Animo Repository - De La Salle University Research
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NMR-based serum metabolomic profiling of Filipino colorectal cancer patients towards identification of putative cancer stage markers
No full textColorectal cancer (CRC) in the Philippines poses a significant threat due to the healthcare system having limited screening programs. Survival is dependent on its stage at diagnosis, therefore early detection is key to preventing CRC. Present diagnostic tools are insufficient and have poor patient compliance, while cheaper and noninvasive ones have yet to be developed. Metabolomics can be used to identify relevant biomarkers as the metabolome is the closest description of the phenotype. This study utilized a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based approach for the metabolomic profiling of serum samples from Filipino CRC patients at different stages and healthy/non-diseased controls. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis, (PLS-DA), and orthogonal PLS-DA (OPLS-DA) revealed distinct clustering of CRC versus control. The identified metabolites in CRC are mostly similar across stages—amino acids, lipids, and ketone bodies being the most common. Acetone, 3-hydroxybutyrate, and 2-hydroxybutyrate were found to be significantly upregulated in CRC. Pathway topology analysis identified phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis as the significantly dysregulated pathway compared to control. These findings aim to add to the understanding of disease etiology and pathogenesis of CRC. Validation of the dysregulated metabolites identified in this study in larger cohorts may lead to the development of novel biomarkers to support diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies for CRC
Effect of tertiary amine carbon quantum dots incorporation on oil/water separation performance of membranes
No full textThe significant production of oily industrial wastewater, fueled by industrial expansion, presents a major environmental risk and seriously threatens human health and the ecosystem. Traditional oily wastewater treatment processes suffer from drawbacks such as high energy consumption, low efficiency, and large footprint. This research aims to improve the efficiency of separation and antifouling properties of cellulose acetate (CA) tubular membranes for oil/water separation by incorporating tertiary amine carbon quantum dots (TQDs) into the membrane. The CA tubular membrane was fabricated using the dry-wet spinning technique. The TQDs increased the hydrophilicity of the CA membrane due to the presence of hydrophilic functional groups in the nanomaterial. The modified tubular membrane exhibited high permeance for pure water and diesel oil-water emulsion, measuring 586.8 ±30.0 L m2 h 1 bar 1 and 394.8 ±43.3 L m2 h 1 bar 1, respectively, with an impressive oil rejection rate of 99 %. The flux recovery and reversible fouling ratio increased to 89.81 % and 28.30 %, respectively, while the irreversible fouling ratio decreased to 10.19 %. The modified tubular membrane has a good long-term stability after 10 cycles of tests and effectively separated various oil (dodecane, diesel, canola oil, and engine oil)-water emulsions with a separation efficiency ranging from 97 % to 99 %. Overall, the tertiary amine carbon quantum dots-incorporated tubular membrane proved to be efficient in the separation of oil and water
Enhancing the levels of chemical literacy and confidence of STEM SHS learners through Writing-to-Learn (WtL) strategy
No full textClosed-ended assessments often fail to address learners\u27 comprehension about a certain topic. These deficiencies can lead to the development of learning gaps and misconceptions that contribute to poor chemical literacy. This is evident among STEM learners enrolled in SHS Adamson University, particularly when teachers require them to create writing assessments like essays and laboratory reports. Knowing that most learners perceive chemistry as a difficult and demanding subject to learn about, educators must consistently find ways to cater to their learners\u27 learning needs. Using an action research design, the researcher looked at how writing-to-learn strategies can help STEM learners to develop and strengthen their chemical literacy skills across different levels, such as nominal, functional, conceptual, and multidimensional. Utilizing the sequential-explanatory approach, the study first collected the quantitative data and then moving on to qualitative data. Specifically, learners in different STEM strands (SENG1204, SSCI1203, and STECH1201) accomplished a chemical literacy tests and knowledge survey responses to determine their chemical literacy and confidence. The study also collected learners\u27 writing samples from reflective essays and post-written interviews, as well as formative assessment scores to measure the impact of the intervention on learners’ chemical literacy. The study\u27s findings indicate that when learners encountered repetitive writing tasks, both their confidence and chemical literacy increased. Although the results indicated that all the classes significantly improved their chemical literacy after exposure to the WtL strategy, the class of SSCI1203 showed the highest improvement, followed by the classes of SENG1204 and STECH1201. Furthermore, the researcher identified several factors that contributed to the findings of the study for future improvement.
