UP COE - NEC Technical Bulletin 2019

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 i

i UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Institute 2
2
 Resilient Large-Scale Systems: Building the Intelligent Environment 2
 Hardware-Based Model of Node Clustering Using Q-Learning for Wireless Sensor 2
3
Networks 3
 Feasibility of an Amateur Radio Transmitter Implementation Using Raspberry Pi for a 3
3
Low Cost and Portable Emergency Communication Device 4
 A Conditional Generative Adversarial Network for Rendering Point Clouds 4
 Image Processing for Segmentation of Dorsal Striatum from Magnetic Resonance 4
5
Images 5
 Characterization of Low Cost Wideband Direct Modulation Radio Over Fiber Link 5
 Timbre and Pitch Characterization of Monophonic Samples of Philippine Indigenous 6
6
Instruments 6
 An Ultra-Low Power Direct Active-RF Detection Wake-Up Receiver with Noise- 6
6
Cancelling Envelope Detector in 65nm CMOS Process 6
 Design and Implementation of a Baseband LoRa Demodulator Using De-Chirp Method 7
7
 An Analytical Model of Energy-Aware RPL for Wireless Sensor Networks 7
 Effects of Varying Material Properties on the Vibro-acoustic and Tonal Quality of 7

Classical Guitar
 Performance Analysis of Encryption Algorithms on Smartwatches
 Using an Interruptible Load Program to Manage Locational Marginal Prices and System

Security in a Wholesale Energy Market

 A Dimmable Open-loop Resonant LED Driver fora Horticulture Grow Light

 Discriminating Faults from Power Swing Using Impedance Angle and Analysis in Three
Dimensional Space

 Domain-based Attack Models in Building Automation Systems
 Detection of Pilferage in an AMI-Enabled Low-Voltage Network Using Energy Reading

Anomalies
 A Comparison of Different Fuzzy Logic Control Architectures in Car-Following
 A 2.4 GHz Energy-efficient Short-range Receiver with Wake-up and Multiple Gain

Settings for Wireless Sensor Networks
 Flipped Classroom Approach for Innovation and Other Engineering Classes

 Radio Tomographic Imaging Using Multiple Channels and Transmit Power
Levels

 BrainSmart: Ambient Assisted Living System Smartphone App Prototype for
Parkinson’s Disease Patients

 Development of an Energy-efficient Routing Algorithm for Electric Vehicles

 Cooperative Mobile Sensing for Dynamic Spectrum Access in Community Cellular
Networks

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 ii

Institute of Civil Engineering 10
10
 Evaluation of Liquefaction Potential on the Reclamation Area of Manila Bay 10
 Development of Empirical Wind Vulnerability Curves of School Buildings Damaged by 11

the 2016 Typhoon Nina 11
 Effects of Nanosilica on Mechanical Properties and Water Permeability of High- 11
12
Strength Concrete 12
 Simulation of Scenario Earthquake Based on the Expected M7.2 West Valley Fault
12
Event using Stochastic Finite-Fault Modelling Method and Low-Frequency Scaling 13
Methods 13
 Numerical Analysis of Nearshore Seawater Circulation around a Protected Beach 14
Zone 14
 Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregates in Cement-Lime 15
Mortar 15
 A Review of Seismic Design Provisions for Hospitals 15
 Determination of the Properties of Bambusa blumeana using Full-Culm Compression 16
Tests and Layered Tensile Tests for Finite Element Model Simulation using Orthotropic 16
Material Modeling 16
 Hydrodynamic Investigation of Riverine Mangrove Ecosystems using Intensive Field 17
Measurement and Numerical Simulation 17
 Rainwater Quantity and Quality: Analysis for the Institute of Civil Engineering Main 18
Building 18
 Assessing the Hydraulic Effects of Morphological Changes in San Juan River 18
 Self-healing of Cracks using Bacteria (Bacillus cibi) with Different Encapsulation 19
Techniques 19
20
 Exploratory Study in Calibrating the Politeness Factor of MOBIL

 Application of Complete Streets Concept on the Central Business District of Tacloban
City Focused on Urban Bikeway Design

 Treatment of Piggery Wastewater using Granulated Coal Ash
 Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Pet Bottle Eco-Bricks and Concrete Hollow

Blocks for Non-Load Bearing Classroom Walls
 Challenges in Road Safety
 Impacts of Mining on Community Water Supply in a Gold-Copper Mine in Northern

Philippines
 Groundwater Yield Study in Northern Cebu
 Defining the Carrying Capacity of Boracay Island (Philippines) using Waste Mass Flow

Analysis
 Feasibility of Mud Crab Shell Wastes as Partial Cement Replacement in Cement

Mortars

 Blast-Load Analysis and Simulation of Unreinforced Concrete Masonry

 Numerical Simulation of the 1994 Mindoro Tsunami using DELFT3D

 Proposed Rapid Assessment Tool for Debris Flow Risks
 Assessment of Strength Characteristics of Concrete Incorporated with Local Philippine

Recycled Concreted Aggregates
 Numerical Simulation of Storm Tides Generated by Historical Typhoons along

Dagupan City Coastline using ADCIRC Model
 Application of the Elasto-Viscoplastic Finite Element Method to Limit Analysis of Slopes

iii UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

Department of Chemical Engineering 22
22
 Immersion-Based Corrosion Testing on UNS S30400 Using a Bleed-and-Refill Cycle 22
Methodology 22
23
 Fuel Performance of Biodiesel from Microalgae 23
24
 Ozonation Kinetics of Pulp and Paper Mill and Distillery Wastewaters 24
 Analysis and Acid Recovery of Pretreatment Effluent from Formiline Organosolv 24
25
Pretreatment of Banana (M. acuminata x M. balbisiana) Pseudostem 25
 Doping TiO2 with CuSO4 Enhances Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity for Organic
25
Pollutant Degradation
26
 Experimental Investigation of Alkali-Metal Incorporated Graphene for ORR 26
 Thermodynamic Analysis of the Self-assembly of Guanine-Cytosine Analogues to 26
27
Supramolecular Structures Using Multiscale Molecular Modeling
 Carbon Dioxide Adsorbent Preparation by Coating Amine-Functionalized Pectin onto

Zeolites
 Development of a CuFe204 – Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Electrochemical

Sensor for Malathion
 On the Transferability of Smart Energy Systems on Off-Grid Islands using Cluster Analysis

--A Case Study for the Philippine Archipelago
 Mathematical Equation Extraction and Rules-Based Variable Typing from Selected

Chemical Engineering References

 Color and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Removal in Bismarck Brown M
Azo Dye Solution and Textile Wastewater using Ozonation, Anaerobic and
Aerobic Biological Processes

 Kinetic, Phase Equilibrium, and Simulation Studies of Base-Catalyzed Coconut
Oil

 Transesterification with Methanol

 Development of a Self-Adhesive Cellulosic Hydrogel Wound Dressing

 Continuous-Flow Titration in a Low-Cost Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Microreactor
Fabricated using an Improved Print-and-Peel (PAP) Method

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 iv

Department of Computer Science 30
30
 Some Combinatorial Hard Problems and Algorithmic Solutions 30
31
 Modelling, Simulation and Visualization of a Multispecific Philippine Seagrass Meadow 31
31
 Distributed Computation of a k P Systems with Active Membranes for SAT using Clause 31
Completion 31
32
 Evolving Spiking Neural P Systems with Rules on Synapses with Fixed Neurons 32
32
 One Health Application for Tracking Farmer Health and Pesticide Use 32
 Cost-Effective Programming of Electric Demand in the University of the Philippines 33

Diliman 33
 SugarTraces: A Persuasive Mobile Health Application for Diabetics
 Community Cellular Networks in the Philippines: Challenges and Opportunities towards 33

Sustainability 34
 Mitigating Data Integrity Attacks in Building Automation Systems using Denoising 34
34
Autoencoders
 A Study of the Effect of Socioeconomic Conditions to Schistosomiasis Disease in the

Philippines
 Exploring Evolution-Communication P System with Energy as String Generators

 Cascaded Deep Network Systems with Linked Ensemble Components for Underwater
Fish Detection in the Wild

 Developing Dark Night 2: Analyzing the Experience of Blind Users with a Mobile Role-
Playing Game

 Probing the Association between Axonal Sprouting and Seizure Activity Using a
Coupled Neural Mass Model

 An SDN-based Framework for Improving the Performance of Underprovisioned IP
Video Surveillance Networks

 A Three-Choice Minority Game Model with Homogeneous Agent Preferences for
Resource Allocation

 Structural Stability Analysis of Models of Dopamine Synthesis and D1 Receptor
Trafficking in RPT Cells using CRNT

 Block Chain Application in Digital Health

Department of Geodetic Engineering 36
36
 Evaluating Spatial Equity of Health Care Facilities in the City of Manila 37
37
 Transformation and Unification of the Different Cadastral Data in the Philippines 38
 Preliminary Assessment of Mangrove Damage and Recovery using ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 38
39
Data 39
 Geospatial Technologies Application in Property Market Research for the Metro 39

Manila Subway Project (MMSP)
 A Geoinformation Web and Mobile Framework for Agriculture Recommendation

 Seagrass Growth Simulation in Gama Platform using a Functional Structural Approach
 Geostatistics for Air Quality Mapping: Case of Baguio City, Philippines

 Temporal Variability of the Geoid Over the Philippines
 Diwata-1 Target Pointing Error Assessment using Orbit and Space Environment

Prediction Model

v UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations 42
Research 42
42
 Comparison of Observational Methods for Ergonomic Assessment of Tasks- an Input for 43
Developing an Ergonomic Assessment Tools Database 43
44
 Effectiveness of Mobile Apps in Promoting Physical Activity among College Students: A 44
Pilot Study 46
46
 Bureau of Customs Collection Management Reporting System for the Department of 45
Finance – Financial Analytics and Intelligence Unit 46

 A Lookup-Based Decision Support System for Classification and Prioritization of Disaster
-Related Tweets for Disaster Response

 Understanding the Factors Contributing to the Increase Over the Years in the Number
of Students Graduating with Latin Honors in the Bachelor of Science in IE Program

 A Product Assortment Planning Model Framework Incorporating Variety and a
Substitution Mechanism

 A Threshold-Based Dynamic Customer Redirection Rule for Minimizing Extra Effort in
Bicycle-Sharing Systems

 A Proposal for the Development of Easily Available Operations Management Solutions
Commonly Needed by Small or Medium Philippine Business Organizations

 The Assessment and Proposed Re-Design of the UP Diliman Pilot Food Plant and Food
Innovation Facility

 Decision and Risk Modeling for Implementing Regional Environmental Protection
Policies on Interdependent Economic and Infrastructure Systems

 The Gap in the Safety Knowledge Between the Small-scale Miners and Local Mining
Monitoring Body in the Philippines

Department of Mechanical Engineering 48
48
 The Performance and Hydrodynamics in Unsteady Flow of a Horizontal Axis Tidal 48
Turbine 48
49
 Cupric Oxide Nanostructures from Plasma Surface Modification of Copper 49
 Design of a Novel Multi-Stage Vapor Compression and Ejector-Enhanced Combined 49
50
Cooling and Heating Cycle 50
 Analysis of Crack Propagation Under Different Die Tilt Configuration on a Small Outline 51
51
Transistor 51
 Steady Wind Performance of a 5-Kw Three-bladed H-rotor Darrieus Vertical Axis Wind 52
52
Turbine (VAWT) with Cambered Tubercle Leading Edge (TLE) Blades

 Drop Size Distribution Model
 Investigation of Silicon Die Crack for Varying Silicon Die Parameters and Die Attach

Material

 Tidal Current Resource Power Quantification using NAMRIA Data Sets of the Philippines

 Development of a Simulation Program for Train Operations Analysis

 Design of a Residential Residual Waste Disposal and Energy Generation via Pyrolyzer
and Steam Rankine Cycle

 Experimental Study on Performance of a Single-Cylinder Engine Fuelled with Diesel
and Vegetable Oil-Diesel Blends

 Performance Characteristics of Philippine Hydrous Ethanol-Gasoline Blends: Preliminary
Findings

 Heat Release Rate Analysis of NOx Emissions from a Diesel Engine Running on Different
Coco-Methyl Ester Biodiesel Blend Ratios

 Selection of Hydroelectric Turbines Based on Speed

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 vi

Department of Mining Metallurgical and Materials 54
Engineering 54
54
 Morphological Study of Ultrasonic Treatment Effect on Electrodeposited Tin on Copper 54
Substrate 55
55
 Effect of Electrostatic Interactions in the Separation of Magnetite and Silica using 56
Enhanced Gravity Concentration 56
57
 Improvements in the electroless deposition of Ag nanowires in hot ethylene glycol for 57
resistive touchscreen device 58
58
 Electrochemical Corrosion of Pb Alloy In Sulfuric Acid Solutions 58
 Morphology and Structure of Ni/Zr0.84Sc0.16O1.92 Electrode Material Synthesized via 59
59
Glycine-Nitrate Combustion Method for Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cell 59
 Challenges in the Philippines Mining Industry 60
 Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Reinforced Chitosan Hydrogel as Potential 60
60
Bioink for 3d Printed Articular Cartilage Scaffolds 61
 Development of a Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Driven by a 60 Hz Neon 62

Transformer
 The Properties of Pulse-Plated Copper Produced from Low Metal Ion Concentration

Electrolyte
 Synthesis of Montmorillonite Nanoclay Reinforced Chitin-cellulose Nanocomposite Film
 Density Functional Theory Study on the Degradation of Fuel Cell Anion Exchange

Membranes via Removal of Vinylbenzyl Quaternary Ammonium Head Group
 Formation of Carbon Quantum Dots from Hydrothermal Treatment of Water Hyacinth

(Eichhornia crassipes)
 Redefining Philippine Higher Education through Humanitarian Engineering

 Recovery of Gold using Aluminum in Chloride Solution

 Dissolution Kinetics of Chromite in Hydrochloric Acid Solutions
 Hetero-Coagulation of Finely Dispersed Particles in an Aqueous Suspension Using the

Seeding Mechanism
 Who Wants to be a Millionaire? An Overview of the Gold Detection Methods for God

or Gold-containing Articles
 Extraction and Purification of Anthocyanin from Antidesma bunius for Visible

Photocatalysis
 Fabrication Parameters Affecting Thermal Conductivity of Polymer-based Thermal

 Impregnation of Silver in Zeolite-Chitosan Composite: Thermal Stability and Sterility

