Therefore, to determine the appropriate number of individual males to be sampled we undertook sampling simulations using two species which represent extremes of postcopulatory sexual selection: the zebra finch and the superb fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus), for low and high levels respectively [60], [61].
Due to these differences, we undertook sampling, data collection and data analysis separately for all three sites to achieve greater external validity.
Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken, sampling 1,000 parameter sets to simultaneously explore the impact of uncertainty in disease natural history parameters, test characteristics, costs, and utility parameters.
Therefore, we did not undertake sample size calculations and recognise that the study is underpowered to draw conclusions about homebirth and rare perinatal outcomes.
It will yield valuable information for future studies, including the rates of recruitment and retention of participants, as well as the variation in the outcome measures, which is needed to undertake sample size calculations.
Each datum is linked to a citation for its source, and to information about location and land use in the study area, time of year the study was undertaken, sample size, and variance.
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which involve cost-effectiveness evaluations rarely use health economic input when undertaking sample size calculations for the trial design; however, in studies undertaken with cost-effectiveness as the primary outcome, sample size calculations should be directly related to the cost-effectiveness result rather than to the effectiveness outcome alone.
SW undertook sample size calculations and designed the statistical analysis.
BLB undertook sample collection and laboratory experiments, analyzed the results and drafted the manuscript.
YJ undertook sample size calculations and designed the statistical analysis plan.
