@article{0bdf611f11104c468a0b3a22355a162b,
title = "Discretization of continuous predictor variables in Bayesian networks: An ecological threshold approach",
abstract = "Bayesian networks (BNs) are a popular tool in natural resource management but are limited when dealing with ecological assemblage data and when discretizing continuous variables. We present a method that addresses these challenges using a BN model developed for the Upper Murrumbidgee River Catchment (south-eastern Australia). A selection process was conducted to choose the taxa from the whole macroinvertebrate assemblage that were incorporated in the BN as endpoints. Furthermore, two different approaches to the discretization of continuous predictor variables for the BN were compared. One approach used Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) which estimates the thresholds based on the biological community. The other approach used was the expert opinion. The TITAN-based discretizations provided comparable predictions to expert opinion-based discretizations but in combining statistical rigor and ecological relevance, offer a novel and objective approach to the discretization. The TITAN-based method may be used together with expert opinion.",
keywords = "Aquatic ecology, Bayesian networks, Discretization, Ecological community, Macroinvertebrates, TITAN, Thresholds",
author = "Paloma Lucena-Moya and Renee Brawata and Jarrod KATH and Evan HARRISON and Sondoss ElSawah and Fiona DYER",
note = "Funding Information: This work was carried out with financial support from the Australian Government (through the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and the National Water Commission), the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility , ACTEW Water and the Australian Capital Territory Government . The authors acknowledge the input of Richard Norris, the guidance of Trefor Reynoldson and the work of Sally Hatton and Alica Tschierschke compiling data. The collaborations of the experts R.M.T. (Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Australia) and R.M. (Museum of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia), who offered their opinions is appreciated. We are also very grateful to three anonymous reviewers, editor-in-chief, and handling editor, who made very thorough and helpful revisions to previous versions of the manuscript. Special thanks to the creators of TITAN, M. Baker and R.S King, who always kindly responded our questions regarding this method. Macroinvertebrate data and habitat characteristics were provided by the Institute for Applied Ecology. Climate data were provided by David Post (South Eastern Australia Climate Initiative). Historical water quality and flow data were provided by ACTEW Water and the Governments of the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2014 Elsevier Ltd.",
year = "2015",
month = apr,
day = "1",
doi = "10.1016/j.envsoft.2014.12.019",
language = "English",
volume = "66",
pages = "36--45",
journal = "Environmental Modelling and Software",
issn = "1364-8152",
publisher = "Elsevier BV",
number = "6",
}