University Knowledge Digital Repository UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños)
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A qualitative study on the perception of selected senior High School students on cash, credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets
No full textThe research was conducted to analyze and explore the financial lives of Senior High School students within the researchers’ own school. The primary focus was to examine the effects and uses of financial tools, initially credit & debit cards, but then later expanded to include digital wallets and cash. This addition aimed to capture a more complete picture of students\u27 financial habits and the role these tools play in their daily lives. The significance of this study lies in its focus on 250 Senior High School Students whose financial experiences are often overlooked, as financial literacy is rarely emphasized in high school settings. To gather data, the researchers employed a two-way approach: distributing questionnaires to gather general statistical information and then created a criteria to follow in selection for conducting interviews with selected participants who demonstrated unique or strong opinions. The interview questions were intentionally designed to supplement the surveys without overpowering the core data set. After collecting the responses, the researchers tabulated and transcribed the information, then conducted a thorough qualitative analysis. In reviewing the data, the researchers identified recurring patterns and common themes across the student population, such as convenience, budgeting struggles, and dependence on digital payment methods. However, they also paid close attention to outlier responses, recognizing that unique financial experiences and perspectives offered valuable insight into less visible issues. These individual cases helped round out the research, highlighting that while convenience emerged as the most prominent factor, its effects varied greatly depending on context, background, and personal discipline
A capstone internship on the dairy production, processing, and marketing as the Dairy Training and Research Institute
No full textThe local dairy industry struggles to thrive due to the humid climate and archipelagic geography of the Philippines, leading to the importation of 99% of the country’s dairy products. However, despite the challenges faced by the local dairy industry, it still promises significant potential for profit and self-sufficiency. During an 80-hour internship at the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI)—encompassing the production, processing, and marketing departments—the researchers produced an internship narrative, recorded through a research journal, analyzed through the different measures of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Dairy Farming Practices (GDFP) to recognize the skills and practices needed in dairy production. DTRI was observed to follow these good practices throughout the internship period with little to no errors and deviations. Furthermore, financial reports provided by DTRI from the previous year (2024) underwent a profitability and efficiency analysis to identify the potential of the local dairy industry. The profitability analysis revealed a 37.77% Gross Profit Margin (GPM), 26.79% Operating Profit Margin (OPM), and 17.42% Net Profit Margin (NPM), revealing the strong profitability potential of the local dairy industry. On the other hand, the efficiency ratios revealed an Inventory Turnover Ratio (ITR) of 45.43, and a Days Sales in Inventory (DSI) of 8.03, indicating DTRI’s effective optimization of goods. Along with a SWOT analysis, the researchers synthesized their findings using the Harvard Case Study format to identify the immediate issues the institution faces and formulate possible solutions as recommendations for improvement. Major challenges in DTRI include a limited university budget, an inefficient procurement process, inadequate cattle count, and an insufficient number of staff. However, proposed solutions to these issues include encouragement of local dairy farmers, proper procurement planning, assistance from the National Dairy Authority (NDA), and community involvement
Student room simulator : a video game simulation that identifies user\u27s dosha brain type
No full textThis study presents the game development of a video game simulation that would be able to categorize a user based on their brain types which were determined from their interactions with the minigames. The brain types adapted for this study is from a YouTube content creator’s model - Tora, Kuma and Kitsune, which in turn was inspired by a research journal on Dosha brain types. The original study categorized people according to Vata, Pitta and Kapha, based on their actions and habits. The study involved 30 UPRHS Grade 12 students who were selected for the study with convenience sampling with the purpose of playtesting the video game, to which their data was recorded in a spreadsheet. During gameplay, the system recorded three variables : student’s (1) brain type (2) action count and (3) action order. A set of short evaluation questions were administered to the participants for the evaluation of their experience and the satisfaction of the game. A short Google Form survey was administered to the participating students. The brain types they obtained from the survey served as the basis for comparison between the brain types obtained from the game. The dynamic nature of brain types led to the game model only accurately categorizing 33.3% of the participants in accordance to their result in the short survey. Despite the presence of bugs and overall quality of the game, 83% of the participants were able to find the game satisfying. For future study continuations or implementations, the study recommends that the game contains necessary restrictions in actions, such as an energy system, in order to prevent outliers in the conducted study
Efficacy of leaf extracts from robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) on the larval and pupal development of fall armyworm (Spadoptera frugiperda)
