Vaccination and Immunization as Perceived by Badjao Parents in Surigao City, Philippines

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Health authorities in the Philippines are tackling emerging infectious diseases among Filipino children by implementing precautionary measures, with a focus on strengthening immune systems. The cornerstone of their efforts is the 40-year-old Expanded Immunization Program (EPI), a key initiative by the Department of Health. This descriptive quantitative study aimed to inspire provision for Filipino children with safe vaccinations, addressing diseases like measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough. The EPI has significantly reduced death and morbidity rates associated with preventable diseases. This study delves into the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and confidence among Badjao parents in Barangay Canlanipa, Surigao City, regarding children’s vaccination and immunization. The methodology included the utilization of researcher-made questionnaires and statistical tools such as the Frequency Count and Percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation, and Chi-Square Test. The study highlighted that despite challenges such as limited education and socioeconomic factors, many Badjao parents prioritized their children’s vaccination and immunization. However, the study revealed disparities in knowledge and confidence levels, emphasizing the need for targeted information campaigns. The study recommends targeted programs to promote the EPI’s benefits among the Badjao community and urges health authorities to conduct information drives. It also suggests exploring how personal experiences, like family illnesses, affect vaccination decisions. The study ultimately provides valuable insights for local stakeholders, healthcare providers, and future researchers, highlighting the importance of vaccination and immunization for children’s health.

Prediction of Stock Price Volatility Using the Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) Model for Investment Portfolio Selection Strategy

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Volatility is an important variable in financial data models. Predicting volatility in financial data is helpful for investors to make good decisions to reduce risk and to gain investment returns. In predicting volatility, many researchers have conducted research in building prediction models using data mining. This research uses a deep learning algorithm, namely Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) which has high accuracy compared to other models. The research aims to predict stock price volatility and for investment portfolio selection. The object of this study is the historical stock price of PT. Unilever Indonesia Tbk. (UNVR), PT. Fast Food Indonesia Tbk. (FAST) which manages KFC and PT. MAP Boga Adiperkasa Tbk. (MAPB) which manages Starbucks in the period 2023 to 2024, when there was a boycott caused by the war between countries that occurred in the Middle East. The data is analysed using the LSTM model where stock price volatility was determined by the variance of the return and log return on the next seven days, then using LSTM the stock price volatility data was predicted. The results show that the MSE and RMSE values are very small, which means that the volatility prediction results are almost the same as the actual data. And the average volatility prediction results in UNVR stock of 0.00841, MAPB stock of 0.01717, and FAST stock of 0.01323. From these results can be used as a reference for the selection of investment portfolios.

Cultural and Natural Heritage Concerns and Cost of Equity: Case of Global Cement and Cement-Related Industries

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In recent business landscape, term of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is interesting for many investors who concern on that. By implementing SDGs and ESG, investors and companies are expect to participate in the world sustainable development target. One of the SDG metric is strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. With the 75 samples of cement and cement-related company across the world, this thesis delves into the nuanced of relationship between cultural and natural heritage issues and its cost of equity. Recognizing the profound impact of cultural and natural heritage concerns on corporate reputation, social license to operate, as well investor’s perception, this research endeavors to elucidate the intricate interplay between these variables through research approach encompassing quantitative methodologies. The result of this research is showing that cultural and natural heritage issue is negatively correlate to the cost of equity which means the better the cultural and natural heritage score of a company, the lower its cost of equity among its peers. The regression analysis result in P-Value 0.016; coefficient -6.12 for cultural and natural heritage index impact to cost of equity (in market model) and in P-Value 0.033; coefficient -5.30 for cultural and natural heritage index impact to cost of equity (in Bloomberg CAPM), which considered significant. Implication of these finding are that cultural and natural heritage issue can be a threat for the company image as well can influence various aspects of company activities, if it is not well managed.  Therefore, companies should start concern on any cultural and natural heritage since it has significant implication for investor’s decision and perception which can be depicted in its each cost of equity.

Health Impact of Co-Infestation with Gastrointestinal Helminthes Parasites in Cattle in Bangangté Subdivision, West Cameroon

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There is growing interest in the scientific community about co-infestations and the determinism of their synergistic action against their hosts, in a prospect of improving animal survival rates and production. A big number of parasitic associations have been tested, most of which include parasites belonging to radically different systematic groups. This study measures the impact of gastro-intestinal parasitic associations in bovines on two health parameters: the PCV and the body condition score.  To this end, we conducted a survey in the district of Bangangte from May to July 2022. Six (06) cattle farms (Bos taurus) were selected for a total of 300 animals. Blood, Fecal matter collection and careful visual observation for Body score condition recording took place on each animal part of the study. Lab analysis of fecal matters revealed eggs of 11 parasitic helminths species and their respective prevalences was calculated. The species whose eggs were discovered are: Haemonchus contortus (from 44,67 % of animals), Fasciola gigantica (38,33%), Trichostrongylus axei (13,33%), Nematodirus battus (8,33%), Ostertagia ostertagi (7,67 %), Cooperia spp. (6,00%), Strongyloïdes papillosus (4,00%), Paramphistomum cervi (3,67%), Moniezia benedeni (1,33%), Toxocara vitulorum (0,67 %) and Trichuris spp (0,33%). We found that 70,6% of animals was infested with at least one parasite, while 42% presented at least two parasites. The combinations of parasites having the most negative effect on the hematocrit level were composed of: O. ostertagi, Cooperia spp and Strongyloides papillosus. The one reducing the body condition score the most was the association of Ostertagia ostertagi and Strongyloides papillosus. More studies in a controlled environment, with artificial infestations, are required to confirm the adverse effects of parasitic associations delighted in this study.

