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Comparative analysis of calcium oxalate abundance and variation across parts and subparts of Amorphophallus longispathaceus Engl. & Gehrm. (araceae)
No full textThis study examines the variation and abundance of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals in Amorphophallus longispathaceus Engl. & Gehrm., a species of economic interest known for its acridity due to CaOx crystals. These crystals play key roles in defense and calcium regulation. The study quantifies the abundance, morphology, and length-to-width ratio of raphide bundles across different tissues. Samples from five individuals were analyzed microscopically, revealing diverse CaOx crystal forms, including raphides, styloids, druses, and atypical structures in the lamina, petiole, and corm. Raphide bundles were most abundant in the corm, followed by the lamina and petiole, with significant differences in distribution among plant parts. The corm contained shorter, thicker raphide bundles, whereas the lamina featured longer, thinner ones. Findings suggest that the high CaOx concentration in the corm functions as both a defense mechanism and a calcium storage system. The presence of raphide bundles along leaf margins and vascular tissues underscores their role in plant defense and structural support. This study highlights species- specific variation in CaOx crystal abundance, emphasizing their adaptive significance in response to physiological and environmental factors
Key Success Factors of Selected Coffee Shops in Calamba City, Laguna
No full textAccording to the Food and Agriculture Organization (2022), coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages and among the most traded commodities worldwide. Coffee shops have also grown increasingly popular, becoming what Oldenburg (1989) described as a third place —a social hub where people gather and connect outside of home and work. Beyond being spaces for socialization, Dewi (2022) noted that coffee shops have evolved into informal workplaces, particularly during the pandemic when individuals looked for alternatives to home office setups and the distractions that came with them.
The rising consumption of coffee has fueled the growing demand for coffee shops, leading to a flourishing industry, according to the Department of Agriculture (2022). This growth has been accompanied by intense competition in the market, making the coffee shop sector a highly dynamic and competitive space.
Key success factors (KSFs) play a role in identifying a business’ competitive edge especially in highly competitive industries. The essential elements or practices required for a business to achieve its goals and to maintain their strategic advantage are the key success factors that serve as a guide towards success (Rockart, 1979). It is focused on the internal and external environment of the business to maintain competitive performance.
This study aimed to assess the challenges faced by coffee shop businesses and the strategies they employed to achieve success and stay resilient during the pandemic. In the context of this research, success is defined as sustaining operations for at least five years.
The general objective of this study was to determine the different factors that influence success in coffee shops in Calamba City, Laguna, which is the top city in Laguna based on economic standing and industries present (Rappler, 2022). Specifically, the research intended to: (1) describe the socio-demographic profile of the owners/managers and the business profile of the coffee shop; (2) assess the significant challenges faced by the coffee shops before, during, and after the pandemic; (3) evaluate the best practices done in regards to the four business functions and external factors that influenced the success of micro and small-scale coffee shops; (4) integrate and analyze the key success factors based on the results from the pre-determined factors; and (5) provide recommendations to the current and future stakeholders of the food and beverage business industry.
The data was collected from six (6) respondents using questionnaires aided with face-to-face interviews and was analyzed by using contingency tables to determine the rate of success depending on the category. Three out of six respondents were considered as successful and the other three respondents were less successful.
For the socio-demographic profile, findings revealed that owner-managers with direct control over their businesses were more successful. Middle-aged owners (31–45 years old) benefited from experience and single managers gained more flexibility. However, personal skills and practices outweighed demographic factors in determining success.
Education was important, with postgraduate respondents demonstrating advanced management skills. Formal education, training, and prior experience contributed to success, which was also complemented by family and peer support. While experience often correlated with success, it was not definitive; for instance, one experienced respondent still faced challenges.
In terms of Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PECs), the respondents exhibited strong skills in opportunity seeking, goal setting, information seeking, persistence, and persuasion and networking. However, they showed moderate to low ratings for commitment to work contracts, demand for efficiency and quality, systematic planning, and self-confidence.
The duration of a coffee shop\u27s operations was linked to success, as longer- established businesses had time to improve their strategies. Sole proprietorships offered decision-making flexibility, but ownership structure alone did not determine success.
Key operational strategies included efficient inventory management, standardized recipes, quality control, and sourced high-quality raw materials. They also gave trainings, such as barista skill training, to equip new employees with the necessary skills. Measures to address employee burnout, like bonuses and flexible schedules, increased employee retention.
Financial discipline was critical, with owners and managers maintaining strict budgeting, separating personal and business finances, and utilizing emergency savings. Record-keeping practices, such as manual recording, outsourcing accounting, and regular cash flow reviews, were common. Dine-in services were a primary revenue stream which emphasizes the importance of ambiance and customer experience. Also, Family contributions often supplementing initial capital and credit card reliance was rarely used to avoid accumulating debt.
