Undergraduate Special Problem
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Item Influence of tidal levels on meiofaunal communities in a rocky shore area in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, GuimarasBarbasa, Maria Carla A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)Rocky shores present an exuberant richness of life, which can be attributed to the hard substrate provided by rocks, necessary for the attachment of sessile organisms. There are many factors affecting community structure in rocky shores, including tidal levels. Tidal levels affect communities by periodically exposing them to air, causing drying up and dessication. Among those affected are meiofauna. Meiofauna in rocky shores are the least studied of all habitats, thus this study serves as baseline information regarding meiofauna in rocky shores, particularly in TINMAR, and how tidal levels affect them. Sorting and identification of meiofauna from 18 samples (5 TST, 5 TLT, 4 TMT, 4 THT) yielded 17 identified taxa, with Harpacticoids being numerically dominant followed by Tanaids (Copepods) and Polychaetes. Mean meiofaunal abundance was found to higher in lower tides (low and sub-tide), but differences were not statistically significant. A similar lack of significant differences between transects was shown for abundances of all and common taxa in edge or mid-section quadrats, although abundances appeared to be higher in low and sub-tidal transects. Cluster analyses based on similarities in abundance of taxa in the transect quadrats showed which asemblages are characteristic of mid- and high tide levels (Insect larvae and Sipunculids). Nematodes, which are typically dominant in soft-bottom substrates, were also most abundant in the upper intertidal in the present study. Other taxa like Tanaids, on the other hand, were more abundant in the low intertidal and subtidal transects. Harpacticoids were observed to be dominant in higher tides.Item Bacteriological survey and detection of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp., and Vibrio spp. in bottom sediments from two sites in Iloilo RiverBarrera, Christopher (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2010-04)Bacterial contamination in the Iloilo river occurs because of various human activities. The assessment of the river was done using microbiological parameters (HPC, TC, FC, and FS) for 7 months in Sooc Bridge and Carpenter’s Bridge using bottom sediments for samples. Sediment was used because bacteria accumulate over time in the sediment due to high amounts of organic and inorganic matter in the substrate and this leads to better survivability of bacteria. The values obtained from microbiological parameters investigated are generally higher in Sooc Bridge. HPC results show that the higher mean value was in Sooc Bridge(7.43 x 108 CFU/lOOg). The levels of TC on both sampling sites ranged from 9.5 x 102to 2.40 x 104 CFU/100g. For TC, Sooc has the higher mean (1.76 x 104 CFU/lOOg) for 7 months. FC values ranged from 3.0 x 101 to 2.4 x 104 CFU/lOOg. Sooc bridge has the higher mean(1.17 x 104 CFU/lOOg) between the 2 sites. Lastly, the FS value range from 2.9 x 103 to 2.4 x 104 CFU/lOOg. Also, Sooc Bridge has the higher mean value (1.58 x 104 CFU/lOOg). There are no significant differences on the microbiological parameters used in each site. The FC/FS ratio revealed that mixed fecal materials contaminate the river. Among the four pathogenic bacteria detected, Salmonella spp. was the most abundant for 7 months (63-65%) and E. coli was the least abundant(>l%). Based on the criteria on sediment quality evaluation, there is little to moderate loading of organic and inorganic matter.Item Gonadal maturation stages of pink-fingered vinegar crab, Episesarma chengtongense (Serene and SOH 1967), from Capiz, PhilippinesBallon, Shaira B. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2016-06)Pink-fingered vinegar crab is a nocturnal, burrow-dwelling, and tree-climbing crab that feed on mangrove leaf litters and foliage. This crab is a growing fishery resource in the Philippines and plays an important role in the nutrient cycling in mangrove areas. To determine the reproductive biology of this species, a one-year study was conducted to monitor the gonadal maturation stages of the pink fingered crab from President Roxas, Capiz. Collection of samples was done every first week of the month from February 2015 to January 2016. The determination of the gonadal maturation stages was done through the visual examination of the gross morphology and microscopic examination of the histological characteristics of the male and female gonads. A total of 425 (263 females, 162 males) crabs were dissected. Five stages of ovarian maturation were identified based on visual examination of ovaries, namely Immature (Stage I) with translucent to white colored gonad; Developing (Stage II) with a yellow colored gonad; Ripe (Stage III) with orange colored gonad; Mature (Stage IV) with two substages, the Early mature (Substage A) with brown colored gonad