Animo Repository - De La Salle University Research
Not a member yet
45334 research outputs found
Sort by
Instructor Evaluation of Alchemi: An Immersive Serious Game for Teaching Chemistry
No full textThe Philippine science education faces challenges, including low student achievement. This study explored Alchemi, a novel immersive serious game (visual novel format), designed to enhance chemistry laboratory learning. Alchemi integrates Game-Based Learning (GBL) and Strategic Intervention Material (SIM) principles. Six chemistry instructors evaluated Alchemi\u27s effectiveness using the MEEGA+ Game Quality Scale, assessing player experience and usability. Results showed highly positive instructor perceptions of Alchemi\u27s engagement (high median scores for focused attention, challenge, social interaction, confidence, perceived learning), fun (median 4.25), relevance (median 4.75), and satisfaction (median 4.5). Usability aspects (learnability, operability) also scored highly (median 4.5) and aesthetics (median 4.25). However, accessibility received a lower median (3.25), indicating room for improvement. MEEGA+ analysis classified Alchemi\u27s overall quality as Good (θ = 62.90). These findings suggest Alchemi\u27s potential to address the need for engaging chemistry learning resources. The positive engagement and usability align with GBL and visual novel research. The lower accessibility score highlights the need to consider diverse learning needs in game design. Future research should involve larger, more diverse samples, incorporate direct measures of student learning outcomes, and utilize qualitative methods to enrich understanding of user experience. Further Alchemi development should focus on enhancing accessibility and expanding content
Exploring shared metacognition in a community of inquiry and its effect on physics performance in an online blended learning modality
No full textThe study explored how shared metacognition, facilitated within a Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework, influenced the physics performance of Grade 12 STEM students in a blended learning modality. By engaging learners in collaborative regulation of thinking through group discussion, structured reflection, and feedback, the research aimed to enhance conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills in General Physics 2. The research utilized a mixed-method approach, specifically a convergent parallel research design, where quasi-experimental and qualitative data were collected simultaneously. Using a purposive sampling technique, the study involved 2 sections of SHS STEM (N = 101) students over nine weeks during the third quarter of SY 2024-2025. Data were collected through validated teacher-made pretest and posttest, shared metacognition and CoI questionnaires, focus group discussions, quizzes, long test, exit tickets, activity sheets, and group discussions. Findings revealed students’ perceptions for facilitating shared metacognition to optimize physics learning were routine group/pair discussions, active teacher facilitation, fostering planning and goal setting, and allowing freedom to choose group members. A significant positive relationship between shared metacognition and both conceptual understanding (rs = .25, p \u3c 0.005) and problemsolving skills (rs = .31, p \u3c 0.001) was found. Improvements in pretest and post-test scores which was found to be significantly different for conceptual understanding (t(100) = - 12.62, p \u3c 0.001) and physics problem-solving skills (t(100) = -19.93, p \u3c .001), long test results, and group discussions confirmed the effectiveness of these strategies. Thematic analysis of students’ experiences revealed enhanced comprehension, error detection, open communication, reflection on strategies, shared responsibility to learn, fun and positive experiences, and increased confidence and motivation. Additionally, students reported high perceptions of teaching, cognitive, and social presence. Given the lower rating in online social interaction, it is recommended that educators redesign online discussions to be more interactive. Educators are encouraged to incorporate shared metacognition practices, especially in classes conducted in a blended learning modality, as it offers potential to increase students’ physics conceptual and problem-solving skills.
Keywords: shared metacognition, community of inquiry, physics performance, blended learning, physics conceptual understanding, physics problem-solvin
One voice for all: Enhancing non-profit engagement for VocAlliance through a multi-dimensional communication strategy
No full textThis production thesis examined how VocAlliance, a non-profit supporting the welfare of Philippine-based voice actors, can enhance their social media engagement through a more balanced communication approach. Based on the researchers’ communication audit using Dhanesh\u27s (2017) multi-dimensional engagement framework, they determined that VocAlliance primarily engaged with their key public through affective and control-driven messaging, thus limiting their opportunities for cognitive and behavioral engagement and hindering their communicative goals of engaging with their key public via their advocacies. To address this gap, the group designed a social media engagement manual, alongside a series of modular visual templates that would, at minimum, create balanced opportunities for affective, cognitive and behavioral engagement with VocAlliance’s key public. The organization sought to leverage these tools, as they were intended to lead to more intentional, inclusive, and sustained communication practices. A pilot test was conducted to test the effectiveness of the deliverables, with feedback provided by the organization\u27s leadership and some community members, all of which were analyzed. Findings suggested that implementing a balanced multi-dimensional engagement approach could make content more relevant, accessible, and lead to action from the public. The results provided a clearer connection between the organization’s mission and the interests of its public, thus creating a greater likelihood of message salience and engagement. Finally, the research contributed to Dhanesh’s (2017) engagement framework in the context of Filipino non-profit communication while also illuminating the aspects of relevant content, visual coherency, and inclusive content design.
Keywords: Engagement Model, Public Relations, Non-Profit Organizations, Voice Actors, Organizational Communicatio
Hope behind bars: A multimedia video
No full textNurse sa Rehas is a multimedia video project that combines interview clips and a collection of photographs to highlight the experiences of healthcare workers caring for female persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and the current state of healthcare services at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City. Despite being the only female correctional facility in the Philippines, CIW lacks a gender-responsive healthcare system to meet the unique needs of its female inmates. This issue is further exacerbated by a shortage of nursing staff, inadequate medical equipment, and limited access to essential medications. Consequently, the project is driven by the vulnerability of incarcerated women, particularly their limited access to quality healthcare tailored to their gender-specific needs.