Keywords: action research, chemical literacy, knowledge survey, STEM learners, writing-to-learn strateg
Scaffolding student argumentation through evidence construction in an STS course
No full textArgumentation plays a crucial role in effectively communicating ideas and structuring reasoning. While existing models provide guidelines for constructing arguments, less attention has been given to scaffolding evidence construction and counterargumentation. To address this gap, a modified Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (mCER) framework was developed and then integrated into learning modules of a Science, Technology, and Society (STS) course. The modules, redesigned to enhance students’ argumentation practices, were validated by three experienced teachers who themselves created the original STS course. Following an action research methodology, the modules were implemented in one blended-learning class of 16 undergraduate students aged 18 to 24. Qualitative data analysis was performed to explore how the mCER module shaped students’ learning about argumentation and their participation in argumentation practices. Results indicate that students, over time, demonstrated more consistency in using accurate claims, steady improvement in mobilizing evidence, and gradual enhancement in framing of arguments. Counterargumentation slowly emerged, but its use was not sustained. Students shifted from relying on historical and factual evidence to support their claims in the earlier modules to triangulation of expert-logical and empirical evidence in the later modules. Four key themes describe students’ engagement with the mCER-based modules: development of evidence-based reasoning is gradual, crafting counterarguments is challenging, argumentation is recognized as a valuable tool for addressing real-world problems, and confidence in participating in scientific discourse is gained. Future research could further strengthen students’ crafting and mobilizing of counterarguments and encourage them to use verified scientific knowledge to support claims.
Keywords: Argumentation, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, Socio-Scientific Issues, Counterargument
Transforming the Math Classroom: Exploring Teachers’ Experiences in Implementing a Gender-Responsive Pedagogy
Get PDFTackling gender disparities in mathematics education is essential for promoting equity and inclusion in the classroom. This study examines teachers\u27 experiences in implementing a gender-responsive pedagogy to transform their math classrooms. The findings resulted in the development of a three-phase framework designed to cultivate a thriving math classroom environment for all students. The framework focuses on (1) empowering individual learners by fostering a growth mindset and personalized instruction, (2) establishing a supportive classroom system through the GENDER mnemonic strategy, which emphasizes addressing gender needs and creating a more equitable learning environment, and (3) encouraging continuous improvement. The analysis indicates the framework’s potential to empower learners and establish a supportive and gender-responsive classroom system. Recommendations for future research are provided, outlining areas for further investigation to enhance the framework’s effectiveness and inform its broader implementation in creating equitable and engaging math classrooms for all
Road to Healthy QCitizen: Mapping the QC Public Health Facilities based on Barangay’s Population
Get PDFHealthcare facilities are essential for the public, especially for the middle-to poor population during the pandemic. This project identified the needed Quezon City public health facilities based on the barangay’s population. Since the pursuant of a national policy of primary health care (PHC) in 1978, health stations delivered a beneficial and participative program to reach the populace. The World Health Organization recommended that there should be health facilities per 10,000 population. In this context, the barangay is a small administrative unit with a relatively small population. Thus, this project indicated that there should be one public health facility per 1000 population. The mapping techniques used were choropleth (graduated colors & symbols), hotspot optimization, unique values distribution, and geocoding. Quezon City government should provide more public health facilities as a response to the growing population of the barangays. The local government and health-related NGOs must work together to address this need. Future researchers should look at the possibilities offered by geospatial artificial intelligence in analyzing and interpreting health-related spatial information, including the Sustainable Development Goals #3 (Good Health & Well-Being) and #16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) to foster effective and accountable institutions that can guarantee healthy lives and well-being among all citizens in Quezon City
Exploring the Potential Antimicrobial of Tawa-tawa (Euphorbia hirta linn) Extract Adding to an Existing Fabric Conditioner
Get PDFThe extracts from E. hirta have antimicrobial properties against a broad range of pathogenic microbes. On the other hand, fabric softeners are a growing component of full laundry care systems, since clothes were designed to wear; despite detergent-based washing, there\u27s a growing demand for fabric softeners to sterilize clothing and prevent reintroduction of harmful microorganisms, making them a crucial part of laundry care systems. However, existing fabric softeners nowadays mostly rely on chemical-based ingredients to prevent microbial growth on clothes; therefore, this study aims to use the antimicrobial properties of the Tawa-tawa plant on the microbes related to the clothes.
