The Annals of Tropical Research (Ann. Trop. Res.) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal of Visayas State University. Since its establishment in 1979, ATR has been committed to disseminating scientific findings from research and development initiatives in tropical upland, lowland, and marine ecosystems. The journal showcases original findings from local and international research on various topics in agriculture, ecology, animal health, natural resource management, biomedicine, and health sciences.
Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte, PHILIPINES 6521-A
Species composition and characterization of Anopheline mosquito breeding habitats in Jos- South and Shendam Local Government areas of Plateau State, Nigeria
Mosquitoes play a critical role as agents of disease transmission, particularly where the abundance of breeding habitats supports their proliferation. Understanding the ecology of these vectors is crucial in assessing the potential risk of human exposure to the diseases they transmit and in controlling them. In this study, larvae of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using the dip method from different habitats in Shendam and Jos-South Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, Nigeria. Water physicochemical parameters were measured on-site using a handheld multi-parameter device. The larvae were reared to adults and identified using standard identification keys. Five breeding habitats, namely gutters, rain pools, rice fields, hoof prints, and puddles, were characterized, and their physicochemical parameters were analyzed. Overall, 2,513 larvae were reared to emergence as adults, with Anopheles gambiae as the dominant species, 1,279 (50.90%), and Anopheles pretoriensis, 175(6.95%) (p<0.001), the least collected species of the four Anopheline species encountered. The most abundant larval habitats were rice fields in Shendam LGA (51.09%) and rain pools in Jos South LGA (43.13%) (p<0.001). The water quality parameters analyzed showed a negative correlation with mosquito abundance. The R-squared value indicates that about 65.22% variation in mosquito abundance is accounted for by the water physicochemical parameters: temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity. However, the variation was not significant, F (5, 6) = 2.25, p = 0.1759. For effective larval source management, initial risk mapping of mosquito breeding sites, combined with improved knowledge of vector ecology and their interactions with humans, should be prioritized to inform interventions against these vectors.
Copyright (c) 2025 Annals of Tropical Research https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Mitigation of the stresses of acid sulfate soils by terrestrial and aquatic plants (Melaleuca armillaris and Phragmites australis) under varying moisture regimes
The long-term roles of live plant roots in mitigating acid sulfate soil stresses remain poorly understood. Three studies, each lasting twelve months, were conducted using Melaleuca armillaris and Phragmites australis. In the first study, alkaline sandy loam soil was mixed into the sulfuric soil to increase the pH to 6.7, and Melaleuca seedlings were planted. In the second and third studies, M. armillaris and P. australis were planted in sulfuric and sulfidic soils and maintained at 75% water-holding capacity and flooded soil conditions. All the studies were set using 300 mm stormwater tubes with sealed bottom ends. The treatments were replicated four times, set up under a glasshouse in a completely randomized design, and harvested after 12 months. The pH and root biomass were measured from the surface, middle, and deep profiles. Results showed that the neutralization obtained by mixing alkaline sandy loam soil with sulfuric soil was stable but deteriorated due to plant root penetration. In the sulfuric soil material (pH <4), M. armillaris produced more roots at the surface than in the deep soil under circumneutral pH and aerobic soil conditions. In sulfidic soil material (pH >4), more roots were produced in the deeper soils. In the sulfuric and sulfidic soil materials, P. australis produced more roots at the surface than at the deep under pH >4 and aerobic conditions. Under anaerobic conditions with a pH >4, root distribution was even. Our findings suggest that common terrestrial and aquatic plants maintain a characteristic distribution of roots to mitigate the stresses of acid sulfate soils.
Assessment of the water quality in selected groundwater wells in the central district of Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines
Groundwater serves as a vital water resource for domestic uses in the Central District of Baybay City. This study evaluated the impact of septic tank systems on the quality of groundwater analyzed from a selection of 14 wells located in Baybay City's Central District, covering 943 households across Zones 20, 22, and 23. A total of 88 septic tanks were found within the 25-meter buffer zone surrounding the wells, violating the minimum distance requirement specified in the Philippine Sanitation Code. Water samples from 14 wells were analyzed for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, salinity, and nitrate. Results showed that the nitrate concentrations were within safe limits, ranging from 0.02 to 0.39mg L-1, but spatially clustered, indicating localized contamination risks. pH levels ranged from 7.19 to 8.98, with two wells exceeding WHO standards. Temperature values (26.90°C to 37.80°C) surpassed the PNSDW's acceptable range, potentially promoting microbial growth. Dissolved oxygen levels averaged 2.43mg L-1, while 64.29% of wells exceeded the electrical conductivity limit of 1500μS cm . Total dissolved solids ranged from 253 to 1,329mg L-1, with only one well meeting the ideal taste threshold. Salinity reached up to 1,350mg L-1 in some wells, exceeding the desirable limit recommended by the WHO.
