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
Short-wave near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics to detect adulteration of honey with sucrose syrup
No full textNear-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) coupled with multivariate statistical analysis was assessed as a rapid method of detecting honey adulteration in the Philippines. The sample set contained 288 spectra of authentic and adulterated honey samples obtained from six farms in the provinces of Benguet and La Union [Philippines]. Spectral data were pre-processed using ParLeS software in which partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis was employed. Multivariate analyses like PLSR, principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were performed to predict the level of adulteration, reducing sugar content, and apparent sucrose content. Calibration models for predicting adulteration level (from none to highly adulterated) gave the best results using PLSR on spectral data without pretreatment (calibration R2 \u3e 0.93, validation R2 \u3e 0.94). Principal components (PCs) of the spectral data were extracted using PCA wherein the NIR absorbance bands for sugar (836-840 nm and 978-980 nm) and water (938-940 nm, 978-980 nm, 984-986 nm and 992-994 nm) in honey were identified. Using LDA, calibration models were able to classify honey based on level of adulteration and apparent sucrose; overall accuracies of 99.5% and 100% were observed, respectively. When validated, however, the LDA models could not detect pure honey (out of 6 and 11 samples, respectively), while 86.7% and 100% of adulterated honey could be detected, respectively. Further sampling is recommended to strengthen LDA models
Stakeholders perspectives on 3D printing for housing: a case study in the Philippines
No full textThis study analyzes the perspectives of stakeholders, residents from Gawad Kalinga Los Baños Village and experts on the use of 3D printing for housing. It focuses on determining their attitude, specifically awareness of its processes and applications and willingness to live in a 3D-printed house. It investigates the opinions of experts on the elements of 3D printing in which the results revealed that 3D printing is faster, produces less waste, and has the potential to lower housing construction costs. With regards to their attitude, results showed a positive attitude towards the technology despite the majority not being aware of what 3D printing is. All stakeholders stated that they are willing to live in a 3D-printed home if given the chance. Furthermore, through the use of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion as primary research tools, this study was able to determine the possible challenges the country might face in case it implements 3D printing for housing. In recommendation, this research suggests interviewing more stakeholders to form a stronger viewpoint on their attitude, creating a PH-based policy framework for research and development of 3D printing for the housing sector, and further studies on 3Dprinting in respect to the local context
An Economic Analysis of the Most Prevalent Repugnant Transaction Affecting Women in Southeast Asia
No full textThis study explores current knowledge on repugnant transactions by conducting an in-depth literature review. Repugnant markets can be defined as markets that receive widespread disapproval from society, leading participants to engage in underground transactions. These markets operate without proper regulation, posing significant risks to both buyers and sellers. In the context of Southeast Asia, the paper examines repugnant transactions in Southeast Asia, identifies prevalent transactions concerning women, examines market design in these transactions, and identifies challenges in policies and regulations. Due to the paucity of data, this study adapts the analytical framework of Della Giusta et al. (2016), which is designed to determine the likelihood of a person to pay for sex.
Moreover, an examination of the market framework concerning prostitution in Southeast Asia is conducted by analyzing the interplay between supply and demand, market power, and institutional factors, which collectively contribute to the expansion of repugnant transactions. This study sheds light on the multifaceted aspects of prostitution in Southeast Asia, including its drivers, consequences, and the role of institutions and fairness in shaping the market.
