bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic management of postoperative bleeding
Authors: Ryou Sung Hyeok , Bang Ki Bae
Published: November 2023

Postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare but serious complication that can lead to prolonged hospitalization and significant morbidity and mortality. It can be managed by reoperation, endoscopy, or radiological intervention. Although reoperation carries risks, particularly in critically ill postoperative patients, minimally invasive interventions, such as endoscopy or radiological intervention, confer advantages. Endoscopy allows localization of the bleeding focus and hemostatic management at the same time. Although there have been concerns regarding the potential risk of creating an anastomotic disruption or perforation during early postoperative endoscopy, endoscopic management has become more popular over time. However, there is currently no consensus on the best endoscopic management for postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding because most practices are based on retrospective case series. Furthermore, there is a wide range of individual complexities in anatomical and clinical settings after surgery. This review focused on the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic management in various surgical settings.
Impact of Talent Management on Employee Performance in Construction Industry of Eastern Nepal
Authors: Timsina Paribesh , Jha Priyanka Kumari
Published: November 2023

The construction industry requires competent and skilled talent to achieve set milestones. Talent management is a human resource strategy designed to attract, develop, and retain manpower. This study aims to explore the impact of talent management on employee performance in the construction industry. The three factors of talent management strategies taken into consideration for this study are training and development, talent retention strategies, and performance management systems. A simple random sampling technique was used to distribute questionnaires to working professionals in Province 1. Linear regression analysis was used to find the correlation between talent management strategies and employee performance. The findings revealed that talent retention strategies and performance management systems significantly affect employee performance in the construction industry, while training and development moderately affect employee performance. The dependent variables were correlated with R2 values of 0.816, 0.793, and 0.549 for talent retention strategies, performance management systems, and training and development, respectively. All independent variables were correlated with an R2 value of 0.896. Succession planning, career development, management feedback, and employee appraisal were identified as key factors in achieving standard quality output in the construction industry. This study highlights the importance of talent management strategies in enhancing employee performance in the construction industry. The findings suggest that organizations should focus on talent retention strategies and performance management systems to improve employee performance. Keywords: training and development, talent retention strategies, performance management system, employee performance
Application of Information Technology in Construction : A Case from Nepal
Authors: Aryal Bindu , Chapagain Devendra , Dhakal Bhawani , Aryal Binod
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to identify the functions of information technology (IT) in the development of the construction industry in Chitwan and Nawalparasi. The study utilized a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire survey administered to ten contractors and ten consultants in the area. The survey included remarks about how IT is used in the construction industry, and four areas of IT use in construction were established. The identified outcomes were evaluated using Relative Importance Index (RII) and Ranking. The study found that the operational level, design level, and official level of management were the three most important levels of management by the relative importance index analysis. The mobile phone, laptop, and desktop computer were the primary hardware devices utilized on-site, and Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and Word were determined to be the most important applications used in site administration. The study concluded that IT is a critical tool for the administration and management of construction projects. The findings of this study are consistent with other research that highlights the importance of IT in the construction industry. Information technology is streamlining operations in the construction sector, improving construction quality and safety measures, and maximizing efficiency and reliance on data in construction. The adoption of data-driven technologies such as building information modeling (BIM) is transforming the construction industry. Modern technologies and construction software are helping to control the information and disseminate it so it can be available and useful to project teams. Overall, the use of IT in the construction industry is becoming increasingly important, and its benefits are clear. Keywords: construction, data, industry, information technology (IT), RII index
Design and Optimization of PV/T Solar Collector System Suitable for Local Climate Conditions in Türkiye - İran
Authors: Rezaeizadeh Rezvan , Şahin İlknur , Hançerlioğulları Aybaba
Published: November 2023

