Research Title: Geographical Distribution and Biodiversity of Domesticated Animals of Jordan: History of the First Millennium and Current Situation

Author: Raed Mahmoud Al-Atiyat, Published Year: 2022

The Arab World Geographer, 25

Faculty: Science

Abstract: The domesticated animals or livestock species of Jordan have the potential to produce highly valued animal products and many small householders depend on this to avoid food insecurity in a worsening climate change that has persisted for a while, coupled with a rising cost of living crisis in Jordan as elsewhere. This study initiates urgent first steps for documenting the current status of indigenous livestock and their geographical distribution and biodiversity in Jordan. It also aims to raise and broaden public awareness for better conservation and utilization of food resources as they improve species of animals that are better geared to the need to adjust to climate change and its multiplex vicissitudes. In the present research, a survey was conducted listing the indigenous livestock breeds, their location, their number qua census and threats for extinction. The findings indicate that over the last century in Jordan, many livestock species have lost their previous key role in the livelihood of Jordanians and thus were reduced in number. They vanished from the scene in some geographical regions where they had long existed. Various other species are facing extinction or at risk thereof. In fact, human activity played at times a significant role: both positive in conservation for the status of livestock – and yet at other times negative, a threating role. We have decided to ring the alarm bell in order to alert the public and governmental authorities. The present study seeks to supply empirically-based data in order to encourage government offices, organizations and stakeholders in Jordan to engage in a rethink relevant to basic everyday life of the population and the faunal environment: and to take necessary steps to better conserve indigenous threatened livestock before it is too late

Keywords: Jordan, climate threats, livestock, red list, extinction, conservation

Research Title: Study of Phenotypic Traits and Production Characteristics of Chickens in the Desert Regions of Jordon

Author: Raed Mahmoud Al-Atiyat, Published Year: 2024

The Scientific Journal of King Faisal University, 23

Faculty: Science

Abstract: The study aimed to describe the phenotypic traits of Indigenous chicken. A field survey was conducted in South Jordan, Karak governorate, and data were recorded for each bird's morphological and biometric traits. Furthermore, information such as height, latitude, longitude, and rearing and breeding practices were recorded, followed by several statistical analyses. The results showed that the phenotypic characteristics of the chickens are unevenly distributed between regions and heights. This may reflect the correlation between phenotype traits of morphology and their expression of different levels with the impact of the environment. Random mating and human selection practices were also discovered and observed. In addition, the studied traits indicated that chickens are still being raised in traditional methods, and there are no genetic improvement practices or genetic groups of geographically distant regions. The correlation coefficients between these traits and their relationship with the region and height were also reported. As a result, it could be recommended that chicken farmers be educated on the best administrative, technical, and genetic improvement techniques and practice for their flocks are to achieve highly productive and optimal adaptability.

Keywords: Biodiversity, climate adaptation, geographical height, morphology, production system, topography

Research Title: The Role of Geographical Proximity, Climate Change and Topographical Conditions in Determining Different Types of Jordanian Village Chickens in Al-Kark and Other Arid Regions of Jordan

Author: Raed Mahmoud Al-Atiyat, Published Year: 2023

The Arab World Geographer, 26

Faculty: Science

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to determine how geographical proximity, climate, and topography influence the morphology of village chickens in Jordan’s Karak Governorate. Surveys were conducted in six regions of Karak as well as Tafilah, Madaba, Aqaba, and Al-Mafraq governarates. These governarates were included because they are geographically close to Karak Governorate and can be compared in terms of topography and climate. The morphology and biometric data of each male and female bird, including the exterior shape of the bird, body weight, colors, and measurements of body parts, were recorded during a field survey in the targeted regions. Each breeder’s information was gathered, and each chicken was photographed separately. Afterward, various statistical analyses were utilized to distinguish between morphological traits, perform clustering, and conduct differential analyses. The Mahalanobis distances (measure of the distance between a point P and a distribution D) were also calculated and estimated. The findings demonstrated that there are disparities in the phenotypic features of chickens between the sexes and between geographical areas. Village chickens are still raised in a traditional manner; as a result, there have been no genetic improvement techniques used or gene flow from geographically remote regions. Also as a result, chickens in Karak Governorate still resemble one another and their ancient ancestors in terms of morphological traits. In all regions and in both genders, the dominating traits were the pink color and single comb, the beige beak, the orange eye color, and the red earlobe with white speck. The difference in regions and height led to a significant difference in the appearance of traits in males and females.

