Publication
Title
Inference of the generalized-growth model via maximum likelihood estimation : a reflection on the impact of overdispersion
Author
Abstract
Recently, the generalized growth model was introduced as a flexible approach to characterize growth dynamics of disease outbreaks during the early ascending phase. In this work, by using classical maximum likelihood estimation to obtain parameter estimates, we evaluate the impact of varying levels of overdispersion on the inference of the growth scaling parameter through comparing Poisson and Negative binomial models. In particular, under exponential and sub-exponential growth scenarios, we evaluate, via simulations, the error rate of making an incorrect characterization of early outbreak growth patterns. Simulation results show that the ability to correctly identify early outbreak growth patterns can be affected by overdispersion even when accounted for using the Negative binomial model. We exemplify our findings using data on five different outbreaks. Overall, our results show that estimates should be interpreted with caution when data are overdispersed. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Journal of theoretical biology. - London
Publication
London : 2020
ISSN
0022-5193
DOI
10.1016/J.JTBI.2019.110029
Volume/pages
484 (2020) , 12 p.
Article Reference
UNSP 110029
ISI
000493215700010
Pubmed ID
31568788
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
CalcUA as central calculation facility: supporting core facilities.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 09.12.2019
Last edited 28.11.2024
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