 Plasma-functionalizedexfoliatedmultilayeredgrapheneascement reinforcement

vii UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 1

LOUIS P. ALARCON improves energy expenditure by 6%-19% and
Analog Devices Professorial Chair extends network lifetime by 5%-22%, when
compared to LEACH, a traditional clustering
“Resilient Large-Scale Systems: Building the algorithm.
Intelligent Environment”*
*Co-Authors: Gienel Francheska Delos Santos
Abstract: Making our environment intelligent Manarang, Rusty John Lloyd Rodriguez, Mina,
means increasing the level and sophistication of Mikko Chino Reyes Salvador, Maria Theresa Gusad
interaction between us and the world in which we De Leon, Chris Vincent Jagunap Densing, Marc
live in. This enhanced interaction can lead to Driz Rosales
data-based decisions, planning, and policy
making that can significantly improve our quality CHARLESTON DALE M. AMBATALI
of life. By leveraging the ability of resilient and Alexan Professorial Chair
large-scale sensor networks to sense and affect
(actuate) our environment at finer granularities in “Feasibility of an Amateur Radio Transmitter
space and time, we can lay the foundation for Implementation Using Raspberry Pi for a Low Cost
richer levels of interaction with our environment. and Portable Emergency Communication
Device”*
This paper highlights what is needed to design,
build, and efficiently utilize a resilient large-scale Abstract: The Philippines is a disaster-prone
sensor network, leading to the key characteristics country which is visited by an average of 20
of an intelligent environment: (1) zero typhoons per year. Located along the Pacific ring
maintenance, (2) scalability, and (3) resiliency. A of fire, natural calamities such as earthquakes and
short overview of how technologies such as volcano eruptions also occur in the country. In
energy harvesting, low energy electronics, times of calamity, cellular service could go down
distributed information management, efficient which makes the coordination with local
application of redundancy, and machine government units and emergency response teams
learning will be crucial in achieving these difficult. Moreover, majority of the population is
characteristics is then presented. The paper heavily dependent on cellular phones making
concludes with a summary of the challenges and rescue operations more challenging when cellular
opportunities that lie ahead systems go down. A need for a robust and reliable
communication system arises during times of
ANASTACIA B. ALVAREZ calamity in the country and amateur radio is an
MacArthur delos Reyes Engineering Centennial option. In this paper, we propose a low-cost and
Professorial Chair in Electrical Engineering portable implementation of an amateur radio
module based on Raspberry Pi (RPi) that can
“Hardware-Based Model of Node Clustering Using convert a message from a smartphone sent
Q-Learning for Wireless Sensor Networks”* through Wi-Fi to an Automatic Packet Reporting
System (APRS) broadcast that can be recognized
Abstract: Recent researches on the development by amateur radio equipment. We demonstrate
and deployment of large-scale wireless sensor the feasibility of the system by transmitting a
networks focus on the reduction of power message from an RPi and convert it to an APRS
consumption to increase network lifetime. This message that is received by a handheld amateur
entails the development of more efficient radio.
hardware and the integration of the multiple
components into a single platform; possibly, a *Co-Author: Cyril Paolo Quitevis
system-on-a-chip sensor node platform. This paper
focuses on the application of Q-learning to node ROWEL O. ATIENZA
clustering as an effective technique in reducing Dado and Maria Banatao Institute Professorial
power consumption. A hardware implementation Chair Award
of CLIQUE, a Q-learning-based clustering
algorithm that enhances the operation and “A Conditional Generative Adversarial Network for
resiliency of the network and improves the energy Rendering Point Clouds”*
expenditure of the sensor nodes, is presented. The
power consumption of the hardware is recorded Abstract: In computer graphics, point clouds from
to be around 6.4 mW. By incorporating this value laser scanning devices are difficult to render into
into OMNeT++, it was demonstrated that CLIQUE
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019
2

photo-realistic images due to lack of information Frequencies were swept from 100MHz to 10GHz to
they carry about color, normal, lighting, and plot the response of the whole link. The
connection between points. Rendering a point performance of the RoF link is analyzed by varying
cloud after surface mesh reconstruction generally the DC Bias and the RF input power signal
results into poor image quality with many modulating the VCSEL. The optimized link was
noticeable artifacts. In this paper, we propose a achieved by using a specific bias point of 1.65V
conditional generative adversarial network that and a specific RF input power of -20dBm for the
directly renders a point cloud given the azimuth link. With this biasing, the link is usable up to 2.9GHz
and elevation angles of camera viewpoint. The that can be useful for multiple RF
proposed method, called pc2pix, renders point telecommunications and mobile network
clouds into objects with higher class similarity with technologies like in LTE applications.
the ground truth as compared to images from
surface reconstruction. pc2pix is also significantly *Co-authors: Bernalyn Decena, Marc Rosales
faster, more robust to noise and can operate on a
lower number of points. The code is available at: FRANZ A. DE LEON
https://github.com/roatienza/pc2pix Dona Maria Co Chiao Ti Lim EE Centennial PC

RHANDLEY D. CAJOTE “Timbre and Pitch Characterization of
Concepcion Hidalgo Sandoval Memorial Monophonic Samples of Philippine Indigenous
Foundation Professorial Chair Instruments”*

“Image Processing for Segmentation of Dorsal Abstract: We attempted to describe monophonic
Striatum from Magnetic Resonance Images”* samples of Philippine indigenous instruments
through the audio semantics brightness,
Abstract: Segmentation and image roughness, and fullness. Using Pearson„s
measurements of magnetic resonance images correlation factor to compare results with listening
(MRI) of the brain is vital in diagnosing pathologies tests, brightness and roughness values have a
and neurodegenerative diseases. Since manual moderate correlation approaching significance,
segmentation is laborious, image processing while fullness had the lowest correlation with low
techniques were developed to help in the significance with perception. The data set was
segmentation and image analysis. In this paper, clustered using a Self-Organizing Map which
modifications of the Atlas-based algorithms using showed audibly alike sounds associating to the
fuzzy C-means were developed for automated same or nearby neurons. Fundamental frequency
segmentation of the dorsal striatum of the human contours extracted through the YIN algorithm
brain. Based on the analysis of variance and exhibited that the pitch of Philippine indigenous
subjective evaluation indicate that segmenting instruments differed from the western music scale
both the caudate nucleus and the putamen is by 0 to 49 cents in magnitude.
successful with average boundary hit rate of
80.85% and 77.31%, respectively. *Co-authors: Amiel Timothy Camarse de
Guzman and Francel Katrin Llanes Go
*Co-authors: Karen Astrud Eliza D. Avanzado,
Carlos Luigi R. Ramos, Heidi D. Macatangay, MA. THERESA G. DE LEON
Junred V. Orata. Hilary De Leon Professorial Chair

PAUL JASON CO “An Ultra-Low Power Direct Active-RF Detection
Nippon Telephone and Telegram Professorial Wake-Up Receiver with Noise-Cancelling
Chair Envelope Detector in 65nm CMOS Process”*

“Characterization of Low Cost Wideband Direct Abstract: This paper presents an ultra-low power
Modulation Radio Over Fiber Link”* wake-up receiver (WuRx) based on direct active-
RF detection architecture. A noise-cancelling
Abstract: A low cost Radio-over-Fiber link is technique is implemented on the RF envelope
characterized by directly modulating the VCSEL detector to minimize the noise due to the circuit
with a single frequency sweep and comparing the components and to obtain a higher signal-to-
received information to the transmitted using the S noise ratio while maintaining its power within tens
parameters from a Vector Network Analyzer. of microwatts. Compared to other wakeup

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 3

receivers, this work focused on designing the JETHRO WILBERT R. LIMJOCO
receiver with reduced system complexity through Dean Francisco L. Viray Professorial Chair
a single-ended topology and minimized number
of circuit components; thus, ultra-low power “An Analytical Model of Energy-Aware RPL for
operation is attained. At 2.4 GHz RF operating Wireless Sensor Networks”*
frequency, a - 50 dBm sensitivity is achieved with
100 kbps data rate. Power consumption is Abstract: Battery-operated Wireless Sensor
measured as 13.7 µW from a 1 V supply voltage, Networks (WSNs) deployed in wide and remote
obtaining 138 pJ/bit energy efficiency. The areas are difficult to maintain as replacing their
prototype receiver was designed using a 65 nm batteries in such scenarios is a daunting task. Thus,
CMOS technology process and has a layout area there is a need to make use of self-sustaining
of 0.194 mm2. energy harvesting sensor nodes. However, the
Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy
*Co-Authors: Gio Ishmael Evidente, Steven Lorenzo Networks (RPL), the de facto standard routing
Mindoro, Anastacia Alvarez, Chris Vincent protocol for WSNs, assumes that there is a
Densing, Rico Jossel Maestro, Marc Rosales constant supply of energy for all sensors, and that
it does not use energy as its routing metric.
JOHN RICHARD E. HIZON Therefore, there is a need to modify RPL to factor
GE Phils. Meter & Instrument Co. Professorial Chair in energy in its routing metric to improve the
network lifetime. This study addresses this problem
“Design and Implementation of a Baseband LoRa by dynamically converting the energy level of a
Demodulator Using De-Chirp Method”* node into an additive penalty to the ETX metric
used by RPLs Minimum Rank Hysteresis Objective
Abstract: LoRa is a wireless sensor network Function (MRHOF). RPL is modeled using a
technology used to transmit data that is robust to modified version of the Bellman-Ford algorithm.
noise, uses low power, and can achieve long Assuming we use a lossless channel and we
range of operation. The use of LoRa in future implement aggressive parent-switching, we have
projects is limited due to the fixed specifications found out in our analytical model simulations that
set by the company that owns it, Semtech. This the Average Charge Cycle times and Time of First
paper discusses the design and implementation of Node Death increase up to 2.5 times longer as
a LoRa digital demodulator that uses the de-chirp compared to standard RPL for a simple, four node
method. A LoRa signal digital demodulator was diamond topology. There is also the consequence
designed, modelled in Matlab, coded in Verilog, of child nodes being disconnected from the
and synthesized using 65nm standard cell library. network due to the energy balancing in the
The demodulator consists of a digital down parent nodes, which lowers the total Packet
converter (DDC), a de-chirp block, and a peak Delivery Ratio up to 10% lower than standard RPL
frequency detector (PFD). The DDC consists of for the simple diamond topology. However, this is
digital mixers, a numerically controlled oscillator balanced out by the increase in Sending Rate of
(NCO) and a decimator. The de-chirp block the parent nodes by up to 20% due to longer
consists of an NCO with a quadratic phase lifetimes. Thus, the total number of packets
accumulator and a mixer. Lastly, the PFD consists received from the entire network is up to 8%
of an FFT, an absolute value block, and a decision higher for the experiment topology.
block. The power consumption of the system is
7.31 mW. The area occupied is 7.93 um2 with the *Co-author: Nestor Michael C. Tiglao
bulk being occupied by the peak frequency
detector. The BER testing shows the robustness to CRISRON RUDOLF G. LUCAS
noise of the modulation scheme. Edison Coseteng Professorial Chair in Electrical
Engineering
*Co-authors: Dan David Estarija, Katreena
Gabrielle Juntado, Miguel Lorenzo Panagsagan, “Effects of Varying Material Properties on the Vibro
Anastacia Alvarez, Maria Theresa De Leon, Marc -acoustic and Tonal Quality of Classical Guitar”
Rosales, and Christopher Santos
Abstract: A recent project entitled Gitara Ni Juan
4 has already tried to use modern physical
modeling techniques to guide the Filipino luthiers
in wood selection process and to give them idea
of the sound quality that specific types of wood

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

will produce given a fixed guitar geometry. ISABELLE MONTES-AUSTRIA
However, the model is still incomplete as the V&L Aesquivel Professorial Chair in Engineering
research has not yet completely determined the
effects of changing the wood to the sound “Performance Analysis of Encryption Algorithms on
properties of the guitar. Moreover, digital sound Smartwatches”*
synthesis using FEM from the complete system of
air, body and string has not yet been done even Paper presented and published in the
in recent literature. With that in mind, the proceedings of TENCON 2018 – EEE Region 10
objective of this study is to establish an FEM model Conference, 28-31 October 2018, Jeju, Korea.
that can 1) synthesize the guitar sound, 2) simulate
the vibro-acoustic properties of different materials, *Co-Authors: Joseph Kyle M. Centeno,
and 3) relate it to the psychoacoustic features Prabhmehar S. Chhabra, Chynna L. Fianza, and
such as brightness. Roel Ocampo

In this thesis, the effects of varying the wood ALLAN C. NERVES
materials on the vibration modes, acoustic, and Federico E. Puno 3 Professorial Chair
psychoacoustic features of the coupled system of
guitar body, air, and string are discussed and “Using an Interruptible Load Program to Manage
analyzed. Four main properties were examined: 1) Locational Marginal Prices and System Security in
Density, 2) Young‟s Modulus, 3) Shear Modulus a Wholesale Energy Market”
and 4) Poisson‟s Ratio. Using the geometry used in
Gitara Ni Juan, a 3D model was designed in Abstract: Interruptible loads can be utilized in
COMSOL Multiphysics. Modal characteristics as a wholesale energy market to lower location
well as Frequency and Transient characteristics marginal prices, while providing additional
are observed. Results show that 1) Density is reserve to the power system. This paper
inversely proportional to the shift in the frequency presents an Interruptible Load Program (ILP)
response and mode frequencies while 2) the scheme that uses a dc power flow and
Young‟s Modulus, Shear Modulus and Poisson economic dispatch to obtain schedules for
Ratio are directly proportional to the shift in generation and interruptible loads in an
frequency response. Higher frequency modes are energy market setting. ILP allows
more affected by Density, and Poisson Ratio as management and characterization of
indicated by the larger slopes. The change in interruptible loads by incorporating network
frequency per mode with respect to material constraints, generation characteristics and
parameters was observed to be linear. However, restrictions into the solution. A 30-bus reduced
the slope is not constant for all modes and still network model of the Luzon system grid is
varies depending on the mode frequency. For the used in a number of test cases. This paper
Brightness test, ranking of the actual test is shows how the ILP addresses several issues
consistent with MIR Brightness for cut-off such as optimal selection of interruptible
frequencies around 150-300 Hz. Brightness is loads, increasing system security, and
inversely proportional with density and directly reducing operating costs.
proportional to Young‟s modulus, Shear modulus
and Poisson Ratio. *Co-Author: Justine Philippe R. Katigbak

Novel contribution of this research is a multi- CARL MICHAEL F. ODULIO
physics model that can digitally synthesize a Edgardo S. Pacheco Professorial Chair in
sound from the coupled air, body and string Engineering
parameters. Also, the linkage of the elastic
properties has been related to the brightness. For “A Dimmable Open-loop Resonant LED Driver fora
future work, the improvement of the model and Horticulture Grow Light”*
the listening test is suggested. Also, collection of
actual wood data from Gitara Ni Juan is Presented and published in the proceedings of
suggested to compare the multiphysics model TENCON 2018 – EEE Region 10 Conference, 28-31
with actual classical guitars. October 2018, Jeju, Korea.
*Co-author: Aaron Lloyd Tiu
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019
5

JORDAN REL C. ORILLAZA MANUEL C. RAMOS JR.
Vergara Power Systems Engineering Professorial M.G. Carlos Sr. EE Centennial Chair
Chair
“A Comparison of Different Fuzzy Logic Control
"Discriminating Faults from Power Swing Using Architectures in Car-Following”*
Impedance Angle and Analysis in Three
Dimensional Space”* Abstract: Fuzzy inference systems employing three
different combinations of input features to model
Published in the International Journal of Computer car-following behavior are investigated.
Electrical Engineering. Volume 11, Number 1. Candidate features were ranked using RReliefF
March 2019 algorithm according to their degree of relevance
to the desired endpoint, namely, acceleration.
*Co-author: Aldrich Zeno The selected features are relative velocity,
distance divergence (DSSD) and change in
JHOANNA RHODETTE I. PEDRASA distance divergence (∆DSSD). The following input
Globe Telecom Inc. Professorial Chair in ECE feature combinations tested are DSSD and
relative velocity, DSSD and ∆DSSD, and relative
“Domain-based Attack Models in Building velocity, DSSD and ∆DSSD. Simulations were
Automation Systems”* performed using the i-80 NGSIM dataset to
compare the performance of the resulting three
*Presented in the CPSS Workshop held on July 8, fuzzy inference systems. The fuzzy inference system
2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. © 2019 ACM. ISBN using DSSD and ∆DSSD as inputs generated the
123-4567-24-567/08/06 DOI: 10.475/123 4. lowest acceleration errors. The fuzzy inference
system with relative velocity, DSSD and ∆DSSD as
Co-authors: Caezarina Marie F. Calimbahin and inputs produced the least velocity errors while also
Susan P. Festin being the safest model, yielding the closest time
headway distribution to the real-world data.
MICHAEL ANGELO A. PEDRASA
Federico E. Puno 1 Professorial Chair *Co-author: Bugayong, Albert Paolo P.

