A Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm for enhancing Bayesian Networks hybrid-based modeling

Bayesian Networks are increasingly being used to model complex socio-economic systems by expert knowledge elicitation even when data is scarce or does not exist. In this paper, a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA) is presented for assessing the parameters (input relevance/weights) of fuzzy dependence relationships in a Bayesian Network (BN). The MOEA was designed to include a hybrid model that combines MonteCarlo simulation and fuzzy inference. The MOEA-based prototype assesses the input weights of fuzzy dependence relationships by learning from available output data. In socioeconomic systems, the determination of how a specific input variable affects the expected results can be critical and it is still one of the most important challenges in Bayesian modeling. The MOEA was checked by estimating the migrant stock as a relevant variable in a BN model for forecasting remittances. For a specific year, results showed similar input weights than those given by economists but it is very computationally demanding. The proposed hybrid-approach is an efficient procedure to estimate output values in BN. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.