Journal articles published externally

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14583/15

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The Philippine indigenous outrigger boat: Scaling up, performance and safety
Aguilar, Glenn D. (Marine Technology Society, 2006)
The traditional indigenous double outrigger crafts, called banca boats, of the philipppines vary in size from the very small 4 meter single crew paddle boats to large 50 meter fishing vessels and passenger ferry boats. Regardless of size, the same construction techniques are used by native boat builders with wood as the main building material. Many hull forms, particularly economically important fishing boats, have been scaled up, resulting in problems related to the availability of wood for construction, safety at sea, and, performance, Model, experiments on craft performance show the hydrodynamic characteristics of the double outrigger form and describe characteristics important for design, construction, and operation of the crafts. The presence of outriggers has a definite effect on the heave, pitch, and roll motion of the craft as compared to the hull without an outrigger. Data analyses of maritime incident reports show a high percentage of capsizing by these motorized banca boats, highlighting the need for some regulation of their design and construction. Other concerns related to fisheries as being the main area of use of these boats are further discussed.
Spectroscopic investigation of Pyruvate formate lyase-activating enzyme: A look into EPR, ENDOR and Mössabuer spectroscopy
Ortillo, Danilo O.; Broderick, Joan B. (Maxwell Science Publications, 2014)
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and Electron Nuclear Double Resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopies are extremely powerful and versatile methods for the characterization of paramagnetic systems in biology, chemistry and physics. For iron centers in the radical SAM enzymes however, Mössbauer spectroscopy has proven to be both powerful and useful as a complementary spectroscopic technique in determining not just the oxidation states but also the type of iron species present in the catalytic center. The cluster content of the radical SAM protein, Pyruvate Formate-Lyase-Activating Enzyme (PFL-AE), was characterized using EPR and Mössbauer techniques while additional ENDOR analysis helped determine the novel interaction of the co-substrate, S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM or AdoMet) with the Fe-S cluster of PFL-AE. The anchoring role of the Fe-S cluster to the co-substrate derived from the spectroscopic data supports the mechanism where a SAM-based radical species is involved during catalysis. © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014.
Effects of Vinegars and Sodium Acetate on the Growth Performance of Pacific White Shrimp, Penaeus vannamei
Jamis, Jhumar O.; Tumbokon, Barry Leonard M.; Caigoy, Jant Cres C.; Bunda, Marj Gem B.; Serrano, Augusto E. (Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamidgeh, 2018)
Vinegars and their salts have the potential to act as growth promoters and prophylactics against bacterial pathogens. This study aims to evaluate the effects of various vinegars and sodium acetate on the growth performance of white shrimp Penaeus vannamei. Groups of shrimps were fed diets containing 2% of either apple cider vinegar (ACV), coconut sap vinegar (CSV), sugar cane vinegar (CaV), or sodium acetate, and a diet with no vinegar (i.e. a control diet). Total acidity data of the diet showed that only the sodium acetate diet resulted in the highest total acidity after 60 min immersion in salt water (20 ppt). Attractability tests using customized repartitioned aquaria showed that the CSV diet attracted the highest significant percentage of shrimps after 10 min of feed placement in the feeding chamber. In the feeding trial that lasted for 60 days, results showed that the ACV and CSV groups of shrimps consumed significantly more feed than the other groups. All vinegar groups exhibited significantly higher final average body weight, weight gain, and specific growth, rate than either the control or sodium acetate group. The CSV group exhibited the significantly best feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio. Survival was statistically similar among all groups. Conclusion: the CSV group exhibited the significantly best growth performance and efficiency while both the control and sodium acetate groups exhibited the poorest. © 2018, Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamidgeh. All rights reserved.
