De La Salle University - Manila

Research Abstracts SY 2005-2006

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS

Perceived Organizational Effectiveness of Labor Unions in the Banking, Hotel, and Manufacturing Industries
Divina M. Edralin
Business Management Department

A trade union is a continuing, permanent, militant, and democratic organization created and run by workers to protect themselves at their work, to improve the conditions of their work through collective bargaining, to seek to better conditions of their lives, and to provide a means of expression for the workers' views on the problems of society.

Unions, like any other organization, are composed of people, structure, processes and other resources utilized to achieve certain goals. These unions operate within a set of dynamic and complex macro external systems like the economic, social, political, and legal environment. The reality that trade unions are one of the major actors in the industrial relations system makes the sector an interesting aspect to investigate.

The general objective of this research is to determine the extent of influence of the organization's context and structure factors on the perceived organizational effectiveness of labor unions in the banking, hotel, and manufacturing industries in the National Capital Region. It also compares the level of perceived union organizational effectiveness based on the type of industry to which the unions belong. Lastly, the study identifies other perceived qualitative factors that had facilitated and/or hindered the effective performance of the union based on the five organizational indicators.

In this research, organizational effectiveness refers to the extent to which the union members believed that the union objectives have been achieved and adequate activities have been implemented per program, it also refers to whether duties and obligations expected of members are complied with, members' relationships are cohesive, and the members are satisfied with the union as a whole. The perceived effectiveness of the union is measured as the mean (X) response to the five organizational indicators using a 5-point Likert scale.

The specific model in this assessment effort is based on the work of Pugh, Pheysey, and their colleagues in the Aston group in 1972. It is a sociological approach to the study of organizations (Hausser, 1980).

A total of eighty-eight local unions consisting of 772 rank and file and supervisory union members from eighty-two firms in the NCR were covered in the survey. The collected data were initially analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, and means. To test significant difference in the mean ratings by type of industry, the ANOVA with F-test was applied. To determine the extent of influence of the context and structure factors on the level of union organizational effectiveness, the Stepwise Regression analysis was used.

It is evident from the results that the level of union effectiveness as perceived by the members is a function of two major organizational factors, namely, context (type of ownership, type of industry, and number of union members) and structure (number of years as union member). Moreover, there are significant differences in the average level of effectiveness rating of unions per industry. Unions in the hotel industry were rated highest, followed by those in the manufacturing, and then the banking sector. However, it is interesting to note that across the three industries, the unions' average performance is very effective.

Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed to ensure that unions' effectiveness will substantially increase over the years to be able to continue protecting the workers' rights and representing them in collective bargaining negotiations with employers for increased wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions, thus eventually influencing the standard of living of Filipino working people and their families. These recommendations are strengthening union organizing and recruitment; institutionalizing tripartism and social dialogue; capacity building; and strengthening collective bargaining.

Forecasting International Demand for Philippine Tourism
Cesar C. Rufino
Economics Department

Accurate prediction of the number of international tourists that will visit the country in the future is an absolute requisite for effective tourism planning. For a country as well-endowed as the Philippines, having all the potentials to become a force to reckon with in international tourism, effective planning is sorely needed. The government for its part has not been remiss in formulating tourism plans and strategies over the years, yet the country has been a favorite "whipping boy" in this area among its lesser-endowed neighbors in the South East Asian region - the world's fastest growing tourism region in 2004.

A myriad of reasons may be put forward by analysts of various persuasions as to why the country is languishing in mediocre performance in attracting foreign visitors. One of these reasons perhaps is poor planning, or to be more specific, poor anticipation of the international tourism demand for the country. Estimates of the expected future demand constitute a very important element in all planning activities. In the context of tourism, accurate forecasts of tourism demand are essential for efficient planning by tourism-related businesses, particularly given the perishable nature of the tourism product and the highly seasonal character of its occurrence.

This study is an attempt to develop and operationalize empirical time series forecasting models for the monthly number of tourists coming from the top twelve source countries in Philippine international tourism. Employing a framework that takes into account all of the possible influential events that may impact on the level and direction of arrival series, together with a reliable procedure of modeling background noise, the study is able to establish twenty-four forecasting models that have passed all conventional econometric model selection criteria. Twelve of these models (ex-post models) were used in out-of-sample assessment, and the other twelve (ex-ante models) were used in predicting future visitor arrivals from each of the twelve countries. An estimation procedure to determine the Philippine aggregate demand for international tourism is also proposed.

Using three future arrivals scenarios, the models predict a banner year for Philippine international tourism for 2005: Most Likely Scenario - 2,560,770 visitor arrivals; Worst Case Scenario - 2,298,748 visitor arrivals; Most Optimistic Scenario - 2,843,999 visitor arrivals. Even the most pessimistic prediction surpasses the all-time single-year arrival record high of the country of 2,222,523 visitors achieved in 1997.

The short term accuracy of the models was demonstrated in the study by using the just-released tourism arrivals statistics for June 2005. A combined twelve country forecast (under the most likely scenario) generated by the ex-ante models for June arrivals differs from the official Department of Tourism (DOT) figure by a mere 371 tourists (Forecast: 176,850 arrivals vs. Official Figure: 177,221 arrivals), or a prediction error of only 0.21 percent.

Common Stock Listing Abroad: The Philippine Case
Leila Calderon-Kabigting
Financial Management Department

To develop the Philippine capital market, there should be more products available to investors. One way is to have dual listing for some stocks. The goal of this paper is to study the stock price performances and change in risk exposure associated with cross listing of Philippine stocks abroad. Thus, we posit the problem: How do Philippine stock returns with cross listing perform during announcement date, listing, and 1 year after listing date? (Note: The terms "cross listing" and "dual listing" are used interchangeably in this study.)

To answer the above problem, the following hypotheses were validated. The first one is to find out if the decision of these companies to list abroad is consistent with wealth maximization through changes in returns brought about by dual listing. International asset pricing models suggest that expected returns decrease as prices are bid up when investors expect barriers to investments to be removed (Foerster and Karolyi 1999; Errunza and Losq 1985).

Aside from the United States being a major money center, a Philippine company listed in the PSE may want to list in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in order to: 1) gain greater access to foreign capital (Yamori and Baba 1999; and Mittoo 1992); 2) broaden investor base (Merton, 1987); 3) increase institutional ownership; and 4) increase analyst coverage. (Reviewer's comments, 2003 as modified by Kabigting, 2005 and Lago, 2005.)

A Philippine company that is considering being listed abroad may encourage investors to review the company based on fundamentals. Initially, the dual listing may bring wealth to investors through abnormal returns and changes in barriers- thus changing market expectations. The abnormal returns may result in an increase in wealth of the investor. With investor recognition increasing, abnormal returns or excess returns will temper because this is the normal market dynamic. However, wealth maximization for the Philippine company can be measured through Earnings per Share (EPS) growth, cash yield or Price/Earnings Growth, which will depend on the listed company's performance (Lago, 2005). While wealth maximization via share price movements is an investor's primary objective, it may not really be an issuer's primary factor when listing abroad (Lago, 2005). Dynamic movement in the market as well as the flow of information creates movement both in price and volume (Merton 1987). Thus, pricing of foreign-listed shares is more often linked to home country developments or to home stock prices brought about by underlying supply-demand and pricing dynamics.

Thus, in order to properly examine the market segmentation hypothesis, the price effects around interlisting announcements were examined. Two concepts were tested:

Ho: There is no significant difference between returns on announcement and listing dates.
Ha: There is a significant difference between returns on announcement and listing dates.

The studies of Yamori and Baba (1999) and Mittoo (1992) cite that one benefit of cross listing is a wider investor base. Here, the researchers determine the relationship between returns of stocks with dual listing and investor recognition. Merton's (1987) investor recognition hypothesis of capital market equilibrium is different from the Sharpe-Lintner CAPM in that investors consider only securities of which they are aware, an assumption of incomplete information. With this assumption, Merton shows that expected returns depend on factors other than just market risk. The investor recognition hypothesis of Merton (1987) suggests that the abnormal returns experienced by firms pre- and post- listing period may be due to changes in the shareholder's base, adjusted by the stock's residual variance and relative size (Foerster and Karolyi, 1999). Merton (1987) shows that expected returns decrease with the size of the firm's investor base, which he characterizes as the "degree of investor recognition."

Ho: There is no significant relationship between returns of stocks with dual listing and investor recognition.
Ha: There is a significant relationship between returns of stocks with dual listing and investor recognition.

Using the event study methodology and Foerster and Karolyi's (1999) study, it was found that there are abnormal returns both in the pre-announcement period extending up to the post- listing periods. However, daily abnormal returns can fluctuate from positive to negative within these periods. Based on the F-tests, there is no significant difference in the abnormal returns in the announcement and listing dates.

Overall, it was found in the pre-listing period that the beta of the local market excess return is greater than the beta of the global market returns for Benguet, Ionics, and PLDT. By contrast, the post-listing local market beta drops considerably for Benguet, Ionics, and PLDT. The key finding here is that with dual listing, the risk in both local and global market may diminish. However, in companies that have increases in local and global market risks, these increases are minimal, and can be deemed as insignificant.

In summary, the measures of abnormal returns for a cross section of global listings were computed before, around, and following their listings in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX) and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE). The pattern of a pre-listing price run-up, listing week increase, and post-listing decline is robust.

The change in the degree of investor recognition (Dl) is negative for all firms with an increase in shareholder base. This means that dual listing leads to more markets and increased investor recognition. The changing betas reflect changes in the assessments by marginal investor of the domestic and global risk exposure of the firm and as a result, changes in the market's expectation of its future returns.

Human Resources Management Practices in CEAP Member Schools (HEIS)
and Faculty Desire for Union Representation
Jocelyn P. Cruz
Commercial Law Department

It is a fact that the adversarial nature of union administrators results in different strategies to prevent union formation. On the other hand, because of the legislative structure and economic factor, faculty members seek for stronger means to represent them.

The study looks at the link between human resource management practices and faculty members' desire to form or organize a union.

