Picnic Research Articles

Sustainable Management of an Urban Green Space in a Papua New Guinean City: Accessibility, Use and Preferences

Urban green spaces provide recreation opportunities that contribute to physical wellbeing, health, and social wellbeing. However, managing green spaces to promote access and use for recreation and at the same time meet the preferences of visitors is often challenging, especially in developing countries. Using Port Moresby Nature Park (PMNP) in Papua New Guinea as a case study, the objective of this study was to examine visitors’ perceptions of how to manage the park to improve its use for recreation, perceptions of acceptable user fees and preferences for nature types and recreation amenity alternatives. Data were obtained using interviews with 295 visitors to PMNP, of which 291 responses was valid for this study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a multinomial logit regression marginal effect model. The results showed that PMNP can be improved by constructing more toilets, providing more benches at strategic positions, providing water fountains, expanding the children’s playgrounds and training more PMNP staff in customer care. A picnic area was the most preferred and an area containing the Papuan hornbill was the least preferred. On average, the visitors would pay 35% more than the park user fee. A recreation amenity associated with reptiles and birds of paradise was the most preferred and an amenity with only reptiles was the least preferred. Multinomial logit regression model results revealed that preferences for recreation amenity alternatives were influenced by demographic characteristics, the nature type visited, recreation activities, the level of the park user fee, and the time spent at and distance of the interviewees’ dwelling to PMNP. The most important explanatory variables associated with the choice of each of the recreation amenities as reflected by marginal effects include the use of a children’s playground for recreation, grilling and partying during recreation, engagement in walking in natural areas during recreation, the use of animal-dominated areas during recreation and the use of picnic areas during recreation. These findings will assist park managers in making informed decisions by considering visitors’ preferences, the affordability of the park user fee and how to improve an urban green space in a sustainable manner.

Perceived Safety in Community Parks: The Case of Erbil

The parks are significant pillars of the city that fulfill various goals with clear objectives to engage. People can experience nature, engage in physical activity, and relax in parks. The research was based on a case study methodology to examine the reality of the park’s situation in residential neighborhoods through observations, in-person interviews, and a questionnaire. The study was conducted in neighborhoods and community parks within the city of Erbil (Sami Abdulrahman, Shanadar1, Peshmerga, Manar, Runaki, Kanyaw, Shanadar 2, Shanader 3, Gilkand, and Khanzad). The most significant conclusions from the study are: The research area's parks and gardens did not meet the requirements. In addition to lacking the majority of recreational amenities like sports fields and playgrounds, most parks offer areas for resting, strolling, and sitting down. According to the survey's findings, residents of Erbil's residential districts have a significant desire and curiosity to express their opinions in the city's parks. People of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds share this desire. Residents of the area make up the bulk of visitors to these parks and gardens (82%), and afternoons are the best times for them to visit., Additionally, only 8% of respondents think that these parks' playgrounds and exercise equipment satisfy their needs. Additionally, there is a great desire among visitors to add new recreational activities to these parks, such as sitting areas, family picnic areas, gathering areas for the elderly, play areas for kids, reading areas for school children, as well as walking corridors

Crumb bums? Context dependence in ecosystem services supplied by common urban animals

AbstractBolstering the supply of animal‐mediated ecosystem services is an emerging priority in human‐altered landscapes. Such services are driven not only by environmental factors that shape communities of species that provide the service but also by the ecological context that affects the behavior of these species. In this study, we used a field experiment to investigate an ecosystem service that depends on resource use behavior—the removal of littered food waste by birds and squirrels in urban green spaces. We first explore how landscape‐scale urbanization affects the composition of the litter‐removing species community. We then examine two facets of waste removal provisioning—the amount of food removed and the speed of removal—and how they vary across ecological contexts represented by green space type (picnic areas, urban parks, and forest preserves), bird and squirrel abundance, number of people, amount of existing litter, and weather conditions. We found that although landscape‐scale urbanization affected the composition of species within green spaces, service provisioning was context‐dependent. Littered food removal services were provided at higher rates in park and picnic sites than in forest preserves and the abundance of eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) was a main driver of littered food removal services. Where squirrels were abundant, more food was removed, and food removal began and was completed more quickly. When squirrel abundance is accounted for, removal from picnic areas is higher than park sites, indicating context dependence in this service is likely driven by squirrel behavioral responses to ambient food waste levels in these habitats. This study highlights the role of common urban species in providing a valuable ecosystem service and the importance of ecological context in its supply. Efforts to account for animal‐mediated ecosystem services in human‐altered landscapes should address the potential for services to be driven by a single species and context‐dependent factors that influence behavior.