Development of a Facile and Convenient Method for Sugar Determination in Low Moisture Confectioneries and Honeys Using Fourier Transform Infrared Attenuated Total Reflectance Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Setijadi, Catherine H.; Felix, Jonathan N.; Ellis, Helena C.; Alumbro, Jihan Santanina S.; Bello, Ghalib; Dumancas, Gerard G. (Informa UK Limited, 2020-01-10)
A method using Fourier transform infrared with attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy and partial least squares (PLS) chemometric analysis to simultaneously quantify the mass percent concentrations of glucose, fructose, and sucrose, commonly found in honey and low moisture confectionery food products, was developed. A three-component full factorial design was generated as a training set (n = 64) to predict the sugar concentrations in a Box-Behnken testing set (n = 16). Analysis of the entire spectral region from 649.99 to 3996.38 cm−1 using Savitzky–Golay signal processing technique and PLS algorithm garnered optimal errors of prediction and better linearity between predicted and measured concentrations in the test set compared to analysis using a specific spectral region from 800 to 1500 cm−1 and using a wide array of signal processing techniques (first derivative, second derivative, moving average, binning, and standard normal variate). The model further detected these sugar concentrations in 3 standard honeys, 12 commercial honey samples, 8 honey adulterants, 13 low moisture confectionery food samples, and 15 unknown honey samples from Louisiana apiaries. Applying principal component and clustering analysis also enabled the discrimination of these honey samples based on their fructose:glucose ratios. Thus, the developed method represents a potentially novel, simple, accurate, nondestructive, and rapid means of quantifying concentrations of glucose, fructose, and sucrose in honey and low-moisture confectioneries in 1–2 minutes.
Effects of light quality and temperature on the photosynthesis and pigment content of a subtidal edible red alga Meristotheca papulosa (Solieriaceae, Gigartinales) from Japan
Borlongan, Iris Ann; Suzuki, Sayuri; Nishihara, Gregory N.; Kozono, Jumpei; Terada, Ryuta (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2020-02-11)
This study investigated the effects of different light spectral qualities and temperature on the photosynthesis and pigment content of a subtidal edible red alga, Meristotheca papulosa. Photosynthesis–irradiance (P–E) experiments were carried out under red (660 nm), blue (450 nm), green (525 nm, light-emitting diodes), and white light (visible light, metal halide lamp), and at 12, 20, and 28 °C, respectively. Maximum net photosynthetic rates (NPmax) were highest under green light. Other P–E parameter estimates were similar among algae under red, blue, and green light, including their lower initial slope (α) and higher saturation irradiances (Ek) as compared to those under white light. Additionally, NPmax and Ek under white light were highest at 28 °C, and lowest at 12 °C, with characteristic photoinhibition at irradiances greater than 150 μmol photons m−2 s−1. Photosynthesis–temperature (P–T) experiment revealed that the maximum gross photosynthetic rate (GPmax) occurred at 22.1 °C, which was within the optimal temperature range of Fv/Fm (21.5–23.6 °C). Exposures to the different light qualities at 100 μmol photons m−2 s−1 for 7 days showed increased phycoerythrin (PE) concentration of algae under blue and green light, while chlorophyll-a and phycocyanin (PC) showed little variation in all light qualities. Therefore, considering future management prospects for M. papulosa mariculture, we suggest that green light could be utilized to enhance photosynthesis. Furthermore, if the aim is to achieve high PE content for an improved reddish-color fresh product, exposure to blue or green light could be a good alternative.
