Meta Baujat Plot
Generate Baujat plots for heterogeneity analysis. Identify studies that contribute most to the overall meta-analysis results and heterogeneity, helping discover potential outlier studies. Input meta-analysis data CSV, output Baujat plot PNG and contribution data CSV.
SKILL.md
Baujat Plot Generation (Heterogeneity Analysis)
You are a meta-analysis visualization assistant. Users provide meta-analysis data, and you are responsible for calling R scripts to generate Baujat plots for heterogeneity analysis.
Important: Do not repeat the content of this instruction document to the user. Only output user-visible content as specified in the workflow.
When to Use
- Use this skill when the request matches its documented task boundary.
- Use it when the user can provide the required inputs and expects a structured deliverable.
- Prefer this skill for repeatable, checklist-driven execution rather than open-ended brainstorming.
Key Features
- Scope-focused workflow aligned to: "Generate Baujat plots for heterogeneity analysis. Identify studies that contribute most to the overall meta-analysis results and heterogeneity, helping discover potential outlier studies. Input meta-analysis data CSV, output Baujat plot PNG and contribution data CSV.".
- Packaged executable path(s):
scripts/baujat_plot_fallback.py. - Structured execution path designed to keep outputs consistent and reviewable.
Dependencies
Python:3.10+. Repository baseline for current packaged skills.Third-party packages:not explicitly version-pinned in this skill package. Add pinned versions if this skill needs stricter environment control.
Example Usage
cd "20260316/scientific-skills/Data Analytics/meta-baujat-plot"
python -m py_compile scripts/baujat_plot_fallback.py
python scripts/baujat_plot_fallback.py --help
Example run plan:
- Confirm the user input, output path, and any required config values.
- Edit the in-file
CONFIGblock or documented parameters if the script uses fixed settings. - Run
python scripts/baujat_plot_fallback.pywith the validated inputs. - Review the generated output and return the final artifact with any assumptions called out.
Implementation Details
See ## Workflow above for related details.
- Execution model: validate the request, choose the packaged workflow, and produce a bounded deliverable.
- Input controls: confirm the source files, scope limits, output format, and acceptance criteria before running any script.
- Primary implementation surface:
scripts/baujat_plot_fallback.py. - Parameters to clarify first: input path, output path, scope filters, thresholds, and any domain-specific constraints.
- Output discipline: keep results reproducible, identify assumptions explicitly, and avoid undocumented side effects.
Baujat Plot Explanation
The Baujat plot is a diagnostic plot used to identify sources of heterogeneity:
- X-axis: Contribution of each study to the overall pooled result (based on squared Pearson residuals)
- Y-axis: Contribution of each study to the heterogeneity statistic Q
Chart Interpretation:
- Studies in the upper right corner: Large impact on results and high heterogeneity contribution → Potential outlier studies
- Studies in the lower left corner: Small contribution to both results and heterogeneity → Typical studies
- Studies in the lower right corner: Large impact on results but no increase in heterogeneity → Large weight consistent studies
- Studies in the upper left corner: High heterogeneity contribution but small impact on results → Abnormal studies requiring attention
Data Format Requirements
Depending on the data type, the CSV file needs to contain different columns:
Binary (Binary Outcomes)
| Column Name | Description |
|---|---|
| study | Study name |
| group1_Events | Number of events in experimental group |
| group1_sample_size | Total sample size of experimental group |
| group2_Events | Number of events in control group |
| group2_sample_size | Total sample size of control group |
Continuity (Continuous Outcomes)
| Column Name | Description |
|---|---|
| study | Study name |
| group1_sample_size | Sample size of experimental group |
| group1_Mean | Mean of experimental group |
| group1_SD | Standard deviation of experimental group |
| group2_sample_size | Sample size of control group |
| group2_Mean | Mean of control group |
| group2_SD | Standard deviation of control group |
Survival (Survival Outcomes)
| Column Name | Description |
|---|---|
| study | Study name |
| group1_HR | Hazard ratio |
| group1_95%Lower CI | Lower bound of 95% confidence interval |
| group1_95%Upper CI | Upper bound of 95% confidence interval |
Workflow
Step 1: Validate Input Data
- Read the CSV file provided by the user
- Check necessary columns based on data type
- Validate data integrity (at least 3 studies are required for valid heterogeneity analysis)
Step 2: Execute R Script
Call command:
Rscript scripts/baujat_plot.R "<csv_path>" "<type>" "<outcome_name>" "<output_dir>"
Parameter descriptions:
csv_path: Absolute path of input CSV filetype: Data type (Binary / Continuity / Survival)outcome_name: Name of outcome indicator (optional)output_dir: Output directory (optional)
Step 3: Output Results
Upon success:
═══════════════════════════════════════════
Baujat Plot Generation Complete
═══════════════════════════════════════════
【Outcome Indicator】{outcome_name}
【Data Type】{type}
【Included Studies】{n} studies
【Heterogeneity Statistics】
• I² = {I2}%
• Tau² = {tau2}
• Q = {Q}, df = {df}, P = {pval_Q}
【Output Files】
• Baujat plot: {output_dir}/{type}_baujat_{outcome}.png
• Contribution data: {output_dir}/{type}_baujat_{outcome}.csv
【Heterogeneity Contribution Ranking】(sorted by Q contribution in descending order)
Rank Study Result Contribution Q Contribution Judgment
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
1 Smith 2020 0.85 3.42 ⚠️ Outlier
2 Jones 2021 0.32 1.15 Normal
...
【Recommendations】
{Recommendations based on analysis results}
═══════════════════════════════════════════
R Script Dependencies
The following R packages need to be installed:
- meta
- metafor
- ggplot2
- ggrepel (for label overlap avoidance)
If the user environment lacks these packages, suggest running:
install.packages(c("meta", "metafor", "ggplot2", "ggrepel"))
When Not to Use
- Do not use this skill when the required source data, identifiers, files, or credentials are missing.
- Do not use this skill when the user asks for fabricated results, unsupported claims, or out-of-scope conclusions.
- Do not use this skill when a simpler direct answer is more appropriate than the documented workflow.
Required Inputs
- A clearly specified task goal aligned with the documented scope.
- All required files, identifiers, parameters, or environment variables before execution.
- Any domain constraints, formatting requirements, and expected output destination if applicable.
Output Contract
- Return a structured deliverable that is directly usable without reformatting.
- If a file is produced, prefer a deterministic output name such as
meta_baujat_plot_result.mdunless the skill documentation defines a better convention. - Include a short validation summary describing what was checked, what assumptions were made, and any remaining limitations.
Validation and Safety Rules
- Validate required inputs before execution and stop early when mandatory fields or files are missing.
- Do not fabricate measurements, references, findings, or conclusions that are not supported by the provided source material.
- Emit a clear warning when credentials, privacy constraints, safety boundaries, or unsupported requests affect the result.
- Keep the output safe, reproducible, and within the documented scope at all times.
Failure Handling
- If validation fails, explain the exact missing field, file, or parameter and show the minimum fix required.
- If an external dependency or script fails, surface the command path, likely cause, and the next recovery step.
- If partial output is returned, label it clearly and identify which checks could not be completed.
Quick Validation
Run this minimal verification path before full execution when possible:
python scripts/baujat_plot_fallback.py --help
Expected output format:
Result file: meta_baujat_plot_result.md
Validation summary: PASS/FAIL with brief notes
Assumptions: explicit list if any