Antioxidant effect of black seed oil (Nigella sativa) on blood and meat in rabbits simultaneously stressed by transport and heat
Transportation and heat are crucial stressors that affect animal welfare and homeostasis, as well as the organoleptic and sensory quality of meat in livestock animals. This study evaluated the antioxidant effect of Nigella oil in rabbits exposed simultaneously to transport and heat. Five groups (Gr) of 5 rabbits were acclimatized at 22-24°C for 60 days. During this period, Gr1, Gr2, and Gr3 received orally at 10am 2.5mL NaCl (0.9%.kg-1day-1 ), while in the same way Gr4 and Gr5 received 2 and 3mL NOkg-1, respectively. At the end of the treatment, Gr 1 was left exposed to 22-24°C, and Gr2 was exposed to 33-34°C for 1h and 30mins, and then non-transported. Meanwhile, Gr3, Gr4, and Gr5 were transported (80km) at 33±1°C. Blood was collected to analyze Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA) and Catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Muscle samples (longissimus dorsi) were collected to analyze the ultimate pH (pHu), MDA, and cooking loss (CL). In non-pretreated and non-transported rabbits, those exposed to heat (Gr2) showed a significant (p < .05) increase in NLR, glucose, MDA, pHu, and CL, associated with a significant (p < .05) decrease in SOD and CAT, compared to those exposed to thermal neutrality (Gr1). In non-pretreated rabbits, transport association with heat (Gr3) significantly increased (p < .05) NLR, glucose, MDA, pHu, and CL, and significantly decreased (p < .05) CAT and SOD compared to the heat alone group (Gr2). In transported rabbits under heat (Gr4), the pretreatment (2mL NOkg-1d-1 ) significantly reduced ( p < .05) NLR, glucose, MDA, pHu, and CL, and increased (p < .05) CAT and SOD, compared to non-pretreated animals (Gr3). In conclusion, NO attenuated the oxidation induced by transport-associated heat in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that Nigella seeds could be used as a dietary supplement against preslaughter stress in rabbits.
Color quality and pedicel abscission of calamansi (x Citrofortunella microcarpa) stored in CoolBot-equipped cold room
Calamansi or calamondin, also known as the Philippine lime (x Citrofortunella macrocarpa), is a vitamin C-rich citrus fruit with a growing demand in the food industry. However, calamansi fruit is highly perishable and has limited shelf life. In this study, the quality and shelf life of calamansi fruit was evaluated under two different storage conditions: a CoolBot-equipped cold room (12.78°C±5.04°C; 80.22% ±10.04% RH) and ambient conditions (26.85°C ±0.50°C; 85.8% ± 3.60% RH). At 10 days of storage (DAS) in a CoolBotequipped cold room, 36% less fruit than those in the ambient showed ≥ 51% yellowing, indicating slower color change. At 10 DAS, the low temperature storage resulted in fruit weight loss reduced by up to 5.8%; slower pedicel abscission by 10% and reduced shriveling by 31%. At 15 DAS, 36% and 78% of the fruit showed ≥ 51% yellowing in CoolBot-equipped cold room and ambient, respectively. Fruit samples kept in the CoolBot-equipped cold store had more negative a* values, indicating greater greenness of the calamansi peel. Compared to ambient-stored fruit, hue was higher while the chroma was lower. Moreover, fruit stored in the CoolBot-equipped cold room exhibited better visual quality and controlled decay incidence for up to 20 days of storage. These findings indicate that the shelf life of calamansi fruit can be effectively extended in a CoolBot-equipped room due to reduced deterioration and senescence.