Few studies in the Philippines have dealt with unionism in the educational sector.

Working with In-Laws: When Does It Go Well?
Ma. Andrea L. Santiago
Business Management Department

The issue of whether to include in-laws in the business is one that pervades many family businesses. There are those who are adamant that no in-laws should be allowed, while others are more open to it. This sometimes leads to conflicts that affect the family relationships.

There are very few empirical studies on in-law participation. On occasion there are in-law stories printed in newspapers or even pages on some books on family business. For some reason, academic research has been quite limited. Thus, families looking for quick answers to this nagging question are unable to find the answers.

This research documents the experiences of 114 in-laws in sixty-two companies. Based on interviews with over 300 family members, in-laws included, it has become apparent that it is a mixture of factors that influence the nature of in-law experience. The quality of in-law experience is shaped by in-law characteristics, his/her reason for joining the family business, his/her degree of involvement, and the family business configuration. The configuration takes into account the dynamics of the interlocking family, business, and ownership systems.

Perhaps the greatest contribution to literature is the discovery that in-laws hold a temporal position in the family. It is only when in-laws integrate so well with the family that they become subject to the same treatment as those in the bloodline. Otherwise, many families expect that in-laws be competent, know their place, and cannot sit in the board.

This study reveals the dynamics of families and their in-laws. What is so important to families is that in-law participation must not disrupt family harmony, which after all, is one of the measures of success in a family business. It should be remembered however, that like all relationships, the participation of in-laws can only be satisfying with mutual respect and commitment.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Conceptions of Giftedness Among Tagalog-Speaking Filipinos
Barbara Wong-Fernandez
Counseling and Educational Psychology Department

Ma. Alicia Bustos-Orosa
Counseling and Educational Psychology Department

The Philippines, a geographically and ethno-linguistically diverse country, has long undertaken initiatives in identifying and educating gifted individuals. The preponderance of psychometric assessments in identifying gifted individuals has been noted in previous studies. However, research investigating indigenous conceptions of giftedness has been scanty. This study discusses the influence of more recent conceptions of giftedness related to developmental and cognitive theoretical explanations. Moreover, it delves into conceptions of giftedness within a cultural context and underscores the critical influence that traditional culture, values, and practices have on these conceptions.

Piloting a Peer Literacy Program Under the NSTP-CWTS
Remedios Z. Miciano
Department of English and Applied Linguistics

To pilot a peer literacy program implemented through the NSTP-CWTS, a pretest-posttest study was conducted involving seventy students from Arellano High School as tutees and twelve CED students as tutors of some reading strategies. The results suggest the lack of impact of the Program on the Reading Grades of the tutees. Two major factors that could explain the result are the very poor attendance in the tutorial sessions and the low English proficiency of the tutees. Other problems were identified by the tutors and based on these, the study suggests ways to improve the content and delivery of future Peer Literacy Programs.

Teachers' Guide to Critical Thinking Through Reading and Writing
Maria N. Cusipag
Charito Aglaua
Corazon V. Balarbar
Marilu R. Madrunio
Remedios Z. Miciano
Leonisa A. Mojica
Regina L. Shimamoto
Department of English and Applied Linguistics

The Teacher's Guide to Critical Thinking Through Reading and Writing contains a variety of activities designed to help teachers, especially the English I teachers, in the teaching of the different selections contained in the students' textbook entitled Critical Thinking Through Reading and Writing. The selections had been carefully chosen for students in education, communication arts, psychology, engineering, computer science, accounting, business, economics, international studies, and management of financial institutions.

Topics on critical thinking, strategies in reading, and the rudiments of composition writing are covered in the Teacher's Guide. It is a collection of lesson plans that teachers may refer to. Instructions on how to go about the different activities are explained in detail; however, variations may be made depending on the creativity of the teacher.

Each of the lessons consists of Objectives, Background Information for Teachers, Techniques and Procedures, and an Answer Key.

The objectives are given in behavioral terms depending on the skill intended to be taught. Such skills may be in reading or writing.

The background information for teachers includes important concepts that the teachers may use in teaching the reading selection and the writing activities. Sources for the information came from the writers' rich experiences in teaching the course or from varied references.

The section on techniques and procedures gives teachers opportunities to try out the lesson plans using varied approaches. Creative or well-trained teachers may modify the lesson plans prepared in order to suit the ability of their students.

The last section, the answer key, may vary according to the interpretation of the student. A few items may require group or individual answers.

The Physical Education Instructional Manual - The Series
(The DLSU-PE Teams - Basic Basketball)
Elizabeth D. Mascardo
Melanie Cecile S. Juliano
Physical Education Department

The focal point of the PE Teams - Basic Basketball course is to allow the students to spend time playing together as a team more than practicing individual skills inside the classroom. The new scheme will provide the students an opportunity to harness their people skills and boost their ability to become team players to attain the squad's goal.

This instructional manual is designed for the use of both teacher and student of the PETeams - Basic Basketball class of DLSU-Manila and later on, the DLS System. It is equipped with guidelines on how to execute the different individual basic skills, and the inclusion of numerous team-play drills in the manual will help make the class more active. The student is encouraged to immediately practice the individual skills often during his free time to ensure satisfactory performance during group drills. Fitness and Basketball skills tests are located at the back of the manual. The student may start his preparation for these practical tests even before the term formally opens. The supplementary topics (e.g., training principles, basketball injuries, ergogenic aids, sport nutrition, and others) will raise the student's awareness of the importance of academic information in further understanding and appreciating the sport.

 

Developing Conceptual Understanding of the Limit of a Function in Introductory Calculus
Auxencia A. Limjap
Science Education Department

This study looked into the development of conceptual understanding of the limit of a function among six BSE math college freshmen taking up introductory calculus. In the spirit of the APOS theory (Action, Process, Object, Schema) by Dubinsky and his colleagues in the Research on Undergraduate Mathematics Education Community (RUMEC), teacher-made activities were designed to ensure the development of mental constructs among the students. A genetic decomposition was used to guide the instructional approach to the topics. This study hypothesized that the students should be grounded on a strong concept of functions for them to be able to build a strong dynamic notion of the limit of a function.

None of the participants had a strong across-time understanding of functions. As hypothesized, all six participants of the study failed to understand the formal definition of the limit of a function in terms of epsilon and delta. They had colloquial personal notions of the limit of a function that are logical and coherent. In spite of their inability to understand the formal definition of the limit, two out of six students were able to interiorize their action notions into process notions, which they were able to deencapsulate into object notions. They were also able to put all action, process, and object notions into a schema. However, they needed a lot of scaffolding from the teacher. One out of the six remained at the action level of understanding limits. One out of six also needed a lot of scaffolding, but failed to transform his static notions into action notions of the concept.

 

Direct and Indirect Effects of Perceived Parenting Characteristics on Mastery Goals
Allan Benedict I. Bernardo
Science Education Department

Mastery goals have been shown to be an important achievement goal that leads to positive learning outcomes. The study explores the relationship between three parenting characteristics (emotional support, autonomy granting, and high demands) and Filipino students' mastery goals. Two possible mediating effects of two variables (competency valuation and orientation of achievement motivation) are also explored. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire inquiring into the different variables, and data from 129 participants who grew up with both parents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, multiple regression, and path analysis.

The results indicate different pathways linking each of three parenting characteristics with mastery goals. Emotional support directly related to mastery goals, but also linked to individual oriented achievement motives (IOAM) which related to mastery goals. Autonomy granting negatively related to mastery goals, but also linked to competency valuation and IOAM, both of which related to mastery goals. High demands were not directly related to mastery goals, but were related to IOAM. The results are discussed in terms of how parenting characteristics might foster the development of beliefs and orientations that may promote mastery goals among students.

 

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Development of a Robust Procedure for Network Synthesis in Water and Hydrogen Allocation Problems
Raymond Girard R. Tan
Chemical Engineering Department

Dennis E. Cruz
Industrial Engineering Department

Prior work has demonstrated the applicability of Zimmermann's Symmetric Fuzzy Linear Programming (SFLP) as a robust method for designing near-optimal reuse networks for industrial water conservation under conditions of data uncertainty. The procedure has been shown to be suited for single-component retrofit problems formulated either as mass exchange or source/sink superstructures. Three extensions of the concept that have been subsequently developed are described in this paper. The first is the use of methodology for design problems involving multiple components or water quality parameters. The second variant shows the use of SFLP for property pinch problems, in which water quality is described not just in terms of component concentrations but more generic properties such as pH or temperature as well. These first two variants represent a major step in enhancing the usefulness of the method in solving realistic industrial water reuse problems, where multiple conditions have to be met to ensure the suitability of water for feeding to a water-using process. The third extension shows how SFLP can be used in solving hydrogen pinch problems encountered in integrated petroleum refineries. This new application is made possible by the fundamental similarity between water and hydrogen stream allocation problems involving multiple sources and sinks.

Optimal utilization of hydrogen streams in refineries using process techniques is necessary as the rising cost of high-grade crude oil forces companies to use feed stocks of lower grade. Lower grades of crude oil can be used to make petroleum products of the desired quality level through a variety of thermo-chemical conversions such as hydrocracking and hydrotreating. Optimal allocation of hydrogen streams of required flowrates and concentrations can be done using different integration techniques, including mathematical programming. In practice, accurate stream data is not always available. Synthesis of hydrogen allocation networks under such conditions of uncertainty can be done using SFLP. This approach, which was originally applied to water allocation problems, is demonstrated using a hydrogen integration problem from literature.

