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    Relationship of moderate to heavy Trichuris trichiura infection with the packed red cell volume and mental ability of elementary schoolchildren in Miag-ao, Iloilo
    Calibjo, 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.
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    Analysis of stand basal areas of mangroves in selected sites in the Province of Antique, Panay Island, Philippines
    Calaor, 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.
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    Roadworks: Traffic light control via computer interfacing
    Cadiente, Mark E.; Macanas, Dennis G.; Padernal, Noriel P. (Division of Physical Science and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2002-03)
    Gathering of information was needed to know the behavior of lights and same as to the way on how to interface hardware using computers. After which, designs and flowcharts were made. Hardware designs were tested using both software (Electronic Workbench) and actual circuitry using breadboards. After the hardware was guaranteed to be working properly, it was then interfaced using a computer port, and the main program was developed. The developed software was successful in controlling the behavior of the lights and receiving data from the sensors. Further improvements was then made to the software to improve its interface and efficiency in controlling the said hardware.
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    Comparative development of larval performance of catfish hybrids (Clarias macrocephalus Gunther x Clarias gariepinus Burchell)
    Cabanos, Cerrone Salamat (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2003-03)
    Our native catfish, Clarias macrocephalus, is one of the most well-accepted fish in the country. With its soft and savory flesh, this species has high demand in local markets. However, due to its relatively slow growth and poor breeding activity, our native catfish has become rarely used nowadays in aquaculture. This led to the introduction of exotic and faster growing species like the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, and Thai catfish, Clarias batrachus, which in turn, resulted to the near extinction of the native species. There is therefore a perceived need to undertake a breeding program involving this native catfish and other exotic species. One potential solution to increase our production rate of the native catfish is to hybridize it with the African catfish. Interspecific hybridization has been a popular breeding program utilized by researchers attempting to produce fish expressing hybrid vigor (positive heterosis) or for combining valuable traits from more than one species. This study is on the characterization of the early developmental stages of fertilized eggs and the comparison of larval performance (in terms of percent fertilization, hatching and larval survival) resulting from the artificial cross of Clarias macrocephalus (native catfish) and Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) and its parental species. In comparing the rates of egg development among crosses (all macrolecithal and discoidal cleavage), it was determined that fertilized eggs of the standard hybrid cross (C. gariepinus male x C. macrocephalus female) have a relatively faster rate of development than those from the reciprocal cross (C. macrocephalus male x C. gariepinus female). Results on determination of larval performance showed that there is no significant difference in percent fertilization and percent survival after 7 days between hybrid and parental crosses. However, in terms of percent hatching, the reciprocal hybrid cross (C macrocephalus male x C. gariepinus female), together with the C. gariepinus x C. gariepinus parental cross had a significantly higher percent hatching (P < 0.01) compared to the standard cross (C. gariepinus male x C. macrocephalus female).
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    Alcohol use among out-of-school youth in Iloilo City
    Cabaluna, Vanessa P.; Eler, Paul Candice Ellen M.; Gazo, Ella Catherine T.; Marla, Mary Ellen J.; Train, Christine Q. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2002-03)
    The out-of-school youth, 13-22 years old, appears to have one of the greatest risks for alcohol use. This study was conducted to determine alcohol use among out-of-school youth in the City of Iloilo. The subjects of the study were 150 out-of-school youths, randomly selected from 15 barangays of the 6 districts of Iloilo City. Data for this research was gathered using an interview schedule. Results show that one hundred thirty-one (87.33%) out of 150 out-of-school youth respondents had been initiated to alcoholic drinks. Their mean age at alcohol initiation was 15.81. Majority of these respondents usually drink beer (58.78%), followed by gin (13.74%), and tuba/lambanog (12.22%). Other choices include rum and brandy. Factors that influenced the respondents to drink alcohol included friends (67.94%), relatives (12.98%), father (9.16%). Other factors included personal decision, mass media, and mood/problems. Reasons for drinking alcoholic beverages include celebrations of special occasions (30.53%), leisure (18.32%), curiosity (15.27%), and sense of belongingness (12.98%). Other reasons include peer pressure, personal choice and personal problems. Reasons for not drinking include personal choice (47.37%), health reasons (31.58%), family prohibits (15.79%), and religion prohibits (5.26%). Alcohol use is significantly associated with respondents' sex, involvement in organisations or community activities, smoking, and use of prohibited drugs. There is no significant difference between alcohol use and family drinking status & with whom they are staying.
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    Habitat-type and temporal comparison of the meiobenthic composition of Taklong Island National Marine Reserve
    Burgos, 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.