Quantifying calibration strategies for capacitive soil-moisture sensors (V1.2 SKU: FA3003-1) in automated drip irrigation for upland, rainfed farms
Upland, rainfed farms in the Philippines require precise irrigation to manage scarce water resources efficiently. To address this, we developed an Arduino-based automated drip irrigation system using six low-cost analog capacitive soil-moisture sensors and a normally closed solenoid valve, triggered by a simple threshold control mechanism. The sensors were calibrated in the laboratory using loamy sand and evaluated through two strategies: a pooled general model and sensor-specific models. Exponential regression yielded the best monotonic fit (R² = 0.94–0.97). Compared to the general model (RMSE = 2.42–3.37%), sensor-specific calibrations improved both precision (CV < 10%) and accuracy (RMSE = 1.81–2.67%). Although mean differences and R² values were not statistically significant (paired T-test, α = 0.01), the general equation remains practical for field deployment. However, sensor-specific equations are preferable when higher accuracy is required. At higher moisture levels (36–46% VWC), the sensors tended to overestimate, suggesting increased error near the wet end of the scale. Overall, the low-cost system functioned reliably, demonstrating a viable, moisture-responsive irrigation control solution for small- to medium-sized upland plots.
Digital Lifelines: A Phenomenological study of social support in alter communities of Filipino MSMLHIVs on X (Twitter)
The Philippines faces a rapidly growing HIV epidemic, and Filipino men who have sex with men living with HIV (MSMLHIVs) encounter stigma that limits access to information, peer support, and care. Many create anonymous alter accounts on X (formerly Twitter) to disclose status, seek advice, and build community. This study examines how alter spaces function as psychosocial infrastructures for Filipino MSMLHIVs. Using descriptive phenomenology, the researcher purposively recruited five adult Filipino MSMLHIVs who actively use alter accounts. Each completed a one-on-one, semi-structured interview conducted online or face-to-face. Data were analyzed with Colaizzi's seven-step method. Alter spaces operated as lifelines that provided (1) emotional validation and reduced isolation, (2) peer mentorship on treatment, mental health, and everyday coping, and (3) a cyclical shift from support-seeking to support-giving that reinforced reciprocity. Participants described greater adherence motivation, self-acceptance, and future orientation. Risks coexisted: misinformation, emotional-labor fatigue, privacy threats (e.g., doxxing, account loss), and the fragility of purely online ties. Alter communities on X offer stigma-free channels for knowledge exchange, advocacy, and belonging but require safeguards to mitigate risks. Platform designers, healthcare providers, and advocates should integrate verified health content, mental health first-aid resources, and stronger privacy protections alongside inclusive policies that ensure continuity of care and counter stigma. This study reframes alter spaces as vital psychosocial infrastructures for men who have sex with men living with HIV in stigmatized settings.
Purification and characterization of a two-peptide bacteriocin with synergistic activity from Enterococcus faecalis MGL-3
Bacteriocins are food-grade bioactive peptides produced by some bacterial strains, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Bacteriocins derived from food-grade LAB possess enormous potential for various applications in the food and medical industries. A newly isolated lactic acid bacterium from a fermented vegetable, strain MGL-3, was found to produce two bioactive peptides. In this study, the identification of strain MGL-3 as well as the purification and partial characterization of its bacteriocinogenic peptides are described. Morphological, biochemical, and bioinformatic analyses revealed that strain MGL-3 is an Enterococcus faecalis strain. Two bioactive peptides were purified from the cell-free supernatant of strain MGL-3 after a 3-step purification scheme involving salt precipitation and chromatographic techniques. Characterization of these peptides showed that they exhibit relatively weak bioactivity when tested alone but manifest very potent bioactivity when combined, suggesting synergistic activity. The antibacterial spectrum of these peptides was found to target many bacterial strains that are known contaminants in the vegetable pickle industry, highlighting their potential utility in the industry. Nonetheless, further study is needed to confirm the novelty of these peptides, such as the determination of their amino acid sequence and/or the identification of their biosynthetic gene cluster.
