13,138 research outputs found
Algebraic geometry of Gaussian Bayesian networks
Conditional independence models in the Gaussian case are algebraic varieties
in the cone of positive definite covariance matrices. We study these varieties
in the case of Bayesian networks, with a view towards generalizing the
recursive factorization theorem to situations with hidden variables. In the
case when the underlying graph is a tree, we show that the vanishing ideal of
the model is generated by the conditional independence statements implied by
graph. We also show that the ideal of any Bayesian network is homogeneous with
respect to a multigrading induced by a collection of upstream random variables.
This has a number of important consequences for hidden variable models.
Finally, we relate the ideals of Bayesian networks to a number of classical
constructions in algebraic geometry including toric degenerations of the
Grassmannian, matrix Schubert varieties, and secant varieties.Comment: 30 page, 4 figure
Semantics, Modelling, and the Problem of Representation of Meaning -- a Brief Survey of Recent Literature
Over the past 50 years many have debated what representation should be used
to capture the meaning of natural language utterances. Recently new needs of
such representations have been raised in research. Here I survey some of the
interesting representations suggested to answer for these new needs.Comment: 15 pages, no figure
Discovery of statistical equivalence classes using computer algebra
Discrete statistical models supported on labelled event trees can be
specified using so-called interpolating polynomials which are generalizations
of generating functions. These admit a nested representation. A new algorithm
exploits the primary decomposition of monomial ideals associated with an
interpolating polynomial to quickly compute all nested representations of that
polynomial. It hereby determines an important subclass of all trees
representing the same statistical model. To illustrate this method we analyze
the full polynomial equivalence class of a staged tree representing the best
fitting model inferred from a real-world dataset.Comment: 26 pages, 9 figure
Credal Networks under Epistemic Irrelevance
A credal network under epistemic irrelevance is a generalised type of
Bayesian network that relaxes its two main building blocks. On the one hand,
the local probabilities are allowed to be partially specified. On the other
hand, the assessments of independence do not have to hold exactly.
Conceptually, these two features turn credal networks under epistemic
irrelevance into a powerful alternative to Bayesian networks, offering a more
flexible approach to graph-based multivariate uncertainty modelling. However,
in practice, they have long been perceived as very hard to work with, both
theoretically and computationally.
The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that this perception is no longer
justified. We provide a general introduction to credal networks under epistemic
irrelevance, give an overview of the state of the art, and present several new
theoretical results. Most importantly, we explain how these results can be
combined to allow for the design of recursive inference methods. We provide
numerous concrete examples of how this can be achieved, and use these to
demonstrate that computing with credal networks under epistemic irrelevance is
most definitely feasible, and in some cases even highly efficient. We also
discuss several philosophical aspects, including the lack of symmetry, how to
deal with probability zero, the interpretation of lower expectations, the
axiomatic status of graphoid properties, and the difference between updating
and conditioning
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