This study concludes with a policy analysis focusing on the role of legal involvement, social impact, social impact, and public health in combating the dangers of prostitution in Southeast Asia
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) risk score of college students in Balanga City, Bataan, Philippines
No full textIn 2015-2019, there was a declining trend in diabetes-related fatalities in the province of Bataan, Philippines. However, an upward trend from 35% to 124.5% in 2017-2018 was noted for Balanga City, the capital of Bataan. Diabetes mellitus is becoming more and more common around the world, even in children and young adults. This research used Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) to determine likelihood of developing diabetes. Data were collected using a questionnaire and statements regarding demographic profile, family history, and medical history while GPAQv2 and HDD and Food Frequency for physical and fruits and vegetable intake, respectively. The categorical variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test while t-test for continuous, with R software. Spearman correlation was used to link each risk factor with the total risk scores using SPSS. A total of 162 students who are residents of the city and studying at any colleges/university in Balanga City participated in the study. Using the FINDRISC score, 21 (12.96%) had a moderate risk of diabetes, and 9 (5.56%) had a score classified as high risk. It is shown that male students are more likely to develop T2DM. Common risk factors for diabetes included high BMI and waist circumference, a family history of T2DM, usage of hypertensive medication, history of hyperglycemia, and low intakes of fruits. This suggests that preventative actions should be taken early in adulthood such as lifestyle and dietary changes
Consuming Salak Sidimpuan (Salacca sumatrana Becc.) Juice during strenuous physical activity reduced levels of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in white male rats
No full textStrenuous physical activity may result in physical harm, as indicated by increased blood parameters like creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). However, one effective way to prevent this damage before exercising is by consuming easily digestible foods such as salak sidimpuan juice. This study explored the effects of salak sidimpuan juice on CK and LDH levels during strenuous physical activity. The study utilized an experimental design with a post-test control design involving 24 white male rats divided into four groups: negative control, treatment group 1 (T1), treatment group 2 (T2), and treatment group 3 (T3). The negative control group underwent strenuous physical activity, whereas the treatment groups underwent the same training with the addition of different amounts of salak juice (1, 2, and 3 mL). The study was conducted for 4 wk in the USU Pharmacy Laboratory, and the results conclusively demonstrated that consuming salak sidimpuan juice during strenuous physical activity significantly reduced CK and LDH levels in experimental animals. Moreover, the study found that the more salak sidimpuan juice consumed during exercise, the more significantly decreased CK and LDH levels in experimental animals. Therefore, it can be concluded that consuming salak juice during strenuous physical activity can effectively reduce CK and LDH levels in experimental animal
An Assessment of a Coffee Business Startup: the Case of Mameng Kape Enterprise
No full textThe Mameng Kape Enterprise intends to lead the movement of bringing back the once-robust coffee culture of San Pablo City to life. Thdyrranno Derry A. Exconde aims to revive and improve this industry of the municipality to create a coffee identity that could eventually help with the city\u27s tourism. San Pablo, Laguna, is often associated with the agricultural produce of lanzones, rambutan, coconut, and ube. Back in the 1970s, the abundance of coffee in the city was evident. The streets of San Pablo were filled with coffee beans for drying and reeked of the aroma of freshly roasted beans. The venture towards the coffee industry was taken seriously by Mr. Derry Exconde which led to the creation of the Mameng Kape Enterprise that recently pursued the expansion of the business engaging in coffee shop operations.
The study entitled An Assessment of a Coffee Business Startup: the case of mameng kape enterprise was conducted to assess the overall business performance of Mameng Kape Entreprise. Specifically, this study aimed to: (a) Present the historical background and profile of the Mameng Kape Enterprise; (b) Describe and evaluate its relevant business environment; (c) Evaluate the business and analyze the major issues relative to its four business functions; and (d) Formulate recommendations and a strategic direction for the enterprise.
The primary data was gathered through a series of interviews with the owner of the business and other key people in the enterprise. The information from personal observations and competitor profiling was part of the primary data was used in further evaluating the enterprise.
The primary data was gathered through a series of interviews with the owner of the business and other key people in the enterprise. The information from personal observations and competitor profiling was part of the primary data was used in further evaluating the enterprise. The secondary data was derived from the documents that the enterprise have provided. This includes the historical background and profile of the enterprise. The other data came from different articles, websites, theses, journals, and unpublished special problems and theses. Some of the data were from institutions like Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) and other related institutions. Some of the analytical tools that were utilized are Financial Ratio Analysis, Vertical Analysis and Trend Analysis. These tools further guided the interpretation of the study and made sense of the data collected.
The results of the study showed the significant issues faced by the enterprise, which was compromised of their inability to earn profits, stepping into a broad target market and lack of marketing strategies. Together with these are the external factors that pose risks towards their operation like the enterprise\u27s dependency towards the San Pablo Coffee Growers Agriculture Cooperative for the dehulling and roasting services. These raise concerns with their operations since without the service of cooperative they would not able to attain their vision statement which is the fabrication of a recognized quality coffee produce that could be enjoyed by households and coffee enthusiasts.