“Detection of Pilferage in an AMI-Enabled Low- MARC D. ROSALES
Voltage Network Using Energy Reading Manuel M. Lopez UP Centennial Professorial Chair
Anomalies”*
“A 2.4 GHz Energy-efficient Short-range Receiver
Abstract: This paper presents an algorithm that with Wake-up and Multiple Gain Settings for
may be utilized by electric utilities to detect Wireless Sensor Networks”*
pilferers, which are sources of their non-technical
losses. The algorithm assumes that the customers Presented and published in the proceedings of
are equipped with smart meters, and a check TENCON 2018 – EEE Region 10 Conference, 28-31
meter that records the total consumption of the October 2018, Jeju, Korea.
customers, and these meters are taking
measurements that are coincident in time. The *Co-authors: George Procyon Cabrera, Jhelsea
algorithm computes for anomaly coefficients, Credo, Gio Ishmael Evidente, Ralen Rose Gloria
which are scaling factors that are multiplied to Malatbalat, Steven Lorenzo Mindoro, Arlo Ricardo
individual measurements when they do not add Sanico, Anastacia Alvarez, Chris Vincent Densing,
up to the check meter reading. Using a small test Rico Jossel Maestro, Maria Theresa de Leon
system, the anomaly coefficients computed using
the algorithm could reveal the identity of the LUIS G. SISON
pilferer, and estimate the amount of pilfered V&L Aesquivel Professorial Chair in Engineering
energy.
“Flipped Classroom Approach for Innovation and
*Co-author: Justine E. Mendiola Other Engineering Classes”
978-1-7281-1607-5/19 ©2019 IEEE
Abstract: The flipped classroom approach,
6 where students view online content outside of
the classroom and then do problem-based

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

activities inside the classroom, has been detect and categorize the daily activities and falls
demonstrated to improve learning outcomes of patients with Parkinson‟s Disease, and at the
at multiple levels of education, including same time employing new techniques to be able
engineering courses. In this paper, we to provide a means for immediate response and
demonstrate the application of this approach to give appropriate advice in order to prolong the
to three courses: IE 298 Innovation and independent and active participation of patients
Technopreneurship, ECE 117 Instrumentation in their communities.
Electronics, and EEE 123 Circuits and
Electronics 1. In EE 123, we were able to *Co-authors: Darvy P. Ong, Erwin Jan L. San
benchmark the performance of students Pedro, and Maria Erika M. Valenzuela
under the flipped classroom approach
against those under the traditional classroom LEW ANDREW R. TRIA
lecture approach. Jose P. Segovia Professorial Chair

MARC CESAR R. TALAMPAS “Development of an Energy-efficient Routing
Mantaring-Gervasio Professorial Chair Algorithm for Electric Vehicles”*

“Radio Tomographic Imaging Using Multiple Abstract: Shifting to electric alternatives in
Channels and Transmit Power Levels”* transportation is one of the solutions to lessen the
greenhouse gas emissions in the environment. The
Published in the IEEE Transactions on electric vehicles‟ acceptance in the mass market
Instrumentation and Measurement, Vol. 65, is hindered, however, by their short range and the
No. 2, February 2016. lack of infrastructure in the country. To address the
first problem, an energy-efficient route-planner is
*Co-author: Gemelyn Barrogo and Adrianne proposed that takes into consideration the
Rivas vehicle‟s regenerative ability and road
topography to provide energy-saving routes,
NESTOR MICHAEL C. TIGLAO thereby maximizing its mileage. This paper
Edgar & Agnes Paynor EE Centennial PC presents an optimization approach using Particle
Swarm Optimization(PSO), an optimization which
“BrainSmart: Ambient Assisted Living System trades off solution quality for computational
Smartphone App Prototype for Parkinson’s speed. The proposed algorithm‟s performance is
Disease Patients”* measured by its computation time and its route
energy-consumption which are compared with
Abstract: With the ever-increasing number of least energy-cost path and the fastest path. The
diagnosed cases of Parkinson‟s Disease in the algorithm is tested in different traffic scenarios
Philippines, there is a need for Ambient Assisted using the road simulator, Simulation of Urban
Living systems that will help improve the quality of Mobility(SUMO). The findings present that PSO‟s
life and independent living of patients with route quality is comparable to both the least
Parkinson‟s Disease. Currently, there are a lot of energy-cost and fastest path. In some cases,
existing Ambient Assisted Living systems, such as however, the energy-efficient algorithms can
the RAReFall Detection system, which have larger energy savings compared to the
incorporates various sensors, such as wearables, fastest route when the road characteristics allow
external sensors, and smartphone sensors to it.
detect and recognize human activities. However,
these existing systems are not easily accessible Co-authors: Aries G. Garcia and Marc Caesar R.
due to the costly and complex nature of the Talampas
equipment being used. To address this problem,
this project aims to create a cost-efficient, state of ADRIAN R. VIDAL
the art, accessible and user-friendly smartphone PLDT-Smart Professorial Chair
based Ambient Assisted Living system which
incorporates the use of embedded smartphone “Cooperative Mobile Sensing for Dynamic
accelerometer and gyroscope sensors in order to Spectrum Access in Community Cellular
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 Networks”*

Abstract: Many communities in the world,
7

especially in rural and underdeveloped regions,
still have no access to cellular connectivity. The
low return of investment for telecommunication
companies prevent the entry of middle and last
mile infrastructure, consisting of relatively
expensive equipment, in these places. Although
advances in software-defined radio technology
have lowered operation costs of installing Base
Transceiver Stations (BTSs), access to appropriate
spectrum resources still hinders the deployment
and sustainable operation of these technologies
in these settings. In a scenario where both
licensed and unlicensed networks are allowed to
co-exist and share spectrum resources, the
unlicensed network must proactively detect
transmissions from other networks to avoid
interfering with incumbent GSM networks (primary
user or PU) while maintaining radio link between
base stations and mobiles. In this paper, we
present a dynamic spectrum access (DSA)
protocol for secondary networks operating in the
GSM-900 band. In the proposed DSA protocol, the
secondary BTS distributes frequency lists over
active mobiles for sensing, on top of energy
detection by the BTS for detecting PUs in the
current channel it considers to use. Using IEEE
802.22 requirements for Wireless Regional Access
Networks, we show that for a false alarm rate of
10%, beacon transmissions as low as -95 dBm over
30 frequency channels can be scanned every 960
ms with 90% detection probability using uplink
measurement reports transmitted through the Slow
Associated Control Channel. Under same sensing
requirements, we show that downlink GSM signals
as low as -80.1 dBm can be detected using BTS-
side energy detection. The sensing performance
of the DSA protocol helps assure licensed networks
of non-interference while enabling unlicensed
networks to provide basic cellular
communications in unserved and underserved
communities.

*Co-authors: Neil Irwin Bernardo and Joel Joseph
Marciano Jr.

8 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 9

ALEXIS PHILIP A. ACACIO the Manila Bay area is presented.
Beta Epsilon Professorial Chair
*Co-authors: Angelica Lou D. Casibua, Micah
“Evaluation of Liquefaction Potential on the Angela P. Dizon, and Monica M. Ledesma
Reclamation Area of Manila Bay”*
TIMOTHY JOHN S. ACOSTA
Abstract: Soil liquefaction is a phenomenon AMH Professorial Chair
that occurs mostly in saturated and loose,
medium to fine-grained sands wherein a mass “Development of Empirical Wind Vulnerability
of soil loses a large percentage of its shear Curves of School Buildings Damaged by the
resistance when subjected to monotonic, 2016 Typhoon Nina”*
cyclic or shock loading and flows in a manner
resembling a liquid. Much of the damage on Presented in the 7th International Conference
substructures and foundations during on Building Resilience; Using scientific
earthquakes is attributed to this knowledge to inform policy and practice in
phenomenon. In this research, liquefaction disaster risk reduction, ICBR2017, held on 27 -
potential in a near-shore reclamation site in 29 November 2017, in Bangkok, Thailand and
Manila Bay has been calculated considering published in Procedia Engineering (2018) pp.
SPT (Standard Penetration Test) data at an 395-402. 1877-7058. © 2018 The Authors.
earthquake magnitude of 7.0 with a peak Published by Elsevier Ltd.
ground acceleration of 0.4g using the
liquefaction software, Liquefy Pro V.5. During *Co-authors: J.J. Galisim, L.R. Tan, and J.Y.
analyses, many parameters including CSR Hernandez Jr.
(Cyclic Stress Ratio), CRR (Cyclic Resistance
Ratio) & F.S. (Factor of Safety) are calculated OSCAR VICTOR M. ANTONIO JR.
at different borehole locations with respect to Alfredo L. Juinio Professorial Chair
depths. The program presents liquefaction
potential along the depth of the study (CRR “Effects of Nanosilica on Mechanical
versus CSR). Potentially liquefiable zones are Properties and Water Permeability of High-
shown graphically after calculations. The Strength Concrete”*
Factor of Safety (F.S.) for liquefaction
potential is calculated as the ratio of the CRR Abstract: This study investigated the effects of
to the CSR. Considering the proximity of a incorporating nanosilica on the compressive
seismic source (Manila Bay is within a 10.0 km strength, split tensile strength, and water
distance from a seismic source) capable of permeability of high-strength concrete. This
generating high – magnitude earthquakes paper presents the result of mix design for
and the effects of pore water pressure, the high-strength concrete added with nanosilica
respective region is susceptible to of 3%, 5%, 7% and 10% by cement weight. A
liquefaction. It is observed that the liquefiable minimum 28-day compressive strength of
regions are at shallow depths (up to 15 m 55MPa was set as control sample. Adding
below ground surface) while dense sandy nanosilica on the mixture produced as much
soils at greater depth (≥ 15 m) are non- as 85.47 MPa for a concrete mixture with 5%
liquefiable. This liquefaction hazard can be nanosilica, an increase of about 29.89% was
minimized by using soil improvement observed. Split tensile strength marks 5.90 MPa
techniques to improve the physical properties for control and reached up to 6.63 MPa for
of grounds. The best way to increase the mixture with nanosilica. Penetration of water
ground density of sandy grounds is by on concrete samples was greatly decreased.
vibration. The vibration due to ground When subjected to a pressure of 0.7 MPa of
improvement may affect any existing or water for 72 hours, mixture without nanosilica
adjacent structures within the study area. was recorded to about 71 mm depth of
These structures should be carefully monitored penetration of water while that of mixtures
for any movement or settlement. A
methodology of liquefaction remediation for UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

10

with nanosilica marked to have only about lot of efforts are put into trying to address the
20mm depth of penetration. problems it could pose should it happen.

*Co-authors: June-June P. Santos ERIC C. CRUZ
Semirara Professorial Chair in Hydraulics
KRISTIAN M. AZUL
Beatriz Basa-Altura Professorial Chair in Civil “Numerical Analysis of Nearshore Seawater
Engineering Circulation around a Protected Beach Zone”

“Simulation of Scenario Earthquake Based on Citation: Cruz, E.C., and J.C.E.L. Santos (2018).
the Expected M7.2 West Valley Fault Event Numerical analysis of nearshore seawater
using Stochastic Finite-Fault Modelling circulations around a protected beach zone.
Method and Low-Frequency Scaling Proceedings, 8th Regional Symposium on
Methods” Infrastructure Development in Civil
Engineering [Theme: Resilient Infrastructure
Abstract: There is no way of predicting when through Engineering Innovation] 25-26
an earthquake may actually happen and October 2018 Institute of Civil Engineering,
how much energy (which is related to what University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon
people will experience) it will release. City, Philippines
Although historical studies are done
extensively, it gives us an idea of the period MA. BRIDA LEA D. DIOLA
when an earthquake source may produce Levy V. Espiritu Professorial Chair in Civil
another significant earthquake. Earthquakes Engineering
can be very damaging depending on a lot of
factors – earthquake source factors, source to “Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as Partial Replacement
site path factors, site factors and the structure of Fine Aggregates in Cement-Lime Mortar”*
itself. According to Metro Manila Earthquake
Impact Study (MMEIRS) Final Report (March, Abstract: To address environmental and
2004), 2 – 4 large surface-rupturing events sustainability issues such as waste disposal of
have happened since 600 AD based on rice husk ash and the negative impacts
trenching excavation surveys in the West brought by sand quarrying and mining, this
Valley Fault and East Valley Fault (Japan study aims to study the effects of utilizing rice
International Cooperation Agency (JICA); husk ash (RHA) as partial replacement of fine
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority aggregates on cement-lime mortars‟
(MMDA); Philippine Institute of Volcanology properties such as flowability, air content,
and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), 2004). The water retention, and compressive strength.
recurrence interval is less than 500 years and if Three mortar mixes: types S, N, and O were
no earthquakes had occurred in WVF since prepared according to ASTM C270
the 16th century, then it is very likely that the proportion specifications. Each mix were
WVF is close to generating an earthquake replaced with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of RHA.
again (Japan International Cooperation To achieve ASTM prescribed flow of 110±5%
Agency (JICA); Metropolitan Manila for laboratory-prepared mortars, water-to-
Development Authority (MMDA); Philippine binder ratio for each type of mortar were
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology varied and were then tested for air content,
(PHIVOLCS), 2004). Among the models water retention, and compressive strength.
studied in MMEIRS (2004) is model 08 that is an Results showed that all samples passed ASTM
earthquake generated by the WVF. Based on C270 minimum property specifications,
the maps provided in the MMEIRS final report, except Type O mortar samples wherein RHA
the WVF has 3 segments (29 km, 30 km and 37 was used which failed the minimum water
km as measured as well in Google Earth after retention requirement. Decreasing trend for
the map was superimposed) and model 08 both flowability and water retention were
with a magnitude of 7.2. With this in mind, a
11
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

observed while compressive strength the National Building Code of the Philippines
increases as the amount of RHA increases. as well as the National Structural Code of the
Furthermore, additional samples with Philippines in so far as the structural design of
constant water-to-binder ratio of 0.485 for all hospitals is concerned.
mortar mixes were prepared and were tested
for compressive strength test. Similar trends as JAIME Y. HERNANDEZ
compared to the setup with varying water-to- Antonio G.Tan Giok Kun Professorial Chair in
binder ratios were observed. Also, minimum Civil Engineering
strength requirements were already
exceeded even at 7th day. Highest “Determination of the Properties of Bambusa
compressive strength was attained at 30% blumeana using Full-Culm Compression Tests
replacement level for all types. The use of and Layered Tensile Tests for Finite Element
RHA for all samples increased the Model Simulation using Orthotropic Material
compressive strength up to 30% and met the Modeling”*
criteria for water retention and air content
according to the ASTM C270 property Published in the ASEAN Engineering Journal,
specifications, thereby making it a suitable Vol. 9, No. 1 (2019), e-ISSN 2586-9159 p.54.
partial replacement of sand in mortar for the
replacement levels included in the scope of *Co-author: Ma. Doreen Esplana Candelaria
the study.
EUGENE C. HERRERA
*Co-authors: Jaya F. Salazar, Kathrina P. Maynilad UP Centennial Professorial Chair
Villedo, and Rosabelle Louise A. Caram
“Hydrodynamic Investigation of Riverine
FERNANDO J. GERMAR Mangrove Ecosystems using Intensive Field
Jose Aliling Professorial Chair Measurement and Numerical Simulation”*

