bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of variables.
Authors: Ekİncİ Y. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter introduces how tangible and intangible variables are measured. Generally speaking, variables can be measured by the four types of scales: nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio. In order to conduct scientific research, the intangible variables' goodness of measure should also be verified. Goodness of measure can be established through various reliability and validity tests such as Cronbach's Alpha, content validity, construct validity and criterion validity. As developing a multi-item scale is a laborious task, leisure, recreation and tourism researchers should borrow the scales that are already qualified from the reliability and validity tests where available (Ekinci, 2015; Gursoy et al., 2015). If a reliable and valid scale is not available, developing a new scale may be necessary by following the scale-development process introduced in this chapter.
Proposal writing.
Authors: Kline S. F. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter introduces the importance of writing a research proposal and discusses the elements of a good proposal for scientific inquiry. It stresses that research proposals must contain extensive literature reviews and offer convincing support of a need for the research study being proposed. It covers several steps of writing a proposal. The areas such as identification of a research topic, conducting a relevant literature review on the topic, developing propositions and hypotheses, data analysis and designing data collection instruments, reporting and citation styles, and related issues are also introduced as elements of writing a research proposal. A short proposal example is also provided.
Grounded theory methodology in research.
Authors: Dixon H. E. T. , Igo L. B. , McGuire F. A. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter introduces the grounded theory methodology of Strauss and Corbin (1990, 1994, 1998) and Corbin and Strauss (2015). Grounded research is used to develop theories that may be useful to practitioners in understanding a phenomenon or behaviour. This type of research relies on theoretical sampling, interview data and analytic coding. Member checks are conducted to determine whether you understand what it is that study participants are communicating. Research results (the theory) are presented in a flowchart or diagram, narrative or propositional statements. Theoretical results may be used by researchers and practitioners to develop interventions and facilitate a change in behaviour.
Evaluation research methods in leisure, recreation and tourism research.
Authors: Jennings G. R. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The chapter focuses on evaluation and evaluation research. Evaluation aims to determine through the involvement of various stakeholders the benefit of processes and outcomes associated with leisure, recreation and tourism phenomena. There are different types of evaluation, such as formal and informal. Evaluation within tourism and recreation usually focuses on personnel, performance, products, practices, strategies, experiences, policies, processes, planning, proposals and programmes, and technologies. There are a number of evaluation perspectives, processes and strategies. Perspectives include: (i) scientific-experimental tradition including quasi-experimental, objectives, econometrically, theory-driven evaluation; (ii) management-oriented and systems models such as PERT, CPM, UTOS and CIPP; (iii) qualitative/anthropological models; and (iv) participant-oriented models, which use processes such as AEIOU. The chapter also presents strategies of formative evaluation and summative evaluation and ends with discussions on the meaning of ethical and responsible research practice.
Experimental research.
Authors: Oppewal H. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter discusses why you need to conduct experiments and presents the basic principles of the design and analysis of experiments. Experimental research aims to assess cause-and-effect relations and therefore gives priority to maximizing the internal validity of a research design, which means that alternative explanations for the observed outcome of the experiment are ruled out. The keys to internal validity are standardization, statistical control of external variables and random allocation of test units to experimental conditions. Conducting experiments in field settings can enhance external validity. Including so-called blocking factors can enhance the efficiency of an experiment. Multiple experimental factors can be crossed to allow testing for interactions between factors. Having multiple factors, however, increases the number of conditions that need to be observed. Fractional designs can be used to partly overcome this limitation. The chapter concludes that experiments are not just a type of research but a way of thinking about research. A worked example concerning a museum trying to increase its visitor numbers is presented throughout the chapter.
Cross-cultural and visual research: issues and concerns.
Authors: Dimanche F. , Griffin T. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

In an increasingly global environment, leisure, recreation and tourism managers are confronted by diverse populations of employees and customers. As managers, you will hire and manage employees who come from multiple cultural backgrounds and nationalities. As marketers, you will attempt to satisfy the needs of customers who are themselves very diverse in terms of culture and/or nationality. You will often need to make marketing or management decisions that should rely on carefully executed research. Yet, as researchers, you will be challenged by numerous methodological issues when conducting studies in cross-cultural contexts, because cultural factors often influence how people respond to research and because this cross-cultural context adds complexity. This chapter examines some of the issues and concerns you should consider and address when planning a cross-cultural study or when reading a document reporting on cross-cultural issues. The chapter proposes methodological guidelines to help you increase the validity and reliability of your cross-cultural studies, and to help you better understand the limitations of some of the studies you will read and use to make managerial decisions. In addition, the chapter introduces you to visual research methods, an increasingly important aspect of cross-cultural research.
