Inference on spatiotemporal dynamics for networks of biological populations

Fuente: arXiv
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Auteurs principaux: Li, Jifan, Ionides, Edward L., King, Aaron A., Pascual, Mercedes, Ning, Ning
Format: Preprint
Publié: 2023
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author Li, Jifan
Ionides, Edward L.
King, Aaron A.
Pascual, Mercedes
Ning, Ning
author_facet Li, Jifan
Ionides, Edward L.
King, Aaron A.
Pascual, Mercedes
Ning, Ning
contents Mathematical models in ecology and epidemiology must be consistent with observed data in order to generate reliable knowledge and evidence-based policy. Metapopulation systems, which consist of a network of connected sub-populations, pose technical challenges in statistical inference due to nonlinear, stochastic interactions. Numerical difficulties encountered in conducting inference can obstruct the core scientific questions concerning the link between the mathematical models and the data. Recently, an algorithm has been developed which enables effective likelihood-based inference for the high-dimensional partially observed stochastic dynamic models arising in metapopulation systems. The COVID-19 pandemic provides a situation where mathematical models and their policy implications were widely visible, and we use the new inferential technology to revisit an influential metapopulation model used to inform basic epidemiological understanding early in the pandemic. Our methods support self-critical data analysis, enabling us to identify and address model limitations, and leading to a new model with substantially improved statistical fit and parameter identifiability. Our results suggest that the lockdown initiated on January 23, 2020 in China was more effective than previously thought. We proceed to recommend statistical analysis standards for future metapopulation system modeling.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2311_06702
institution arXiv
publishDate 2023
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Inference on spatiotemporal dynamics for networks of biological populations
Li, Jifan
Ionides, Edward L.
King, Aaron A.
Pascual, Mercedes
Ning, Ning
Applications
Physics and Society
Populations and Evolution
Mathematical models in ecology and epidemiology must be consistent with observed data in order to generate reliable knowledge and evidence-based policy. Metapopulation systems, which consist of a network of connected sub-populations, pose technical challenges in statistical inference due to nonlinear, stochastic interactions. Numerical difficulties encountered in conducting inference can obstruct the core scientific questions concerning the link between the mathematical models and the data. Recently, an algorithm has been developed which enables effective likelihood-based inference for the high-dimensional partially observed stochastic dynamic models arising in metapopulation systems. The COVID-19 pandemic provides a situation where mathematical models and their policy implications were widely visible, and we use the new inferential technology to revisit an influential metapopulation model used to inform basic epidemiological understanding early in the pandemic. Our methods support self-critical data analysis, enabling us to identify and address model limitations, and leading to a new model with substantially improved statistical fit and parameter identifiability. Our results suggest that the lockdown initiated on January 23, 2020 in China was more effective than previously thought. We proceed to recommend statistical analysis standards for future metapopulation system modeling.
title Inference on spatiotemporal dynamics for networks of biological populations
topic Applications
Physics and Society
Populations and Evolution
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.06702