“A Review of Seismic Design Provisions for Abstract: Mangroves are found on the front
Hospitals” line in terms of their position relative to many
coastal hazards. The fact that they thrive in
Abstract: Hospitals are among the types of many coastal settings give some indication of
structures that are considered essential their ability to cope with such hazards, or at
facilities. Hospitals provide important services least to recover from major impacts.
to the community and must remain functional Mangroves often modify coastlines through
after a seismic event. As such, they should their ability to attenuate waves, capture
receive special attention in addition to sediments and build soils and it is these same
compliance with building code requirements. properties which make them important in
However, there is no such classification as terms of services, not only in reducing hazard
essential facility in the National Building Code intensity on landward margins and
of the Philippines. Classification of buildings in decreasing exposure, but also their role on
the National Building Code is basically based coastal ecosystem dynamics. Such benefits
on occupancy type. Hospitals are classified are not universal however, and every
as Institutional Buildings together with coastline and mangrove forest have unique
nurseries, sanitaria, and nursing homes properties and so it is critical to understand
accommodating more than 5 persons, both the local mangroves and the many
Though the National Structural Code of the environmental, social and economic settings
Philippines classified hospitals as essential of the individual locations where mangroves
facilities, with a higher importance factor of are found. This study investigated the
1.5 for seismic design forces, there are no hydrodynamics of mangrove ecosystems in
specific provisions to ensure that hospitals mangrove-rich Panay Island (Katungan It
remain functional after a seismic event. There Ibajay Ecopark) under varying climatic
is a thus need to review the basic provisions of
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019
12

conditions and morphologic layouts using harvesting system. Consistent with SDG 6
intensive field survey and advanced (Water and Sanitation), there is a need to
numerical modelling techniques. Specifically, identify alternative means to provide clean
the material transport characteristics of the water to communities. In this paper, a
coastal zone incorporating hydrodynamics framework to design the capacity of storage
and vegetation are assessed to determine of a rainwater harvesting system will be
the conditions that regulate mangrove proposed. Specific procedures on how to
distribution and abundance. The associated adapt the framework for the case of the
protective services of mangrove vegetation Institute of Civil Engineering Main Building will
in dissipating wave and current energy and be laid down as part of the discussion. In
reducing storm surge levels are also analyzed deciding on what storage capacity to
to generate valuable information that help implement, factors such as system reliability,
reduce the vulnerability of coastal storage costs, and demand satisfaction were
communities and support recovery following highlighted. Balance among these
hazard impacts. Preliminary data analysis parameters must be made in order to
revealed significant influence from both maximize the potential of rainwater
offshore hydrodynamics and watershed harvesting as an alternative water source. In
hydrology contributing to the generation of a addition to the capacity, this paper also
coastal dynamic condition ideal for looked at the present quality of rainwater
mangrove growth. Initial numerical modeling and found out that the samples obtained for
analysis showed the dynamic interaction the selected building did not satisfy the
between seawater and freshwater minimum requirement for toilet flushing. It is
exchanges that maintain such ideal recommended to study different cost-
condition. Scenario modeling results also effective techniques to treat the harvested
demonstrated the effects of mangroves on rainwater.
coastal hydrodynamics that attenuate the
progression of offshore surge-wave energy RICHMARK N. MACUHA
that travel landward. With the availability of Federico E. Puno Professorial Chair B
field data and numerical models that
describe and simulate the physics of material “Assessing the Hydraulic Effects of
transport surrounding mangrove vegetation Morphological Changes in San Juan River”*
and their environments, it was explored with
much detail and certainty the ecosystem Abstract: To effectively assess the feasibility of
services that can be expected from ongoing efforts to resolve the flooding
mangrove vegetation. problem along San Juan River, a numerical
model was set-up and utilized to describe the
*Co-authors: Bryan Clark B. Hernandez, hydraulic characteristics of San Juan River.
Joaquin V. Ferrer, Julius F. Giron, Dominic M. Numerical models serve as effective decision-
Bautista, and Marjorie C. Turiano support tools for assessing quantitatively the
dynamics of water movement and simulating
MAXELL P. LUMBERA interventions for water resource-use,
Jorge M. Consunji Professorial Chair in conservation and risk-reduction
Engineering management. For this study, the SOBEK™ 2D
hydrodynamic modeling software was used.
“Rainwater Quantity and Quality: Analysis for SOBEK™ simulates the flood flows along a
the Institute of Civil Engineering Main Building” river, its tributaries and floodplain areas. The
model combines the Saint-Venant equations
Abstract: This paper is a part of a continuous for channel flow with the Shallow-Water
equations. A segment of San Juan River was
effort with an overall goal of promoting modeled and analyzed using two different
geospatial datasets taken from separate river
rainwater harvesting system by developing topographic field works conducted in 2012

researches geared towards the 13

understanding of the science of rainwater

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

and 2017. Two scenarios were set-up, one bacteria, Bacillus cibi, to produce a self-
using the 2012 and another using the 2017
river bathymetry. Both scenarios were healing bio-concrete capable of repairing
subjected to the same hydrologic condition,
primarily to compare flooding conditions for cracks by itself through microbial activity.
two different bathymetric configurations.
Model results indicated that the water levels Bacteria were introduced in concrete by
have increased with respect to the changes
in the bathymetry of San Juan River for the direct incorporation and encapsulating it in
last 5 years. While there are minimal changes
in overland topography, the study shows that lightweight aggregates (LWA) and
river flood encroachment was found to more
likely occur with higher simulated water levels diatomaceous earth (DE). Samples of
for the same rainfall magnitude, e.g.,
Habagat 2012. Based on comparative concrete cylinders were tested to quantify
analysis of the two scenarios, in terms of (1)
water levels in the channel, (2) flood crack healing, compressive strength and
inundation depths in the floodplain, and (3)
maximum flood extents, the study led to the water permeability. Results showed that bio-
conclusion that the floodplain and river
configuration in recent years has lower concrete with LWA encapsulation method
discharge capacity and hydraulic efficiency
resulting to wider flood extents and deeper were able heal the largest crack width of
flood depths. Thus, San Juan River Basin is
more flood-prone today for the same 0.541mm after 35 days of wet-dry cycle. Bio-
extreme weather disturbance as compared
to five (5) years ago brought about by concrete produced from bacteria with no
changes to its river and floodplain geometry.
With the use of hydraulic modeling analysis, a encapsulation exhibited significant
historic hydraulic representation of the study
area was recreated and different geospatial enhancement in 28-day compressive strength
configurations were explored for analyzing
the flooding dynamics of San Juan River in aid (57.28 MPa) compared to normal concrete
of flood management decision-making.
(54.78 MPa) and produced the highest
*Co-authors: Roberto Soriano, Eugene
Herrera, and Bryan Clark Hernandez hydraulic conductivity recovery of 85.04%

CHRISTIAN R. OROZCO after 35 days of healing.
David M. Consunji Professorial Chair in
Engineering *Co-author: Ivan Jan Urbino

“Self-healing of Cracks using Bacteria (Bacillus HILARIO SEAN O. PALMIANO
cibi) with Different Encapsulation Dominador I. Ilio Centennial Prof. Chair
Techniques”*
“Exploratory Study in Calibrating the
Abstract: One of the main challenges in Politeness Factor of MOBIL”
concrete is the formation of cracks which can
greatly diminish its strength and decrease its Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to
service life. Repair cost to mitigate these explore methods in acquiring and calibrating
cracks can be expensive. This study the politeness factor of Philippine drivers.
investigated the use of locally sourced Politeness factor p is a variable that describes
a driver‟s lane changing behavior. Previous
14 studies stated that positive values of p mean
altruism and negative values mean malice.
However, this might not be the case for the
Philippines. From the findings of this study, a
negative p does not always mean drivers
have disadvantageous intentions to their
neighbors and vice-versa. Four cases were
derived from the results of the experiment
where drivers were classified as either
advantageous, altruistic, egoistic, or thwart
drivers. Furthermore, advantageous, altruistic,
and egoistic drivers were found to perform 20
discretionary lane changes while thwart
drivers performed mandatory lane changes.

*Co-authors: Jebus Edrei Taguiam and
Jemuel Pacson

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

JOSE REGIN F. REGIDOR there is no study yet on the effectiveness of
Ambrosio Magsaysay Professorial Chair in GCA on wastewater with high nutrient levels.
Engineering This study then aims to test the efficiency of a
filter bed system that utilizes GCA in treating
“Application of Complete Streets Concept on piggery wastewater. The efficiency of GCA in
the Central Business District of Tacloban City reducing selected parameter levels such as
Focused on Urban Bikeway Design”* ammonia and phosphate is determined using
a continuous setup with GCA acting as
Abstract: Application of the complete streets horizontal and vertical filter beds in two tanks.
concept on the Central Business District of Retention times are set to be three hours and
Tacloban City focused on the urban bikeway six hours for each tank. Water quality
design needed to alleviate traffic congestion parameters are measured at every sampling
on its grid-type network. Having bicycle lanes point in the setup using a multiparameter
can improve safety, economic growth and meter for basic water quality parameters and
community livability in the area. This study a CHEMetrics® V-2000 Photometer for
justified that reduction of the capacity of a ammonia and phosphate. It can be
traveled lane could still accommodate the concluded that GCA can improve piggery
traffic volume of each street. Four of the wastewater quality since it was able to
Knapp‟s Feasibility Factors: roadway and remove phosphate and ammonia levels to a
environment, total volume and level of maximum of 98% and 96%, respectively.
service, pedestrians and bicycle activities,
and on-street parking are used to assess each *Co-authors: Gallardo, G. M. S., Peñaflor, S. L.
road in the downtown. This assessment S.
together with the guidelines from NACTO and
AASHTO were the basis for formulating the JUSTIN JESSE L. SERANILLA
applicable design treatment in every street Vicente & Juanita Hao Chin Professorial Chair
considered. The output of the study was a
design layout for bikeways along every street “Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Pet
in the CBD of Tacloban City, along with the Bottle Eco-Bricks and Concrete Hollow Blocks
analysis and justifications of the result. for Non-Load Bearing Classroom Walls”*

*Co-author: Christine G. Cacdac Abstract: Recent innovations on alternative
construction materials include considerations
AUGUSTUS C. RESURRECCION with economic, environmental, technical,
Holcim Professorial Chair and social aspects as the movement for
sustainability continues to be popular. In the
“Treatment of Piggery Wastewater using Philippines, one of the crosscutting solutions in
Granulated Coal Ash ”* promoting resource efficiency is the use of
PET bottle eco-bricks, or simply Eco-bricks.
Abstract: The increase in hog farming in the Despite its recent popularity in small-scale
Philippines demands for a low-cost constructions, no study has yet proven the
wastewater treatment system that can claim that eco-bricks are more sustainable
reduce the contaminants into low levels in than concrete hollow blocks. This study
compliance with DAO 201608. In this study, addresses this issue by conducting life cycle
we propose the use of granulated coal ash assessment of PET bottle eco-bricks and
(GCA) as part of a treatment system to concrete hollow blocks to determine which is
significantly reduce nutrients, in particular a more sustainable construction material. By
ammonia and phosphate. This GCA has conducting a comparative life cycle
been proven in Japan to be capable of assessment, carbon dioxide emissions and
decreasing phosphate and hydrogen sulfide energy consumption were calculated and
concentrations in contaminated tidal flats the sustainability of these two products were
and bays in Hiroshima City, Japan. However, evaluated dependent on these

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 15

characteristics. Results revealed that a wall ROBERTO S. SORIANO
made of PET bottle eco-bricks require 56.37% Dr. Leonardo Q. Liongson Professorial Chair
less energy compared to a wall made of
concrete hollow blocks. Furthermore, a “Impacts of Mining on Community Water
concrete hollow block wall produces 123% Supply in a Gold-Copper Mine in Northern
more CO2 emissions than a PET bottle eco- Philippines”*
brick wall. With these said, it can be
concluded that PET bottle eco-bricks are Abstract: Water supply has become more
more sustainable than concrete hollow blocks secured in Metro Manila, Philippines since the
in terms of energy inputs and CO2 emissions. privatization of water utilities serving over 12.2
million people. For better water demand
*Co-authors: Elena Marie B. Calamlam and management, there is a need for updated
Donalyn E. Natorilla data on the present consumption of Filipino
households. The study determined the
RICARDO G. SIGUA difference in water consumption of the
Dr. Olegario G. Viloria Jr. Professorial Chair on socioeconomic classes present in Metro
Transportation/Logistics Manila. Results of survey carried out from
October 2016 to February 2017in 277
“Challenges in Road Safety” households within the poor to low
income class and 204 households belonging
Abstract: This discussion paper presents the to the middle to high income class in various
current situation on road safety of the country cities in Metro Manila show that high income
with focus on Metro Manila and with the households consume 35 m3/month or almost
primary purpose of identifying the challenges twice that of the low income class of 19 m3/
we face as we seek solutions in reducing the month. Compared to a previous study, the
casualties on the road. Statistics would show present-day water consumption nearly
that our fatality rates keep on increasing and doubled compared to two decades ago,
the government has targeted a reduction of regardless of socioeconomic class. For both
such rate by 20% in 2022. It is therefore studies, it was found that the affluent
imperative to focus our initiatives to our households still consume more than their
vulnerable road users which have been poorer counterparts.
identified as the pedestrians and the
motorcycle riders. A reduction on the number GUILLERMO Q. TABIOS III
of casualties on these vulnerable road users Angel Alejandrino Professorial Chair
group will definitely result to lower fatality
rate. The three key areas towards improving “Groundwater Yield Study in Northern Cebu”
road safety were presented. The importance
of data collection was discussed as a Abstract: This paper presents groundwater
prerequisite to a meaningful formulation of yield study in Northern Cebu through 3-d
road safety action plan. Several road safety groundwater modeling and simulation studies
action plans have been crafted in to augment the domestic water supply for
succession. However, there is a lack of Metro Cebu. The bulk of Metro Cebu‟s water
monitoring system to see if the such plans are supply is from groundwater source in the
indeed being implemented or not. Several western part of Cebu City. However, due to
laws have been passed in order to address excessive groundwater extraction in the past
the identified key risk factors. Strict 3 to 4 decades, groundwater is no longer
implementation and compliance are not potable in a major part of the Cebu City due
monitored as well. Strategies to achieve a set to sea salinity intrusion. In view of this, Metro
of objectives towards improvement of the Cebu had started sourcing its domestic water
safety of pedestrians and motorcycle riders supply from surface waters such as the
are proposed. Luyang River in Northern Cebu but sometimes
this is not adequate during the summer
16
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

months, especially during El Nino episodes. *Co-author: Christina Joy M. Razon
Thus, this study is conducted to evaluate the
availability and reliability of groundwater from NORIZA R. TIBON
Northern Cebu to augment is domestic water Honorio and Elisa Allado Professorial Chair in
supply. In particular, the objective is to Civil Engineering
extracts as much as 15 MLD and the
proposed groundwater wellfield is located in “Feasibility of Mud Crab Shell Wastes as
the foothills of the mountains, high enough, Partial Cement Replacement in Cement
not to be to be vulnerable to seawater salinity Mortars”
intrusion.
Abstract: Philippines is one of the major
MARIA ANTONIA N. TANCHULING countries in the world with the most volume of
Chancellor Ernesto Tabujara Professorial Chair shellfish cultivated, including mud crabs. The
production of mud crabs with a composition
“Defining the Carrying Capacity of Boracay of 60% shell and 40% meat results into massive
Island (Philippines) using Waste Mass Flow amounts of shells as waste. In the country,
Analysis”* these shells are thrown in landfills or back into
the coastal areas. Crab shells can contain up
Abstract: Boracay Island is a major tourist to 60% of calcium carbonate, which is a main
destination in the Philippines attracting component of cement. This research intends
millions of foreign and domestic tourists. As of to determine the feasibility of utilizing the mud
May 2017, it was estimated that the waste crab shell wastes as partial cement
generation in the island amounts to 114.52 replacement in cement mortars. Specifically,
TPD, of which 18 TPD is shipped out with the this study aims to characterize the mud crab
remainder buried in the island. The amount of shell waste by determining its chemical and
wastes being dumped in the island is steadily physical properties, testing the workability,
increasing making the island vulnerable to setting time, compressive strength and pH
environmental and public health hazards and level of the shell-incorporated mortar
jeopardizing its touristic draw. If the island has samples. Test samples of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%
to be rid of all wastes that will be generated, cement replacement by weight are made.
the required barge trips should be increased Test results show that the compressive
by 6 to 7 times more, which is costly, unsightly, strength increased for 5% and 10%
and pose its own risks in case of spillage. replacement on day 1 but decreased after
Additional trips are also needed to ship out longer curing duration, with the 5%
older wastes and clear out the dumping sites. replacement having the least percent
To achieve the scenario where no wastes are strength reduction. Also, the 5% replacement
left in the island, all residuals disposed per day obtained a setting time that is comparable to
should be equal to the residuals barged to the control. Workability, on the other hand,
the sanitary landfill in the mainland. Based on increased as the percent cement
the waste composition and waste volume replacement is also increased. The percent
calculations, residents produce 2.44 TPD of replacement that generated the most
residual wastes, while tourists produce 37.17 favorable results was 5% in terms of early
TPD of residual wastes. Based on a maximum compressive strength development, strength
18 TPD of residual wastes that can be shipped reduction and setting time. This percent
out and considering the residual wastes from replacement is suggested for masonry
residents, tourists should only generate an purposes.
average of 15.56 TPD of waste. This is
equivalent to wastes generated by 2,143 17
tourists per day. To do this, the number of
tourists has to be reduced by 58% from the
documented 5,120 tourist arrivals per day.

