Representation of generalized additive models (GAM's) using penalized regression splines allows GAM's to be employed in a straightforward manner using penalized regression methods. Not only is inference facilitated by this approach, but it is also possible to integrate model selection in the...

Models are useful when they are compared with data. Whether this comparison should be qualitative or quantitative depends on circumstances, but in many cases some statistical comparison of model and data is useful and enhances objectivity. Unfortunately, ecological dynamic models tend to contain...

Objective functions that arise when fitting nonlinear models often contain local minima that are of little significance except for their propensity to trap minimization algorithms. The standard methods for attempting to deal with this problem treat the objective function as fixed and employ...

Population dynamic modelling often entails parameterizing quite sophisticated biological and ecological mechanisms. For models of moderate mechanistic complexity, this has traditionally been done in an "ad hoc" manner, with different parameters being estimated independently. The point estimates...

The distribution and biomass of phytoplankton in the upper layers of the ocean are important indicators of productivity and carbon cycling. Large scale perturbations in phytoplankton are linked to global climate change, so accurate monitoring is increasingly important. The chlorophyll-a pigment...