Dry Separation of Polyethylene Terepthalate (PET) from Ternary Plastic Mixture Using an Air Table
Susan A. Roces
Chemical Engineering Department

The popular use of plastic products has resulted in the alarming accumulation of plastic waste. Since incineration has been banned in the Philippines by virtue of the Clean Air Act of 1999, the next best alternative to remedy this environmental problem is to recycle. Among the first steps in recycling plastics is to separate them into resins of the same kind. Hence, the study tried to determine the optimum conditions for the separation of polyethylene terepthalate (PET) flakes from polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resins in a ternary plastic mixture. Using a fabricated air table, separation into three streams were observed under various conditions. Specifically, the runs were observed based on the effects of changing air velocity, frequency of vibration of the air table, and elevation of the shaking plate. Experimental results showed 100% PET recovery for all runs at different set parameters; however, PP and HDPE impurities were noted. The highest recovery both for PP at 54% and HDPE at 87% was observed at the highest angle of inclination of 7.6o, highest airflow rate of 1 m/s, and highest frequency of 2 Hz. Multiple regression showed that angle of inclination and vibration frequency were the two factors that most affected the separation process. Therefore, the optimum recovery with the least impurities for pure PP and HDPE was said to be attainable at a vibration frequency greater than 2 Hz and at an angle of inclination greater than 7.6o.

The researcher, however, recommends that other parameters be considered, such as the shapes and sizes of the particles to be separated; and that the motor frequency and angle of inclination of the vibrating table be increased, to further improve the separation process. Other parameters that should be considered are the buoyancy, drag force, friction, particle velocity, and diameter of the holes on the shaking plate, in order to fully apply the hydrodynamic analysis in this dry separation technique.

 

Predicting the Compressive Strength of RC Circular Columns Confined with Steel and/or Carbon FRP Using Neural Networks
Jason Maximino C. Ongpeng
Andres Winston C. Oreta
Civil Engineering Department

Experiments have shown that passive confinement due to steel or carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) enhances the compressive strength of circular concrete columns. The accurate prediction of the ultimate confined compressive strength of concrete columns is very important, especially when this value is used in estimating the capacity of structures. Since experimental data on confined concrete columns are readily available in the literature, it may be useful to combine and reanalyze them to develop empirical models that can give reasonable predictions of the confined strength of circular concrete columns. However, the many factors that affect the confined compressive strength of circular concrete columns makes modeling for predicting this confined strength difficult, especially when both steel reinforcements and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) are used as confining materials. The study presents modeling using artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the compressive strength of circular concrete columns confined with steel reinforcements and/or CFRP.

 

Development of a Design Chart for Biaxial Bending of Reinforced Concrete Columns through Fiber Method Modeling
Bernardo A. Lejano
Civil Engineering Department

Analysis and design of reinforced concrete columns with biaxial bending are difficult because a trial and adjustment procedure is necessary to find the inclination and the depth of the neutral axis, which satisfy the equilibrium conditions. This study addresses the problem of accurately predicting the behavior of a column section with biaxial bending to be able to establish its capacity at the ultimate stage through fiber modeling. The fiber method has been found to be an effective method in predicting the flexural response of reinforced concrete members, especially when bending moments and axial loads dominate the behavior.

In implementing the fiber method, Bazant's Endochronic theory was used as a constitutive model for concrete and the Ciampi model for steel. The effects of different structural parameters were considered in the established interaction surfaces. However, the study was limited to numerical analysis of rectangular reinforced concrete columns with symmetrical reinforcement. The strength of concrete considered was from 21 MPa (3000 psi) to 62 MPa (9,000 psi). The result of the fiber method modeling was in agreement with some available experimental data. The development of interaction diagrams for biaxial bending of column sections will provide structural designers an alternative way to analyze and design such column sections. This will not only make the design work easier but also increase the accuracy, and in turn provide greater safety to the structure.

 

Study on the Use of Natural Short Fibers as Reinforcement in Concrete with Coal Bottom Ash from Sual Power Station
Ronaldo S. Gallardo
Joseph S. Remigio
Civil Engineering Department

Sual Power Station stands on the island of Luzon in the province of Pangasinan at Barangay Pangascasan, located at about 200 km north of Manila. It is owned and operated by Mirant Sual Corporation. Sual Power Station imports bituminous coal directly from China. It uses 10,752 metric tons, at maximum load of 1,218 MW, per day. It has 609MW generation units, and is considered to be the largest base-load, coal-fired, electricity generating plant, but also the most efficient. Coal Bottom Ash is one of the waste by-products generated by Coal-Fired Power Plants. The study deals with the utilization of the said waste material as partial substitute for the aggregates in concrete, with natural short fibers as a form of reinforcement. The three short fibers used in the study are the abaca, bamboo, and coconut husk.

 

Modeling Public Bus Transport Emission in Metro Manila
Alexis M. Fillone
Civil Engineering Department

The daily emission levels of NOx, CO2, and PM produced by city buses were estimated separately using the methodology of the Computer Program to Calculate Emissions from Road Transport (COPERT II) of the European Environmental Agency (EEA) for the computation of bus emissions. The estimation of bus emission levels in Metro Manila for the whole-day period was divided into two major parts. The first part estimated the peak-hour bus emission level during the morning peak-hour period by using the established equation for bus emission levels on NOx, CO2, and PM under COPERT II, which considers the average travel speed of buses as well as the peak-hour volume along the bus route segment considered. Then, the second part estimated the daily bus emission by considering the morning peak-hour bus emission as an hour component of the 24-hour daily emission and proportionately obtained emission levels of the other hours of the day using this morning peak-hour bus emission level. The major assumption of this study is that the hourly trip generation pattern of public transport commuters in a day is proportional to the hourly bus supply being provided.

The estimated daily total bus emission ranged from 3,146.44 to 5,034.98 kgs for NOx, 833.04 to 1,643.58 kgs for CO2, and 114.10 to 223.12 kgs for PM. These ranges were obtained by considering the minimum and maximum speed ranges of the buses during the actual service operation.

The Role of Probability Density Models in Water Resource Management of Philippine Watersheds
Danilo C. Terante
Civil Engineering Department

One of the most common tools in the management of water resource systems in the Philippines is descriptive and inferential statistics, which probably includes an artificial neural network. Developing probabilist models for analyzing operating policies of multiple reservoir systems has gained popularity in the area of research for more than thirty years now. In the Philippines, the application of probability density functions for reservoir flood-control operations has not been rigorous and dynamic. This paper introduces the transformation of common synthetic unit hydrographs (SUH) into Gamma distribution as a tool for simplified food prediction for water resources management. The Gamma distribution offers an expedient technique in deriving a unit hydrograph (UH) over widely-used approaches, providing a perfectly smooth curve that automatically gives a unit under the curve. The paradigm consists of sensitivity analysis and presents three popular SUHs, namely, the Snyder method, the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) method, and the Gray method for practical comparison. The common parameters of these methods are transmuted into the Gamma distribution.

Infrastructure Projects in Metro Manila
Ronaldo S. Gallardo
Civil Engineering Department

Various construction projects are executed in Metro Manila daily. Subjects in the civil engineering discipline, such as construction management and construction methods, are best understood and appreciated by students if they can actually see applications of underlying principles.

This materials development project provides a video presentation that can be used as a supplement to classroom lectures and discussions in construction subjects. The video compilation consists of short footages of several horizontal construction projects. The projects shown are presented in two sequences: during the construction stage and as completed projects. The total video running time is approximately 45 minutes.

 

Casebook on IEN 5715 Strategic Thinking and Planning
Anna Bella S. Manalang
Industrial Engineering Department

The strategic planning cases are designed to bring to the surface important considerations, scenarios, issues, and concerns in the planning, formulation, implementation, and control of strategies in business or government, and service or manufacturing in the following industries: Real Estate Development, Juice Manufacturing, Information Technology, Shoe Manufacturing, Automotive Parts Manufacturing, Leather Tannery, and Government. Data are provided to enable graduate students to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the organizations, which will lead to alternative strategies for consideration. The City of Olongapo was chosen as an application for the Local Government.

 

An Explicitly Dynamic Multi-Period Competitive Facilities Location Model with Demand Sharing
Richard C. Li
Bryan O. Gobaco
Industrial Engineering Department

Competitive facility location analysis has gained considerable attention in the past, perhaps due to the increasing presence and significant effects of competition in business profitability. Since the latter half of the twentieth century, competitive facilities location models have been continuously studied, explored, and extended by many researchers. With the belief that competition will continue to play a significant role in strategic business management and development, this research deals with a competitive location problem.

This study also aimed to resolve the limiting and unrealistic novelty assumption of past researches by considering demand sharing. In order to achieve these goals, a multi-period competitive facilities model was formulated, which allows opening, closing, and upgrading of a company's facilities in response to competitor actions or decisions. The model also incorporated the more realistic occurrence of demand sharing whenever customers deem competing facilities equally attractive. Demand sharing was also modeled to occur even if one facility is more attractive than another.

The model was solved using GAMS and its DICOPT solver for MINLP. CPLEX was used for the linear sub-problem, while CONOPT was chosen for the nonlinear portion. Certain insights were gained during the validation process. These are: (1) The resulting solution yielded by GAMS is highly contingent on the initial solution fed into it. This is owing to the MINLP structure of the formulated model. Getting a good solution might require one to experiment or play around with initial values for the decision variables. (2) The DICOPT solver of GAMS guarantees only local optimality at best. It is highly probable that the solution above for the hypothetical problem considered is not the global optimum.

Eco-Mapping the Tanning Process
Debbie Ann P. Nacu
Industrial Engineering Department

Environmental issues affecting society has been widely researched. More often than not, manufacturing companies have been blamed for environmental degradation. The tanning industry is acknowledged to be a polluting industry all over the world. Odor, air and water pollution, chemical safety, contamination of land and groundwater, inadequate provision of solid waste and sludge disposal, spills and accidents involving chemical substances, noise generated by the various machineries, and other issues have been raised.

Pollution from tanneries has a negative long-term impact on the potential growth of a country, irrespective of the immediate economic benefits of production [Ludvik, 1991]. The solution to environmental problems faced by the industry is complex. A comprehensive and systematic approach to pollution control should be done.

This study looked at the major stages of the tanning process. Since there is no universal procedure for the manufacture of leather, the focus of the discussion on the processes is on Valenzuela Tannery Corporation (VTC), one of the largest tanneries in the Philippines, with a monthly capacity of 250,000 square feet of raw hides.

