De La Salle University

About: De La Salle University is a education organization based out in Manila, Philippines. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Computer science. The organization has 2951 authors who have published 4374 publications receiving 49567 citations. The organization is also known as: Pamantasang De La Salle.

Children’s image of God and their parents: explorations in children’s spirituality

Abstract: Exploring children’s image of God and parents has invited interest among program preparers for children’s spirituality in the Philippines. This research seeks to find out the fundamental orientation of children’s image of God as well as their perceptions of father and mother from 241 fifth graders in three selected government primary schools in Manila. This study takes cue from the traditional theories that affirm the interaction between the environment and the individual and attempts to know how children’s experiences with their parents are expressed together with their image of God. Through these objectives, the study hopes to bring fresh ideas into the current spirituality in children. Results of this study provide insights about the elements in children’s spirituality in an Asian setting.

Socio-ecological determinants of distress in Filipino adults during COVID-19 crisis.

Abstract: The present study examined the socio-ecological factors that influenced psychological distress (combined index of depression and anxiety symptoms) among Filipino adults during the COVID-19 crisis. The study involved 401 adult participants currently residing in the Philippines. Data were collected using a self-reported online questionnaire administered to the participants. Findings revealed that one individual level factor, such as individual resilience, and two family level factors, such as safety at home and being a parent, negatively influenced psychological distress. On the other hand, a family level factor, family's financial difficulties, positively predicted psychological distress. Societal level factor such as national resilience, but not the community level factor, community resilience, positively predicted psychological distress in Filipino adults. Findings identified individual resilience, national resilience, and financial difficulties as the strongest predictors of psychological distress among Filipino adults during the COVID-19 crisis. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Optimization of the Automotive Ammonia Fuel Cycle using P-graphs

Abstract: Ammonia is a potential low-carbon alternative automotive fuel. However, it is produced commercially via the energy- and greenhouse gas-intensive Haber–Bosch process, and its nitrogen footprint may also detract from its environmental benefits. Thus, whether its use as an automotive fuel is sustainable from a life-cycle standpoint remains in question. In this study, a P-graph model is developed to determine the best well-to-wheel pathway for the use of ammonia as an automotive fuel, using carbon and nitrogen footprints as dual environmental criteria. Multiple fossil fuel-based and biomass-based ammonia production processes are considered, as well as different drivetrain configurations that include internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV) and fuel cell vehicles (FCV). In the case of ICEV, the model also considers the secondary fuels needed to allow ammonia use in existing engines. Solving the P-graph model identifies the optimal pathway as cyanobacteria-based ammonia production coupled with FCV. This pathw...

Synsepalum dulcificum extracts exhibit cytotoxic activity on human colorectal cancer cells and upregulate c-fos and c-jun early apoptotic gene expression

Abstract: Objective: To explore cytotoxicity of Synsepalum dulcificum (S. dulcificum) Daniell (Sapotaceae) on human colon cancer (HCT-116 and HT-29), human monocytic leukemia (THP-1) and normal (HDFn) cell lines, and its effect on the expression of early apoptotic genes, c-fos and c-jun. Methods: Leaf, stem and berry of S. dulcificum were separately extracted by using 2 solvents, 10% ethanol (EtOH) and 80% methanol (MeOH). PrestoBlue® cell viability assay and qRT-PCR assay were conducted to examine the above objectives respectively. Results: Stem MeOH, stem EtOH, and berry EtOH extracts of S. dulcificum were cytotoxic to HCT-116 and HT-29 human colon cancer cells. For HCT-116, IC50 values of these 3 extracts were not significantly different (P>0.05) from that of the positive control bleomycin (IC50 of 33.57 μg/mL), while for HT-29, IC50 values of these 3 extracts were significantly lower (P