Technological University of the Philippines – Taguig

Sustainable structural options are needed as conventional materials face supply and carbon constraints. We examined laminated bamboo lumber (LBL) columns manufactured from Bambusa spinosa (kawayang tinik) and quantified how the slenderness ratio (7) and eccentricity-to-height ratio (e0/h) affected the ultimate capacity under eccentric compression. The mechanical properties used in the analysis were parallel to grain. Prismatic LBL columns (50 & times;50 and 25 & times;25 mm; clear heights, 300, 450, 600 mm) were tested under quasi-static displacement control (0.5 mm min-1). Axial load, including prescribed eccentricities, was introduced through bonded steel end brackets that provided uniform bearing and pinned-like end conditions; offsets were verified prior to loading. There was a clear inverse relation between 7 and capacity, reflecting increased buckling susceptibility with slenderness, and a pronounced sensitivity to e0/h consistent with combined compression-bending. Based on the dataset, a species-specific empirical equation is proposed that integrates 7 and e0/h. Predictions clustered near the identity line with MAE = 1.35 kN, RMSE = 1.69 kN, and MAPE = 9.09% over the tested range (approximately 7 approximate to 21-83; e0/h approximate to 0.042-0.167), exhibiting a small conservative bias desirable for design. A benchmark against a published model indicated comparable accuracy while preserving local calibration to B. spinosa. In contrast to prior LBL studies that largely feature Phyllostachys pubescens and single-eccentricity tests, this work provides a dedicated B. spinosa dataset, examines multiple eccentricities together with slenderness, and delivers a calibrated, validated capacity model with a stated domain of applicability. The findings offer design-oriented, species-appropriate guidance for the structural use of engineered bamboo in Philippine practice and similar contexts.

Thrombotic disorders, characterized by abnormal blood clot formation, significantly contribute to global cardiovascular mortality. Targeting CFIXa offers a promising therapeutic strategy, balancing anticoagulation efficacy with reduced bleeding risk. This study investigates guava (Psidium guajava) leaf-derived bioactive compounds: 4-Androstene-3.α.,17.β.-diol (Compound 2), Methenolone acetate (Compound 3), and Amitriptyline-M-(CH₃)₂NOH AC (Compound 7) as potential CFIXa inhibitors through MDS, binding free energy calculations, and cluster network analysis. Compound 7 demonstrated superior stability, with the lowest RMSD (0.347 ± 0.110 nm) and strongest binding affinity (−15.475 ± 3.173 kcal/mol), driven by key interactions with residues H:ASN97 [264] (2.9–3.1 Å H-bond), H:TYR99 [266] (4.7–5.2 Å π-alkyl), and H:PHE174 [342] (4.8–5.3 Å π-alkyl) in the S2/S4 pockets. Cluster analysis revealed 40 conformational states, with Cluster 1 (15.8% occupancy) dominating due to these stable interactions. Compound 2 showed moderate stability (RMSD: 0.459 ± 0.307 nm; ΔG: −10.132 ± 4.414 kcal/mol), anchored by hydrophobic contacts with H:LYS239 [409] (4.40–5.17 Å) and L:PHE98 [98] (2.62 Å H-bond), but exhibited dynamic transitions between 49 clusters. Compound 3 was the least stable (RMSD: 0.965 ± 0.382 nm; ΔG: −9.541 ± 4.115 kcal/mol), with 74 clusters and frequent unbinding events (e.g., Cluster 24, 100% dissociation). Transition networks highlighted Compound 7’s kinetic robustness, with >97% of transitions occurring between stable, ligand-bound clusters (e.g., Cluster 1 ↔ Cluster 9). In contrast, Compound 3’s Markov model showed 96.3% self-transitions in unbound clusters, indicating poor residence time and kinetic trapping. Energy decomposition identified H:TYR99 [266] and H:PHE174 [342] as universal hotspots, contributing −0.51 ± 0.09 kcal/mol per residue in Compound 7 but only −0.20 ± 0.09 kcal/mol in Compound 2. These findings resolve the ambiguity surrounding guava leaves’ anticoagulant vs. procoagulant effects, confirming their CFIXa-inhibitory potential. Compound 7 emerges as a promising scaffold for rational drug design, leveraging conserved interactions with the S2/S4 subsites. This study provides a computational foundation for developing guava-derived antithrombotics, bridging structural insights with therapeutic optimization for safer anticoagulation strategies.

This study focused on determining the teachers’ pedagogical approaches, and students’ level of creative thinking to create a strategic pedagogical reading comprehension towards creative thinking. The researcher utilized a quantitative approach descriptive correlational design with the use of self-made questionnaire. The respondents were chosen from five (5) public Junior High Schools in Candelaria, Quezon namely Atty. Celso M. Reyes National High School, Bukal Sur National High School, Dolores Macasaet National High School, Dr. Panfilo Castro National High School, and Sta. Catalina National High School. A total of 40 randomly selected Junior High School teachers from each school participated along with their randomly selected student per teacher for the same total of 40 students. All data were gathered through questionnaires then analyzed and interpret through one-sample t-test and regression analysis. The data indicate that teachers employed a high extent of pedagogical approaches, including questioning, inferencing, visualizing, and analyzing. However, their creative thinking level in terms of divergent thinking, problem-finding, and idea generation all attained a moderate extent. The pedagogical approaches on questioning, inferencing, and visualizing had no significant effect on the students’ creative thinking level. Only the teachers’ analyzing pedagogical approach as the strongest predictor, had significant effect to the improvement of creative thinking levels (divergent thinking, problem-finding, and idea generation) of the students. As a result, the output was in the form of a strategic analyzing pedagogical approach towards creative thinking to support the teacher’s pedagogical methods in order to build students' capacity for reading comprehension and creative conceptualization in reading.

Enhancing grid stability, optimizing energy distribution, and improving overall system efficiency depend on understanding the factors driving energy demand patterns in power networks. This paper aims to rank the primary factors influencing patterns of energy consumption through a detailed investigation of historical data and relevant variables. The paper looks at how meteorological variables—temperature, humidity, wind speed, rainfall, and ambient pressure—alongside temporal and social factors including time of day, day of the week, and holidays, influence energy consumption in the Philippines. Using quantile regression analysis, asymmetric and non-linear correlations between energy demand and influencing variables were obtained. Analysis shows that load patterns are mostly influenced by temperature and humidity. The study also indicates continuous rising patterns in power use over the 14-year period; weekdays and in warmer months show more demand. The outcomes emphasize the need of including meteorological as well as non-meteorological components for a better understanding of energy demand patterns, hence enabling more resilient and adaptable power grid systems.

Biocomposites are of great interest today in the development of fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing filament. The hydrophilic nature of natural fibers limits the reaction between the polymer matrix and the fiber which has driven researchers to search for alternatives. Traditional methods such as injection molding have proven that polylactic acid (PLA) and peanut hull (PH) can be combined. However, producing a good combination of PLA and biocomposites remains a challenge. In this work, the combination of PLA and PH using a twin-extruder to create a FFF 3D printer compatible filament was explored. The highest yield strength of the combination is 70 wt.% PLA and 30 wt.% PH. The average tensile strength and flexural strength produced by PLA/PH is 16.239 MPa and 25.7299 MPa. Using the differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis the composite indicated a reduction in tensile and flexural strength. The mix has a glass transition temperature of 58.92 °C, which is lower than other composites, thus giving faster degradation. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating PH into PLA, although further optimization is needed to improve the mechanical and thermal stability of the resulting biocomposite filament.