A category theory approach using preradicals to model information flows in networks

Abstract

Category theory has been recently used as a tool for constructing and modeling an information flow framework. Here, we show that the flow of information can be described using preradicals. We prove that preradicals generalize the notion of persistence in spaces where the underlying structure forms a directed acyclic graph. We show that a particular $\alpha$ preradical describes the persistence of a commutative $G$-module associated with a directed acyclic graph. Furthermore, given how preradicals are defined, they are able to preserve the modeled system's underlying structure. This allows us to generalize the notions of standard persistence, zigzag persistence, and multidirectional persistence.