Communication competence on Facebook

Social media has become part of many people’s way of life. One of them most popular social media sites is Facebook which allows them to establish and maintain connectivity worldwide. One aspect of Facebook users that has not yet been explored much as a subject of investigation is communication competence. This descriptive-comparative study was conducted to determine the perceived communication competence on Facebook of the select students of University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP). Stratified random sampling was used to determine a sample size of 80 students. Validated survey questionnaires were distributed to the respondents. The data were analyzed using mean, percentage and standard deviation to describe the variables investigated in the study such as frequency and level of the students’ exposure on Facebook, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine the significant difference of communication competence sub-skills among the students. The findings show that most of the respondents were highly competent communicators in certain sub-skills while the rest were relatively competent in other sub-skills. Overall, the respondents need to acquire—or rather, holistically develop—their communication competence which combines the sub-skills on “knowing what to say” and “knowing how to communicate”

Species diversity and distribution of mangrove vegetation in Moalboal, Cebu Island, Philippines

This study identifies the diversity and distribution of mangrove species in Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines. Diversity and distribution assessment were conducted through non-experimental descriptive research design. The findings of the study revealed that mangrove vegetation in Moalboal is deteriorating and has continued to degrade over time. Species diversity was also found to be very low, with the Shannon-Weiner Index (H’) registering coefficients ranging from 0.8854 to 1.2268 for the various areas in Moalboal. There were only four species belonging to three families of mangroves identified, of which Sonneratia alba was determined to be the most dominant. With these results, rehabilitation and protection of mangrove vegetation is recommended to the local management and to ensure the strict implementation, protection and conservation of mangrove management in the studied areas. There is a need to reforest the areas with emphasis on repopulating disappearing species to avoid further degradation. It is further recommended to conduct more research on the implementation of the conservation activities and its effect on the abundance of the mangroves in the area. The study of ecological adaptation of mangroves, relative density, frequency and relative dominance must be undertaken to serve as important bases in community-based management programs

Philosophies of the mind and body

This paper presents an analysis of Descartes and Ricouer’s philosophies which explores the nature and connection of the mind and body, in terms of their tenets, similarities, differences as well as their implication to the understanding of the metaparadigm in nursing. The first part of the paper gives a brief background on the philosophers and their philosophies focusing on Descartes' Dualism then comparing it to Ricouer's concept of “Selfhood”. Meanwhile, the second part of this paper deals with how these two philosophies affect our understanding of the metaparadigm in nursing (Fawcett, 1984) specifically, the concept of person, health, environment, and nursing

Bridges of hope

This study explores the stories of students who had stopped formal schooling and experienced being in the Alternative Learning System (ALS), which is another form of education that is not commonly taken, for those who want to get back into the educational system. Using Narrative Inquiry, specifically Labov and Waletzky’s six-part narrative analysis for the construction (The Abstract, Orientation, Complicating Action, Evaluation, Resolution, and Coda), seven (7) informants were interviewed about their stories and experiences throughout the entirety of their academic pursuit with ALS. Five (5) main plots emerged from the interviews, namely: (a) “The Wanderer’s Quandary”; (b) “The Fork at the End of the Road”; (c) “The Path Less Traveled”; (d) “The Unceasing River”; and (e) “The Open Field.” Each main plot has corresponding subplots for each informant. The findings revealed that the experience of being an ALS student is not easy. Being in a different form of education, different from what society usually pursues, comes stigma. Strong will and perseverance had lead these people to go through with ALS. It became their bridge of hope to a second chance towards their pursuit through education

Wives’ roles among alcoholic partners in the Philippine context

Alcoholism, the most common form of addiction, can be considered a societal and familial problem. In controlling the alcoholic consumption of husbands, wives may play a significant role. The present study aimed to know the profile of selected couples, determine the wife’s effort in controlling the husband’s alcohol use, and assess the correlation of possible risk factors associated with husband’s alcohol use and wife’s effort in Talisay City, Cebu. A total of 97 couples were screened using inclusion criteria (18-60 years of age, living together for at least six months, and the husband must be an alcohol user). All couples satisfied most of the criteria except the criteria where the husband must be an alcohol user, leading to only 65 qualified couples (67%). Husbands and wives were interviewed separately using a structured questionnaire. Husbands were asked about their alcohol use and wives were asked regarding their efforts in controlling their husband’s alcohol use. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between wives’ effort towards the alcohol-user ‎husband and their husbands’ type of alcohol use, level of alcohol use, and history of alcoholism in the family. ‎‎Moreover, significant positive relationships were found between the wife’s effort towards controlling the husband’s alcohol use and the number of children. Results imply that the wife’s effort to control the alcohol consumption of their husband has a relationship with the husband’s level of ‎alcohol use. The wife is seen to play a critical role in regulating alcoholism in the family and community. Thus, in increasing awareness and control of alcoholism in the community, housewives must also be targeted

Clinical observation of dogs serologically positive for the potentially zoonotic Ehrlichia Canis in the Philippines

