Productivity and profitability of citrus nursery operation in Abia State, Nigeria

Iroabuchi, J.N., Odii, M.A.C.A., Emenyonu, C.A., Gbolagun, A.O.,Onyeke, A.C., Esogwa, I.E., Akanni, B.A.
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

The aim of this study was to provide insight on productivity and profitability of citrus nursery operation in Abia State, Nigeria. Data such as socio-economic features of the nursery operators, quantities and prices of inputs and outputs of their operation were obtained through multi-stage sampling techniques from 54 citrus nursery operators. Costs and returns analysis, productivity models and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data from the survey. It was shown that majority of the operators were male with average age of 47.98years, year of education of 11.35years and household size of 5 persons. The variable cost of nursery operation was 92.84% of the total cost (N637,117.56) while the fixed cost was 7.16% of the total cost. The revenue from the sales of citrus seedlings was N1,140,856.69 therefore the gross and net margin of the ventures wereN503,739.13 and N454,580.08 respectively. In addition, rate of return on investment was 66.24%. The total factor cost and value of citrus output was N686,276.63 and N1,140,856.69 respectively hence the productivity index of citrus nursery production was 1.66. Results of the regression indicated that costs of labor and planting materials had negative significant while household size, years of experience and access to credit had positive significant effects on the profitability. In conclusion, Citrus nursery operation is dominated by middle – aged, educated, experience with moderate household size. It has good return on investment (ROI) with productivity above unity but high costs of labor and planting materials reduces profitability while household size, years of experience and access to credit enhanced profitability. It was recommended that youth education about gains of citrus nursery production business should be advocated considering its viability and profitability to reduce unemployment and government should prioritized extension of necessary assistance such as inputs subsidy and access to credit to the nursery operators.

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Radio advertising influence, selection factors and advertisers’ satisfaction of radio broadcasting in one city

Rechie B. Pabelona, Samson M. Lausa
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

Radio for advertisers is often seen as an outdated type of media. Today, the media is changing rapidly to digitalization and on-line advertising, which can be seen in radio as well. This study aims to determine the influence of radio advertisement, client radio-selection factors, and client satisfaction of radio broadcasting. Using a validated survey questionnaire and desk and filed research conducted by the researchers themselves, a descriptive research design was used to examine the 27 local advertisers of a single radio station in one city of the Province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. The advertisers were grouped according to their nature of business, organization type, length of advertising engagement, client type, and advertising package. The Mean, the Mann Whitney-U, and the Kruskal-Wallis were utilized for viewing and analyzing the study’s outcomes. Findings revealed that the influence of radio advertisement is generally high. Specifically, results showed that the influence of radio advertisement on sales is high while moderate on market shares and the extent of radio selection factors is high. The study also revealed that advertisement cost is of utmost consideration among advertisers when selecting which station to advertise and that they are happy with the services of the radio advertising. Likewise, the digital broadcasting revealed a moderate influence both on sales and on market shares. The absence of differences on the extent of advertising influence to sales and market shares, the extent of radio selection factors, and the extent of advertisers’ satisfaction is also evident. Further, the findings revealed no significant difference between the advertising package and sales and between advertising package and market shares. The study’s findings enable radio advertisers and radio stations to investigate novel programs and marketing strategies that will support business operations and boost profit margins year after year.

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Antibacterial study of guava leaves on some enteric bacteria (E. coli and Shigella dysentriae) from Sokoto, Nigeria

Yusuf Sarkingobir, Abdulrahman Hamza, Malami Dikko, Marwanu Abubakar, Asiya Giddado Yabo, Balkisu Isa Muhammad
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

This study conducted identification of phytochemicals in guava and expunge the antimicrobial capacity possessed by the plant on some bacteria. Ethanol and water were utilized to make the plant extracts that are used against Escherichia coli, and Shigella dysenteriae all isolated from clinical isolates. The results showed that the phytochemicals were present in leave extracts of P. guajava. The plant contains alkaloid, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroid. The antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic leaves extract of P. guajava revealed the mean diameter of zone of inhibition of extract on the test isolate with E. coli spp being the most susceptible isolate at 200 mg/ml concentration (20 mm). The ethanol extracts revealed the highest activity against the test bacteria, Escherichia coli (20mm zone of inhibition, MIC of 12.5mg/ml, and MBC of 25mg/ml) followed by Shigella (18.3mm zone of inhibition, MIC of 6.25mg/ml and MBC of 25mg/ml). The aqueous extracts showed slightly lower activity on the test organisms compare to the water extracts. Escherichia coli (8.6mm zone of inhibition, MIC of 12.5mg/ml and MBC of 12.5mg/ml), followed by Shigella (5mm zone of inhibition, MIC of 12.5mg/ml and MBC of 25mg/ml). The obtained result displayed that both extracts impede the growth of the test isolates using 6.25 – 25mg/ml concentration. In turn, the leave contains of the plant can be improved to benefit from its antibacterial and phytochemical compounds.

