BACKGROUND: Early studies show e-reading to be better in some impact assessment indicators. However, newer studies on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices shows various role of user behavior, device properties, and media properties in calculated environmental impacts. There is a need to study scenarios of media use such as printed media and its digitized forms to determine use scenarios that would minimize environmental impacts. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study are the following: to model the life cycle from cradle to use phase of reading one textbook in both print and e-book format and to compare the impact of reading textbooks in print with impact of reading textbooks in E-book format. METHODS: A functional unit of 280-page textbook read in 1 year was the basis for modelling life cycle from cradle to use phase of both print and e-book formats of a textbook. Processes related to paper production, printing and manufacture are based on United States Life Cycle Inventory Database. Processes related to E-book reading are taken from the Life Cycle Analysis of Sony Z5 mobile Phone. Normalized outputs on impact assessments were compared using Tools for Reduction and Assessment of Chemicals and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI 2.1). RESULTS: Use of Mobile Phone to read e-books is better in 4 out of 7 impact categories (Acidification Potential, Human Health-Cancer, Human Health – non-Cancer and Ozone Depletion) than reading using traditional textbooks. Reading traditional books is better in 2 out of 7 impact categories (Eutrophication and Freshwater Ecotoxicity). Global warming potential has comparable values between reading in print and in soft copy. CONCLUSION Depending on impact assessment of concern, either reading using mobile phone or thru printed textbook would give a better impact. It is also suggested to create hybrid activities that could model scenarios using both printed and soft copies of textbooks.

Background: The ionizing radiation produced by X-ray baggage scanners may cause harmful health effects to the health of occupational workers and members of the public. Hence, the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommends that radiation exposures from X-ray baggage scanners be kept as low as reasonably achievable. Objectives: This study was done to assess the occupational risk from the measured ambient radiation from anti-crime X-ray scanners from a hotel and a port facility in Metro Manila. This was done by comparing the measured radiation levels with the acceptable limits required by the Center for Device Regulation, Radiation Health, and Research (CDRRHR) –Department of Health (DOH) – Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methodology: Ambient radiation of X-ray baggage scanners from Manila North Harbour Port Inc. (MNHPI) and Marriott Hotel Manila (MHM) were measured using RaySafe Xi survey detector while both machines were in operation. Measurements were done at a five-cm distance from the surface of the scanner console, front, back, left, and right sides. Peak measurements of ambient radiation were then obtained to overestimate the scattered radiation dose received by the worker assigned to the scanner. Values from the peak measurement were then compared with the limits set by the CDRRHR-DOH-FDA. Results: The maximum measured ambient radiations at 5 cm from the surface of the machine were 0.590 μSv/hr and 3.519 μSv/hr from MNHPI and MHM, respectively. Both peak measurements were less than the 5.000 μSv/hr limit set by the CDRRHR-DOH-FDA. Conclusion Measurements from both facilities are within the required limit of the 5 μSv/hr at 5 cm distance from the external surface of the X-ray baggage scanner, set by the CDRRHR-DOH-FDA. It was also seen that the calculated annual occupation dose of the operator is within the limits set by ICRP. It is also recommended to study measuring at other distances from the surface of the scanner to determine whether safety protocols should be reassessed.
Radiation Protection

Objectives: The study aims to determine whether there is an association of perceived weight status with unhealthy diet practices. Method: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 625 adult undergraduate students from U.P. Manila. The survey included questions regarding sociodemographic status, habits related to diet and weight management, and perceived body mass index (BMI). Actual BMI were obtained and calculated from actual anthropomorphic measurements. Results: In the population surveyed, it was seen that 53.28% of the students accurately perceived their BMI status, 26.08% overestimated their BMI status, while 17.28% underestimated their BMI status. It was also seen that over-estimating of BMI status is more associated with unhealthy diet practices. Those who over estimated their BMI were 1.95 times more likely to skip meals (p=0.001) and 1.56 times more likely to engage in cutting of food (p=0.034). Physical activity was also seen to be associated with these practices. Conclusion Over-estimation of BMI may be linked to unrealistic goals in weight loss resulting in unhealthier diet-related habits.
Body Mass Index ; Weight Perception ; Feeding Behavior ; Diet ; Exercise

Background and Objectives: Fire events emit pollutants that affect both air quality and respiratory health. This paper analyzed the interrelationship of satellite-derived fire spot density and annual average particulate matter (PM₂.₅) concentrations with the incidence of respiratory diseases. Methodology: Monthly cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and pertussis for 2017-2018 in all 17 regions of the Philippines were accessed from the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau. Reported cases per 100,000 population in the Philippines were linked with regional fire spot density and annual mean PM₂.₅ estimates from satellite data, Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) active fire data, and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2), respectively. Linear, logistic, and Poisson models were used to analyze the association between the exposure and outcome variables. Results and Discussion: The highest PM₂.₅ concentrations were observed in Regions IV-A and NCR but fire spot density was relatively lower. High PM₂.₅ levels can be due to other sources in these largely urbanized regions, such as vehicular emission, among others. Similarly, results showed inconclusive association between atmospheric parameters and incidence of ILI and pertussis. Among the variables, pertussis and PM₂.₅ may have the strongest association, albeit p>0.05. Other factors contributing to the increase of disease counts may be explored including vaccine rates and case reporting. Conclusion There is insufficient evidence to show that fire events and higher PM₂.₅ levels at a regional scale increased the risk for ILI and pertussis in 2017-2018. Further studies may be explored on how satellite-derived atmospheric data can be utilized in respiratory health studies.
Whooping Cough