University Knowledge Digital Repository UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños)
University Knowledge Digital Repository UPLB (University of the Philippines Los Baños)Not a member yet
25810 research outputs found
Sort by
Shakessafe: optimizing disaster risk routes using breadth-first search algorithm and dynamic programming approach to the traveling salesman problem
No full textBeing located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines experiences around 20 earthquakes a day, with the possibility of having the big one any day. Due to this, the researchers developed ShakeSafe to suggest a safe and short route that can be taken by emergency response teams after an earthquake. ShakeSafe uses Breadth-First Search (BFS), a graph traversal algorithm with the time complexity OV + E), to define the distances between LGUs and Barangay Halls while dodging areas near and on fault lines, along with a Dynamic Programming approach to the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP), a method with a time complexity of O(2^n*n^2) that solves complex problems by splitting it into subproblems, to create the optimal route to be taken. Shakesafe was used on a snapshot of two barangays in MuntinlupaCupang and Alabang, that were simplified into a 4lx41 grid. The BFS algorithm uses the grid to create an adjacency matrix containing the distances between all nodes; the Dynamic Programming approach to the TSP uses this adjacency matrix to calibrate the shortest safe path. ShakeSafe ofers a safer and more efficient way to reach areas and distribute relief goods after an earthquake
Equipsched : scheduling and distributing equipment for small health centers from larger health facilities through graph coloring and the knapsack algorithm
No full textIn the Philippines, there is a common notion that most health centers fail to deliver quality health services due to locational or budgetary limitations. Many fell short of meeting the requirements of the Sentrong Sigla Level 1 Quality Health Standards for health stations, particularly in the availability of basic medical equipment. To help solve this problem, the EquipSched Scheduler and Equipment Distributor Program was developed using graph coloring and the knapsack algorithm. The resulting schedule output signified that only one solution exists for the setup. The resulting distribution output showed the heavy impact of the population density and equipment availability constraints on the number of lendable equipment to each health center. Recommendations for the code have been made to resolve these issues. Overall, the output was successful and provided a solution to the issue health centers face regarding the lack of basic medical equipment
Rotting flesh, undying feelings : unwrapping the portrayal of trauma in the demon slayer anime using Michelle Balaev\u27s Trends in literary trauma theory
No full textTrauma has existed throughout history, a constant battle being fought in the mind. It may come as a separate experience from one individual to another, but may also contribute to a pre-existing massive trauma that is developing in the group or society. Its accuracy cannot be determined, unless a specific traumatic event is exactly replicated. However, one must be aware that trauma is complex and goes beyond the \u27normal perception.\u27 However, fiction and reality may still overlap as studies on trauma have exposed its general patterns and characteristics, making it easier for literature to adapt. Research regarding themes of trauma and anime coming together are often seen published in the form of video essays, rather than full-length papers, making it still broadly undiscovered. The objective of this study is to assess how the characters in Demon Slayer (first season) transformed through trauma, and how they interacted with the rest of the world. The research collected data regarding trauma and examples of it within the anime season, then made use of Michelle Balaev\u27s Trends in Literary Trauma Theory as framework to assist with the researchers\u27 literary critique. The research discovered that the anime fits with the concepts of trauma\u27s effects, and the three characteristics Balaev presented, which thus contributes to the validity of the framework. Overall, the study produced results according to the objectives set by the researchers, despite unexpected hurdles along the way
A research internship program with the Institute of Crop Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños on the validation of Banatech : Banana harvest date estimator mobile application
