admin_irjstem – Page 2

Research patterns on technological inclusivity and equity in higher education: A bibliometric analysis

admin_irjstem Abstract Assistive technologies, Bibliometric analysis, Technological equity, Technological inclusivity, Technology in higher education

Research patterns on technological inclusivity and equity in higher education: A bibliometric analysis
Corresponding email: prospersesi2@gmail.com

A B S T R A C T

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of research trends on technological inclusivity and equity in higher education, leveraging data from the Dimensions academic research database to identify prevailing patterns, emerging trends, and gaps in scholarly discourse. We identified and analysed a total of 1,916 relevant publications spanning the years 2015 to 2024. The study employed VOSviewer, a bibliometric visualisation tool, to map citation networks, co-authorship patterns, and thematic clusters within the literature. The analysis showed a growing focus on digital accessibility, assistive technologies, inclusive teaching methods, and policy-driven efforts to make higher education fairer. The study also highlighted the importance of collaboration among individuals from different fields to enhance technological accessibility. However, apart from South Africa, no research was found in any other African country. These insights provide a foundation for future research and policy development, ensuring that technological advancements in education are accessible to a diverse range of learners.

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Impact study of school-based interventions among public secondary schools

admin_irjstem Abstract Educational equity, Northern Negros public schools, School based interventions, Student academic outcomes, Teaching performance

Impact study of school-based interventions among public secondary schools
Corresponding email: guarinmaguate1989@gmail.com

A B S T R A C T

This study investigates the impact of school-based interventions on teaching performance and student academic outcomes in public secondary schools in Northern Negros, Philippines. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, it integrated both quantitative and qualitative analyses to assess the implementation and impact of targeted initiatives, that includes that includes Project SHARE, Project SHINE, Project ReWal, E-CARE, Project PPST, Project LERI, Project V-EXTRA, and Physics in Minecraft. Stratified sampling was employed to ensure adequate representation with 288 junior high school respondents in DepEd. Results revealed significant improvements in student proficiency across key domains—literacy, numeracy, science conceptual understanding, and environmental awareness. Notably, Physics in Minecraft yielded the most substantial increase, with average accuracy scores rising from 24% to 50%, demonstrating the effectiveness of gamified instruction. Across all interventions, student engagement, teaching effectiveness, stakeholder participation, and resource utilization also improved, as reflected in mean ratings nearing 4.00 (“Somewhat Positive”). The success of the initiatives was largely enabled by teacher collaboration, contextualized instruction, and active community involvement. But there are problems like not having enough resources, not getting enough training, worrying about workload, and not being able to fully implement plan. The study highlights the potential of evidence based, context-sensitive interventions to enhance educational equity and learner outcomes. Recommendations were offered to inform with Policymakers, school leaders, and educators to optimize, scale, and sustain such interventions for broader impact.

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Volume 5 | No. 2 | June 2025 Issue

admin_irjstem Issue

June 2025

V5N2Cover_sample

Revolutionizing waste management system through the development of an i-smart trash bin solid waste sorter
Khrysstine B. Fuertes¹, Jovelyn G. Macalso¹, Jeanelyn R. Tominez¹, Dale Mark N. Bristol¹, Daniel Gracias V. Esquejo²¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Bambang Nueva, Philippines
²Department of Computer Engineering, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Bambang Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines
Full Paper PDF Abstract 1-11

Viewing secondary school students’ behaviour through the lens of teachers’ characteristics and classroom environment in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Esther O. Durowoju¹, Chibueze Richard Alli² ¹Faculty of Education, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria
²Soyanwo Crescent, Aare Estate, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Full Paper PDF Abstract 12-24

Artificial intelligence in Philippine education: A narrative review of applications, perceptions, and challenges
Stephen Jay CoFar Eastern University, Philippines
Full Paper PDF Abstract 25-38

Usefulness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education of TVL-Information Communication Technology (ICT) Senior High School Learners
Roy O. Anabo Head Teacher I, Dolores National High School, Eastern Samar Division, Dolores,
Eastern Samar, Philippines, 6817
Full Paper PDF Abstract 39-50

English language proficiency of students in relation to reading comprehension
Lalaine Grace P. Moralidad¹, Cendrick Ein M. Barcelona², Yentyl Joy B. Castro³, Jerremar T. Solis⁴, Melissa M. Navia⁵, Cindy C. Villaseñor⁶ ¹Research Associate I/Research and Creative Works Office/La Carlota City College, Philippines
²Instructor/College of Education/La Carlota City College, Philippines
^3,4Research Journal Staff/Research and Creative Works Office/La Carlota City College, Philippines
⁵Instructor/College of Education/La Carlota City College, Philippines
⁶Instructor/College of Liberal Arts/La Carlota City College, Philippines
Full Paper PDF Abstract 51-61

