Inclusive Policies for Women in the Agrifood System: A Guide for Local Policymakers in the Philippines

Inclusive Policies for Women in the Agrifood System: A Guide for Local Policymakers in the Philippines aims to provide local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders with a guide for designing inclusive policies that promote women’s empowerment, gender equality, and resilience in the agrifood system. The specific target audience of this guidebook is: Local policymakers who are elected officials of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) or Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) responsible for designing local ordinances and resolutions.Local planning and development coordinators (LPDC) involved in coordinating programs and activities for local development.Civil society members of the Local Development Council, Municipal or City Agriculture and Fisheries Council (MAFC or CAFC), and other councils engaged by the LGU in designing and implementing plans and programs. This also includes non-government organizations that advocate for the interests of women and workers in the agriculture sector.Researchers interested in the study of governance

A Commentary on Patronage Democracy in the Philippines

Patronage Democracy in the Philippines: Clans, Clients, and Competition in Local Elections. Julio C. Teehankee and Cleo Anne A. Calimbahin, editors. Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2022

Synergistic and Antagonistic Effect of Avocado (Persea americana) Leaves, Pulp and Seed Extracts with Antibiotics against Bacteria

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing worldwide health concern, jeopardizing treatment efficacy and resulting in significant mortality. With standard antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and vancomycin becoming less effective, this study investigates the possibility of avocado extracts, which include antibacterial components, as an alternative treatment for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The study determined the optimal concentration of avocado seed, leaf, and pulp extract exhibiting the strongest antibacterial activity. Agar plates inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were prepared. The identified avocado extract concentration was combined with dissolved antibiotics and placed in wells on the agar plates for diffusion. The study evaluated the interaction between avocado extracts and antibiotics against E. coli and S. aureus. Clindamycin and penicillin exhibited synergistic effects with avocado leaf and pulp against S. aureus but antagonistic effects against E. coli. Vancomycin and ciprofloxacin demonstrated antagonistic effects against E. coli but synergistic effects against S. aureus. Avocado seed extract showed varying effects, with synergistic activity against E. coli in combination with penicillin and antagonistic activity against S. aureus when combined with ciprofloxacin. Overall, the results suggest that avocado extracts can influence the efficacy of antibiotics, but the specific interactions vary depending on the antibiotic and bacterial species. Future research should consider exploring Gram-positive bacteria beyond Staphylococcus aureus, such as MRSA, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Clostridium difficile, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Moreover, studying Gram-negative bacteria other than E. coli, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, Salmonella enterica, and Acinetobacter baumannii, is suggested. Future researchers could use different methods to study the synergistic effect of avocado extract and antibiotics, such as the checkboard technique or time-kill assays. They could also test specific phytochemicals and consider using the Factorial Inhibition Concentration Index (FICI)

Impact of Communication Campaigns to Blaan Indigenous Peoples Covered by Community Health and Development Program, University of the Philippines Manila

The Blaan tribe of Mindanao Island is an Indigenous group that lacks access to healthcare; thus, the University of the Philippines Manila School of Health Sciences (UPM SHS) Community Health Development Program (CHDP) provides annual information and educational campaigns to address major health emergencies in Barangay Kalkam, Tupi, South Cotabato. A total of 24 Blaan respondents gave their views on the program\u27s dengue, malnutrition, teenage pregnancy, and family planning campaigns using a closed-ended survey, qualitative KAP analysis, and ethnovideography. Results showed that information dissemination is limited to printed media and interpersonal communication via small groups; the contents of health communication campaigns are less understandable; and social mobilization efforts demonstrated low levels of community engagement. Additionally, communication between health workers and Blaan indigenous peoples is not transactional due to the lack of feedback and involvement in the decision-making process. The respondents\u27 knowledge of health demonstrated low levels of end-user engagement, reflective of unsustainable knowledge of modern medicine. Normative changes are only evident in family planning campaigns. The long-term sustainability of health promotion among indigenous peoples may be inhibited due to non-evident normative changes that trigger societal transformation. The paper suggests that a specialized communication strategy intended for Blaan Indigenous peoples must be considered and applied to react collectively and effectively to address health issues

