A Method for Implementing a Probabilistic Model as a Relational Database

This paper discusses a method for implementing a probabilistic inference system based on an extended relational data model. This model provides a unified approach for a variety of applications such as dynamic programming, solving sparse linear equations, and constraint propagation. In this framework, the probability model is represented as a generalized relational database. Subsequent probabilistic requests can be processed as standard relational queries. Conventional database management systems can be easily adopted for implementing such an approximate reasoning system.

Contextual Weak Independence in Bayesian Networks

It is well-known that the notion of (strong) conditional independence (CI) is too restrictive to capture independencies that only hold in certain contexts. This kind of contextual independency, called context-strong independence (CSI), can be used to facilitate the acquisition, representation, and inference of probabilistic knowledge. In this paper, we suggest the use of contextual weak independence (CWI) in Bayesian networks. It should be emphasized that the notion of CWI is a more general form of contextual independence than CSI. Furthermore, if the contextual strong independence holds for all contexts, then the notion of CSI becomes strong CI. On the other hand, if the weak contextual independence holds for all contexts, then the notion of CWI becomes weak independence (WI) nwhich is a more general noncontextual independency than strong CI. More importantly, complete axiomatizations are studied for both the class of WI and the class of CI and WI together. Finally, the interesting property of WI being a necessary and sufficient condition for ensuring consistency in granular probabilistic networks is shown.