Applications and extensions of random forests in genetic and environmental studies [Elektronische Ressource] / von Jacob James Michaelson

Applications and extensions of Random Forestsin genetic and environmental studiesDissertationzur Erlangung des akademischen GradesDoctor rerum naturalium (Dr. rer. nat)vorgelegt an derTechnischen Universität DresdenFakultät InformatikvonJacob James Michaelson, MSgeboren am 22. Oktober 1980 in Bountiful, Utah, USABetreuer: Dr. Andreas BeyerTechnische Universität DresdenBetreuender Hochschullehrer: Prof. Dr. Michael SchroederTechnische Universität DresdenGutachter: Prof. Dr. Joachim SelbigMPI für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, PotsdamTag der Einreichung: 08. 10. 2010Tag der Verteidigung: 20. 12. 2010For JasmineShe openeth her mouth with wisdom;and in her tongue is the law of kindness.— Proverbs 31:26AcknowledgementsThis dissertation represents not only the culmination of more than a tenth of my life, but also the collectiveefforts and sacrifices of many others on my behalf. To all of them I am grateful and indebted.First I wish to thank my advisor, Andreas Beyer, for providing the resources and direction that madeall of my work possible. His keen mind and intuition directed me away from pitfalls and toward success.I thank my loving parents for their constant support and for teaching me to work and to be curiousabout the world. I thank my parents via matrimony for their unwavering support and encouragement, andfor allowing me to temporarily take their daughter and grandson to the other side of the planet.