Department Of Science And Technology Research Articles

Business Intelligence Data-driven Assistant (BIDDA) for MSMEs using Setup Predictive Performance Model

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is offering soft loan service under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), to assist Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to avail useful technologies and machineries in order to improve their operations. Low rate of repayments affects the agency’s operations and the government. This paper aimed to create a predictive system analysis to foresee the success of loan repayment in the agency, particularly in SETUP Program. MSMEs may enroll in this program through project proposal, indicating the marketing aspect; technological aspect; and financial aspect of the firm. The DOST evaluates the firm’s positivity and its repayment capability through the abovementioned three aspects. BIDDA aims to determine the significant attributes in the development of data sets of SETUP adopter selection criteria in terms of: a. demographic profile; b. pre-performance business profile; and c. post-performance business profile after S&T intervention. There are also three foundations on the predictive computation for success rate: The Financial which covers the 50%; the Sector which covers the 30%; and the Location which covers the 20% of the total 100% of the success rate. This also helps the MSMEs to determine not only in terms of SETUP program success rate but also in their business success rate. We used Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) machine learning model for the predictive analysis in the BIDDA application.

Cyber threat intelligence practices in the national sphere of government in South Africa

Over the past two decades, cybercrime and cybercriminals have had a great impact on the safety, security and protection of the public sector’s confidential data and information assets. The increased usage of the internet and new, advanced 4IR technologies, and the digitisation of government’s public sector goods and services have become a growing concern to the government and its public sector institutions. In the South African context, as a developing country, it unfortunately lags behind advanced and developed nations in terms of fully counteracting cybercrime and cybercriminal operations. Despite this challenge, the South African government has been making tremendous efforts in combatting cybercrime. The aim of this article is to contextualise the study and practice of cyber threat intelligence at the national sphere of government in the South African public sector, namely, the former Department of Energy (DoE), former Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the former Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) a qualitative research approach was followed using a case study approach. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews with senior departmental management. The findings are presented according to the Threat Intelligence Lifecycle analysis which serves as an analytical framework. The study concludes that in order to achieve effective cybersecurity practices and principles in the public sector , the government must identify the top trends commonly associated with cybersecurity to be able to develop and implement counteractive strategies and approaches, as well as to improve security systems and programs to ensure that an organisation is sufficiently prepared for and protected against cybercriminals and cyberattacks.

Investigation of 58Ni (n, p)58Co reaction cross-section with covariance analysis* *One of the authors (A.H.) sincerely acknowledges the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, for the INSPIRE Fellowship award (No. DST/INSPIRE Fellowship/2019/IF190924). G.S. and B.K.A. acknowledge partial support from the SERB, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, with grants No. SIR/2022/000566 and CRG/2021/000101, respectively

The excitation function of the reaction was measured using the well-established neutron activation technique and γ-ray spectroscopy. Neutrons in the energy range of 1.7 to 2.7 were generated using the reaction. The neutron flux was measured using the standard monitor reaction. The results of the neutron spectrum averaged cross-section of reactions were compared with existing cross-section data available in the EXFOR data library as well as with various evaluated data libraries such as ENDF/B-VIII.0, JEFF-3.3, JENDL-4.0, and CENDL-3.2. Theoretical calculations were performed using the nuclear reaction code TALYS. Various nuclear level density (NLD) models were tested, and their results were compared with the present findings. Realistic NLDs were also obtained through the spectral distribution method (SDM). The cross-section results, along with the absolute errors, were obtained by investigating the uncertainty propagation and using the covariance technique. Corrections for γ-ray true coincidence summing, low-energy background neutrons, and γ-ray self attenuation were performed. The experimental cross-section obtained in the present study is consistent with previously published experimental data, evaluated libraries, and theoretical calculations carried out using the TALYS code.

Editorial

It gives me great pleasure to present this brief introduction to our 2023 issue of JOVACET, now in its sixth year of publication and seeking to increase its footprint with each passing year. To illustrate these endeavours, this year saw JOVACET being accepted on two more platforms: the first is the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and, more recently, our journal has joined the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), an open-access searchable database that is managed in South Africa by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf ), is funded by the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST), and has the endorsement of the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET; see https://www.scielo.org.za for more information about the broader SciELO initiative). As part of the conditions of the SciELO listing, journals are required to publish individual articles on the platform for online access in advance of the completed journal being published. This was a new challenge for JOVACET, as we had not experimented with this requirement previously, and it meant putting some pressure on our time frames for reviewing and editing (so ably managed by Dr Catherine Robertson) so that at least one article could be published as a stand-alone that would also be included in the full journal for this year. MORE > DOWNLOAD THE FULL EDITORIAL HERE

Study of various ground state decay mechanisms of Actinide nuclei* *Financial support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, India in the form of a research project grant (CRG/2021/001144) is gratefully acknowledged.