This study implements this concept by using a new roof-mounted PV multi-reflection panel, which not only increases the power output of the PV panel, but most importantly, the aesthetic aspect is a major barrier to large-scale uptake of PV/T. We developed it by considering the production planning of the industrial, expecting our model to determine each optimum production level. This model is based on a mixed binary-continuous linear optimization problem. The flow variables are continuous and the decision variables can be sales and purchases in the markets and gas purchases. We extracted the extra earnings and generate by comparing the situations that interact with the electricity markets and those that do not. In this study, it is aimed to develop an alternative system to the inefficient conventional building energy production and space heating systems, which are widely used in Türkiye, and to ensure that the developed technology has wide usage areas. The reason of rapid development of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar collector technologies, which are not yet known in the world and not used in R&D industrial applications, is to provide solutions to the industrial and social difficulties in the field of energy with Türkiye and İran, which has a close climate, by providing commercial value. In this way, it contributes to the industrial and economic development of both countries by creating new employment opportunities. Thus, private investment in innovative research in the field of solar and other renewable energy systems contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions by the two neighbouring powerful states and to the solution of problems related to energy security, climate change and increased energy consumption. In the study, more heat than heated PV panels using the high thermal conductivity of the fluids, which achieved 14% improvement in electricity production with the withdrawal of Fe2O4 nanofluid. Since the amount of heat absorbed in the thermal system is high, there is an increase in the average 10.4% temperature (∆T) hot fluid temperature compared to the base fluid water was obtained in Fe2O4 nanofluid. For this reason, it is to integrate a power-generating PV panel and a solar thermal heating panel within the same collection surface.
Study on Vegetation Composition in Broadleaved and Coniferous Plantations, Bibiyanlou’s Forest Park, Astara, Iran
Authors: Salahi Towhid , Pourbabaei Hassan , Ghodskhah Mehrdad , Salahi Maziar , Karamzadeh Sarkhosh
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate vegetation composition in hardwood and conifers Plantation in 220 ha of Pinus taeda and alder and poplar hardwood plantation and its comparison with natural forests in Bibiyanlu protected forest park at Astara. A total of 60 sampling plots of 1000 m2 by randomly-systematic method using 150 × 150 m grid in plantation and 200 × 200 m in natural forest was implemented. Rosaceae and Aspidiaceae family had the highest species richness in the study area, respectively. The results of the classification of life forms based on Rankayer method showed that Hemicryptophytes and Phanerophytes with total of 67% were the important in the area. Studying the geographical distribution of plants showed that the most species belongs to Europe - Siberian in the study area. To study the biodiversity, Shannon - Wiener diversity index, Simpson's index, Hill evenness index and richness indices were used. The results of this research showed that there are significant difference for diversity and richness indices between natural forest and plantation. Diversity and richness indices in natural forest were more than Taeda pine, Poplar and Alnus plantation.
Carbon Emission and Urban Climate in Georgia
Authors: Lortkipanidze Roza , Iakobashvili Giorgi , Chachkhiani-Anasashvili Nunu , Tskipurishvili Rusudan
Published: November 2023

The GHG indicator based on the data collected in Georgia in 2015 was 17.6 mt. CO2 eq. GHG emissions are generated in 7 sectors: energy generation, transportation, construction, industry, agriculture, waste management and Forestry. Increase of CO2 in Georgia is greatly affected by urban activities- namely exhaust fumes and poor quality of fuel. 10% of carbon dioxide in atmosphere is combustion product. All atmosphere protection operations in Georgia are regulated in the frameworks of official state program, which groups all the emissions connected with energetics, climate strategy and transport through sectors. In 2015 total GHG emission in the sector of transportation was up to 24% (Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, 2019). In previous years (2015) transportation GHG emission was up to 68% in total. Various types of transportation data: car emission-88%, bus emission 5% and minibus emission-6%. 32% of emission falls on railway and agricultural technology. 29% falls on trucks. Characteristics of transportation GHG emissions data in Georgia up to 2023 remains the following: electricity is mostly consumed by the railway, which includes Tbilisi underground train service. Expense is only 1% of electricity. Considering basic data collected in the sector of agriculture, by 2030 increase in Agricultural emission will probably be about 40% more compared to the initial data. That is 4.63 mt. CO2 eq. Within livestock, ruminant livestock remains main source of emissions, that is in 2015 92% of Enteric fermentation emission and 82% of emission was due to dung waste emission. These forms still remain as main sources of emission till 2030. Agricultural development is of high priority in Georgia. Strategically, main focus will be made on forming and launching the climate-oriented agricultural practices. In the future sustainable business will be the chief foundation determining a reasonable growth and development of the field of agriculture. Considering the climate change, drastic measures should be taken in order to prevent or avoid natural disasters. Vivid example of the climate change is a tragic disaster that happened in one of the regions of Georgia, Ratcha, Shovi on the 3rd of August, 2023. As a result of landslide several tons of mass almost completely covered resort Shovi. 220 people were rescued, 30 died and rescuers are searching for more victims. As survivors claim, landslide covered the surrounding area of so-called “Cottage district” in just 3-4 seconds, ruining all the infrastructure, bridges and caused death of several people. The natural disaster was a result of melting glaciers both locally and in the oceans worldwide. Global warming is responsible for such devastating disasters.
An Analysis on the Impact of Spatial Structure Factors on Travel Behavior in Tabriz City with a Low Carbon City Approach
Authors: Ghorbani Rasoul , Golamhossaini Rahim , Alizadeh Somayeh
Published: November 2023

