International Journal of Science Engineering and Management, Nov 19, 2023
This study investigates the energy and nitrogen economy of the Mediterranean goat across diverse ... more This study investigates the energy and nitrogen economy of the Mediterranean goat across diverse environmental conditions, emphasizing the influence of heat stress and shelter on animal productivity. Environmental factors such as water availability, food quality, and heat stress affect the animal's capacity to convert indigestible plant components into digestible food and sustain energy balance. In particular, heat stress causes a significant decrease in the goat's food by 27.49% and by 34.85% in alfalfa hay and wheat straw respectively, leading to a loss of body mass, even when offered high-quality food such as alfalfa hay. However, when sheltered from direct sunlight, the goat can maintain an energy balance on any diet, a significant decrease in body mass was recorded, with a reduction of 10.59% for alfalfa hay and 17.79 ± 3.0% for wheat straw. Heat stress also impairs the goat's ability to maintain a balanced nitrogen economy, reducing nitrogen loss through excretion during heat load conditions and high-protein food digestion. The study found that the average urea recycling rate in goats kept in a shelter was 36%, which was significantly higher than the rate observed in goats exposed to heat stress, which was only 19.6%. Moreover, the amount of recycled urea was also higher in the shelter at 91% compared to 69.9% in the reflected heat stress recorded when the goats were maintained on a diet of wheat straw. As the goat cannot reduce its metabolic rate, a negative energy balance occurs, resulting in body mass loss. The quality of food and heat stress are critical determinants of the goat's food consumption, with high heat load reducing appetite. This study concludes that sheltered conditions, providing protection from direct sunlight, are necessary to sustain productivity and maintain a stable body mass on any diet. Furthermore, maintaining a balanced nitrogen balance can be challenging for animals consuming low-protein food, particularly under suboptimal feeding conditions. The study's findings have implications for the broader issue of global warming, as rising temperatures could increase heat stress and reduce food consumption and productivity in animals, with potentially negative consequences for agriculture and food security. Therefore, protecting animals from heat stress through adequate shelter and management practices is essential to mitigate the negative impacts of global warming on animal productivity, Animal husbandry, and human livelihoods.
Journal of neuroscience and neurological surgery, Feb 8, 2024
Background: This study investigates the impact of effortless walking (aerobic exercise) versus st... more Background: This study investigates the impact of effortless walking (aerobic exercise) versus strenuous sporting activity (anaerobic exercise) on educational attainment among elementary school children. The focus is on how different intensities of physical activity affect cognitive functions like memory, concentration, and higher-order thinking skills. Materials and Methods: The research included 50 fourth-grade students. They underwent tests measuring concentration, recall, understanding, application, and analysis of knowledge, first without exercise, then after effortless walking, and finally following strenuous exercise. Results: Effortless walking significantly improved concentration (255% increase), recall (54.3% increase), understanding (42% increase), application (33% increase), and analysis of knowledge (66% increase). In contrast, strenuous exercise often resulted in a decrease in these cognitive functions compared to effortless walking. Conclusion: The study concludes that short periods of non-strenuous exercise like effortless walking before lessons significantly enhance cognitive functions and educational performance in elementary school children, suggesting the integration of aerobic exercise into school routines could be beneficial for academic achievement.
International Journal of Science Engineering and Management, Sep 18, 2023
This study investigated the effects of changing the computer game that adolescents play on their ... more This study investigated the effects of changing the computer game that adolescents play on their cognitive abilities, including concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills at a high level of thinking. The study included a group of 38 adolescents aged 12-13. The "source and imitation" game was employed to test concentration, the "Simon-flashing detection" game to assess memory, and mathematical tasks at an advanced level to evaluate problem-solving skills. The findings of the study indicate that children who played Fortnite for 15 minutes experienced a significant increase in their concentration levels by approximately 43.4 % and by 74 % in memory levels after engaging in a session of Solitaire. Furthermore, the study also examined high-order learning skills in solving mathematical questions, particularly focusing on analysis and mathematical insight. The findings suggest that the time required to solve mathematical problems after playing Fortnite decreased by 41.5 % after engaging in a session of Solitaire, indicating enhanced efficiency in solving higher-order problems. The results demonstrated a substantial improvement in cognitive abilities after playing a challenging computer game compared to a violent computer game. This suggests that engaging in thinking and challenging games significantly enhances the subjects' cognitive abilities. The increase in efficiency in solving higher-order mathematical problems may be attributed to the improvements in memory and concentration among children who played intellectually stimulating and challenging computer games. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce adolescents' exposure to violent computer games and increase their exposure to thinking and challenging games to create a balanced gaming experience.