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

ERIC AUGUSTUS J. TINGATINGA MARJORIE C. TURIANO
DMCI Project Developers Professorial Chair 1 DMCI Project Developers Professorial Chair (2)

“Blast-Load Analysis and Simulation of “Numerical Simulation of the 1994 Mindoro
Unreinforced Concrete Masonry” Tsunami using DELFT3D”*

Abstract: Recent significant blast events due Abstract: A tsunami is a long high sea wave
to accidents or terrorist acts in the Philippines caused by an earthquake, submarine
pose a question whether our buildings are landslide, or other disturbance such as
strong enough to withstand minor explosions, meteor impact. A 7.1-magnitude earthquake
such as due to LPG tanks, or bombs. Unlike with epicenter located south of Verde Island
hazards such as earthquakes or typhoons, the caused a tsunami that hit the coastal areas of
structural engineering community in the Batangas, Quezon, and Mindoro on
country, however, is not yet well-versed in the November 15, 1994, resulting to 78 deaths. This
analysis of structures subjected to blast loads. study involves the numerical simulation of the
This paper presents recent research 1994 Mindoro tsunami, which includes the
developments in UPD-ICE on the analysis and modeling of the initial water surface
simulation of the nonlinear behavior of generated by the ground rupture and the
structures subjected to blast loads. The study propagation of the tsunami wave towards
is divided into two components that focus on: the coastal areas. Based on the numerical
(1) computation and verification of loads simulations, the generated tsunami wave has
generated by blast events, and the (2) a height not exceeding 1.5 m above mean
nonlinear modeling and analysis of structural sea level, and was able to cause water runup
response. The first component proposes that heights is the coast of Calapan reaching 2.5
the “Unified Facilities Criteria – Structures to m high. The results of the numerical simulation
Resist the Effects of Accidental locally agree with the post-disaster
Explosions” (UFC 3-340-02) be used to derive measurements of Imamura et al. (1995) for
the pressure-time history of blast load and the coast of Calapan, but the maximum
presents a utility program called xPLoDE runup levels recorded in the nearby Baco
(Explosive Pressure Load on Discrete Islands were not obtained with acceptable
Elements). The second component proposes accuracy. Further calibration of the numerical
a modeling technique and analysis model is underway to improve the
procedure for CHB walls subjected to blast performance of the model.
loads. In modeling, a wall is modeled using
rigid-body-spring discrete element model, *Co-authors: Eric C. Cruz and Christian Paul D.
wherein CHB units are represented as rigid Allan
blocks connected by a configuration of
normal and shear springs. A method is GIANCARLO P. VENTURA
proposed to derive the nonlinear parameters Longridge Construction Inc. Professorial Chair
of springs needed to be able to simulate
behavior of walls subjected to large and “Proposed Rapid Assessment Tool for Debris
impulsive forces. It was shown that when Flow Risks”*
compared with available experimental data,
the pressures generated as well as the Abstract: Being a disaster-prone country, the
general behavior of response of the wall Philippines has great need for risk assessment
models are a good representation of the tools. Among the many disasters that frequent
actual setup and results. This study is a the country, landslide is ranked third.
preliminary work and will be extended to the Landslide is a general term for mass wasting
analysis of CHB houses in the near future. events that are categorized based on their
type of movement and material involved. The
18 focus of this study is on debris flows; a mass
wasting event in which loose soil, rock and

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

sometimes organic material combine with Abstract: Sustainable construction may be
approached by improving the construction
water to form a slurry that flows downslope. method or by using construction materials
that are sustainable. This study is focused on
Debris flows are one of the most destructive assessing the effects of incorporating
recycled aggregates in the concrete mix to
mass wasting events. They are often triggered the 28-day compressive strength. The
evaluation is focused on the effect of using
by heavy rainfall, but could also be triggered recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) from
sources with varied design strength. The three
by gravity, volcanic, and seismic activity. sources had original design strength of
3000psi, 4000psi and 5000psi. The basic
Currently, there are no existing tools which material properties of the crushed
aggregates were determined and were
can rapidly assess debris flow risk. To add to compared with the locally available natural
aggregate. The crushed aggregates from
this, most of the tools available require these sources were incorporated to natural
aggregates (30:70) in the mix design of the
technical expertise to implement properly. control strength. The specimens were cured
and tested after 28 days. Statistical analysis
This study developed a rapid assessment tool was done in assessing the strength test results
of each test case based on the design
for debris flow risk that may be used by non- strength, which show a maximum of 14%
deviation. Analysis of variance was also done
experts and conveniently implemented as a to determine significant differences among
strength of samples made from the various
checklist form. The tool requires a user to input sources.

properties of the area being evaluated such IMEE BREN O. VILLALBA
Federico E. Puno Professorial Chair A
as height of the highest scarp, distance of the
“Numerical Simulation of Storm Tides
point of interest from the scarp and area of Generated by Historical Typhoons along
Dagupan City Coastline using ADCIRC
potential debris flow. These are obtained from Model”*

a simple site survey and coordinate plotting Abstract: Dagupan City is a major coastal city
in Pangasinan located in Lingayen Gulf
which can be done with minimal training. The where around 30% of its population live in the
coastal areas. In order to assess the possible
tool translates these to input parameters to coastal hazard in the coastlines of Dagupan
City brought by storm tide in Lingayen Gulf,
determine an equivalent length of reach. The this study aims to numerically determine the
storm tide height generated by selected
study uses a probabilistic approach to historical typhoons using the Advanced
Circulation (ADCIRC) hydrodynamic model.
determine the probability that a debris flow Using a 150 km search radius at the study
area, 97 typhoons are found and five (5)
will have a certain length of reach. This is historical typhoons are selected based on the
(1) distance to the study area, (2) central
done to capture the uncertainties inherent in pressure and (3) the 10-min maximum
sustained windspeed. From the available
these types of problems. The Monte Carlo
19
simulation used the probability distributions of

the input variables to produce the probability

distribution of the resulting length of reach.

This was used to determine the probability

that the debris flow would reach the area of

interest. The tool was validated using the

Guinsaugon rockslide-debris avalanche. The

tool showed high probability that the length

of reach would be 4.1 kilometers. The tool

substantially assesses debris flow risk.

However, further validation was

recommended due to the lack of other

debris flow events to test the validity of the

tool.

*Co-authors: Matthew G. Chua and Joseph
Paulo M. Dimayuga

JAIME ANGELO S. VICTOR
Ciriaco Professorial Chair in Engineering

“Assessment of Strength Characteristics of
Concrete Incorporated with Local Philippine
Recycled Concreted Aggregates”

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

typhoon data, it is found that typhoons
traversing the study area may originate from
either the Pacific Ocean or the West
Philippine Sea. Also, it is found that no
Category 5 typhoons traversing the study
area (more than 200kph) are recorded since
1978. Based from the results of the numerical
study, the maximum simulated water surface
elevation reached up to 1.1 m generated by
1998 Typhoon Vicki.

MARK ALBERT H. ZARCO
Prof. Alfredo B. Juinio Jr. Professorial Chair in
Civil Engineering

"Application of the Elasto-Viscoplastic Finite
Element Method to Limit Analysis of Slopes”

Abstract: This paper discuses an continuum
based numerical technique based on the
finite element method for analyzing the
stability of slopes. In this method, the slope
material is considered to be elasto-plastic
based on the associated Mohr-Coulomb
plasticity model. The solution procedure uses
the initial strain method to solve for the steady
state of contained plastic flow. In this method,
the viscoplastic strain converted to
equivalent nodal forces which are applied
successively applied through iterative elastic
elastic solutions until the stress field satisfies the
yield conditions. The method avoids
convergence and stability issues encountered
in the more widely used initial stress method.
The limit state is solved for by incrementally
decreasing the shear strength of the slope
material until unconstrained plastic flow
occurs, and the problem solution becomes
unstable. The proposed method offers
potential as an alternative to limit equilibrium
methods that assume a non-circular failure
surface, and can easily be extended to
model progressive failure slopes subject to
strain softening.

20 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 21

MYRON T. ALCANZARE commercial diesel had 48.25 at an engine
Don Felipe Say & Theresa Chua Say speed of 2800 rpm. Net break power of Algal
biodiesel and commercial diesel are 13.57kW
“Immersion-Based Corrosion Testing on UNS S30400 and 13.50kW, respectively. Algal biodiesel
Using a Bleed-and-Refill Cycle Methodology”* had been found to have higher brake-
specific fuel consumption and it has a lower
Abstract: In this study, a commercial 10% exhaust concentrations of nitrogen oxides,
ethanol-gasoline blend was used in an oxides of carbon and total hydrocarbons
immersion test that deviates from ASTM G31 when compared to the commercial diesel.
and SAE J1747. Set-up was designed to Blending commercial diesel with
accommodate effect of phase separation so concentration of 'algal biodiesel of up to 50%
that target metal is exposed to the heavier did not show significant change in the
than bulk ion-rich layer. Immersion test utilized performance and emission of the commercial
airtight containers of austenitic steel (UNS diesel.
S30400) which were subjected to 38 °C,
immersion lengths of 4, 8 and 12 weeks, and a *Co-authors: A.P. Cercado and S. Capareda
weekly bleed-and-fill process to refresh the air
and ion supply of the liquid. Corrosion MARJORIE L. BAYNOSA
response was evaluated using EIS on a 3- Maynilad Professorial Chair 5
electrode setup with UNS S30400 samples, Pt
wire, and an AgCl reference electrode. “Ozonation Kinetics of Pulp and Paper Mill and
Equivalent circuit analysis was used to Distillery Wastewaters”*
estimate corrosion rates from polarization
resistances. A slight decrease in corrosion rate Abstract: In this study, the kinetics of the reaction
was observed in increasing lengths of of ozone with pulp and paper mill wastewater and
immersion. It is suggested to utilize a Pt mesh distillery wastewater was determined.
embedded in the setup and a LiCl in ethanol Absorbance, color, pH levels, COD (total and
as electrolyte for reference electrode better dissolved COD) were among the parameters
conductivity and signal-to-noise ratio. observed in the study. The data gathered on
absorbance/color and/or COD were tested for
*Co-author: Joey Ocon pseudo-first order kinetics with respect to the
concentration of the organic compound in the
FLORENCIO C. BALLESTEROS JR. wastewater. In general, the results adhere to the
Federico E. Puno Professorial Chair B. pseudo-first order kinetics with respect to the
pollutant concentration (in terms of color/
“Fuel Performance of Biodiesel from absorbance and COD) which is consistent with
Microalgae”* what is reported in the literature. Values of the
pseudo-first order reaction constant, k (based on
Abstract: Fuel performance of biodiesel color/absorbance data) and k‟ (based on COD
produced from transesterification of data), were calculated for each set of data for
microalgae was evaluated to assess its the wastewaters.
potential as alternative fuel in diesel engine.
The biodiesel was produced from *Co-author: Analiza P. Rollon
transesterification of microalgae Chlorella
Vulgaris using K-pumice as catalyst. The RIZALINDA L. DE LEON
engine used in the study was Yanmar 3009D, Ariston delos Reyes Centennial Professorial Chair in
a small diesel engine with an output power Energy Engineering
rating of 14.2 kilowatts. The experiments
showed comparable power and torque when “Analysis and Acid Recovery of Pretreatment
the engine was run using both the Effluent from Formiline Organosolv Pretreatment of
commercial diesel and the algal biodiesel. Banana (M. acuminata x M. balbisiana)
Biodiesel from microalgae was able to Pseudostem”*
establish a torque of equal to 45.5 N-m while
Abstract: Second-generation bioethanol
22
technologies have been at the forefront of

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

renewable fuel research. It utilizes lignocellulosic material characteristics modification and catalytic
biomass that is mainly composed of three activity enhancement. A doping level of 0.21
biopolymers – lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. mol% CuSO4 was identified as optimum condition
The banana pseudostem is a major agricultural to enable visible light photocatalysis of doped
waste in the Philippines and is a viable TiO2 catalysts calcined at 300 °C. Finally,
lignocellulosic feedstock having roughly 40% operational parameters were evaluated defining
cellulose. A major problem with banana a wide range of pH operation under 3.0 g L−1 of
pseudostems, just like with other lignocellulose catalyst dose to treat up to 20 g L−1 of highly
feedstock, is that chemical pretreatment is recalcitrant phenothiazine dye. These optimum
required to separate the biomass into its conditions allowed complete dye removal under
components. This utilizes expensive solvents and visible light after 120 min of treatment.
produces excessive waste. Thus, a study is needed *Published in Springer: Environmental Science and
for recovering these solvents and to obtain the Pollution Research. 4 July 2019.
analysis of the effluent. Formic acid from the Co-authors: Sergi Garcia-Segura, Chinee H.
effluent produced in formiline organosolv Mercado, Yao-Tung Lin, and Ming-Chun Lu
pretreatment was recovered. Extractive distillation
was utilized using Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) and JULIE ANNE D. DEL ROSARIO
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) to recover pure formic Ma. Divina Cruz Casillan Professorial Chair in
acid from the effluent. It was shown that using Chemical Engineering
CaCl2 can achieve formic acid distillates with up
to 81.8% purity, breaking the azeotrope at 77.5%. “Experimental Investigation of Alkali-Metal
Lignin recovery from the effluent was also done. It Incorporated Graphene for ORR”*
was shown that utilizing a dilution factor of 3x at
50◦C gave the maximum recovery of lignin with Abstract: Global warming and climate change
0.356%/mL-solvent. Further analysis of the formiline caused mostly by the transport sector and
lignin showed similarity of its functional groups of electrical power generation calls for affordable
that of hydrolysis lignin and organosolv lignin. and clean energy resources. Potential sustainable
solutions include electrochemical technologies
*Co-authors: Aaron John Medina , Jun Bryan powered by renewable energy resources. These
Juena , and Shayne Rae Primavera technologies are limited, however, by the sluggish
kinetics of oxygen reactions. Therefore, to fully
MARK DANIEL G. DE LUNA utilize the potential of electrochemical
Jardiolin Family Professorial Chair 2 technologies, the kinetics of oxygen reactions
must be improved. In this study, Alkali metals are
“Doping TiO2 with CuSO4 Enhances Visible Light chosen as dopant for graphene because of their
Photocatalytic Activity for Organic Pollutant electronegativity difference with carbon and their
Degradation”* large ionic size, which could break the
Photocatalysis is one of the most promising electroneutrality of graphene. Potassium-
advanced oxidation processes due to the incorporated graphene is successfully synthesized
capability of solid catalyst to continuously using three methods: sonication, ball milling, and
produce oxidant species under light irradiation. hydrothermal method. The ORR performance of
The use of conventional UV lamps is high cost the synthesized K-incorporated graphene samples
intensive, which undermines the possible is tested and found to increase compared to
implementation in developing countries. Visible graphene only. Although, ORR activity is
light active photocatalysts can overcome these increased, the current densities obtained are not
challenges and find a market opportunity for high enough for practical fuel cell applications.
competitive technology implementation. This work Better synthesis methods that could lead to higher
proposes the synthesis of visible light active potassium to carbon ratio may lead to more
catalyst following a facile sol-gel synthesis that efficient ORR catalysts. The development of a
introduces CuSO4 as dopant in TiO2. Results novel class of catalysts for ORR could widen the
present complete abatement of methylene blue range of possible alternatives to expensive noble
in 120 min of treatment under 50 mW cm−2 of blue metals that could lead to reduced cost, longer
light (λ = 450 nm), while commercial P25 TiO2 lifetime, and increased efficiency of
presented null abatement under identical electrochemical technologies.
conditions. Synthesis parameters including dopant
level and calcination temperature allowed *Co-authors: Yvonne Ligaya F. Musico and Po-Ya
defining optimum synthesis conditions based on Abel Chuang