The study aimed to identify the various inputs and wastes generated in each stage through the use of eco-mapping. Understanding the inputs and outputs of the various tanning processes is the starting point for identifying options for improvement with regard to material use, waste reduction opportunities, and other potential actions for environmental preservation.

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

TV Audience/Manonood/Odyens: Kritikal na Pagsusuri sa Pagsasalin sa Telebisyon
Janet Tauro-Batuigas
Filipino Department

Layunin ng riserts na ito na imbestigahan ang asampsyon ng risertser na ang programming sa TV ay karakterays ng dalawang klase ng salin: ang una ay ang pagsalin ng mga banyagang programa sa pamamagitan ng dubbing at ang pangalawang uri ay ang imitasyon/apropriyasyon/lokalisasyon ng mga banyagang programa sa local na programa. Ang mga pagbabagong ito sa programming at sa odyens ng telebisyon ay hindi simpleng usapin ng pagsasalin lamang, kung kaya't kailangang imbestigahan ang transpormasyon ng landscape ng programming ng telebisyon at ang maaring subersyon na ginagawa ng TV audience/manonood/odyens dahil sa kakayahan niyang isalin at i-transform ang mensahe.

Sa unang bahagi ng riserts na ito, inilarawan ang katangian ng pagbabago sa programming ng telebisyon, sa pamamagitan ng paglalarawan ng katangian ng mga programa ng telebisyon mula 1997 hanggang 2001.

Sa pangalawang bahagi, ispesipikong tinatalakay at sinusuri ang mga televisual representations na present sa mga programang napili. Pumili ang risertser ng mga isina-Filipinong banyagang programa sa kanilang popularidad. Pumili ng apat na programa sa telebisyon na isinalin sa pamamagitan ng dubbing (Monica Brava, Alicia, Dragon Ball Z, at Lupin III) at ng apat na programang isinalin sa pamamagitan ng imitasyon/adaptasyon (Batibot, Sa Tabing Ilog, Munting Paraiso, at GameKnB).

Sa pag-analisa ng mga isina-Filipinong programa sa pamamagitan ng unang mode ng salin, ang dubbing, tinalakay ang mga linggwistika, politiko-kolonyal, at sosyo-politikal na faktors bilang mga televisual representations ng mga programa na nakaapekto sa kanilang popularidad.

Sa pagtalakay naman ng mga katangian ng mga programang lokalays ay inilalarawan ang enterteynment at melodramatic na representations na meron ang mga banyagang programa na ginagaya at inapropriyet para maiadap sa lokal na panlasa.

Mula sa mga pagtukoy, paglarawan, at pag-analisa sa mga pagbabago sa TV programming ay sinuri ng risertser ang implikasyon ng transpormasyong ito sa TV audience/manonood/odyens bilang isang mahalagang salik ng mga pagbabago sa TV. Ginagamit bilang batayan ang mga teorya ng Cultural Studies nila Stuart Hall (1981) at Homi Bhabha (1994).

Sa pangatlong bahagi ng riserts ay ang presentasyon ng risertser ng mga implikasyon ng mga popular na isina-Filipinong programa sa TV audience/manonood/odyens. Tinalakay rito ang implikasyon ng popularidad ng ganitong programa sa pagkakaroon ng counter-hegemonic na kapangyarihan ng mga Filipino na isinalin ang kanilang napanood na texto at i-transform ito para iayon sa kanilang kontexto.

Phase 4.3: The Hiligaynon Novelists and the Translation of Hiligaynon Novels (Excerpts) into English
Genevieve L. Asenjo
Literature Department

This is the third translation volume for the Hiligaynon Literature anthology under the Literary History of the Philippines (LIHIP) project of the Department of Literature. While the first two translation collections focus on Hiligaynon binalaybay (poetry) and sugilanon (short story), respectively, this volume features two major Hiligaynon novelists, Ramon Muzones of Iloilo and Lino Moles of Negros.

Margosatubig is the celebrated 1946 novel by Ramon Muzones, serialized in the defunct Yuhum Magazine, and printed by Diolosa Publishing House in Iloilo City in 1947. It employs tales, romance, and fantasy in narrativizing the history of Muslim-Filipinos. It also exemplifies the enduring battle for supremacy between good and evil in the establishment of a kingdom and in the search for the true sultan of Maguindanao and Sulu. The translation in English was done by Leoncio P. Deriada of UP Visayas, a Palanca Hall of Fame awardee and Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Awardee.

Kalayo sa Sidlangan of Lino Moles, on the other hand, was serialized in Hiligaynon Magazine in the '70s. It embodies the romantic mode and protest tradition of Hiligaynon literature as it addresses the conflicting hacendero-sacada relationship. Central to the novel is the love story of a strong-willed heiress of haciendas in Murcia, Silay, Victorias, and other neighboring towns, and the poor but honest and responsible gentleman working for the empowerment of sacadas and their families. It recounts the history of social unrest, banditry, and insurgency-the result of the wide gap between the landed class and the peasantry in the region. Entitled "Fire in the East," the English translation was done by Jonathan Jurilla, an award-winning fictionist and literature professor of UP Visayas.

This volume showcases practice/s in translation from Hiligaynon into English, and the specificity and commonality of the Hiligaynon novel with Philippine novels, particularly in English and Tagalog. It also foregrounds themes and other areas of studies for scholars and researchers to further explore.

God was not in the Wind: An Evolutionary Understanding of Popular Religion in the Philippines
Jaime A. Belita, C.M.
Theology and Religious Education Department

In the Philippines, popular religion still persists in spite of secularizing trends and technological advances. It seems that the harder the times are, the more people flock not only to churches, but to large and open religious gatherings. Explanations of the phenomenon come mostly from the angle of culture and the social sciences, viewing religion as an anthropological function or simply as a cultural artifact.

Thus, a new approach is in the works, one that precisely adopts a scientific fact like evolution. Using the evolutionary process as a paradigm to explain religion and morality fits in very well with today's trend for biological studies. Since popular religion is basically a belief and a moral system, it is convenient to study both religion and morality as a by-product of living beings' adaptive measures for natural and group selection.

In humans the pressure of the principle of natural selection shifts from genes to culture. Humans today do not have to wait for genetic evolution to adapt better to a changing world; they can bring about cultural evolution consciously with a capability to learn from the past and anticipate the future. Popular religion, with its belief in the supernatural, finds a niche in the evolutionary process when it sets the perimeter on how far cultural evolution can stretch without destroying the human. In the process, however, of opting for a culturally-fit element, believers make trade-offs like giving up the power of freedom and spontaneity for the stability of a bureaucratic institution. They also trade the developmental use of reason for the immediate impact of the emotions.

Evolution through genetic modification has persistently disclosed a pattern for diversity and complexity. This two-fold pattern constitutes what philosophers call "beauty" and is the basis of aesthetics. Non-theistic evolutionists, unlike the theistic ones, might not believe in an intelligent design (inseparable from divine authorship), yet they can hardly deny the existence of patterns for beauty toward which all evolutionary trajectories aim. Popular religion's inclination towards harmony in its ethical stance and a holistic approach to reality are, in the researcher's opinion, instances of that thrust towards beauty. Before all moral principles and religious functions formulated by institutional religion, popular religion thrives in their very grounding or underpinning in the evolution's push towards diversity and complexity.

Popular religion in the Philippines is a by-product, too, of both genetic and cultural evolution, with a difference. Its complex of religious beliefs and ethical patterns of behavior arose from the evolutionary push for adaptation in its natural environment, but it is also the outcome of a mysterious "pull" coming from what believers call God, whose biblical revelation in history came to us by way of Spain and Mexico. Ours is a syncretistic (the term does not have to be derogatory) popular religiosity that makes us cope with the harsh realities found not only in nature but also in people.

The Lasallian Youth of the De La Salle University System at the Dawn of the 21st Century: Belief and Unbelief, Personal Morals, and Social Conscience Towards a Clearer Picture
Arnold T. Monera
Theology and Religious Education Department

Ma. Jesusa M. Marco
Behavioral Sciences Department

This research aimed to describe contemporary beliefs (or unbeliefs) and attitudes regarding faith issues, the moral views on personal and social issues, and the correlates of these among young Lasallian students in the DLSU System. Specifically, the researchers attempted to: (a) find out the students' set of beliefs and attitudes on various faith issues such as the existence of God / Supreme Being, existence of heaven, life after death; (b) describe their personal views on moral issues such as cheating, gambling, abortion, pre-marital sex, phone or Internet sex, and prostitution; (c) characterize their social conscience on issues like the poor, environment, social responsibility, the church's social involvement, and justice; (d) determine the correlates of their beliefs, attitudes, and personal and social morals; (e) identify the various factors and their extent of influence on the faith development of young Lasallians; and (f) examine the role and the extent of influence different groups have in the faith development of Lasallian students.

The Lasallian youth referred to in this study include randomly selected college students from DLSU­Dasmariñas, DLS-Health and Sciences Campus, DLS-Canlubang, DLS-Araneta University, DLS-College of Saint Benilde and DLSU-Manila. The survey questionnaire used consisted of four aspects, namely: (1) beliefs on Faith essentials, (2) attitudes on Faith life essentials, (3) personal moral values, and (4) social conscience.

Upon data collection and analysis, the survey items were processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The following findings were obtained:

1.Beliefs on and attitudes to Faith essentials, personal, moral, and social conscience of the students are interconnected. The findings in the four aspects show the following striking points:

On Beliefs on Faith Essentials. There is no doubt the students still believe in a personal God. In terms of creedal statements, the Lasallian youth remain religiously-oriented. Orthodoxy in terms of their acceptance of a personal God is indicated, but how God operates is ambiguous.

On Attitudes to Faith Life Essentials. The Lasallian youth still give importance to their spiritual growth. They regard faith as a source of enlightenment, strength, and comfort. This spiritual growth, however, is apparently limited to a private individual affair (an "I-thou" relationship). The communitarian and ecclesial dimension of this faith is rather weak, as shown in their appreciation of the Sunday mass and the church's preferential option for the poor, among others. There is unanimity in their moderate appreciation of the relevance or meaningfulness of their religion classes as leading them to a deepening of their faith.

