Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications

A special issue of Mathematics (ISSN 2227-7390). This special issue belongs to the section "Network Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 14387

Special Issue Editors

School of Management, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Interests: complex networks; social networks; technology and product difussion; network effects; big data analytics
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
Interests: additive manufacturing; multi-scale modeling; nanocomposites; metamaterials; applied mechanics; process and system optimization; data analytics; Industry 4.0
School of Modern Post, Xi’an University of Posts & telecommunications, Xi’an 710061, China
Interests: complex network; transportation network; logistics network; network optimization; evolutionary game on network

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Complex network theory has been widely applied in the fields of biology, physics, business, economics, language, transportation, etc. Fruitful research results have been achieved. Early research based on the basic assumptions about pairwise interactions, homogeneity relation, and path-memoryless is not able to capture the important information of complex relations in the real world, such as multiplicity, heterogeneity, and temporal sequences. Recently, more and more works have further considered the rationality of these basic assumptions and some new findings have emerged. This Special Issue focuses on Complex Networks and emphasizes their applications, especially those considering complex relations with properties of multiplicity, heterogeneity, and temporal sequences.

Prof. Dr. Jun Lin
Prof. Dr. Jing Shi
Prof. Dr. Fengjie Xie
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Mathematics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • models of complex networks
  • network structure analysis
  • network evolutionary mechanisms
  • dynamics behaviors
  • important node identification
  • link prediction
  • synchronization in networks
  • evolutionary games in networks
  • algorithms for network analysis
  • temporal and spatial networks
  • multiplex networks
  • heterogeneous networks
  • network visual representation
  • economic or trade networks
  • social network analysis
  • supply chain networks
  • information spreading on social media
  • innovation diffusion in social networks
  • transportation networks
  • information networks

