Modeling complex systems

• Grant number: 13/13330-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2013
• End date: March 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Cynthia de Oliveira Lage Ferreira
• Grantee: Cynthia de Oliveira Lage Ferreira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e de Computação (ICMC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Francisco Aparecido Rodrigues ; Pablo Martin Rodriguez

Abstract

This project aims to study complex systems that can be represented as complex networks. We are interested in studying the dynamics of base pairs of DNA (in particular the phenomenon of DNA breathing) in the context of networks, considering the influence of the immediate neighbors to a pair of bases n and also the influence of the genetic code in this dynamic. Furthermore we aimed to analyze networks of actin filaments and propagation of electrical signals along these networks. The actin cytoskeleton are structures found in the cell and that have functions in the support and form, transport of substances and also in cellular signaling process. We will study some measures for the characterization and classification methods for networks with the goal of building a model for networks of actin filaments. Finally, we model the processes of spreading epidemics considering underused properties in the context of networks, which take into account births and deaths, genetics and immunity latency period. (AU)