Typhoon disasters risk assessment is needed for small-scale residential houses with less than two stories or less than 500 square meters, since they accounted for about 55% of total buildings in Korea. Therefore, this study was focused on the evaluation of wind fragility for this small-scale lightweight steel frame structure when subjected to lateral wind loads. For this purpose, Monte Carlo Simulation technique was used to derive wind fragility based on random wind load parameters and experimental data of resistance capacity of the connection in this type of structure. Finally, the structural safety of a small-scale lightweight steel house was evaluated, and the fragility was derived. Results show that wind direction parallel to long dimension of structure was the most critical condition. Additionally, the median probability of failure occurs at a very high wind speed. Further research should focus on study with detail structural analysis to narrow down the uncertainty in this study.

Typhoon disasters risk assessment is needed for small-scale residential houses with less than two stories or less than 500 square meters, since they accounted for about 55% of total buildings in Korea. Therefore, this study was focused on the evaluation of wind fragility for this small-scale lightweight steel frame structure when subjected to lateral wind loads. For this purpose, Monte Carlo Simulation technique was used to derive wind fragility based on random wind load parameters and experimental data of resistance capacity of the connection in this type of structure. Finally, the structural safety of a small-scale lightweight steel house was evaluated, and the fragility was derived. Results show that wind direction parallel to long dimension of structure was the most critical condition. Additionally, the median probability of failure occurs at a very high wind speed. Further research should focus on study with detail structural analysis to narrow down the uncertainty in this study

This study aimed to understand, document and identify Aeta‘s cultural practices and their ways of preserving their cultural heritage at Sitio Kanaynayan, Barangay San Pablo, Castillejos, Zambales during the year 2016. It included the demographic profile of Aeta community as to their origin, language spoken, number of family members, number of female and male inhabitants, means of living, number of years in the place and mode of land acquisition. It also emphasized on describing and documenting some of their cultural practices such as dances, songs and musical instruments, religious beliefs, courtship, marriage and family relationships, education and other beliefs. The cultural practices towards preservation were then taken into account. The study involved the 147 inhabitants/residents of the community. The research used two approaches of research, quantitative and qualitative approaches – descriptive and ethnographic methods. The research techniques used semi-structured interviewing, participant observations and process documentation. Data revealed that majority of the households originated from the municipality of San Marcelino (Sitio Kakilingan, Cuartel, Ibad, Lumibao, speak the language/dialect Zambal-Botolan, most of the households have 5-6 and 3-4 members and most of the in habitants are female. The inhabitants are commonly engaged in vegetable and rice farming, stayed in the place for more than 10-20 years and have acquired their land through ancestral domain. The community folks provided information as to their cultural practices and beliefs. The Aeta people loved to dance their native talipe using native gong depicting animals such as monkeys, birds, butterflies or those in their environment. The people happily sang their dorodoh songs grouped as ―awada‖ and ―pangamba‖ using their gitaha or native guitar. They believe on their God as Apo Namalyari as the ruler and creator of everything. They practice ―bandi‖ or bride price such as in the form of cash, in kind or both .as early or when the girl reaches puberty. During the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, Aeta children were already encouraged to attend schooling since schools already exist right in their doorsteps. At present, the community has a complete set of elementary grade levels – Kinder to Grade VI. The community folks produce vegetables and other crops for market as means of livelihood. Other practices include naming of their children as ―Pan‖ as father and ―Indon‖ as mother or they associate the names of their children to anything that they experienced or encountered. In an interview conducted to indigenous folks in the community, out of the ten community folks, seven of them responded that they wanted to preserve their cultural practices particularly on their tribal dances ―Talipe‖ and folk songs ―Dorodoh‖. However, some of their cultural practices like ―Bandi‖ which is often misunderstood as buying a wife for some Aeta girls did not agree. Most of their practices are now influenced by the lowlanders such as their dresses, attending to church masses, treating them in hospitals and accept and recognize efficacy of medicines and other activities like Christians do. It is recommended that further studies be conducted to include the region of Central Luzon and other practices not specified in this study.

This cross-sectional study presents the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among rubber tappers in Paphayom District, Phatthalung Province, Thailand. A total of 250 rubber tappers participated in this study. A general questionnaire was used to collect demographic background data and physical work characteristics while modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of MSDs (within 6 months). Descriptive statistics was used to describe the general data and prevalence. The factors affecting to MSDs and odds ratio (OR) were analyzed by inferential statistics at 95% confidence interval. The results showed that most participants were females (56.8%). The mean age of tappers was 42.1±12.6 years. The average work experience and Body Mass Index (BMI) were 12.6±8.3 years and 22.3±3.5, respectively. The prevalence of MSDs (in any body regions) in last 6 months was 36.40 (95%CI 30.42-42.69). The highest prevalence rates of MSDs were reported in lower back, upper back, hip & thigh regions (30.4%, 6.8% and 6.0%, respectively).Risk factors which were significantly resulted in MSDs were age of workers, work experience, and handedness behavior. The significant risk factors related to working conditions were plantation ground level, tapping light, handedness, grip tightness, standing posture, age of rubber tree, and tapping height. This study reveals that rubber tappers were suffering acute MSD (for the past 6 months) on low back area. Various risk factors were found to be significant. Rubber tappers who were exposed to a combination of risk factors may have an increased risk of developing MSDs. Further study with comprehensive strategy is essential in order to determine the need of appropriate intervention and health promotion for rubber tapper.