Counting and Conjunctive Queries in the Lifted Junction Tree Algorithm

Standard approaches for inference in probabilistic formalisms with first-order constructs include lifted variable elimination (LVE) for single queries. To handle multiple queries efficiently, the lifted junction tree algorithm (LJT) uses a first-order cluster representation of a knowledge base and LVE in its computations. We extend LJT with a full formal specification of its algorithm steps incorporating (i) the lifting tool of counting and (ii) answering of conjunctive queries. Given multiple queries, e.g., in machine learning applications, our approach enables us to compute answers faster than LJT and existing approaches tailored for single queries.