Development of portable electrostatic nozzle for sugarcane pesticide application
Klim D. Espeleta¹, Benedict Irl S. Acero² , Shana Alejandra A. Deroy³, Kharyl T. Geraga⁴, Jay C. Loraez⁵, Julia Raven S. Mandate⁶, Seryen B. Nabalitan⁷, Shermae S. Panilan⁸, Aisha Nicole C. Tabuada⁹, Jonathan A. Maligaya¹⁰, Joseph O. Golingay.¹¹, Mark Winston D. Gabutero¹² ^1-12Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas, Talisay City, Philippines
Full Paper PDF Abstract 62-74

Students’ satisfaction with healthcare services in federal universities in Southwestern Nigeria
Ayotunde Samuel Akinwale¹, Comfort A. Okotoni², S. ‘Tayo Subair³^1-3Department of Educational Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Full Paper PDF Abstract 75-85

Knowledge, interest, and engagement of Science education undergraduates in climate change and mitigation actions in Imo State, Nigeria
Ezere Chimmuanya¹, Onyeagbako Stella Okwuchi²¹Imo State University Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
²Wigwe University Isiokpor, Rivers State, Nigeria
Full Paper PDF Abstract 86-98

Good governance practices of barangays in one LGU in Negros Occidental
Princess Jeah Marie S. Geroso¹, Jenny B. Hernan², Jolina Mae D. Jimenez³, Marjon S. Amaro⁴¹State University of Northern Negros, Philippines
Full Paper PDF Abstract 99-107

Enhancing employee engagement: Strategies for boosting job satisfaction
Haekal Muhammad Tsaqif¹, Nor’ Ain Bt. Abdullah²¹Management and Science University, Malaysia
² Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies, Management and Science University, Malaysia
Full Paper PDF Abstract 108-120

EcoMask: Development of a biodegradable respirator using Sugarcane Bagasse (Saccharum officinarum) cellulose coated with shrimp shell chitosan and Bamboo (Bambusoideae) nonwoven fabric
Ezekiel Uriel G. Naganag¹, Trixie Krisha G. Berame², Arabella G. Bonus³,
Christine Anne Marie D. Eral⁴, Jad M. Alameddine⁵, Sharmaine Hope V. Rosario⁶
^1-6University of the Cordilleras, Baguio City, Philippines
Full Paper PDF Abstract 121-134

EcoMask: Development of a biodegradable respirator using Sugarcane Bagasse (Saccharum officinarum) cellulose coated with shrimp shell chitosan and Bamboo (Bambusoideae) nonwoven fabric

admin_irjstem Abstract Bamboo fabric, Biodegradable mask, Cellulose, Chitosan, Sugarcane bagasse

A B S T R A C T

Disposable face mask usage has caused a significant environmental crisis, with an estimated 129 billion masks discarded globally each month. Conventional masks, mainly made from polymers like polypropylene and polyethylene, take over 50 years to decompose, rising levels of pollution in both terrestrial and marine habitats. This study presents the development of EcoMask, a biodegradable respirator composed of sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum) cellulose coated with shrimp shell-derived chitosan, and reinforced with nonwoven bamboo (Bambusoideae) fabric. Biodegradability tests using ISO 14855-2:2018 standards revealed that the EcoMask decomposes within 3–6 months under aerobic composting conditions, significantly faster than conventional plastic masks. Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) testing following ASTM-F2299 protocols indicated a moderate efficiency of 36 41%, suitable for non-medical environments. While the mask shows limited filtration performance compared to medical-grade respirators, it excels in environmental sustainability, offering a promising step toward reducing the environmental impact of plastic masks.

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Enhancing employee engagement: Strategies for boosting job satisfaction

admin_irjstem Abstract Employee engagement, Job satisfaction, Organizational performance, Quantitative research, Regression analysis.

