In this instance of the LBD universe, all the interactions in a 30 minute time period are shown in an interactive 3D directed network diagram. (Note: Here we are being somewhat liberal with the application of the phrase "3D", since besides the 2D surface of your computer screen, the third dimension is you and your mouse.) Some information is collapsed into lower dimensions, and some is left off entirely. For example, the dimension of time is not shown. Also, all information which is sent to other participants is represent by a single white line. The arrow on the end of the line represents the node (person) the message was sent to. (Note: Even though the posted data has the name of the recipient, everyone participating in this instance of the LBD universe can read the message, but information can be passed among staff and participants in another dimension called Private messages ).
Imagine a membrane stretched around this directed network diagram such that in encloses the dimensions represented by the nodes (people) and connectors (information). That membrane would then be a brane for the dimensions shown.Please wait while the Applet is loading.
Move your mouse cursor over the picture with the left button held down, to move the display
software courtesy of http://kinemage.biochem.duke.edu/
Each participant is coded with a name next to a sphere. Students start with S, facilitators start with F, and the professor starts with P, and is coded with the color red.
The blue sphere is the polis. The polis is the repository of participating dimension 1 strings.
The size of the spheres (nodes) represent the volume of data received by the node.
All content between nodes is shown as a single line.
The distance between the nodes is determined by the Fruchterman-Reingold algorithm in Pajek. The spacing is proportional to the information flow. The greater the flow of information, the closer the node spacing. Since most participants gave information to the polis, the polis became centered within the network diagram. Equidistant from all other nodes. (Note: The distance between nodes may be analagous to a gravitational field.)