Marketing strategies highlighted customer loyalty through ambiance, quality service, and product quality. Either the cost-plus pricing or value-based pricing was used by the owners for pricing. Strategic location and a strong market presence played a significant role in gaining customers. Digital marketing strategies, including social media promotions, were frequently used alongside traditional marketing methods like posters and in-store promotions. Social media content that highlighted new products, promotions, and discounts proved effective in engaging customers.
For external factors, changes in socio-cultural trends, like demand for Wi-Fi- equipped spaces for remote work and study, created opportunities for coffee shops to upgrade. Technological advancements, including digital payments and online ordering, became standard, improving customer convenience. Eco-friendly practices attracted environmentally conscious consumers, strengthening brand image.
Political and legal factors presented minimal issues, with respondents already being familiar with permit processes. Limited government support was reported, though online applications provided convenience. Economic challenges like inflation and rising competition pushed businesses to innovate and improve their marketing.
In conclusion, success in coffee shop businesses is linked on personal competencies, strategic operations, and adaptability to external challenges. Aspiring owners should focus on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, using education, adopting innovative practices, and maintaining financial discipline to succeed in a competitive industry.
Recommendations were made for the current and future business owners, especially for those who want to enter the food and beverage industry, and for future studies. The recommendations for the chosen coffee shops were dependent on their needs and underlying challenges that were not thoroughly discussed based on the categories present in this study. Lastly, the recommendations for the future studies were based on what to improve and what were the factors missed out by this study
Assessing the perceived oral interpersonal communication skills of the Senior High School Students at the University of the Philippines Rural High School and how it affects their self-esteem
No full textIn everyday life, oral interpersonal skills, ability to effectively convey and exchange information, thoughts, and feelings with others through spoken language,are used by most people. This study aims to assess the perceived oral interpersonal communication skills of senior high school students at the University of the Philippines Rural High School and examine how these skills affect their self-esteem, an individual\u27s overall subjective emotional evaluation of their own worth. The research involved a sample of senior high school students, focusing on their self-reported communication abilities and self-esteem levels. Data were collected using survey questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs) designed to evaluate communication skills and self-esteem. The quantitative data indicated a significant positive correlation between students\u27 perceived communication skills and their self-esteem, with higher communication skills associated with higher self-esteem; while the qualitative data, which were analyzed through thematic analysis, were able to identify factors affecting it. Themes were grouped as perceptions, challenges, experience, and impact which were in line with the objectives of the study. These findings suggest that enhancing oral interpersonal communication skills in high school students may positively impact their self-esteem. The study\u27s implications highlight the importance of an individual\u27s environment and own efforts to support students\u27 personal and social development. However, the study is limited by its reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce response bias. Future research could benefit from a longitudinal design to track changes over time
The effect of increasing food inflation on the food choices and finances of UPLB College and High School students living in a dormitory
No full textThe Philippines experienced a significant increase in inflation rates, from 0.7% in January 2016 to 8.7% in January 2023, with food prices particularly affected during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine the impact of rising food inflation on the dietary choices and financial well-being of college and high school students at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), particularly those living in dormitories. The researchers employed purposive snowball sampling and interviewed 20 willing participants using a semi-constructed qualitative interview. The participants were questioned about their experiences and adjustments regarding food inflation. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The results showed that food inflation negatively impacted the food choices and finances of the participants, as well as their physical well-being. The majority of the students consumed more unhealthy food than nutritious food-especially at their dormitories compared to their homes-due to factors such as price, time, convenience, availability, and taste preferences; hence, negatively affecting their physi cal health. All participants shared their observations of the price increase among food products and expressed their struggle to re-all ocate or adjust their budget to keep up with food inflation. They also shared their dormitory life experiences. which further backed up the results of the study
Fabrication and characterization of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) - Coconut Coir (CC) - Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Biocomposites
No full textPolyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a well-known alternative to traditional plastics with its high biodegradability and similarity in terms of properties with available polymers in the market. However, the production cost of PHB is a huge setback for its large-scale application. In this study, widely available fillers like Coco Coir (CC) and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) were added as fillers and plasticizers into PHB through solvent casting to reduce the PHB needed to minimize manufacturing costs. Multiple ratios were tested to check which ratio is the most ideal for retaining PHB\u27s biodegradability and homogeneity. A factorial design was used to create different blends containing 2.5% and 7.5% of VCO and 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% of CC, while regression analyses were used for the results of the contact angle test. Morphological, contact angle, and biodegradability tests found that higher concentrations of VCO have shown a smoother surface, and there are no visible significant differences when comparing concentrations of CC. Ridges were also seen in all the blends in varying intensities, but no noticeable trends with varying components. VCO content has the greatest influence on the visual and mechanical characteristics of the biocomposite blend. In common, most samples that showed most changes in the biodegradability analysis are with high VCO content (7.5%), and increasing VCO content decreases the biocomposites\u27 hydrophobicity. Blend B - 85% PHB, 7.5% VC0, 7.5% CC - was the most ideal blend after morphological tests as it exhibits a smooth surface with smaller ridges and an absence of pores, unlike other blends
