Undergraduate Special Problem
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Item Community structure, biomass productivity and carbon stock assessment of mangroves in Barangay Tabon, Batan Bay, AklanBermeo, Ma. Ramela Angela C. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)The study aimed to assess the community structure, biomass productivity, and carbon stock assessment of mangroves in Barangay Tabon, Batan Bay, Aklan using the plot method. Specifically, it aimed to: 1. determine selected physical and chemical factors such as water salinity, water pH, soil temperature and characterization of soil substrates, 2. identify true mangrove species present in the area, 3. describe the community structure in terms of Stand Basal Area, Stems per Hectare, Relative Density, Relative Frequency, Relative Dominance, Importance Value, Shannon-Index of Diversity, Zonation Pattern, Seedling and Sapling Density, 4. assess the biomass productivity (both wood biomass, and litter fall), 5. estimate the amount of carbon stored in the mangrove forest (using allometric equation). A total of twenty-one true mangrove species belonging to 12 families were identified. Family Rhizophoraceae was the most represented with five species namely Bruguiera cylindrica, Ceriops decandra, Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, and R. stylosa. The rest were also well represented namely Family Avicenniaceae- Avicennia alba, A. officinalis, A. marina, and A. rumphiana; Family Combretaceae- Lumnitzera littorea and Limnutzera racemosa; Family Sonneratiaceae- Sonneratia alba, and Sonneratia caseolaris; Family Acanthaceae- Acanthus ebracteatus; Family Bombacaceae- Camptostemon philippinensis; Family Euphorbiaceae- Excoecaria agallocha; Family Meliaceae- Xylocarpus moluccensis; Family Myrsinaceae- Aegiceras corniculatum; Family Myrtaceae- Osbornia octodonta; Family Arecaceae- Nypa fruticans; Family Rubiaceae- Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea. Basal area ranged from 0.11m2/ha for Ceriops decandra to 68.78m2/ha for Sonneratia alba. Avicennia marina had the highest stems per hectare with 22,600 stems/ha, while Bruguiera cylindrica had the lowest with 100 stems/ha. Avicennia marina occurred in all plots with 137 trees/ha and had the highest relative density of 38.38% and relative frequency of 38.42%. Sonneratia alba had the highest relative dominance of 48.49% while the lowest was Ceriops decandra with 0.08%. Avicennia alba, Bruguiera cylindrica, and Ceriops decandra had the lowest relative densities and frequencies at 0.3%. The most important species was Avicennia marina (107.6) and the least important species was Ceriops decandra (0.68). The area was considered to be diverse at 0.7206. On per transect basis, the highest index of diversity recorded was in Transect 2, while the lowest was in Transect 1. Avicennia and Sonneratia species occured both in the low intertidal zone (seaward) and mid-intertidal zone (transitional zone). Rhizophora, Nypa, Camptostemon, Osbornia, Lumnitzera, Bruguiera, Ceriops, Exoecaria, and Aegiceras were found in the mid-intertidal zone (transitional zone). Xylocarpus, Scyphiphora, and Acanthus occurred in high intertidal zone (landward). Avicennia rumphiana had the highest seedlings density of 1001 seedlings/ha, whereas Rhizophora mucronata had the highest saplings density of 96 saplings/ha. The lowest seedling and sapling density was Rhizophora apiculata (Iseedling/ha) and Camptostemon philippinensis (lsapling/ha) respectively. The species with the highest computed biomass of 1,287.78 tons/ha and carbon stock of 579.5 tons/ha was Sonneratia alba. The lowest was Ceriops decandra with biomass of 0.06 tons/ha and carbon stock of 0.03 tons/ha. A total of 2,080 tons/ha biomass and 936.34 tons/ha carbon stock was determined. Based on the litter fall, Transect 2 has the highest leaf fall weighing 580.4g. Litter weight was highest in January 2013 and lowest in December 2012 in all sampling sites.Item Phytosociological study of Isla Patay Moro in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, PhilippinesBela-ong, Andrea Lucyle (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2017-06)Small islands may contain unique plant composition compared with larger islands due to size, isolation and exposure. Unfortunately, information on small island flora in the tropics is limited considering that these islands are now subjected to impacts of climate change and increased anthropogenic pressure. In addition, these islands are also subjected to invasion of non-native species that may alter the overall ecology of the islands. There is lack of basic information on what constitute a typical flora of small islands. Thus, a phytosociological study was conducted in Isla Patay Moro, one of the many small islands within Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, Philippines from December 2016 to April 2017 in an attempt to provide relevant information. Specifically, it described, identified and classified the flora present in the islands as well as described the community structure in terms of species composition, stand height, stand basal area, importance value and species diversity and evenness. The flora of the island is dominated by trees and shrubs and a few vines. A total of 30 species were identified representing 19 families. The most common and dominant species was Streblus asper with an importance value of 57.80. The total sampled area of the islands was 600 m2 and the total stand basal cover of 20,450.17m2/ha. The species diversity of the islands was 1.17 and 0.87 by Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, respectively, implying low species diversity. The stand height of the flora ranged from 2.2 to 8.47 meters. Presence of exotic species, Lantana camara, Leucaena leucocephla were also found. This study may serve as a baseline for further researches and the results may aid in the development of floristic conservation activities particularly for the presence of invasive or non-native species that may alter the natural flora in the future leading to ecological instability of the island. This is the first systematic survey of higher vascular plants on the island.Item Occupational exposure to emissions of photocopying machines in Iloilo City: An exploratory studyBecodo, Cristina M.; Dignadice, Zynie B.; Gaviola, Ma. Thessa Urdolyn M.; Jumares, Analyn G.; Nievales, Cathy Q.; Panizales, Vanessa Grace L.; Teruel, Josie A.; Tingzon, Glynis S. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2004-04)Photocopying is a profitable business in Iloilo City. The photocopying machines are known to emit ozone and volatile organic compounds. This study aims to determine whether long-term exposure to photocopying machines will have adverse health effects on the operators. The group extracted blood samples from the respondents; had them undergo chest x-ray examination; answer questionnaires and checklists. From the blood samples, the group determined the WBC count, differential count and serum albumin, total protein and uric acid of the respondents. From the chest x-ray examination, the group aimed to see particles from photocopier emissions deposited in the lungs. From questionnaires, the group aimed to determine the operators’ common health complaints. From the checklists, the group aimed to know if the photocopying establishments have a suitable working space area and ventilation. The group aimed to determine the effect of years and hours of exposure to photocopiers; number of machines; ventilation; working space area; kind and number of toner on WBC count and differential count; health complaints; serum albumin, total protein and uric acid levels; and chest x-ray results of the respondents. Results showed that years and hours of exposure had no significant effect on the photocopier operators. However, other factors such as the number of machines, working space area and ventilation, number and kind of toner had significant effects on selected cell and serum levels in the blood of the operators and on their common health complaints. The group concludes that exposure to photocopying machines have significant effects on the health status of the photocopier operators based on the common health complaints they frequently experience, white blood cell count and differential count and blood serum levels.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 Comparative analysis of the gut content of Scylla de Haan, 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae) collected from the rivers of poblacion Sapian, CapizBautista, Florey Jane O. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2013-04)The natural diet for various sizes and both sexes of the mud crab Scylla sp. collected from the river located at Brgy. Poblacion Sapian Capiz, Philippines was determined. Gut content analysis was conducted for the mud crabs ranging from 30- 109.99 mm carapace width. Results showed that predominant food of mud crab Scylla sp. consists of crustaceans such as shrimps and crabs as well, fish, mollusk, sand shells, unidentified egg, and even plants. Most of the gut content however, consists of chyme due to heavy mastication and presence of the gastric mills that digest the food. There is no ontogenetic shift or difference in the diet as well as diet difference between male and female crabs. The results were discussed in relation with the species’ feeding patterns and the effect of the diet on the maturation of the crab: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.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 Survival and metamorphosis of the mud crab Scylla tranquebarica larvae fed with Brachionus plicatilis and Artemia naupliiBallescas, Ella Anne M. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2004-03)Despite the growing corpus of research on cultural nationalism, the state's role in producing cultural nationalism in a post-colonial and non-western setting and the phenomena from a bottom-up perspective continues to be little explored. This study examines the conditions under which national political leaders pursued policies to protect the cultural heritage of the country's indigenous cultural communities for the aims of political nationalism. From a top- down perspective, the study looks at the context, intent, content, state's implementation and caveats of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997. While from the bottom-up perspective, the study looks at how the Bantoanon indigenous community mobilizes and organizes to navigate through state bureaucracy and ‘reappropriate’ the state's nationalism to meet their cultural goals. To examine the phenomena, the study on the textual analysis of existing written primary and secondary sources supplemented with oral interviews of key informants and a review of available literature. It finds that at the national level, political motives partly animated the support of political leaders for indigenous cultural heritage protection policies; that the state used heritage protection policies to pursue its political purposes; and that the support for political leaders for indigenous cultural heritage protection policies was premised on the condition that it did not interfere with the state's interests and diminish the state's rights. While at the Bantoanon indigenous cultural communities level, it finds that despite the caveats embedded in the country's heritage protection policies, the indigenous cultural community could mobilize and assert its rights, thus enabling it to ‘reappropriate’ the state's political institutions to meet its own cultural objectives. This thesis, therefore, argues that the relationship between the two parties under IPRA is mutually beneficial, with both the state and indigenous cultural communities finding some utility in the law.