The aim of this study was to create a profile of the agricultural tourism industry in the Garden Route area of South Africa, and to determine what general influence agricultural tourism has on the macro environment (rural area) with regard to socio- economic development, as ell as on the micro environment (farm) with regard to the generating of additional income. This study only includes agricultural operations (farms) in the Garden Route area that practice tourism activities. Out of 54 potential agricultural units that were identified, 46 were willing to participate in the study. Information from only 40 of the abovementioned units was finally included in this study. Six agricultural units could not supply sufficient information during the surveys. Data were gathered by means of a scientifically compiled questionnaire. All the individuals involved in this study completed this questionnaire by means of a personal interview. The aspects investigated in order to compile a profile were the characteristics of the suppliers, activities and the extent of the agricultural tourism industry. In order to determine the contribution of agricultural tourism on micro- and macro levels, aspects such as the contribution to farming turnover were investigated as well as the socioeconomic contribution in view of the infrastructure development, job creation, education and housing. The results of this study indicate that 78% of respondents are aged 40 years and older, are mainly male, and, in most of the cases, married (95%). Agricultural tourism enterprises in the Garden Route area are, in most cases (60%), managed by the farmers’ wives. The business type whereby respondents’ agricultural tourism enterprises are conducted, is as follows: in 72.5% of the cases a sole ownership, 17.5% a private company, 5% a partnership, 2.5% a closed corporation and the other remaining 2.5% is managed as a trust. The majority (65%) of persons involved in the management of the agricultural tourism enterprise has received some form of tertiary education. A degree of statistical significance (p = 0.0728) exists between the education level of the type of person/persons that manages the tourist branches and the type of activity category that is offered. In 65% of the cases the farms that offered agricultural tourism, were smaller than 500 hectare. A negative correlation (r² = -0.31700; p<0.0001) was found between farm size and the total farming turnover per year. This trend is even more distinctive (r² = -0.47156; p<0.0001) for farms smaller than 1 000 ha. A statistically meaningful (p = 0.0115) relationship exists between farm size and the number of activities that were offered. This occured in cases where farms were smaller than 1 000 ha. In 25% of the cases only one agricultural tourism activity was offered, 12.5% of these farms were 100 ha or smaller. The maximum number of activities that were offered was 11 and it was found in 3.13% of the cases. A highly statistically meaningful (p = <0.0001) connection exists between the percentage tourism turnover per year and the different types of activity categories that were offered. In 35.75% of the cases these activity categories earned between 1 and 10% of the yearly tourism turnover. A highly statistically meaningful (p = 0.0036) connection also exists between the degree of popularity and the type of activity category that was offered. In 53.07% of the cases the most popular activities were those that are nature-based, followed by accommodation-based activities (23.46%). In 82.5% of the cases additional income was the main reason for offering agricultural tourism. Other distinctive reasons were the love for people (50%) and the desire to share the farm life and beauty with others (25%). The tourism activities that were offered on the farms were respectively, guest houses (62.5%) followed by hiking trails (57.5%) and swimming opportunities (32.5%). Wildlife viewing was the activity that has been offered for the longest period of time, some 11,5 years. The general location of the agricultural tourism operations were 21.9 km from towns and 9.65 km from main routes. Word-of-mouth was the most successful marketing method, followed by the use of own brochures (90%) and local tourism bureau brochures (87.5%). A degree of statistical significance (p = 0.0902) exists between the number of marketing methods and the average percentage of the tourism branch as a total part of the total farming turnover per year. A positive correlation (r² = 0.29118; p<0.0001) exists between the number of marketing methods and the total farming turnover per year. Visitors to the agriculture tourism operations were in 55% of the cases mainly domestic tourists, followed by 25% that includes both domestic and foreign tourists, and a further 20% that mainly includes foreign tourists. The majority (67.5%) of operations indicated that agricultural tourism formed less than 30% (between 2% and 30%) of their annual agricultural turnover, 5% between 30% - 50%, 25% between 80% - 100% of their turnover, while 2.5% generated no income from agricultural tourism. A highly statistically meaningful (p = 0.0010) relationship exists between the percentages that the tourism branch contributes as a total of the farming turnover per year and the number of years that the respondents hade been involved in the offering of agricultural tourism. A positive correlation (r² = 0.30005; p<0.0001) exists between the number of years involved with the offering of agricultural tourism and the average percentage of the total farming turnover per year. New infrastructure was created by 40% of the providers, a further 12.5% partially created new infrastructure, while 47.5% made use of infrastructure that was already in place. Thus far job opportunities have been created for 58 people of whom 13.79% are male and 86.21% are female. A statistically meaningful (p = 0.0406) relationship exists between the number of workers that had to be appointed additionally and the number of activities that were offered. In 17.5% of the cases it was only needed to appoint one worker, followed by 2.5% that appointed three workers each, 5% that had to appoint four workers each and a further 2.5% that had to appoint seven workers each. There are 27.5% of agricultural tourism providers that had to appoint additional workers, 20% provided education to those workers and 36.36% of the above-mentioned provided housing to those workers and their dependants. A statistically meaningful (p = 0.0209) relationship exists between education provided to workers that had to be appointed additionally and the type of activity combination that was presented. A degree of statistical significance (p = 0.0691) exists between housing provided to additional workers and the number of activities that were presented. A statistically meaningful (p = 0.0455) relationship further exists between housing provided to workers that had to be appointed additionally and the type of activity combination that was presented. From the results of this study it appeared that the development of agricultural tourism in the Garden Route area has a positive impact on the micro- and macro environments of the rural areas. This impact can make a direct or indirect contribution to the socio-economic development of this region and it can induce the generation of additional income, infrastructure development, job creation, education and housing. This study suggests that there is significant potential for the further development and exploitation of agricultural tourism.

