Aim: This study aims to investigate the enablers and barriers influencing the adoption of plant-based diets among Filipino adult consumers in Metro Manila. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Filipino adults responsible for household food decisions, particularly those with the capacity to purchase food or plan meals within their household, residing in Metro Manila. The questionnaire, adapted from validated instruments and guided by the COM-B behavioral model, assessed demographic characteristics, food consumption patterns, attitudes, and intentions toward plant-based diets. Data were collected via an online platform and analyzed using cluster segmentation, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to identify key determinants of dietary intentions and behaviors. Results: Respondents were categorized into four food consumption clusters ranging from high meat-high plant, high meat-low plant, low meat-low plant, and low meat-high plant intake based on the food frequency consumption by applying the k-means clustering method. Monthly household income was significantly associated with food consumption patterns. Overall, 39.34% of participants intended to reduce meat consumption, while 54.10% aimed to increase plant-based food intake. Behavioral analysis revealed that psychological capability (knowledge of plant-based cooking) and reflective motivation (enjoyment of vegetarian dishes) significantly increased intentions to shift diets. Conversely, barriers included perceptions that plant-based meal preparation is time-consuming and satisfaction with reducing but not eliminating meat intake. Social opportunity factors showed mixed effects, with autonomy supporting dietary shifts, but social normalization of meat reduction potentially reducing individual motivation. Conclusions: There is a growing intention among Filipino consumers to adopt plant-based diets, yet practical and perceptual barriers remain. Addressing these challenges through education, improving accessibility, and leveraging social influences is essential to facilitate dietary shifts. Economic factors, particularly income disparities, also influence food choices, highlighting the need for equitable policies. Supporting plant-based diets can advance public health, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience in the Philippine context.
This study presents the design, simulation, and performance evaluation of an optimal state-feedback controller for precise position regulation of a permanent-magnet DC motor. A detailed electromechanical model of the motor is formulated in state-space form to accurately represent both electrical and mechanical dynamics. A Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) is then designed to minimize a quadratic cost function that balances tracking accuracy and control effort. Systematic tuning of the LQR weighting matrices ensures that key performance specifications are satisfied, including a settling time below 1.5 seconds, overshoot under 5%, and negligible steady-state error, while maintaining control effort within practical limits. The controller's effectiveness is verified through MATLAB/Simulink simulations, where step reference tracking, disturbance rejection, and robustness against parameter variations are examined. Simulation results confirm that the LQR-based controller delivers fast, stable, and accurate position control with smooth control actions and strong disturbance rejection. These findings demonstrate the LQR controller's suitability for highperformance DC motor positioning applications, offering a scalable solution for both academic and industrial systems requiring precise motion control.
Aim: This study characterized pre-packaged foods in Southeast Asia using Nutri-Score, NOVA, and Multiple Traffic Light systems; cross-classified products by Nutri-Score and NOVA; and assessed their ability to discriminate products by nutrient content. Methods: Data were obtained from Open Food Facts in October 2024. Of 29,789 products identified in Southeast Asia, duplicates and products with incomplete information were excluded, resulting in 4,668 pre-packaged food products from eight Southeast Asian countries. Salt, sugar, total fat, and saturated fat contents were evaluated using the Multiple Traffic Light system. Nutri-Score data were available for 4,565 products, while 2,068 products had complete information for both Nutri-Score and NOVA and were included in cross-classification analysis. Spearman correlation analyses examined relationships among Nutri-Score, NOVA, and nutrient profiles. Results: Most products were of lower nutritional quality, with 52% classified as Nutri-Score D or E and 71% categorized as ultra-processed (NOVA 4). Multiple Traffic Light classification showed that beverages and sweet products had the highest proportion high in sugar, while beverages, cereals, and dish meals were most frequently high in salt. Sweets and snacks were the main contributors to products high in total fat and saturated fat. Cross-classification showed that as Nutri-Score decreased from A to E, the prevalence of ultra-processed foods consistently increased, while NOVA 1 became nearly negligible, indicating a trend between poorer nutritional quality and higher processing. Nutri-Score showed weak-to-moderate positive correlations with sugar (r = 0.355, p < 0.001), saturated fat (r = 0.364, p < 0.001), and salt (r = 0.190, p < 0.001). NOVA showed weaker but significant correlations with sugar (r = 0.149, p < 0.001) and salt (r = 0.138, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Nutri-Score was associated with nutrient-rich foods, while NOVA highlighted processing levels. Combined use offers a more comprehensive evaluation than either system alone. Integrating nutrient profiling and processing classification in front-of-pack labeling may guide consumer choices and public health efforts to reduce diet-related NCDs in Southeast Asia.
This study examines the marketing practices of private pool resort Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in response to increasing competition and resource constraints. Specifically, it aims to identify prevailing traditional and digital marketing strategies, evaluate renters’ perceptions pertaining to their influence on booking decisions, and develop a context-appropriate blended marketing approach. The study adopted a convergent mixed-method design grounded in a pragmatic paradigm, focusing on single-pool private resorts in Barangay Pansol. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 purposively selected resort owners and analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis grounded in the Marketing Communication Mix framework. Quantitative data were gathered from 30 renters using a structured survey and examined using descriptive statistics and a 5-point Likert scale. Findings show that while digital channels, particularly Facebook, are widely used, traditional strategies, such as roadside “pool agents,” remain influential, with booking decisions affected by both online visibility and interpersonal trust. The study shows that a blended marketing strategy improves resource efficiency, customer engagement, and competitiveness, with practical effects on MSMEs and policy directions to support digitalization and sustainable local tourism development.
Aim: This study aimed to develop a rice and sautéed mung bean meal using freeze-drying to preserve its safety, nutritional quality, and sensory attributes, providing a nutrient-dense meal suitable for disaster response and emergency feeding. Methods: White rice, mung beans, smoked herring, horseradish leaves, and seasonings were prepared, cooked, and freeze-dried. The freeze-dried product was vacuum-packed and evaluated for microbiological safety, physicochemical and proximate composition, micronutrient content (iron and vitamin A), and sensory acceptability by 50 Filipino panelists using a nine-point hedonic scale. Statistical comparisons with the traditional cooked meal were performed using paired t-tests. Results: The freeze-dried meal exhibited low microbial counts water activity, and moisture content, confirming its safety. Proximate analysis showed high protein (21.69 g/100 g), moderate carbohydrates (65.53 g/100 g), low fat (7.03 g/100 g), and total energy of 412.15 kcal/100 g. Micronutrient content per 117 g serving was 0.35 mg iron and 10.56 μg retinol equivalents vitamin A. Sensory evaluation revealed high acceptability for aroma, taste, and texture, while appearance and color showed minor reductions compared to the control, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in some attributes. Conclusions: Freeze-drying effectively produced a safe, nutrient-rich, and sensorially acceptable instant rice and mung bean meal. The product demonstrates strong potential for long-shelf-life and is a convenient option for disaster response and emergency feeding, though further optimization may improve visual appeal.
