High Times: Is The Federal Legalization of Marijuana Next? What the Food and Drug Administration Could Learn from its Existing Regulations

This student comment examines the efficacy of marijuana being regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The author discusses and applies potential FDA regulatory models that could be used to regulate marijuana. The comment concludes marijuana could be easily regulated under the current Food and Drug Administration regulatory scheme and suggests that marijuana should be regulated in a manner akin to tobacco rather than as a drug

Oil Price Volatility and Business Profitability: Evidence from The Local Market

This study seeks to investigate the impact of oil price volatility on business profitability in the Province of Guimaras. Through a mixed-methods approach, the study aims to answer important research questions such as the correlation between crude oil price changes and micro business profitability and investment, potential differences in the effect of crude oil prices during periods of high and low prices, trends in the profitability of micro businesses entrepreneurs, the role of the oil and gas upstream segment and its prospects for the future, and proposes an extension program toolkit to help micro business entrepreneurs mitigate the impact of oil price fluctuations on their businesses. The study will collect and analyze data from 200 micro business entrepreneurs operating in five municipalities within the Province of Guimaras, which represent approximately 90 percent of micro businesses in the area by population. By providing significant insights into the impact of oil price volatility on small businesses, the findings of this study can help inform policymakers and business owners to improve economic sustainability and competitiveness in the local market. The researchers recommend several strategies to help small businesses better manage the risks associated with oil price volatility. These include diversifying business operations and revenue streams, developing proactive risk management strategies, seeking financial support and education, and advocating for policies that promote energy efficiency or diversify energy sources. The researchers hope that these recommendations will help small businesses maintain profitability in the face of changing market conditions

Pedagogical Modeling in the Graduate School Education: Developing A Framework for Total Quality Management

This research study delves into the dynamic realm of pedagogical modeling in graduate school education at the Guimaras State University (GSU) and the development of a comprehensive Total Quality Management (TQM) framework. By employing a mixed-methods research design, the study assessed the existing state of pedagogical practices, their alignment with TQM principles, and the development of a structured framework to enhance the quality of graduate education. The findings reveal a nuanced perspective among graduate students and faculty members regarding the current pedagogical landscape, with strengths and areas for improvement identified. The study highlights a moderate alignment between current practices and TQM principles, emphasizing the need for a more robust integration of quality management principles into pedagogical modeling. As a significant outcome, a comprehensive TQM framework for graduate education at GSU emerges from the research findings. This framework incorporates essential components, including data-driven decision-making, quality assurance mechanisms, learner-centric curriculum design, continuous improvement initiatives, and outcomes-based assessment. The study underscores the importance of proactive implementation of the developed TQM framework, faculty development programs, and student involvement in quality improvement initiatives. Robust data collection and analysis mechanisms, quality assurance processes, resource allocation, and change management strategies are recommended to support the framework\u27s successful integration. The research concludes by advocating for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to assess the long-term impact of the TQM framework and encourages the dissemination of best practices within GSU and beyond. By embracing these recommendations, Guimaras State University can pave the way for an enriched graduate education experience that aligns with international standards of quality and continuous improvement. This research study offers valuable insights and a structured approach to enhance the quality of graduate education through pedagogical modeling and Total Quality Management principles, ultimately contributing to the advancement of GSU\u27s mission of excellence in educatio

FACTORS AFFECTING ELECTRONIC MONEY (E-MONEY) SALES CASE STUDY IN BANKING ENTITIES IN INDONESIA

Electronic money instruments with non-cash transactions continue to increase positively from year to year. This is also due to the launch of the national non-cash or cashless movement which has been widely applied, especially in Indonesia. This study aims to find out what factors influence e-money sales, especially in banking entities in Indonesia. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis method using SPSS 22, which aims to examine the relationship or effect of the dependent variable with the independent variable. The results of the study have found that in the partial sale of electronic money is only influenced by e-money marketing channels / partnerships. While ease of transaction, ease of top up, and type of design do not have an impact on e-money sales. Meanwhile, simultaneously, these factors have an impact on E-Money sales

Challenges and Opportunities in Teaching Writing Online Amidst the Pandemic: Voices from English Language Teachers in Philippine Universities

With the sudden transition to online instruction in most educational institutions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be assumed that there is paucity in research as regards the teaching of writing online during this crisis moment. To address this niche, 13 Filipino university English language teachers were asked to participate in both online semi-structured and follow-up email interviews to describe their experiences in teaching writing online during the pandemic, particularly the challenges they faced, their coping strategies to address these challenges, and the opportunities in online teaching they valued. The interview responses revealed three major challenges in teaching writing online: technological concerns and equity issues, vague response of schools to emergency remote teaching, and problems in assessment. Three key strategies to cope with these challenges were found: flexibility in communicating with students and in accommodating their concerns, initiatives for professional development, and gaining support from colleagues and students. Despite the challenges of online instruction, two opportunities for development in online writing instruction were identified: optimizing the use of online-teaching platforms and resources, and enhancing one’s reflective practice. Implications for teaching writing online in particular and for online learning and teacher education in general are discussed in the paper

ANALISIS PERTUMBUHAN DAUN Thalassia hemprichii DI PERAIRAN SEKITAR DESA TULUSAN KECAMATAN TAGULANDANG KABUPATEN SIAU TAGULANDANG BIARO