Published Papers (11 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

11 pages, 3870 KiB  
Article
The Generation Mechanism of Degree Distribution with Power Exponent >2 and the Growth of Edges in Temporal Social Networks
by Zhenpeng Li and Luo Li
Mathematics 2023, 11(13), 2882; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/math11132882 - 27 Jun 2023
Viewed by 585
Abstract
The structures of social networks with power laws have been widely investigated. People have a great interest in the scale-invariant generating mechanism. We address this problem by introducing a simple model, i.e., a heuristic probabilistic explanation for the occurrence of a power law. [...] Read more.
The structures of social networks with power laws have been widely investigated. People have a great interest in the scale-invariant generating mechanism. We address this problem by introducing a simple model, i.e., a heuristic probabilistic explanation for the occurrence of a power law. In particular, the proposed model can be used to explain the generative mechanism that leads to the scale-invariant of the degree distribution with a power exponent of τ>2. Furthermore, a stochastic model (the pure birth points process) is used to describe the cumulative growth trend of edges of a temporal social network. We applied our model to online temporal social networks and found that both the degree distribution scaling behaviors and the growth law of edges can be quantitatively reproduced. We gained further insight into the evolution nature of scale-invariant temporal social networks from the empirical observation that the power exponent τ gradually decreases and approaches 2 or less than 2 over evolutionary time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2798 KiB  
Article
Toward Secure and Resilient Networks: A Zero-Trust Security Framework with Quantum Fingerprinting for Devices Accessing Network
by Bassfar Zaid, Ashar Sayeed, Priti Bala, Ali Alshehri, Abdulaziz Mohammed Alanazi and Swaleha Zubair
Mathematics 2023, 11(12), 2653; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/math11122653 - 10 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1314
Abstract
The importance of network security has increased with the emergence of networked systems in contemporary computing, making it an essential aspect of protecting digital assets and safeguarding against cyber threats. The current security mechanisms, which rely on cryptographic keys, may be susceptible to [...] Read more.
The importance of network security has increased with the emergence of networked systems in contemporary computing, making it an essential aspect of protecting digital assets and safeguarding against cyber threats. The current security mechanisms, which rely on cryptographic keys, may be susceptible to a number of attacks, such as media access control (MAC) spoofing, which might provide unauthorized users access to network resources. This study introduces a new approach, namely a zero-trust security framework with quantum fingerprinting for devices accessing a network, that utilizes quantum technology to protect networks from security threats and intruders. The proposed architecture relies on quantum fingerprinting to authenticate devices trying to access the network, and it is built on the zero-trust security concept. The framework is intended to offer a thorough, multi-layered approach to network security that may change in response to evolving security risks and specifications. By protecting against MAC spoofing and other types of device impersonation, the adoption of quantum fingerprinting adds another degree of protection. The proposed framework may be used to construct a reliable and scalable network security solution in different network environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4931 KiB  
Article
How Connected Is China’s Systemic Financial Risk Contagion Network?—A Dynamic Network Perspective Analysis
by Beibei Zhang, Xuemei Xie and Chunmei Li
Mathematics 2023, 11(10), 2267; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/math11102267 - 12 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1065
Abstract
Modeling the effects and paths of systemic financial risk contagion is significant for financial stability. This paper focuses on China’s systemic financial risk from the perspective of dynamic networks. First, we construct a high-dimensional dynamic financial network model to capture risk contagion effects. [...] Read more.
Modeling the effects and paths of systemic financial risk contagion is significant for financial stability. This paper focuses on China’s systemic financial risk from the perspective of dynamic networks. First, we construct a high-dimensional dynamic financial network model to capture risk contagion effects. Second, considering the ripple effect of financial risk contagion, we introduce and improve the basic model of the ripple-spreading network. Finally, small- and medium-sized banks and economic policy uncertainty are selected as the internal and external contagion source, respectively, to simulate the risk of ripple-spreading paths. The results show that financial contagion is more likely to occur within the same industry. The contagion triggered by internal shock first spreads within the same industry, and then to other industries. The contagion triggered by external shock first spreads to banks, then to diversified financial institutions, securities and insurance institutions, successively. Moreover, some small- and medium-sized commercial banks show strong abilities to spread risk ripples. The securities industry is the intermediary layer of the ripple network and plays a leading role in the ripple-spreading process. Therefore, systemic financial risk regulation should focus not only on large financial institutions but also on financial institutions with strong ripple effects. During major risk events, isolating risk intermediary nodes can cut off the paths of risk contagion and mitigate the impact on the whole financial system effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 12334 KiB  
Article
A Methodology for the Analysis of Collaboration Networks with Higher-Order Interactions
by Daniela Aguirre-Guerrero and Roberto Bernal-Jaquez
Mathematics 2023, 11(10), 2265; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/math11102265 - 12 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 945
Abstract
Scientific research often involves collaboration among researchers, and coauthorship networks are a common means of exploring these collaborations. However, traditional coauthorship networks represent coauthorship relations using simple links, i.e., pairwise interactions, which fail to capture the strength of scientific collaborations in either small [...] Read more.
