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Undergraduate Theses

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    Sediment organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus of four tivers in Miagao, Iloilo
    Cahilig, Guen Gian D. (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2019-06)
    The four rivers of Miagao are examples of aquatic areas where sediment pollution can be related and mostly caused by anthropogenic and non-point sources. The four rivers of Miagao, namely Bacauan, Naulid, Oyungan and Tumagbok rivers, were assessed and observed to have low levels of water due to the dry season, presence of water stagnation due to dikes; other factors such as discharges from domestic activities and livestock wastes, and thick vegetation are also present in the river. The relevance of this study is to provide baseline information about the levels of organic matter, NH4-N, and available phosphorus present in the river, provide public knowledge about the negative impacts of excessive levels of those parameters; and locate possible sources of the pollution through the values obtained. For the total phosphorus concentration present in river sediments, the values are ranging from 0.0648 ppm to 0.154 ppm. Therefore, the values of the available phosphorus are harmful and can cause eutrophication to the river. However, for the values of organic matter and nitrogen, it was reported to be not harmful to the river but can still contribute to the excessive nutrient levels and eutrophication of the river.
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    Community structure of superfamily trochoidea (Mollusca Gastropoda) in coral reef sites in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve, Guimaras
    Cagampang, Ma. Thrysky Kharmylle A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2018-06)
    Mollusks are considered to be one of the most diverse animal groups. These are widely distributed in tropical areas such as the Philippines. One of the most diverse classes of Phylum Mollusca is Class Gastropoda. It is comprised of more than 65, 000 species. Superfamily Trochoidea is considered to be its largest superfamily with more than 2000 species. Guimaras is a province here in the Philippines. There are a variety of islands that can be found in Guimaras. One of this is Taklong Island located in the municipality of Nueva Valencia. This study describes the community structure of Superfamily Trochoidea in three selected reef flat sampling sites namely, Talisay, Kalirohan, and Banago in Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMR). Plot metlrod was used in this study. There was a total of 369 gastropod individuals collected but only 242 were alive. Live samples belonged to 12 families including 2 families of Super Family Trochoidea, namely, Trochidae and Turbinidae. There were 8 species identified that belonged to these 2 families of Superfamily Trochidea. Under family Trochidae, was 1 species, Tectus fenestratus; under family Turbinidae were three species, namely, Astralium calcar, Astralium provisorium and Turbo argyrostomus. Dead species of Family Trochidae include Trochus conus, Trochus hanleyanus, Trochus sp. and Trochus maculatus. In general, Astralium calcar was found to be the most abundant among all live species. The low diversity of trochoids reported in this study could be an underestimate due to sampling design. Most species of Superfamily Trochoidea, especially the topshells, are nocturnal while this study was conducted at daytime. In general, the gastropod community in TINMR proved to be rich and diverse.
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    Myths and rituals among the Babaylan of Tubungan, Iloilo
    Cadiz, Fel T. (Division of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 1996-03)
    This paper is an exploratory study on myths, an important, genre in folk literature, and their relation to binabaylan in Tubungan, Iloilo. Specifically it aims to identify and discuss myths found in the locale; to describe specific agricultural rituals, beliefs, and practices; to analyze the relationship between agricultural myths and rituals; and lastly, to describe and analyze the function(s) of rituals and myths in the context of binabaylan in Tubungan. The study discusses six myths namely: Apik and Manampunay, Pinihakang Daraga, the Datu and the Panaet, the seven Bacam jars and the Panaitan, the origin of rice, corn and beans and the origin of rice varieties. These myths are then analyzed to reveal their importance in the binabaylan symbolism and ideology. The study also discusses seven agricultural rituals, namely: paminhi, patubong, panaet, panudlak, tuos, tuqurabong, and panguyanq. Each ritual is discussed including their accompanying hurabaton (ritual-chant), taboos observed and food being offered. After examining the relationship between the agricultural rituals and the myths, the paper concludes that not all myths have corresponding rituals. Certain rituals have retained their mythic explanation, some have not. Myths and rituals reveal an orientation about the world and of reality. Through the recitation of myths in rituals, people? learn not only to adjust themselves within the society to which they are? born, but also to match their personal pains and conflicts to those of the? heroes narrated in these stories. In these ways, they gain guidance and, eventually, wisdom.
