bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARTICULO ORIGINAL-2016: Recuperación postquirúrgica mejorada (fast-track) versus el cuido convencional en pacientes adultos mayores sometidos a cirugía gastrointestinal: Metaanálisis
Authors: Guánchez Mercado Araní , Cyrus Barker Erika , García Anthony , Jiménez Ramírez Gustavo
Published: February 2016

El paciente adulto mayor es un paciente delicado, cuyos problemas médicos deben ser abordados de manera multidisciplinaria. El protocolo de tratamiento conocido como recuperación postquirúrgica mejorada o “ERAS” (por sus siglas en inglés: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) y fasttrack (FT, por sus siglas en inglés), es un protocolo que se aplica al paciente en los periodos pre, trans y post-quirúrgico, con el fin de mejorar los resultados de las intervenciones a que son sometidos. En el presente trabajo se hace una comparación entre la aplicación del protocolo ERAS y el cuido convencional (CC) en poblaciones con edad promedio igual o mayor a 60 años, que fueron sometidos a cirugía gastrointestinal con técnica laparoscópica, abierta o mixta. El análisis está basado en 16 estudios de casos controles, publicados y seleccionados de las bases de datos PubMed y EBSCOhost. Se midieron las variables estancia hospitalaria, readmisión en 30 días, y complicaciones reportadas. Para determinar si existía un efecto del uso del protocolo sobre las variables seleccionadas se realizó una prueba de T de Student y estadística descriptiva. La edad promedio (desviación estándar, (SD)); 66.7 (4.34) años no se encontró diferencia significativa entre el grupo ERAS y el grupo de CC. El procedimiento quirúrgico abarcado en los estudios fueron cirugías colorrectales en su mayoría, sin diferencia significativa en eltipo de abordaje (laparoscópico, abierto o mixto). Se observó una mejoría significativa (P<0.05) en la estancia hospitalaria entre el grupo ERAS y CC, representada por una reducción promedio de2.91 (1.64) días, así como una reducción promedio de 13.26% (13.26) de las complicaciones al aplicar el ERAS. No hubo cambios significativos en la readmisión a 30 días entre el grupo ERAS yCC.
CASO 1-2016: Quistes del Mediastino Experiencia con 18 pacientes operados
Authors: Mainieri-Hidalgo José A. , Fonseca-Araya Kennia
Published: February 2016

Objetivo: Informar los resultados obtenidos con el manejo quirúrgico de quistes mediastinales en el Hospital Calderón Guardia Metodología: Previa autorización del Comité de Ética, se realizó revisión retrospectiva analizando expedientes clínicos de los pacientes intervenidos en el Servicio de Cirugía de Tórax por quistes del mediastino entre 1994 y 2014. 

Resultados: Se encontró mayor frecuencia en mujeres con relación por género de 3.5:1, y con edad promedio de 43 años. La ubicación correspondió en 9 casos al mediastino medio, 7 al posterior y 2 al anterosuperior. La presentación en 13 casos fue un hallazgo incidental. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron tos y disnea. Un paciente se presentó de urgencia con ruptura del quiste. En una paciente el quiste se descubrió al estudiarla por Miastenia Gravis y un quiste del timo se asoció con linfoma. En 12 casos el quiste fue extirpado por toracotomía y en 6 por videotoracoscopia. En 16 casos la resección fue completa y en 2 quedó parte de la pared adherida a estructuras del mediastino, sin embargo no se presentó ninguna recidiva. No ocurrió ningún caso de mortalidad operatoria ni complicaciones c

Conclusion:Los quistes mediastinales son infrecuentes. Aunque los pequeños se pueden observar, el manejo quirúrgico está indicado en los de mayor tamaño o que dan síntomas por compresión debido a la posibilidad de complicaciones,siendo la más frecuente la ruptura por sangrado  interno. La cirugía puede ser mínimamente invasivay se asocia con bajo riesgo de complicaciones.
TEMA 1-2016: Colgajo Supraclavicular para Reconstrucción Oncológica de Cabeza y Cuello.
Authors: Juantá Castro Josías , Herrera Alfaro Álvaro
Published: February 2016

A nivel mundial, el cáncer de cabeza y cuello consiste en la sexta malignidad más frecuente. Usualmente el tratamiento quirúrgico requiere de resección amplia, tanto de tejidos blandos como de hueso. Por ende esto implica una reconstrucción que mantenga la estética y funcionalidad para así lograr un buen resultado psicológico para el paciente. (1) El colgajo supraclavicular, debido a su utilidad y versatilidad, puede ser utilizado en los casos de pérdida importante de tejido, esto debido a que posee un amplio arco de rotación que permite alcanzar zonas distantes difíciles a la hora de utilizar otro tipo de colgajo pediculado. Además tiene la ventaja de proporcionar color y textura de piel muy similar al tejido receptor de cabeza y cuello con poca morbilidad del sitio donador
TEMA 3-2016: Papilomatosis respiratoria: Nuevas terapias adyuvantes
Authors: Valverde Zuñiga Adriana , Zamora Milena
Published: February 2016

