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Competence in research is an attractive feature that should be established for all practitioners because specialists with training and expertise in research will recognize strategic thinking, interpretation, and synthesizing more easily. Hence, this study aimed to describe the knowledge competency among junior high school mathematics teachers on the research processes applied on the contents of the various sections of a quantitative research paper. The descriptive method of research has been used to characterize the knowledge competence of 108 junior high school teachers on the research processes. The study used the research skill test, which was a researcher-made instrument, consisting of 50 multiple choice items with four choices each. The instrument went through the process of validity and reliability analysis obtaining a good result of 0.81. This study revealed that they were "novice" or had achieved the learning level of competency on the research processes applied on the contents of the different parts of a quantitative research paper. More so, they identified that interpretation of statistical results was a challenging part of doing a research paper.

Purpose: There are major gaps in our knowledge of hereditary ocular conditions in the Asia-Pacific population, which comprises approximately 60% of the world's population. Therefore, a concerted regional effort is urgently needed to close this critical knowledge gap and apply precision medicine technology to improve the quality of lives of these patients in the Asia-Pacific region., Design: Multi-national, multi-center collaborative network., Methods: The Research Standing Committee of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and the Asia-Pacific Society of Eye Genetics fostered this research collaboration, which brings together renowned institutions and experts for inherited eye diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. The immediate priority of the network will be inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), where there is a lack of detailed characterization of these conditions and in the number of established registries., Results: The network comprises 55 members from 35 centers, spanning 12 countries and regions, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. The steering committee comprises ophthalmologists with experience in consortia for eye diseases in the Asia-Pacific region, leading ophthalmologists and vision scientists in the field of IRDs internationally, and ophthalmic geneticists., Conclusions: The Asia Pacific Inherited Eye Disease (APIED) network aims to (1) improve genotyping capabilities and expertise to increase early and accurate genetic diagnosis of IRDs, (2) harmonise deep phenotyping practices and utilization of ontological terms, and (3) establish high-quality, multi-user, federated disease registries that will facilitate patient care, genetic counseling, and research of IRDs regionally and internationally., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Microplastics (< 5 mm) have lately been identified in the atmosphere of urban, suburban, and even distant places far from plastic particle areas, suggesting the possibility of long-distance atmospheric transport of microplastics. However, the occurrence, fate, transmission, and effects of these suspended atmospheric microplastics (SAMPs) are all currently unknown in the Philippines. This study investigated the presence of suspected microplastic in the atmosphere of sixteen cities and one municipality of Metro Manila, Philippines. Sampling was conducted using a respirable dust sampler mounted with a Whatman GF/C filter paper at an intake flow rate of 1.4 L/min with Whatman GF/C filter paper. Results reveal that all seventeen sampling areas have the presence of SAMPs. A total of 155 SAMPs were found and confirmed in Metro Manila, with the highest concentration in Muntinlupa City and Mandaluyong City (0.023 SAMP/NCM). Fourteen SAMP types were identified across the sampling areas, ⁓ 74% with polyester. This study is the first record of the presence of microplastics suspended in the ambient air in the Philippines. It is estimated that an adult person in Metro Manila has the potential to inhale (5–8 per minute, normal minute ventilation) about 1 SAMP if exposed for about 99.0 to 132 h. Further studies should be done to evaluate the fate and health effects of these SAMPs in Metro Manila's setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing demand for quality research to cope up with the industry trends, understanding the need among researchers should primarily be established to further improve capacity and practices over the production of theoretical knowledge. Essential to support is the notion of exploring issues then stimulate the concern. This study established the concern on research capabilities among Graduate School student-respondents at President Ramon Magsaysay State University conducted during the First Semester School Year 2018-2019. The study made used of descriptive research design with survey questionnaire as the main research instrument. The data was processed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The study concludes that respondents perceived their capabilities in writing research proposal and publishable research paper both as "Moderately Capable". The respondents perceived the availability of facilities, time, training, funding, other resources and support from agency in doing research as "Moderately Available". The analysis of variance test revealed that there is significant difference on the research capabilities of respondents in writing research proposal when grouped according to position and highest educational attainment; significant in writing publishable research paper when grouped according to sex, position and research seminars/trainings attended; significant in the availability of facilities, time, training, funding, other resources and support from agency in doing research when grouped according to sex, position and research seminars/trainings attended.

