Morais, J. V.Custódio, A. L.Marques, G. M.2020-06-032020-06-032019-04-010303-6812PURE: 13511365PURE UUID: fc9ec2d8-32b6-47cd-bc81-83814b77b254Scopus: 85058055792PubMed: 30523383WOS: 000463866000008http://hdl.handle.net/10362/98798Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory aims to capture the quantitative aspects of metabolism at the individual level, for all species. The parametrization of a DEB model is based on information obtained through the observation of natural populations and experimental research. Currently the DEB toolbox estimates these parameters using the Nelder–Mead Simplex method, a derivative-free direct-search method. However, this procedure presents some limitations regarding convergence and how to address constraints. Framed in the calibration of parameters in DEB theory, this work presents a numerical comparison between the Nelder–Mead Simplex method and the SID-PSM algorithm, a Directional Direct-Search method for which convergence can be established both for unconstrained and constrained problems. A hybrid version of the two methods, named as Simplex Directional Direct-Search, provides a robust and efficient algorithm, able to solve the constrained optimization problems resulting from the parametrization of the biological models.20739432engConstrained optimizationDirectional Direct-Search methodsDynamic Energy Budget theoryNelder–Mead Simplex algorithmModelling and SimulationAgricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)Applied Mathematicsjournal article10.1007/s00285-018-1315-xhttps://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85058055792