La papilomatosis respiratoria(PR) constituye una entidad causada por el Virus del papiloma humano (VPH), la cual, a pesar de ser poco frecuente, continúa siendo la principal neoplasia laríngea en la población pediátrica y una de las causas a descartar ante la presencia de estridor y ronquera. A pesar de que el tratamiento quirúrgico continúa siendo el principal pilar de esta patología, múltiples tratamientos adyuvantes han surgido en los últimos años con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad de vida, disminuir los síntomas, disminuir la cantidad de intervenciones quirúrgicas yalcanzar la remisión de la enfermedad. Esta revisión pretende analizar las principales tendencias  actuales de la terapia adyuvante.
TEMA 4-2016: Dependencia a opioides y su tratamiento
Authors: Sandí Brenes Sofía , Sandí Esquivel Luis
Published: February 2016

Los opioides, usados médicamente para el control del dolor, poseen efecto analgésico, depresor del sistema nervioso central (CNS), y también tienen el potencial de causar euforia. (1) Su uso continuo puede crear dependencia, que se caracteriza por un fuerte deseo de consumir la sustancia, deterioro de la capacidad para controlar su uso y consumo persistente a pesar de las consecuencias perjudiciales conexas. (2) La dependencia a opioides es una enfermedad crónica, con frecuentes recaídas, asociada con tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad significativamente aumentadas
TEMA 5-2016: Insuficiencia Cardiaca con Fracción de Eyección Conservada
Authors: Pacheco Ovares Enrique , Grant Villegas Stanley
Published: February 2016

La creciente tasa de insuficiencia cardíaca (IC ) con fracción de eyección conservada ha recibido más atención por parte de la sociedad médica internacional. La alta prevalencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares ha hecho de la IC un diagnóstico común en nuestras sociedades. Es importante diferenciar síntomas tales como edema o falta de respiración por otras causas no cardiovasculares tales como la EPOC , la obesidad , anemia , medicamentos . Las conclusiones de los altos niveles de los biomarcadores específicos, los síntomas relacionados con la IC, y la estructura cardiovascular y alteraciones funcionales son la piedra angular para el diagnóstico . Desafortunadamente no hay pruebas directas limitadas para apoyar un régimen específico de medicamentos para el tratamiento de la IC con fracciónde eyección conservada
HPLC, open column chromatography, and LC-ESI-MS separation patterns and a new method of estimation of a phytoconstituent from Heiba (Ficus pomifera Wall.)
Authors: Wangkheirakpam Sujata D. , Laitonjam Warjeet S.
Published: February 2016

The different separation patterns of petroleum ether extract of leaves of Heiba (Ficus pomifera Wall.) were studied with open column chromatography, highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS). A new method of locating and estimating newly discovered compounds by LC-ESI-MS was developed. Compound 1, a triterpenoid of mass 398, was identified by spectral analysis. It was located in the chromatogram by comparison of mass spectrum of the isolated compound to mass spectra of in mass spectral data of LC-ESI-MS. The concentration of the triterpenoid was found to be 8.64 ppm in 2000 ppm of the extract, assuming that all the components are eluted.
Development and validation of a sensitive and selective LC—MS/MS method for the determination of an antimalarial drug candidate in rat plasma, and its application to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Pires Camila C. , Kaiser Moacir , Grünspan Lauren D. , Barreto Fabiano , Innocente Adrine , Gnoatto Simone , Laureano João V. , Araujo Bibiana V. , Dalla Costa Teresa , Tasso Leandro
Published: February 2016

An accurate and reliable LC—MS/MS assay was firstly developed and validated for quantitative determination of a new antimalarial prototype drug, 3β-hydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (LAFIS 01), in rat plasma. Dexamethasone was employed as internal standard. Simple protein precipitation by acetonitrile for the sample preparation was used. Effective separation was achieved with Phenomenex Luna C18 (50 × 2 mm, 5 μm) column. The mobile phase consisted of (A) water and (B) acetonitrile, both containing 0.1% acetic acid, delivered by gradient elution. The column temperature was maintained at 40 °C. The LAFIS 01 was monitored by electrospray ionization interface, operating in the negative mode (ESI−) in multiple reactions monitoring (MRM), checking the transitions 455 > 455 for LAFIS 01 and 451 > 361 for the IS. Once LAFIS 01 demonstrated low fragmentation by collision-induced dissociation (CID) nonpresenting abundant high-intensity fragments to meet the desired concentration levels quantification, only pseudomolecular ion was monitored. The flow rate was 500 μL min−1. The lower limit of quantitation achieved was 10 ng mL−1 and linearity was observed from 10 to 500 ng mL−1. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values of the intra- and inter-assay precisions of the method were below 8.42 and 7.94%, respectively. The accuracy ranged from 92.05 to 102.94%. The extraction recovery of LAFIS 01 and IS was up to 90%. The method showed linearity, precision, accuracy, sensitivity, and stability required to quantify LAFIS 01 in preclinical pharmacokinetic study.
Analysis of double-O-tube shield tunnelling-induced soil deformation due to ground loss
Authors: Zeng B. , Huang D. , He J.
Published: February 2016