With the growth of the city population and the intensity of human activities in them, air pollution in cities has become one of the major issues in urban development, which affects both the quality of life of city residents and the global environment by affecting global warming. This has made the reduction of carbon production in cities an important issue at the global level and has led to the development and expansion of the low-carbon city approach at the global level. The purpose of this article is to study the relationship between the spatial structure of the city and the travel behavior of Tabriz residents and its role in reducing carbon production. In order to achieve this goal, in this article, the effects of spatial structure components of Tabriz city on travel behavior have been investigated. Two Moran models and geographic weighted regression method have been used to set and process the research data. The results of Moran's model show that Moran's index reaches its highest value in the variable of access to bus stations and metro stations, and has the lowest value in the indicators of the mix land uses and access to the commercial center of the city. These two variables mostly have a random pattern and their spatial autocorrelation is very weak, and the distribution pattern of the mentioned variable generally has spatial clustering. Also, the results of the geographic weighted regression method show that the two factors of the mix land use and access to commercial centers have the highest correlation with the use of cars for travel (R2=4.04) and access to metro stations in Tabriz metropolis due to the low expansion of metro routes. It has a small effect on traveling by car (R2=4.20). Based on research findings; With the balanced distribution of commercial cores at the level of urban neighborhoods and the appropriate mix of land uses, city managers can greatly reduce car travel and increase the use of bicycles and pedestrians at the level of neighborhoods and urban areas for traveling. Also, by improving the level of public transportation services, the dependence on cars for city trips in Tabriz will be reduced. thus, the amount of carbon production will be reduced in city of Tabriz.
Effective Soil and Plant Management Practices for Increasing Soil Organic-Carbon Stocks
Authors: Öztaş Taşkın
Published: November 2023

Due to its multifunctional characteristics; soil organic matter has great importance not only for soil fertility by providing many plant nutrients, increasing plant available water and microbial activity, but also for structural improvement of soil by creating stable aggregates. However, the existence of this valuable resource is rapidly decreasing in Turkish soils, as in many other geographical regions of the World, mainly due to land use/land cover changes and high rates of soil erosion. In terms of drought and desertification, which are the most obvious negative effects of climate change, Türkiye is among the high-risk countries. One of the most important threats to soil functions, which are directly related to climate change-related crop production, is the loss of soil organic matter. Soil degradation due to organic matter loss that threaten the food, energy and water security of human beings in today's world, carries the risk of becoming more prominent and destructive on the axis of global-scale climate change and oppressive and unsustainable management practices on natural resources. However, it is clear that with the sustainable management of soil, which is known as the biggest organic carbon stock pool of terrestrial ecosystems, it plays a key role in minimizing the negative effects of climate change. The carbon storage capacity of soil depends on the local climate and existing land cover at the upper scale, but it also affected by solum depth, soil parent material, soil moisture and soil temperature regime, and the most importantly by soil and plant management practices. In other words, the factor that creates variability and has the opportunity to change is the human-induced soil/plant management factor. Increasing organic-C stocks in the soil is directly related to the balancing of land degradation and the effectiveness of the implementation of sustainable land and forest management strategies. In this context; minimizing erosion losses for all land use types and preventing misuse of lands, and especially in agricultural areas where organic carbon loss is manageable, dissemination of ecosystem-oriented - regenerative agriculture and climate-friendly agricultural techniques, application of reduced, minimum or zero tillage systems, adding plant residues and organic inputs into the soil have very important places. This paper describes the effective ways of increasing soil organic carbon stocks in soil with different aspects.
Ethical Value Issues in Corporate Sustainability Reports
Authors: Yıldız Murat
Published: November 2023

This study aims to reveal the current ethical issues raised by corporate sustainability reports. Many texts such as the Paris Agreement, the European Green Deal, carbon regulations at the border, which have started to play a very important role in the economic and social pattern of the world, have been affecting daily lives of individuals across the countries. Beyond migrations, droughts and natural disasters, the armless war of the new millennium is a struggle for the civilization forced by these agreements. In addition to the European Union, which is gradually increasing its pressure on both member countries and suppliers within the framework of climate scenarios with the directives it has issued on impact value and due diligence, the USA is also making its own regulations binding for everyone. In addition to the scenarios of combating climate change, these two main economic powers also need different fictions that can sustain the social and economic comfort within their borders. In particular, the exponential growth of migration will be accompanied by the danger of disrupting the structure of the global economy, production, and the distribution of labor. While the EU considers the reporting of the companies in the member states to be inadequate in terms of quality and quantity, the companies that make a significant part of their trade to the member countries need a much more long-term and patient endeavor. Although the translations of the regulations consisting of numerous articles are often not easily comprehended in different cultures, it is a fact that ethics-based efforts will make this process permanent and understandable. In this context, sustainability studies and reporting of corporate firms, which are the core structures, have been analyzed in a way to include the supply chain. Many of the reports examined reveal the existence of knowledge and experience gaps that will lead to social and ecological problems as well as low impact value. The study brings an applied ethical suggestion to the ethical value analyses of the existing approaches and tries to reveal to what extent all these global efforts, the core subject of which is ethics, can overlap with ethical behavior.
The Roadmap to Achieving Climate Neutrality in Türkiye: A Comprehensive Analysis of Long-Term Forestry Strategies
Authors: Serengil Yusuf
Published: November 2023