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Synergistic activity of Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) leaves and Sodium percarbonate (2Na2CO3•3H2O2) as a wastewater deodorizer for pig farms

Stacy Eleoriene T. Arzadon
[email protected]

A B S T R A C T

According to the Agriculture and Consumer Health Department (2017), odor is associated with the main environmental and societal problems throughout pig farms affecting 72% of nearby residents and 30% of workers in the Philippines (Drucker et al., 2007). The synergistic activity of Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) leaves with Sodium percarbonate (2Na2CO3•3H2O2) was aimed at deodorizing pig farm wastewaters to decrease the presence of odorant compounds. Investigations were: I. Screening for peroxidase, II. Laboratory analyses for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and Ammonia (NH3), III. Perceptual Odor Assessment of Human Panel, IV. Shelf-life determination. Screening showed that malunggay leaves contain peroxidase, an enzyme that can convert toxic materials into less harmful substances (Albuquerque et al., 2019). For laboratory analyses in the experimental and negative control groups, the Colorimetry for H2S showed 48 mg/L and <1.0 mg/L respectively; Phenate method for NH3 showed 124 mg/L and 121 mg/L respectively; Gas Chromatography detected no other VOC except chloroform. 32 µg/L and 17 µg/L were found, respectively. Using the 9-point Hedonic scale for perceptual odor assessment of a human panel, results showed that in terms of odor intensity, there was an 82.76% decrease in the negative control (Strongest Odor Imaginable) to the experimental (Moderate Odor). While there was an 80% decrease in unpleasantness from the negative control (Extremely Unpleasant) to the experimental (Neutral Pleasantness). After shelf-life determination, the malunggay leaves powder lasted for 8 weeks. For further validation of results, additional studies on the synergistic activity of plant peroxidases and peroxides must be conducted with various methods of application and testing.

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The use of active learning technique Think-Pair-Share in urban land use class: Fifth year surveying engineering

Mamo Morka Jano
[email protected]

A B S T R A C T

Active Learning techniques, designed to make the students active and collaborative participants in the learning process, are gaining popularity as a supplement and alternative to traditional lectures. The purpose of this paper is to assess and evaluate the use of TPS as an active learning technique in the urban land use planning class of the surveying engineering department. Quantitative research was deployed. The class has a 50-sample size. The results of students’ average result of the pretest (without TPS) and posttest using the Think Pair Share (TPS) method has increased from 8.975(44.98%) to 11.43(58.23%) out of 20(100%). The normalized gain for each student is 0.24(i.e. low and better than the pretest), but the value denotes a positive gain in the performance of the student’s result. The witnessed level of satisfaction of students with this teaching intervention showed that the students have positively perceived that the use of the lecture method is not enough to learn urban land use planning courses effectively. On the other hand, the result of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient data analysis of the witnessed level of satisfaction of students with TPS teaching intervention for the ten items is 0.797, suggesting that the items have relatively high internal consistency. So the majority of the respondents’ students perceived the use of TPS as active learning is more essential than the traditional lecture.