The special property of the actinide mass region is that nuclei belonging to this group are radioactive and undergo different ground state processes, such as alpha decay, cluster radioactivity (CR), heavy particle radioactivity (HPR), and spontaneous fission (SF). In this study, the probable radioactive decay modes of the heavy mass region (Z = 89−102) are studied within the framework of the preformed cluster model (PCM). In the PCM, the radioactive decay modes are explored in terms of the preformation probability () and penetration probability (P) at the turning point , where the penetration of fragments is initiated [R = R (touching state) + (neck length parameter)]. First, the alpha decay half-lives are calculated for light and heavy nuclei, and points are obtained by optimizing the neck length parameter. These points are further employed to fix the Q-value dependent turning point ((Q)). Then, using the ((Q)) relation, the decay half-lives are computed, and the calculated results are compared with the available theoretical and experimental data. The isotopical trend of and P is studied with respect to the mass number of the parent and daughter nucleus, respectively. The CR and HPR channels are also explored, and a comparison of calculated data is conducted with the available literature. Comparative analysis of the fragmentation potential and preformation probability is carried out for alpha decay and SF. The mass distribution of the nuclei is studied as a function of fragment mass (A ) by considering the spherical and hot-compact deformation of the decaying fragments. Finally, the most probable fission fragments are identified using the fragmentation structure, and the corresponding fission fragment total kinetic energy of the identified fragments is calculated and compared with available data, wherever applicable.

Data management of digitized indigenous knowledge system in repositories

This paper assesses the data management of digitized Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in IKS repositories in South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative research method. The multiple case study research design was adopted to collect data from eight respondents in four Indigenous Knowledge Systems Documentation Centres (IKSDCs) in repositories spread across three provinces in South Africa. The findings revealed that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) coordinates the national IKS programmes under the National Recordal System (NRS) and they are responsible for the management of digitized IKS. The findings also revealed that although the National Indigenous Knowledge Management System (NIKMAS) was built for the management of the data, the system is still in its planning phase, and work is still in progress. In addition, it was discovered that information professionals like archivists and records managers are currently not involved in the management of IKS data in the repositories. The paper offers recommendations on the data management and storage of IKS, data description, mitigating the challenges, and some measures to help ensure the authenticity of the IKS data collected in the repositories.

Professed Student Satisfaction on Scholarship Services and its Relation to College Persistence in One State University in Laguna

Lack of studies linking student support services and financial assistance, particularly the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) undergraduate scholarship, to college outcomes such as persistence has been one of the issues in STEM education in the Philippines. Even though previous findings have shown the clear impact of financial support on student success, local researchers have only focused on student satisfaction with the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and persistence. This is why the researchers decided to determine the relationship between the satisfaction of scholarship services provided by the DOST in terms of scholarship updates, support for scholars’ organizations and activities, staff assistance, support for scholarship-related problems, and scholarship benefits and college persistence components, namely: academic integration, social integration, support service satisfaction, degree commitment, institutional commitment, and academic conscientiousness. A descriptive-correlational design was utilized with a convenience sampling technique to select 67 DOST scholars as respondents. Self-reported assessments were used to measure the variables. The results show that the students were very satisfied with the scholarship services, and they are highly persistent in all indicators except academic conscientiousness. However, there is no significant relationship between satisfaction with scholarship services and college persistence. Studying other potential variables related to scholarship services and implementing policies to improve college persistence is recommended.

