The Art Within

Art is truly present in science. A team of Cornell University researchers have recently discovered that kirigami, the Japanese art of paper cutting "allows scientists to manipulate single-atom-thick sheets of carbon as if they were pieces of paper". The results from the painstaking task of graphene isolation (accomplished through dissolving aluminum underneath the material) - a stretchable sheet, a pyramid and a spiral, are lovely miniature versions of the same shapes on paper. 

      Photo from Melina Blees 

According to the website of the graphene research community at Manchester University, graphene is 

"a two dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb or chicken wire structure". It is the world's thinnest material, concurrently maintaining a spot as one of the world's strongest. An electrical conductor at par with copper, it also transparent. The Manchester research community declares that graphene "will revolutionize the 21st century". The findings of the Cornell research team adds another merit to this amazing material.

Besides that, the artistic output is not just for show. It is also purposeful. In the future, Cornell physicist Melina Blees said that in the future, tailored graphene structure can be used to measure the weight of small objects and a living cell's electrical signals.

The artistic possibilities from graphene manipulation are a reminder that art and science are not in two sides of a great divide. They are in harmony and should both be utilized to improve society. Whether you are from the sciences or the arts, remember to utilize the skills and wisdom gained from your field to give back to society.

Read More

"Leprosy and Psoriasis, not Flesh-eating disease"

Few days ago, the media brought up a very alarming news about a flesh-eating disease. They showed us about 2 people that has an unusual skin disease that they said, the doctors cannot explain what it is.

Dr. Anna De Guzman, the Pangasinan provincial health officer said that it was not true at all. Dr. De Guzman that the person from Sta. Barbara has leprosy and has suffered from an adverse reaction from a drug. The second patient which is from Villasis has psoriasis.



The tourism industry in Pangasinan was affected, People were affected and local business men were affected because of the OA media.









There was an internet trend that there is a prophecy by a self-titled prophet Vincent Selvakumar of the Voice of Jesus Ministries in April 2013 that there will be a flesh-eating disease would spread from the Ilocos Province to the world. Dr. De Guzman added that the media sometimes exaggerate news just to connect to the said prophecy.



The media did not mind of the consequences. They did not conduct any research before they spread the news about a very alarming matter. But to clarify things, the DOH said that it was just a hoax.

Read More

A Test of Critical Thinking

An election season in UP Diliman is not complete without the incessant room-to-room campaigns, speeches full of big promises, flyers posted on every corner, and forums to test the candidates’ wit and true capabilities. It’s no surprise that the aspirants have taken advantage of the ease of social media and eagerly took campaigning beyond campus grounds and into cyber space. In response, Facebook pages like Factcheck Diliman, The Diliman Heckler, and just recently, Tanungan sa Diliman, have been created to accompany the many promotional posters spreading on the internet.

Each of these Facebook pages serves a different purpose. Factcheck Diliman is the arm that aims to check the credibility of any information disseminated by the parties and expose anomalies that may arise with regard to the elections. Tanungan sa Diliman is more specialized, and serves as an avenue for voters to ask questions to any candidate and have the answers be revealed for everyone to see and scrutinize. Last but not the least is The Diliman Heckler. As its name entails, the Heckler serves as a comic relief amidst all the tension brought about by the election season.

Although the creators of these mediums may have had only noble intentions during the period of their conception, the users have to ask themselves if their functions still stand as something positive, or whether or not they have brought about more harm than good.

Factcheck Diliman, for one, has been the go-to site for relevant information- so much so that some people have proclaimed a post from Factcheck as immediate truth. This precisely goes against the level of critical thinking that the page sought to uphold. While this is not true for other people, Factcheck sometimes propagates internet disputes among students with opposing views. It is perfectly fine when these are approached with respect and proper reasoning, but some of the comment wars on the Facebook page do not always remain healthy. And when Factcheck releases its information, one can’t help but wonder what its source is, and whether or not it is as credible as it claims to be.

Tanungan sa Diliman poses a different problem entirely. Hiding under the veil of anonymity, anyone is able to ask any question to any candidate. The page updated its status, saying, “We just want to clear that we post the questions that are directed and for the candidates, regardless of its background, connotations, denotations, and implications.” This may be a good thing in the name of transparency, but any incriminating question posted on behalf of accountability is a poor excuse for attacking a candidate. Besides, judging from the influx of posts, most of the questions are left unanswered and are just bombarded with "likes" from the students who are itching to get any form of response.

Contrasting the seriousness of the first two mediums, The Diliman Heckler gets on the funnier side of things. Admittedly, many of the Heckler’s posts do merit a chuckle or two. But things turn sour when the page makes skin color and religion the basis of its humor. More than once it has posted offensive remarks involving various candidates. Others may argue that it is all just clean fun, but when the Heckler trudges on the candidates and stoops so low just to get a laugh from the readers, it stops becoming a laughing matter.

