Global Mean First-passage Time Research Articles

The Global Mean First-Passage Time for Degree-Dependent Random Walks in a Class of Fractal Scale-Free Trees

Fractal scale-free structures are widely observed across a range of natural and synthetic systems, such as biological networks, internet architectures, and social networks, providing broad applications in the management of complex systems and the facilitation of dynamic processes. The global mean first-passage time (GMFPT) for random walks on the underlying networks has attracted significant attention as it serves as an important quantitative indicator that can be used in many different fields, such as reaction kinetics, network transport, random search, pathway elaboration, etc. In this study, we first introduce two degree-dependent random walk strategies where the transition probability is depended on the degree of neighbors. Then, we evaluate analytically the GMFPT of two degree-dependent random walk strategies on fractal scale-free tree structures by exploring the connection between first-passage times in degree-dependent random walk strategies and biased random walks on the weighted network. The exact results of the GMFPT for the two degree-dependent random walk strategies are presented and are compared with the GMFPT of the classical unbiased random walk strategy. Our work not only presents a way to evaluate the GMFPT for degree-dependent biased random walk strategies on general networks but also offers valuable insights to enrich the controlling of chemical reactions, network transport, random search, and pathway elaboration.

Controlling and optimizing the transport (search) efficiency with local information on a class of scale-free trees.

The scale-free trees are fundamental dynamics networks with extensive applications in material and engineering fields owing to their high reliability and low power consumption characteristics. Controlling and optimizing transport (search) efficiency on scale-free trees has attracted much attention. In this paper, we first introduce degree-dependent weighted tree by assigning each edge (x,y) a weight wxy=(dxdy)θ, with dx and dy being the degree of nodes x and y, and θ being a controllable parameter. Then, we design a parameterized biased random walk strategy with the transition probability depending on the local information (the degree of neighboring nodes) and a parameter θ. Finally, we evaluate analytically the global mean first-passage time, which is an important indicator for measuring the transport (search) efficiency on the underlying networks, and find the interval for parameter θ where transport (search) efficiency can be improved on a class of scale-free trees. We also analyze the (transfinite) walk dimension for our biased random walk on the scale-free trees and find one can obtain arbitrary transfinite walk dimension in an interval by properly tuning the biased parameter θ. The results obtained here would shed light on controlling and optimizing transport (search) efficiency on objects with scale-free tree structures.

First-passage properties of bundled networks.

Bundled networks, obtained by attaching a copy of a fiber structure to each node on the base structure, serve as important realistic models for the geometry and dynamics of nontranslationally invariant systems in condensed matter physics. Here, we analyze the first-passage properties, including the mean first-passage time, the mean-trapping time, the global-mean first-passage time (GFPT), and the stationary distribution, of a biased random walk within such networks, in which a random walker moves to a neighbor on base with probability γ and to a neighbor on fiber with probability 1-γ when the walker at a node on base. We reveal the primary properties of both the base and fiber structure, which govern the first-passage characteristics of the bundled network. Explicit expressions between these quantities in the bundled networks and the related quantities in the component structures are presented. GFPT serves as a crucial indicator for evaluating network transport efficiency. Unexpectedly, bases and fibers with similar scaling of GFPT can construct bundled networks exhibiting different scaling behaviors of GFPT. Therefore, bundled networks can be tailored to accommodate specific dynamic property requirements by choosing a suitable base and fiber structure. These findings contribute to advancing the design and optimization of network structures.

Study of Random Walk Invariants for Spiro-Ring Network Based on Laplacian Matrices

The use of the global mean first-passage time (GMFPT) in random walks on networks has been widely explored in the field of statistical physics, both in theory and practical applications. The GMFPT is the estimated interval of time needed to reach a state j in a system from a starting state i. In contrast, there exists an intrinsic measure for a stochastic process, known as Kemeny’s constant, which is independent of the initial state. In the literature, it has been used as a measure of network efficiency. This article deals with a graph-spectrum-based method for finding both the GMFPT and Kemeny’s constant of random walks on spiro-ring networks (that are organic compounds with a particular graph structure). Furthermore, we calculate the Laplacian matrix for some specific spiro-ring networks using the decomposition theorem of Laplacian polynomials. Moreover, using the coefficients and roots of the resulting matrices, we establish some formulae for both GMFPT and Kemeny’s constant in these spiro-ring networks.

Fractal and first-passage properties of a class of self-similar networks.