Inferential analysis of data.
Authors: Andereck K. L. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter introduces the concept of inferential data analysis. This form of analysis is used to make general conclusions about a large population based on a sample of that population. The use of inferential analysis relies upon random sampling of members of the larger group of people we are interested in knowing about. The sampling error and confidence interval are directly related to the size of the sample and the amount of variability in the study data. These two aspects of the generated data also influence the statistical significance of the inferential statistics that we use to test relationships among the variables in the data set. The chapter also provides some further discussion on the importance and meaning of tested relationships from a managerial standpoint.
Relationship analysis: t-tests, analysis of variance, cross tabulations and non-parametric tests.
Authors: Gau J. M. , Gursoy D. , Sirakaya-Turk E. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter introduces the basic uses of two parametric tests (t-tests and ANOVA) and several non-parametric tests including χ 2 and Mann-Whitney U test. For each test, we discuss the purpose of these tests, the assumptions (if any) underlying it, and the types of data that are appropriate and inappropriate for this test. Moreover, the chapter stresses the difference between statistical significance and substantive meaning. The researcher has an obligation to report fully informative results. The chapter provides discussion on reporting effect sizes and always questioning research results that are not accompanied by effect size estimates.
Describing linear bivariate relationships: correlation analysis.
Authors: Huang ChenChen Huang ChenChen , Pennington-Gray L. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter addresses two frequently used statistical analyses: correlation analysis and simple linear regression. The chapter explains several types of relationships between two variables and two methods to explore these relationships. In addition, simple linear regression is introduced as a method to predict the value of a dependent variable by the value of an independent variable. Finally, since tourism researchers and practitioners typically face more complex relationships than merely a bivariate relationship (two variables), multiple regression will also be explored.
Soil fertility in organic farming systems.
Authors: Davis J. , Abbott L. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter reviews the components of soil fertility in the context of organic farming systems and how certified organic practices are used to manage soil fertility. Data from long-term field studies evaluating organic farming are discussed in terms of the components of soil fertility. The changes in soil organic matter with implementation of organic matter management treatments in long-term field experiments conducted in South Australia, Switzerland, Norway, California and Washington (USA), are provided. The concept of soil fertility is also viewed in relation to its relevance to the application of organic farming practices across landscapes and soil types in different climatic zones. In addition, the differences in the physical, biological and chemical characteristics of soil fertility in long-term field trials that include organic farming treatment, are also given.
Animal health and nutrition in organic farming.
Authors: Vaarst M. , Weisbjerg M. R. , Kristensen T. , Thamsborg S. M. , White A. , Roderick S. , Lockeretz W. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter presents the aspects of animal health and feeding in organic farming systems. A short overview of the current knowledge about animal health, welfare and disease in organic agriculture is given. The interactions between nutrition and animal health and welfare are discussed. Focus is given on dairy cattle and grassland feeding.
Animal welfare and ethics in organic agriculture.
Authors: Lund V. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The diverging opinions regarding animal welfare in organic production systems are examined in this chapter. The underlying values in organic farming are evaluated as well as the presence of animal welfare problems in organic farming. The welfare dilemmas that organic farming needs to address are presented. The challenge for organic farming is to develop husbandry systems where animal welfare is an integrated and positive part of the system and not seen as a problem to be solved.
Organic standards and certification.
Authors: Courville S. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter (i) outlines the history of the development of organic regulatory structures, (ii) provides a snapshot of the current situation with respect to organic standards setting and conformity assessment activities, and (iii) discusses three key regulatory challenges facing organic agriculture. These include (1) the tensions between the private systems dominated by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and public systems managed by various national and regional governments; (2) difficulties in balancing producer realities on the ground and consumer requirements for a clear understanding of what organic agriculture means worldwide; and (3) the increasing over-regulation of organic agricultural production and trade that may inadvertently squeeze out key stakeholders (smallholder farms) at the heart of the organic movement. In outlining tentative steps towards addressing these challenges, the chapter briefly sketches possible pathways for harmonization among organic regulatory systems, suggests possibilities for balancing local and global needs through incorporating flexibility into standards-setting processes based on examples from IFOAM processes, and outlines two promising developments for organic smallholder producers (namely, the development and increasing acceptance of internal control systems as a tool for inspection and certification, and the development of participatory guarantee systems for local markets).
