scholarly journals Owners’ Perceptions Do Not Match Actual Ground-Dwelling Invertebrate Diversity in Their Gardens

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 189
Author(s):  
Brigitte Braschler ◽  
Valerie Zwahlen ◽  
José D. Gilgado ◽  
Hans-Peter Rusterholz ◽  
Bruno Baur

Urban gardens are important for human well-being, biodiversity and other ecosystem functions. Biodiversity-promoting initiatives would benefit from their owners being aware of the state of biodiversity in their gardens. We examined whether garden owners’ perceptions match actual biodiversity in their gardens and whether perceptions are influenced by the owners’ ecological knowledge. We used a structured interview to assess the motivations and biodiversity knowledge of owners of 33 domestic gardens in the city of Basel (Switzerland) and related them to a survey of native plants and several groups of ground-dwelling invertebrates in their gardens. Owners showed different priorities, with promotion of habitat for biodiversity, receiving, on average, higher scores than cultivation, recreation and garden designing. Owners prioritizing biodiversity promotion had gardens with high habitat richness. The garden owners’ perceptions of both native plant and overall invertebrate diversity were not correlated with actual diversity data for native plants and ground-dwelling invertebrates. The perceptions of the abundance of invertebrate groups by garden owners with good biodiversity knowledge were not more accurate than those from owners with less knowledge. Despite their willingness, many owners do not know all the opportunities to promote biodiversity. Initiatives to further biodiversity-friendly gardening should thus transfer knowledge.

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Vitor Viana da Costa ◽  
André Accioly Nogueira Machado ◽  
Nielpson Dias Carvalho ◽  
Juliana Simões Bolfe

Compreendamos a Educação Ambiental como sendo um bloco de ensinamentos teórico-práticos que objetiva fazer com que o indivíduo atente para as ações promovidas por ele mesmo e perceba a importância destas para a preservação e conservação do meio ambiente, visando o bem-estar e a saúde de todos os seres vivos. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi fazer um levantamento do perfil dos gestores escolares entrevistados, além de analisar as contribuições dos gestores para a promoção do conhecimento acerca dos temas “Sustentabilidade” e “Meio Ambiente”, contribuindo para a Educação Ambiental nas escolas e na sociedade. Esta é uma pesquisa de campo e apresentou uma abordagem qualitativa, sendo realizada em sete escolas de ensino público municipal da Regional V, na cidade de Fortaleza. Participaram desta pesquisa sete gestores escolares, das sete escolas que foram o cenário desta pesquisa. Utilizou-se um questionário e uma entrevista semi-estruturada para a coleta de dados. Sobre o exercício da função de gestor, percebeu-se que 71,4% dos entrevistados gerem apenas uma escola, enquanto apenas 28,56% gerem duas ou mais. Notou-se, também, que, sobre o tempo total de experiência na função, 28,56% dos entrevistados informaram que têm entre 16 – 20 anos como gestor e, sobre o tempo de gestão nas escolas atuais, 42,84% estão entre três e cinco anos na função. Conclui-se que, na comunidade escolar, todos os integrantes têm o seu devido papel, mas, diante da sua função, o gestor é a pessoa responsável por incentivar, apoiar e se mostrar disponível para ações desta natureza.AbstractWe understand Environmental Education as being a block of theoretical-practical teachings that aims to make the individual attentive to the actions promoted by himself and realize the importance of these for the preservation and conservation of the environment, aiming at the well-being and health of all living things. The objective of this research was to survey the profile of school managers interviewed, as well as to analyze the contributions of managers to the promotion of knowledge about "Sustainability" and "Environment", contributing to Environmental Education in schools and society. This is a field research and presented a qualitative approach, being carried out in seven municipal public schools of the Regional V, in the city of Fortaleza. Seven school managers participated in this research, from the seven schools that were the scene of this research. A questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were used to collect data. Regarding the role of manager, 71.4% of respondents managed only one school, while only 28.56% managed two or more. It was also noted that 28.56% of the respondents reported that they had between 16 and 20 years of age as manager, and 42.84% of their three and five years in office. It is concluded that, in the school community, all the members have their proper role, but, given their role, the manager is the person responsible for encouraging, supporting and showing himself available for actions of this nature.


Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 804-811
Author(s):  
Andrize Ramires Costa ◽  
Magda Jordana Armesto Lopes ◽  
Ana Paula De Souza Dias ◽  
Priscila Lopes Cardozo

  Uma das manifestações mais conhecidas da Ginástica Artística é a sua manifestação competitiva. Compreendendo sua iniciação, geralmente, com crianças de pouca idade, o envolvimento e apoio dos pais torna-se um dos requisitos fundamentais no desenvolvimento do potencial esportivo, permanência e, principalmente, no bem-estar psicológico. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo se delimita em verificar de que forma ocorre a influência parental diante da carreira das filhas ginastas. Participaram cinco pais de atletas que competiram no Campeonato Estadual e Brasileiro de Ginástica Artística, categoria infantil, pela Federação de Ginástica do Rio Grande do Sul, na cidade de Porto Alegre, Brasil. Como instrumento de pesquisa foi utilizada uma entrevista semiestruturada e, posteriormente, os dados foram analisados a partir da análise de conteúdo de Bardin (2011). Os resultados demonstram que o apoio dos pais no alto rendimento na carreira/vivência esportiva da criança aparece presente em diversas manifestações, como por exemplo através do transporte, aquisição de materiais para os treinos/competições, mudança de estado/cidade, viagens para campeonatos e também no apoio psicológico. Finalizamos este estudo destacando que os pais têm uma relevância importante na vida esportiva das atletas, sendo imprescindível sua participação durante a carreira das mesmas, entretanto é importante diferenciar incentivo de pressão no alto rendimento.  Abstract. One of the best known manifestations of Artistic Gymnastics is its competitive manifestation. Understanding their initiation, generally, with young children, parental involvement and support becomes one of the fundamental requirements in the development of sporting potential, permanence and, mainly, in psychological well-being. Therefore, the objective of this study is limited to verifying how the parental influence occurs before the career of the gymnasts daughters. Five parents of athletes who competed in the State and Brazilian Artistic Gymnastics Championship, child category, participated by the Gymnastics Federation of Rio Grande do Sul, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. As a research instrument, a semi-structured interview was used and, subsequently, the data were analyzed from the content analysis of Bardin (2011). The results demonstrate that the parents support in high performance, the parents' support in the child's sports career/experience appears in several manifestations, such as through transport, purchase of the tools used for training and competitions, change of state/city, travel to championships and also in psychological support. We concluded this study by highlighting that parents have an important relevance in the athletes' sporting life, their participation during their career being essential, however it is important to differentiate pressure incentive in high performance. 


2011 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleya Abdel-Hadi ◽  
Eman El-Nachar ◽  
Heba Safieldin

Recent studies in the realm of housing design avow for the concept of Liveable Cities; an aspect which in turn, places emphasis on the concept of home range. The home range is regarded as the challenge to create a ‘near environment’ that is humanistic and fair, community-oriented and environmentally conscious; a relatively new conception towards responsive and sustainable environments for residents' well-being. Considering that socio-cultural needs in tandem with architectural and urban characteristics correspond to residents perspectives of their home environment; hence, understanding residents' perceptions of their home range should provide designers with deeper insights for creating more responsive residential environments. This study aimed at identifying aspects that contribute to shaping the residents' perception of their home range. The field study included two housing features within the same social class in Egypt with a focus on Cairo: residents of the city's original districts and immigrants of the city to newly suburban gated communities. The methodology was an in-depth qualitative study, exploratory in nature, based on a theoretical content analysis of literature on home range, and a field survey that investigated the residents' perception of the concept. Tools for data gathering relied on photographic and observation methods; together with a structured interview on a random sample in each of the two defined residential environments. Discussions relate findings to planning concepts, and finally, results have generated a framework for decision makers and designers.