Common to the three sites is the question of who really run them. There can never be an absence of biases, or complete impartiality with regard to the elections or any of the three opposing parties. And certainly, these personal notions are reflected in each post, like, and comment of these Facebook stars.

These sites are not, in essence, a bad addition to the UP politics. It is just their usage that sometimes leads them to be seen in a negative light.

In a few days’ time, election season 2014 will be finally over and these Facebook pages can go to rest along with the other candidates. But when the time comes for all of it to begin once again, each person should be more conscious of his actions and be conscientious of everything he writes and reads. After all, the power of social media is no longer a new marvel to this generation. All it takes is a little responsibility and caution. In this way, the minds of the UP students can continue to grow in positive critical thinking.

*the pictures above are taken from the respective Facebook pages of Factcheck Diliman, Tanungan sa Diliman, and The Diliman Heckler

Read More

TABATA Workout: The New fitness Craze

High Intensity Interval Training a.k.a. HIIT is becoming famous nowadays. It doesn’t need a lot of time to do this workout. All you need is 15-20 minutes of your time and it’ll guarantee you to get in shape for a fast-approaching event. Research shows that a 15-20 minutes HIIT can burn more calories than 45 minutes to 1 hour jogging and according to a post by Charlotte Hilton Andersen; a 2011 study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, just 2 weeks of high-intensity intervals improves your aerobic capacity as much as 6 to 8 weeks of endurance training. A type of HIIT that is becoming a fitness craze is called the Tabata Workout.

“Tabata Training can be done with a number of different exercises. The idea is to use an exercise that gets the whole body involved, or at least the major muscle groups. Tabata Training can be done with barbells, dumbells, kettlebells or just bodyweight exercises. 

A study by Japanese scientist Dr. Izumi Tabata, who founded Tabata training, found that high intensity training improved VO2 max (or your maximal oxygen consumption)  by about 14%, while anaerobic capacity improved by 28%. These effects will help you shed those extra pounds of fat, while also building lean muscle. 

If you want to add tabata to your weight workout, simply pick four barbell exercises that you can easily transition between. Perform the first exercise for as many reps as you can in 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, then perform the second exercise as fast as possible for 20 seconds. Rest for 10 seconds, and repeat this process for the remaining exercises.” - 4 Minute Fat-Burning High-Intensity Workout by Mehmet Edip

Barbell Tabata Workout:

1. Reverse Lunges
2. Shoulder Press
3. Romanian Deadlifts
4. Back Squats

Once you've completed all four exercises you're only half way done, because you'll only be two minutes into the Tabata. Go back to the first exercise and repeat the entire complex again without ever dropping the bar.

Here's a sample of a four-exercise dumbbell Tabata complex:

Dumbbell Tabata Workout:

1. Bicep Curls
2. Incline Flyes
3. Arnold Shoulder Press
4. Side Lateral Raise

* 20 seconds on each exercise with a 10 second rest in between x 2 sets

And for a fast, cardio shred try this workout:

Cardio Tabata Workout:

Sprinting – sprint for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds x 8 times
Jump rope – jump for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds x 8 times 

Who says you need a couple of hours to workout? Try this and you'll be in shape in no time.

By: Ralph Reizon A. Santisteban

Read More

UP Diliman Elections 2014

                                                 Photo from: masscomm.upd.edu.ph

It is late February, nearing the month of March and you are probably starting to see students wearing long sleeves and slacks when you’re used to the sight of jeans and various shades of oversized shirts. It is campaign period once more in UP Diliman and candidates are going door to door in an attempt to convince you that they are the choice, they are the solution and they are worthy of your much respected and needed vote.

Why vote?

               

Have you ever come across these words being said before?

                “What is the Council doing?”

                “If only I was a member of the council…”

                “Why did they decide to do that?”

                “The USC is so stupid, the obvious decision is…”

Everyone has an opinion about what is going on and everybody wants to do something about the situation. However, we simply cannot have everyone shouting what they want to say, that creates confusion and it usually ends up with no decision being made. So we have the council to voice out our opinions, to voice out our concerns. Since you have no plans for joining the council, you vote so that you still have a part in the council. Vote for the person who in your opinion thinks the way you do, that way, your opinion is heard via your candidate. Voting can be a bother and you can get on with your life without having to vote. However if you are dissatisfied with the way things are run, VOTE and get someone you want into the council.

Who are running?

It is too much of a bother to go into the candidates one by one, so we shall attempt to bring light instead to the parties running.

KAISA (Nagkakaisang Iskolar para sa Pamantasan at Sambayanan)

                

KAISA is the newest party in UP Diliman, formed in May of 2005. It is a progressive political party and dynamic student formation that envisions itself as an agent of social change through competent student leadership, proactive political action and effective social involvement. In essence, KAISA consider themselves as scholar activists, a group of students who make use of their education in order to be of use to the university and to society.