In 2021, Türkiye ratified the Paris Agreement and committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2053. As mandated by the agreement, Türkiye submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and has been conducting simulations to identify alternatives to establish its Long-Term Strategy (LTS). Our study focused on the LULUCF (Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry) sector of Türkiye, mainly focusing on forestry. Our analysis shows that the forests in Türkiye offset approximately 8-10% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, down from over 20% in 2014. This reduction in offset percentage is due to a drop in the removal rate of forests over the last ten years. To achieve climate neutrality, this trend of reduction must be reversed. Recent inventory data shows that forest management is the central activity, with afforestation and other land use activities contributing less than 1%. However, when analyzing their effectiveness, it is important to consider the co-benefits of mitigation policies and measures. Our study concluded that Türkiye should prioritize forest management, including wildfire prevention and improved use of wood products, by investing in research and innovation. The forest products industry should also enhance the added value of wood products and embrace circularity to reduce raw material demand. By reducing the harvest rate, the carbon stock and increment of forests can be enhanced. Acceleration is needed towards achieving sectoral targets to achieve a climate-smart forestry perspective.
Spatial Pattern of Trees in Parrotia persica-Carpinus betulus and Parrotia persica-Quercus castaneifolia Types in Chafrood Forests, Guilan, Iran
Authors: Pourbabaei Hassan , Shiraz Saman Pourabasi , Mirzazadeh Amer
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the trees spatial pattern in Parrotia persica – Carpinus betulus and Parrotia persica – Quercus castaneifolia types in Chafrood forests, Western Guilan. For doing the purpose, one- hectare (100 m×100 m) plot was established in each type. Diameters at breast height (DBH) of all trees > 7.5 cm were measured, azimuth angle and distance of trees was also recorded in the plot. Spatial pattern was analyzed using Ripley's K- function. Our results indicated that spatial pattern of trees to a distance of 19 m was clumped distribution, and higher from this distance was a random pattern in Parrotia persica – Carpinus betulus type. In addition, in Parrotia persica – Quercus castaneifolia type, clumped distribution pattern was found within 37 m distance, and after this distance found random pattern. Awareness of spatial pattern of forest trees is effective on the design of suitable management pattern for protection, reforestation of forest stands, and determining inventory method in forest ecosystems.
Characteristics of Carbon Deposition of Salix alba L. Forest Plantations in Irtysh-Karagada Channel Tract in Pavlodar State Institution
Authors: Kadyrbekov Zhassulan , Boranbay Zhumagul
Published: November 2023

Since forests contain more than 70% of the Earth’s total phytomass, any significant changes in its reserves can affect the global carbon cycle, CO2 content in the atmosphere and climate. Currently, the likelihood of environmental crises and the danger of a further increase in CO2 content in the atmosphere has increased significantly. Forests plantations along the Irtysh-Karaganda Channel of Pavlodar and Karaganda regions have great socio-economic and cultural-ecological significance. However, their research has still been carried out mainly from the point of view of the raw material properties of wood and almost did not affect the ability of regional forests to absorb carbon, which increases the practical value of the research.
Chitosan; A Novel Adsorbent for CO2 Capture
Authors: Kadak Ali Eslem
Published: November 2023

Carbon dioxide is a chief greenhouse gas found as the main combustion product of fossil fuel, which is responsible for environmental changes such as the increase in atmospheric temperatures, melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, and increasing acidity of the oceans. A comprehensive technology was developed for the absorption of CO2 based on chemical absorption. But to mitigate climate change, developing new efficient strategies and technologies must receive considerable attention. CO2 adsorption using biopolymer natural and abundant materials is considered as an alternative technology in commercial and industrial applications due to its generally low energy requirements, ease of operation, and low maintenance. Chitosan within natural biopolymers has been intensively studied recently for CO2 adsorption. Chitosan may be used in CO2 adsorption having low energy necessity, ease of processability, and low maintenance and, thus, may be deliberate as a substitute technology in commercial and industrial applications. Chitosan (poly-β-1.4-2-amino-2-deoksi-β–D-glucopyranose) is derived by deacetylation of chitin. Chitin (β-1,4-poly-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) is a natural biopolymer, and its production in biomass of up to 1012 tons/year makes it one of the most abundant polysaccharides on Earth. It is the main component of the cell walls of fungi, exoskeletons of arthropods such as crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimps, etc.) and insects. Due to its biodegradability, renewability, biocompatibility, non-toxic, and non-antigenicity, chitosan is a green material. In this research, studies on CO2 adsorption of chitosan biopolymer were investigated.
Investigation of Carbon Stock Changes in Forests of Uludağ National Park
Authors: Durkaya Birsen , Karaevli Yüksel Asiye , Kaptan Sinan , Durkaya Ali
Published: November 2023