Enhancing employee engagement: Strategies for boosting job satisfaction
Corresponding email: haekalt18@gmail.com

A B S T R A C T

This research aims to analyze the impact of employee engagement on job satisfaction. In an era of globalization and fierce competition, companies must effectively manage their human resources to compete, survive, and thrive. Job satisfaction plays a crucial role in achieving organizational goals through employees. When individuals are satisfied with their work, they strive to perform to the best of their abilities, leading to better job performance and increased organizational success. Job satisfaction is subjective and challenging to measure, as it varies among individuals based on their unique desires and expectations. Therefore, understanding the factors that contribute to job satisfaction is of utmost importance. Employee engagement is one such factor that can significantly influence job satisfaction. Engaged Employees actively contribute to the accomplishment of the organization’s goals and ideals because they are dedicated to them. This journal investigates the relation between employee engagement and job satisfaction, aiming to provide valuable insights into enhancing job satisfaction. The research employed a quantitative approach and collected data using closed-ended questionnaires with a Likert scale (1-5). The sample consisted of 48 employees from Private Company in Malaysia. selected through saturation sampling. Data analysis was conducted using simple regression analysis in SPSS v26. The findings indicate a strong positive relationship between employee engagement and job satisfaction. These results support previous research that emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in promoting job satisfaction. In conclusion, this study highlights the significance of employee engagement in influencing job satisfaction. Companies should prioritize strategies to enhance employee engagement to ultimately improve job satisfaction, leading to better organizational performance and employee well-being. Future research should delve deeper into the mechanisms and factors that drive employee engagement and explore additional variables that may affect job satisfaction. Understanding these dynamics can help organizations create a more engaged and satisfied workforce, contributing to their long-term success.

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Good governance practices of barangays in one LGU in Negros Occidental

admin_irjstem Abstract Artificial intelligence, Education Technology, Narrative Review, Philippine Education

Good governance practices of barangays in one LGU in Negros Occidental
Corresponding email: pjmsgeroso@sunn.edu.ph

A B S T R A C T

This study aimed to determine governance practices of selected barangays in Sagay City and test its hypothesis. The study was anchored in the Behavioral Theory of Leadership and Contingency Theory of Leadership. A descriptive-quantitative research design was applied, and a modified research instrument that underwent validation with a 0.79 content validity index and Cronbach alpha of 0.967 was used. Therefore, most participants are residents, followed by appointed personnel and elected officials. The results also showed that there is a high level and significant difference (p < 0.05) in the level of good governance practices in the selected barangays in Sagay City in terms of Transparency, Responsiveness, and accountability when they are grouped according to their category. Thus, the selected barangays in Sagay City perform good governance practices wherein the officials rule their constituents in a good political manner, execute fairness in decision-making for the progression of their people, and observe the current situation in their barangays for them to implement good governance. The researchers recommended that elected officials maintain their good governance practices in terms of transparency, responsiveness, and accountability and future research about good governance practices-related variables.

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Knowledge, interest, and engagement of Science education undergraduates in climate change and mitigation actions in Imo State, Nigeria

admin_irjstem Abstract Climate change, Engagement, Interest, Knowledge, Undergraduates

Knowledge, interest, and engagement of Science education undergraduates in climate change and mitigation actions in Imo State, Nigeria
Corresponding email: chynma.ezere17@gmail.com

A B S T R A C T

This study examined the knowledge, interest, and engagement of Science Education Undergraduates in Climate Change and Mitigation actions in Imo State, Nigeria. The relationships existing among knowledge, interest and climate engagement was specifically studied. This study adopted a descriptive survey and a correlation design. Using a researcher-made 3-sectioned instrument, the researchers collected data from the respondents. To answer the research questions, frequencies, percentages, pie charts, mean scores, and standard deviations were used while the hypothesis was tested with Pearson r statistics at a 0.01 significance level. From the major findings, it is seen that 54% of the sampled students demonstrated high knowledge of climate change while 22% and 24% demonstrated moderate and low knowledge of climate change respectively, high climate interest levels exist among the respondents (mean =3.27), majority of the students participate in personal actions which help to mitigate climate change effects such as changing their lifestyle (84.90%), considering environmental impacts in choice of goods (93.00%), water conservation (91.80%), planting of trees and flowers (79.70%) and waste recycling (70.90%), there is low involvement of the undergraduates in online and offline climate change and climate change mitigation awareness (19%), 67% of the respondents engage in climate change mitigation actions to a high extent, 22% of the participating undergraduates have moderate engagement levels in climate change mitigation actions while 11% of the respondents have low engagement levels in climate change mitigation actions, high and significant relationships exist between climate change knowledge and climate interest among the undergraduates (r= 0.750, p<.05); significant relationship also exists between interest in climate change/mitigation actions and engagement in climate change actions (r=0.323, p<.05) while the relationship between knowledge of climate and engagement in climate change mitigation activities is low and non-significant (r=0.117, p>.05). The findings imply that the use of digital tools to create climate change awareness should be greatly emphasized by lecturers, as this will promote undergraduates’ interest and digital participation in climate actions and universities should incorporate climate change topics into various courses, making environmental knowledge a fundamental part of students’ academic experience.