ALYANSA (Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran)

             

ALYANSA is a leadership and service formation who follows by the principles of

·        *Progressive Multi-Perspective Activism

o   Big words, but basically they consider all sides of a given situation, they act upon viewing these perspectives and work to be progressive and prevent stagnation.

·         *Academic Excellence

o   They consider academic excellence to be an indicator of leadership and social responsibility.

·         *Student empowerment

o   They believe that student participation and representation are the answers to problems of student rights and welfare.

·         *Social Justice and Progress

o   It is UP’s role is to advocate and fight for the rights of the marginalized and socially oppressed.

STAND-UP (Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights)

STAND-UP considers the present educational system as colonial, commercialized and repressive. STAND-UP fights for a change and has been at the forefront in student related struggles, consistently fighting against UP budget cuts and other commercialization schemes. They believe that a mass-oriented, scientific and nationalist education is what the Filipino student should receive. They believe that it is in a better education system that students will be oriented towards service for its people.

Simply search in iskwiki.upd.edu.ph in order to find out more about their campaigns, their history as well as the basic principles that guide the student formation.

Independent

  

The independent is basically a candidate who has no allegiance to any of the three currently running parties. They believe in their own principles and that despite the lack of a political party they have what it takes to represent and serve the students. In order to learn more about their principles and individual personalities, you should listen to campaigns and judge for yourself

So… What now?

This is just an overview of what the different parties are. In order to make a proper, informed decision, one should listen to campaigns, read the papers that they randomly give out and listen to the debates that will be happening in the next few weeks. Ask questions about their opinions on current affairs as you want individuals who feel the same way you do about current news. Don’t ask questions about personal history nor about the history of their opponents, this does not help you in making your decision; neither does it help other people in making their decision. Be respectful and maintain tact in order to judge properly the personality and the interests of a candidate. Consider all candidates, their strengths, weaknesses, what they’re campaigning for and vote for someone who will represent you the best. Do not be afraid to abstain if you do not know enough about the people who are running, it is much better than voting for someone who you barely know anything about. Abstain if you feel that nobody deserves the position. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! It is your right and it is your chance for your voice to be heard.

                

Mykha Marie B. Tabuzo

Read More

Towards an ASEAN Community

                   

The official flag of the ASEAN
image from:
 http://www.aseanic.org/_uploadedfile/images/asn-sli-1349145587-asean-logo-dalam.png

For the past few weeks, news about the ASEAN integration is all over the headlines. Besides the adjustment of Academic calendar by different universities to cope with our fellow ASEAN neighbors (which until now receives various reactions), a bigger project is about to unveil this 2015-The ASEAN Community. This essay aims to inform its readers on the ASEAN Community particularly, the ASEAN Economic Community 2015.  

                The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization founded on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand. The signing of the Bangkok Declaration in 1967 by its founding members including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand established the organization along with its aims of facilitating greater cooperation in different issues within the region. Today, there are ten member states comprising ASEAN. The new member states of the organization are Brunei Darussalam (1984), Vietnam (1995), Lao PDR (1997), Myanmar (1997) and Cambodia (1999).

The current member states of ASEAN
image from:http://en.aectourismthai.com/images/blog/content1/20130207115027.jpg

                From the official website of the organization (see http://www.asean.org/asean/about-asean), each ASEAN member state adopts the following fundamental principles stated in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) of 1976.

1. Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations;

2. The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion or coercion;

3. Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another;

4. Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner;

5. Renunciation of the threat or use of force; and

6. Effective cooperation among themselves.

   

                Although many countries thought that the organization will not survive, ASEAN managed to stand different challenges and resolve some differences within the region through time. As part of its future plans, the organization established a vision for the region named as the ASEAN Vision 2020. In this vision, the member states agreed to create an ASEAN Community by 2020 that will further strengthen the ties among the relations of each member states. This ASEAN Community comprises three pillars which are the ASEAN political-security community, the ASEAN Social-Cultural community and the ASEAN Economic Community. Each of the three-pillars is explained further in their respective blueprints. (See http://www.asean.org/asean/about-asean for each pillar’s blueprint)

                In the 12^th ASEAN Summit held in Cebu, Philippines last January 2007, the organization decided to hasten the establishment of the ASEAN community, originally by 2020 to 2015. The said agreement is signed by member states in the Cebu Declaration on the Acceleration of the Establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015. The declaration contains the acknowledgement of ASEAN member states towards establishing a single ASEAN Community in order to address common issues like security and economic development.