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    Antidiarrheal activity of Pterocarpus indicus bark extracts using castor oil-induced diarrhea model on mice
    Cabatea, Norberto C. (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2010-04)
    This study evaluated the antidiarrheal activity of the bark of Pterocarpus indicus (Narra). The crude methanolic extract of the bark was subjected to sequential extraction using hexane, DCM, and ethyl acetate. These extracts were tested for antidiarrheal activity in vitro using the castor oil induced diarrhea model in mice employing charcoal tracing method. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was used in determining the chemical constituents present in every extracts using spraying reagents to aid in the visualization of spots. Crude methanolic extract dosage 200 mg/kg body weight is the comparable dosage to the reference drug loperamide (2 mg/kg body weight). The hexane extract was the most active fraction and 200 mg/kg dosage was more effective than with the positive control loperamide (2 mg/kg). No antidiarrheal activity found in the fraction of DCM and ethyl acetate extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed positive tests for tannins, phenolics, terpenes, cardiac glycosides, saponins and reducing sugars in all fractions. Tests for flavonoids and alkaloids, however, were negative.
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    In vitro antibacterial activity of Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaf extracts against some pathogens associated with urinary tract infections
    Cabayao, Coney B. (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2011-04)
    The in vitro antibacterial activity of Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaf ( methanolic, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and aqueous ) extracts were studied against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) and Gram-positive ( Streptococcus faecalis) bacteria. The methanolic extract was subjected to sequential liquid-liquid extraction using solvents of varying polarity and concentrations. Out of the 5 extracts, methanolic and dichloromethane extracts exhibited the highest antibacterial activity as measured using the zone of inhibition. This was followed by ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts. At 200 mg/ml concentration, all extracts were considered active when tested with E. coli and S. faecalis, and were partially active against P. aeruginosa. The aqueous extract was inactive towards the three bacteria. The 200 mg/ml concentration showed no significant difference when compared with the positive control, amoxicillin (12.51μg/ml). This shows that Hibiscus rosa sinensis exhibits a promising antibacterial activity. Phytochemical analysis of the active fraction- the methanolic extract- showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones. These bioactive components could be responsible for the antibacterial activity of Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaf extracts.
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    Abundance, composition and vertical distribution of calanoid copepods in Central Sulu sea
    Burgos, Lora A. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2018-06)
    Calanoid copepods are dominant component of the copepod community, which in turn highlights their influence on the overall zooplankton assemblage of the water column. Studying their abundance and distribution, is important on understanding their role in the dynamics of commercially important organism like the fish. Calanoid samples in study, were part of the zooplankton samples taken during the Joint PhilEx oceanographic cruise on board RAZ Melville in December 2007 in the Central Sulu Sea from MOCNESS station 29. Calanoid abundance, composition and distribution were investigated. Fifteen (15) calanoid families were identified all throughout the water column (0 - 400 m). The calanoid assemblage was dominated by 27 % Eucalanidae, 12 % Rhincalanidae, Scolecitrichidae with 7 % and other families contributing to roughly 19 % of the total. The water column was divided into 2 distinct depth cluster based on species distributions; (1) layers above thermocline (0 - 150m) and (2) deeper layers (200 - 400m). Furthermore, upper layers were characterized by distinctive calanoid family assemblage which includes; Calanidae, Euchaetidae, Eucalanidae, Candaciidae, Rhincalanidae, and Temoridae. While deeper layers, calanoid families includes; Metridinidae, Scolecitrichidae, Rhincalanidae, and Euchaetidae. ANOSIM results showed significant differences between these depth clusters, with global R = 0.81 and p = 0.01. These appear to be highly related to the thermocline in both stations, where typically higher upper-layer primary productivity can support dense communities of zooplankton.
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    The pharmacological screening of Moringa oleifera Lam.
    Burgos, Karen J. (Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 1998-07)
    Moringa oleifera, Lam, or malunggay, belongs to Family Moringaceae. The medicinal value of this plant has long been recognized in folk medicine. Not all the claims, however, are proven scientifically. This study aimed to (1) test the crude extracts from the seeds and leaves of M. oleifera for pharmacological properties and (2) to compare its efficacy with the drugs commonly used to alleviate particular ailment. Phytochemical assay for alkaloid using Culvenor-Fitzgerald method was done to test the presence of alkaloids. The dried seeds and young leaves were extracted with methanol and concentrated under reduced pressure at 45°C. The resulting extracts were partitioned and used for the different assays: Brine shrimp assay for cytotoxicity, Acetic acid-induced writhing assay for analgesic activity, Charcoal tracing assay for antispasmodic activity and paper disc diffusion method for antimicrobial activity. Result showed that only the seeds have alkaloids. Toxicity test revealed that the seeds are practically non-toxic but the leaves were toxic with an LC50 of 550 μg/mL after 24 hours of exposure. Of the two extracts, only the leaves exhibited analgesic activity although not as effective as Mefenamic Acid in reducing pain. The leaf extract, was also found active against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli,and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The seed extract was active only against B. subtilis. Both extracts, however, are not as effective as the antibiotic drug, Amoxicillin. Results also showed that both extracts do not have antispasmodic activity. The study confirmed the antimicrobial and analgesic activities for the use of the leaves of this plant in folk medicine.
