We took several steps to optimise the representativity of the data.
In a second step, the influence of non-response on the representativity of the data was checked.
The potential impact of this bias on the representativity of the data is likely to be modest.
Use of literature data may occasionally be considered as an alternative source for quantifying background variation, but may present great difficulties both regarding the representativity of the data and the possibilities to discern the different components of variation.
Eddy-covariance measurements potentially provide detailed data on CO2 exchange and responses to the environment in these forests, but accurate estimates of the net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE) and ecosystem respiration (Reco) require careful analysis of data representativity, treatment of data gaps, and correction for systematic errors.
To test the representativity of our sample we obtained data on maternal age, relationship status, smoker or non-smoker, and body mass index for all women who were eligible for the study.
In order to assess the representativity of the study group additional data on age and TST results were collected from the mandatory screening of a consecutive sample of 250 persons who did not agree to participate in the study: 125 persons at study start and 125 persons half way through the study.
To assess the representativity of the study sample, we used data from the Norwegian Medical Birth Register, which includes information about all deliveries in Norway [ 12].
The strengths include the relatively large sample size, the sampling method, which should ensure representativity of women consulting for osteoporosis in primary and secondary care in France, the relatively high response rate, and the collection of data directly from the patients.
In an attempt to provide more information on the representativity of the general female population cohort, we explored the possible difference between early and late responders.
Based on these data a three-step approach to assess representativity of fungal community profiles was established.
