Mitigation Practices of Local Water Districts (LWDs) in the Philippines during Covid-19 Pandemic

This paper discussed the mitigation practices and challenges faced by Local Water Districts (LWDs) during the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of collection, consumption, water resource, human resource and accessibility of its services to continue promoting better service. The researchers applied phenomenological approach and utilized qualitative data gathering through digital forms and follow up interviews to the representative participants from the local water districts in the Philippines. This study is a joint effort in relation to the academe’s function in terms of research to the industry. Its framework was anchored on the theory of change, vital to program success where managers can be better assured that their programs deliver the right activities toward the desired outcomes. Findings revealed that the LWDs have faced varied challenges where they fit their innovative practices. The use of technology is considered both a great help and challenge, depending on the category level of the water district. The researchers concluded that the LWDs focused on the welfare of their concessionaires, employees and upgraded their facilities, regardless of their financial capabilities. It was recommended that the management need to adapt technology, provide further innovative practices, and continue with information dissemination to the concessionaires.

Heterodoxical Ideologies of Some Philosophical ISMS

An impartial analysis and spotlight on the philosophical ‘Isms’ clearly shows that not all the recognized behavioural sciences help us in day to day life and particularly in the trying situations. In fact the primary task of philosophy, traditionally assigned, is to study the nature of human existence and our relationships with each other. Having universally acknowledged the famous Aristotelean remark about human nature that Man is a Social Animal, the very next problem that arises is how to transform him into a cultured animal ? Scores of Isms are available but not all have a true grip on human mind. A few of them can safely be ignored concluding that they have merely earned historical importance but the efficacy of even those in vogue needs to be examined. This is because the struggle of humanity as a whole and in particular, related to the sensitive souls has not ended. It is but natural to look at the Isms with a hope or expectation to get proper guidance. Needless to say, there is a sort of chaos and as scientifically proved there is a continuity at an incomprehensible pace in this entropean world. We have updated our knowledge from scientific research to gain comfort yet there is something missing owing to which complacency is shattered. That is why complex philosophies presented in a verbose manner may impress us for a while but in actual practice they do not serve a right purpose. Philosophical thoughts can get a response in an appreciative manner only when displayed through a simplified version. Philosophers and Thinkers are definitely benefitted from a huge repertoire of knowledge. But the issue is regarding the art of presenting the gist of it for a common man who eagerly seeks guidance from the philosophical Isms. Seekers of wisdom do not have narrow confines but they might face the problem of presentation. No doubt they have to sound academic for exhibiting their scholarship but the world is habituated to dwell on a utility based platform. This paper tries to focus on those Isms which have not only significance but also are usable and therefore, we need to be wary enough in selecting them for following or practising in life.

The Use of Moringa Oleifera Powder to Prevent Pancreatic Organ Cell Damage in Pregnant Mice with Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Diseases that accompany pregnancy, such as diabetes mellitus, affect preeclampsia. This disease is a hereditary disorder characterized by reduced circulating insulin, high blood sugar concentrations, and reduced glycogenesis. This study tried to determine the effect of giving Moringa leaf powder (Moringa oleifera) in preventing pancreatic organ cell damage in pregnant rats with diabetes mellitus.
Method: A total of 30 pregnant white rats, which were divided into 6 groups, were examined for their sugar levels on day 4 after being induced by alloxan for 18 days to ensure that they were already in a hyperglycemic state.
Result: The results showed that the administration of Moringa leaf powder at a dose of 800 mg/day/kg BW could reduce pancreatic cell apoptosis, approaching the negative control group.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the moringa leaf powder is able to improve the clinical pathological condition of pregnancy, due to inhibition of apoptosis and repair of pancreatic Langerhans cells.

Protective Effect of Selenium against Methotrexate Induced Hepatotoxicity

Introduction: The liver is the largest internal organ by percent weight in the human body and has crucial functions, including cholesterol production, intermediary metabolism, hormone synthesis, bile and urea production and drug detoxification.
Objectives: The main objective of the study is to analyse the Protective effect of selenium against methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity in mice.
Material and methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Jinnah Hospital Lahore during 2020. Selenium and all chemical reagents of analytical grades were purchased from Sigma Chemical Co. (St. Louis, Mo, USA). The dose of MTX diluted in water (50% 1ml/kg of body weight of Mice were applied twice a week for six weeks to induced hepatocellular injury determined by liver function tests. The mice were maintained under pathogen-free conditions with air conditioning, a 12-hr light/12-hr dark cycle, and %55 humidity.
Results: Results shows that a significant increase in serum enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and significant decrease in total protein was observed in all groups receiving MTX for the induction of hepatic injury. Mice receiving combination therapy of selenium along with MTX shows a time course recovery towards normalcy. The highest value of ALT (94.83 IU/L), AST (73.21 IU/L) and ALP (157 IU/L) were recorded in Mice receiving MTX for hepatic injury. The lowest values (63.67, 51.49 and 139.95 IU/L) was recorded in group treated with MTX+ Se (200mg/kg b.w) but both the groups differed non significantly and shows the same trend but a decreasing trend in serum enzymes (ALT 32.85%), (AST 29.67%) and (ALP 11.40%).
Conclusion: It is concluded that selenium supplementation in MTX treated rats elicited a reduction in the toxic effects of the pesticide by improving the studied parameters, which was confirmed by the biochemical analysis of serum.