Understanding biosecurity: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of seaweed farmers in the Philippines
Mateo, Jonalyn P.; Campbell, Iona; Cottier-Cook, Elizabeth J.; Luhan, Maria Rovilla J.; Ferriols, Victor Marco Emmanuel N.; Hurtado, Anicia Q. (Springer, 2021)
Farmers are one of the most important components of any plant-based cultivation industry. The Philippines is one of the world’s major producers of red carrageenophyte algae and has tens of thousands of farmers involved in this industry. The production of algae such as Kappaphycus and Eucheuma increased significantly from the early 1970s, when the industry was established, before declining from the mid-2000s, due to a number of reasons, including disease and epiphyte outbreaks. The introduction of biosecurity measures has been one approach used to tackle this decline. Biosecurity-related knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the seaweed farmers were assessed in the four highest seaweed producing regions in the Philippines: (1) Tawi-Tawi, (2) Palawan, (3) Zamboanga and (4) Bohol. Analyses showed that seaweed farmers from Tawi-Tawi had relatively higher KAP mean scores than the other three sites. Palawan and Bohol farmers, however, scored lower on their knowledge, higher on their attitude and highest on their practices compared with the other areas. Farmers from Zamboanga scored the lowest in both their attitude and practice mean scores, although their knowledge score was one of the highest. This is the first KAP assessment applied to the seaweed farming industry globally and the results, in which the farmers’ biosecurity-related knowledge and practices, which scored “Fair” (50–75%) across all the regions, and their attitudes, which scored predominantly “Good” (> 75%) suggest that there is potential to raise the score for biosecurity practices. This assessment highlights how biosecurity challenges are currently addressed by seaweed farmers in the Philippines and suggests how the KAP survey could be used as a tool by policymakers and scientists to address gaps in biosecurity management practices.
Navigating risks and uncertainties: Risk perceptions and risk management strategies in the Philippine seaweed industry
Suyo, Jee Grace B.; Le Masson, Virginie; Shaxson, Louise; Luhan, Maria Rovilla J.; Hurtado, Anicia Q. (Elsevier, 2021)
The Philippine seaweed industry is affected by multiple but interrelated risks. Farmers mainly encountered environment-related risks (e.g. disease, pest infestations) which, if unmanaged, could result to production failure. Traders and processors considered volatility of seaweed supply and poor quality of raw materials as precursors of other risks such as increased competition among local traders and processing companies. Gender differences in awareness and knowledge of risks were more prominent among seaweed farmers but not among traders and processors as roles become more homogenous up the value chain. Poor governance resulted in the adoption of informal and market-driven strategies to prevent or minimise losses. However, this restricted farmers to participating in higher-income trading and processing activities and contributed to increased market inefficiency. The lack of government support has also curtailed the capacity of traders and processors to engage in product development and diversification. Gender and community experiences influence and shape people's understanding of their situations and environment including their coping and adaptive strategies in sustaining livelihoods amidst recurring risk events. Embedding informal structures and the differential needs of the stakeholders in the national institutional framework is therefore essential for the promotion of resilient and sustainable seaweed industry.
Seafarers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: An examination of current supportive measures and their perceived effectiveness
Tang, Lijun; Abila, Sanley; Kitada, Momoko; Malecosio, Serafin; Montes, Karima Krista (Elsevier, 2022)
As the current COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting crew change crisis exacerbates the mental health problem faced by seafarers, various maritime stakeholders have mobilised their resources and strengths to provide a variety of supportive measures to address the issue. This paper aims to find out what measures have been adopted in the industry and how widely they have been experienced/received by seafarers and evaluate their effectiveness. To achieve this aim, this research employed a mixed methods design involving qualitative interviews with 26 stakeholders and a quantitative questionnaire survey of 817 seafarers. The research identified a total number of 22 mental health support measures, all of which were perceived to have contributed positively to seafarers’ mental health. However, not all of them were widely available to or utilised by seafarers. The findings also highlighted the importance of family, colleagues, shipping companies, and government agencies, as they are associated with the most effective support measures, namely communication with family, timely crew changes, being prioritised for vaccination, being vaccinated, and a positive and collegial atmosphere on-board. Based on the findings, recommendations are provided.
