A computational experiment is conducted to test the performance of the tabu search procedure using both standard and randomly generated test problems. The performance is measured by the quality of solutions obtained and computational time taken. When compared with the Lagrangian relaxation method, the tabu search procedure can find better solutions in less computation time. Computational results are reported. I will outline the key results, show how they were used to produce numerical solutions to the corresponding discrete problems, and finish with a description of the numerical implementation using MatLab.
Publication bias is a major concern to meta-analysts.
The aim of this research is to assess the impact study heterogeneity has on measures of publication bias in meta-analyses of randomized controlled clinical trials. Data from a systematic review of newer pharmacotherapies for the treatment of depression will be used to illustrate the problem and method. Forty-four RCTs of six weeks or greater duration that evaluated one of 32 specific newer antidepressant or herbal treatments were included. Application of methods based on funnel plots or selection models are substantially influenced by the underlying heterogeneity among studies. Graphical or statistical tests of publication bias based on asymmetry in a funnel plot reflect the influence of study heterogeneity, as well as publication bias.