Effectiveness of the Combined Memory Training Program on Memory Skills and School Achievement of Children with Specific Learning Disorders: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Children with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) suffer from some cognitive deficits affecting their school achievement. This study investigated the effect of the combined Working Memory Training Program (WMTP) with the Caillou program (the game-like features of computerized cognitive training programs) on memory (as a cognitive function) and academic achievement in children with SLD.Materials and Methods: In this pilot randomized controlled trial study, 30 children with SLD, aged 8-11 years, participated. They were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received 20 training sessions in 10 weeks, each lasting 30-45 minutes. The control group only participated in the assessment sessions. The primary outcome was verbal working memory skills assessed by the digit span and letter-number sequencing subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, the fourth edition (WISC-IV). Also, the grades of science, literature, and mathematics were collected as the secondary outcomes. Children were assessed 3 times: baseline (pre-test), after the intervention (post-test), and 2 months after the intervention (follow-up).Results: Working memory (digit span and letter-number sequencing scores) and mathematics grades were significantly improved in the intervention group, as compared to the control group at the post-test session (P&lt;0.05) and remained in the follow-up session.Conclusion: Although this combined program effectively improves working memory and mathematic grades, further research is suggested for more academic achievement.</jats:p

Peel meals as feed ingredients in poultry diets: Chemical composition, dietary recommendations and prospects

The increase demand for poultry products has had direct effect on the supply and price of feed. This has increased research interest into the potential of locally available, less competed and low cost materials as feed ingredients. Several peels from roots/tubers and fruits have been evaluated in poultry diets but recommendations have not been consistent. High fibre, low nutrient density and likely presence of antinutritional factors limit the efficient utilisation of peel meal by poultry. Plant cultivar, age, agronomic practices, method of peel processing, breed and age of poultry all affect the inclusion level of peel meal in poultry diets. The increase interest in breeding crops for low antinutrients, knowledge in processing technologies and availability of several additives such as enzyme products, amino acids and antinutrients binding agents in the feed market could improve the usefulness of peel meal in on-farm poultry rations. This study reviews the potential of selected root/tuber and fruit peels as feed ingredients for poultry with regards their composition, dietary recommendation and prospects