On Morals. There is an emergence of a new value system among the Lasallian youth, as shown in their evaluation of cheating, gambling, artificial contraception, and premarital sex, among others. Some of these values challenge or are not in consonance with current or traditional church teachings. This picture reflects the larger mind-set prevalent in society today. On the lighter side, the Lasallian youth still highly value respect for elders and the sanctity of life, as indicated by their explicit resistance to the practice of abortion.

On Social Conscience. The survey shows an existing dichotomy between the love of God (vertical dimension) and the love of neighbor (horizontal dimension). Faith seems not to influence the other areas of human life. There is a basic deficiency in the social dimension of faith, as shown by their poor estimation of social action involvements. They even want the Church out of politics. This weakness in social conscience is gleaned from their view that politics is separate from faith concerns. The Lasallian youth's perception of faith is strongly personal in character, but deficient in the communitarian or ecclesial aspect. Trapped in this orientation, it can be concluded that the Lasallian youth will not mature in faith.

On the Correlates. The inculcation of traditional Christian values diminishes as parents obtain higher educational attainment. The lesser the faith issues are discussed and valued at home, the lesser is the affinity of the young to such values. The data shows that as the Lasallian youth grow older, palpable changes are likewise ushered in their behavior and attitudes, i.e. the older they get, the less expressive they become of their accepted faith. A constructive questioning of faith could widen faith horizons and foster faith clarity and commitment.

On Sources of Influence. Responses show unanimity in the predominant role of the family/parents in the faith development of students. Mean scores indicate that parents have the most influence on the student respondents' values and attitudes, taking into account all other variables analyzed.

Conclusions

1.Although the results have not yet reached alarming levels, the study shows that the Lasallian youth are becoming less and less traditionally religious in a fast-changing world marked by globalization, secularism, and modernization.

2.In other words, the Lasallian youth are:

a.) Highly personal and individualist in relating with God
b.) Not socially or ecclesially-oriented in terms of faith praxis
c.) Decreasing in their appreciation of religious devotions and practices, religious instructions, and religious authorities that
serve this end
d.) Becoming more and more susceptible to the trends and values brought about by the fast-changing world they are in and as
a consequence, drifting away or becoming indifferent to traditional moral teachings affecting one's way of life
e.) Highly influenced by parents/family in their religious values and attitudes

Based on the conclusions, the study made recommendations for the Theology/Religious Education teachers and Campus Ministry, for the De La Salle System schools, and for the parents.

Regulation Problems in Public Transport: The Case of Metro Manila
Eric Vincent C. Batalla
Vicente Jose P. Roxas
Political Science Department

From a multidisciplinary perspective, we examine the problem of traffic congestion in Metro Manila, focusing on public transport and in particular the public bus industry. The problem could be easily dismissed as a perennial cultural phenomenon among Filipinos. However, we believe that for a long time the government's developmental and regulatory efforts have not been sufficient to address the problem and its structural causes.

This paper traces the historical evolution of traffic congestion, from decades of land transport shortages and limited road networks to the proliferation of intermediate transport modes of the 1990s. It reviews the various governmental authorities involved in transport and traffic management. A case study of the regulation of public utility buses on EDSA, one of Metro Manila's main thoroughfares, illustrates the complexities of the problem. Statistical data presented suggest poor traffic management by government. Observation and interview data offer clues of deficiencies in private sector management practices as well. A cursory review of the public bus industry indicates government and market failure, which reinforce bus drivers' lack of observance of rules and etiquette. The study concludes that this failure results in self maximization at the expense of social order. It recommends that a more systematic approach be taken within a framework where government-private sector cooperation is more socially beneficial than costly.

A Begotten American Son: The Violence of Belonging in Paul Stephen Lim's Mother Tongue
Shirley O. Lua
Literature Department

Mother Tongue is Paul Stephen Lim's portrayal of a Chinese-Filipino migrant in the United States of America, who teaches and writes in the language of his adopted country, and surrenders his allegiance to the stars and stripes as his mother's words and the ghosts of his past relentlessly haunt him. In April and May 2001, the Philippine theatre group Actor's Actors Inc. performed the play.

In view of the large-scale mobility of people across national borders and the emergence of transnational shifts in the last fifty years, it is significant and timely to consider the phenomenon of "double-diaspora." By "double-diaspora" is meant the second-generation of people whose ancestors have chosen to settle in a foreign land, and these second-generation migrants in turn become dislocated from their birthplace through their own movements of migration, immigration, or exile. Writers of Chinese ancestry who were born in the Philippines have undertaken this second-order movement, following the trail of Filipino predecessors-their migratory aims conditioned by Philippine-US neo-colonial relations. The retelling of memories in their fictions, poetry, and plays alludes to their origins; and their experiences of displacement, at times, are imagined twice over.

In this critical project, this era of double-diasporic phenomenon is explored. The researcher's focus is on the two-fold experience of deterritorialization as portrayed in Paul Stephen Lim's Mother Tongue (1988). The following are examined and answered: How is the Chinese-Filipino-American identity/subjectivity imagined in the writer's negotiation among socio-historical and political interventions? How is double-diaspora lived and experienced? How does the text, through its characters, view the ancestral homeland, the place of birth, and the country of settlement? How are memories, language, dramatic devices, and theatrical modes deployed and refashioned to depict alternative views of double-diasporic consciousness?

Peregrinatio Animae: St. Augustine's Theory of Human Existence
Carmelo P. Marollano
Philosophy Department

This paper aimed to show and elucidate St. Augustine's theory of human existence and its bearing on spiritual and practical life.

St. Augustine believes that human existence is a peregrinatio animae - a journey of the soul. He takes his paradigm based on what he had imbibed from the Neoplatonic teachings of Plotinus and Porphyry.

His theory and experience of human existence revolves around the "formation - deformation - reformation" paradigm. The primordial datum revolves around the belief that man is created in the image and likeness of God and so he participates in God's being. Being so, there is in man an indelible mark of God. As long as man stays within God's fold there is being and life; apart from God, there is nothingness and death.

Following the Plotinian model, the soul's propensity is towards matter. And so man falls into the world and with it the image is deformed, darkened, and diminished. Man then is exiled from his original patria and descends into nothingness. The image, though tarnished and blemished, is not entirely effaced. Man's original goodness and beauty remain in him. The challenge is for him to go back to where he originally belongs - to the bosom of God. The "formation - deformation - reformation" model then bespeaks of life as a journey and man as a wayfarer, a traveler, a peregrinus, a peregrinatio animae.

Interestingly, this manner of presenting his theory of human existence jibes well with St. Augustine's experience in life. The paradigm is actually his very own life! St. Augustine's life can be encapsulated in the foris - intus - Deus intimus cordi model. He started from the original patria; then he was captivated and he languished in the sights and sounds of the external world (foris). Realizing that his soul had become famished and that the relative truths the world offers only yield relative happiness and can never quench his thirsting soul, St. Augustine resolved, perhaps cognizant of the Porphyrian exhortation, to return to himself, to his inmost self because truth dwells within. This realization led Augustine to believe that beyond the inner spiritual region is the originalis region. The journey inward is the journey upward. The peregrination can only come full circle, and man's existence to full realization, when he comes back to God.

Narrative Study on Second-Season Parenting Among Aging Filipinos
Roberto E. Javier, Jr.
Psychology Department

The main objective of this study was to explore and describe the phenomenon of parenting adult children among aging Filipinos. The notion of second-season parenting relates to roles and responsibilities older parents continue to play and assume for their adult children. Specifically this study sought answers to the following questions: 1) what are the parenting experiences and activities of Filipino aging mothers and fathers; 2) what are the consequences of parenting adult children for the elderly parents; and 3) what are the continuing and sustaining parenting roles and responsibilities of older parents to their adult children?

This study on sustained parenting and family life among aging Filipinos provides the dynamics in the Filipino family system and explains the centrality of the role of the old person in the family life. It explores the Filipino notions of parenting in aging years through active and sustained involvement in the family affairs. It is an inquiry into our folks' notion of being old in the Philippines and what Filipino seniors consider generative as well as integrative, activity in later years of life.

The exploratory-descriptive research design is utilized in this study. It is a qualitative research that employed ethnographic strategies. Ethnographic strategies were employed in doing fieldwork in the rural and the urban, in the upland, lowland, and coastal areas to generate qualitative data on old folks' conceptualizations about, and experiences of second-season parenting.

 

Pagbuo ng Bilinggwal na Diskyunaring Pangkompyuter
Imelda P. de Castro
Filipino Department

At present, the concepts in computer science are only expressed in English. To participate in "e-Commerce" or trade in the Internet, one has to know English first or develop his own language in order to come up with words that correspond to the concepts in English. This study explores the second option of searching for or coming up with equivalent terms in the Filipino language.

The three conceptualized ways to actualize the intellectualization or elaboration of the Filipino language in computer science are the following:

P1 - borrowed from English. This is direct borrowing of English terms-the spelling and the pronunciation are not changed.
Example: Computer - Computer

P2 - English pronunciation, Filipino spelling -The original way of pronouncing the terms are kept but the spelling is "like how it is pronounced."
Example: Computer - Kompyuter

P3 - New Words. These are equivalent terms created by the researcher.
Example: Computer - Malaking datos taguan

The three ways of lexical elaboration were used as the basis for choosing the terms for compiling a bilingual dictionary for the field of computers. In this particular study, lexical elaboration means a mode in planning language to enrich and expand the language of a country. According to Ken Urano (1998), lexical elaboration is a process of intellectualization of terminologies. This is done by adding uncommon words that give definitions, synonyms, antonyms, or hypernonyms-and not by removing them.

The following examples trace how lexical elaboration is done to enrich computer lexicon.

1.Adding uncommon terms.

Bittwidder - bittwidder (png.),bitwider (png.) (kol.) 1. Sa orihinal na kahulugan ng terminolohiya, isang taong may kakayahan na magtalaga sa pagprograma. 2. Taong mahilig sa computer.

