MSU GenSan Online Journal
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WiKA: A Vision Based Sign Language Recognition from Extracted Hand Joint Features using DeepLabCut
Get PDFThe use of hand gesture recognition for sign language translation to address the communication gap between the hearing majority and the deaf population has had significant breakthroughs over the years. While the contact-based approach uses wearable devices, a vision-based solution is preferred owing to the convenience it offers and since it obviates the need for complicated gears. This study presents the development of WiKA, an open-source software designed to track the joints of the hands and interpret them into their corresponding sign language counterparts. DeepLabCut, a markerless pose estimation software, was employed to develop the Hand-Joint Tracking Model through the training of a sequential Convolutional Neural Network, utilizing extracted Hand-Joint features to predict the sign language alphabets (A-Z) and numbers (1-9) based on the positioning of the joints. The developed Hand-Joint tracking model exhibited a 4.92% training error and a 5.74% test error with a p-cut-off of 60%. On the other hand, the developed sign language recognition achieved a 96.44% prediction accuracy with only 0.0356% misclass. This model can be further integrated into mobile phones for seamless conversations between the signing and non-signing populations
A Gender-Aware Analysis on the Feminization of Entertainment Industry in Japan
Get PDFThis manuscript reexamines the institutionalization of the feminization of migration industry in the Philippine-Japan migration stream through a gender-aware approach. It interrogates on the reasons why Filipina migrants made their way out of the Philippines, through regular and illicit channels, to a host country like Japan despite its restrictive immigration policies. The study unpacks on the common notion that along with active state facilitation, Filipino women migrants’ mobility or those who are engaged in “nightwork” is basically mediated through the entertainment industry. This research is a product of long engagements with the respondents and various key-informants of NGOs and club owners from 2010 to 2015. The findings reveal that women migrants are able to exploit the migration industry as their personal network in alleviating their precarious status. The researcher agrees that the institutionalization of the migration through the entertainment industry from the Philippines to Japan perpetuates an exploitative woman-dominated migration stream. However, in most instances, Filipina migrants capably exploit their personal or community network formation which could also be found in the nightwork industry
Challenges in Implementing Online Examination amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Get PDFThe COVID-19 outbreak led to a remarkable shift in teaching methods, forcing educational institutions to swiftly move from physical classrooms to digital platforms. In this regard, E-examinations became a crucial mode of evaluation during pandemic. This research aims to explore challenges faced by educators in higher education institutions, and examine potential gender-based differences in perceived difficulties. From 51 Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in West Bengal, 116 teachers (49 female and 67 male) participated in the study. Using Google Forms, data were collected and analyzed with six distinct codes to categorize the challenges expressed by the teachers. During online examinations, six major challenges encountered were: managing answer scripts and administering exams, invigilation and evaluation, network connectivity, overall planning and implementation, and technological equity and access. Predominant tools used for online examinations: laptops, mobile devices, and computers or tablets. Primary challenges highlighted by teachers are mainly: administration of examinations and management of response scripts and the ethical implications of online examinations. This research offers insights highlighting the need for further in-depth research, possibly integrating qualitative or mixed-methods approaches. The implications of these findings may inspire practitioners, and policymakers to enhance online examination procedures with cutting-edge tools and techniques. Moreover, the study strongly advocates for crucial measures to address identified challenges, fostering a seamless and equitable online examination experience for educators and students
Traditional and Nontraditional Family Structures: Influence on Students’ Academic Ability, Achievement, and Readiness
Get PDFThe study aimed to measure the influence of traditional and nontraditional family structures on the academic ability and achievement of students in elementary, and their readiness in high school academic work. The study utilized a descriptive-correlation design which was employed to randomly select 179 students from a basic education institution in Tacurong City. The result of the study showed that there is a significant difference between the standard scores of students in traditional and nontraditional families in terms of their academic ability, achievement, and readiness. It can also be inferred that students who performed well in ability test, also performed well in achievement and readiness tests. Subsequently, those who had high achievement scores in grade six were more ready in their academic works in high school. Thus, it is necessary to increase the involvement of parents in school to monitor their children’s progress and performance. It is also integral to nurture an educational environment that supports students from diverse family structures
The Status of Child Health Care in an Indigenous People’s Community of a Mindanaon Province
Get PDFLimited research has focused on child health care within indigenous communities, particularly in Mindanao. This study aimed to assess the state of child health care in the Indigenous People's (IPs) community of Barangay Cablalan, Glan, Sarangani Province, and to explore the associated problems and challenges. Using a convergent mixed methods research design, a survey questionnaire was administered to fifty households for the quantitative data and key informants such as health workers, LGU officials, and POs/NGOs representatives were interviewed for the qualitative data. Documents obtained from concerned offices further enriched the data. The findings of the study show that in children's health care, the respondent families who belong to low-income families have a growing practice of using modern medicine, especially over-the-counter medicines for ordinary illnesses, and at the same time, they also avail of the services of the traditional healers and herbal medications. Likewise, the barangay health centers are currently providing frontline services for children. Problems and challenges are identified, such as the lack and/or delay of medications and facilities, incapacity to pay, and far distance from the barangay health center
X-ray Diffraction Line Profile Analysis of Natural Calcite Minerals found in Southern Philippines by Williamson-Hall Method
