Abstract:
Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say) pose an enormous public health risk in eastern North America as the vector responsible for transmitting 7 human pathogens, including those causing the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, Lyme disease. Species distribution modeling is an increasingly popular method for predicting the potential distribution and subsequent risk of blacklegged ticks, however, the development of such models thus far is highly variable and would benefit from the use of standardized protocols. To identify where standardized protocols would most benefit current distribution models, we completed the \"Overview, Data, Model, Assessment, and Prediction\" (ODMAP) distribution modeling protocol for 21 publications reporting 22 blacklegged tick distribution models. We calculated an average adherence of 73.4% (SD ± 29%). Most prominently, we found that authors could better justify and connect their selection of variables and associated spatial scales to blacklegged tick ecology. In addition, the authors could provide clearer descriptions of model development, including checks for multicollinearity, spatial autocorrelation, and plausibility. Finally, authors could improve their reporting of variable effects to avoid undermining the models\' utility in informing species-environment relationships. To enhance future model rigor and reproducibility, we recommend utilizing several resources including the ODMAP protocol, and suggest that journals make protocol compliance a publication prerequisite.
摘要:
黑腿蜱(IxodescapularisSay)在北美东部构成巨大的公共卫生风险,作为负责传播7种人类病原体的媒介,包括美国最常见的媒介传播疾病,莱姆病.物种分布建模是一种越来越流行的方法,用于预测黑腿蜱的潜在分布和后续风险,然而,到目前为止,这种模型的开发是高度可变的,并且将受益于标准化协议的使用。为了确定标准化协议最有利于当前分配模型的位置,我们完成了“概述”,数据,型号,评估,和预测“(ODMAP)分布建模协议,适用于21种出版物,报告22种黑腿蜱分布模型。我们计算的平均依从性为73.4%(SD±29%)。最突出的是,我们发现,作者可以更好地证明他们对变量的选择和相关的空间尺度与黑腿蜱生态学联系起来。此外,作者可以提供更清晰的模型开发描述,包括多重共线性检查,空间自相关,和合理性。最后,作者可以改进他们对可变效应的报告,以避免破坏模型在告知物种-环境关系方面的效用。为了增强未来模型的严谨性和可重复性,我们建议利用几个资源,包括ODMAP协议,并建议期刊将遵守协议作为出版的先决条件。