Research and Development

@article{Gotangco2020,

title = {Factors influencing disaster risk and resilience education in Asian HEIs},

author = {Charlotte Kendra Z. Gotangco and Jean Meir Jardeleza and Crisanto M. Lopez and Elirozz Carlie D. Labaria and Julia Wickert and Fathmath Shadiya },

url = {https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJDRBE-05-2020-0040/full/html},

doi = {10.1108/IJDRBE-05-2020-0040},

issn = {1759-5908},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-11-18},

journal = {International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment},

abstract = {Purpose

Educational initiatives can provide the crucial foundation for capacity-building of stakeholders in the field of disaster risk management and disaster resilience. The purpose of this paper is to scope current initiatives to deliver disaster risk and resilience education (DRRE) in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Asia and explore factors that serve as barriers or as opportunities for promoting DRRE.



Design/methodology/approach

This study implemented mixed methods – scoping of existing programs of Asian universities, an online survey and a small-group workshop of Asian HEI representatives – and explored both the development and implementation phases of degree programs and coursework and other educational initiatives. Primarily involved were country partners of the Erasmus + CABARET network (CApacity-Building in Asia for Resilience EducaTion).



Findings

Results reflect that most of the existing formal degree programs are at the graduate level though a wide range of courses and research opportunities exist for both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Findings underscore the importance of institutional support from university leaders as a key factor for overcoming barriers, given the resources and logistics needed by DRRE as an interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral endeavor. Universities who participated in the small-group workshop gave mixed feedback on the level of adequacy of the potential drivers for DRRE, which indicates the need to level off capacities and expertise in the region.



Originality/value

This study provides a baseline assessment of DRRE currently lacking for the region, with recommendations for how to further build capacities of Asian HEIs.},

keywords = {disaster resilience, disaster risk, disaster risk management, education, higher education institutions},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Aguirre-Ayerbe2020,

title = {An evaluation of availability and adequacy of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in Asian countries: A baseline study},

author = {Ignacio Aguirre-Ayerbe and María Merino and Seinn Lei Aye and Ranjith Dissanayake and Fathimath Shadiya and Crisanto M. Lopez},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420920302582},

doi = {10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101749},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-07-08},

journal = {International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction},

volume = {49},

pages = {101749},

abstract = {Early warning systems are widely considered as one of the more important aspects to reduce the impacts and consequences that hazardous natural events pose to societies. Similar to the other terms related to disaster risk reduction, this concept has evolved over time to eventually result in a comprehensive framework, that includes features from the upstream phase, such as detection and forecasting tools and models, to the downstream phase that considers a people-centred approach.



Based on this holistic conceptual framework, this paper attempts to assess the degree of adequacy and integration of early warning systems with reference to international standards using a multi-hazard perspective. The study is focused on the following Asian countries: the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and the Philippines.



Results obtained provide an inventory of existing approaches and systems, showing common backgrounds and consistencies in their conceptualisation. In addition, the findings of this study highlight the strengths and weaknesses of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in each country considering their technical, legal, and socio-economic complexities. These findings are intended to support target countries to improve the availability and effectiveness of their warning systems.},

keywords = {-},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Maini2019,

title = {Lead (II) Tolerance and Uptake Capacities of Fungi Isolated from a Polluted Tributary in the Philippines},

author = {Zomesh Artus Nath Maini and Kiara Marie J. Aribal and Regine Marinelli A. Narag and Jeorgina Kamella Luanshya T. Melad and Juan Angelo D. Frejas and Luis Alfonso M. Arriola and Pia Clarisse G. Gulpeo and Ian A. Navarrete and Crisanto M. Lopez},

url = {https://www.udspub.com/ajj/public/index.php/aeb/article/view/487/pdf},

doi = {10.26789/AEB.2019.01.004},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-03-01},

