General framework of nonlinear factor interactions using bayesian networks for risk analysis applied to road safety and public health

Abstract In complex systems, understanding the nonlinear interactions among risk factors is essential for accurate risk analysis. However, traditional linear models often fail to capture these complex interdependencies, leading to significant gaps in risk prediction. The aim of this study is to pres...

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Main Author: Cinzia Carrodano
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-08-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13572-5
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author Cinzia Carrodano
author_facet Cinzia Carrodano
author_sort Cinzia Carrodano
collection DOAJ
description Abstract In complex systems, understanding the nonlinear interactions among risk factors is essential for accurate risk analysis. However, traditional linear models often fail to capture these complex interdependencies, leading to significant gaps in risk prediction. The aim of this study is to present a novel approach for risk analysis of nonlinear risk interactions using Bayesian networks (BNs), thereby providing a broadly applicable method for risk management and mitigation. Specifically, this study applies a BN-based framework that integrates conditional dependencies and nonlinear effects to illustrate how multifactor risk interactions operate synergistically. Using a step-by-step approach, the interactions among multiple risk factors are first mathematically formalized, and then this framework is applied to a case study of road safety using crash report data. Additionally, a second validation case in public health (type 2 diabetes risk) is included in supplementary materials to illustrate the broader applicability of the framework. The findings demonstrate through BNs and a mathematical framework, how to analyse complex interactions more accurately than traditional methods can, revealing the amplifying or mitigating effects of individual risk factors on outcomes. This approach offers more accurate risk representations and is applicable not only to road safety but also to complex environments, such as healthcare and environmental risk analysis.
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spelling doaj-art-daee6459ad89464bb63b69dfa6c9f7f52025-08-20T03:45:57ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-08-0115111510.1038/s41598-025-13572-5General framework of nonlinear factor interactions using bayesian networks for risk analysis applied to road safety and public healthCinzia Carrodano0Geneva School of Economics and Management, University of GenevaAbstract In complex systems, understanding the nonlinear interactions among risk factors is essential for accurate risk analysis. However, traditional linear models often fail to capture these complex interdependencies, leading to significant gaps in risk prediction. The aim of this study is to present a novel approach for risk analysis of nonlinear risk interactions using Bayesian networks (BNs), thereby providing a broadly applicable method for risk management and mitigation. Specifically, this study applies a BN-based framework that integrates conditional dependencies and nonlinear effects to illustrate how multifactor risk interactions operate synergistically. Using a step-by-step approach, the interactions among multiple risk factors are first mathematically formalized, and then this framework is applied to a case study of road safety using crash report data. Additionally, a second validation case in public health (type 2 diabetes risk) is included in supplementary materials to illustrate the broader applicability of the framework. The findings demonstrate through BNs and a mathematical framework, how to analyse complex interactions more accurately than traditional methods can, revealing the amplifying or mitigating effects of individual risk factors on outcomes. This approach offers more accurate risk representations and is applicable not only to road safety but also to complex environments, such as healthcare and environmental risk analysis.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13572-5FrameworkRisk analysisNonlinear riskBayesian networksRisk managementRoad safety
spellingShingle Cinzia Carrodano
General framework of nonlinear factor interactions using bayesian networks for risk analysis applied to road safety and public health
Scientific Reports
Framework
Risk analysis
Nonlinear risk
Bayesian networks
Risk management
Road safety
title General framework of nonlinear factor interactions using bayesian networks for risk analysis applied to road safety and public health
title_full General framework of nonlinear factor interactions using bayesian networks for risk analysis applied to road safety and public health
title_fullStr General framework of nonlinear factor interactions using bayesian networks for risk analysis applied to road safety and public health
title_full_unstemmed General framework of nonlinear factor interactions using bayesian networks for risk analysis applied to road safety and public health
title_short General framework of nonlinear factor interactions using bayesian networks for risk analysis applied to road safety and public health
title_sort general framework of nonlinear factor interactions using bayesian networks for risk analysis applied to road safety and public health
topic Framework
Risk analysis
Nonlinear risk
Bayesian networks
Risk management
Road safety
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-13572-5
work_keys_str_mv AT cinziacarrodano generalframeworkofnonlinearfactorinteractionsusingbayesiannetworksforriskanalysisappliedtoroadsafetyandpublichealth