Keywords: Indigenous or local chicken, morphology, ecotype, region topology, Jordan

Research Title: The Role of Geographical Proximity, Climate Change and Topographical Conditions in Determining Different Types of Jordanian Village Chickens in Al-Kark and Other Arid Regions of Jordan

Author: Raed Mahmoud Al-Atiyat, Published Year: 2023

The Arab World Geographer, 26

Faculty: Science

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to determine how geographical proximity, climate, and topography influence the morphology of village chickens in Jordan’s Karak Governorate. Surveys were conducted in six regions of Karak as well as Tafilah, Madaba, Aqaba, and Al-Mafraq governarates. These governarates were included because they are geographically close to Karak Governorate and can be compared in terms of topography and climate. The morphology and biometric data of each male and female bird, including the exterior shape of the bird, body weight, colors, and measurements of body parts, were recorded during a field survey in the targeted regions. Each breeder’s information was gathered, and each chicken was photographed separately. Afterward, various statistical analyses were utilized to distinguish between morphological traits, perform clustering, and conduct differential analyses. The Mahalanobis distances (measure of the distance between a point P and a distribution D) were also calculated and estimated. The findings demonstrated that there are disparities in the phenotypic features of chickens between the sexes and between geographical areas. Village chickens are still raised in a traditional manner; as a result, there have been no genetic improvement techniques used or gene flow from geographically remote regions. Also as a result, chickens in Karak Governorate still resemble one another and their ancient ancestors in terms of morphological traits. In all regions and in both genders, the dominating traits were the pink color and single comb, the beige beak, the orange eye color, and the red earlobe with white speck. The difference in regions and height led to a significant difference in the appearance of traits in males and females.

Keywords: Indigenous or local chicken, morphology, ecotype, region topology, Jordan

Research Title: PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION AND GENETIC DIVERSITY OF INDIGENOUS CHICKENS OF JORDAN IN COMPARISON WITH NATIVE AND COMMERCIAL BREEDS FOR CONSERVATION AND BREEDING PURPOSES

Author: Raed Mahmoud Al-Atiyat, Published Year: 2023

Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research, 13

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Indigenous chickens of Jordan are facing extinction and need genetic conservation because they were unable to commercially compete in the poultry industry because of low genetic ability compared to commercial layers. The study aimed to investigate phenotypic and genetic diversity of village chickens in Jordan using discriminant analyses procedures to provide a basis for sustainable genetic conservation and utilization program to overcome any possible extinction. The sampled chicken population of 578 one-year old chickens (125 males and 433 females) was phenotypically characterized for 15 biometric and plumage traits from major cities of the three regions; Middle, North, and South. The traits variations within and between breeds were detected statistically by stepwise discriminant and canonical-discriminant of uni- and multivariate analyses. The results showed the sampled population as village chickens in Jordan is comprised of indigenous (Baladi) breed (85%) and few exotic and commercial breeds. The breeds were distinct and differentiated based on phenotypic traits indicating high genetic variability. The major phenotypic traits that showed significant power to differentiate breeds were comb type, body weight, comb size, earlobe color, wattle size, face color and breast size in males and comb type and size, body weight, face and breast size, leg color and wattle size in females. Recent and past crossings, admixture or migration from exotic and commercial breeds were noted. Moreover, low levels of phylogeographic structure were observed across the studied breeds. In conclusion, there is a need to conserve the indigenous breed in situ and in vivo for its adaptive gene pool in the coming days of persisted climate change and disease threats.

Keywords: Breed conservation, Distance, Genetic diversity, Morphology, Native chickens.

Research Title: PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION AND GENETIC DIVERSITY OF INDIGENOUS CHICKENS OF JORDAN IN COMPARISON WITH NATIVE AND COMMERCIAL BREEDS FOR CONSERVATION AND BREEDING PURPOSES

Author: Raed Mahmoud Al-Atiyat, Published Year: 2023

Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research, 13

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Indigenous chickens of Jordan are facing extinction and need genetic conservation because they were unable to commercially compete in the poultry industry because of low genetic ability compared to commercial layers. The study aimed to investigate phenotypic and genetic diversity of village chickens in Jordan using discriminant analyses procedures to provide a basis for sustainable genetic conservation and utilization program to overcome any possible extinction. The sampled chicken population of 578 one-year old chickens (125 males and 433 females) was phenotypically characterized for 15 biometric and plumage traits from major cities of the three regions; Middle, North, and South. The traits variations within and between breeds were detected statistically by stepwise discriminant and canonical-discriminant of uni- and multivariate analyses. The results showed the sampled population as village chickens in Jordan is comprised of indigenous (Baladi) breed (85%) and few exotic and commercial breeds. The breeds were distinct and differentiated based on phenotypic traits indicating high genetic variability. The major phenotypic traits that showed significant power to differentiate breeds were comb type, body weight, comb size, earlobe color, wattle size, face color and breast size in males and comb type and size, body weight, face and breast size, leg color and wattle size in females. Recent and past crossings, admixture or migration from exotic and commercial breeds were noted. Moreover, low levels of phylogeographic structure were observed across the studied breeds. In conclusion, there is a need to conserve the indigenous breed in situ and in vivo for its adaptive gene pool in the coming days of persisted climate change and disease threats.