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 23

ARTHUR ARE GONZALES III of using pectin as the backbone for amine
Power Contractors, Inc. Professorial Chair in functionalization with application as coating
Environmental Engineering on zeolites for carbon dioxide capture.
Characterization of the solutions using FTIR
“Thermodynamic Analysis of the Self-assembly of and of the adsorbents using SEM
Guanine-Cytosine Analogues to Supramolecular demonstrated the successful modification of
Structures Using Multiscale Molecular Modeling” pectin using NH3 and TETA as alternative
amine-functionalized coating for adsorbent. It
Abstract: Rosette nanotubes (RNT) are has been reported for the first time that the
supramolecules self-assembled from guanine- polysaccharide pectin can be aminated and
cytosine based modules (GÙC) thru modified for CO2 capture upon coated on
complementary hydrogen bonding and π-π substrates such as zeolites. The adsorption
stacking interactions. We used multiscale capacities at 5% breakthrough of the
molecular modeling to identify a pathway for the adsorbents coated with the modified pectin
self-assembly of GÙC motifs into RNTs. Performing a are 2.24 mmol CO2 /g adsorbent and 2.28
series of staged MD simulations, we observed the mmol CO2 /g adsorbent, when coated with
mechanism of RNT formation from randomly NH3-modified and TETA-modified pectin,
placed monomers. Motifs first aggregate due to respectively. It is recommended for further
hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions. study to synthesize substrates with higher
We also saw that syn and anti stacking surface area, and optimize the formulations of
configurations are both present in these the pectin modification.
aggregates, with the anti conformation being the
dominant form. This is important because the *Co-author: Bryan B. Pajarito
presence of these stacking schemes could dictate
the resulting RNT structure. When these aggregates MARLON L. MOPON JR.
interact with each other, they form a more Cesar Buenaventura Professorial Chair
ordered aggregate comprised of segments
resembling RNT structures. The segments then “Development of a CuFe204 – Reduced Graphene
expand through the aggregate by a chain Oxide-Based Electrochemical Sensor for
reaction of supramolecular chirality transfer, in Malathion”*
favor of the most stable configuration. Available
free motifs were then observed to grow along the Abstract: A portable non-enzymatic
length of the RNT by motif-by-motif addition. electrochemical sensor for malathion detection
Energetics analysis using the classical force field based on CuFe204and reduced graphene oxide
potentials and the statistical mechanical theory of (rGO) nanocomposites was developed. CuFe204-
solvation (3D-RISM) revealed that a double helix rGO nanocomposites were synthesized using a
configuration as well as a nanotube with facile one-pot coprecipitation method. X-ray
successively-inverted stacked rings are the most diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy
probable structures of the RNT. The result of this (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
study offers the time and energy evolution of the (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy confirmed
self-assembly of RNTs and provide model structures successful synthesis of the nanocomposites.
that are different from the generally assumed Square wave voltammetry (SWV) was performed
model of stacked rosette tubular assemblies. using a portable potentiostat (CheapStat TM) and
a three-electrode setup in order to determine the
JOHN ANDREW KANE P. JOVELLANA electrochemical behavior of the nanocomposite
Chua Liong & Loreta Dy Chua Professorial Chair and its interaction with malathion. Maximum
inhibition was observed at conditions
“Carbon Dioxide Adsorbent Preparation by corresponding to 15% rGO loading, pH 4 buffer
Coating Amine-Functionalized Pectin onto solution, and five-minute accumulation time.
Zeolites”* Calibration of the sensor established a linear
detection range of 0.5-8 ppm malathion, with a
Abstract: Increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) detection limit of 0.992 ± 0.007 ppm. The
levels in the atmosphere caused by excessive parameters indicate good selectivity in detection
greenhouse gas emissions is strongly and potential applicability of the system for
associated to global warming and climate measuring malathion particularly in agricultural
change. This study aims to prove the feasibility
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019
24

produce which falls within the detection range MIGUEL FRANCISCO M. REMOLONA
identified. UP KEMGLOBAL Dr. Luz Salonga Prof. Chair in
Chemical Engineering
*Co-authors: Georgette Anne T. Battad, Jericho G.
Estacio, and Junel Lawrence C. Indiongco “Mathematical Equation Extraction and Rules-
Based Variable Typing from Selected Chemical
JOEY D. OCON Engineering References”
Federico E. Puno 4 Professorial Chair
Information retrieval in mathematical expressions is
“On the Transferability of Smart Energy Systems on an asset in chemical engineering since models
Off-Grid Islands using Cluster Analysis--A Case translate data from real-world systems into the
Study for the Philippine Archipelago”* computable language of mathematics. This then
allows for more structured scientific insight
Abstract: Islands are highly diverse in their climatic, development, variable manipulation in realworld
physical, social, and economic characteristics. systems, and strategic decision making. The
Thus, each island‟s energy system needs to be objectives of this study were to extract information
designed according to its specific features. from mathematical expressions and isolate the
However, similarities among islands exist which can variables through an opensource equation
enable the fast transfer of concepts and recognition system and develop an automated
experiences with energy systems. In the Philippines, variable typing program to provide definition and
only few off-grid islands are incorporating smart context; and evaluate the performance of the
energy systems through hybrid electricity systems. code using evaluation metrics (precision and
While most off-grid islands still do not have access recall). The study was accomplished by snipping
to electricity, the majority of off-grid Philippine equations along with their definition through a
islands having access to electricity are powered mathematical recognition system to obtain a
primarily by diesel-fired generators. In this work, a LATEXcode and ran through a developed MATLAB
cluster analysis is performed for 502 off-grid islands code to match the variables with their
in the Philippine archipelago, classifying the islands corresponding definition. The program's variable
according to their similarities in socio-economic precision, definition precision, and overall recall
and physical characteristics, and indigenous were 87.43%, 75.60% and 65.67%, respectively,
energy resource potential. The results show that indicating low false positives but high false
most of the islands belong to five clusters of very negatives.
small and small islands for which photovoltaic-
battery systems would be the favourable *Published paper
backbone of a future energy system based on Co-authors: Nigel John S. Alcarde, William Austin
renewable energies. These islands show a varying C. Gaspi, and Paul Gabriel E. Lerona
level of feasibility for harnessing wind energy. In
medium and big islands, opportunities of linking ANALIZA P. ROLLON
electricity systems to water supply and thermal Oscar M. Lopez Professorial Chair in Environmental
energy loads as well as to the transport sector, are Engineering
identified and their relevance in the clusters is
discussed. The results are consistent with the “Color and Chemical Oxygen Demand
validation of the individual characteristics of (COD) Removal in Bismarck Brown M Azo Dye
chosen off-grid islands. The cluster analysis results Solution and Textile Wastewater using
support policy makers and private investors in Ozonation, Anaerobic and Aerobic Biological
deciding which smart energy system projects are Processes”
suitable for which particular islands.
Abstract: Simulated (ca. 900 mg COD/L, ca. 1
*Co-authors: Henning Meschede, Eugene A. g sugar/L, 100 mg Bismarck Brown (BB)/L, 1200
Esparcia Jr., Peter Holzapfel, Paul Bertheau, CU) and real textile wastewater (ca. 350 mg/L
Rosario C. Ang, Ariel C. Blanc COD, 406 CU) were treated using different
combination of ozonation, anaerobic and
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 aerobic processes. Color removal at the three
ozone flow rates ranged at 68-71% after 15
min and 78-82% after 30 min. In another

25

experiment, the extent of COD and color the Type I liquid-liquid equilibrium behavior of
removal were compared between anaerobic two-phase mixtures of biodiesel, methanol,
treatment (20 d retention time) and and glycerol. The Othmer-Tobias correlation
anaerobic-aerobic treatment (19 d, 15 h and was shown to be able to generate additional
9 h retention time, respectively). In another tie-lines from two experimental tie-line data.
experiment, the process sequence that Distribution coefficient values indicated a
involves ozonation and biological processes greater affinity of methanol for the glycerol-
achieved better COD and color reductions rich phase than the biodiesel-rich phase,
(88 and 91%, respectively). The same process implying lesser purification requirements for
involving ozonation for real textile wastewater biodiesel.
achieved COD and color reductions of 88%
and 91%, respectively. *Co-authors: Paul Daniel Bonalos, Eunice Ruth
Dumagpi, Jose Miguel San Juan, Troy Delos Santos,
*Co-authors: Krisha D. Kerr, Kim Ryan A. Emmanuel Ricardo Morales, Gilbert Marasigan,
Palapar, and Ma. Crisselle H. Tumaru and Jose Muñoz

BEMBOY NIÑO F. SUBOSA TERENCE P. TUMOLVA
Cesar Virata-Daikin Industries Professorial Dr. Magdaleno B. Albarracin Jr. Centennial
Chair Professorial Chair

“Kinetic, Phase Equilibrium, and Simulation “Development of a Self-Adhesive Cellulosic
Studies of Base-Catalyzed Coconut Oil Hydrogel Wound Dressing”*
Transesterification with Methanol”*
Abstract: In this study, a self-adhesive
Abstract: The mandated increase of coconut hydrogel wound dressing was developed by
combining hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC)
biodiesel blend to 10% by 2020 by the Biofuels hydrogel with a tannic acid-polyethylene
glycol (TAPE) adhesive bioadhesive with
Act of 2006 will increase the local biodiesel gelatin. Test samples of the cellulosic wound
dressing were prepared with three (3)
demand. Adequate physicochemical data different mixing ratios of the crosslinking
solution, three (3) different adhesive
should be available for an effective and formulation, and two different hydrogel/
adhesive contact area (flat, ridged).
efficient design, operation, and control of the Adhesion performances of these samples on
porcine skin were evaluated by performing a
production process that will provide this T-peel test. Analysis of the HEC/TAPE-gelatin
interface showed that the HEC cross-linking
demand. The process involves the agent formulation, adhesive thickness, and
presence of surface ridges showed significant
transesterification of coconut oil with three-way interaction effects, and these
parameters were modeled using orthogonal
methanol to produce fatty acid methyl ester polynomials and optimized via response
surface methodology (RSM). The adhesion on
(FAME, also known as coco methyl ester or the HEC-TAPE-gelatin interface was also
investigated further using scanning electron
CME) and glycerol, and the separation and microscopy (SEM), where it had been
observed that greater adhesion occurred
purification of biodiesel from excess methanol with a decrease in cross-linking density,
thinner adhesive layer, and the presence of
and glycerol. The kinetics of the ridges. Lastly, disk diffusion testing indicated
greater antimicrobial activity (mean inhibition
transesterification reaction and liquid-liquid zone = 12 mm) against S. aureus and P.

equilibrium behavior of biodiesel, methanol, UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

and glycerol mixtures were investigated in this

study. A pseudo-first order fit adequately

described the forward reaction, while a

second-order fit was found satisfactory for the

reverse reaction. The van‟t Hoff plot of the

equilibrium constant with temperature

confirmed the observed exothermicity of the

reaction, with the equilibrium conversion

decreasing with increasing temperature. The

Non-Random Two-Liquid (NRTL) model for the

determination of activity coefficients was

found to provide a satisfactory description for

26

aeruginosa in contrast to commercial *Co-authors: Maru Feriel O. Del Carmen, Jaritza D.
hydrogel dressings (mean inhibition zone = 7.5 Doma, and Kim Marie Anne M. Taroy
mm), while MTT assay on human lymphocytes
resulted to a 98% cell survival rate. Based on
these results, it was concluded that it is
feasible to use HEC hydrogel with TAPE-gelatin
adhesive for manufacturing self-adhesive
wound dressing products.

*Co-authors: Sweet Hazel Aquino, Kryzsa Mae
Cabeguin and John Frederick Imperial

KRISTIAN JULY R. YAP 27
Maynilad Professorial Chair 2

“Continuous-Flow Titration in a Low-Cost
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Microreactor
Fabricated using an Improved Print-and-Peel
(PAP) Method”*

Abstract: Titration is a common technique used for
measurement of chemical composition. However,
it yields relatively large error, has large reagent
consumption, and mixes reagents inefficiently. To
address these problems, the study aims to
conduct titration in a microreactor. On the
microscale, transport rates are significantly
increased. Thus, using microreactors in titration will
result in better mixing and less reagent use. For this
study, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microreactor
was fabricated using an improved Print-and-Peel
(PAP) method. Performance testing was done by
titrating citric acid (C6H8O7) with potassium
hydroxide (KOH). The error from the titration in a
microreactor was compared to the error in
dropwise titration, and the effect of titrant
concentration on the accuracy was assessed. For
each concentration, the flowrate of the KOH
titrant was varied to generate the pH curve. The
pH values for the conventional titration and micro-
titrator were compared with the theoretical. It was
found that the micro-titrator yielded errors at high
titrant concentrations due to limitations on the pH
meter volume tolerance. However, the micro-
titrator was more accurate than the conventional
at lower concentrations. Therefore, the micro-
titrator developed in this study is applicable for
dilute solutions only. In terms of reagent
consumption, the micro-titrator consumed ten
times less than the dropwise method; and from the
cost analysis, the fabricated microreactor costs
fifty times less than that of the commercially-
fabricated microreactor. One recommendation
for this study is the use of a smaller-probed pH
meter to get more accurate measurements of
minute volumes of liquid.