The ground loss distribution caused by double-O-tube (DOT) shield tunnelling is more complex than that caused by single circular tunnelling. An analytical solution was presented for soil deformation due to ground loss induced by DOT shield tunnelling. On the basis of construction characteristics, a model of DOT shield tunnelling-induced ground loss was produced by modifying the oval-shaped model of ground loss used for single circular tunnelling. Meanwhile, the soil deformation caused by unit ground loss was obtained. By means of integrating over the region of ground loss, the soil deformations induced by DOT shield tunnelling including settlement and horizontal deformation were predicted through this proposed solution. The surface settlements calculated by this solution compared favourably with the field records and the results from the superposition method and the equivalent excavated area method. It was found that this proposed solution was in better agreement with the field data. In addition, the extensional analyses of settlement, horizontal deformation, and contours and vectors of soil deformation around the DOT shield tunnel were also carried out.
Shear bearing of cross-plate joints between diaphragm wall panels – II: numerical analysis and prediction formula
Authors: Chen Jin-Jian , Hou Yong-Mao , Wang Jian-Hua , Qiao Pizhong
Published: February 2016

In this, the second part of two companion papers, three-dimensional finite-element modelling of the shear load tests is presented and the shear bearing behaviour of the cross-plate joints is predicted. The isotropic damage plasticity model is adopted to model the non-linear behaviour of concrete and the interface, and the quasi-static load test process is approximately simulated with an explicit technique employing an artificial timestep to decrease the kinetic energy. The numerical analysis method is verified using the experimental results presented in the first part of the two companion papers, and the shear behaviour and shear bearing capacity of the cross-plate joints are evaluated numerically. The numerical results and parametric study reveal the load-bearing mechanism and failure modes of the joints. By introducing a correction coefficient considering the effect of the hole ratio in the longitudinal plate and based on the analytical expression for the ultimate shear load of perfobond connectors, a new and modified prediction formula for the shear bearing capacity of cross-plate joints is proposed. The close correlation of the prediction formula with the numerical and experimental results demonstrates that the proposed formula is reliable for predicting the ultimate shear load of cross-plate joints.
Impact of Biosand Filter on Access to Safe Drinking Water in the Rural Communities of the Philippines
Authors: Sepe Marlon B. , Sagadal Joel N. , Lange Rudy D. , Porras Jobert C.
Published: February 2016

The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of Biosand Filter (BSF) on access to safe drinking water in the poor communities of the Philippine regions. Specifically, this endeavor aimed to describe the efficacy of the BSF as water system in the household and also as a bio-innovative technology for poverty alleviation. It also intended to reveal the effectiveness of household (HH) BSF in terms of the defined characteristics of the model as mechanism on access to safe drinking water. The study utilized the quasi-experimental design, which integrates quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were analyzed using econometric methods while the qualitative data used some statistical tools to control patterns, characteristics, and conditions of various study variables to eliminate alternative explanations of the observed outcomes. By contingent valuation method, the efficiency of BSF as a system to eliminate total coliform is high at 92.22%. Iron, Copper and Lead were 100.00% eliminated as well. More than 75.00% of Manganese, more than 54.90% of Zinc and more than 83.33% of Arsenic were filtered by the BSF. Clearness of effluent water improved by more than 58.19% and potential hydrogen (pH) improved by more than 13.22%. Cost-Benefit analysis revealed that BSF alleviates poverty 21.80 folds that of the cost of the filter. Around 79.26 percent of the rural poor HHs was satisfied with the functions of the model in their respective homes according to the over-all evaluation criteria for the effectiveness of BSF. The social dynamics of BSF to the HH is dependent upon three essential variables namely, the willingness of the HH to pay for the productivity cost of the filter, the social acceptance on the use of technology, and the social cultural adaptation of the HH on Biosand Filters.
Creative Learning Enrichment for Math Appreciation through Time: An Exploratory Pedagogy
Authors: Limjuco Renan P.
Published: February 2016