1996 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 370-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Randall

Invasions by non-native plants threaten the preservation of many plant and animal species and communities throughout North America. These pest species compete with and displace native plants and animals and may substantially alter ecosystem functions (e.g., fire occurrence and frequency, nutrient cycling). Awareness of these threats among wildland managers has greatly increased in the last decade. In a recent poll of National Park superintendents, 61% of 246 respondents indicated non-native plant invasions were moderate or major problems at their parks. Likewise, over 60% of Nature Conservancy stewards nationwide polled in 1992 indicated weeds were among their top 10 management problems, listing nearly 200 problem species. Over 12% indicated weeds were their worst problem. Weed control programs are now in place in wildlands across the continent, employing techniques ranging from manual removal, mechanical methods, prescribed fire, judicious use of herbicides, the release of biological control agents, and encouragement of native competitors. The most successful endeavors follow an adaptive management strategy in which plans based on the goals of the preserve are developed, weeds that interfere with those goals are identified and prioritized, and control measures are selected and implemented where appropriate. Emphasis is placed on preventing new weeds from becoming established and on early detection and elimination of incipient infestations. Managers must focus on the vegetation or community desired in place of the weeds and periodically re-evaluate whether their programs are moving them toward this objective. Control of weeds in wildlands poses unusual problems not ordinarily met in other systems which offer challenging research opportunities for weed scientists and ecologists.


2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Jennifer Lee Brady ◽  
Annie Hoang ◽  
Olivia Siswanto ◽  
Jordana Riesel ◽  
Jacqui Gingras

Obtaining dietetic licensure in Ontario requires completion of a Dietitians of Canada (DC) accredited four-year undergraduate degree in nutrition and an accredited post-graduate internship or combined Master’s degree program. Given the scarcity of internship positions in Ontario, each year approximately two-thirds of the eligible applicants who apply do not receive a position XX, XX, XX, XX, XX, XX, in press). Anecdotally, not securing an internship position is known to be a particularly disconcerting experience that has significant consequences for individuals’ personal, financial, and professional well-being. However, no known empirical research has yet explored students’ experiences of being unsuccessful in applying for internship positions. Fifteen individuals who applied between 2005 and 2009 to an Ontario-based dietetic internship program, but were unsuccessful at least once, participated in a one-on-one semi-structured interview. Findings reveal that participants’ experiences unfold successively in four phases that are characterized by increasingly heightened emotional peril: naïveté, competition, devastation, and frustration. The authors conclude that the current model of dietetic education and training in Ontario causes lasting distress to students and hinders the future growth and vitality of the dietetic profession. Further research is required to understand the impact of the current model on dietetic educators, internship coordinators, and preceptors as coincident participants in the internship application process.


2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine Johnson

Video presentation of the opening keynote address given at the 2007 Greenscapes conference at Brock University (St. Catharines, ON). Lorraine Johnson is the author of numerous books related to environmental issues and gardening, including The New Ontario Naturalized Garden; 100 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants for Canadian Gardens; and The Gardener's Manifesto. In this address Johnson discusses some key ideas relating to the theme of "the garden in the city."


1970 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 13-19
Author(s):  
Cristiane Rosa Guedes ◽  
Bianca Del Ducca Alvarenga ◽  
Isabella Rotella ◽  
Débora Vitória Alexandrina Lisboa Vilella

RESUMOObjetivo: Identificar o significado para o enfermeiro em prestar cuidados para pacientes com Depressão.  Materiais e métodos: Estudo exploratório e descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, a amostra foi de 12 enfermeiras, o cenário de estudo foram Unidades Básicas de Saúde e Estratégias de Saúde da Família, urbanas da cidade de Itajubá-MG. A coleta de dados foi por meio do roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada composta por questionário contendo uma pergunta inerente ao assunto. Resultados: Encontramos oito categorias como estigma da depressão, suicídio, dificuldade em lidar, tempo escasso, envolvimento familiar, aceitação da doença, acolhimento e dar medicamento, de acordo com os discursos dos sujeitos coletados na entrevista. Conclusão: Os enfermeiros não estão em contato direto com portadores de depressão no seu trabalho, não entendem que é sua tarefa identificar e encaminha-los para tratamento especializado. Sugerimos que outros estudos sejam desenvolvidos sobre essa temática.Palavras-chave: Depressão. Relação Enfermeiro-Paciente. Assistência de Enfermagem. ABSTRACTObjective: To identify the meaning for nurses when providing care for patients with depression. Materials and Methods: exploratory and descriptive study with qualitative approach, the sample consisted of 12 nurses, the study scenario was the urban Unidades Básicas de Saúde e Estrategia de Saúde da Família, in the city of Itajubá. Data collection was done through semi-structured interview guides consisting of a questionnaire containing a question related to the subject. Results and Discussion: we found eight categories as stigma of depression, suicide, coping difficulties, scarce time, family involvement, acceptance of the disease, host and give medicine, according to the speeches of the subjects collected in the interview. Conclusion: nurses are not in direct contact with individuals with depression in their work, do not understand that it is their job to identify and refer them to specialized treatment. We suggest that other studies be developed on this theme.Keywords: Depression, Nurse-patient Relationship, Nursing care.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikki Theofanopoulou ◽  
Katherine Isbister ◽  
Julian Edbrooke-Childs ◽  
Petr Slovák