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the temporal changes in the amount of carbon stock held in the stands of Uludağ National Park with the help of biomass equations (BE) and biomass expansion factor (BEF) methods. For this purpose, the changes in the amount of stand carbon stock for the 1994-2012 and 2014-2033 plan periods of Uludağ National Park were tried to be determined by using BE and BEF methods. Previously determined biomass equations (BE) were used for the species represented in the types of biomass to make biomass and carbon calculations using the biomass equations method. For species that do not have biomass equations, calculations were made by averaging the biomass amounts given by coniferous tree species and broadleaf tree species according to diameters from the existing biomass equations. It was calculated that in the 1994-2012 plan period in Uludağ National Park, 447,265.46 tons of total carbon was stored by the BE method and 346,131.39 tons by the BEF method in all stand types. In the 2014-2023 plan period, the carbon stored in all stands was calculated as 483.917.06 tons by BE method and as 313.331.79 tons by BEF method. According to BE and BEF calculations; It showed that the amount of carbon stored in the forests of Uludağ National Park decreased in coniferous and broad-leaved forests during the 20-year period from 1994 to 2014, while it increased in mixed forests. The most important deficiency encountered in the study is the inability to calculate the carbon storage amounts precisely because of the lack of biomass equations for broad-leaved species.
Design of a Prototype Automatic Plant Irrigation Control System
Authors: Noel T. Florencondia
Published: November 2023

Farmers have been using irrigation techniques through manual control. This manual process is time consuming and usually results in water wastage. The study is about the construction of a prototype automatic plant irrigation control system. The device is assembled using ARDUINO UNO and equipped with a soil moisture sensor to detect its condition. In this automated system, irrigation will automatically take place when there is an intense requirement of water, as suggested by its moisture content and will automatically turn off when the soil finally received the amount of water it needs. The testing of the device under different soil conditions was interpreted based on the sensor input value of the microcontroller. The device worked and functioned properly according to its program.
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE DIFFERENT ABACA STRIPPING MACHINES IN REGION 8
Authors: Veronica L. Reoma  , Nestor O. Morales  , Vivencio A. Pelesco
Published: November 2023

In an effort to help local abaca farmers, the study evaluated the efficiency of six portable and one traditional stripping machines commonly used by abaca farmers. Farmer evaluators were pooled to evaluate the machines for fiber quality which is composed of the fiber output, texture, color, fiber length and fresh fiber moisture content. The study sought to determine the portable machines most preferred by abaca farmers and stakeholders, through a pair-wise evaluation. Results revealed that across all stripping machines, the traditional machine produced the highest capacity of fiber per unit time, while the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)–developed machine got the highest ranking for fiber quality. Among the portable types however, the VSU machine had the highest average output followed by the Catalo and Marte designs. The Catalo design was also the most preferred by the abaca farmer evaluators in the pair-wise evaluation. The sought-after characteristics of a stripping machine by the abaca-farmer evaluators are those which are portable, easily fabricated, has safety mechanisms, easy to operate, has high fiber output, and can produce good quality fiber at less fuel cost. Diesel engine driven machines were also recommended based on the farmers’ technology evaluation and the researchers’ technical evaluation.
COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF MALE AND FEMALE URINE WASTES ON ROSETTE PRODUCTION
Authors: Veronica L. Reoma  , Evelyn Arceňo
Published: November 2023

The study investigated the differences of male and female urine on the growth and flowering of rosette plants. The potential of urine as an alternative fertilizer source for input-intensive cut flower production is highlighted. Effects of different urine concentrations were also examined. Results showed that water and urine concentration had a significant effect on the number of stems and flowers, regardless of the source of urine. Sex played a significant role in the length of stems.
Preliminary Findings on Supplementation of Snapper Fry, Lutjanus sp. with DHA-rich Thraustochytrid Strain, Schizochytrium sp. LEY7 Showed Increased Growth, Survival and Robustness
Authors: Gladys Ludevese-Pascual
Published: November 2023