This  study  examined  an  exploratory  pedagogy  designed  to  promote mathematics appreciation through time. It involved an infusion of some creative learning enrichment activities into the traditional approach of teaching, a process believed to heighten the interest of learners to study mathematics. Employing a descriptive method, specifically the longitudinal approach of developmental study, and involving fifteen Electronics Engineering students from a cohesive group, the researcher probed how the unusual non-traditional approaches to mathematics instruction could affect their appreciation for mathematics after 2-year exposure to the pedagogy. Findings revealed that the growth of knowledge precedes the increasing level of mathematics appreciation. Furthermore, learning appreciation maturation is a function of time and exposure to meaningful classroom activities. This study also found that regardless of students’ learning styles, supplementary activities elevate the appreciation of mathematics concepts and improve the analytical skills of the students.
Developing a Server-Side Scripting Language Converter for Translating ColdFusion to PHP
Authors: Maranguit Shenna Rhea A. , Bonajos Nogine D. , Medillo Darwin I.
Published: February 2016

This study aimed to develop a language converter to translate ColdFusion to PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) codes. ColdFusion and PHP server- side scripting languages each have its own advantages and disadvantages. ColdFusion is a  commercial rapid  application development  platform while PHP is an open-source general-purpose scripting language. Ever since the emergence of open-source software that has led to the downfall of commercial software, several issues have stirred the IT industry. Thus, this research effort intended to address fundamental queries such as the technology conversion from ColdFusion to PHP and the maintenance of semantics codes involving these two scripting languages. The proponents used iterative model to successfully develop the converter basing on the following frameworks: tag parsing, semantic parsing and code generator. Findings revealed that the converter was able to translate ColdFusion into PHP but was delimited into basic syntax. It was evaluated by chosen respondents who were satisfied on the capability of the converter to translate ColdFusion into PHP.
Epitome of Political Leadership in Rodrigo R. Duterte
Authors: Laya Mona L. , Marquez Jason N.
Published: February 2016

This descriptive study aimed to identify the leadership skills of Rodrigo R. Duterte to gain insights as to why he has become the undisputed political leader of Davao City. Making use of snowball and opportunistic sampling techniques for the first set and second set of respondents respectively, the investigation has established through qualitative analysis of  triangulated data that Duterte’s leadership focuses on the maintenance of peace and order. As a leader, Mr. Duterte uses a combination of different leadership skills characterized by firmness in decisions, taking responsibility for every actions made, and the ability to accomplish the desired outcomes. He is a transactional leader with charisma to the masses. He actively monitors the work performed by subordinates and executes corrective actions if deviations from expected standards occur. He is an entrepreneurial leader, a risk taker, and a negotiator. His autocracy fits the level of maturity of the Dabawenyos. He is voted primarily for his leadership skills in maintaining peace and order while the various programs he has implemented are considered as additional accomplishments to his brand of leadership.
Biodiversity Indexing at HOLCIM Philippines Limestone Quarrying Site in Budbud, Bunawan District, Davao City
Authors: Aya-ay Adorico M.
Published: February 2016

Quarry sites are actively rehabilitated to bring back that is almost similar, if not identical, to pre-quarry operations. The inventory assesses the rehabilitation effort conducted at the Quarry area of HOLCIM Philippines in Budbud, Bunawan District, Davao City. The study area consists of four separate small patches. Sampling stations for each group were randomly chosen and almost always situated with the boundaries, towards the interior or inside the patches. Two part surveys were simultaneously done on the site: vegetation analysis and faunal inventories. This survey accounts for a total of 22 species of birds representing 16 families (all residents), 4 bat species under one family, 5 frogs in 5 different families, 5 lizards in 3 families, and 1 snake species. In terms of endemic species, two are recorded for birds: Dicaeum austrade and Phapitretron leucotis, one for bats - Ptenochirus jagori, and one endemic lizard: Draco bimaculaus. In terms of vegetation, a number of non-endemic species are abundant in the site and cover is dominated by grasses like cogon, and basket grass. Tree species were mostly of non-native species as exemplified by the presence of Gmelinina (locally called Gemelina) and Swittenia (locally called Mahogany). A few native species were present: Artocarpuz locally called Kamansi and Molave type (Family Verbenaceae, Vitex sp.) with reduced frequency and quite interspersed distribution. Majority of the species accounted are known inhabitants of disturbed wildlife habitats.
Health-Risk Assessment: Interplay of Multi-Factor Variability on Sex, Location, Infection Rate, Analytical Method, and Nature of Intestinal Parasites
Authors: Dayaganon Avee Joy B.
Published: February 2016

Intestinal parasitic infections in the Philippines continue to be a significant health hazard. These infections vary from mild intestinal disturbances to severe multiple organ involvement. the objective of this study was to determine infection rate of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers of the three UIC campuses based on sex, location and methods of examinations (DFS, FECT) using three sample collections done in three consecutive weeks. Of the total 36 food handlers, 36.11% were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The Entamoeba nana has the highest percent rate of parasitism of 19.44% (seven out of 36 respondents) followed by Blastocystis hominis at 16.67%, and E. histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Hookworm species with 5.56%. Trichuris. trichiura, Hymenolepis nana and Heterophyid fluke were in the lowest rank with 2.78% rate of parasitism.

