EEG channel location estimation using CNN–based depression classifier

Depression is a mental disorder that results to deteriorating effects in the lives of many people around the world. Traditional methods of diagnosing depression are based on interviews and questionaries. However, there were studies that have shown the possibilities of detecting depression biomarkers and perform classification. Electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis is one way of doing this. A series of signal processing techniques were used to streamline EEG data into a form which are recognizable by a machine learning algorithm. In this study, a convolutional neural network (CNN) –based depression classifier was used to classify depression using three EEG systems with 5, 16, and 128 channel locations. The aim is to estimate if there are differences in terms of classification performance. Results show that a system with locations for 5 and 16 EEG channels can achieve 98% accuracy like a 128-channel system. Hence, EEG systems with fewer number of electrodes can be utilized for depression classification applications

Structure-based virtual screening of Philippine natural products to discover novel inhibitors against mycobacterium leprae MurE ligase

The emergence of drug-resistant strain in the causative agent of leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae, propels the need to find a cure and new antibacterial targets. Cytoplasmic Mur ligase enzymes involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis have recently been reassessed as attractive targets for antibiotics, as they are distinct to bacteria. This work aimed to characterize and model the M. leprae ATP-dependent MurE ligase protein structure and computationally identify potential antibacterial agents against this target. To do this, sequence alignment and residue conservation analysis were carried out, followed by homology modeling of MurE, docking studies, molecular dynamic simulations, and network analysis. The reliable homology model of the MurE protein was used to dock all the ADME screened ligands from the Philippine natural products for the identification of the top three docking hits, namely alpha-cadinene (C1), cis-b-guaiene (C2), and seychellene (C3). The native ligand (ATP) and products (ADP) were also docked to observe the behavior of the protein with respect to its original catalytic activity. Results showed that M. leprae MurE contains 3 conserved domains, in which the study focused on the central domain (D2) and the highly conserved residues and GKT motif for ATP binding. Molecular dynamics (MD) were then performed on the apo and the bound structures to analyze protein behavior upon ligand binding, and to confirm and compare the stability of the liganded complexes. MD analysis revealed structural domain-based movements of the protein upon ligand binding with a rigid binding pocket consisting of the identified binding residues and essential decomposition residues from interaction and decomposition analysis, respectively. Binding free energy analysis established the favorable binding affinity of the substrate and inhibitors to the protein, contrary to the unfavorable binding of the product. Lastly, network analysis identified key residues for each complex that signify crucial transmission points with a proposed role in both ligand binding and communication within the protein. Although, there are potential areas for future studies, such as the identified potential allosteric site of the C1 ligand, application of principal component analysis (PCA) on the MurE protein, and longer MD simulations and trajectory analysis for all the complexes for more deliberations and observations

Evaluation of the antioxidant potential and HT-29 cytotoxicity of crude ethanolic peel extract from locally-grown pomelo (Citrus maxima)

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. While treatments are available, they often have limitations and can be expensive, particularly for low-income Filipinos. This rationale encouraged the researchers to explore natural products as potential and sustainable treatment alternatives. Citrus maxima or pomelo, is native to Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines. The peels of pomelo that are often discarded as waste are rich in bioactive compounds that can serve as therapeutic agents through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. This study investigated the antioxidant potential and cytotoxic activity of pomelo peel extract on the HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line. The extract was prepared through maceration in 80% ethanol, followed by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) with water and hexane, from which the polar partition was obtained. DPPH antioxidant assay, total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), and cytotoxicity assays were performed. The pomelo peel extract showed a moisture content of 75.39%, with the extraction process resulting in an overall extraction yield of 4.84% (w/w). Results showed a TFC of 17.29 ± 1.21 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g, TPC of 107.36 ± 0.73 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, and an IC₅₀ of 5.958 mg/mL for the DPPH assay. In the cytotoxicity assay, the HT-29 cells exhibited a dose-dependent response to the pomelo peel extract, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.8752 mg/mL. Furthermore, varying concentrations of the pomelo peel extract combined with regulated cell death (RCD) inhibitors—Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1, ferroptosis), Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1s, necroptosis), and ZVAD-FMK (apoptosis/pyroptosis)—showed no impact on the cell viability. This demonstrates the pomelo peel extract’s antioxidant and cytotoxic potential for colorectal cancer; however, the specific cell death pathway remains unclear. Therefore, additional replicates and time-dependent treatments with the extract and inhibitors are recommended to further elucidate the mechanisms involved and clarify the pathway dynamics

