Control Mechanisms in Credit Management of Motorcycle Dealers in Camarines Norte, Philippines

/in /by

This research assessed the control mechanisms in credit management of motorcycle dealers in Camarines Norte. Specific information were gathered pertaining to the profile of motorcycle dealers in terms of initial capital investment, length of business operation, average annual sales, average annual installment sales, number of employees assigned in collection, and training attended by collection personnel ; credit management employed by motorcycle dealers; level of assessment on the control mechanisms in credit management; and the significant relationship between the profile of the respondents and their level of assessment. Findings revealed that most of the respondents have at least five million and above initial capital investment with at least one million average annual installment sales. Also, their dealership business had been existing for ten years already with three to five personnel in-charge in the collection of payments, and been given the opportunity to attend to relevant trainings for at least three to five times a year. Accordingly, credit investigation and item repossession policy are among the commonly employed and existing credit management policies of the motor dealers. Further, the credit management’s control mechanisms along credit, billing, collection and imposition of penalties are highly observed by the motor dealers. The hypothesis when tested revealed a significant positive relationship which suggest that as the number of trainings attended by employees increases their level of assessment on the control mechanism in credit management in terms of collection also increases. The study strongly recommends regular conduct of training to personnel in-charge in collection, the adoption of computerization in recording transactions and giving of incentives to personnel who have reached the collection quota.

Building Preservation Case Study of Pancasila Building in Pasuruan City

/in /by

Some cities in Indonesia have a long history of city development, in East Java, for example the cities of Surabaya, Malang, Blitar, Kediri and Pasuruan are cities that have a history of urban development that still maintains the identity of the city. old buildings or colonial buildings, these buildings can still be suspected through the characteristics of building shapes and the use of ornaments that are characterized by European buildings. For this European building to be preserved, it is necessary to conduct a feasibility study of the aesthetic value contained in the building. The case study taken in writing this article is the Pancasila Building in the city of Pasuruan. The method used is descriptive analysis topically. To support the discussion in this article, field observations and literature studies were conducted. The findings in this study were to determine the physical identity of the building and the meaning of building ornaments.

Effects of Sound on Human’s Short-term Memorization

/in /by

Number of studies reveals that music has an impact on human’s brain and mostly helps us to memorize things. These studies only aim for influences of music on long-term memory helping people to memorize and recalling their recollection better. However, no research nor study regarding effects of music on short-term memory has been conducted. In a very short period, whether hearing music might ruin concentration rather than enhancing attentiveness for the efficiency of memorizing or not. If not, which type of music or sound is more capable in increasing the ability to memorize. These questions lead us to develop online tests (https://lookchinandthegang.wixsite.com/my-site) by using Digit Span Test as a prototype. The tests were adapted to suit our research questions more completely. Several types of background sound were involved in the tests including metronome (100 BPM), alpha wave which people widely use to play in the background while reading, and silent mode. Test takers are a group of teenagers (between 16 and 25 years old) in Thailand. The results illustrate that the average score and the rate of participants’ opinion are nearly identical. Thus, listening to sound while doing the test does not contribute an increase in the efficiency of memorization of participants. Moreover, type of sound is that best to magnify the participants’ ability cannot be identified since there are several opinions regarding listening to sound while doing the test either enhancing the efficiency to memorizing (positive effect) or decreasing the ability of participants to recognize (negative effect) or, indeed, has no impact (neutral effect). To conclude, listening to sound could help increase the effectiveness of short-term memory or not is based on preference of the individuals.

