Parameter Estimation for Stage-duration Models

Estimating how much time an average individual spends in each stage and the probability that an individual transits to a specific stage at a given time are central issues of stageduration models. The models proposed in this book are distinguished by multi-stage models in which the stage of sampled individuals is assessed and the individuals are removed from further consideration. Stage duration and hazard rate in each stage provide a basic understanding of population biology and ecology. Exploring the development in each stage can yield basic understanding of progress of an individual. Treatments can be compared by estimating growth rates of focused stages. By affecting the covariates, new treatments could be developed through the improvement of the growth rates in stages of interest.