Canine Ehrlichiosis is a disease with worldwide distribution caused by the potentially zoonotic Ehrlichia canis, a Gram negative intra-cellular pathogen transmitted by the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick. Most studies have reported the epidemiological distribution of E. canis, but information on the clinical signs and hematological values were limited and retrospectively gathered. The present study endeavored to prospectively document the clinical profile of dogs that were serologically positive for E. canis in the Philippines. A total of 68 canine patients presented at the Makati Dog and Cat Hospital, Manila, Philippines were investigated. Inclusion criteria were history or presence of tick infestation, anemia, and/or thrombocytopenia. Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes, and plasma samples were tested for E. canis using a commercial serological test kit. Clinical signs were recorded, and complete blood counts (CBC) were performed. Results revealed that 86.7% (59) were found serologically positive for E. canis. Most seropositive dogs had tick infestation, inappetence, and lethargy. Thrombocytopenia and anemia accompanied with normal WBC counts were the common hematologic findings. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences in the hematological values of seropositive and seronegative dogs. Also, from the clinical signs, only lethargy was found to be significantly correlated with seropositivity (p value = 0.026). This study documents the clinical profile of dogs that were serologically positive for E. canis infection in the Philippines. Results are very useful to clinical practitioners who usually rely on clinical signs, CBC and commercial test kits for the diagnosis of Canine Ehrlichiosi

Negritos de Cebu

This study was conducted to describe the different and changing livelihood and resource management strategies of migrant Aetas in Cebu, utilizing mini-ethnographic study methods namely observations, field notes, interviews, analysis of secondary documents and immersions.  The Aetas in Naga, Cebu were originally from Antique then moved down to Barotac Viejo in Iloilo and northern Negros sugar haciendas before settling in Naga, Cebu. From being hunter-gatherers and Swidden agriculturists, they gradually shifted to wage work, men adapted to working in construction sites and women selling basic forest products like charcoal and medicinal herbs. In the process, the different individual and household livelihood conservation approaches were analyzed taking into account specific patterns of resource mobilization and livelihood. Through this migration movement, Aeta women and men experimented with different livelihood strategies. This type of evolution, with wage employment, subsistence farming and dependence on natural resources from the forest, was continued in their resettled area by maintaining contacts with other Aeta groups, which opted to remain in their original abode even in situations of fast-changing environmental changes of degradation and precarious peace and order. This is also expressed in their set of traditions and belief system related resource management. The migrants are undergoing communal changes but are also able to maintain a sense of continuity by maintaining their mobility and being flexible in their livelihood strategies and agro-forestry practices. These are in continuous change which can be supported by developmental interventions. &nbsp

Family and caregiving values

While career choices are personal, it is also influenced by factors leading to a careful decision making process. These factors affecting a student’s decision of taking up nursing may provide insights on the issue of declining nursing student numbers. The aim of this research is to explore the factors influencing first year nursing students’ decision of pursuing nursing as a career choice. The study utilised a descriptive qualitative design using written accounts of first year nursing students regarding the factors influencing their decision to study nursing. The study revealed two emerging themes: (1) future for the family; and (2) caregiving experience. The theme future of the family indicated the personal and economic gains of pursuing a career in nursing and the brighter future it brings with it. The second theme caregiving experience highlighted the significance of Filipino nursing students’ experience of being a caregiver for their family and relatives, wherein it is viewed that if they have prior knowledge they can do better.  Filipino nursing students’ career choice for nursing is influenced by Filipino values of family ties and genuine passion developed out of personal caregiving experience

Potential predictors of academic performance in science in a state university

Science has made the world find the many things that people enjoy today especially those that have made their lives easy. Being an important indicator of a country's development, Science has been given importance by the government and the society. This study considered the possible factors that could predict the academic performance of students in Science at UP High School Cebu. The study utilized descriptive survey employing multiple regression to determine which among the factors considered can predict academic performance in Science. Results showed, at 0.05, that only Science anxiety and teacher’s efficacy are significant potential predictors of academic performance in Science. These interesting results deviate from most similar studies which showed that attitude towards Science, Science motivation, and perceived stress affect the academic performance. One of the recommendations indicated that further studies should be conducted to find out other possible predictors of academic performance in Science among UP High School Cebu students

Predictors of performance in the licensure examination for agriculturists (LEA) in Western Mindanao State University

Success of graduates in the Licensure Examination for Agriculturists (LEA) presents a tangible confirmation of the instructional quality in an HEI. This retrospective, ex post facto study (N=216) investigated predictors of first attempt success in the LEA among Agriculture graduates of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU). Non-academic and academic variables were selected after exhaustive literature review centered on licensure examinations. Unfortunately, there is a need to fill the research gap as far as LEA success predictors are concerned. Heider’s Attribution Theory and Shewhart’s Theory of Prediction contextualized success of WMSU College of Agriculture graduates in the LEA. This study determined the gender, degree program, length of time between graduation and examination, Overall Ability Percentile Rating (OAPR), General Weighted Average (GWA) in English, Mathematics, Crop Science, Soil Science, Crop Protection, Animal Science, Agricultural Economics and Marketing, Agricultural Extension and Communication, and performance in the LEA (pass/fail). The study revealed the predictors and determined the binary logistic regression model: Likelihood of success in the LEA log (p/1-p) = -0.12 (Gender) + 0.35 (Degree program) – 0.02 (Length of time between graduation and examination)+ 0.70 (Overall ability percentile rating) + 0.60 (English GWA) + 0.76 (Mathematics GWA) – 0.16 (Crop Science GWA) – 2.00 (Soil Science GWA) - 0.72 (Crop Protection GWA) – 0.18 (Animal Science GWA) – 1.04 (Agricultural Economics and Marketing GWA) – 0.06 (Agricultural Extension and Communication GWA) + 0.30. The research also revealed that OAPR and Soil Science GWA are good predictors. These outcomes may serve as baseline information that will enhance and modify existing admission policies. Remediation and curriculum development among others are suggested as a result of the current study. &nbsp