Artemotil mediates protection in experimental colitis through the induction of Type 1 regulatory T cells

Abstract Artemotil (β-arteether) is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin - a natural compound isolated from the plant Artemisia annuaand used worldwide as a front-line anti-malarial drug. Besides its anti-malarial effect, several studies have reported its potential use as an anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory agent. Artemotil was found to suppress the generation and function of Th1 and Th17 while promoting the generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). The role of Artemotil in modulating the generation and functions of Type 1 regulatory T cells is not yet identified. Tr1 cells are one of the key cell types that are essential for inhibiting inflammatory response through IL-10. In this study, we report an additional role of Artemotil by selectively inducing the generation of Tr1 cells induced by IL-27 by upregulating the signature of Tr1 cells genes such as c-maf and Prdm1, IRF-1, and Batf. We found that co-administer of Artemotil with anti-CD3 antibody increases the induction of IL-10 and frequency of Tr1 cells while suppressing Th1 and Th17 cells in vivo associated with less severe T-cell-induced enteropathy and intestinal inflammation. We further show the anti-inflammatory role of Artemotil in the chronic T-cell-induced colitis model in which Artemotil treatment alleviates the signs of colitis associated with the increased frequencies of Tr1 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that Artemotil provides protection in T-cell-mediated colitis by increasing the expansion of Tr1 cells and inhibiting the generation of Th1 and Th17 cells. This study was supported by grants from Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India (CRG/2018/002653)

Assessing the Performance of Biogas Digester as a Sustainable Energy Technology: Solution for Domestic Use in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the Philippines has initiated a project focused on biogas digesters, which are being implemented in Muntinlupa City, the southernmost city in the National Capital Region (NCR). A biogas digester is an oxygen-free vessel that utilizes organic waste materials to produce biogas, which can be used for cooking and heating purposes. As part of Muntinlupa City’s waste management practices, the Environmental Sanitation Center (ESC), an office responsible for implementing the ecological solid waste management system in the city, has been operating a functioning model of a biogas digester at the Pacwood Site in Barangay Tunasan which is located in the southern section of the city, adjacent to the province of Laguna. The study aims to assess the functionality, feasibility, and potential for household utilization of the biogas digester among the residents of Barangay Tunasan. The research methods employed included online and actual surveys targeting the citizens of the locality, an on-site visit at the ESC facility, and an interview with relevant personnel managing the biogas digester. Majority of the respondents were unaware of the biogas digester and had not yet used it, but expressed willingness to utilize it for domestic purposes. The biogas digester at the Pacwood Site was operated by utilizing ostrich feces which were fed with shredded vegetable waste from the public market. The project was found to be sustainable and contributed to the waste management efforts of the city. However, the researchers identified potential areas for improvement, and due to the limited data obtained, further studies were recommended to gather more information and insights. The functioning model established in Barangay Tunasan provided positive results in terms of sustainability and waste management. Additional research is required to enhance the project and address the identified areas for improvement.

44th ASM Message, DOST Secretary

On behalf of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), I would like to congratulate the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) for successfully organizing the 44th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) with the theme “PAGTANAW 2050: Agham Tungo sa Mabuting Kinabukasan (FORESIGHT 2050: Science for a Sustainable Future)”. At the dawn of the new administration, we look back at the achievements of the past and plan for concrete strategies on how to fulfill the new administration’s agenda on industrialization, energy program, climate change adaptation program, agricultural and food security program, and other economic development agenda through science, technology, and innovation. As part of our initiatives, we at DOST, together with NAST PHL, aim for the realization of these goals by harnessing the products of scientific inquiry and technological advancement that hopefully would translate to inclusive economic growth and development for the sustainable future of our country. NAST PHL has been committed to fulfilling its duties of recognizing excellence in science and technology, engaging in projects and programs designed to promote scientific productivity, establishing scientific linkages, providing scientific advice to the President, the Cabinet, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, and promoting a strong science culture in Philippine society. These efforts are always appreciated with gratitude. We commend NAST PHL for connecting with the regional offices as well as our hardworking scientists for their noteworthy concerns through their scientific research and endeavors. It is our hope that through our combined efforts, we can create a better future through our service and dedication, and that our people will feel the benefits of science and technology and the sincerity of the government for our country and the Filipino people. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Commercial Production of Fish Squash Patties Utilizing Local Milkfish (Bangus)

