Microbial and Enzymatic Removal of Ammonia and Nitrate in Wastewater

Microbial and Enzymatic Removal of Ammonia and Nitrate in Wastewater
Lecture-Seminar by Prof. Young Je Yoo (School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Korea)

February 8, 2011 - 8:00-11:00 am
Rigney Hall, USC Talamban Campus

For more details, contact the Department of Chemical Engineering (Tel. No. 3446783 or 2300100 loc 103)

Abstract of Lecture

Part 1. Nitrate Removal
Nitrate has lots of harmful effects to environment and human body. Many kinds of nitrate removal processes have been developed. Among them, biological method is the most widely accepted because of its economic and environmental advantages. However, biological denitrification process has some disadvantages. Since the biological process employs microorganisms, carbon sources have to be fed for microbial activities. The carbon sources lead to cost increase and secondarily, pollution of water environments. To solve this problem, a new technology was developed. Permeabilized microorganism was used as biocatalyst containing 4 enzymes – nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, nitric oxide reductase, and nitrous oxide reductase. The permeabilized microorganisms did not require carbon sources for maintaining microbial activities. The biocatalyst and conducting material mixture formed three-dimensional structure and this was used as a bioelectrode. The electrons for denitrification were transferred to the biocatalyst in the bioelectrode. High denitrification efficiency was obtained using this electrode system. The system is currently under pilot plant test.

Part 2. Ammonia Removal
Ammonia in wastewater or sewage treatment plant is to be removed. Usually, ammonia is converted to nitrate via nitrite under aerobic condition, and the nitrate is converted to nitrogen gas under anaerobic condition. A new technology has been developed to remove ammonia. One example: ammonia is converted to nitrite, which in turn is converted to nitrogen. A technology is being developed based on this process and employing the bioelectrode system. Another example is ANAMMOX technology by which ammonia and nitrite can be converted to nitrogen using anaerobic microorganism. This technology is being improved using enzyme engineering, details of which will be presented and discussed.

Mechanical Engineering International Research Conference 2011

The University of San Carlos Mechanical Engineering Department in cooperation with the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers Lapulapu Chapter (PSME-LLC) will be holding its 2011 Mechanical Engineering International Research Conference on January 13-14, 2010 at the Rigney Hall and CAFA Theater respectively of the University of San Carlos Talamban Campus with the theme “Innovations for Sustainable Technological Development”.

Prominent foreign as well as local researchers will present their research results to update the Mechanical Engineers as well as those in the other engineering fields. The following are the technical papers to be presented during the two day conference:

1. Development of an Automated Ophthalmic Bottle Labeling Machine
by Dr. Bugtai (Assoc. Prof., De La Salle University)

2. Manipulating Tumble and Swirl Flows in Cylinder of a Motored Four-valve Engine by
Inlet Deflection Valve
by Prof. Rong F. Huang (Chair Professor, National Taiwan University of Science and
Technology)

3. Present Status of “Biomass Mark” Registration System in Japan and Novel Determination Method of the Biomass Contents in Biomass Commodities
by Prof. Dr. Toshinori Kimura (Professor, Hokkaido University, Japan)

4. Extraction of Bio-oil and Pyrolysis Gas from Marine Florae: A Potential Alternative Energy Source
by Engr. Mark Anora, M. Eng’g. (Korea Electric Power Corp, Cebu City)

5. Qualitative Performance Evaluation of a Double Sided Fume Hood
by Engr. Joey Pastoril, M. Eng’g. (Assist. Prof., University of San Carlos)

6. Lumber Optimization
by Dr. Carlito Impas (IMSS Consultancy Services)

7. Kinematic Synthesis and Aerodynamics of a 2-DoF Flapping Wings for Micro Aerial Robotic Propulsion
by Dr. Jonathan Maglasang (Assoc. Prof., Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology)

8. Air-conditioning Condensate: A Potential Water Source and A Creeping Destroyer
by Dr. Ronald Galindo (Assist. Prof., University of San Carlos)

9. The Combined Effect of Acoustic Excitation and Annular Swirl Strength on a Nonpremixed and Swirl Stabilized Flame
by Engr. Michael Loretero, M. Eng’g. (PhD candidate – National Taiwan University of
Science & Technology / University of San Carlos)

Mechanical Engineers as well as Mechanical Engineering students are invited to attend this conference. Registration fee for the 2 day affair is Php 2,500.00 (for Mechanical Engineers and other professionals) and Php 1,000.00 (for students) inclusive of 2 snacks and a lunch per day, conference kit, and certificate of attendance.

