bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CUSTOMERS TRUST PROPENSITY: MEDIATING EFFECT OF SALESPERSONS CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: Rameesha Maqbool  , Dr. Amna Noor  , Dr. Kaneez Fatima  , Suheera Khalid  , Nabeeha Maqbool
Published: September 2022

With the ongoing changes in the way buyer and seller communicate, organizations are concentrating on continuously improving their sales strategies. This study revolves around the basic concept of trust between buyer and seller. Much research is available on how the buyer-seller interaction can be improved but less research is available on how the past experiences of buyers or propensity to trust salespeople effect such relationship. Thus, this research mostly concentrates on these variables. The data for this research was collected in the form of questionnaires from both customers and salespeople. The data was tested through a Multi-Level Model in SPSS. The results from this research specify that the past experiences of customers and their propensity to trust salespeople has an extensive impact on the formation of trust between the buyer and seller. Furthermore, this study concludes that certain salespersons characteristics impact the relationship between the buyer and seller.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE KARTARPUR CORRIDOR: PAKISTAN’S COMPLIENCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS RELATING PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF RELIGIOUS MINORITIES
Authors: Dr Faiz Bakhsh  , Muhammad Asif Safdar  , Jibran Jamshed  , Dr Waheed Ahmed Abbasi
Published: September 2022

Historically, Pakistan has remained on the list of countries failing to meet international standards relating freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief. Although, the constitutional and domestic legal structure of Pakistan provide rights to religious minorities, yet government remains less interested in the implementation of such rights. Moreover, restrictions on the rights of religious minorities and social pressure of the religiously dominance society have been forcing the religious minorities to step back from claiming their constitutional rights. Despite, being signatory to many international instruments relating rights of minorities, Pakistan has never reached to a level to claim obligation of those international standards. Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims which has been widely acknowledged for giving a new dimension and a positive development towards the protection of the rights of minorities, as well as improved Indo-Pak relations. Keeping in view the positive response it is expected that it would lead to provide minorities a good-will gesture and pave the way for better diplomatic relations and increased trade between India and Pakistan. This paper investigates the significance of the Kartarpur Corridor in the context of Pakistan’s Efforts to Oblige International Standards Relating Protection of the Rights of Religious Minorities. This paper explores the expected outcomes of the project in the context of the protection of the rights of religious minorities and symbolic significance of the project by employing religious diplomacy as a mean to develop improved trade and diplomatic relations.
OPEN-INNOVATION AND OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE PROJECTS: CHALLENGES AND ROLE OF FINANCIAL CONSTRAINT
Authors: Waseem Ul Hameed  , Muhammad Suhail Sharif  , Dr. Tahira Afridi  , Syed Muhammad Javed Iqbal
Published: September 2022

In the recent decade, open innovation (OI) has attracted much attention within the field of innovation management research. Now, most of the firms are adopting OI practices to expedite the performance. However, open-source software projects are facing crucial challenges such as motivating spillovers (MS), incorporation of external knowledge (EK), intellectual property (IP) management, and maximization of internal innovation (II). Additionally, open-source software projects are facing the major issue of financial constraint (FC) to develop and maintain the OI system. To address this issue, the prime objective of the current study is to inspect the role of FC during the management of OI challenges in Pakistan. To accomplish this objective, this study adopted a quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional research design. Survey questionnaires were distributed among the managerial employees of open-source software projects via a mail survey. SMART-PLS 3 (SEM) was utilized to conduct the analysis. The study revealed that FC is a moderating variable between the maximization of II and OI performance. FC is one of the limiting factors towards the maximization of II which automatically decreases the OI performance. Hence, the current study contributed by investigating the role of FC in OI practices. Therefore, this study is beneficial for open-source software developers to enhance OI.
IMPACT OF JD-R MODEL ON ORGANIZATIONAL OUTCOMES: MEDIATING ROLE OF WORK ENGAGEMENT AND JOB BURNOUT
Authors: Hafiza Safia Shaukat  , Dr. Naveed Iqbal Chaudhry  , Muhammad Amir Ch  , Komal Amjad Dar
Published: September 2022

This study is an attempt to investigate the intervention of job burn-out and job engagement between JD-R model with organizational outcomes as turnover intention and job satisfaction in the nursing sector. For this purpose, three hundred questionnaires were distributed in nursing staff by using the quantitative approach. Convenient sampling technique has been used for the collection of data, and for data analysis SPSS and AMOS 21 has been used in this study. Findings of the study revealed the full mediation of job engagement between job resources, job satisfaction and turnover intention. There is a positive significant relation between job resources and job satisfaction however, negative relation with turnover intention. Moreover, results explain a positive and significant relation between job demands and job satisfaction and a positive but insignificant relation with turnover intention. Furthermore, there is no mediation of job burnout and job engagement between job demands and job satisfaction, turnover intention. It also revealed that there is no mediating relation of job burnout between job resources, job satisfaction and turnover intention. This study presents fresh evidences and literature support with supported theories of the discussed variables by looking the value in the context of health sector. In this field, it can assist many scholars for further studies as a ground.
SALES COMPETITION AS A STRATEGY TO MOTIVATE INTENT TO PURSUE SALES CAREER
Authors: Dr. Mumtaz M. Khan  , Dr. Asma Tahir
Published: September 2022

