UP COE - NEC Technical Bulletin 2018

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 i

i UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Institute 2
2
 Modeling of Errors in a Digital Energy Detector for On-off Keying Receivers 2
 EQSCALE: Energy-Quality Scalable Feature Extraction Engine for Sub-mW Real- 2
3
time Video Processing with 0.55 mm2 Area in 40nm CMOS 3
 VREX: A Framework for Immersive Virtual Reality Experiences 3
 Improving Error Resiliency of Sparse Code Multiple Access using Precoding and 4
4
Non-Orthogonal Signaling Techniques 4
 Two-Step Vehicle Classification System for Traffic Monitoring in the Philippines 4
5
 Indoor Channel Modeling Using Ray Tracing 5
5
 Effects of Changing Material Properties of Vibration Modes of Guitar Body 5
 A Quasi-Concertina Forte Displacement MEMS Probe for Measuring 6
6
Biomechanical Properties 7
 Assessment of Vision-Based Vehicle Tracking for Traffic Monitoring Applications 7
 A 0.5V Low-Power All-Digital Phase-Locked Loop in 65nm CMOS Process for 7
7
Wireless Sensing Applications 8
 Improving WiFi Indoor Localization Through a Peer-to-Peer Architecture 8
 Fingerprinting BitTorrent Traffic in Encrypted Tunnels using Recurrent Deep 8

Learning
 Optimal Scheduling Strategy for Virtual Power Plants Using a Robust

Optimization Approach
 Efficient Feature Extraction for Internet Data Analysis Using AS2Vec

 Constant Current Frequency Tracking in LCC Converters
 Distribution System State Estimator Using SCADA and μPMU Measurements: A

Cyber-Attack Vulnerability Analysis
 Optimizing the Trickle Algorithm of RPL on Dense Wireless Sensor Networks

 Optimization of Isolated Microgrids with Cost and Reliability Targets

 Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Vehicles

 Designing Wireless Transceiver Blocks for LoRa Application

 Facilitator Training for Innovation and Technopreneurship Classes
 An Enhanced Geometric Filter Algorithm with Channel Diversity for Device-Free

Localization
 A Cache-aware Congestion Control for Reliable Transport in Wireless Sensor

Networks
 Implementation of a Nonlinear Planar Magnetics Model

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 ii

Institute of Civil Engineering 10
10
 Expansive Soil Analysis, Identification and Stabilization: A Case Study in 10
Bulacan 10
11
 Development of Empirical Wind Vulnerability Curves of School Buildings 11
Damaged by the 2016 Typhoon Nina 11
12
 Ultrasonic Evaluation of High-Early Strength Concrete Subjected to Isothermal 12
Curing 13
13
 Analysis of the October 15, 2013 Bohol Earthquake Simulated Record’s 13
Acceleration Response Spectrum 13
14
 Numerical Analysis of Sea Level Rise Effect on Design Water Levels for the 14
Roxas Boulevard Seawall Rehabilitation 15
15
 Development of a Framework for the Use of Recycled Concrete Aggregates 16
in Concrete in the Philippines 16
17
 Harmonizing Building Regulations through the Proposed Philippine Building Act 17
17
 Estimating Typhoon Haiyan's Wind Speeds Using Windicators 18
18
 Investigation of Manila Bay Hydrodynamics and Material Transport
Characteristics using Numerical Modelling and Particle-Tracking Analysis 18

 Assessment of the the Existing Flood Drainage System of the University of the 19
Philippines Diliman Campus 19
19
 Development of Framework for the Philippine Sediment Quality Guidelines 20
 Flood Vulnerability Assessment of Public School Buildings in Metro Manila,

Philippines
 Sustainable Utilization of Small-Scale Gold Mill Tailings as Bricks through

Geopolymerization

 Study on Filipino Driver Reaction Time

 An Exploratory Study on Motorcycle Taxis in Metro Manila

 Assessment of Reduction of Inorganic and Nutrient Contamination Levels for
Water Quality Improvement using Granulated Coal Ash

 Resource Estimation and Site Selection for Mini-Hydropower in Palawan,
Philippines

 Alleviating Congestion Using ICT Applications

 The Household Water Consumption of Different Socioeconomic Classes in
Selected Communities in Metro Manila, Philippines

 Alternative Flood Mitigation Plans for Cagayan de Oro River

 Microplastic Characterization and Analysis in Tunasan River

 Use of Water Treatment Sludge as Partial Cement Replacement in Concrete
Mixtures

 Nonlinear Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Buildings: Development of Blast
Load Analysis and Simulation Tool

 Geotechnical Characterization of Geopolymerized Gold-Copper Mine Tailings
as a Potential Embankment Material

 Simulative Anaysis of Storm Tide Levels in Batanes Islands during the
September 2016 Typhoon Meranti using the Coupled Delft3D-SWAN Numerical
Models

 Estimation of Fuel Efficiency of Conventional 4-Stroke Tricycles in Quezon City
 Geotechnical Characterization of Waster Material: Case Studies on Fly-Ash

from Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Combustion Plants in the Philippines
 Typhoon Haiyan 2013 Storm Wave and Storm Surge Modeling in San Pedro

Bay Using SWAN+ADCIRC
 Rapid Screening of Expansion Potential of Metro Manila Soils using Free Swell

Index Test

iii UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

Department of Chemical Engineering 22
22
 Estimating WEEE generation using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and 22
Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS): A Quantitative Comparison 22
23
 Solid Fuel Characterization of Torrefied Coconut Shells in an Oxidative 23
Environment 24
24
 Effect of Catalyst Calcination Temperature in the Visible Light Photocatalytic 24
Oxidation of Gaseous Formaldehyde by Multi-element Doped Titanium 25
Dioxide 25

 Molecular Modeling of Polyethylene Glycol Functionalized Rosette Nanotubes 28
 Optimal Multi-Criteria Selection of Hybrid Energy Systems for Off-Grid 28
28
Electrification 29
 Antimicrobial Activity of Novel Chitosan-Polyethyleneimine-Graphene Oxide 29
30
Nanocomposites 30
 Automated Generation of the Metabolic Pathways of Pharmaceutical 30
31
Chemicals from Published Works 31
 Composting Biosolids with Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste or 31
31
Carbonized Rice Hull Using Trichoderma Harzianum as Inoculum 32
 Characterization and Modelling of the Degradation of Hydroxypropyl 32

Cellulose-Blended Sodium Alginate Microcapsules 33
33
 33

 Low-Cost Fabrication and Performance Testing of Polydimethylsilosiloxane iv
(PDMS) Micromixers using an Improved Print-and-Peel (PAP) Method

Department of Computer Science

 On Distributed Solution to SAT by Membrane Computing

 A Stochastic Agent-Based Model for Post-disaster Mangroves Regeneration

 Solving the N-Queens Problem using dP Systems with Active Membranes
 Matrix Representation and Simulation Algorithm for Spiking Neural P Systems

with Rules on Synapses
 Innovation for Early Detection and Interventions for One Health: Field

Experience in Los Banos Philippines
 Tocky Talk: A Mobile Phone Application to Help Address Communicative

Problems of Engineering and Technical Graduates in the Philippine Context
 Diabetes Bridge
 Crowdsourcing Rural Network Maintenance and Repair via Network

Messaging
 Implementation of a Role-Based Access Control Layer for Internet of Things

 A Study of the Prevalence of Schistosomiasis Cases in Philippine Provinces

 On Numerical P Systems as Solutions to Combinatorial Optimization Problems

 AC2: A Policy Gradient Actor with Primary and Secondary Critics
 A Proposed Framework for Persuasive Technology Intervention for Health-

seeking Behavior
 Differential Temperature Sensitivity of Synaptic and Firing Processes in a Neural

Mass Model of Epileptic Discharges Explainds Heterogeneous Response of
Experimental Epilepsy to Focal Brain Cooling
 A Prelude to Building Mathematical Models for Polypeptide Folding: Analysis
on the Conformational Potential Energy Hypersurface Cross-Sections of N-
Acetyl-Glycyl-Glycine-N'-Methylamide
 Design and Implementation of a Cross on Bioinformatics for Genomics and
Transcriptomics
 A Linear Predictor Model for Performance of CS Students

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

Department of Geodetic Engineering 36
36
 Spatial Analysis of the Service Coverage of Health Care Facilities in the City of 36
Manila 37
38
 Linking the Different Coordinate Reference Systems in the Philippines 38
38
 Geospatial Analysis of Dengue Incidences in Quezon City, Philippines 39
39
 Using Omnidirectional Images for Semi-Automatically Extracting Indoor GML 40
Data” 40

 Data Gathering for a Hedonic Price Model (HPM) of Lands Affected by Transit-
Oriented Development

 Producing Agricultural Recommendations from Combining Expert and Farmer
Knowledge of the Field

 A GIS-Based Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment Case Study for Residential Areas
near Marikina River

 Spatially-explicit Methods in Flood Disaster Risk Evaluation and Financing in the
Philippines

 Vertical Land Motion Detection using Tide Gauge and Satellite Altimetry Data
in Manila Bay

 Detection of Aquaculture Structures in Laguna de Bay from Diwata SMI LCTF
Images Using Object-Based Image Analysis

 Updates on Diwata-1 Earth Observation Microsatellite Spaceborne
Multispectral Imager (SMI) Quality Assessment

Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations 44
Research 44
44
 Construction of a Nonlinear Program for Profit Improvement of Capacity- 44
constrained Systems with Demand-capacity Imbalance via Demand Shifting 45
by Discount Setting
45
 Association of Individual Risk Factors and Workplace Factors to Self-Reported
Body Discomfort of Filipino Small-Scale Gold Miners 45
45
 People Metrics Information System Prototype using Dimensional Model Design 46
46
 Developing a Survey Instrument to Assess Service Quality of Public Hospitals in 47
the Philippines 47

 Establishing a Solution Framework for a Class of Product Assortment Planning
Problems

 Proposal for a Simple, Structured and Easy to Use Method for Determining
Production Level to Lower Excess Ending Inventory in Small Retail Business with
Steady Demand and a Culture of Oversupply

 Prevalence, Severity, and Risk Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal
Disorders among Stevedores in a Philippine Break-Bulk Port Terminal

 The Ecosystem for Enabling Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer in UP
Diliman

 Sustainable Kaizen-based Improvement Trajectories for Philippine
Manufacturing SMEs

 Integrating Risk Assessment Tools in Aid Allocation Modeling for Victims of
Extreme-events, a Case for Leyte, Philippines

 Sustainability Performance of Selected Small Scale Gold Production Sites in the
Philippines

 Sustainability Planning Platform Using QFD, TRIZ, and Life Cycle Analysis

v UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

Department of Mechanical Engineering 50
50
 The influence of Unsteady Flow to the Performance of a Horizontal Axis Tidal 50
Turbine 50
51
 Modelling and Analysis of Power Generation from Low Grade Industrial Waste 51
Heat Using Ejector Trilateral Flash Cycle 51
52
 VAWT Cluster Parameter Study on Overall Cluster Performance, Part II: Oblique 52
Angles and Direction of Rotation 52
53
 Feasibility Based Design of Hybrid Electric Vehicles for Public Transportation in
the Philippines

 Investigation of the Effect of Varying Silicon Die Size and Thickness on a Small
Outline Transistor on the Silicon Die Crack Using Finite Element Method

 Analysis of Die Tilt Effect on the Stress Distribution in a Small Outline Transistor
Using Finite Element Method

 Design of Residence Hall for Electricity Conservation

 Operational Cost Comparison of Alternative Fuel Vehicles for Public
Transportation

 Power Performance and Fuel Consumption of a Spark-Ignition Engine using
Different Blends of Ethanol-Gasoline

 Determination of Mechanical Properties of Angle-Ply Laminates for Use in the
Simulated Loading of a 2-m HATT Blade

 Design and Development of a Neonatal Ventilator

Department of Mining Metallurgical and Materials 56
Engineering 56
57
 Formation of Copper-Based Shape Memory Alloy Via Annealing of Brass with 57
Electrodeposited Copper-Tin Layers 57
57
 Recovery of Gold from Electronic Wastes Using Thiosulfate Leaching and 58
Magnetite Adsorption 58
59
 Fabrication of Polyacrylonitrile-coated Kapok Hollow Microtubes for 59
Adsorption of Methyl Orange and Cu(II) Ions in Aqueous Solution 59
59
 Synthesis and Characterization of Porous NiO/YSZ Electrode Materials Using 60
Different Pore Formers

 Responsible Mining: Is the Philippines Ready?

