University Knowledge Digital Repository UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños)
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1 - No Poverty
No full text1 - No Povertyhttps://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/un-sdgs_images/1000/thumbnail.jp
Capstone internship at the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI) with the mini study on : nutrional composition analysis of Napier (Pennisetum purpureum), hybrid napier (Pennisetum purpoureum x P.glaucum, and pakchong (Penninsetum purpureum mx P. glaucum cv. Pakchong 1) at different harvest intervals
No full textNapier (Pennisetum purpureum), Hybrid Napier (Pennisetum purpurerum x P.glaucum), and Pakchong (Pennisetum purpurerum x P.glaucum) are three commonly used forage grasses to feed dairy cattle due to their high biomass yield. Their nutritional quality, however, can vary depending on how and when they are harvested. This study investigated how different harvest intervals (30, 45, 60 days) affect the nutritional composition of three forage grasses commonly used in dairy production. The analysis focused on nutrient components such as moisture, ash, crude fat, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF). Grass samples were collected from the Dairy Training and Research Institute and evaluated using proximate analysis, including oven drying for moisture content, muffle furnace for ash content, Soxhlet extraction for crude fat, and ANKOM Fiber Analyzer for NDF and ADF quantification; and Repeated Measures One-way ANOVA for the statistical analysis. The results showed that the 30-day harvest interval produced the best nutritional quality, with Pakchong exhibiting the highest moisture content (32.74%) and the lowest NDF (45.77%). On the other hand, by day 60, NDF increased significantly, reaching 69.22% in Hybrid Napier, 68.93% in Napier, and 65.22% in Pakchong, indicating reduced digestibility. The most notable decline in nutrient quality occurred between days 30 and 45 (p \u3c 0.05). No significant changes were observed between days 45 and 60 for Hybrid Napier and Pakchong, suggesting the stabilization of nutrient levels. Fluctuations in the pattern and variations were constantly observed at the 45-day mark which were likely due to the extreme weather conditions. Further research is recommended to investigate seasonal effects and forage performance beyond 60 days to support more refined feeding strategies
Screening of putative antimicrobials from Bacillus strauns isolated from bat guano in select karst areas of Rodriguez, Rizal
No full textBacillus species are known producers of antimicrobial compounds such as bacitracin, polymyxin, and surfactin, which have been widely studied for their efficacy against microbial pathogens. In light of rising antimicrobial resistance, these bioactive metabolites offer promising leads for the development of new antibiotics. While Bacillus strains have been extensively documented in terrestrial and marine environments, their antimicrobial potential from bat guano in karst caves remains underexplored. This study aimed to characterize the antimicrobial activity of Bacillus strains isolated from bat guano collected in the Pamitinan Protected Landscape, Rodriguez, Rizal, under the NICER CAVES Program of the University of the Philippines Museum of Natural History. Composite bat guano samples yielded seven isolates (1AT–7AT). Isolation was performed using serial dilution and streak plating, followed by Gram staining and microscopy for initial characterization. To identify the isolates at the molecular level, genomic DNA was extracted, and PCR amplification and partial sequencing were conducted. Gel electrophoresis was performed to confirm the size and integrity of the PCR products. BLAST analysis was used to determine genetic similarity, and MEGA 11 software was employed for phylogenetic analysis. Antimicrobial activity was screened using the cross-streaking method against four ESKAPE pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter ludwigii) and Escherichia coli, which was included as a model organism. None of the Bacillus isolates demonstrated antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens. Despite this, the findings provide valuable insights into the microbial diversity of cave-derived Bacillus and emphasize the potential of karst ecosystems for future bioprospecting. Continued exploration of natural environments remains essential in the search for novel antimicrobial agents
Capstone internship at the Samsung Research Philippines with a mini-study on : CAPRE: crop yield prediction and allocation using linear regression and greedy algorithm
No full textThe Department of Agriculture (DA) promotes polycropping for sustainability. Crop rotation, a polycropping approach for sustainable farming, combines the traits of different crops to restore and nourish the soil it is planted on. Different plots have unique factors that affect crop yield and many researchers have proposed a prediction model for this problem and have generated great results. Nevertheless, it is imperative to test out more models to find one more interpretable and accurate than the previous. In this paper, two machine learning models were employed: KNN and linear regression. With the data gathered from an open source database and an institution, the researchers developed a system which consists of two parts. First, a machine learning algorithm is used to forecast the yield of crops and rank them based on their compatibility to the plot with regards to its soil quality. This is then inputted to a simple greedy algorithm, along with the previously planted crops on that plot, to output a crop allocation of the highest profiting crops with regards to the cropping rotation constraints. Yield forecast for the real-world data from the institution returned an average MAPE of 54.5% and 70% for KNN and linear regression respectively, this means that at its current stage the model is highly inaccurate with its prediction. However, further development of this system can allow for its use for simple forecasting, and will serve as the foundation for crop scheduling. The researchers recommend forecasting the market rather than treating it as a stagnant variable, and considering time as a feature
16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
No full text16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutionshttps://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/un-sdgs_images/1015/thumbnail.jp
Studies on the three component systems involving ethanol (95%), coconut oil and free fatty acids
No full textThe solubility curves for the ternary system coconut o11-957 ethanol-free fatty acids was determined at 30.0°C and 60.00C. The; relative percentages of the ternary system was computed and tabulated and the graphs were plotted and analyzed. Two other ternary systems, namely coconut oil-95% ethanol-rice bran oil and coconut oil-95% ethanol-castor oil were also studied at 30.0°C and 60.0°C. It was found out for all the ternary systems studied that as the amount of the solvent is decreased, the amount of the third component is increased to a maximum point.
