Alvin M. Doroteo, Fiona L. Pedroso, James David Lopez and Mary Jane S. Apines-Amar
Institute of Aquaculture
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
UP Visayas
Evaluation of potential probiotics isolated from saline tilapia in shrimp aquaculture. Aquaculture International, 26(4):1095–1107.
Sampling in a tilapia farm in Hamtic, Antique
Two Bacillus strains, MJA1.1 and MJA2.1 isolated from saline tilapia mucus were evaluated for their probiotic effects in shrimp Penaeus monodon. The potential of the isolates to prevent the growth of shrimp pathogen, Vibrio harveyi was tested for possible application in shrimp culture. The inhibitory property of these isolates against V. harveyi was determined in vitro using co-culture assay. The bacterial isolates were also assessed for their capability to produce extracellular enzymes.
The shrimp were feed with a formulated diets supplemented with either of the isolates. The growth and survival of the shrimp were measured after the feeding trial. Thereafter, shrimps were exposed to high concentration of ammonia (140mg/L) to test the effects of the isolates in shrimp.
The results showed that either of the isolates co-cultured with V. harveyi caused a remarkable reduction in the population of the shrimp pathogen. The isolates showed protease, amylase, and cellulase activities. The addition of isolates to the diet significantly improved the survival of the shrimp. The shrimp exposed to harmful dose of ammonia demonstrated better survival when supplemented with the probionts compared to the control group. Thus, the efficiency of the isolates in reducing V. harveyi population and the improvement of survival and resistance of shrimp to ammonia stress indicates their potential as probionts for shrimp culture.
Significance:
The use of probiotics as one of the strategies to combat bacterial diseases in shrimp farms will reduce shrimp mortality and increase production, in turn, improve the profitability and ensure sustainability of shrimp industry. With the use of endogenous probionts, environmental concerns such as introduction of “foreign” bacteria, emergence of resistant strains, and displacement of the natural microflora are eliminated.
Link to the article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10499-018-0270-2
Impact factor: (2017/2018) 1.283
Liezel C. Paraboles and Wilfredo L. Campos
Division of Biological Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Visayas
Fecundity and Oocyte Development of the White-spotted Rabbitfish Siganus canaliculatus (Park 1797) in Palompon, Leyte, Eastern Visayas, Philippines. Asian Fisheries Science 31 (2018): 245–251.
Siganus canaliculatus, locally known as danggit, are still caught in abundance in various regions of the country, including Palompon, Leyte, although they are generally believed to be overfished. The size of mature fish tends to decrease in natural populations that are intensely fished. This study determines the production capacity and quality of eggs of danggit in the study area and suggests measures than can improve the present status of the fisheries.
Gonads of specimens collected monthly from August 2009 to July 2012 were examined to estimate the number of eggs produced by each female and their size range. Mature female danggit in Palompon range in size from 7 to 14cm standard length (SL), and show close to a 20-fold increase in egg production within this size range. Egg diameter also shows a parallel increase of about 25% which corresponds to a doubling in volume. Because larger eggs allow more space for larger larvae and more yolk (energy) reserves, they translate to higher survival rates in the early larval stages when natural mortality rates are typically highest. Regulating fishing activities to conserve danggit and allow them to grow to larger sizes will eventually lead to increased fish abundance in the long term.
Significance:
The white-spotted rabbitfish, Siganus canaliculatus (aka danggit) is commonly caught in many fishing grounds around the country. In Palompon, Leyte, the sizes of adult fish caught (7 to 14cm standard length) is in the lower range of adult sizes caught in other countries in the Indo-Pacific. Fish abundance will likely increase in the long run if the fisheries is managed to allow fish to grow to larger sizes, which produce more and larger eggs than current small fish.
Link to the article: http://bit.ly/2GFesZx
Impact factor: Not yet available
Abigaile Mia V. Javier and Flor A. Ceballo
Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology
College of Agriculture and Food Science
UP Los Baños
Life History and Biological Control Potential of Snellenius manilae Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a Parasitoid of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Philippine Agricultural Scientist, 101 (2):148-157. June 2018.