2.Giving of synonyms or words with the same meaning. One example is the term "firewall" which shares its meaning with the words "screen" and "protection".

Firewall - firewall (png.), fayrwol (png.) (kol.), pananggalang (png.) (kol.) 1. A part of the computer's security that can be accessed by a network through another network.

3.Giving of hypernonym or a general classification. An example is Central Processing Unit (CPU) which is known to many people in terms like "hard disk" and "memory".

4.Giving of antonym or terms with the opposite meaning. An example is the term "download" which is the antonym of upload.

Download - download (pd.), dawnload (pd.) (kol.) 1. Pagkuha ng mga impormasyon sa kompyuter 2. Proseso ng pagpapadala ng impormasyon sa kompyuter. Ang kabaligtaran nito ay ang terminong upload.

Filipino, a modern language currently used by over 80 million people, is still strongly in need of an up-to-date lexicon to deal with the field of computer science. Recognizing that both computer science and the modernization of the Filipino language are twin goals necessary for Philippine national development, this research project sought to further the intellectualization of Filipino by means of a preliminary bilingual dictionary of some 1000 key terms used in the field of computer science.

Dugo sa Gunita
Cirilo F. Bautista
Literature Department

In the light of the growing interest of scholars and readers in Tagalog literature, the CHED requirement of teaching regional literatures (Litera I) on the tertiary level, and the need to develop material resources for our students and faculty of the Master of Fine Arts Major in Creative Writing and Doctor of Fine Arts major in Creative Writing degrees, this project is a significant contribution to Philippine literature. First, by using Tagalog (in contrast to Pilipino and Filipino), the proponent, intends to help prevent the demise of that language and help revitalize its use in formal creative writing. Tagalog has been vulgarized and marginalized by language proponents who are basically after creating a lingua franca at the expense of Tagalog. While this may be acceptable in the field of mass communication, it is dangerous to literary writing, as it will truncate the literary tradition started by Francisco Balagtas and championed by Lope K. Santos and Amado V. Hernandez.

Second, by employing the genre of the Tagalog novel, a literary genre that is on the verge of neglect, the proponent helps generate interest in the form among the younger crop of writers in the country.

Investing in Social Responsibility: Corporate-Community Engagement in Cebu City, Philippines
Francisco A. Magno
Political Science Department

This paper examined the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in generating improvements in resource management and development in selected upland barangays in Cebu City. It looked into how a community development approach to CSR was purchased through the partnership between PBSP, the Aboitiz Group of Companies, and the City government, to implement the Cebu Hillyland Development Program (CHDP). This case was chosen because of the comprehensive nature of the development strategy adopted, as well as the multiple partnerships created. The program is a showcase of community organizing, multi-stakeholder participation, and appropriate technology. In 2003, a third of the households in the target communities registered incomes above the poverty threshold.

Metacognitive Judgment in a Naturalistic Setting: Assessing Performance in Classroom Tests
Moises Kirk De Carvalho Filho
Psychology Department

By using real classroom evaluations in two studies, the effects of metacognitive ability (high vs. low) and test type (multiple-choice vs. short-answer) on students' performances and monitoring processes in individual and in collaborative tests were investigated. Moreover, it was also assessed whether those effects would change over the duration of one academic term. Results reveal that 1) compared to their counterparts, high-metacognitive students presented more effective test preparation practices and attributional and regulatory processes. As a result, they presented better test performances and online monitoring; 2) over time, students' performances and monitoring processes varied in specific patterns according to the type of test being taken; and 3) collaborative testing had particular positive effects on groups of low-metacognitive students. Only the accuracy scores of groups composed of two low-metacognitive students showed a significant improvement from the first to the second short-answer tests. Consequently, their performances also improved. Results are discussed focusing on the educational implications of the interaction of those factors and how it might determine how much students can learn from test-taking experiences.

The Vision and Praxis of Nothingness and Unity in the Spirituality of Chiara Lubich
Lolita L. Castillo
Theology and Religious Education Department

This is a qualitative inquiry using a descriptive and evaluative methodology which takes into account the spiritual, theological, and pedagogical dimensions. Unity and nothingness are the key elements of the vision and praxis in Chiara Lubich's spirituality. These elements are both human and supernatural realities. Nothingness in Lubich's spirituality is "Jesus Forsaken." When people love one another in the measure of Jesus Forsaken, or being nothing, they experience unity-the presence of Jesus in them and among them. Jesus Forsaken is the apex of love. Love, in Lubich's paradigm, is like a light that passes through a drop of water and is turned into a rainbow, producing seven different colors and reflections while remaining light. Therefore, the seven colors are aspects of one reality. These different aspects, which are active in people's lives, are all important and interdependent. The seven aspects are as follows: Red-Communion of Spiritual and Material Goods; Orange-Witness and Diffusion; Yellow-Union with God and Prayer Life; Green-Natural World and Physical Life; Blue-Harmony and Environment; Indigo-Wisdom and Study; and Violet-Communication and Unity. All seven aspects have a divine and human dimension, and when lived concretely, can be a means for dialogue among churches and religions. This is a fourth kind of dialogue called the "dialogue of life," which is the major contribution of Lubich for the Church in the third millennium. Furthermore, the seven-color framework can be utilized as dimensions of holistic living for the religious and values education of individuals, particularly the youth of all cultures and religions.

The De La Salle University Story Volume I: The Early Years
Cirilo F. Bautista
Literature Department

The De La Salle University Story - The Early Years is part of a book about the history of De La Salle University. It provides a focused narrative structure to the story, clarifies certain areas of disagreement among the other books written about the early years of De La Salle College and the milieu in which the school emerged and by which it was influenced, creating the appropriate atmosphere for a better appreciation of the events.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Analysis of Selected Philippine Vanda Species and Related Orchids
Surya Krishna Manohar
Biology Department

The orchid genus Vanda belongs to the largest family of flowering plants-the Orchidaceae-many of which are endemic to the Philippines. There are over 900 species of orchids in the country, representing almost ten percent of the entire flora. Orchids grow in the wild as terrestrial plants or epiphytes, and are collected or cultivated by enthusiasts and growers. They are economically important as part of the cut flower industry. Although orchids have been studied for a very long time, the taxonomy of orchids is in a constant flux because it is currently based generally on morphological characters. Partly due to the strong heterozygosity displayed by them, large variations occur among species, creating confusion regarding taxonomical status. The situation becomes complicated because orchids can breed easily with other species within the same genus or with those of closely-related genera, giving rise to hybrids. Such hybrids often show habit and growth behavior similar to other species, thus adding to the confusion. This has led to different versions of classifications and relationships among the orchids.

Recent advances using molecular techniques like isozyme analysis, Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) have contributed to understanding phylogenetic relationships among the orchid groups. Since these techniques rely on genomic information rather than the morphologic, they are seen to be more useful in studying relationships. With the available resources, this study focused on selected members of the Philippine Vanda and related species, as well as one "new" as yet unidentified vandaceous species collected from Cotabato, in order to study genetic relationships using the RAPD technique. The main objective was to obtain preliminary genomic data to be able to assess the relationships among the different species of the Philippine Vanda and its related species (namely: V. lamellata, V. merillii, V. luzonica, V. ustii, V. roeblingiana, V. javierae, V. sanderiana syn. Euanthe, and related species like Trichoglottis, Ascocentrum, Euanthe, and Renanthera).

The genomic DNA was extracted from leaf samples using the modified CTAB method and RAPD was performed using PCR Core System I kit (Invitrogen) in a thermocycler (MJ Research PTC100) using fourteen different Operon primers. The optimized reaction conditions were: 50 µl reaction volume, containing 1x PCR buffer, 4 mM MgCl2 , 400 µM of dNTPs, 1 µM Operon Primer, 1 to 2 U of Taq Polymerase Enzyme and 25-50 ng of sample genomic DNA. The amplified DNA fragments were run on a 1% agarose gel (1X TAE buffer), stained with ethydium bromide, and visualized under UV illumination. Out of the fourteen Operon primers used in this study, only two (OPU 5 and OPU 12) generated amplified bands in the reactions. The gel pictures were documented and the RAPD bands were analyzed using the RAPDistance 1.04 software.

The genetic distances as seen by the dendrogram generated by RAPDistance 1.04 broadly agreed with the general classification. Closeness of Ascocentrum as well as that of Vanda Sanderiana alba syn Euanthe to the vandas is evident. This observation supports the view that V. sanderiana is indeed closely related to the vandas and possibly does not merit a separate monotypic genus Euanthe. The result of this study confirms for the first time the position of the "new" tentatively identified Vanda species collected from Cotabato, since it groups with Vanda merrilli, V. luzonica, and Ascocentrum aurantiacum. Thus, it also clears the initial doubtful identity as being a vandaceous species based on habit and morphology alone. However, the dendrogram shows that while strap-leaved Trichoglottis agusanensis groups with the V. merrilli, V. sanderiana, V. luzonica, and the related Ascocentrum aurantiacum, it is to be noted that T. brachiata (with short oblong-elliptic leaves) groups separately. It shows closer relatedness to V. lamellata var. boxalli, V. ustii, and Renanthera monachica, all strap-leaved. Further study of populations with a wide range of Operon primers resulting in many RAPD markers is needed to evaluate and expound further relationships among the members.

In conclusion, the genomic RAPD data can reveal relationships between different taxa and can serve as an additional method of determining and verifying phylogenetic relationships (and hence taxonomic positions ) of species, especially of those whose relationships are in doubt.

DNA Markers for Capsicum Species Found in the Philippines
Nancy Lazaro-Llanos
Chemistry Department

Molecular markers were established for five Capsicum species found in the Philippines. The DNA from the leaves of Capsicum annum and Capsicum frutescens were successfully isolated using the modified CTAB Method. This is a suitable method for plant DNA isolation because it can reduce plant cell contaminants such as polysaccharides and secondary metabolites, which can interfere in extracting pure DNA. The presence of DNA from the Capsicum isolates was verified by agarose gel electrophoresis. The concentration and purity of the DNA were determined by evaluating the relative absorbance at ?260/280 by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The isolated DNA samples were digested by restriction enzymes EcoR1, HindIII, and EcoR1/HindIII mixture, and the resulting fragments were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The bands were stained with ethidium bromide, viewed under ultraviolet light, and recorded with a digital camera. With the DigiGenius SynGene Tools Software, the total DNA and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP's) were analyzed.