 Adsorption Studies of CU(II) and ZN(II) from Aqueous Solution of
Hydroxyapatite Pellets

 Electrochemical Effect of Copper Gleam A, Copper Gleam B and Cl-
Concentration on Low Metal Ion Concentration Electrolyte

 Technology Adaptors Seek Beyond Laboratory Scale Valorization of High-
Performance Local Fillers in Rubber

 Fabrication and Characterisation of Cu-Zn-Sn Shape Memory Alloy via
Electrodeposition-Annealing Route

 Flotation Response of Local Manganese Ore

 A Parametric Study on the Electrospinning of Polycaprolactone-Na-
Montmorillonite Fibers using a Multi-Nozzle Electrospinning Assembly

 Integrated DLM-COPRAS Method in Materials Selection of Laminated Glass
Interlayer for Fuel-Efficient Concept Vehicle

 Morality and Citizenship Outcomes of Service-Learning in Psychology and
Materials Engineering

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 vi

Department of Mining Metallurgical and Materials 60
Engineering (continued) 60
61
 Cementation of Gold (III) Chloride using Zinc Powder 61
 Analysis of Dendrite Images Formed by Electrochemical Migration in a 62
62
Semiconductor Sensor
 Upgrading of Palawan Silica Deposits for Glass Industry 62
 Electrokinetic Behavior of Solder Powders in Non-aqueous Media
 Photo Electrochemical Activity of Amorphous Anodized TiO2 Nanotubes
 Thermal Conductivity Enhancement in Unsaturated Polyester-Nanoclay

Composite via Sonification-induced Microstructure Modification
 Effects of Discharge-forming Gases on the Antibacterial Sensitivity of Plasma-

reduced Silver Impregnated in Natural Zeolites

vii UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 1

LOUIS P. ALARCON developer can easily create a VR
Analog Devices Professorial Chair environment with interactions, scene
objectives, player explorations, and many
“Modeling of Errors in a Digital Energy more. This framework is used in the creation
Detector for On-off Keying Receivers”* of the adventure fantasy game, Eldervine,
and adapted for the scene creator
*Paper presented in the 2017 IEEE Custom application, ANEEME. Results of experiments
Integrated Circuits Conference (CICC), held conducted show the framework‘s usability in
in Austin, Texas, USA, on April 30 to May 3, creating different VR applications and its
2017 (A. Chua, R. Maestro, J. Jardin, K. capability to make the interactions intuitive
Monisit, R. Nuestro, K. Fabay, B. Pelayo, W. and the experience immersive.
Lofamia, J. Ortiz, J. Madamba, L.
Alarcon, ―Smart-wire: A 0.5V 44uW 0°C to 100° *Co-authors: Ryan Blonna, Mel Stychen Tan,
C power-line energy harvesting sensor Vanessa Tan, Anna Patricia Mora
node‖, 2017 IEEE Custom Integrated Circuits
Conference (CICC), Austin, TX, 2017, pp. 1-4.) NEIL IRWIN M. BERNARDO
Vicente & Juanita Hao Chin Professorial Chair
ANASTACIA B. ALVAREZ 1
Vidal A. Tan Professorial Chair
“Improving Error Resiliency of Sparse Code
““EQSCALE: Energy-Quality Scalable Feature Multiple Access using Precoding and Non-
Extraction Engine for Sub-mW Real-time Video Orthogonal Signaling Techniques”
Processing with 0.55 mm2 Area in 40nm
CMOS”* Abstract: The high data rate and seamless
connectivity requirements in cellular networks
* Presented in the IEEE Asian Solid-State make it necessary to explore key-enabling
Circuits Conference, held on 6-8 November techniques for next generation (SG) wireless
2017, in Seoul, South Korea. Co-authors: communication networks. Recent studies in
Gopalakrishnan Ponnusamy, Massimo Alioto SG physical layer technologies consider the
978-1-5386-3178-2/17/$31.00 ©2017 IEEE978-1- use of non-orthogonal multiple access and
5386-3178-2/17/$31.00 ©2017 IEEE non-orthogonal signaling techniques as
means to achieve better spectral efficiency
ROWEL O. ATIENZA at an acceptable link level performance. In
Dado and Maria Banatao Institute Professorial this paper, a new multi-user transmission
Chair Award scheme is presented which combines Sparse
Code Multiple Access (SCMA), a non-
“VREX: A Framework for Immersive Virtual orthogonal multiple access technique that
Reality Experiences”* exploits codeword sparsity, with a non-
orthogonal multicarrier signal that uses
Abstract: Virtual Reality (VR) is believed to be precoding and tight subcarrier packing
schemes. The study assesses the impact of
the future of gaming and even application bandwidth compression and iterative
decoding complexity on the bit error rate
platforms. However, creating a VR (BER) performance of the system. Modeling is
done in simple Gaussian noise channels and
application from scratch takes up a lot of channels experiencing independent
frequency-flat Rayleigh fading per sample.
time and research. Virtual Reality frameworks Simulation results are provided showing that
proposed transmission scheme can achieve
simplify game development by allowing the better error resiliency while maintaining the
spectral efficiency of conventional SCMA.
developer focus on the actual design and
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018
system rather than dealing with the core

functionalities and interaction of VR

application. In this paper, we present a

Virtual Reality framework using Unity3D and

the HTC Vive. With this framework, any

2

RHANDLEY D. CAJOTE PAUL JASON CO
Concepcion Hidalgo Sandoval Memorial Don Felipe Say and Theresa Chua Say
Foundation PC Professorial Chair

“Two-Step Vehicle Classification System for “Indoor Channel Modeling Using Ray
Traffic Monitoring in the Philippines”* Tracing”*

Abstract: Traffic congestion is a major Abstract: The vision of the state of wireless
problem in the Philippines. A vehicle communication technology in the near future
classification system, for a proposed Philippine has already been set by authorities in the
metropolitan traffic monitoring system, would field, such as the International
be useful for various applications such as: Telecommunication Union. The demands of
road monitoring, law enforcement, and 5G, as they had decreed, would typically
emergency vehicle prioritization. This paper involve high traffic and high density situations
implements a two-step vehicle classification over small (establishment scale) regions. Thus,
system that classifies vehicles into three there is now a larger demand to characterize
vehicle sizes and seven vehicle classes. radio wave propagation over small-scale,
Vehicle images are first extracted using the indoor environments. Ray tracing is one of the
ViBe background subtraction algorithm on a approaches to do this, and it is based mainly
Philippines metropolitan traffic sequence. The on geometric optics (GO) and its improved
dataset used is comprised of properly variant, the Uniform Theory of Diffraction
segmented vehicle images. Geometry based (UTD). One of the main rigors of ray tracing is
and texture-based features were extracted the computation of reflection points, and the
from the isolated image of each vehicle. most commonly opted solution is the method
Feature selection is used to determine the of images. Many algorithms and techniques
best features to be used in each classifier. have been developed around the method of
Various machine learning models (kNN, SVM, images, improving speed or accuracy at the
MLPN) are used to implement the two-step cost of the other. Some algorithms, however,
vehicle classification system. The are not mutually exclusive and may be
implemented vehicle stacked upon each other. The goal of this
size classifier uses a kNN model with an F- work is to develop a fully-functional GO/UTD-
measure of 97.41%. Next, the medium vehicle based ray tracing software. The output of this
classifier uses an SVM model with an F- simulator was verified by hardware to ensure
measure of 90.68%. Finally, the large vehicle a satisfactory solution to basic indoor
classifier uses an MLPN model with an F- propagation problems.
measure of 97.97%. The resulting two-step
vehicle classification system has an overall F- *Co-authors: Ephraim Paolo Lizardo, Samuel
measure of 91.41%. This designed two-step Christopher Chen
classification system assumes that the input
vehicle is properly segmented by background FRANZ A. DE LEON
subtraction. Dona Maria Co Chiao Ti Lim EE Centennial PC

*Co-authors: Rodrigo N. Celso II, Zachary B. “Effects of Changing Material Properties of
Ting, Dale Joshua R. Del Carmen, Vibration Modes of Guitar Body”*

*Presented in the 2017 7th IEEE International
Conference on Control System, Computing
and Engineering (ICCSCE 2017), held on 24-26
November 2017, in Penang, Malaysia.

Co-author: Crisron Rudolf Lucas

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 3

MA. THERESE G. DE LEON JOHN RICHARD E. HIZON
Hilary De Leon Professorial Chair Jesus Vergara (Power Systems Engineering)
Professorial Chair
“A Quasi-Concertina Forte Displacement
MEMS Probe for Measuring Biomechanical “A 0.5V Low-Power All-Digital Phase-Locked
Properties”* Loop in 65nm CMOS Process for Wireless
Sensing Applications”*
*Published in Sensors and Actuators A:
Physical, © 2018 by Elsevier B.V. Abstract: Due to the limited energy supply of
Co-Authors: David Grech, Antulio Tarazona, wireless sensor nodes, minimizing their power
Kian S. Kiang, Jurgita Zekonyte, Robert J.K. consumption has become a primary concern
Wood, Harold M.H. Chong to increase their battery lives. These sensor
nodes require clock signals to process data
DALE JOSHUA R. DEL CARMEN and to synchronize with other sensor nodes in
Edison Co Seteng Professorial Chair in the network. However, clock generator
Electrical Engineering circuits usually consume a lot of power. This
work addresses this problem by implementing
“Assessment of Vision-Based Vehicle Tracking a low-power all-digital phase-locked
for Traffic Monitoring Applications”* loop (ADPLL) in a 65nm CMOS process with a
low operating voltage of 0.5V. Its output
Abstract: Multiple-target tracking (MTT) is one frequency range is 0.285 – 48 M H z with a
of the main components of traffic monitoring power consumption of 8.25 μW at 23 M H z.
systems directly responsible for measuring With the use of the frequency estimation
traffic information. However, evaluation of algorithm, the ADPLL is able to achieve fast
these vehicle tracking systems greatly varies lock-in time within 5 reference clock cycles
and are often incomparable due to different with frequency errors of less than 1.5%.
metrics and datasets. This paper focuses on
comparing and assessing the viability of *Co-authors: Fredrick Angelo Roman
online multiple vehicle tracking systems for Galapon, Mark Allen Dela Cruz Agaton, Arcel
use in real-time traffic monitoring. Most online Gumapac Leynes, Lemuel Neil Manuel
vehicle tracking framework uses background Noveno, Anastacia Ballesil Alvarez, Chris
subtraction for real-time vehicle detection Vincent Jagunap Densing, Marc Driz Rosales,
and various blob-based appearance models Maria Theresa Gusad de Leon, Rico Jossel
for real-time multiple vehicle tracking. The Mindoro Maestro
results show that commonly used metrics such
as multiple object tracking accuracy (MOTA) JETHRO WILBERT R. LIMJOCO
and multiple object tracking precision (MOTP) Dean Oscar P. Baguio Professorial Chair
are not necessarily reflective of traffic
monitoring performance, particularly in terms “Improving WiFi Indoor Localization Through a
of vehicle count accuracy. Furthermore, the Peer-to-Peer Architecture”*
track identity switching (IDS) is identified to
significantly Abstract: In this paper, we present an
affect the vehicle count accuracy,
particularly in terms of count precision, having implementation of indoor localization, where
a correlation coefficient of r(100) = –0.709 with
P-value p < 0.001. the location of an object is determined

*Co-author: Rhandley D. Cajote without using the outdoor infrastructure of

4 GPS. Various work involving different

technologies exist, but the field remains open

to a solution which can attain widespread

use, in consideration of cost and infrastructure

needed for deployment. For our

implementation, we localized a common

smartphone in an area with many WiFi signals.

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

The main method was through RSS provide a stabilizing effect on both the
fingerprinting which was able to achieve a energy supply and electricity market prices. In
mean error of 2.5 m, aside from outliers that a day-ahead market, the VPP operator must
drove the error to 16 m. To improve this, formulate a bidding and scheduling strategy
Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) techniques that would maximize its profits in the presence
were treated as pseudo access points to help of uncertainties in available renewable
eliminate the outlier errors that resulted from resource and imbalance penalty prices. A
very similar RSS fingerprints. To measure robust optimization approach is proposed to
distance between peers, an acoustic method optimize VPP bidding and scheduling, that
was employed using 1 KHz sine waves. The takes advantage of interruptible loads for
Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA) was technical and economic flexibility. Test case
computed between peers, and the readings results shows its effectiveness and superiority
allowed for coarse estimates in 5-m bins. over fuzzy optimization.
However, for very noisy environments, this
frequency range may cause the acoustic ROEL M. OCAMPO
system to be erroneous, possibly driving the MacArthur V. Delos Reyes and Josefina Parras
error to as high as 18.01 m. -Delos Reyes PC in EE

*Co-authors: Armando Celso Jr., Joseph “Efficient Feature Extraction for Internet Data
Daniel Dantes, Leiko Armand Ravelo, Nestor Analysis Using AS2Vec”*
Michael Tiglao.
*John Robert Mendoza, Roel Ocampo, Isabel
ISABELLE A. MONTES Montes, and Cedric Angelo Festin. 2018.
Dean Reynaldo Vea Professorial Chair Efficient Feature Extraction for Internet Data
Analysis Using AS2Vec. In Proceedings of ACM
“Fingerprinting BitTorrent Traffic in Encrypted SAC Conference, Pau, France, April 9-13, 2018
Tunnels using Recurrent Deep Learning”* (SAC’18), 9 pages.
https://doi.org/xx.xxx/xxx_x
*Presented in the 2017 Fifth International
Symposium on Computing and Networking. CARL MICHAEL F. ODULIO
2379-1896/17. © 2017 IEEE. DOI 10.1109/ TEAM Energy Professorial Chair
CANDAR.2017.74
“Constant Current Frequency Tracking in LCC
Co-Authors: Michelangelo Cruz, Roel Converters”*
Ocampo, Rowel Atienza
Abstract: An LCC resonant converter when
ALLAN C. NERVES operating at a certain frequency would
Federico E. Puno 3 Professorial Chair perform as a current source that is
independent of the load resistance. This
“Optimal Scheduling Strategy for Virtual frequency is dependent only on the values of
Power Plants Using a Robust Optimization the capacitors and inductor. Unfortunately,
Approach” the values for these components are usually
specified by a certain precision by
Abstract: The increased penetration level of manufacturers. Furthermore, factors such as
renewable generation in power systems have temperature affects these values. This paper
both reduced environmental emissions and proposes a control scheme for setting the
increased generation supply volatility. A frequency of an LCC resonant converter at
virtual power plant (VPP) using smart grid the unloaded natural resonant frequency. This
technology is able integrate renewable and allows the system to lock on to the load
conventional generators with controllable or independent frequency. Analysis of the
interruptible loads into a single entity that can system, which aims to be used in smart farm

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 5

applications, is discussed. A 64w LCC JHOANNA RHODETTE I. PEDRASA
converter is designed and simulated to test Globe Telecom Inc. Professorial Chair in ECE
the control scheme.
“Optimizing the Trickle Algorithm of RPL on
*Co-author: Arvin Escultero Dense Wireless Sensor Networks”*

JORDAN REL C. ORILLAZA Abstract: Time-critical applications running on
Alexan Professorial Chair RPL networks such as military, medical, and
relief operation applications need high
"Distribution System State Estimator Using packet delivery ratio and fast topology
SCADA and μPMU Measurements: A Cyber- creation since every second lost could risk a
Attack Vulnerability Analysis”* life of a person. However, as WSNs were
envisioned to be large-scale and to be used
Abstract: The SCADA communication network on dense areas for fine-grain monitoring, the
consists of fiber optics, satellite, and number of nodes used would escalate and
microwave connections. These data are could lead to a decrease in performance.
often sent without encryption. Thus, many Improvements for RPL are necessary to meet
potential cyber security threats exist for such the required outcome. We analyzed through
systems. Under the context of state simulations the performance of RPL on dense
estimation, a method to carry out such WSNs as a function of different trickle timer
attacks is known as False Data Injection (FDI) parameters. Our results show that varying the
Attacks. We have proposed a hybrid WLAV minimum interval, interval doublings and
state estimator configuration that can utilize redundancy constant had no effect on the
both SCADA and µPMU measurements. This network's PDR and had slight effect on the
state estimator is suitable for threephase network's churn rate on uniform topology.
unbalanced power distribution system. An in- However, the startup time significantly
depth vulnerability analysis is conducted on changed depending on different minimum
the WLAV state estimator and compared it interval values. We propose an adaptive
with our previous work on WLS state estimator. algorithm of RPL which varies the node's
Bad data, which is modeled as a False Data minimum interval depending on its number of
Injection (FDI) attack, is tested one by one on neighbors. We
all measurements in order to identify the implemented our enhancement on random
vulnerable SCADA buses. A number of topologies and showed that our
combination of false data injected enhancement produced better packet
measurements is then tested to identify up to delivery ratio, lower startup time, and lower
what extent can the WLS and WLAV state churn rate compared to networks with fixed
estimator withstand without collapsing. Lastly, minimum intervals.
when the time comes where µPMUs are
proven to be exploitable, different *Co-author: Paul Vincent S. Alpano
countermeasures for the WLAV are tested
after detecting the attack. Overall, the WLAV
state estimator gave significantly better and
more robust results compared to the WLS
state estimator. The results also show that,
given the right information, the attacker can
do the type of analysis done on this study first
and then choose the right combination of
measurements to attack in order to ensure an
impact on the overall estimate.

