Abstract: Acknowledging the expanding role of complex networks in
numerous scientific contexts, we examine significant functional and
topological differences between bridge and brick motifs for predicting
network behaviors and functions. After observing similarities between
social networks and their genetic, ecological, and engineering
counterparts, we identify a larger number of brick motifs in social
networks and bridge motifs in the other three types. We conclude that
bridge and brick motif content analysis can assist researchers in
understanding the small-world and clustering properties of network
structures when investigating network functions and behaviors.
Keywords: Small-world properties; Clustering; Network motif; Complex
network; Strong/weak-tie link