International Journal of Science Engineering and Management, Sep 18, 2023
The Corona pandemic has sparked widespread fear and uncertainty among pupils worldwide, but it ha... more The Corona pandemic has sparked widespread fear and uncertainty among pupils worldwide, but it has also presented an unexpected educational opportunity for fostering critical thinking skills through a STEAM discipline in relation to COVID-19. Recognized this global challenge as a platform to develop an interdisciplinary study module for elementary school pupils that integrates health and education. The study module facilitated exploration of different facets of the pandemic. Pupils developed an understanding of the virus, delved into the science of the immune system using interactive learning games. Pupils researched vaccination technology in small groups, they research antigen detection kit focusing on the product features of components, materials and ease of use and the reliability of home antigen testing. Mathematical models were constructed to analyze COVID-19 data and comprehend epidemiological concepts, empowering students to interpret infection rates, transmission patterns, and the impact of preventive measures. Furthermore, the integration of art within the STEM framework played a crucial role in solidifying the acquired knowledge. Pupils employed their design and engineering skills to visually represent viral antigens and antibodies, create educational games for identifying cells, and develop age-appropriate health information tools for their peers. By leveraging artistic elements such as language, color, and technical designs, students actively contributed to the production of effective resources that promoted health education and infection prevention among their peers. The STEAM approach facilitated interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and creativity, equipping students to navigate complex health crises by reducing fear and anxiety through enjoyable academic experiences.
The Effect of Dietary Preferences on Academic Performance Among Kindergarten-Aged Children
Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery
This study examines the impact of kindergarten children's dietary preferences on their cognit... more This study examines the impact of kindergarten children's dietary preferences on their cognitive performance and social relationships, with a focus on traditional foods versus processed foods. The research demonstrates that a child's choice of breakfast can significantly affect their cognitive abilities, including memory and concentration, as well as their interpersonal relationships. Traditional foods like salads and olive oil are found to increase cognitive abilities, while processed foods like hot dogs and chocolate sandwiches can be detrimental to academic performance and social behavior. The study utilized puzzle games and card games to evaluate cognitive abilities and found that a processed diet can lead to decreased focus, hyperactivity, and impaired social relationships. QEEG analysis contributes to the existing body of evidence indicating that a traditional diet can enhance academic performance. The study highlights the importance of educating parents about the adva...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study examines the effect on third-grade students’ academic achiev... more BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study examines the effect on third-grade students’ academic achievement and their pleasure and interest in lessons as a result of the incorporation of music into science classes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty third grade Arab school children were studied before and after listing a Mozart Concerto. Their pleasure and interest in the lesson was evaluated using the 20-statement Barak questionnaire. Comparison was made between an initial 6 lessons without music and subsequent 6 lessons with music. In another study at the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery in Havana, Cuba, continuous electroencephalographic monitoring (CEEG) was performed in 15 third-grade school children during 10 minutes at basal condition and for 10 minutes while listening to the same piece of music. RESULTS: Assessment scores in the science examination were significantly higher overall after listening to music. A clear increment of alpha and gamma absolute powers was found when liste...
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 1997
The effects of nutritional regime on the colonic absorption of electrolytes, water, and shortchai... more The effects of nutritional regime on the colonic absorption of electrolytes, water, and shortchain fatty acids (SCFA) were studied in three rodent species (voles, spiny mice, and laboratory mice) differing in their ecological background. The effects of different levels of SCFA, induced by restriction of food intake, on the capacity of the in situ perfused colon to absorb water and electrolytes was studied. In addition, in vitro experiments were carried out to assess the mechanisms related to electrolyte transport in the proximal and distal colon. Water and solutes absorption from the perfused colon in the food restricted voles were significantly lower compared to voles fed ad libitum. No such effect was recorded in the two murid species. In vitro studies, employing Ussing chambers, were conducted to characterize the sodium and chloride transport mechanisms. In the colon of the voles and spiny mice as well as in the distal colon of the laboratory mice, net Na ϩ flux was not significantly different from that of Cl Ϫ , and both were higher than the measured equivalent short circuit current. The results suggest an electroneutral sodium transport mechanism in all three species. A high capacity to adjust the rate of water absorption to the amount of fermentable substance in the intestine was demonstrated only in the vole. comp biochem physiol 118A;2:381-384, 1997.
Modulation of Water and Solute Transport following Food Restriction in the Colons of the Levant Vole (Microtus guenteri) and the Mouse (Mus musculus)
Physiological Zoology, 1995
... the same time of the day in an attempt to eliminate variation in the transport parameters due... more ... the same time of the day in an attempt to eliminate variation in the transport parameters due tocircadian fluctuations in ... This work illustrates that a strict herbivore such as the vole may have a degree of control over its ... Electrolyte and water absorption in the hind gut of herbivores. ...
Premio de la Academia de Ciencias de Cuba 2020: Dr. CALIXTO MACHADO Machado C. et al. ¿CÓMO EL SARS-CoV-2 ATACA AL SISTEMA NERVIOSO?.2020;DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.31794.53446
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