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Item Relationship of moderate to heavy Trichuris trichiura infection with the packed red cell volume and mental ability of elementary schoolchildren in Miag-ao, IloiloCalibjo, Hartzell M.; Calvo, May Lyn A.; Dizon, Lourdes Anne A.; Garay, Cyrus Q.; Gonzales, Lorenz Alfred B.; Gibraltar, Felli Claire G.; Peralta, Lou Gillyn B.; Spitzer, Mark Manfred B.; Taburaza, Larimee S. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2005-04)Trichuris trichiura commonly known as whipworm is a nematode that infects human particularly primary school-aged children. Studies show that moderate to heavy Trichuris infection may adversely affect the cognitive functions of schoolchildren (Nokes, 1991) and may cause anemia overtime (Politt, 1982). However, this has not been established in the local setting. This led the researchers to locally conduct a study that would primarily determine the relationship of the moderate to heavy intensity of trichuriasis with the mental ability of schoolchildren and with the Packed Red Cell Volume. It also aims to determine if there is a significant difference between the mental ability test scores and the Packed Red Cell Volume of moderate to heavy Trichuris infected group and the non-infected group. Three coastal elementary schools in Miag-ao, Iloilo was chosen as the study sites. These were Miag-ao West Central Elementary School, Igtuba-Guibongan Elementary School, and Bacauan-Mambatad Elementary School. Five hundred twenty five (525) elementary pupils aged 8—14 years had their stool samples examined using Modified Kato Katz to determine the intensity of Trichuris infection. Thirty (30) moderate to heavy Trichuris infected students and another 30 non-infected students were randomly selected as the study sample. Capillary blood samples were collected from the 60-study sample. The packed red cell volume was determined using the Microhematocrit Method and was categorized as normal and below normal. Mental ability of the study sample was measured using the standardized Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT). The test instrument was administered and interpreted by the Psychometricians. The results of the tests consisted of verbal interpretation and was categorized as below average, average and above average. The results showed no significant difference between the moderate to heavy infected group and the non-infected group based on mental ability test verbal interpretation (p= 0.770). The non-infected group even obtained a higher proportion of study samples that were below average CFIT test scores compared with the moderate to heavy infected group. The results of packed red cell volume revealed that all study samples (100%) in the non-infected group had normal Packed Cell Volume (PCV). On the other hand, only 90% of the study samples in the moderate to heavy infected group had normal Packed Cell volume (PCV) while the remaining 10% had below normal PCV. Statistically however, the difference was not significant (p= 0.164). Finally, Linear Regression Analysis showed no linear relationship between mental ability test Deviation Intelligence Quotient and Packed Red Cell Volume among the study samples. The scatter plot diagram showed dispersed distribution of study samples which means weak relationship between the two variables. The insignificant results in this study could be attributed to various confounding variables that were not controlled strictly all throughout the study, as well as the insensitivity of the test instruments used. Thus, the study recommends controlling carefully the various extraneous variables such as socioeconomic conditions, nutritional status of the study sample. The study also recommends the use of more sensitive and specific instruments for measuring the blood level and cognitive functions.Item Analysis of stand basal areas of mangroves in selected sites in the Province of Antique, Panay Island, PhilippinesCalaor, Gazelh Mae T. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2007-04)Mangroves play both an important ecological and economic role. They are valuable to humans and are important component of the natural system. For the past few decades, mangrove forest has been experiencing severe degradation. People often fail to consider the important in the entire ecosystem. Generally, this study aimed to analyzed stand basal areas of mangroves in Antique. The study of basal areas of mangroves can provide an indicating the health condition and overall stands of mangroves in a given area. However few studies have been conducted about this area. Thus, the need for present study to provide an overview of mangrove development in Antique. Information gathered will be useful in the formulation of mangrove measures for the preservation of the remaining mangrove stands in Antique. Specifically, it aimed 1.) to identify the species present in Antique. 2.) to determine the basal areas 3.) to determine the stand basal areas of mangroves. Transect line plot method was used for the study. All sampled sites have been visibly been subjected to human disturbances of varying magnitude. There were 31 true mangroves species identified in the 11 municipalities studied belonging to 14 families. Abundant mangrove forest is in Semirara Island. Caluya with 28 species belonging to 13 families. The family of Rhizophoraceae was the most represented with 7 species identified. Lumnitzera racemosa and Nypa fruticans were found in all municipalities, whereas the least occurring were the Camptostemon philippinensis and Aegiceras floridum found only in Semirara Island. Caluya. Average stand basal area of Antique was 39.49 m2/ha. It ranges from 4.54 m2/ha for the municipality of Bugasong to 214.27 m2ha for the municipality of Semirara Island. Caluya. Average stand basal area per species of Antique Province were ranges from Sonneratia alba at 8.69 m7ha as the highest and the lowest at 