scholarly journals A Global Meta-Analysis for Estimating Local Ecosystem Service Value Functions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Norberto Lacerda Magalhães Filho ◽  
Peter Cornelis Roebeling ◽  
Maria Isabel Bastos ◽  
Waldecy Rodrigues ◽  
Giulia Claudia Ometto
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Explanatory Variable ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Value Functions ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Regression Functions ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Analyses

Meta-analysis has increasingly been used to synthesize the ecosystem services literature, with some testing of the use of such analyses to transfer benefits. These are typically based on local primary studies. However, meta-analyses associated with ecosystem services are a potentially powerful tool for transferring benefits, especially for environmental assets for which no primary studies are available. In this study we use the Ecosystem Service Valuation Database (ESVD), which brings together 1350 value estimates from more than 320 studies around the world, to estimate meta-regression functions for provisioning, regulating & maintenance and cultural ecosystem services across 12 biomes. We tested the reliability of these meta-regression functions and found that even using variables with high explanatory power, transfer errors could still be large. We show that meta-analytic transfer performs better than simple value transfer and, in addition, that local meta-analytical transfer (i.e. based on local explanatory variable values) provides more reliable estimates than global meta-analytical transfer (i.e. based on mean global explanatory variable values). Thus, we conclude that when taking into account the characteristics of the study area under analysis, including explanatory variables such as income, population density and protection status, we can determine the value of ecosystem services with greater accuracy.

scholarly journals A Global Meta-Analysis for Estimating Local Ecosystem Service Value Functions

Environments ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Luiz Magalhães Filho ◽  
Peter Roebeling ◽  
Maria Isabel Bastos ◽  
Waldecy Rodrigues ◽  
Giulia Ometto
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Explanatory Variable ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Value Functions ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Regression Functions ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Analyses

The Meta-analysis has increasingly been used to synthesize the ecosystem services literature, with some testing of the use of such analyses to transfer benefits. These are typically based on local primary studies. However, meta-analyses associated with ecosystem services are a potentially powerful tool for transferring benefits, especially for environmental assets for which no primary studies are available. In this study we use the Ecosystem Service Valuation Database (ESVD), which brings together 1350 value estimates from more than 320 studies around the world, to estimate meta-regression functions for Provisioning, Regulating and maintenance, and Cultural ecosystem services across 12 biomes. We tested the reliability of these meta-regression functions and found that even using variables with high explanatory power, transfer errors could still be large. We show that meta-analytic transfer performs better than simple value transfer and, in addition, that local meta-analytical transfer (i.e., based on local explanatory variable values) provides more reliable estimates than global meta-analytical transfer (i.e., based on mean global explanatory variable values). Thus, we conclude that when taking into account the characteristics of the study area under analysis, including explanatory variables such as income, population density, and protection status, we can determine the value of ecosystem services with greater accuracy.

scholarly journals Using Meta-Analysis for Large-Scale Ecosystem Service Valuation: Progress, Prospects, and Challenges

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-63
Author(s):  
Robert J. Johnston ◽  
Dana Marie Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Riparian Buffer ◽  
Ecosystem Service Valuation ◽  
Validity Criteria ◽  
Meta Regression

AbstractThis article discusses prospects and challenges related to the use of meta-regression models (MRMs) for ecosystem service benefit transfer, with an emphasis on validity criteria and post-estimation procedures given sparse attention in the ecosystem services literature. We illustrate these topics using a meta-analysis of willingness to pay for water quality changes that support aquatic ecosystem services and the application of this model to estimate water quality benefits under alternative riparian buffer restoration scenarios in New Hampshire's Great Bay Watershed. These illustrations highlight the advantages of MRM benefit transfers, together with the challenges and data needs encountered when quantifying ecosystem service values.

Statistical and measurement pitfalls in the use of meta-regression in meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 469-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank L. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Organizational Behavior ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marketing Social ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Almost All

Purpose Meta-regression is widely used and misused today in meta-analyses in psychology, organizational behavior, marketing, management, and other social sciences, as an approach to the identification and calibration of moderators, with most users being unaware of serious problems in its use. The purpose of this paper is to describe nine serious methodological problems that plague applications of meta-regression. Design/methodology/approach This paper is methodological in nature and is based on well-established principles of measurement and statistics. These principles are used to illuminate the potential pitfalls in typical applications of meta-regression. Findings The analysis in this paper demonstrates that many of the nine statistical and measurement pitfalls in the use of meta-regression are nearly universal in applications in the literature, leading to the conclusion that few meta-regressions in the literature today are trustworthy. A second conclusion is that in almost all cases, hierarchical subgrouping of studies is superior to meta-regression as a method of identifying and calibrating moderators. Finally, a third conclusion is that, contrary to popular belief among researchers, the process of accurately identifying and calibrating moderators, even with the best available methods, is complex, difficult, and data demanding. Practical implications This paper provides useful guidance to meta-analytic researchers that will improve the practice of moderator identification and calibration in social science research literatures. Social implications Today, many important decisions are made on the basis of the results of meta-analyses. These include decisions in medicine, pharmacology, applied psychology, management, marketing, social policy, and other social sciences. The guidance provided in this paper will improve the quality of such decisions by improving the accuracy and trustworthiness of meta-analytic results. Originality/value This paper is original and valuable in that there is no similar listing and discussion of the pitfalls in the use of meta-regression in the literature, and there is currently a widespread lack of knowledge of these problems among meta-analytic researchers in all disciplines.