In this study, a preliminary experiment was conducted to investigate the beneficial effects of an indigenous DHA-rich thraustochytrid strain, Schizochytrium sp. LEY7 as supplement for snapper fry Lutjanus sp. using a long-term enrichment method (24 h) via Artemia. Results on the average total length (ATL) indicated that Schizohchytrium sp. LEY7 can be used as a growth enhancer (3.07 ± 0.03 mm) over the hatchery-produced emulsion (2.87 ± 0.04 mm) and the commercial enrichment SELCO (2.91 ± 0.04 mm). Starved treatment has an ATL of 2.89 ± 0.03 at the end of the feeding trial. Highest survival was obtained in the treatment fed Schizochytrium-enriched Artemia, with a mean survival of 65.52 ± 4.83, as compared to treatments fed Artemia enriched either with hatchery-produced emulsion (30.69 ± 25.17) or SELCO (54.14 ± 4.48). Survival of the starved treatment was 27.93 ± 10.69. There was a trend of lowest mortality seen for the treatment fed Schizochytrium-enriched Artemia when immersed at different salinity levels. Treatment fed SELCO-enriched Artemia was infested with the parasitic dinoflagellate Amyloodinium sp. Overall, the preliminary data obtained from this study indicate that the supplementation of Schizochytrium sp. LEY7 increases the quality of snapper fry and its chance of survival under adverse environmental conditions. Confirmatory experiments are therefore suggested to verify the results obtained.
Evaluating MotorCycleApp: A Mobile Application Mechanic Finder for Repair and Maintenance Servicing
Authors: Bondad Ricson M. , Calaurian Peter H. , Tibay Edgar U.
Published: November 2023

The remarkable surge in demand for motorcycle repair and maintenance services within the motorcycle industry can be attributed to the growing number of motorcycles in the Philippines. This paper presents the development of the MotorCyclepp mobile application, designed to facilitate the finding of motorcycle mechanics in Metro Cebu, Philippines. With this app, riders can effortlessly locate and choose from a list of available mechanics within their vicinity and send service requests accordingly. Simultaneously, mechanics can conveniently review the received requests and decide whether to accept or decline them. Once a request is accepted, the service begins, and upon completion, both parties can conclude their transactions and provide feedback messages. The Input-Process-Output (IPO) model was employed as the system’s methodology. The user interface (UI) design was created using Unified Modeling Language (UML), such as a use case diagram, sequence diagram, and class diagram. The evaluation procedures utilized the ISO 9126 model, which examines five quality characteristics: functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, and portability, for data analysis. The results revealed that the app is unique and interesting but requires further improvements. The significance of this research to the body of literature and the industry will provide future researchers with a valuable reference for advancing mechanic finder app innovations. Keywords: finder, information technology, ISO 9126, mobile application.
Carbon Monoxide Emission, Monitoring and Alarm System with SMS Inquiry using a Microcontroller
Authors: Ruby Grace L. Reoma  , Rey Martin L. Reoma  , Veronica L. Reoma
Published: November 2023

Advancing technology brought the increase of Carbon Monoxide (CO) production that causes adverse effects to health. This project focuses on designing a CO detector with inquiry through SMS for people to be well aware of the CO presence. This was made possible by interfacing a microcontroller to the sensor and the mobile phone. The PIC16F877A was used as the microcontroller. The EcoSure (2e) was used as the sensor that can only detect Carbon Monoxide. As for the mobile phone, this functioned as the server from which inquiries from subscribers were received. This in turn, sends the data (CO levels) inquired by the subscribers. These data were stored in the mobile phone server’s SIM memory, in which the logging system was integrated. Simultaneously, these data were classified according to its concentration and were displayed in a color-coded alarm system.
A Wearable Electronic Guidance System for the Blind Person
Authors: Carlo Atienza  , Rey Ferdinand Arcelo  , Ghea Buenconsejo  , Arwin Visitacion  , Ma. Gemel Palconit  , Jun-Jun Obiso
Published: November 2023

The sense of vision is essential in life. Blind persons have difficulties navigating both indoors and outdoors. A cane is a very important tool for them. However, using conventional cane is quite hazardous and time-consuming. To navigate safely and successfully, they need a device that is more than just an ordinary cane. In this study, an electronic guidance system that is equipped with both Global Systems for Mobile (GSM) and Global Positioning System (GPS) features had been designed and evaluated. The system is capable of alerting the user of the presence of nearby obstacles along the navigation path. It can give audio signals containing the GPS coordinates and direction details of the user. Through the GSM module, the system can send a message containing the location details of the blind user to a dedicated receiver in cases of emergencies. Experiment results had shown that the designed system can effectively detect obstacles and can efficiently provide the location and direction details. With this system, the travel time of the blind user had been significantly reduced by 21.26 percent.
Studies on Molecular Characteristics of Eimeria arloingi in Goats (Capra hircus) in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Nguyen-Ho-Bao  , Tien Ai Lu  , Hung Huu Nguyen
Published: November 2023