Something for the young and old: A natural experiment to evaluate the impact of park improvements

Given the significant time and financial investment required to improve parks, evaluations of the effectiveness of park improvements are crucial to inform future investment and design to benefit people of all ages. This natural experiment study examined the impact of park improvements on park visitation and park-based physical activity (PA) in two suburban parks (Park A and Park B) compared to a control park with no improvements. Park A underwent substantial improvements with wide range of facilities, including an all-abilities large adventure-style playground, outdoor fitness area designed for older adults, walking paths and other amenities. Park B received relatively minor improvements that included a playground for young children, outdoor fitness equipment for older adults, and a picnic area. Direct observations were conducted using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities at three timepoints; before (T1–2020) and after (T2–2021, and T3–2022) the improvements. At Park A, there was a significant increase in the total number of park visitors at both timepoints, and those engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from T1 to T3, relative to the control park. There were also significant increases in active park visits among children, adults, and older adults. At Park B, there were no significant changes in the total number of park visitors or those engaged in MVPA at either timepoint relative to the control park. These findings suggest the extent of improvements and the diversity of facilities included can influence the success of the intervention. The study highlights that including challenging and diverse play equipment suitable for various age groups and abilities, as well as other recreational features such as walking paths and outdoor fitness equipment can increase park visitation and physical activity across different age groups. The findings can inform future park management and planning decisions.

Perceptions and understanding of sleeve gastrectomy's effects on metabolism, diabetes, and hypertension

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG), a leading bariatric surgery procedure, has surpassed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding in popularity due to its effectiveness in weight loss and managing related morbidities. This study aimed to assess the awareness within the Taif City population in Saudi Arabia regarding the metabolic effects of SG and the resultant alterations in diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done targetting the Makkah region's Taif city population in Saudi Arabia using a simple random sampling technique. Surveys were administered at various locations including shopping malls, picnic areas, and Taif University. Data analysis was performed utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Results: A total of 760 participants were included in the evaluation, with the majority (42.5%) falling within the 18-29 age group. The participant demographic profile revealed a predominance of males (59.7%), mostly Saudi nationals (97.1%), with 76.7% having attained a university education and 56.7% being married. The mean height and body mass index (BMI) of participants were 164.00 ± 9.23 cm and 26.31 ± 5.33 kg/m², respectively. Significantly, age, gender, nationality, education level, and marital status were found to be associated with the level of community awareness regarding the metabolic impact of SG and its effects on DM and HTN (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed variable levels of awareness among participants regarding the specific metabolic effects of SG. While a notable proportion demonstrated awareness, a considerable segment remained uninformed.

Cultural and therapeutic landscapes in the role of healthy cities

Fast global changes affect cities from both economic and social standpoints. The COVID 19 pandemic has completely reshaped urban life and led to a greater respect for social connectedness, mental health and well-being. During the pandemic, people went to parks, green areas and picnic areas more regularly, which showed the importance of the availability of public areas for exercising, stress relief and social interaction. In addition to improving the environment, green areas are crucial for rest and relaxation from the fast pace of urban life. This paper explores the potential of specific areas to encourage citizens to adopt a healthier lifestyle and increase their well-being, focusing on the cultural landscape of the historic Srpske Toplice (Gornji Seher) neighborhood in Banja Luka, a segment of urban and architectural heritage that has preserved elements of local traditional architecture and culture. This neighbourhood, known for its hot springs, was built under the Ottomans and has a unique combination of natural and architectural elements. The research discusses the importance of the connection between people and their environment, highlighting how cultural heritage and a sense of place can enhance citizens? mental health and well-being when utilized for therapeutic purposes. The cultural landscape of Srpske Toplice was built between a green area (Starcevica Nature Park) and a blue area (Vrbas River). This paper presents a case study that aims to enhance our understanding of landscapes by considering the cultural, spiritual, emotional, physical and social well-being of communities.