By amplifying the voices of healthcare workers, this project seeks to deepen the understanding of the systemic challenges within the correctional healthcare system and advocate for improvements in infrastructure, policy, and resource allocation. It includes interview excerpts that offer an in-depth exploration of the experiences of the nursing staff. Two healthcare workers and one PDL were interviewed, sharing their insights and personal experiences on the facility\u27s healthcare system. Additionally, a series of photographs documenting the interior of the infirmary are integrated into the video, providing the audience with a visual understanding of the interactions between patients and nurses, as well as a closer look at the facility’s conditions and the medical equipment in use
Porosity and biofilm attachment on carbon anode materials for honeycomb microbial fuel cell
No full textMicrobial fuel cells (MFCs) mainly generate energy through microbial metabolism, and microorganisms attachment to the anode plate to form biofilms. For MFCs experiments, the plate material needs to have good electrical conductivity, chemical stability and biocompatibility. At present, carbon electrode plates are often used in MFCs, but different porosities influence the microbial adhesion. Thus, this study uses a carbon cloth, a carbon felt, and a graphite felt to explore the effect on biofilms under the carbon electrode plates of different porosities in honeycomb mesh continuous microbial fuel cells (HC-MFCs). The results show that the currents of carbon felt, graphite felt, and carbon cloth are 34.09 mA, 30.02 mA, and 3.08 mA. It is found that the carbon felt and graphite felt have higher electrical results than carbon cloth, mainly due to the high porosities of the carbon and graphite felt. In addition, the electrode material affects the formation of biofilms and further the electrical performance of MFCs. Through the internal resistance of the system equivalent circuit analysis, the results of the anode activation impedance (R2) and anode electrical double layer (C1) show that compared with carbon felt and graphite felt, carbon cloth has a higher resistance value and biofilm formation, which makes it worse in electrical performance of HC-MFC. Therefore, it can be known that the higher material porosity will affect the biofilm formation. This study is aimed to provide MFC research on porosity and biofilm
Voices from the Highlands: Advocacy Efforts of Cordilleran Indigenous People Activists against Large-scale Mining
No full textAbstract: While much attention has been given to the effects of development projects on Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Cordillera region, limited research focuses specifically on large-scale mining and the advocacy efforts of IP activists resisting these destructive operations. This study addresses this gap by examining the motivations, methods of advocacy, and impacts of IP activism against large-scale mining in the Cordillera. The research aims to understand the factors surrounding IP activism against large-scale mining, including environmental, health, economic, and cultural concerns. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews with IP activists and analyzed thematically. The study found that IP activists are primarily motivated by the need to protect their livelihoods and ancestral lands, safeguard their health, and preserve their cultural identity. Additionally, the study found that IP activists integrated cultural practices and utilized various systematized on the ground and political methods in their advocacy efforts. Their advocacy efforts have led to increased community empowerment, heightened awareness of mining issues, and influenced policies regarding environmental protection. The study concludes that IP activism not only challenges the immediate threats posed by mining but also strengthens community resilience and unity in the long term
Drop Dead Gorgeous: Unmasking the Ugly Side of Cosmetic Makeup
No full textOver the years, the makeup industry has continuously expanded its selling platforms, seamlessly transitioning from physical retail to online platforms. While the transition offers convenience, the requirements are relatively unregulated, particularly in terms of FDA approval and safety standards, which are not consistently enforced or strictly applied. Given the circumstances, products—particularly cosmetic products—sold online have led cosmetic consumers to become susceptible to purchasing unregulated products, possibly exposing them to experiencing negative health issues posed by toxic chemicals that they are not aware of in the products’ composition. Heavy metals such as Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, and Nickel are among the commonly present chemicals in cosmetics. This study investigates the presence of these metals in popular cosmetic makeup bought online by Filipino individuals, along with evaluating their awareness concerning the health risks associated with these products. Employing surveys (n=62) on online makeup purchasing behavior and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) on a 2-in-1 Lip Tint Set and a 4-color Eyeshadow Palette. Survey data showed that while product reviews (95%), brand reputation (90%), and prices (87%) are the most common factors considered, checking of FDA approval (82%) is less prioritized. 27% reported experiencing adverse reactions after using non-FDA-approved products. This exposes the vulnerability of consumers to unsafe makeup products due to a lack of awareness of the potential health hazards and the presence of heavy metals. This calls for an enhanced cosmetic education, better policies, and stricter regulations to promote consumer awareness and safety in the Philippines
Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito) Leaf & Banana (Musa acuminata) Peel Extract as a Hydrophobic Coating for Cardboard
No full textThis research aims to find a natural way to make cardboard more water-resistant, increasing its recyclability and lifespan by using banana peels (BP) and star apple leaves (SAL). The inspiration behind this study comes from commercial coatings that are made from synthetic chemicals, such as fluoropolymers and silicone, that can harm the environment. Since cardboard easily absorbs water, the researchers tested different mixtures of BP and SAL to determine which combination works best as a coating. Using ethanol maceration to extract hydrophobic compounds, epicuticular wax was obtained from SAL, while powdered BP was macerated with hexane. The extracts were concentrated using rotary evaporation, then mixed in ratios of 25% BP–75% SAL, 50% BP–50% SAL, and 75% BP–25% SAL. Each mixture was applied to cardboard samples using the dip-coating method, followed by curing at 60°C to enhance durability. The coated cardboards were evaluated for water resistance, moisture absorption, and abrasion durability. Among all the combinations, the 75% BP and 25% SAL mixture showed the highest water resistance, even outperforming Bosny B264, a well-known commercial product. The 50-50 blend also performed well, especially in terms of retaining less moisture, with results close to those of Bosny B264. Based on these findings, BP and SAL are promising and eco-friendly alternatives for waterproofing cardboard. However, more efficient methods for sourcing the materials and lowering production costs need to be developed before the product can be widely adopted