The fiber morphology and extractive content of Aquilaria cumingiana (Decne.) Ridl. wood collected in Davao Oriental, Philippines were determined to gather pioneering information about the properties of A. cumingiana for better characterization and classification. Wood samples were classified according to color with the aid of a Nix Mini 1 Color Sensor and labeled as A, B, C, and D. The result of the study showed an increasing trend of color lightness percentage from samples A (32.74%) to D (74.96%). Morphologically, both samples C and D (1.03 mm) showed the longest fiber, sample A showed the largest fiber (35.41 µm) and lumen diameter (27.77 µm), and sample C showed the thickest cell wall (4.71 µm). On the other hand, the highest Runkel ratio, slenderness ratio, and flexibility ratio were shown in samples B (0.49), C (33.00), and A (78.13), respectively. The amount of extractives obtained in the study decreases from samples A to D regardless of the solvents used. Statistically, the color lightness, morphological properties, and extractive content were significant across sample classifications. Among solvents used, the extractive content showed a significant result. The color lightness and extractive content showed a negative relationship, which signifies that the color lightness may be used to evaluate the amount and quality of extractives in A. cumingiana wood. Based on the morphological properties, A. cumingiana fibers are found favorable in pulp and paper production. The classification and characterization of A. cumingiana wood properties along the infected portions of a tree and chemical profiling of the extracts would be relevant information to consider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of self-care has strongly been associated with stress and burnout among nurse educators. It has long been a silent battle as they struggle with academia, clinical practice, and research. Challenges identified that contribute to lack of self-care are heavy workloads, limited facilities for instruction, lack of support for professional advancement, and limited self-care facilities. In support of the Alma Ata declaration in empowering and assisting individuals to obtain knowledge, skills, and resources to preserve health, this paper advocates the need to foster and establish a self-care culture for nurse educators in the Philippines through the Reflect, Recharge, Revive Program. The program framework of Reflect through self-assessment and self-reflection, Recharge through self-care education and training, and Revive for sustainability are collected from various programs already used by some nursing schools that have been proven effective in their respective organizations. Its integration into the current policies and guidelines, including policy frameworks of nursing institutions, will help address stress and burnout associated with a lack of self-care among nurse educators. As a healthy policy, it is believed to positively affect nursing education, especially in decreasing faculty turnover and increasing job performance and self-fulfillment in teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: High-quality clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are needed to guide practitioners, policy makers, and other stakeholders to provide optimal health care. This study aims to appraise the CPGs developed in the Philippines using the AGREE II instrument., Methods: Ninety-one CPGs were appraised independently by two health-care professionals. CPGs were considered acceptable if they garnered an overall mean score of at least 75.0% for all 6 domains and a domain score of at least 75.0% for rigor of development. A mean score of <75.0% on either of the criteria implied that the CPG needed revision., Results: Overall mean scores of the CPGs ranged from 8.4% to 79.2%, with a mean of 43.9% (standard deviation = 13.4%). In general, CPGs scored better for the domains of clarity of presentation, scope and purpose, and stakeholder involvement. Lowest scores were obtained for the domains of rigor of development, applicability, and editorial independence. Only 1 (1.1%) CPG qualified as acceptable., Conclusion: AGREE II is a practical and useful guide in appraising the quality of CPGs. Strengthening technical capacity in various medical fields is essential to improve the quality of CPGs. Rigor of development, applicability issues, and editorial independence should be emphasized in CPG capacity-building activities., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This paper discussed the art appreciation technique using Jerrold Levinson's artistic value in arriving at the importance of aesthetic experience in artwork. Levinson claimed that artistic value covers aesthetic value and achievement value, specifically in analyzing Juan Luna's Spoliarium, which is considered the largest painting in the Philippines and is proclaimed as a national heritage. This paper argued that art should have aesthetic engagement from the viewer's point of view which would lead them to discover its artistic value. Thus, this paper used the contextualizing technique since it augments and strengthens artistic engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the dominant verb-phrase structure and the semantic functions of the modal "must" in research papers. It also determined whether the modal "must" conforms to or deviates from the standard modal usage in American English. A total of 122 graduate research papers were analyzed. The findings revealed that the dominant-verb phrase structure of the modal "must" was must + base form of the verb and Filipino graduate student researchers most favor the obligation/compulsion/advisability function of the modal must. Moreover, the results of the present study substantiated Morales' (2015) linguistic assumption that the obligation function of the modal must has a continuous usage in Philippine English and further confirmed the findings of Gustillo (2011) that the modal "must" in Philippine English maintains its conformity to the standard modal usage in American English.