*Co-author: Ren Zedec S. Santos

6 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

MICHAEL ANGELO A. PEDRASA process. The receiver front end consists of the
Federico E. Puno 1 Professorial Chair narrowband low noise amplifier, common
gate-common source balun, and double
“Optimization of Isolated Microgrids with Cost balanced mixer. The power consumption of
and Reliability Targets” this system is 2.63 mW. The overall gain of the
receiver front end is approximately 51 dB. The
*2017 IEEE Innovative Smart Grid Technologies transmitter implemented in this project utilizes
(ISGT) – Auckland, New Zealand, 4-7 a class-D amplifier alongside an inverter chain
December 2017; Published in: 2017 IEEE driver stage and a transformer based power
Innovative Smart Grid Technologies - Asia; 978 combiner. The transmitter outputs 21.57 dBm
-1-5386-4950-3/17 ©2017 IEEE of power from the given supply at 900 MHz,
Co-authors: Daniella C. Fronda, Kim Tristan U. operating at 21% drain efficiency.
Rosendo
*Co-authors: Matthew De Vera, Cathlene
MANUEL C. RAMOS JR. Mae Garcia, Levi Klein Marifosque, Jessica
M.G. Carlos Sr. EE Centennial Chair Palafox, Denise Soriano, Louis Alarcón, Maria
Theresa de Leon, Chris Vincent Densing, Rico
“Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Jossel Maestro
Vehicles”
LUIS G. SISON
Abstract: Autonomous vehicles contain a lot Roger Murga Professorial Chair
of control subsystems. These systems work
independently of each other in cases where “Facilitator Training for Innovation and
local control is being implemented. The Technopreneurship Classes”
systems also need to work collectively to
achieve a global purpose such as navigation, Abstract: Entrepreneurship is widely
path following, vehicle following. For local
control where the dynamics of the subsystems acknowledged to be one of the major
are well known, classical methods of control
are usually well suited. However, in cases engines for job creation and innovation. To
where dynamics may not be clearly defined,
the use artificial intelligence techniques in encourage more entrepreneurial and
control can make the problem tractable.
technology transfer activity in other
MARC D. ROSALES
Manuel M. Lopez UP Centennial Professorial universities, we have developed a 10-week
Chair
program for training facilitators of the
“Designing Wireless Transceiver Blocks for
LoRa Application”* innovation and technopreneurship class and
Abstract: The Internet of Things enables
connected objects to communicate over apply it to faculty from universities in Metro
distant fields, and trade-offs are often
observed with the battery life and range. Manila and MIMAROPA. The hands-on
Long Range Radio, or LoRa, provides
transmission for up to 15 km with impressive training requires the participant to choose a
battery life, while sacrificing throughput. In
order to design the LoRa system, there is a technology case from their university and
need to design and implement the LoRa
transceiver. 1 V, 900 MHz, LoRa–capable take it through the customer discovery
transceiver blocks were designed in 65 nm
process. For the MIMAROPA implementation,
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018
the challenge of blended learning and

delivery through teleconferencing is also

addressed. The process also includes mid-

program pitches to senior partners chosen by

the participants to be possible future advisers

of their innovation ecosystem. A demo day

pitch concludes the program and resulted in

positive feedback from panelists on the

quality of the ventures.

7

MARC CESAR R. TALAMPAS LEW ANDREW R. TRIA
Mantaring-Gervasio Professorial Chair Jose P. Segovia Professorial Chair

“An Enhanced Geometric Filter Algorithm with “Implementation of a Nonlinear Planar
Channel Diversity for Device-Free Magnetics Model”*
Localization”*
*Published in IET Power Electron, 2017, Vol. 10,
*Co-author: Kay-Soon Low (Published In IEEE Iss. 12, pp. 1452-1460.
Transactions on Instrumentation and © The Institution of Engineering and
Measurement, Vol. 65, No. 2, February 2016) Technology 2017
Co-authors: Kazi Saiful Alam, Daming Zhang,
NESTOR MICHAEL C. TIGLAO John E. Fletcher
Edgar & Agnes Paynor EE Centennial PC

“A Cache-aware Congestion Control for
Reliable Transport in Wireless Sensor
Networks”*

Abstract. Data caching and congestion
control are two strategies that can enhance
the transport reliability in constrained Wireless
Sensor Networks. However, these two
mechanisms are designed independently for
most transport protocols developed for WSN.
This work developed a new cache-aware
congestion control mechanism for reliable
transport. RT-CaCC utilizes cache
management policies such as cache
insertion, cache elimination and cache size to
mitigate packet losses in the network while
maximizing cache utilization and resource
allocation. It uses two cache-aware packet
loss detection: implicit NACK notifications and
expiration of EAR timeout. In addition, it utilizes
rate-control congestion avoidance
employing transmission window limit as a
function of cache size and BDP. Results show
that the RT-CaCC obtained significant
improvement gain in terms of cache hits, end-
to-end delay and throughput performance
specifically during high level of packet loss
due to buffer overflow.

*Corresponding Author: Melchizedek I. Alipio

8 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 9

ALEXIS A. ACACIO concrete foundations of structures. Based on
Beta Epsilon Professorial Chair the temperature measurements for an actual
project, it was found out that even after
“Expansive Soil Analysis, Identification and implementing the necessary
Stabilization: A Case Study in Bulacan” countermeasures, the recorded temperatures
exceeded the threshold values
Abstract: Soil expansion or swelling is a recommended by the American Concrete
worldwide problem that pose significant Institute specifications. Thus, these mass
hazard to foundations for light structures. concrete are usually subjected to isothermal
There are many factors that govern the curing. The study aims to evaluate high-early
expansive behavior of soil such as change in strength concrete subjected isothermal
water content, amount of clay size particles, curing using linear and nonlinear ultrasonics.
type of clay size particles, density, water These ultrasonic evaluation techniques
content and surcharge pressure. The province include ultrasonic pulse velocity test, scaling
of Bulacan wherein clay deposits is commonly subtraction method, and harmonic
found is the location of the study area. With generation method. Ultrasonic tests were
the help of the laboratory data, identification conducted to concrete specimens before
of expansive soils on the area of study was and after subjecting them to compression
done by using existing criteria. Preventive loading using the universal testing machine.
design and some construction measures Comparison between the results of normally
applicable in the area are presented. Results cured specimens and isothermally cured
of the lime treated samples were also specimens were made. Test results showed
analyzed. that the damages in the isothermally cured
specimens were more apparent than that in
TIMOTHY JOHN S. ACOSTA the normally cured specimens. Therefore, it
AMH Professorial Chair was proven that control measures are
required to prevent or reduce the progression
“Development of Empirical Wind Vulnerability of damage due to isothermal curing.
Curves of School Buildings Damaged by the
2016 Typhoon Nina”* *Co-authors: Patrick Junther R. Sazon and
Marlon L. dela Cruz
*Presented in the 7th International
Conference on Building Resilience; Using KRISTIAN M. AZUL
scientific knowledge to inform policy and Beatriz Basa-Altura Professorial Chair in Civil
practice in disaster risk reduction, ICBR2017, Engineering
held on 27 - 29 November 2017, in Bangkok,
Thailand and published in Procedia “Analysis of the October 15, 2013 Bohol
Engineering (2018) pp. 395-402. T.J.S. Acosta, Earthquake Simulated Record’s Acceleration
J.J. Galisim, L.R. Tan, J.Y. Hernandez Jr. Response Spectrum‖
1877-7058 © 2018 The Authors. Published by
Elsevier Ltd. Abstract: Earthquakes are a natural
phenomenon. Although historical studies are
OSCAR VICTOR M. ANTONIO JR. done extensively, it can only give us an
Northern Cement Corporation Prof. Chair in approximate period when an earthquake
Concrete Engineering (1) source may produce another earthquake. A
frequent question arises whenever we design
“Ultrasonic Evaluation of High-Early Strength for earthquake loads. As civil engineers, we
Concrete Subjected to Isothermal Curing”* are taught to be prudent and be efficient at
the same time. Becoming both can be quite
Abstract: High early-strength concrete are a dilemma when working with earthquakes.
commonly used for reinforced bulk/mass Earthquakes can be very damaging
depending on a lot of factors – earthquake
10
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

source factors, source to site path factors, site Despite the numerous benefits that can be
factors and the structure itself. This means that incurred from this, an increase in the number
it may not be the nearest earthquake that of construction works unfortunately leads to
could damage a structure the most, but can an increase in the amount of construction
be an earthquake coming from a farther and demolition wastes (CDW). One method
source. A simulation of the October 15, 2013 that has been gaining popularity overseas for
Bohol earthquake was done using EXSIM_V3 minimizing CDW is the use of recycled
program. Focusing on responses brought concrete aggregates (RCA) in the
about by the earthquake, several simulations production of recycled aggregate concrete
using the EXSIM_V3 program was done by (RAC) for structural and nonstructural
targeting certain characteristics of the actual applications. Although multiple countries
records of the earthquake event. It was have incorporated the use of this material in
shown that due to the nature of the Bohol their laws and regulations, the use of
earthquake records, it is easier to reproduce concrete wastes in the Philippines is limited to
using the EXSIM_V3 program. The analysis of backfill, pavements, and disposal at landfills.
responses showed that simulations are In this study, the current perceptions of major
acceptable as far as acceleration responses stakeholders of the construction industry were
are concerned with better residual and analyzed to develop a recommended
scatterplot results analysis for test cases where framework for the use of RCA in the
it better approximation of certain earthquake Philippines. It was observed that
characteristics were done. environmental benefits and economic
benefits were the highest-ranking factors that
ERIC C. CRUZ would influence the decisions of contractors
Semirara Professorial Chair in Hydraulics and agencies to use RCA, whereas concrete
manufacturers prioritize the perception of the
“Numerical Analysis of Sea Level Rise Effect general public or marketability of the
on Design Water Levels for the Roxas product. Furthermore, a review of overseas
Boulevard Seawall Rehabilitation”* practices, laws, and regulations showed
similarities to local studies that were adjusted
Citation: Cruz, E.C., J.B. Camelo, L.L.B. Cruz, in the development of the said framework.
J.C.E.L. Santos (2017). Numerical analysis of
sea level rise effect on design water levels for *Co-authors: Aimee Rebekah M. Cura, and
the Roxas Boulevard seawall rehabilitation. Joanne Clarise F. Defiño
Proceedings, 9th International Conference on
Asian and Pacific Coasts (APAC 2017), 2017 FERNANDO J. GERMAR
October 19-21, Pasay City, Philippines, ISBN Jose Aliling Professorial Chair
978-981-3233-80-5, pp. 364-375.
“Harmonizing Building Regulations through
MA. BRIDA LEA D. DIOLA the Proposed Philippine Building Act”
Levy V. Espiritu Professorial Chair in Civil
Engineering Abstract: Presidential Decree No. 1096, or The
National Building Code of the Philippines
“Development of a Framework for the Use of provides, for all buildings and structures, a
Recycled Concrete Aggregates in Concrete ―framework of standards and requirements to
in the Philippines”* regulate and control their location, site,
design, quality of materials, construction, use,
Abstract: The construction industry in the occupancy, and maintenance. However,
Philippines is steadily growing and becoming aside from P.D. 1096, there exist other laws
even more vital to the achievement of and regulations related to building
national and socio-economic goals in terms construction such as the Fire Code of the
of employment, shelter, and infrastructure. Philippines, Batas Pambansa Blg. 220, and the
Local Government Code, aside from various
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018
11

local ordinances. The proposed Philippine Material exchange occurs along the 27-km
Building Act seeks to harmonize the various Pasig River between Manila Bay and Laguna
laws and regulations thru mechanisms such as Lake that flows in either direction depending
the institution of the inter-agency, multi- on season. Results revealed highly
sectoral Building Regulations and Standards anthropogenic pollution and brackish waters
Council. mainly originating from Pasig River
transported bay-ward during the wet season
JAIME Y. HERNANDEZ and discharged lake-ward during the dry
Antonio G.Tan Giok Kun Professorial Chair in season. Manila Bay water quality also
Civil Engineering demonstrated significant effects from Pasig
River discharge, with the associated
“Estimating Typhoon Haiyan's Wind Speeds fluctuations in chlorophyll-a, turbidity,
Using Windicators” dissolved oxygen and nutrient concentrations
adjacent to the river mouth. Manila Bay
*Published in the Philippine Engineering hydrodynamics established the significant
Journal (PEJ) 2018; Vol. 39, No. 29-42. influences of tide, density, and wind in its
Joshua C. Agar, William L. Mata and Jaime Y. general circulation. Residual current analysis
Hernandez Jr. showed large variability in residual flow field
mainly brought by strong monsoonal hydro-
EUGENE C. HERRERA meteo forcing. Particle tracking analysis
DMCI Project Developers Professorial Chair 2 displayed varying distribution patterns of
suspended matter concentration released
“Investigation of Manila Bay Hydrodynamics from different locations in the Bay at different
and Material Transport Characteristics using times of the year. Particles released during
Numerical Modelling and Particle-Tracking the southwest monsoon were transported
Analysis” along the northeastern side of the bay.
Particles released during the northeast
Abstract: The hydrodynamic and material monsoon however showed concentration
transport characteristics of Manila Bay distributions at the northwestern side. Water in
(Philippines) were investigated using the bay in general is flush-out and replenished
numerical modeling and intensive field survey more efficiently during the northeast
data analyses. The tidal signal offshore was monsoon period. Particles that get to enter
found to dominate the circulation patterns Bacoor Bay were also more effectively
except in shallow areas adjacent to the flushed-out of the cove during this season.
coasts where wind forcing was more Hydraulic residence time and bed shear stress
dominant. The overall tide offshore at the Bay distributions were also analyzed. Time and
mouth was significantly lower than the space varying distributions demonstrated
observed tide level inside, indicating some significant implications to the bio-chemical
shoaling effects. Tidal wave crests and transformation of matter and to the fate and
troughs seem to increasingly propagate as it transport of pollutants discharged in the Bay.
moves towards the inner portion of the Bay. By generating a layer that is a superposition of
Velocity distribution indicates current hydraulic residence time and salinity, ideal
movement in the east-southeast direction locations for both raw water intake and
near surface and west-northwest near bottom pollutant discharge were identified. Results
during ebb tide. Velocity profiles reverses from this study accentuate the importance of
direction to south-southwest near the surface integrated analysis in the investigation of the
and to east-northeast near bottom, during physico-bio-chemical connectivity and
flooding tides on the other hand. Flow material transport features of coastal
separation was evident from the observed ecosystems for resource use and
current profiles for both ebb and flood tides, conservation management.
indicative of an estuarine flow circulation.
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018
12