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

28 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 29

HENRY N. ADORNA seagrass meadow is presented. Three species
Semirara Mining Corporation Professorial were used for testing: Enhalus acoroides,
Chair in Eng‟g /CS Thalassia hemprichii, and Cymodocea
rotundata. The model features parameter-
“Some Combinatorial Hard Problems and based clonal growth of seagrass species,
Algorithmic Solutions” recruitment of new seagrass apices through
basic flowering/seeding, and a crowding
Abstract: We report here some results on logic for multiple coexisting species in a single
algorithmics solutions to some combinatorial meadow. Seagrass clonal growth is modeled
hard problems namely, Hammock(2, 2)- Poset using a modified Diffusion-Limited
Cover Problem, Minimum (Connected) Aggregation (DLA) model. Each species has
Dominating Set Problem, and Dominating a preconfigured set of parameters for clonal
Tree Problem. We proposed an algorithm for growth including rhizome elongation,
the minimum Hammock(2, 2)-Poset Cover branching rate, vertical elongation rate,
Problem that runs in O(n 2m3 + m3M) time, rhizome branching angle and shoot age.
where M is the number of all maximum Seed recruitment is applied through
matchings of the subgraph of the occasional flowering/seeding events
transposition graph of input linear orders. We configurable per species. We developed a
observed that minimum dominating set can simple three-species competition model
help find the essential driver proteins of a which controls the growth and direct
system, and identify these important proteins. competition effects based on a configurable
However, finding the minimum connected population size and comparison radius. Upon
dominating set can add more sense to how further calibration and validation, the model
these driver proteins affect the system. An would enable more accurate long-term
advantage we see in using MCDS for predictions for different rehabilitation and
biological networks is that we can figure out transplanting strategies of mixed seagrass
how driver proteins affect each other and meadows. Further improvements can also be
what biological processes are the skeleton implemented, particularly taking into account
that keeps the protein network alive A new the environmental variables within the
and effective problem-specific heuristic for meadows such as light attenuation and
the DTP is proposed, which we called SF H DT salinity, among other factors.
that will produce better results on a set of
benchmark instances than existing problem- *Co-Authors: Gabrielle Marie Q. Torres, Joseph
specific heuristics in the literature, especially Earl E. Branzuela
for scale-free networks.
KELVIN C. BUÑO
VENA PEARL A. BONGOLAN Atty. Raul C. Villanueva Professorial Chair
Cesar Buenaventura UP Centennial
Professorial Chair “Distributed Computation of a k P Systems
with Active Membranes for SAT using Clause
“Modelling, Simulation and Visualization of a Completion”
Multispecific Philippine Seagrass Meadow”*
Abstract: In this report, we present a
Abstract: Seagrass meadows are constantly distributed solution on SAT based on the
under threat from natural and man-made Clause Completion method introduced by Z.
stresses due to its shallow existence in the Gazdag for solving SAT in linear time with
coastal environment. Restoration and respect to only the number of variables. We
preservation of seagrasses by means of first present a 2-party solution, a 3-party
rehabilitation or transplanting strategies is solution, and then finally, generalize the
possible, but the studies have been limited. solution to a k-party solution.

An agent-based model of a mixed Philippine UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

30

FRANCIS GEORGE C. CABARLE Philippines may lead to unforeseen health risks
Dean Ruben A. Garcia Professorial Chair to our farmers. With the use of an application
where farmers can monitor their personal
“Evolving Spiking Neural P Systems with Rules health and work environment, particularly
on Synapses with Fixed Neurons” their pesticide use, medical professionals and
policy makers can use the data to get a
Abstract: Abstract: Spiking Neural P Systems glimpse of the effects of chemical use to our
(or SN P systems, for short) are models of farmers‟ health.
computation that are based on the way
biological neurons communicate. SN P *Co-authors: Edna A. Aguilar, Michael Jason
systems consist of neurons that store spikes, Y. Benedicto, Jose Mari H. Catipay, Michael T.
and synapses that connect neurons together Garcia, Kei O. Shirabe, and Michael L. Tee.
forming a directed graph. Each neuron
contains a set of rules that determine how the MARIO T. CARREON
spikes will be passed around to other neurons. Soy & Tess Medina Professorial Chair
Many variations have been created, one of
which is the SN P Systems with Rules on “Cost-Effective Programming of Electric
Synapses (or RSSN P systems, for short), Demand in the University of the Philippines
wherein the rules are placed on the synapses Diliman”*
instead of the neurons. In this paper, we
present a genetic algorithm framework for *Co-authors: Maureen Anne Araneta,
evolving Spiking Neural P Systems with rules on Amador Rozul, and Caesar Saloma.
synapses (RSSNP systems, for short). Starting Published in the Philippine Journal of Science.
with an initial RSSNP system, we use the
genetic algorithm framework to obtain a ROMMEL P. FERIA
derived RSSNP system with fewer resources Dean Juan L. Tiongson Professorial Chair
(less and simpler rules, fewer synapses, less
initial spikes) that can still produce the “SugarTraces: A Persuasive Mobile Health
expected output spike trains. Different Application for Diabetics”*
methods in the selection of parents and in the
calculation of fitness are incorporated. We This paper is published under the Creative
also try the framework on 5 RSSNP systems Commons Attribution-
that compute bitwise AND, OR, NOT, ADD, NonCommercialNoDerivs 4.0 International
and SUB respectively to gather data on (CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0) license. © 2019 Austria,
how the framework behaves. Lastly, we R.B., Caingat, D.C., Feria, R.P.
discuss the asymptotic complexity of the
algorithm and its effectiveness in generating *Co-authors: Ronnel Boi B. Austria, Deanne
fitter RSSNP systems based on which methods Faye C. Caingat
were used.
CEDRIC ANGELO M. FESTIN
JAIME D.L. CARO Dado and Maria Banatao Institute Professorial
UPAE Centennial Professorial Chair Chair Award

“One Health Application for Tracking Farmer “Community Cellular Networks in the
Health and Pesticide Use”* Philippines: Challenges and Opportunities
towards Sustainability”
Abstract: The health of farmers has potential
effects on productivity. Applying the One Abstract: Community networks (CNs) are
Health approach takes consideration of the alternative approaches to provide
farmer‟s work environment in assessing the communication access in unserved and
health of the farmer. Studies have shown that
improper handling of pesticides in the 31

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

underserved areas, where market forces fail comparing with a baseline where no model is
employed.
to deliver service due to the high risk of
*Co-authors: Caezarina Marie Calimbahin
investment and minimal returns. This situation and Jhoanna Rhodette Pedrasa

resonates in the Philippines: with just under LIGAYA LEAH L. FIGUEROA
Filadelfo Panlilio Professorial Chair
70% mobile phone penetration To address
“A Study of the Effect of Socioeconomic
this, our team deployed community cellular Conditions to Schistosomiasis Disease in the
Philippines”
networks (CCNs) to provide basic 2G voice
*Citation: Je Marie A. Apolinario, Camille
and SMS services, alongside a novel Francene A. Razal, Ligaya Leah L. Figueroa,
Rommel P. Feria, Ada Angeli D. Cariaga, and
partnership and operational model. In this Ma. Rowena C. Solamo. . A Study of the
Effect of Socioeconomic Conditions to
paper, we document our experiences and Schistosomiasis Disease in the Philippines. In
Proceedings of… 6 pages. https://
challenges encountered as we test this model doi.org/10.1145/nnnnnnn.nnnnnnn

in the real world. After almost two years of NESTINE HOPE S. HERNANDEZ
Vea Technology for All Professorial Chair
operations, we reflect on our learnings, which
“Exploring Evolution-Communication P System
will be applied towards improving our own with Energy as String Generators”

model and potentially contribute to the Abstract: Evolution-Communication P systems
with Energy is a variant of P systems
development of other approaches in introduced as a model for analyzing
communication based on dynamical
delivering sustainable last-mile measures. This study explores the idea of using
ECPe systems as string generators to give a
communication access. characterization of some families of
languages in the Chomsky hierarchy.
SUSAN P. FESTIN
Filemon Rodriguez Professorial Chair in PROSPERO C. NAVAL JR.
Computer Science Dado and Maria Banatao Institute Professorial
Chair Award
“Mitigating Data Integrity Attacks in Building
Automation Systems using Denoising “Cascaded Deep Network Systems with
Autoencoders”* Linked Ensemble Components for Underwater
Fish Detection in the Wild”*
Abstract: Building automation systems (BAS)
are a class of cyber-physical systems that aim Published in Ecological Informatics 52 (2019)
to improve the efficiency of buildings through 103–121. © 2019 Elsevier B.V. https://
intelligent control. Typically, sensor doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2019.05.004
measurements are used to compute for the
optimal control action for equipment that *Co-author: Alfonso Labao
minimizes the energy consumption while
maintaining the comfort of occupants. Given UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019
the heavy reliance on sensor data, ensuring
their validity is an essential concern in BAS.
Several work have explored sensor validation,
mostly for the purpose of automatic fault
detection and diagnostics (AFDD). However,
recent studies show BAS vulnerable to
adversarial attacks - an area that has lacked
consideration in the early design of BAS. In this
work, we propose a sensor correction model,
based on deep learning framework, for
mitigating against data integrity attacks in
BAS. We test our approach on real-world data
obtained from a retrofitted air conditioning
(AC) control testbed, with injected data
simulating different attacker types and
number of attacked sensors. We show that
the model is capable of mitigating attacks by

32

MA. ROWENA C. SOLAMO seizures. It remains unclear, however, whether
Robert Cheng/Uratex Professorial Chair (1)
axonal sprouting is a cause or effect of seizure
“Developing Dark Night 2: Analyzing the
Experience of Blind Users with a Mobile Role- activity or how and when it contributes to
Playing Game”*
brain dysfunction and initiation of seizure
Abstract: The paper investigated how the
visually impaired individuals interact with activity. In this study, we used a coupled
mobile role-playing games. An RPG game,
called Dark Night 2, was developed using neural mass model to demonstrate that
only auditory and haptic components. The
application was tested by three visually- epileptic discharge activity can initiate from
impaired individual with two (2) already had
experience with playing audio-based games. non-pathologic brain regions, reciprocally
They were observed during gameplay and
interviewed later on. Aside from showing that coupled to simulate an emergence of axonal
visually-impaired individuals enjoy playing
RPGs, the results show four (4) major points sprouting. As axonal sprouting progresses and
needed to improve the game to further
enhance the experience, namely, the use of creates stronger connections between the
audio as a medium, a deeper storyline, a
right amount of game challenge, and brain regions, the discharge activity transitions
comfortable and intuitive controls.
into different types of seizure activity such as
*Co-authors: Rommel P. Feria, Hans Capiral,
and Kenneth Velasquez high frequency discharges, periodic

JAYMAR B. SORIANO oscillations, and low-amplitude high-
Prof. Dominador Ilio Professorial Chair
frequency rhythms, increasing in high-
“Probing the Association between Axonal
Sprouting and Seizure Activity Using a frequency component. These transitions can
Coupled Neural Mass Model”*
also be brought by an increase in post-
Abstract: Initiation of seizure activity in the
brain is generally believed to be caused by synaptic gain, possibly concurrent with an
an alteration in excitation-inhibition balance
such as when dendritic inhibition is impaired. increase in number of synaptic connections.
Alternatively, it is also believed that seizure
activity can arise due to a synaptic Such increase in post-synaptic gain captures
reorganization of neural networks such as the
emergence of axonal sprouting in which observed aberrant post-synaptic
axonal processes of a neuron grow out and
create synaptic connections with the morphologies like the formation of multiple
dendritic processes of other neurons. In fact,
co-occurrence of seizure activity and axonal spine buttons similar to those observed with
sprouting has been established in epilepsy
and lesion models. For example, Cavazos et long term potentiation. The results delve into
al. report that alterations in terminal
projections of mossy fiber pathway the possibility that axon sprouting is a primary
progressed with the evolution of kindled
mechanism, possibly concomitant with
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019
impaired inhibition, which can explain

development of seizures after a brain

traumatic injury.

*Co-authors: Takatomi Kubo and Kazushi
Ikeda

WILSON M. TAN
San Roque Power Corp. in Engineering/
Computer Science

“An SDN-based Framework for Improving the
Performance of Underprovisioned IP Video
Surveillance Networks”*

Published in Journal of Network and
Computer Applications 132 (2019) 49–74. ©
2019 Elsevier Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.jnca.2019.01.026.

*Co-authors: Sharleen Joy Y. Go and Cedric
Angelo M. Festin

33

ADRIAN ROY L. VALDEZ
Vidal A. Tan Professorial Chair

“A Three-Choice Minority Game Model with
Homogeneous Agent Preferences for
Resource Allocation”*

Published in ScienceDirect Procedia
Computer Science 140 (2018) 56–63. Complex
Adaptive Systems Conference with Theme:
Cyber Physical Systems and Deep Learning,
CAS 2018, held on 5 November – 7 November
2018, Chicago, Illinois, USA. 1877-0509 © 2018
The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V

*Co-author: Catalina A. Montes

VILLAR, JOHN JUSTIN S.
Dean Reynaldo Vea Professorial Chair

“Structural Stability Analysis of Models of
Dopamine Synthesis and D1 Receptor
Trafficking in RPT Cells using CRNT”*

Accepted for publication in the Philippine
Journal of Science
*Co-Authors: Patrick Vincent N. Lubenia,
Eduardo R. Mendoza, and Carlene P.C. Pilar-
Arceo

PHILIP CHRISTIAN C. ZUNIGA
UP Alumni Engineers Professorial Chair

“Block Chain Application in Digital Health”

Abstract: We present in this chapter discussing
how Blockchain can be used in Digital Health.
Benefits and risks of using Blockchain where
presented. Guide questions with sample
answers are also presented to deepen the
discussion of the topic. At the last section of
the chapter, several use cases on how
Blockchain is used in Digital health is
presented.

34 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 35

RANSIE JOY A. APURA LOUIE P. BALICANTA
Vicente and Juanita Hao Chin Professorial Chair Felipe F. Cruz Professorial Chair in Geodetic
(1) Engineering

“Evaluating Spatial Equity of Health Care Facilities “Transformation and Unification of the Different
in the City of Manila” Cadastral Data in the Philippines”*