Potential Protective effect of COVID-19 Vaccines from New-Onset Autoimmune Diseases Following COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review

AbstractAlthough the effects of COVID-19 infection mainly present as respiratory illness, emerging evidence indicates immune dysregulation increasing the risk of autoimmune disease (AD) development. This systematic review aimed to establish the global prevalence of new-onset autoimmune diseases following COVID-19 infection and its association with vaccines. Utilizing the PICOS framework, 1,137 studies were identified from six databases and citation searching. The screening procedure removed 116 duplicates, 416 unrelated studies, 587 ineligible studies, and 10 studies with insufficient data following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysies (PRISMA) protocol. The findings of eight included studies can be synthesized: there is an increased risk of developing new-onset autoimmune diseases following COVID-19 infection, whereas rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Sjögren\u27s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus were the most globally prevalent ADs. All but one included study presented a compelling picture of the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in reducing the risk of developing various new-onset autoimmune diseases compared to the unvaccinated group. This systematic review showed that the new-onset ADs were increasingly prevalent in patients with recorded COVID-19 infection and a clinical presentation affecting organ-specific to systemic manifestations in children, adults, and across countries. Notably, the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines extends even to the sequelae of the infection. It stands to reason that COVID-19 vaccines are protective in preventing disease outcomes. Individuals with symptoms indicative of COVID-19 infection should be tested for COVID-19 to establish baseline data, have access to immediate treatment, and prevent exacerbation of the infection. Individuals with lingering effects from COVID-19 infection should consult healthcare providers to access long-term care planning and prevent the development of new-onset autoimmune diseases. Healthcare governments may consider refining their existing COVID-19 policies and extending support to individuals with post-COVID infection

Mirasol Worx: Exploring an Integrated Performance Art in Communicating Mental Health Messages through the Lens of Embodied Cognition

What remains to be the gap in mental health awareness, prevention, and treatment in the Philippines is the humanistic reinforcement of health initiatives that mainstream lived experiences. This paper examines the communicative potential of integrated performance art in representing the schema of embodied knowledge on mental health conditions. Specifically, this practice-led research of the artist-mental health patient as the proponent aims to (a) ascertain the appropriate creative process in embedding mental health messages in an integrated live performance exhibition with audiovisual elements, (b) to determine the audience’s reception of representations of mental health struggles. With theoretical underpinnings from the Theory of Embodied Cognition, the integration of mental health messages from previously produced 60-seconder short films as the video art form complemented with a live kinesthetic and aural stimulation in a performance art space at La Herencia Davao in 2023. This two-run exhibition elicited narrative-based insights from live audiences consisting of psychologists, communication students, and practitioners in the field of visual and media arts. Anchoring on Stuart Hall and David Morley’s concepts of audience positioning and “interpretive communities”, the sentiment analysis yielded themes on how both the artist-patient and the audience can initiate discourses on the therapeutic value of artistic practice and expression, which can augment preexisting efforts that facilitate a culture-sensitive health promotion on mental illness and conditions. Moreover, the communicative and persuasive potential inherent in various audio-visual creative executions employed in this study provides a rich opportunity for synergy among scholars and experts in the field of public health and the humanities and creative arts with messages that resonate beyond the ideals of contemporary science communication

Diagnostics Tools for HIV and Monkeypox in Low- and Medium-Income Countries

Forty-seven percent of the world’s population has little to no access to diagnostics, with the greatest impact on populations in low- and medium-income countries (LMICs). This is problematic for equity, social justice and pandemic preparedness. Among the many reasons for this inequitable access is the conception of unsuitable diagnostic tests for LMICs. How can researchers develop adapted tests for LMICs? To adress this need, we first developed a new diagnostic technology (LuLISA) with high sensitivity, high troughput, and reduced cost. However, this technology is not well suited to LMICs. Hence, we adapted this technology to a nitrocellulose based diagnostic test (LuLiStrip) and stick format (LuLiStick) to democratise our technology for different needs including laboratories with limited equipment and funding. As our technologies are based on the use of nanobodies-fused-luciferase, we have also developed our own portable luminometer. Through these innovations, we aim to democratize the use of bioluminescence in diagnostic testing for laboratories implemented in LMICs and for point-of-care testing