The problem of this study was to determine if the competencies identified by recreational sports practitioners as most needed for entry into the profession were the same as those identified by chairpersons of preparatory departments. Furthermore, this study determined if chairpersons of physical education and recreation curricula identified significantly different competency areas for entry level personnel. The two populations of respondents were from sixty seven institutions listed in the 1982 SPRE-NRPA Curriculum Catalog. Each subject was asked to complete a copy of the Jamieson Recreational Sports Competency Analysis. The criterion scores for each of the statements were divided into twelve competency areas for analysis.

Enterococci levels are measured to assess water safety in recreational beaches through a state surveillance program. This surveillance informs the public of beach safety, yet the sampling methodology is limited to only making an advisory posting one sample at a time. This methodology poses a challenge for managers such as: 24 hour advisory waiting period, untested days and extreme variability of enterococci levels in the environment. Therefore, there is a need to integrate adaptive management methodologies that can assist managers to proactively assess beach water safety. This study explored the utility of a historical analysis and logistic regression modeling as a method and as an advisory tool. The analysis utilized 10 years of enterococci surveillance data (7,422 samples) from 15 sub-tropical beaches in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It was determined that Miami beaches have historical low enterococci exceedance counts (3% of total data), that there are some beaches that are more propense to higher exceedance counts than others and that the wet season overall did not readily appear to affect exceedances counts. The logistic regression model utilized an exceedance/ non-exceedance dichotomy and spatial, temporal and annual variables. The model indicated that the overall range of probability of having an exceedance for the sampled beaches under each variable was less than 10%. The ability to use this model and get probability results showed that logistic regression is an accurate statistical tool that provides the historical probabilities of an exceedance on a beach and can complement a random sampling methodology. Furthermore it’s a simple and inexpensive methodology that provides the ability to categorize and recognize patterns estimating the surveillance-managed sample sites probabilities that provides foresight as to where to focus resources in order to reduce risk and facilitating beach management. Through the use of a historical analysis and a logistic regression model, it is possible to address dynamic recreational beach environments with a large-scale view and in a historically comprehensive manner, instead of only making management choices sample by sample.

Blackfin tuna Thunnus atlanticus, dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus, and wahoo Acanthocybium solandri currently are not managed under the highly migratory species (HMS) fishery management plan (FMP) despite being biologically highly migratory and co-occurring in major fisheries. A review of past international, domestic and regional management regimes; recent consolidations of FMPs; the re-classification of some species within the FMPs and of the migratory patterns of these three species clearly draws into question the application of the inclusion criteria for the HMS FMP. In order to collect stakeholder opinion on including these three species into the HMS FMP, a survey was launched via online fishing forums. However, only 87 respondents participated in the 2 months-long survey process, with 43 % not even completing the whole of the survey. Aside from refusal to participate, the responses on the forums were that of extreme opposition. So, although the nature of these species certainly qualifies them to fall under this FMP, the reaction from the recreational fishing community would make these changes difficult. Given that these three stocks are not stressed nor overfished, the need to place these species under the HMS FMP may not be the best course of action at this time. Moreover, such an action could potentially hurt the recreational fishing industry by adding additional and unnecessary regulations.

Throughout the western North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico, invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) have established dense populations, greatly impacting their host environments. Lionfish tournaments have been an important tool for resource managers and other concerned stakeholders in suppressing local populations of lionfish. Tournaments can also bring economic benefits to the communities where they are held, despite this not being the primary purpose. Five derby events in Florida and the Bahamas were surveyed and 119 participants were interviewed on site, using a survey asking them to describe (1) the lionfish derby experience; (2) non-derby related lionfish removal effort; (3) derby expenditures; and (4) personal characteristics. Response rates of event participants were between 35% and 82%. Respondents spent an average of approximately $820 per person, potentially creating a net economic benefit to the communities where they were held. Total expenditures reported ranged from $5,000 to over $60,000 per tournament, with events drawing a high number of out of town participants reporting the highest amounts spent. Participants surveyed were largely males who resided in Florida and had a reported income of over $100,000 with 29% indicating an annual income of more than $200,000. In addition, lionfish tournaments have the effect of educating the public about the lionfish invasion, including greater targeting and consumption of lionfish, showing that tournaments are effective at their conservation mission as well as contributing to the economy of their host community.