BACKGROUND A common challenge within psychiatry and prevention science more broadly is the lack of effective, engaging, and scale-able mechanisms to deliver psycho-social interventions for children, especially beyond in-person therapeutic or school-based contexts. Although digital technology has the potential to address these issues, existing research on technology-enabled interventions for families remains limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of in-situ deployments of a low-cost, bespoke prototype, which has been designed to support children’s in-the-moment emotion regulation efforts. This prototype instantiates a novel intervention model that aims to address the existing limitations by delivering the intervention through an interactive object (a ‘smart toy’) sent home with the child, without any prior training necessary for either the child or their carer. This pilot study examined (i) engagement and acceptability of the device in the homes during 1 week deployments; and (ii) qualitative indicators of emotion regulation effects, as reported by parents and children. METHODS In this qualitative study, ten families (altogether 11 children aged 6-10 years) were recruited from three under-privileged communities in the UK. The RA visited participants in their homes to give children the ‘smart toy’ and conduct a semi-structured interview with at least one parent from each family. Children were given the prototype, a discovery book, and a simple digital camera to keep at home for 7-8 days, after which we interviewed each child and their parent about their experience. Thematic analysis guided the identification and organisation of common themes and patterns across the dataset. In addition, the prototypes automatically logged every interaction with the toy throughout the week-long deployments. RESULTS Across all 10 families, parents and children reported that the ‘smart toy’ was incorporated into children’s emotion regulation practices and engaged with naturally in moments children wanted to relax or calm down. Data suggests that children interacted with the toy throughout the duration of the deployment, found the experience enjoyable, and all requested to keep the toy longer. Child emotional connection to the toy—caring for its ‘well-being’—appears to have driven this strong engagement. Parents reported satisfaction with and acceptability of the toy. CONCLUSIONS This is the first known study investigation of the use of object-enabled intervention delivery to support emotion regulation in-situ. The strong engagement and qualitative indications of effects are promising – children were able to use the prototype without any training and incorporated it into their emotion regulation practices during daily challenges. Future work is needed to extend this indicative data with efficacy studies examining the psychological efficacy of the proposed intervention. More broadly, our findings suggest the potential of a technology-enabled shift in how prevention interventions are designed and delivered: empowering children and parents through ‘child-led, situated interventions’, where participants learn through actionable support directly within family life, as opposed to didactic in-person workshops and a subsequent skills application.


Author(s):  
Melissa R. Marselle ◽  
Sarah J. Lindley ◽  
Penny A. Cook ◽  
Aletta Bonn

Abstract Purpose of review Biodiversity underpins urban ecosystem functions that are essential for human health and well-being. Understanding how biodiversity relates to human health is a developing frontier for science, policy and practice. This article describes the beneficial, as well as harmful, aspects of biodiversity to human health in urban environments. Recent findings Recent research shows that contact with biodiversity of natural environments within towns and cities can be both positive and negative to human physical, mental and social health and well-being. For example, while viruses or pollen can be seriously harmful to human health, biodiverse ecosystems can promote positive health and well-being. On balance, these influences are positive. As biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, research suggests that its loss could threaten the quality of life of all humans. Summary A key research gap is to understand—and evidence—the specific causal pathways through which biodiversity affects human health. A mechanistic understanding of pathways linking biodiversity to human health can facilitate the application of nature-based solutions in public health and influence policy. Research integration as well as cross-sector urban policy and planning development should harness opportunities to better identify linkages between biodiversity, climate and human health. Given its importance for human health, urban biodiversity conservation should be considered as public health investment.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document