scholarly journals Is Sensory Loss an Understudied Risk Factor for Frailty? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 2461-2470
Author(s):  
Benjamin Kye Jyn Tan ◽  
Ryan Eyn Kidd Man ◽  
Alfred Tau Liang Gan ◽  
Eva K Fenwick ◽  
Varshini Varadaraj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sensory Impairments ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Age-related sensory loss and frailty are common conditions among older adults, but epidemiologic research on their possible links has been inconclusive. Clarifying this relationship is important because sensory loss may be a clinically relevant risk factor for frailty. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched 3 databases for observational studies investigating 4 sensory impairments—vision (VI), hearing (HI), smell (SI), and taste (TI)—and their relationships with frailty. We meta-analyzed the cross-sectional associations of VI/HI each with pre-frailty and frailty, investigated sources of heterogeneity using meta-regression and subgroup analyses, and assessed publication bias using Egger’s test. Results We included 17 cross-sectional and 7 longitudinal studies in our review (N = 34,085) from 766 records. Our cross-sectional meta-analyses found that HI and VI were, respectively, associated with 1.5- to 2-fold greater odds of pre-frailty and 2.5- to 3-fold greater odds of frailty. Our results remained largely unchanged after subgroup analyses and meta-regression, though the association between HI and pre-frailty was no longer significant in 2 subgroups which lacked sufficient studies. We did not detect publication bias. Longitudinal studies largely found positive associations between VI/HI and frailty progression from baseline robustness, though they were inconclusive about frailty progression from baseline pre-frailty. Sparse literature and heterogenous methods precluded meta-analyses and conclusions on the SI/TI–frailty relationships. Conclusions Our meta-analyses demonstrate significant cross-sectional associations between VI/HI with pre-frailty and frailty. Our review also highlights knowledge gaps on the directionality and modifiability of these relationships and the impact of SI/TI and multiple sensory impairments on frailty.

Some Problems with the Investigation of Noninferiority in Meta-analysis

2004 ◽  
Vol 43 (05) ◽  
pp. 470-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Victor ◽  
S. Witte
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Protocol Population ◽  
Noninferiority Trials ◽  
Interval Approach ◽  
Bivariate Method ◽  
Full Analysis ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Analyses

Summary Objectives: Noninferiority trials have become commonplace in recent years. Like individual clinical trials, meta-analyses can also investigate noninferiority. However, certain important topics have to be considered. Methods: The proposed methods in this paper have their origin in the framework of noninferiority trials and meta-analyses. This paper can therefore be seen as a combination of both fields. Two issues are highlighted in the paper; difficulties in the choice of delta for a noninferiority meta-analysis leading to different deltas and methods for meta-analyses with different analysis sets, based on the full-analysis set with the intention-to-treat principle or the per-protocol population. Analytical methods, sensitivity analyses, meta-regression, and a bivariate method are introduced. The proposed graphical presentations support the analytical results. Conclusion: The confidence interval approach using meta-regression or bivariate methods is appropriate using both analysis sets for meta-analyses investigating noninferiority.

scholarly journals Brain grey matter abnormalities in medication-free patients with major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (14) ◽  
pp. 2927-2937 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y.-J. Zhao ◽  
M.-Y. Du ◽  
X.-Q. Huang ◽  
S. Lui ◽  
Z.-Q. Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Anterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Grey Matter ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Analyses

BackgroundBecause cerebral morphological abnormalities in major depressive disorder (MDD) may be modulated by antidepressant treatment, inclusion of medicated patients may have biased previous meta-analyses of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies. A meta-analysis of VBM studies on medication-free MDD patients should be able to distinguish the morphological features of the disease itself from those of treatment.MethodA systematic search was conducted for the relevant studies. Effect-size signed differential mapping was applied to analyse the grey matter differences between all medication-free MDD patients and healthy controls. Meta-regression was used to explore the effects of demographics and clinical characteristics.ResultsA total of 14 datasets comprising 400 medication-free MDD patients and 424 healthy controls met the inclusion criteria. The pooled meta-analysis and subgroup meta-analyses showed robustly reduced grey matter in prefrontal and limbic regions in MDD. Increased right thalamus volume was only seen in first-episode medication-naive patients, and increased grey matter in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex only in medication wash-out patients. In meta-regression analyses the percentage of female patients in each study was negatively correlated with reduced grey matter in the right hippocampus.ConclusionsBy excluding interference from medication effects, the present study identified grey matter reduction in the prefrontal–limbic network in MDD. The subgroup meta-analysis results suggest that an increased right thalamus volume might be a trait directly related to MDD, while an increased anterior cingulate cortex volume might be an effect of medication. The meta-regression results perhaps reveal the structural underpinning of the sex differences in epidemiological and clinical aspects of MDD.