The ASEAN Economic Community

The ASEAN Economic Community map
image from: http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/asean-economic-community-aec-31019063.jpg

                This 2015 marks the launch of one of the Pillars of the ASEAN Community-the ASEAN Economic community. In accordance to the Bali Concord II signed in Bali, Indonesia last 2003, the region, by 2015 will transform into a single Common Market and production base which aims to make a “highly competitive economic region, a region of equitable economic development, and a region fully integrated into the global economy”. In 2007, the meeting of different Economic ministers from each member states in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia created the blueprint for this envisioned Economic community that identifies five core themes: (i) free flow of goods (ii) free flow of services (iii) free flow of investments (iv) free flow of capital and (v) free flow of skilled labor. Along with these components are the priority integration sectors and food, agriculture and forestry.

                In International Relations, a common market is a type of a Regional integration Agreements (RIA’s) which states engaged in order to enhance cooperation. A common market is defined as “the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers plus, a common external tariff against non-member countries” (Layador,2014). In addition, a Common Market includes a “free movement of capital, labor and services” (Layador,2014). If we can remember, this is not the first time that a regional organization decided to come up with the vision of a ‘community’ higher that the state called the region. This is exemplified in the case of the European Union (EU). Each of the 28 member states adopted not just a common market but entered into an Economic and Monetary Union wherein states share a common economic and monetary policy (ex. Inflation target rates, single currency, investment policies and a common central bank) except for Great Britain who opt not to adopt the Euro currency and remain to use pound.

                   After defining what a common market is, we now move into some of the challenges or problems it may create. One possible problem is the “inconvenience and transactions costs of navigating through a big regional market with different currencies.” (Layador, 2014) This is exemplified in the early years of the European Union (EU) until 1992 upon the signing of the Maastricht Treaty which created the Euro currency. Before the treaty, all member states use different currencies in buying goods and services which are highly costly. Another problem posed by this integration is the transition period to a single common market. While it promises a highly competitive, monopoly-free markets, the possibility of local business and industries that previously enjoy national protection or subsidy might incur loses and struggle to compete against the international market in this period. Of course, these possible challenges are just possibilities. We are yet to find the effects of the Economic integration in 2015.

                     Are we ready for a regional integration? Although the idea of an 'ASEAN Community' is not that bad at all, we still need to look at the possible advantages and disadvantages of this event. After all, regional integration is not just a socio-cultural or economic phenomena. It is a political event that may somehow affect the future of each member states within the region.   

References:
The Euopean Union official Website:  http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/institutional_affairs/treaties/treaties_singleact_en.html

ASEAN official website: http://www.asean.org/asean/about-asean

Lecture Handouts in Political Science 187- Special topics in international relations : regionalism-multilateralism

East African Community official website : http://www.eac.int/commonmarket/benefits.html

Read More

Smile! A Picture from 100 Miles Away, and Up, Up We Go

What does Earth look like as seen from a 100 miles away?

            NASA has the answer. This February, Curiosity, a rovers in Mars shot a picture of Earth and send it back to  NASA. NASA tweeted the photo that was sent by the rover via twitter. It is a success for the rover that was attempting to take a clear picture of the Earth for a few months now but to no avail. Now, with the technology of editing camera and its reception of light, Curiosity has successfully pictured Earth from Mars.

But what does this success implies?

            Space exploration is just at the beginning of its career. There are yet millions of planets and stars to be discovered. The success of the Curiosity proves that our technology is continuously developing to further discover the unknown. With this continuous development, we are on the right track to broaden our body of knowledge about the universe.

How would this development affect people?

           Virgin Galactic is developing a technology that would cater to layman. The company is developing an air-spacebourne vehicle that will bring tourists to the moon by 2043. Before, people have to undergo rigorous training and studying just in order to get to space. But in a few years time, the access to universe, if successful, will be available even to the ordinary people. We are bringing the universe closer to the people.

What is the bigger picture?

           With the success of these technologies, we are able to involve people more into science. People become aware of the things that sometimes, they don't care about. If these scientists will be able to bring the knowledge to ordinary people, people can start appreciating science more.

Source: CNN
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/09/tech/space-tourism/index.html?iid=article_sidebar
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/06/tech/innovation/mars-curiosity-earth-image/index.html

Read More

A Higgs Boson We Cannot Unsee

Andre David of CERN giving his lecture on the Higgs Boson
at the CS Auditorium, UP Diliman last January 29, 2014

It all started with the discovery of fire. Then the candle was invented and through applied research man was able to utilize the use of animal fat and bee’s wax to create oil lamps, which then led to the discovery of electricity where the invention of light bulbs came about. Upon further research, carbon filament, Tungsten filament and inert gas filling came about. Electrical discharges in gases, known as plasmas were discovered and then came the invention of the fluorescent tube and recently, light emitting diodes (LED) were discovered and thus, LED light bulbs were invented. Without these discoveries, there will be no inventions. Discoveries enable inventions that can be ubiquitous which means that it is widely used and its presence is extensive. Without fire, there will be no candles, and without candles there will be no electricity and without electricity it is most likely that there will be no gadgets and appliances. These discoveries are shaped by society as it is hinged on the perceived value for man. Discoveries more often than not stem from research with no direct practical purpose, no immediate profit or gain, no clear path ahead and often have no support from society. But clearly enough, these discoveries have risen to very important facets in history. It is thus imperative that in order to make discoveries, societies must invest on and support diverse research.