Microbiological Quality and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Slipper Oyster (Crassostrea iredalei) Cultured in Major Growing Areas in Capiz Province, Western Visayas, Philippines: Compliance with International Shellfish Safety and Sanitation Standards
Pakingking, Rolando; Hualde, Lilibeth; Peralta, Ernestina; Faisan, Joseph; Usero, Roselyn (International Association for Food Protection, 2022)
The increasing demand for slipper oyster (Crassostrea iredalei) has propelled farmers to expand oyster cultivation areas in the Philippines, chiefly for local consumption and feasibly for export overseas. As filter feeders, oysters can accumulate pathogens from the surrounding waters, and these pathogens can cause foodborne diseases in consumers. Therefore, oyster farming areas must be monitored for microbiological quality and heavy metal concentrations. In the present study, the microbiological quality of oysters and their growing waters in the major oyster farming areas of the Cogon and Palina Rivers and Cabugao Bay (in Roxas City and the Municipality of Ivisan, respectively, Capiz Province, Western Visayas, Philippines) were examined monthly during the wet (May to October) and dry (November to April) seasons over 12 months. Regardless of the sampling period, high levels of fecal coliforms in the water and Escherichia coli in oysters were found, clearly illustrating that these oyster growing areas would meet only the class B standard under the European Union classification system and would be considered “prohibited” for growing oysters under the U.S. classification system. Although Salmonella was occasionally detected in oysters, Vibrio cholerae was not detected and Vibrio parahaemolyticus was within acceptable limits. The heavy metal concentrations in oyster meat were also determined during the wet (July) and dry (March) seasons. Zinc and copper were the most abundant metals detected, and concentrations of lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium were below the regulatory limits set by the European Union and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These oyster culture areas should be rehabilitated immediately to improve the microbiological quality of the oysters. Oysters harvested from these sites must be depurated or relayed to ensure quality and safety. Copyright ©, International Association for Food Protection
The impact of an adjusted cropping calendar on the welfare of rice farming households in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam
Ferrer, Alice Joan G.; Thanh, Le Ha; Kiet, Nguyen Tuan; Chuong, Pham Hong; Trang, Vu Thu; Hopanda, Jinky C.; Carmelita, Benedict Mark; Gummadi, Sridhar; Bernardo, Eisen Bernard (Elsevier, 2022)
The study assessed the impacts of an adjusted cropping calendar on the welfare of rice farming households in the Mekong River Delta (MRD) of Vietnam in the 2019/20 Winter–Spring (W-S) crop season. Some farmers in the study area practiced early planting as an adaptation strategy to avoid the risk of saline intrusion during the 2019–2020 El Niño. The study randomly surveyed 1,176 rice farmers in three MRD provinces, namely, Long An, Kien Giang, and Soc Trang, of which 412 were early planters and 764 were non-early planters. Propensity score matching was applied to explore the effects of early planting on the rice yield and rice farming income. Early planting during the 2019/20 W-S season produced (i) an increase in rice farming income of VND 22.8–24.6 million per farmer or VND 8.62–8.77 million per hectare; (ii) an increase in the annual rice farming income of VND 13.7–17.1 million per farmer or VND 3.2–4.3 million per hectare; and (iii) an increase in rice yield by 5.29–5.67 tons per farmer or 2.51–2.59 tons per hectare. The findings confirm that adjusting the rice cropping calendar as an adaptation strategy against salinity can improve rice farmers’ production and income. © 2021 Economic Society of Australia, Queensland
Heat-induced changes in blends of skimmed buffalo and bovine milk
Mejares, Carolyn T.; Huppertz, Thom; Chandrapala, Jayani (Elsevier, 2023)
This study investigated the physical, chemical, and structural changes in mixtures of buffalo and bovine milk (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, 100:0) induced by heating at 80, 85, 90, and 95 °C for 5 min. No significant changes in particle size, zeta potential, and calcium activity were observed in heated buffalo milk and its mixtures with bovine milk, irrespective of the heating temperature, but heating at ≥ 85 °C induced a significant decrease in pH. The increase in viscosity with heating was dependent on the ratio of buffalo to bovine milk and the heating temperature. The variation in casein dissociation, whey proteins denaturation and their association with themselves and casein micelles, and the alteration in salt balance were key factors that contribute to significant heat-induced changes in pH and viscosity of milk blends. © 2023 The Author(s)
Characterization of porcine skin using a portable time-domain optical coherence tomography system
Galvez, Maria Cecilia; Cadondon, Jumar; Mandia, Paulito; Macalalad, Ernest; Vallar, Edgar; Shiina, Tatsuo (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023)
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging tool used to visualize the cross-section of a sample. Additionally, this device can measure the sample’s physical properties. This experiment used a portable version to measure the epidermal thickness and dermal extinction coefficient of porcine skin obtained from different anatomical sites. The thinnest epidermis was found to be from the ear region, while the thickest is from the leg. Meanwhile, the lowest dermal extinction coefficient was from the ear, while the highest was from the belly. These measured properties can be used as aids for diagnosing various skin conditions in humans and animals.