To further aid the enterprise in confronting the problems they are encountering and to help improve its situation, solutions were devised. The Break-even Analysis and SWOT Analysis were utilized to come up with the course of action to take. This study recommends implementing marketing strategies, segmentation, targeting, and positioning, partnerships, and collaborations with other businesses, and product performance management as a short-term solution to address the immediate concerns. Marketing strategies and STP could help utilize and better allocate the resources of an enterprise if they implemented these approaches as well as cater to a niche market. The forming of strategic alliances with other businesses was also suggested. Thorough partnerships and collaborations, the enterprise could access other business\u27 resources. Furthermore, the implementation of product performance management could track, assess, and boost product performance in order to attain the break-even threshold and potentially reach the point of profitability. The streamlining of the overall management and operations of the enterprise is the gradual plan for progress for a medium-term period. It could lead to having more efficiency, lower expenses, and better customer experience. For the long-term improvement of the enterprise, an increase in their engagement towards the objective to trying to find or generate new revenue streams to better create sustenance for their operations is proposed. The income that it could potentially bring to the enterprise would further help in sustaining the expenses for their operations
Customer Patronage of Korean Restaurants in Los Baños, Laguna
No full textSince the early 2010s, the global interest and popularity of Korean food is evident (Jobst, 2023). The introduction of Korean cuisine makes way for locals to explore unique flavors and dishes. The growth of Korean restaurants is primarily attributed to the Hallyu was coupled with Korean culture. With the exposure of individuals to Korean media, they have become more aware of the culture and cuisine of Koreans. The curiosity and desire of the people to have a first-hand experience, along with the increasing demand, growing popularity, and appreciation for Korean food, led to the rapid proliferation of Korean establishments in the industry. Notably, some of these restaurants offer authentic Korean dining experiences, allowing the customers to not only savor the cuisine but also immerse themselves in the culture of Korea.
The study aims to determine the influence of various factors in terms of patronizing Korean restaurants. It was done by analyzing the respondents\u27 socio-demographic profile, psychographic profile, as well as six determinants of customer patronage.
Korean restaurants in Los Baños, Laguna were the focus of the study due to the close proximity of the establishments and given that there are international academic institutions within the area. The presence of such institutions contributes to the diverse population compromising individuals with different demographics.
A descriptive research and a mixed methods approach was used in the study. Purposive sampling was done by disseminating an online survey form created using Qualtrics. In addition, data gathering was done by in-person interviews with Korean restaurant owners and managers. In analyzing the data, both qualitative and qualitative methods were used since the questionnaire consisted of open-ended and closed ended questions, and Likert Scale statements. Descriptive statistics such as the mean, mode, minimum and maximum, percentage, frequency, and cross-tabulations were applied. Pearson correlation coefficient was also used to further analyze the data. As for the qualitative data, content analysis and thematic analysis were done to further elaborate on the answers of the respondents.
There were 16 Korean restaurants that this study focused on. The majority of them classify their business as a traditional Korean restaurant. It is followed by Korean-themed restaurants, while the least number are Korean convenience stores that provide dining experience. The restaurants were then categorized into more specific segments such as casual dining restaurant, fast casual restaurant, cafe, and convenience store.
A total of 215 respondents participated in the study. More than half of them (59.53%) fall within the 20 to 24 age group. The respondents were mostly women (67.91%) and single (90.70%). It is also notable there is a great number of students (64.65%) and college undergraduates (52.56%) that patronize Korean restaurants. The high number of students may be attributed to the presence of many tertiary and secondary education schools in Los Baños. In terms of allowance and income, most respondents belong to the less than Php 9,520 income bracket. Furthermore, three customer personas were created namely, frequent patrons, casual patrons, and budget-conscious patrons. Meanwhile, the psychographic characteristics of the respondents revealed various behaviors and attitude of the respondents in making their dining decisions such as in terms of authenticity and popularity.
There are six key determinants of customer patronage that the study delved into, specifically food quality, service quality, environment, price, word of mouth, and cultural influence. The findings of the study revealed that all variables have a positive relationship with customer patronage, although there exists a weak to moderate correlation.
Furthermore, in terms of areas for improvements, the aspect that was most frequently emphasized by the respondents is restaurant layout. The respondents stated that there is insufficient dining space and seating capacity available for the customers. They also hope to see improvements of customer service, variety of offerings, price, and ambiance, among others.
