Diversity and Distribution of Plasmodial Myxomycetes (Slime Molds) From La Mesa Ecopark, Quezon City, Philippines

Myxomycetes are ubiquitous in terrestrial forest ecosystems. Thus, this research study looks at the taxonomic diversity and distribution of plasmodial myxomycetes in La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City, Philippines. A total of 240 moist chambers were prepared from four substrates (aerial and ground leaf litter, twigs and barks) collected within this ecopark. Following incubation of moist chambers for eight weeks, a total of 28 species belonging to 10 genera were collected and identified: Arcyria (3), Diderma (2), Didymium (5), Lamproderma (2), Perichaena (3), Physarum (8), Macbrideola (1), Metatrichia (1), Trichia (1) and Stemonitis (2). Highest myxomycete yield (85%) was observed in aerial leaf litter. In terms of taxonomic diversity, highest diversity was observed in bark microhabitats, although the lowest number of species was recorded in it. Assessment of their abundance and distribution showed similarities in species composition between aerial and ground leaf litter. This research study is the first report of plasmodial myxomycetes in La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City, Philippines

Effectiveness And Safety Assessment Of Mist tonica, A Herbal Haematinic

Anaemia is a widespread public health problem, and in Ghana it is the fourth leading cause of hospital admissions and the second factor contributing to death. Mist Tonica, an herbal haematinic produced by the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine (CSRPM), Ghana, was assessed for its effectiveness and safety in humans after Ethics Committee approval. Clinically established anaemic-patients aged, 13 years and above, with haemoglobin levels less than 11.5 g/dl and 13.5g/dl for females and males respectively were treated with Mist tonica, 8.96 g/ 40 mls three times daily for two weeks . The mean haemoglobin rise per week caused by Mist Tonica was 1.92 (0.76) g/dl, range (1.66 - 2.55) g/dl/week and over 88 % of the patients on Mist Tonica had their appetite for food improved. Haematological profile, liver and kidney functions were not adversely affected by Mist tonica. Results of the study suggest that Mist Tonica is an effective and safe herbal haematinic. Keywords: Anaemia, haemoglobin, herbal, haematinic, safety, effectivenessAfr. Jnl of Trad Comp Alt medicine Vol. 5 (2) 2008: pp. 115-11

The Decomissioning Of The Moro Islamic Liberation Front Combatants In Camp Darul Arham, Butig Lanao Del Sur And It’s Implication To Peace

Alongside the roadmap toward the creation of the Bangsamoro is an implementation of Normalization Process by both the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which mandates among others the decommissioning of MILF forces and weaponry. As a critical part of the similarly critical normalization process, decommissioning shall be a process of putting the weapons of the MILF beyond use and a process of allowing a smooth transition for MILF combatants to productive civilian life. In line with this, this paper aims to: (a) track the socio-demographic profiles of the combatants; (b) examine the perceptions of the combatants in the decommissioning; (c) describe the role of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) in the decommissioning process and challenges encounter; (d) draw implication from the findings of the study to peace building. The study utilized the explorative-evaluative research design that employed the qualitative descriptive approach in the interpretation of data to one hundred (100) combatants of Darul Arham and IDB staff.  A researcher-designed survey questionnaire was used to elicit necessary information. Results show that the combatants highly perceived socio-economic assistance specifically financial, social development, and economic and sustainable livelihood assistance to be extended to them as they are being decommissioned. The study recommends for the strengthening of measures for the both parties, the GPH and the MILF, to promote and guarantee free movement of IDB and create an environment free of fear and of intimidation so it can fulfill its part in the normalization process.  &nbsp

DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF PLASMODIAL MYXOMYCETES (SLIME MOLDS) FROM LA MESA ECOPARK, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES

Myxomycetes are ubiquitous in terrestrial forest ecosystems. Thus, this research study looks at the taxonomic diversity and distribution of plasmodial myxomycetes in La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City, Philippines. A total of 240 moist chambers were prepared from four substrates (aerial and ground leaf litter, twigs and barks) collected within this ecopark. Following incubation of moist chambers for eight weeks, a total of 28 species belonging to 10 genera were collected and identified: Arcyria (3), Diderma (2), Didymium (5), Lamproderma (2), Perichaena (3), Physarum (8), Macbrideola (1), Metatrichia (1), Trichia (1) and Stemonitis (2). Highest myxomycete yield (85%) was observed in aerial leaf litter. In terms of taxonomic diversity, highest diversity was observed in bark microhabitats, although the lowest number of species was recorded in it. Assessment of their abundance and distribution showed similarities in species composition between aerial and ground leaf litter. This research study is the first report of plasmodial myxomycetes in La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City, Philippines