Parasitoid with potential as biological control agent to control the cutworm, an insect pest defoliator attacking vegetable crops such as pechay, cabbage, tomato, beans, eggplant, okra, etc. and cereal crops such as rice and corn.
Parasitized cutworm larvae, Spodoptera litura. At this stage the pest (larvae) are no longer capable of feeding or inflicting damage to crops because they are almost dead. The parasitoids that caused death to the larvae are now in the pupal stage. In few days the parasitoid adult wasp will emerge from the pupae and the cutworm larvae will be totally dead and rotten.
The method of reproduction, sexuality, egg maturation rate, ovipositional patterns, host stage preference, and developmental period of Snellenius manilae, a larval parasitoid of the common cutworm, were evaluated in the laboratory.
The ovaries of newly emerged wasps may not contain mature ovarian eggs less than six hours upon emergence but mature eggs occur increasingly thereafter. The highest number of mature ovarian eggs was recorded on day three then gradually decreased on each successive day until death (day six).
The first instar cutworm produced the highest number of adult parasitoids followed by second instar and the third instar in both no-choice and choice methods. S. manilae is a koinobiont parasitoid in which cutworm larvae as hosts carry on their development for a while after parasitisation. The total developmental period of the parasitoid from egg deposition to pupation was 10.5 ±0.08 days; pupation to adult emergence was 4.2±0.10 days, while the adult lived on average 6.1±0.07 days with honey solution as food.
The study suggests that where there is a mixed population of the different instars of cutworm larvae, the adult parasitoid may oviposit most of her eggs into first instar cutworm larvae. S. manilae adult life span is short if is to be used for augmentative release against the cutworm. Three-day-old wasps are the best for field release coinciding with the highest number of ovarian eggs available for parasitizing the cutworms. Release should be timed when cutworm populations are in the early stage, first instar of development, for maximum impact.
Significance:
The results of this study will provide information on the potential of the parasitoid, Snellenius manilae as a biological control agent. The parasitoid can be mass reared and released to manage the insect pest common cutworm, Spodoptera litura a leaf feeding insect attacking cereals (rice and corn) and various vegetable crops (those used for sinigang and pakbet). As a biological control agent, it will only attack and parasitize the insect pest but will not harm the crops and the farmer applicator. Although it will act like an insecticide, as Snellenius manilae eventually kills the cutworm, however it is safe and friendly to farmer and will not harm the environment. Mass rearing of this biological control agent is needed so that farmers will have access to it for application/release. Because this friendly insect is locally available therefore it is cheap. Biological control agent such as this gives us an alternative option to insecticides that are mostly synthetically developed and imported from other countries, expensive and are toxic to the user and the environment. Our results indicate that for maximum parasitisation impact, the best age for augmentative release of the 3-day-old S. manilae wasps must be timed when majority of the cutworm larval population is in the first instar stage of development. Additionally, in order to enhance their establishment and survival in the field or area of release, supplemental food sources could be provided by maintaining flowering non-crop plants and flowering weeds along the margins and borders of the field.
Link to the article: www.pas-uplbcafs.org
Impact factor: (2017/2018) 0.298
Abigaile Mia V. Javier, Virginia R. Ocampo, Flor A. Ceballo and Pio A. Javier
Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology
College of Agriculture and Food Science
UP Los Baños
Insecticidal Activities of Essential Oil from Different Plants Against Cabbage Worm, Crocidolomia Pavonana Fabricius (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). Philippine Agricultural Scientist, 101 (2): 158-166, 2018
Ethanolic extract from the rhizomes of luyang dilaw as botanical insecticide (contact) against Cabbage worm
Alcohol extract from the leaves of Lantana camara as botanical insecticide (contact) against Cabbage worm second to luyang dilaw
Plants have secondary chemicals that can be used as medicine, food, and fragrance among others, but other plants have insecticidal ability. The use of alcohol extracts from plants with insecticidal activities has considerably increased due to the demand for organically grown crops and pesticide-free products. The leaves from Lantana camara; Coleus amboinicus, oregano; Alpinia pyramidata, langkuas; Catharanthus roseus, chichirica; and rhizomes of Curcuma longa, luyang dilaw were extracted and evaluated for their contact toxicity, antifeedant activity and growth regulatory property against the pest of cabbage, the cabbage worm. These plants were selected because of their promising insecticidal activity and safety since they are reported to possess medicinal value.