 

Based on gender, female group surpassed the male group using DFS but in the FECT, both genders do not significantly differ. Stratified by location, there is no significant difference using DFS, while FECT showed a significant difference in the infection rate of intestinal parasitosis. A significant variation exists between DFS and FECT, and noting the direction of the difference, it could be concluded that FECT is superior to DFS.
The Use of Platonic Solids in Probability Concepts
Authors: Limjuco Renan P.
Published: February 2016

The author discusses the geometries of Platonic solids and their relevance to some probabilistic situations. Specifically, what is highlighted is the fact that Platonic solids such as tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron, are all solids each of them bounded by a definite number of congruent faces. Just like what is usually done in hexahedron, each of the solid's faces will be numbered and the probability of getting a specific number for a certain experiment- an outcome generating activitiy is determined. Ordinarily, two cubes or a pair of dice are used in measuring the probability of getting a certain sum if they are rolled in a game of chance. As an extended treatment, one may use two tetrahedrons, or two octahedrons, to come up with 4x4-matrix or 8x8-matrix tables respectively, to enumerate all the possible elements of the sample space for the situation. This is not difficult to imagine if one is familiar with the 6x6 table formed to list all the possibilities of numbers showing up if a pair of dice is thrown. The odd pairing of, say a hexahedron and a tetrahedron can also be explored. Needless to say, the use of two dodecahedrons or two icosahedrons can be very stimulating to the students. To top it all, any pair-combination of these Platonic solids can without a doubt deepen and enhance the concepts of probability.
Research Commercialization for Economic Sustainability of Higher Education Institutions and Economic Development of Region XI
Authors: Cayogyog Alvin O.
Published: February 2016

The ultimate aim of this investigation is to determine the significant contribution of research commercialization of Higher Education Institutions in Region XI on their economic sustainability and commitment to economic development of the region. Using mixed method via triangulation technique, the study infers that the mindset of the respondent universities is not yet for research commercialization. This inference is drawn from the following findings: there are enough inventions and innovations in universities but their research commercialization is less extensive; the degree of the contribution of research commercialization to their own economic sustainability is low at 14.6% but is statistically significant. The level of their commitment to economic development of the region is high but the degree of the contribution of research commercialization to such commitment is very low at only 7.3% and not statistically significant. This means that 85.4% of economic sustainability of universities and 92.7% of their commitment to economic development of the region are contributed by other factors aside from research commercialization. This implies that any increase in the level of research commercialization will have a corresponding effect on the level of its contribution to the universities’ own economic sustainability but not to their commitment to the economic development of the region.
About the Cover
Authors: Limjuco Renan P.
Published: February 2016

The world is what it is now because of man’s unending quest for something that is better in terms of process, functions, and forms. Hence, the realities we perceive everyday are products of components such as scientific advancements, policies, cultural shifts, and a lot of human behavior. These factors and many others are significant elements of all research undertakings and their connections to each other are not hard to see.

The cover depicts the theme of one of our research forums in 2011, Researches as Building Blocks of a Better World. The image shows our world, the entire global village being enveloped by persistent universal issues, and a researcher using his technology racing with time to shape the destiny of our existence through research and discovery.

A heartfelt expression of thanks is extended to Engr. Michael M. Obenque and Mr. Jo Caliph G. Rivera for the layout of the entire cover.
Being or Nothing: A Blend of Buddhism, Heideggerian and Christian Philosophies
Authors: Parantar Armando B.
Published: February 2016

This paper unravels the ultimate realities in three perspectives which may be representatives of the European perceptions, Oriental traditions and Christian contemplations respectively.  My work endeavours to pierce through the possibilities of a blend and of any distinction by way of pure discourse as my personal insights run through the emerging similarities of the three subjects.
In the course of my learnings, I happen to find out the following:
That for Heidegger, there is the world in its entirety revealing itself in history.  This unfolds from its concealment; it reveals and hides itself at the same time, thereby allowing the continuous unfolding.  ‘Nothing’ exists to give birth to beings. The one whole reality reveals itself continuously in the consciousness of the Dasein as completely losing itself in the unfolding (Farrell Krell, 1977).
That for Siddhartha Gautama, the truth of the wholeness and dynamism of life is ‘Interdependent Arising.’  All is absolutely interrelated and constantly arising; assimilation of this principle leads one to Nirvana, a state of harmony and peace, a liberation from sufferings. There simply is the process constantly happening without a moment of permanence (Koller, 1995).
That for St. Aquinas, his metaphysics of esse explains the single link that connects all beings in their particular essences with the esse purum, pure and subsisting esse, God (Caputo, 1982).  Everything must live in one Universal Divine Family of the Father. A being of any real object like the self, exists inasmuch as it is the participation in the Being of God. The impermanence of existence is true, however there is a necessity of a Being whose being never comes and goes and is the reservoir from which and to which beings happen to go.
That only the metaphysics of Aquinas holds the self-being as true in itself while it belongs to the universal oneness. That if a being is either nothing or completely dependent upon the Being of its Creator, it is logical to filter the values of humility, and utter gratefulness for one’s being as to be manifested in support to the entire reality through its very own life; that is “to allow the unfolding of Being” as conceived by Heidegger, “to act only out of love and compassion” in the Buddhist’s right intention, or “to love one another as I have loved you” in the words of Christ.
And that if reality is in constant flux, it is imperative that I submit myself completely into the flow. This calls me to be humble and to surrender myself into the flow or to join in the out-pouring of God towards His beloved creation.
Learning Strategies and Literary Response: Negotiating Meaning in the Literature Classroom
Authors: Ranalan Rhodora S.
Published: February 2016