Abstract: Geographic variations between health Abstract: A cadastre includes documents and
service supply and health service demand will
always be present since health services are maps that describe parcels in terms of the
provided at certain geographic points. One of the
important questions that needs of to be addressed reference system, size, shape and land area. The
is “are these geographic variations acceptable?".
One way of addressing this question is looking into primary purpose of a cadastre is to facilitate land
the distribution of such facilities. The main
objective of this study is to evaluate the distribution tenure and taxation. Cadastre is the most
of healthcare facilities (i.e., public and private
hospitals, public health center and its attached fundamental and vital information in the
lying-in clinics) across its potential users. This study
uses healthcare service supply and demand development of a land administration system. The
points, ancillary data (i.e., poverty incidence,
population density, and road density) of the study methodologies and the standards of obtaining a
area. Evaluation of spatial equity is via generation
of of Lorenz Curves and calculation of cadastral data has evolved as the science and
corresponding magnitude of inequity (Gini Index)
using estimated driving/travel time as technology of land surveying and data processing
measurement proxy run with different travel
scenarios accounting for varying nature of road progressed. Because of this, the resulting cadastre
traffic in the study area: Scenario 1 – travel time/
driving time is 100% of maximum allowable speed of different municipalities and cities have varying
for all road segments; Scenario 2 – travel time/
driving time is 60% of maximum allowable speed quality. This can be observed when combining
for all road segments; and Scenario 3 – 20% of
maximum allowable speed for all road segments; multiple cadastres. Problems encountered include
and Scenario 4 – 20% of maximum allowable
speed for primary road segments. Gini score of but not limited to overlaps and gaps observed
zero means equitable distribution of resources
across potential users while non-zero (maximum of from parcels to political boundaries. In addition,
1) means inequity. Calculated inequity values are
evaluated as acceptable or not based on cadastral data used in a land title has legal
geographic travel standard or time threshold. The
results of the research indicate that there is implication. These problems challenge the
unequal distribution of all healthcare facilities
(across its potential users) as suggested by non- reliability of the data. Harmonization of the
zero Gini Coefficients. For scenario 1, 2, and 4:
resulting Gini Coefficients are acceptable for all different neighboring cadastre may address the
healthcare facilities in all districts. For scenario 3: All
health centers have acceptable Gini Coefficients problem. One way of harmonizing the different
for all districts while general hospitals and hospitals
specializing in Mother & Child do not have cadastre is transforming one cadastre to the
acceptable Gini Coefficients. Inequity in
distribution of health centers and all hospitals are system of another cadastre. The implementation
more likely to occur in Port Area, San Nicolas, and
Santa Cruz and inequity in in distribution of lying-in of this solution poses another two concerns: first,
clinics are more likely to occur in Santa Ana,
Sampaloc, and Tondo. Some potential for the proper and standard way of doing the
improvement is also indicated.
transformation and eventually the harmonization
36
of the cadastre; and secondly its impact to the

cadastral data itself which is legal in nature. The

UP Training Center for Applied Geodesy and

Photogrammetry (UP TCAGP) collaborated with

the Department of Environment and Natural

Resources-Land Management Bureau (DENR-LMB)

in implementing the Land Sector Modernization

(LandS Mode) Research Project. LandS Mode

includes a component that dealt with the review,

analysis and determination of the appropriate

methodology in the transformation and unification

of the different cadastral data in pilot areas in the

country. UP TCAGP also collaborated with the

National Mapping and Resource Information

Authority (NAMRIA) in dealing with similar problem

with the complexity of transforming cadastre to a

geocentric system based on the International

Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). The

methodologies include the determination of the

transformation parameters obtained from actual

data gathering of the existing reference points

and implementation of the transformation

parameters to cadastral parcels. The success of

the transformation is analyzed in terms of parcel

analysis specifically the effect of the

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

transformation to the direction and distance of a across the mangrove forest were assessed as
parcel‟s boundary lines & position and overlay to the level of damage: not damage,
analysis to determine the fitness of a transformed defoliated (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%), partially
cadastre to another adjoining cadastre. The result damaged (i.e., broken branches), defoliated
showed an improved fitness in the overlay with broken branches (severely damaged,
between adjoining cadastres and minimal SD), and totally damaged (TD). To relate this
change in the transformed parcel description. damage assessment matrix with the satellite
images, damage score (D-score) was
*Co-authors: Yvan F. Pagdonsolan, John Louie evaluated for each quadrant as the
D. Fabila weighted sum of the score for each damage
type/level (e.g., scoreTD = 6, scoreSD = 5). The
ARIEL C. BLANCO percentage of trees with specific damage
Reciñas-Simon Professorial Chair type/level with a quadrant was used as the
weight. The D-scores were regressed against
“Preliminary Assessment of Mangrove Damage NDVI derived from RapidEye image, yielding
and Recovery using ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 Data” an R2 of 0.073. The exclusion of large D-scores
(but with relatively high NDVI values)
Abstract: In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan significantly increased R2. This underscores the
damaged mangrove areas in the different limitation with the use of NDVI for damage
parts of the Philippines, including Calauit assessment owing to the three-dimensional
Island in Busuanga, Palawan, Philippines. As nature of the damages. The D-scores were
mangroves offer a range of ecosystem independently regressed with the SAR
services including blue carbon sequestration backscatter coefficient (sigma-nought, 〖σ˚〗_)
and storage, the extent and severity of for HH and HV, respectively. It was found out
damages brought out by typhoons and other that 〖σ˚〗_HV is correlated more strongly with
disturbances, either natural or anthropogenic,
must be assessed. Furthermore, it is crucial to D-scores than 〖σ˚〗_HH. The D-score-〖σ˚〗_HV
monitor recovery from such damages to be
able to devise intervention measures for model (D-score = 58.075*〖σ˚〗_HV + 1051)
rehabilitation or to evaluate the efficacy of yielded an R2 of 0.585. The grey level co-
such measures. However, the assessment of occurrence matrix or GLCM textures
damage and recovery has been limited to evaluated using 〖σ˚〗_HV layer were also
field surveys and if satellite or aerial images tested. Mean and homogeneity provided the
were used, the assessments were general and best fit compared to the other GLCM textures
limited to extents using damaged and non- with R2 of 0.484 and 0.503, respectively. The D
damaged classes. Vegetation indices for -score-〖σ˚〗_HV model was applied to
optical images can be used but severe succeeding ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 data to assess
limitation arises due to cloud cover and the recovery of mangroves. Recent field data
canopy sensing limitation. Mangrove at the same quadrats indicated that most of
damages brought about by strong typhoons the areas have recovered. This is in
can range from different levels of defoliation agreement with the decreasing 〖σ˚〗_HV and
to total damage (i.e., main trunk is broken or D-score.
tree is broken). The aforementioned limitations
can be addressed with the use of an L-band FLORENCE A. GALEON
SAR system, in this study, the ALOS-2 PALSAR-2. Cristy R. Hernandez Professorial Chair in
SAR is not limited by the presence of clouds Engineering
and the L-band penetrates deep into and
through the canopy. Malabrigo et al. (2016) "Geospatial Technologies Application in Property
developed a qualitative damage assessment Market Research for the Metro Manila Subway
system, applying it to mangroves in Calauit. Project (MMSP)"
From 28 June to 4 July 2014, individual trees
(>1cm diameter) with each of the 10 Abstract: The Metro Manila Subway Project
sampling quadrants (10m x 10m) distributed
37
UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

(MMSP) is one of the priority projects of the Duterte fundamental sources of information are required:
Administration. Japan International Cooperation knowledge from domain experts (hard facts) and
Agency (JICA) conducted the required studies for personal knowledge from farmers (soft facts, also
yen loan projects and, as a result, the Philippine called collective). These two sources of
Government decided to implement the MMSP information are fundamental to the analysis of
utilizing Japanese technologies. The MMSP eases farming conditions. The internet, data
traffic congestion in EDSA and expand transport interoperability, web portal and mobile data
network eastward, it is reliable, safe and collection systems are used to build the
comfortable transportation for commuters, technology to implement this information
encourages more socio-economic activities and requirement. The discussion presented here
balanced urban development in nearby station contributes to the development of ICT for
areas, and provides better connectivity via a north agriculture or e-agriculture and geoinformation
-south backbone for the Greater Capital Region. systems particularly in mobile data collection and
The railways operating in Metro Manila have been web portal. The paper further highlights on
criticized by the public for not providing efficient identifying the structure of the problem and the
services and proper maintenance of its facilities information required to create recommendation
primarily because of insufficiency of funds. Blessed on a complex process such as agriculture.
with prime locations and heavy commuter traffic,
a major passenger railway company in Japan, the EDGARDO G. MACATULAD
JR East group has been setting up “ekinaka” (in- Robert Cheng/Uratex Professorial Chair (3)
station) minimalls with popular names in central
Tokyo‟s stations. The ekinaka model targets busy “Seagrass Growth Simulation in Gama Platform
commuters passing through major hub stations, using a Functional Structural Approach”*
with some terminals seeing millions of passengers
daily. This MMSP is a huge undertaking requiring Abstract: Seagrasses aid in reducing sediments
the preparation of conceptual plans of Transit- and minimizing coastal erosion of shallow coasts,
oriented Development (TOD) and detailed design support a high diversity of organisms, and provide
of intermodal facilities. To collect the necessary habitats and nursing grounds for marine species.
information for these tasks, the JICA Design Team The main mechanism for seagrass growth is
(JDT) engaged a qualified local consultant to vegetative development or clonal plant growth in
execute the TOD Interview Survey. This is a study to which the rate of formation and the spatial
gather and tabulate physical and economic distribution of shoots within seagrass meadows is
property market data at specific locations utilizing regulated by the growth of rhizomes which
geospatial technologies. The aim of the TOD corresponds to shoot production. The process of
survey is to gather relevant market and legal rhizome growth is essential as it links the rhizome
information to facilitate the design and spread and shoot population development. A 2-
development of the MMSP non-rail businesses such dimensional model was designed to illustrate how
as leasing and advertisement. The result is the the rate of seagrass horizontal growth for Thalassia
efficient collection of property market data for hemprichii changes based on dissolved nutrients
MMSP. Most of the tenants interviewed would including dissolved nitrogen, dissolved phosphate,
prefer having a mall-like environment. In general, dissolved silicate and chlorophyll-A, using a
more retail spaces in high traffic stations will functional-structural approach implemented in
generate more lease revenues to help sustain line the modeling and simulation platform GAMA. The
operations. The new subway stations should follow simulated agents were initially randomly
the example of Japanese and other foreign distributed throughout a one-square meter plot
systems that organically integrate non-rail which are initially assumed to be free from
businesses into its design. obstructions (e.g. rocks and corals). Three
scenarios were simulated: ideal condition, and
OLIVER T. MACAPINLAC conditions with lowest and highest nutrient
Rasa Surveying Professorial Chair concentrations. For the ideal condition, majority of
the plot area was colonized into seagrass patches
“A Geoinformation Web and Mobile Framework after 4 and 5 years. High concentration of
for Agriculture Recommendation” nutrients results to lower elongation rate. Likewise,
if maximum values of nutrients were applied, the
Abstract. This paper discusses a framework in seagrass growth do not form a meadow even
operationalizing agricultural recommender after a period of 5 years. Formation of seagrass
systems. To create this recommender system, two patches were already observed after a period of

38 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

2 years. CZAR JAKIRI S. SARMIENTO
Roger Murga Professorial Chair
*Co-authors: M.S. Estabillo, T.A. Rollan, R. Rollon
“Temporal Variability of the Geoid Over the
ROSEANNE V. RAMOS Philippines”*
Sy Ling Chat Professorial Chair in Engineering
Abstract: This paper, written for the Professorial
“Geostatistics for Air Quality Mapping: Case of Chair Award, communicates and demonstrates
Baguio City, Philippines”* the time variability of the geoid over the
Philippines. The presented methods were simplified
Abstract: Mapping of air quality are often based for this paper to reinforce the understanding of the
on ground measurements using gravimetric and fundamental concepts related to geoids and
air portable sensors, remote sensing methods and geoid rates. Therefore, extreme care should be
atmospheric dispersion models. In this study, taken in the straightforward application of the
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and methods. Comprehensive examples (submitted, in
geostatistical techniques are employed to press and published) for the interested readers are
evaluate coarse particulate matter (PM10) cited accordingly within the text. Geoid variations
concentrations observed in the Central Business were estimated using GRACE temporal solutions.
District of Baguio City, Philippines. Baguio City has Gravity Field Solutions from three independent
been reported as one of the most polluted cities in solution providers CSR, JPL, and GFZ (2002 to 2015)
the country since 2014 and several studies have were investigated. The computed rates of change
already been conducted in monitoring its air are small (max ~0.16 mm/yr) compared to areas
quality. The datasets utilized in this study are based with effects from post-glacial rebound (max ~1.5
on hourly simulations from a Gaussian-based air mm/yr). GRACE geoid errors are approximately 11
dispersion model that considers the impacts of mm which exceeds the geoid rate estimates
vehicular emissions. presented in this paper. Large geoid height
variations of approximately 5 to 10 mm from
Dispersion modeling results of PM10 point month 106 to 134 were noted for two selected
concentrations spaced at 20-meter interval show IHRF stations. Computations show coincidence to
that high values range from 135 to 422 µg/m3. The the 2010-2013 high rainfall period. A causality
pollutant concentrations are evident within 40 relationship between extreme weather events and
meters from the roads. Spatial variations and geoid height variation, however, is inconclusive.
detailed estimates of these pollutant
concentrations are determined using Ordinary MARK EDWIN A. TUPAS
Kriging. Geostatistical modeling estimates are Cerlito San Juan and Family Professorial Chair
evaluated based on recommended values for
mean prediction error (MPE), root mean square “Diwata-1 Target Pointing Error Assessment using
error (RMSE) and standardized errors. Optimal Orbit and Space Environment Prediction Model”*
predictors for pollutant concentrations at 5-meter
interval include 2 to 5 search neighbors and Included in the Proceedings of the 2018 IEEE
variable smoothing factor for night-time datasets International Conference on Aerospace
while 2 to 10 search neighbors and smoothing Electronics and Remotes Sensing Technology
factors 0.3 to 0.5 for daytime datasets. Results from (ICARES). 978-1-5386-6032-4/18@2018 IEEE.
several interpolation tests indicate small MPE
ranging from 0.0003 to 0.0008 µg/m3 and average Co-Authors: Ariston, Gonzalez N., Felicio, Francisco
standardized errors 4.24 to 8.67 µg/m3. RMSE Miguel B., Labrador, John Leur D., and Magallon,
ranges from 2.95 to 5.43 µg/m3, which are Benjamin Jonah P.,
approximately 2 to 3% of the maximum pollutant
concentrations in the area. The methodology 39
presented in this paper may be integrated with air
dispersion models in refining estimates of pollutant
concentrations, in generating surface
representations and in understanding the spatial
variations of the outputs from the air dispersion
model simulations.

*Co-author: Ariel C. Blanco

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

40 UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019 41

BENETTE P. CUSTODIO LORELIE C. GREPO
Jose Edgar Manrique Professorial Chair in UPAA San Francisco – Mely & Rick Ray
Industrial Engineering Foundation

“Comparison of Observational Methods for “Effectiveness of Mobile Apps in Promoting
Ergonomic Assessment of Tasks- an Input for Physical Activity among College Students: A
Developing an Ergonomic Assessment Tools Pilot Study”
Database”
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is linked to
Abstract: WMSDs are occupational injuries reduced risk for non-communicable diseases
and diseases which are impairments of the that are leading causes of deaths worldwide.
bodily structures, such as muscles, tendons, Mobile app-based interventions targeting
joints, nerves, ligaments, or the localized physical activity present cost-effective
blood circulation system, caused or solutions to decrease health care costs, as
aggravated primarily by the performance of well as promoting a proactive approach to
work and by the effects of the immediate overall health and wellbeing. This paper
environment in which work is carried out presents the results from a preliminary study
(European Agency for Safety and Health at that examines how mobile apps can help
Work, 2007). Measurement of exposure to the form a physical activity behavior and habit
risk factors contributing to WMSD has been of among students and the possible effects of
interest to epidemiologists and ergonomists doing physical activity. Specifically, this study
conducting research studies. It is also of equal aims to (1) describe how mobile apps
importance to ergonomics practitioners, influence physical activity behavior and
health physicians, employers, employee physical activity habit, and, (2) describe how
representatives, and regulating authorities as students use the mobile app in the study. This
basis for programmes of risk prevention and study involved a field experiment where
reduction. OHS (Occupational Health & college students‟ physical activity were
Safety) has published steps in conducting an reported. Participants were randomized into 2
effective ergonomic risk assessment which groups: half of the participants were asked to
involves the standard use of assessment tool. use a habit-tracking app (App Group) while
There are a lot of ergonomic assessment tools the other half managed their PA by
available in the public domain. With an themselves (No App Group). An online survey
abundant number of published research/ that contains the International Physical
articles regarding these tools and a variety of Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Self-Reported
users, there is a need for an ergonomic Habit Index (SRHI) and Perceptions about the
assessment tools database that will make the habit app were administered weekly. Habit
process of searching, reviewing, and selecting app effectiveness was evaluated by
the most appropriate tool for ergonomic comparing the two groups (control and
assessment easier and faster. The study experimental) in terms of the reported
developed a framework for an ergonomic physical activity levels as well as their physical
assessment tool database which considers activity habit strength using t-test and
the provision of a comprehensive, ANOVA.
categorized list of existing tools, and essential
information such as application, link to EUGENE REX L. JALAO
methodology/how-to-use, link to existing DITCI Professorial Chair
studies, and comparison between tools. Initial
input to the database was information on the “Bureau of Customs Collection Management
observational methods for ergonomic Reporting System for the Department of
assessment of tasks. Finance – Financial Analytics and Intelligence
Unit”*
42
Abstract: Performance measurement is the

UP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TECHNICAL BULLETIN 2019