Characterizing time-varying networks: methods and applications

Abstract

The study of real systems via complex networks has been a very active area in recent years. However, much of the progress made during this period is related to the study of the properties of networks with fixed topology (static). Commonly, the study and synthesis of complex networks make use of measures to characterize its main topological attributes. The characterization of the network is useful both in understanding and recognition of real systems and in modeling and simulation of synthetic systems. In the dynamic scenario, the topological structure may vary over time and may even result in the change of system functions and properties under study. Thus, the definition of measures to characterize the structural properties of dynamic networks and their changes over time are essential in many non-stationary scenarios, i.e. the climate.In this context, this research project has as one of its objectives to develop novel approaches to characterize time-varying networks both in micro and in macro scale. In particular, our aim is to extend the model proposed by Quiles et al. [1] to detect community structure in generic networks, such as weighted, directed, and multilayer networks with lower computational complexity. Further, we will scrutinize the particle space proposed in [1] as an alternative representation to compute new characterization measurements. In this research project, we will also investigate the application of the methods for characterizing complex time-varying networks to study the evolution of climate networks. As an initial approach, we will extend the methodologies proposed in [2,3] to examine the evolution of the community structure in climate networks generated from satellite images. Finally, it is worth noting that the results achieved in research will directly contribute to the Thematic Project FAPESP/DFG (Proc. 2015 / 50122-0). The proponent coordinates the subproject C6 which aims to study systematically, via network analysis, the dynamics of the monsoon system South America, particularly the influence of tropical and extra-tropical systems on monsoon system.----Project C6: Complex network analysis of scale-dependent and cross-scale interactions tropical between and extra-tropical climate modes. (AU)