The Multiplex Efficiency Index: unveiling the Brazilian air transportation multiplex network-BATMN

Area of Science:

• Network Science
• Complex Systems Analysis
• Transportation Network Dynamics

Background:

• Modern society relies on interconnected social, economic, and technological structures forming complex networks.
• Multiplex networks, with multiple layers of interaction, require advanced tools for performance and efficiency analysis.
• Understanding diversity within multiplex networks is crucial for interdisciplinary network science.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the Multiplex Efficiency Index (MEI) to quantify temporal changes in connectivity diversity.
• Analyze the evolution of multiplex networks, particularly when the number of layers changes.
• Investigate the impact of privatization and mergers on Brazil's air transportation network using the MEI.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Multiplex Efficiency Index (MEI).
• Application of the MEI to quantify temporal evolution of connectivity diversity.
• Analysis of air passenger transportation data in Brazil.

Main Results:

• The MEI quantifies temporal evolution of connectivity diversity in multiplex networks.
• The index effectively measures fluctuations in network efficiency (0-1 range) regardless of layer count.
• Analysis revealed changes in Brazil's air transportation network due to privatization and mergers.

Conclusions:

• The Multiplex Efficiency Index provides a valuable, unbiased method for evaluating multiplex network performance.
• The MEI enables quantitative analysis of temporal network evolution, independent of layer variations.
• This index is applicable to diverse multiplex networks for performance assessment and historical analysis.