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research article

Information propagation in Gaussian processes on multilayer networks

Nicoletti, Giorgio  
•
Busiello, Daniel Maria
December 1, 2024
Journal of Physics: Complexity

Complex systems with multiple processes evolving on different temporal scales are naturally described by multilayer networks, where each layer represents a different timescale. In this work, we show how the multilayer structure shapes the generation and propagation of information between layers. We derive a general decomposition of the multilayer probability for continuous stochastic processes described by Fokker-Planck operators. In particular, we focus on Gaussian processes, for which this solution can be obtained analytically. By explicitly computing the mutual information between the layers, we derive the fundamental principles that govern how information is propagated by the topology of the multilayer network. In particular, we unravel how edges between nodes in different layers affect their functional couplings. We find that interactions from fast to slow layers alone do not generate information, leaving the layers statistically independent even if they affect their dynamical evolution. On the other hand, interactions from slow to fast nodes lead to non-zero mutual information, which can then be propagated along specific paths of interactions between layers. We employ our results to study the interplay between information and stability, identifying the critical layers that drive information when pushed to the edge of stability. Our work generalizes previous results obtained in the context of discrete stochastic processes, allowing us to understand how the multilayer nature of complex systems affects their functional structure.

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Type
research article
DOI
10.1088/2632-072X/ad7f16
Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85206533447

Author(s)
Nicoletti, Giorgio  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Busiello, Daniel Maria

Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems

Date Issued

2024-12-01

Published in
Journal of Physics: Complexity
Volume

5

Issue

4

Article Number

045004

Subjects

Information theory

•

multilayer networks

•

stochastic processes

Editorial or Peer reviewed

REVIEWED

Written at

EPFL

EPFL units
ECHO  
FunderFunding(s)Grant NumberGrant URL

Swiss National Science Foundation

CRSII5_186422

Available on Infoscience
January 25, 2025
Use this identifier to reference this record
https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/244009
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