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By Elijah Espiritu
With the influx of infrastructure projects throughout the century, buildings are needed to adhere to safety measures against natural occurrences such as typhoons, and earthquakes. However, seismic instruments and technology are sometimes too expensive to afford, which sometimes could lead to buildings having substandard quality against earthquakes.
The QBX - Strong Motion Accelerograph (SMA) provides accessible and affordable seismic instruments which enables building managers to make decisions and enhance safety protocols for occupants. The system offers valuable real-time intensity reports through an intuitive graphical interface, facilitating immediate evacuation if necessary.
The product functions for a broader range of applications than traditional seismographs and accelerographs. Data collected from QBX-SMA include structural health monitoring, seismic notification (via SMS), post-earthquake assessment, and other industrial geophysical applications for vibration monitoring, geotechnical, and geophysical surveys.
A Cheaper but Better Solution
Traditional seismic recording devices can be compared with an airplane’s “black box” which functions as an indestructible device that collects data for investigation in the event of a building’s collapse.
Co-founder and Industrial Designer of Tekton Geomatrix, Ryan Sabio recounted his team’s efforts to develop a cheaper and better seismic recording device. He said that buildings that are unable to afford seismic technologies can put the lives of its occupants at risk.
“It is the intention of the QBX-SMA Project to provide affordable and accessible seismic instruments that can be used by “neglected buildings” which are unable to afford or prioritize acquiring seismic technology … Through these initiatives, the QBX-SMA Project aims to mitigate the risk of loss of life and property damage during earthquakes, promoting resilience and safety in vulnerable buildings.”
Ryan Sabio
On the purpose of QBX-SMA
The Science Behind the Solution
Tekton Geomatrix Inc. has introduced the QBX-SMA, an innovative seismic detection device designed to be cost-effective, user-friendly, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient. By placing three units strategically at the top, middle, and bottom levels of a building, the device ensures precise monitoring of seismic activity.
The device sends early warning text messages to building occupants based on its seismic data. This data is also uploaded to the “Trion” cloud network for use by building operators, property managers, and government agencies, helping to facilitate immediate evacuation during significant seismic events.
The QBX-SMA is eco-friendly, consuming just 5-12V of power and being made of 70% recycled materials and locally sourced components. This sustainable design reduces the carbon footprint and keeps production affordable and replicable.
Beyond the Horizon: Challenges and Opportunities
In spite of its current success, QBX-SMA still faced challenges, especially during the technology’s development and adoption process. With the help of government programs from the Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application Promotions Institute (DOST-TAPI), Tekton Geomatrix Inc. was able to commercialize their product and collaborate with adopters of their technology.
With continuous support from Philippine government agencies, QBX-SMA is primed to showcase at the upcoming WorldInvent Singapore 2024.
Sabio expressed the QBX-SMA team’s excitement for the event where they hope to gain valuable experience and insight from other presenters. They also plan to establish a catalog of connections to expand their local and international market potential.
“We plan to leverage the exposure provided by WORLDinvent Singapore to access a network of opportunities, showcase our invention, and establish connections with investors. This exposure will also impact our product by bringing it to the market and attracting potential investors.”
Ryan Sabio
On QBX-SMA’s internationalization
** This article is part of the "SPICE: Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits" campaign for the participants of the WorldInvent Singapore 2024. For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.**
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By Elijah Espiritu
In an effort to improve the agriculture sector through innovation, scientists and farmers work hand-in-hand developing more sustainable agrarian solutions. Producers and consumers slowly turn towards organic agricultural solutions, finding themselves in the middle of a market where organic practices are seen as the future of sustainable practice.
The Ethnobotanical Dewormer for Native Chicken is an organic dewormer that helps reduce worm infestations in poultry, its main active ingredients are powdered betel nut, and ipil-ipil seeds. Developed by the science movers of BDOZ Veterinary Products Trading in the Philippines, the dewormer derived from mundane poultry and livestock feed ingredients ensures a sustainable and healthier alternative to normal dewormers.
The development of this dewormer under the leadership of Bede P. Ozaraga, owner of BDOZ Veterinary Products Trading, succeeded in producing a 100% chemical free solution against the internal parasitism in poultry. With sustainability and quality of life in mind, Ozaraga created the product in hopes of shaping a future in agriculture where anyone can access and use agrarian solutions with ease and safety.
Traditional Solutions for Traditional Problems
At present, the practice of poultry deworming relies on the usage of industrially- developed medicine which contains chemicals that may scare away potential health-conscious customers. With the gradual transition of consumers towards organic products, the Ethnobotanical Dewormer supplies 100% organic solutions for the growing market.
Adapting the classic methods, the idea for the Ethnobotanical Dewormer was conceived when Ozaraga’s team conducted a survey back in 1992 about the traditional methods of deworming chicken. Inspired by the traditions that withstood the test of time, Ozaraga set out to formulate the most effective dosage to effectively and efficiently control internal poultry parasitism.
“In organic poultry raising, layer chicken, gamefowl production and duck production. Organic dewormer[s] are generally safer to the animals and the environment, reducing the risk of harmful side effects and chemical residues.”
Bede P. Ozaraga
On the benefits of Ethnobotanical Dewormer
The Science Behind the Solution
The Ethnobotanical Dewormer leverages the pre-established tradition of using Betel nuts and ipil-ipil seeds for their anthelmintic properties. The first ingredient, betel nut, contains arecoline which is a veterinary anthelmintic used to treat infections in animals caused by parasitic worms, it is used as astringents, stimulant laxative, and diuretic and acid bitter. Betel nuts also relieve hunger and abdominal discomfort. While the second ingredient, ipil-ipil, in its powdered form, is a common feed for poultry that also contains anthelmintic properties used to increase the healing properties of the formulation.
Other organic powders are also added to the formulation aside from these two active ingredients. Dextrose powder, antifungal agents, and antibacterial agents are also added to the dewormer for increased effectiveness.
Synthetic dewormers create health risk concerns among the livestock as well as the consumers, with one of the primary considerations being the residues left by chemical dewormers in chickens i.e. ivermectin.
Beyond the Horizon: Challenges and Opportunities
Highlighting his experience in the market, Ozaraga lamented his first market penetration activity expressing that with the novelty and obscure nature of his product comes the overwhelming strength of the market competition. Although the Ethnobotanical Dewormer’s excellence is already established, it might take a while for it to replace its synthetic counterparts.
Agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) provides programs and services to help bridge the gap between an invention or innovation and the target consumer. With this, the Ethnobotanical Dewormer for native chickens will shine at the upcoming WorldInvent Singapore 2024
Ozaraga expressed excitement over the opportunity that could give way for international exposure, and potential adoption or buy-outs for his product, enabling them to effectively establish themselves further in the market.
“It is an honor and privilege to be participating in an international or world event. It gives us a unique opportunity to showcase our innovation [on] a global stage.”
Bede P. Ozaraga
On the government support for Ethnobotanical Dewormer
The Ethnobotanical Dewormer invention team highlighted the importance of Filipino inventors to participate in international expositions, saying that this experience can expose the Filipino technologies in the world market, garnering mutual learning and benchmarking from the local and international entities.
The Ethnobotanical Dewormer’s invention team continues to push their product’s boundaries through their passion to assist poultry raisers in providing science and technology solutions to their agrarian challenges.
** This article is part of the "SPICE: Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits" campaign for the participants of the WorldInvent Singapore 2024. For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.**
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