Screening sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) varieties for tolerance to waterlogging stress
Waterlogging is one of the most damaging environmental stresses for sweetpotato, severely constraining the growth, yield, and overall quality of the storage roots. Hence, identifying potential waterlogging-tolerant sweetpotato varieties plays a significant role in breeding and sustainable crop management in areas prone to waterlogging stress. A screenhouse trial was conducted following a split-plot design with two main plots (waterlogging/non-waterlogging) and 15 subplot factors (varieties) arranged in a completely randomized design. Among waterlogging treatments, significant differences were observed in chlorophyll content (SPAD), vine dry weight, number of storage roots, storage root dry weight, harvest index, and root-shoot ratio. However, no significant difference was found among waterlogging treatments in six parameters: length of the main vine, number of lateral vines, root dry weight, root volume, root length, and total biomass. Waterlogged plants had lower chlorophyll content, heavier vine dry weight, fewer storage roots per plant, and storage roots dry weight, which led to significantly lower harvest index and root-shoot ratio. NSIC Sp36 showed higher root dry weight and root volume, indicating root proliferation under waterlogging stress. NSIC Sp34 showed significantly more storage roots, while the heaviest storage roots were observed in NSIC Sp30, indicating fewer but bigger storage roots resulting in significantly higher total biomass, harvest index, and root-shoot ratio. This indicates NSIC Sp30 and NSIC Sp34 have potential tolerance to waterlogging stress.
Leaf and stem anatomy and wood fiber morphology of Seriales (Flacourtia jangomas) at different elevations in La Union, Philippines
Seriales is an underutilized Philippine (Flacourtia jangomas) indigenous fruit tree with ecological and economic potential but limited anatomical evidence across elevation gradients. We quantified leaf and stem anatomy and wood fiber morphology across three low-elevation bands in La Union, Philippines (55–70masl, 71–85masl and 86–100masl). Mature leaves and young stems of F. jangomas were collected, stained, and observed for their leaf and stem anatomical measurements. Wood fibers were macerated and analyzed for fiber length, diameter, lumen diameter, and derived indices. Several leaf traits varied significantly with elevation: lamina and palisade mesophyll were greatest at the lowest site and declined upslope, whereas lower cuticle/epidermis, sclerenchyma, collenchyma, phloem, and collenchyma layers also differed among sites. In contrast, upper cuticle/epidermis, leaf xylem, and spongy mesophyll (~260–303μm) were not significantly different, suggesting conserved internal gas-exchange capacity. Stem anatomy showed decreasing cortex thickness and layer number with elevation, but increasing xylem thickness. Epidermal hairs were longer at the highest site. Wood fiber length shows values similar to tropical species, while mid-elevation trees had smaller fiber and lumen diameters, yielding higher density. High Runkel ratios (>1), low flexibility, and low slenderness indicate poor suitability for pulp and papermaking, but support use for durable woodcraft and small furniture. Overall, F. jangomas exhibits anatomical plasticity within a narrow lowland gradient, showing its resilience and value for lowland agroforestry. This study also highlights the need for conservation of this species and further studies that focus on the effect of climatic factors and stressors.
Postharvest crown chemical treatments and application timing on internal browning in four pineapple clones
Pineapple clones differ in their sensitivity to internal browning (IB), with the Queen group being more sensitive than the Cayenne group. However, there is not much information available on the differences in clone sensitivity between the Cayenne groups. The aim of this research was to study the responses of Smooth Cayenne and MD2 (hybrid) after chemical spraying applied to the pineapple crown on the IB and other fruit qualities. The experimental design used was a 3 factorial completely randomized design (4 x 5 x 2), clone (GP3; HC; GP4; MD2), chemical material (50mg L-1 ABA; 200mg L-1 AsA [ascorbic acid]; 1 mM jasmonic acid; 2% calcium chloride; control [H 2O]), and application time 2 (0 and 16 days after harvest). The results showed that the MD2 pineapple clone had greater resistance to IB damage than the Smooth Cayenne type. The Smooth Cayenne type itself had different resistance to IB, with the GP3 clone showing the lowest resistance, followed by HC and GP4. Pineapple resistance to IB was followed by endogenous AsA content; MD2 had the highest AsA content. The susceptibility of GP3 pineapple to IB was also characterized by high ion leakage values. The pineapple postharvest crown-coating applications with chemical materials and/or application time effects on Smooth Cayenne and MD2 types were not effective in suppressing IB severity. Therefore, the need for long pineapple storage of up to 46 days with good quality is recommended only for the MD2 clone.