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Bridging the empirical gap in the relationship and effect of TikTok on students’ engagement: A case of a local college in the Philippines

Clarissa Salasac, Joseph Lobo, Bryan Dale Bernardo
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

An empirical gap was observed concerning published scholarly works conducted focusing on the relationship and direct effect of TikTok utilization on students’ engagement. Therefore, conducting an inquiry regarding this issue is highly recommended. In this regard, this comparative, correlational, and causal study is focused on examining the relationship and direct effect of utilizing the said application to the engagement of students in the City College of Angeles, Angeles City, Philippines. Data are obtained by conducting an online survey to a sample of undergraduate students (NMale = 238(38.5%), NFemale = 380(61.5%). Based on the findings, it was discovered that no observed significant variance concerning TikTok utilization [Male (Mdn = 2.67) and Female (Mdn = 2.62), U(NMale = 238, NFemale = 380) = 116236.000, z = -.637 p = .524, r = -0.025)] and students’ engagement [Male (Mdn = 3.29) and Female (Mdn = 3.19), U(NMale = 238, NFemale = 380) = 114478.000, z = -1.451 p = .147, r = -0.058)] with respect to gender. Interestingly, a positive association was observed between the two variables [r(616) = .336, p < .05)]. Finally, it was found that TikTok utilization positively predicts students’ engagement [F(1, 616) = 82.574, p < .001], and the R 2 = .118 displayed that the model explains 11.8% of the variance in students’ engagement. Based on the findings, proposals for students, teachers, and future studies are presented as a result of this investigation.

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Use of Edpuzzle Learning Videos for class 9 Biology and its impact on academic performance

Kinga Tshering, Kesang Wangchuk, Nima Dorji, Kelzang Dema
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

This study examined effectiveness of Edpuzzle Learning Videos in class 9 Biology. The study employed quasi-experimental design and study used purposive sampling consisting of 30 students in grade 9. The research participants consist of two groups, namely control (Lecture method) and experimental (Edpuzzle) consisting of 15 students in each group. To collect data pre-test and post-test were administered. Data collected were analysed employing descriptive statistics. A normality test determined the distribution of data. Further, test score analysis for pre-test indicated that students in the control group (M=7.0667) and experimental group (M = 6.4667) had a similar level of knowledge. However, analysis of post-test revealed that there were substantial differences between control group (M = 8.2667, SD = 1.94447) and experimental group (M = 12.6000, SD = 1.24212). The finding of the study revealed that employing educational technology such as Edpuzzle Learning Videos proved effective in learning Biology for Middle Secondary School. Moreover, academic score increased on the post-test as a result of the student’s active participation and engagement in their studies. Additionally, students were involved in learning at their own pace resulting in enhancing cognitive skills. This study recommended that Science teachers to use educational technology such as Edpuzzle Learning Videos as an alternative to conventional methods.

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Development of fragility curves for seismic vulnerability assessment: The case of Philippine General 

Michael B. Baylon, Maria Emilia P. Sevilla, Miller DL. Cutora, Rikki Mae S. Villa, Princess Mherlene P. Reynes, Jhona May V. Montemayor
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is a tertiary hospital in Ermita, Manila, that was founded on August 17, 1907. It adheres to the philosophy of providing all Filipinos with internationally competitive, cost-effective, compassionate, and accessible health care. It was recently one of the COVID-19 facilities. The PGH sits 9.2 kilometers east of the West Valley Fault, making it more vulnerable to ‘The Big One,’ a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Until present, no research has been done to examine the PGH’s seismic susceptibility in the case of a large-magnitude earthquake. In keeping with this, the study intended to analyze the seismic susceptibility of the Spine Building, one of PGH’s oldest structures. It focused on constructing fragility curves to assess if the building could sustain a 0.4g peak ground acceleration (PGA) earthquake with a maximum likelihood of exceedance of 10%, as required by the Philippine National Structural Code (NSCP) for Seismic Zone 4 sites. The study employed 12 worldwide and 12 local earthquakes from the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology, with PGA excitation levels ranging from 0.1g to 3.0g (with a 0.1g gap) (IRIS). The structural model of the PGH Spine Building was created using SAP2000, which was subsequently utilized to perform Pushover Analysis using the Capacity Spectrum Method (CSM). The PGH Spine Building might collapse with 0.538g PGA, which corresponds to Intensity VIII, according to the results of the developed fragility curves, producing significant structural shaking. Furthermore, for 0.4g PGA, the calculated highest likelihood of exceedance in the ‘collapse damage’ condition was 5.24 percent, with no results above 10%, implying that the PGH Spine Building complies with the NSCP seismic requirement for structures located in Seismic Zone 4. As a result, an adequate retrofitting strategy is not required for the PGH Spine Building.