No full textIn the pursuit to reinvigorate the agricultural sector of the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has adopted the One DA Reform Agenda, which includes the development and integration of agrotechnology. Inspired by this initiative, the Department of Science and Technol ogy - Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) developed BanaTech, a mobile application for estimating the date of banana harvest. Accordingly, the objective of the research internship is to learn and develop skills necessary for banana production and crop research; and then apply these in a study validating BanaTech. In collaborati on with the Institute of Crop Sciences (1CropS), the researchers immersed themselves in crop research field work to familiarize themselves with banana management and producti on. In this internship, the researchers aimed to validate Bana Tech by assessing its forecast accuracy on harvest dates. Using Banatech, the researchers determined the phenol ogical growth timeline of 38 Saba banana from a plantation managed by the Institute of Plant Breeding in Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna. The predicted and actual dates of harvest, as well as predicted and actual growing degree days, were determined and recorded to be used for testing forecast accuracy. The mean absolute percentage error was calculated to test for forecast accuracy and mean algebraic percentage error was used for bias testing Local weather and climate data for the growing period were also analyzed for the presence of environmental stressors. Results showed that BanaTech generally had highly-accurate forecasting with no substantial bias In terms of calendar days, there was 92.9885% accuracy and a 2.8892% bias, while for GDD, there was 92.9695%o accuracy and a -4.7299% bias. There were no signs of heat stress but a possibility of water stress that can be balanced by Saba\u27s inherent tolerance to water deficit
Microbiological and Physicochemical Changes in Rabbit Meat During Ambient Storage
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the changes in rabbit meat during storage at ambient temperature (30 ± 1ºC) for nine hours. The study focused on two rabbit muscle parts: the hind leg and the saddle, investigated in terms of microbiological parameters such as aerobic plate count (APC) and total coliform count (TCC); and physicochemical parameters such as pH, color, total myoglobin concentration, and lipid oxidation. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis at a 5% significance level (p \u3c 0.05). Results revealed that the pH of both portions of rabbit muscle decreases over time during storage. This decrease is attributed to the growth of acid-producing microorganisms, which ultimately leads to spoilage in rabbit meat. On the contrary, color values (L*, a*, and b*) showed an increasing trend in both muscle portions, indicating a discoloration of rabbit meat during storage. Both lipid oxidation and total myoglobin content of rabbit meat did not change significantly during storage, but lipid oxidation varied between muscle parts. Based on the microbiological analysis of rabbit meat, both aerobic plate count (APC) and total coliform count (TCC) increased significantly during storage in both muscle portions. Results of the study suggest that freshly slaughtered rabbit meat must remain at ambient storage for the shortest time, as this storage condition will cause spoilage of meat, making it unfit for human consumption
Development of Active Packaging Films Using Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) Pods and Calamondin (Citrus x microcarpa Bunge) Peels
No full textThis paper presents the properties of active films produced using cacao pods and calamondin peels. An active film is a type of packaging material that is made by incorporating the “active” ingredients for preservation on the packaging film rather than a direct application to foods. In this study, the conversion to active films was done by adding essential oils from lemongrass or calamondin peels, which are both known to exhibit antimicrobial properties. There were five film samples prepared for analysis: cacao-calamondin mixture; cacao-calamondin mixture with lemongrass essential oil; cacao-calamondin mixture with calamondin essential oil; cacao-calamondin mixture with encapsulated lemongrass essential oil; cacao-calamondin mixture with encapsulated calamondin essential oil; and two more samples for other analyses needing films from pure cacao and calamondin samples. The infrared vibration spectra revealed the presence of alcohol-, carboxylate, alkane-, and ether- containing compounds. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that the samples were amorphous and the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) provided a visualization of the structures of the films produced. Other analyses conducted on the films included film thickness, moisture content, water activity, texture, oxidative stability, solubility, microbial, and antioxidant activity. The results are comparable to biodegradable films produced from other sources and the ones available in the market, which highlight the remarkable potential of films produced using cacao pods and calamondin peels activated by either lemongrass or calamondin essential oils to be further studied and developed for pilot and industrial productions
Short-term Response of Soil Microbial Community and Soil Bio-chemical Properties to Soybean Intercropping in a Cassava-based Cropping System