The European Organization for Nuclear Research known as CERN is a European research organization whose purpose is to operate the world's largest particle physics laboratory. Established in 1954, the organization has twenty European member states plus Israel, the first non-European country granted full membership¹ CERN is the birthplace of the World Wide Web which enables data and information sharing across the world possible. Other notable achievements of CERN include making GIS (geographic information system) data available on the grid. They have also developed Disaster Management schemes through planning of camp sites, aid routes and airstrip placements. Open access publishing was made available and granted anybody, anywhere and anytime access to CERN’s publications. Medical imaging in the forms of x-rays, positron emission tomography (PET) which is a more effective method in locating and viewing malignant lumps in the breast through PET mammography. CERN has also developed Medical Therapy methods, such as the Hadron therapy which is used in hospitals used to treat certain diseases. Climate forcings were also conceived and state of the art cloud chambers and cosmic rays were created. Cancer treatment is also an achievement of CERN through the development of superior technology.

 The Higgs boson is an elementary particle recently discovered in CERN in 2012. It is an important discovery because it confirms the existence of the Higgs field. Just right after the big bang, the Higgs field had zero mass but as the temperature fell and reached a certain critical temperature, it grew and all particles interacting with the Higgs field gained mass. Particles such as the photon that do not interact with the field gained no mass. The Higgs boson or Higgs particle is the visible representation of the field, but whether or not the Higgs boson is the one predicted by the Standard Model, we are yet to find out. Support and investment in research is indeed important as research and discoveries lead to inventions and again inventions are of great value to man.

References:

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higgs_boson

[2] http://home.web.cern.ch/about/physics/search-higgs-boson

Read More

Big data, long data, and history

Advances in all fields of knowledge have lead to a massive bulk of collective information, incredibly apparent enough that we have come to call this time we live in as the Information Age. Much premium is given nowadays to  big data, which are basically massive collections of data sets. It is helpful in studying any field, in doing business, in solving crimes, and probably in any intellectual work. With advancements in technology, working with enormous amounts of data is made possible, and many are now taking advantage of this. 

"But no matter how big that data is or what insights we glean from it, it is still just a snapshot: a moment in time." wrote Samuel Arbesman in an article where he argues that people are focusing too much on big data and that we should give more attention to long data, datasets that have "massive historical sweep", cutting across a huge span of time. This way we choose not to ignore changes (both gradual and drastic) that inevitably occur leading to the current issues of concern. For example, if I wish to understand a certain community, I would not make conclusions about their way of life with just observations of their present circumstances and everyday activities. Peering deeper into their past in a long timescale would give me a clearer and much complete understanding, because I would have answers to 'why' and 'how' questions. In a much more recent article, Arbesman wrote about a return of history at long timescales. A recent trend has caused many historians to deal with big datasets in short timescales. He highlights the importance of long timescales in history, that it does not only help us see slow changes in history, but also the fast developments as well. A longer timescale does not imply ignorance to events of short spans of time, but rather, it provides a richer context to any event within it. Therefore, it is crucial for us not to turn a blind eye to events in the past, including the not-so-immediate past.

The bulk of data about the whole universe will continue to increase and bodies of knowledge will keep growing bigger, but time will only move forward and longer.    

I end this post with a quote from Arbesman's article:

"Because as beautiful as a snapshot is, how much richer is a moving picture, one that allows us to see how processes and interactions unfold over time?"

Read More

Whenever the weather gets weird…

Image taken from http://img3.allvoices.com/thumbs/
image/609/480/70109512-cold-weather.jpg

It’s 6:30 AM: time to wake up for your class. As much as your mind tells you to get up, however, your body teases you to stay in bed.

“It’s cold; the weather’s perfect; just a few minutes more”…

…and before you know it, you’re a few minutes off schedule.

Very seldom do we experience this kind of cool air here in the Philippines. At temperatures dropping to as much as 18 degrees Celsius (8 degrees in Baguio), the weather sure is weird. We just don’t get that much chilliness here.

Whenever the weather gets weird, scientists make sense of this as looming signs that global warming is in the works. The case of the super typhoon Yolanda, the polar vortex in parts of the United States, and the extreme weather conditions we are experiencing right now are just a few of the evidences behind the claims of global warming.  

