Showing papers by "De La Salle University published in 2010"

The role of metacognitive skills in developing critical thinking

Abstract: The study investigated the influence of metacognition on critical thinking skills. It is hypothesized in the study that critical thinking occurs when individuals use their underlying metacognitive skills and strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome. The Metacognitive Assessment Inventory (MAI) by Schraw and Dennison (Contemporary Educational Psychology 19:460–475, 1994), which measures regulation of cognition and knowledge of cognition, and the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA) with the factors inference, recognition of assumptions, deduction, interpretations, and evaluation of arguments were administered to 240 college students from different universities in the National Capital Region in the Philippines. The Structural Equations Modeling (SEM) was used to determine the effect of metacognition on critical thinking as latent variables. Two models were tested: (1) In the first model, metacognition is composed of two factors while (2) in the second model, metacognition has eight factors as they affect critical thinking. The results indicated that in both models, metacognition has a significant path to critical thinking, p < .05. The analysis also showed that for both metacognition and critical thinking, all underlying factors are significant. The second model had a better goodness of fit as compared with the first as shown by the RMSEA value and other fit indices.

Designing eco-industrial water exchange networks using fuzzy mathematical programming

Abstract: This paper presents a model for optimizing water and wastewater reuse among several plants contained in an eco-industrial park. Although these plants operate independently of each other, the establishment of an eco-industrial network requires mutual cooperation among the different firms. To encourage cooperation it is necessary to look at how the benefits of networking relate to the individual goals and targets of the participants. This aspect is incorporated in the model through fuzzy mathematical programming, which is utilized to identify the optimal network that satisfies the fuzzy goals of the participating plants. Two case studies from literature are presented to illustrate the methodology. Results show that the solution satisfying individual targets does not necessarily coincide with the optimum for the entire eco-industrial park.

X-Ray Microtomography of Mortars Exposed to Freezing-Thawing Action

Abstract: This paper presents our findings on the application of X-ray microtomography to characterize the internal structure of mortars that were exposed to freezing-thawing action. A microfocus X-ray CT (micro-CT) scanner was used for the nondestructive 3D imaging of internal air voids or cracks at a spatial resolution of the order of 10 microns. Four different types of mortar specimens (i.e., non-air-entrained and air-entrained Portland cement mortar, and non-air-entrained and air-entrained fly ash mortar) were scanned after being subjected to different numbers of freeze-thaw cycles. Coupled with image analysis, the void space obtained from micro-CT was characterized in three dimensions (3D) in terms of void fraction and air void size distribution, as well as, the crack width and tortuosity of the connected crack network. Results suggest that the initial air voids follow a lognormal distribution with the highest population of modal size around 30-50 μm, irrespective of the type of mortar. As the distributed air voids of non-air entrained mortars were relatively few in numbers, the fly ash mortar in particular was the least resistant against frost damage as shown by the formation of internal cracks that meander around the weaker paste-aggregate interface. Indications also suggest that these cracks are well connected and anisotropic in 3D.

Crisp and fuzzy integer programming models for optimal carbon sequestration retrofit in the power sector

Abstract: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of the interim technologies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources such as power plant and large industrial facilities. CCS allows for continued utilization of fossil fuels (e.g. coal, natural gas and oil), which are still relatively inexpensive and reliable in comparison to inherently low-carbon renewable resources (e.g. wind, solar etc.). On the other hand, retrofitting power plants for carbon capture (CC) entails major capital costs as well as reduction of thermal efficiency and power output. This paper presents integer programming optimization models for planning the retrofit of power plants at the regional, sectoral or national level. In addition to the base case (i.e., non-fuzzy or crisp) formulation, two fuzzy extensions are given to account for the inherent conflict between environmental and economic goals, as well as parametric uncertainties pertaining to the emerging CC technologies. Case studies are shown to illustrate the modeling approach.