Preliminary assessment of trace elements and toxic heavy metals in poultry feeds and the eco-health implications in Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines
There has been a rapid shift in the feeding practices of backyard poultry, with increasing reliance on commercial feeds. Poultry feeds are often supplemented with trace elements to meet nutritional requirements, but can become contaminated with heavy metals during production and handling processes. This study analyzed trace elements, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and heavy metals, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), in feed samples from 10 commercial brands using microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. Results showed that Fe and Cu levels exceeded the recommended limits in most feeds, as per the Philippine Society for Animal Nutritionists (PhilSAN) and the National Research Council (NRC), with Fe being highest in layer feeds (965.83mg kg-1) and Cu in booster feeds (164.26mg kg-1). Zn levels varied, exceeding limits in most booster, grower, layer, and finisher feeds. Detectable Cd was found in booster, starter, grower, and finisher feeds, while Pb was only present in some brands of booster feeds. These findings underscore the importance of stringent regulatory guidelines for regulating trace element incorporation and ensuring feed quality.
Factor structure validation of the nurses’ behavior toward confirmed and suspected HIV/AIDS patients (NB-CSHAP) scale
Behavioral responses of nurses toward people living with HIV are critical determinants of care quality, patient trust, and treatment outcomes. Stigma-driven practices continue to undermine ethical and inclusive healthcare delivery in many clinical settings. However, limitations in validated behavioral measurement tools hinder the systematic evaluation of inclusive and discriminatory nursing behaviors. This study validates the factor structure of the Nurses’ Behavior Toward Confirmed and Suspected HIV/AIDS Patients (NB-CSHAP) scale, a novel instrument developed to assess the spectrum of inclusive and discriminatory service behaviors in stigma-sensitive healthcare settings. We evaluated the scale using responses from a sample of 400 nurses with direct experience in caring for suspected or confirmed HIV/AIDS cases. The psychometric properties were rigorously tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with five-fold cross-validation. Model fit statistics (CFI=0.905, RMSEA=0.071, SRMR=0.070) confirmed that the hypothesized four-factor model provides a good fit to the data, and standardized factor loadings supported item convergence. Internal consistency was strong for the overall scale, with composite reliability (CR) values ranging from 0.459 to 0.827. The Discriminatory factor showed the highest internal consistency and convergent validity. Moreover, HTMT ratios confirmed discriminant validity across all latent constructs. Factor covariances revealed theoretically consistent relationships, particularly the expected inverse association between the Service-Oriented and Discriminatory behaviors. While most factors performed well, the Perceptiveness and Openhandedness factors demonstrated weaker reliability and convergence, suggesting the need for targeted item refinement in future research. The NB-CSHAP scale is a contextually grounded and psychometrically sound tool for measuring behavioral diversity in sensitive healthcare settings, making it highly valuable for guiding stigma-reduction interventions and research in HIV care.
Drying characteristics and optimization of time-temperature combination of intermittently dried sweetened jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) pulp
Dehydrated jackfruit pulp processing is an emerging industry in Leyte, Philippines, but still relies on traditional drying method, resulting in slow production and inefficient energy use. This study investigated the impact of intermittent drying strategies on the drying kinetics and cost efficiency of jackfruit pulp dehydration to improve the processing method of drying jackfruit pulp. A 3×3 factorial experimental design was employed, incorporating three drying temperatures (60°C, 70°C, and 80°C) and three drying-to-tempering period combinations (30:480 min, 60:480 min, and 90:480 min). A control treatment employing a continuous drying treatment at 60°C was also conducted. Experimental results indicated that the Page model is sufficient to describe the drying kinetics of intermittently dried jackfruit pulp. Continuous drying at 60°C achieved only 27% moisture content (wet basis) after 480 minutes (8 hours)—substantially higher than the recommended final moisture content of 3%–20% for dehydrated fruits. In contrast, samples subjected to intermittent drying with tempering phases required only 60 to 171 minutes to reach comparable moisture levels, corresponding to a 64.4% to 87.5% reduction in the overall drying time. Achieving the target moisture content for gummy-type dehydrated fruits (12%–20%) needed an additional 12 to 40 minutes of intermittent drying, with shorter intermittent drying cycles and high temperature drying conditions yields optimal results. The findings demonstrated that a drying schedule consisting of a 30-minute drying period at 80°C, repeated for two cycles, was most effective for producing sweetened dehydrated jackfruit pulp suitable for storage. This protocol produced a final product with a safe moisture level of 14.3% (wet basis). Each drying run consumed 0.41 kg of LPG and 2.01 kWh of electricity, resulting in a production cost of PhP 171 (2.89 USD) per kilogram of dried fruit.
