University Knowledge Digital Repository UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños)
University Knowledge Digital Repository UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños)Not a member yet
25810 research outputs found
Sort by
Indigent fathers’ challenges in promoting physical development of their preschool-aged children: a collection of narratives
No full textFathers are often regarded as primary providers. Due to their socially constructed role, involvement in their child’s life has been limited. Filipino fathers still adhere to traditional gender and parental norms. However, times have been evolving and fathers now face the double burden of providing for the family’s basic needs while playing a significant function in caregiving for their young children. This study investigated on indigent fathers’ challenges in promoting physical development of their preschool-aged children. A qualitative multiple case study method through semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Filipino indigent fathers. Findings revealed that there is a prevalence of converging roles and responsibilities among indigent fathers as they contribute in childcare. Fathers also strive to promote their children’s physical health and development despite being in low-income resource settings. With this, financial constraints emerged as a significant challenge due to unstable employment or income resources. The study shows the need for addressing financial issues and supporting fathers in fulfilling their roles. Also, the significance of early interventions to support children\u27s physical development
Parental involvement in home learning and academic performance of elementary students during the Covid-19 pandemic
No full textFuture scenarios of fish supply and demand for food and nutrition security in Bangladesh: An analysis with the AsiaFish model
No full textBangladesh has made significant progress in social and economic development in recent years, but micronutrient deficiencies and poor dietary diversity remain a significant challenge. This paper developed five scenarios to explore futures of fish supply-demand in Bangladesh using the AsiaFish model, with special emphasis on the role of fish in macronutrient and micronutrient supply to address the nation\u27s malnutrition and nutrition security challenges. A business-as-usual (BAU) scenario followed historical trends for exogenous variables used in the model. The four alternative scenarios explored: the implications of increase productivity of farmed tilapia, pangasius and rohu carp (AS1); improvements in the quality of feeds (AS2); disease outbreak in farmed shrimps and prawns (AS3); and climate change impacts (AS4). The BAU scenario indicates that aquaculture growth will be a prominent contribution to increasing total fish supply and demand and fish exports to 2040. Apart from the scenarios that are favourable to aquaculture sector development, other alternative scenarios highlighted the lower growth rate of capture fisheries and aquaculture compared to BAU, resulting in declining in per capita fish consumption, fish exports and nutrient supply from fish as a consequence. Increased availability of aquaculture fish can slightly compensate for the lower growth of capture fisheries in term of their nutrition quality and dietary diversity, particularly for poor consumers. Policies towards sustaining fisheries and a nutrition-sensitive approach to aquaculture is recommended as both capture fisheries and aquaculture are essential for sustaining healthy and nutritious diets in Bangladesh
Exploring the Nutritional, Antioxidant, and Lipid-Lowering Properties of Saba Banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana BBB Group) Peels
Get PDFThis study investigated the nutritional and functional components of ‘saba’ banana peel (SBP) to determine its health-promoting potential for special food applications. SBP has undergone analyses measuring proximate composition, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, phytochemical content, estimated glycemic index (eGI), pancreatic lipase inhibition, and cholesterol micellar solubility inhibition. Data were processed using SPSS v20 and expressed as mean ± SD. Proximate analysis showed that SBP contained 83.83 ± 1.06% moisture, 6.74 ± 0.83% crude fat, 5.58 ± 0.24% crude protein, 9.97 ± 0.04% total ash, 9.91 ± 0.10% crude fiber, and 60.08% nitrogen-free extracts. Vitamin C content was found to be 72.15 ± 2.20 mg vitamin C/100 g fresh sample, whereas its antioxidant activity was 53.75 ± 1.29% DPPH inhibition. The eGI of SBP was 77.88 ± 1.42 and the phytochemical content analyses revealed that SBP contained total phenols at 135.61 ± 2.72 mg GAE, total flavonoids at 18.33 ± 0.65 mg catechin equivalent, and total tannins at 65.64 ± 1.97 mg quercetin equivalent. Finally, its pancreatic lipase inhibition was 35.34 ± 4.34%—almost 50% as effective as lipase inhibitor drug Orlistat. Its cholesterol micellar solubility inhibition was 71.40 ± 2.06%—almost 80% as effective as the cholesterol-lowering drug Cholestyramine. SBP had the highest phenolic content when compared with the published values of other fruit peels and far greater lipid-lowering enzyme inhibition effects than the healthy pigmented red and black rice varieties. These findings showed that SBP, which was considered as agricultural waste, contains nutritional properties and bioactive compounds, and can be utilized as food products and nutraceuticals with potentials in ameliorating obesity and associated disorders, providing banana farmers and processors additional revenue for their crops