MAXELL P. LUMBERA Abstract: For the past years, guidelines and
Jorge M. Consunji Professorial Chair in standards on sediment quality are available
Engineering in different countries but not in the Philippines.
This study is intended to develop a framework
“Assessment of the the Existing Flood that would be the basis of the methodology
Drainage System of the University of the for deriving the sediment quality guidelines
Philippines Diliman Campus” for the Philippines. Data collection from
various jurisdictions especially published
Abstract: This paper is a part of a continuous researches under USEPA and local
effort with an overall goal of assessing the documents and studies are the foundation of
existing drainage system of the University of this framework. Interviews with senior
the Philippines Diliman campus using US researchers from DENR were also conducted
Environmental Protection Agency‘s (US EPA) for additional information and verification
Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). after the framework was developed. The
From the established flood drainage system developed framework is composed of two
represented in a two dimensional platform stages: preliminary stage and development
using US EPA SWMM, several points of stage. The localization of the framework is
discussion were established. Results from the mostly incorporated in the preliminary stage.
simulation show that an increase in the On the other, approaches and procedures
impervious area increases the resulting runoff used in the development stage are based
from the related subcatchment and thus the from different jurisdictions around the world.
total inflow to be received by the drainage
system also increases. This resulted to an RICHMARK N. MACUHA
increase in the reported system flooding Federico E. Puno Professorial Chair B
which is primarily due to the amount of storm
water that cannot get into the drainage “Flood Vulnerability Assessment of Public
network due to flooded nodes and conduits School Buildings in Metro Manila, Philippines”*
in full capacity. When it comes to the
concern of varying diameter of drain pipes, it *Paper presented in the UNESCO-JASTIP Joint
was found out that increasing the conduit Symposium on Intra-Regional Water Security
diameters does not improve the performance and Disaster Management, held on 13-16
of the drainage network in some areas November 2017 in Metro Manila, and
primarily because of their topographical published in the proceedings of the JASTIP-
constraints (being a natural draining area. This WP4 Symposium.
was supported by collected photographs of
flooded nodes within the study area during CHRISTIAN R. OROZCO
isolated storm events. It is recommended in David M. Consunji Professorial Chair in
this study that structural works such as Engineering
installation of temporary and permanent
storage facilities be done to alleviate the “Sustainable Utilization of Small-Scale Gold
problem resulting to localized system flooding. Mill Tailings as Bricks through
Moreover, optimization tools are Geopolymerization”*
recommended to determine the optimum
size and the most applicable location for Abstract: Mill tailings (MT) are pulverized rock
these storage facilities. produced after the metal-bearing mineral
have been separated from the uneconomic
REYGIE Q. MACASIEB fraction of an ore. These residues are
Quintin and Norma Calderon Professorial disposed to tailings dams which are costly,
Chair occupy large areas of land, and may cause
environmental and safety problems. Hence,
“Development of Framework for the
Philippine Sediment Quality Guidelines” 13

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

this study aimed to use this waste to produce trajectories of vehicles that travel along the
bricks through geopolymerization, an highway. Driver reaction time is determined
environment-friendly process which uses less using two approaches: one is by designing
energy and gives products with comparable and implementing a field experiment, and
strength and long term durability. The varied the other is by parameter estimation using
parameters in the study were the alkali genetic algorithm of vehicle trajectory data
activator (NaOH and Ca(OH)2), forming using an assumed car-following model. Result
pressure (0.03 and 1.78 MPa), curing shows that Filipino driver reaction time is
temperature (60 and 80 °C), and curing age approximately 1.6 sec using field observation,
(7 and 28 days). Physical and chemical and 1.5 using numerical estimation from
characterization results of gold mill tailing trajectory data. The paper briefly discusses
makes it a good source material for implication of these values on sight distance
geopolymerization. The produced determination and its application in
geopolymer bricks generated lower strength microscopic traffic flow analysis.
values than ASTM specifications but met the
base course minimum compressive strength *Co-authors: Anjilo M. Carigma, Noel C.
requirement of 2.1 MPa for the highest Rosario, and Erika Angela C. Tumaliuan
strength recorded was 2.26 MPa. Also, water
absorption values mostly passed ASTM JOSE REGIN F. REGIDOR
specifications and showed an inverse Robert Cheng/Uratex Professorial Chair 1
relationship to the compressive strengths. The
produced geopolymer bricks have shown “An Exploratory Study on Motorcycle Taxis in
high immobilization rates of 33.35-100% for Metro Manila”*
heavy metal concentrations and have
passed all US EPA limits on Arsenic, Copper, Abstract: Motorcycle taxis or “habal-habal”
Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, and Mercury. have emerged as an alternative mode of
Durability analysis showed different scenarios transportation in the Philippines but until now,
depending on the reactions of alkali-activator there are still no formal policies, local or
as base to the sulfuric acid bath with mass national, that regulate their operations. The
loss and mass gain for NaOH and Ca(OH)2 purpose of this study is to characterize the
bricks, respectively. usage and operational characteristics of
conventional motorcycle taxis in Metro
*Co-authors: Kim Deirdre Lynn T. Castro and Manila, and to determine the perception of
Ma. Mikaela T. De Boda the users and non-users on their services to
come up with policy recommendations
HILARIO SEAN O. PALMIANO regarding their operations. Conventional
Dominador I. Ilio Centennial Prof. Chair motorcycle taxis are those that are not
associated with app-based hailing. Three
“Study on Filipino Driver Reaction Time” different questionnaires were developed for
surveys: one for the drivers, one for the users
Abstract: Driver perception and brake and the other one for the non-users. For the
reaction time (PBRT) is an important drivers, the questionnaire consisted of
parameter in highway design and traffic flow questions about their basic information,
analysis. PBRT can be divided into two main terminal characteristics, operational
components namely (1) perception time, and characteristics, fare and route characteristics,
(2) braking reaction time. In highway design, and safety and legal concerns. The users
it is an important parameter in calculating were asked about their basic information,
sight distance for geometric design, to ensure fare and route characteristics, perceptions of
road safety. In traffic flow analysis, specifically motorcycle taxi service and of motorcycle
in microscopic traffic modeling, car-following taxi drivers, and safety and legal concerns.
models typically involve the specification of And lastly, the non-users were asked about
driver reaction time to replicate the their basic information, perceptions of

14 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

motorcycle taxi service, and safety and legal 90% and 97%. As the column length becomes
concerns. Recommendations are made longer, the removal of ammonia and
accordingly based on the outcomes of the phosphate was reduced to approximately
surveys and an assessment of the current 79% and 91%. Flow decreased the removal of
situation pertaining to “habal-habal.” nutrients higher than non-flowing wastewater
with reduction in ammonia and phosphate
*Co-authors: Raniel Abraham A. Mangco and concentrations, which are at approximately
Justy Lucille T. Montiveros 73% and 93% for non-flowing set up. Non-
flowing wastewater has higher reduction
AUGUSTUS C. RESURRECCION rates for ammonia and phosphate than
Holcim Professorial Chair flowing wastewater.

“Assessment of Reduction of Inorganic and *Co-authors: J. A. Tiria, T. Hibino, K.
Nutrient Contamination Levels for Water Mizumoto and H. Takata
Quality Improvement using Granulated Coal
Ash”* JUSTIN JESSE L. SERANILLA
DATEM & ACES Professorial Chair
Abstract: Granulated coal ash (GCA), a by-
product of granulation of fly ash from coal “Resource Estimation and Site Selection for
power plants and small amount of cement, Mini-Hydropower in Palawan, Philippines”*
has been found to be effective in improving
both water quality and bottom sediment Abstract: Electricity in the province of
quality in Hiroshima Bay, Japan. In order to Palawan, Philippines is currently sourced
utilize the ability of GCA to decrease nutrient almost exclusively from diesel and bunker fuel
concentrations of PO43-, NH3+, NO3-, NO2-, and oil and only about 50% of households are
SO42- from wastewater, column filtration connected to the provincial electricity grid,
experiments were performed to determine about 13% of which experience less than 24
their removal efficiency. Three collected hours of service per day. The development of
polluted water/wastewater samples (from mini-hydropower facilities, with lower CO2
Estero de San Miguel in Paco, Manila, emissions and competitive cost, is one of the
Philippines, from Fukuyama Coastal Area in potential solutions sought by the local
Japan and from a domestic wastewater STP government in meeting the province‘s
in Quezon City, Philippines) were used to energy needs, considering it as a potential
determine the removal efficiency of the GCA baseload in the Palawan Island Power
system. Phosphate was removed by physical Development Plan. This study determines the
sorption on the GCA surface sites and by potential of mini-hydropower in mitigating the
precipitation to Ca3(PO4)2 upon reaction of energy problem in Palawan by identifying
PO43- with eluted Ca2+ ions. Sulfate suitable mini-hydropower sites across the
concentration was observed to be very high province. To screen locations with sufficient
due to the elution of sulfate ions from the flow and gradient for mini-hydropower
GCA. The pH of the wastewater immersed operation, a hydrologic model covering
with GCA increased mainly due to the Palawan was developed using Hydropower
hydrolysis of calcium oxide (CaO) from the Potential Assessment Tool (HPAT), a MATLAB-
GCA. This increase in pH is responsible for the based program which uses publicly available
deactivation of sulfate-reducing bacteria in data and local streamflow conditions as
the wastewater. Effects of aggregate size, inputs. The output of the program was used
column length, retention time and flow to develop a power potential map that
conditions were evaluated on the removal locates suitable sites for mini-hydropower
efficiency for both GCA materials. The effects development. The results showed that the
of smaller aggregate size and longer total mini-hydropower potential for the whole
retention time in NH3+ and PO43- removal were province is 47.449 MW. Overall, there are 229
on its significant reduction to approximately potential sites as determined by the program,

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 15

and the top three sites have capacities of managing congestion in many cities of the
1,540 kW, 830 kW, and 798 kW, located at world. Its benefits go beyond reducing
Brgy. Taritien in Narra, Brgy. San Isidro in Narra, congestion as it has provided the much
and Brgy. Yolo King Ranch in Coron, needed funds for the improvement of mass
respectively. transit systems. For it to be socially accepted
therefore, it should be made clear that
*Co-authors: Mili-Ann M. Tamayao, Thomas M. proceeds from such scheme be earmarked
Mosier for the betterment of public transportation in
Metro Manila. The paper finally discusses the
RICARDO G. SIGUA issues and concerns when adopting any of
DCCD Engineering Corporation Professorial the congestion pricing technology for
Chair implementation in Metro Manila.

“Alleviating Congestion Using ICT ROBERTO S. SORIANO
Applications” Dr. Leonardo Q. Liongson Professorial Chair

Abstract: This paper presents the current “The Household Water Consumption of
traffic condition of Metro Manila with the Different Socioeconomic Classes in Selected
primary purpose of identifying the causes of Communities in Metro Manila, Philippines”*
traffic congestion in the area. A number of
traffic management measures including Abstract: Abstract: Water supply has become
travel demand management such as number more secured in Metro Manila, Philippines
coding, have been introduced in the past but since the privatization of water utilities serving
these measures are assessed to be not over 12.2 million people. For better water
sustainable. The paper then discusses the demand management, there is a need for
potential use of ICT applications in managing updated data on the present consumption of
congestion, in particular in two specific areas, Filipino households. The study determined the
namely: congestion pricing and traffic difference in water consumption of the
information provision. Both schemes attempt socioeconomic classes present in Metro
to re-shape the travelers behavior by offering Manila. Results of survey carried out from
them three options, namely: changing route, October 2016 to February 2017in 277
mode, or time. A review of the current ICT households within the poor to low
development shows that the Philippines is income class and 204 households belonging
lagging behind its ASEAN neighbors, in to the middle to high income class in various
particular within the ASEAN-5 region. cities in Metro Manila show that high income
However, this should not hinder the households consume 35 m3/month or almost
government to develop a master plan for ICT twice that of the low income class of 19 m3/
applications in the field of transportation. ICT month. Compared to a previous study, the
has so much potential to offer towards present-day water consumption nearly
achieving sustainable transportation in Metro doubled compared to two decades ago,
Manila and in other fast growing cities in the regardless of socioeconomic class. For both
Philippines. ICT can bring a paradigm shift in studies, it was found that the affluent
the way data are collected for the purpose households still consume more than their
of providing traffic information to travelers so poorer counterparts.
that they can make wise decisions before
and during the trips. Manual methods which *Co-authors: M.A.P. Ancheta, E.L. Llaguno
proved to be very expensive shall be
replaced by floating or probe car method UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018
based on crowd-sourcing concept.
Congestion pricing, often thought to be anti-
poor and is therefore not socially acceptable
to many, has been proven to be successful in

