Fast-Track Articles

VOLUME 28 ISSUE 2 (2024)

Species Composition and Local Assessment of Butterflies in Mt. Sipaka, Talisayan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Robert T. Llemit, Joliesa Mae S. Toledo

ABSTRACT

Butterflies are bio-indicators of a healthy environment. There are studies in the species composition and status of butterflies however, there is still in need to determine it species richness especially in some areas in the Philippines. The study aims to determine the species composition and local status of butterflies in Mt. Sipaka, Talisayan, Misamis Oriental. The butterflies were collected using a catching net and traps. The sampling techniques include belt transect, quadrat sampling, and opportunistic sampling from November to December. The present study revealed 36 species of butterflies collected from Mt. Sipaka, Talisayan Misamis Oriental which belongs to five (5) families and 29 genera. The local status of butterflies in Mt. Sipaka revealed 13 common species, 12 very common, three rare species, and eight very rare species of butterflies. Therefore, Mt. Sipaka is a home of the 36 species of butterflies and with mostly common butterflies’ species. The present study implies that species richness and status of butterflies is potential for ecotourism project such as butterfly garden.

Keywords: Butterflies, Mt. Sipaka, Species composition, Status

 

Antibacterial and Secondary Metabolite Detection of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from the Roots of Dendrocnide meyeniana (Walp.) Chews

Lalaine Grace M. Robles, Merced G. Melencion, Josipino B. Malaki Jr., Chris Rey M. Lituañas, Emmanuel P. Leaño, Noel P. Lagunday, Andrew B. Melencion, Winson M. Gutierrez, Rasel A. Lacandual, Mark Lloyd G. Dapar

ABSTRACT

Fungal endophytes have garnered considerable attention as promising reservoirs of novel bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. This study focuses on the isolation, morphological characterization, phytochemical analysis, and antimicrobial screening of fungal endophytes isolated from the roots of Dendrocnide meyeniana. There were 11 fungal Dendrocnide root endophytes (DRE) isolated wherein three were successfully purified and screened against Escherichia coli BIOTECH 1634 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Morphological examination of the isolates was identified as Fusarium sp. (DRE IS03), Geotrichum sp. (DRE IS05), and morphospecies Mycelia sterilia sp. (DRE IS07). By using the agar plug diffusion method, the zone of inhibition (ZOI) of the isolates DRE IS03 (26mm), DRE IS05 (26mm) and DRE IS07 (24mm) exhibited significant antibacterial activity against E. coli but no inhibitory effect in C. albicans. Furthermore, biochemical screening of DRE isolates unveiled the presence of diverse bioactive compounds, including saponins, steroids, and terpenoids, known for their antimicrobial properties. This study confirms the successful isolation of fungal endophytes from D. meyeniana roots, highlights the presence of bioactive fungal metabolites, and demonstrates antibacterial activity.

Keywords: Agar-plug diffusion assay, Ethnopharmacology, Manobo, Mt.Nebo, Talaandig

 

Active Aging and Well-being of Indigent Older Persons in the Informal Economy

Salve Regina Renacia

ABSTRACT

One of the 21 st -century societal transformations is the growing aging population. The increase in their expectancy is due to improved healthcare and lifestyle choices making their population rise significantly. In the Philippines, the incidence of this growing population plunging into poverty increased. Some elderly are non-beneficiaries of the country’s pension system. The indigent older persons’ work in the informal economy (IE) provides them with income even if their jobs are unsafe and unsecured. The Qualitative Study was conducted in Maramag, Bukidnon. This study aims to share insights into the elderly’s effect of their work on their physical, economic, psychological and social well-being. Havighurst’s Activity Theory is used as a guide in understanding their physical and social engagements. Twenty research participants come from the young-olds (60-74) and the old-olds (75-84) categories, representing few sectors in informality. The findings show that the older persons’ subjective lens, being active physically and socially promotes an improved well-being. However, most do not wish to remain in the IE but aspire to have a more stable income and pension source. Among the recommendation is for government institutions to provide aid, caregiving and health care assistance, and opportunities to harness their skills.

Keywords: Indigent older persons, Informal Economy, Pension, Well-being

 

Hot Water Treatment as a Measure to Minimize Growth Stress-Related Defects in the Processing of Falcata (Falcataria Falcata (L.) Greuter & R. Rankin) Wood

Mark Jun A. Rojo, Dennis M. Gilbero, Jason A. Parlucha, Jupiter V. Casas, Josesph C. Paquit, Trisha Marie T. Lopez, Vanessa Jay M. Casas, Khenneth John D. Tanong

ABSTRACT

Falcataria falcata timbers are prone to defects such as heart checks, cracks, and end-splitting when felled, which negatively affect log quality and market price. These defects are caused by growth stresses—mechanical stresses that naturally occur due to cell maturation and the increasing load of the tree crown. While growth stresses cannot be directly measured, they can be assessed through strain measurements. In this study, Surface Released Strain (SRS) was used to assess stress patterns around the tree's circumference, and Residual Released Strain (RRS) was measured to determine residual stress from pith to bark. The study examined several factors: growth orientation (straight vs. leaning), age (young vs. mature trees), season (dry vs. wet), and geographic location (Regions 10 and 13). Trees with high strain and steep strain patterns were subjected to hot water treatment at 80°C for 48 hours as a thermal relaxation method. Results revealed that all SRS values were negative, indicating tensile stress near the bark. For RRS, compressive stress was observed near the pith and tensile stress near the bark, with age and channel position (pith to bark) significantly influencing RRS (P < 0.05). boards treated with hot water showed a more balanced strain gradient, with values ranging from 200% to -200% while untreated boards exhibited a steep strain gradient, ranging from approximately 600% to -1,400%. These findings demonstrate that hot water treatment effectively reduces growth stress in F. falcata timbers. Therefore, it is recommended that logs be subjected to hot water treatment before further processing to minimize growth stress-related defects. 

