Exponential random graph models to evaluate the movement of backyard chickens after the avian influenza crisis in 2004~2005, Thailand

Poolkhet C, etc.,al. Exponential random graph models to evaluate the movement of backyard chickens after the avian influenza crisis in 2004~2005, Thailand. Prev Vet Med. 2018 Oct 1;158:71-77.
submited by kickingbird at Sep, 20, 2018 10:42 AM from Prev Vet Med. 2018 Oct 1;158:71-77.

The aim of this study was to use exponential random graph models (ERGMs) to explain networks of movement of backyard chickens in provinces which had been hotspots for avian influenza outbreaks in Thailand during 2004-2005. We used structured questionnaires to collect data for the period January to December 2009 from participants who were involved in the backyard chicken farming network in three avian influenza hotspots (Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, and Nakhon Pathom provinces) in Thailand. From 557 questionnaires, we identified nodes, points of entry and exit from nodes, and activities relating to backyard chicken farming and movement of chickens, and generated ERGMs based on non-festive periods (Model 1) and the Chinese New Year period (Model 2). In Model 1, k-star (the central node is connected to k other nodes) connections were predominant (P?