Determination of drying characteristics and airflow performance of a turbo-stove assisted solar dryer
Food insecurity continues to affect many rural communities in the Philippines due to climate disruptions, poor postharvest systems, and inadequate food preservation methods. Solar drying offers a sustainable and low-cost solution to reduce postharvest losses, particularly for nutrient-rich yet highly perishable crops such as sweet potato leaves. This study designed and evaluated a twin-wall polycarbonate solar dryer with dimensions of 2.3m(width)x1.2m(height)x3m(length) integrated with a turbo-assisted stove (TSD) to enhance drying efficiency and thermal performance. Drying experiments were conducted using four configurations: open dryer (OD), closed dryer (CD), turbo-assisted stove dryer (TSD), and traditional sun drying (SD), with each dryer loaded with approximately 15 kg of sweet potato leaves. When no load was present, the TSD exhibited the highest mean airflow rate of 1.14 m³/s, followed by the CD (1.07 m³/s) and OD (0.83 m³/s). Under loaded conditions, the OD and CD recorded higher exhaust airflow rates of 0.54 m³/s and 0.50 m³/s, respectively, compared to 0.34 m³/s for the TSD. The TSD achieved the highest and most consistent drying performance (40–60 °C), with the bottom tray recording the peak rate of 358.91 g H₂O/g dM·h, attributed to its proximity to the heat source. On average, the TSD attained the highest drying rate of 93.784 g H₂O/g dM·h, which is significantly greater than that of OD (54.062), CD (44.339), and SD (38.067). In terms of moisture removal, sun and open drying methods retained the highest residual moisture, while the CD showed better efficiency, and the TSD consistently achieved the lowest moisture content due to its supplemental heat source and stable temperature conditions. Moreover, statistical analysis revealed a significant difference among treatments (p < 0.0001). Overall, the hybrid solar dryer demonstrated superior thermal performance, higher drying efficiency, and better product quality, making it a cost-effective and scalable postharvest solution for enhancing food preservation and food security in tropical rural areas.
Functional, physico-chemical, and proximate properties of flours from selected NSIC-registered cassava (Manihot esculenta) varieties
Cassava flour is known for its functional properties that influence the consistency, texture, and stability of various food products. A single-factor experiment arranged in a Completely Randomized Design was used to evaluate and compare the functional properties of flour from the three selected National Seed Industry Council (NSIC)-registered cassava varieties: UPL Ca-2 (Lakan I), NSIC Cv-30 (Rayong 5), and NSIC Cv-48 (Rayong 72), harvested at nine months of maturity. The samples were analyzed for their functional properties, physicochemical properties, and proximate composition. The functional properties of the cassava flours were significantly different from each other at p<.05. UPL Ca-2 had the highest water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC) at 153.44% and 125.57%, respectively. Meanwhile, NSIC Cv-48 had the highest solubility, emulsion activity, and bulk density at 5.98%, 17.39%, and 0.572g/mL, respectively. Swelling power and emulsion stability of NSIC Cv-30 flour were the highest among the selected varieties at 15.35% and 34.15%, respectively. The pH (5.64) and titratable acidity (0.36% as lactic acid) of NSIC Cv-48 were significantly different from those of the other two varieties. The lightness (L*) of the three varieties did not differ. The a* value ranged from -0.19 to -.32, indicating a color leaning towards redness. However, significant variations in b* (7.35), WI (91.54), and Chroma (7.36) were only observed in UPL Ca-2. Gel-formation ability of the cassava flours was visually observed, showing a difference in gel firmness. Proximate composition of the flours show a low content of fat (0.28%, 0.23%, 0.24%, respectively) and protein (1.82%, 1.24%, 1.35%, respectively) in the flours but had a high total carbohydrate (83.61%, 85.42%, and 84.61%) and ash contents (1.49%, 1.46%, and 1.49%). These findings indicate that each variety has distinct functional properties with potential industrial applications.
A milestone of excellence: What’s next after ATR’s landmark achievement in Scopus indexing?