Out of sixteen (16) samples of formulated fabric conditioner, eight (8) samples had a tawa- tawa extract, and the rest were existing commercial fabric conditioners. A thoroughexamination was conducted to test the effectiveness of the antimicrobial activity of tawa- tawa extract using microbial media. Using the one-way ANOVA (one-factor ANOVA) for data analysis. From the study conducted, formulated fabric conditioner with tawa-tawa extract along with commercial fabric conditioner passes the standard testing but does not exhibit statistically significant differences. Nevertheless, ethanolic extract added to existing non-antibacterial fabric conditioners stands out among other formulated fabric conditioners, making it an alternative product. In addition, the extract from the tawa-tawa plant using ethanol has enormous potential as a source of antimicrobial. Undoubtedly, this formulated fabric conditioner with tawa-taw
Evaluation of online distance learning (ODL) during the pandemic using the CIPP model
No full textThis study evaluated the strengths and limitations of online distance learning (ODL) as a teaching modality in a private basic education school in Laguna across selected subjects (English, Math, and Science) of Grades 4-6 using the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) model of Daniel Stufflebeam. This study was a program evaluation following a mixed method design, collecting data from four teachers and five administrators through a questionnaire with open-ended questions and from pertinent documents. Data collected were treated with descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, and document analysis. Results showed that the preparation used by the admins was efficient in planning and contextualizing ODL to the school\u27s needs. Resources have been adequately determined, considered, provided, and reallocated to support the program\u27s success. As the ODL ran, the study found emerging concerns from stakeholders like teachers and parents; this called for the admins to be proactive and provide solutions to ensure the continuous improvement of the ODL. Lastly, the ODL as a mode of instruction has been effective in terms of school standards, but in delivering the curriculum standards, only English was successfully implemented, compared to Science and Math. The study recommends continuing to evaluate the needs of the stakeholders, scrutinizing the resources available, providing a constant evaluation of the program, developing a checklist for a conducive learning environment in ODL set up for parents, and creating a curriculum intended for online distance learning use
Business Implementation of Senior High School Students through Project PIE (Planning, Implementation and Evaluation)
No full textIn recent years, students have struggled with business planning and execution, especially taking-up Entrepreneurship subject due to lack of critical thinking, creativity, and focus. These were a few of the motivations behind the researcher\u27s creative project, known as Project PIE. This is a comprehensive package that covers the entire semester in a holistic manner. It can be modified and will be used as a manual for educators and learners. Senior high school students gain much from it, especially in terms of their capacity to develop a business plan, carry out the business, and assess the business through the submission and presentation of accomplishment reports under the direction of the subject teacher. It also identified the difficulties that the SHS students faced. From business strategy to business implementation, data was gathered via analysis and evaluation through qualitative research with purposive sampling. According to the study\u27s findings, seven (7) businesses were developed and put into operation through Project PIE. The students faced difficulties before, during, and after business implementation, including teamwork, ingredient shortages, decision-making, and customer feedback. These challenges were used as teaching opportunities to strengthen capacity to manage the business. When students start college or work for a company, having some background knowledge in business is essential