The continuous increase in demand of professionally trained sales force provoked marketing experts to find out the ways through which this demand can be met. This paper articulates and empirically validates through an experimental research design that sales competition at campus is one way to create interest among students for the pursuit of this demand driven profession. The controlled and experimental group are formed by using randomized trial method to remove researcher bias. The results highlight that sales competition has significant impact in changing students’ negative perception about sales profession. The research is useful for researchers, sales managers, academics, trainers, policy makers, educationists for rational decision making.
LEAN MANUFACTURING AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: A CASE OF MALAYSIAN AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY
Authors: Dr. Waseem Ul Hameed  , Hummaira Qudsia Yousaf  , Dr. Saeed Ahmad Sabir  , Shazia Kousar
Published: September 2022

Purpose: It is not necessary that massive investment in automobile industry is beneficial for all the nations. Some countries like Malaysia are facing different issues regarding Financial Performance (FP) due to the intensity of worldwide competition. To address this issue, this study is being conducting to investigate the role of lean manufacturing in the FP of Malaysian automobile industry.

 Design/Methodology/Approach: This study followed quantitative research approach and survey was preferred to collect required data from managerial staff of Malaysian automobile company with the help of questionnaire. Total 500 questionnaires were used and distributed with the help of simple random sampling technique. Study utilized PLS-SEM to investigate end the impact of lean manufacturing on FP of Malaysian Automobile Industry.

Findings: Results of the study revealed a strong connection between lean manufacturing and FP. Lean manufacturing has positive impact on FP of Malaysian automobile industry. Moreover, quality management is important to sustain the link between lean manufacturing and FP.

Implications/Originality/Value: This study is contributed in the body of knowledge by highlighting the lean manufacturing practices to promote FP. As this study highlighted various lean manufacturing practices to enhance FP, therefore, it is significant for practitioners
CPEC COROLLARY ON ECONOMIC GROWTH OF PAKISTAN
Authors: Dr. Salman Masood Sheikh  , Dr. Muhammad Khyzer Bin Dost
Published: September 2022

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is being considered a ‘game changer’ for the current sluggish economy of Pakistan. CPEC is a combination of infrastructure and energy relate projects, which aim at connecting China to the port of Gwadar. Available research on CPEC and its implications is descriptive at best, and more studies focus on the infrastructural and geopolitical aspect of CPEC and less empirical forecasting has been done to estimate the impact of CPEC on economy of Pakistan. Literature also lacks sector specific implication of CPEC; thus it could be concluded that CPEC although have good prospects for the economy of Pakistan, its impact to the grass root level of the economy will be a bit delayed. There is a need to conduct sector specific studies to lay out policies and framework of action to capitalize on the opportunities provided by CPEC.
IDENTIFICATION AND RANKING OF EMPLOYEES’ PHYSICAL BEHAVIORS CRITICAL TO MERGERS
Authors: Abdul Aziz Khan Niazi  , Tehmina Fiaz Qazi  , Khurram Saghir Khan  , Abdul Basit  , Rashid Ahmad
Published: September 2022

This study aims to investigate employees’ physical behaviors under the environment of mergers. Chaotic recognition and disorderly hierarchicalization of critical physical behaviors of employees resulting into unsuccessful mergers is the problem under investigation. Employees have power to dictate the fate of mergers; therefore, it is imperative to scientifically underpin the patterns of their physical behaviors while during execution of mergers. The study follows positivist approach as research philosophy. It has identified and developed a hierarchy of physical behaviors that emerge into employees during organizational mergers. It is an empirical study based on formalized in-depth analysis. A specially designed questionnaire has been used for collecting data from a medium sized heterogeneous panel of experts on mergers. Technique of discourse of literature has been employed for identification of behaviors, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) for hierarchicalization whereas cross-impact matrix multiplication analysis (MICMAC) for investigation of driving and dependence power. Total eleven behaviors have been identified. ISM model depicts that bottom is occupied by conflict, middle by reduced organizational commitment and top by lower productivity. It means that conflict among employees is the most critical physical behavior, reduced organizational commitment is linking and lower productivity is least critical for mergers. MICMAC revealed that five behaviors fall in driving, four in dependent, one in linking and two in autonomous quadrant. The study is based on limited number of experts’ opinion, however, that may be envisaged on larger population for statistical investigation. The study provides insight to the policy makers, planners and executers of mergers.
PYRAMIDAL OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE AND CASH FLOW WEDGE: EVIDENCE FROM FAMILY BUSINESS GROUPS OF PAKISTAN
Authors: Shahid Hussain
Published: September 2022

