Proficiency in mathematics and statistics is essential to modern ecological science, yet few studies have assessed the level of quantitative training received by ecologists. To do so, we conducted an online survey. The 937 respondents were mostly early-career scientists who studied biology as undergraduates. We found a clear self-perceived lack of quantitative training: 75% were not satisfied with their understanding of mathematical models; 75% felt that the level of mathematics was "too low" in their ecology classes; 90% wanted more mathematics classes for ecologists; and 95% more statistics classes. Respondents thought that 30% of classes in ecology-related degrees should be focused on quantitative disciplines, which is likely higher than for most existing programs. The main suggestion to improve quantitative training was to relate theoretical and statistical modeling to applied ecological problems. Improving quantitative training will require dedicated, quantitative classes for ecology-related degrees that contain good mathematical and statistical practice.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3961151 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.285 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Background: Current guidelines recommend empiric antibiotic therapy for patients who require hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We sought to determine whether clinical, imaging or laboratory features in patients hospitalized for CAP in whom PCR is positive for a respiratory virus enable exclusion of bacterial coinfection so that antibiotics can be withheld.
Methods: For this prospective study, we selected patients in whom an etiologic diagnosis was likely to be reached, namely those who provided a high-quality sputum sample at or shortly after admission, and in whom PCR was done to test for a respiratory virus.
What is the influence of psychosocial factors on artificial intelligence appropriation in college students?
BMC Psychol
January 2025
Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Perú.
Background: In recent years, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly relevant in various sectors, including higher education. This study investigates the psychosocial factors influencing AI adoption among Peruvian university students and uses an extended UTAUT2 model to examine various constructs that may impact AI acceptance and use.
Method: This study employed a quantitative approach with a survey-based design.
Cordycepin affects Streptococcus mutans biofilm and interferes with its metabolism.
BMC Oral Health
January 2025
Academy of Medical Engineering and Transform Medicine, Tianjin University, No.92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China.
Background: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) contributes to caries. The biofilm formed by S.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHealth commodity management information system (Dagu-2 Software) implementation status in public health facilities of South-western Oromia, Ethiopia: a mixed method study.
BMC Health Serv Res
January 2025
Logistics Education (LEED) at Kühne Foundation, Hamburg, Germany.
Background: To ensure the complete traceability of healthcare commodities, robust end-to-end data management protocols are needed for the supply chain. In Ethiopia, digital tools like Dagu-2 are used in the lower levels of the healthcare supply chain. However, there is a lack of information regarding the implementation status, factors, and challenges of Dagu-2, as it is a recent upgrade from the offline Dagu-1 application.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEffectiveness of a scapular exercise program on functional outcomes in patients with hand, wrist or elbow disorders: A comprehensive systematic review with meta-analysis.
J Hand Ther
January 2025
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
Background: Usually, patients with hand, wrist/forearm disorders report musculoskeletal complaints in the shoulder. Although, role of scapula is fundamental for movement and functional stability across the upper limb kinetic chain; however, there are no systematic reviews and meta-analyses that have analyzed the effect of scapular exercises in these patients.
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a scapular exercise program on functional outcomes in patients with hand, wrist or elbow disorders.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!