Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts

Friday 3 February 2023

Is Mockingbird a Smart Bird? - Science 32

We have talked at previous post about mockingbirds as permanent residents of our state: Mockingbirds are Permanent Residents of Our State – Nature 47



Image 1- A mockingbird on the branches

Actually, the pictures were taken after several days approaching the bird.

At the first, I saw a bird sitting on the branch of a tree at my office. When approaching, the bird flew away.

Second days, I move closer, but have no chance to take a picture. Then, obscure pictures are taken after third days.

I believe that the mockingbird “learning” day by day to recognize me. Then, Is Mockingbird a Smart Bird?



Image 2- Freezing temperature, illustration only

Yes, mockingbird is a smart bird as suggested by David Mizejewski (2023: Brainy Birds: America’s Smartest Bird Species).

It is true in my case, the mockingbird let me to take its picture with my cellphone in “safe distance” after several days.



Image 3- A mockingbird, the smart bird

Finally, It is said that mockingbirds able to mimic other bird songs such as hawks, jays and blackbirds

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Wednesday 18 January 2023

Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 3– Science 28



Image 1- The painting by a local artist

Moreover, I able to analyze and distinguish for every shock such as etiology, process, signs and symptoms, and prognosis.

The causes of shock is not merely heart disease but also caused by infection (Septic shock), dehydration and burns also cause shock (Hypovolemic Shock).

I able to explain how pain and fear can lead shock (Vasogenic or Neurogenic Shock), and how do the foods, medications, venom, and latex lead shock (anaphylatic shock) (analyzing level).



Image 2- A cat on the street, illustration

Finally, based on this experience, I have reached the analyzing level in Bloom's Taxonomy levels.



Image 3- The banquet of flowers

I have prepared for the diagnosis of the complexity of human diseases, and the investigation of sign and symptoms.

Those are to prepared for future education and training in areas of human medicine.

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Sunday 25 December 2022

Temperature Drop to Minus but No Snow – Science 31

Temperature is quite strange in our area, swing too huge, from plus C 28* (F 83*) last week to C -7* (F 19) degree in the last few days.



Image 1- Last snow in our area, 2017

Back to last year, we saw our bird drinking water was frozen in our backyard, but no snow fell down at all.

Yes, there was reported of snow in our state, Louisiana but our city, Baton Rouge got winter storm and frozen temperature only.

I don’t think that was snow. Our city was pouring with sleet and freezing rain. Winter storm caused blackout in our neighborhood in 2021.



Image 2- Frozen during last year winter, 2021

As far as I remember that a reasonable “thick” snow fall happened five years ago or in 2017.



Image 3- “Thick snow” in 2017

Based on record, our city experienced snow fall in the following years (just several recent years): in 2017, 2010 and in 2008.

The reason no snow even though temperature below zero degree Celsius is that there is less moisture in the air to form snowfalls

In fact, snow tend to form when temperature between C 0* (zero) to C +2* degrees.

How about in your areas?

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Thursday 22 December 2022

Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 2 – Science 28

You may read previous posting (Part 1):

- Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 1 – Science 28



Image 1- Colorful sands, illustration

Then, I distinguished the causes that lead to dysfunction of the heart, so I can recognize the clinical manifestations of shock such as thirst and agitation or restlessness; those lead to hypotension is followed by the characteristic signs of compensation (understanding level):

- cool, moist, pale skin
- tachycardia
- and oliguria



Image 2- Strange type of pumpkin, illustration

Moreover, based on clinical manifestation that vasoconstriction shunts blood from the viscera and skin to the vital areas.



Image 3- White azalea, illustration

Then the direct effects of a decrease in blood pressure and blood flow become manifest by lethargy, weakness, dizziness, and a weak pulse.

I recommend the diagnosis should be done to determine shock: Blood studies, ECG, chest X-ray, hemodynamic monitoring (applying level).

# To be continued to Part 3

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Tuesday 20 December 2022

Why do We rarely Spot White Doves in Nature? - Science 30

I don’t know whether I have seen a wild dove or not. I do believe that I saw domestic doves only.



Image 1- A white dove on the ground

They are raised by someone and business for pets purposes, and for commercial or profits goals.

Some small private companies provide “release services” of white doves for occasions in our city. The occasions include:

- wedding
- funeral
- and other specific events



Image 2- We saw doves at this tree sometimes

Back to the question Why do We rarely Spot White Doves in Nature?

First, white dove is albino which happen very rare in nature. Then the white color is easy target for predators.



Image 3- A white dov, illustration

Hence, its is understandable that we highly probably doesn’t observe this wild critter in nature.

Moreover, there are several species of doves in our state. 4 species are seen commonly in our neighborhood: Eurasian collared doves, white wings doves, ringed turtle doves and mourning doves.

Have you seen wild albino doves in nature?

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Sunday 4 December 2022

Why are We Worry with Human Extinction? - Science 29

Human extinction has been discussed since many decades ago, and even lead to worry in recent days.



Image 1- Illustration only

The fact that our world just reaches 8 billion people this year. This number is projected to increase in coming years.

