University of the East

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the Philippines has a prevalence of < 1% and is much less common than Hepatitis B, which has a nationwide prevalence of 10-17%. HCV genotyping is only done sporadically, usually during outbreak investigations, and there is limited surveillance data in literature. Most local HCV infection has been reported among people who inject drugs (PWID), with a co-infection rate of up to 70% among those PWID with HIV. Our central laboratory at the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) is one of a few facilities nationwide that routinely performs HCV genotyping. We report our experience since we started HCV genotyping in 2017 until 2025 to better understand the evolving local molecular epidemiology of HCV.Figure 1.Phylogenetic analysis of HCV genotypes from UP-NIH from 2017 to 2025. Methods De-identified HCV-positive clinical plasma samples collected from 2017-2025 and banked at the UP-NIH Central Laboratory were included in the study. This study was exempted from ethical review by the University of the Philippines Manila - Research Ethics Board since no identifying data was collected. The core region (360 bp) was amplified using nested PCR and amplicons underwent capillary sequencing. Sequence quality control and multiple sequence alignment of all sample consensus sequences with representative sequences of major HCV genotypes from the GenBank database were performed using MEGA 7.0. The maximum likelihood tree was constructed with GTR+F+I+G4 model and 1000 bootstrap replicates using IQ-TREE. Results A total of 82 samples were analyzed during the study period. Table 1 shows the overall genotype distribution and breakdown across different years. Figure 1 shows the phylogenetic analysis among representative genotypes.Table 1.HCV genotype distribution from 2017 to 2025 at the UP-NIH Central Laboratory.YearHCV GenotypeTotal per year1a1b2a2b3a4a620178102011132018144441002720191200101115202020000002202150000005202231000004202390000009202430000003202540000004Total (%)60647122N=82 Conclusion Genotype 1a remains the most prevalent HCV genotype in the Philippines, with no other HCV genotypes other than 1b reported since 2020. This may reflect the increasing uptake of curative treatment globally with the resultant loss in diversity. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

This study investigated the effects of using the intelligent and non-intelligent versions of Ibigkas! Math-a mobile-based, computer-supported collaborative learning platform for Grade 5 mathematics on the mathematics performance of Grade 5 students. Out of 155 Grade 5 students from four universities, only 119 participated in the five consecutive-day experiment. Ethical approval was granted before data collection. The study employed a randomized pretest-posttest control group design, in which participants were randomly assigned to either the control (non-intelligent version) or experimental groups (intelligent version). They played the game for three days, and performance on a pre- and post-test was utilized as a measure of mathematics performance. In-game interaction logs were used to assess patterns of behavior. Hierarchical linear models estimated the effects of group and individual behaviors on learning gains. It was discovered that both software versions can be utilized for classroom settings. Students tend to complement each other's behaviors in the game, with no significant difference observed in their in-game behaviors. Students in the intelligent version demonstrated a more methodical and analytical approach, selecting correct answers in a relatively shorter time, thus making the intelligent version more preferable than the non-intelligent version. It is worth noting that the combinations of in-game interactions were shown to affect group learning gain negatively. Therefore, as tasks become more complex, the mathematics performance of the group may also be negatively affected. This study referred to this phenomenon as collaboration fatigue. Considering these findings, the study calls for debriefing sessions before proceeding to the next round of game sessions. Based on the positive outcomes of the tests, Ibigkas! Math is recommended as a math mCSCL tool for Grade 5 students.

This action research investigates the effectiveness of the Electronic Inquiry-Based Learning Kit (EIBLK) in enhancing the experimental skills of Grade 5 pupils in Science, specifically focusing on the learning competency: discuss why some materials are good conductors of heat and electricity.The study responds to the observed challenges in Parioc East Elementary School, where students exhibited low science performance due to passive learning approaches.Grounded in the 7E instructional model and constructivist learning theory, the EIBLK was developed to promote active, inquiry-driven learning through digital and hands-on experiments.A one-group pretest-posttest design was employed involving 18 Grade 5 learners.Results revealed a significant increase in mean scores from 4.94 (low) in the pretest to 12.67 (very high) in the posttest.A paired-sample t-test indicated a statistically significant improvement (t = 13.21,p < 0.05), while Cohen's d = 4.29 showed a very large effect size.Additionally, 100% of the respondents demonstrated improved experimental skills after the intervention, compared to only 31.23% in the pretest.These findings align with global and local literature supporting the use of inquiry-based and technology-enhanced instruction in science education.The study recommends integrating EIBLKs into regular instruction to develop learners' scientific process skills and foster 21st-century competencies.It further proposes the replication of the intervention across schools to improve science outcomes and promote active learning.

Community Health Workers (CHWs) have an extensive involvement in augmenting service capacities in primary care settings. This study sheds light on the unique experiences of CHWs as they navigate barriers and enablers in the Philippine healthcare setting through their journey for professionalization. This study aims to: (1) Describe the roles assumed by CHWs in rural and remote municipalities in the Philippines; and (2) Identify the multi-level barriers and enablers CHWs perceive to influence their performance of these roles. From June to July 2023, the Philippine Primary Care Studies parent program piloted a study on a clinical decision support tool for CHWs, involving 34 CHWs across six focus group discussions. The interviews also touched upon the roles of CHWs and the factors influencing their performance within their local health settings in-depth. A mixed inductive/deductive approach was used to investigate this subset of the FGD data. CHWs assume diverse roles that often surpass health service provision. While their roles were crucial, CHWs described being positioned against a volatile political landscape fraught with material insecurity. They utilized their individual and interpersonal capacities to overcome situational limitations and were augmented with organizational level interventions like improved network connectivity, training, or expanded access to clinical decision-support tools. Amidst resource scarcity, CHWs demonstrated remarkable resilience through their own ingenuity and by maximizing support from their social networks. While their commitment is an asset to the health workforce, support from national policymakers and local governments units are crucial to ensure CHWs remain protected against systemic exploitation. Ensuring accountability and stronger implementation of pre-existing laws to ultimately recognize the role of CHWs are an essential way to support CHWs and improve community health.