QPCR analysis of Puccinia spp. in turfgrass areas in Türkiye

In recent years, with the increase in parks, gardens, recreation areas, picnic areas and refuges with urbanization, the interest in turfgrass areas that beautify the aesthetic appearance of these areas has also increased. In these areas, rust diseases are also becoming increasingly common and causing problems. Rust diseases are an important pathogen group that needs to be monitored due to their ability to create new races and their airborne transmission. In this study, surveys were conducted in turfgrass areas in 8 provinces of Türkiye and 110 turfgrass leaf samples showing rust symptoms were collected. As a result of DNA isolation and qPCR analysis from pustules on the leaf surface, 37 Puccinia coronata, 32 P. graminis, 18 P. striiformis and 23 Puccinia spp. have been detected. It was determined that the most common rust species that causes disease in turfgrass areas in Türkiye is P. coronata. This species was followed by P. graminis and P. striiformis, respectively. While P. striiformis was mostly isolated from Kayseri and Istanbul provinces, P. coronata and P. graminis were mostly isolated from İstanbul.

OSMANLI DEVLETİ’NDE KADIN EĞİTİM MEKÂNLARININ ROMANLAR ÜZERİNDEN ANALİZİ

Literary texts help the social structure to be understood and be commented on. We can find the interest of the individual and the society not only in the fictional texts like novels and stories but also in memoirs. Compared to novels and stories, memoirs can even be more plausible in the contexts of place, time and person. They present the relevant time, event or person more realistically and in a detailed way. Literary works will be studied in this research with aim of understanding the social structure and life style from the perspective of women's education places. Different spaces can be found in the Ottoman Empire where knowledge-sharing and communication web exist. Coffee-houses, mosques, public baths, picnic areas, beer-houses can be the examples for these spaces. If we touch upon these spaces from the perspective of women in detail, it would be true to say that educational spaces take the forefront in knowledge sharing. In this study, women’s education centers in the Ottoman Empire are examined through novels and memoirs. The spaces of women’s education in Müfide Ferti Tek’s novels “Aydemir” and “Pervaneler" (Moths) and Halide Edip Adıvar’s memoir “Mor Salkımlı Ev” (The House with Purple Wisteria) are touched upon in the research. This article is a qualitative study in terms of its methods.

Determination of Encounter Norms and Social Carrying Capacity of Yozgat Çamlik National Park Using Simulation Modeling Technique

National parks are at the forefront where city people can satisfy their longing for nature. While the increase in the demands for green and soul has caused some questions for these areas, it has also prepared the ground for local governments to take protective-preventive measures. Yozgat Çamlık National Park has the title of being the first national park of Türkiye and is characterized as a rare piece of nature. This study calculated the carrying capacities of the scenic cruise route and picnic roads, the most intensive-use areas of Yozgat Çamlık National Park. To make the calculations, the National Park was visited frequently between January and December 2021-2022, and the most intense usage points were determined. Photographs of the determined points were taken, and six simulation images were created. The visitors using the National Park were asked to score between 1-6 on the simulation images that they felt comfortable and uncomfortable within the simulation images created by a survey study. The National Park's Social Carrying Capacity and Social Norm levels were calculated according to the scoring status. When the findings are evaluated, the Social carrying capacity of the Picnic area is 524 people, the Social Norms level is nine people, the Social Capacity is 84 people on the Scenic cruise route, and the Social Norms level is determined as ten people.

Prospects of using the tourism potential of the liberated territories from the point of view of ecotourism


 
 
 The article analyzes the current situation and dynamics of ecotourism in Azerbaijan, the role of national parks in the development of this sector, and the possibilities of using natural and cultural heritage resources for ecotourism. The growing demand for ecotourism on the international tourism market is based on the joint use of the existing potential of natural and cultural heritage, which implies its implementation on the liberated territories. The article shows the importance of ecotourism products offered by Azerbaijan on the international tourism market, especially using the potential of national parks. The potential of natural heritage prevails in the organization of ecotourism corridors. Offering tourists new ecotourism routes increases their attractive- ness. The dynamic growth in the number of people using these ecotourism corridors has led to the proliferation of picnic and camping areas in natural areas. The authors have considered the possibilities of using the tourism potential of the vacated lands for ecotourism, eco-cultural heritage tourism, examined the peculiarities of the areas where this type of tourism is spreading and classified them. Ec-otourism routes are offered in the region with guidelines for the joint use of natural and cultural heritage. It has been proven that the strategy of transforming occupied territories into green energy zones and planning smart settlements in harmony with nature contribute to the development of ecotourism. At the same time, it was noted that this encourages the development of alternative types of tourism in recreation areas for the joint use of natural, cultural and ethno-cultural heritage in terms of sustainable tourism. The authors have demonstrated the possibilities of opening new ecotourism corridors in the region, the prospects for their marketing, identifying new destinations and reducing the impact of negative factors on the environment in order to support the development of sustainable tourism.
 