0.0036 m2/ha exhibited by Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea. The relatively isolated state of is a good factor in development and establishment of a good mangrove cover. In comparison with other sites in Antique, the stand basal area in Semirara Island, Caluya is much higher reflective of a better and healthier stand.Item Habitat-type and temporal comparison of the meiobenthic composition of Taklong Island National Marine ReserveBurgos, Lorelie A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2009-03)Meiofauna are very important indicators of human disturbances in the natural ecosystem. It plays a major role in the primary production, rapid nutrient cycling and other benthic chemical processes. Knowledge regarding marine benthic communities is scarce and is limited only to temperate regions. Moreover, only a few have been conducted in the Philippines, while no studies have been conducted in the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, so this serves as the baseline for further studies to be conducted in the place. This study provides a characterization of the spatial and temporal distribution of meiobenthic fauna in the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve. Specifically, the study aimed to compare the composition of meiobenthic infauna in different habitat types and to examine changes in their abundance and distribution from 4, 16 and 26 weeks after the oil spill. Meiobenthic samples were collected in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve during the Rapid and Monitoring Phases of the Benthos Project of the UPV Oil Spill Response Program. Surveys were conducted in September 2 and November 23, 2006 and February 9 2007, respectively 4, 16 and 26 weeks after the spill. Nine stations within the area were chosen based on the station grid for the biological surveys. A total of 20 taxa were identified, with nematodes being numerically dominant. It also showed the highest mean abundance in all the sampling period and for the entire habitat type. The over all mean density was (80276.71494 ind. m2, SD =19988.37), with the highest peak in February 20072007 which is 26 weeks after the oil spill (143,508.4 ind/m2). And the lowest density was recorded in the month of September 2006, 4 weeks after the oil spill (47,205.43 ind. m2). For the habitat type soft bottom has the highest recorded mean density in the entire sampling period. For the temporal variation food source, organic matter and temperature dictates the changes in distribution of meiofauna but in the study it mostly because of the oil spill happened before the sampling period.Item Filtration rate of the marine clam, Kaltelysia sp. at different light intensities and fed with microalgae Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros calcitransBravo, Agnes Therese A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2005-04)Filtration rate of the marine clam, Katelysia with body lengths ranging from 5-6 cm and body weight from 45-65 g were determined by using the indirect method of suspension depletion and monitored by direct algal cell count. The effects of light intensity and algal species on the feeding behavior of the clam were determined. The first treatment involves total darkness where the basins containing the clams were covered with black plastic bag. In the second treatment, the basins with the clams were placed under ordinary light condition (12h light; 12h dark) and in the third treatment, the basins with the clams were positioned under a 20-watt bulb with continuous illumination (24h light). Results showed significant differences in the filtration rates of clams in different light intensities. It showed higher filtration rate in the total darkness treatment (F=0.132555907) followed by the 12h light: 12h dark treatment and lowest at the treatment provided with 24 h illumination. Apparently, illumination affected valve opening and siphon extension of the clam which also affected the filtration rate of Katelysia. Under total darkness treatment, the clams opened their valves and extended their siphons. Hence, there was highest ingestion of algae or filtration in total darkness which showed to be the optimum condition to stimulate or promote feeding. In the algal species preference experiment, the food used were either Isochrysis galbana, Chaetoceros calcitrans , or a mixture of both. Results showed that I. galbana had the highest number of cells ingested by the clams and removed from suspension. This is considered to be the preferred algal species (F=0.119713) followed by a mixture of both, and lowest on the treatment where C. calcitrans was used as food. The preference of the clam on Isochrysis galbana over Chaetoceros calcitrans could be its smaller size based on dry weight.Item Household food security and nutritional status of preschoolers in Valderrama, AntiqueBraga, Mayet Ann D.; Gordon, Cyrus John G.; Guisihan, Thanz Pamela G., II; Jamili, JC John T.; Ledesma, Migil G.; Lim, Diana L.; Lim, Lenny Joy G.; Malalu-an, Rosalie A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2005-03)The study is a cross-sectional survey of 138 randomly selected households from ten (10) similarly randomly-selected barangays in Valderrama, Antique. This study aims to determine household food security and nutritional status of pre-schoolers in Valderrama, Antique. The study specifically aimed to: determine the status of household food security in Valderrama, Antique; describe the characteristics of households in terms of Age and Highest Educational Attainment of Caretakers, Annual Family Income (in Pesos), Income Allotment for Food, House Ownership, Number of Household Members and Food Source; and compare the nutritional status of pre-schoolers of food secure and food insecure households based on the following anthropometric parameters: Weight for age (WFA), Height / length for age (H/LFA) and Weight for height (WFH). The study is