The Annals of Tropical Research celebrates its inclusion in Elsevier’s Scopus, marking nearly five decades of scholarly publishing. This achievement underscores ATR's global impact, open-access commitment, and alignment with VSU values, positioning the journal as a vital contributor to tropical science, innovation, and equitable development.
Advancing pharmacovigilance through artificial intelligence: A review of applications and ethical considerations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly applied in pharmacovigilance (PV) to identify, prioritize, and interpret adverse drug reactions (ADRs) across real-world data sources. This narrative review synthesizes recent peer-reviewed studies (2015 – 2024) and maps AI use across four domains: extraction of ADRs from social and clinical text, supervised and ensemble signal detection in spontaneous reporting systems and electronic health records (EHRs), knowledge-graph-based discovery of drug–event associations, and prediction of outcome seriousness to support triage. Across domains, implementations most consistently enhance intake, coding, prioritization, and the timeliness of safety assessment, while graph-based methods surface plausible associations for follow-up and seriousness models aid risk stratification. Cross-cutting challenges include heterogeneous and shifting data, annotation burden, class imbalance (especially for rare events), and concerns around transparency, privacy, and fairness. Evidence remains predominantly retrospective, with uneven external validation, underscoring the need for prospective studies, standardized reporting and calibration, fairness audits, and closer alignment with regulatory signal-management workflows spanning detection, validation, analysis, prioritization, and assessment. By clarifying where AI is already dependable and where methodological and ethical gaps persist, this review offers practical directions for integrating AI into routine PV with auditable thresholds, monitoring, and human oversight.
Global trends in health services and health equity for older adults: Insights from a Bibliometric Review
As populations age, it is crucial to understand the research landscape on health services and health equity for older adults to inform policy, practice, and future research. The growing number of elderly individuals has become a significant global public health issue, emphasizing the need to examine how research on care delivery and equitable access has evolved across various disciplines. Bibliographic records related to health services and health equity among older adults were sourced from the Scopus database. Data were analyzed using VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix package to identify thematic clusters, methodological patterns, and conceptual networks. Co-occurrence analysis was used to map keyword relationships, and thematic mapping was used to categorize the field's dominant, emerging, and declining topics. The co-occurrence network revealed a multidisciplinary structure anchored by demographic descriptors (e.g., human, female, male), which formed core hubs linked to thematic clusters in psychology, aging epidemiology, prevention, socioeconomics, and global health. The cumulative degree distribution indicated a scale-free architecture, suggesting that a small set of high-frequency terms dominates conceptual connections. Thematic mapping identified demographic terminology as central, while topics such as prevalence, risk factors, and mortality were classified as emerging or declining themes. Integrative concepts from psychology, qualitative research, and interview-based methods connected epidemiological and methodological perspectives, reflecting a gradual shift toward mixed-methods inquiry. This bibliometric review highlights a diverse research landscape that draws on public health, psychology, epidemiology, and social sciences to better understand health service delivery and equity among older adults. Demographic descriptors serve as conceptual anchors, reinforcing a core-periphery structure that supports both continuity and thematic growth. The field is increasingly emphasizing social determinants of health and experiential aspects of aging, with evidence of methodological diversification. These insights could guide future interdisciplinary collaborations, research priorities, and policies to promote equitable health services for aging populations.
Probiotics, Prebiotics and Bacteriocins as Alternatives to Antibiotics in the Livestock Industry – a Philippine Perspective
The widespread misuse and overuse of antibiotics in the animal industry have significantly accelerated the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), creating multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains that pose a serious threat to both animal and human health. This escalating problem risks reversing decades of medical progress, potentially returning healthcare to a pre-antibiotic era. In response, many countries have implemented policies restricting antibiotic use in livestock production; however, in developing nations such as the Philippines, enforcement remains weak due to limited resources, inadequate training of personnel, and the lack of effective, affordable alternatives to antibiotics. Addressing this issue requires not only stronger regulatory frameworks but also an aggressive information campaign that highlights the dangers of AMR and promotes sustainable solutions. Probiotics, which have been shown to improve animal health and productivity, represent a viable option, particularly when combined with prebiotics that can enhance their effectiveness. Nevertheless, challenges persist, as probiotic efficacy is highly strain-specific, and the market is increasingly saturated with products of unvalidated quality, often mislabeled due to weak oversight and the proliferation of e-commerce platforms. To maintain consumer confidence, probiotic strains must meet rigorous safety, functionality, and technological utility standards, with health benefits scientifically verified before approval. Advances in modern molecular biotechnology, particularly genome editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9, offer powerful strategies to enhance probiotic strains by eliminating virulence genes and incorporating beneficial traits, including bacteriocin production. These genetically improved strains, when paired with prebiotics, could provide more consistent results, enhance livestock growth and productivity, and serve as effective, science-based alternatives to antibiotics. By fostering innovation, implementing stricter regulation, and promoting validated probiotic-prebiotic combinations, the livestock industry can reduce reliance on antibiotics while mitigating the global threat of MDR pathogens.