A class of self-similar networks, obtained by recursively replacing each edge of the current network with a well-designed structure (generator) and known as edge-iteration networks, has garnered considerable attention owing to its role in presenting rich network models to mimic real objects with self-similar structures. The generator dominates the structural and dynamic properties of edge-iteration networks. However, the general relationships between these networks' structural and dynamic properties and their generators remain unclear. We study the fractal and first-passage properties, such as the fractal dimension, walk dimension, resistance exponent, spectral dimension, and global mean first-passage time, which is the mean time for a walker, starting from a randomly selected node and reaching the fixed target node for the first time. We disclose the properties of the generators that dominate the fractal and first-passage properties of general edge-iteration networks. A clear relationship between the fractal and first-passage properties of the edge-iteration networks and the related properties of the generators are presented. The upper and lower bounds of these quantities are also discussed. Thus, networks can be customized to meet the requirements of fractal and dynamic properties by selecting an appropriate generator and tuning their structural parameters. The results obtained here shed light on the design and optimization of network structures.

Random Walks on Networks with Centrality-Based Stochastic Resetting

We introduce a refined way to diffusely explore complex networks with stochastic resetting where the resetting site is derived from node centrality measures. This approach differs from previous ones, since it not only allows the random walker with a certain probability to jump from the current node to a deliberately chosen resetting node, rather it enables the walker to jump to the node that can reach all other nodes faster. Following this strategy, we consider the resetting site to be the geometric center, the node that minimizes the average travel time to all the other nodes. Using the established Markov chain theory, we calculate the Global Mean First Passage Time (GMFPT) to determine the search performance of the random walk with resetting for different resetting node candidates individually. Furthermore, we compare which nodes are better resetting node sites by comparing the GMFPT for each node. We study this approach for different topologies of generic and real-life networks. We show that, for directed networks extracted for real-life relationships, this centrality focused resetting can improve the search to a greater extent than for the generated undirected networks. This resetting to the center advocated here can minimize the average travel time to all other nodes in real networks as well. We also present a relationship between the longest shortest path (the diameter), the average node degree and the GMFPT when the starting node is the center. We show that, for undirected scale-free networks, stochastic resetting is effective only for networks that are extremely sparse with tree-like structures as they have larger diameters and smaller average node degrees. For directed networks, the resetting is beneficial even for networks that have loops. The numerical results are confirmed by analytic solutions. Our study demonstrates that the proposed random walk approach with resetting based on centrality measures reduces the memoryless search time for targets in the examined network topologies.

Matrix Analysis of Hexagonal Model and Its Applications in Global Mean-First-Passage Time of Random Walks

Recent advances in graph-structured learning have demonstrated promising results on the graph classification task. However, making them scalable on huge graphs with millions of nodes and edges remains challenging due to their high temporal complexity. In this paper, by the decomposition theorem of Laplacian polynomial and characteristic polynomial we established an explicit closed-form formula of the global mean-first-passage time (GMFPT) for hexagonal model. Our method is based on the concept of GMFPT, which represents the expected values when the walk begins at the vertex. GMFPT is a crucial metric for estimating transport speed for random walks on complex networks. Through extensive matrix analysis, we show that, obtaining GMFPT via spectrums provides an easy calculation in terms of large networks.

Spectrum of prism graph and relation with network related quantities

<abstract><p>Spectra of network related graphs have numerous applications in computer sciences, electrical networks and complex networks to explore structural characterization like stability and strength of these different real-world networks. In present article, our consideration is to compute spectrum based results of generalized prism graph which is well-known planar and polyhedral graph family belongs to the generalized Petersen graphs. Then obtained results are applied to compute some network related quantities like global mean-first passage time, average path length, number of spanning trees, graph energies and spectral radius.</p></abstract>

Optimizing the First-Passage Process on a Class of Fractal Scale-Free Trees

First-passage processes on fractals are of particular importance since fractals are ubiquitous in nature, and first-passage processes are fundamental dynamic processes that have wide applications. The global mean first-passage time (GMFPT), which is the expected time for a walker (or a particle) to first reach the given target site while the probability distribution for the position of target site is uniform, is a useful indicator for the transport efficiency of the whole network. The smaller the GMFPT, the faster the mass is transported on the network. In this work, we consider the first-passage process on a class of fractal scale-free trees (FSTs), aiming at speeding up the first-passage process on the FSTs. Firstly, we analyze the global mean first-passage time (GMFPT) for unbiased random walks on the FSTs. Then we introduce proper weight, dominated by a parameter w (w > 0), to each edge of the FSTs and construct a biased random walks strategy based on these weights. Next, we analytically evaluated the GMFPT for biased random walks on the FSTs. The exact results of the GMFPT for unbiased and biased random walks on the FSTs are both obtained. Finally, we view the GMFPT as a function of parameter w and find the point where the GMFPT achieves its minimum. The exact result is obtained and a way to optimize and speed up the first-passage process on the FSTs is presented.

