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Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Rates on the Growth of Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes Mart.)
Full text linkResearch has been conducted globally to investigate the growth and colonization patterns of Pontederia crassipes Mart. This research aimed to examine the impact of varying rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on the growth of P. crassipes and determine the nutrient levels that would result in the greatest growth response. P. crassipes plants were placed in plastic containers filled with 5 L of distilled water. Nitrogen and phosphorus were applied separately at varying concentrations. Specifically, N was added at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 mg L-1 and P at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 mg L-1. P. crassipes demonstrated high nutrient uptake efficiency, absorbing 57% to 87% of applied N and 96% to 99% of the applied P. Total weekly biomass increased with N application to an optimal concentration of 25 to 30 mg N L-1, after which growth declined. Leaf production was highest at 30 mg N L-1, while N and P both accelerated offshoot production, with optimal reproductive growth and flowering observed at 20 mg N L-1. No significant effects were observed with varying P rates on biomass or leaf production, suggesting that P may not be a limiting factor under the conditions evaluated. Overall, these findings indicate that P. crassipes efficiently utilizes N and P, contributing to its widespread abundance. In areas with high concentrations of these nutrients, P. crassipes is likely to thrive and continue to proliferate, underscoring the need for effective management strategies to mitigate its ecological impact
Morphological Characterization, Pollen Viability, and Germinability Evaluation of Two Plumeria Species in the University of the Philippines Los Baños
Full text linkThe genus Plumeria, locally known as kalachuci, is a popular ornamental tree belonging to the Apocynaceae family. The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) maintains a collection of Plumeria trees scattered across its campus; however, the origin of these trees remains unclear due to a lack of proper documentation. This study conducted morphological characterization and pollen analysis to provide information for further research. Results revealed the presence of 2 Plumeria species in the campus. P. obtusa has a linear leaf shape with acute tips and revolute margins while P. rubra has a lanceolate leaf shape. Additionally, P. obtusa has a green peduncle while P. rubra has a peduncle ranging from red to dark red. In terms of floral traits, P. obtusa produces white flowers while P. rubra has flowers with a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, and dark red. Pollen viability and pollen germinability analysis revealed that germinability varied significantly within and between species, whereas pollen viability remained similar for both. Both species exhibited high pollen viability observed through staining but low pollen germination. Furthermore, high pollen viability does not guarantee high germinability, as indicated by the weak correlation between these variables across species. To clarify the uncertain provenance of P. rubra variants, further research using molecular techniques and DNA markers for precise information is highly recommended
The Impact of Size of Incentives on Dishonest Behavior in Reward-Based Systems
No full textThis study evaluates the impact of incentive sizes on dishonest behavior in reward-based systems. Incentive structures motivate participation and performance in real-world environments; however, such motivations can also excite unethical and immoral behavior. Using an experimental design, subjects from a freshman course participated in a task-based self-reporting environment that allowed an opportunity for economic incentives. The design was also an improved version of aggregate cheating observations, wherein sure cheaters would have been easily detected. Similar to previous literature, the findings revealed that the presence of varying incentives still elicit higher rates of dishonesty across the samples. However, no sure cheating was found amidst the presence of social biases and the Hawthorne effect. The results gained suggest that the size of incentives is not the only determinant of cheating behavior. Current academic year level, in-group and social desirability biases also influence the mental cost-benefit analysis (heuristics) of individuals. The results contribute to the understanding of other factors prior to making a cheating decision, providing more insights in the behavioral dynamics of dishonesty in reward-based systems. While the study adds to current literature on dishonesty in a small-scale environment, its implications are confined in an experimental context and the findings should not be related towards real-world economies without further research
Mas mura sa online? : a comparative study on the modes Senior High students use to purchase apparel
No full textAs the apparel industry adapts to rapid technological change and digital retail innovations, consumer behavior continues to evolve, particularly among the youth. Through the lens of marketing and consumer psychology, this study explores the growing dilemma faced by senior high school students: is it better to shop online or in physical stores? With fashion as both a personal and social statement, this research investigates the factors, such as price, convenience, risk, and variety, that shape their choices. The study contributes to the broader discourse on digital consumerism among students and as well as offers insights for retailers and calls for future research to understand adolescent consumer behavior
A comparative analysis of attitudes and socio-cultural influences on public displays of affection (PDA) among gay, lesbian, and hetero Filipino adolescent couples
No full textAffection between romantic couples can be displayed in various ways that turn into what are known as public displays of affection (PDA). In the Philippines, there is a lack of research regarding PDA of adolescent couples, especially of those belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, which highlights the need for better understanding of different gender identities and sexual orientations to promote healthier and more inclusive relationships. This study aims to describe the PDA engagement, attitudes, and socio-cultural influences among gay, lesbian, and hetero Filipino adolescent couples. Having five (5) couples as participants, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews using a researcher-made questionnaire and images as visual stimuli. The narratives were put under thematic analysis to identify recurring themes in the responses, followed by a comparative analysis to enumerate similarities and differences between same-sex and hetero couples. The results show that the couples generally engage in moderation depending on the form of PDA and social context, indicating their substantial understanding of norms to share affection without repercussions. hetero couples are not subjected to harsher judgment as compared to same-sex couples, given the societal norms, which causes the initial feeling of envy and frustration from same-sex couples. But amidst that, they slowly gain confidence in expressing their affection in public whenever they see other queer couples do so. This comparison offers an insight into a need for more inclusivity and a safe environment in which the researchers recommend the promotion of youth involvement in reevaluating school and local government policies to create PDA standards that do not compromise adolescent development and discriminate against marginalized groups
8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
No full text8 - Decent Work and Economic Growthhttps://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/un-sdgs_images/1007/thumbnail.jp