Keywords: Growth Stress, Strain, Wood Defects

 

Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacity of the Different Parts of Atuna racemose Raf. (Chrysobalanaceae)

Gloria Jesus Baltazar, Aileen May G. Ang, Ellen Joy P. Pandan. Glenn Mark S. Presores

ABSTRACT

Growing concerns over synthetic antioxidants have increased interest towards plant-derived alternatives, particularly phenolic compounds. This study determines the Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Antioxidative Capacity (TAC) of various parts of A. racemosa employing the Folin-Ciocalteu and phosphomolybdate methods, respectively, with samples extracted using 5% aqueous acetic acid. Significant variations in total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were observed among different plant parts, expressed as milligrams of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE) per gram of dry weight sample, respectively. The TPC values were as follows: 102.12 mg GAE/g for fruits, 51.13 mg GAE/g for buds, 22.77 mg GAE/g for leaves, and 7.59 mg GAE/g for twigs. Similarly, the TAC values were 177.99 mg AAE/g for fruits, 93.46 mg AAE/g for buds, 33.33 mg AAE/g for leaves, and 12.14 mg AAE/g for twigs. A strong positive correlation between TPC and TAC (r = 0.997) indicates that phenolic compounds significantly contribute to the antioxidant activity of A. racemosa. The study highlights the organ-specific distribution of phenolic compounds and antioxidants in A. racemosa, identifying its fruits as particularly rich reservoirs of these health-promoting compounds.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Atuna racemosa, Fruits, Organ-specific distribution, Phenolics

 

Spotting Predatory Journals: A Review

Givheart Dano

ABSTRACT

This research paper seeks to investigate the rise of predatory journals, which undermine scholarly and research efforts. Predatory journals falsely present themselves as legitimate scientific publications, deviating from established peer-review processes and ethical standards. They often exploit scholars and researchers through excessive publication fees, lacking adequate quality control or a rigorous review process. Overlooking such malpractice in the academic sphere can compromise the quality of knowledge disseminated to the audience. Urgent action is required to identify and halt potential predatory journals. This paper emphasizes the crucial consideration for scholars and researchers to carefully assess journals before submitting their work, aiming to avoid falling victim to academic predators. Additionally, the paper addresses key themes for spotting predatory journals, including (1) Peer-reviewed Policy, (2) Article Processing Charges, (3) Indexing, (4) Spamming and Solicitation, (5) Editorial Policy, and (6) Lack of Rigor and Scrutiny. The research employs an archival research method, involving the retrieval and analysis of information from original archives, to accomplish these objectives.

Keywords: Predatory Journals, Scholarly Integrity, Peer Review, Academic Publishing, Journal Evaluation.

 

An Intercultural Lens on the Japanese Noh Theater Play Takasago

Kim Rockell

ABSTRACT

This paper examines Filipino and Japanese participants’ perceptions of a publicly available, pre-recorded performance of the Noh play, Takasago. These perceptions are made from the point of view of aural, visual, kinesthetic, and linguistic elements of performance, referred to as semiotic clusters (SC). Comparative data drawn from both the Philippines and Japan, which reveal connective threads and commonalities are presented. Self-reflexive observations by Filipinos on their own performing arts traditions are also shared in the paper. Findings are based on a reduced research framework of the project Blind Review, which commenced just before the outbreak of COVID-19. This originally intended breadth of research is outlined, and the paper addresses the disruption because of the pandemic, reporting on those tangible achievements that could be made given the circumstances.

Keywords: Japan, Philippines, Ethnomusicology, Noh, Semiotics

 

Agronomic Diversity and Yield Potential of Short-Statured Adaly Selections (SSAS) at Gen5

Aradilla, A.R., Jamago, J.M., Dargantes, S.M.T., Detalla, M.E.D., Ebuna, H.L.V., Paulican, M.S.M., Salingay, R.O., Taban, B.G.P., Remollo, J.A.M., Ballentes, M.G., Marin, M.B., Daculos, C.N., Bohol, R.B., Sarsuza, B.R., Labis, S.K.M.

ABSTRACT

Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) is a high value and climate-change resilient crop, considered as complementary to rice. However, most varieties are tall and therefore, prone to lodging. Thus, the development for short-statured adlay is of great need. This study determined the agronomic characteristics of 18 SSAS under Musuan conditions. Results revealed that the genotypes differed in all parameters, as per ANOVA. Seedlings germinated at 6–9 days after planting (DAP), flowered at 89.67-103.67 DAP, and matured at 160-181 DAP. Plant height at maturity was 115.17-176.13 cm where, five SSAS were <120 cm, namely: Gi 7-3-8 (T1), Gi 5-2-3 (T3), Gi 11-3-5 (T4), Gi 5-1-2 (T5) and Gi 3-1-1 (T9). Weight of 1000 seeds ranged from 82.25-118.47 g whereas, grain yield was 1,579-2,845 kg ha^-1. Nine of 18 SSAS yielded more than 2,000 kg ha^-1. Standardized Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index estimated high allelic diversity for six traits (H’=0.76-0.99): days to flowering, plant height at maturity, number of grains per panicle, weight of 1000 seeds, and grain yield that would enable selection for the more desirable phenotypes to be advanced to Gen₆. SSAS for evaluation in the next generation will be primarily selected based on plant height and yield potential.

Keywords:  Adlay, breeding lines, plant height, semi-dwarf, short-stature