Scientific research often involves collaboration among researchers, and coauthorship networks are a common means of exploring these collaborations. However, traditional coauthorship networks represent coauthorship relations using simple links, i.e., pairwise interactions, which fail to capture the strength of scientific collaborations in either small or large groups. In this study, we propose a novel methodology to address this issue, which involves using a multilayer network model that captures the strength of coauthorship relations and employs a convergence index to identify the collaboration order in which these properties converge. We apply this methodology to investigate the collaborative behavior of researchers in the context of the three main public universities in Mexico over the last decade, using Scopus data as the primary source of information. Our study reveals that community structure emerges in low-order collaborations, and higher-order collaborations lead to increased clustering and centrality measures. Our methodology provides a comprehensive and insightful way of analyzing scientific collaborations and sheds light on the dynamics of scientific collaboration, providing a valuable tool for future studies. Our proposed model and convergence index can be applied to other scientific domains to better capture the strength of collaborations among researchers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 17280 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Characteristics and Speed of Spread of the “FUNA” on Twitter
by Sebastián Moreno, Danilo Bórquez-Paredes and Valentina Martínez
Mathematics 2023, 11(7), 1749; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/math11071749 - 06 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1158
Abstract
The funa is a prevalent concept in Chile that aims to expose a person’s bad behavior, punish the aggressor publicly, and warn the community about it. Despite its massive use on the social networks of Chilean society, the real dissemination of funas among [...] Read more.
The funa is a prevalent concept in Chile that aims to expose a person’s bad behavior, punish the aggressor publicly, and warn the community about it. Despite its massive use on the social networks of Chilean society, the real dissemination of funas among communities is unknown. In this paper, we extract, generate, analyze, and compare the Twitter social network’s spread of three tweets related to “funas” against three other trending topics, through the analysis of global network characteristics over time (degree distribution, clustering coefficient, hop plot, and betweenness centrality). As observed, funas have a specific behavior, and they disseminate as quickly as a common tweet or more quickly; however, they spread thanks to several network users, generating a cohesive group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1421 KiB  
Article
Graph Embedding Method Based on Biased Walking for Link Prediction
by Mingshuo Nie, Dongming Chen and Dongqi Wang
Mathematics 2022, 10(20), 3778; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/math10203778 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1159
Abstract
Link prediction is an essential and challenging problem in research on complex networks, which can provide research tools and theoretical supports for the formation and evolutionary mechanisms of networks. Existing graph representation learning methods based on random walks usually ignore the influence of [...] Read more.
Link prediction is an essential and challenging problem in research on complex networks, which can provide research tools and theoretical supports for the formation and evolutionary mechanisms of networks. Existing graph representation learning methods based on random walks usually ignore the influence of local network topology on the transition probability of walking nodes when predicting the existence of links, and the sampling strategy of walking nodes during random walks is uncontrolled, which leads to the inability of these methods to effectively learn high-quality node vectors to solve the link prediction problem. To address the above challenges, we propose a novel graph embedding method for link prediction. Specifically, we analyze the evolution mechanism of links based on triadic closure theory and use the network clustering coefficient to represent the aggregation ability of the network’s local structure, and this adaptive definition of the aggregation ability of the local structure enables control of the walking strategy of nodes in the random walking process. Finally, node embedding generated based on biased walking paths is employed to solve the link prediction problem. Extensive experiments and analyses show that the TCW algorithm provides high accuracy across a diverse set of datasets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 605 KiB  
Article
Exploring Simulated Residential Spending Dynamics in Relation to Income Equality with the Entropy Trace of the Schelling Model
by Theordoros Panagiotakopoulos, George-Rafael Domenikos and Alexander V. Mantzaris
Mathematics 2022, 10(18), 3323; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/math10183323 - 13 Sep 2022
Viewed by 894
Abstract
The Schelling model of segregation has provided researchers with a simple model to explore residential dynamics and their implications upon the spatial distribution of resident identities. Due to the simplicity of the model, many modifications and extensions have been produced to capture different [...] Read more.
The Schelling model of segregation has provided researchers with a simple model to explore residential dynamics and their implications upon the spatial distribution of resident identities. Due to the simplicity of the model, many modifications and extensions have been produced to capture different aspects of the decision process taken when residents change locations. Research has also involved examining different metrics for track segregation along the trace of the simulation states. Recent work has investigated monitoring the simulation by estimating the entropy of the states along the simulation, which offers a macroscopic perspective. Drawing inspiration from empirical studies which indicate that financial status can affect segregation, a dual dynamic for movements based on identity and financial capital has been produced so that the expenditure of a monetary value occurs during residential movements. Previous work has only considered a single approach for this dynamic and the results for different approaches are explored. The results show that the definition of the expenditure dynamic has a large effect on the entropy traces and financial homogeneity. The design choice provides insight for how the housing market can drive inequality or equality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 44973 KiB  
Article
High-Speed Rail Network Structural Characteristics and Evolution in China
by Lili Xu, Fanrui Su, Jie Zhang and Na Zhang
Mathematics 2022, 10(18), 3318; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/math10183318 - 13 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1226
Abstract
Based on high-speed rail (HSR) network data from 2008 to 2020, this study explores the structural characteristics and evolution of China’s HSR network from the perspective of the overall network and urban node network centrality. We show that the overall connectivity of the [...] Read more.