Contradictions of principles in organic farming.
Authors: Ikerd J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter argues that the principles of productivity now driving organic food production are direct contradictions of the historic principles of organic farming. Economic demands for greater productivity, for consistency and uniformity of product quality and for dependability and timeliness of delivery, are encouraging organic food producers to standardize, specialize and consolidate control. As a result, organic food production is transforming into an extractive, exploitative process, based on the principles of industry rather than nature.
Understanding the market for organic food.
Authors: Lockie S. , Halpin D. , Pearson D. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter examines (i) the organic marketplace in terms of the changing dynamics of supply and demand; (ii) the attributes of those who consume organic foods; (iii) the strategies that have been set in place to recruit more people as organic food consumers; and (iv) the constraints and opportunities for further expansion of the market for organic foods. In doing so, the chapter addresses, at least in part, once of the principal concerns that has arisen within the organic sector as a consequence of its growth, i.e. the concern that expansion has come at the cost of the core values and practices on which organic agriculture was founded.
Food quality.
Authors: Brandt K. , Mølgaard J. P. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter focuses on ways to improve food quality in organic production and other systems. The relationships between organic regulations and food quality are discussed. A review of earlier studies of organic food and health is provided. Differences between production systems that may affect food quality are described and strategies to measure the effects of production methods on food quality are presented. Food safety assurance systems to prevent transmission of pathogens by food are summarized. In addition, this chapter discusses synthetic toxins intentionally and unintentionally (pollutants) applied to the food, naturally occurring toxins (mycotoxins and plant toxins), and effects of production methods on health of animals or humans.
Voice from the other side: a Ghanaian view on organics.
Authors: Veluw K. van 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This paper explains and emphasizes a radical change in agricultural development in Africa. It shows that organic farming and an organic process of development helps Northern Ghanaian farmers better than conventional development projects. It is suggested that: (1) any change in (agricultural) development should start from the existing (agricultural) practices, yield levels, knowledge and attitude and not from the promises, potentials or perspectives of a new, to be introduced, technology; (2) development projects should change from a technical orientation of development into a mix of technical, social and cultural orientation because Africans have a multidisciplinary or integrative view on life, sustainability and on development; (3) development projects should change from top-down processes towards bottom-up processes; and (4) development approaches should change from a disciplinary subject through a top-down extension method into an integrated topic through a participatory development process.
Education and training in organic agriculture: the Nordic region and the USA.
Authors: Sriskandarajah N. , Francis C. , Salomonsson L. , Kahiluoto H. , Breland T. A. , Geber U. , Helenius J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter begins with an overview of organic farming and considers the place of education within it. Focusing primarily on the goals and structure of courses and curricula in the academic environment, it presents the experience of a small group of educators in setting up course units and programmes in the Nordic region and in the USA. Important questions related to agricultural education are considered, and the chapter concludes with a set of perspectives considered useful for the conceptual and structural changes needed towards designing an appropriate learning landscape for organic agriculture.
Toxic plants for livestock in Brazil: economic impact, toxic species, control measures and public health implications.
Authors: Riet-Correa F. , Medeiros R. M. T. , Tokarnia C. H. , Döbereiner J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter describes the toxic plant species for livestock in Brazil and their economic impact, control and public health implications. Tabulated lists of 113 toxic species belonging to 64 genera that have been reported to cause spontaneous intoxication in livestock (e.g. causing sudden death, liver necrosis, hepatic fibrosis, secondary photosensitization and nephrosis) are presented, with their major clinical signs or system affected, economic impact and active principles.
Locoweeds of North America: taxonomy and toxicity.
Authors: Welsh S. L. , Ralphs M. H. , Panter K. E. , Pfister J. A. , James L. F. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter describes the taxonomy and toxicity of two locoweeds belonging to the genera Astragalus and Oxytropis, each containing several to numerous species of toxic plant species. Those plants with intoxicant properties have led to numerous livestock deaths, amounting to untold amounts of property loss. The first of those genera, Astragalus, is very large, and only a small proportion of the species have been investigated as to their potential for intoxication of livestock. Some 20 species of Astragalus have been noted as poisonous due to the presence of the indolizidine alkaloid swainsonine in their tissues. Species of Astragalus are present in all of the contiguous United States and Alaska, and in all of the Canadian provinces. Oxytropis is much smaller. Species of Oxytropis are confined mainly to western North America, with a few of the taxa extending across the northern portion of the continent to eastern Canada. Four species of Oxytropis are cited as toxic due to the presence of swainsonine.