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Students’ satisfaction with healthcare services in federal universities in Southwestern Nigeria

admin_irjstem Abstract Health centres, Healthcare services, Students’ satisfaction, University health centre

Students’ satisfaction with healthcare services in federal universities in Southwestern Nigeria
Corresponding email: ayotundesamuel1@gmail.com

A B S T R A C T

This study assessed the availability of healthcare services in Southwestern Nigeria’s federal universities. Similarly, it examined students’ satisfaction with healthcare services in the study area. Furthermore, the study determined the relationship between healthcare services and students’ satisfaction. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study’s population was 193,526 students while the sample was 1,144 students drawn from three universities in the study area. ‘Students’ Satisfaction with Healthcare Services Questionnaire (SSHFQ) was used in gathering data for the study. The analysis of gathered data was done using percentages, weighted average and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The results indicated that healthcare services in the institutions of study were fairly or moderately available (2.6). Furthermore, the study indicated that students were fairly satisfied 576(52%) with healthcare services. It was also found that availability of healthcare services has significant relationship (r=0.72< 0.05) with students’ satisfaction. It was concluded that healthcare services in the study area were inadequate and students’ satisfaction was influenced by the level of availability of healthcare services. It was recommended that university management and government should build more wards, procure more beds, modern healthcare technological gadgets, as well as organise professional training for medical personnel on the need to treat patients professionally and with due respect.

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Development of portable electrostatic nozzle for sugarcane pesticide application

admin_irjstem Abstract Electrostatic, Pesticide, Portable nozzle, Sugarcane

Development of portable electrostatic nozzle for sugarcane pesticide application
Corresponding email: markgabutero@gmail.com

A B S T R A C T

Agriculture remains a critical sector in the Philippine economy, with sugarcane ranking fifth among the most cultivated crops. However, pest infestations significantly reduce crop yield and quality. Conventional pesticide application methods are labor-intensive, inefficient, and contribute to health and environmental risks due to excessive spraying. This study aims to design, development and evaluate the portable electrostatic nozzle designed to improve pesticide application efficiency in sugarcane farming. The prototype incorporates a high-voltage arc generator using a 5-stage Walton-Cockcroft voltage multiplier, producing 14.09 kV to electrostatically charge pesticide droplets from a conventional sprayer. Utilizing ImageJ software for data gathering, an independent t-test was employed to compare its performance with traditional sprayers. Results demonstrated a significant increase in droplet deposition, with “back” leaf surface coverage improving from 1.048% to 21.421%, and “front” coverage increasing by 13%. Overall spray efficiency improved from a range of 18.344% – 20.374% in the control group compared to 34.444% – 34.661% in the experimental group, resulting an average of 20% greater coverage of pesticide using the electrostatic nozzle. It consumed 11.397 watts of power and operated for 1.5 hours per charge using a 3.9Ah Li-ion battery. The electrostatic nozzle consistently outperformed the conventional sprayer. Further research should focus on optimizing the electric field distribution, incorporating protective battery circuitry, and conducting field validation under practical agricultural conditions. These findings support the potential of electrostatic spraying technology as a sustainable solution for improving pesticide application in crop production.

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English language proficiency of students in relation to reading comprehension

admin_irjstem Abstract English language proficiency, Listening, Reading, Reading comprehension, Speaking, Writing

English language proficiency of students in relation to reading comprehension
Corresponding email: lalainegracemoralidad@gmail.com

A B S T R A C T

This research sought to assess students’ proficiency in the English language and examine how it correlates with their ability to comprehend written texts. To assess the English language proficiency of 86 junior Liberal Arts students, the study utilized a researcher-developed survey questionnaire comprising ten items for each of the four core skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The questionnaire’s validity was affirmed with a mean score of 4.27. Additionally, a reliability test using Cronbach’s Alpha yielded a high-reliability index of 0.94, ensuring the consistency of the measurements. The second part of the questionnaire, adapted from Vibal (2017), assessed students’ reading comprehension levels with 25 items. The mean was used to measure these levels, while the relationship between the two variables was analyzed using the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient. The study revealed that junior Liberal Arts students exhibited high levels of English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with means of 3.70, 3.72, 3.72, and 3.61, respectively, and an overall mean of 3.69. However, their reading comprehension level was moderate, with a mean of 13.91, suggesting a disparity between their proficiency and comprehension skills. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between students’ English language proficiency and their reading comprehension levels. This suggests that enhancing English language proficiency could improve reading comprehension skills, underlining the importance of integrated language learning approaches and targeted interventions to address areas of weakness.

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