Determining the Relationship between Bangkokian’s Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination and their Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) towards the Contagion

/in /by

In the age of COVID-19 where a lethal contagion is ubiquitous across the globe, vaccination is of supreme significance. Vaccines provide immunity to individuals, rendering them less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection or their symptoms less severe should they ultimately become infected. Vaccinating an adequate proportion of the population can majorly contribute to the achievement of herd immunity, consequently depressing the spread of the Coronavirus and ushering humanity towards eventual subjugation of the ongoing pandemic. Unfortunately, there are obstacles preventing such a roseate prospect from realization, one of which is vaccine hesitancy. Interestingly, past research in various regions around the world has associated this factor, partially, with the public’s knowledge and attitude concerning COVID-19, which could be measured by the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards COVID-19 scale. Such an association plausibly intimates that a public campaign shedding light on accurate information about the contagion might be of help in augmenting people’s willingness to receive vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Because circumstances inevitably varied from place to place, population to population, this study was undertaken to explore whether any similar association existed in Bangkok, Thailand, where the pandemic has been growing progressively worse, with the initial hypothesis that it did. However, results revealed that while there was indeed a statistically significant correlation between Bangkokians’ willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines and their KAP towards the contagion, the correlation was weak (r = 0.30). This evinces the need for a more thorough and farther-reaching study and, until such a study has been meaningfully concluded, the appropriacy of apposite agencies concentrating elsewhere in their efforts to vanquish vaccine hesitancy and accomplish herd immunity against COVID-19.

Predicting the Third Wave over the Footsteps of Spanish FLU

/in /by

It’s been more than a year since COVID-19 is creating havoc all over the world. We have been through two waves since its outbreak in 2019. If we go some 100 years back, we find something that was more or less equally intense in the past called as the ‘Spanish flu’ also known as the ‘1918-19 influenza pandemic’, that infected around 500 million people of which 50 million lost their lives. On a closer look at both the pandemics, there are lot of similarities with regards to its outbreak, spread and mortality rates. This creates suspicion that just like the third wave of Spanish flu, there might be the third wave of COVID-19 too.

Pregnancy Associated Osteoporosis: Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Exercise among Pregnant Women in a Selected Nigerian Community

/in /by

Pregnancy induced decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) often occurs at the femoral necks, lumbar spine and other sites during the second or third trimester of pregnancy leading to pain in the hips, pelvis, low back etc and sometimes fractures even with mild trauma/falls. Exercising during pregnancy has been known to offer several benefits including improving bone health. However, there is paucity of studies investigating the knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women towards exercising to minimize the risk for osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of exercise for the prevention of pregnancy associated osteoporosis among urban and rural dwelling pregnant women in a selected Nigerian community. A total of 258 (168 urban dwelling and 90 rural dwelling) pregnant women were recruited and subjected to interview using a pre-validated questionnaire on KAP of exercise in the prevention of Pregnancy associated osteoporosis. The urban and rural dwelling women had moderate and poor knowledge of exercising for osteoporosis prevention respectively. Both groups of women had moderately positive attitude towards exercising for osteoporosis prevention. Also both groups of women had poor practice towards exercising for osteoporosis prevention. A significant association was only found between having another source of income in the family and the women’s attitude towards exercise.

Anti-Tumor and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Epipremnum Aureum Linn. Leaves against DAL Induced Tumor in Swiss Albino Mice

/in /by

Neoplasia literally means the process of “new growth,” and a new growth is called a neoplasm. The term tumor was originally applied to the swelling caused by inflammation. Neoplasms also may induce swellings, but by long precedent, the non-euplastic usage of tumor has passed into limbo; thus, the term is now equated with neoplasm. Oncology (Greek oncos = tumor) is the study of tumors or neoplasm’s. Cancer is the common term for all malignant tumors. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-tumor activity of ethanolic leaves extract of Epipremnum aureum Linn. and evaluated by in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models. To achieve objectives, EEEA was subjected to phytochemical screening and tested for oral toxicity test. The in-vitro study was carried out by means of MTT assay and Trypan blue dye exclusion assay using DAL cell lines. The in-vivo anti-tumor activity was evaluated against DAL tumour bearing mice by liquid tumour models. Preliminary phytochemical screening was confirmed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, phenolic, steroids, and triterpeniods etc. EEEA showed good cytotoxic effect on DAL cell line in MTT assay and Trypan blue dye exclusion assay. Oral administration of EEEA in tumour bearing mice for 14 days, showed significant reduction in the percent increase in body weight, tumour volume, tumour weight, viable cell count when compared to the untreated mice of the DAL control group. The restoration of the haematological parameters towards the normal control was also observed. The results suggested that the EEEA exhibits significant anti-tumor activity towards both methods. The DAL-bearing mice orally administered leaves of Epipremnum aureum Linn., at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight showed significant change in the average life span compared to animals of the tumor control group. The percentage increase in body weight, tumor cell volume, and number of viable tumor cells were found to be significantly less than the tumor control animals, indicating the anti-tumor nature of the extract.

