Isolation and screening of alkybenzene sulfonate-degrading bacteria from sediments in Pasig River

Sediment samples collected from Pasig River were enriched with different concentrations of alkylbenzene sulfonate (ABS), specifically 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/L. Bacteria were isolated from the enriched sediment samples and were streaked repeatedly in ABS-overlaid agar plates to ensure purity. Pure isolates were transferred to Mineral Salt Medium with thiamine and pyridoxine incorporated with respective ABS concentration and were allowed to incubate for a period of 14 days, after which the Classic Methlylene Blue Method was performed. Continuous testing was done every 14 days to monitor a decrease in the absorbance.Dominant isolates were characterized as Gram negative bacilli, others even are endospore formers. Formation of spores was taken as a possible means of adaptation of the microorganism to the harsh environment provided for in the study.Statistical analysis of the absorbance readings obtained during the confirmatory screening tests entailed the use of linear regression in order to determine the rate of degradation of each bacterial isolate. Results showed that majority of the absorbance readings of the isolates declined significantly with the progress of the incubation period. Such decline in the absorbance readings was correlated to a decrease also in the ABS concentration incorporated in the media provided for the isolated microorganisms

Livestock Under Climate Change: A Systematic Review of Impacts and Adaptation

We conducted a systematic literature review to document the scientific knowledge about climate change impacts and adaptation in livestock systems, and to identify research gaps. The analysis was built from the premise that livestock offers substantial opportunities for food security and sustainable development if adaptation to climate change is appropriated. In examining 126 suitable peer-reviewed publications we discovered five research gaps: (1) a lack of research in Asia and South America; (2) a lack of mutual investigation and linkages between impacts and adaptation; (3) a lack of emphasis on mixed crop-livestock systems; (4) a lack of emphasis on monogastric livestock; and (5) an underrepresentation of quantitative methods including yield impact models. The findings suggest that the research on climate change impacts and adaptation in livestock systems needs to move beyond certain geographical contexts and consider key vulnerability priorities, particularly from developing countries. It is pivotal that research begins to jointly look at climate change impacts and the livestock keepers’ adaptation to draw out policy implications and to effectively target support for impact-specific adaptation options. Only if such evidence is established, adaptation will be appropriated accordingly to the needs of the livestock sector, and provision for the growing demand of animal-based products will be secured

Understanding climate change impacts on water buffalo production through farmers’ perceptions

Climate variability and change will increasingly harm crop and livestock systems worldwide. Evidence of climate change impacts are largely documented for crops with much less information for livestock. In this study we assessed smallholders’ risk perceptions of climate change impacts on water buffalo production systems in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Results from a household survey with 310 water buffalo farmers revealed that they are highly aware of climate change to which they ascribed to an increasing frequency of extreme events such as extreme rainfall, floods, typhoons and extreme heat. Perceptions of climate change risks strongly depended on the level of exposure and vulnerability to these extreme events. Feed availability and animal health were identified as the production aspects most severely affected by the multiple weather extremes, posing productivity risks and compelling farmers to adapt. Adaptation measures in the study area have been spontaneous and based on economic drivers rather than planned. These measures included biophysical and farm operational adjustments such as relocation of animals, adjusting forage planting times, use of crop residues, and shifting from rice cropping to buffalo dairying after recurring rice harvest failures. We suggest that there is a need for development of specific and longer-term adaptation measures that are planned to fit the water buffalo sector. Keywords: Smallholder, Carabao, Climate change impacts, Extreme weather events, Livestock adaptation, Philippine

Women's Barriers To Physical Activity

The purpose of our study was to explore UBC students' satisfaction with UBC Recreation’s current Women’s Only programs. Upon reviewing the literature, it was found that women’s overall participation on university campuses was lower than men due to perceived barriers such as feelings of intimidation and a lack of knowledge. A gap in the literature was found in the kinds of effective programming strategies that could be implemented to increase participation and a sense of safety for Women’s Only programming. Thus, a second purpose of the study was whether Women Only staffing during Women’s Only programming would increase feelings of safety and comfort for participants. We explored both perception of existing UBC Women’s Only programs and the potential influence of women only staffing in our study. This study was conducted through a quantitative survey that was targeted towards UBC students who identified as women and were not Thunderbird Sports Club athletes. The questions covered topics such as the knowledge of existing Women’s Only programs, previous attendance and satisfaction with these programs, and the effects of male staff on comfort and participation. Additionally, there were 2 open ended questions for the opportunity to share what other programs there could be and what they believed could improve their experience in the future. The average subject who had previously participated in UBC Recreation’s Women’s Only programming was satisfied with their experience in the program. Accordingly, positive and satisfactory experiences arose from Women’s only programming and may be enhanced by having only women instructors and staff present. Existing literature reports that women feel more comfortable around spaces that are exclusive to women, which informs our participants’ responses where most individuals state that they would feel safer if only women staff were present in the facility. Additionally, other responses from our participants expressed that Women’s Only programming at UBC can be improved through the introduction of Women’s Only self-defense or other combat sports classes. Current limitations with the survey involved the lack of demographic knowledge of the respondents. Moving forward, future research should consider how other factors such as age, ethnicity and faculty of the students can influence one’s knowledge about Women’s Only fitness programming and preferences to participate in Women’s Only fitness programming. Recommendations suggested by the participants included self-defence classes and masculine-dominated sports such as combat sports to increase their sense of safety and accessibility to sports not popular by women. Having only women staff working during the hours of Women’s Only program, and reserving the space for women will invite and encourage participants to join the fitness programs. Programs run by women provides a mentorship role to the participants as well and creates an empathetic and supportive environment. Lastly, strategic marketing to women in existing UBC clubs, first year events like “Imagine Day” and women faculty members will raise awareness to Women’s Only programs. This can be done by presenting flyers in high traffic areas of campus and having dedicated women’s week. Implementing these changes will encourage participation and overall satisfaction in sport. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”Education, Faculty ofKinesiology, School ofUnreviewedUndergraduat

Enhancement of antimicrobial activity of ciprofloxacin using lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 119992 cel lysate against escherichia coli

This study used experimental research design. Using purposive sampling technique, escherichia coli was used as the test sample of the study and alctobacillus gasseri ATCC 19992 cell free extract as an enhancer of ciprofloxacin to test the lower MIC breakpoints. Each organism was tested three times to the same microorganism in order to eliminate biased results and to have an accurate finding. Modified microboth dilution method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of ciproloxacin and its combination with lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 19992. For the cell lysate, pure isolate of lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 19992 of fresh culture in MRS broth was centrifuged in 5000 rpm for 5 minutes, then supernatant was discarded, then the pellet was washed with phosphate buffer and was vortexed to mix the buffer with the pellet thoroughly. The wash step procedure was repeated for 3 times. Sonication for 15-20 minutes was done to lyse the cell completely. The results of the study found out that the minimum inhibitory centration of ciprofloxacin against escherichia coli is 0.9 ug/ml. This MIC has been used and dispense with different contrition’s of lactobacillus gasseri ATCC 19992. it is done in order to know if there is significance or any enhancement produced by the combination