ABSTRACT
Although the fundamental processes in society (e.g., the need for travel, business, and entertainment) have not changed for as much as the past 1000 years, the complexities of life and the world have been increasing constantly as these processes are being made ever more efficient [25]. The underlying complex systems are often envisioned as networks of mutually interconnected subunits (so-called
structural models, being derived from a physical structure), or as networks capturing interdependencies and relationships (so-called functional models, being derived from a logical structure) [19, 47]. Thus, network models are collections of scalar (often binary) interactions between the pairs of entities. For example, living matter is formed by complex interactions of biomolecules, cells, organs, tissue, individuals, and populations [51]. On the other hand, socioeconomic infrastructures such as telecommunication systems, roads, and distribution of utilities are examples of the largest man-made networks. Notably, the social and biological systems are far more complex than any man-made technology, with the human brain being the most complex structure known in our universe.