journal = {Applied Environmental Biotechnology},

volume = {4},

number = {1},

pages = {18-29},

abstract = {The Lead [Pb(II)] tolerance and uptake ability of four fungal species, two from the genus Penicillium and two from the genus Talaromyces were investigated in this study. The species were isolated from a polluted tributary and identified to be closest to P. canescens, P. simplicissimum, T. macrosporus and another Talaromyces sp. via PCR targeting their internal transcribed spacer 1 and 4 sequences. All isolates have tolerances for up to 2000 µg/mL and 3000 µg/mL Pb(II) on solid and liquid medium, respectively. Both Penicillium isolates showed increasing removal rates dependent on initial Pb(II) concentration at 500 to 2000 µg/mL, while removal rates of both Talaromyces isolates were not significantly influenced by initial Pb(II) concentrations. The Pb(II) uptake of all isolates increased with increasing Pb(II) concentration but was depressed at 3000 µg/mL, with the exception of T. macrosporus. The recorded total uptake capacities for both Penicillium isolates in this study were higher than in most literature, at 7.0 – 407.4 mg/g and 50.8 – 412.6 mg/g for P. canescens and P. simplicissimum, respectively. The study also reported the exemplary Pb(II) uptake capacities of both Talaromyces isolates at 58.9 – 601.0 mg/g and 60.9 – 402.3 mg/g for T. macrosporus and Talaromyces sp., respectively. These results signify the excellent Pb(II) removal capabilities of all isolates which may further be developed for use as mycoremediation tools to remove Pb(II) from heavy metal contaminated environments.},

keywords = {bioaccumulation, biosorption, heavy metals, mycoremediation, tolerance index},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Lopez2014,

title = {Candida albicans Uses the Surface Protein Gpm1 to Attach to Human Endothelial Cells and to Keratinocytes via the Adhesive Protein Vitronectin},

author = {Crisanto M. Lopez and Reinhard Wallich and Kristian Riesbeck and Christine Skerka and Peter F. Zipfel},

url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0090796},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0090796},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-03-13},

journal = {PLoS ONE},

volume = {9},

number = {3},

pages = {e90796},

abstract = {Candida albicans is a major cause of invasive fungal infections worldwide. Upon infection and when in contact with human plasma as well as body fluids the fungus is challenged by the activated complement system a central part of the human innate immune response. C. albicans controls and evades host complement attack by binding several human complement regulators like Factor H, Factor H-like protein 1 and C4BP to the surface. Gpm1 (Phosphoglycerate mutase 1) is one fungal Factor H/FHL1 -binding protein. As Gpm1 is surface exposed, we asked whether Gpm1 also contributes to host cell attachment. Here, we show by flow cytometry and by laser scanning microscopy that candida Gpm1 binds to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to keratinocytes (HaCaT), and also to monocytic U937 cells. Wild type candida did bind, but the candida gpm1Δ/Δ knock-out mutant did not bind to these human cells. In addition Gpm1when attached to latex beads also conferred attachment to human endothelial cells. When analyzing Gpm1-binding to a panel of extracellular matrix proteins, the human glycoprotein vitronectin was identified as a new Gpm1 ligand. Vitronectin is a component of the extracellular matrix and also a regulator of the terminal complement pathway. Vitronectin is present on the surface of HUVEC and keratinocytes and acts as a surface ligand for fungal Gpm1. Gpm1 and vitronectin colocalize on the surface of HUVEC and HaCaT as revealed by laser scanning microscopy. The Gpm1 vitronectin interaction is inhibited by heparin and the interaction is also ionic strength dependent. Taken together, Gpm1 the candida surface protein binds to vitronectin and mediates fungal adhesion to human endothelial cells. Thus fungal Gpm1 and human vitronectin represent a new set of proteins that are relevant for fungal attachment to human cells interaction. Blockade of the Gpm1 vitronectin interaction might provide a new target for therapy.},

keywords = {-},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Otagiri2013,

title = {Heterologous Expression and Characterization of a Glycoside Hydrolase Family 45 endo-β-1,4-Glucanase from a Symbiotic Protist of the Lower Termite, Reticulitermes speratus},

author = {Masato Otagiri and Crisanto M. Lopez and Katsuhiko Kitamoto and Manabu Arioka and Toshiaki Kudo and Shigeharu Moriya},