Reactions regarding these “symptoms”, though, are varied depending on the case. While the super typhoon Yolanda was dreadful, the cold January weather is enjoyed by some because of the rare breezy sensation that the weather brings to them.   

Nevertheless, we must bear in mind that this could all be a delusion. The enjoyable weather might be masking another weather phenomenon that is something bigger and catastrophic. We must be prepared.    

-by Juan Miguel C. dela Cruz, 2010-27633

Read More

Not-So-Common Colds

These past couple of weeks, our country (and most of the other parts of the world) has been experiencing cold weather which is pretty late at this time of the year since we, Filipinos, usually experience cool temperatures from November to December. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has recorded the lowest temperature in Metro Manila for this season last January 17, 2014 to be 19.5 Celsius which is brought about by the Northeast Monsoon or Hanging Amihan (read more). It is during these types of weather that people are more prone to diseases and viral infections such as cough, colds, fever, and pneumonia. Regular intakes of the good old Vitamin C may be one's best form of defense against these diseases, especially common colds.

However, did you know that common colds are caused by 3 major rhinoviruses? And they are not cured or treated in the same way. Two of these viruses, rhinovirus A and B have already been studied and already have 3-D models in place which helped scientists develop antivirals specific for both. The third major rhinovirus though has been less focused on but it has been the major culprit in cases of common colds, and its 3-D model has just been developed by a biochemist in University of Wisconsin - Madison and her colleagues (read article here).

The development of this 3-D structure would be helpful in understanding the mechanism of action of these rhinoviruses. This also explains why the treatments that work in the former 2 rhinoviruses do not necessarily work on rhinovirus C and having this model will allow scientists to have a better shot at coming up with the right cure.

Given our current temperature, which PAGASA predicts to last until the last week of February, it is easy to let our guards down and get sick. Prevention is always better than cure but discovering a cure for this strange type of rhinovirus seems promising doesn't it? Especially now that its 3-D model has been developed. It's better to be cautious, but don't let that stop you from enjoying this weather, because it's bound to get hotter in approximately 2 months.

Photo taken from: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/b8/dd/5d/b8dd5d3b69fd9b8ac8107653c33419fb.jpg

Read More

Spot the Jerk

Time and again we've heard that technology is going by leaps and bounds. Well, it simply is.

Apparently, a new "computerized content-analysis tool" developed by researchers in Binghamton University can reliably and validly measure narcissistic and psychopathic traits in leaders of Fortune 100 companies. Surely someone with a hefty load on his or her shoulders should be the opposite.

A report  describes the tool as having "a built-in dictionary of words, phrases and rules that can be used to help predict certain negative personality traits". From transcripts of interviews of prospective CEOs, the program looks for words denoting self-centeredness and different personality traits.

Photo from http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/1338530814615_6040048.png

Photo from http://josephbray.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/bully.jpg

The Binghamton researchers are scheduled to present more on their study at the 29th annual conference of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology in Honolulu in May.

I thought that the report on this new tool ought to have touched on how its application can extend to hiring new employees in general. Self-centered people, be it CEOs or otherwise, create a toxic work atmosphere that is counterproductive.

But then again, do we really need this tool? I have not interviewed people for job hirings but as a student of journalism, I have had the chance to interview a number of people. Spotting people with a condescending air can be done while having a conversation with them. Non-verbal cues show a lot as well.

On the other hand, this new tool can serve as a supporting arm to what can be spotted in face-to-face interviews. Journalism school has also taught me that verification is vital and should never be discarded.  Thus, I have to concede that this is a useful tool. We will have to see how the attendee of the Honolulu conference think about it. Meanwhile, human resource and personnel officers will have to rely on their keen sense of perception when interviewing job candidates - especially CEOs.

Read More

AUP - Ayala University of the Philippines?

Last January 10, 2014, the UP Economics towards Consciousness and the School of Economics Student Council held a forum with the title Kapekonomiya: Probing the UP Land Use. Former Vice President for Development, Prof. Ruperto Alonzo, and CSWCD professor Judy Taguiwalo are the main speakers of the said event. Also present as student reactors are USC Chairperson Alex Castro, SESC Chairperson Darrell Magsambol, and Student Regent Krista Melgarejo.

Based on the title of the forum, you probably already know that the main issue discussed in the talk is the establishment of commercial spaces on UP-owned land. During the event, professor Alonzo pointed out that commercialization in UP is nothing new – the private food concessionaires in our cafeterias, computer shops, photocopying services, books stores, etc – they were already there from a long time ago. It is actually a good thing, since the students’ access to school supplies, food, and other services is a lot easier.

