Higher-order Random Walk Methods for Data Analysis

Tao Wu, Purdue University

Abstract

Markov random walk models are powerful analytical tools for multiple areas in machine learning, numerical optimizations and data mining tasks. The key assumption of a first-order Markov chain is memorylessness, which restricts the dependence of the transition distribution to the current state only. However in many applications, this assumption is not appropriate. We propose a set of higher-order random walk techniques and discuss their applications to tensor co-clustering, user trails modeling, and solving linear systems. First, we develop a new random walk model that we call the super-spacey random surfer, which simultaneously clusters the rows, columns, and slices of a nonnegative three-mode tensor. This algorithm generalizes to tensors with any number of modes. We partition the tensor by minimizing the exit probability between clusters when the super-spacey random walk is at stationary. The second application is user trails modeling, where user trails record sequences of activities when individuals interact with the Internet and the world. We propose the retrospective higher-order Markov process as a two-step process by first choosing a state from the history and then transitioning as a first-order chain conditional on that state. This way the total number of parameters is restricted and thus the model is protected from overfitting. Lastly we propose to use a time-inhomogeneous Markov chain to approximate the solution of a linear system. Multiple simulations of the random walk are conducted to approximate the solution. By allowing the random walk to transition based on multiple matrices, we decrease the variance of the simulations, and thus increase the speed of the solver.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Gleich, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Statistics|Artificial intelligence|Computer science

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