 

“Nothing Beats Nature”: Park Visitor Preferences for Natural Turfgrass and Artificial Turf: A Case Study

Green spaces comprising natural turfgrass are ubiquitous in urban areas globally and allow for a variety of ecosystem services that benefit nature and people. However, traditional natural turfgrass is often critiqued for the number of inputs (e.g., fertilizer, water) required to maintain it. With those critiques in mind, some cities have turned to artificial turf as an alternative groundcover despite environmental and human health concerns (e.g., heavy metal leaching, volatile organic compounds). Research of artificial turf has been minimal compared with that of the growth of installations, especially related to social aspects of the surface. The current research used an in-person experiential case study of park visitors in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area of Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN, USA, to investigate how individuals perceived artificial turf compared with natural turfgrass as it relates to potential uses (e.g., resting/relaxing) and beliefs about sustainability (e.g., environmental impacts). Overall, participants preferred natural turfgrass across all uses but two (recreational and organized sports). The largest differences were observed for the use for picnic areas and the use for play areas for pets. Participants also perceived natural turfgrass as more sustainable than artificial turf, corresponding to the contribution to human health and well-being. In contrast, participants equally perceived the use of these surfaces in terms of natural resources. These findings have implications for public land managers, urban planners, city councils, and other stakeholders because they consider the adoption of artificial turf or other possible alternatives (e.g., low-input turfgrasses, bee lawns) to traditional turfgrass in the communities and their sustainability, maintenance, and cost-savings.

Algorithm for optimal path planning of a robotic lawnmower

Horticultural lawns include areas of land that are covered with sown grass in urban areas and require periodic mowing in order to best preserve their aesthetic and functional purpose. This activity may require significant involvement of human and material resources, especially in large public areas such as sports fields, parks and picnic areas. Thanks to the progress of computer technology, this tiresome routine work is gradually being taken over by robotic mowers that can bring significant savings in human and material resources. In this paper, the problem of robotic lawnmowers related to path planning in the working environment is presented. Commercial solutions to date are mostly based on choosing a random straight line path until the mower reaches a lawn boundary or obstacle, after which it turns in the opposite direction and continues mowing in an arbitrary direction. This paper presents a path planning method based on the Chinese postman's algorithm, which enables the planning of the most optimal path that the mower will take so that it mows the entire lawn in the most economical way.

Factors affecting bird attacks on small mammal traps

ABSTRACT Live trapping is a common survey technique used to sample small terrestrial mammal populations, but too often traps are disturbed by non-target species, especially by birds such as corvids, resulting in a considerable waste of survey time and effort. This study aimed to test whether visual cues associated with trapping increased the disturbance rate of traps by birds, which are renowned for their attraction to visual stimuli. We manipulated trap covering (plastic bag, hessian and uncovered traps) in conjunction with the presence and absence of flagging tape, and randomly assigned treatments to traps in 180 locations for checking in either the morning or the evening. The plastic bag cover was the primary cause of disturbance rates with approximately 50% of all traps with plastic bags disturbed compared to uncovered traps (2%) or traps covered in hessian (9%). Flagging and time of day had no effect on the likelihood of disturbance. It is probable that trap-raiding birds may have associated plastic with scavenged foods from nearby picnic areas and sources of rubbish. We suggest that hessian provides a reasonable alternative to plastic bags, giving shelter for trapped animals from rain and exposure while reducing the likelihood of trap attack by birds.

Ecotourist and Picnic Area Assessment Using AHP Analytical Tools in Sulaimani– Tourism Region, Iraq

Renovation of the naturally existing area for ecotourist and investments that attracting site-visitors, picnickers and tourists for Iraq, Kurdistan Region, Sulaimani need to promote a reliable decision-making technique so as to raise the level of the tourist-based economy. In this study, the most available public well known and recognized tourist and picnic area by the people and associated governmental directories were studied and assessed for their tourism reliability and capacity. The study area of this research covered tourist area and they were forty-three (43) locations and all the related data collected, analyzed and categorized as main and sub-main criterions. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) has been used for assessment of that area which was ranked accordingly from the highest to lowest capacity and efficiency’s reliability of tourism. The opinion of experts from tourism agencies, related tourism officials and people from the local area also taken into consideration and translated and used in the AHP assessment tool. Weight factors of the main and sub-main criterions were founded and analyses for their inconsistency. The main criterions and their pairwise weights as per AHP assessment were climate, available green area, root distance, easy of transportation, essential requirements, entertainment tools, provided security and healthcare, respectively.

