MAXIMS: a computer program for estimating the food consumption of fishes from diel stomach contents data and population parameters

MAXIMS (Computer file), Food consumption, Stomach content, Population characteristics, Computer programmes Pisces

Mandatory Mediation of Civil Cases in a Highly Urbanized City

This study assessed the mandatory mediation in civil cases in Olongapo City. It utilized the descriptive-survey research method with the questionnaire as the primary data-gathering tool. Sixty-six (66) respondents participated in the study. The study also used an unstandardized questionnaire validated by a panel of experts. To analyze the data, the researchers utilized the following statistical tools: frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson Chi-Square test. The study confirms that respondents are highly aware of mediation rules, proceedings, and mediators' code of ethical standards. Results also revealed significant relationships between the level of awareness of the respondents of the mandatory mediation of civil cases and age, the level of awareness of the code of ethical standards with the highest educational attainment, and length of service. In addition, the study also found significant relationships between the profile variables and the extent of implementation. Finally, there was a relationship between the level of awareness and the extent of implementation of the mandatory mediation of civil cases in terms of submitted and disposed cases. The study results served as the basis for developing a Proposed Enhancement Program in implementing Mandatory Mediation of Civil Cases in Olongapo City

Improved Iterative Coordinated Beamforming Based on Singular Value Decomposition for Multiuser Mimo Systems With Limited Feedforward

Coordinated beamforming based on singular value decomposition is an iterative method to jointly optimize thetransmit beamformers and receive combiners, to achieve high levels of sum rates in the downlink of multiusersystems, by exploiting the multi-dimensional wireless channel created by multiple transmit and receive antennas. The optimization is done at the base station and the quantized beamformers are sent to the users through a low rate link.In this work, we propose to optimize this algorithm by reducing the number of iterations and improving its uncoded bit error rate performance. Simulation results show that our proposal achieves a better bit error rate with a lower number of iterations than the original algorithm

The Meaning of Project-Based Learning among B’Laan High School Students: A Phenomenological Study

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the realites behind the Project-Based Learning in the perspective of Blaan High School students, their coping mechanisms to address the the challenges in the project-based learning, and their insights that were shared to their peers and to the academe in general. This qualitative phenomenological study was participated by 17 students from Pongoleel Integrated School in the Division of Sarangani for School Year 2015-2016. There were in-depth interview and focused group discussions conducted. The result of the interview generated themes that were transcribed, translated, coded, and described. As regards to the meaning of project-based learning, the themes that were  generated were as follows: offshoot of learning, grade augmentation, added financial burden and time demand. While for the coping mechanism of students, the themes that were generated: prioritization, resourcefulness and creativity, teamwork and collaboration, parental support,  industry and perseverance. As to their insights, the themes included: give it ample time, give it considerate effort, make it affordable, make it relevant and give distinct guidelines

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica linn.) and Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.Moench): their Potential Utilization in Phytotherapy