patterned after the national survey done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) that ranked Antique as the province with the highest degree of malnutrition. Food security was determined using the Food-Security/Hunger Core Module, 3-Stage Design, with Screeners. Anthropometric measurements were taken from randomly selected preschoolers aged 0-5 from each household to determine the nutritional status. The current study revealed that the prevalence of food insecurity in Valderrama, Antique is very high at 94.9%. The level of food insecurity was further determined and the following results were obtained: 17.6% of the food insecure households were without hunger; 56.5% were the food insecure households were without hunger; 56.5% were food insecure with moderate hunger, and, 26.0% were food insecure with severe hunger. Only 5.1% of the households surveyed were food secure. The results showed that in terms of the anthropometric parameters used in the study (Weight for Age, Height for Age, Weight for Height), all pre-schoolers in food secure households were normal. On the other hand, in food insecure households, the prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting were high. Using the parameter Weight-For-Age (WFA), the prevalence of underweight children was 38.2%, which is higher than the national average of 27.6%. Using the Height-for-Age (HFA), 43.5% of pre-schoolers in the area were stunted (underheight) and which is again higher than the national average of 38.5%. The prevalence of wasting in the study was alarmingly high (14.5%) which is almost three times higher than the national average of 5.5%. The results obtained may be used as baseline data in planning intervention programs by the municipal government and concerned agencies (Government Organizations and Non-Government Organizations) to address the alarming problem of malnutrition in the municipality.Item Preliminary assessment of forest canopy and seedling condions of mangroves in oil affected areas in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, GuimarasBenitez, Zaina Lei Licaniel (2007-04)Mangroves are important ecologically and economically in coastal areas in tropica] and sub-tropical areas in the world. However, they continue to be under threat from various human activities either directly or indirectly. The recent oil spill off the coast of southern Guimaras has brought numerous damages to these critical habitats including the mangroves in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve. This study is part of the over all Oil Spill Assessment program conducted by University of the Philippines in the Visayas following the sinking of M.T. Solar 1. This study aimed to determine the effect of oil spill on shoot development as an indicator of health conditions of trees and seedlings of selected mangroves such as Aegiceras floridum, Avicenia marina, Rhizophora apiculata Rhizophora , Rhizophora stylosa, and Sonneratia alba, in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve. Specifically, it aims to determine 1) standing leaves, 2) new leaves, 3) leaf scars of trees and seedlings. Results showed that shoot development among trees were not significantly different between oiled and unoiled sites but closer examination of species response revealed significant differences on standing leaves and new leaves only. Seedling shoot development showed a consistent significant difference among species and between sites. Aegiceras floridum and Sonneratia alba were least affected as shown by the higher number of standing leaves and least number of leaf scar while the Rhizophora spp. and Avicennia marina had the greatest number of leaf scars and least number of standing leaves. Results of this study showed that seedlings are clearly under stress and are more sensitive to oiling than trees although species response also varied individually. While tree species such as the Rhizophora spp. (e.g. R. apiculata, R. stylosa and R. mucronata) appear to be the most sensitive compared with Aegiceras floridum, Avicennia marina and Sonneratia alba. Results of this study will be useful in providing new knowledge on the evaluation of impacts of oil spills on mangroves.Item Acceptability of the newly-formulated food recipes among selected age groups at Brgy. Tabat Tubungan, IloiloBeluso, Heziel F.; Buaron, Michelle Jane A.; Hubag, Angelie Rose C.; Macahilo, Judeilan A.; Mationg, Mary Lorraine S.; Nismal, Myles C.; Pido,Dianah D.; Simaurio, Geraldine C.; Sodusta, Valerie Joy M.; Yasa, Kutch V. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2007-03)This research study is a cross-sectional survey done among 90 conveniently selected residents of Brgy. Tabat Tubungan, Iloilo in order to determine the acceptability of the newly-formulated food recipes based on sensory analysis (appearance, smell, taste and texture), general acceptability, cost, and food action response. The ingredients used in each of the three new recipes namely tortang malunggay, alugbati-squash ukoy and Palawan delight are nutritious, cheap and indigenous to the community. The acceptability test was done among the three selected age groups: school-age children (6-12 yrs old), adolescents (13-19 yrs old) and adult (20-40 yrs old). Pre-tested structured questionnaires were used in the evaluation of the acceptability of the three recipes. Results were analyzed using frequency distribution and test of proportion to determine whether or not the prepared recipes are acceptable. Chi-square analysis was used to test the independence of acceptability of the food items based on the set criteria and the age group categories of the panelists. The results show that three newly formulated recipes namely tortang malunggay, alugbati-squash ukoy and Palawan delight were found to contain high amount of energy content (107 kcal, 181 kcal and 160 kcal) and essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C, calcium and iron which