No full textA cassava-based cropping system study assessed the short-term response of soil chemical and biochemical properties and soil microbial communities to soybean intercropping. Two soybean varieties (‘Select Manchuria’ and ‘Tiwala 12’) were tested as intercrops. The treatments did not affect the soil’s chemical (pH, OM, N, P, K) and biochemical (basal respiration and dehydrogenase and urease enzyme activities) properties after one cropping period. Amplicon sequencing analysis found that intercropping promoted the abundance of bacterial orders Actinomycetales, Solibacterales, Sphingomonadales, and Rhodospirillales. These groups play active roles in organic matter decomposition and can potentially improve the soil quality in an area by enhancing the soil’s organic matter content. In terms of community analysis, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and redundancy analysis (RDA) showed separation between mono and intercropping systems, while ANOSIM and PEMANOVA did not detect any significance between varieties and cropping systems for both bacterial and fungal data. These results suggest that, in the short term, introduction of soybean in a cassava-based cropping system affects selected microbial groups, but the overall influence in the microbial community is not distinctly detected
Analysis of Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, and Participation of UPLB Faculty on Agricultural Crowdfunding
No full textThe general objective of this study was to analyze the awareness, knowledge, attitude, and participation of the UPLB Faculty on Agricultural Crowdfunding. Specifically, the study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge level of UPLB Faculty regarding agricultural crowdfunding, determine the attitude of the UPLB Faculty toward agricultural crowdfunding, determine the participation of the UPLB Faculty in agricultural crowdfunding, analyze the factors affecting the participation of the UPLB Faculty in agricultural crowdfunding, and determine the problems experienced by the UPLB Faculty on participating in agricultural crowdfunding.
The study found that there is a low awareness among the UPLB faculty about agricultural crowdfunding and that they are not that knowledgeable about agricultural crowdfunding. There is also very low participation in agricultural crowdfunding among the UPLB faculty. However, there is a positive attitude towards agricultural crowdfunding when the UPLB faculty were presented with a short description of agricultural crowdfunding, indicating that information dissemination is very important. Moreover, the study found that only investment in bonds, mutual funds, and stocks has a significant negative influence while knowledge and attitude has a significant positive influence on the future participation of UPLB Faculty in agricultural crowdfunding, where attitude shows high significance. The researcher recommends that that simple seminars can be conducted by agricultural crowdfunding platforms in partnership with the university, and faculty members can be invited and be informed about the state of agricultural crowdfunding in the Philippines. To encourage the faculty members to participate, other than the fixed return in the investments, they can also give other incentive. For example, if the farm project was successful, they could give an exclusive reward like a small part of the produce, like a sack of rice, to the highest contributor for their contribution. Considering the existing problems of delayed returns on investment without updates, it is recommended that there should be warnings and penalties imposed for these type of actions from the concerned platforms so that the investors are also protected. As for difficulty in getting replies from the concerned platforms, there should be more people designated to the position who can regularly answer emails, calls, or texts
Transfer Cost Analysis of Nile Tilapia from Talisay, Batangas to Selected Market Destinations
No full textThe study analyzed the transfer cost of tilapia from Talisay, Batangas to selected market destinations of Taguig, Quezon, and Bicol region. Descriptive, quantitative analysis, and Fisher’s Exact Test were used to analyze the primary data collected among 17 tilapia farmers and 24 tilapia-hauler respondents. It was observed that tilapia farmers and haulers mostly utilized dry van trucks for transport due to their ability to accommodate large volumes of tilapia. The transfer cost incurred by the 11 tilapia farmers and 24 tilapia haulers who delivered tilapia to various market destinations were comprised of road transport costs, labor and handling fees, illegal fees, and depreciation costs. On the other hand, the other six farmer-respondents who transferred tilapia to haulers only incurred labor and handling fees. It was found out that in Marketing Channel 2 (6 tilapia farmers who sold harvest to tilapia haulers, and the 24 tilapia haulers who sold the tilapia to selected market destinations), the market participants who took the route of Sampaloc