Keywords: Breed conservation, Distance, Genetic diversity, Morphology, Native chickens.

Research Title: Awareness of pesticides’ residues in food and feed among students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Mutah University, Jordan

Author: Raed Mahmoud Al-Atiyat, Published Year: 2023

Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, 22

Faculty: Science

Abstract: In Jordan, the public is still unaware of the fate and impact of pesticide application. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes, knowledge and practices of undergraduate students enrolled in various academic departments at the Faculty of Agriculture, Mutah University, Jordan toward pesticides’ residues in food and feed. Students were questioned about their social aspects, and food and feed safety knowledge and resources. Responses have been obtained from 209 responding students. Results indicated that the cross-section through the Faculty of Agriculture, Mutah University, Jordan appears a satisfactory. The findings show that respondents are very highly concerned about human health, food safety, and the risk of environmental pollution, and they have a real desire to reduce the use of pesticides. Respondents had a moderate level of knowledge about food safety, pesticides’ side effects, pesticides’ residues in food or feed, and usage of pesticides in homes and gardens. According to the respondents, the most common way that people are exposed to pesticide residues is by consuming pesticide residues in food. The respondents expressed a moderate level of concern about their attitudes toward organic farming adoption. Correlations between demographic variables and knowledge of food and feed safety, involving a workshop on food/feed safety, care about human health as well as environmental pollution, and looking for information on food/feed safety were reported in the study.

Keywords: Pesticides Indiscriminate use Public awareness Pesticide residues Public health Food Animal feed Food safety attitude Jordan

Research Title: Mini-incubator carrier box. United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent number 10,407,659.

Author: Sahar Majdi Jaffal, Published Year: 2019

Faculty: Science

Abstract: The carriers that are available in the market don ' t maintain all the necessary parameters that are mentioned in the subject matter of this application . Many of them are : 1 ) Costly 2 ) Allow the transport of cells for short period of time 3 ) Are suitable for transporting certain type of cells 4 ) Don ' t include control for all the parameters that are required for the experiments 5 ) Need extra steps that can affect cell / organs and waste the time , efforts and money of the researchers . 6 ) Limit researchers for using containers with certain sizes and materials . 7 ) Involve changing the conditions of cell growth such as splitting the cells , freezing , centrifuge them during the process of transporting them . Alternatively , the Mini incubator carrier box in my invention is an economic transport system and practical . It enables the researchers to fix different containers at different sizes using clamps and screws and to transport the organs / samples / cells in any container for long period of time and long distance under optimized conditions without the need of extra steps / costs .

Keywords: Mini-incubator, carrier, controlled, conditions

Research Title: Medicinal Plants and Addiction Treatment: An Overview. In the Handbook of Substance Misuse and Addictions: From Biology to Public Health, editors Vinood B. Patel and Victor R. Preedy, Springer International Publishing

Author: Sahar Majdi Jaffal, Published Year: 2022

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Drug addiction affects both brain and behavior. It has multifaceted impacts on the patients’ body, mind, and nervous system. There are different types of drugs that cause addiction as marijuana, opium, cocaine, heroin, meth and pain medications. Drug abuse is considered as a great challenge to social and public heath in the world. To date, 185 million addicts are there around the world. According to the statistics, with 1,200,000 permanent drug abusers and 600,000 occasional abusers [1], herbal medicine has a long history in treatment of diseases and the majority of people have tendency to use such medications. But there are a lot of questions because of the novelty of this treatment method in treating addiction, this lack of information are more evident. In this review, we highlighted on some herbal and drugs derived from them in treatment of addiction

Keywords: Addiction, medicinal plants, treatment, prevention

Research Title: Pain in COVID-19. Eliva press, August 2021, ISBN: 978-16364-315-3.

Author: Sahar Majdi Jaffal, Published Year: 2021

Faculty: Science

Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the worst pandemics, responsible for huge losses in economy and healthcare sectors all over the world. In addition to mortality, COVID-19 disease causes several types of pain during viral infection and after recovery. Inflammatory and neuropathic pain were reported in COVID-19 patients. Unfortunately, using many of the available drugs aggravated COVID-19 symptoms in patients and increased patients' susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There is a need for new therapeutics that can alleviate rather than aggravate COVID-19 symptoms. In this book, the author provides an introduction to the COVID-19 disease, pain in COVID-19 patients, the involvement of pain receptors in several symptoms that frequently appear in COVID-19 patients and an opinion on potential approaches for the alleviation of COVID-19 symptoms. In more detail, the author, herein, highlights the possible involvement of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, cannabinoid (CB) receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) and opioid receptors in COVID-19 symptoms in parallel with the crosstalk between these receptors.

Keywords: Pain, COVID-19, TRP, PPAR, cannabinoid