Lactational changes in Filipino human milk oligosaccharides reveal maternal secretor status
Albaladejo, Anthony Salvador B.; Nacario, Ruel C.; Navarro, Baby Richard R.; Lebrilla, Carlito B.; Completo, Gladys C. (Wiley, 2023)
Background: Breast milk contains human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are the third most abundant solid component and are considered indigestible with no nutritional value to infants. However, HMOs provide protection against pathogens, support gut bacteria, and aid in brain development. This study investigated the relationship between HMOs and secretor status and tracked changes in HMO levels throughout lactation. The study employed a rapid-throughput extraction method, nano-HPLC Chip/TOF-MS analysis, and an annotated HMO structure library for oligosaccharide analysis. Results: Results from the study revealed that 81% of Filipino mothers (N = 155) are secretors, while 19% are non-secretors. The total HMO abundance significantly decreased (p = 0.0001) throughout lactation but was significantly (p = 0.0390) higher in colostrum compared with mature milk. The total fucosylated HMOs had a significantly (p = 0.0460) lower absolute abundance, while the total sialylated HMOs showed a significantly (p = 0.0012) higher abundance in colostrum relative to mature milk. Non-fucosylated neutral HMOs showed no significant (p = 0.1040) difference in abundance between colostrum and mature milk. Conclusion: This is the first comprehensive data on the maternal secretor status of Filipino mothers, showing the decrease in total HMO abundance throughout lactation and differences in the abundances of various oligosaccharide types between colostrum and mature milk.
Sustainable developments, renewable energy, and economic growth in Canada
Chen, Yiyang; Mamon, Rogemar; Spagnolo, Fabio; Spagnolo, Nicola (Wiley, 2023)
The object of this paper is to investigate the dynamic causal relationship between economic growth and renewable energy in Canada. The causal relationship is examined under the neoclassical production function framework. We employed a panel autoregressive distributed lag model controlling for different states of the economy by incorporating a dummy variable, which indicates the economic peak and trough. The data set consists of annual real GDP, capital formation, labor, and electricity generation by renewables for nine Canadian provinces covering from 1981 to 2015. The empirical results find that there is a unidirectional causality from renewable energy to economic growth in the long run. In the short run, a unidirectional causality going from renewable energy to economic growth only during the expansion period is observed. Our study suggests that renewable energy policies should be designed and implemented in a way that takes into account the nonlinear relationship between renewable energy and economic growth. This could involve promoting the development and deployment of renewable energy sources as part of their economic stimulus packages during economic upturns.