First-Principles Study of the Adsorption of Water on Tri-s-triazine-based Graphitic Carbon Nitride

Abstract: As an initial step towards understanding the mechanism behind photocatalysis in graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), we present a first-principles density functional theory (DFT) study of H2O molecular adsorption on the tri-s-triazine-based structure. The optimization of the system determined that the most stable configuration would be on top of the two-coordinated nitrogen atom in an orientation where one O–H bond is parallel to the surface and the other one is pointing to the surface. The adsorption energy at the most stable configuration was found to be 0.82 eV with a barrier energy of ~0.02 eV. Partial density of states (PDOS) and charge density distribution analysis show that, primarily, the bonding occurs between the hydrogen atom of the water molecule and the two-coordinated nitrogen atom of g-C3N4. Results of this study would be useful not only to better understand the mechanism behind H2O molecule adsorption but also to give insight into the role of the catalyst in the photocatalytic process.

Flowrate targeting algorithm for interplant resource conservation network. Part 2: assisted integration scheme

Abstract: Part 1 of the series (Chew, I M L; Foo, D C Y; Ng, D K S; Tan, R R Flowrate Targeting Algorithm for Interplant Resource Conservation Network Part 1: Unassisted Integration Scheme Ind Eng Chem Res DOI: 101021/ie901802m) proposes a systematic three-step targeting algorithm for unassisted integration scheme for interplant resource conservation network (IPRCN), where cross-plant streams within the pinch region can be used to achieve minimum resource flow rate targets However, the unassisted scheme does not hold true for all cases Part 2 of the series explores additional material recovery to be realized by sending cross-plant streams outside the pinch region This is known as the assisted integration scheme Appropriate identification of waste streams as the cross-plant streams is an important step in locating the minimum flow rate targets for these cases The effect of pinch shifting and the generation of new waste streams are also investigated

Assessing Academic Self-Regulated Learning Among Filipino College Students: The Factor Structure and Item Fit

Abstract: The present study constructed a self-report scale that measures academic self-regulated learning. The Academic Self-Regulation Scale (A-SRL) was anchored on the framework of self-regulated learning by Zimmerman and Martinez-Pons (1986; 1988). The present study uncovered the factor structure of the A-SRL-S items and the factor structure was further tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Further psychometric evidence was established for the scale using a Polychotomous Rasch Model (Partial Credit Model) which determined appropriateness of the scale categories and item fit. An initial 111 items were administered to 222 college students in the National Capital Region in the Philippines. Principal components analysis was conducted and extracted seven factors of the A-SRL-S which explains 42.54% of the total variance (55 items had high factor loadings). The six factors were consistent with the original framework and a new factor called learning responsibility emerged. This seven-factor structure was confirmed using a CFA using a sample of 309 college students. Adequate fit of the model was attained (χ2=332.07, df=1409, RMS=.07, RMSEA=.06, GFI=.91, NFI=.89). The seven factors attained convergent validity as shown by significant intercorrelations of the factor scores. The step functions are increasing monotonically for the scale where there is a high probability of observance of the scale categories. Only 4 out of the 55 items of the A-SRL-S lacked homogeneity with other items. Implications of the seven factors and IRT fit of the items on self-regulation theory was further discussed.

Korean Students‘ Language Learning Strategies and Years of Studying English as Predictors of Proficiency in English

Abstract: This study predicted the English proficiency of Korean students using the components of the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) and number of months spent in the formal study of English. There were 302 Korean students, ages 14-18, who were requested to answer the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) and an English ability test. The SILL includes strategies on memory, cognitive, compensation, metacognitive, affective, and social strategies. An English Ability Test was used to measure skills on using grammar, increasing vocabulary, detecting grammatical errors, and reading comprehension. The multiple regression was used to analyze whether the SILL subscales and months spent in the formal study of English can significantly predict English proficiency. Only the compensation strategy and months spent in the formal study of English significantly predicted English ability. There was an increase in R (.35) when the months spent in the formal study of English were added with the SILL as predictors of English proficiency.