Reading is one of the most important skills for acquiring knowledge. However, it is a disturbing fact that students experience difficulties in this skill and thereby lose the pleasure of reading. The concept of learning strategies applied in the classroom, which students use in comprehending a text’s meaning, is rooted in second language acquisition studies. Thus, the objective of this paper is to use such strategies in a literature classroom to find the relationship between the learning strategies and literary response and to measure the levels of use of the learning strategies and their literary response in order to determine whether or not this response differs when analyzed according to sex, program and literature subject enrolled. The findings assert that the use of learning strategy of the students is high with socio-affective strategy as the most used.  The respondents have a satisfactory literary response with the female students having a higher literary response than the males.  The results also show that the Education students have a higher literary response than the Liberal Arts and ABA students.  Moreover, those students taking an advanced literature subject (Literature 2) have a higher literary response than those who are only on their first literature subject (Literature 1).  Statistical analysis shows that there is a high correlation between learning strategies and literary response.  The use of learning strategies in the literature classroom greatly impacts the level of the response of the students to the reading materials offered in the literature classroom.
Dialectical Variations in English: Its Effects on Speaking Proficiency
Authors: San Jose Ariel E.
Published: February 2016

This study determines the relationship between the use of dialects and the English speaking proficiency among the students of the University of the Immaculate Conception. Employing descriptive-correlation method and involving 72 Freshmen Bachelor of Science in Information Technology students in English 1 of the First Semester, School Year 2010-2011, the author made use of validated questionnaire with Cronbach Alpha = 0.83 to ascertain the level of dialect use and also considered Thomas E. Miller’s standard scoring rubric for integrated speaking to evaluate the speaking proficiency of the respondents, in addressing the main issues of the investigation.  Based on the collected data and their statistical analyses set at α = 0.05, it was found that respondents have moderately used dialects in their communication and that they do not solely engage the dialects in their day to day communication. The study establishes also that English speaking proficiency of the respondents is generally poor and that each of the tested variables namely,  sex,  status of the high school, community profile, as well as the economic status of respondents, has failed to establish itself as a discriminating factor with respect to English speaking proficiency.  Likewise, the study also points out the non-significance of the relationship between the dialect use among the respondents and their English speaking proficiency.  However, it is important to note that among the indicators of the speaking proficiency, delivery has established a significant relationship with dialect use.
Teaching Strategies Interspersed With Collaborative and Write Shop Activities: A Cooperative Learning Experience in Writing Classes
Authors: Dalagan Judith D. , Morales Maria Elena C. , Musni Fe Monique F.
Published: February 2016

Using correlation method, the researchers assessed how strongly cooperative learning activities are related to each of the outcome variables namely—the student’s output and academic performance. They also determined the linear relationship between teaching strategies and the same outcome variables as mentioned. For the descriptive part, the study reveals that the collaborative activities and write shops in English 3, and the teaching strategies used are positively accepted by the students. The level of student’s output based on judge’s evaluation in terms of Problem Definition, Content and Structure, Organization, Format and Mechanics is generally satisfactory. Findings of the study reveal that student’s output is not affected by the class session. Although they fail to establish significant relationships between the following pairings of variables namely—cooperative learning to student’s output and teaching strategies to student’s output, these results in contrast succeed in showing the significant relationships between the following correspondences of variables such as cooperative learning to academic performance and teaching strategies to academic performance.
Part-Time Instruction: A Comparative Lens
Authors: Ranalan Rhodora S.
Published: February 2016

Teachers who work on a part-time basis in other schools while maintaining a full time teaching employment have stories to tell. Their reasons for teaching as part-time faculty, their experiences in other schools, as well as their views on part-time instruction are sources of the stories that this phenomenological research paper aimed to present. The study focused on the experiences of two groups of college teachers in the University of the Immaculate Conception. Using interview, focus group discussion and fielded questionnaire, the study found that though the two groups of teacher participants have various reasons for being part time teachers, their motivations converge on two points: they teach for additional income and for recognition of their expertise. The researcher classified the experiences of the participants into either fulfilling or frustrating. Both groups articulated that their fulfilling experiences are mainly rooted on the growth and appreciation shown by their students as well as the school’s recognition of their expertise. Both groups also expressed that their frustrating experiences are income-related and also due to the different school systems that confronted them. Although there are dissonances in their shared experiences, there is also synchronicity in their perceptions and encounters with a different school. Moreover, their reasons for teaching part-time are closely related with how they assess their experiences as either frustrating or fulfilling.
Organizational Commitment As Influenced by Leadership Behavior of Administrators, Job Satisfaction and Burnout of Teachers: A Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Chavez, Jr. Felix C.
Published: February 2016