However, according to the UP Charter (RA 9500), Section 22, letter (f):

“Any plan to generate revenues and other sources from land grants and other real properties entrusted to the national university shall be consistent with the academic mission and orientation of the national university as well as protect it from undue influence and control of commercial interests…”

Professor Taguiwalo said that the Ayala Land buildings in UP, specifically Technohub and Town Center, does not comply with this requirement. One building in Technohub is basically a call center, and another is a commercial establishment, like the recently opened UP Town Center. It seems that these buildings are not in any way 'consistent with the academic mission' of the university. Student regent Melgarejo even joked that the only thing that makes these establishments academics-related is the existence of the National Bookstore in the buildings. Taguiwalo said that the construction of these buildings by the private company is the beginning of privatization of education.

Mr. Magsanggol clearly stated in his speech that “privatization [of education] should not be done”, but he also said that, if it can’t be avoided, the utilization of the idled properties of UP can only be done if: (1) the assets will be preserved (will not be damaged); (2) there is transparency in the use of the income generated; (3) there is a student consultation before the project; and (4) the terms are in accordance with the UP Charter. Ms. Castro mentioned that the Technohub was constructed without student consultation.

In her presentation, professor Taguiwalo showed the picture below. It is the Land Use Plan of UP Diliman for the year 2011. Notice that 'science and technology park' and 'resource generation zone' (boxed in red) together occupies almost one third of the total land area of UP Diliman. Incidentally, these lands are where Technohub, Technopark and Town Center are located. Prof. Taguiwalo said that the projects failed to 'protect the university from undue influence and control of commercial interests.'

(Click to enlarge)
Source: Special Convocation with the Chancellor (iskwiki.upd.edu.ph)

Alex Castro said in her speech that President Noynoy's "Budget cut towards self-sufficiency" is the main culprit of the commercialization. The university will have to lease idle properties to private companies to generate it own funds that can't be provided by the government. However, she pointed out that the Town Center displaced UPIS which is obviously NOT an idled land. The Ayala paid P220 M for UPIS to be relocated somewhere else, but Castro noted that the amount is not enough.

Prof. Taguiwalo mentioned in her message that the government has no right to say "walang pera ang gobyerno", because after the pork barrel scam, she is certain that the government has the money to support UP and the other SUC's. She reiterated in her speech that we, as "iskolar ng bayan", should be part of the movements that are fighting for greater state subsidy. She said that even if we can afford to pay the increasing tuition fees, let us join these movements for our classmates and friends who are not capable of paying their education.

The three-hour talk can be summed up in the following words from Alex Castro: "Commercialization of education is NOT the solution."

Read More

Inherited Memories?

"Memories are dangerous things. You turn them over and over, until you know every touch and corner, but still you'll find an edge to cut you."-Mark Lawrence, Prince of Thorns


There are a lot of things that we want to be stored in our memories, some we even dream of sharing with our future children, like (maybe) our love story with our future spouse or things like that but there are also stuff that we desperately try to throw out of our minds like phobias, trauma and other more negative things that we have experienced. Guess what?! According to an article posted last January 6, 2014 at themindunleashed.org, researchers from Emory University School of Medicine, in Atlanta found out that there is a great possibility for humans to be able to pass down memories to the next generation. They have discovered this through an experiment on rats wherein they conditioned the rats to fear the cherry blossom scent and after that, they tested if the rat's offspring, without conditioning it the same way as the parent rat, will also develop fear of the cherry blossom scent. The result? Yes, the baby rats also had the same fear even without conditioning them to do so. In the article, the scientists have only discovered the passing on of the more negative side of out memories like phobias, anxiety, etc. If that's the case, is this a good thing or is it bad? I guess being aware that our negative memories can be transferred to our children will be helpful for them because in the early years of their lives, maybe even before noticing that they have a phobia for example, they can already find a way of preventing it from being a greater problem for them in the future. I would also love it if one day, good memories can also be passed on and better if at our own want.

These findings are really promising and they show how far science has improved through the years. This is really something to look forward to, don't you think so?

Article from: http://themindunleashed.org/2014/01/scientists-found-memories-may-passed-generations-dna.html

Read More

Attack of the Measles

                The Department of Health (DOH) recently declared an ‘outbreak’ of Measles in a number of districts in Metro Manila after recording 1,724 cases from January –December 2013. According to reports, the areas in Metro Manila that are now having measles outbreaks are Dagat-dagatan and Bagong Barrio in Caloocan City; Talong Singko, Talon Dos, and Pamplona 1 in Las Pinas; Longos and Tonsuya in Malabon; Quiapo, Sampaloc, Tondo, Sta. Cruz, Binondo, Sta. Mesa, and Port Area in Manila; Alabang and Putatan in Muntinlupa; North Bay Boulevard South in Navotas; Moonwalk and Don Bosco in Paranaque; Bagong Tanyag in Taguig and Ugong in Valenzuela.