Bulacan, Philippines is blessed with rich common assets in light of its bounteous items like fish. A portion of these fish are accessible the entire year, and from among the fishes, Bangus or Chanos-Chanos has the largest supply. When there is so much supply, these fish end up less expensive, and an oversupply sometimes results in a significant loss to the fisher folks, particularly in Hagonoy, which is home to around 1,423 fishpond administrators and 55 enrolled consignations. Product development of Milkfish was assumed to be a solution to fisherfolk, fishpond administrators and SME's. A response to the challenge of product innovation, the commercial production of Fish Squash Patties Utilizing Local Milkfish (Bangus), was considered. The fisher folks, fishpond administrators and SME's within the town of Hagonoy in the province of Bulacan, Philippines were the respondents of this study. The product was tested by the DOST (Department of Science and Technology) using the Sensory Evaluation and Microbiological Analysis. After which, the researchers conducted a taste test and administered questionnaires which included acceptability of the following: appearance, aroma, taste and texture. There are assortments of patties these days like beef patties, pork patties, chicken patties and other delicious fixings that effectively grab the customers' eye. The researchers build up the item so the buyer can appreciate the essence of Fish (Chanos) and Squash (Kalabasa) Patties. It gives another unmistakable flavour and for its dietary benefit. The item proposition is Fish (Chanos) and Squash (Kalabasa) patties. The blend of Fish (Chanos) and Squash (Kalabasa) is another idea that the researcher seeks due to its stimulating advantages and extraordinary flavour combinations. The ingredients used in the preparation of Fish Squash Patties are flaked Bangus, ground squash, refined salt, phosphate, chilled water, TVP powder, carrageenan, isolate, chilled water, refined sugar, MSG, baking powder, garlic chopped, BF blend, black pepper, meat enhancer, onion chopped, hamburger seasoning, milk, Eggs, and bread crumbs. The process used in the preparation was mixing of all ingredients, forming into a patty and refrigerate for 20 minutes, simmering and packaging. The tested sample of Fish Squash Patties under Aerobic plate count (Less than 104 cfus/g pieces), Coliform count (Less than 102 cfus/g sample), yeast and moulds count (Less than ten cfus/g sample), Escherichia coli count (Less than 10 cfus/g sample), and salmonella determination (adverse) had passed all the parameters of the microbiological quality. The researchers have used patters in which it may not trigger any positive sign of bacteria and another microorganism. It was then made by strictly sanitizing all utensils and raw materials. The level of acceptability on the sensory quality of Fish-Squash Patties based on evaluation of one hundred (100) respondents on the Fish-Squash Patties: Appearance with the weighted mean of 4.36 was accepted, aroma with the weighted mean of 4.7 was accepted, Taste with the weighted mean of 4.71 was very acceptable. The total weighted mean from the level of acceptability of all respondents was 4.6226 and interpreted as very acceptable. The researcher's production of patties has made the Fish-Squash Patties safe of consumption since it PASSED the microbiological analysis conducted at DOST Laboratory BulSU Main Campus, City of Malolos Bulacan in compliance with the BFAD standards. The Fish Squash patties, as per asses of respondents, are both acceptable in terms of sensory quality such as appearance, aroma, Taste and texture. For the development of this product, the researchers recommend other ideas and factors for improving the study as well as a foundation for new or future researches. The respondents recommend that celery be added in the mixture to enhance the developed product's aroma and flavor. Subsequent microbiological analyses of sample may be conducted to monitor microbiological quality of samples preferably within 12 months' period to comply with the standards set by the Department of Health. Succeeding evaluation on a more diverse population to produce patties with different flavours like spicy, sweet, etc. It is also recommended to make the packaging environmentally friendly and to have several packaging staff.

Significant Experiences of Grade 7 STE Students in Utilizing DOST Science Courseware

To determine the significant experiences of Grade 7-Science Technology and Engineering (STE) class in science learning regardless of profile in times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Science courseware was utilized in this study. Specifically, this study aimed to: (1) know the demographic profile of the students (2) identify the most essential learning competencies to be supplemented by the DOST Science courseware; and (3) document the significant experiences of Grade 7 STE students in utilizing DOST Courseware. This utilizes the descriptive research method and the purposive sampling method was also employed. In terms of statistical treatment, the researcher used qualitative analyses to gather insights from the data collected from the respondents. Content analysis was used to analyze the learning competencies suited for each of the mobile apps of the DOST Grade 7 Courseware. The researcher also used thematic analysis to determine the significant experiences of Grade 7-STE students after using the courseware materials. During this difficult time, it is vital to consider the demographic profile of students in selecting effective and efficient supplementary materials. The DOST Courseware selected is based on the Most Essential Learning Competencies and from that only three courseware were utilized. To gather data for the significant experiences digital technologies were used such as web surveys through Facebook messenger. The findings of the study suggest that most of the significant experiences of the students were found on the “visual-aided discussions” theme along with motivation; the “Presence of inquiry-based teaching features” theme along with interest; and the “Completing game-based tasks” theme along with satisfaction. Based on the results and conclusions posted in the study, the same evaluation may be conducted in all the remaining DOST Courseware and can be conducted in regular classes where technology is scarce and development is low. Keywords: Education and Teaching, Significant Experiences, Thematic Analysis, Philippines-Asia