The molecular weights of the DNA from Capsicum annum, Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum frutescens L, Capsicum frutescens var. and Capsicum annum var. longum were 527.95, 507.41, 323.65, 363.02 and 277.21 kilobase pairs (kbp), respectively. The variation in fragmentation patterns of Capsicum annum and Capsicum frutescens was principally due to the difference in size and base composition of their DNA.

The RFLPs generated can serve as a fingerprint to distinguish Capsicum species. More precisely, unknown samples of DNA may be run simultaneously with the known samples as standards, and the RFLPs compared in order to assess a close or exact match. Molecular markers are important tools in taxonomic classification. Results from this research is also valuable in the fields of biotechnology, genetic engineering, and food technology.

Environmental Fate of Selected Agricultural Pesticides in Lowland Rice Fields of Central Luzon
Ferdinand F. Fajardo
Chemistry Department

The dissipation of butachlor in soils of varying past herbicide experience was studied. Butachlor dissipation and its leaching behavior were tested on soils that had been treated with this compound for a year or less, five, fifteen, and greater than twenty years.

The DT50 of butachlor under the different soil conditions were estimated by manual interpolation (MI) using absolute values or actual herbicide concentration. At higher application rate, i.e., at 20 ppm, butachlor tended to stay longer in old soils compared to virgin soils or young soils. At lower rate, 5 ppm, the trend was similar, i.e., butachlor dissipated faster in younger soils (virgin and intermediate soils).

The leaching of butachlor was limited to the second soil layer, i.e., 1-2 cm anaerobic layer. This may indicate that butachlor is not highly mobile under lowland conditions.

Structural Studies of Chemical Isolates and Synthesis Products by X-ray Diffraction: The Crystal Structures of [Ru(dppe)Cp*C6I(CN)4·½(C6H6)], [Ru(dppe)Cp*C6I(CN)4·½(C2H5OC2H5)], and [Ru(dppe)Cp*C4(CN)4]
Wyona C. Patalinghug
Chemistry Department

The crystal structures of [Ru(dppe)Cp*C6I(CN)4·½(C6H6)], I; [Ru(dppe)Cp*C6I(CN)4·½ (C2H50C2H5)], II; and [Ru(dppe)Cp*C4(CN)4], III, were solved by single crystal x-ray diffraction at 150(2) K using a Bruker SMART CCD diffractometer.

I and II are isomorphous crystallizing in space group P? with 2 molecules per asymmetric unit. The cell parameters for I: a = 15.706(2) Å, b = 16.891(2) Å, c = 17.669(2) Å; = 100.360(2)°, = 102.755(2)°, = 98.698(2)°, V = 4407.3(9) Å3, Z = 4; for II: a = 15.786(3) Å, b = 16.885(3) Å, c = 17.620(3) Å, = 100.30(3)°, = 102.62(3)°, = 99.80(3)°, V = 4400.8(18) Å3, Z= 4. Residual benzene solvent molecules are found in I while residual diethylether solvent molecules are found in II. Crystal III crystallized in the space group P21/n with cell parameters: = 13.362(3) Å, = 17.193(3) Å, = 16.114(3) Å; = 98.96(3)°, V= 3656.7(13) Å3, Z = 4. All non-hydrogen atoms were refined anisotropically. Hydrogen atoms were located at geometrically calculated positions. Final cycles of full-matrix least squares refinement converged at R and wR values of I, 0.047, 0.066; II, 0.054, 0.069; III 0.059, 0.073, respectively. All structures exhibit distorted octahedral geometry about the Ru center. The P atoms of dppe are coordinated to Ru at a distance ranging from 2.27 Å to 2.30 Å. The distance of Ru to the C of the acetylenic chain is about 1.9 Å. The Cp* ring sits atop the Ru at a distance of about 1.9 Å away as defined by the plane of Cp*. Bond lengths and angles of the dppe, Cp*, and the acetylenic carbon chain as well as those of the cyano groups are normal.

Utilization of Quaternary Ammonium-Cation-Modified Birnessite-Type Manganese Oxide (OL-1) as Sorbent of Organic Pollutants
Elaine N. Tolentino
Chemistry Department

The efficacy of quaternary ammonium cation (QAC) - modified birnessite-type material as sorbent of organic pollutants by Gas Chromatography (GC) using solid phase microextraction (SDME) technique was evaluated. Birnessite-type manganese oxide was synthesized. The structure of this octahedral layered manganese oxide (Na-OL-l) was verified by Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD). An interlayer spacing of approximately 10 Å was observed, which is the diagnostic peak of buserite-type material, the hydrated form of birnessite-type manganese oxide. The cation-exchange capacity (CEC) of this material after ion-exchange with tetramethylammonium cation (TMA+) as determined by Atomic Adsorption Spectroscopy (AAS) reached as high as 140.66 meq/100 g Na-OL-l. The Na-OL-l was then modified with varying concentrations of TMA+ and HDTMA+ (hexadecyltrimethylammonium cation) surfactants. The XRD profiles of TMA-OL-l and HDTMA-OL-l show a topotactic ion-exchange reaction. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) provided evidence on the incorporation of TMA+ and HDTMA+ into the birnessite-type framework. Further characterization of Na-OL-l and its modified counterparts by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) was done.

To evaluate the performance of the materials as sorbents of organic pollutants, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) in 10% aqueous methanol was allowed to equilibrate with Na-OL-l and QAC-modified OL-l. The amount of 1,2,4-TCB sorbed on these sorbents was extracted by headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and quantitatively determined by GC using standard calibration method. Sorption capacity of OL-l and QAC-modified-OL-l was assessed based on sorption partition coefficient, Kd of TCB. The obtained Kd values revealed the appreciable sorption capacity of OL-l. Higher Kd values were obtained for the QAC-modified materials, exemplifying enhanced sorption capacity of these modified materials.

Isolation, Structural Elucidation, and Antimicrobial Assay of Secondary Metabolites from Six Philippine Medicinal Plants
Consolacion Y. Ragasa
Chemistry Department

New Iridoids from Gardenia augusta
The dicloromethane extract of the air-dried flowers of Gardenia augusta afforded a new iridoid natural product (1), and a diastereomeric mixture of two new iridoids (2a and 2b) in a 2:1 ratio. Their structures were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Antimicrobial tests on (1) indicated that it was moderately active against C. albicans; slightly active against E. coli, P.aeruginosa, S. aureus, and T. mentagrophytes; and inactive against B. subtilis and A. niger.

Terpenoids from Tithonia diversifolia
The air-dried flowers of Tithonia diversifolia, commonly known as native sunflower, afforded tagitinin C (1), fatty acid esters of faradiol (2), squalene (3), and a mixture (1:2) of stigmasterol (4) and sitosterol (5). The structure of 1 was elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, while the structures of 2-5 were deduced by a comparison of their 1H and 13C NMR spectral data with those found in the literature. Antimicrobial tests on (1) indicated that it was moderately active against S. aureus and C. albicans; slightly active against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and T. mentagrophytes; and inactive against B. subtilis and A. niger.

Terpenoids and Sterol from Pteridium aquilinum and Bryophyllum pinnatum
The air-dried leaves of Pteridium aquilinum and Bryophyllum pinnatum afforded stigmast-4-6?-ol-3-one (1). The structure of (1) was elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. P. aquilinum also afforded lutein, ?-carotene, and phytol, while B. pinnatum also afforded lutein and squalene. The structures of these compounds were identified by comparison of their NMR spectral data with those reported in the literature. Antimicrobial tests on (1) indicated that it has low antifungal activity against C. albicans, A. niger, and T. mentagrophytes and low antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa. It was inactive against E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis.

Secondary metabolites from Stenolobium stans
The air-dried flowers of Stenolobium stans afforded a new fatty acid cinnamate ester (1), and a mixture of stigmasterol and sitosterol in a 1:1 ratio. The structure of (1) was elucidated by NMR analysis and confirmed by MS.

On Distances of Self-dual Codes and Type II Codes Over Z2 x Z2
Ederlina G. Nocon
Mathematics Department

Some studies made on codes over some finite abelian groups were mainly focused on duality and the construction of some Type II codes based on the duality maps [7], [9], [8]. These papers were based on the works of E. Bannai [1]. After determining the dualities of the group whose elements are the alphabets of a code and their corresponding weight functions, one interesting quest is to determine distance functions that can be applied to the code. Among the known distance functions used for codes over fields and rings are Hamming distance, Lee distance, and Euclidean distance.

This research, however, deals with another distance function induced by the presentation of the group Z2 x Z2. With the two dualities identified in [8] of this group and their corresponding weight functions, the researcher wishes to focus on certain codes of length n < 8 with distance d < 4. The study is focused on self-dual codes and Type II codes. The main tool in defining distance is the graph of the group (or color group) Z2 x Z2, which is based on its three possible presentations. Some properties of these codes are to be taken into consideration based on two dualities (P1, P2), their corresponding weight functions, and the three distance functions induced from these presentations. More emphasis however, is given to P2 since the codes studied here could easily be identified with ordinary binary codes (by applying the "flattering map") so that P1 is merely the duality associated with the usual inner product.

 

Mathematics Library Package for NUMENLA (Numerical Analysis) Subject
Angelyn Lao
Mathematics Department

This is a project constructing a built-in package for the Numerical Analysis subject, with course code NUMENLA, of the Mathematics Department of De La Salle University-Manila. The library package software uses the application software Mathematica. The library package includes the built-in programming code of Mathematica for some of the concepts taught in NUMENLA and the computation of roots using the Bisection Method, Secant Method, Newton's Method, etc. While in the computation of numerical solutions of linear solution, the Gaussian Elimination Method, Gauss-Jacobi Method, Matrix Factorization Method, and Gauss-Seidel Method were included. Lastly, under the computation of interpolation, Divided Differences, and Newton's Forward Differences were included in the package program.

