A Proposed Electronic Selective Dissemination of Information Through SMS and Email in an Academic Library

In this digital age, information overload is a problem. Information across internet has exploded and filtering information pertaining to individual’s interest increases. One method for addressing this problem is through e-Selective Dissemination of Information (e-SDI). It is fast and easy way of disseminating information to library users through the use of email or text messages. This study aimed to determine the preferred means of receiving, the level of effectiveness and challenges encountered in the conduct of e-SDI service at the University Learning Resource Center, Saint Mary’s University of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines using quantitative method of research. Findings revealed that: 1) the respondents preferred text messaging as the mean of receiving information from the ULRC; 2) the level of effectiveness of e-SDI was high; and 3) the pressing problems encountered by the faculty respondents were the slow internet connection and wifi connection, lack of instruction on the use of e-SDI service, and privacy issues on the use of personal data and gadgets

Community Awareness on Earthquake and Assessment on Earthquake Risk Reduction Practices in a Philippine Municipality

This study determined the level of awareness on earthquake and assessment on earthquake risk reduction practices in a Philippine municipality which covered 150 household heads from 15 barangays of Malvar. The study used the descriptive method of research and used self-made questionnaire to gather the necessary data. For analysis, weighted mean and Pearson r were used. In the light of the significant findings revealed in the study, the following conclusions were drawn: the respondents were aware of the occurrence earthquake and the earthquake risk reduction practices of the Municipality were good. It was found out that there is no significant relationship existed between the respondents’ level of awareness and their assessed risk reduction practices. The findings of the study afforded the researchers in drawing various suggested activities to strengthen the implementation of earthquake risk reduction practices in the Philippines. Based on the conclusions formulated in the study, the following recommendations were offered. The officials of the municipality may provide funds in order to supply the basic needs and facilities of the community. The officials of the municipality may improve their way of warning the public especially by providing visible signages that would be a great help for them to become aware of the different hazards present to the locality. The officials of municipality may provide map of evacuation in every barangay that could help the community to easily find their route after such dilemma. The officials of Malvar may improve the trainings and activities that would help the Search and Rescue teams to respond quickly when a phenomenon happens. This will decrease the possibility of an injured person in critical condition

Exogenous glucosamine globally protects chondrocytes from the arthritogenic effects of IL-1β

The effects of exogenous glucosamine on the biology of articular chondrocytes were determined by examining global transcription patterns under normal culture conditions and following challenge with IL-1β. Chondrocytes isolated from the cartilage of rats were cultured in several flasks either alone or in the presence of 20 mM glucosamine. Six hours later, one-half of the cultures of each group were challenged with 10 ng/ml IL-1β. Fourteen hours after this challenge, RNA was extracted from each culture individually and used to probe microarray chips corresponding to the entire rat genome. Glucosamine alone had no observable stimulatory effect on the transcription of primary cartilage matrix genes, such as aggrecan, collagen type II, or genes involved in glycosaminoglycan synthesis; however, glucosamine proved to be a potent, broad-spectrum inhibitor of IL-1β. Of the 2,813 genes whose transcription was altered by IL-1β stimulation (P < 0.0001), glucosamine significantly blocked the response in 2,055 (~73%). Glucosamine fully protected the chondrocytes from IL-1-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors as well as proteins involved in prostaglandin E(2 )and nitric oxide synthesis. It also blocked the IL-1-induced expression of matrix-specific proteases such as MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-12, and ADAMTS-1. The concentrations of IL-1 and glucosamine used in these assays were supraphysiological and were not representative of the arthritic joint following oral consumption of glucosamine. They suggest, however, that the potential benefit of glucosamine in osteoarthritis is not related to cartilage matrix biosynthesis, but is more probably related to its ability to globally inhibit the deleterious effects of IL-1β signaling. These results suggest that glucosamine, if administered effectively, may indeed have anti-arthritic properties, but primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent

Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies in Asia and the Pacific

This report explores how resilience thinking can strengthen public policy to enable the transformation towards sustainable societies envisaged by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Asia-Pacific region. The report takes stock of the changing nature of risk in Asia and the Pacific, and the stresses, shocks and opportunities that are affecting a diverse region’s prospects for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). It quantifies the effects of selected natural hazards, commodity shocks and pollution shocks on the region’s fundamental human systems. It highlights practical efforts being made by citizens, civil society, government and the private sector to build resilience capacities. It urges attention on the need to strengthen our ability to transform our societies if we are to achieve the SDGs. This joint report is a contribution to the ongoing regional and global dialogue on pathways to achieving sustainable development

An Insertion Sequence-Dependent Plasmid Rearrangement in Aeromonas salmonicida Causes the Loss of the Type Three Secretion System

Aeromonas salmonicida, a bacterial fish pathogen, possesses a functional Type Three Secretion System (TTSS), which is essential for its virulence. The genes for this system are mainly located in a single region of the large pAsa5 plasmid. Bacteria lose the TTSS region from this plasmid through rearrangements when grown in stressful growth conditions. The A. salmonicida genome is rich in insertion sequences (ISs), which are mobile DNA elements that can cause DNA rearrangements in other bacterial species. pAsa5 possesses numerous ISs. Three IS11s from the IS256 family encircle the rearranged regions. To confirm that these IS11s are involved in pAsa5 rearrangements, 26 strains derived from strain A449 and two Canadian isolates (01-B526 and 01-B516) with a pAsa5 rearrangement were tested using a PCR approach to determine whether the rearrangements were the result of an IS11-dependent process. Nine out of the 26 strains had a positive PCR result, suggesting that the rearrangement in these strains were IS-dependent. The PCR analysis showed that all the rearrangements in the A449-derived strains were IS11-dependent process while the rearrangements in 01-B526 and 01-B516 could only be partially coupled to the action of IS11. Unidentified elements that affect IS-dependent rearrangements may be present in 01-B526 and 01-B516. Our results suggested that pAsa5 rearrangements involve IS11. This is the first study showing that ISs are involved in plasmid instability in A. salmonicida

Vertical stratification of the air microbiome in the lower troposphere

The troposphere constitutes the final frontier of global ecosystem research due to technical challenges arising from its size, low biomass, and gaseous state. Using a vertical testing array comprising a meteorological tower and a research aircraft, we conducted synchronized measurements of meteorological parameters and airborne biomass (n = 480) in the vertical air column up to 3,500 m. The taxonomic analysis of metagenomic data revealed differing patterns of airborne microbial community composition with respect to time of day and height above ground. The temporal and spatial resolution of our study demonstrated that the diel cycle of airborne microorganisms is a ground-based phenomenon that is entirely absent at heights >1,000 m. In an integrated analysis combining meteorological and biological data, we demonstrate that atmospheric turbulence, identified by potential temperature and high-frequency three-component wind measurements, is the key driver of bioaerosol dynamics in the lower troposphere. Multivariate regression analysis shows that at least 50% of identified airborne microbial taxa (n = ∼10,000) are associated with either ground or height, allowing for an understanding of dispersal patterns of microbial taxa in the vertical air column. Due to the interconnectedness of atmospheric turbulence and temperature, the dynamics of microbial dispersal are likely to be impacted by rising global temperatures, thereby also affecting ecosystems on the planetary surface

Job Motivation and Its Impact on Job Satisfaction Among Accountants

Job motivation remains an area of concern among researchers due to the rising issues of poor or lack of motivation among workers. This refers to one’s personal will or drives to perform a task at work. Meanwhile, job satisfaction refers to an employee’s sense of fulfillment with his or her work experience. Therefore, the current study utilized the descriptive- correlational research design to investigate the impact of job motivation on the job satisfaction of accountants. To gather essential data and achieve the objectives of the study, Multidimensional Work Motivational Scale (MWMS) and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) were administered to the target respondents. The collected data were then analyzed using a Multiple Regression Analysis; findings revealed that job motivation has a significant impact on the job satisfaction of accountants. Additionally, the results of this study were carefully evaluated and discussed, and recommendations were made to benefit the stakeholders of the study and contribute to the existing body of knowledge

