Practical Sampling


Book Description

Sampling is fundamental to nearly every study in the social and policy sciences, yet clear, concise guidance for practitioners and graduate students has been difficult to find. Practical Sampling provides guidance for researchers dealing with the everyday problems of sampling. Using the practical design approach Henry integrates sampling into the overall research design and explains the interrelationships between research design and sampling choices. He lays out alternatives and implications of the choices using four detailed examples to illustrate the alternatives selected and the trade-offs made by applied researchers. The author uses a narrative, conceptual approach throughout the book; mathematical presentations are limited to necessary formulas; and calculations are kept to the absolute minimum, making it an easily approachable book for any researcher, student or professional across the social sciences.




Sampling Essentials


Book Description

Written for students taking research methods courses, this text provides a thorough overview of sampling principles. The author gives detailed, nontechnical descriptions and guidelines with limited presentation of formulas to help students reach basic research decisions, such as whether to choose a census or a sample, as well as how to select sample size and sample type. Intended for students and researchers in the social and behavioral sciences, public health research, marketing research, and related areas, the text provides nonstatisticians with the concepts and techniques they need to do quality work and make good sampling choices.




Comprehensive Sampling and Sample Preparation


Book Description

Comprehensive Sampling and Sample Preparation is a complete treatment of the theory and methodology of sampling in all physical phases and the theory of sample preparation for all major extraction techniques. It is the perfect starting point for researchers and students to design and implement their experiments and support those experiments with quality-reviewed background information. In its four volumes, fundamentals of sampling and sample preparation are reinforced through broad and detailed sections dealing with Biological and Medical, Environmental and Forensic, and Food and Beverage applications. The contributions are organized to reflect the way in which analytical chemists approach a problem. It is intended for a broad audience of analytical chemists, both educators and practitioners of the art and can assist in the preparation of courses as well in the selection of sampling and sample preparation techniques to address the challenges at hand. Above all, it is designed to be helpful in learning more about these topics, as well as to encourage an interest in sampling and sample preparation by outlining the present practice of the technology and by indicating research opportunities. Sampling and Sample preparation is a large and well-defined field in Analytical Chemistry, relevant for many application areas such as medicine, environmental science, biochemistry, pharmacology, geology, and food science. This work covers all these aspects and will be extremely useful to researchers and students, who can use it as a starting point to design and implement their experiments and for quality-reviewed background information There are limited resources that Educators can use to effectively teach the fundamental aspects of modern sample preparation technology. Comprehensive Sampling and Sample Preparation addresses this need, but focuses on the common principles of new developments in extraction technologies rather than the differences between techniques thus facilitating a more thorough understanding Provides a complete overview of the field. Not only will help to save time, it will also help to make correct assessments and avoid costly mistakes in sampling in the process Sample and sample preparation are integral parts of the analytical process but are often less considered and sometimes even completely disregarded in the available literature. To fill this gap, leading scientists have contributed 130 chapters, organized in 4 volumes, covering all modern aspects of sampling and liquid, solid phase and membrane extractions, as well as the challenges associated with different types of matrices in relevant application areas




Practical Mathematics for Precision Farming


Book Description

As the public and producers becomes more aware of the environmental and economic benefits of precision farming, there has been increased demand for quality training to accurately evaluate spatial variability within fields. Practical Mathematics in Precision Farming provides hand-on training and examples for certified crop consultants (CCAs), farmers, crop consultants, and students (both undergraduate and graduate) on how to conduct to conduct and analyze on-farm studies, write simple programs, use precision techniques to scout for pests and collect soil samples, develop management zones, determine the cost of production, assess the environmental consequences of precision techniques, understand soil test results, and develop site-specific nutrient and plant population algorithms. Using real agronomic examples, the reader is taught the crucial task of managing products and inputs for application at the right rate, place, and time.




Environmental Trace Analysis


Book Description

This book covers all aspects of environmental trace analysis from sampling through to preparation of the sample to the analytical techniques used to quantify the level of trace metals or organic compounds. The book is divided into two areas: sample preparation for inorganic analysis and sample preparation for organic analysis. This allows the reader to focus on key aspects related to the preparation of samples for their subsequent analysis. Selected case studies provide the reader with the opportunity to consider how the sample preparation approach can be optimized for their own area of expertise.