The Effect of Clinical Placement on Level IV Nursing Students\u27 Professional Identity Formation

The study sought to evaluate the influence of clinical placements on the development of professional identity among the Level IV nursing students at Ateneo de Zamboanga University. It explored how clinical instructors, rotation experience, and learning environment impact the Level IV nursing students’ professional identity and readiness for practice. The study evaluated the experiences of 180 Level IV nursing students using a survey questionnaire to rate factors affecting learning experiences and the effects of clinical placements on Professional Identity Formation. The aim was to gather comprehensive feedback on respondents\u27 experiences to understand their professional identities and future intentions in nursing. The study shows that clinical placements significantly influence students\u27 professional identities, with most respondents stating they positively impact their competency, confidence, and skills. Positive factors such as supportive clinical instructors, opportunities for reflection, and exposure to different cases, in either hospital or community placements, provided invaluable opportunities to gain firsthand experience that combines academic knowledge with practical skills, thus enhancing readiness for professional practice. These experiences are crucial for preparing students for their professions and achieving career goals. This supports the theory that clinical rotations significantly influence the development of professional identities among Level IV nursing students. The study recommends enhancing nursing education through better clinical areas, healthcare facility collaborations, and experiential learning. This maximizes student training and clinical placement options. The Nursing Board should align the curriculum and professional standards, promote a healthy learning environment, and employ effective teaching methods. It also invites further research with larger samples and longitudinal data gathering to have a more full understanding of the elements that influence professional identity

Views and Experiences on Fasting during Ramadan among Muslim Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Phenomenological Inquiry

This study was done to address the conflict between the health practices and religious practices of Muslims by the health professions to improve healthcare for Muslim diabetic patients who were fasting during Ramadan. Ten (10) participants underwent in-depth interviews and five (5) participants participated in the focus group discussion, as recommended by Creswell (2009). Data was collected when clearance from the Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc.\u27s Research Ethics Committee was given. Most of the participants practiced self-reliance by taking medicines and observing their diet. All participants mentioned eating the same food for Suhoor and Iftar. They experienced hypoglycemia and were aware of it during the month of Ramadan; however, they had a strong belief that Allah (SWT) would let them survive through fasting. The creation of national educational materials and guidelines for the diabetes management of diabetic Muslims fasting during Ramadan is highly recommended. Overall, proper communication and openness between healthcare practitioners, diabetic Muslim patients, and religious authorities can bridge the gap in treating diabetes among diabetic Muslims while fasting during Ramadan

A Web-based Rabies Data Analytics Dashboard: Forecasting the Trends of Dog and Human Rabies Cases with Vaccine Cost-Optimization

This study introduced a rabies data analytics dashboard module for the Davao City Veterinarian’s Office. The dashboard aims to enhance rabies management, leveraging predictive analysis and data visualization for canine and human rabies prevalence, vaccination requirements, and a translatable rabies control recommendation system for local government units. The development of the dashboard covers the software development life cycle, including the requirements and design phase, modules for forecasting rabies cases, and vaccination needs. The system utilizes Laravel, Python, and MySQL, with mathematical models including Long Short-Term Memory, a human rabies model, and goal programming, and underwent usability tests for its effectiveness. The rabies analytics dashboard incorporated key elements such as a landing page, user manual, forecasting table, recommendation tab, and rabies trends and forecasts. The dashboard was built using Laravel and Bootstrap for a user-friendly interface. Power BI generated visual reports for actual and forecasted rabies data. Models like LSTM for dog rabies predictions, a human rabies model for human rabies prediction, and a goal programming model for estimating vaccination needs were integrated using Python and SQL, enhancing automation and accurate trend analysis. User testing, involving members from both the Davao CVO and RabDash DC, produced a System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 77.92 out of 100, indicating a high level of usability and user satisfaction. The positive feedback underscores the dashboard’s effectiveness in managing rabies cases and informing vaccination efforts. It is recommended to make the prediction of dog and human rabies cases at the barangay level to help the Davao CVO make location-specific decisions in controlling rabies cases, or the researcher can also concentrate the predictions on the barangays with the greatest number of rabies cases historically