Predictors of enhancing human physical attractiveness: Data from 93 countries

People across the world and throughout history have gone to great lengths to enhance their physical appearance. Evolutionary psychologists and ethologists have largely attempted to explain this phenomenon via mating preferences and strategies. Here, we test one of the most popular evolutionary hypotheses for beauty-enhancing behaviors, drawn from mating market and parasite stress perspectives, in a large cross-cultural sample. We also test hypotheses drawn from other influential and non-mutually exclusive theoretical frameworks, from biosocial role theory to a cultural media perspective. Survey data from 93,158 human participants across 93 countries provide evidence that behaviors such as applying makeup or using other cosmetics, hair grooming, clothing style, caring for body hygiene, and exercising or following a specific diet for the specific purpose of improving ones physical attractiveness, are universal. Indeed, 99% of participants reported spending &gt;10 min a day performing beauty-enhancing behaviors. The results largely support evolutionary hypotheses: more time was spent enhancing beauty by women (almost 4 h a day, on average) than by men (3.6 h a day), by the youngest participants (and contrary to predictions, also the oldest), by those with a relatively more severe history of infectious diseases, and by participants currently dating compared to those in established relationships. The strongest predictor of attractiveness-enhancing behaviors was social media usage. Other predictors, in order of effect size, included adhering to traditional gender roles, residing in countries with less gender equality, considering oneself as highly attractive or, conversely, highly unattractive, TV watching time, higher socioeconomic status, right-wing political beliefs, a lower level of education, and personal individualistic attitudes. This study provides novel insight into universal beauty-enhancing behaviors by unifying evolutionary theory with several other complementary perspectives

Predictors of Enhancing Human Physical Attractiveness: Data from 93 Countries

People across the world and throughout history have gone to great lengths to enhance their physical appearance. Evolutionary psychologists and ethologists have largely attempted to explain this phenomenon via mating preferences and strategies. Here, we test one of the most popular evolutionary hypotheses for beauty-enhancing behaviors, drawn from mating market and parasite stress perspectives, in a large cross-cultural sample. We also test hypotheses drawn from other influential and non-mutually exclusive theoretical frameworks, from biosocial role theory to a cultural media perspective. Survey data from 93,158 human participants across 93 countries provide evidence that behaviors such as applying makeup or using other cosmetics, hair grooming, clothing style, caring for body hygiene, and exercising or following a specific diet for the specific purpose of improving ones physical attractiveness, are universal. Indeed, 99% of participants reported spending \u3e10 min a day performing beauty-enhancing behaviors. The results largely support evolutionary hypotheses: more time was spent enhancing beauty by women (almost 4 h a day, on average) than by men (3.6 h a day), by the youngest participants (and contrary to predictions, also the oldest), by those with a relatively more severe history of infectious diseases, and by participants currently dating compared to those in established relationships. The strongest predictor of attractiveness-enhancing behaviors was social media usage. Other predictors, in order of effect size, included adhering to traditional gender roles, residing in countries with less gender equality, considering oneself as highly attractive or, conversely, highly unattractive, TV watching time, higher socioeconomic status, right-wing political beliefs, a lower level of education, and personal individualistic attitudes. This study provides novel insight into universal beauty-enhancing behaviors by unifying evolutionary theory with several other complementary perspectives

A Proposed Electronic Selective Dissemination of Information Through SMS and Email in an Academic Library

In this digital age, information overload is a problem. Information across internet has exploded and filtering information pertaining to individual’s interest increases. One method for addressing this problem is through e-Selective Dissemination of Information (e-SDI). It is fast and easy way of disseminating information to library users through the use of email or text messages. This study aimed to determine the preferred means of receiving, the level of effectiveness and challenges encountered in the conduct of e-SDI service at the University Learning Resource Center, Saint Mary’s University of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines using quantitative method of research. Findings revealed that: 1) the respondents preferred text messaging as the mean of receiving information from the ULRC; 2) the level of effectiveness of e-SDI was high; and 3) the pressing problems encountered by the faculty respondents were the slow internet connection and wifi connection, lack of instruction on the use of e-SDI service, and privacy issues on the use of personal data and gadgets