No full textRobusta coffee (Coffea canephora) leaves, known for their phytochemical content, were used to prepare a crude extract called Robusta Leaf Extract (RLE), which was previously found to have antibacterial and possible insecticidal activity. This study evaluated the efficacy of RLE on inhibiting the development of the larval and pupal life stages in Spodoptera frugiperda, along with its dose-response relationship. S. frugiperda or fall armyworm (FAW) poses a serious threat to rice and maize production in the Philippines. In the experiment, samples were fed an artificial diet mixed with RLE across four concentrations (1, 3, 5, and 10 mg/g), with a separate group serving as control. Key parameters measured were larval mass, pupal mass, and pupal count, which were then analyzed using JAMOVI’s One-way analysis of variance test (ANOVA). At the 5% level of significance, results showed a dose-dependent reduction in mean larval mass, with a statistically significant decrease observed at 3 mg/g (186.48 mg), 5 mg/g (144.30 mg), and 10 mg/g (78.61 mg) compared to the control. However, pupal mass and pupal count showed no clear dose-response trend, with 5 mg/g yielding the lowest final pupal count, and the only significantly lower mean pupal mass (174.29 mg) compared to the control. Meanwhile, the higher concentration group at 10 mg/g showed signs of possible tolerance. The sublethal effective dose (SED) was identified at 5 mg/g. These findings suggest that RLE has potential as a safe, cost-effective, and locally available alternative to commercial pesticide use
Studies on the preparation of ethers from coconut fatty alcohols
No full textMethyl and butyl alkyl ethers were prepared from coconut fatty alcohols by a codified Williamson ether synthesis. The products obtained were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy and by the determination of their density, viscosity, surface tension and melting and boiling point ranges
Evaluation of Semen Characteristics and the Impact of Storage Time in Dong Tao and Ho Indigenous Chickens
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the semen quality of 2 indigenous Vietnamese chicken breeds, Dong Tao and Ho, and to assess their reproductive potential for breeding and conservation programs. Semen samples were collected from 10 roosters of each breed and analyzed for macroscopic and microscopic traits. The results indicated that both breeds exhibited semen quality within acceptable physiological ranges. Mean semen volume was 0.47 mL in Dong Tao and 0.48 mL in Ho roosters; pH values were 7.47 and 7.42, respectively. Semen color scores (2.39 vs. 2.35), sperm concentrations (2.11 vs. 1.92 × 109/mL), and mass activity scores (3.79 vs. 3.83) showed no significant differences between breeds. Sperm motility decreased over time in both groups. However, Ho roosters maintained significantly higher motility at 5 h (0.75) compared to Dong Tao (0.68). In contrast, morphological abnormality rates remained relatively stable across storage durations, ranging from 30.18% to 30.72% in Dong Tao and 30.26% to 29.14% in Ho roosters. These findings demonstrate the overall semen viability of both breeds under short-term storage conditions and highlight the better storage resilience of Ho rooster semen, offering valuable insights for artificial insemination and genetic preservation strategies
Comparative Analysis of Vermicomposting Practices Utilizing Agroforestry Farm Materials
No full textVermicomposting is an effective and eco-friendly method of converting biodegradable materials into fertilizers that promote plant growth and development. This study aimed to assess the efficiency and quality of vermicompost and vermiworms produced using combinations of biodegradable farm materials in agroforestry systems. The materials used for the 6 treatments included combinations of the following materials: fresh leaves of leguminous plants (Gliricidia sepium, Flemingia macrophylla, and Senna spectabilis), fresh cattle manure, and other plant materials (rice straw and banana trunk). Using a 90:10 ratio of plant residues and cattle manure, respectively, a substrate of 100 kg was prepared for each treatment stocked with 350 g (39 worms) of African nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae). The 6 treatments were: G. sepium leaves, cattle manure, banana trunk (T1); G. sepium leaves, cattle manure, rice straw (T2); F. macrophylla leaves, cattle manure, banana trunk (T3); F. macrophylla leaves, cattle manure, rice straw (T4); S. spectabilis leaves, cattle manure, banana trunk (T5); and S. spectabilis leaves, cattle manure, rice straw (T6). Results revealed that T2 produced the highest quantity of vermicast, which is significantly higher than all other treatments except T4. Both T5 and T6 had significantly lower vermicast output than all other treatments, while the top 3 treatments with good vermicast quality were T5, T1, and T2. The treatments that produced the highest amount of vermiworms (800 g) were T3 and T4, while the least amount (275 g) was observed in T5, with no significant difference observed across all treatments. Overall, the findings suggest that T5 has the potential to produce good-quality vermicast (N, P, K, organic matter, and organic carbon), while T1 and T2 may yield substantial quantities of good-quality vermicast compared with the other treatments due to high organic raw material recovery efficiency and good chemical composition of the vermicast
Gendered Differences in the Implementation of a Rice-based Enterprise Program in Sariaya, Quezon Province, Philippines
Full text linkThis study examined gendered differences in the experiences of local farmers in Sariaya, an agricultural municipality in Quezon Province, Philippines. Using the Harvard Analytical Framework, this paper aimed to provide insights into how gender influences the experiences of local farmers under the Rice Business Innovation System (RiceBIS) Community Program of the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute (DAPhilRice). A qualitative approach was employed using data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes on the different gendered differences in the roles, resource access, needs, and challenges of local farmers in the implementation of the RiceBIS Community Program. The findings showed differentiated roles between men and women in both production and leadership in organizations, which are attributed to the cultural gender roles within the traditional Filipino household. Women’s roles were mainly budget management and record-keeping while men were mostly involved in primary decisionmaking. Their participation and involvement in the RiceBIS