This study was conducted to determine the best fit model of organizational commitment. Specifically, it established the interrelationship among leadership behavior, job satisfaction, burnout, and organizational commitment. Quantitative research design was utilized in this study. The data were gathered from the teachers among the randomly selected academic institutions in Region XI, Philippines. Moreover, sets of survey questionnaires were used as instruments to obtain information from the participants. Pearson product moment correlation was used to find the significance of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to identify the variables that best predict organizational commitment and likewise Structural Equation Modeling was used to identify the model that best fits organizational commitment. The findings revealed that the over-all leadership behavior of administrators and organizational commitment of teachers were high. On the other hand, the job satisfaction of teachers was moderate and their degree of burnout was low. Furthermore, the leadership behavior, job satisfaction, and burnout were highly correlated with organizational commitment, and found to be significant predictors of organizational commitment. Finally, the best fit model of organizational commitment was the Hypothesized Model 5, which passed all the goodness of fit indices criteria.
Phytochemical Screening and Antifungal Activity of Kulantrillo De Allambre (Adiantum capillus-veneris) Extract as a Formulated Vaginal Cream Against Candida albicans
Authors: Bersabal Kathleen G. , Deluao Kyrie Marie D. , Ibarra Meg C. , Jerusalem Nessa Karla C.
Published: February 2016

Candida albicans is a fungus that is normally present on the skin and in mucous membranes such as vagina, mouth, or rectum. This fungus also can travel through the blood stream and affect the throat, intestines, and heart valves. It becomes an infectious agent when there is some change in the body environment that allows it to grow out of control; thus, causing a modern day disease brought on by antibiotics, drugs, processed foods, sugar and poor diet. Folkloric practice suggests that Kulantrillo de Allambre (Adiantum capillus-veneris) is effective as antifungal medication against Candida albicans; therefore, this study was undertaken to verify such claim. This effort included the phytochemical screening of active constituents, susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentration tests involving the plant. To prove that Kulantrillo de Allambre possesses antifungal activity, a formulation of vaginal cream out of the plant extracts was tested. Alkaloids, saponins, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and anthraquinones were performed following the method described by Guevara et al. (2005). Kirby-Bauer Method was employed for the susceptibility test and two-fold agar dilution was employed for the MIC. Vaginal cream was formulated following the method of Ansel (2004). Tests revealed the presence of flavonoids only, which exhibit the antifungal property. Kirby-Bauer Method revealed that both test extract and positive control showed strong inhibition equivalent to 17.71 ± 6.3183 mm and 23.54 ± 4.9629 mm, respectively. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of the plant extract was 50,000 ug/mL. Statistical analysis showed that there is no significant difference between the antifungal property of plant extract and positive control. Both test drugs have similar antifungal property, suggesting that the plant material is a good antifungal agent. The physical properties of vaginal cream conformed to the standard of physical properties of commercialized product available in the market.
Engineering Board Examination Results: A Measure of the Predictive Influence of the General Education and Professional Subjects
Authors: Forones Alberto G.
Published: February 2016

The study aimed to describe the proficiency level of the engineering graduates in their general education subjects, professional subjects, and board examination and to determine the degree of influence of these subjects to the board examination results. It used the descriptive research design employing universal sampling technique. All the engineering graduates of the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) who took the Civil Engineering (CE) and Electronics Engineering (ECE) Board Examinations from 2005 to 2009 were considered. There were 47 cases for CE and 176 cases for ECE graduates. Statistical tests used were the mean, variance and standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson-r, and multiple regressions. It was found that general education grades are significantly related to the board examination ratings of the engineering graduates as supported by Pearson coefficient of 0.209 (p<0.05). Also, the professional subject grades are significantly related to the board examination ratings of the engineering graduates as supported by Pearson coefficient of 0.190 (p< 0.05). The academic performance grades are significantly related to the board examination ratings of the engineering graduates as supported by Pearson coefficient of 0.218 (p< 0.05).
Formulation and Sun Protection Factor Estimation of Squash Cucurbita maxima Seeds Sunblock Lotion
Authors: Barluado Mary Jane G.
Published: February 2016