Biochemical approaches to prevent pericarp browning in Lychee fruit (Litchi chinensis) during storage: A review
Lychee fruit (Litchi chinensis) is widely known for its bright red pericarp and delicious flesh. However, during post-harvest storage, the commercial value of this fruit decreases due to pericarp browning. This browning phenomenon is mainly caused by the enzymatic browning process, which involves the activity of enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. These enzymes catalyze the oxidation of phenolic compounds to brown pigments, which causes discoloration of the pericarp. In addition, the degradation of anthocyanins, the pigments that give the pericarp its red color, also contributes to the browning. These changes are often associated with cell membrane damage, which allows interactions between enzymes and phenolic substrates. Several post-harvest management measures that can be implemented to delay lychee pericarp browning include storing the fruit at an optimum low temperature (3-5°C) with a relative humidity (RH) above 90-95%. Controlled atmosphere storage, typically using low oxygen concentrations and high carbon dioxide levels, is also quite effective. In addition to optimizing the storage temperature of lychees, several postharvest treatments have been shown to delay pericarp browning. These include the application of natural bioactive compounds, ethylene inhibitors, hormonal and signaling regulators, structural integrity enhancers, edible coatings, and organic acid or antioxidant dips.
The role of nurses in One Health: A public health nursing perspective
One Health, defined as a collaborative and transdisciplinary approach that links human, animal, and environmental health, has gained momentum as the world faces converging crises, including zoonotic pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change. While medicine and veterinary science have spearheaded its implementation, the nursing profession, particularly public health nursing, remains underrepresented despite its natural alignment with One Health principles. This perspective highlights the essential role of nurses in advancing One Health, emphasizing how their holistic philosophy, preventive focus, and community presence uniquely position them to operationalize this framework. Nurses contribute to One Health through surveillance and early detection, outbreak response, health education, antimicrobial stewardship, climate adaptation, and interprofessional collaboration. They act as trusted community liaisons, bridging scientific knowledge with culturally grounded practices and advocating for equity-driven policies. Yet barriers, including limited awareness, professional silos, workforce shortages, and a lack of formal representation, restrict their full participation. Addressing these requires integrating One Health into nursing education, ensuring nursing representation in governance structures, resourcing nurses for expanded roles, and investing in nursing-led research. Nurses are indispensable to translating One Health from principle to practice. By empowering nurses through education, policy, and research, health systems can enhance resilience and equity in addressing global health challenges. Integrating nursing into One Health is not only a matter of professional recognition but also a pragmatic strategy for building healthier communities, more sustainable environments, and stronger health systems worldwide.
Nursing in a multicultural world: Cultural competence and sensitivity as ethical imperatives
Healthcare today is marked by growing cultural diversity, which profoundly shapes the way nurses deliver care. This perspective article argues that cultural competence and cultural sensitivity are not optional skills but essential dimensions of effective nursing practice. Positioned through a reflective and theoretical lens, this article examines how nurses' awareness, knowledge, and skills intersect with sensitivity to patients' cultural values and beliefs to promote trust, equity, and improved health outcomes. It discusses persistent barriers including language differences, implicit biases, and systemic inequities that hinder culturally responsive care. Drawing from current discourse and professional experience, the article emphasizes the critical role of nurses as advocates who bridge cultural gaps within healthcare systems. The perspective advanced here is that integrating cultural awareness into both nursing education and clinical practice is central to reducing health disparities and enhancing the patient experience. Ultimately, cultural competence and sensitivity should be reframed not as optional attributes but as core nursing responsibilities vital for advancing equity in a diversifying world.