Static spherically symmetric wormholes in gravity* *M.T. acknowledges University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, India, for awarding National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (UGC-Ref. No.: 201610123801). Z.H. acknowledges the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, New Delhi, for awarding a Senior Research Fellowship (File No. DST/INSPIRE Fellowship/2019/IF190911). PKS acknowledges National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) under Department

In this study, we obtain wormhole solutions in the recently proposed extension of symmetric teleparallel gravity, known as gravity. Here, the gravitational Lagrangian L is defined by an arbitrary function f of Q and T, where Q is a non-metricity scalar, and T is the trace of the energy-momentum tensor. In this study, we obtain field equations for a static spherically symmetric wormhole metric in the context of general gravity. We study the wormhole solutions using (i) a linear equation of state and (ii) an anisotropy relation. We adopt two different forms of , (a) linear and (b) non-linear , to investigate these solutions. We investigate various energy conditions to search for preservation and violation among the obtained solutions and find that the null energy condition is violated in both cases of our assumed forms of . Finally, we perform a stability analysis using the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkov equation.

Spectroscopic study of strangeness = –3 Ω– baryon* *Ms. Chandni Menapara would like to acknowledge the support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under INSPIRE-FELLOWSHIP scheme for pursuing this work

baryon with sss quarks has been investigated through many theoretical studies so far but scarcely observed in experiments. Here, an attempt has been made to explore properties of Ω with hypercentral Constituent Quark Model (hCQM) with a linear confining term. The resonance mass spectra have been obtained for 1S–4S, 1P–4P, 1D–3D, and 1F–2F. The Regge trajectory has been investigated for the linear nature based on calculated data along with the magnetic moment. The present work has been compared with various approaches and known experimental findings.

Open charm mesons and charmonia in magnetized strange hadronic matter * *A.J.C.S acknowledges the support towards this work from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, via an INSPIRE fellowship (INSPIRE Code IF170745). AM acknowledges financial support from Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India (CRG/2018/002226)

We investigate the in-medium masses of open charm mesons (D( , ), ( , ), ( , )) and charmonium states ( , , , , ) in strongly magnetized isospin asymmetric strange hadronic matter using a chiral effective model. In the presence of a magnetic field, the number and scalar densities of charged baryons have contributions from Landau energy levels. The mass modifications of open charm mesons result from their interactions with nucleons, hyperons, and the scalar fields (the non-strange field σ, strange field ζ, and isovector field δ) in the presence of a magnetic field. The mass modifications of the charmonium states result from the modification of gluon condensates in a medium simulated by the variation in the dilaton field (χ) in the chiral effective model. The effects of finite quark masses are also incorporated in the trace of the energy-momentum tensor in quantum chromodynamics to investigate the mass shifts of charmonium states. The in-medium masses of open charm mesons and charmonia are observed to decrease with an increase in baryon density. The charged , , , and mesons have additional positive mass shifts due to Landau quantization in the presence of a magnetic field. The effects of the strangeness fraction are observed to be more dominant for mesons compared with D mesons. The mass shifts of charmonia are observed to be larger in hyperonic media compared with nuclear media when the effect of the finite quark mass term is neglected. These medium mass modifications can have observable consequences on the production of the open charm mesons and charmonia in high-energy asymmetric heavy-ion collision experiments.

Nonflammable Sulfone-Based Electrolytes for Achieving High-Voltage Li-Ion Batteries Using LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathode Material

High voltage Li-ion batteries have been expected a forward technology designed for vehicles, marines and other high power and energy density applications 1–3. Among high voltage cathodes, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 is considered a promising cathode to reduce the battery cost as well as environmental hazard issues4,5. However, a high operation potential and Mn dissolution brings the most critical challenges for achieving the long cycle-life of Li-ion cell6,7.In this study, we report a rational design of nonflammable electrolyte based on LiBF4 and sulfolane (TMS) mixed with a dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as co-solvent to enhance conductivity. Among different molar ratios, the electrolyte LiBF4: TMS: DMC =1:2:1 in mol. exhibited the highest electrochemical stability (~ 6.1 V vs. Li+/Li) and ionic conductivity up to 1.57 mS.cm-1 at 30 oC. Cycling performance of LNMO/Li half-cell and LNMO/graphite full-cell cycled were carried out using the optimized electrolyte. While half-cells LNMO//Li display a high initial capacity of 118 mAh.g-1 and remain 56.48 % of initial value after 100 cycles, a full cell LNMO//Graphite with an areal loading of 1.0 mAh.cm-2 and low N/P ratio (~1.2) exhibited a better cycling stability than the one using commercial electrolyte 1M LiPF6/EC-DMC, 1:1 in vol (with initial capacity of 87 mAh.g-1 and capacity retention of 18% after 100 cycles8). References Goodenough JB, Kim Y. Challenges for Rechargeable Li Batteries. Chem Mater. 2010;22(3):587-603.Etacheri V, Marom R, Elazari R, Salitra G, Aurbach D. Challenges in the development of advanced Li-ion batteries: a review. Energy Environ Sci. 2011;4(9):3243.Amine K, Kanno R, Tzeng Y. Rechargeable lithium batteries and beyond: Progress, challenges, and future directions. MRS Bull. 2014;39(5):395-401.Kim J-H, Myung S-T, Sun Y-K. Molten salt synthesis of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 spinel for 5 V class cathode material of Li-ion secondary battery. Electrochim Acta. 2004;49(2):219-227.Patoux S, Daniel L, Bourbon C. High voltage spinel oxides for Li-ion batteries: From the material research to the application. J Power Sources. 2009;189(1):344-352.Jang DH, Shin YJ, Oh SM. Dissolution of Spinel Oxides and Capacity Losses in 4 V Li / LixMn2O4 Cells. J Electrochem Soc. 1996;143(7):2204-2211.Du Pasquier A, Blyr A, Courjal P. Mechanism for Limited 55°C Storage Performance of Li1.05Mn1.95 O 4 Electrodes. J Electrochem Soc. 1999;146(2):428-436.Wang J, Yamada Y, Sodeyama K, Chiang CH, Tateyama Y, Yamada A. Superconcentrated electrolytes for a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. Nat Commun. 2016;7(1):12032. Acknowledgement This work is supported by Ho Chi Minh city - Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under grant number 54/2020/HĐ-QPTKHCN.

Weather Conditions in Relation to Crimes Committed in Pagadian City

This study aimed to determine the relationship between weather conditions as to wet and dry as recorded in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Forecast Station and the crimes committed in Pagadian City in calendar years 2014-2018. Weather conditions as to wet and dry were correlated to crimes against person and property that was committed in Pagadain City. It employed a quantitative descriptive correlational method of research using the data of crime occurrences recorded in the Philippine National Police Pagadian City Station and the rainfall data from Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Forecast Station in the city statistically treated using frequency count, mean, paired sample t-test, and chi-square test. Findings of the study revealed that physical injuries were profiled the highest in crimes against persons, followed by murder, homicide, and rape. At the same time, theft cases were dominantly registered for crimes against properties, followed by robbery, carnapping, and cattle rustling. The average distribution of murder, homicide, and physical injuries during the wet season outnumbered the cases during the dry season, except for rape cases that were higher during the dry season. Likewise, robbery, theft, carnapping, and cattle rustling were higher during the wet season than the dry season. The average distribution differences of crimes committed between the wet and the dry seasons tested at a 0.05 level of significance were not significant. The relationship between crimes against persons and the weather conditions was not significant. The relationship between crimes against properties and the weather conditions was also not significant. Moreover, crimes against persons and properties in the city do not depend on weather conditions. Murder, homicide, physical injuries, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping, cattle rustling, and the like could happen in the city regardless of whether it is wet or dry weather conditions, and there is a need to implement the crime prevention programs designed by the researcher.

Production of STEM PhD Graduates: First decade of the ASTHRD and ERDT Programs

The first decade (2007–2018) of implementation of the Advanced Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) and the Engineering Research & Development for Technology (ERDT) Program was examined to identify possible best practices and continuing challenges encountered in the production of new Filipino PhD graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The ASTHRDP and the ERDT Program, started in 2007 by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in partnership with selected Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs), aimed to produce more STEM PhD and MS graduates. The DOST identified ten (10) and eight (8) out of 1900 HEIs, to partner with, in the initial implementation of ASTHRDP and the ERDT, respectively. From 2008 the total number of PhD and MS scholarships awarded per fiscal year both increased at an average annual rate of 18% (PhD: 302 to 893; MS: 956 to 2,832, respectively). The PhD and MS scholarship packages enable an awardee to study fulltime for three and two academic years, respectively. From 2007 to 2015, 662 ASTHRDP PhD scholarships were awarded and produced 373 PhD graduates from 2007 to 2018, with a graduation efficiency rate of 56.34%. The corresponding ERDT rate was 48.13% with 268 PhD scholarships awarded and 129 PhD scholars graduated. The ASTHRDP partner institutions performed at varying individual efficiencies, with the Visayas State University at 100% (with all 16 PhD scholars graduated), University of the Philippines Diliman at 34.34% (34 out of 99), UP Los Baños at 65.59% (162 out of 247). For ERDT, UP Diliman had a graduation rate of 61.1%. The availability of more dissertation research supervisors was identified as a key factor towards improving the ASTHRD and ERDT PhD graduation rates. A number of recommendations are proposed with the aim of improving the program graduation efficiency and producing more highly trained scientists and researchers to serve the national interest.

Street Food’s Microbiological Load and Vendors’ Food Hygiene and Safety Practices Compliance in the Schools of Cebu City

This study utilized descriptive statistics to assess the microbiological load and the vendor’s compliance with eight international codes of food safety and hygiene principles among 51 randomly chosen street food vendors in the north and south district schools of Cebu City. Samples of kwekwek and two kinds of dipping sauce were collected and sent to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) laboratory. The compliance levels were rated based on a yes/no scale calculated from the compliance scores of every food hygiene and safety principle. The E. coli count reported from the laboratory tests showed that every food sample from all locations suggested fecal contamination. Results of the compliance scores showed that food vendors from the selected study areas have very good compliance with the use of protective clothing, provision of water at vending point, cleanliness of fingernails, and use of appropriate kitchenware for dishing out food to consumers but very poor compliance with the use of head covering, obtaining a business permit and sanitary/health card. Although the study revealed a marginally good overall compliance score, the result could imply no possible association between the vendors’ food safety and hygiene practices and the presence of E. coli in the food samples tested.

Discovery of a "Cocktail" of Potential SARS-COV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors through Virtual Screening of Known Chemical Components of Vitex negundo L. ("Lagundi").

The prevailing crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic demands the development of effective therapeutic agents that can be implemented with minimal to zero adverse effects. Vitex negundo L. (VNL) is a medicinal plant with reported efficacy against respiratory diseases and some of the COVID-19 symptoms. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) is currently conducting clinical trials of VNL and other medicinal plants as adjuvant therapeutic agents against mild cases of COVID-19. The basis for the clinical trials is primarily the pharmacological efficacy of the medicinal plants against respiratory disorders and associated COVID-19 symptoms. This study assessed the in silico potential of VNL components against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), an enzyme that plays an important role in COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2. Phytochemical mining of VNL components from the literature was conducted. A database consisting of 250 known compounds from different parts of VNL was created and screened against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro using PyRx virtual screening tool. The most promising components were further subjected to in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analyses using the SwissADME web server and Toxtree software. Virtual screening revealed that 102 VNL components in the database had comparable to or better binding affinities toward SARS-COV-2 Mpro than known chemical inhibitors (e.g. N3 and carmofur). It was determined that the active site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro receptor consists of multiple H-donor and acceptor sites; hence, the most stable receptor-ligand complexes are generally formed by VNL ligands that establish effective H-bonding with the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The promising components, representing a "cocktail" of potential inhibitors also revealed interesting ADMET properties. This in silico study identified VNL as a potential single source of a cocktail of SARSCoV- 2 Mpro inhibitors and a promising adjuvant therapeutic agent against COVID-19 or its symptoms. Furthermore, the study offers a rationale on phytochemical mining from medicinal plants as a means that can be implemented in the early stage of a drug discovery and development program.