Spectral analysis of three invariants associated to random walks on rounded networks with 2n-pentagons

A network is defined as an abstract structure that consists of nodes that are connected by links. In this paper, we study two types of rounded networks (resp., ). By using the recursive relation, we obtain all the eigenvalues and their multiplicities with regards to the associated Laplacian matrix. Meanwhile, we utilize the corresponding relationship between the roots and the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial. Based on these relationships, we obtain the analytical expressions for the sum of the reciprocals of all nonzero Laplacian eigenvalues. By the decomposition theorem of Laplacian polynomial, we obtained an explicit closed-form formula of the Kirchhoff index for . As an application of the Laplacian spectra, we reduce the number of spanning trees and the global mean-first passage time for . Furthermore, we show that the Kirchhoff index of is approximately to of its Wiener index. In view of our obtained results, all the corresponding results are considered for .

Efficiency of long-range navigation on Treelike fractals

Abstract To get a deep understanding of a diffusion process and realizing the most efficient methods for investigating a real network, has always been of great interest and utility to us. In this work, we aim to study and compare our mobility in a network using a normal random walk and a long-range navigation strategy such as Levy Walk. We study the Global Mean First Traverse Distance (GMFTD) and the entropy rate for this long-range navigation process and later, compare with a normal walk strategy. For this study, GMFTD is utilized instead of Global Mean First Passage Time (GMFPT). The reason for such a choice is the fact that for more accurate and precise results, we need to also take into account the cost of a large step in case of a long-range navigation strategy. Next, we continue by calculating the entropy rate in both procedures and we derive the corresponding expressions of these quantities on a Treelike fractal. Eventually, we show that while GMFTD decreases in a long-range navigation system, entropy rate will increase. We perform an analytical comparison between the two cases and clearly demonstrate the superiority of a Levy Walk strategy. Eventually, our simulation results, based on the derived expressions, give us a very reliable estimation for the optimum value of exponent parameter, α, which are in strong agreement with each other for both cases of a minimum GMFTD and a maximum entropy rate.

Exact results for the first-passage properties in a class of fractal networks.

In this work, we consider a class of recursively grown fractal networks Gn(t) whose topology is controlled by two integer parameters, t and n. We first analyse the structural properties of Gn(t) (including fractal dimension, modularity, and clustering coefficient), and then we move to its transport properties. The latter are studied in terms of first-passage quantities (including the mean trapping time, the global mean first-passage time, and Kemeny's constant), and we highlight that their asymptotic behavior is controlled by the network's size and diameter. Remarkably, if we tune n (or, analogously, t) while keeping the network size fixed, as n increases (t decreases) the network gets more and more clustered and modular while its diameter is reduced, implying, ultimately, a better transport performance. The connection between this class of networks and models for polymer architectures is also discussed.

Laplacian Spectra for Categorical Product Networks and Its Applications

The Kirchhoff index, global mean-first passage time, average path length and number of spanning trees are of great importance in the field of networking. The “Kirchhoff index” is known as a structure descriptor index. The “global mean-first passage time” is known as a measure for nodes that are quickly reachable from the whole network. The “average path length” is a measure of the efficiency of information or mass transport on a network, and the “number of spanning trees” is used to minimize the cost of power networks, wiring connections, etc. In this paper, we have selected a complex network based on a categorical product and have used the spectrum approach to find the Kirchhoff index, global mean-first passage time, average path length and number of spanning trees. We find the expressions for the product and sum of reciprocals of all nonzero eigenvalues of a categorical product network with the help of the eigenvalues of the path and cycles.

Spectral analysis for a family of treelike networks

For a network, knowledge of its Laplacian eigenvalues is central to understand its structure and dynamics. In this paper, we study the Laplacian spectra and their applications for a family of treelike networks. Firstly, in order to obtain the Laplacian spectra, we calculate the constant term and monomial coefficient of characteristic polynomial of the Laplacian matrix for a family of treelike networks. By using the Vieta theorem, we then obtain the sum of reciprocals of all nonzero eigenvalues of Laplacian matrix. Finally, we determine some interesting quantities that are related to the sum of reciprocals of all nonzero eigenvalues of Laplacian matrix, such as Kirchhoff index, global mean-first passage time (GMFPT).