This study examines the ownership structure and cash flow wedge of ultimate controlling owners in firms affiliated with family business groups of Pakistan. The study uses unique handpicked data comprising a sample of 181 group affiliated, 112 stand-alone, 21 foreign, and 12 state owned non-financial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange for a period of 2008-17. The study finds high degree of ownership concentration particularly in 53 family business groups. The study also finds that controlling shareholders own over 20 percent shareholdings in 60 percent of all sample firms and families own 50 percent or more shareholdings in 44 percent of group affiliated firms. The novel contribution of this study is to systematically identifying the ownership affiliation of all family business groups, developing the pyramidal ownership structure of prominent family businesses and finding the difference in voting and cash flow rights which creates significant wedge for controlling family owners. This has strong implications for regulators to ensure effective implementation of regulations as well as minority shareholders and dispersed investors for cognizant investment decision making.
NGHIÊN CỨU THỰC NGHIỆM NÚT KHUNG BIÊN SỬ DỤNG BÊ TÔNG CỐT SỢI THÉP TÍNH NĂNG SIÊU CAO
Authors: Trần Trung Hiếu
Published: September 2022

Bài báo trình bày kết quả thí nghiệm và hiệu quả của việc sử dụng bê tông cốt sợi thép tính năng siêu cao (UHPSFRC) cho việc nâng cao khả năng kháng chấn của nút khung biên dưới tác dụng của tải trọng lặp. Thí nghiệm được thực hiện trên ba mẫu S1, S2 và S3, trong đó S1 là mẫu bê tông cốt thép thông thường được thiết kế theo tiêu chuẩn Eurocode 8 [1] với cấp độ dẻo cao (DCH), hai mẫu còn lại có sử dụng bê tông cốt sợi thép tính năng siêu cao UHPSFRC trong vùng nút khung. Các kết quả thực nghiệm ban đầu cho thấy việc sử dụng bê tông UHPSFRC cho vùng nút khung của mẫu S2, S3 nâng cao về khả năng chịu lực là 15,8% và 19,7%, chuyển vị tăng 25% và làm tăng đáng kể biến dạng cắt của nút khung trước khi phá hoại.
TẠO GIẢN ĐỒ GIA TỐC NỀN TỪ HỆ PHƯƠNG TRÌNH TƯƠNG QUAN SỬ DỤNG PHÉP BIẾN ĐỔI GÓI WAVELET
Authors: Vũ Ngọc Anh
Published: September 2022

Thực tế tính toán công trình chịu động đất cần có số lượng đủ các giản đồ gia tốc nền của các trận động đất phù hợp với các điều kiện cụ thể. Biến đổi gói wavelet là một công cụ hiệu quả trong việc tạo ra các gia tốc mới. Bài báo trình bày cơ sở lý thuyết của biến đổi gói wavelet và thuật toán, chương trình PG03 phát giản đồ gia tốc nền trên cơ sở tham khảo hệ phương trình tương quan 13 tham số sử dụng phép biến đổi gói wavelet. Chương trình này có thể là công cụ tạo dữ liệu đầu vào là giản đồ gia tốc nền để phân tích động lực học kết cấu công trình chịu động đất.
A LABVIEW AND INTERNET OF THINGS BASED AUTOMATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND ANALYZING STRUCTURE
Authors: Le Anh Tuan
Published: September 2022

The civil infrastructure systems play a critical role in the world; however, their average age is becoming higher and higher. Most of these structures need inspection, maintenance or replacement in order to ensure safety requirement of structures as well as users. Structural health monitoring systems has drawn attention from many organizations to manage crucial structures. Applied programming and Internet of Things (IoT) has received a great attention in the last decades due to its potential and capacity to be integrated into any complex system. This paper presents the use LabVIEW, IoT platform and hardwares to build an automated measurement system. The proposed solutions are demonstrated in this paper will help building robust and reliable measurement systems for crucial applications. The measurement system is used to evaluate the health of structures through the changes of natural frequencies.
Parents’ perception on “Belajar Dari Rumah” progam for elementary students
Authors: Putri Risna Estuning
Published: September 2022

Background: Program “Belajar dari Rumah” at TVRI is an alternative distance learning for students, teachers and parents during studying at home as the COVID-19 outbreak.

Purpose: This research aims to determine the perceptions or opinions of parents about the program. This research is hopefully can be used as evaluation material to improve and to perfect the program.

Design and methods: In its implementation, this research used a case study with an analytical descriptive method that intends to describe the results of the study and tries to find a picture of a situation or phenomenon that is happening. The objects in this study are parents who accompany children during the implementation of distance learning programs. This research reveals a number of parents' perceptions about the the program “Belajar dari Rumah” on TVRI. This research was conducted in two areas in Lampung Province, Metro City and East Lampung Regency.

Results: A number of parents who have watched and accompanied their children during the implementation of distance learning think that the program is far from perfect.
Factors of decreasing students interest when learning from home
Authors: Mardianti Siswi Dewi
Published: September 2022

Background: Distance learning is one solution to replace offline learning, with distance learning. foster interest in learning for students because without interest the learning objectives will not be achieved. However, the implementation of the current distance learning system does not rule out the emergence of several problems in the learning process. Starting from the limited facilities of students, lack of understanding of the use of technology, the difficulty of internet networks in some areas where they live.

