Researches:
Article title: An Investigation on the Effects of Varying Temperatures on Gelatin Denaturation in Response to Enzymatic Reactions from Fruit Extracts: A Home-based Experiment
Authors: Megan Mae Chu and Dave Arthur R Robledo
Publication title: Journal of Industrial Biotechnology 3(1), 2022
Abstract:
During holiday celebrations, my family would hold gatherings in our home, and I would always help my mother prepare some traditionally known desserts in the Filipino culture, such as buko pandan (coconut salad with jelly) and fruit salad. I was advised to use canned pineapples instead of fresh ones because the latter contained more active enzymes, which "melted" the gelatin in the salad. When we discussed biomolecules in class, I became particularly interested with the topic, as it is relatively associated with biological processes in the human body such as digestion and metabolism. Thus, upon learning that gelatin - a major component in fruit salads - was made up of the biomolecule protein, I have decided to investigate the different factors that affected fruit enzymes and how these catalysts subsequently affected the breakdown of proteins. This would be demonstrated through an experiment involving the use of materials that I was already familiar with - fruits and gelatin.
Full text https://tinyurl.com/mpjzzmbc.
Article title: Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Properties of Lumichrome-Derived Compounds on Breast Adenocarcinoma, Colorectal Cancer, and Liver Carcinoma
Authors: Dave Arthur R. Robledo and Ghulam Muhammad
Publication title: Central Asian Journal of Global Health 6(6):49-54, November 2021
Abstract:
Ongoing research into cancer cures and therapeutic agents is being carried out by scientists worldwide to alleviate the rising burden of this insurmountable illness. Research on lumichrome, a photoproduct of the vitamin riboflavin, led us to discover that it has anticancer properties against lung cancer. More research is needed to determine how effective it is. An anticancer ability of lumichrome and its synthetic derivatives against liver, breast, and colorectal cancer was shown in this work. Cytotoxic activity against Hep3B (liver carcinoma), SkBr3 (Breast adenocarcinoma), and BRAF (Colorectal cancer) cell lines was evaluated using the MTT assay, which is a cytotoxicity test. These results ranged from 8.9 to 23.9 micrograms per milliliter. The IC50 for lumichrome and its synthetic derivative was 8.9 and 16.6 µg/ml, respectively, for Hep3B cells. Activation of apoptosis and interference with transcription is assumed to be the primary mechanisms of action of these substances. The mechanism of action of these products will need to be studied in the future.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2syfahn7
Article title: Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Activities vs. Traditional Interventions inTeaching Biology: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Robledo, Dave Arthur
Publication title: Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry 12(10):27-37, October 2021
Abstract:
One of the emerging educational technologies is simulation-based activities.Numerous research has been conducted to compare virtual reality to various techniques of teaching anatomy, including structures, lectures, graphical representations, and mixed training.This meta-analysis was focused on the effectiveness of simulation-based activities in teaching biology vs. the traditional interventions in teaching biology. The scope was limited to interventions involving simulations in biology for High school and Senior High School students in STEM contexts. This systematic review showed that when compared with conventional or digital teaching methods, simulation-based activities can enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning biology. Of all the 15 studies, five evaluated the satisfaction level as a secondary outcome, which shows that most students were more interested in using simulation-based activities to learn biology. Thus, simulation-based activities as an intervention could enhance the quality of teaching biology.Due to the lack of qualitative and descriptive data, the risk of bias for most studies was uncertain. On the contrary, the researcher emphasized that the meta-analysis results are not concise due to the lack of standardized procedures and high heterogeneity of the studies and subgroups.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2vdsk4zy
Article title: The Perceptions of Pre-service Teachers on Bachelor of Education Program in Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Pakistan
Authors: Dave Arthur R. Robledo, Ghulam Muhammad, Aftab Ur Rahman
Publication title: Journal of Social Sciences Review 1(1), April-June 2021
Abstract:
The provision of quality teachers by teacher preparation programs determines the quality of education in schools. The study aimed to define pre-service teachers' beliefs about teacher education and include recommendations for improving teacher education, given the importance of teacher education for the quality of education in educational institutions. The study included 45 pre-service teachers from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University's education department in Dir Upper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 30 people were chosen for inclusion in the analysis using a purposive random sampling method. A questionnaire was developed, validated, and piloted to ensure its accuracy. The information was gathered using self-administered questionnaires and evaluated using mean ratings, standard deviation, and the chi-square significance test. The study found that pre-service teachers in the institute are satisfied with their needs and demands through teacher education, that teacher education curricula are tailored to the needs of pre-service teachers, that subject content courses are appropriate, that the scope of teaching practicum is broad, that training is linked to practical school experiences, and that school management courses are offered. The pedagogy courses help pre-service teachers improve their teaching skills, and they receive adequate training in evaluation methods. There are also quality academic research activities. The study suggested that pre-service teachers attend orientation sessions to learn about their needs and demands, which could be met through teacher preparation. Teacher education curricula are revised to provide more realistic exposure to the school's atmosphere and activities.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/ymf5v9a2