are needed and vital to the body. The percent Recommended Dietary Allowance requirements derived from the three newly formulated food recipes were 5.35% of the total caloric need per serving for the tortang malunggay, alugbati-squash ukoy and palawan delight could supply 9.05% and 8.00% of the total caloric needs. For the sensory test, results show that in terms of the appearance, the three recipes: tortang malunggay, alugbati-squash ukoy and Palawan delight are acceptable to 82.22%, 95.56%, and 84.44% of the panelists respectively. Smell of the three recipes is acceptable to 87.78% of the panelists. Among the ninety panelists, 87.78% and 83.33% said that the taste of the food recipes is acceptable. In terms of texture, tortang malunggay received the highest acceptance level of 88.89%. Based on general acceptability, Palawan delight was liked by 93.33% panelist. The computed Chi-square values show that the acceptability based on sensory analysis and general acceptability of the three food recipes (except the taste of alugbati-squash ukoy) is not dependent on the age group category of the panelists. The costs of the three recipes were also acceptable to 95.56% of the panelists. As to the food action-response, 95.56% expressed a favorable response. Because of the positive results obtained during the acceptability test on the three food items, the researchers recommend these recipes be included in Food Supplementation and Nutrition Education activities.Item Abundance, composition and distribution of phytoplankton in Mindoro StraitBayona, Riena Rose M. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2008-04)Phytoplankton in Mindoro Strait, north of Palawan, were investigated from the samples taken last April-May 2007. Twenty stations were selected from over 40 stations surveyed. Samples were collected by filtering 50L of surface waters through 20 micrometer mesh plankton net using a 10L bucket. Phytoplankton assemblage was grouped into four major taxa. Diatoms dominated the area. It recorded the highest mean density of 314.9indivL-1. It was followed by blue green algae that noted a mean density of 165.69indivL-1. The next most abundant was dinoflagellates that recorded a mean density of 51.59indivL-1 and then the group of silicoflagellates. It recoded 35.69indivL-1 mean density. The top three species were Trichodesmium, Thalasiothrix and Isthmia. Protoperidinium represented the dinoflagellates among the top genera while Eutintinnus recorded the highest silicoflagellate. Higher concentrations were found in the midst of the oceanic region where water currents mainly pass. Overall abundance is lower than other nearby waters. This is maybe due to the effect of water currents.Item Survival and growth of the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra (Jaeger) juveniles reared at different dietsBaylon, Basil C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2009-03)Sea cucumbers are economically important species, with high demand in local and international markets. Overharvesting due to this high demand causes depletion of wild populations of sea cucumbers. Stock enhancement has been resorted to improve the status of natural populations. This will need the development of rearing technology which includes studies on the effects of different diets on sea cucumber juveniles. In this study, the effects of five diets on growth and survival of sea cucumber Holothuria scabra juveniles were compared. The five treatments used were benthic diatoms (Navicula sp.) alone, combination of benthic diatoms and seaweed (Sargassum sp.) extract, seagrass extract alone, combination of benthic diatoms and seagrass (Thalassia sp.) extract, and commercial shrimp feed. Three replicates were used for each treatment. For every replicate. 10 juveniles with body length 1-2 mm were reared in a 3-L culture container with seawater and no sand substrate. Salinity ranged from 32-35 ppt and the temperature from 26-29°C. It was observed that there was a trend of increasing body weight, body length, and body width of juveniles as weeks of culture progressed. After 7 weeks of culture, best weight gain, increase in body length and body width was achieved in juveniles fed with either benthic diatoms alone or combination diet of benthic diatoms and seaweed extract. There was high survival in all feeding treatments except in H. scabra juveniles fed with commercial shrimp feed. The lowest body weight, length and width and lowest survival were consistently obtained from juveniles given commercial shrimp feed.Item Abundance, composition and distribution of phytoplankton in West Central Sulu SeaBria, Jed B. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2008-11)A total of 28 stations were sampled for abundance, composition and distribution of phytoplankton in the West Central Sulu Sea. The samples were taken from 15-30 April 2007. Samples were collected by filtering 50L of surface water through a 20 pm mesh plankton net. A total of 96 phytoplankton genera were identified and were grouped into four major taxa. The overall mean density was 444.6 cells/L. Diatoms were the most abundant, with the mean density of 213.5 cells/L. The most abundant diatom genus was Chaetoceros. Blue-green algae showed the second-highest mean density of 127.6 cells/L. Trichodesmium was the most abundant genus among the two blue-green algae identified. Trichodesmium was also the most abundant genus, comprising 28.1% of all phytoplankton identified. Dinoflagellates and silicoflagellates were ranked third and fourth among the four major taxa with 77.5 cells/L and 28 cells/L, respectively. Protoperidinium was the most abundant dinoflagellate, while Amphorella was the most abundant silicoflagellate. They made up 6.2% and 1.2 % of all phytoplankton identified, respectively. The stations located along the coast of Palawan and near the Tubattaha Reef Marine National Park showed the highest phytoplankton concentrations.