Fuzzy Systems and its Applications

Fuzzy Systems and its Applications

Fuzzy centrality measures and its application in social network analysis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hossein Abdollahipour 1
S. Mahmood Taheri 2
1 College of Engineering Science, Technical Colleges, University of Tehran
2 University of Tehran
10.22034/jfsa.2026.542334.1284
Abstract
This paper explores the use of fuzzy graphs for representing and measuring social relationships. First, the fundamental concepts of fuzzy numbers and fuzzy graphs are introduced, and then classical centrality measures—including degree, betweenness, and closeness centrality—are redefined within the framework of fuzzy graphs. Using a hypothetical faculty collaboration network, the details of the proposed approach are illustrated. This method preserves the inherent uncertainty present in collaboration networks and enables the analysis of relationships among faculty members as well as their relative importance in the network based on different criteria. Subsequently, based on the results of a questionnaire completed by faculty members of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences at the University of Tehran, both a scientific collaboration network and a socio‑cultural interaction network are constructed. The resulting fuzzy networks are then examined and analyzed according to three fuzzy centrality measures.
Keywords
Academic collaboration network
Betweenness centrality measure
Degree centrality measure
Fuzzy graph
Fuzzy numbers
Subjects

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Fuzzy Systems and its Applications
Volume 8, Issue 2 - Serial Number 17
Open Access Statement
December 2025
Pages 275-311

  • Receive Date 09 September 2025
  • Revise Date 31 December 2025
  • Accept Date 18 February 2026