The Effect of Watching Cartoon Programs on the Social Skills of Kindergarten Children From the Point of View of Their Mothers

This study aimed to identify The Effect of Watching Cartoon Programs on the Social Skills of Kindergarten Children From the Point of View of Their Mothers. The descriptive analytical method was used; Due to its relevance to the nature of the study, the study sample consisted of (102) mothers of children enrolled in kindergarten. A questionnaire was applied to them about the impact of watching cartoon programs on kindergarten children from the mothers point of view, and a questionnaire on social skills of kindergarten children from the mothers point of view. Results of the study concluded that: There is a statistically significant correlation between the positive and negative effects of watching social cartoons programs on kindergarten children, from the mothers point of view. The results also show a statistically significant presence in the childs gender variable (male / female) on the positive and negative impact of watching cartoon programs, kindergarten children attributed males. The results also highlight the presence of statistically significant differences in the gender variable (male/female) for kindergarten childrens social skills attributed to males. The study recommended tightening government and family control on cartoon programs that are broadcast to kindergarten children

Infection and Transmission of Rift Valley Fever Viruses Lacking the NSs and/or NSm Genes in Mosquitoes: Potential Role for NSm in Mosquito Infection

Rift Valley fever virus is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes and causes disease in humans and animals throughout Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The impact of disease is large in terms of human illness and mortality, and economic impact on the livestock industry. For these reasons, and because there is a risk of this virus spreading to Europe and North America, it is important to develop a vaccine that is stable, safe and effective in preventing infection. Potential vaccine viruses have been developed through deletion of two genes (NSs and NSm) affecting virus virulence. Because this virus is normally transmitted by mosquitoes we must determine the effects of the deletions in these vaccine viruses on their ability to infect and be transmitted by mosquitoes. An optimal vaccine virus would not infect or be transmitted. The viruses were tested in two mosquito species: Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Deletion of the NSm gene reduced infection of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes indicating a role for the NSm protein in mosquito infection. The virus with deletion of both NSs and NSm genes was the best vaccine candidate since it did not infect Ae. aegypti and showed reduced infection and transmission rates in Cx. quinquefasciatus

Phenolic, tannin, antioxidant, color, and sensory attributes of Barhi date (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit stored in modified atmosphere packages

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was evaluated for total phenolic contents (TPC), antioxidant, tannin, color, and sensory properties of fresh Barhi dates. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) with different perforations (0 [H0], 50 µm [H3], 100 µm [H6], and 150 µm [H9]) were evaluated for storing fresh Barhi dates for up to 45 days at 1 to 25°C temperature. MAP significantly (p ≤.05) affected the properties investigated as compared to control. PE dates have higher (p ≤.05) TPC than PP dates, whereas other properties remained largely unaffected by packaging material. TPC and antioxidant activity were higher (p ≤.05) in H0 treated dates. H9 perforated packaged dates exhibited higher (p ≤.05) tannin contents, better sensory and color attributes. Barhi dates exhibited fresh-like quality and better antioxidant properties at low storage temperature (5°C) for up to 2 weeks’ storage and similar was verified by principal component analysis using HJ plots where storage temperature was observed as major factor. Practical applications: Modified atmosphere packaging or MAP is an emerging technique for preserving fresh fruits and vegetables and it is being studied extensively for different fresh commodities in order to preserve their fresh like characteristics. There is a need to study MAP effects on storing new and economically important fruits such as Barhi dates which have shorter life in early stages of maturity but cherished when freshly harvested due to various health benefits and characteristic taste and quality. MAP was effectively tested and applied for preserving Barhi dates and MAP variables were evaluated in order to find the best packaging conditions which may ensure maximum consumer benefits and date quality