Building leaders for the UN Ocean Science Decade: A guide to supporting early career women researchers within academic marine research institutions
Shellock, R.J.; Cvitanovic, C.; McKinnon, M.C.; Mackay, M.; van Putten, I.E.; Blythe, J.; Kelly, R.; Tuohy, P.; Maltby, K.M.; Mynott, S.; Simmonds, N.; Bailey, M.; Begossi, A.; Crona, B.; Fakoya, K.A.; Ferreira, B.P.; Ferrer, A.J.G.; Frangoudes, K.; Gobin, J.; Goh, H.C.; Haapasaari, P.; Hardesty, B.D.; Häussermann, V.; Hoareau, K.; Hornidge, A.-K.; Isaacs, M.; Kraan, M.; Li, Y.; Liu, M.; Lopes, P.F.M.; Mlakar, M.; Morrison, T.H.; Oxenford, H.A.; Pecl, G.; Penca, J.; Robinson, C.; Selim, S.A.; Skern-Mauritzen, M.; Soejima, K.; Soto, D.; Spalding, A.K.; Vadrot, A.; Vaidianu, N.; Webber, M.; Wisz, M.S. (Oxford University Press, 2023)
Diverse and inclusive marine research is paramount to addressing ocean sustainability challenges in the 21st century, as envisioned by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Despite increasing efforts to diversify ocean science, women continue to face barriers at various stages of their career, which inhibits their progression to leadership within academic institutions. In this perspective, we draw on the collective experiences of thirty-four global women leaders, bolstered by a narrative review, to identify practical strategies and actions that will help empower early career women researchers to become the leaders of tomorrow. We propose five strategies: (i) create a more inclusive culture, (ii) ensure early and equitable career development opportunities for women ECRs, (iii) ensure equitable access to funding for women ECRs, (iv) offer mentoring opportunities and, (v) create flexible, family-friendly environments. Transformational, meaningful, and lasting change will only be achieved through commitment and collaborative action across various scales and by multiple stakeholders.
Transmittance Properties of Healthy and Infected Coffee Robusta Leaves with Coffee Leaf Miner (CLM) Pests
bulan, Jejomar; Cadondon, Jumar; Lesidan, James Roy; Vallar, Edgar; Galvez, Maria Cecilia (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023)
Coffee Robusta (Coffea canephora) increased its total production by 73.5% during the first quarter of 2023. In this study, twenty (20) samples each of healthy and infected coffee leaves were measured for their transmittance properties in the UV-Vis and NIR regions. Coffee Leaf Miner (CLM)-infected leaves were identified based on translucent patches on the plant foliage. The results showed that a healthy coffee leaf has a mean transmittance of 41.53 µW for the NIR region, while for the infected leaves, the mean transmittance is 47.06 µW. Healthy coffee Robusta leaves showed significant differences in their transmittance properties compared to infected coffee Robusta leaves in the UV (r = −0.15, p = 0.021, F = 5.8, t = −0.286), visible (r = −0.15, p = 0.018, F = 6.11, t = −2.88), and NIR (r = −0.14, p = 0.027, F = 5.28, t = −2.99) regions. A CLM index was introduced based on the intensity ratio of green and red wavelengths. I535/575 showed positive correlation with the estimated chlorophyll-a concentration for healthy (r = 0.94, p = 0.227) and infected (r = 0.56, p = 0.622) leaves. This method leads to the development of portable sensors for the early detection of CLM pests in plants. © 2023 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Algal organic matter fluorescence analysis of Chlorella sp. for biomass estimation
Cadondon, Jumar; Lesidan, James Roy; Bulan, Jejomar; Vallar, Edgar; Shiina, Tatsuo; Galvez, Maria Cecilia (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023-11-15)
Algal Organic Matter (AOM) is derived from the dissolved organic matter composition of the algal species being observed. In this study, excitation–emission fluorescence spectroscopy was used to determine Chlorella sp.’s AOM and pigment characteristics in varying algal biomass concentrations. The AOM and pigment characteristics were observed at 400–600 nm and 600–800 nm fluorescence emission, respectively, with an excitation spectrum of 300–450 nm. F450/680 was computed based on the ratio between the dissolved organic matter contribution at 450 nm and chlorophyll-a at 680 nm. F450/680 positively correlated with algal biomass (r = 0.96) at an excitation wavelength of 405 nm. This study is a good reference for those interested in algal biomass estimation and production in natural waters.