Purpose: This research aims to find out what causes the decline in interest in learning in low-level elementary school students in distance learning.

Design and methods: This research uses one type of descriptive qualitative research with a case study method or approach. The subjects of this study were elementary school teachers, parents, and low-level elementary school students. The technique that researchers use in collecting data is the data triangulation technique.

Results: The research result states that the factors that cause a decline in the learning interest of low-level elementary school students during distance learning are caused by several internal and external factors.
formation of student character education during distance learning
Authors: Istiqomah Salira Syahwi
Published: September 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is very bad for all areas of life in the world, both in the fields of economy, agriculture, education and so on. One of the impacts is on the field of education, the ministry of education issued a policy in the form of a circular on the learning process carried out by distance learning from home online, as well as the role of parents as the main supervisor during the learning process.
Purpose: Thus the purpose of this writing is to find out how to establish the character education of learners during distance learning, because during this pandemic, children spend more time at home in order to be disconnected from the spread of the coronavirus.
Design and methods: This research uses qualitative method with the type of literature study, as well as the reflection of researchers in the form of knowledge, insight and experience of researchers from the current situation.
Results: In this study discussed that the formation of character education of learners can be formed by both parents as mentors during distance learning by habituating good behavior in order to become good human beings in adulthood under any circumstance
Roles of the teacher for increasing learning quality of students
Authors: Erlia Winda
Published: September 2022

Background: Understanding the role of teachers in improving the quality of student learning and knowing that students even though using e-learning can learn effectively or not and can improve the quality of student learning, even though they do not learn face-to-face or directly but the teacher must be able to know the ability of students to master and understand this learning and students get maximum and effective learning from the teacher because the teacher is an educator. In this education, especially in e-learning, teachers or educators do not provide maximum learning or are less effective in E-learning.

Purpose: In order to know the teacher's perspective on improving the quality of student learning in E-learning.

Design and methods: This type of research uses the case study method, data sources: documents and interviews using a qualitative approach. The research subjects were 6 elementary school teacher respondents. Data validation used inter-researcher triangulation.

Results: the results of this study show that there are various kinds of teacher roles that are very important in improving the quality of student learning, even though e-learning is less effective in improving the quality of student learning.
Transformation of number head together method as adaptive way from COVID-19 effects.
Authors: Wulandari Rossy , Dayana Yuliana Fatima
Published: September 2022

Background: COVID-19 affects education systems and leading to the closure of schools, universities and colleges. As the consequence, the learning process is done from home in which needs some adjustment on the delivery method of teaching-learning. To be specific, the teaching-learning process is about how teacher and students interact each other based on a certain method of learning.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate to what extent the NHT method can be used for an alternative method in promoting teaching-learning process in COVID-19 era.

Design and methods: The study used library research method which investigates data from the documents, such as articles, news, books etc. related to NHT. The findings are validated by using triangulation data source technique.

Results: the study reveals Transforming the method of teaching from offline class to online class is a way to solve in transferring the knowledge to the students. NHT is one of the many methods can use the meetings conference platform.
Students translation habituation in learning
Authors: Hidayat Arif , Helmanto Fachri
Published: September 2022

Background:  Information accessed by students does not rule out the possibility of a number of local and foreign languages. Students optimize the use of smartphones by scanning certain pages in foreign books.

Purpose: this study aims to reveal the phenomena that encourage changes in students' translation habituation in learning.

Design and methods: This research was conducted using a descriptive analysis method, by conducting a survey of undergraduate students at 6 campuses. The data in this study were in the form of a questionnaire and a number of documents from journals and books. The valid data are then analysed to draw generalizations.

Results: This study reveals the habituation of using machine translators that are commonly used by students. This translation habituation has two sides, 1) lecture assignments that require information or those that are required to use English can be carried out and 2) students lack information due to lack of understanding of knowledge about the quality of translation.
Diversity of the Euphorbiaceae family in Tien Phong Commune, Pu Hoat Nature Reserve, Nghe An Province
Authors:   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam, Hong Ban PHAM , Quoc Cuong CAO ,   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam
Published: September 2022

The diverdity of Euphorbiaceae family in Tien Phong Commune (Pu Hoat Nature Reserve, Nghe An Province) was investigated from October 2018 to April 2019. In the research area, 94 species belonging to 33 genera of Euphorbiaceae were collected and identified. The most diverse genera were Mallotus (8 species) and Macaranga (7 species). The life-form spectrum of the Euphorbiaceae family as following: Ph% = 2.1% Mg + 29.1% Me + 38.2% Mi + 23.2% Na + 3.1% Lp + 0.0% Ep + 3.1% Hp + 0.0% Pp + 1.0% Suc. Above species were recognized as medicinal plants (60 species), timber plants (32 species), edible plants (13 species), essential oil plants (5 species), toxic and ornamental plants (2 species), and fiber plant (1 species). Considering the plant geography, of 94 species, 61.70% were identified as Asian tropical species, 31.91% were Vietnamese endemic and near-endemic species.
Some solutions to implement the accountability of the public university
Authors:   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam, Minh Hung PHAM , Thi Thu Hang NGUYEN ,   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam, Le Cuong PHAM ,   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam
Published: September 2022

