Shaira Jhann L.

Rosales

December 17. 2016

BS Chem 4H1
Chem93: Research Methods for Chemists
Student Scientific Research Forum and CAS Innovation Award
A Reaction Paper

Last Thursday, December 15, 2016, the Student Scientific Research Forum and CAS
Innovation Award was participated by the students of College of Science and Mathematics
CSM (formerly College of Arts and SciencesCAS). It had featured the studies of
undergraduate students from BS Applied Mathematics (AM), Applied Physical Science (APS),
Chemistry with Minor in Applied Chemistry (Chem), Environmental Science Technology (EST),
Food Science Technology (FST), and Technology Communication Management (TCM), in two
categories: poster and oral presentation. The students from BS Chem 4H1 were permitted to
watch the oral event and observe the presentations.
Three clusters were arranged prior to the oral presentation: Cluster 1 for Chem, EST and
FST, Cluster 2 for AM and APS, and Cluster 3 for TCM courses. The presentation
of each cluster happen at the same time, thereby BS Chem 4H1 students chose to be in Cluster 3.
There were 8 studies shown as entitled below:
1. Storage, Stability, and Nutritional Analysis of Yellow Sweet Potato Fritter with
Malunggay Leaves in Different Packaging Materials (FST)
Fritter is applied to a wide variety of fried foods, usually consisting of a portion of
batter which has been filled with bits of meat, seafood, fruit, or vegetables. There could
be different combinations for fritters, but to use malunggay leaves in sweet potato is
questionable. The researchers decided the ratio of malunggay in the batter as 5% and 8%,
with both having results from the sensory evaluation as like moderately to like very
much. As an evaluator of the sensory test itself, the product combination was not likable.
The researchers could have tried using the malunggay batter in different food, and test
which would best suit it before proceeding to the second phase of their study.

2. Characterization of Sludge and its Reuse Potential in Agriculture (EST)

Sludge is a semi-solid slurry and can be produced as sewage sludge from
wastewater treatment processes. The study was about the use of sludge in plants had been
helpful, although it was an old study. It was not innovative. If a sludge-soil combination
was formulated which can promote more growth in plants considering some factors, then
it could have been innovative.
3. Sensory and Physico-chemical Properties of Vacuum Fried and Convection Dried Mixed
Spices: Ginger (Ginger officinale), Onion Bulb (Allium cepa) and Sweet Pepper
(Capsicum annuum) (FST)
Spices are important substances used in flavoring, coloring, or preserving food.
Since natural food can easily rot, dehydration is one of the methods to increase the shelf
life, as well as to retain characteristics, such as flavor or color. The research was helpful,
and more natural than mixes with preservatives.
4. Acceptability and Stability of Cashew (Annacardium occidentale) Nut Kisses (FST)
The study was not practical. Cashew nuts are not common in Cagayan de Oro and
the surrounding areas, and the way the researchers have formulated the mixture was
confusing. It may turn out not helpful nor interesting to the community.
5. Assessment of Ni, Fe and Co Hyperaccumulating Capacity and Potential Use for
Phytoextraction of Selected Plants from the Vicinity of San Roque Metals Inc., located at
La Fraternidad, Tubay, Agusan del Norte, Philippines (Chem)
Hyperaccumulation uses plants in removing metals in the soil. Only selective
plants can hyperaccumulate in a certain area, due to their ability to adapt more quickly to
the change in the environment. Using plants to remove metals is also natural and less
destructive than other methods. It also promotes growing plants in the areas affected by
mining, although it would be quite disturbing for consumption. The researcher, however,
did not emphasize what to do with the plants that accumulate the metals.

6. Effectiveness of Physical Filtration for Swine Effluents (EST)

There was a lack of details during the presentation, such as the quality testing of
wastewater before and after filtration and a control for comparison, what would be the
use of the filtered liquid and the solid precipitate, what the filter was composed of, and
the purpose of the study. Overall, the researcher did not present well due to nervousness.
7. Innovative Design and Installation of Automated Air Quality Monitoring Device for
Gaseous and Particle Pollution (EST)
The use of the automated air quality monitoring device was to record the amount
of pollution in an area, using four sensors. Even though helpful and innovative, it only
gives data on the amount of pollution but does not solve it. Since the area that the
researchers chose to conduct the study was surrounded by industries, it was natural that
the levels they perceived had exceeded the standard limit. It could be the first step to into
considering what could be done to lessen the amount of pollution.
8. Natural Pigments as Photosensitizers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Zinc Oxide
Nanoparticles as Semiconductor (Chem)
The rate residential and industrial use of energy had been alarming, and the first
sources of energy (the non-renewable energy) were depleting. This study offers a
substitute by using solar cells to absorb and store energy with natural dyes as
photosensitizers. Although the extent of energy was not tested yet, the study is promising.
It can help residents cut off their power use by using the device. The presentation was
informative, even explaining how electrons move in the setup.

During the event, there were presentations that have long introductions, fast explanations,
reading and nervous presenters. There were also Powerpoint presentations that were not pleasing
to the eyes, as they contain smaller fonts and crowded information on some slides. The winners
for the oral presentation were studies #3 (3 rd place), #8 (2nd place), and #5 (1st place), two of
which were from Chemistry. It has put pressure to the upcoming fifth year students, but also
inspiring in developing new ideas using chemistry and science.