Seagrass is a flowering plant that can grow well in shallow marine environments. All seagrasses are one-seed plants that have roots, rhizomes, leaves, flowers and fruit just like plants on land. This research was carried out from August to September 2023 in the nearby waters of Tulusan Village, Tagulandang District, Sitaro Islands Regency. This research aims was to determine the growth rate of Thalassia hemprichii leaves on two different substrate types. Analysis of seagrass growth rate was measured using the seagrass leaf growth rate test, normality test and independent T-test. The results of this research showed that the average growth rate of young leaves was 0.29 cm/day and old leaves 0.15 cm/day on the sandy substrate, while on the mixed sand substrate and dead coral fragments, young leaves were 0.24 cm/day and old leaves 0.09 cm/day with a measurement interval of 7 days. The results of the normality test using the Liliefors formula for seagrass data show that it has a normal distribution. The results of the independent T-test on mixed sandy substrate and coral fragments showed that there were significant differences in seagrass leaf growth. The results of parameter measurements on sandy substrates ranged in temperature from 30˚C - 37˚C, salinity 30 ppt - 31 ppt, pH 8 and on coral rubble sand substrates ranged from 30˚C - 35 ˚C salinity 30 - 32 ppt, pH 8. Keywords: Seagrass, Substrate, Growth   ABSTRAK Lamun adalah tumbuhan berbunga yang dapat tumbuh dengan baik dalam lingkungan laut dangkal. Semua lamun adalah tumbuhan berbiji satu yang mempunyai akar, rimpang, daun, bunga dan buah seperti halnya dengan tumbuhan yang ada didarat. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Agustus - September 2023 di perairan sekitar Desa Tulusan Kecamatan Tagulandang Kabupaten Kepulauan Sitaro. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui laju pertumbuhan daun lamun Thalassia hemprichii pada dua tipe substrat berbeda. Analisis laju pertumbuhan lamun diukur menggunakan uji laju pertumbuhan daun lamun, uji normalitas dan uji T independen. Hasil penelitian ini diperoleh rata-rata laju pertumbuhan daun muda yaitu 0,29 cm/hari dan daun tua 0,15 cm/hari pada tipe substrat berpasir, sedangkan pada tipe substrat pasir pecahan karang mati, daun muda 0,24 cm/hari dan daun tua 0,09 cm/hari dengan interval pengukuran 7 hari. Hasil uji normalitas dengan menggunakan rumus liliefors data lamun menunjukan mempunyai sebaran normal. Hasil uji t independen pada tipe substrat berpasir dan pecahan karang menunjukan ada perbedaan nyata pertumbuhan daun lamun. Hasil pengukuran parameter pada substrat berpasir berkisar suhu 30˚C - 37˚C, salinitas 30 ppt – 31 ppt, pH 8 dan pada substrat pasir pecahan karang berkisar suhu 30˚C -35 ˚C salinitas 30 – 32 ppt, pH 8.. Kata Kunci: Lamun, Substrat, Pertumbuha

KAJIAN STRUKTUR KOMUNITAS MOLUSKA DI PANTAI REKLAMASI TELUK MANADO

This study aims to determine the increase or decrease in mollusk species on the reclamation coast and also to determine the development of the mollusk community structure and its activities in the intertidal zone of the reclamation coast of Manado Bay. Based on the results of sampling obtained 15 species from 7 families. The mollusk density value is 58.30 Ind/m2. The diversity index obtained from the results of the analysis is classified as low, namely H' = 1.684. The dominance value obtained from the results of data analysis is low, namely C = 0.37. The highest species frequency value was found in the Cellana radiata species with a value of 0.60 and the lowest in the Menathais tuberosa species, Drupa rubusidaeus, Drupa ricinus, Nerita polita, with a 0.03 value. The relatively high significance index was found in the species Saccostrea cuccullata with a value of 106.28%, while the lowest value was found in the species Menathais tuberosa and Drupa ricinus with a value of 1.24%. The response and adaptation ability of mollusks in the intertidal zone varies based on the size of the species and their adaptability. The reclamation beach of Manado Bay has a temperature of 29.5 °C, salinity of 30 0 /00, and the obtained pH is 8. Based on these results, the reclamation coastal waters of Manado Bay are classified as good for mollusk life.Keywords: Community Structure, Mollusk, Reclamation

KEANEKARAGAMAN DAN KELIMPAHAN FILUM ECHINODERMATA PADA ZONA INTERTIDAL MOLAS KECAMATAN BUNAKEN KOTA MANADO

Echinoderms are one of the main components of marine biodiversity that play an important role in ecosystem function. The purpose of this study to determine the diversity, abudance,dominance, frequency and important value index of the phylum Echinoderm.The method use in this research was cruising method and the quadratic transect method. The results of this study on intertidal zone of Molas obtained as a whole includes four classes, namely Asteroidea, Echinoidea, Ophiuroidea and Holothuroidea with a total of 12 species. Based on data analysis used the quadratic transect method, it was obtained: at station I H' = 1.666, the highest species abundance index is Protoreaster nodosus at 1.133 ind/m2 and relative at 40.48%, C = 0.245 and the highest relative dominance of P. nodusus was 66.90%, the highest species frequency index is P. nodusus of 0.467 and a relative of 33.33% and the highest important value index is P. nodusus of 140.71% while at station II it is obtained H' = 1,384, The highest species abundance index is Diadema setosum at 3.067 ind/m2 and relative 55.42%, C = 0.359 and the highest relative dominance is D. setosum at 85.63%, the highest species frequency index is P. nodusus at 0.4 and relative at 27. 27% and the highest important value index of D. setosum was 159.23%.Keywords: Echinoderms, Diversity, Abundance, Dominance, Frequency, Important Value Inde