Vietnamese higher education is undergoing radical and comprehensive reform in line with the general trend of higher education in the world. Giving autonomy to universities associated with implementing accountability is a key issue in higher education reform in Vietnam. By defining the concepts of accountability and the accountability of the university, the article proposes some solutions to perform effectively accountability: Raise the awareness of officials and lecturers on the need to implement the accountability of the university; Properly define the contents of university accountability implementation; Review, supplement and adjust the legal documents on the accountability of the university; Carry out accountability in various forms; Form the accountability culture at universities.
Analysis of the current situation of experimental practice competences of Chemistry Pedagogical students according to CDIO approach through survey of expert opinions
Authors:   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam, Thi Thu Hiep LE , Huy Hoang LY ,   Dong Thap University, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap, Cu Giac CAO ,   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam
Published: September 2022

Vinh University is one of the first universities that apply the CDIO approach training program for students in Chemistry Education from the academic year 2017-2018. After 4 years of applying CDIO approach training program, it is necessary to survey the experts’ opinion on the current situation of the practical and experimental capacity of Chemistry Pedagogical students under CDIO approach training program; survey the appropriateness of building the capacity to practice Chemistry experiments according to the CDIO approach and survey the appropriateness of the development of criteria corresponding to those competencies. The results are used as a basis for building a framework for developing practical competence in chemistry experiments and as a measure to evaluate the practical capacity of chemistry experiments for Chemistry pedagogical students under CDIO approach training program
Requirements in construction of CDIO approach teachers training programs
Authors:   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam, Ngoc Hien NGUYEN , Van Thanh THAI ,   Nghe An Department of Education and Training
Published: September 2022

CDIO is an approach applied by many universities in developing training programs. For teacher training universities, building a CDIO approach training program is a new issue but an urgent solution to improve the quality of teacher training. To develop a training program for teachers to approach CDIO, it is necessary to fulfill the requirements that the article proposes.
Simulation of daily runoff using MIKE NAM model for small sub-basins of the Ca river
Authors:   Hydrometeorological Station of the North Central Region, Xuan Tien NGUYEN , Thi Phuong HO ,   Vinh University, 182 Le Duan Street, Vinh City, Vietnam.
Published: September 2022

The flow of water through a certain location in a river is a necessary data for disaster prevention, water resources and environment assessement. Flow measurement often requires a lot of manpower and equipment. Therefore, on a river system, several locations are investigated and surveyed to set up a hydrological station. Flows in sub-basins without hydrological stations are usually calculated by hydrological models, such as: MIKE NAM, TANK, HEC HMS… This paper will present the application of MIKE NAM model to simulate daily flow for the Quy Chau and Hoa Quan basins. The results of model calibration and validation have identified a set of parameters with a fairly high Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), greater than 0.70, indicating a good model performance. The calibrated parameters can be applied to calculate the daily discharge for similar sub-basins of the Ca river.
On the stochastic domination in Cesàro sense
Authors:   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam, Thi Kim Chi NGO , Thi Khanh Linh HOANG ,   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam, Khanh Linh KIEU ,   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam, Manh Quyet TRUONG ,   Vinh University, Nghe An, Viet Nam
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we study the notion of stochastically dominated in Cesàro sense of double arrays of random variables which introduced by Fazekas and Tómacs [2]. We also establish the necessary and sufficient conditions for double arrays of random variables which is stochastically dominated in Cesàro sense by a non-negative random variable X.
In Silico Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity and ADMET Prediction of Compounds from Musa acuminata Colla Peel
Authors: Bucao Xenia Elika , Solidum Judilynn
Published: September 2022

Diabetes is a severe chronic disease that affects 422 million adults worldwide in 2014. It was the fifth leading cause of mortality in the Philippines in 2019. The primary cause of death of diabetic patients is due to cardiovascular disease. α-Glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) are known for their cardiovascular benefits because they prevent the postprandial glucose level from increasing, which plays a significant role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. The synthesis of AGIs is complex and requires a lot of steps. Thus, there is a need to explore and discover AGIs especially from plants, which are known sources of bioactive compounds. Drug discovery entails a complex, costly, time-consuming, and risky process. Computer-aided drug discovery/ design (CADD) methods such as molecular docking and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) prediction have been developed to identify the promising compounds that will be tested in in vitro and in vivo experiments. This shortens the research process and helps reduce the expense and risk of failure for drug discovery. In this study, molecular docking was conducted to predict the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of compounds from Musa acuminata Colla peel against human intestinal α-glucosidase. Out of 87 compounds, only 11 compounds were found to have better or comparable binding affinity with the standard, acarbose (–8.8 kcal/mol) – namely, sesamin (–9.8 kcal/mol), asarinin (–9.7 kcal/mol), quercetin- 7-rutinoside (–9.4 kcal/mol), kaempferol-3-rutinoside (–9.4 kcal/mol), (–)-epicatechin (–9.0 kcal/ mol), (+)-catechin (–8.9 kcal/mol), myricetin-3-rutinoside (–8.9 kcal/mol), quercetin (–8.9 kcal/ mol), kaempferol-3-rhamnoside-7-glucoside (–8.9 kcal/mol), stigmasterol (–8.9 kcal/mol), and β-sitosterol (-8.8 Kcal/mol). The prediction of ADMET properties and drug-likeness revealed how the best binding compounds may behave inside the body. Some of the compounds were found to be safe and have good absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties. They showed promising potentials that may lead to their development as drugs.
Phytochemical Mining of Potential SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors from Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC.
Authors: Cayona Ruel , Creencia Evelyn
Published: September 2022

Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC is a medicinal plant widely used against various ailments throughout Asian and African cultures. The reported efficacy of B. balsamifera and its phytochemicals against respiratory disorders suggests that it can be a potential therapeutic against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is also a respiratory disease. This potential was demonstrated through an in silico assessment utilizing B. balsamifera phytochemicals and targeting the severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus-2 main protease (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro), an enzyme that plays an important role in the infection process by SARS-CoV-2. The general strategy implemented was termed phytochemical mining in tandem with virtual screening (PM-VS). Data gathering of B. balsamifera phytochemicals reported in the literature was first conducted (PM stage) followed by VS through automated molecular docking of multiple ligands. The present study obtained the most comprehensive phytochemical record and organization of B. balsamifera phytochemicals (a total of 331). Surprisingly, 113 of the unique phytochemicals were promising SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors, of which 12 were re-discovered antiviral drugs from the plant. The promising inhibitors also reveal interesting in silico drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties. Further analysis of the promising phytochemicals and their interactions with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro hints at the phenylpropanoid moiety (Ph-C3-) as a potential pharmacophore of the target enzyme. This study illustrated the utility of PM-VS in the preliminary stages of drug discovery and development; however, further studies (e.g. exhaustive VS and definitive “ex silico” experiments) are needed to confirm the present finding.
Survival and Growth Performance of Planted Kandelia candel (L.) Druce Stand in the Philippines
Authors: Malabrigo Pastor , Pasion Bonifacio
Published: September 2022

The mangrove species Kandelia candel (L.) Druce is distributed in tropical Southeast and East Asia but limited to one locality in the Philippines. Hence, conservation attempt was carried out through plantation in Gimaloto, Sorsogon, the Philippines. We planted 300 K. candel seedlings on riverbanks 1 m apart along the tidal distance – or the planting distance from seaward to landward direction from the river’s mouth. We monitored seedlings monthly during the first year and then quarterly for 2 yr more for a total of 3 yr. We were interested in determining the survival probability and growth performance of K. candel seedlings along the tidal distance (1–300 m distance) and during different monitoring intervals (i.e. monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, and annual). Thirty-four (34) seedlings survived by the end of the three-year experiment, where most of the seedlings died during the first year after outplanting. Survival probability and growth increased with tidal distance, indicating that planted K. candel seedlings prefer the inland zone of at least 200 m from the sea line in the experimental area. Changes in growth parameters were observed between succeeding monitoring periods conducted during quarterly, bi-annual, and annual monitoring intervals but not during short-term monthly monitoring intervals, indicating growth responses due to seasonal and interannual variability. Our result suggests a possible introduction of K. candel outside its native population with consideration of tidal distance. We suggest mangrove rehabilitation and reforestation programs need to first conduct a zonation experiment similar to the method used in this study to identify the ecological distance where a certain mangrove species can grow better before extensive restoration and rehabilitation programs are implemented
Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Notes on Philippine ferns. V. On the identity of Asplenium lepturus, A. militare, and A. nigrescens (Polypodiales, Aspleniaceae)
Authors: Salgado A. Edward
Published: September 2022

The identity of Asplenium nigrescens, A. lepturus, and A. militare is clarified. Diagnostic characteristics, distribution, and habitat information for each species are provided. A. nigrescens, A. lepturus, and A. militare are distinct species. Key and photos are provided for the identification of the species. The collections by de Vore and Hoover are discussed.
Growth Patterns and AMS-14C Age Dates of Fossil Corals from Northwest Pacific
Authors: Garas Kevin , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Yamazaki Atsuko , Bautista Angel , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki
Published: September 2022