Pagdalumat sa B-U-H-A-Y: Danas ng ahente at kliyente sa life insurance

Abstrak Bilang panimulang pag-aaral at bilang tugon sa kakulangan sa pag-aaral sa life insurance, ang disertasyon na ito ay nagpokus sa pagkuha ng datos kung paano inuunawa ng ahente at kliyente ang kanilang danas sa bentahe, usapin, hadlang, ayuda, at yaman sa life insurance at ano ang kahulugan at kabuluhan ng pangakong ginhawa ng life insurance sa ahente at kliyente. Ang mga naunang pag-aaral ay naisagawa sa kwantitatibong pamamaraan at pumapatungkol sa mga salik na nakaaapekto sa pagbili o pagtangkilik ng life insurance. Ito ay penomenolohikal na kwalitatibong pag-aaral. Ginamit ang pakikipagkuwentuhan at ginabayang talakayan ng Sikolohiyang Pilipino bilang metodo sa pagkuha ng datos na siyang ginamit ding teksto ng pananaliksik. Ito ay nilahukan ng labingsiyam (19) na ahente at labingwalong (18) kliyente. Pinili ang kalahok na may danas sa life insurance na may edad labingwalo pataas. Piniling itago ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga ahente at kliyente. Ang pakikipagkuwentuhan at ginabayang talakayan ay nairekord, sumailalim sa transkripsyon, deduktibong tematikong pag-aanalisa gamit ang B-U-H-A-Y (bentahe, usapin, hadlang, ayuda at yaman). Ginamit ang mga konseptong nakapaloob sa teorya na ginhawa ni Villaroman- Bautista at sinuri ang datos batay dito. Sa pag-aaral na ito, inilarawan ang danas ng ahente at kliyente sa life insurance. Ang mga tiyak na layunin ng pag-aaral na ito ay (1) Ano-ano ang naratibo ng danas ng ahente kaugnay ng Bentahe ng life insurance; Usapin tungkol sa life insurance; Hadlang sa pag-aahente ; Ayuda mula sa life insurance; at Yaman na galing sa life insurance. (2) Ano-ano ang mga naratibo ng danas ng kliyente kaugnay ng Bentahe ng life insurance: Usapin tungkol sa life insurance; Hadlang sa pagbili ng kliyente, at Yaman na galing sa life insurance? (3) Paano nagkakaroon ng kahulugan at kabuluhan ang ginhawang pangako ng pagbebenta at pagbili ng life insurance? Ang isinagawang pagdalumat sa B-U-H-A-Y ng danas ng ahente at kliyente ay nagbigay ng malalim na pag-unawa sa danas, ambag sa kahalagahan ng literasing pangpinansyal at ambag sa teorya ng ginhawa sa konteksto ng life insurance. Natuklasan sa pag-aaral ang maganda at hindi magandang danas ng ahente at kliyente sa life insurance. Sa pamamagitan ng pag-alam sa danas ng bentahe, usapin, hadlang, ayuda, at yaman ng ahente sa life insurance ay maaaring mapahusay ng ahente ang kaniyang mga estratehiya sa pagbebenta, relasyon sa kliyente at kakayahang mapalakas ang kaniyang sikolohikal at emosyonal na kalagayan. Parehong mahalaga ang literasing pinansyal sa mga kliyente at gayundin sa ahente. Ang ginhawa o buhay na magaan para sa mga ahente ay seguridad, kapanatagan ng isip at ang makatulong sa kapwa habang ang ginhawa para sa mga kliyente ay financial freedom at komportableng buhay

Stakeholders’ engagement in Binangonan, City of San Jose Del Monte (CSJDM) Bulacan, and Mandaluyong City local school boards context: An in-depth analysis

The Philippine educational system is in crisis. The Second Congressional Education Commission (EDCOM II) Year II Report, in its preface, made this pronouncement in its recently concluded report. In its Year I report, EDCOM II recognizes that all stakeholders, from policymakers to community members, play a pivotal role in addressing the crisis. Under the Local Government Code, the Local School Board (LSB) warrants the active involvement of local stakeholders. An efficient, effective, equitable, and quality education that encompasses skills, knowledge, and attitudes linked to national educational goals is the responsibility of all stakeholders. This research primarily examined the extent of stakeholder involvement in the local school board. The study compared cases of local school boards from a highly urbanized city, a component city, and a municipality. This also identified the factors or practices that facilitate or deter stakeholder engagement. LSB\u27s role in disbursing the Special Education Fund was also looked into. Through document analysis and in-depth interviews, we develop practices and policies to improve education at the local level. Finally, the research assessed how LSBs have contributed to the quality of education in select local government units. Ultimately, while there were prior studies on the involvement of stakeholders in education, the paper filled in the knowledge gap on how stakeholders’ active engagement in the local school board improved basic services for education at the local level and contributed to the theory building and policy recommendation in the future conduct of stakeholder engagement in a local school board context

Student-crafted digital storytelling (DST) for enhancing STEM students’ conceptual understanding of evolution and the origin of biodiversity