Mangrove fungi are vastly unexplored for enzymes with industrial application. This study aimed to assess the biocatalytic activity of mangrove fungal xylanases on recycled paper pulp. Forty-four mangrove fungal (MF) isolates were initially screened for xylanolytic activity in minimal medium with corn cob xylan as the sole carbon source. Eight MF were further cultivated under submerged fermentation for the production of crude xylanases. These crude enzymes were then characterized and tested for the pretreatment of recycled paper pulps. Results showed that 93 % of the tested MF isolates exhibited xylanolytic activity in solid medium. In submerged fermentation, salinity improved the growth of the fungal isolates but did not influence xylanase production. The crude xylanases were mostly optimally active at 50 °C and pH 7. Changes in pH had a greater effect on xylanase stability than temperature. More than half of the activity was lost at pH 9 for majority of the crude enzymes. However, two thermophilic xylanases from Fusarium sp. KAWIT-A and Aureobasidium sp. 2LIPA-M and one alkaliphilic xylanase from Phomopsis sp. MACA-J were also produced. All crude enzymes exhibited cellulase activities ranging from 4 to 21 U/ml. Enzymatic pretreatment of recycled paper pulps with 5 % consistency produced 70-650 mg of reducing sugars per gram of pulp at 50 °C after 60 min. The release of high amounts of reducing sugars showed the potential of mangrove fungal crude xylanases in the local paper and pulp industry. The diverse properties shown by the tested crude enzymes also indicate its potential applications to other enzyme-requiring industries.

Copyright of International Economics (2110-7017) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper examines how internationalisation of higher education institutions is reflected through their mission and vision statements by comparatively analysing the mission and vision statements of selected universities in Malaysia and the Philippines. To carry out the study, twenty (20) mission and vision statements of public and private universities in Malaysia and the Philippines were collected and analysed, underlined by the importance of textual agency in policy orientations. The framework used in analysing the mission and vision statements includes the analysis of textual practice and discourse practice. The micro-level analysis of the discourse focused on the textual practice, such as vocabulary, grammar, and text structure. Moreover, the genre and style of text were also analysed. The findings of the study reveal that the mission and vision statements of universities in Malaysia and the Philippines align with respective country policies, and have something in common as far as the concept of internationalisation in higher education is concerned. It is also evident that universities in both countries emphasise the importance of producing global and competent graduates, and obtaining international recognition and world-class education.

The article offers information on several conferences including of 2013 American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) Conference to be held in Dallas, Texas from March 16-19, the 2013 International Conference on English Education to be held in Taiwan from April 20-21, and the 11th Asia Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) International Conference to be held in the Philippines from October 26-28, 2013.

The COVID-19 pandemic calls for educators to deliver learning experiences that are relevant in order to empower students to adapt to these unprecedented times. Science, Technology and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary social science course included in the undergraduate general education curriculum in the Philippines that can potentially be designed to help students make sense of the coronavirus crisis. This study aims to describe the insights on the COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate students enrolled in STS classes through the textual analysis of their reflection papers. A total of 74 reflection papers were qualitatively textually analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) appreciation of the science and medical community; (2) sensitivity to the barriers of scientific progress during the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) gaining social consciousness about the impacts of the pandemic, and; (4) enrichment of critical thinking and social engagement. Educators are encouraged to incorporate STS approaches in their lessons to foster students' critical understanding of current socio-scientific issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical and mechanical properties of branch wood from falcata [Falcataria molucanna (Miq.) Barneby & J.W. Grimes] grown in Caraga Region, Philippines were determined to assess suitability for end-uses such as core veneer and as material for light construction and handles and boxes as the stem wood. Tests done to compare the properties with the stem wood showed significant differences in relative density (average values of 0.284 for the stem wood and 0.255 for the branch wood) and shrinkage properties in all directions. Axial position significantly influenced variation in moisture content (p = 0.0024) for stem and branch wood, as well as relative density (p = < 0.0001) plus percent tangential (p = < 0.0001) and radial (p = 0.0014) shrinkage. For the mechanical properties, the stem wood end hardness was significantly higher by 28.8% at green condition (p = 0.0003) and by 13.36% at 12% MC (p = 0.0133) than the branch wood. The compression perpendicular to the grain at 12% MC of the stem wood was also higher by 16.10% (p = 0.0166). However, for the other mechanical properties studied, the differences were not significant. The bottom portion of the stem and branch wood exhibited the highest mechanical properties, which can be attributed to the higher relative density at this portion (p = 0.0001). Based on the results that showed insignificant differences in most of the properties between the wood types of F. moluccana, the branch wood can possibly be used for similar applications as the stem wood such as for light construction, non-structural veneer, and plywood; for tool handles, boxes, and other household items; and for pulp and paper. The utilization of the branch wood of F. moluccana, therefore, can augment the raw materials supply for the local wood industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anatomical properties -- namely, fiber length, fiber diameter, lumen diameter, cell