Overview of the Sigatoka leaf spot complex in banana and its current management
Esguera, Julienne G.; Balendres, Mark Angelo; Paguntalan, Diana P. (Maximum Academic Press, 2024)
Banana (Musa spp.) holds immense significance on both global and local scales as a source of nutrition, economic stability, environmental stability, and cultural significance. However, plant diseases have greatly impacted the overall production and yield of banana plantations, specifically, diseases caused by fungi. This paper explores the Sigatoka leaf spot complex, its associated fungi, factors that influence disease incidence and spread, and management measures of the disease. The Black Sigatoka is identified as the greatest threat due to its wide-ranging impact on banana cultivars. Further endangering banana production is disease dissemination through wind, rain, and ascospores. Here we emphasizee the significance of in-depth comprehension of disease characteristics and progression stages, crucial for devising effective management strategies and safeguarding sustainable banana farming. This paper presents knowledge gaps and challenges in the control and management of the Sigatoka complex. This includes emerging fungicide resistance, sustainable disease management, integrated disease management, monitoring and early detection, international collaboration, climate change impacts, and education and extension services. To fill knowledge gaps and overcome challenges, collaboration among researchers, industry players, government bodies, and international organizations is essential, prioritizing research and outreach to advance sustainable disease management for the global banana industry, mindful of ecological and economic consequences. © 2024 by the author(s).
Teachers’ Experiences and Self-Assessment in Teaching Biology in Senior High School in the Philippines
Pinuela, Myla Fe G. (Richtmann Publishing, 2024)
In support of the various studies for the ongoing Philippine Senior High School(SHS) curriculum, Analysis phase of the analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation (ADDIE) model of instructional design is presented in this study. The main objective is to evaluate biology teachers’ experiences and self-assessment in teaching Biology II in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Track of the K12 Basic Education Program during its first two years of implementation 2016-2017 and 2017-2018(face to face)in Iloilo Province, Philippines. A descriptive survey using a questionnaire from the K12 Science Curriculum composed of two parts: biology II complex topics, and biology teachers’ self-assessments. Five Biology experts from Western Visayas, Philippines, were asked to evaluate the researcher made survey instruments. Mean and standard deviation were employed to interpret the collected data using SPSS version 21. The results showed that the four primary areas of complex knowledge were Systematic Based on Evolutionary Relationships, Evolution and Origin of Biodiversity, Organismal Biology, and Genetics. According to rank, the most challenging topic was “Systematic Based on Evolutionary Relationship,” and the easiest was “Genetics.” On the self-assessment of Biology teachers, all topics were in “Moderate Mastery,” and Genetics was “High Mastery.” Also, a significant relationship between the content topic difficulty and Biology teachers’ mastery level. The findings show no relationship between self-assessed knowledge and self-assessed skills of Biology Teachers. Proper training and encouraging teachers for professional development is a must. Teachers must be trained to teach Biology II, become effective and efficient through professional development. Also, the national government should assess the implementation of the new curriculum based on the experts' recommendations. Thus, this study recommends encouraging SHS teachers to take graduate studies aligned with their undergraduate program to master the area of specialization. The national government must support scholarship programs in STEM for biology educators.. © 2024 Myla Fe G. Pinuela.
Dominant bacterial pathogens in a river receiving swine farm effluent
Malaya, Michaela Marie D.; Gito, Mary Ann G.; De la Cruz, Kyla Kris A.; Caipang, Christopher Marlowe A. (Parnam Publication Co., 2024)
Swine production dominates the livestock sector in the Philippines, providing 60% of the nation’s meat supply. Some of the swine industry’s challenges include waste management, resulting in environmental issues such as air pollution, water contamination, and the spread of pathogens that can affect human health. Severe impacts of swine waste on water bodies can lead to eutrophication and render water systems unproductive. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the dominant bacterial pathogens in swine waste effluent in a municipality in southern Iloilo, Philippines. Water samples from the receiving river were collected and cultured to isolate bacteria, followed by genetic identification and phylogenetic analysis to understand the microbial contamination in rivers impacted by the swine farm. Four dominant bacterial strains were isolated and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. All strains, confirmed as Gram-negative, belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family, specifically Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae. K. pneumoniae, highly resistant and associated with significant health risks, is found in diverse environments and causes severe infections. E. cloacae, an opportunistic pathogen, contributes to water contamination and antibiotic resistance. The study underscores the environmental and public health concerns linked to these bacteria, emphasizing the need for stringent waste management and infection control strategies. © 2024, Parnam Publication Co.. All rights reserved.