The binary mixture coconut oil-95c ethanol was also studied and the temperature of homogenity was determined with the addition of free fatty acids in increasing percentages. The data gathered showed that 813 the percentage of free fatty acids is increased, the temperature for homogenity of the binary mixture is decreased.
The information obtained will be useful in the preparation of homogeneous mixtures containing coconut oil, in the solvent extraction schemes for coconut oil and also in the fad of analytical chemistry
Ex-Ante Analysis of a Proposed Parking Facility in UPLB
No full textThe rapid increase in private vehicle use within the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) has resulted in severe parking shortages and congestion, highlighting the need for infrastructure interventions. This study conducts an ex-ante economic analysis of a proposed parking facility using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to estimate students’ willingness to pay (WTP) and identify factors influencing their valuation.
A survey was conducted among UPLB students using a single-bounded dichotomous choice format with randomized bid amounts. Results revealed that while the majority of respondents acknowledged the parking problem and supported the idea of a structured facility, a high percentage declined to pay the proposed bid amounts. Nevertheless, regression analysis showed that bid amount, ownership of a vehicle, and difficulty in finding parking were statistically significant factors affecting WTP. The Turnbull estimator yielded a mean WTP of Php 59.22, suggesting that, despite general cost sensitivity, a segment of the student population values the availability of improved parking. A cost- benefit analysis was conducted to evaluate the net present value (NPV) of two proposed parking options. Findings indicate that one of the facilities could be financially viable if priced strategically or pursued through a public-private partnership.
This study offers empirical evidence to inform UPLB’s campus transportation planning and infrastructure development. Results may guide more effective design, pricing, and stakeholder engagement strategies in addressing the university’s parking challenges
A qualitative exploratory study on the influence of parasocial relationships on child behavior in generation alpha students from UPRHS (12-13 years old)
No full textParasocial relationships, the nonreciprocal connection of an individual with a personality or influencer (Hoffner & Bond, 2022), have become a significant aspect of social media engagement, especially for Generation Alpha (born after 2010). As a result, this shift changed how children are exposed to social media platforms. Generation Alpha, who experienced this shift during their formative years, has the unique experience of building connections with social media figures with whom they have no direct reciprocal interactions. Previous studies have examined the effects of parasocial relationships on individuals in the context of consumerism and social media marketing (Tsiotsou, 2015; Quintero Johnson & Patnoe-Woodley, 2016; Baek et al., 2013). Much less is unpacked about how the era of digitalization changes the dynamics in our current society, which is most noticeable in children. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the parasocial relationships among Generation Alpha through their social media consumption. It employs interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to focus on the ‘detailed examination of the participant’s lifeworld’ (Smith, Flowers, & Larkin 2009, p. 53). The present study collects data from quantitative surveys and semi-structured interviews among select grades 7 and 8 students from UPRHS. Findings indicate that participants form strong parasocial relationships with influencers on social media platforms (e.g., TikTok and YouTube). However, parental involvement heavily dictates the level of parasocial relationships of an individual. Peer mediation also plays a key role in the exposure of an individual to parasocial relationships. Furthermore, their tendency to gratify their emotions also contributes to how they connect with parasocial figures. The findings suggest the need for strong media literacy and guidance to help young users navigate these emotional dynamics healthily. Overall, the study aims to contribute to social media, psychology, and communication studies, specifically to the area of identity formation, parasocial processes, and media consumption in and through media discourse
17 - Partnerships for the Goals
No full text17 - Partnerships for the Goalshttps://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/un-sdgs_images/1016/thumbnail.jp