and Late mature (Substage B) with dark brown colored gonad and; Spent (Stage V) with light brown colored gonad. Microscopic examination of the ovaries revealed that ovary in Stage I is characterized by the presence of germinative zone composed of oogonia and maturation zone composed of previtellogenic oocyte, surrounded by randomly distributed follicle cells. Ovary in Stage II is composed of few oogonia, previtellogenic cells, and few endogenous vitellogenic oocyte on the periphery of the ovarian lobe. Ovary in Stage III is composed of dominant exogenous vitellogenic oocyte located outer the few endogenous vitellogenic oocyte. Ovary in Stage IV-A is composed of nearly mature oocyte while in Stage IV-B is composed of mature oocyte. Ovary in Stage V is composed of all cell types, disarrayed in the entire ovarian lobe. Two stages of male gonadal maturation were identified namely Immature (Stage I) with translucent testes that is composed of spermatogonia and spermatocyte when histologically examined and Mature (Stage II) with white testes that is composed of small, darkly staining spermatids. Size of female crab samples ranged from 26 to 48.1 mm carapace width (CW) while male crabs ranges from 26 to 47 mm CW. The smallest ovigerous female has 29 mm CW and the smallest male with mature gonad has 26 mm CW. Body sizes of ovigerous females were from 29 to 42.3 mm CW. The greatest prevalence of ovigerous females was in the size range of 30 to 34 mm CW. The highest percentage of the mature stage (Stage II) in male was in the size range of 45 to 49 mm. For females, the peak egg bearing season was May (87%) and September (92%). On the other hand, male crabs with mature testes were consistently high (70 to 100%) in all months of the year. The results indicated that the months of May and September should be declared off season in the capture of female crabs ranging in size from 25 to 44 mm CW. Only big females in the size range of 44 to 49 mm CW could be harvested. Likewise, also male crabs in bigger size range of 45 to 49 mm CW could be harvested. This is necessary to protect and conserve the existing population of this crab.Item Association of topography and demographic & socioeconomic characteristics to the compliance of mothers to reproductive health services in Maasin, IloiloAzarraga, Alyssa Faye N.; Brazas, Jodelyn M.; Bordon, Jenn Margarette B.; Dofitas, Adrian Bernard A.; Gadong, Joshua Vincent Y.; Matinong, Kathleen Erica D.; Paguidopon, Cyril L.; Tabanar, Bianca Ysobel S.; Tantuan, Liza Beth F.; Temelo, Jason Andrei C.; Ynzon, Samuel P. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to reproductive functions and processes. This study was conducted in the 50 barangays of Maasin, Iloilo with the purpose of determining if factors such as topography (highland or lowland) and demographic & socioeconomic characteristics (age, parity, highest educational attainment, occupation, and household asset index) have significant association with the utilization of reproductive health services such as prenatal care, family planning and delivery care. A total of 356 mothers (160 from lowland barangays and 196 from highland barangays) from the municipality were interviewed using a survey questionnaire. Statistical tools such as Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact Test, T-test and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Using the results from the surveys, it was found that majority of the mothers from highland barangays had 6 or more children, low educational attainment, and low household asset index. Only educational attainment was known to be significantly associated (p-0.003) with compliance to prenatal care services. Parity was the only factor that was significantly associated (p=0.036) with compliance to family planning services. For delivery care services, age (p=0.047), parity (p=0.001), educational attainment (p=0.002) and occupation (p=0.003) were found to have significant association with topography, because mothers (31-49 years old) who are from highland barangays, who are unemployed, with low educational attainment and who have 6 or more children are more likely to deliver through non-facility based service. Results of this study showed that the rural health unit of Maasin has achieved a good coverage of prenatal care and family planning services since the values were not found to be statistically significant between highland and lowland barangays. However, the RHU still needs to restructure their projects to cater those mothers in highland barangays who still opt for non-facility based deliveries as it is statistically significant when in relation to topography.Item Effects of Chromolaena odorata leaves as amendments to poultry manure and inorganic fertilizer to improve growth, yield, biomass accumulation and inorganic content of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum)Balinas, Chona Mae D. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2012-04)Chromolaena odorata (a weed in the family Asteraceae) has been shown to enhance the buildup of organic matter in a fallow system in tropical soil. Therefore, the aim of this study was to to determine the effects of Chromolaena odorata leaves as an amendment to poultry manure and triple 14 inorganic fertilizer on the growth, yield, biomass accumulation and inorganic contents of Lycopersicum esculentum. The field experiment was conducted at Agsanayan Buenavista Guimaras where the weed has wide distribution. The leaves of C. odorata were air dried and composted using Berkeley method. The compost obtained was used as an amendment to either poultry manure and inorganic fertilizer and was tested on tomato for three months in RCBD. Obtained results proved that tested treatments with amendments of C. odorata were significantly higher in lengths of shoots and roots, flower and fruit yield, amount of biomass accumulated and inorganic contents of tomato than those with no amendments of C. odorata. Therefore, C. odorata is an efficient amendment to both organic and inorganic fertilizers. It was suggested that the weed should be utilized to serve as a green manure.Item Living above and belowground biomass and carbon stock assessment of station 1, Taklong Island, Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Guimaras, PhilippinesAlegado, Alexis Jude T. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2018-06)The Taklong National Marine Reserve is one of the marine protected sites in the country with a good cover of mangroves. This study assessed the species composition, diversity, aboveground biomass and the estimated carbon of the natural mangrove forest found in Taklong Island Station 1. Barangay Lapaz. Nueva Valencia. Guimaras. The study aimed to: a.) map out the area of the selected mangrove patches, b.) identify the species composition and diversity of the sampling site, c.) quantify the aboveground and belowground biomass, carbon stock of live vegetations, and d.) to convert the carbon stock to carbon dioxide equivalence (CO₂e) of the selected station. This study is only limited to the estimation of living aboveground, belowground and the carbon stock using the published allometric equations. Only 7 species of mangroves were found in the site belonging to 3 families. The mean stand basal area was 21.47 m2 ha-1. The species diversity is low at 0.23 due to low speciation of species of mangroves on the site. The total aboveground biomass was 506.89 Mg ha-1 and carbon dioxide emission potential (CO₂e) of 2,498.15Mg CO₂e. This shows that mangrove in Station 1 of Taklong Island has stored a considerable amount of carbon overtime. Hence, there must be a proper management and protection of this ecosystem.Item Pesticide exposure, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP), and laboratory findings of farmers of Barangay San Ambrosio, Igbaras, IloiloAcuesta, Doneza Dee L.; Bernaldo, Alyka Joy D.; De la Pena, Leobert Julienne A.; Diestro, Joan Marie T.; Domingo, Megan Joyce N.; Fortuna, Edward Paul F.; Garrucho, Geraldine F.; Poral, Mechelle Joy L; Suñer, Ma. Alexis Kleanthe D.; Villanueva, Dana Diane C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2014-04)This is a cross-sectional study which aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards pesticide use, its health effects, and the laboratory findings of farmers from Barangay San Ambrosio, Igbaras, Iloilo. Specifically, it aimed to determine the association between the number of years of pesticide use and the farmers’ MCV values. A total of 115 farm workers were interviewed and 109 (94.8%) of them reported pesticide usage. Among farmers who used pesticides, 90 (82.6%) consented to undergo CBC testing. Descriptive statistics was used for socio-demographic profile, KAP, and health effects of pesticide use. Whereas, Chi- square analysis was used to determine the association between pesticide exposure and MCV values. The farmers were knowledgeable about pesticides and its health effects, the route of entry into the body, and the fate of pesticide residues. Despite knowing the adverse effects of pesticides, 107 out of the 109 pesticide-using farmers (98.2 %) still agreed on the use of pesticides, and only 2 (1.8 %) were against it. They justified that pesticides are effective in killing pests to produce abundant crops and only some farmers knew that biological (61.5%) and natural control (63.3%) can be used as alternatives for pest control. In addition, most farmers (n = 94, 86.2%) used PPE when applying pesticides but were inadequate: with 81 (74.3%) using long-sleeved shirts, but only 17 (15.6%) using gloves, and 5 (4.6%) using eyeglasses. The lack of complete and proper PPE may be a factor for the self-reported health effects, such as dizziness (n = 59, 54.1 %), which was the most predominant, followed by burning sensation in eyes/face (n = 54, 49.5 %) and headache (n = 48, 44.0 %). No significant association was found between years of pesticide use and MCV using the chi-square analysis (x2 = 0.583, p = 0.318). It would be useful to minimise the use of pesticides, encourage alternative measures, lessen the time of pesticide spraying, and encourage the use of complete PPE. Prevention and intervention programmes regarding the use of protective measures and monitoring the health status of farm workers should be implemented.Item Temperature tolerance of adult seahorse Hippocampus barbouriAraneta, Aira Joy T. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2010-03)Two experiments were carried out to determine the temperatures that could be tolerated by the adult seahorse Hippocampus barbouri (1 year and 4 months old). The low temperature levels tested were 16, 19, and 22 °C. The high temperature levels tested were 32, 35, and 38 °C. Ambient water temperature of 25-28°C served as the control. Seahorses were acclimatized for one hour prior to transfer to various experimental temperatures. The experiment was conducted in 10 L plastic containers with 10 seahorses per container. The experimental containers were floated in a 1 tonne fiber glass tank filled with 18cm of water, which served as water bath, to maintain the desired water temperature inside the containers. There were three replicates per treatment. Survival of the seahorses was monitored every hour for 96 hours. For the low-temperature tolerance experiment, only 57% survival was observed after 96 hours of exposure to 16°C, while 100% survival was obtained on seahorses reared in 19 and 22°C. Significantly decreasing percentage survival correlated closely with decreasing temperature. For the high-temperature tolerance experiment, H. barbouri tolerated a temperature of 32°C with 100% survival. However, no seahorse survived water temperatures of 35°C. Similarly all seahorses succumbed within an hour of exposure to water with a temperature of 38°C. No death occurred in seahorses at a temperature of 25-28°C (control). The results of the present study show that adult H. barbouri could tolerate temperatures as low as 16°C and as high as 32 °C.Item Nasal colonization and drug-resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis among young residents within the vicinity of Calajunan Dumpsite, Mandurriao, Iloilo CityAguila, Julex Rey; Biaoco, Christine; Gayatgay, Christian Faith; Ingalla, Lydimel; Macalalag, Florence Mae; Omar Al-Abdalla, Afnan; Tolentino, Joanna Rose; Torrilla, Marie Stephanie (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2011-03)Poor disposal and handling of wastes is one of the problems in developing countries as well as in urban places. Leachate, which includes potential pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, occurs when solid wastes adsorb moisture and may contaminate ground water sources. The increasing antibiotic resistance of these species poses a great risk to those exposed to the dumpsite. This study generally aimed to investigate nasal colonization by multidrug-resistant S. aureus and S. epidermidis in young residents of Barangay Calajunan, Mandurriao, Iloilo City and to evaluate the relationship between multidrug-resistance of S. aureus and S. epidermidis and possible risk factors such as direct exposure to the dumpsite, close contact with waste-pickers, antibiotic use, hospitalization, skin and soft-tissue infections, and personal hygiene. Nasal swabs were obtained from eighty-three young residents aged 5-14 years. Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus spp. were based on standard conventional biochemical methods such as mannitol fermentation, catalase and coagulase tests. Anti-staphylococcal agents for the detection of drug susceptibility patterns were penicillin G (10 units), oxacillin (1 µg), cefoxitin (30 μg), ampicillin (10 μg), vancomycin (30 μg), erythromycin (15 µg), tetracycline (30 µg), and clindamycin (2 µg). Of the fifty-one isolated presumptively identified staphylocococcal species, 92% (n=49) were identified as S. aureus and 4% (n=2) as S. epidermidis. The prevalence of nasal colonization of S. aureus and S. epidermidis among the study populace was 59% and 2.41%, respectively. Eighty-two percent (n=42) of the S. aureus isolates exhibited susceptibility to tetracycline, while 98% (n=48) exhibited resistance to ampicillin. One hundred percent (n=2) of the S. epidermidis isolates exhibited susceptibility to erythromycin and tetracycline, and resistance to penicillin G and ampicillin. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were phenotypically determined based on non-sensitivity to two or more of the different antimicrobial classes. Sixty-one percent (n=31) of S. aureus isolates and 50% (n=2) of S. epidermidis were MDR strains. Of these staphylococcal isolates, 54.8% (n=17) were resistant to antimicrobials belonging to Penicillins and Glycopeptides with one isolate being S. epidermidis and 16 S. aureus. No significant association between multidrug resistance of S. aureus and S. epidermidis and the risk factors was observed among the study population (p>0.05), however, it was observed that those who bathed and washed more often were more likely to have both nasal colonization and multidrug resistance of S. aureus and S. epidermidis.