wall thickness, vessel length, and width -- of young (3-, 5-, and 7-yr-old) Falcataria molucanna (Miq.) Barneby & J. W. Grimes from Caraga Region, Philippines were evaluated to determine the variations among ages between and among trees, tree height, and their derived values as well, henceforth as a basis in recommending the potential of the species for various end-uses. Three trees per age of known seed origin were collected and used as materials. FPRDI standard procedures for determining anatomical properties were followed. Data were analyzed using three-factorial in complete randomized design (CRD) and Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test was used to determine significant differences among treatment means. Except for cell wall thickness, the variations in anatomical properties among age and tree were highly significant but not significant among height levels. Fiber diameter and lumen diameter increased as the trees aged. The cell wall was very thin with mean values of 0.0033 mm (3-yr-old), 0.0032 mm (5-yr-old), and 0.0031 mm (7-yr-old). Vessel length and width decreased from 3- to 5-yr-old and increased at 7-yr-old. Fiber length's mean values increased from near pith (NP), middle (M), to near bark (NB) at all three ages and height levels except in the 3-yr middle (1.1665, 1.2032, and 1.1541 mm) and 7-yr butt (1.1541, 1.2326, and 1.2009 mm). Other anatomical properties at three ages showed no consistent trend of variations from NP to NB. The potential uses of younger falcata based on their anatomical properties were for pulp and paper, veneer, and light construction applications where strength and durability are not important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reconsiders Guthrie's 1970 monograph, The Psychology of Modernization in the Rural Philippines, in light of current theories of development and underdevelopment. After summarizing the findings and the criticisms of the monograph, the author finds that Guthrie's work fleshes out Andre Gunder Frank's thesis concerning the "underdevelopment of sociology," and bolsters the arguments against Foster's "Image of the Limited Good" theory. The shortfalls of the monograph, the author conclude, stresses the need for an interdisciplinary approach to development studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting in the 1960s, traffic congestion became a staple part of Manila's history. Rapid urbanization, century-old thoroughfares, and large-scale migrations to Manila are just some of the reasons for the worsening traffic conditions. During the Marcos Era, the academe, practitioners, government agencies, and various organizations produced plans, position papers, and transport documents that sought to understand, assess, and perhaps provide possible solutions. Using data available in the libraries of University of the Philippines Diliman, this research note seeks to provide an initial survey and preliminary review of transport materials that documented and proposed solutions to the traffic congestion in the city of Manila from the 1960s until the 1980s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing a relevant teaching-learning program amid a pandemic when in-person learning is suspended poses a significant challenge for any educational institution. At a particular Catholic university in the Philippines, an undergraduate course offered a service-learning (SL) activity wherein students actively served as online tutors to underprivileged students. Due to the health crisis, the SL activity seemed impossible, but a carefully planned program was created to continue the students' formation. The implementation of electronic service-learning (ESL) is executed through the collaborative efforts of the different offices and the partner community. This qualitative research utilizes two methods: the formulation of tutorial guidelines and a narrative approach by exploring the experience of the student tutors as expressed in their reflection papers. Three recurrent themes emerged from the participants' reflections, which can be considered significant components of their learning experience--civic learning, a more profound understanding of the course, and the adaptation of essential virtues. This paper validates the claim that the online teaching services rendered by students are indeed beneficial in their formation as socially responsible citizens. In the same way, the tutees have realized that despite their poor economic situation, they are not alone in battling to have a more comfortable life. Lastly, the study findings also helped the school implement its programs despite the suspension of in-person schooling continuously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per- and polyfiuoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on paper packaging resist water and oil to effectively contain food and beverages. However, previous studies have established correlations between PFAS and several diseases including COVID-19, cancers, and obesity. The goal of this collaborative research between the Philippines and Singapore is to set a baseline for PFAS levels in local packaging with the intended outcome of further increasing awareness on these contaminants in Southeast Asia, providing a starting point for migration experiments and risk assessments on PFAS in commercially-available food contact materials and articles, and initiating policy developments on these substances in the Philippines. In this study, 15 different types of PFAS were analyzed in selected paper packaging used by major quick service restaurants (QSRs) in Metro Manila. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), PFAS was detected in 100% of the samples with a total PFAS concentration range of 8.20-97.7 ng PFAS/100 cm². The highest amount of PFAS compound measured across all samples was PF-3,7-DMOA (89.8 ng/100 cm²). PFAS compounds regulated in European packaging such as PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA and PFDA were also detected in all samples but at trace levels. Paper wrappers for rice and small burgers were found to have the highest total PFAS of 97.7 ng PFAS/100 cm². This value translates to approximately 65.1 ng F/100 cm² which is way below 10,000 ng F/100 cm², the currently existing limit for PFAS in packaging set by the Danish Ministry of Environment and Food. While each packaging may be deemed safe compared to regulation, the compounded effects brought by use of multiple packaging, and high frequency and long-term exposures require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]