title: Exploring stochasticity and imprecise knowledge based on linear inequality constraints.
abstract: This paper explores the stochastic dynamics of a simple foodweb system using a network model that mimics interacting species in a biosystem. It is shown that the system can be described by a set of ordinary differential equations with real-valued uncertain parameters, which satisfy a set of linear inequality constraints. The constraints restrict the solution space to a bounded convex polytope. We present results from numerical experiments to show how the stochasticity and uncertainty characterizing the system can be captured by sampling the interior of the polytope with a prescribed probability rule, using the Hit-and-Run algorithm. The examples illustrate a parsimonious approach to modeling complex biosystems under vague knowledge.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Marine Research, PB-1870, 5817, Bergen, Norway. samuels@imr.no.|The Hjort Centre for Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Bergen, Norway. samuels@imr.no.
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Subbey
authors.affiliation: The Hjort Centre for Marine Ecosystem Dynamics, Bergen, Norway.|Institute of Marine Research, Sykehusvegen 23, 9019, Tromsø, Norway.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Planque
authors.affiliation: Institute of Marine Research, Sykehusvegen 23, 9019, Tromsø, Norway.
authors.forename: Ulf
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Lindstrøm
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D020387:Food Chain; D008954:Models, Biological; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013269:Stochastic Processes
keywords: Foodweb; Hit-and-Run; Linear inequality; Polytope; Stochastic