Abstract Modularity introduced by Newman and Girvan [Phys. Rev. E 69, 026113 (2004)] is a quality function for community detection. Numerous methods for modularity maximization have been developed so far. In 2007, Barber [Phys. Rev. E 76, 066102 (2007)] introduced a variant of modularity called bipartite modularity which is appropriate for bipartite networks. Although maximizing the standard mo...

This paper introduces a new representation for assemblies of small Lego-like elements: structures are indirectly encoded as construction plans. This representation shows some interesting properties such as hierarchy, modularity and easy constructibility checking by definition. Together with this representation, efficient GP operators are introduced that allow efficient and fast evolution, as wi...

Objectives of classical projects are usually to apply and synthesize knowledge acquired during courses. Such projects are therefore result oriented. However, within the framework of project-based learning as developed in the new engineering curriculum at Université catholique de Louvain, the project should be oriented towards the acquisition of new knowledge and competencies. In this context, t...

While much has changed in product modularity research in the 18 years since the independence axiom, some basic questions remain unanswered. Perhaps the most fundamental of those questions is whether increasing modularity actually saves money. The goal of the research behind this paper was to clearly define the fundamental relationship between product modularity and product cost. Our previous wo...

We consider a model of daily newspapers’ competition to test the validity of the so called “theory of the circulation spiral”. According to it, the interaction between the newspapers and the advertising markets drives the newspaper with the smaller readership into a vicious circle, finally leading it to death. In a model with two newspapers, we show that, contrary to this conjecture, the dynami...

Modularity refers to the use of common units to create product variants. As companies strive to rationalize engineering design, manufacturing, and support processes and to produce a large variety of products at a lower cost, modularity is becoming a focus. However, modularity has been treated in the literature in an abstract form and it has not been satisfactorily explored in industry. This pap...