Community Program have paved the way for both men and women in the community to recognize the benefits of being affiliated with a farmers’ organization. Among these benefits is better access to various government interventions such as seed and fertilizer subsidies, agricultural machinery grants, and capacity-building programs. However, challenges persist in the local rice industry even with the continued implementation of the RiceBIS Community Program in the area. These challenges are predominantly associated with market forces, institutional actor dynamics, and technological and climatic factors. Men and women identified different but fundamentally complementary approaches in responding to these challenges. Despite being mainly exploratory, the findings of the study contribute to the improvement of the design and implementation of the different components of the RiceBIS Community Program in the area. Specifically, this study serves as a basis for program implementers and stakeholders in co-designing evidence-based strategies that would ensure gender equity while promoting partnership, strengthening capacity, and engaging farmers in rice-based enterprises in the community
Technical Efficiency and Profitability of Cabbage Production in Brgy. Mamala 1, Sariaya, Quezon, 2023-2024 Planting Season
No full textThis study examined the technical efficiency and profitability of cabbage production in Brgy. Mamala 1 in an attempt to identify gaps in the production process that can be used as starting points in improving profitability. Using a complete enumeration of 32 cabbage farming households who planted cabbage in the 2023-2024 planting season, the study’s specific objectives were (i) to describe the input utilization and cultural management practices of cabbage production in Brgy, Mamala 1; (ii) to determine the factors affecting production and technical efficiency; and (iii) to evaluate the profitability of cabbage production using selected financial ratios.
The study performed a stochastic frontier analysis to jointly estimate the parameters of a frontier Cobb-Douglas cabbage production function and a technical inefficiency function. This was followed by a profitability analysis involving the construction of a costs and returns table and the calculation of the net farm income, gross margin, net cash income, and return on investment.
The results of the stochastic frontier analysis showed that cabbage yield was positively affected by seeds, hired labor, family labor, cypermethrin, profenofos, and capital investment, but negatively affected by the quantity of nitrogen fertilizer applied. The large magnitude of the negative coefficient for the quantity of nitrogen fertilizer applied could mean that the current level of nitrogen application among the cabbage producers is already causing significant yield losses.
The mean technical efficiency rating of the cabbage producers is 62 percent, indicating that technical inefficiency amounting to 38 percent exists in the production process. Technical efficiency ratings were lower for large farms, small households, and producers characterized as old, female, non-members of active farming organizations, non- users of credit, non-leasehold tenants, and holders of multiple income sources. Producers with longer years of experience were also less technically efficient, contrary to the expectation that experience brings more efficiency. Producers’ participation in training programs was not a significant determinant of technical efficiency.
Cabbage production during the 2023-2024 planting was not profitable based on the negative values of all four financial ratios. Reducing the use of hired labor and nitrogen are strongly recommended because they comprise some of the largest cost shares in production at 53 percent and 11 percent of the total cost, respectively. Input use reductions should be complemented with improvements in technical efficiency so that cabbage producers can still meet their yield targets despite the lower level of input use. The results of the study found out that if the selling price of cabbage is held constant, cabbage production in the area will still be unprofitable if technical inefficiencies and excessive production costs are not addressed. Moreover, the study is also able to demonstrate that although cabbage production is generally exposed to random disturbances beyond producers’ control (e.g., weather events and pests), producers can still gain adequate returns by bridging the management gaps caused by inefficiency. This not only requires initiatives at the farming household-level, but policy intervention as well due to the wide range of demographics exhibiting technical inefficiency
Isolation and Enumeration of Salmonella enterica from Fresh Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Leaves and Its Susceptibility to Different Washing Protocols
No full textLettuce is one of the most consumed fresh produce items in the country, but it also serves as a vehicle for human pathogens, posing a risk of foodborne illness. This study used conventional microbiological and molecular analyses to obtain the concentration and prevalence of Salmonella enterica in fresh Green Ice and Iceberg lettuce leaves from selected supermarkets in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. The efficacy of different household washing procedures in reducing S. enterica on lettuce leaves was also investigated. Of the 19 composite Green Ice lettuce and 21 composite Iceberg lettuce samples tested, 5.26% and 4.76%, respectively, were contaminated with S. enterica, both with a 3.6 MPN g–1 concentration. All washing procedures significantly reduced the number of S. enterica cells inoculated on both lettuce varieties versus the control (p \u3c 0.05). Washing with baking soda solution (24 g L–1, 15 min) yielded the highest log colony-forming unit (CFU) reduction (1.293 ± 0.376 log CFU) for Green Ice lettuce, while the combination of soaking and rinsing resulted in the highest reduction (0.814 ± 0.148 log CFU) for Iceberg lettuce. Analysis of the p-values of log CFU reductions showed no significant difference among the washing treatments per lettuce variety (p \u3e 0.05). Although the observed log reductions were minimal, reducing Salmonella cells on lettuce using common household washing procedures remains a viable strategy, especially considering the relatively low Salmonella concentrations detected