The alcoholic extracts from these plants, the most toxic to the cabbage worm is luyang dilaw at (LD50= 51.0 µg/g) applied directly to the insect as topical application and as contact being sprayed on leaf. The next toxic is to Lantana camara. The ability to prevent the insect from feeding was highest with oregano. These two also showed antifeedant property while all the five plants tested contained insect growth regulatory ability. This means that the alcoholic extracts when applied to the insect, cabbage worm, the worm did not grow normally and eventually died. The plant with the highest insect growth regulatory property was observed from oregano and luyang dilaw, while lantana shortened the life span of the cabbage worm and chichirica extract produced some body malformations and abnormalities. Luyang dilaw and lantana can be exploited as botanical insecticides for cabbage worm management.
Significance:
Plant-based toxicants extracted as crude alcohol extracts have been studied against the leaf feeding insect attacking cabbage. The data generated by this study provided information on alternative sources of insecticidal compounds with potential to manage a noxious pest of cabbage, the cabbage worm. It also provides information which indigenous plants have antifeedant property and those with insect growth inhibitory ability. Five locally available plant materials (Lantana camara, Coleus amboinicus, Alpinia pyramidata, Curcuma longa and Catharanthus roseus) were tested as future source of locally produced botanical pesticides. Among these plants, the most toxic to the cabbage worm is Cu. longa applied directly to the insect topically and as contact being sprayed on leaf. The next toxic is to Lantana camara. Co.amboinicus showed an antifeedant property while all the plants tested contained insect growth regulatory ability.
Link to the article: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327225636_Insecticidal_activities_of_the_essential_oils_from_different_plants_against_cabbage_worm_Crocidolomia_pavonana_Fabricius_Lepidoptera_Crambidae
Impact factor: (2017/2018) 0.298
Eldrin DLR. Arguelles
National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
UP Los Baños
Systematic Study of Some Epiphytic Algae (Non- Diatoms) on the Submerged Parts of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms- Loubach) found in Laguna de Bay (Philippines). Tropical Life Sciences Research. http://www.tlsr.usm.my/tlsr29032018/29032018_EV01.pdf.
Microscopic examination of submerged roots and leaf fragments showed a diverse collection of algal epiphytes of Eichhornia crassipes. A total of 21 taxa belonging to 8 orders, 13 families, 19 genera and 21 species based on recent combined taxonomical approach were described. Of these taxa, the occurrence of two rare cyanobacteria, Pseudanabaena minima (G.S. An) Anagnostidis and Synechococcus nidulans (Pringsheim) Komárek are reported for the first time in the Philippines. Two species are also reported here for the first time in the Philippines based on current taxonomic nomenclature and these are Pseudopediastrum boryanum (Turpin) E. Hegewald and Phormidium granulatum (Gardner) Anagnostidis. These species were also found in other habitat from different parts of the country but were reported as Pediastrum boryanum (Turpin) Meneghini, Oscillatoria granulata Gardner, respectively. Some of the microalgal genera reported in this study (eg. Tetradesmus, Euglena, Oscillatoria, Phacus and Chlorella) are usually associated with organically polluted waters. These epiphytons can be considered as good indicators of water quality and environmental changes due to their sensitivity to external sources of fertilization. The reported species of algal epiphytes in this study are considered important basal information in enriching the knowledge about the diversity and habitat distribution of cyanobacteria and microalgae on macrophytes found in freshwater habitats in the Philippines.