Social perceptions of achieving students and achievement goals of students in Malaysia and the Philippines

Abstract: The study investigates the hypothesis that country differences in achievement goals of students are associated with differences in how students with different achievement goals are perceived by students in different cultures. University students from Malaysia and the Philippine were asked to complete questionnaires on their achievement goals and on their perceptions of hypothetical students who exemplify the different achievement goals. The perception questions related to social goals such as peer affiliation, personal qualities, and likeability. The achievement goals data indicated that Filipino students reported higher levels of mastery goals compared to their Malaysian counterparts, who in turn reported higher levels of performance approach goals. Hierarchical regression analysis indicate that country differences in mastery and performance goals can be accounted for by differences in perceptions of mastery- and performance-goal oriented peers, particularly those perceptions that relate to social affiliation and social approval. The results are discussed in terms of how achievement goal constructs are perceived in different countries, and how differences in perception may relate to some social dimensions in the adoption of achievement goals.

Rigorous proof of fuzzy error propagation with matrix-based LCI

Abstract: Background, aim, and scope Propagation of parametric uncertainty in life cycle inventory (LCI) models is usually performed based on probabilistic Monte Carlo techniques. However, alternative approaches using interval or fuzzy numbers have been proposed based on the argument that these provide a better reflection of epistemological uncertainties inherent in some process data. Recent progress has been made to integrate fuzzy arithmetic into matrix-based LCI using decomposition into α-cut intervals. However, the proposed technique implicitly assumes that the lower bounds of the technology matrix elements give the highest inventory results, and vice versa, without providing rigorous proof.

Predicting Student's Appraisal of Feedback in an ITS Using Previous Affective States and Continuous Affect Labels from EEG Data

Abstract: Students have different ways of learning and have varied reactions to feedback. Thus, allowing a system to predict how students would appraise certain feedback gives it the capability to adapt to what would help a student learn better. This research focuses on the prediction of a student's appraisal of feedback provided in an intelligent tutoring system (ITS). A regression model for frustration and excitement is created to perform prediction. The frustration model was able to achieve a 0.724 correlation with a 0.164 RMSE and the excitement model was able to achieve 0.6 a correlation with a 0.189 RMSE. These results indicate the potential of using these models for allowing systems to adjust feedback automatically based on student's reactions while using an ITS.

Representing Story Plans in SUMO

Abstract: Automatic story generation systems require a body of commonsense knowledge about the basic relationships between concepts we find everyday in our world in order to produce interesting narratives that describe human actions and world events. This paper presents an ongoing work that investigates the use of Suggested Upper Merged Ontology (SUMO) to represent storytelling knowledge and its inference engine Sigma to query actions and events that may take place in the story to be generated. The resulting story plan (fabula) is also represented in SUMO, allowing for a single story representation to be realized in various human languages.

Looking at Filipino Pre-Service Teachers' Value for Education through Epistemological Beliefs about Learning and Asian Values.

Abstract: The present study investigated the contribution of epistemological beliefs about learning and Asian values on pre-service teachers’ value for education. The relationship of epistemological beliefs and valuing education is based on Schwartz and Bilsky’s (1987; 1990) theory of human values. The participants were 362 pre-service teachers from different universities in Manila, Philippines. It was found in a standard regression analysis that both complexity and structured belief about learning significantly predicted valuing one’s education. Higher expectation for achievement, filial piety, and emotional restraint were also significant. A hierarchical multiple regression was used to test the order of contribution of Asian values (filial piety, hierarchical family structure, collectivism, emotional restraint, perseverance and hard work, higher expectation for achievement, respect for authority, and respect for education) on valuing education. The results showed that the order of Asian values based on the theory of Schwartz and Bardi (2001) significantly explained the variation on valuing education (Adjusted R 2 =.35). The contribution of each Asian value increased the variation on valuing education but it remained stable with the inclusion of respect for education and respect for authority.

Development assistance, strategic interests, and the China factor in Japan's role in ASEAN integration

Abstract: In this article, we have examined how Japan has supported ASEAN's economic integration through ODA and other diplomatic measures, and showed how Japan's engagements in ASEAN economic integration evolved over time. In addressing these issues, we took into account the growing influence of China's ascent in Southeast Asia, and assumed that Japan's China policy of mixed ‘accommodation and balance’ became explicit in Japan's ASEAN policy. The pronouncement of support for ASEAN integration, disbursement of aid to the region, forging of bilateral and regional FTAs/EPAs with ASEAN, and its recent initiatives and proactive involvement in the Mekong regional development are indicative of Japan's reactive posture on China's growing influence in the region. Japanese diplomatic initiatives in ASEAN are intended, in part, to accommodate and balance China's increasing prominence in Southeast Asia. This explains the simultaneous existence of competitive and cooperative initiatives of the two countries with ASEAN.