For inquiries and reservations please contact 2300-100 loc. 113

Librarians - Information Specialists Seminar

The USC Department of Library and Information Science is inviting librarians and information specialists to a seminar with the theme “Librarianship as a Profession: Trends, Issues and Impact to Society” on February 8-9, 2010 at 8:00 AM, Buttenbruch Hall, USC Main Campus.

Speakers include Prof. Corazon Nera, Chair Board for Librarians, Prof. Anabelle Acedera, LIS Faculty-USC and Former Director of Libraries, XU, Prof. Victoria Santos, Director of Libraries, NDDU, Ms. Celedonia Cayaban, Chief Librarian, De La Salle – College of St. Benilde and Dr. Marianita Dablio, Chair, Department of Library and Information Science, MSU-IIT.

Registration fee is Php 1,000 to cover the speakers fare and accommodation, seminar kits, meal, certificate of participation and congress papers.

For further details contact Maxie Doreen Leva-Cabarron at 253-1000 loc 126 or email to coyconmac@yahoo.com.

Applied Mechatronics Seminar

The Departments of Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering organized the “Applied Mechatronics Seminar” last August 22, 2009 at the Rigney Hall, Bunzel Bldg., USC Talamban Campus. The objective of the one-day seminar was to discuss the latest trends in Robotics and Machine Vision.

The attendees were treated to a state-of-the-art discussion as the speakers were brought in from abroad via live inter-action. Dr. Duke Bulanon, former chairman of the ME/IE Department, talked about “Image Fusion for Fruit Detection” while Dr. Joe Mari Maja, also former chairman of the Department of Computer Engineering, discussed “Mechatronics: Solutions for Life”.’ Both are based in the University of Florida where they are pursuing post doctoral studies.

The seminar was participated in by faculty members and students, particularly 4th and 5th computer engineering and mechanical engineering students. Invited faculty members and students from the University of Cebu and the University of San Jose Recoletos attended as well.

Author: USC Computer Engineering Department

Seminar-Workshop in Teaching Economics

What: 1st Regional Seminar-Workshop in Teaching Economics
Host: Department of Economics, University of San Carlos
Date: May 14-16, 2009
Venue: Buttenbruch Conference Hall and CAS-Graduate Lecture Room, University of San Carlos - Main Campus, P. del Rosario St., Cebu City

Participants: Secondary Education Teachers
Registration Fee: Early Registration: Php 2500/pax*
On-site Registration: Php 3000/pax*
*(for 3 days, inclusive of Seminar Kit, 6 Snacks, 3 Meals, Instructional Materials and Certificate)

Host:
The Department of Economics is a small but friendly department in the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of San Carlos. With our high ratio of lecturers per student, we are able to offer intensive and personalized instruction in core economics courses.

The department faculty is a dedicated group of economists with diverse interests. Our research focuses on select areas in economic development , environmental policy, human resources, business and industry, energy and economics education.

The Department has recognized the value of an economics education for professional advancement. We have also trained many academics in the Southern Philippines.

The Department has a tradition of being proactive in meeting social realities we are experiencing. The current economic situation in the country and the world is again challenging usto examine the field we are in. This is the main reason why we are initiating the activity for us to focus on the important and relevant concepts in economics.

Objectives
1. to provide updates on the current situation of economics education;
2. to deepen the understanding on micro and macro economics perspectives important to secondary economics curriculum;
3. to introduce new strategy in teaching economics in order to enhance effectiveness in delivering the subject matter and
4. to share instructional resources in order to intensify the network of information.

Registration
To avail the early registration rate of Php 2500 please call the Department of Economics at (032) 253-1000 loc. 156 and look for Mrs. Vincenta Cabalhin to confirm your participation on or before April 25, 2009. Payments should be made on the registration date. On-site registration fee will be Php 3000.

Upcoming USC events/seminars

"Democracy and the Electoral Process in the U.S."
Dr. David Plotke of New York City
October 3, 2008, 6.30-8.30 pm
Law and Graduate Business Building AVR
Main Campus


MCLE- ACCREDITED SEMINAR
October 23 - 24, 2008, 6.30-8.30 pm
Casino Español de Cebu
V. Ranudo St., Cebu City

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.; Seminar proper: 8:00 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Seminar fee: Early birds (up to Sept. 15, 2008) P2,500.00 only (for the two-day seminar, inclusive of A.M. & P.M. snacks, lunch & seminar kit)

September 16- October 15 P2,800.00
October 16 - October 22 P3,000.00
On-site P3,500.00
EARLY REGISTRATION ENCOURAGED.