No full textThis study employs the Williamson–Hall (W–H) models to examine the microstrains and crystallite sizes of CaCO3 occurring as calcite in limestone samples found in General Santos City and Sarangani Province, Southern Philippines. Using both the Uniform Deformation Model (UDM) and Uniform Stress Deformation (USDM) models, computations for average sizes were established to be identical, implying minimal strain influence. The consistency of resulting measurements extends to the microstrain, revealing uniform results for all samples. Correlation between crystallite sizes and microstrains in the calcite crystals was observed, where high-purity calcites exhibited larger crystallite sizes and microstrains. The crystallite sizes decrease with microstrains for calcites with higher Mg concentration, a finding that can be attributed to lattice distortion and the formation of defects. The release of stress forms these defects, thereby resulting in a reduction of microstrains. Moreover, the distinctly variable responses to strain exhibited by the samples could be influenced by either their anisotropic properties or other additional components. The W–H models, used jointly with UDM and USDM consistently predicted crystallite sizes, and thus offer valuable insights into the uniform stress responses of calcites. These promising results notwithstanding, USDM is shown to be especially relevant for anisotropic samples owing to the display deviations of crystallite sizes, a key feature of anisotropic natural calcites. The microscopic analysis is expected to provide additional understanding regarding the state of the limestone samples
Wind-Induced Cooling Effects on Photovoltaic Panel Performance
Get PDFThis investigation evaluated the performance of a photovoltaic (PV) panel system under varied cooling speeds of a calibrated wind generator. The objectives encompassed the calibration of wind speed, integration of the wind generator with the PV panel system, monitoring the performance of the PV panel with wind-induced cooling, and analyzing overall performance under different wind generator settings. Parameters assessed included open circuit voltage, short circuit current, PV panel surface temperature, and power output. The tests were carried out both with and without wind cooling and under artificial and natural lighting conditions. Under artificial lighting conditions, the solar PV panel demonstrated suboptimal short circuit current compared to natural lighting conditions, leading to an overall decrease in power output. Moreover, the findings revealed a significant relationship between simulated wind speed and the overall performance of the PV panel, with notable variations in surface temperature, voltage level, current level, and power output. The statistical analysis supported these findings, with all dependent variables exhibiting statistically significant differences. The practical implications of these observations are pertinent to the design of more efficient and sustainable PV and PV-wind cooling systems. By comprehending the influence of wind on PV panel performance, system designers and operators can make informed decisions to maximize energy production and enhance the overall efficiency of the PV system
Mindanao State University-General Santos City Graduates as Employees: Perspective of Employers
Get PDFEmployers’ responses about graduate performance are indispensable for analyzing the institution’s performance against the standards set in the context of its legal and educational mandates. The study aimed to describe the performance of MSU graduates based on the perspectives of the employers. The study used descriptive research design involving 129 employers from various industries across the private and public sectors in SOCCSCKARGEN region inclusive of General Santos, Sarangani, and South Cotabato which have provided job opportunities to MSU-GSC graduates. The findings suggested that the graduate attributes of the employed MSU graduates are highly satisfactory, useful, and matched with the needs in the workplace as assessed by the employers. The employers expressed that personal attributes of graduates are more advantageous and necessary than their practical competence. However, they observed that MSU graduates as employees lack relevant skills, training, and work experience and need to upgrade their qualifications for employment. In general, the findings of the employer satisfaction survey present a positive image for MSU-GSC graduates. The study recommends that continuous enhancement of the curriculum of MSU-GSC and improvement of the quality of instruction must be done to ensure they fit the graduate attributes to the needs of the labor market
Economic and Environmental Costs and Benefits of Paper Mulberry: A Case Study of Islamabad-Pakistan
Get PDFPlants and trees make our cities more attractive and provide many ecosystem services but some of these also cost society harm in the form of pollen allergy. According to an estimate, 60-70 percent of the trees in Islamabad are of Paper mulberry. Thirty percent of the people are affected each year from pollen allergy in Islamabad. This study evaluated age and gender-wise effects of Pollen Allergy on health followed by proposing options for Paper Mulberry as an alternative. The economic and environmental costs and benefits of Paper mulberry and its alternative plants were also quantified. The annual benefits and costs of Paper Mulberry and its alternative plants were estimated through “The National Tree Benefits Calculator”. Descriptive statistics along with expert opinion method was used for the analysis of the data. The pollen allergy affects children more as compared to other age groups and more on female as compared to male. Urban respondents were affected more by pollen allergy as compared to rural respondents. Most of the respondents were found affected in the month of March. The average monthly health expenditures of the respondents from pollen as Rs. 879. Pine Rexburg and Kachnar are viable alternatives for Paper Mulberry from both economic and environmental viewpoints. Based on the findings it is concluded that Pine Rexburg and Kachnar are the best alternative for Paper Mulberry in Islamabad. The Capital Development Authority should replace Paper Mulberry with Pine Rexburg and Kachnar in the city. Besides, Government should arrange awareness program especially in the pollen month (March) and should provide free of cost treatment and preventives for the pollen patients
Drying Behavior and Sensory Quality of Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) Skin Using Vertical-type Mechanical Dryer
No full textThe general objective of this study was to determine the drying behavior of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) skin as benchmark research for processing tuna skin as food material. The drying temperature of 47±3°C and airflow rates of 0.95m/s and 0.80m/s were used. The target moisture content of 10.00% w.b. for the final product was attained from an initial moisture content of 61.86% w.b. Result shows that the drying rate was initially faster for 0.95m/s air velocity than at 0.80m/s. At 1.50hrs, case-hardening was observed for 0.95m/s so that drying became slower. Consequently, reaching the final moisture content took a longer time at 0.95m/s. This lead to significant differences in both drying time and drying rate, with better drying characteristics at a slower airflow rate of 0.80m/s. The findings of the study can be used to design a more energy-efficient system of processing tuna skin at mild drying conditions