Evaluation of plant poisoning reports.
Authors: Wagstaff D. J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This chapter describes the evaluation of plant poisoning reports, focusing on the basic elements of reporting, sections of a report, and a detailed example of reporting deficiencies (taken from a set of five articles by William Hagen and coworkers reporting the first confirmed cases of bracken fern, Pteridium aquilinum, poisoning of cattle in North America).
Comparative studies on the susceptibility of buffalo and cattle to three poisonous plants (Palicourea marcgravii, Palicourea juruana and Arrabidaea bilabiata) in the Amazon Region.
Authors: Tokarnia C. H. , Riet-Correa F. , Barbosa J. D. , Oliveira C. M. C. de 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

A review on studies conducted to verify if buffaloes are more resistant than cattle to three poisonous plants namely: P. marcgravii, P. juruana and A. bilabiata in the Amazon region, Brazil was presented. This paper also presented the results of experiments conducted with A. bilabiata with an aim of verifying differences in the toxicity of the plant with respect to young and mature leaves and also during the different seasons of the year.
Ornamental plants in Southern Brazil with toxic potential for companion animals.
Authors: Sena Filho J. G. , Pontual K. A. Q. , Ferreira C. P. , Florencio D. C. , Xavier H. S. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Cases of intoxication of pets were investigated by personal visits to residences, including homes, yards, apartments and common garden areas, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1998 to 2002 to determine the presence of poisonous plants. The plant species most commonly observed in cases of intoxication of pets (i.e. companion animals) were: Dieffenbachia picta [D. maculata], Sansevieria trifasciata, Allamanda cathartica, A. blanchettii, Euphorbia milii, E. pulcherrima, Lantana camara, Philodendron bipinnatifidum and Brugmansia suaveolens. This information will be useful to educate the public about the potential dangers of some common household plants to companion animals.
Effects of dietary pyrrolizidine (Senecio) alkaloids on plasma and liver vitamin E distribution in broiler chickens.
Authors: Lulay A. L. , Leonard S. W. , Traber M. G. , Keller M. R. , Cheeke P. R. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of dietary pyrrolizidine (PA) alkaloids (from Senecio) on the plasma and liver vitamin E concentration in broiler chickens. 54 broiler chicks were used in this experiment and were divide into six equal groups. The following diets were then given: (1) control, (2) positive control plus 500 mg vitamine E/kg feed, (3) positive control plus 200 mg vitamine E/kg feed, (4) negative control (chick diet plus tansy (Senecio jacobaea flowers)), (5) negative control plus 500 mg vitamine E/kg feed, and (6) negative control plus 200 mg vitamine E/kg feed. The feeding experiment lasted up to 25 days and results showed that dietary consumption of PA (from diet 4) results in a pronounced reduction in liver and plasma tocopherol concentrations in chickens. This effect is a consequence of PA induced inhibition of hepatic synthesis of vitamin E transporting proteins as has been observed previously with retinol binding proteins.
The effects of vaccination on riddelliine toxicity in rats.
Authors: Stegelmeier B. L. , Lee S. T. , James L. F. , Gardner D. R. , Panter K. E. , Ralphs M. H. , Pfister J. A. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

To test the efficacy of a pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) conjugates against riddelline toxicity 90 rats (animal models) were used in this study. The animals were divided into three equal groups of which the two groups were immunized with two riddelline conjugates while the third group served as control. Results showed that all of the rats, including the high dose groups, had minimal response to the riddelline challenge. Though the high dose animals lost more weight than the other groups they were still in good condition with little evidence of liver disease. However high dose animals (25 mg/kg) had a significant increased in ALP, ALT, AST, LDH, bilirubin and bile acid with a decreased in albumin when compared with the low dose group (0, 1, and 5 mg/kg). In conclusion, the rats had poor and variable response to vaccination with few animals developing titres greater than 1:1000. Although there were no significant biochemical differences between the vaccinated and control groups rats with higher titre appear to have less hepatocellular swelling and necrosis.