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    The adsorption capacity of silica gel and rice hull ash on phenol and aniline
    Bulatao, Ben Fermin P. (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2011-04)
    Chemical waste has been a problem here in the University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo. Various methods of removal have been utilized. Extraction of silica gel from rice hull and rice hull ash was used to remove organic compounds (phenol and aniline). In this study, silica gel and rice hull ash adsorption on phenol and aniline were investigated with varying contact time and initial concentration. Silica gel reaches its optimum adsorption of both phenol and aniline at 60 minutes contact time. Silica gel was the basis for rice hull ash’s contact time because rice hull ash is 90% by weight silica gel.. Silica gel-phenol system decreases it adsorption capacity as the initial concentration is increased from 25 ppm to 100 ppm. Rice hull ash- phenol system, on the other hand, shows that the adsorption capacity increases as the initial concentration is increased. Both on silica gel-aniline system and rice hull ash- aniline system have increasing adsorption as initial concentration is increased. As the contact time is increased, adsorption increases only until it reaches its optimum adsorption which is 60 minutes contact time where saturation is reached. Increasing initial concentration however has different effect on adsorption on all system explained by the adsorption isotherms. The isotherms show that phenol has the fastest rate to form a monolayer (K and Q°) with the greatest binding strength (b) on silica gel. It is also observed that phenol and aniline formed a monolayer (1/n) on the surface of the silica gel and rice hull ash.
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    Physicochemical characterization and FTIR Analysis of the essential oil from Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis Warb) gum
    Briones, Kathleen Faith C. (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2016-02)
    Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis ) is one of the few conifer timber species endemic to the Philippines. It is highly valued for its resin which is the world- renowned Manila copal (hard resin). Manila copal have been reportedly employed in treating asthma, headaches, myalgia and even arthritis. An ethnomedical documentation of Manila copal usage also reported the utilization of the resin for stomachache, ulcers and dysentery. However, there is only limited literature regarding the Almaciga gum (the softer resin). To provide supplemental data regarding the Almaciga gum, this study was conducted to characterize the physicochemical properties and to identify the major functional groups of the essential oil extracted from its resin. The essential oil was extracted using a makeshift steam distillation set- up with a total yield of 3.20%. The essential oil was found to have a refractive index of 1.4731± 0.0002, a density of 0.8502±0.0039 g/mL, and a specific gravity of 0.8527±0.0039. Odor, color and appearance were evaluated using the organoleptic method. Major functional groups were identified from Fourier Transform - Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) which suggested that limonene is the major component.
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    Extraction of humic substances from vermicompost and application as component matrix for slow-release fertilizers
    Boloron, Nina Loren R. (Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 2018-06)
    Humic acid was extracted from vermicomposts (hereafter referred as VCHAs) by alkali/acid fractionation and their concentration were determined to be 54.79 (± 0.25) g HS/kg vermicompost in average. The extracted humic substances from vermicomposts were also determined to contain an average K+ of 0.0671 (± 0.0053) g K/kg vermicompost. The Fourier transform infrared spectra of crude VCHSs show similar spectral features with humic acids extracted from vermicomposted materials. The VCHSs were complex with K nutrient and encapsulated in cross-linked Ca-alginate to form vermicompost humic substance — potassium slow-release fertilizer bead (VCHS-K SRF). The synthesized VCHS-K SRF were subjected to total nutrient analysis, swelling kinetics, and slow release test to evaluate the role of nutrient compositions on its capability and capacity as slow- release fertilizer. Results for total nutrient analysis show that with an increase in nutrient loading, encapsulation efficiency is low and nutrient concentration is low. These findings imply that at neutral pH of HS solution, binding sites are saturated with Na+, therefore with having the same affinity as K+ , minimal ion exchange took place and it became difficult for K+ to bind to the HS complex. It also suggests that the amount of polymer coating and the degree of crosslinking were not sufficient to hold all nutrients. Discrepancies on the amount of released K+ was also observed on the release profile as a product of errors on acid digestion and matrix effect, this lead to elevated amounts of release by the VCHS-K SRF. The result of the release behavior profile of VCHS-K SRF shows that with an increase in enriched nutrient load, the release rate is faster. The results on the release profile of the VCHS-K SRF exhibited a parabolic and burst release. This finding in relation to the observed fluctuations on the absorbency pattern suggests that internal pressure build-up on the polymer matrix caused abrasions on the surface of the polymer coating resulting to the instantaneous release of nutrient and absorbed water. Overall, the VCHS-K SRF cannot be classified as a slow-release fertilizer. The present findings suggest the need for further improvement on the study of VCHS-K SRF from vermicompost.