World population is projected by United Nation (2022):

- in 2030 hit 8.5 billion people
- in 2050 reaches 9.7 billion people
- in 2100 hit 10.4 billion people

So, why are we worry with human extinctions?



Image 2- Neighborhood in the morning



Image 3- One corners of our small city

Yes, population seem increasing year by year, but it will reach peak in 2100. Since then, world population is expected to decrease.

We are witness decreasing population in many countries such as Japan and South Korea. No growth in China anymore, population will decrease next several years.

Moreover, in term of biology, surprisingly, men sperm production is decreasing since decades ago:

- between 1973 to 1999, about 1.2% reduction of sperm count per year
- since 2000, about 2.6% reduction of sperm count per year

Acceleration of sperm reduction has been occurred all over the world. If this trending continue, human extinction is highly possible in the future.

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Saturday 26 November 2022

Learning Process Based on My Own Experienced – Part 1 – Science 28

During my human medicine study at a college, one of courses was Pathophysiology class (BIOL-4310).



Image 1- Learning process level of Bloom’s Taxonomy 
(credit to Cehdclass)

The last session of the class was the student presentation. I chose pathophysiology of shock from the list of assignment.

Before presentation we were assigned to do research from the journals with the peer reviews, and then we write certain pages of term paper about the assigned topic.

The professor would check the paper before we present it and give some feedback, include comments, suggestions and recommendation for further improvement.



Image 2- Neighborhood, just illustration

Whenever, everything in the "the right tracts", the topic then was ready to be presented.



Image 3- Wrap, Illustration only

Shock is a manifestation of pathological condition rather than diseases as many people know.

I understand that diagnosis and management of shocks are require extensive knowledge and clinical experience.

At the beginning, I identified and retrieved my knowledge in Anatomy and Physiology class about how does our heart work (remembering level).

# To be continued to part 2

## Previous posting:

Tuesday 15 November 2022

May Tomato Increase Our Brainpower? - Science 27

I always eat tomatoes, not daily, but at least one a week. I love its taste, and know that tomato is good for health.



Image 1- Tomatoes, one of healthy foods

By reading articles, one of them is written by Jerajani, D (2022: 5 Everyday Foods That Are Good for Brain Health!). it is said that tomatoes could improve our brainpower.

Other excellent foods for brain health are:

- spinach
- dark chocolate
- whole grain
- avocado



Image 2- Slices of tomato on Omelet

Just to let you know, we have talked about Avocado as “super food” at previous posts:



Image 3- Tomatoes in the bowl

Then, I myself wonder that: What is brainpower? And why is tomato good for brain health?

Brainpower could be mean as brain ability and capacity in respect to mental, learning, intelligence, comprehend and understand.

Tomato is good for brain health because tomatoes contain two important antioxidants that are beta-carotene and lycopene.

These two antioxidants are needed to prevent brain damage and protect brain cells.

Finally, do you like tomatoes?

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Thursday 10 November 2022

The Winter Hummingbird at Our Community – Science 26

Generally, hummingbirds have visited our state by late February to early March and gone by late Summer.



Image 1- Immature Rufous

In case of winter hummingbirds, sure, they will arrive and stay in our areas during winter seasons. Southern states winter is a little bit friendly than frozen winter in northern states.

There are many species of winter hummingbirds, but three the most seen in our neighborhoods:

- Rufous hummingbird
- Calliope hummingbird
- and Allen's hummingbird



Image 2- Flowers which attract hummingbirds

What make us wonder that why does Rufous hummingbird show up early in our neighborhood?

What are factors trigger them to do migration early?



Image 3- A hummingbird sitting on the branch

First, I read it is due to daylight changes. I don’t know whether this reason is true or false. Quite strange for me.

Second, shortage of food resources such as insects, nectar and flower in areas where winter hummingbirds come from.

Finally, severe temperature in northern part of America. Frozen temperature may trigger winter hummingbirds to arrive early in our areas.

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Wednesday 26 October 2022

Canadian Geese Live Permanently in Neighborhood – Part 2- Science 23

You may read previous post (Part 1):

- Canadian Geese Live Permanently in Neighborhood – Part 1- Science 23



Image 1- Flock of Canadian geese at a corner of our neighborhood

The Canadian geese was believed to disappear in USA once, then they are surprisingly found in Minnesota in 1950.

Since then, they are introduced and conserved in many states, especially in Northern states across USA.

There are at least two species of Canadian geese which visit or stay in our city, they are:

- Branta canadensis, well known as Canadian geese
- Branta hutchinsii, also recognized as Cackling goose.



Image 2- A geese playing at nearby lake



Image 3- A geese tried to find food.

We mainly found giant Canadian geese in our city, Branta canadensis maxima, with wingspan could reach 7.3 feet (2.2 meter).

Some residents feel intimidating with growing population of Canadian geese in several parts of the city. Male Canadian geese is aggressive during breeding seasons.

Have you encountered Canadian geese during breeding seasons?

What do you think?

# Previous postings:

Capgras Delusion and Alzheimer’s Disease - Part 1 - Alzheimer’s 15

 She was about eighties. A wife of a veteran. Indeed, we just commemorated Veteran Day. The deep thought for all of our veterans, hoping the...