For registration and/or inquiries, please contact USC College of Law at (032) 253-1000 local 170 or 317 or email at lawdean@usc.edu.ph or visit us at 4th Floor, Law and Business School Building, Pelaez St., 6000 Cebu City.

USC upcoming events, seminars

"The Economy and the Food-Fuel Crises"
Dr. Ernesto Pernia, University of the Philippines School of Economics
Fr. Theodore Buttenbruch Hall
University of San Carlos Main Campus
August 27, 2008 1:30-3:30 PM

"Perspectives and Imperatives:
The Reproductive Health Bill Forum"
1:00 – 5:00 PM
August 28, 2008 (Thursday)
Law and Graduate Business Building AVR - Main Campus

"Riding the Winds of Change "
Speaker: Dr. Conchita L. Manabat
9:00 – 11:00 AM
August 29, 2008
Fr. Theodore Buttenbruch Hall - Main Campus

Biology department hosts beekeeping skills training

Biology department hosts beekeeping skills training

The Department of Biology is hosting a Beekeeping Skills Training Seminar on June 8–9, 2007 as a kick–off activity of the newly established Apiary located at the USC Nature Park within Talamban campus.

This hands–on seminar will introduce basic skills in the art of beekeeping including an introduction to the biology of bees, honey production and harvesting, pest and disease management. Participants will also be taught the technique of wax embedding and how to make queen candy.

Resource persons from the Cebu Honeybeekeepers Association Inc. (CHAI) and from the Department of Biology will facilitate the two–day seminar–workshop which will be held at the Apiary for the hands–on portion and in the Biology lecture room for the discussions. The participants will have an opportunity during the training to manipulate bee colonies that are now producing honey for the first time and wax products ready to be harvested.

The seminar is open to anybody interested to learn the art of beekeeping on a first–come–first–served basis at a minimal fee of P1,600 to cover the cost for food (lunch and snacks) and kits (hand outs and protective hood). Interested parties may contact Ms. Glenda Bendanillo, Secretary, Department of Biology, at telephone number 344–3801 local 507.

Author: D. B. Largo
07 / June / 2007

Trainor's Training on Learning Methodologies and Materials Development

5th Trainor's Training on Learning Methodologies and Materials Development (LMMD) Seminar-Workshop

The University of San Carlos proudly played host to the 5th rollout of the Trainor’s Training on Learning Methodologies and Materials Development (LMMD) Seminar-Workshop last May 21-25, 2007 at the Theodore Buttenbruch Hall, Main Campus.

This laudable project is in line with the Covenant of Partnership signed by ABS CBN Bayan Foundation, Inc with our very own University in pursuit of its common mission of developing and promoting micro-enterprises and in democratizing entrepreneurship through training and education.

The seminar was attended by officers from various micro finance institutions, cooperatives, NGOs, rural banks and faculty members from academic institutions. Spotted among the participants were officers and staff from Taytay sa Kauswagan, Inc., FCB Foundation, Inc., Cebu People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Alalay Sa Kaunlaran, Inc., Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Community Rural Bank of Catmon, Basak Layog Agricultural Multi-Purpose Cooperative, First Agro Industrial Rural Bank, RAFI-Cebu Micro Enterprise Development Foundation, Inc., Center for Community Transformation, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, and the Cebu Normal University. USC also sent several faculty members from the College of Commerce to attend this rare opportunity to be trained as trainors for entrepreneurship.

The five-day session was fully packed with innovative teaching methodologies, processes and new insights into the role of becoming a more effective trainor. Some of the more interesting topics taken up were the concepts of whole brain thinking, structured learning exercises, process observation and analysis, Myer-Briggs Type Indicator, creative and intuitive thinking and the use of effective case methodology.

It must have helped a lot that the trainors for the seminar were all seasoned professors from the Asian Institute of Management, led by no less than its former dean, Dr. Eduardo A. Morato, Jr. and currently the President of ABS CBN Bayan Foundation. He was ably assisted by two more AIM professors in the persons of Prof. Cecilia B. Manikan, and Prof. Juan A. Kanapi.

Author: from VPAdmin
30 / May / 2007