Journal articles published externally

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

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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.
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.
Centering social reproduction during crisis: Women’s experiences of food insecurity in Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic
Davies, Sara E.; Eslick, Belinda; Calsado, Darlene Joy D.; Juanico, Claire Samantha; Oo, Zin Mar; Roberts, Robin E.; Yadanar; Woyengu, Naomi (Taylor and Francis Group, 2024)
Studies examining the gendered impacts of COVID-19 have shown that women have been disproportionately impacted by the socio-economic effects of the pandemic across multiple areas, including economic and food security. We sought to understand how the impacts of the pandemic on women’s food security in the Indo-Pacific region were influenced by women’s roles in performing the bulk of unpaid work and care involved in social reproduction. We interviewed 183 female farmers and vendors (market stallholders) in Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. We found that across all three countries examined, women described an impact on their food security as well as their labour, processes of reproduction, and private household dynamics. Women’s household food security was impacted because of decreased income, increased business costs, rising food costs, and additional household costs. Further, our findings show that because it was typically women’s responsibility to manage household food security, women were anticipating food shortages and engaging in risks to mitigate against food insecurity. These findings demonstrate the urgent need to introduce national and international crisis response measures that differentiate the gendered social and economic impacts of crises that centers, rather than marginalizes, social reproduction in analyses.
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.
Comparative biochemical characterization of pufferfish saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin-binding protein (PSTBP) homologs in the plasma from four Takifugu species: Conservation of heat-stable PSTBP orthologs having three and two tandemly repeated lipocalin domains in genus Takifugu
Zhang, Yafei; Ueno, Mikinori; Tatsuno, Ryohei; Takatani, Tomohiro; Shimasaki, Yohei; Arima, Kazunari; Sedanza, Mary Grace; Yamaguchi, Kenichi; Oshima, Yuji; Arakawa, Osamu (Elsevier, 2025)
To study the relationship between domain characteristics of pufferfish saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin binding protein (PSTBP) proteoforms and their thermal stability, a comparative biochemical characterization of PSTBPs from the plasma of four Takifugu species (T. flavipterus, T. pardalis, T. alboplumbeus and T. rubripes) was conducted by Western blot analysis. The heat-tolerance tetrodotoxin (TTX)-binding ability of PSTBP proteoforms in T. rubripes plasma was verified by ultrafiltration and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These results suggest that the heat-stable PSTBP proteoforms, composed of three and two tandemly repeated lipocalin domains, are genetically conserved and ubiquitous in the genus Takifugu. This study builds on our knowledge of the structural and functional properties of PSTBP proteoforms, which is vital for understanding how toxins are transmitted and accumulate in organisms and is essential for evaluating the potential risks of toxins in seafood.
Coral reefs and small pelagic fisheries: Livelihood and governance interactions in Southern Luzon, Philippines
Novilla, Carmela Therese T.; Fabinyi, Michael (Springer, 2025-04-02)
Coral reef fisheries and small pelagic fisheries make different contributions to livelihoods, food and nutrition security, which have informed academic and policy debate about their respective needs for governance. However, few studies have explicitly examined how governance of these different fisheries interacts at a local level, or how they interact with wider social-economic contexts and processes. This study examines a small pelagic fishery in the Philippines, focusing on the varied interactions between this fishery and coral reefs. Drawing on household surveys, focus group discussions and interviews, we demonstrate the significant economic and social contributions made by the small pelagic fishery and describe a series of governance interventions aimed at protecting coral reefs and regulating small pelagics. We highlight some of the emerging governance risks that undermine legitimacy and social acceptance for the management of both small pelagic and coral reef resources. We argue that planning for successful management of fisheries needs to be highly cognizant of the complexity of livelihoods, to equity issues in sharing the benefits and burdens of conservation, and to tourism-fishery interactions.
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.
Development of Crop Reflectance Sensor for Precision Agriculture †
Bulan, Jejomar; Cadondon, Jumar; Lesidan, James Roy; Galvez, Maria Cecilia; Vallar, Edgar; Shiina, Tatsuo (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024)
Precision agriculture is one of the emerging technologies that is promising to solve the problem of food insecurity worldwide. These focus on collecting, analyzing, and taking actions based on data available from the crop and its environment. Building low-cost and reliable plant health-related sensors is critical and helpful in the agriculture industry. This study builds a leaf reflectance sensor comprising a white LED source and an S1133 photodiode detector. The angle between the source and detector varied from 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° to determine the angle at which it would have an optimal reflectance value. The white LED source was connected to a 3-volt and 0.3-ampere power supply, while the S1133 photodiode detector was connected to an oscilloscope to measure the response voltage. Different green intensities were used using an RGB color scheme that imitates the color of the leaf that characterizes its health status. Reflectance intensities were calibrated using white standard reflectance. The result shows that the 45° angle between the source and detector gives the highest R-squared value (R2 = 0.958). This study provides an overview of the effects of varying detection angles for crop reflectance sensors that can be used to assess plant health status and help improve crop yield in the agricultural sector. © 2024 by the authors.