Implementation of Evacuation Management Plan of a Rural Barangay in Surigao Del Norte, Philippines

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This descriptive quantitative study evaluated the extent of evacuation management plan implementation as experienced by the residents of Brgy. Poblacion, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte. The respondents were 123 residents and were selected through convenient sampling. The data gathered were analyzed and treated using the following descriptive statistical tools: frequency count and percentage distribution, mean and standard deviation, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that the camp coordination and management plan was moderately implemented. This suggests that while the plan is being implemented to some extent, there is room for improvement to ensure a more effective and robust evacuation process in the future. In addition, the findings showed a significant degree of difference in the perceived implementation extent of the evacuation phase with respect to the respondents’ years of residency, indicating that length of stay may impact residents’ knowledge, familiarity with the area, and ability to contribute to the community’s resilience during evacuations. Finally, it was recommended that implementing the recommended strategies, actions and proposed enhancement plan can have a transformative impact on the barangay’s camp coordination and management plan.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs of Paulinian College Students about Diabetes

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The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the degree of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Paulinian college students on diabetes for appropriate plans and interventions. The participants were 218 Paulinian college students at St. Paul University Surigao during the academic year 2022-2023. The study employed a quantitative descriptive research design involving the use of a researcher-made survey questionnaire that underwent validation and pilot testing. The data gathered were analyzed and treated by using the following descriptive statistical tools: frequency count and percentage distribution, mean and standard deviation, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Shapiro-Wilk test. Results showed that the college students had a significant degree of difference in the level of respondent’s attitudes and beliefs on Diabetes based on behavior formation and belief generation when grouped according to age, sex, and socio-economic status. Students had significant differences in their attitudes and beliefs when grouped as to their knowledge as there was found to be a correlation between attitudes and beliefs. Generally, the findings showed that there is a significant degree of difference in the level of respondent’s knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. It was recommended to provide an action plan as a health education strategy according to their knowledge about Diabetes for a continuum favorable attitude of students and change their beliefs on a more scientific approach and analyze deeply the misconceptions regarding the disease.

Perceived Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Clinical Care and Treatment of Tuberculosis-Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (TB-DOTS) Patients

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The study determined the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical care and treatment of TB-DOTS patients in Claver, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, from 2020 to 2022. The research utilized a quantitative approach through a descriptive survey, with 150 respondents through purposive sampling. Most respondents were male, and a notable proportion had completed high school. The analysis employed descriptive statistical tools, showing a positive attitude toward the financial aspects of compliance and heightened awareness of COVID-19 preventive measures. Despite challenges introduced by the pandemic, such as difficulties attending medication refill appointments, TB-DOTS patients generally expressed satisfaction with Claver’s healthcare facilities, there are variations based on educational attainment and occupation. These variations suggest the need for tailored interventions to address the specific needs and challenges of different groups of patients. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare services and medication refill appointments is evident. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on TB services, health authorities in the Philippines collaborated with key stakeholders to ramp up and adopt easy-to-implement solutions. One solution was home-visit treatment with the help of health workers.

Adherence to Hypertension Management Practices Based on International Society of Hypertension (ISH) Guidelines among Hypertensive Patients

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Hypertension is a significant global health concern with profound cardiovascular implications. The researchers used a quantitative research design employing a descriptive research survey approach and the instrument used to seek information was a researcher-made questionnaire for assessing demographic characteristics, adherence to hypertension management such as medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and blood pressure control. These tools were used in data analysis frequency count and percentage distribution, mean and standard deviation, and lastly analysis of variance (ANOVA). This abstract presents a study conducted in Brgy. Washington, Surigao City, focusing on adherence to hypertension management guidelines by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH). Respondents generally showed high adherence to hypertension management, primarily taking medicine, with moderate adherence to monitoring blood pressure, physical activity, and diet, influenced by demographic factors. The study found no significant difference in medication adherence or adherence to a balanced diet among hypertensive individuals in Brgy. Washington, but did show differences based on age, occupation, income, and years of hypertension, emphasizing the need for community-based initiatives.

Antioxidant Properties and Antibacterial Activity of Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) Bark and Leaf Extract against Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli

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This study comprehensively investigated the antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) bark and leaf extract against two common bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The objective was to assess the potential therapeutic applications of breadfruit extract in combating bacterial infections caused by these organisms. The researchers employed an experimental research design, utilizing controlled experiments to evaluate the effects of breadfruit extract on the target bacteria. Both the bark and leaf parts of the breadfruit plant were examined in the study.  The extracts were subjected to analysis to identify and quantify the presence of beneficial compounds. The analysis revealed the presence of various compounds, including but not limited to Phenolic Acid and Flavonoids, which are known for their potential health benefits and antioxidant properties. These compounds were found to be present in relatively high concentrations, suggesting the potential of breadfruit extract as a source of natural antioxidants. In terms of antibacterial activity, the breadfruit leaf extract exhibited promising results by demonstrating significant inhibitory effects against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In contrast, the bark extract showed limited effectiveness against Escherichia coli but displayed some inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings suggest that breadfruit extract may have potential as a natural antimicrobial agent, particularly in combating Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Gender Existence in Japanese Bushu Kanji

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The term gender refers to differences in the character of men and women based on socio-cultural construction, which is related to their nature, status, position, and role in society. Gender is a human perspective or perception of women or men that is not based on natural biological sex differences. This research aims to describe the existence of gender in the female bushu kanji by looking for the interpretation of the kanji, and then explaining it descriptively. The research approach used in this research is a qualitative approach with the type of research being descriptive research with a population of all kanji that have the kanji for women, with a sample of kanji that have the bushu kanji for women. The results of the research show that the kanji have the bushu kanji for women to interpret the nature of women in society. The gender existence seen in the female bushu kanji is divided into: women have attributes; women have social status in both the imperial environment, ordinary society, and the family; women as drivers; and, women and their vices.