16

GUILLERMO Q. TABIOS III shape, color, and surface degradation.
Angel Alejandrino Professorial Chair Fragments composed most of the
microplastic samples (91%) and were
“Alternative Flood Mitigation Plans for suspected to have degraded from consumer
Cagayan de Oro River” plastic packaging disposed into the river. FTIR
revealed that polyethylene (PE) and
Abstract: This paper presents a flood study to polypropylene (PP) were the polymers
evaluate alternative mitigation plans for present in the samples, 81% and 19%,
Cagayan de Oro River. In June 2011, a flood respectively.
risk master plan was conducted for Cagayan
de Oro City but due to Typhoon Sendong *Co-authors: Julie Ann Bajado, Hannah Lou
that brought flood devastation to the city in Argota, Ma. Brida Lea Diola
December 2011, the flood plan had to be
revised. Thus, this study was commissioned by NORIZA R. TIBON
the Department of Public Works to review the Honorio and Elisa Allado Professorial Chair in
flood risk management plan for Cagayan de Civil Engineering
Oro River.
“Use of Water Treatment Sludge as Partial
MARIA ANTONIA N. TANCHULING Cement Replacement in Concrete Mixtures”
Chancellor Ernesto Tabujara Professorial Chair
Abstract: Water treatment sludge (WTS)
“Microplastic Characterization and Analysis in production is continuously increasing due to
Tunasan River”* higher demand for drinking water. Different
methods on reusing WTS have been studied
Abstract: Plastic pollution in the marine and to alleviate its disposal problems. This study
freshwater environment is a significant investigated the use of WTS as cement
environmental issue which should be replacement by mass in concrete mixtures by
addressed due to its threat on marine utilizing sludge-cement replacement
ecosystems. Globally, the Philippines is the percentages of 0%, 5%, 10% and 20%. The
third largest contributor of plastics to the workability of the mixture, acidity,
world‘s oceans. The fragmentation of larger compressive strength, and water absorption
plastics results to microplastics (<5mm) which rate of concrete samples produced were
are considered as an emerging pollutant. This determined. Using One-way ANOVA and
study determined the abundance and Tukey Pairwise Comparison Test, results
composition of microplastics at the surface of showed that increasing sludge concentration
an urban river draining to Laguna Lake. Water does not affect concrete acidity, while it
samples were collected from four stations decreases compressive strength and
along the river, then passed through stacked increases workability of the resulting mixture.
sieves (4.76mm, 0.8 mm, 0.3 mm) to trap Water absorption rate is not significantly
microplastic particles. The samples were affected except for the 20% sludge
subjected to wet peroxide oxidation to concentration. The study concluded that
remove organic matter, and microplastics maximum amount of WTS for cement
were isolated using density separation by replacement is 10% without compromising
NaCl flotation. Suspected plastics were compressive strength, acidity and durability
examined under a 30x magnification of concrete, which can still be used for non-
dissecting microscope and 42 microplastic structural applications such as concrete for
pieces were selected for polymer borders, sidewalk and filling applications.
identification using FTIR. Results of this study
show that microplastics were present at all 17
stations with varying concentrations (0.10-
22.52 particles/L). Morphological studies have
shown that the samples were diverse in

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

ERIC AUGUSTUS J. TINGATINGA LESTELLE V. TORIO-KAIMO
DMCI Project Developers Professorial Chair V & L Aesquivel Professorial Chair

“Nonlinear Analysis of Reinforced Concrete “Geotechnical Characterization of
Buildings: Development of Blast Load Analysis Geopolymerized Gold-Copper Mine Tailings
and Simulation Tool” as a Potential Embankment Material”*

Abstract: Recent significant blast events due Abstract: This paper presents a study that
to accidents or terrorist acts in the Philippines determines the effect of geopolymerization to
pose a question whether our buildings are gold-copper mine tailings. Geopolymerization
strong enough to withstand minor explosions, is a process wherein aluminosilicate materials
such as due to LPG tanks, or bombs. Unlike are transformed into geopolymers. The aim is
hazards such as earthquakes or typhoons, the to apply it to mine tailings in order to improve
structural engineering community in the its geotechnical characteristics to serve as an
country, however, is not yet well -versed in the alternative material for embankment. The
analysis of structures subjected to blast loads. geotechnical parameters are weighed such
This paper presents recent research that it follows the DPWH Blue Book guidelines.
developments in UPD-ICE on the analysis and The variables considered include the alkali
simulation of the nonlinear behavior of reagent-mine tailings (3:10, 4:10, 5:10) and
structures subjected to blast loads. The study different drying method (oven-dried vs. air-
is divided into two components that focus on: dried). The microscopic structure of the mine
(1) computation and verification of loads tailings was also analyzed and compared.
generated by blast events, and the (2) Based on the results of tests performed, it is
nonlinear modeling and analysis of structural concluded that there is a significant change
response. The first component proposes that in the particle size analysis parameters, liquid
the ―Unified Facilities Criteria – Structures to limit, plasticity index, dry unit density, heavy
Resist the Effects of Accidental metal content and the microstructure of the
Explosions‖ (UFC 3-340-02) be used to derive geopolymerized test samples. Among the test
the pressure-time history of blast load and samples, it is concluded that the oven-dried
presents a utility program called xPLoDE specimen with the concentration of 4:10 alkali
(Explosive Pressure Load on Discrete reagent-mine tailings is the most suitable
Elements). The second component proposes material for embankment purposes.
a modeling technique and analysis
procedure for CHB walls subjected to blast *Presented in the Regional Conference in Civil
loads. In modeling, a wall is modeled using Engineering (RCCE) on 5-6 September 2018,
rigid-body-spring discrete element model, at Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel, Yogyakarta,
wherein CHB units are represented as rigid Indonesia; Co-author: Justine Mharzeline G.
blocks connected by a configuration of Guanzon
normal and shear springs. A method is
proposed to derive the nonlinear parameters MARJORIE C. TURIANO
of springs needed to be able to simulate Robert Cheng/Uratex Professorial Chair (3)
behavior of walls subjected to large and
impulsive forces. It was shown that when “Simulative Anaysis of Storm Tide Levels in
compared with available experimental data, Batanes Islands during the September 2016
the pressures generated as well as the Typhoon Meranti using the Coupled Delft3D-
general behavior of response of the wall SWAN Numerical Models”
models are a good representation of the
actual setup and results. This study is a *Published in Asian and Pacific Coasts 2017,
preliminary work and will be extended to the Proceedings of the 9th International
analysis of CHB houses in the near future. Conference on APAC 2017, held on 19-21
October 2017, SMX Convention Centre, Pasay
18 City, Philippines; Co-author: Eric C. Cruz

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

KARL N. VERGEL specific gravities and poorly graded size
Alfredo L. Juinio Professorial Chair distribution, with 75% and 69% silt-sized
particles, respectively, for Site 1 and Site 2.
“Estimation of Fuel Efficiency of Conventional Both samples exhibit non-plastic behavior
4-Stroke Tricycles in Quezon City” with relatively high liquid limits. Permeability
values were also identified to be low. The
Abstract. The study‘s main objective is to maximum dry densities were reached at high
establish baseline fuel efficiency of optimum moisture contents ranging from 34%
conventional 4-stroke tricycles in Quezon City to 36%. Furthermore, shear strength
using the methodology prescribed by the characteristics were also investigated. This
Clean Development Mechanism. In 2012- preliminary study suggests that CFB fly ash
2013, tricycle driver interview survey, tricycle from both sites have potential engineering
passenger pick-up and drop-off survey and applications in the form of hydraulic barriers,
fuel consumption survey are conducted on base/sub-base material, flowable fills and
40 sample tricycles. Mean daily gross revenue agricultural limestone substitute.
is estimated at PhP666.55 while the mean
daily take-home pay is estimated at IMEE BREN O. VILLALBA
PhP524.18. Total passengers carried is at 16-95 Federico E. Puno Professorial Chair A
or an average of 43 daily while total distance
traveled is 21.3-79.2 km or an average of 47.8 “Typhoon Haiyan 2013 Storm Wave and Storm
km per day. Average trip length is at 1.27 km Surge Modeling in San Pedro Bay Using
and average travel time is at 5.5 minutes. SWAN+ADCIRC”*
Gasoline consumed daily is at 1.91 liters per
day with an estimated fuel efficiency of 29.73 Abstract: The eastern coasts of Leyte and
km/li. southern coasts of Samar are considered
vulnerable areas to storm surge in the
JAIME ANGELO S. VICTOR Philippines due to the shallow bathymetry
Northern Cement Corporation Prof. Chair in and funneling coastal boundary towards San
Concrete Engineering 2 Juanico Strait of San Pedro Bay in Leyte Gulf.
In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan generated storm
“Geotechnical Characterization of Waster surge in San Pedro Bay that killed thousands
Material: Case Studies on Fly-Ash from of people and caused massive destruction in
Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Combustion Samar and Leyte. This research aims to
Plants in the Philippines” simulate the storm waves and storm surge
behavior generated by Typhoon Haiyan in
Abstract: Coal is the most widely used fossil San Pedro Bay using the Simulating Waves
fuel in the Philippines. This study aims to Nearshore (SWAN) model coupled with the
characterize and identify potential Advanced Circulation (ADCIRC) model. The
engineering applications of Circulating coupled SWAN-ADCIRC model utilizes a
Fluidized Bed (CFB) fly ash from local flexible triangular finite element mesh which
Philippine coal power plants. The allows for higher resolution in shallow
characterization may provide baseline bathymetry near the coast. The wind and
information for potential geotechnical pressure fields of Typhoon Haiyan were
applications of this waste material. Utilization estimated using the Holland 1980 Typhoon
of CFB fly ash will increase the supply of model based on the best track data of the
engineering materials and will reduce the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). The
solid wastes in the country. Case studies for simulated storm tide levels and storm
two test sites were performed. Material significant wave heights along San Pedro Bay
characterization procedures were done in coastlines were compared with observed
accordance with the American Standard for inundation heights. The following are the
Testing and Materials (ASTM) guidelines. The findings in this study: (1) storm surge is highest
samples were found to have relatively low at the inner part of the bay reaching 4-5

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 19

meters in Tacloban and decreases towards known to have expansive soils. Other areas
the mouth of the bay; (2) storm waves are identified to have soils with moderate to very
significant at the mouth of the bay with 3-4 high expansive potential include the
meters significant wave heights along the northeastern part of Quezon City, parts of
coasts of Tanauan to DZR Airport in Tacloban; Valenzuela and isolated areas in Caloocan
(3) storm waves appear to be dissipated in City.
the shallow bathymetry in front of Basey and *Paper presented during the conference on
in protected coastlines behind the airport Sustainable Proactive Advocacies in Civil
peninsula; (4) storm waves and storm surge Engineering 2018 (SPACE 2018) ―Civil
are both significant at the inner portion of the Engineers and the Build Environment: A Vision
bay; and (5) the coupled SWAN+ADCIRC for Sustainable Development, held on 9-10
simulation results in improved hindcasted total AUGUST 2018, at Centuty Park Hotel, Manila;
water levels that are closer to the observed Co-authors: Renz Marion S. Ontimare, Aljohn
inundation heights. This study will be helpful in T. Agustin, and Denniel Steven T. Sy
the design and implementation of coastal
hazard mitigation strategies along the coasts
of San Pedro Bay.

*Co-authors: Eric C. Cruz and Julius Florenz B.
Giron2

MARK ALBERT H. ZARCO UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018
Prof. Alfredo B. Juinio Jr. Professorial Chair in
Civil Engineering

"Rapid Screening of Expansion Potential of
Metro Manila Soils using Free Swell Index
Test”*

Abstract: A revised protocol for rapid
screening of expansion potential and
estimating swell pressures based on the Free
Swell Index Test (Indian Standard 2720) is
proposed for plastic soils with plasticity index
of at least 15%. The proposed screening
procedure is both more reliable as well as
easier to perform when compared to
expansion index test (ASTM D 4829). A
correlation is developed between the Free
Swell Index and swell pressure obtained from
one-dimensional swell tests (ASTM D 4546) to
allow estimation of the swell pressure from the
Free Swell Index. Standards for defining
repeatability and reproducibility of the Free
Swell Test are also established. The proposed
protocol was used to create an initial
baseline map of the free swell index for
plastic soils within Metro Manila. Soils with high
to very high expansive potential were
identified in areas such as Parañaque, Las
Piñas and Muntinlupa which are traditionally

20

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 21

BALLESTEROS, FLORENCIO JR. C., GALANG, M. be used as a template in estimating
K.1, SALUDES, R. Z generation rates of other WEEE types and can
Maynilad Professorial Chair 3 form the basis for formulating management
strategies.
“Estimating WEEE generation using Artificial
Neural Network (ANN) and Adaptive Neuro- *Co-authors: Galang, M. K. and Saludes, R. Z.
Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS): A Quantitative
Comparison”* RIZALINDA L. DE LEON
Alejandro Melchor Professorial Chair
Abstract: Waste electrical and electronic
equipment (WEEE) is becoming a global “Solid Fuel Characterization of Torrefied
problem that needs urgent attention as it Coconut Shells in an Oxidative Environment”*
poses serious impacts on human and
environmental health. One step in this *Published in the International Journal of
direction is the estimation of the volume of Smart Grid and Clean Energy, vol. 7, no. 2,
WEEE that is generated. In the current April 2018.
context, lack of these data especially in Co-author: Jes Tanchuling
developing countries hampers efforts to deal
with the problem. With this in mind, this study Mark Daniel G. De Luna
aims to fill in the gap using data mining Jardiolin Family Professorial Chair 2
techniques. One technique is the neural
network model in which the input data “Effect of Catalyst Calcination Temperature in
including household income, literacy rate, the Visible Light Photocatalytic Oxidation of
gross development index and, foreign Gaseous Formaldehyde by Multi-element
exchange rate among others are processed Doped Titanium Dioxide”*
in a hidden layer and come up with an
output which in this case is the volume of EEE *Published paper: Environmental Science and
sales in a method called feed forward neural Pollution Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/
network. The second technique is a hybrid s11356-018-1720-0. The publication is available
model called ANFIS model, which estimates at link.springer.com
the volume of EEE sales by determining the
best input combination from among the input Co-authors: Maricris T. Laciste, Nolan C. Tolosa
factors including mobile phone subscription, and Ming-Chun Lu
employment rate, population, gross domestic
product, internet penetration and foreign ARTHUR ARE GONZALES III
exchange. This model uses a hybrid learning Pozzolanic Phils., Inc.
algorithm characterized by neural network
adaptive capabilities and fuzzy logic “Molecular Modeling of Polyethylene Glycol
qualitative approach. These models are Functionalized Rosette Nanotubes”
validated using the actual data and the
generated WEEE (mobile phones in this study) Abstract: Rosette nanotubes (RNTs) are soft,
is computed as the difference between sales supramolecular nanomaterials formed and
and usage (previously estimated through stabilized through a network of non-covalent
actual survey). interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, p-p
interactions, and hydrophobic effects. They
The results show that the neural network had form from Watson-Crick inspired guanine-
an error of ±0.00001. Estimates and predicted cytosine (GÙC) motifs, which undergo
values were found to be in good agreement hierarchical self-assembly to form
with a calculated accuracy of 99%. The supermacrocycles, also called rosettes. The
second model likewise achieved comparable latter self-organize into ring stacks (RS), which
accuracy validated with a minimum testing
root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.025856. UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018
The methods demonstrated in this study can