Significance:
Algal epiphytes are group of algae found attached and living on submerged aquatic vegetation, which includes freshwater angiosperms and macroalgae (Dunn et al. 2008). These organisms are considered as primary source of food for small fish and several invertebrates in the littoral zone. These autotrophs are often over looked due to the tedious process of separation of epiphytons from the host plant; however, recent work showed their importance as primary producers that uptake essential nutrients and fix carbon from the water column, making these important nutrients accessible to other organisms such as small invertebrates and fish in the littoral zone (Ahmed, 2010). This study focuses on the taxonomy and species composition of epiphytic algae in Eichhornia crassipes inhabiting the littoral zone of Laguna de Bay. Results showed that a total of 21 algal taxa were identified. Of these taxa, the occurrence of two rare cyanobacteria, Pseudanabaena minima (G.S. An) Anagnostidis and Synechococcus nidulans (Pringsheim) Komárek are reported for the first time in the Philippines. These taxonomic records are considered important basal information in enriching the knowledge about the diversity and habitat distribution of cyanobacteria and microalgae on macrophytes found in freshwater habitats in the Philippines.
Link to the article: http://www.tlsr.usm.my/tlsr29032018/29032018_EV01.pdf
Impact factor: Not yet available
Analiza Henedina M. Ramirez
Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology
College of Agriculture and Food Science
UP Los Baños
Weed management practices and herbicide resistance in weeds in Florida citrus. Phil J Crop Sci 43(1):1-8.
Herbicide-resistant weeds have been confirmed in some crop production systems in Florida but not in citrus groves. A grower survey was conducted in 2012 to determine the current weed management practices in Florida citrus and to determine awareness of citrus growers about herbicide-resistant weeds. A questionnaire was sent to 60 randomly selected growers, of which 33 turned in their responses representing 20% of the citrus growing area in Florida. Most of the respondents (47%) indicated that weed problem and species in Florida citrus did not change over the years with the top 3 problematic weeds: Spanishneedle (Bidens spp.), balsam apple (Momordica charantia L.), and panicums (Panicum spp.). Weed control in citrus groves is primarily with the use of herbicides applied alone, in tank-mixes, or applied sequentially in a year. Diuron, simazine, and indaziflam are the top 3 PRE herbicides while glyphosate, paraquat, and saflufenacil are the top 3 POST herbicides applied in Florida citrus. Glyphosate is the most commonly applied herbicide in the vast majority of citrus groves and as frequently as 3-5 times in a year. Citrus growers in Florida are aware of herbicide resistant weeds and their negative impact on citrus production. Although, there are no confirmed herbicide resistant weeds in Florida citrus, few weeds including Spanishneedle, ragweed parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.), and nightshade (Solanum spp.) are inadequately controlled with the recommended rate of glyphosate, thus, should be tested for possible resistance.
Significance:
This research in the form of a survey, documented the current weed management practices being employed by citrus growers in Florida, the major weed problems and evaluated the level of awareness of growers on herbicide resistance issues in weed populations. Such research is important in evaluating the effectiveness of the current weed management practices in reducing impact of weeds on citrus yield. Additionally, understanding of the weed management practices will help explain occurrence of herbicide resistance in crops such as citrus that rely heavily on application of pre- and post-emergence herbicides as a means to manage weed populations. Documenting the occurrence of herbicide resistance in weed populations will aid in development of appropriate weed management strategies not only to control these populations but also in mitigating spread and further development of herbicide resistance.
Link to the article: https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20183186653
Impact factor: (2017/2018) 0.211
Florencio C. Ballesteros, Jr. and Mark Gino K. Galang
Environmental Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
Estimation of waste mobile phones in the Philippines using neural networks. Global NEST Journal, Vol 20, No. 4, pp 767-772. https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.002534
Architecture of the ANN model (using the 7 input parameters with 1 target output)
ANN weight structure (near ‘violet’, the weight value is ‘negative’; near ‘red’, the weight value is positive)
Waste mobile phone is one of the subgroups of e-waste which is defined as discarded electronic products in the Philippine context. This study estimated current and projected quantities of waste mobile phones in the country using feed forward neural network. Seven input factors were fed to the network: (i) population, (ii) literacy rate, (iii) mobile connections, (iv) mobile subscribers, (v) gross domestic product (GDP), (vi) GDP per capita, and (vii) US dollar to Philippine peso exchange rate. These input factors were selected based on the criteria provided in the study by the Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association (GSMA) Intelligence in 2015 on why the Philippines is an innovation hub in mobile industry and the availability of data from the sources. The structure was designed with three layers such as input, hidden and output layer. The neural network was designed to initially calculate the sales of mobile phones before estimating waste mobile phone generation. Visual Gene Developer 1.7 Software was used which achieved a sum of squared error of 0.00001. Estimated values were found to be in good agreement with a calculated accuracy of 99%. This study can be used by policy makers as basis for strategy formulation and as guideline and baseline data for establishing a proper management system. Neural network performed better than the traditional linear extrapolation method for forecasting of data.