Based on high-speed rail (HSR) network data from 2008 to 2020, this study explores the structural characteristics and evolution of China’s HSR network from the perspective of the overall network and urban node network centrality. We show that the overall connectivity of the HSR network has improved significantly, whereas the accessibility of the HSR network has improved slightly. Furthermore, both the density and accessibility of the HSR network in different regions gradually show a decreasing trend from the east coast zone to the southwest. We also find that from the perspective of urban node network centrality, cities with high degree centrality and high betweenness centrality are densely distributed along the northern coast, eastern coast, as well as middle reaches of both the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. Finally, the node cities have shown a significant increase in both degree centrality and betweenness centrality; thus, both the hub role and radiation capacity have improved. Our study suggests that the government should closely monitor the development of HSR networks in the western region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4323 KiB  
Article
Research on the Multilayer Network of Relations of Western Agricultural Trade along the Belt and Road
by Fengjie Xie, Xiaoxiao Yin and Ruifen Sun
Mathematics 2022, 10(18), 3298; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/math10183298 - 11 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1128
Abstract
This paper defines the weighted super adjacency matrix based on the existing super adjacency matrix. This paper, for the first time, combines the trade network, competitive network, and complementary network to construct the trade multilayer network, and innovatively defines the interlayer connections. Based [...] Read more.
This paper defines the weighted super adjacency matrix based on the existing super adjacency matrix. This paper, for the first time, combines the trade network, competitive network, and complementary network to construct the trade multilayer network, and innovatively defines the interlayer connections. Based on this, we build trade multilayer networks for three major agricultural products in the western region along the “Belt and Road”. The paper then proposes analytical methods, including a classification algorithm for local network relations and a comparative analysis of trade development priorities based on the local network relations. The former is used to identify and categorize key trading countries and potential trading countries for western agricultural products along the “Belt and Road”. The latter is used to examine the western regions’ order of priority in developing trade relations with the classified countries. According to the findings, category I agricultural trade has 37 key trading countries among the “Belt and Road” countries. Their local network relationships are classified into six groups, and their trade development priorities are classified into four levels. There are 49 key trading countries in category II agricultural trade. Their local network relations can be classified into three groups, and their trade development priorities can be classified into two levels. There are 62 key trading countries in category IV agricultural trade. Their local network relationships are classified into six groups, and their trade development priorities are classified into four levels. Furthermore, only Chile is a potential trading partner in category I agricultural trade. Finally, this paper offers policy recommendations for the development of agricultural trade along the “Belt and Road” in the western region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2549 KiB  
Article
Relationship between the Chinese Main Air Transport Network and COVID-19 Pandemic Transmission
by Min Su, Baoyang Hu, Yipeng Jiang, Zhenchao Zhang and Zeyang Li
Mathematics 2022, 10(13), 2348; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/math10132348 - 05 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1716
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on the civil aviation passenger transport industry. This study analyzes the scale change and spatial distribution of the Chinese main air transport network (CMATN) and its role in the early spread of the pandemic using a [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on the civil aviation passenger transport industry. This study analyzes the scale change and spatial distribution of the Chinese main air transport network (CMATN) and its role in the early spread of the pandemic using a complex network analysis method and econometric model. The result shows that CMATN is mainly located in the economically developed and densely populated central and eastern regions of China. The normalized degree, closeness, and betweenness centralities of CMATN node cities show an overall increasing trend, indicating that the air transport network is constantly improving. There was a significant positive relationship between the centrality of node cities, the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the number of confirmed cases, indicating that air transport networks were crucial in the pandemic’s early spread. Furthermore, social and economic variables such as GDP and population had a significant positive impact on the duration of the pandemic, indicating that higher levels of social and economic development increased the seriousness of the pandemic. Our findings are expected to supplement existing research and serve as a point of reference for pandemic prevention and control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 660 KiB  
Article
The Game Model of Blue Carbon Collaboration along MSR—From the Regret Theory Perspective
by Changping Zhao, Maliyamu Sadula, Xiangmeng Huang, Yali Yang, Yu Gong and Shuai Yang
Mathematics 2022, 10(6), 1006; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/math10061006 - 21 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1912
Abstract
Ocean pollution and global warming are two pressing environmental problems exacerbated by human economic behavior. Building a blue carbon cooperation platform along the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) to promote sustainable development of countries along the route is of practical value to solving these [...] Read more.
Ocean pollution and global warming are two pressing environmental problems exacerbated by human economic behavior. Building a blue carbon cooperation platform along the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) to promote sustainable development of countries along the route is of practical value to solving these two problems. Based on the analysis and review of the latest research on blue carbon, cooperative game and MSR, Weber’s law and regret theory are introduced to establish an economic model of blue carbon international cooperation, which proves the economic feasibility of blue carbon cooperation along MSR. The influence of psychological factors on the decision making of blue carbon international cooperation is also discussed. In addition, the measures to promote international cooperation are also discussed according to the current situation of marine blue carbon resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Complex Networks and Their Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop