Kristian Hauser Villegas
National Institute of Physics
College of Science
UP Diliman
Spatial Structures of QCD Pair Condensates at Various Densities. Physical Review C, 91: 065209, 5 pages, 2015.
QCD at various densities involves various particle pairings inspired from superconductivity in condensed matter physics. At low density, the pairing involves the $\chi$SB-$q\bar{q}$ pairs; while, at intermediate density, the quarks form a 2SC state and the pairing involves (qq), $hh$, and (\bar{q}\bar{q}). At high density, the quarks enter the color-flavor-locked phase(CFL). Due to asymptotic freedom, perturbation theory works well in this regime, which makes the CFL phase relatively well-understood. Following the BCS wavefunction, it is usually easier to write down various QCD pairs in momentum basis. This, however, obscures the spatial structure of the pair. One study that investigates the spatial structure of the quark pair is done by Matsuzaki(2000). In this paper, the gap $\Delta (k)$ was solved from the gap equation and the pair wave function $\phi(r)$ was obtained as a Fourier transform of $\phi(k)=\frac{1}{2}\frac{\Delta (k)}{E'(k)}$. Although their solution did not rely explicitly on weak-coupling approximation, they nevertheless used the one-gluon exchange interaction whose justification involves the running of the coupling constants into the weak-coupling regime. Hence their result should be reliable in CFL phase and at the neighbourhood between CFL-2SC transition. The main difficulty in the regime below the CFL density is the strong-coupling character of the interaction. Unlike in the low density strong-coupling regime, lattice QCD is not fully helpful here due to the fermion sign problem. Although it is well-known that the Cooper pairs are extended and have huge overlap in real space, it is surprising that its detailed spatial structure is not well-explored in literature even in condensed matter physics. The only papers that I am aware-of that studied this are done by Kadin (2007) for electron Cooper pair and by Matsuo (2006) for neutron Cooper pair. In this paper, I will investigate the spatial structures of the pair-wave functions for low and intermediate densities proposed by Alford in 1998. This pairing ansatz were able to successfully account many low-to-intermediate density properties and this can be taken as a strong indication of its validity even at strong-coupling regime. In this paper, I investigated the spatial structures of various pairings in QCD at different densities. For $\chi$SB $q\bar{q}$ pairing at low density, it was shown that the pair is well-localized in space with average bond length $\unit[1]{fm}$. It was argued that the momentum space wavefunction contains an additional information about the spatial structure of the pair compared to the order parameter $\langle 0|\bar{\Psi}(x)_L\Psi(x)_R+\bar{\Psi}(x)_R\Psi(x)_L|0\rangle$, which is written in terms of local operators. The possibility that the pions carry the spatial structure attributes of the underlying pair condensate was suggested.At intermediate densities, it was found that the $qq$ and $hh$ pairs are extended and oscillating in space, similar to the spatial structure of an electron Cooper pair. The oscillations were attributed to the existence of sharp Fermi surfaces. The $\bar{q}\bar{q}$ pair, which does not have a sharp Fermi surface, remains well-localized.As the density is increased from zero, it was shown that there is a transition from a well-localized $q\bar{q}$ pair to an extended $qq$ pair. This is reminiscent of the BEC-BCS crossover in condensed matter physics\cite{BECBCS} which is also studied for Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model in \cite{He10}. There is a big difference, however. First, the particles involved in the pairs are different across the transition: $q\bar{q}$ at low densities and $qq$ at higher densities. Second, there are $\chi$SB and color SU(3)$\rightarrow$ SU(2) breaking at the transition. Third, as pointed-out in \cite{Alford08}, the diquarks in 2SC state are colored and hence interact strongly. Hence, the transition is not a mere crossover but a legitimate phase transition.
Link to the article: http://journals.aps.org/prc/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevC.91.065209
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 3.733
Noelynna T. Ramos
National Institute of Geological Sciences
College of Science
UP Diliman
Coseismic Displacement and Recurrence Interval of the 1973 Ragay Gulf Earthquake, Southern Luzon, Philippines. Journal of Disaster Research, 10 (1): 83-90, 2015.
The 1973 Ragay Gulf earthquake produced an onshore surface rupture approximately 30 km in length along the Guinayangan segment of the Philippine fault in southern Luzon Island. To better characterize the coseismic and long-term behavior of the Guinayangan segment of the Philippine fault, we conducted geological and paleoseismological studies of the surface rupture associated with the 1973 Ragay Gulf earthquake. The coseismic offsets we identified in the field were fairly constant along the fault, ranging from 1 to 2 m. Paleoseismic trenching at the Capuluan Tulon site exposed stratigraphic evidence for three or possibly four surface rupturing events after the deposition of strata dated at AD 410–535. The average recurrence interval was calculated to be 360–780 years, which is close to that for the Digdig fault, the source fault of the 1990 central Luzon earthquake. The slip rate, based on the calculated recurrence interval and offsets during the 1973 earthquake, has been calculated to be 2.1–4.4 mm/yr. This rate is significantly smaller than the geodetic slip and creep rates of 20–25 mm/yr estimated for the Philippine fault on the islands of Masbate and Leyte. The slip rate deficit may be explained by the possibilities of underestimation of the recurrence interval due to possible missing paleoseismic events within the stratigraphic records, the occurrence of larger earthquakes in the past, and the aseismic fault creep between the surface-rupturing earthquakes.
Link to the article: http://www.fujipress.jp/JDR/DSSTR00100001.html#pagetop
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Jeremiah A. Reyes
Department of Philosophy
College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
UP Diliman
Loób and Kapwa: An Introduction to a Filipino Virtue Ethics. Asian Philosophy, 25 (2): 148-171, 2015.
This article is an introduction to a Filipino virtue ethics. It advocates a shift from thinking in terms of “Filipino values” to “Filipino virtues”. It deals with important Filipino concepts such as loób, kapwa, kagandahang-loób, utang-na-loób, pakikiramdam, hiya, lakas-ng-loób and bahala na. It provides an overview of all these concepts, but does not give the most in-depth treatment to each. The importance of this research is that the shift to a Filipino virtue ethics, especially through the help of Thomist virtue ethics, allows us to understand these concepts much better as a whole, what they are and why they function in the way they do. This is important in preserving these Filipino ethical concepts in the face of Western ideas.
Link to the article: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09552367.2015.1043173
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Nina G. Gloriani
Department of Medical Microbiology
College of Public Health
UP Manila
Natural Defense by Saliva and Mucosa Against Oral Infection by Leptospira. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 60 (6): 383-389, 2014.
Catchy title of research: Saliva, oral mucosa and acid in the stomach are natural defense when leptospira are ingested or swallowed.
Leptospirosis is more frequently acquired through skin abrasions, but ingestion is a possible route of transmission. This study conducted using the hamster animal model showed that saliva could agglutinate leptospira , effectively reducing its infectivity. The intact oral mucosa was also shown to be a physical barrier against leptospira infection. Additionally, hamsters infected with leptospirae via the intragastric route did not become ill, suggesting that the gastric acid played a role in defense against oral leptopira infection. These results provided new insights on natural host defenses against leptospira infection, and further suggested that the oral route was not as effective as the subcutaneous route, in causing leptospira infection and death in the animal model. From a practical perspective, it was concluded that patients with inflamed or diseased gums or oral mucosa are more likely to be infected by leptospira during ingestion of leptospira-contaminated water.
Link to the article: http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjm-2014-0016#.VcjSXHFViko
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 1.221
Antoinette R. Raquiza
Asian Center
UP Diliman
Changing Configuration of Philippine Capitalism. Philippine Political Science Journal, 35 (2): 225-250, 2014.
Link to the article: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01154451.2014.969799#.VcjT83FViko
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Kryssa D. Balangcod, Freda M. Wong and Teodora D. Balangcod
Department of Biology
College of Science
UP Baguio
Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver Grass) as a Potential Plant for Landslide Bioengineering at Atok, Benguet, Philippines. Australian Journal of Botany, 63 (3 & 4) 216-221, 2015.
Catchy title of research: Vetiver Grass as Potential Landslide Bioengineering Species.
Landslides have been occurring all over the country especially during the rainy season. To be able to help in restoring these landslide scars and landslide-prone areas, vetiver grass 
was used as an experimental plant. A four-year old landslide scar located in Poblacion, Atok, Benguet province was selected for the research. Vetiver grass was reared initially for three months inside a nursery for the grass to acclimatize and adapt to the environment. Monitoring of the vegetative growth performance of the grasses was conducted and growth parameters were recorded regularly to observe its capability to survive. After three months inside the nursery, the plants were then transplanted to the landslide scar area. The grasses were planted a foot or less apart. Further monitoring was done to ensure its successful growth in the landslide area. Results of the monitoring showed that the vetiver grass was able to adapt to the harsh environment in the landslide area. This includes the overexposure to sun, rocky type of soil, and even low amounts of water.
Link to the article: http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=BT14271
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 1.355
Mark Daniel G. De Luna
Department of Chemical Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
Removal and Recovery of Lead in a Fluidized-bed Reactor by Crystallization Process. Hydrometallurgy, 155: 6–12, May 2015.
Lead (Pb) is known for its high and long-term toxicity even at very low concentrations and its presence limits the reusability and recyclability of industrial wastewaters. In this study, Pb was recovered from synthetic wastewater as PbCO3 crystals via the fluidized-bed crystallization process. Pb removal exceeded 99% when the operating pH was kept within a range of 8–9 and the carbonate-to-lead molar ratio was set to 3:1. Higher Pb removals were obtained with the gradual reduction of recirculation flow rate. The present study demonstrates the potential of Pb recovery from contaminated wastewaters using fluidized-bed crystallization technology.
Link to the article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304386X15000596
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 1.933
Gil M. Penuliar
Institute of Biology
College of Science
UP Diliman
Phenotypic and Transcriptional Profiling in Entamoeba histolytica Reveal Costs to Fitness and Adaptive Responses Associated with Metronidazole Resistance. Frontiers in Microbiology, 6, 354: 17 pages, May 2015.
Catchy title of research: Costs and Advantages of Drug Resistance in Entamoebahistolytica
Amebiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by Entamoebahistolytica, thatis generally treated with drugs like metronidazole (MTZ). Recent studies have shown, however, that E. 
histolytica can develop resistance to MTZ, which may cause complications in treatment and much worse, treatment failures. The general objective of this study was to determine the effects of drug resistance in E. histolytica, in terms of morphology, physiology, and molecular genetics. To accomplish the objective, an MTZ drug-resistant strain, we called MTZR, was generated after several months of growing the normal drug-susceptible E. histolytica with low concentrations of MTZ. We then studied the changes it underwent by comparing it to normal cells.Our results showed that MTZR was bigger and more granular, and it also divided and grew slower. Compared to normal cells, it did not attach as fast and was less able to kill other cells. In addition, its metabolism was also slower. When we examined changes in the molecular level, we saw that some genes were expressed less, compared to the control, while others were expressed more. Examples of genes that were expressed more were those for a hypothetical protein and several iron-sulfur flavoproteins, while genes for leucine-rich proteins were examples of those which were expressed less.Overall, our findings indicated that resistance of E. histolytica to MTZ resulted in specific changes in morphology, physiology and gene expression. The best findings we got from the study were to discover that even though E. histolyticacan be made resistant to MTZ, resistant cells became less pathogenic and were less dangerous.
Link to the article: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4419850/
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 3.989
Sir Anril P. Tiatco and Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete
Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts
College of Arts and Letters
UP Diliman
Entanglement: A Preliminary Study on a Philippine Puppet Sinakulo for Children. Humanities Diliman, 12 (1): 49-77, 1 January 2015.
In this essay, we provide an introduction to a puppet sinakulo for children staged every year (Palm Sunday) by the Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas. We provide a general overview on the creation of the play as well as a critical reading of the play written and originally directed by Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio.
Link to the article:
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Marshaley J. Baquiano
Division of Social Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Visayas
Humour in Power-Differentiated Intergroup Wage Negotiation. Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology, 9 (1): 15-27, June 2015.
Catchy title of research: Sharing a Laugh: Role of Humor in Wage Negotiations
Literature has shown the significant role that humor plays in business meetings, conversation between friends and co-workers, problem solving, conflict negotiations, and even price haggling. Most of these studies, however, looked at conversations where there is equal distribution of power. As such this study investigates humor as used in a social interaction where there are asymmetries in power relations. Specifically, the study looks at how humor is utilized by the local labor union and management negotiators of a multinational beverage company operating in the Philippines during their wage bargaining meetings. Transcripts of these meetings served as data of the study, and were analysed using conversation analysis. Results show that humor is used by management to help control and lessen tensions and deadlocks in the process of negotiation. Management also employs humor to remind labor that it is the one in authority and in charge. Labor, on the other hand, uses humor to express the voice of the underdog (e.g., assert and demand action from management); as well as to challenge the authority of management. Use of humor helps both parties articulate their strong arguments in a light-hearted fashion, preventing adverse effects in the process. Both parties also draw on humor to ensure that harmony is maintained as they work towards wage bargaining agreement. Humor, it can be seen, encourages intergroup teambuilding that creates a “we-feeling” among negotiators. Results of the study point to the value of the use of humor when groups try to effectively navigate through wage bargaining conversations.
Link to the article: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=9941053&fileId=S1834490915000021
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Victor S. Ticzon
Institute of Biological Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
UP Los Baños
Delineating Optimal Settlement Areas of Juvenile Reef Fish in Ngederrak Reef, Koror State, Republic of Palau. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 187 (1): 4089, 14 pages, January 2015.
Catchy title of research: Identifying Areas of High Juvenile Reef Fish Aggregation
Accurately predicting the distribution of juvenile fish on a coral reef is important to management. Creating a habitat map where classes and their relative position in space can be used 
as proxies in identifying preferred habitats of juvenile reef fish would be invaluable to identifying areas where fisheries reserve could be established. The results emphasize the importance of branching structures in determining species count and abundance of juvenile reef fish at the outer reef slope of Ngederrak Reef. In the generated habitat map, the accurate delineation of these features allowed us to identify reef areas with the highest potential to harbor a rich aggregation of juvenile reef fish. Using a developed spatial analysis tool that ranks pixel groups based on user defined parameters, the reef area near the Western channel of Ngederrak is predicted to have the most robust aggregation of juvenile reef fish. The results have important implications not only in management, but also in modeling the impacts of habitat loss on reef fish community.
Link to the article: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10661-014-4089-7
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 1.679
Mark Daniel G. de Luna
Department of Chemical Engineering
College of Engineering
UP Diliman
Removal and Recovery of Lead in a Fluidized-bed Reactor by Crystallization Process. Hydrometallurgy, 155: 6–12, May 2015.
Lead (Pb) is known for its high and long-term toxicity even at very low concentrations and its presence limits the reusability and recyclability of industrial wastewaters. In this study, Pb was recovered from synthetic wastewater as PbCO3 crystals via the fluidized-bed crystallization process. Pb removal exceeded 99% when the operating pH was kept within a range of 8–9 and the carbonate-to-lead molar ratio was set to 3:1. Higher Pb removals were obtained with the gradual reduction of recirculation flow rate. The present study demonstrates the potential of Pb recovery from contaminated wastewaters using fluidized-bed crystallization technology.
Link to the article:
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 1.933
Gemino H. Abad
Department of English and Comparative Literature
College of Arts and Letters
UP Diliman
“Fantastic Ganglion” in Desde Hong Kong Poets in Conversation with Octavio Paz on the Occasion of the Poet’s Centenary. German Muñoz, Tammy Ho and Juan Jose Morales (editors). Hong Kong: Chameleon Press, 2014.
Isabela Banzon
Department of English and Comparative Literature
College of Arts and Letters
UP Diliman
“In Salzburg” in Desde Hong Kong Poets in Conversation with Octavio Paz on the Occasion of the Poet’s Centenary. German Muñoz, Tammy Ho and Juan Jose Morales (editors). Hong Kong: Chameleon Press, 2014.
Percia V. Secreto and Rhodora L. Pamulaklakin
Office of the University Registrar
UP Open University
Learners’ Satisfaction Level with Online Student Portal as a Support System in an Open and Distance eLearning Environment (ODeL). Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 16 (3): 33-47, 2015.
Learner support in an open, distance and online learning is defined as “all activities and elements in education that respond to a known learner or group of learners, and which are 
designed to assist in the cognitive, affective, and systemic realms of the learning process” (Brindley, et. al, 2004). Teaching and tutoring, advising and counseling, and information and administration are the main institutional systems involved in learner support. The UP Open University functions under an open and distance e-learning (ODeL) framework of distance education where most of its academic and non-academic processes are done through the Internet. It has developed an online Academic Information Management System (AIMS) which serves as the gateway to the University’s academic operations. The Online Student Portal (OSP) is the component of the system for the students. OSP serves such functionalities as online registration, viewing of grades, request for their records, payment of fees, and information hub. The study analyzed the learners’ satisfaction with the portal’s functionality, efficiency, appearance, ease of use, and security. An online survey was conducted of continuing undergraduate and graduate students (n=147) who were admitted prior to the implementation of the portal and thus had experienced both the manual and online processes. The survey was conducted from September 26 to October 3, 2013. In general, about 85 percent of those who participated in the survey were either very satisfied or satisfied with their overall experience of the portal. Ninety percent of the total participants found the portal cost-effective and informative. Overall, the participants identified the portal as a convenient and effective venue for getting accurate and immediate information about their performance, school activities, academic schedules, and other information relevant to their learning transactions. These features had made the portal an important student support tool that may enhance the learning experience of online learners.
Link to the article:
Impact Factor: Not yet available
Nina G. Gloriani
Department of Medical Microbiology
College of Public Health
UP Manila
Comparative Analysis of Leptospira Strains Isolated from Environmental Soil and Water in the Philippines and Japan. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 79 (2): 601-609, January 2013.
Catchy title of research: Leptospira isolated from soil and water in the Philippines and Japan differ in ability to cause disease.
Forty percent of soil/ water from Metro Manila and Nueva Ecija in the Philippines (24/60) and 46% or 13/28 samples from Fukuoka, Japan were found positive for leptospira bacteria. Most of these were non-pathogenic. Four leptospira isolates were pathogenic, based on genetic characterization, and belonged to Leptospira alstonii species. However , its virulence or capacity to cause disease had been lost. One isolate from Nueva Ecija was identified as L. licerasiae, classified as intermediate pathogen. The study also showed that leptospira survived in wet soil on dry days and appeared on the surface water on rainy days. These variations in leptospira strains result from their adaptation to their environment.
Link to the article: http://aem.asm.org/content/79/2/601.short
Impact Factor: (2013) 3.952
Nina G. Gloriani
Department of Medical Microbiology
College of Public Health
UP Manila
Development of Immunochromatography-Based Methods for Detection of Leptospiral Lipopolysaccharide Antigen in Urine. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 20 (5): 683-690, May 2013.
Catchy title of research: A Rapid test for leptospira antigen detected in urine of patients
Leptospirosis is currently diagnosed by culture –isolation techniques and by microscopic agglutination tests, which are both time consuming, expensive and require expertise. A new immunochromatographic test similar to the pregnancy test kit format was developed as a rapid simple, non –invasive test for leptospirosis. This test detects a specific leptospira antigen in the urine of patients. The test kit uses a monoclonal antibody specific for the lipopolysaccharide antigen common among leptospira species. This antibody detects the antigen found in urine of patients. The performance of this lateral-flow rapid test was found to be good, with sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 87% respectively. It could be used as an alternative screening test for leptospirosis, although it still needs further development to improve the assay, especially the need for pre-treatment of the urine sample to reduce non-specific reactions. The assay kit has potential in its applications in point of care diagnosis.
Link to the article: http://cvi.asm.org/content/20/5/683.short
Impact Factor: (2013) 2.37
Rico Ancog and Clarisse Ruzol
SESAM
UP Los Baños
Urbanization Adjacent to a Wetland of International Importance: The Case of Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Metro Cebu, Philippines. Habitat International, 49: 325–332, October 2015.
The Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS) is the first Ramsar Site in the Philippines because of its high biological diversity especially of migratory birds. Important wetland 
ecosystems, such as the OIWS, are also protected by the law in the Philippines by virtue of the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act. However, the environmental state of the wetland ecosystem is increasingly being threatened by the regional impacts of urbanization brought about by the pressures of population and spatial development in Metro Cebu. This study highlights this phenomenon and focuses on the relation between urbanization and OIWS in terms of land cover change and population growth before and after the declaration of the protected area in 1992. The results show that urban cover expansion is higher from 1992 to 2007 compared to the years before the declaration of OIWS as protected area. This can be attributed to the prioritization of the expansion of urban space in Metro Cebu. Onthe other hand, percent population growth is much higher from 1970 to 1980 (47.14%) and 1980 to 1990(34.00%) than after the proclamation of OIWS. Shift in the availability and accessibility of the types of primaryand alternative sources of income in fishing communities indicate the influence of urbanization.Perceived problems in fishing reflect the environmental effects of urbanization such as oil spill, solidwaste mismanagement, and reclamation projects that relate to the decrease in fish stock.
Link to the article: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197397515001241
Impact Factor: (2014/2015) 1.746