Morphometric analysis and preliminary semi-quantitative expression analysis of two sardine (Sardinella) species in the Philippines
No full textSardinella tawilis, which can only be found in the Philippines, was reported as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List in 2017. This rare freshwater sardine has a marine counterpart, the mophologically identical S. hualiensis. Distinction between the two species has an important role in their conservation, especially for S. tawilis. Because the two are closely alike, S. tawilis was inferred to have evolved from S. hualiensis due to geographical isolation. This study was conducted to identify the distinguishing characteristics between these two sardine species that emanate from their separate aquatic habitats. Hence, comparisons were done at both the morphological and genetic levels. Geometric (landmarks-based) morphometric analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed the separation between S. tawilis and S. hualiensis, with PC1 (68%) accounting for the most notable variation between the landmarks that is tested as significantly different using one-way ANOVA (P\u3c0.05). Traditional (measurement-based) morphometric analysis also revealed that the body (sd = 1.534) and anal fin (sd = 1.047) lengths influenced the distinction between the two Sardinellas, with S. Aualiensis having a slightly larger body size and shape. For the semi-quantitative transcriptomics approach, the relative densities of the clcnk gene in the kidney samples of the Sardinella species were considered. Through pairwise mean comparison, a significant difference in the clcnk expression levels between the sister species was established, in which the bands from S. hualiensis (* = 0.845) had a higher relative density than that from S. tavilis (i=0.29). This significant difference indicates how the two have evolved to adapt to their unique habitat. Additionally, the idea that the clenk gene plays a crucial role in the ecol ogical success of each species is supported. Overall, the research findings suggest that the freshwater S. tawilis differs from its saltwater sister species, S. hualiensis at the morphological and transcriptomic levels. This study serves as a stepping stone to future projects about the two Sardinella species. This is an internship under the pioneering program Multi-omics Analyses Characterizing the Evolutionary Adaptation of the Endemic Philippine S. tawilis focused on studying S. tawilis using omics technologies
Knowledge, attitude, and practices of face mask utilization in a public high school in Laguna post-pandemic
No full textThe COVID-19 epidemic, which thrust face masks to the center of public health defense, is the backdrop against whi ch the study is conducted. The study, which focuses on UPRHS students, intends to support public health campaigns, raise awareness of face mask use, and advise the management of the university. It emphasizes how crucial it is to comprehend how students behave when it comes to wearing face masks in order to effectively promote health. This Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) study, which was carried out among UPRHS (University of the Philippines Rural High School) students to assess their knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors regarding the use of face masks in the context of general healthcare practices. A mixed-methods approach was used in the process, with sections of the open-ended essays and Likert-style questionnaires. Google Sheets and Google Forms were used for data administration and data analysis, whereas Jamovi was used for statistical analysis. The results show that UPRHS students have a good understanding of face masks and a favorable opinion of their benefits for public health. Face mask usage habits varied, too, despite positive sentiments: several students reported using them seldom for post-protocol relaxation. Associations between the frequency of face mask use, attitudes regarding infection responsibility, and cleanliness habits were found using correlational analysis. Students\u27 perspectives also emphasized societal influences, personal preferences, and health concerns as variables that affect face mask usag
Economic Analysis of Intergenerational Susceptibility to Fake News in Brgy. Lingga, Calamba City
No full textIntergenerational fake news susceptibility remains an underexplored area in current research. Existing literature predominantly focuses on younger generations, particularly Millennials and Zoomers (GenZ). However, studies consistently highlight a correlation between age and susceptibility to misinformation, suggesting older generations are more susceptible to disinformation compared to their younger counterparts. This underscores the necessity for a more nuanced examination of intergenerational fake news susceptibility. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating how intergenerational social media use characteristics influence fake news susceptibility among Boomers, GenX, Millennials, and Zoomers. Drawing on the Attention Economics Framework and Motivations-Opportunities-Abilities Theory, the study employs an Ordered-Logit regression model to analyze the influence of social media behaviors such as social media usage level, digital familiarity, adherence to alternative sources, and social media use motivations to intergenerational of fake news susceptibility. The data was collected through a face-to-face survey conducted in Brgy. Lingga, Calamba City, Laguna, throughout March, resulting in 270 responses. With the gathered data, the study found significant differences in social media use characteristics across generations, impacting their susceptibility to fake news. Moreover, the study identifies age-group variations in susceptibility levels. Specifically, digital familiarity and adherence to alternative sources emerge as crucial predictors of fake news susceptibility across all generations studied