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    Mangrove community structure survey in Barangay Guisi and Linayasan, Altavas, Aklan
    Bullo, Gliford G. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2004-04)
    The mangrove forest is a complex and unique community of medium to large tress, shrubs, vines and palms, oddly thriving with luxuriant growth in the least inviting habitats which have the barest and limited conditions for the growth and survival of higher plant life. This study aims to assess the community structure of mangroves in Barangay Guisi and Linayasan, Altavas, Aklan using accepted ecological indicators. The sampling site, Altavas, Aklan is located at the upper median of Panay Island. There was a total of 15 true mangrove species belonging to the 9 families in the area. The nine families are Family Myrsinaceae represented by Aegiceras corniculatum, Family Avicenniaceae represented by Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina, Avicennia officinalis and Avicennia rumphiana; Family Rhizophorceae represented by Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Bruguiera parviflora; Family Bombacaceae represented by Camptostemon phihppensis; Family Rubiaceae represented by Scyphiphora hydrophylaceae; Family Meliaceae represented by Xylocarpus granatum and Family Palmae represented by Nypa fruticans. Avicennia rumphiana has the highest mean basal area of 23.21 (m2/ha), while Xylocarpus granatum had the lowest mean basal area of 0.01 (m2/ha). Avicennia rumphiana has the highest relative density of 57, while Xylocarpus granatum has the lowest relative density with a value of 1. Avicennia rumphiana and Avicennia officinalis had the highest relative frequency of 19.8667 Aegiceras corniculatum, Excoecaria agallocha, Scyphtphora hydrophylaceae and Xylocarpus grunatum on the other hand had the lowest relative frequency of 0.4. Avicennia rumphiana is the dominant species with a relative dominance value of 23.66, and Xylocarpus granatum is the least dominant species with relative dominance value of 0.01. Avicennia rumphiana is the most important species in the area with an importance value of 127.1816, and the least important species, as observed, is Xylocarpus granatum with an importance value of 1.685863. The index of diversity is 0.918655 for the entire area.
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    Mangrove community structure survey in Pedada Bay, Ajuy, Iloilo
    Bravo, Mark G. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2004-04)
    Mangroves are uniquely tropical, globally occurring and one of the most pervasive coastline ecosystems. They are one of the highly productive and one of the most diverse wetlands on earth. The objective of this study is to assess the community structure of mangroves in Pedada Bay, Ajuy, Iloilo, in particular the species composition and diversity in relation to the physical and chemical factors. Pedada Bay is located in the northern part of Panay Island. The transect line plot method was used to survey the community structure of the mangroves. The floristic composition of Pedada Bay was composed of a total of 18 true mangrove species belonging to 11 families. The true mangroves were Family Avicenniaceae represented by Avicennia marina and A. rumphiana, Family Bombacaceae represented by Camptostemon philippinensis, Family Combretaceae represented by Lumnitzera racemosa, Family Euphorbiaceae represented by Exoecaria agallocha, Family Meliaceae composed of Xylocarpus granatum and X. moluccensis, Family Myrsinaceae composed of Aegiceras corniculatum and A. floridum, Family Myrtaceae represented by Osbornia octodonta, Family Palmae represented by Nypa fruticans, Family Rhizophoraceae composed of Bruguiera cylindrica, Ceriops decandra, Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, and R. stylosa, Family Rubiaceae, composed of Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea, and Family Sonneratiaceae, composed of Sonneratia alba. Average basal area for the entire Pedada Bay ranges from 300.564 m2/ha for Sonneratia alba to 0.008 m2/ha for Rhizophora mucronata. Average stems per hectare ranges from 1,988 for Avicennia marina to 5 stems per hectare for Aegiceras corniculatum. Of the three barangays of Pedada Bay, Barangay Pedada had the highest basal area while Barangay Luca had the lowest basal area. Sonneratia alba was the most dominant species in the bay. Avicennia marina was the densest, the most frequently occurring, and the most important species in Pedada Bay. The entire area had a high diversity index of 0.718. A distinct zonation pattern was observed in the area. Seedling density ranges from 1,421 seedlings for Sonneratia alba to 1 seedling for Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea. Sapling density ranges from 166 for Avicennia marina to 1 for Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea.
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    Filtration rate of the marine clam, Kaltelysia sp. at different light intensities and fed with microalgae Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros calcitrans
    Bravo, 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.
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    Household food security and nutritional status of preschoolers in Valderrama, Antique
    Braga, 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.