scholarly journals Contributions of Hedgerows to People: A Global Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
David García de León ◽  
José M. Rey Benayas ◽  
Enrique Andivia
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Agricultural Fields ◽  
Climate Type ◽  
Scale Field ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Provisioning Services

Hedgerows are linear landscape features of woody vegetation usually located around agricultural fields. An increasing number of studies have addressed the effects of hedgerows on biodiversity and ecosystem services. This study is aimed to synthesize these effects and compare the levels of biodiversity and ecosystem services in farmland with hedgerows and (1) farmland without hedgerows and (2) nearby natural habitat at the global scale. We hypothesized that farmland with hedgerows (1) enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services as compared to farmland without hedgerows but (2) supports lower levels of biodiversity and ecosystem services than natural habitat. Our systematic literature review retained 835 observations from 170 primary studies, which were analyzed following the standard methodology in meta-analyses. Our results partially support both hypotheses. Farmland with hedgerows exhibited higher levels of biodiversity and provisioning services than farmland without hedgerows (H1). Farmland with hedgerows provided similar levels of biodiversity (edge effects) but lower levels of ecosystem services than natural habitat (H2). The effects of hedgerows on biodiversity and ecosystem services depended on control ecosystem type (grassland/meadow or forest/woodland) but were largely independent of climate type (temperate or tropical) and the focus of spatial scale (field or landscape). In conclusion, conservation and restoration of hedgerows contribute to people in several ways by enhancing biodiversity and multifunctionality in agricultural landscapes.

scholarly journals The global molecular epidemiology of microsporidia infection in sheep and goats with focus on Enterocytozoon bieneusi: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Taghipour ◽  
Saeed Bahadory ◽  
Ehsan Javanmard
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Enterocytozoon Bieneusi ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Sheep And Goats ◽  
Prevalence Studies ◽  
Global Estimate ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Microsporidia is a zoonotic pathogen with health consequences in immunocompromised patients. Small ruminants are a potential reservoir of microsporidia for humans in their vicinity. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the molecular prevalence of microsporidian infections with emphasis on Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes among sheep and goats at a global scale through systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Methods The standard protocol of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Eligible prevalence studies on small ruminant microsporidiosis, published from 1 January 2000 until 15 April 2021 were gathered using systematic literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The point estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random-effects model. The variance between studies (heterogeneity) was quantified by I2 index. Results In total, 25 articles (including 34 datasets) were included for final meta-analysis. The pooled molecular prevalence of microsporidia in sheep and goats was estimated to be 17.4% (95% CI: 11.8–25%) and 16% (95% CI: 11.2–22.4%), respectively. Likewise, the overall prevalence of E. bieneusi was estimated to be 17.4% (95% CI: 11.8–25%) for sheep and 16.3% (95% CI: 11.3–22.8%) for goats. According to internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene analysis, E. bieneusi with genotypes BEB6 (15 studies) and COS-1 (nine studies) in sheep, and CHG3 (six studies) and BEB6 (five studies) in goats were the highest reported genotypes. Conclusion The present results highlight the role of sheep and goats as reservoir hosts for human-infecting microsporidia. Therefore, this global estimate could be beneficial on preventive and control measures.

scholarly journals Benefits of crop diversification for biodiversity and ecosystem services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Beillouin ◽  
T. Ben-Ari ◽  
E. Malézieux ◽  
V. Seufert ◽  
D. Makowski
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Global Database ◽  
Meta Analyses

AbstractIncreasing the diversity of cultivated crops, species or cultivars is expected to help preserve biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. But individual local experiments evaluating crop diversification practices and even meta-analytical synthesis of experimental studies are scattered in their scope, quality and geographical focus. In an effort to make sense of this trove of information, we integrate the results of 5,662 experiments representing more than 48,600 paired observations over 80 experimental years, through the compilation of 83 meta-analyses covering more than 120 crops and 85 countries. The diversification strategies analyzed in the literature are diverse and are here regrouped into five broad categories (i.e., agroforestry, associated plants, intercropping, crop rotation and cultivar mixture). Our exhaustive literature synthesis shows that overall, crop diversification significantly enhances crop yields (median effect +13%), associated biodiversity (+24%), and several ecosystem services including water quality (+84%), pest and disease control (+63%), and soil quality (+11%). While these aggregated global results support the many benefits of adopting more diversified cropping systems, we also identified high variability between meta-analyses for most of the diversification practices examined. This strong global heterogeneity highlights the importance of contextual information about agricultural diversification for local decision-making. Our global database provides important insights into the contextual performance of crop diversification practices that can provide this needed guidance to agricultural and environmental decision-making.