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Volume 2 | No. 3 | September 2022 Issue

September 2022

The competency level of research students in writing research paper: Basis for recalibrating the research curriculum in the junior high school level
Julie Ann B. Real
Philippine School Doha, Qatar
Full Paper PDF Abstract 1-17


Fostering reading level and story comprehension through MARITES (Marungko Approach Reading Intervention to Elementary Schoolers) with mentor-mentee arrangement
Nancy T. Rubin, Arnel S. Travero
Camp Evangelista Elementary School, Philippines
University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-Claveria, Philippines
Full Paper PDF Abstract 18-25


The organizational change process during COVID-19 pandemic in a public university: The case of Kasetsart University, Thailand 
Joefrey B. Geroche, Xiangyi Yang
Kasetsart Business School, Thailand
Holy Angel University, China
Full Paper PDF Abstract 26-37


Characterization of unsold Lechon as raw material for retort product development 
Jennilou C. Patindol, Hilaria L. Bustamante, Bernard Niño Q. Membrebe, Mark Rembert M. Patindol, Joann M. Aldaba
Eastern Visayas State University – Main Campus, Tacloban City, Leyte
Full Paper PDF Abstract 38-57


Iron status of malaria and control subjects attending selected hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria
A.I. Umar, Yusuf Sarkingobir, AI Umar, AM Labbo, M Almustapha, Ummu Tukur
Eastern Visayas State University – Main Campus, Tacloban City, Leyte
Department of Biochemistry, Sokoto State University, Nigeria
Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto, Nigeria/ Crown University International Chartered Incorporated/ Shehu Shagari University of Education Sokoto, Nigeria
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria
Shehu Shagari College of Education Sokoto, Nigeria
Full Paper PDF Abstract 58-66


Administrators’ technology leadership: Its influence on teachers’ technology proficiency
Ma. Teresa E. Mendoza1, Glenn Erick B. Catiis
Taliptip National High School, Philippines
Balagtas National Agricultural High School, Philippines
Full Paper PDF Abstract 67-75


Organizational learning and strategic capability: A study of telecommunications firms in Port Harcourt
Obiageri Felicitas Onwuegbule, Benedict Chima Onuoha
University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Full Paper PDF Abstract 76-82


Work-related stressors of secondary school teachers: Basis for developing a stress management program 
Mary Jean P. Dureza, Lea M. Madulid, Peter Marc D. Magsalin, Lyra B. Matulina, Sara M. Villanueva
Technological University of the Philippines, Philippines
Full Paper PDF Abstract 83-95


Instructional leadership for information and communication technology towards the development of a strategic plan for ICT
Riza R. Noceto
San Joaquin – Kalawaan High School, Philippines
Full Paper PDF Abstract 96-109


Life priority and satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic of OFW teachers in Thailand
Aldrin C. Go
Technological University of the Philippines
Full Paper PDF Abstract 110-122

Life priority and satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic of OFW teachers in Thailand

Aldrin C. Go
Technological University of the Philippines
[email protected]

A B S T R A C T

This study is action research using a quantitative approach to define the influence of Life Priorities based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: physiological, love and belonging, safety and security, self-esteem, self-actualization, and life satisfaction amidst of pandemic. The study’s data comprised 264 OFW Teachers in Thailand via a Google Form questionnaire and utilized non-probability sampling: purposive, convenience, and snowball. G*Power was utilized to calculate the sample size. In SPSS, multiple linear regression was used to test hypotheses at a 0.95 significance level. Demographics of respondents: Gen X has the highest mean rating ratings; females outnumber men; married status is most common; yearly income varies by tenure. The mean rating on the Life priorities and Satisfaction results showed that the respondents were extremely satisfied. The Life Priorities and Life Satisfaction and the demographic assessment showed that boomers II and females were more concerned about love and belonging, married marital status was more concerned about psychological needs, and the greater the income, the more psychological needs. Finally, the study discovered that psychological, love and belonging, safety and security, and self-actualization are the factors that influence life satisfaction. The study recommended the following: the Philippine Government’s Policymakers, Educators, and Psychologists: Develop a program for OFW Teachers in Thailand that can improve the wellness of daily living, leading to extreme life experiences; The OFW Teachers in Thailand: To be involved in the activities that can improve Life satisfaction and encourage others to keep a positive outlook during the pandemic, and future Researchers: it is suggested to increase the number of respondents to normalize data distribution and add additional variable constructs like coping strategies.

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