Caprine coccidiosis is an economic disease in goat husbandry. The study aimed to investigate
the prevalence of caprine coccidiosis in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, and characterization E.
arloingi that is one of the most pathogenic and mobile among caprine Eimeria species. Our
findings showed that 218 tested samples out of 251 had the presence of Eimeria species,
accounting for 86.85 %. The highest infection rate of coccidiosis was recorded in goat kids (<
4-month- old goats) with 96.25%, followed by 88.61% in 4-12 month-old goats and 77.17%
in > 12- month-old goats. Four various Eimeria species were morphologically identified,
including E. arloingi (43.42%), E. ninakohlyakimovae (39.84%), E. christenseni (33.86%),
E. alijevi (12.75%). Molecular characterization of E. arloingi was performed based on two
different genes, namely internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) and 18S rDNA. The phylogenetic
trees revealed that E. arloingi had a close relationship to other Eimeria species from goat and
sheep. This study confirmed that ITS-1 and 18S rDNA are appropriate genetic markers in the
identification and differentiation of Eimeria species in small ruminants.
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50) of Crude Exopolysaccharide from Rhodotorula minuta BIOTECH 2178 in ICR Mice
Authors: Mary Ann Jilly R. Ramirez  , Amelita C. Estacio  , Francisco B. Elegado  , Ludito V. Ramirez
Published: November 2023

Acute toxicity study on lyophilized exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced from Rhodotorula minuta BIOTECH 2178 EPS was evaluated using laboratory mice. In this study, 20 male ICR mice were divided into four (4) groups: Group I received 0.5 ml saline solution; Group II was treated with 50mg EPS/kg body weight; Group III was treated with 225mg EPS/kg body weight; and Group IV was treated with 400 mg EPS/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected via orbital sinus for hematological analysis. Body weight, feed and water consumption were recorded daily. Liver and kidney were collected for histopathological analysis after 15 days administration of EPS. Blood chemistry analysis showed that mice fed with crude EPS had comparable BUN, creatinine and ALT values with that of the control. Liver histopathological analysis of the control and treated group showed normal hepatic architecture with intact hepatic cells, nucleus, sinusoidal spaces and a central vein. Histopathological analysis of the kidney showed normal renal structure of cortex, indicating a normal architecture of renal glomeruli, proximal convoluted tubule and distal convoluted tubules. Moreover, the tubules showed a relatively regular distinct lumen of both control and treated groups. Thus, crude EPS from R. minuta BIOTECH 2178 is neither hepatotoxic nor nephrotoxic and likely to be safe for human consumption. Moreover, its safety property lays a good foundation for application of EPS in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Accuracy of Fuzzy Logic-based Contamination Grading System on Abaca Tissue Culture
Authors: Rhoderick D Malangsa  , Magdalene C. Unajan
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to support the coalition for abaca rehabilitation program of the different cooperating agencies of Southern Leyte with the use of intelligent systems in the grading of abaca tissue culture contamination. As the Southern Leyte State University Tissue Culture Laboratory has since used manual grading of contaminated specimen, the use of image acquisition technology can lessen the human effort involved in this activity. Fuzzy logic was used in the grading of the contamination. There were five inputs for the inference engine, namely red, green, blue, whitish and brownish. There were 62 rules identified covering the different combinations, and the triangular-shaped membership function was used for all the membership types of the inputs. Based on the result of the testing, it had an accuracy rate of 82.00% for the binary contamination in 50 sample specimens, and an over-all accuracy of 80.33% in multiclass contamination grading. The system could not match the precision of the human expert, but the model is comparable to that of the expected actual result, while minimizing human intervention in grading the contamination of tissue cultured abaca.
Presence: An Integrated Mobile Solution for Truancy Detection using RFID and Cloud-based Notification Services
Authors: Daniel Angelo B. Go  , Carl Joshua M. Deiparine  , Jovelyn C. Cuizon  , Bradford L. Canonigo
Published: November 2023

This study aims to use mobile and cloud-based notification services to detect truancy in students and notify the concerned party in a real-time basis. Attendance logs are captured by radio-frequency identification (RFID) scanners at the entrance and exit gates of the campus. Students’ identification cards are embedded with a chip that uses radio frequency to communicate data to a reader. The mobile application pulls data from the database through a web service to reflect whether or not the student gets inside the campus. The presence of the students in their respective classes is further checked by the faculty through a user interface. Parents and sponsors can check, at real-time, the presence of the students in the campus as well as in their classes. To handle fresh new information in a timely fashion, the system implements cloud-based notification services called Google Cloud Messaging for Android (GCM). Parents get immediate notification about the students’ missed classes, violations, and class suspensions.
Product Optimization of Yogurt Ice Cream flavored with Fermented Cacao Butter (Theobroma cacao L.)
Authors: Mark Gerald Baay  , Mary Ann Jilly R. Ramirez  , Amabelle Sarena C. Gorne
Published: November 2023

Cacao yogurt ice cream was subjected to optimization study using Box-Behnken design. This study aims to determine the optimum levels of cacao butter as flavorant, yogurt starter and sugar. A total of 15 runs were conducted, following the Box-Behnken design. It was prepared by pasteurization of fresh cow’s milk, addition of yogurt, incubation and freezing. The 15 runs were subjected to physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory analyses. The statistical analysis revealed that high levels of sugar and yogurt starter significantly affect the sensory qualities and physico-chemical properties of the yogurt ice cream. Moreover, the levels of sugar and cocoa butter significantly affect the growth of lactic acid bacteria in the ice cream. The optimized level is composed of 5.23-9.3% cacao, 14-19% sugar and 16-25% yogurt.
Biogas Production of Selected Animal Wastes
Authors: Angel T. Sabusap
Published: November 2023

