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AbstractWe present a novel approach for computing a variant of eigenvector centrality for multilayer networks with inter-layer constraints on node importance. Specifically, we consider a multilayer network defined by multiple edge-weighted, potentially directed, graphs over the same set of nodes with each graph representing one layer of the network and no inter-layer edges. As in the standard eigenvector centrality construction, the importance of each node in a given layer is based on the weighted sum of the importance of adjacent nodes in that same layer. Unlike standard eigenvector centrality, we assume that the adjacency relationship and the importance of adjacent nodes may be based on distinct layers. Importantly, this type of centrality constraint is only partially supported by existing frameworks for multilayer eigenvector centrality that use edges between nodes in different layers to capture inter-layer dependencies. For our model, constrained, layer-specific eigenvector centrality values are defined by a system of independent eigenvalue problems and dependent pseudo-eigenvalue problems, whose solution can be efficiently realized using an interleaved power iteration algorithm. We refer to this model, and the associated algorithm, as the Constrained Multilayer Centrality (CMLC) method. The characteristics of this approach, and of standard techniques based on inter-layer edges, are demonstrated on both a simple multilayer network and on a range of random graph models. An R package implementing the CMLC method along with example vignettes is available at https://hrfrost.host.dartmouth.edu/CMLC/.

Epidemiological data regarding group A streptococcal (GAS) infections in South East Asia are scarce with no information from Laos. We characterized emm types, emm clusters and the antibiotic resistance profile of 124 GAS isolates recovered in Laos during 2004–2013. Most strains were recovered from skin and invasive infections (76% and 19%, respectively). Thirty-four emm types were identified as belonging to 12 emm clusters and no novel emm types were identified. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of emm types or emm clusters according to age or site of recovery (skin or invasive infections). There was moderate strain diversity in this country but considerable differences in emm-type distribution between Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. Vaccine coverage was high for the J8 vaccine candidate. The theoretical coverage for the 30-valent vaccine candidate needs further investigation. Antibiotic resistance was moderate to erythromycin and chloramphenicol (8% and 7%, respectively) and low to ofloxacin (<1%).

Epidemiological data regarding group A streptococcal (GAS) infections in South East Asia are scarce with no information from Laos. We characterized emm types, emm clusters and the antibiotic resistance profile of 124 GAS isolates recovered in Laos during 2004-2013. Most strains were recovered from skin and invasive infections (76% and 19%, respectively). Thirty-four emm types were identified as belonging to 12 emm clusters and no novel emm types were identified. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of emm types or emm clusters according to age or site of recovery (skin or invasive infections). There was moderate strain diversity in this country but considerable differences in emm-type distribution between Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. Vaccine coverage was high for the J8 vaccine candidate. The theoretical coverage for the 30-valent vaccine candidate needs further investigation. Antibiotic resistance was moderate to erythromycin and chloramphenicol (8% and 7%, respectively) and low to ofloxacin (<1%).

One of the most important goals in current fisheries management is to maintain or restore stocks above levels that can produce the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). However, it may not be feasible to achieve MSY simultaneously for multiple species because of trade-offs that result from interactions between species, mixed fisheries and the multiple objectives of stakeholders. The premise in this study is that MSY is a concept that needs adaptation, not wholesale replacement. The approach chosen to identify trade-offs and stakeholder preferences involved a process of consulting and discussing options with stakeholders as well as scenario modelling with bio-economic and multi-species models. It is difficult to intuitively anticipate the consequences of complex trade-offs and it is also complicated to address them from a political point of view. However, scenario modelling showed that the current approach of treating each stock separately and ignoring trade-offs may result in unacceptable ecosystem, economic or social effects in North Sea fisheries. Setting FMSY as a management target without any flexibility for compromises may lead to disappointment for some of the stakeholders. To treat FMSY no longer as a point estimate but rather as a "Pretty Good Yield" within sustainable ranges was seen as a promising way forward to avoid unacceptable outcomes when trying to fish all stocks simultaneously at FMSY. This study gives insights on how inclusive governance can help to reach consensus in difficult political processes, and how science can be used to make informed decisions inside a multi-dimensional trade-off space.