Prevalence of risky behaviours and determinants of multiple sex partnerhip among male Filipino seafarers

Background. This study describes the HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and related practices among male Filipino seafarers assigned to non-passenger vessels. It also identifies some factors associated with the seafarers’ practice of having multiple sex partners. Material and methods. An analytical cross-sectional study design, utilizing a standard interview schedule administered to 501 male seafarers from 12 large manning agencies in Metro Manila. Results. Multiple logistic regression analysis shows that seafarers who are unmarried and who have a history of alcohol drinking are more likely to report multiple sex partnerships compared to married men and those who do not drink alcohol, respectively. Men who have inadequate knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention and those who are relatively young are also more likely to engage in multiple sex partnerships. Conclusions/Recommendations. HIV prevention messages should target the unmarried and young seafarers. The HIV module during pre-departure needs to be reviewed for the seafarers’ knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention to improve. The use of condoms during high-risk sexual encounters should be emphasized. (Int Marit Health 2010; 61; 4: 215-223

Genetic Basis of Tetracycline Resistance in Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis

All strains of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis described to date show medium level resistance to tetracycline. Screening of 26 strains from a variety of sources revealed the presence of tet(W) in all isolates. A transposase gene upstream of tet(W) was found in all strains, and both genes were cotranscribed in strain IPLAIC4. Mutants with increased tetracycline resistance as well as tetracycline-sensitive mutants of IPLAIC4 were isolated and genetically characterized. The native tet(W) gene was able to restore the resistance phenotype to a mutant with an alteration in tet(W) by functional complementation, indicating that tet(W) is necessary and sufficient for the tetracycline resistance seen in B. animalis subsp. lactis

Endophyte Effects on Antioxidants and Membrane Leakage in Tall Fescue During Drought

Tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.)=Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire] infected (E+) by its fungal endophyte [(Neotyphodium coenphialum Morgan-Jones & Gams.) Glenn, Bacon & Hanlin] often shows greater persistence during summer drought than endophyte-free (E-) plants (Malinowski et al., 2005). Survival of the apical meristem and growing zone of vegetative tillers likely involves biochemical adaptations whose benefits to the host are enhanced by endophyte presence. Antioxidant enzymes may scavenge free radicals during heat and drought, and thereby reduce membrane damage. Their roles in endophyte-mediated drought tolerance in tall fescue have not been tested. Our objective was to determine the endophyte influence on antioxidant enzyme activities, membrane leakage, and tiller survival in tall fescue during water deficit

Applying Task Force Recommendations on Integrating Science and Practice in Health Service Psychology Education

The proper role of research skills and training to conduct research in professional psychology education has been controversial throughout the history of the field. An extensive effort was undertaken recently to address that issue and identify ways the field might move forward in a more unified manner. In 2015, the American Psychological Association (APA) Board of Educational Affairs convened a task force to address one of the recommendations made by the Health Service Psychology Education Collaborative in 2013. That recommendation stated that the education and training of health service psychologists (HSPs) include an integrative approach to science and practice that incorporates scientific-mindedness, training in research skills, and goes well beyond merely “consuming” research findings. The task force subsequently developed recommendations related to the centrality of science competencies for HSPs and how these competencies extend beyond training in evidence-based practice. This article discusses the findings of the task force and the implications of its recommendations for education and training in HSP. The challenges and opportunities associated with implementing these recommendations in HSP graduate programs are examined

CHANGING MOBILITY OF FILIPINO PROFESSIONALS IN RESPONSE TO K TO 12 IMPLEMENTATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Professional Mobility is considered an intrinsic trait or character of a worker that pushes to make a decision to career change (Kumlai, 2007). This study analyzes the changing professional mobility of working professionals, who take 18 units in Professional Education, to qualify the Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET) as a requirement in teaching for basic education (RA, 7836). It seeks to answer the following objectives: (1) describe the profile of the respondents in terms of age, sex, personal and alma-mater status, professional degrees earned and professional satisfaction, (2) analyze the factors that affected their decision to take the Diploma in Professional Education (DPE), (3) ascertain their propensity to teach and (4) generate respondents’ expectations to the teaching profession. This study employed a descriptive survey method using a purposive sampling of 133 professionals. A survey questionnaire was used as a primary tool. Young Filipino professionals change their career to teaching due to dissatisfaction attributed by unemployment, underemployment, low salaries, boredom, work suffocation and unfulfilled expectations. The competent salary package of the public school teacher is the number one attraction that led to the changing professional mobility. Working professionals have the potentiality to shine in the teaching profession and become passionate, altruistic, and stable with life-changing outlook for both personal and professional growth. Their propensity to teach provides a modest tolerance, a passion for integrity, a culture of excellence and a resolute stewardship for learning, which are vital indicators for a prospective self-efficacy in teaching

CHANGING MOBILITY OF FILIPINO PROFESSIONALS IN RESPONSE TO K TO 12 IMPLEMENTATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Professional Mobility is considered an intrinsic trait or character of a worker that pushes to make a decision to career change (Kumlai, 2007). This study analyzes the changing professional mobility of working professionals, who take 18 units in Professional Education, to qualify the Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET) as a requirement in teaching for basic education (RA, 7836). It seeks to answer the following objectives: (1) describe the profile of the respondents in terms of age, sex, personal and alma-mater status, professional degrees earned and professional satisfaction, (2) analyze the factors that affected their decision to take the Diploma in Professional Education (DPE), (3) ascertain their propensity to teach and (4) generate respondents’ expectations to the teaching profession. This study employed a descriptive survey method using a purposive sampling of 133 professionals. A survey questionnaire was used as a primary tool. Young Filipino professionals change their career to teaching due to dissatisfaction attributed by unemployment, underemployment, low salaries, boredom, work suffocation and unfulfilled expectations. The competent salary package of the public school teacher is the number one attraction that led to the changing professional mobility. Working professionals have the potentiality to shine in the teaching profession and become passionate, altruistic, and stable with life-changing outlook for both personal and professional growth. Their propensity to teach provides a modest tolerance, a passion for integrity, a culture of excellence and a resolute stewardship for learning, which are vital indicators for a prospective self-efficacy in teaching