Linking Teaching Beliefs to Classroom Practice: A Profile of Three Physics Teachers
Voltaire M. Mistades
Physics Department

The study looks at beliefs about teaching Physics held by three faculty members of the Physics Department, College of Science, De La Salle University-Manila and determines how many of these beliefs find their way into actual classroom practice. Using the Maryland Physics Expectations Survey (MPEX), teachers' predispositions and assumptions were documented. Classroom observation data, using the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP), formed the "classroom practice" component of the study. These data are valuable input into a possible framework in teaching collegiate-level Physics in the Philippines.

Design and Fabrication of an AC Magnetic Susceptometer for Bulk Superconductors
Gil Nonato C. Santos
Physics Department

An AC magnetic susceptometer was fabricated using the Labjack data acquisition and locally-available materials. The instrument was developed in particular for superconductor bulk materials with Tc's of 70 K and above. The sample holder with an inner diameter at 1.3 cm and a height of 1.2 cm was made from hard plastic to ensure non-breakage when submerged in liquid nitrogen. Five standard superconductor samples were loaded at the fabricated sample holder with size 1.3 cm in diameter and 0.2 cm in thickness.

The study used five samples to ensure an adequate magnetic field signal. Based on the height of the number of samples, the number of turns was established at 260 turns, which has a resistance of 50 ohms, using a copper wire gauge #38. A thermocouple wire of type K was inserted above the sample holder's cap to measure the sample's temperature in millivolts. Both the susceptibility probe and the thermocouple were connected to the Labjack data acquisition system for real time measurements of the induced voltage and temperature in millivolts. Using Microsoft Excel, calculations and graphing of resistance versus temperature and Susceptibility ( ) versus temperature were obtained by varying the attenuation of the Signal generator from 30 to 50-db. Results show that at 50-db, a Tc of 112 K was obtained, comparable to the standard Tc of 110 K.

 

Environmental Sustainability Practices in Selected Institutions of Higher Education in Metropolitan Manila and Vicinity
Jose Santos R. Carandang VI
Biology Department

A study of the environmental sustainability practices in selected institutions of higher education in the Philippines was conducted from May 25, 2000 to July 27, 2001. The ten institutions invited to participate were: 1) Adamson University, 2) Ateneo de Manila University, 3) De La Salle University-Manila, 4) De La Salle University-College of St. Benilde, 5) De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, 6) Miriam College, 7) St. Scholastica's College, 8) Philippine Women's University, 9) University of the Philippines-Los Baños, and 10) University of Santo Tomas. These institutions are all members of the Philippine Association of Tertiary Level Educational Institutions in Environmental Education and Management (PATLEPAM).

The project consisted of three phases: 1) Preliminary Phase; 2) Environmental Assessment and "Best Practices" Phase; and 3) Dissemination of Results and Action Plan Phase.

During the preliminary phase, the first workshop, hosted by the University of Santo Tomas on May 25, 2000, was convened to discuss the objectives and purpose of the project. Here, the investigator and his collaborator, Dr. Robert Taylor of Montclair State University, discussed the rationale and the objectives of the study. The group decided to use the "Campus Sustainability Indicators Snapshot and Guide" Dr. Taylor had prepared as the survey instrument for the project.

Right after the first workshop, the project moved towards the second phase, the Environmental Assessment and the "Best Practices" Phase. During the next six months, the coordinators of each participating campus were tasked to conduct an assessment of the sustainability practices in their own institutions and to identify the best practices observed. A second workshop, hosted by Miriam College, was held on November 28, 2000. In this workshop, the campus coordinators reported the identified best practices and challenges faced by their respective institutions.

In the third phase, each campus coordinator was tasked to prepare an Action Plan on specific projects or initiatives that will be undertaken. These action plans and other items of common interest in the consortium were discussed during the third workshop hosted by Adamson University on July 27, 2001. Results of the campus self-assessment reports were also discussed.

Due to various reasons, not all of the participating institutions were able to submit a complete report. At the time of the writing of this report, only three, De La Salle University-Manila, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, and Miriam College had been able to submit their campus self assessment report, but a total of seven institutions had been able to submit their list of "best practices."

The results suggest that in all of the surveyed HEIs, systems are already in place for sustainable practices. Offices and their responsibilities related to issues pertaining to each of the selected indicators have been clearly identified. The implementation of programs is facilitated when the necessary administrative and academic structures are available. The best practices are more frequently reported for the more "visible" indicators (i.e. Food Service, Transportation, and Curriculum), while little attention is given to Procurement. The ranking of the other factors-New Structure/Renovations, Indoor Air Quality, Energy, Solid Waste, Landscape, and Water/Sewerage-does not vary much from each other.

Apparently, some HEIs still use sustainability as theoretical or as disconnected from reality. There are those who fail to recognize the institutional benefits that may result from pursuing sustainable development. Moreover, many also fail to recognize that the examples they set may be the most influential to the lives of the students. To attain campus sustainability, Philippine colleges and universities, including DLSU-Manila, would require careful reconsideration of campus operations and curriculum and how these two are related. Improved efficiency in our use of materials and energy is necessary to minimize the environmental impacts resulting from the operation of large multi-structured complex academic institutions and to reduce economic costs. Improving the curriculum is important to provide the students with analytical tools and practical skills necessary to solve the ever-growing ecological and population problems. Hopefully, the workshops conducted during this study had helped relay this message.

Furthermore, environmental education groups such as the PATLEPAM and the Environmental Outreach Network (EON) can continue serving as venues through which other HEIs can be encouraged to pursue sustainability goals by modeling successful initiatives and disseminating results. A follow-up study on a larger group, including HEIs from other regions of the country, can be designed to monitor specific results of the present study. These will give us a wider perspective of campus environmental sustainability in the Philippine setting.

The Complete Graphs and the Tetrahedron Algebra
Arlene A. Pascasio
Mathematics Department

Recently, Hartwig and Terwilliger defined a Lie algebra by generators and relations and called it the Tetrahedron algebra. In this story, we exhibit an action of the Tetrahedron algebra on the standard module of the complete graph on n vertices where n 3 3. This is part of a joint project with Paul Terwilliger, which aims to show that the Hamming graph supports a module structure for the Tetrahedron algebra.

Isolation, Structure, Elucidation, and Antimicrobial Assay of Secondary Metabolites from Three Philippine Medicinal Plants
Consolacion Y. Ragasa
Chemistry Department

Antimicrobial Terpenoids from Lansium domesticum
Consolacion Y. Ragasa, Pamela Labrador and John A. Rideout
The Philippine Agricultural Scientist. 89(1), 101-105, 2006

The air-dried fruit peel of Lansium domesticum Correa afforded five onoceroid triterpenes: 3b-hydroxyononera-8(26), 14-dien-21-one (1), a,g-onoceradienedione (2), lansiolic acid (3), lansionic acid (4), and lansioside C (5), while the air-dried seeds afforded (3) and germacrene D (6).

Antimicrobial tests on 1-6 gave the following results: (2) has high activity P. aeruginosa, while (1), (3), (4), and (5) have moderate activities against this microorganism. (5) and (4) have moderate and low activities against B. subtilis, respectively, while (3) and (5) have low activities against S. aureus. All the compounds tested have moderate activities against C. albicans and A. niger, and low activities against T. mentagrophytes.

Antimicrobial Compounds from Artocarpus heterophyllus
Consolacion Y. Ragasa, Karen Jorvina and John A. Rideout
Philippine Journal of Science, 133(2), 97-101, 2004

The freeze-dried unripe fruit of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam., common name: langka, afforded cycloartenone (1), cycloartenol (2), and a diastereomeric mixture of 2,3-butanediols (3a) and (3b) in a 3:1 ratio. Antimicrobial tests on 1-3 indicated that (1) has low activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and T. mentagrophytes, and moderate activity against C. albicans and A. niger. It is inactive against S. aureus and B. subtilis. (2) has no antibacterial activity and low antifungal activity. The diastereomeric mixture of (3) exhibited high activity against P. aeruginosa, moderate activity against C. albicans, and low activity against S. aureus, T. mentagrophytes and A. niger. (3) has the same activity as the standard antibiotic against P. aeruginosa.

Triterpenoids from Chrysanthemum morifolium
Consolacion Y. Ragasa, Floren Tiu and John A. Rideout
Asian Coordinating Group for Chemistry Chemical Research Communications
18, 11-17, 2005

The flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium afforded mixtures of the C-3 palmitate and myristate esters (3:2) of maniladiol (1), the C-3 palmitate and myristate esters (3:2) of heliantriol C (2),s and fatty acid esters (1:1) faradiol (3) and arnidiol (4). The structures of (1) and (2) were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR analyses and MS, while (3) and (4) were identified by comparison of their 1H NMR spectral data with those found in the literature. Traces of the stearate esters of (1) and (2) were also detected by MS. Antimicrobial tests indicated that (1) has moderate activity against Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, low activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Candida albicans, and Bacillus subtilis, and inactive against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Compound (2) has moderate activity against A. niger, and low activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus; it is inactive against B. subtilis and E. coli.

Synthesis and Characterization of a New Conducting Polymer µ-cyano 1,2-Naphthalocyaninato Cobalt (III)
Elaine N. Tolentino
Eduardo Gacho
Chemistry Department

Evidence for the synthesis of the CN-bridged 1,2-NcCo species is presented in this paper as shown by IR and Mass Spectrometry. Additional confirmation of the existence of the CN-bridged moiety is the generation of the mixed-ligand species 1,2NcCo(CN) (pyridine) as verified by the mass spectra. The undoped oligomer exhibits semiconducting property with room temperature pellet conductivity of x10-6 s/cm, which is about 5 orders of magnitude higher than the corresponding monomer, 10-11 s/cm.