Cover time for random walks on arbitrary complex networks.

We present an analytical method for computing the mean cover time of a discrete-time random walk process on arbitrary, complex networks. The cover time is defined as the time a random walker requires to visit every node in the network at least once. This quantity is particularly important for random search processes and target localization on network structures. Based on the global mean first-passage time of target nodes, we derive a method for computing the cumulative distribution function of the cover time based on first-passage time statistics. Our method is viable for networks on which random walks equilibrate quickly. We show that it can be applied successfully to various model and real-world networks. Our results reveal an intimate link between first-passage and cover time statistics and offer a computationally efficient way for estimating cover times in network-related applications.

Selection of Random Walkers that Optimizes the Global Mean First-Passage Time for Search in Complex Networks

We design a method to optimize the global mean first-passage time (GMFPT) of multiple random walkers searching in complex networks for a general target, without specifying the property of the target node. According to the Laplace transformed formula of the GMFPT, we can equivalently minimize the overlap between the probability distribution of sites visited by the random walkers. We employ a mutation only genetic algorithm to solve this optimization problem using a population of walkers with different starting positions and a corresponding mutation matrix to modify them. The numerical experiments on two kinds of random networks (WS and BA) show satisfactory results in selecting the origins for the walkers to achieve minimum overlap. Our method thus provides guidance for setting up the search process by multiple random walkers on complex networks.

Extended Vicsek fractals: Laplacian spectra and their applications.

Extended Vicsek fractals (EVF) are the structures constructed by introducing linear spacers into traditional Vicsek fractals. Here we study the Laplacian spectra of the EVF. In particularly, the recurrence relations for the Laplacian spectra allow us to obtain an analytic expression for the sum of all inverse nonvanishing Laplacian eigenvalues. This quantity characterizes the large-scale properties, such as the gyration radius of the polymeric structures, or the global mean-first passage time for the random walk processes. Introduction of the linear spacers leads to local heterogeneities, which reveal themselves, for example, in the dynamics of EVF under external forces.

Influence of weight heterogeneity on random walks in scale-free networks

Many systems are best described by weighted networks, in which the weights of the edges are heterogeneous. In this paper, we focus on random walks in weighted network, investigating the impacts of weight heterogeneity on the behavior of random walks. We study random walks in a family of weighted scale-free tree-like networks with power-law weight distribution. We concentrate on three cases of random walk problems: with a trap located at a hub node, a leaf adjacent to a hub node, and a farthest leaf node from a hub. For all these cases, we calculate analytically the global mean first passage time (GMFPT) measuring the efficiency of random walk, as well as the leading scaling of GMFPT. We find a significant decrease in the dominating scaling of GMFPT compared with the corresponding binary networks in all three random walk problems, which implies that weight heterogeneity has a significant influence on random walks in scale-free networks.

Hitting and trapping times on branched structures.

In this work we consider a simple random walk embedded in a generic branched structure and we find a close-form formula to calculate the hitting time H(i,f) between two arbitrary nodes i and j. We then use this formula to obtain the set of hitting times {H(i,f)} for combs and their expectation values, namely, the mean first-passage time, where the average is performed over the initial node while the final node f is given, and the global mean first-passage time, where the average is performed over both the initial and the final node. Finally, we discuss applications in the context of reaction-diffusion problems.

Mean first passage time for random walk on dual structure of dendrimer

The random walk approach has recently been widely employed to study the relations between the underlying structure and dynamic of complex systems. The mean first-passage time (MFPT) for random walks is a key index to evaluate the transport efficiency in a given system. In this paper we study analytically the MFPT in a dual structure of dendrimer network, Husimi cactus, which has different application background and different structure (contains loops) from dendrimer. By making use of the iterative construction, we explicitly determine both the partial mean first-passage time (PMFT, the average of MFPTs to a given target) and the global mean first-passage time (GMFT, the average of MFPTs over all couples of nodes) on Husimi cactus. The obtained closed-form results show that PMFPT and EMFPT follow different scaling with the network order, suggesting that the target location has essential influence on the transport efficiency. Finally, the impact that loop structure could bring is analyzed and discussed.