scholarly journals Critical Essay: Meta-analysis: A critical realist critique and alternative

2016 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J Brannan ◽  
Steve Fleetwood ◽  
Joe O’Mahoney ◽  
Steve Vincent
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Potential Alternative ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Meta Theory

Meta-analysis has proved increasingly popular in management and organization studies as a way of combining existing empirical quantitative research to generate a statistical estimate of how strongly variables are associated. Whilst a number of studies identify technical, procedural and practical limitations of meta-analyses, none have yet tackled the meta-theoretical flaws in this approach. We deploy critical realist meta-theory to argue that the individual quantitative studies, upon which meta-analysis relies, lack explanatory power because they are rooted in quasi-empiricist meta-theory. This problem, we argue, is carried over in meta-analyses. We then propose a ‘critical realist synthesis’ as a potential alternative to the use of meta-analysis in organization studies and social science more widely.

The Effectiveness of Telemedicine Solutions for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

2021 ◽  
pp. 193229682110646
Author(s):  
Stine Hangaard ◽  
Sisse H. Laursen ◽  
Jonas D. Andersen ◽  
Thomas Kronborg ◽  
Peter Vestergaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Previous systematic reviews have aimed to clarify the effect of telemedicine on diabetes. However, such reviews often have a narrow focus, which calls for a more comprehensive systematic review within the field. Hence, the objective of the present systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression is to evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine solutions versus any comparator without the use of telemedicine on diabetes-related outcomes among adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We considered telemedicine randomized controlled trials (RCT) including adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with T2D. Change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c, %) was the primary outcome. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched on October 14, 2020. An overall treatment effect was estimated using a meta-analysis performed on the pool of included studies based on the mean difference (MD). The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was applied and the certainty of evidence was graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. Results: The final sample of papers included a total of 246, of which 168 had sufficient information to calculate the effect of HbA1c%. The results favored telemedicine, with an MD of −0.415% (95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.482% to −0.348%). The heterogeneity was great (I2 = 93.05%). A monitoring component gave rise to the higher effects of telemedicine. Conclusions: In conclusion, telemedicine may serve as a valuable supplement to usual care for patients with T2D. The inclusion of a telemonitoring component seems to increase the effect of telemedicine.

scholarly journals Panel Stratification in Meta-Analysis of Economic Studies: An Investigation of Its Effects in the Recreation Valuation Literature

2000 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 459-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randall S. Rosenberger ◽  
John B. Loomis
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Outdoor Recreation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Meta Regression Analysis ◽  
Panel Effects ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Economic Studies

AbstractStatistical summarizations of literature review databases using meta-regression analysis provide insight into the differences in past estimates of economic variables such as benefits and price elasticities. The panel nature of the data is an issue that has not received adequate attention in past meta-analyses. This paper conceptually and empirically explores the complexity of stratifying data into panels that model the potential correlation and heterogeneity of past outdoor recreation benefit research. Although our tests of three stratifications of the data did not discern panel effects, the inherent complexity of the data maintains a strong presumption of heterogeneous strata.

scholarly journals Ecosystem Services of Mangrove Forests: Results of a Meta-Analysis of Economic Values

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5830
Author(s):  
Michael Getzner ◽  
Muhammad Shariful Islam
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Direct Transfer ◽  
Mangrove Forests ◽  
Economic Values ◽  
Range Of Values

Mangrove forests are paramount for sustaining and enhancing ecosystem services benefitting both local and regional communities, and the global environment. Scholars have long studied the values of ecosystem services of mangrove forests. However, the number of recent primary studies monetizing ecosystem services is rather limited. This paper ascertains the values of ecosystem services of 66 primary valuation studies with a total of 250 observations. The results indicate that the range of values is substantially wide. This range cannot be explained sufficiently by the various differences of the studies, as the explanatory power of the econometric estimations is low. Main influential factors on the values of ecosystem services are the elicitation methods, the types of ecosystem services considered, and the conservation status of the respective mangrove forest as Ramsar site. The results stress the significant economic values of ecosystem services of mangrove forests and the importance for conservation management. However, the results also caution against a direct transfer of benefits between sites. The substantial variety of site and country specifics warrants the implementation of separate, original valuation studies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document