Comparison of Gonad Development Between Wild and Hatchery-Bred Silver Therapon Leiopotherapon plumbeus (Teleostei: Terapontidae) During an Annual Reproductive Cycle
No full textThis study compared gonad development between wild-sourced and hatchery-bred silver therapon Leiopotherapon plumbeus. Wild fish from the east bay area of Laguna de Bay, Philippines, and hatchery-bred stocks grown to adult size in outdoor tanks were sampled, and somatic condition, gonad histology, gonadosomatic index (GSI), gut index (GI), and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were assessed during the annual reproductive cycle. Hatcherybred fish condition was generally better than that of wild-sourced fish as a consequence of readily available food resources and environmental conditions. Hatchery-bred male GSIs were significantly higher than in wild male fish in November to February, coinciding with low water temperatures. However, female GSIs were significantly higher in July and November to December for the hatchery-bred fish, and in January to April for the wild-sourced fish. Together with spermatozoa and primary growth oocytes which were most abundant in the gonads, the presence of other gametogenic stages supports asynchronous gonad development. Hatchery-reared fish showed significantly higher GIs during the spawning season over their wild counterparts. Generally, mean HSI, regardless of sex, was also higher among hatchery-bred fish. The present results suggest marked differences in the somatic and reproductive potential of wild and hatchery-bred silver therapon, although the presence of spermatozoa and vitellogenic oocytes in the gonads may allow this species to reproduce year-round
Farm System Dynamics and Factors Affecting the Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture among Rice based Municipalities of Camarines Sur, Philippines
No full textCamarines Sur, a key rice-producing province in the Philippines, is increasingly exposed to climate-induced hazards such as typhoons, flooding, and erratic rainfall, posing substantial risks to agricultural productivity. This study examined the diversity of rice-based cropping systems and the extent of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) adoption across Pili, Minalabac, and Bula using a mixed-methods approach. Principal Component and Cluster Analyses classified 105 rice farming households into five distinct typologies based on socioeconomic characteristics and CSA uptake. Logistic regression identified education, household size, cooperative membership, and training participation as significant predictors of CSA adoption. Among the cropping systems, CS₅—though capital-intensive—achieved the highest net returns and productivity, demonstrating the economic potential of resource - efficient and climate-resilient practices. While foundational CSA practices were commonly implemented, the uptake of more advanced and resource-demanding strategies remained low, primarily due to limited access to financial capital, technical support, and institutional infrastructure. These findings emphasize the necessity of context-specific, inclusive interventions. Policy priorities include strengthening rural cooperatives, expanding CSAoriented training, improving credit and input access, and enhancing institutional support. Equally, farmer-led actions such as active organizational participation, peer learning, and livelihood diversification are crucial. The study affirms CSA\u27s role as a core strategy for resilience and sustainability in climate-vulnerable rice systems
Plastic waste detection and classification using image recognition machine learning
No full textPlastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the Philippines, driven largely by the widespread use of single-use plastics and the lack of effective waste management systems. While existing tools like infrared-based plastic scanners are emerging globally, there remains a gap in accessible, AI-powered image recognition systems that can aid in proper waste segregation. This study aims to address that gap by developing a plastic waste scanner prototype that leverages machine learning and image recognition to identify and classify different types of plastic. Specifically, the objective was to design a system capable of recognizing various polymer types—PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS, and OTHER—and providing relevant information on their recyclability, biodegradability, and potential hazards. The prototype was developed using Python and trained with YOLOv8, a state-of-the-art object detection algorithm, supported by PyTorch 2.3.1. Photographs of plastic waste samples were taken using webcams, and labeled using the labelImg tool. AI model training and testing were conducted using a high-performance desktop at the UPLB Institute of Computer Science. The model attained a mean average precision (mAP) of 82.9%, indicating a high degree of accuracy in identifying and classifying plastic types in real time. The system successfully displayed plastic classification results. Despite limitations such as a restricted data set and limited geographic scope, the study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating AI into waste segregation systems. The prototype can serve as a springboard for subsequent innovations in managing plastic waste, offering practical use for educational and waste management applications, especially in community or institutional settings. Ultimately, this research highlights the potential of machine learning as a scalable and impactful tool in the fight against plastic pollution in the Philippines
Community health assessment and improvement plan for a geographically hard-to-reach area : a case study of Barangay Bagong Silang, Los Baños, Laguna
No full textAccess to health care remains a pressing challenge in geographically hard-to-reach areas (GHRAs), where social and economic barriers limit health care availability and quality. This study examines the case of a mountainous rural-classified barangay in Laguna, Philippines, to assess local health needs and formulate strategic interventions. Using a convergent parallel mixed-method approach, the study integrates document analysis, key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, a survey, and participatory rural appraisals to comprehensively explore rural health care dynamics, guided by the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) 2.0 process. After stakeholder analysis, rural health was assessed through three key components of the Beyond the Building Blocks framework: the social determinants of health, the household production of health, and the health system. The study revealed the critical role of local governance, particularly of regular municipal outreach and infrastructural restrictions due to forest protection, in health care delivery in the research locale. Participants identified the insufficiency of medicines, limited budget, and deficiencies in basic amenities at the barangay health center as the top issues in community health. In response, the study developed a community health improvement plan (CHIP) outlining actionable strategies for local health care improvement with three priorities: improved infrastructure and workforce capacity; enhanced service access; and strengthened barangay-municipality coordination. The study contributes to the broader discourse on equitable health care access by highlighting the intersection between health system outcomes and community-level determinants, especially in mountainous rural areas. The replication of the research methodology and instruments in other barangays can advance the role of participatory planning in improving community health. Overall, insights from this research can inform policy recommendations for sustainable health interventions in rural contexts, reinforcing commitments to inclusive and resilient health care systems for all