Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development

18/06/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Texture-based Rating Scheme for Mine Pre-feasibility Assessment: A Proof-of-concept Study in Camachin Ore Deposit, Bulacan, Philippines

Abstract:
Conventional mine pre-feasibility assessments primarily emphasize grade, tonnage, resource confidence, and economic indicators, while deposit texture is rarely formalized as a decision support parameter despite its strong operational implications. This study evaluates the Camachin ore deposit in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, Philippines, as a basis for developing a texture-based framework for mine operational sustainability assessment. The deposit, a skarn-type hydrothermal system, exhibits pronounced textural, morphological, and host-rock variability. Field investigations, repeated site visits conducted from 2024 to 2025, focus group discussions, field hardness testing, and laboratory confirmation were used to characterize eight deposit types and relate them to key operational parameters. A quantitative Texture-Based Operational Sustainability Rating Scheme (TOSRS) was developed using six criteria: comminution and mineral liberation, material handling cost, excavation energy requirement, slope stability, profit potential, and mine longevity contribution. Results show that textural variability strongly influences mining difficulty, processing demand, safety risk, and economic performance. The proposed Operational Sustainability Rating Index (OSRI) demonstrates that texture can serve as a practical pre-feasibility indicator for identifying technically favorable and operationally sustainable ore types.

Keywords:
Mine pre-feasibility, ore texture, geometallurgical assessment, texture-based operational sustainability rating scheme, operational sustainability rating index

Citation:
Luna, S. I. J., Shimada, H., Sasaoka, T., Hamanaka, A. & Abiva, P. J. (2026). Texture-based Rating Scheme for Mine Pre-feasibility Assessment: A Proof-of-concept Study in Camachin Ore Deposit, Bulacan, Philippines. Philippine E-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 16, 42-55.

Conventional mine pre-feasibility assessments primarily emphasize grade, tonnage, resource confidence, and economic indicators, while deposit texture is rarely formalized as a decision support parameter despite its strong operational implications. This study evaluates the Camachin ore deposit in Do....

18/06/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Green Histopathology: A Global Systematic Review of Natural Staining Agents as Sustainable Alternatives to Synthetic Dyes (2003 to 2025)

Abstract:
Despite increasing publications on the potential of natural dyes in histology and laboratory sciences, there is limited comparative synthesis of available literature, which hampers the development of consolidated guidance for practice, regulation and innovation. This study presents a global systematic review of natural histological staining agents reported between 2003 and 2025, evaluating their sources, staining performance, methodological approaches, and sustainability attributes. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, peer-reviewed studies assessing plant- and biologically derived dyes for routine and specialized histological applications were analyzed. The findings show that while early investigations reported inconsistent or poor staining outcomes for some extracts, growing evidence supports the eosin-like potential of several natural dyes, particularly Curcuma longa, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Lawsonia inermis, Zingiber officinale, betacyanin-rich plants, and Tectona grandis. Moreover, staining effectiveness was strongly influenced by extraction methods, pH adjustment, mordant use, and staining duration. Despite demonstrated benefits in safety, biodegradability, and cost, challenges related to standardization, reproducibility, and nuclear staining remain. Overall, the review highlights the promise of natural dyes as complementary, sustainable options in histopathology and underscores the need for further optimization and large-scale validation. These findings support the cautious integration of optimized natural dyes as sustainable adjuncts in histopathology rather than direct one-to-one replacements for synthetic stains.

Keywords:
Green histopathology, natural dyes, histological staining, eosin alternatives, sustainable laboratory practices

Citation:
Melford, C. M. (2026). Green Histopathology: A Global Systematic Review of Natural Staining Agents as Sustainable Alternatives to Synthetic Dyes (2003 to 2025). Philippine E-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 16, 30-41.

Despite increasing publications on the potential of natural dyes in histology and laboratory sciences, there is limited comparative synthesis of available literature, which hampers the development of consolidated guidance for practice, regulation and innovation. This study presents a global systemat...

29/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Optimal Siting of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, Wind Turbine Generators, and Battery Energy Storage System in an Enhanced IEEE 33-Bus Test System

Abstract:
Environmental concerns over fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are driving interest in electric vehicles (EVs). However, EV integration poses challenges to the power grid, including voltage violations and power losses. This study optimizes the placement of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS), wind turbine distributed generation (WTDG), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the IEEE 33-bus system using differential evolution (DE) algorithm. MATLAB was used for the optimization process, while OpenDSS handled the power flow analysis. Results show that increasing EVCS sites raises power losses, while integrating WTDGs and BESS improves performance by reducing the losses and improving the voltage profile. This study provides insights for optimizing EVCS allocation and renewable energy integration to promote sustainable transportation.