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.
Effect of calcium-sequestering salts and heat treatment on the rheological and textural properties of acid gels from blends of skimmed buffalo and bovine milk
Mejares, Carolyn T.; Huppertz, Thom; Chandrapala, Jayani (Elsevier, 2024)
The influence of adding 5 mM trisodium citrate (TSC) or disodium hydrogen phosphate (DSHP) and heat treatment (85 °C or 95 °C for 5 min) on the acid gelation properties of blends of skim buffalo and bovine milk (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, 100:0) was investigated. Significant increases in gelation pH, final G′ values, firmness, and water-holding capacity of gels were observed with increasing proportion of buffalo skim milk and with higher heating temperature. Differences in gel firmness were linked to gel microstructure, where milk blends containing higher proportion of buffalo skim milk formed gels with denser protein network clusters. The addition of TSC or DSHP reduced the gelation pH, final G′ values and gel firmness, but increased gel water-holding capacity. These results provide a better understanding of acid gelation of buffalo and bovine milk blends which will subsequently promote the potential of using milk mixtures in modulating the gel texture.
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.
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.
Experimental detection of marine plastic litter in surface waters by 405 nm LD-based fluorescence lidar
Cadondon, Jumar; Vallar, Edgar; Shiina, Tatsuo; Galvez, Maria Cecilia (Elsevier, 2024)
Plastic pollution has become a global challenge, affecting water quality and health. Plastics including polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are significant contributors to environmental pollution. With the growing need for investigation and detection of plastics found in natural waters, we propose the use of a portable laser diode (LD)-based fluorescence lidar system for in-situ detection of plastic litters in surface waters based on excitation-emission fluorescence spectroscopic data. The experiments were carried out in a controlled environment using a fluorescence lidar system with 405 nm excitation wavelength to determine the fluorescence signals of several plastics at 470 nm emission wavelength. Simultaneous detection of PET plastic and Chlorella vulgaris were also observed to determine the fluorescence influence of chlorophyll in surface waters. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to study the chemical composition of the plastics used before and after being submerged in the water. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution camera microscopy were used to analyze the morphology of the submerged PET samples. This study provides a basis for a new in-situ technique using a fluorescence lidar system for submerged or transparent plastics in surface waters.
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)
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
The impact of ocean warming on selected commercial fisheries in New Zealand
Mediodia, Hanny John; Noy, Ilan; Kahui, Viktoria (Wiley, 2024)
Warming oceans affect the growth, reproduction and location of fish species. Using a bioeconomic framework, we estimate the relationship between sea surface temperature (SST) and the catch of de facto open-access commercial fisheries of flatfish, trevally and jack mackerel in New Zealand. Assuming either a logarithmic or quadratic relationship between the SST and the carrying capacity of the fish stock, we consider three fishing methods (bottom trawl, set net and midwater trawl) and two measures of effort (count and duration). We show that ocean warming results in an increase in catch for all species if we assume a logarithmic relationship, with the highest marginal product of SST ((Formula presented.)) for jack mackerel caught using midwater trawl. The highest marginal revenue product (computed by the MPSST, current price and fished area) is found for flatfish caught by set net. However, when assuming a quadratic relationship, there is a threshold above which catch starts to decrease, with the maximum catch of species ranging between 10 and 12.2°C. These results also vary spatially, with higher values of MPSST observed in areas closer to the South Pole. Our findings are relevant for any review of fisheries management systems in response to ocean warming.
Interfacing learning methods for anomaly detection in multi-country financial stress indicators
Gu, Xing; Mamon, Rogemar; Duprey, Thibaut (Elsevier, 2024)
This paper presents a novel ensemble supervised learning classification model designed for the early detection of financial stability anomalies. In particular, we utilise the time series of Financial Stress Indices (FSI) across multiple countries in developing an early-warning system. The innovation of this model lies in its unique integration of stochastic process modelling, hidden Markov models (HMM), random forest (RF), and XGBoost algorithms. This results to a comprehensive approach that can capture the dynamics of FSIs and forecast potential crisis episodes. The model's strength arises from the synthesis of the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) processes and HMM online recursive filters, forming a robust framework. Additionally, a feature selection module based on RF and a final classifier using XGBoost enhance the out-of-sample predictive performance. Our comparative analyses with five alternative models underscore the strong predictive power of the proposed model. A tailored feature-importance analysis highlights the substantial impact of the HMM features, emphasising their crucial role in the model's effectiveness. Furthermore, the inclusion of two projected anomaly-warning signals enhances the model's ability to predict extreme events, benefitting financial stability and public policy research. © 2024 The Author(s)
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.
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
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.