Significance:
To date, no study in the Philippines has been undertaken to estimate the quantity of waste mobile phones in the country. No mathematical model, especially artificial neural network has been applied as well. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper available on this topic.
This study can be useful to researchers and environmental policy makers by providing information on the estimated volume of this waste in the country thus making it possible to formulate policies and make interventions in this area.
Link to the article: https://journal.gnest.org/journal-paper/estimation-waste-mobile-phones-philippines-using-neural-networks
Impact factor: Not yet available
Laarni Escresa
School of Economics
UP Diliman
Trends in Corruptions Around the World. European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research. Vol. No. 22 (3), pp 543–564.
Measuring changes in the level of corruption across time is more challenging than the static case of measuring corruption. The study explores to what extent can we rely on existing subjective measures of corruption to accomplish this task and compares them with a new objective based measure of corruption, the Public Administration Corruption Index (PACI).
We compute trends in corruption for groups of geographically proximate countries, based on the geographic distribution of cases of cross-border bribes, and confirm that geographic variations in corruption are greater than time variations. They are then compared with changes in perceived corruption, as measured by Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. We find that these alternative measures are not significantly correlated with each other. Using a panel data estimation technique, we attempt to explain trends in corruption. We only partially confirm results that are obtained when the purpose is to account for their levels in the context of a cross-sectional study. Overall, we conclude that the study of changes in levels of corruption is still in its infancy.
Significance:
Evaluating policies and programs aimed at combating corruption requires a measure that captures the changes in level of corruption in a particular country across time. However, the most cited measures of corruption are based on perceptions and other subjective data. They are also often used as indicators of changes over time. The study explores to what extent can we rely on existing subjective measures of corruption to accomplish this task and compares them with a new objective based measure of corruption, the Public Administration Corruption Index (PACI).
Links to the article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10610-016-9317-y
https://doi:10.1007/s10610-016-9317-y
Impact factor: Not yet available
Elizabeth Gomez, Emmeline Jamodiong, Charlon Ligson, Tracy Tabalanza, Ronald Villanueva and Patrick Cabaitan
Marine Science Institute
College of Science
UP Diliman
Gametogenesis and reproductive pattern of the reef-building coral Acropora millepora in northwestern, Philippines. Invertebrate reproduction and development. pp. 1-8.
Coral reefs around the world are challenged by series of disturbances, both natural and man-made. Because of this current state, reproduction of corals is a present endeavor. In order to repopulate the degraded reefs and assist in its recovery, it is necessary to understand how they develop their gametes and the pattern in which reproduction occurs. In this study, we investigated the reproductive strategy and pattern of Acropora millepora by means of determining the timing of the development and maturity of its oocytes and spermaries. With this, we were able to track the pattern of the release of its egg and sperm for larval rearing. We also made recordings of the possible factors such as temperature and lunar periodicity that probably influence the onset of gamete development and signals the release of spawning. With this reproductive information, A. millepora has the potential to be sexually propagated and be utilized in restoring damaged reefs.
Significance:
Research on the reproduction of corals particularly that of Acropora millepora is significant in understanding population dynamics of these species through utilizing its reproductive information. This study will also pave the way for restoring degraded reefs through coral culture technologies for the sexual propagation of Acropora millepora.
