Animo Repository - De La Salle University Research
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Reimagining cultural exchange through the Japanese idea of kawaii: A historical analysis of Hello Kitty’s influence on the Taiwanese culture
No full textThis study examines the cultural exchange between Japan and Taiwan, framed through the global spread of Kawaii culture, specifically focusing on the Hello Kitty brand. As a key symbol of Japanese cuteness, Hello Kitty served as a lens through which the broader influences of Japanese pop culture (J-pop) were understood within Taiwan. The study used Appadurai’s scapes framework to analyze the specific modes of exchange that enabled Hello Kitty to transcend boundaries and become integrated into Taiwanese society. These scapes provided a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms of globalization, illustrating how cultural products move, adapt, and resonate within local contexts. By observing these pathways, the research highlighted how Hello Kitty was not only localized but also contributed to creating a hybrid cultural identity in Taiwan. Through socio-cultural history perspectives, this study established itself within the discourse of East Asian cultural exchanges, demonstrating how cultural icons like Hello Kitty shape the evolving relationship between Japan and Taiwan while contributing to the narrative of cultural globalization.
Keywords: Globalization, Kawaii Culture, Hello Kitty, Japan-Taiwan Relations, Cultural Exchange, Japanese Pop Culture, Appadurai’s Scap
Molecular dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants from Philippine isolates against hesperidin as spike protein inhibitor
No full textSARS-CoV-2 remains a global threat with new sublineages posing challenges, particularly in the Philippines. Hesperidin (HD) is being studied as a potential prophylactic for COVID-19. However, the virus’s rapid evolution could alter how HD binds to it, affecting its effectiveness. Here, we study the mutation-induced variabilities of HD dynamics and their effects on molecular energetics in SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor complex systems. We considered eight different point mutations present in the Omicron variant. Root-mean-square deviation and binding energy analysis showed that S477N and Omicron did not eject HD throughout the simulation. Hydrogen bond distribution analysis highlighted the involvement of hydrogen bonding in mutant-HD stabilization, espe- cially for S477N and Omicron. Root-mean-square fluctuation analysis revealed evidence of Y505H destabiliza- tion on complex systems, while distal-end loop mutations increased loop flexibility for all models bearing the three mutations. Per-residue energy decomposition demonstrated that Q493R substitution increased HD inter- action. Free energy landscape and essential dynamics through principal component analysis provided insights into the conformational subspace distribution of mutant model molecular dynamics trajectories. In conclusion, significant mutations contributed to the HD interaction in different ways. S477N has shown significant binding contributions through favorable ligand interaction, while other mutations contribute via conformational modi- fications, increased affinity due to sidechain mutations, and increased loop flexibility
Gamified shoulder rehabilitation for mild stroke patients using virtual reality
No full textStroke patients often encounter upper extremity impairments that necessitate rehabilitation. Traditional motor rehabilitation methods may struggle with patient adherence due to low engagement. This lack of engagement can lead to decreased motivation and, consequently, reduced participation in the rehabilitation process, which may impact the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Gamification in virtual reality (VR) adds game-like features to enhance engagement and motivation, thereby significantly improving patient involvement in rehabilitation. This study introduces i-Suksok, a VR-based game specifically designed for shoulder rehabilitation in mild-stroke patients. Created in the Unity platform, the game presents users with the challenge of maneuvering a round peg into specific holes on a pegboard using shoulder movements. It encompasses two modes: Levels, which progressively increase in difficulty and adapt to the patient\u27s shoulder range, and Time Trial, where players aim to hit as many targets as possible within a designated time limit. The feedback and evaluation results from participants showed that, on average, 75% agreed with the metrics used, underscoring the significance of participant feedback and involvement in effective rehabilitation therapies, while perceptions of effectiveness, which influenced motivation and adherence, highlighted the importance of enhancing user experience in VR rehabilitation for better recovery outcomes which is supported by 69% of participant’s agreement. Gamification in VR has the potential to transform traditional methods in healthcare, education, training, and entertainment by providing an engaging, interactive experience that captures users\u27 attention and fosters positive outcomes
Exploring mathematics teachers’ lesson study experience towards a theory of ecological agency and mathematical knowledge for teaching
No full textThis study explores the achievement of ecological agency and the development of Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (MKT) within a team of Filipino mathematics teachers engaged in Lesson Study (LS). Using Kirkpatrick’s four levels of professional development evaluation, the study also assesses an LS training program to identify opportunities for professional development (PD) initiatives aimed at introducing LS to Filipino educators. Through an analysis of the teachers\u27 discussions as LS participants, the paper highlights key episodes from the LS that demonstrate how they leverage their past experiences, future projections, and various structural, cultural, and material factors to activate their agency. Additionally, the study identifies the specific knowledge domains they draw upon in each phase of the LS process. The findings indicate a strong interconnection between ecological agency and MKT, with teachers activating different dimensions of their agency throughout the LS process. This engagement allows them not only to apply existing knowledge but also to develop new insights, which they share with the rest of the LS team. By examining patterns of thought and discourse, the study proposes a model that integrates ecological agency and MKT theories, illustrating how ecological agency drives the transformation of teachers’ existing MKT through situated action in LS. As teachers engage in LS, they recognize and activate relevant MKT that, when shared with others, contribute to the team’s shared understanding. The continuous process of shaping ideas and evaluating practice fosters professional intentionality, where teachers critically reflect, adapt, and refine their knowledge, thereby producing developing forms of MKT. The study underscores that while diverse teaching experiences enrich LS, a shared professional culture is essential for sustaining meaningful collaboration and maximizing teachers’ agentic engagement. Although the study is context-specific, its findings offer valuable insights into the importance of creating supportive, reflective environments for teacher professional growth. The research underscores the significance of understanding ecological agency theory to identify environmental factors that both facilitate and constrain the development of teachers\u27 knowledge during their participation in LS
Understanding compulsive buying and life satisfaction in the context of music consumption goals among Filipino college students in Metro Manila
No full textThis study explored the relationship between music consumption goals, compulsive buying behavior (CBB), and satisfaction with life (SWL) among Filipino college students in Metro Manila. Drawing on the frameworks of Uses and Gratifications Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and Bourdieu’s Theory of Taste, the study hypothesized that specific music consumption goals, namely self-awareness, social relationships, arousal and mood regulation, would significantly predict CBB, and that CBB would influence students’ life satisfaction. Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design, the researchers collected data from 215 Filipino college students through standardized self-report measures and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rho correlation. The results revealed that both self-awareness and social relationship goals had significantly positive relationships with CBB, while arousal and mood regulation showed no significant relationship. Additionally, CBB had no significant relationship with satisfaction with life
The paradox of convenience: Absenteeism in a work-from-home arrangement
No full textThis qualitative study examined absenteeism among 15 work-from-home (WFH) employees in Metro Manila, focusing on how organizational rewards and penalties influence attendance and productivity. Using a qualitative methodology, including a KPI framework and thematic analysis, the research revealed that absenteeism stems primarily from personal, technical, and emotional factors. While the perception of attendance has shifted towards valuing deliverables over physical presence, some companies maintain strict adherence to traditional attendance. A key finding is the paradoxical nature of work-from-home: though seen as an incentive, the lack of formal recognition for consistent attendance can lead to demotivation. Absenteeism significantly impacts team productivity and workload. The study concludes that effective work-from-home attendance management requires empathetic, balanced, and transparent strategies that prioritize support, recognition, and fairness, alongside compliance