Sampling of Particulate Materials Theory and Practice


Book Description

Developments in Geomathematics 4: Sampling of Particulate Materials: Theory and Practice reviews the theory and practice of sampling particulate solids, such as ores and concentrates. With examples borrowed from the mining, metallurgical, and cement industries, the book examines particulate materials of vegetable and mineral origin, including cereals, oil seeds, sugar beets, granulated drosses or slags, bars, plates, and ingots. Organized into nine parts encompassing 34 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the theory of sampling and sampling-error generating mechanisms. It then discusses the continuous selection and discrete models of the increment sampling process and the materialization of punctual increments. It explains the splitting process and its practical implementation in sampling. Lot and sample preparation, resolution of sampling problems, and problems associated with commercial sampling are also discussed. The book also describes the detection of measurement or sampling biases and inconspicuous losses of material, and the design of automatic sampling plants. This book is a valuable resource for geologists, mining engineers, metallurgists, and analysts.




Mixed Methods in Health Sciences Research


Book Description

Mixed Methods in Health Sciences Research: A Practical Primer, by Leslie Curry and Marcella Nunez-Smith, presents key theories, concepts, and approaches in an accessible way. Packed with illustrations from the health sciences literature, this ready-to-use guidebook shows readers how to design, conduct, review, and use mixed methods research findings. Helpful checklists, figures, tables, templates, and much more give readers examples that will elevate the quality of their research, facilitate communication about their methods, and improve efficiency over the course of their projects. Real-world examples and insights from mixed methods researchers provide unique perspectives on every aspect of mixed methods research. This book successfully pulls together foundational mixed methods principles, synthesizes the knowledge base in the field, and translates it for a health science researcher audience. “The content is highly applicable to real life research teams in the areas of clinical research, health services research, and implementation science, providing sound content and practical advice. The authors have synthesized and pull key concepts from a variety of sources to provide a concise resource.” —Linda M. Herrick, South Dakota State University “Everything from the references, to the topics, checklists, conceptual graphic representations, and organizers, interviews, and resources, all contribute to the content and aid with understanding and/or application. … It addresses specific MM research as it pertains to health sciences in a way that other texts just do not even attempt.” —Denise L. Winsor, University of Memphis “[This text is] a very pragmatic approach to mixed methods research; excellent resources, tables, and figures [are] provided, along with cases and examples of value to researchers and grant reviewers. Its relevance to practice, education, and research, as well as to potential policy implications, is a strong focus that would make this a valued textbook for any researcher!” ? —Karen Devereaux Melillo, University of Massachusetts Lowell “The text is cutting edge. It leads the way with its focus on team dynamics. [The authors] succeed in making the book relevant and practical. They also articulate a number of key insights in the area of mixed methods that rarely get addressed, such as teams and conflict. Great read with a lot of good, practical information for mixed methods researchers at all levels. The practical approach of this text makes it an innovative and valuable resource.” —John G. Schumacher, University of Maryland




An Introduction to Statistical Problem Solving in Geography


Book Description

The fourth edition of An Introduction to Statistical Problem Solving in Geography continues its standing as the definitive introduction to statistics and quantitative analysis in geography. Assuming no reader background in statistics, the authors lay out the proper role of statistical analysis and methods in human and physical geography. They delve into the calculation of descriptive summaries and graphics to explain geographic patterns and use inferential statistics (parametric and nonparametric) to test for differences (t-tests, ANOVA), relationships (regression and correlation), and spatial statistics (point and area patterns, spatial autocorrelation). This edition introduces more advanced topics, including logistic regression, two-factor ANOVA, and spatial estimation (inverse distance weighting, Kriging). Many chapters also include thought-provoking discussions of statistical concepts as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining an exploratory and investigative approach throughout, the authors provide readers with real-world geographic issues and more than 50 map examples. Concepts are explained clearly and narratively without oversimplification. Each chapter concludes with a list of major goals and objectives. An epilogue offers over 150 open-ended geographic situations, inviting students to apply their new statistical skills to solve problems currently affecting our world.




Irrigated Pastures


Book Description




Wavelets


Book Description

Wavelets is a carefully organized and edited collection of extended survey papers addressing key topics in the mathematical foundations and applications of wavelet theory. The first part of the book is devoted to the fundamentals of wavelet analysis. The construction of wavelet bases and the fast computation of the wavelet transform in both continuous and discrete settings is covered. The theory of frames, dilation equations, and local Fourier bases are also presented. The second part of the book discusses applications in signal analysis, while the third part covers operator analysis and partial differential equations. Each chapter in these sections provides an up-to-date introduction to such topics as sampling theory, probability and statistics, compression, numerical analysis, turbulence, operator theory, and harmonic analysis. The book is ideal for a general scientific and engineering audience, yet it is mathematically precise. It will be an especially useful reference for harmonic analysts, partial differential equation researchers, signal processing engineers, numerical analysts, fluids researchers, and applied mathematicians.