is consistent with state-of-the-art filters and exhibits representative behavior in estimation errors. This paper provides a simple method to recursively compute the minimal variance of an estimator on matrix Lie groups, which is fundamental for implementing robust algorithms.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Evolutionary matrix-game dynamics under imitation in heterogeneous populations

Yiheng Fu, Pouria Ramazi

Summary: This study investigates the characteristics of decision fluctuations in heterogeneous populations and explores the uncertainties in imitation behavior. The findings are important for understanding the bounded rationality nature of imitation behaviors.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Modular model reduction of interconnected systems: A robust performance analysis perspective☆

Lars A. L. Janssen, Bart Besselink, Rob H. B. Fey, Nathan van de Wouw

Summary: This paper introduces a mathematical relationship between the accuracy of reduced-order linear-time invariant subsystem models and the stability and accuracy of the resulting reduced-order interconnected linear time-invariant model. This result can be used to directly translate the accuracy characteristics of the reduced-order subsystem models to the accuracy properties of the interconnected reduced-order model, or to translate accuracy requirements on the interconnected system model to accuracy requirements on subsystem models.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Structural properties of optimal fidelity selection policies for human-in-the-loop queues

Piyush Gupta, Vaibhav Srivastava

Summary: We study the optimal fidelity selection for a human operator servicing tasks in a queue, considering the trade-off between high-quality service and penalty due to increased queue length. By modeling the operator's cognitive dynamics and task fidelity, we determine the optimal policy and value function numerically, and analyze the structural properties of the optimal fidelity policy.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Linearly discounted economic MPC without terminal conditions for periodic optimal operation

Lukas Schwenkel, Alexander Hadorn, Matthias A. Mueller, Frank Allgoewer

Summary: In this work, the authors study economic model predictive control (MPC) in periodic operating conditions. They propose a method to achieve optimality by multiplying the stage cost by a linear discount factor, which is easy to implement and robust against online changes. Under certain assumptions, they prove that the resulting linearly discounted economic MPC achieves optimal asymptotic average performance and guarantees practical asymptotic stability of the optimal periodic orbit.

AUTOMATICA (2024)

Article Automation & Control Systems

Robust tube-based NMPC for dynamic systems with discrete degrees of freedom

Taher Ebrahim, Sankaranarayanan Subramanian, Sebastian Engell

Summary: We propose a robust nonlinear model predictive control algorithm for dynamic systems with mixed degrees of freedom. This algorithm optimizes both continuous and discrete manipulated variables, enhancing closed-loop performance. Our approach relies on a computationally efficient relaxation and integrality restoration strategy and provides sufficient conditions to establish recursive feasibility and guarantee robust closed-loop stability. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated through two nonlinear simulation examples.

AUTOMATICA (2024)