The recommendations for Korean restaurants focused on enhancing the six variables influencing customer patronage, while also considering the three customer personas created in the study. A wide range of offerings, staff training, team building initiatives, proper ventilation, noise management, cleanliness, queue management, restaurant layout, dining space expansion, pricing strategies, promotions, discounts, and marketing channels are the aspects that can be improved further. Keeping up with current trends and actively gathering customer feedback will determine the specific courses of action needed to increase customer patronage, resulting in the growth, development, and sustainability of businesses in the industry
Drying characteristics of pandan (Pandanus simplex Merr.) leaves using the DOST-FPRDI furnace-type dryer
No full textThis study investigated the drying characteristics of pandan (Pandanus simplex Merr.) leaves using the DOST-FPRDI\u27s furnace-type dryer to provide an efficient drying solution. Two trial runs were conducted with different kiln drying settings. During the first trial run, narrow (6, 8, and 14 mm) pandan leaf strips with initial moisture content (MC) values ranging from 105–145% achieved an MC below 20% within 1 h. Conversely, wider leaf strips (17 and 21 mm) required a longer drying duration of approximately 4 h to reach the desired MC level. In the second trial run, with higher temperature setting, again the narrow leaf strips with initial MC ranging from 123 to 136% attained an MC below 20% within 1 h, whereas the wider ones took just 2 h to dry below 20%. Two verification runs were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the second trial run. Leaf strips of various sizes demonstrated improved drying times, with the desired MC achieved within half an hour to 1.5 h. The absorption rate of pandan leaf samples was also examined, revealing their ability to absorb moisture from the air. Within a day, the samples absorbed more than 5% moisture, highlighting the importance of not drying the leaves below the prevailing equilibrium MC of the environment. This research provides valuable insights into the drying process of pandan leaves by reducing drying time and improving the overall quality of dried leaves
Biomonitoring of atmospheric lead (Pb) pollutants using Sphagnum moss in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
No full textLead (Pb) pollution is a serious environmental and public health concern. In this study, we used Sphagnum moss bags to biomonitor lead particulates in gasoline stations and mechanic shops in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Lacking an air monitoring station in the municipality, this is the first study to use standard moss biomonitoring to detect atmospheric lead particulates in Ilocos Sur. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy, the moss bags were analyzed after 54 d of exposure. Results showed that the moss bags had accumulated lead – with mean concentrations of 2.1067 ppm in Area 1, 1.5547 ppm in Area 2, and 3.0733 ppm in Area 3. Area 3 had the highest loading values (92–95%), with a significant difference (P \u3e 0.05) in lead content from the control pre-exposure (0.20 ppm). All calculated concentrations were higher than the standards of the Philippine Clean Air Act (0.000164 ppm). This result places the municipality of Bantay at possible risk of atmospheric lead pollution and, thus, highly encourages the creation of policies or initiatives to prevent further risks. Using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, the study also found that the loading values of the moss bags correlated with the station\u27s temperature and humidity, as well as the moss’ hyaline pore size and density. Thus, these results suggest that Sphagnum moss can be a useful low-cost tool for biomonitoring lead pollution and that the environmental factors (temperature and humidity) and moss’ ultrastructures (hyaline pore size and density) may influence the bioaccumulation of lead in moss
Analysis on the Food Waste Management Practices and Strategies of Fruit and Vegetable Vendors in the Public Market of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay
No full textFruits and vegetables were considered as the one of the primary drivers of food wastage among farmers and retailers especially when a large volume of it is left unsold or improperly managed. To combat this issue, several studies were conducted across the globe to unravel the reasons as to why fruits and vegetables were wasted along the supply chain, yet very minimal studies were conducted to investigate the case of food waste management in the Philippines particularly those managed in the public market. Thus, with this gap in mind, this study was primarily conducted to analyze the food waste management practices and strategies of fruits and vegetable public market vendors in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay. Specifically, the objectives of this paper were to 1) Determine the profile of the fruit/vegetable public market vendors; 2) Quantify the volume and value of fruits/vegetable that goes to waste; 3) Identify the common factors/reasons why fruit/vegetable vendors incur food waste; 4) Determine the implication of fruit and vegetable wastage on the profitability of vendors and relevant business activities; and 5) Provide recommendations that will improve the current food waste management practices/strategies of fruit/vegetable market vendors.
