Fast-Track Articles

VOLUME 28 ISSUE 1 (2024)

Assessment of Plants and Conservation Status for Commodification of Local of Brgy. Bukangliwayway, Kibawe, Bukidnon Philippines

Merced G. Melencion, Maria Melanie M. Guiang, Fulgent P Coritico, Hannah P. Lumista, Vince R. Abarquez, Chris Rey M. Lituañas, Marilag T. Mateo, Rasel A. Lacandula, Christina Joy O. Lahaylahay & Florfe M. Acma

ABSTRACT

Preliminary assessment of Brgy. Bukangliwayway revealed that the natural forest stands have been denuded leaving only scanty forests fragments which may still contain indigenous plants of the locality.  Thus, this paper provides the lists of plants with emphasis on their conservation and propagation protocol of selected endemic and indigenous economic species of plants as a form of ex situ conservation. Field exploration and a transect survey with two (2) sampling sites were established in the area. The wildlings of the four species such as Adiantum capillus-veneris L., Artocarpus ovatus Blanco, Lygodium circinnatum (Burm.f.) Sw. and Mischocarpus sp. were collected for ex situ conservation.   There were 123 species under 112 genera and 58 families were listed. Assessment of the species revealed two (2) Endangered (EN), four (4) Vulnerable (V), two (2) Other Threatened (OTS), three (3) Near Threatened (NT) and thirty-five (35) Less Concerned (LC) plant species while fourteen (14) endemic species were documented. Six (6) A. capillus-veneris, eleven (11) A. ovatus, three (3) L. circinnatum and fifty-four (54) Mischocarpus sp. wildlings were propagated. Mischocarpus sp showed highest survival rate implying the great potential of the species to be mass propagated. Since Bukangliwayway harbors a number of threatened and endemic species, it is recommended that the remaining forests be conserved and in-situ conservation must also be implemented. 

Keywords: conservation initiatives, commodification, Bukangliwayway, endemic | Download File

 

Proximal Surrogate Measures for Proactive Safety Evaluation of Right-Angle Vehicle Collisions in an Intersection

Patrick Marvin G. Agramon , Ma. Bernadeth B. Lim, Mark Joel B. Uaje, Harvey S. Maunahan

ABSTRACT

As road traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths have been persistent throughout the years, the demand for road safety development has increased. This study focuses on developing proactive safety evaluations of unsignalized intersections by using the proximal surrogate measure of Post-Encroachment Time (PET) in measuring the risk of transverse collisions. Procedures involved the determination of peak hour period, manual measurement of PET, identification of critical conflict zones, and development of prediction models for crash estimations. A total of 1551 conflicts were observed, in which an average PET value of 3.57s was obtained. The PET dataset was subjected to goodness-of-fit tests, and the best-fitting model of Johnson SU distribution was determined. Through this statistical model, the probability of right-angle collisions was determined to be 18.11%. Subsequently, it was estimated that 793 crashes per year are predicted to occur within the intersection. The determination of intersection safety levels was unfeasible due to the lack of relative safety standards for this procedure. However, the study has provided safety parameters that can be used as references in evaluating risk mitigation policies and safety projects for the intersection.

Keywords: road safety, unsignalized T-junction, intersection accident analysis, post-encroachment time| Download File

 

Vitellogenin Induction in Male Oreochromis niloticus: Indication of Estrogenicity in Taal Lake, Philippines

Ailene H. Calamlam and Blesshe L. Querijero

ABSTRACT

Vitellogenin (VTG) is an egg-yolk protein precursor normally produced by sexually mature female fish but can also be synthesized by males under the influence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). 17β-estradiol (E2), an EDC, has been reported to contaminate aquatic systems and cause the feminization of male fishes. The prevalence of EDCs in Taal Lake threatens its biodiversity. Taal Lake is the habitat of the endemic freshwater sardine, Sardinella tawilis. The continuous loading of EDCs might affect the population dynamics of such critical wild species, leading to a decline in the wild fish catch and extinction as a long-term effect. This study determined the contamination of Taal Lake with E2 and the VTG induction in male Oreochromis niloticus. Water samples were collected from Taal Lake for E2 analysis through ELISA. Also, sexually mature male O. niloticus were obtained, and concentrations of their blood plasma VTG were determined using ELISA. Water samples from Taal Lake had E2 concentrations at 1.22 ± 0.64 µg/L. The collected male O. niloticus had VTG concentrations at 478.90 ± 129.98 ng/mL. The results from this study provide evidence of vitellogenin production in male O. niloticus. However, the measured VTG induction is not limited to exposure to 17β-estradiol.

Keywords: vitellogenin induction, 17β-estradiol, estrogenicity, Taal Lake, male tilapia | Download File

 

Mentor-Reflective Theory in Teacher Onboarding

Andrew S. Dy and Ernil D. Sumayao

ABSTRACT

Effective mentoring is paramount for the development of 21st-century teachers, shaping their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and career progression. This research employs Corbin and Strauss's (2015) Grounded Theory approach, a qualitative methodology systematically generating theory from empirical data. Aligned with the study's deductive approach, Padua's deductive axiomatic technique underpins theory development. Three axioms are identified: (1) Professional development enhances novice teachers' pedagogical strategies and confidence; (2) Mentorship enriches mentor leadership through structured training and observation; (3) Structured induction supports novice teachers' pedagogical advancement. These axioms yield five key assertions: (1) Professional development readies novice teachers; (2) Mentoring refines novice teachers' skills; (3) Reflective mentoring imparts organizational values and norms; (4) Teacher mentoring influences self-efficacy and job satisfaction; (5) This culminates in the Mentor-Reflective Theory for Teacher Onboarding, emphasizing the professional growth of new educators.

Keywords: beginning teachers, deductive axiomatic, grounded theory, mentor-reflective theory, teacher mentoring program | Download File

 

Strengthening Outcome-Based Education: Capability Approach Perspective

Givheart C. Dano

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the integration of the Capability Approach into Outcome-Based Education (OBE) to enhance the quality and inclusivity of educational practices. While OBE has gained acceptance for its structured approach, critics raise concerns about its potential limitations in fostering holistic development. The Capability Approach, rooted in the work of Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, offers an alternative perspective, emphasizing human capabilities and freedoms. The paper advocates for a broader view of education, asserting that it should empower learners with skills beyond predefined outcomes. It discusses the theoretical foundations of both approaches, their key principles, and the potential synergies between them. The study employs a comprehensive qualitative methodology, analyzing various sources to enrich the understanding of the research topic. Criticisms of OBE include a perceived narrowing of the curriculum and concerns about its impact on individual excellence. Case studies from different countries highlight challenges and varying outcomes in OBE implementation. The integration of the Capability Approach into OBE is proposed as a transformative avenue, emphasizing the cultivation of capabilities alongside traditional knowledge. Practical implications are outlined, including designing comprehensive learning outcomes, adapting curriculum and pedagogy, and employing diverse assessment methods. The integrated approach is seen as a means to empower learners for personal and societal flourishing, fostering inclusivity and equity in education. The paper concludes that this integration signifies a paradigm shift, redefining education as a transformative force for individual and societal progress.

Keywords: Amartya Sen, Capability Approach, Outcome-based education, pedagogy, William Spady | Download File