Article title: COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence and Hesitancy Among Schools’ Stakeholders: A Philippine Survey
Authors: Dave Arthur Roldan Robledo, Aris Alea Lapada, Frosyl Fabrea Miguel, Zeba Farooqi Alam, PhD
Publication title: Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research 12(3), 2021
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to determine the perception of schools’ stakeholders on the COVID-19 vaccination towards readiness to opening schools after prohibiting the face-to-face classes last March 2020. The campaigns were done online using social media platforms. A total of 2034 participants has participated in the survey. Results revealed that participants were dominated by teachers; most of them came from Luzon; ages ranged from 13-19 years old; and female participants. The highest percentage of the reason for vaccine confidence is ―They believed that the vaccine would give them immunity from the virus COVID-19‖ while the highest percentage of the reason for COVID-19 hesitancy was ―The vaccine might have a possible effect on genetic make-up‖. Furthermore, when participants are grouped according to profile, region, sex, and age, the confidence still a little higher than those who hesitate to get vaccinated by the COVID-19 vaccines. Among the demographics of the participants, only their sex has a significant association with their COVID-19 vaccine confidence and hesitancy (x2 = 42.43, p=0.000). This study recommends that health services at school should be strengthened and vaccination among school children should be part of the school-based management system hand in hand with the health practitioners.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2uvsvz8p
Article title: Teaching Beyond Borders: Effectiveness of Heuristic Approach in Teaching Science in Public Secondary Schools in Area IV, Division of Batangas, Philippines
Authors: Dave Arthur R. Robledo, Aimee F. Motin, Eliseo C. Catapang, Erma A. Maalihan
Publication title: International Engineering Journal for Research & Development 6(2), May 2021
Abstract:
The primary purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of the Heuristic approach in the teaching and learning process among Grade 8 public secondary schools, Area IV, Division of Batangas with the end in view of preparing supplementary materials for maximum utilization of the Heuristic approach. The descriptive type of research was used in this study with the use of questionnaires as an instrument to gather data from 30 science teachers and 356 Grade 8 students from public high schools in Area IV, Division of Batangas. Statistical tools used were independent t-test, ranking, and weighted mean. The findings revealed that the Heuristic approach was found to be useful in teaching science. There are real-life heuristics that people use to solve a problem or to learn something. These are consistency Heuristic, educated guess, absurdity Heuristic, common sense, contagion Heuristic, availability heuristic, working backward, familiarity Heuristic, scarcity Heuristic, rule of thumb, affect heuristic, and authority heuristic. The supplementary material was designed to enhance the performance of Grade 8 students in science classes. There is no significant difference between the assessment of teachers and students in the usefulness of the Heuristic approach in the teaching and learning process. It was defined in areas of concern that the Heuristic approach should establish a lively classroom in the teaching-learning process.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/yk3h6z4t
Article title: Out of the Classroom: IB Students' Experiences and Tips on the Use of Home-based Biology Experiments for Internal Assessment
Authors: Megan Mae C. Chu, Eleen Hanna L. Labarez, Lara G. Reños, Jessica Rianne C. Velasco, Dave Arthur R. Robledo
Publication title: Universe International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research 1(11), 2021
Abstract:
Experimentation has been an essential part of teaching and learning biological concepts. Science experiments provide opportunities for students to learn scientific concepts, experience natural phenomena, and explore the world around them. However, this COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the educational system in the Philippines, particularly science education. School facilities and laboratories are temporarily closed or inaccessible for teachers and students. These events hinder the conventional process of doing experiential learning activities, experiments, and scientific investigations. Because of this major disruption, the International Baccalaureate organization released a memorandum that encourages teachers and students from IB World Schools to utilize other activities other than laboratory experiments such as online simulations, analysis of secondary data, or doing safe and appropriate experiments at home. In response, the biology students of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) of Saint Jude Catholic School utilized home-based biology experiments for their internal assessment. Students investigated the effects of different fruit extracts on gelatin denaturation, effects of kinds of milk on the volume and pH of cheese produced, effects of nutrient solutions on the growth of onion, and effects of the different wavelengths of light on the growth of an aquatic plant. Because of these unpredictable changes in the educational system, it is necessary to document these innovations and practices. This paper aimed to present students’ experiences on the use of home-based biology experiments. It was shown that household materials and kitchens can be utilized as alternative laboratories in remote learning. Furthermore, it was also revealed that they had trouble finding literature related to their topic. In the paper, they also emphasized the importance of choosing the right topic which fits your interest. In conclusion, home-based biology experiments are timely, relevant, and appropriate alternatives for the actual laboratory experiments.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/3wvfc2wz
