Showing papers by "Andrea Guazzini published in 2009"

Meet, Discuss and Trust each other: large versus small groups

Abstract: In this paper we propose a dynamical interpretation of the sociological distinction between large and small groups of interacting individuals. In the former case individual behaviors are largely dominated by the group effect, while in the latter mutual relationships do matter. Numerical and analytical tools are combined to substantiate our claims.

The emergence of bluff in poker-like games

Abstract: We present a couple of adaptive learning models of poker-like games, by means of which we show how bluffing strategies emerge very naturally, and can also be rational and evolutively stable. Despite their very simple learning algorithms, agents learn to bluff, and the best bluffing player is usually the winner.

Information Processing and Timing Mechanisms in Vision

Abstract: Researches of neural mechanism of time perception is one of the fastest growing areas of neuroscience. The visual system presents several examples of timing mechanisms. Its activity is characterized by a complex network of synchronized elements which cooperate together. Some authors recently proposed that neural circuits should be inherently capable of temporal processing as a result of the natural complexity of cortical networks coupled with the presence of time-dependent network properties. We present an adaptive feedback model which, through a temporal-to-spatial transformation is able to explain recent experiments on the relationships between vision and time/space perception.

The Peace Mediator Effect

Abstract: Statistical mechanics has proven to be able to capture the fundamental rules underlying phenomena of social aggregation and opinion dynamics, well studied in disciplines like sociology and psychology. This approach is based on the underlying paradigm that the interesting dynamics of multi-agent systems emerge from the correct definition of few parameters governing the evolution of each individual. Into this context, we propose a new model of opinion dynamics based on the psychological construct named "cognitive dissonance". Our system is made of interacting individuals, the agents, each bearing only two dynamical variables (respectively "opinion" and "affinity") self-consistently adjusted during time evolution. We also define two special classes of interacting entities, both acting for a peace mediation process but via different course of action: "diplomats" and "auctoritates". The behaviour of the system with and without peace mediators (PMs) is investigated and discussed with reference to corresponding psychological and social implications.