Entrepreneurial Capabilities of Women Entrepreneurs and Their Contributions to Entrepreneurship Development

/in /by

Women play significant roles in entrepreneurship development in the country, particularly in the province of Camarines Norte. This study determined the entrepreneurial capabilities of women entrepreneurs and their contributions to entrepreneurship development in Camarines Norte. It employed a descriptive method of research in assessing the profile of women entrepreneurs; their entrepreneurial capabilities along identifying business opportunities, running a business, driving innovation and adapting to economic conditions; their contributions to entrepreneurship development and the problems commonly encountered by them.

Findings revealed that respondents mostly were 41 to 50 years old age bracket, married, with a baccalaureate degree, have been running the business for five to ten years as a small-type of enterprise, with an initial capital of ₱100,000 and below, and employed five and below employees. The entrepreneurial capabilities of women entrepreneurs were interpreted as much capable of identifying business opportunities, running a business, driving innovation, and adapting to economic conditions. The contributions of women entrepreneurs to entrepreneurship development were interpreted as much evident in terms of income generation, job creation, innovation, and environment protection. Also, the most common problem encountered by women entrepreneurs is business competition. Given the results of the study, a proposed training design was developed to help women entrepreneurs strengthen their entrepreneurial capabilities.

Activities of Pancreatic Enzymes and Anthropometric Indices in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, South Eastern, Nigeria

/in /by

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes, having high blood glucose, reduced insulin secretion and / or inadequate glucagon secretion. The study is to assess the activities of pancreatic enzymes and anthropometric indices. 81 participants comprised 38 diabetic and 43 control were randomly recruited. Informed, oral and written consent was obtained from the participants. Ethical approval was obtained.6mls of fasting blood samples were collected. Plasma glucose; amylase and lipase activities were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Body mass index (BMI) of participant was determined from height and weight. The results showed significantly increased plasma glucose level in the diabetic participants than in control at p=0.000 and in male diabetics than in female diabetics at p=0.048 in each case. But the activities of lipase, amylase, the mean age and BMI level were the same in both diabetic and control groups at p>0.05 respectively. BMI level, lipase and amylase activities were the same in both genders (p>0.05). Stronger positive correlation exist between Weight Vs BMI (r=0.834; p=0.000), followed by Lipase Vs Amylase (r=0.767; p=0.000), least between Age Vs BMI (r=0.353; p=0.022) but weaker negative associations exist between Height Vs BMI (r=-0.490; p=0.001) and Weight Vs FBS (r=-0.325; p=0.036) in the diabetic subjects. The significant higher level of blood glucose; stronger positive correlation between Lipase and Amylase; Weight and BMI may likely revealed pancreatic exocrine function abnormality in diabetes mellitus type 2.

Compost of Yellow Creeping Daisy (Wedelia Trilobata, L.) Weed to Increase Organic Tomato Yield

/in /by

Numerous weeds, including Yellow Creeping Daisy (Wedelia trilobata) are sources for compost.  Compost efficacy is dependent on several factors, including the source of organic matter, the dosage, the application method, and the period of the application. The purpose of this study was to compare tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum, Mill) growth and yield at various Yellow Creeping Daisy (YCD) compost doses and application times. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with a factorial arrangement consisting of two factors. The treatment combinations were repeated three times. The first factor was the timing of compost application, which were two and one weeks prior to planting, and on planting day. The second factor was the dosage of compost, which was 0, 10, 20, or 30 tons/Ha. Application of YCD compost 1-2 weeks before tomato planting provided greater yield than at planting, as indicated by number of fruit, fruit diameter, and fruit weight per plant. Higher dose of YCD compost application increased the yield of tomato. Application of the compost 2 weeks before planting at 30 tons/ha resulted in the highest yield of tomato.