For data collection and analysis, quantitative and qualitative research designs were utilized. Quantitative design was primarily used for the quantification and valuation of fruit and vegetable waste per vendor and it tallying responses, whereas qualitative design was used in profiling respondents, describing food waste management practices and strategies adopted by the vendors, and formulating interpretations. Aside from that, the food waste hierarchy framework was also utilized to illustrate and organize which level/s of food waste hierarchy that the current food waste management practices of vendors belonged and identify which level/s were widely practiced and not yet observed. Additionally, profitability assessment for each vendor was performed to determine the implication of food waste on the profitability of vendors and relevant business activities. To gather the necessary data, all 12 fruit and vegetable public market vendors in Titay were interviewed and surveyed, while a separate interview with the municipality\u27s head of Department of Agriculture and DTI\u27s Negosyo Center councilor were done to verify the responses from the respondents particularly on the trainings and interventions they have undergone in relation to food waste management.
Based on the results, for personal profiling, majority of the respondents were women, and have received intermediate level of education. Age classification was dominated by ages 24-54, whereas most of the respondents belonged to low-to-middle income class. Out of 12, eight respondents were identified to have alternative source of income which helped them increase their capital for fruit and vegetable selling. For the business profile, majority of the respondents were found out to regularly operate in the public market, except for one respondent who excludes weekends, from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. through renting stalls therein. To purchase the commodities to be sold, suppliers mentioned were from Cagayan de Oro City, sellers within Zamboanga Sibugay from the municipalities of Titay, Ipil, and Siay, and supplier from Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte. Transportation mode to deliver the commodities varied such that some relied from their supplier’s trucks/sidecar, commute, or utilize personal truck. Common packaging used to transport commodities were plastic and wooden crates, boxes, cellophanes, and sacks by which similar materials were used for storing and displaying the commodities in each vendor’s stall.
For the volume and value of fruits and vegetables wasted, high wastage was observed from vendors whose purchases were larger and have handled various commodity types compared to others. Notably, commodities with high wastage includes watermelon, banana varieties (lakatan, tundan, saba), cabbage, bell pepper and squash, while minimal to zero wastage were recorded for commodities identified as highly marketable, durable and purchased in low volumes. Survey results have also unraveled that common reasons/factors leading to fruit and vegetable wastage among vendors include lack of storage facility/equipment, lack of knowledge of Food Waste Management (FWM) practices and strategies , inexistent trainings available about FWM in the community, poor display area, limited over quality of fruits and vegetables handled, long travel distance, damage from delivery, poor market demand weather impacts, pest/insect infestation, and unavoidable ripening, yellowing, and rotting of commodities.
To minimize and recover potential financial losses from fruit and vegetable wastage, practices and strategies employed by vendors include sorting, cleaning, and washing the commodities before displaying them, application of tawas for preservation, converting ripening fruits into snacks or food products selling sari-sari vegetables and spices, refrigeration of commodities, donation to animal growers and carenderias, home consumption and gardening, composting (vermiculture). Yet, among the 12 respondents, only three respondents were able to practice value-adding practices to make a profitable venture out of the suboptimal commodities handled. Whereas, refrigeration of commodities was poorly used for preservation/storage of fruits and vegetables, since the same equipment is also used to preserve other grocery items/frozen goods being sold.
Upon assessing the profitability of vendors, results showed that wastage incurred by majority of vendors led to a decline 3-10% in their profit potential. Wheras, among the other financial items, purchases of vendors were found to be the major aspect that captured more than half of their sales suggesting that vendors should be cautious and conservative on how they conduct repurchases to manage their waste volumes given that waste percentages obtained from them were higher than those of the existing literatures. In relation to their relevant business activities, vendors were also assessed to poorly perform on marketing and promotion, establishing good negotiation and relational ties with customers and suppliers, and lack skills on financial management and pricing strategies.
Hence, recommendations to improve the current food waste management among vendors include careful monitoring of the available volume of fresh fruits and vegetables handled, improving storage practices for commodities by replacing obsolete storage materials and observing cleanliness in stall space, organization with other vendors when purchasing to similar suppliers to increase bargaining power, improvement on marketing and promotional strategies, and to maximize the power of selling at low prices rather than high prices. Additionally, recommendations formulated directed for LGU and other supporting organization in Titay in lieu of improving the food waste management practices of vendors included provision of financial support, greater selling space for vendors by allowing them to utilize the backside of their stalls, conducting on-site trainings and workshops that introduce innovations, technologies, practices, and strategies on food waste management, advertisement of vendors\u27 value-added products through Negosyo Center\u27s web page and other social media platforms and installation of food banks and monetization of food waste