Short Communication. Application of Meta-Analysis if Forestry Related Topics.

Abstract

IntroductionNowadays, the plethora of publications make difficult to evaluate them and apply an evidence-based research practice. The meta-analysis is essentially a quantitative systematic review. The cost is minimal, compared to the cost of basic research, while interest from the readers becomes greater.A meta-analysis includes formulation of the query, a thorough search of the literature, studies' evaluation and selection, as well as statistical composition of individual studies and interpretation of results (Borenstein et al., 2009). However, meta-analysis is inappropriate for studies with different methodology, subject to systematic errors and with incompatible results (Cooper, 2010).The aim of this work was to provide the necessary knowledge to foresters to carry out proper meta-analyses, with an example of Aleppo pine density responses to burning 12-144 months after fire and with no thinning treatments. Material and methodsThere is a number of researchers who have proposed specific instructions for the conducting a meta-analysis (Lipsey and Wilson, 2000;Borenstein et al., 2009;Cooper, 2010). Stages of a meta-analysis are described below. Problem definitionForms of research findings, which are suitable to meta-analysis, are:1. Central tendency research (prevalence rates AbstractAim of study: Provision of the necessary knowledge to foresters in order carry out objective literature research, through meta-analysis.Area of study: Mediterranean. Material and methods:We describe in detail the methodology of meta-analysis. Then, we apply a meta-analysis in a set of independent studies of density of Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.), a common forest species of the Mediterranean.Research highlights: Making high quality meta-analyses, can help foresters in making the most of individual forest studies by synthesize them. In this work:-We provide details on approaches for undertaking a meta-analysis.-We use a silvicultural example to demonstrate our idea.-We show how the method of meta-analysis could be applied to forestry also (besides the classical medical study reviews).-We have as ultimate goal the use of this article as a reference from other researchers as regards the application of meta-analysis to their area of expertise.

Metanálisis para el volumen de Pinus sylvestris en Europa

“…La aplicación del metanálisis en el sector forestal puede ayudar en lo siguiente (Kitikidou, Milios, Stampoulidis, & Papageorgiou, 2013;Papakosta, Kitikidou, Bakaloudis, & Vlachos, 2014): permite la síntesis de un gran número de resultados de investigaciones forestales; puede resaltar diferencias en la investigación bibliográfica, proporcionando una base sólida para la próxima generación de investigación en un tema forestal; demuestra la importancia de la repetición de una investigación; y facilita la generalización de los conocimientos adquiridos con las encuestas de corto alcance.…”

“…The application of meta-analysis in forestry can help us in the following (Kitikidou, Milios, Stampoulidis, & Papageorgiou, 2013;Papakosta, Kitikidou, Bakaloudis, & Vlachos, 2014): enables the synthesis of a large number of forest research findings; may highlight gaps in the literature search, providing a solid foundation for the next generation of research into a forest theme; demonstrates the importance of repetition of an investigation; facilitates the generalization of knowledge acquired with short-range surveys.…”