DZMJ Online Season 12 Episode 6 is at the Launching of the Additive Manufacturing Research Laboratory in Bataan Peninsula State University where they launch the first Additive Manufacturing Research Laboratory dedicated to the study of 3D printing and its practical applications to industry

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PCIEERD tech provides real-time dam monitoring

An ARMS of prevention can be better than a pound of cure.

Amidst the water scarcity hitting the Philippines, a technology funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and the National Water Resources Boards (NWRB) may yet be the key in averting a water crisis.

The Automated Real-time Monitoring System (ARMS) for Dams and Reservoir, a technology developed by Mapua University employs wireless sensors to provide the NWRB, the regulating agency for all water resources development and management activities in the country, access to real-time data on water levels and a decision support tool for the daily management of the reservoirs.

In cooperation with the National Power Corporation, the dam administrator, Mapua was able to deploy the ARMS system in the cascading Ambuklao, Binga, and San Roque dams along the Agno River. The cost-effective ARMS system provide NWRB real-time data on water level, rainfall, humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure, soil moisture, and wind speed–all hydrological parameters necessary for monitoring water availability and managing the reservoirs.

DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit is confident that this technology can help government in mitigating risks in watersheds like drought and floods as it provides real-time data on the conditions of the dams.

“We can outsmart water scarcity by employing smart technologies and using real data to create science-based decisions and policies to ensure ample water supply. ARMS is locally developed, making it a cost-effective tool for our water companies,” he said.

ARMS project leader Francis Aldrine Uy said all of the data coming from the deployed sensors are received in real-time to the office of the NWRB.

“These data help the NWRB and dam operators in making smart decisions regarding dam operation specifically in the utilization of water,” he said.

Uy said that for data storage and archiving, the web portal “Arms4Dams” was also developed for information viewing at different access levels for the public, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.

“Since data is transmitted in real-time, data retrieval is also available at the portal wherein users can view information from past occurrences of rainfall,” he said.

Uy said data gathered from the ARMS system can also be used for hydrologic simulations that can predict water availability among the monitored dams.

“These simulations can also help dam operators prepare for various climates and the effects that come with it. For this purpose, the ARMS system has also designed a model that can accurately and visually reflect these information on water levels,” he said.

Uy added that these data can be used for hydraulic simulations that can alert operators on possible dam overflow, therefore providing readiness for water discharge and evacuation in the area as needed.

He expressed hopes that ARMS can be deployed in all dams in the country to help government officials and dam operators in managing the water resource.

“Better water resource management is within ARMS reach with our system as we can have predictive analysis in the future and create science-based decisions on our water resource,” he said.

In the future, ARMS will also be installed and deployed in Magat and Pantabangan Dams and Reservoirs in partnership with the National Irrigation Administration. (30)

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DOST-SEI opens scholarship slots for S&T grad students to study abroad

Science professionals who wish to pursue further studies abroad may find the perfect opportunity in DOST-SEI Foreign Graduate Scholarships in Specialized Priority S&T Fields.

The Program, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), offers full scholarship to MS and PhD students in the following priority fields of study: Agriculture (Agronomy, Animal Science, Entomology, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Taxonomy, Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Entomology); Analytical Chemistry; Artificial Intelligence; Atmospheric Science; Bioethics and Data Privacy; Biomedical Engineering; Chemical Biology; Combinatorial Chemistry; Data Science; Earth Science; Ethnomedicine; Ethnopharmacology; Genetic Epidemiology; Health financing; Immersive Technology; Marine Science; Medical Entomology; Medical Physics; Medicinal Chemistry; Meteorology; Metrology; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; Natural Products Chemistry; Nuclear Science and Engineering; Organic Chemistry; Public Health Entomology; Rehabilitation Medicine; Robotics; Space Technology and Application/Aerospace Engineering; and Virology.

Scholars will receive financial assistance to cover actual tuition and other school fees. They are also entitled to health and accident insurance; allowance for thesis/dissertation, books, relocation, and living expenses; and one round-trip fare from residence to the place of study while on scholarship until completion of their degrees.

DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo expressed high hopes that the Program will significantly upgrade the country’s research and technological innovation capabilities in the area of advanced sciences and emerging technologies. It’s a worthy addition to the agency’s science scholarship programs aimed to develop the country’s pool of high-quality human resources in science and technology.

“We hope this opportunity will enable our most scientifically talented and deserving science professionals to reach their dreams of obtaining their MS and PhD degrees abroad and at the same time, help the country in its bid to global competitiveness and economic development,” Biyo said.

Like most scholarship programs under DOST-SEI, scholars of Foreign Graduate Scholarships are expected to return to the country and render the required service obligation upon completion of their scholarship program.

To be considered for the Program, applicants must be Filipino citizens, in good health condition, and not more than 45 years old at the time of application. They must pass the admission requirements for graduate studies in a reputable foreign university or higher education/research institution and go through a selection process that includes documentary evaluation and series of interviews.

Properly accomplished application form and required documents must be submitted to DOST-SEI at least three months before the expected date of start of schooling. For more information, interested parties may visit www.sei.dost.gov.ph or contact DOST-SEI at phone nos.: 837-1333/839-0083; fax no.: 839-0086; mobile no.: 0927-886-8816; and email seischolarships@gmail.com.