Link to the article: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/pEWynEuabkpHCnG227vK/full
Impact factor: (2017/2018) 1.056
Florencio C. Ballesteros, Jr. and Mark Gino K. Galang
Environmental Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
Artificial Neural Networks in the measurement of Environmental odours by ENose. Chemical Engineering Transactions, Vol. 68, pp 247-252 (2018). DOI: 10.3303/CET1868042.
Architecture of the ANN models [(a) odour concentration prediction; (b) odour classification]
Scatterplots of the data by Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA); P1 – Grit Chamber, P2-Primary Sedimentation, P3- Aeration/Oxidation, P4-Secondary Sedimentation, P5- Thickened Sludge, P6 – Sludge from Centrifuge, P7 – Effluent from the anaerobic digester
Electronic Nose (eNose) represents currently the instrument of having the highest future developing potential to guarantee continuous odour measurements. To use an eNose, a training phase is however mandatory, which has the scope to create the Odour Monitoring Model (OMM) that is able to identify the presence of odour, the different odour classes and the quantification of the odorous stimuly. Statistical or biological inspired measurement techniques are applied to create the optimum OMM. The study presents and discusses the elaboration of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique to recognize environmental odour with eNose. The proposed system was architected on a feed-forward neural network with Bayesian Regularization algorithm using Matlab R2017a software. The elaborated ANN was tested and validated using the seedOA eNose, realized by the Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division (SEED) of the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Salerno (Italy). Tests were carried out analyzing odour samples collected at a large Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The comparison between the Odour Monitoring Model (OMM) elaborated through the proposed ANN system and the traditional statistical techniques, such as the Partial Least Square (PLS) and the Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), is also discussed. Results shown the efficiency of the elaborated ANN to identify the different odour classes and predict the odour concentration in terms of OUm-3. Artificial neural network shows higher performance than traditional statistical methods. The main advantages of neural networks are their adaptability in terms of learning, self-organization, training and noise-tolerance.
Significance:
Environmental odour management is a pressing issue in the Philippines and the absence of standards, regulations and technical working procedures makes it difficult to address this problem. This paper is conducted in collaboration with the University of Salerno, Italy to evaluate the performance of electronic nose by applying artificial neural networks to the data processing system (eNose) and compare its performance with traditional statistical methods. The novelty of this research lies with the introduction of the capability of electronic nose in monitoring environmental odours to help law enforcers and wastewater operators to get rid of the subjective assessment of odours and to formulate guidelines as well. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Philippine settings that promotes the use of electronic nose with the improved data processing system.
Link to the article: https://www.cetjournal.it/index.php/cet/article/view/CET1868042
Impact factor: Not yet available
Moriel L. Prado and Florencio C. Ballesteros, Jr.
Department of Environmental Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
Removal of emerging contaminants in wastewater by sonolysis, photocatalysis and ozonation. Global NEST Journal, Vol 21, No X, pp XX-XX. https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.002625.
The occurrence of emerging contaminants (ECs) in the environment has become a focus of intense investigation for many researchers because of the serious threats they pose to both human health and the environment. Many studies are conducted in search of new options to achieve removal of ECs.
In this study, three different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) were applied to investigate the removal of emerging contaminants (ECs) i.e. sulfamethoxazole (SMX), diclofenac (DCF) and carbamazepine (CBZ) in synthetically prepared aqueous solutions. The degradation of these substances was carried out by ozonation, sonolysis and photocatalytic oxidation, as well as by different combinations of these processes. Findings have shown the effectiveness of the AOPs used in removing ECs under different operating conditions. In fact, the removal efficiencies were found to be enhanced by the combined AOPs, i.e., application of ozone and ultrasound and catalyst and sonolysis. Thus, the findings may be considered in promoting the wider application of AOPs as one of the keys in eliminating ECs in the environment.
Significance:
This research is intended for discovering a sound, cost-effective and environment-friendly solution of removing emerging contaminants from wastewater.
Link to the article: http://journal.gnest.org/journal-paper/removal-emerging-contaminants-wastewater-sonolysis-photocatalysis-and-ozonation
Impact factor: Not yet available