to Lucena, yielded the cheapest transfer cost per container, while the market participants in Marketing Channel 2 who had the Leynes to Naga route paid the highest transfer cost per container. The Sampaloc to Buhi route, which had a total of 388-kilometer spatial distance in between, yielded the lowest transfer cost per container per kilometer. In contrast, the Caloocan to Taguig route, which only had a spatial difference of 78 kilometers from source to destination, obtained the highest transfer cost per container per kilometer. It can be inferred from this observation that as the distance increases, unit transfer cost decreases. This can be explained by the concept of economies of scale wherein significant costs incurred are spread over long distances. The 11 tilapia farmers who directly sold tilapia harvest to market destinations, and the six tilapia farmers who sold tilapia harvests to haulers obtained an average return of investment of 26.92 and 32.76 percent, respectively. These estimates of return on investment indicate profitable business ventures when compared to the 10 percent opportunity cost of investment capital. The study also revealed that tilapia farmers and haulers encountered problems related to dilapidated roads, traffic that lasted for one to two hours, flat tires, and occurrence of illegal fees or kotong. Based on the findings, the following are recommended: (1) farmers and haulers are highly encouraged to invest in vehicles for transport to save costs from renting trucks; (2) provide subsidies and access to credit to traders for them to adapt to higher fuel prices and implement price stabilization mechanisms to limit the volatility of fuel prices; (3) improve road conditions to facilitate the easy transport of tilapia; and (4) have a stricter implementation of the Anti-Kotong Act of 2010 to minimize or even avoid the collection of kotong
Factors Influencing Insurance Participation and the Risk Management Impact of the Hog Insurance Program of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation to Backyard Farmers in San Jose, Batangas, 2023
No full textRisk management is crucial in farming due to inherent uncertainties, such as diseases, which impact investments and production, consequently affecting income stability. This study explored the hog insurance subsidy program offered by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) as a risk management tool for backyard hog farmers in San Jose, Batangas, focusing on factors influencing the uptake of subsidized insurance amidst the risk of African Swine Fever (ASF). Particularly, the study focused on exploring the service flow of the PCIC in offering the hog insurance subsidy, the impacts of the insurance program on the risk management of farmers, and the satisfaction of insured farmers in the delivery of service. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with key informants and with 47 insured and 74 uninsured randomly selected hog farmers. The study found that the PCIC relies on the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) and Barangay Animal Health Workers (BAHEWs) for facilitating enrollment and claims application, and overall marketing of the insurance program. Despite combined efforts, insurance coverage remains below target because of many other factors. The study found that factors significantly influencing insurance participation include knowledge scores, non-farm income, and insurance perceptions. Increased knowledge and absence of non- farm income positively influence participation, while positive insurance perceptions unexpectedly reduce the likelihood of insurance uptake. The finding on knowledge score is further justified by low awareness as the top reason for most farmers’ non-participation. In terms of risk management impact, it was emphasized that insured farmers indeed experience a level of financial protection with their insurance status. However, the study also found no differences in financial institution awareness and utilization as well as in the level of investment between insured and uninsured farmers. Meanwhile, insured farmers expressed satisfaction with staff competency, respect, and fairness. However, dissatisfaction arose regarding the time for claims processing. The PCIC website, known to few farmers, received mixed reviews, with concerns about outdated content. Facilities also received high satisfaction ratings for accessibility, cleanliness, security, and comfort.
Overall, the study underscored the importance of effective communication and support in increasing insurance uptake. Recommendations include formal training for BAHEWs and other barangay officials, and better dissemination of information through localized information hubs. Future research may consider a broader scope of study by covering more municipalities in Batangas for a better understanding of the factors affecting insurance uptake given that the threat of ASF is still ongoing. Other municipalities for further research include areas recognized as pink zones or those near ASF-infected areas