There is a growing need for innovative strategies to improve biology learning in the Philippine basic education system, particularly in teaching evolution, one of the most misunderstood topics in the K–12 science curriculum. Digital storytelling (DST), a student-centered approach that blends narrative construction with multimedia elements, offers a creative and engaging way to address these challenges. This study investigated the impact of DST on the conceptual understanding of evolution among 40 Grade 11 STEM students in a private senior high school in Metro Manila. A sequential explanatory mixed-method action research design was employed, with quantitative data gathered from pre-tests and post-tests, and qualitative data from student reflection journals and focus group discussions. Statistical analyses revealed significant improvements in post-test scores, indicating notable gains in mastery and conceptual understanding. Reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative data yielded four key themes: (1) contextualizing abstract ideas and correcting misconceptions, (2) fostering collaboration and social learning, (3) developing digital skills while overcoming project challenges, and (4) encouraging creativity and personal expression. These findings show that DST not only enhances students’ understanding of complex biological concepts but also cultivates 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital fluency. The study positions DST as an effective, scalable instructional strategy that can transform science classrooms into spaces of active, creative, and meaningful learning. Keywords: Digital Storytelling (DST), Conceptual Understanding, Science Education, Educational Technology, 21st Century Skill

Building a S.M.A.R.T City: A Comprehensive Guide to Sustainable, Measurable, Agile, Resilient and Transformative Urban Planning

This learning plan is designed to foster a deeper understanding of Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction in the Philippines specifically in urban planning. The following objectives are set to be accomplished by the end of the lesson: A. create a concept paper that will comprehensively discusses the preparations, materials, and the designs of the SMART City ; B. construct a design that showcases the following: elements at risk, different sectors of the society, the hazard present and/or disaster in each given area, and the initiatives of the government to mitigate the effects; C. utilize and maximize the use of recycled materials in creating the SMART City; D. present the SMART City. These goals are aligned with the 11th Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable and the 13th goal which is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Given the Philippines’ susceptibility to various disasters, this learning plan serves a comprehensive guide on how to develop SMART (Sustainable, Measurable, Agile, Resilient and Transformative) cities through effective urban planning. Its purpose is to minimize losses and reduce elements at risk, as much as possible. The learning plan is designed for Grade 12 STEM students at Asia Pacific College taking Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction. Before building the S.M.A.R.T City, students will explore fundamentals of urban planning, SDG 11 and 13, disaster risk, and government response to disasters. They will also engage in the “Stop Disaster!” game by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. After completing and receiving approval for their concept papers, student will construct their S.M.A.R.T Cities using recyclable materials and present them in class. The final projects and presentations will be evaluated using a teacher-prepared rubric

IAH-NET (INFORMATIVE AIR QUALITY AND HEAT INDEX NETWORK): DRONE-ASSISTED SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME AIR QUALITY AND HEAT INDEX MONITORING

Air pollution and rising temperatures threaten public health and safety, necessitating advanced monitoring solutions. This study developed a drone-assisted system for autonomous air quality and heat index monitoring, ensuring real-time alerts even without human presence. By integrating the K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) machine learning algorithm, the system provides an innovative and cost-effective approach to identifying environmental risks and raising awareness. The system consists of a Drone system, ESP32, MQ-135 gas sensor, and DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor for data acquisition. Software development includes implementing the K-NN algorithm and calibrating sensors to enhance classification accuracy. The system categorizes air quality as SAFE, RISKY, or HAZARDOUS and the heat index as SAFE, CAUTION, or DANGER based on sensor readings. Performance evaluation through simulated trials measured transmission times, accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. Average transmission times for air quality were 6.6 seconds (SAFE), 8 seconds (RISKY), and 8.6 seconds (HAZARDOUS), while heat index transmission times were 8 seconds (SAFE), 10.8 seconds (CAUTION), and 11.8 seconds (DANGER). Utilizing a confusion matrix, the system achieved 97% accuracy, 97.37% precision, and 98.67% sensitivity, demonstrating high reliability with minimal financial burden. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in transmission times across different air quality, while a significant difference was revealed in the heat index classifications, further validating the system’s efficiency. This study presents a viable solution for real-time environmental monitoring, offering substantial implications for mitigating air pollution and heat-related hazards. The system enhances safety in various settings, reducing health and ecological risks through early detection and intervention

Assessing Rabies Treatment Accessibility In Selected Metro Manila Cities Using GIS-based Techniques

Rabies is considered a death sentence when symptoms start to arise. Despite this condition causing tens of thousands of deaths every year, it is highly preventable through timely immunization. With this being said, animal bite incidents are continuously persistent issues present in the Philippines despite efforts in establishing Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) and mass vaccination programs. Cultural beliefs, socioeconomic status, and locational inaccessibility to these services influence factors in treatment-seeking behavior amongst Filipinos. This research aims to evaluate the locational accessibility of the Philippines’ efforts in addressing rabies treatment services, specifically for Metro Manila, the country’s densest region. To achieve this, maps of the selected cities showing their population density, location of ABTCs, and average distance to treatment centers will be generated. Additionally, the purpose of the research is to provide meaningful insights into the status quo of rabies control efforts and to suggest gaps in ABTC locations. The analysis showed that Makati had a better ABTC landscape compared to Paranaque, even when the number of at-risk barangays was the same, due to its advantage in ABTC density coverage and average travel distance