This study explored the extent to which senior high school students utilize ChatGPT to support academic learning and to gain unjust academic advantages, as well as whether usage differs according to demographic profiles. A cross-sectional quantitative research design was employed, with data collected from 367 senior high school students via an online survey. The findings reveal that students occasionally use ChatGPT as a supplementary learning tool. However, reported instances of its misuse for academically dishonest purposes were minimal, suggesting such behavior is infrequent among the respondents. Statistically significant differences were observed in the extent of misuse when analyzed by grade level and academic strand, with Grade 11 students and those in the Sports track demonstrating higher levels of inappropriate use. These results highlight the need for educational institutions to develop clear, policy-based frameworks that delineate the ethical use of artificial intelligence tools. As AI continues to evolve within academic contexts, it is essential that students are guided by well-defined ethical standards that promote responsible usage and uphold academic integrity.

This study explores the multidimensional paths of digital transformation in Fujian’s manufacturing sector, focusing on two contrasting case studies: Zhangzhou Sanbao Group, a traditional heavy industry player, and ABB Xiamen Industrial Center, a leader in automation and electrification. The research investigates the interplay of technological, organizational, and policy factors that shape digital transformation processes. The sudy dicusses the technological advancements, organizational changes, and policy frameworks influencing these firms, to identify key enablers and barriers to digital adoption. The findings suggest that while large corporations benefit from advanced technologies and supportive policies, SMEs face significant challenges due to high adoption costs and limited access to cutting-edge solutions. The study provides insights for policymakers and business leaders on how to create a conducive environment for digital transformation, emphasizing the need for a holistic, integrated approach to overcoming barriers and fostering sustainable growth.

With the rapid growth of big data, data analysis plays an increasingly important role across various industries. This paper explores the key techniques, applications, and challenges of data analysis in the context of big data. It begins by defining big data and its characteristics, focusing on the methodologies used in data analysis, such as statistical analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The paper then examines the real-world applications of data analysis in sectors like healthcare, finance, marketing, and e-commerce, showing how it drives decision-making, optimizes operations, and fosters innovation. The challenges of data quality, scalability, and privacy concerns are also discussed. Finally, the paper looks ahead at emerging trends such as real-time analytics, AI-driven analysis, and automated data processing, and reflects on the evolving role of data scientists and analysts in strategic decision-making. Effective data analysis will be key to future innovation and business success.

This study aims to evaluate the concordance rate between clinical diagnoses and pathological findings of oral soft tissue lesions. In this retrospective descriptive-analytical study, we analyzed 7901 cases of oral tissue lesions referred to the pathology department at Shahid Beheshti Faculty of Dentistry from 1996 to 2022. Data extracted from archived records included age, sex, lesion location, and both clinical and histopathological diagnoses. A total of 2592 samples of oral soft tissue lesions meeting the inclusion criteria were evaluated. The concordance rate between clinical and pathological diagnoses was 65.3%. A significant relationship was found between the anatomical location of the lesion and the matching rate (p < 0.001), with the lips exhibiting the highest matching rate at 77.3% and the sinus presenting the lowest at 45.4%. Additionally, the type of lesion significantly correlated with the concordance rate (p < 0.001), with connective tissue lesions showing the highest concordance at 83.3% and nonodontogenic lesions the lowest at 46.1%. However, no significant associations were found between gender/age (p > 0.743/p > 0.506) and the concordance rate. The findings underscore the need for enhanced training for clinicians, greater attentiveness to clinical symptoms, and improved collaboration between dentists and pathologists to facilitate accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12663-025-02447-x.

Creating a safe environment within educational institutions has become a necessity in an era defined by rapid technological innovations and shifting standards of society, particularly among the students. Today, the idea of a "safe space" for stakeholders in every university has been one of the most challenging reforms, as well as making significant progress on one of the myriad missions of higher education institutions (HEIs). This web and mobile application allows students to report gender-based sexual harassment occurrences while maintaining anonymity and compliance with the Safe Spaces Act at Cavite State University-Main. This is a descriptive research method and the developmental research design. This is a web and mobile applications focuses on descriptive and prescriptive harassment incident data analysis using a K-means clustering machine algorithm. It will be built with the programming language JavaScript and the database MySQL, as well as Python-based machine learning frameworks and libraries for data analysis. The use of ISO/IEC 25010 software product quality standards assess and indicate whether the target user satisfied with the functionality and all of the required requirements. As CvSU is committed to delivering an enabling, gender-balanced, safe, inclusive, and healthy learning and working environment, any type of gender-based sexual harassment is regarded inappropriate and unacceptable. Applying an algorithm can prescribe which areas are more prone to such incidents, provide new insight for the areas that require attention or further investigation of CvSU administrator to keep stakeholders safe, and provide a clear path to a decision by recommending avoiding particular locations or taking precautions while visiting specific areas where incidents are more likely to occur.