22

form the RNTs. These materials have multicriteria decision-making methodology is
substantial design flexibility and a range of proposed for the selection of the most
applications, which is partly attributed to their appropriate energy system for off-grid
diverse surface functionalization and a electrification. To show the applicability of this
chemically/physically tunable channel for approach, an illustrative case study on the off
guest molecule loading. Several studies have -grid island of Marinduque is presented. Eight
demonstrated the RNTs‘ biocompatibility in a technology combination options were
wide variety of biological applications. In an evaluated using six criteria covering socio-
effort to increase the biocompatibility and economic, environmental, and technical
pharmacodynamic benefits of RNTs, a aspects. Fuzzy AHP was used to derive
polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized, twin weights of the criteria while addressing
-base-linked GÙC module (PEG-TBL) was ambiguity and subjectivity of decision-
designed and synthesized to self-assemble makers. Performance of the technology
into RNTs in water. Several imaging and options across different criteria was
spectroscopic techniques were used to verify determined quantitatively via techno
the self-assembly of a nanotube structure. economic simulations, or qualitatively via
Classical molecular modeling techniques and domain expert estimates. Grey Relational
the 3-Dimensional Reference Interaction Site Analysis (GRA) was then used to aggregate
Model (3D-RISM) were used to further the entire range of performance attributes of
characterize the RNT and determine its each alternative into a single score. Results
structure at the atomistic level. The PEG-TBL- indicate that system reliability and social
RNT, which is the first polymer functionalized acceptability are the most important criteria
RNT, was observed to have an outer diameter in selecting hybrid energy systems for off-grid
of 6.5±0.7 nm, which agrees well with the electrification. Among the eight alternatives,
theoretical result. This work shows the design the fuel saver (diesel-solar PV hybrid) and
and functional flexibility of the RNT and diesel-solar PV-Li-ion hybrid systems result to
provides the opportunity to use the RNT in the highest performance scores. The
more biomedical applications. prioritization was mainly affected by system
reliability and social acceptability, indicating
JOEY D. OCON that decision making for the attainment of
Federico E. Puno 4 Professorial Chair sustainable island energy supply should not
be limited to technical and economic
“Optimal Multi-Criteria Selection of Hybrid considerations only. This is consistent with the
Energy Systems for Off-Grid Electrification”* current worldwide trend of implementing the
diesel-solar PV-Li-ion hybrid systems in off-grid
Abstract: Energy poverty or lack of access to areas, thus, validating the applicability of the
electricity is still a pressing development methodology developed in this work.
challenge worldwide particularly in
archipelagic countries like the Philippines and Co-authors: Salvador Marrod M. Cruz,
Indonesia. As rural electrification in these Michael T. Castro, Kathleen B. Aviso,
remote areas through on-grid extension Raymond R. Tan and Michael Angelo B.
becomes costly, these communities typically Promentilla
resort to diesel-powered off-grid generators,
characterized by high operating costs, JEM VALERIE D. PEREZ
unstable supply and price of fuel, and UP KEMGLOBAL Dr. Luz Salonga Prof. Chair in
environmental issues. The deployment of Chemical Engineering
clean energy alternatives is clearly needed,
but these must be selected systematically “Antimicrobial Activity of Novel Chitosan-
using multiple but possibly conflicting criteria. Polyethyleneimine-Graphene Oxide
Currently, the decision on which technology Nanocomposites”*
to use is derived based on the levelized cost
of electricity primarily. In this work, a novel Abstract: Bacterial proliferation and biofilm

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 23

formation has emerged as a significant Hull Using Trichoderma Harzianum as
concern in the long-term use of industrial Inoculum”*
apparatus. This study describes the
antimicrobial properties of a novel chitosan- Abstract: In addressing the need for process
polyethyleneimine-graphene oxide (CS-PEI- technologies for increasing amounts of
GO) nanocomposite against E. coli. The biosolids generated by domestic wastewater
nanocomposite is a stable material with and septage treatment plants, this study
minimal dispersibility in storage water after explored aerobic composting as a process
more than 7 days. The antimicrobial activity is that converts biosolids into a soil conditioner,
contact-time-dependent, with direct contact which partly serves as a nutrient resource.
(92% bacterial inactivation after 3h exposure) Through composting, biosolids can be
having superior results compared with converted into a soil conditioner provided
dynamic contact (~50% inactivation after 3h pathogen control is ensured. This study looked
exposure). In addition, the incorporation of into the effects of using carbonized rice hull
GO also translated to enhanced production and organic fraction of municipal solid wastes
of ROS—oxidation of GSH was higher in CS-PEI- as bulking agent and/or additional carbon
GO (31.78%) as compared to CS-PEI alone source and the effect of T. harzianum as
(5.69%). This may be attributed to previously inoculum on the characteristics of the final
proposed mechanisms of mechanical compost product as soil conditioner. The
membrane damage and reactive oxygen results showed that carbonized rice hull is a
species production that may be more promising bulking agent for composting, while
pronounced with prolonged contact. This OFMSW provides more organic matter
may be due to the positively charged needed for achieving higher peak
chitosan and the negatively charged cell temperatures. The latter is needed for
membrane facilitating the coating of cells controlling pathogens. Augmenting inoculum
that could allow the oxygen-containing with T. harzianum improves the composting
functional groups of GO to induce oxidative process and provides the test plant resistance
stress and lead to cell death. to pests and promotes growth.

*Co-authors: Joy Vanessa D. Perez, Raniv D. *Co-authors: Enrico Luis Coquico, Fredie More
Rojo, Maria Lourdes P. Dalida and Debora F. Pablo and Angelene Paradero
Rodrigues
TERENCE P. TUMOLVA
MIGUEL FRANCISCO M. REMOLONA Dr. Magdaleno B. Albarracin Jr. Centennial
Maynilad Professorial Chair 4 Prof. Chair

“Automated Generation of the Metabolic “Characterization and Modelling of the
Pathways of Pharmaceutical Chemicals from Degradation of Hydroxypropyl Cellulose-
Published Works”* Blended Sodium Alginate Microcapsules”*

*Paper submitted to the Journal of The pH-sensitive degradation of 50:50 (by
Pharmaceutical Innovation; Co-authors: weight) mixture of hydroxypropyl cellulose
Africa, Christelle Niña G. Aligato, Albert Daniel (HPC)-sodium alginate (NaAlg) microcapsules
E. Sanchez, Joseph Alwin S. was analyzed via a macroscopic approach
by using hydrogel slabs instead and
ANALIZA P. ROLLON subjecting it to a diffusion test that only
Maynilad UP Centennial Professorial Chair permits unidirectional transport of the pH
medium across its thickness. The weight and
“Composting Biosolids with Organic Fraction size measurements of the slab were
of Municipal Solid Waste or Carbonized Rice monitored across time to develop a
degradation model. The devised model had
24 a reasonably good fit to the experimental

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

data from the three pH levels initially KRISTIAN JULY R. YAP
considered (pH = 2, 4, and 7), and more Maynilad Professorial Chair 2
importantly, from the validation run (pH = 6)
with an R2 value of 0.9394. “Low-Cost Fabrication and Performance
Testing of Polydimethylsilosiloxane (PDMS)
Co-authors: Julius Niño P. Doctor, Justin Micromixers using an Improved Print-and-Peel
Richmond C. Domingo, and Ludhovik Luiz B. (PAP) Method”*
Madrid
Abstract: A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
RALPH P. VILLA microreactor was fabricated using an
Prof. Dominador Ilio Professorial Chair improved Print-and-Peel (PAP) method. Its
performance in terms of conversion was
“Diffusion Modelling of Self-Adhesive Cross- studied by observing the formation of silver
Linked Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Hydrogel nanoparticles within the microreactor. Using
Wound Dressing “ an improvised LEGO® microsyringe pump,
0.001 M silver nitrate (AgNO3) and 0.002 M
Abstract: In order to assess the fluid uptake sodium borohydride (NaBH4) were introduced
performance of physically cross -linked in the microchannels. Microreactor length
hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) hydrogel and pumping speed were varied, and their
combined with tannic acid-polyethylene effects on conversion were determined.
glycol (TAPE) – gelatin adhesive, diffusion Results showed that conversion increases with
modeling was conducted. Using Fick‘s reactor length. Conversions in low speed (130
second law of diffusion as the mathematical rad/s) were found to be higher than those in
model, and applying appropriate system high speed (269 rad/s). Both interactions were
conditions and material properties, this study confirmed through two-way ANOVA. Highest
was able to conduct validation of conversion of 32.52% was obtained for the 16-
experimental results, simulation in actual mm microreactor at low speed. The mean
wound dressing application, and parametric nanoparticle size of 24 nm measured through
analysis for product design considerations. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is smaller
Based from validation results, the than the range of 30 to 60 nm in the
experimentally provided HEC diffusivity macroscale set-up. Spectrophotometric
coefficients provided a good fit on the analysis showed that the particle size
experimental plots. On the other hand, the distribution in the microscale is narrower
diffusivity coefficient of TAPE is approximated, compared to that of the macroscale
with an average value of 7.29771 x 10 -11 m2/s. indicating the formation of more
The model showed that TAPE addition homogeneous and monodispersed
significantly decreased the water uptake nanoparticles in the microreactor. From the
performance of HEC. It also showed that the cost analysis, the cost of fabrication is fifty-fold
diffusion of fluid in the wound dressing is less than that of commercial fabrication.
predominantly in the axial direction, i.e., Hence, the fabricated microreactor provides
direction perpendicular to the surface of the a competitive alternative for conventionally-
wound. In terms of wound dressing design, produced microreactors.
results indicate that the hydrogel thickness
plays a critical factor and dictates the *Co-authors: Rans Miguel N. Lintag, Frances
absorbing capacity of the wound dressing. Gillian D. Leyson, Mica Samantha B. Matibag¹
On the other hand, the TAPE thickness hinders and Kristian July R. Yap¹
the fluid flow through the wound dressing. It is
therefore crucial for future studies to find the
optimum HEC and TAPE thickness that will
give the best absorbing and adhesive
properties.

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 25

26 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 27

HENRY N. ADORNA having this configuration gave the native
Semirara Mining Corporation Professorial species an advantage in the long run, and
Chair in Eng‘g /CS predicts a recovery consistent with expert
estimates and observations for the area. The
*“On Distributed Solution to SAT by Membrane native species had a more dense forest cover
Computing” compared to the planted species after three-
four storms despite having a lower initial
Published in the International Journal of population.
Computers Communications & Control
ISSN 1841-9836, 13(3), 303-320, June 2018. It is important to consider the correct genus/
species of trees to be used in rehabilitation
Co-Authors: Linqiang Pan, Bosheng Song efforts. Plant species not fit to the environment
will eventually die out. Therefore, mangroves
VENA PEARL A. BONGOLAN that are more resistant to stressors specific to
PLDT Professorial Chair Award the environment should be selected to ensure
“A Stochastic Agent-Based Model for Post- complete recovery and growth after storms.
disaster Mangroves Regeneration”*
*Co-Authors: Severino G. Salmo III, Lois Alexis
Abstract: Mangrove forests along tropical Velasco, Vincent Paul Fiestada, Andrew
coastlines frequently suffer severe damage Vince Lorbis
due to storms, specially true in the Philippine
archipelago. Additionally, mangrove trees KELVIN C. BUÑO
are extremely sensitive to environmental Dr. Olegario G. Villoria Jr. Professorial Chair on
stressors such as water salinity and tidal Transportation/Logistics)
inundation. We propose an agent-based
model for the prediction of the regenerative ”Solving the N-Queens Problem using dP
behavior of mangrove stands consisting of Systems with Active Membranes”
‗native‘ species and ‗planted‘ or non-native
species in a fragmented habitat, with the use Abstract: The N-Queens problem consists of
of spatiotemporal colored noise for stochastic placing N queens on an N x N chessboard
seedling dispersal. This study aims to model such that no two queens threaten each other
accurately the growth of mangrove (i.e. same row, column, or diagonal). P
populations while experiencing said stressors systems solutions to the N-Queens problem
and subject to storm damage. It uses Salmo and related problems (e.g. SAT) are often in a
and Juanico‘s model for individual mangrove nondistributed way, i.e. the complete input to
growth. Stochastic experiments were carried the problem enters the system through a
out in a shoreline habitat with an existing single input membrane and the problem is
native population (genera Avicennia and solved. dP systems involve using more than
Sonneratia) of varying ages and a larger one P system to solve problems in a
population of planted, non-native seedlings distributed way, i.e. the problem input is
(genus Rhizophora). partitioned and each partition enters the
system using distinct components (which are
The GIS data of Bangrin Marine Protected also P systems). In this work, we solve the N-
Area was used to simulate the recovery Queens problem using dP systems where the
trajectory of the stand after typhoon Chan- components are P systems with active
hom of 2009. The native species were given membranes. Our 2-component and 3-
20-40% more resistance to environmental component solutions partition the elements of
stressors. The native species (Avicennia and the input multiset based on the clauses they
Sonneratia) totally recovered its forest cover represent. Compared to the nondistributed
in 5-7 years while the planted species solution, our 2-component and 3-component
(Rhizophora) had only 40 % recovery in 6-8 solutions reduce the computation time by a
years. It was shown in the experiments that half and by a third, respectively. Besides the

28 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

analysis of the computation time, we also one that does the computation of the next
analyze communication costs. ComN, systemconfiguration in parallel. Benchmarking
indicating the number of computation steps was done using nonuniform and uniform
where communication occurred, is constant solutions to the NP-complete problem Subset
for both solutions. ComR, the number of Sum. As expected from theory, simulator
intercomponent communication rules used, results show that nonuniform solution runs
and ComW, the number of object faster but requires more memory, while
communicated, are in terms of S, where S is uniform solution has the opposite results:
the number of solutions to the problem uniform solutions fit better in sequential
instance. processors such as CPUs, while nonuniform
solutions fit better in massively parallel
FRANCIS GEORGE C. CABARLE processors such as GPUs.
Dean Ruben A. Garcia Professorial Chair
JAIME D.L. CARO
“Matrix Representation and Simulation UP Engineering Class of 1956
Algorithm for Spiking Neural P Systems with
Rules on Synapses” “Innovation for Early Detection and
Interventions for One Health: Field Experience
Abstract: Spiking Neural P Systems (or SN P in Los Banos Philippines”*
systems, for short) are models of computation
that are based on the way biological neurons Abstract: The One Health: Innovations in Early
communicate. SN P systems consist of neurons Detection and Interventions in Human,
that store spikes, and synapses that connect Animal, and Plant Health or One Health (OH)
neurons together forming a directed graph. is an ongoing initiative that collaborates with
Each neuron contains a set of rules that the local, national, and global sectors
determine how the spikes will be passed catering multiple disciplines about animal,
around to other neurons. Many variations human, and plant/crop health. This cause is
have been created, one of which is the SN P motivated by the emerging vulnerability of
Systems with Rules on Synapses (or RSSN P animals, humans, and crops to viruses such as
systems, for short), wherein the rules are Ebola (Zaire Ebolavirus), Zika (ZIKV), MERS
placed on the synapses instead of the (Middle East respiratory syndrome
neurons. A matrix representation for the coronavirus), Influenza (Flu), and SARS (SARS
original version of an SN P system and a coronavirus). In the Philippines, the major
simulation algorithm making use of the said mortality has emerged from acute to chronic
matrix representation has already been diseases. Illnesses such as Tuberculosis,
developed. In this work, a matrix Childhood Acute Diarrhea and Infectious
representation for RSSN P systems and an respiratory diseases are among its leading
algorithm for simulating them are presented. sources. Another issue to address is the
Transition gain and loss vectors are problem with fragmentation of health care
introduced to avoid sparsity when quantifying services with limited or poor access to
the amount of spikes gained and lost when services in many areas, according to the
using the rules. Rule receiver and user vectors Department of Health. Although the
are also introduced to know which neurons Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act
gain and lose spikes when using the rules, (AFMA) aims to improve nutrition and healthy
respectively, as well as rule location vector, to food consumption of animals and plants,
know which synapse a rule is located. Delay food safety and security is still a major
and nondeterminism are also considered. concern.
With these, together with the matrix
representation for the general SN P system, an The present condition of the community
RSSN P system can represented and can be health workers and municipal professionals
simulated in silico. Two implementations were focuses solely on human health, leaving the
made: one that does everything in series and animal and plant/crop health to the livestock