Anaerobic process of digesting animal wastes is traditionally used for achieving biogas for energy production. The impact of this biogas technology leads to this investigation using different animal waste treatments in order to produce useful gas for cooking in the kitchen. Carabao manure and chicken dung at different volumetric ratio were used in this study to measure the gas production of the different treatments. The mixing ratio of chicken dung to carabao manure used in the study were 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100 mixing of treatments within the dextrose bottle as digester. Water was 25% volume mixed to the slurry. The mixture of animal wastes produced significant volume of biogas. The carabao manure and chicken dung were determined on a weekly basis. The volume ratio of 25% chicken dung and 75% manure yield the highest biogas production during the 4th, 5th and 6th week of decomposition having value of 6,390 ml, 8,817.50ml and 10,815ml, respectively. The weekly biogas yield was influenced by carbon/nitrogen ratio and pH level affecting the decomposition stage of the wastes mixture. The pH values of the different treatments ranged from 6.32 to 7.15 and it had least effect of decomposition during initial stage. The wastes mixture had mesophilic temperature of 350C. Decomposition of animal wastes inside the digester is recommended for a longer period to really ferment the wastes and to maximize gas production.
A Non-Markovian Stochastic Process in Modeling the Fluctuations of the Ozone Thickness
Authors: Cristina Corcino  , Gibson Maglasang  , Rodin Paspasan
Published: November 2023

This paper studied the Earth’s ozone thickness fluctuations by treating it as a non-Markovian process. Using white noise calculus and superimposed with the MSD of the empirical data, the theoretical Mean Square Displacement (MSD) is calculated. Results showed that ozone thickness fluctuations follow the non-Markovian trend, which captures the sinusoidal behavior of MSD vs. time graph for empirical data statistics at larger time.
Postharvest Quality of Two Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) Fruit Maturities Held in Ambient and CoolBot-equipped Cold Storage
Authors: Marina Isabel A. Tac-an  , Angelyn T. Lacap  , Emma Ruth V. Bayogan  , Christine Diana S. Lubaton
Published: November 2023

Mangosteen fruit has a good demand in the global market, however, local production is beset with high postharvest losses. The effectiveness of low temperature in maintaining fruit postharvest quality is well known but costly. In this study, the effects of ambient storageand CoolBot-equipped room are determined on two maturity stages of mangosteen. The mangosteen fruit which is classified as reddish purple or dark purple was stored in either ambient conditions (26.7±0.6°C, 88.4±3.4% RH) or inside a modified cold room using CoolBot (9.9±1.8°C, 77.8±10.7% RH) and the quality was evaluated weekly. Mangosteen at both maturity stages had at least 8.5 days of shelf life under ambient conditions and 29.8 days under CoolBot storage. Peel color was maintained for less than four days after storage in ambientm while 35 days in room with CoolBot. There was a higher total soluble solids (TSS) content in dark purple fruit in both storage conditions. Pericarp hardening of the fruit was observed starting at 7 and 28 days in ambient and CoolBot storage, respectively. Fruit stored in the CoolBot-equipped room had better visual and calyx quality, lower weight loss, higher TSS, and delayed peel color change. Chilling injury which manifested as inner pericarp browning at 35 days did not vary between the two fruit maturities in cold storage. Storage of reddish purple mangosteen fruit using CoolBot maintained the fruit quality until 28 days.
PRESENCE OF WATER FLOW INCREASES BIOFILM PERIPHYTON FORMATION ON FOUR ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRATES
Authors: Homer Hermes Y. de Dios  , Senona A. Cesar  , Mark Francis A. Millan  , Danilo T. Dy
Published: November 2023

The flow of water and the type of materials used in fish aggregating devices (i.e. payao and artificial reef) are seen as crucial to the formation of algal periphyton in the first few weeks of deployment before any planktonic larvae could settle on their surfaces. Thus, an experiment was conducted to test the effects of four artificial substrates (mactan stone, pvc, cement with industrial lime and glass) and two water flow regimes (i.e. presence of water flow and no flow) on the early development of algal periphyton after 15 days. Chlorophyll a was used as a proxy of periphyton biomass. The mean chlorophyll a concentration (1.3 mg/m2) was significantly higher (F(1,32)=10.85; P = 0.02) in flowing water compared to 0.9mg/m2 for non-flowing units. The periphyton taxa included diatoms, filamentous algae and blue green algae. Substrate types showed no significant difference (F(6,32)=1.02; P=0.43) on periphyton biomass although the mactan stone panels showed comparatively higher mean chlorophyll a concentration in both water regimes over the other panels.