Identifying the parameters of deterministic models - using quadratic programming methods

Deterministic dynamical models are tools that can be used to describe a biological system evolution, namely, a structured population or interacting populations in (aggro)-ecosystems. Such models contain a certain number of parameters. To apply the models, one needs to identify or estimate such parameters from field or experimental data. The paper presents a modification of the least-squares method for parameter estimation which leads to a quadratic programming problem. The method is applied to a succession of seven-spot ladybird population on corn and to a leukaemia-free survival of patients.