Article title: Biology at Home: The Six Attributes of Home-based Biology Experiments (HBEs) for Remote Authentic Learning
Authors: Dave Arthur R. Robledo
Publication title: Psychology (Savannah, Ga.) 28(3):4319-4323, April 2021
Abstract:
Home-based biology experiments are activities that utilize household materials that have been adapted for the remote learning environment and are aligned to standard learning competencies. Recognizingthe households and kitchens as extensions of laboratories, HBEs can be used to deliver authentic learning experiences for the students at home. Furthermore, there are several attributes of HBEs that should be considered before the implementation of the activity. These attributes are, it is ethical and safe to perform, it produces tangible products, encourages students to reflect, promotes collaboration, materials are easy-to-find and affordable and lastly, home-based biology experiments are modifiable. Also, HBE encourages students to work independently under the supervision of their parents and teachers. Parents and guardians, as collaborators, should ensure students'safety, monitor their child’s progress, provide a safe environment and conducive work area, and should report all cases of accidents and problems to the subject teacher. In conclusion, home-based biology experiments are one of the emerging teaching tools for remote authentic learning in the new normal. Moreover, HBEs could also be used to address the problem of the lack of hands-on activity in remote learning. Further studies should be conducted on the effectiveness of HBEs in different topics in biology.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/3nubjh4y
Article title: Effects of Halopriming on Seed Germination and Seedling Emergence of Capsicum frutescens
Authors: Dave Arthur R. Robledo
Publication title: Journal of Botany Research 3(1):114-118, September 2020
Abstract:
Siling labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) is a small, commonly found chili pepper in the Philippines. This pepper is great to add spice, without altering the flavor of the dish because of its distinctive and complex taste. These plants are exposed to different abiotic factors including drought, salinity, high temperature, etc. which have adverse effects on plant growth and productivity. The soil salinity has become a critical problem worldwide among different environmental stresses due to their significant impacts on the physiology and performance of plants. Soil salinity is a significant factor that restricts Capsicum f. germination by affecting the establishment of crop plants. Germination is an important stage of planting and thus plays an important role in crop production. In cultivation of Capsicum f., low and slow seed germination and seedling emergence result in economic losses. Seed priming has been developed as an important method for producing resistant plants against different stresses. It is a method of pre-germination treatment that increases seed quality and results in faster and more coordinated germination of seed. Halopriming is a simple and cheap seed priming method and is therefore considered suitable for farmers because of better synchronization of emergence and crops under different environmental conditions. In halopriming, the seeds are immersed in various salt solutions (NaCl and KNO3 was used in this study) that facilitate the germination of seeds and subsequent seedling even under adverse environmental conditions.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/y27ynyu6
Article title: Teachers’ Covid-19 Awareness, Distance Learning Education Experiences and Perceptions towards Institutional Readiness and Challenges
Authors: Lapada Aris Alea, Miguel Frosyl Fabrea , obledo Dave Arthur Roldan, Alam Zeba Farooqi
Publication title: International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research 19(6): 127-144, June 2020
Abstract:
Amidst the threat of COVID 19 pandemic in the Philippines, the educators, students, and the school are still coping and adjusting to the distance learning education. This study explored teachers' awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic and their opinion on their respective schools’ readiness, as well as their response to the challenges of conducting distance learning education in the Philippines. A validated questionnaire was developed to collect the relevant data for this study. The initial reliability test obtained 8.9 Cronbach’s alpha. Data gathering procedure was done through Google forms, which, after validation from the respective DepEd divisions and universities, were subsequently sent to the teachers via email. The results show that the teachers were highly aware of the presence and consequences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The correlation between teacher’s demographic profiles and awareness to COVID-19 shows no relationship at all. Nevertheless, the length of teaching experience and specialization is very strongly correlated to readiness to distance learning education. Simultaneously, the teachers’ geographic location is strongly correlated to readiness to adapt to distance learning education. Furthermore, only the teachers’ gender has a significant difference in their awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, teachers’ gender, length of teaching experience, and geographic location have significant differences with their readiness to distance learning education. This study can be used as a basis for further research particularly in developing institutional plans to better understand the status of their teachers and educational organizations, and schools’ readiness to teach and learn through distance learning approach; hence, preserving and continuing educational mission during the current or future pandemic as well as be prepared for any natural disasters.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/38n7err5