The fact that the sun’s ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation reaches the earth’s surface associates sun exposure with many skin problems such as sunburn, photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancers. Because sunlight is unavoidable, sunscreen/sunblock application is essential to protect the skin from the mentioned problems. Zinc, in the form of zinc oxide, is an active ingredient in sunblocks as it deflects away UVA and UVB. Zinc is an immunologically important mineral that helps in wound healing, antiinflammation, and cell protection. One natural and rich source of zinc is squash seeds, which many consider as trash. This study features the formulation of a sunblock lotion using squash seeds as the active ingredient. Squash seeds extract and powder were first subjected to Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) to quantitate zinc content, and enough were used to formulate a sunblock lotion to a final zinc concentration of 5%. Various physical tests on the finished product showed that it is stable and gentle, having high melting point of 440C, and being easily spreadable, water insoluble, and weakly basic at pH 7.5. Patch tests gave negative results in all subjects, indicating the product’s hypoallergenicity. UV spectrophotometry revealed substantially low UV absorbance (<0.03 from 290nm – 320nm wavelengths), which is consistent with the action of zinc oxide as UV deflector, not absorber. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was determined using a modified formula set by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 based on the ratio of minimal erythema (skin redness due to dilated dermal capillaries) on protected skin to that on unprotected skin, and was calculated to be SPF20. Further, costing and pricing analysis showed the production cost to be P0.80/mL, and recommended selling price (at 100% markup) of P1.60/mL, which is up to 13 times cheaper than popular commercial brands of similar effectiveness. Thus, the study successfully formulated a gentle, effective, and affordable sunblock lotion using squash seeds as organic active ingredient.
Motivations to Engage in Intentional Condomless Anal Intercourse (Bareback Sex) in HIV Risks Context among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Davao City
Authors: Malonzo Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2016

Understanding MSM’s decision to indulge in unprotected anal intercourse (bareback sex) in relation to his awareness of HIV/AIDS risk is essential to develop effective HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Davao City. This study used decisional balance to bareback (DBB) scale in computing the net difference scores between bareback and condom use. Thus, the decision of an MSM to bareback could be interpreted in association between DBB and awareness to HIV risks. A diverse sample of men who bareback (n=40) was recruited through Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS). RDS was used to statistically adjust for the biases inherent in how persons of similar characteristics are networked and likely to recruit each. Exploratory factor analysis was used to explore the domains within the DBB scale, and test the association using Kendall tau correlation between DBB and HIV/AIDS risks awareness. Two underlying factors in the DBB scale, found to be moderately true for them: a Coping with Social Vulnerabilities subscale (Sex with condoms makes me feel better about myself; x =4.32) and a Psychosocial Vulnerabilities subscale (Sex with condoms helps me feel less depressed; x = 4.00). Although the findings showed that MSM had a higher level of awareness in HIV/AIDS risks, results showed no significant association between DBB (i.e. greater gains associated with bareback sex) and awareness in HIV/AIDS risks. MSM are a high-risk group for HIV infection in the southeastern part of the Philippines, Davao City, making it 2nd in rank in terms of the highest incidence of HIV positive persons in the whole country.
Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Hospital Food Handlers in Davao City
Authors: Molina Jason O.
Published: February 2016

The study determined the relationships between food safety knowledge and practices of hospital food handlers in Davao City and also between their attitudes and practices regarding food safety. Questionnaire patterned after the Key Food Safety Guidelines of Pacific Northwest Publications was administered to 51food handlers to generate the data. It was found that hospital food handlers in Davao City are highly knowledgeable and have favorable attitudes in food safety. The extent of food safety practices of food handlers in general is high except for their practices in cooking foods adequately and in keeping foods at safe temperatures which are only at moderate extent. In addition, there was no significant difference in the knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers regarding food safety when they were grouped according to sex, age, level of education and length of service. In general, this study revealed that neither of the knowledge nor attitudes of the hospital food handlers were able to establish significant relationships with their practices regarding food safety.
Governance in Nurse Migration
Authors: Cirujales S. Ma. Remegia M. , Kuan Letty G.
Published: February 2016

The thrust of this study is anchored on the questions: “What are the underlying factors supportive of good governance and how are they pursued as growth strategy during 1999 to 2008?” “To what extent has good governance benefited the country in nurse migration during this ten-year period? In addressing this question, textual data and information were gathered from various documents and communications (memoranda, circulars, bulletins, transcripts, publications and others) of five (5) participating agencies: Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). From the research materials, relevant data about governance on nurse migration were culled, organized and stratified for an in-depth, comprehensive and systematic content analysis. With this content analytic approach, five (5) factors emerged notably supportive of good governance; they are: (1) temporary and circular labor migration; (2) employment driven strategy via regulated channels; (3) reintegration goals via modes of incentives and engagements; (4) migration vis-à-vis remittances; and (5) migratory realism on the ethics of recruitment. Theoretically, the factors could demonstrate the government’s proactive stance on good governance but much remain to be seen in terms of the ethics of recruitment, reintegration goals and migration-development nexus.