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 29

veterinarians and agricultural extension Alain Boquiren, Kiel Gonzales, Janelle Tan,
officers. This lack of collaboration limits the and Celine Sungay
realization of the communities to decipher the
intersection of these three health concepts, ROMMEL P. FERIA
leaving the health issues such as zoonotic, Ciriaco Corporation Professorial Chair in
e.g., brucellosis, tuberculosis, or vector-, water Engineering
-, and food-borne diseases to be understood
just until after a health scare has occurred. In “Diabetes Bridge”*
the Philippines, the magnitude of the
interrelatedness of environmental health, Introduction: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder
animal health, and human health is not yet characterized by persistent high blood
holistically recognized. When recognizing glucose (blood sugar) level [1]. In the
agricultural-borne diseases and zoonotic Philippines, the prevalence of diabetes in
diseases, medical practitioners tend to focus adults was said to be roughly 6.1% [2].
only on how to cure the disease as it Constant monitoring of blood glucose level
manifests in humans, thereby failing to keeps the disease regulated along with daily
address what might be the root of the medication and regular diet. Various diabetes
problem. One Health, simply put, aims to management systems have been developed
address this inadequacy. It advocates for recently and studies show that these mobile
people to recognize the interrelatedness of health (mHealth) applications has been
these three sectors in order to effectively particularly successful in improving glucose
address health issues by considering all the management for patients [3]. However, the
factors that might possibly be involved. majority of patients have not utilized these
applications in managing diabetes. By the
The deployment of OneHealth teams, each end of 2013, only 1.2% who have access to
team composed of a nurse as leader and mHealth-capable devices had used a
barangay (village) health workers as diabetes app. In another study, US hospitals
members, is being implemented at the provided patients with mobile diabetes
grassroots level in a municipality in the management applications and only 2%
Philippines as a component of a pilot study by actually used these. The rest pointed out: (i)
the University of the Philippines and the poor experience; (ii) unappealing design; and
University of California Davis for the (iii) inept functionality as reasons to not take
development of a mobile application for advantage of these applications. [4]
symptom-based surveillance of human,
animal, and plant diseases. This study precedes a research which
proposed a solution to these problems with
MARIO T. CARREON the Diabetes Bridge application. This research
Nippon Telephone and Telegram Professorial aims to improve on the application's overall
Chair usability.

“Tocky Talk: A Mobile Phone Application to *Co-authors: Kirsten Allen F. Castro, Louisa
Help Address Communicative Problems of Angelique R. Navarro
Engineering and Technical Graduates in the
Philippine Context”* CEDRIC ANGELO M. FESTIN
Dado and Maria Banatao Institute Professorial
*Paper submitted to ICCE 2018, ICCE Sub- Chair Award
Conference on Educational Gamification
and Game-based Learning (EGG), held on 26 “Crowdsourcing Rural Network Maintenance
-30 November 2018, in Manila.; and Repair via Network Messaging”*

Co-Authors: Samantha Sadural, Kathleen Gay Published paper. CHI 2018, April 21–26, 2018,
Figueroa, Noel Nicanor Ii Sison, Francis Quilab,
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018
30

Montreal, QC, Canada © 2018 Copyright held Ada Angeli D. Cariaga. . A Study of the
by the owner/author(s). Publication rights Prevalence of Schistosomiasis Cases in
ISBN 978-1-4503-5620-6/18/04. Philippine Provinces. In Proceedings of , , , 6
pages.
*Co-Authors: Esther Jang, Mary Claire Barela, https://doi.org/10.1145/nnnnnnn.nnnnnnn
Philip Martinez, Josephine Dionisio Kurtis
Heimerl, Matt Johnson, Margaret Lynn NESTINE HOPE S. HERNANDEZ
Vea Technology for All Professorial Chair
SUSAN P. FESTIN
Filemon Rodriguez Professorial Chair in “On Numerical P Systems as Solutions to
Computer Science Combinatorial Optimization Problems”*

“Implementation of a Role-Based Access Abstract: Membrane computing is a
Control Layer for Internet of Things”* framework directly inspired by concepts in
cell biology that focused on membranes (or
Abstract: With the emerging IOT technology, compartments) and processes such as
the amount of data we produce, and collect, communication, distribution, localization and
enormously grow every day. Today, we‘re hierarchization. Its original purpose was to
producing data faster than we ever did in create computing models (known as P
history. These data are sensitive and should systems) that are minimalistic, powerful (in
be treated with utmost security they need. comparison with Turing machines and their
restricted variants), and e_cient (that is, able
In this paper, we will discuss about to solve computationally hard problems in
implementing a Role-Based Access Control feasible time). Numerical P system is one of
Layer that limits the access to the sensitive these computing models. But unlike the other
data. It includes a website application P system variants, it not only took inspiration
wherein data could be efficiently viewed by from the structure of living cells but also from
the users who have the privilege to do so. economics. It has a cell-like membrane
Using the same site, data could easily be structure that has numerical variables, instead
made sense of and could have a meaningful of multisets of objects, placed in the regions
interpretation. Initially, this architecture is (compartments). We look at the possibility of
intendedly made for SinBerBEST BEARS sensors using a numerical P system (or one of its
only. But the system‘s design is very versatile variants) as a solution to a combinatorial
and flexible that it can easily be adjusted and optimization problem such as the Knapsack
remodeled. Adding more sensors should not Problem.
be cumbersome to do so. This system uses
encryption methods like ECC and RSA to PROSPERO C. NAVAL JR.
make the site and data transfer secure. Dado and Maria Banatao Institute Professorial
Chair Award
*Co-authors: Kassandra Kristin Abuda,
Angelica Juarez, Daisyree Viscaya “AC2: A Policy Gradient Actor with Primary
and Secondary Critics”*
LIGAYA LEAH L. FIGUEROA
Filadelfo Panlilio Professorial Chair * Presented in the 2018 International Joint
Conference on Neural Networks (IJCNN 2018)
“A Study of the Prevalence of Schistosomiasis on 9 July 2018, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Cases in Philippine Provinces”*
Co-author: Alfonso Labao
* Citation: Je Marie A. Apolinario, Camille
Francene A. Razal, Ligaya Leah L. Figueroa, 31
Rommel P. Feria, Ma. Rowena C. Solamo, and

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

MA. ROWENA C. SOLAMO affecting the brain‘s normal neurological
Marithe Girbaud Professorial Chair function. Findings suggest a viable treatment
for intractable epilepsy cases via an
“A Proposed Framework for Persuasive implantable cooling device. However,
Technology Intervention for Health-seeking precise mechanisms by which cooling
Behavior” suppresses epileptic discharges are still not
clearly understood. Cooling experiments in
Abstract: Abstract: The evolving field of vitro presented evidence of reduction in
neurotransmitter release from presynaptic
persuasive technology is increasingly terminals and loss of dendritic spines at post-
synaptic terminals offering a possible synaptic
targeted at influencing behavior in the area mechanism. We show that termination of
epileptic discharges is possible by introducing
of health and wellness. Much of the a homogeneous temperature factor in a
neural mass model, which attenuates the post
technology used are designed to aid and -synaptic impulse responses of the neuronal
populations. This result however may be
motivate people to adopt health-enhancing expected since such attenuation leads to
reduced post-synaptic potential and when
behaviors such as physical activity and eating the effect on inhibitory interneurons is less
than on excitatory interneurons, frequency of
healthy. Key to this are the interventions that firing of pyramidal cells is consequently
reduced. While this is observed in cooling
are grounded on health behavior theories experiments in vitro, experiments in vivo
exhibit persistent discharges during cooling
such Theory of Planned Behavior. but suppressed in magnitude. This leads us to
conjecture that reduction in the frequency of
Interventions guide design and development discharges may be compensated through
intrinsic excitability mechanisms. Such
of persuasive technology, particularly, the compensatory mechanism is modeled using a
reciprocal temperature factor in the firing
choice of persuasive design elements. response function in the neural mass model.
We demonstrate that the complete model
Persuasive design elements, also known as can reproduce attenuation of both
magnitude and frequency of epileptic
motivational affordance are those elements discharges during cooling. The compensatory
mechanism suggests that cooling lowers the
that bring about the intended persuasive average and the variance of the distribution
of threshold potential of firing across the
outcome. Mapping of behavioral population. Bifurcation study with respect to
the temperature parameters of the model
determinants with persuasive design elements reveals how heterogeneous response of
epileptic discharges to cooling (termination or
are needed to design and develop suppression only) is exhibited. Possibility of
differential temperature effects on post-
applications that persuade people to seek synaptic potential generation of different
populations is also explored.
health-enhancing behavior. This paper
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018
proposes a framework for Persuasive

Technology Intervention for Health-seeking

Behavior, and discusses considerations for

research and target population for future

studies.

JAYMAR B. SORIANO
Juan Jr. & Rosario Halili-Quintos Professorial
Chair

“Differential Temperature Sensitivity of
Synaptic and Firing Processes in a Neural Mass
Model of Epileptic Discharges Explainds
Heterogeneous Response of Experimental
Epilepsy to Focal Brain Cooling”*

*Co-authors: Takatomi Kubo, Takao Inoue,
Hiroyuki Kida, Toshitaka Yamakawa, Michiyasu
Suzuki, Kazushi Ikeda

Abstract: Experiments with drug-induced
epilepsy in rat brains and epileptic human
brain region reveal that focal cooling can
suppress epileptic discharges without

32

ADRIAN ROY L. VALDEZ Professorial model that can predict student performance,
Vicente & Juanita Hao Chin which is within an acceptable threshold.
Chair (2)

“A Prelude to Building Mathematical Models
for Polypeptide Folding: Analysis on the
Conformational Potential Energy
Hypersurface Cross-Sections of N-Acetyl-
Glycyl-Glycine-N'-Methylamide”*

*Co-authors: John Justine S. Villar, Logine
Negm, Anita Rágyanszki, David H. Setiadi,
Béla Viskolcz, and Imre G. Csizmadia
Published by NRC Research Press; DOI:
10.1139/cjc-2018-0017

JAN MICHAEL C. YAP
Cesar Buenaventura Professorial Chair

“Design and Implementation of a Cross on
Bioinformatics for Genomics and
Transcriptomics”

Abstract: This work details research on the
design and test implementations of a course
for bioinformatics for genomics and
transcriptomics. The course covers topics on
sequence analysis and assembly,
phylogenetics, and gene expression analysis
and modeling. The course was designed to
cater to classes with mixed backgrounds on
computing and biological sciences. Surveys
on the conducted classes were done, with
focus on content, structure, and delivery, the
results of which are also detailed herein.

PHILIP CHRISTIAN C. ZUÑIGA 33
Marubeni UP Centennial Professorial Chair

“A Linear Predictor Model for Performance of
CS Students”

Abstract: In this study, we will produce a linear
predictor model to determine the
performance of BSCS students based on early
BSCS courses. We will produce a linear model
using the ant colony implementation. The
ACO implementation produced multiple
models, but when we checked the results
and looked at the errors it produced
annually, we were able to derive a single

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

34 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 35

RANSIE JOY A. APURA LOUIE P. BALICANTA
Jesus Ferrer Professorial Chair Felipe F. Cruz Prof. Chair in Geodetic
Engineering
“Spatial Analysis of the Service Coverage of
Health Care Facilities in the City of Manila” “Linking the Different Coordinate Reference
Systems in the Philippines”*
Abstract: Understanding health care from a
geographic perspective is essential in Abstract: A homogeneous coordinate system
improving the planning and management of is a basic requirement to obtain a reliable
health care. One aspect of health care cadastral information system. Likewise a
management is geographic accessibility or consistent and complete cadastre is needed
the effects of the location of facilities relative to have a good land administration system
to households and other stakeholders on the which in turn is needed to have sustainable
geographic accessibility of health care. The development in a country. The Philippines
main objective of this study is to analyze have been doing cadastral surveys for more
geographic accessibility provided by health than a century with different coordinate
care facilities (i.e., public and private systems used. These are the LPCS, PPCS-TM/
hospitals, public health centers, and Luzon 1911 and the PPCS-TM/ PRS92. A
attached lying-in clinics) focusing on its methodology was provided to be able to link
service coverage aspect. This study uses one coordinate system to another. One study
health care facility locations, road network, area used is Guiguinto, Bulacan that has a
and secondary data (i.e., poverty incidence, cadastre in the PPCS-TM/ Luzon 1911. Control
population density, and road density) for the points in PPCS-TM/ Luzon 1911 were
City of Manila. Analysis of service coverage is researched and recovered. GNSS Survey was
via comparison of calculated extent of conducted to provide an equivalent PPCS-
service area and provided spatial coverage TM/ PRS92 coordinates for the points. Two-
capacity using estimated travel time/driving Dimensional Conformal Coordinate
time as measurement proxy, prescribed time Transformation was done to link the two
period applied in its service area analysis, and coordinate systems at different combinations
run with different travel scenarios accounting of fixed points. The result of the experiment
for varying nature of road traffic in the study showed that 1-point fixed has a slim
site: Scenario 1 – travel time/driving time is advantage over the other four combinations.
100% of maximum allowable speed for all
road segments; Scenario 2 – travel time/ *Co-authors: Yvan F. Pagdonsolan, Joemarie
driving time is 60% of maximum allowable S. Caballero
speed for all road segments; and Scenario 3 –
20% of maximum allowable speed for all road ARIEL C. BLANCO
segments; and Scenario 4 – 20% of maximum Prof. Emeritus Norberto S. Vila Professorial
allowable speed for primary road segments. Chair
The results of the study indicate that varying
road traffic conditions affects the service “Geospatial Analysis of Dengue Incidences in
coverage of health care facilities within the Quezon City, Philippines”*
geographic travel standard. All health care
facilities for scenario 1, 2, and 4 provide 78% Abstract: This research examined monthly
to 100% effective coverage of the study area dengue incidences in Quezon City, Philippines
with all health centers and lying-in clinics over a period of six years (2010-2015) on a per
within 30 minutes of any hospital and all barangay (village) basis considering 142
hospitals are within 30 minutes of one another. barangays. Methods used include correlation
For scenario 3: hospitals have low effective analysis, spatial autocorrelation, multiple
coverage (0% to 4%) in some districts of the factor analysis, and spatial regression. The
study site. Some potential for improvement is spatial distribution of dengue incidences
also indicated. manifested a North to South trend with

