Bayesian Networks

Bayesian Networks, the result of the convergence of artificial intelligence with statistics, are growing in popularity. Their versatility and modelling power is now employed across a variety of fields for the purposes of analysis, simulation, prediction and diagnosis.

Bayesian networks and decision graphs are formal graphical languages for representation and communication of decision scenarios requiring reasoning under uncertainty. Their strengths are two-sided. It is easy for humans to construct and to understand them, and when communicated to a computer, they can easily be compiled. Furthermore, handy algorithms are developed for analyses of the models and for providing responses to a wide range of requests such as belief updating, determining optimal strategies, conflict analyses of evidence, and most probable explanation. The book emphasizes both the human and the computer sides. Part I gives a thorough introduction to Bayesian networks as well as decision trees and infulence diagrams, and through examples and exercises, the reader is instructed in building graphical models from domain knowledge.

Bayesian Networks in R with Applications in Systems Biology introduces the reader to the essential concepts in Bayesian network modeling and inference in conjunction with examples in the open-source statistical environment R. The level of sophistication is gradually increased across the chapters with exercises and solutions for enhanced understanding and hands-on experimentation of key concepts. Applications focus on systems biology with emphasis on modeling pathways and signaling mechanisms from high throughput molecular data.

Bayesian Networks in R with Applications in Systems Biology introduces the reader to the essential concepts in Bayesian network modeling and inference in conjunction with examples in the open-source statistical environment R. The level of sophistication is gradually increased across the chapters with exercises and solutions for enhanced understanding and hands-on experimentation of key concepts. Applications focus on systems biology with emphasis on modeling pathways and signaling mechanisms from high throughput molecular data.

Contributors to this volume elucidate various new developments in these aspects of Bayesian networks (BNs) .