Knowledge, attitude and practices on complementary feeding of caregivers with children 6-23 months old in Brgy. Panicuason, Naga City
No full textA cross-sectional study was conducted to alleviate the impacts of undernutrition by addressing one of its underlying causes: poor care and feeding practices. It aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on complementary feeding of caregivers and the nutritional status of children 6-23 months old in Brgy. Panicuason, Naga City. An interview was conducted among 60 caregivers using modified questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used, and Pearson Correlation tests were conducted at p\u3c0.05 to assess the data gathered. The study revealed that the households have poor living conditions in terms of caregivers’ educational attainment, occupation, and household income. Medium prevalence was observed for underweight and stunting, while poor prevalence was seen for wasting cases. Several KAP components also have a significant association with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and water sanitation practices. A weak positive correlation was also observed between the WFA and employment, while a weak negative correlation between HFA and the caregiver\u27s relationship with the child. The results of the KAP showed medium knowledge, positive attitude, and poor practices among caregivers. Overall, an urgent need for a nutrition-education intervention on complementary feeding is suggested to improve the caregivers’ knowledge and practices, while consideration for it is suggested to increase their attitudes
Use of Open Data Kit (ODK) in characterizing the cacao industry sites in Panay Island
No full textCacao is one of the world’s most valuable export commodities and cash crops. Western Visayas, along with the other regions of the Philippines, has committed to participate in national efforts to strengthen the production capacity of the cacao industry and address prospects and opportunities for the industry growth and development. This paper presents the results of a region-wide study that mapped out and assessed key cacao-producing areas in the Western Visayas, specifically Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo. The study sought their current production levels, important agricultural properties of farming areas, production densities, and growth potentials. Geospatial data was generated, analyzed, and mapped using Open Data Kit (ODK), an electronic data management system. Findings revealed that cacao plantations are not evenly distributed in Panay Island. Most cacao farms are located in the Province of Iloilo; however, tree density was highest at farms in the Province of Capiz. The geophysical characteristics of most cocoa-producing areas were consistent with the geophysical elements mentioned in the literature. These findings can be used for science-based decisions for promoting the emerging cacao industry in Panay Island
Classifying geo-located X/Twitter data using probabilistic topic modelling to analyze domestic travel patterns in the Philippines
Get PDFThe study analyzes the travel patterns of X/Twitter users in the Philippines by developing a probabilistic model to efficiently classify publicly posted tweets with geo-location that were retrieved from the X/Twitter Streaming API. Using probabilistic topic models specifically the latent Dirichlet allocation model, posted tweets were classified into topics related to trip purpose namely: visiting family and friends, vacation and leisure, going to church or religious activities, shopping, restaurant, and café, and going to work or school. The major origin and destination provinces of travelling X/Twitter users was determined and further exploratory analysis showed the influence of seasonal events on the X/Twitter intensity of travelling and their purpose of travel. The study demonstrates the potential use of social media data in studying travel behavior in the Philippines which can complement traditional national surveys on domestic travel
Interpersonal communication between patients and health providers in the referral system for selected non-communicable diseases in primary health care units of Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
Get PDFThe referral system in a primary health care facility is an essential factor in addressing different health issues and concerns in the community Through an effective referral system, a steady flow of health and medical services rendered by health providers at the local level, will be provided paving the way of extending health services to people, especially the less fortunate who consult or seek additional medical procedures available in another facility. It is in this context that communication is crucial in the management of the referral system. However, very limited studies are done at the local level of consultation set-up between patients and health providers. Hence, using a descriptive research design, this study assessed the interpersonal communication between patients and health providers on selected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the referral system of primary health care units: the barangay health stations (BHSs) and rural health units (RHUs) of Los Baños, Laguna.