A Commonsense Knowledge Base for Generating Children's Stories.

Abstract: This paper presents our work in developing a commonsense knowledge source based on semantic concepts about objects, activities and their relationships in a child’s daily life. This commonsense ontology is then used by our automatic story generator to output children's stories of the fable form from a given input picture. The generated story is a narration of the events of a basic plot that flows from negative to positive (rule violation to value acquisition), using themes that are familiar to children. The paper ends with descriptions of further investigations that are underway to extend the system, including using a formal upper ontology to represent storytelling knowledge, and the generation of stories from a given set of sequential scenes.

Graphical approach to minimum flowrate targeting for partitioning water pretreatment units

Abstract: Pretreatment is often necessary when the fresh water available to industrial plants is impure, and when some processes are particularly sensitive to contaminants. Partitioning processes such as membrane separation units are often used for such applications. However, the use of pretreatment units adds to capital and operating costs for a water system. Hence, it is of interest to develop design procedures to minimize the cost for such system. This work presents a graphical pinch analysis approach for targeting minimum flowrate of partitioning water pretreatment systems in single component problem. The approach determines how product and reject streams from the treatment unit can be allocated, along with bypassed freshwater, to satisfy multiple process sinks with their respective flowrate and purity requirements. Hypothetical case studies are presented to illustrate the approach, and generalized design principles based on pinch analysis heuristics are drawn from the examples.

Entrepreneurship and Philippine Development

Abstract: Assessments of Philippine development performance raise questions about the quantity and quality of Filipino entrepreneurship Despite the early attempt at industrialization, industrial entrepreneurship has failed to flourish in the country Is industrial entrepreneurship constrained more by cultural limitations than by political and economic factors? This paper provides a brief historical survey of Philippine entrepreneurship and development It argues that Philippine industrial entrepreneurship did not take off because of a combination of external constraints and internal motivations

Discovering Emotions in Filipino Laughter Using Audio Features

Abstract: Laughter is one important aspect when it comes to non-verbal communication. Though laughter is often associated with the feeling of happiness, it may not always be the case; laughter may also portray different kinds of emotions. We infer that a variety of other emotions exist during laughter and occurrence and therefore investigate this phenomenon. It is the objective of this research to be able to identify the underlying emotions in Filipino laughter. This research focuses on studying existing machine learning techniques on emotion identification through audio signals from laughter in order to derive more suitable solutions. In this research, we present a comparative study of the performances of Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Support Vector Machines (SVM) using our system. Manual segmentation was done on recorded audio and pre- processing was implemented using low-pass filters. The 13 Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) and prosodic features (pitch, intensity and formants), were extracted from audio signals and were separately fed to the machine classifier. Results had shown that highest rate of correctly classified instances is achieved using prosodic features only. MLP yielded a 44.4444% rate while SVM has a 18.5185% rate.

Looking at Filipino Pre-service Teachers' Value for Education through Epistemological Beliefs about Learning and Asian Values

Abstract: The present study investigated the contribution of epistemological beliefs about learning and Asian values on pre-service teachers’ value for education. The relationship of epistemological beliefs and valuing education is based on Schwartz and Bilsky’s (1987; 1990) theory of human values. The participants were 362 pre-service teachers from different universities in Manila, Philippines. It was found in a standard regression analysis that both complexity and structured belief about learning significantly predicted valuing one’s education. Higher expectation for achievement, filial piety, and emotional restraint were also significant. A hierarchical multiple regression was used to test the order of contribution of Asian values (filial piety, hierarchical family structure, collectivism, emotional restraint, perseverance and hard work, higher expectation for achievement, respect for authority, and respect for education) on valuing education. The results showed that the order of Asian values based on the theory of Schwartz and Bardi (2001) significantly explained the variation on valuing education (Adjusted R2=.35). The contribution of each Asian value increased the variation on valuing education but it remained stable with the inclusion of respect for education and respect for authority.