On linear stochastic compartmental models in discrete time

This note presents a general time-dependent study of linear stochastic compartmental models in discrete time. The transient distribution of the state of the system is obtained by adapting methods used in the continuous time analysis. Covariance functions with and without a time lag are then deduced by a simple probabilistic argument. Results are derived in the Markov case and are partly extended to the semi-Markov case. © 1985 Society for Mathematical Biology.SCOPUS: ar.j