Present security of the neighbourhood urban parks considering SARS-CoV-2 potential spreading – A case study in Ursynów district in Warsaw

Motives: It is expected that COVID-19 pandemic will impact future design, use and perception of urban green spaces such as public parks. How to facilitate residents’ safe use of the urban green spaces and reduce health risks has become important question to consider by landscape architects and municipal authorities responsible for the public green areas resources. This research focuses on examination of urban parks of a typical residential district of a large city in terms of their security in time of COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: In urban parks of Ursynów district in Warsaw were assessed: quality and present security and possibilities of re-adjustments to increase their security. Results: Ursynów district has good quality, accessible parks. Larger parks offer picnic areas and shelters, have more than one, entrance and paths with widening for benches. All playgrounds are enclosed with gates to install dispenser for hand sanitization. Gates and knobs are made of metal allowing frequent disinfection. Benches and tables are usually properly distanced and those in shelters may be marked ‘for visitors from one social bubble only’ but in the future an emphasis should be put on more scattered pattern of park furniture. All parks are equipped with trash cans, but usually open or semi-closed, which should be avoided.

Optimization Of Determination Against K-Means Cluster Algorithm Using Elbow Creation

Clustering is a data mining method for grouping data that have similar or different characters in each section. One of the methods is using K-Means by measuring the distance between clusters using the shortest distance or Euclidean Distance. K-means entails weakness, which is the determination of clusters in k-means clustering, resulting in the different data grouping and affecting the results of the data cluster distribution. To overcome this issue, the elbow creation method is employed to determine the similarity level in the cluster by observing the comparison between Root Means Square and R Square to measure the homogeneity and heterogeneity of the cluster where this method is applied by considering the changes in the comparison between the RMSSTD (Root Means Square Standard Deviation) and RS (R Squared) values which have the intersection of the RMSSTD and RSquared values. The difference between RMSSTD cluster 1 and RMSSTD cluster 2 was 0.066 and RS cluster 1 and RS cluster 2 was -0.304. Based on those figures, the highest difference was found in cluster 2. All considered, tourist destinations in East Asia frequently visited or interested to visitors are grouped into cluster 2, comprising criteria 6, 7, 8, and 10, or in other words, resort destination, picnic area, beaches, and religious institutions

Achievements and Difficulties in Development Administration in Jammu and Kashmir: An Analytical Study

Most people consider Jammu & Kashmir to be heaven on earth. If there is heaven on earth, it is this, this, and this, according to the Farsi couplet (Amir Khusrau). The couplet encouraged numerous kings to exercise control over Kashmir. Development has never been a priority for Jammu and Kashmir’s rulers. The Mughals utilized the state as a picnic area and administered it haphazardly through legendary Afghan rulers. Since Punjab remained their primary concern, the Sikhs in power in Lahore gave little thought to state-related matters. Dogras also had to deal with opposition from the populace, particularly in Kashmir, due to nepotism and an oppressive style of government. The state then turned into a conflict between India and Pakistan in 1947. Jammu & Kashmir occasionally experiences disturbances that are related to law and order. Therefore, upholding peace and order continues to be the government’s top priority, with growth taking a back seat. Jammu and Kashmir has continued to be a backward state mostly because of the aforementioned factors. The state has a very low per capita income, a large fiscal and revenue deficit, insufficient administrative and material infrastructure for development, high levels of corruption and unemployment, and a low literacy rate. Development Administration, according to its founder George F. Gant, “is intended to produce specific outcomes and is successful or terrible in terms of its delivery of results. It starts with the goal being defined and moves on to developing the administrative strategy necessary to attain it. Additionally, the notion of Growth Administration was based on the ideas of nation-building and social and economic development. The concept of development administration was established by the study. The current study thus concentrates on the successes and challenges in the Development Administration in Jammu and Kashmir.

Tramas solidarias para sostener la vida frente a la COVID-19. Ollas y merenderos populares en Uruguay

As a solidarity response to the food crisis, 700 soup kitchens and picnic areas were created by various community networks in different parts of Uruguay in 2020. In the context of preventive confinement measures —as a result of COVID-19— people found ways to organize themselves to fight hunger, preparing and distributing 8 million portions of food in four and a half months. This article takes a global perspective on this common action, based on the systematization of a national survey of 433 initiatives implemented between August and October. It presents the existing heterogeneity based on the profile of their organizers, dynamics and links, in order to raise some questions about the meanings and horizons in dispute that are beginning to emerge.