En France, les espaces boisés périurbains font l'objet d'une forte demande sociale en tant qu'espaces récréatifs. Ces nouvelles demandes sont exprimées notamment par des pratiques renouvelées,sportives ou de ressourcement. De leur côté, les collectivités territoriales ont su aménager de nouveaux espaces forestiers plus proches des villes, très appréciés des habitants. Des usagers ont été interviewés dans les espaces boisés de trois villes moyennes, sur leurs usages et sur la justification de ces pratiques. Cela a permis de préciser des différences entre les espaces boisés suburbains et les forêts domaniales plus vastes mais plus éloignées des villes. De même, on observe l'émergence d’un nouvel usage lié à la santé, tant au niveau des individus qu’au niveau des établissements de soins.Ces nouvelles pratiques conduisent à considérer les espaces forestiers périurbains comme des espaces prophylactiques. / In France and in Europe, periurban forests are subject to high social demands for recreationalpurposes. These demands take the form of frequent visits for sports or rest. Local governmentshave succeeded in creating new wooded parks close to cities that are highly appreciated by thepopulation. A survey was run on visitors to forests around three mid-sized cities, addressingwhat they do in the forests and why. The answers revealed differences between suburban parksand larger national forests located farther from the cities. New approaches targeting health mayalso be observed on the part of both individuals and the health sector. These new approachesindicate the existence of a wellness function in periurban forests.

Scuba diving as a recreational activity has increased in popularity over the past few years. It is believed that repeated exposure to the hyperbaric environment may have a long term effect on the auditory system. The research literature has given a lot of attention to acute injury but is very limited relating to the long term implications of scuba diving. Previous research studies did not perform a full audiometric test battery. A comprehensive audiological assessment is critical to determine in which part of the ear a pathology may occur during recreational diving. This study endeavoured to assess and describe the hearing abilities and middle ear functioning of the recreational scuba diver and investigate the possibility that diving, on a recreational level, may have an influence on the auditory system. In order to achieve the aims of this study, a descriptive, correlation research design was selected. The results of the current study indicate that scuba diving on a recreational level does not have a significant effect on the hearing and middle ear functioning of the individual, with the exclusion of static compliance. It appears that the inevitable compression and decompression that the middle ears are exposed to during scuba diving might have a more permanent effect on the elasticity of the tympanic membrane. Finally this study aims to increase the awareness of possible risks concerning the auditory system relating to scuba diving and in so doing, attribute to the prevention, diagnosing and intervention of diving related ear injuries. / Dissertation (M (Communication Pathology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / M (Communication Pathology) / unrestricted

Reverberating architecture exists through the echoes of its creative or architectural image. It is an architecture where the being of that architectural image reverberates and is felt throughout the whole transformative process until its echoes engage with the inner experience of the onlooker. These reverberations might impact the onlooker in such a way that it provokes a new architectural image within him or her. My design thinking was very much influenced by this thesis theme, as well as the concept of an indoor-outdoor system that intertwines. The concept is to design an outdoor recreational equipment centre with speciality shops for mountain biking, kayaking and canoeing, hiking and climbing. This retail complex varies from conventional retail centres in that it is an interactive retail store. This implies that the equipment can be tried before purchasing it. The architecture and the extreme sport activities [climbing, the mountain bike track and the kayak and canoe channel] would be used as communicating devices for specific brands. A precarious balance was needed between the plan, the architecture and the extreme sports existing within the architecture. Therefore a language was developed where by architecture not only responded to the site, but also with the movement happening in and around the site. / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Architecture / unrestricted

Florida is the “Fishing Capital of the World”. With 3.1 million recreational anglers and total recreational fishing-related expenditures of $5 billion in 2011, Florida ranked first in the nation. Given the large benefits of recreational fishing in Florida, assessing the preferences of anglers is critical for sustaining the substantial benefits obtained from recreational fishing in Florida. The objective of this study is to estimate the value of fishing attributes using data on recreational fishing services offered by guides and outfitters. Hedonic price models are applied to estimate the implicit prices of fishing trip attributes and features. The estimated total economic impacts suggest that recreational fishing activities have added $151.19 million value to the economy of Florida and generated $69.73 million in total output. The results can be used by state and national policymakers for future policy design and management of this unique ecosystem service to ensure a sustainable economy.

This paper analyzes the impact of the 2012 legalization of recreational marijuana in Washington State on opioid abuse. Using synthetic control methodology, this paper finds that the legislation prevented 638 overdose deaths and lead to over 3,600 individuals seeking treatment for opioid abuse disorders. Due to the large health, social, and economic impacts of the opioid epidemic, further research should be conducted into ways to reduce the number of opioid prescriptions, the number of opioid overdoses, and opioid abuse generally.