This paper provides algorithms that use an information-theoretic analysis to learn Bayesian network structures from data. Based on our three-phase learning framework, we develop efficient algorithms that can effectively learn Bayesian networks, requiring only polynomial numbers of conditional independence (CI) tests in typical cases. We provide precise conditions that specify when these algorithms are guaranteed to be correct as well as empirical evidence (from real world applications and simulation tests) that demonstrates that these systems work efficiently and reliably in practice.

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This paper addresses the problem of learning Bayesian network structures from data by using an information theoretic dependency analysis approach. Based on our three-phase construction mechanism, two efficient algorithms have been developed. One of our algorithms deals with a special case where the node ordering is given, the algorithm only require ) ( 2 N O CI tests and is correct given that the underlying model is DAG-Faithful [Spirtes et. al., 1996]. The other algorithm deals with the general case and requires ) ( 4 N O conditional independence (CI) tests. It is correct given that the underlying model is monotone DAG-Faithful (see Section 4.4). A system based on these algorithms has been developed and distributed through the Internet. The empirical results show that our approach is efficient and reliable. 1 Introduction The Bayesian network is a powerful knowledge representation and reasoning tool under conditions of uncertainty. A Bayesian network is a directed acyclic graph ...

We present a new parallel algorithm for learning Bayesian inference networks from data. Our learning algorithm exploits both properties of the MDL-based score metric, and a distributed, asynchronous, adaptive search technique called nagging. Nagging is intrinsically fault tolerant, has dynamic load balancing features, and scales well. We demonstrate the viability, effectiveness, and scalability of our approach empirically with several experiments using on the order of 20 machines. More specifically, we show that our distributed algorithm can provide optimal solutions for larger problems as well as good solutions for Bayesian networks of up to 150 variables. Keywords: Machine Learning, Bayesian Networks, Minimum Description Length Principle, Distributed Systems Support for this research was provided by the Office of Naval Research through grant N0014-94-1-1178, and by the Advanced Research Project Agency through Rome Laboratory Contract Number F30602-93-C-0018 via Odyssey Research As...

As an extension of an overview paper [Pan and McMichael, 1997] on information fusion and Causal Probabilistic Networks (CPN), this paper formalizes kernel algorithms for probabilistic inferences upon CPNs. Information fusion is realized through updating joint probabilities of the variables upon the arrival of new evidences or new hypotheses. Kernel algorithms for some dominant methods of inferences are formalized from discontiguous, mathematics-oriented literatures, with gaps lled in with regards to computability and completeness. In particular, possible optimizations on causal tree algorithm, graph triangulation and junction tree algorithm are discussed. Probanet has been designed and developed as a generic shell, or say, mother system for CPN construction and application. The design aspects and current status of Probanet are described. A few directions for research and system development are pointed out, including hierarchical structuring of network, structure decomposition and adaptive inference algorithms. This paper thus has a nature of integration including literature review, algorithm formalization and future perspective.