url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12010-012-9992-1},

doi = {10.1007/s12010-012-9992-1},

year  = {2013},

date = {2013-01-25},

journal = {Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology},

volume = {169},

pages = {1910-1918},

abstract = {The termite symbiotic system is one of the efficient lignocellulose degradation systems. We tried to express and characterize a novel cellulolytic enzyme from this system. Here, we report the isolation of an endo-β-1,4-glucanase gene homolog of glycoside hydrolase family 45 from a symbiotic protistan community of Reticulitermes speratus. Heterologous expression of this gene was performed using the expression system of Aspergillus oryzae. Analysis of enzymatic properties revealed 786 μmol/min/mg protein in specific activity, a V max of 833.0 units/mg protein, and a K m value of 2.58 mg/ml with carboxymethyl cellulose as the substrate. Thin-layer chromatography analysis showed that RsSymEG2 produces cellobiose from cellodextrins larger than cellohexaose. This enzyme showed high specific activity like other endo-β-1,4-glucanases from the symbiotic system of termites. It means that the termite symbiotic system is a good resource for highly active endo-β-1,4-glucanases.},

keywords = {biomass, cellulase, protist, termite},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Todaka2009,

title = {Heterologous Expression and Characterization of an Endoglucanase from a Symbiotic Protist of the Lower Termite, Reticulitermes speratus},

author = {Nemuri Todaka and Crisanto M. Lopez and Tetsushi Inoue and Kanako Saita and Jun-ichi Maruyama and Manabu Arioka and Katsuhiko Kitamoto and Toshiaki Kudo and Shigeharu Moriya},

url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12010-009-8626-8},

doi = {10.1007/s12010-009-8626-8},

year  = {2009},

date = {2009-04-29},

journal = {Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology},

volume = {160},

pages = {1168-1178},

abstract = {RsSymEG, an endoglucanase of glycosyl hydrolase family (GHF) 7 encoded by a transcript isolated from the symbiotic protist of the termite Reticulitermes speratus, is expressed in Aspergillus oryzae. Interestingly, purified RsSymEG1 has a relatively higher specific activity (603 μmol min−1 mg−1 protein) and V max value (769.6 unit/mg protein) than previously reported data for GHF7 endoglucanase of Trichoderma ressei. It also has the same K m value (1.97 mg/ml) with Clostridium cellulolyticum enzymes that contain cellulose binding module, a property indicative of high affinity to substrate, though no cellulose binding module is found within it. Thin-layer chromatography analysis revealed that RsSymEG1 preferentially hydrolyzes the β-1,4-cellulosic linkage of cellodextrins into cellobiose and glucose.},

keywords = {biomass, cellulase, protists, termite},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Lopez2003,

title = {Antimicrobial Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts against Foodborne Spoilage and Pathogenic Microorganisms},

author = {Crisanto M. Lopez and Sunee Nitisinprasert and Penkhae Wanchaitanawong and Ngamtip Poovarodom},

url = {https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/anres/article/view/242890},

year  = {2003},

date = {2003-12-31},

journal = {Agriculture and Natural Resources},

volume = {37},

number = {4},

pages = {460-467},

abstract = {Crude ethanol extracts from dried Phyllanthus niruri (DPN), fresh (FPB) and dried Piper betle Linn. (DPB) were tested for their inhibitory activity against three foodborne pathogenic microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella derby) and five foodborne spoilage

microorganisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger). Screening for antimicrobial activity using disc diffusion assay showed the inhibition of all tested microorganisms by DPB. On the other hand, only two of the test microorganisms (S. aureus and Lactobacillus sp.) were inhibited by FPB. Likewise, Lactobacillus sp. was the only test microorganism inhibited by DPN. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC’s) of the extracts were determined using agar dilution method on the same test microorganisms. Extract from DPB gave MIC values ranging from 160 to 10,240 parts per million (ppm). Results showed S. cerevisiae as the most sensitive and B. subtilis as the least sensitive to the extract. Both FPB and DPN extracts did not show growth inhibition of test microorganisms at the highest concentration used (10,240 ppm).},

keywords = {antimicrobial substance, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Phyllanthus niruri, Piper betle Linn.},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}