This study aims to evaluate the controlling factor/s of coral growth in the northwest Pacific during the Holocene. Here, we present newly acquired growth data and radiocarbon age dates of fossil Porites corals collected from Holocene uplifted marine terraces in Kikaijima, southern Japan and northwest Luzon, Philippines. Carbonate mineral identification using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) was conducted to screen for any diagenetic alteration in the fossil corals. We used accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) – 14C dating to determine the absolute age dates of the fossil corals. Well-preserved fossil corals yielded radiocarbon age dates of 3235 ± 20 and 5712 ± 24 cal. yr BP for Kikaijima and 6285 ± 79, 6144 ± 77, 4336 ± 21, 4277 ± 19, 4200 ± 20, and 2972 ± 70 cal. yr BP for northwest Luzon. X-ray imaging of a 5-mm thick coral slab was utilized to measure growth variables. Linear extension rate, skeletal density, and calcification rate of Kikaijima corals are 3.77–8.72 mm/ yr, 1.71–1.87 g/cm3, and 0.70–1.56 g/cm2yr, respectively. Linear extension rate, skeletal density, and calcification rate from northwest Luzon corals are 10.17–17.6 mm/yr, 0.66–1.67 g/cm3, and 0.91–2.81 g/cm2yr, respectively. Average linear extension rate from both sites was significantly and positively related to average calcification rate (r = 0.72, p = 0.019, n = 10). Skeletal density and linear extension rate measured from both sites were inversely related with each other (r = –0.56, p = 0.09, n = 10). Our data suggest that the variations in linear extension rates of fossil corals were influenced by the sea surface temperature (SST) difference between the study sites. However, data from modern corals are still needed to establish the local linear extension rate- SST relationship and to quantitatively evaluate how coral growth changes with respect to SST. Geomorphological, sedimentological, and geochronological studies of Holocene uplifted marine terraces should be conducted to provide the timing of emergence and coral reef development during Holocene.
Leptin Gene (T117C) Polymorphism and Its Association with Milk Yield Performance in Crossbred Anglo-Nubian Goats
Authors: Moneva Carlo Stephen , Sangel Percival , Angeles Amado , Mendioro Merlyn , Vega Renato
Published: September 2022

This study was performed to determine polymorphism in the leptin gene (T117C) and investigate the association between genotypes and milk yield in 101 crossbred Anglo-Nubian dairy goats from Awang, Opol, Misamis Oriental and Talay, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental in the Philippines. Milk yield performance data were standardized to 90 and 140 d milking periods. The goat’s hair follicles were collected to extract genomic DNA. Polymerase chain reaction– restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was the method used in genotyping with NmuCI as the restriction enzyme. Statistical analysis was performed following the two-way factorial (2 x 4) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), where leptin genotypes and parity were used as main factors and farm as the blocking factor. Two genotypes (TT and TC) were obtained. Genotypic frequencies between TT (0.50) and TC (0.50) were evenly distributed, while allele T (0.75) occurred more frequently than allele C (0.25) in the total population studied. Observed heterozygosity is higher than the expected heterozygosity and the genetic variation observed in the overall population was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.05). Milk yield traits at 140 d milking period in crossbred Anglo-Nubian dairy goats were significantly influenced by polymorphisms in leptin (T117C). Goats having TT genotype had superior milk yield performance (140dADMY: 0.90L ± 0.058L, 140dTMP: 124.65L ± 8.51L) than those with TC genotype (140dADMY: 0.78L ± 0.051L, 140dTMP: 107.90L ± 7.21L). Further studies should be conducted in other goat breeds to validate associations of leptin polymorphism with milk production and in other economically important traits.
Financial and Socio-economic Study of Modular Pyrolysis Facilities as Waste-to-Energy Technology: a Case Study in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines
Authors: Manegdeg Reynald Ferdinand , Ilano Arturo Benedicto , Rollon Analiza , Magdaluyo Eduardo , Cervera Rinlee Butch
Published: September 2022

Industrial, medical, and electronic residual wastes can potentially be an important source of energy with the use of waste-to-energy (WtE) conversion technology. In Metropolitan Manila, Philippines, about 144,000 kg/d of residual wastes were being generated by the hospitals, industrial sectors, and electronic companies. Hence, imploring high potential benefits can be achieved through utilizing these wastes as feedstock for any WtE conversion facility. A technical and financial costing was performed to evaluate the feasibility of putting up a conventional pyrolysis system in Metropolitan Manila. Various modular-type scenarios of a pyrolysis system in the WtE facility were identified based on the geographical attributes of the sectoral residual wastes generators. Results showed that a 10 tons/d pyrolysis plant facility, with Brayton power set-up, can eventually produce 800 kW and generate an annual net income of PHP 83.63 M after a 2-yr breakeven period. In addition, this facility can accommodate at most 11 tons/d of residual wastes for processing. In contrast, a smaller footprint of pyrolysis-Brayton set-up consisting of three tons per day, with 1,000 kg of daily wastes and a power generation of 65 kW, can potentially produce a net income of PHP 18.06 M following a 3-yr breakeven period. The WtE business models of putting up conventional pyrolysis facilities, by presenting both the maximum and minimum scenarios in terms of plant capacity and income when intended for operation and adoption, were computed to be feasible.
Effect of AMF-Cacao Association on Pod Disease Incidence in Three-year-old Cacao Trees in an Agroforest in Calauan, Laguna, Philippines
Authors: Paguntalan Diana , Aggangan Nelly , Buot Inocencio , Sotto Rachel , Pangga Ireneo
Published: September 2022