Image from:http://diyhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/measles-situation-in-philippines_64.jpg

            Out of the thousands of cases infected by the disease, 21 died after suffering complications, like Pneumonia. As the number of cases increased in the first week of 2014, the public are advised to take extra preventive measures to avoid acquiring the disease.

            Now, having said that there is a “Measles outbreak” in the metro, this essay aims to inform its readers about measles and address some of the misconceptions that we, Filipinos, know about the disease. Also, the essay will give some ways to prevent acquiring such disease.

What about measles?

            According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus, specifically Paramyxovirus. In Filipino, measles is known as Tigdas.

Some Symptoms of Measles are:

 - High Fever (10-12 days after exposure with infected person)

Mataas na lagnat (10-12 araw pagkatapos mahawa sa taong may tigdas)

-       - Severe cough and runny nose  

Mantinding pag-ubo at Sipon

-       - Red watery eyes     

Pamumula at pagtutubig ng mga mata

-        - Skin rashes (usually occurs 14 days after the exposure to the disease)

Paglabas ng mga pulang butlig sa balat (14 araw pagkatapos mahawa sa taong may tigdas)

-        - Mouth sores

singaw    

    

            Now that we know some of the symptoms of Measles, the next section of this blog talks about some of the common misconceptions we have (at least, I have) with the disease. These misconceptions are based on my own experience about the disease. Yes, I got infected by the disease recently (August 2013- in the middle of the midterm exams week) and I hope to at least give other people, particularly students, correct information about the disease.  

 Five Common Misconceptions about Measles or Tigdas

Common Misconception #1: Measles or Tigdas is a skin disease.

Image from: http://kalusugan.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/German_Measles-3.jpg

 Yes, I thought that tigdas is a skin disease because of its famous red rashes symptom, but it’s not. Measles or tigdas is a Respiratory infection. If not treated immediately, measles can lead to Pneumonia and other severe diseases such as diarrhea, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear).

Common Misconception #2: Measles or tigdas is not a deadly disease

image from: http://carlossantosmdpa.com/images/pnemonia.jpg

 Since its just skin rashes and fever, most of us assume that it’s not a serious disease after all. But as I mentioned in #1, it is deadly if not treated early. However, there are vaccines which are distributed for free by your nearby local government health centers.

Common Misconception #3: Measles or Tigdas is not contagious

image from :http://www.microbiologyonline.org.uk/themed/sgm/img/slideshows/3.3.4_transmission_1.png

            Measles is contagious and it can be transmitted or acquired easily. It can be transmitted by coughing or sneezing, or any close contact with the infected person. Usually, measles is contagious during cold weather seasons.I remember going to school and taking three exams and submitting a paper with rashes and high fever. Seriously, it is difficult to go to school and take exams when you have measles. Besides that you need to wear long sleeves, you are very conscious of every people around you because they might get infected. When you have measles, the best advice is not to go to school to avoid spreading the disease.

Common Misconception #4: the best cure for Measles or Tigdas is Kolantro

image from: http://www.harvesttotable.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/Cilantro-leaves-and-coriander-seeds.jpg

According to the statement of DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag, brewing and drinking Kolantro will not help cure the disease. It will just complicate the condition of the person infected with the virus and it can be dangerous if continuously consumed. There are no scientific studies that supporting the effectiveness of Kolantro in curing measles. However, when I got infected with measles, my mom asked me to bathe with a basin full of boiled water with kolantro. I must say that it is okay but it doesn’t guarantee an easy or faster recovery from Measles.  

Common Misconception #5: You cannot have Measles or Tigdas again once you are infected with the disease

           
 image from:http://www.wpro.who.int/philippines/areas/immunization/measles_rubella_pic1.jpg
This is not true. People who are usually at risk in acquiring the measles are those who are malnourished, dehydrated, lacks vitamin A, pregnant women and those who have immunodeficiency sickness.  Also, any direct contact from a person infected with measles will likely increase your chances of acquiring the disease. 

How to Prevent Measles?

 image from:http://www.who.int/immunization/philippines_vaccination_ts.jpg

            A Healthy lifestyle, regular consultation with your personal doctor and getting anti-measles vaccines will help reduce your chances of having measles.  These measles vaccines can be accessed for free in your nearby local government health centers. Lastly, a good rest is the best way to prevent having measles. Let us  remember that it is difficult and expensive to get sick these days- “Bawal magkasakit”.

Blogged by : Hilary Martinez

For the news regarding the "measles outbreak" see (http://www.interaksyon.com/article/78038/doh-probes-if-measles-virus-from-abroad-causing-rise-in-cases)

References:

World Health Organization (WHO) official website. "Measles" (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs286/en/index.html)

"DOH: Measles outbreak in MM" by Jaymalin Mayen. January 6, 2014 http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/01/06/14/doh-measles-outbreak-mm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Measles

Read More