Focusing on the aspect of communication between patients and health providers within the consultation set-up, the researcher interviewed 52 randomly-selected patients recorded with NCDs from January-August 2019 using a structured questionnaire. Representatives from the team of the health care providers were also included in the study.
Result of the study shows that patients interviewed cited that the health providers (75%) were their major source of information on NCDs. It is also documented that during consultations, the patients recognized and understood the messages communicated to them by their health providers and followed their advice. Moreover, the health providers, if necessary, referred the patients to other specialists or hospitals for additional tests and medical supplies, and to see a specialist for further evaluation.
To address problems identified in the referral system, the study recommends establishing a better data management system that will integrate patients’ information from the BHSs to RHUs. For the continuous management of NCDs, follow-up check-ups, review of available information, education and communication (IEC) materials, and conduct of information drive and educational campaigns on the prevention and management of NCDs are also recommended
Variability of cost and return of dry direct seeded lowland rice in major rainfed growing areas in the Philippines
No full textThis study was conducted to evaluate the variability of net income and return on investment (ROI) as affected by grain yield, cost of production, and gross income across provinces wherein the mechanized dry direct seeding technology was being deployed. The study was conducted during 2019 wet season involving 54 sites from 14 provinces with farmers practicing mechanized dry direct seeding technology under rainfed lowland condition. Grain yield varied (0.72 – 6.73 t ha-1) across provinces and within each province. Total cost of production varied (PhP 23032 – 43421 ha-1) across provinces. Most sites in Cagayan had high cost of production while low in Negros Occidental. Fertilizer cost was the major expense of more than 50% of rice farmers across provinces. Gross income ranged from PhP 32939 ha-1 (South Cotabato) to PhP 73873 ha-1 (Abra). Highest net income was obtained in Sultan Kudarat due to high yields. Net income was less variable in Ilocos Sur while highly variable in South Cotabato. The return on investment (ROI) of different provinces varied (71.61 ± 62.63%). Low ROI and less variability were noted in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union. Across provinces, 60.7% of total variation was explained by variations in grain yield. About 50% of variations in ROI was associated with cost due to land preparation and pesticide application. Fertilizer cost accounted for the high ROI in Abra and Antique. The cost of harvesting significantly affected ROI in Albay, Antique, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and South Cotabato. In general, variability in ROI across provinces were affected by grain yield levels, or the total or the specific items in the cost of production, which is site or province specific. From the information generated, interventions can be formulated based on identified limiting factors specific to site or province
Physico-chemical characteristics of ensiled cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.)) foliage, and fermentation kinetics of cassava silage
No full textThis study was conducted to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of ensiled cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.)) foliage with or without additives molasses and rice bran. Six treatment combinations were from two crop species (cassava and sweetpotato) and three additives (without additive, 10% molasses, and 10% rice bran). The physical (color, odor, texture) and chemical characteristics (pH, total soluble sugars, Flieg point, dry matter, organic matter, ash, crude protein, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose) of the samples were evaluated following standard procedures. Fermentation kinetics of cassava foliage silage and ruminal in situ DM degradability of cassava foliage silage were evaluated for 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h using cannulated cattle. Results showed that cassava foliage (CF) and sweetpotato foliage (SF) silages with molasses had the lowest pH of 3.82 and 3.80, respectively due to high TSS values of the samples. CF had the highest crude protein (19.06%) compared to SF silage (11.61%). Moreover, CF had low fiber fractions (NDF and ADF) resulting in a high effective dry matter degradability (74.73%) of the silage. Results on silage quality, nutritive value, and dry matter degradability evaluation proved the potential of cassava foliage silage with molasses as an alternative high protein feed for ruminants