scholarly journals The mystery of COVID-19 reinfections: A global systematic review and meta-analysis of 577 cases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubaid Azhar Dhillon ◽  
Mohammad Aadil Qamar ◽  
Omar Irfan ◽  
Jaleed Ahmed Gilani ◽  
Usama Waqar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Admission Rate ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Time Duration ◽  
Disease Spectrum ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, reports on disparities in vaccine roll out alongside reinfection and reactivation from previously recovered cases have been emerging. With newer waves and variants of COVID-19, we conducted a systematic review to assess the determinants and disease spectrum of COVID-19 reinfection. Methods A comprehensive search covering relevant databases was conducted for observational studies reporting Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) confirmed infection and reinfection cases. Quality assessment tool developed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) for assessment of case series was used. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 for pooled proportions of findings in first infection and reinfection with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Eighty-one studies reporting 577 cases were included from 22 countries. The mean age of patients was 46.2±18.9 years with males accounting for 45.8% of the study population while 179 (31.0%) cases of comorbidities were reported. The average time duration between first infection and reinfection was 63.6±48.9 days. During first infection and reinfection, fever was the most common symptom (41.4% and 36.4%,respectively) whilst anti-viral therapy was the most common treatment regimen administered (44.5% and 43.0%, respectively). Overall, comparable odds of symptomatic presentation and management were reported in the two infections. However, a higher Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission rate was observed in reinfection compared to first infection (10 vs 3). Ten deaths were reported with 565 patients fully recovering. Respiratory failure was the most common cause of death (7/10 deaths). Seventy-two studies were determined to be of good quality whilst nine studies were of fair quality. Conclusion As the first global-scale systematic review of its kind, our findings support immunization practices given increased ICU admissions and mortality in reinfections. Our cohort serves as a guide for clinicians and authorities for devising an optimal strategy for controlling the pandemic.

scholarly journals Agroforestry delivers a win-win solution for ecosystem services in sub-Saharan Africa. A meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shem Kuyah ◽  
Cory W. Whitney ◽  
Mattias Jonsson ◽  
Gudeta W. Sileshi ◽  
Ingrid Öborn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Woody Perennials ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Agroforestry Practices

Abstract Agricultural landscapes are increasingly being managed with the aim of enhancing the provisioning of multiple ecosystem services and sustainability of production systems. However, agricultural management that maximizes provisioning ecosystem services can often reduce both regulating and maintenance services. We hypothesized that agroforestry reduces trade-offs between provisioning and regulating/maintenance services. We conducted a quantitative synthesis of studies carried out in sub-Saharan Africa focusing on crop yield (as an indicator of provisioning services), soil fertility, erosion control, and water regulation (as indicators of regulating/maintenance services). A total of 1106 observations were extracted from 126 peer-reviewed publications that fulfilled the selection criteria for meta-analysis of studies comparing agroforestry and non-agroforestry practices (hereafter control) in sub-Saharan Africa. Across ecological conditions, agroforestry significantly increased crop yield, total soil nitrogen, soil organic carbon, and available phosphorus compared to the control. Agroforestry practices also reduced runoff and soil loss and improved infiltration rates and soil moisture content. No significant differences were detected between the different ecological conditions, management regimes, and types of woody perennials for any of the ecosystem services. Main trade-offs included low available phosphorus and low soil moisture against higher crop yield. This is the first meta-analysis that shows that, on average, agroforestry systems in sub-Saharan Africa increase crop yield while maintaining delivery of regulating/maintenance ecosystem services. We also demonstrate how woody perennials have been managed in agricultural landscapes to provide multiple ecosystem services without sacrificing crop productivity. This is important in rural livelihoods where the range of ecosystem services conveys benefits in terms of food security and resilience to environmental shocks.

scholarly journals Synergistic effect: a common theme in mixed-species litter decomposition

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Liu ◽  
Xiaoyu Liu ◽  
Qingni Song ◽  
Fenggang Luan ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synergistic Effect ◽  
Litter Decomposition ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Antagonistic Effect ◽  
Additive Effect ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
List Type ◽  
Meta Analyses

AbstractLitter decomposition plays a key role in ecosystem nutrients cycling, yet, to date science is lacking a comprehensive understanding of the non-additive effect in mixing litter decomposition.In order to fill that gap, we compiled 69 individual studies for the purpose of performing two sub-meta-analyses on the non-additive effect.Our results show that a significantly synergistic effect occurs at global scale with the average increase by 2-4% in litter mixture decomposition; In particular, low-quality litter in mixture shows a significantly synergistic effect, while no significant change is observed with high-quality species. Additionally, the synergistic effect turns into the antagonistic effect when soil fauna is absent or litter decomposition enters into humus-near stage. In contrast to temperate and tropical areas, studies in frigid area also show a significantly antagonistic effect.Our meta-analysis provides a systematic evaluation of the non-additive effect in decomposition mixed litters, which is critical for understanding and improving the carbon forecasts and nutrient dynamics.