Flood Problem of Puthimari River Basin: History and Present Pattern

Flood is one of the most devastating natural disasters that occurs in all depths, from just a couple inches to many feet. Assam has the vast network of its two major rivers viz. the Brahmaputra and the Barak and their tributaries. However, the Brahmaputra river valley is the most flood prone area in Assam. The research article is made to understand the history and pattern of the damage caused by the flood in the Puthimari basin in Kamrup District of Assam. The study has been carried out using both field survey as well as remote sensing techniques. The hydrological data such as water level and water discharge have been collected from Water Resource Department and Brahmaputra Board, Govt of Assam. The water discharge data has been collected from 1955 to 2010 and the flood damage report from 2016 to 2020 have been collected from different newspapers and Flood Report of Assam State Disaster Management Authority. The flood of 2004 has been recorded as the highest from the danger perspectives. The stage hydrographs have been prepared using maximum and minimum water level from 1958 to 2016 where the flood of 1958 has been recorded as the highest devastating with (54.81- 49.79) 5.02 metre deviation from the danger level.

Current State of the Problem of Colonic Anastomotic Leakage (Review)

The authors of the article cite literature data on the annual incidence of the colon of about 2 million cases with a mortality rate of 25-30%, which is due to the growth of oncological diseases, varying degrees of equipment of institutions dealing with colorectal surgery, various techniques of performing operations, the method of forming anastomoses, and management of the postoperative period. At the same time, the colonic anastomotic leakage (CAL) is noted up to 20-30%.

The authors analyzed in detail the current state of the CAL problem on the basis of the analysis, including the meta-analysis of a number of researchers, who state the influence of many factors, as well as the state of the patient’s body in the development of this complication.

The authors conclude that such a large number of factors, a number of which can be combined, as well as insufficient qualification of the surgeon, significantly complicate the task of developing recommendations for the prevention of CAL.

ANCAT: An Autonomous Learning Card Kit to Help Students Write Ionic Formula

The fundamental of introductory chemistry is formula writing. The basic requirements of high school chemistry subjects are writing chemical formulas, including writing an ionic formula. Students require good practice and knowledge of the formula and charge of the ions to write the ionic formula and name the ionic compound. A set of cards called “Ancat” consists of the basic atom of the ion on one side, and on the reverse side is the name and formula of the ions. The set of cards comprises the anion and cation cards distinguished by color. High school students would use these cards as a self-directed learning tool. As a selfdirected learning tool, students will construct the ionic formula using the card; then, write the formula and vice-versa. By using the cards, students will be able to identify the symbol of each ion, the charge of each ion, the name of the ions, determine the correct formula of each ionic compound by considering the total charge of an ionic compound is zero, and learn the name of the ionic compound. Teachers can replace the traditional homework with this ductile method that can aid motivation in students; besides that, these cards are suitable for blended learning tools in the classroom.

Reality of Awareness and Response of Students to the Risks of Child Sexual Abuse in Cyberspace

This article mainly discuss the reality of awareness and response of students to the risks of child sexual abuse in cyberspace at Van Hoang secondary School in Phu Xuyen district, Hanoi. The survey results are collected from the opinions of 220 students in the research area. The study indicates that students have a certain understanding of the expressions and risks of sexual abuse in cyberspace, however, many of them fail to be correctly aware of these issues. In addition, the research results also show the limited awareness of students about ways of repsonse, prevention and self – protection agaisnt the risks of sexual abuse. Therefore, it is urgent to improve knowledge and skills of secondary school students to cope with the expressions and risks of sexual abuse in cyberspace and realistic solutions are needed.

Role of Aqueous Bark Extract of Terminalia Arjuna on Serum Enzymes in Cigarette Smoke Exposed Rats

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of mortality and a major public concern. The aim of our study to investigate the role of aqueous bark extract of Terminalia arjuna on serum enzymes in cigarette smoke exposed rats. A total fifteen (15) adult healthy Wistar rats from 100-158 were divided into three groups (A, B and C) each containing five rats.  Group (A) serving as control without exposure to cigarette smoke, Group (B) and (C) served as the experimental groups. The group (B) was exposed to Cigarette smoke (6 Cigarettes) for one hour/day for 30 days and experimental group (C) was exposed to cigarette smoke along with oral administration of aqueous bark extract of Terminalia arjuna  (5mg/rat /day) for 30 days. The results indicate that, a significant increase in Alanine amino transferase (ALT) and Aspartate amino transferase (AST) after exposure to cigarette smoke in comparison to control group while, a significant decrease in ALT and AST level after cigarette smoke exposure along with oral administration of aqueous bank extract of Terminalia arjuna in comparison to Cigarette smoke exposed rats due to antioxidant defence mechanism.

Prevalence and causes of ENT diseases evidence in Pakistan

Background: ENT infections are becoming a common issue for the people around the globe. this study aims to explain the prevalence of ENT issues during   January to November 2020 in south of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Author employed the simplified frequency approach for case management and demography moreover the prevalence of ENT issues in general and ear, nose, and throat. This study is based on quantitative approach where data is being gathered through primary sources.

Results: Findings of the research confirm that roat infections are more common than of ear and nose moreover the prevalence of ENT issues are at higher rate that is around 54%. There are four main reasons which often causes ENT problems.

Conclusion: Results of this study are very much significant for general doctors, ENT specialist and clinical staff.