An algebra for probabilistic databases
Michael Pittarelli · IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering · 1994
An algebra is presented for a simple probabilistic data model that may be regarded as an extension of the standard relational model. The probabilistic algebra is developed in such a way that (restricted to /spl alpha/-acyclic database schemes) the relational algebra is a homomorphic image of it. Strictly probabilistic results are emphasized. Variations on the basic probabilistic data model are discussed. The algebra is used to explicate a commonly used statistical smoothing procedure and is shown to be potentially very useful for decision support with uncertain information.>