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 Reconciling biodiversity conservation, food production and farmers’ demand

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Montoya ◽  
Sabrina Gaba ◽  
Claire de Mazancourt ◽  
Vincent Bretagnolle ◽  
Michel Loreau
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Global Change ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Demographic Stochasticity ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Intensively Managed

AbstractAgricultural management should consider multiple services and stakeholders. Yet, it remains unclear how to guarantee the provision of ecosystem services that reaches stakeholders’ demands, especially considering the observed biodiversity decline and the current global change predictions that may affect food security. Here, we use a model to examine how landscape composition – fraction of semi-natural habitat (SNH) – affects biodiversity and crop production services in intensively-managed agricultural systems. We analyse three groups of stakeholders assumed to value different ecosystem services most – individual farmers (crop yield per area), agricultural unions (landscape production) and conservationists (biodiversity). We find that trade-offs among stakeholders’ demands strongly depend on the degree of pollination dependence of crops, the strength of environmental and demographic stochasticity, and the relative amount of an ecosystem service demanded by each stakeholder, i.e. function thresholds. Intermediate amounts of SNH can allow for the delivery of relatively high levels of the three ecosystem services. Our analysis further suggests that the current levels of SNH protection lie below these intermediate amounts of SNH in intensively-managed agricultural landscapes. Given the worldwide trends in agriculture and global change, these results suggest ways of managing landscapes to reconcile the demands of several actors and ensure for biodiversity conservation and food production.

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.

A Meta-Analysis of Interviews and Cognitive Ability

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 157-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip L. Roth ◽  
Allen I. Huffcutt
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Incremental Validity ◽  
Employment Interviews ◽  
Moderator Analysis ◽  
The Future ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Relationship

The topic of what interviews measure has received a great deal of attention over the years. One line of research has investigated the relationship between interviews and the construct of cognitive ability. A previous meta-analysis reported an overall corrected correlation of .40 ( Huffcutt, Roth, & McDaniel, 1996 ). A more recent meta-analysis reported a noticeably lower corrected correlation of .27 ( Berry, Sackett, & Landers, 2007 ). After reviewing both meta-analyses, it appears that the two studies posed different research questions. Further, there were a number of coding judgments in Berry et al. that merit review, and there was no moderator analysis for educational versus employment interviews. As a result, we reanalyzed the work by Berry et al. and found a corrected correlation of .42 for employment interviews (.15 higher than Berry et al., a 56% increase). Further, educational interviews were associated with a corrected correlation of .21, supporting their influence as a moderator. We suggest a better estimate of the correlation between employment interviews and cognitive ability is .42, and this takes us “back to the future” in that the better overall estimate of the employment interviews – cognitive ability relationship is roughly .40. This difference has implications for what is being measured by interviews and their incremental validity.

Power-Enhanced Funnel Plots for Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 228 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Kossmeier ◽  
Ulrich S. Tran ◽  
Martin Voracek
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Power ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Selective Reporting ◽  
Graphical Display ◽  
Funnel Plot ◽  
Evidential Value ◽  
Graphical Displays ◽  
Funnel Plots ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract. Currently, dedicated graphical displays to depict study-level statistical power in the context of meta-analysis are unavailable. Here, we introduce the sunset (power-enhanced) funnel plot to visualize this relevant information for assessing the credibility, or evidential value, of a set of studies. The sunset funnel plot highlights the statistical power of primary studies to detect an underlying true effect of interest in the well-known funnel display with color-coded power regions and a second power axis. This graphical display allows meta-analysts to incorporate power considerations into classic funnel plot assessments of small-study effects. Nominally significant, but low-powered, studies might be seen as less credible and as more likely being affected by selective reporting. We exemplify the application of the sunset funnel plot with two published meta-analyses from medicine and psychology. Software to create this variation of the funnel plot is provided via a tailored R function. In conclusion, the sunset (power-enhanced) funnel plot is a novel and useful graphical display to critically examine and to present study-level power in the context of meta-analysis.

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