The use of botanical extracts and essential oil in skin care has been increasing due to greater demand on the part of consumers to use natural ingredients. Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum really have   big potentials  for reaching the public and showcasing its benefits , thus this study could encourage growers to raise more Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum in their areas not only as  food but as a raw material in the production of natural products which are for health and wellness. Both Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum possess skin healing effect which may be attributed to their biologically active components. Tamarind  possess to have bioflavonoids and alkaloids which occur in its leaves, pulp and bark. The bark contains  tannin which are recommended for treatments of inflammation, ulceration and skin disease. Tamarind has  Tartaric acid that makes it possible for tamarind to works wonders on oily skin with pimples and on sun-damaged.  Sweet Sorghum on the other hand contains emulsion, a substance that can give a moisturizing effect on the skin. the majestic phytochemistry of Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum encouraged the researcher  to produce and test  the acceptability, efficacy and safety of different skin care products that are commonly needed by the community. The Tamarind Leaves soap was proven to be highly acceptable in terms of its color, odor, texture, hardness and overall appearance. Both the Tamarind soap and the Sweet Sorghum soap were safe and free from insoluble soap and fatty acid soap. The percent reduction of acne in using Tamarind soap, Sweet Sorghum and Commercial soap have similar effect on the tenth and twelve days of use. The initial means of the treatments ranges from 10.00 pustule to 2.00 pustule. After 12 days of treatment the mean decrease is zero or equivalent to 100% decrease in the number of acne. The result of this study maybe explained with the result on antibacterial property test ( against Staphylococcus A.) of Tamarind soap and Sweet Sorghum Soap. Tamarind soap with 8% extract was found to be most effective in reduction of pimples. The Tamarind shower gel and Sweet Sorghum shower gels were effective against Staphylococcus Aurous. Tamarind Bark Ointment was an effective anti – inflammatory agent particularly on swelling and redness as well as for wound healing. Tamarind scrub salt, shower gel  and liniment  were also highly acceptable and found to be safe and effective. Result on the acceptability of Sweet Sorghum natural products are comparable to the acceptability of Tamarind natural products.  The development of technology for the Production of Natural  Products from Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum is timely, considering the growing consciousness of consumers on safe, organic and healthy natural products. Likewise, this product diversification scheme can promote multi-uses and competitive of the Tamarind and Sweet Sorghum

Orofacial Injuries in Children and Adolescents (2009-2013): A 5-Year Study In Porto, Portugal

The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of acts of aggression to the head, face and neck towards victims of Physical Violence against Children and Adolescents (PVCA) who were examined at the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences Delegation North (INMLCF-DN) in Porto, Portugal. A study was carried out on 2,148 complaints of physical aggression against children and adolescents (0 to less than 18 years old) occurred between 2009 and 2013 and which were retrieved from information about violence held on INMLCF-DN data files. Continuous variables were described and the association between them was verified by Chi-square or Fischer’s Exact tests with 5% significance level. Within the 5-year timespan, 1,380 cases were identified with clinical relation with physical aggression. Most subjects evaluated were male adolescents and the most affected body region was the face, to which 747 injuries (24.7%) were recorded, with statistically significant association between sex and region (head and face). Victims in 15-17-year-old age group are more susceptible to violence than those in the 0-14-year-old age range. Dentists routinely examine the face, neck and skull, which make them the most appropriate health professionals to identify cases of aggression early.The authors thank the INMLCF-DN (Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses - Delegação do Norte, Portugal) for technical support and CAPES(Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Brazil) for scholarship

Compressive strength and microstructure of alkali-activated blast furnace slag/sewage sludge ash (GGBS/SSA) blends cured at room temperature

In the present work, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and sewage sludge ash (SSA) blends were assessed for the production of alkali-activated pastes and mortars. Percentages of SSA to substitute GGBS ranged from 0–30 wt.% and sodium concentrations of 6–10 mol.kg-1 were used for the activating solutions. Pastes and mortars were cured at 20 ºC for up to 90 days. Raw materials were characterised by granulometric analysis, XRF, XRD, FTIR and SEM techniques. The replacement percentage of GGBS by SSA and the sodium hydroxide concentration of the alkaline activator were optimised to produce mortar with compressive strengths close to 30 MPa after 28 curing days at room temperature. Best results were obtained in samples blended with 20 wt.% SSA activated with 6 mol.kg-1 NaOH solutions which, according to the XRD, FTIR and microscopic results, contained higher amounts of (N,C)-A-S-H gel. The potential use of SSA for the development of alternative cementitious materials at room temperature has been demonstrated

Traffic-Related Pedestrian Deaths in the Mountain West, 2022

This fact sheet examines data from Smarth Growth America’s report, “Dangerous By Design, 2022,” which reports on traffic deaths throughout the United States. This fact sheet highlights pedestrian deaths as well as deaths among specific groups based on age, race, ethnicity, and media household income between 2016 and 2020 in the Mountain West: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. This fact sheet builds upon a 2020 fact sheet, titled “Traffic-Related Pedestrian Deaths in the Sun Belt Region,” which examined Smart Growth America’s assessment of pedestrian safety for the years 2008 to 2017