36 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

northern barangays having experienced (SLR) produced improved models relative to
clusters of higher number of cases. Moran‘s I the OLS model with R-squared of 0.676 and
values [0.491 (2014) to 0.714 (2015)] indicated 0.667, respectively. This indicates the
this tendency to cluster. Local Indicators of importance of spatial dependence. This can
Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) Moran‘s I cluster be explained by the fact that mosquitos fly
maps indicate significant (p=0.05, 0.01) High- over considerably long distances, traversing
High clustering and Low-Low clustering in the across the different barangays. The SER model
north and south parts of the city, respectively. (AIC=1359.89; SE=26.9584) is slightly better
However, these clusters/bands are separated than the SLR model (AIC=1366.05; SE=
by cluster/band of non-significance in the 27.3399).
central parts of the city. Monthly total cases
over six years indicated increasing trend *Co-authors: Ben Joseph J. Harder and Isaiah
staring from May/June, peaking at around Angelo R. Teh
August/September, and declining afterwards
to lower levels in November/December. This ALEXIS RICHARD C. CLARIDADES
corresponds to the typical temporal rainfall Chua Liong & Loreta Dy Chua Professorial
pattern. Spatially, based on local Moran‘s I, Chair
High-High and Low-Low clusters, in the north
and south parts of the city respectively, “Using Omnidirectional Images for Semi-
started expanding and aggregating starting Automatically Extracting Indoor GML Data”*
in June and contracted towards December.
Dengue cases were found to be positively Abstract: The demand for 3D spatial data is
correlated (significance level alpha=0.05) increasing with the growing complexity of
with Population (R=0.84), Informal_Settlements indoor spaces. As human beings spend more
(IS) (R=0.716), Very_Low_Density_Residential time indoors, more focus is given to indoor
(VLDR) (R=0.512), Open_Spaces (OS) location-based applications and services.
(R=0.339), Mean_Rainfall (RFM) (R=0.637), and Topological networks in three dimensions are
Mean Elevation (EM) (R=0.498). Dengue used for various spatial applications that
incidence (DI) was negatively correlated with involve navigation in the indoor environment
Mean Air Temperature (ATM) (R=-0.3 to 0.5, such as emergency evacuation, indoor
alpha=0.05). It was noted the yearly clustering positioning, accessibility studies, and
bear semblance to those observed in the visualization. Manual methods of generating
local Moran‘s I cluster maps for these indoor network data are impractical,
variables. Based on factor analysis, the laborious to perform, and are prone to errors,
dengue incidences were closely related to but current met hods in automating the
these variables, though factors F1 and F2 process need expensive sensors or datasets
accounted for only 28% of the data that are difficult and expensive to obtain and
variability. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) process. In this research, a methodology for
regression analysis of DI with general land use semi-automatically generating a 3D indoor
(LU) classes (e.g., no subclasses in residential topological model capable of representing
areas) identified only IS and OS, explaining adjacency, connectivity, and accessibility of
43% of the variability of DI. Based on indoor spaces is proposed. Among numerous
standardized coefficients, IS has twice as existing standards for the storage and
much influence on DI compared to OS. When exchange of 3D spatial data, IndoorGML was
residential subclasses are considered, VLDR selected to be used for this research, as the
was added to the model, slightly increasing R- standard has been crafted specifically for
squared to 0.452. Considering, in addition, EM, indoor navigation. The concept of Shooting
RFM, and ATM, the R-squared improved to Point is defined to accommodate the usage
0.589, with RFM and EM considered more of omnidirectional images in generating
influential on dengue compared to IS and OS. IndoorGML data. Omnidirectional images
ATM was however removed due to were captured at selected Shooting Points in
multicollinearity. The use of Spatial Error the building study area using a fisheye
regression (SER) and Spatial Lag regression
37
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

camera lens and rotator. Spaces in the residential and commercial areas are
interior were detected from the images using randomly selected using various Geographic
image processing techniques implemented in Information Systems (GIS) operators. After 60
Python script. Relative positions of spaces working days of doing fieldworks by twelve
obtained from CAD drawings were used to field valuers, a total of 817 samples are
generate 3D networks in the form of node- collected and encoded. The output is a
relation graphs representing adjacency, master database with an interactive GIS map
connectivity, and accessibility of indoor integrating the coordinate location of
spaces in the study area. Subspacing is samples and the land value parameters. The
performed to more accurately depict large gathering and tabulation of physical and
indoor spaces and reflect actual pedestrian economic property market data for HPM is
movement. Since the images can provide very challenging.
very realistic visualization, t he topological
relationships were used to link the images to OLIVER T. MACAPINLAC
produce a visualization in the form of a virtual Rasa Surveying Professorial Chair
indoor tour.
“Producing Agricultural Recommendations
*Co-authors: Jiyeong Lee, Ariel C. Blanco from Combining Expert and Farmer
Knowledge of the Field”
FLORENCE A. GALEON
Cristy R. Hernandez Prof. Chair in Engineering Abstract. This paper explores the creation of
an agricultural recommender system to
"Data Gathering for a Hedonic Price Model provide farm management recommendation
(HPM) of Lands Affected by Transit-Oriented for farmers at key stages in the crop
Development" calendar. To create this recommender system
we combine knowledge from domain experts
Abstract: The real estate plays a vital role in (hard facts) and personal (soft facts, also
the economy of a nation. Knowing the factors called collective) knowledge from farmers.
affecting urban land value is so important in These two sources of information enable the
determining the future of urban development creation of a two-layer recommender system
and anticipating potential changes. The - the first layer working as a knowledge-based
hedonic pricing models (HPM) infer the system and the second layer as collaborative
impact of attributes on the values of a -filtering system. A study was conducted in a
property. Applications of HPM have been number of communities of rice farmers on the
used to estimate different land value province of Bulacan in the Philippines. This
attributes. It is always expected that an paper contributes to the development of ICT
investment through transit corridor will for agriculture or e-agriculture, particularly for
increase economic development. Studies family farms in rural communities. The paper
have shown that proximity to a light rail further highlights on identifying the structure
station have positive effects on the residential of the problem and the information required
property values. This is a study to gather and to create recommendation on a complex
tabulate physical and economic property process such as agriculture.
market data for the development of a
hedonic price model of properties affected EDGARDO G. MACATULAD
by transit-oriented development. The Focus Global, Inc. Professorial Chair in
sampling strategy applied is stratified Engineering
systematic random sampling. The subject
area is strategically divided or segmented “A GIS-Based Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment
into seven (7) regions or strata then sampling Case Study for Residential Areas near
locations or areas of interest are Marikina River”*
systematically selected in each stratum. From
each sampling locations, samples of UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

38

Abstract: Marikina City is a located in a valley more typhoons and monsoon events that
enclosed by the terrains of Sierra Madre bring heavy rainfall. We propose a method for
mountain range and Antipolo City, San risk estimation and calculation. We propose
Mateo City and Quezon City. The Marikina that the risk assessment can serve as a good
River is running through the city and is the basis for risk transfer if the proper assumptions
major river of the Marikina-Montalban and calculations are made.
watershed. The city is also traversed by the
Philippine West Valley fault line, or also known ROSALIE B. REYES
as the Marikina Valley fault system. These geo- Domingo T. Toledo Professorial Chair
physical characteristics make the city more
susceptible to natural disasters, particularly “Vertical Land Motion Detection using Tide
flood and earthquake. This research describes Gauge and Satellite Altimetry Data in Manila
the development of a GIS model for rapid loss Bay”*
estimation due to these two natural disasters.
This involves risk assessment of residential Scientists from National Institute of Geological
areas near the Marikina River. Based on a Science of the University of the Philippines
related multi-hazard risk assessment showed that large areas in Metro Manila are
methodology, the datasets of the indicated sinking based on processed RADAR images. In
hazards were overlaid with the elements at the latest article by one of the leading experts
risks, including the household population and in sea level rise (SLR), Manila ranked second
buildings in residential areas within a 500- behind Jakarta, Indonesia in Top 10 Sinking
meter radius from the Marikina River. From the Cities in the World. The annual mean sea level
results, the affected population, and the (MSL) on Manila Bay based on tide gauge
physical and economic losses were measurements indicates an increasing trend.
estimated. Loss estimation were done for In the absence of a co-located GNSS
specific flood scenarios of 5-year, 25-year, receiver near the tide gauge, this could not
and 100-year return period, as well as for be validated. One technology that is in
different flood heights of 1, 2, 4, and 6 meters. existence for more than three decades that
For earthquake hazard, loss estimation was could also possibly check the in-situ data from
performed for probable Modified Mercalli tide gauge is satellite altimetry. The sea
Intensities 7 and 8. Maps of the estimated surface height (SSH) measured from satellite
losses were generated which may serve as altimeter can be compared with the sea level
additional reference for further assessment on observed by the tide gauge to see if they are
the impacts of flood and earthquake in the in agreement. If disagreement exists, then it
study area. could be attributed to VLM. One of the
advantages of satellite altimetry is it is not tied
*Co-authors: Marielle E. Sotto, and Emmanuel on land and therefore they are free from land
R. Umali movements. However, near the coast the
altimeter signals are perturbed by the nearby
ENRICO C. PARINGIT landmass, hence accuracy is degraded.
Atty. Raul C. Villanueva Professorial Chair Latest processing algorithms or fitting strategy
also known as retracking improved the
"Spatially-explicit Methods in Flood Disaster altimeter data near the coast.
Risk Evaluation and Financing in the
Philippines" This study used SSH from retracked products
from CTOH (Centre of Topography of the
Abstract: In this paper, we seek to estimate Oceans and the Hydrosphere), and
loss and damages of from flooding in Metro OpenADB (Open Altimeter Database) to
Manila due to natural hazards such as compare with the sea levels observed from
flooding. Damage to flooding is a perennial the Manila Bay tide gauge. Differences
problem in Metro Manila and the entire between satellite altimeter and tide gauge
country, since it is annually visited by 20 or data were computed and analyzed. Data

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 39

from three satellite missions equipped with this paper demonstrated the potential of
altimeter sensors namely: Jason-1, Jason-2 Diwata-1 Satellite Image to detect and
and CryoSat-2 were used as they are the identify aquaculture features which can be a
missions that passes over Manila Bay. The framework to utilize Philippines‘ first
results showed mean differences of 14.91 cm, microsatellite data for studying and
25.44 cm and 20.57 cm for Jason-1, Jason-2 monitoring aquaculture areas and its effect
and CryoSat-2, respectively. The derived rates on the environment.
of vertical land motion (VLM) were 12.82 ±
4.78 mm/year, 20.28 ± 4.22 mm/year and *Co-authors: R. V. Peralta and M. E. A. Tupas
33.83 ± 3.85 mm/month VLM rates for Jason-1,
CryoSat-2 and Jason-2, respectively. The data MARK EDWIN A. TUPAS
from Jason-1 is in close agreement with the in- Stephen D. Sy Professorial Chair
situ tide gauge data. Based on the CLS/CNES
prescribed validation criteria for satellite “Updates on Diwata-1 Earth Observation
altimeter data with tide gauge data, 12 cm Microsatellite Spaceborne Multispectral
difference is still in agreement. Therefore, Imager (SMI) Quality Assessment”
around 2 cm can be attributed to VLM using
Jason-1 data. This is reasonable since only 4 Abstract:. Microsatellites used for Earth
years of data were used in the analysis. observations, while being significantly
cheaper than related large satellites such as
*Co-authors: Passaro M., Noveloso, D., Landsat 8 and WorldView-2, are also limited in
Rediang, A. their equipment capability, relying on
miniaturized sensors that may not have the
AYIN M. TAMONDONG same quality characteristics as their larger
Sy Ling Chat Professorial Chair in Engineering counterparts. As such, it is imperative to have
a robust satellite image quality assessment
“Detection of Aquaculture Structures in (IQA) system capable of noting possible issues
Laguna de Bay from Diwata SMI LCTF Images present in miniaturized sensor data. This
Using Object-Based Image Analysis”* paper discusses the concepts and adopted
procedures in the IQA of Spaceborne
Abstract: Over the decades, Philippines‘ Multispectral Images images downloaded
coastal areas have experienced rapid and from Diwata-1, as well as the preprocessing
dynamic changes due to the increasing steps being undertaken before they are
demands in aquaculture fisheries. With the deemed ready for distribution. The presence
advent of different remote sensing techniques and effects of pixel dropout (PDO) are
in feature extraction and classification, a assessed by using a Laplacian filter, and
methodology was developed to extract analyses of individual and possible PDO
fishpens and fish cages in Laguna Lake using clustering are used for initial
the available ~60 m resolution Diwata-1 SMI characterization. Images that pass the
with LCTF satellite image. The application of above-mentioned test, but still possess
different image enhancement techniques transmission packet losses, then undergo an
wasexplored to improve the quality of the inpainting procedure via median filters to fill
image layers. To remove the redundancy of missing data with replacements referenced to
information, Principal Component Analysis the surrounding pixels. Signal-to-noise ratio is
was applied to the 8-band multispectral then computed via the homogeneous block
image. Gaussian Low Pass filtering was used method and fast cloud cover percentage
to eliminate noise while Laplacian filtering determined by the Otsu process. Images are
enhanced the edges of the aquaculture finally tagged using a qualitative scale made
features. Multiresolution segmentation and available on each image's metadata file,
rule-based classification methods were found based on the tests they underwent. We
effective in extracting aquaculture features summarize the results from the operational
from the image. The techniques presented in data since deployment until July 2018. The

40 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018

results show that no significant decline in the
pdo and snr of both the visible and nir sensors,
however a systematic issue with higher
wavelengths at the NIR sensor was observed.

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018 41

42 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2018