John L. Fuller, PhD: 4th District

John L. Fuller, PhD:4th District Judson L. Jeffries In 2007 Dr. John L. Fuller retired from West Virginia State University after a long and distinguished career as the university's registrar. After graduating from West Virginia State College (now University), Brother Fuller matriculated at the West Virginia College of Graduate Studies and earned a master's degree in higher education administration.1 He later earned his doctorate in leadership studies with a concentration in higher education and counseling at Kent State University. Born and bred on the East Coast, Fuller grew up in the town of Framingham, Massachusetts, less than 25 miles west of Boston. Rich in Black history, Framingham was an annual gathering-spot for abolitionists. Every 4th of July from 1854 to 1865, which marked the beginning of Reconstruction, the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society held a rally in a picnic area called Harmony Grove near downtown Framingham. The first rally is widely remembered for William Lloyd Garrison burning copies of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, as Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Henry David Thoreau, and William Cooper Nell looked on. Framingham is also famous for being the home of Dr. Fuller's grandmother—Mrs. Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller—who was known for her depictions of Blacks as a painter and sculptor and was the first Black woman to receive a US government art commission. Brother Fuller continues in this long line of distinguished African Americans who call Framingham home. The conversation that follows is the product of several conversations that occurred in May 2021. Judson L. Jeffries: I heard a lot about you Brother Fuller, thank you for agreeing to participate. John L. Fuller: No, thank you, I think what you're doing is commendable. JLJ: Well, thank you, if you don't mind, we'll get right into it. JLF: Ok, fine with me. [End Page 301] JLJ: How many years did you serve as the registrar for West Virginia State University? JLF: Let's see, I started as the registrar in 1973 and retired in 2007; so that's what, 34 years? JLJ: That's a heck of a long time Brother Fuller. JLF: Yes, it is, but don't forget now Brother Jeffries, I was actually there longer than that because I held other positions there as well. JLJ: What other positions did you hold? JLF: Let's see, I began in 1966–1967 as head dormitory counselor for the Freshmen Residence Hall, then in 1967–1968 I was a student personnel counselor, and from 1968 to 1969 I was director of student activities and associate dean of student affairs the following year. Then in 1970–1971 I was assistant registrar. JLJ: Wow, that's a mighty long list. JLF: Hold on, Brother Jeffries, there were position title changes. From 1974 to 1995 I was director of registration and admissions, and from 1995 to 2001 I was director of registration and records, and finally from 2001 to 2007 I was director of registration and records and special assistant to the vice president of academic affairs. JLJ: Good Lord, what position didn't you hold? JLF: [Laughter] I held quite a few, that's for sure. JLJ: So, you retired in 2007? JLF: Yes, I retired in 2007, but then in 2008 I was asked to serve as interim vice president for planning and advancement. Initially, I was asked to serve in that capacity for just a semester, but I ended up staying quite a bit longer than that. JLJ: You may not see yourself this way Brother Fuller, but after talking to one of your colleagues and now listening to you, as you lay out the highlights of your career at West Virginia State University, I think I would be on solid footing by referring to you as an institution. You're a living, breathing institution. JLF: I don't know about that, although some people have mentioned that. JLJ: Oh yeah, I think so. JLF: Well, I don't take the compliment lightly. JLJ: I don't think that's debatable, but anyway, I'm going to change channels right now. JLF: Ok. JLJ: When you think back on your time at West...

La alimentación de los hogares vulnerables con niños/as y adolescentes del Partido de La Matanza en tiempos de COVID-19

Using a qualitative approach, this article analyses the strategies developed in households with children and adolescents in vulnerable neighbourhoods in La Matanza district, in order to be able to guarantee the availability of food during the Compulsive and Preventive Social Isolation due to COVID-19. 55 in-depth interviews were conducted in 5 vulnerable neighbourhoods. Community dining schemes and picnic areas, as well as other social aid strategies, such as school food bags, Alimentar Card and neighbour solidarity, became key pieces in a time of socioeconomic deprivation. Food diet quality and the number of daily meals decreased as they lacked fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and a revealed a reduced intake of meat. However, home-made food prevailed, and food and water consumption improved. Changes in children and teenagers´ weight and moods were also observed.