Cacao diseases are an important aspect of cacao production that directly translates to losses and yield. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are recently studied for their increasing role in disease resistance in many crops, including cacao. In this study, the effects of the different treatments of AMF and biochar applied singly or in combination on the incidence of pod rot diseases – especially the black pod disease – were investigated. Cacao trees were previously treated with AMF and/or biochar during their seedling stage; later, they were assessed for symptomatic pods, three years after field planting. The results showed that there was an interaction (p = 0.043) between treatment and cacao variety on disease incidence. In almost all instances, disease incidence was highest in the control (without AMF) set-up as compared to the amended counterparts. For all varieties, except K2, disease incidence was the lowest on trees with added AMF and biochar amendments. Isolation of fungi associated with symptomatic pods was carried out. However, Phytophthora (the well-known pathogen of black pod disease) was not successfully isolated; hence, the occurrence of black pod disease was unconfirmed. Other fungal genera such as Fusarium, Colletotrichum, Pestalotiopsis, and Lasiodiplodia had the highest occurrence among the fungal isolates. The results from this study support the explored role of AMF associations on disease resistance and plant health on cacao plants in field conditions.
Performance Evaluation of Low-cost Storage Structures for Onions (Allium cepa L.) Storage in Bahir Dar, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Eriballo Selam Getachew , Satheesh Neela , Fanta Solomon Workneh
Published: September 2022

The effect of fully ventilated storage structure, netted bags, mud-coated structure (local practice in the region), and heap storage on quality and shelf-life of onion cv. Bombay red was studied at Bahir Dar Institute of Technology in Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted in a single factor with four levels (four storage structures) with three replications. Manually harvested and cured onions were stored in different storage structures and different quality and shelf-life properties were studied for 90 d. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation was conducted by SAS 9.2 version. The lowest sprouting % (1.03), rotting % (1.81), and mold incidence % (2.73) of the onions were recorded in the onions stored in fully ventilated storage structures for 90 d. The highest marketable bulb % was observed in the fully ventilated storage structure by the 90th day of storage. On the basis of this study, the fully ventilated structure was recommended to store the onions in the studied location.
Naked-faced Spiderhunter (Arachnothera clarae): a Flower Visitor and a Potential Pollinator of the Genus Aeschynanthus
Authors: Mansibang Jayson , Senarillos Tristan Luap
Published: September 2022

Current knowledge of flower visitors and pollination of the Philippine lipstick vine species (Aeschynanthus cf. leucothamnos) has not been properly documented. Here, we report the first photographic evidence of floral visitation by a naked-faced spiderhunter (Arachnothera clarae) on A. cf. leucothmnos from Burauen, Leyte, Philippines. We also describe the bird’s foraging behavior and its potential as a pollinator of the lipstick vine genus Aeschynanthus.
Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Pectinase-treated Peel Powder from Carabao Mango (Mangifera indica cv. Carabao)
Authors: Alaon Maria Katrina , Sapin Arsenia , Ramirez Teresita , Flores Floirendo
Published: September 2022

Fruit peel wastes such as from mango can be utilized as an alternative source of dietary fiber and may further be modified to improve specific functional properties. In this study, mango peel powder was treated with pectinase to produce mango peel powder with reduced hydration properties. The resulting pectinase-treated mango peel powder (PMPP) has reduced crude pectin (0.53 g/ 100 g), greater lignin (46.88 g/ 100 g extractive free solid), protein (10.86 g/ 100 g), fat (3.94 g/ 100 g), iron (8.7 mg/ 100 g), calcium (434 mg/ 100 g) and sodium (76.5 mg/ 100 g) compared to the untreated mango peel powder (MPP). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showed the presence of new peaks and shifted signals in PMPP but not in MPP – indicative of changes in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin composition. PMPP exhibited lower water holding capacity (WHC) (2.20 mL g–1) and swelling capacity (SC) (4.00 mL g–1) and comparable hypoglycemic properties with psyllium and metformin. Phenolic extract from PMPP showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity but weaker free radical scavenging capacity compared to MPP. Results show that pectinase treatment improved the properties of the mango peel powder and could lead to the utilization of PMPP as a food ingredient and as a dietary fiber supplement with functional and health potential.
Income and Happiness: a Commentary and Rejoinder
Authors: Beja Edsel , Palanca-Tan Rosalina
Published: September 2022

The paper discusses five items pertinent to Palanca-Tan (2021) – namely, Easterlin paradox, Easterlin hypothesis, happiness-income model, happiness survey question, and happy poor. The goal is to offer clarification and to help enrich the understanding of readers of Palanca-Tan.
Կարմիր գունանվան դերը հայ և ճապոնական լեզվամշակոիյթներում
Authors: Բաբայան Տաթև
Published: September 2022

Language is closely related to the culture, worldview and identity of any nation. Being an important element of the culture of many nations, the red color has found its unique role in the languaculture of nations as well. Armenian and Japanese are no exceptions. The “red” color name has many metaphorical meanings in the mentioned languages. Among the most used ones in Armenian are: happiness, marriage, festive mood, blood, pain, etc. In Japanese: purity, luck, beautiful, marriage, obvious, deficit, etc. Although Armenian and Japanese belong to different language families and have different syntax, some phrases involving the "red" color name, have similar metaphorical meaning or phrase structure.