Publication
Abstract:The global reliance on synthetic fertilizers and growing concern over food waste highlight the need for sustainable alternatives. Despite these concerns, synthetic fertilizers remain a cornerstone of agricultural practices. This study evaluates the bioconversion of food waste using Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) and African nightcrawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae), focusing on temperature, pH, humidity, macronutrients, and biomass conversion efficiency of the bioconverters using the following: T0 (control, no decomposers), T1 (100% BSFL), T2 (100% African nightcrawlers), and T3 (50% BSFL, 50% African nightcrawlers). Additionally, to determine whether a significant difference exists between and among the physicochemical properties in terms of temperature and pH levels of organic fertilizer. It utilized a 21-day experimental design to evaluate the compost’s physicochemical properties by monitoring temperature, pH, humidity, nutrient content, and biomass conversion. Food waste was collected and segregated, bioconverters were reared and applied to the treatment, and physical and chemical analyses were performed throughout the process. T1 showed the highest temperature range (29.2–35.2°C). T0, T1, and T2 produced pH values ranging from acidic to alkaline (5.21–7.75) and humidity levels of 42–77%. All treatments yieldedvery high nitrogen (>4.5%) and phosphorus (>20 ppm) and sufficient potassium (11–150 ppm). T3 had the highest biomass conversion efficiency (84.4%). Temperature, pH, and biomass conversion differed significantly among treatments at the 0.01 level. These results demonstrate that the bioconverters can provide a cost-effective, eco-friendly method for converting waste into fertilizer, thereby supporting broader adoption. Future research should evaluate fertilizer performance across various crops, assess cost-yield benefits, and conduct long-term environmental assessment of productivity.
Keywords:waste reduction, biomass conversion, macronutrients, physicochemical properties, organic fertilizer
Abstract:Globally, medicinal plants have long been used in ethnomedicine across various cultures and traditions. However, there is still limited information on their specific use by farmers. This descriptive study explored the taxonomy and use of medicinal plants and the traditional knowledge for treating common respiratory ailments among farmers in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It utilized a descriptive research design, a survey questionnaire, an interview and observation, with frequencies, percentages and mean for data analysis. The study identified 22 species of medicinal plants from 17 families used by Ilocano farmers as traditional treatments for respiratory ailments such as coughs and colds. Various plant parts were utilized, including the whole Vitex negundo L. plant, the leaves of Origanum vulgare L. and Psidium guajava L., the leaves and roots of Zingiber officinale Roscoe and the fruit of Citrofortunella microcarpa. These were prepared as decoctions or juices, consumed orally, or used in aromatic herbal baths to relieve asthma, cough and colds. Traditional healing practices also included drinking warm decoctions of Citrofortunella microcarpa fruit, taking hot baths with a combination of boiled medicinal leaves and performing steam bath rituals. The use of medicinal plants for locally common respiratory ailments among farmers reflected traditional knowledge as these plants are available at no cost. This is a first-time study in this area to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and synthetic medicine for screening of phytochemical and pharmacological properties of plants, as only a few of these plants are commercially available in the market.
Keywords:good health, plant-based medicines, respiratory, infections, sustainability, traditional practices
Abstract:The need to increasingly rely on science and technology in many areas, such as education, emphasizes the necessity for students to develop solid scientific preparedness. This study aimed to determine the science readiness of first-year bachelor of science in medical laboratory science (BSMLS) students at the University of Northern Philippines. Specifically, it explored the relationships between students' demographic profiles and their readiness for biology, chemistry, and the five cognitive skills necessary for scientific understanding. The results revealed that the majority of the respondents were female, were interested in science, were graduates of STEM programs, and came from rural areas. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents had parents who were college graduates with a monthly income of 10,000.00 or less. Overall, the students demonstrated a high level of science readiness—specifically, high readiness in biology, moderate readiness in chemistry, and high readiness in the cognitive domains of remembering and understanding. However, they showed only moderate readiness in analyzing, applying, and evaluating scientific concepts. While most demographic variables did not show a significant relationship with students’ science readiness, academic track was significantly associated with students’ ability to evaluate biology concepts, and family income was found to influence their analytical thinking skills. In light of these findings, the CHEM-HOTS intervention activity was developed to improve the students' readiness for advanced studies in science.
Keywords:science readiness, biology, chemistry, BSMLS, cognitive domains
Abstract:Science, Technology, and Society is one of the new General Education courses offered under the Philippine educational reforms implementing the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (Republic Act 10533). The teaching of STS presents significant challenges in ensuring that the students acquire the necessary competencies they ought to learn. Instructional materials in STS are only slightly adequate and slightly available. The study aimed to create a worktext that could serve as a valuable resource for educating students about the course. This study's research and developmental method involved creating and evaluating the worktext. The study used the 5E model of instructional design to develop the worktext. It was evaluated for its validity in terms of content, clarity, appeal to the target user, and originality. The evaluation revealed that it is highly valid and readable by the intended target users. It is recommended that the STS worktext be used in the course's teaching-learning process and should undergo an evaluation to further validate its effectiveness and practicability. Teachers should be trained and encouraged to develop their instructional materials related to their field of specialization with the support of the university administration
Keywords:development, worktext, instructional materials, science, technology, society, instruction.
On-going
- Sargassum sp as Organic Supplement Substrate to the Growth and Yield Performance of Pleurotus sp. (Oyster Mushroom) (AFNR-22-23-c17)
- Potential for Community-Based Aqua Tourism Destination: Basis for Tourism Development Plan (SS-23-18)
- Marine Macrobenthic Algae of the Coastal of Ilocos Sur, Philippines (AFNR-22-23-C11)
Awards
- LOCAL
- 3RD PLACE Region I Health Research and Development Consortium I 2022
Presentation
- Utilization of Sargassum polycystum as a Substrate Supplement for Enhance Growth and Yield Performance of Pleurotus sp (Oyster Mushroom) (2025)
- Potential of Community-Based Aqua Tourism Destination: Basis in Development Plan (2025)
- Potential of Community-based Aqua Tourism Destination: Basis for a Development Plan (2025)
- Knowledge, Traditional Health Practices and Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases Among Ilocano Farmers(2025)
- Being a Woman in the Ilocano Fishing Industry: A Hermeneutic Phenomenology (2024)
Citations
- Development Of A Worktext In Science, Technology, And Society (2024) https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tomas-Shivolo/publication/382118666_The_paradigm_shift_in_science_education_Namibian_science_teachers’_perceptions_and_experiences_with_inquiry-based_instruction/links/669197e03e0edb1e0fe0eebb/The-paradigm-shift-in-science-education-Namibian-science-teachers-perceptions-and-experiences-with-inquiry-based-instruction.pdf
IP Registration
Others (Peer Review, Research Consultancy)
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