Keywords: Electric vehicle integration, battery energy storage system, differential evolution algorithm, MATLAB, OpenDSS, wind turbine distributed generation

Citation:
Rago, J. P., Manzano, J. P. P., & Lebosada, M. D. C. (2026). Optimal Siting of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, Wind Turbine Generators, and Battery Energy Storage System in an Enhanced IEEE 33-Bus Test System. Philippine E-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 16, 14–29. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18399374
https://pejard.slu.edu.ph/vol.16/2026.01.26.pdf

29/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Do Personal Financial Practices Influence Happiness: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract:
Several studies emphasize the importance of personal financial practices in shaping the peoples’ financial planning, investment behavior, and spending decisions. However, relatively few studies have explicitly examined the relationship between personal financial practices and subjective well-being, particularly happiness. This paper aimed to determine the effect of personal financial practices on behavioral outcomes such as happiness. It employed a cross-sectional research design using correlation and regression analyses based on data gathered from 930 respondents in the Philippines. The findings indicate that personal financial practices are a significant determinant of subjective well-being, specifically happiness. Personal financial practices function as socio-economic assets that foster resilience, empowerment, and happiness. Thus, the study suggests that strengthening personal financial practices not only enhances financial stability but also contributes to broader life satisfaction and overall happiness.

Keywords: Financial well-being, financial behavior, financial education program

Citation:
Gatawa, G. O. & Gatawa, F. C. (2026). Evaluating the Calcium Bioavailability of a Local Fluoride Varnish via Calcium Release. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 16, 1-13.https://pejard.slu.edu.ph/vol.16/2026.01.16.pdf
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18323241

Several studies emphasize the importance of personal financial practices in shaping the peoples’ financial planning, investment behavior, and spending decisions. However, relatively few studies have explicitly examined the relationship between personal financial practices and subjective well-being...

28/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of cornstarch-based films incorporated with lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil

Abstract:
Bioplastic films prepared from cornstarch incorporated with lemongrass essential oil (LEO) were evaluated in terms of their physicochemical and antibacterial properties. The films were prepared via solution casting to contain different amounts of LEO (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% w/w). The films were characterized for thickness, color properties, moisture content, tensile strength, and elongation at break. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (BIOTECH 1582) and Salmonella typhimurium (BIOTECH 1826) was determined via disk diffusion using 6 mm film discs on Mueller–Hinton agar. Significant improvement in elongation at break (25.06 ± 7.39%) at 0.5% LEO, and increase in film thickness and moisture content with LEO addition were observed. All films containing LEO displayed strong antibacterial activity. Interestingly, the control film (0% LEO) exhibited notable baseline antibacterial activity (inhibition zones >29 mm) probably due to the vinegar and glycerol in its formulation. Considerable increase in antimicrobial activity occurs with 2% LEO against S. aureus. Overall, films prepared with 0.5% LEO showed the best possible balance between mechanical flexibility and antimicrobial activity, suggesting that this formulation may be used in preparing active food packaging materials.

Keywords:
Antibacterial packaging, elongation at break, microbial zone of inhibition, tensile strength

Citation:
Villanueva, B. D. M., Dorado, A. A., Sumague, M. J. V., & Felismino, R. M. (2025). Evaluating the Calcium Bioavailability of a Local Fluoride Varnish via Calcium Release. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 51-61. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17694787

28/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Preparation and Evaluation of Epoxy-based Polymeric Sorbents with Potential Applications in Nuclear Wastewater Decontamination and Management

Abstract:
With the Philippines set to include nuclear power in its energy mix, effective nuclear waste decontamination strategies must be developed. Spent nuclear fuel water waste contains very high concentrations of HNO3 and a variety of metal ions which makes sorbent development for radionuclide sequestration extremely difficult. In this study, we report two polymeric resin sorbents prepared by curing bis-epoxides with diaminopropane in dimethyl sulfoxide. The sorbents Ep-NGDE and Ep-BOMB are able to resist physical deterioration in 3 M HNO3 while exhibiting unique sorption characteristics that may prove useful in nuclear water waste decontamination. Ep-NGDE exhibits high capacity and selectivity for Na+ while Ep-BOMB exhibits high capacity for radionuclides Cs+ and Sr2+. The reasons underlying their sorption behaviors are navigated and a procedure for their deployment is proposed.

Keywords:
Spent nuclear fuel, highly acidic and oxidizing wastewater, radionuclide decontamination, epoxy polymer

Citation:
Escobar, E. C., Nisola, G. M., Chung, W. J., Lu, M. M. D., Reaño, R. L., Sareno, J. M., and Dorado, A. A. (2025). Preparation and Evaluation of Epoxy-based Polymeric Sorbents with Potential Applications in Nuclear Wastewater Decontamination and Management. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 62-70. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17744709
https://pejard.slu.edu.ph/vol.15/2025.11.28.pdf

With the Philippines set to include nuclear power in its energy mix, effective nuclear waste decontamination strategies must be developed. Spent nuclear fuel water waste contains very high concentrations of HNO3 and a variety of metal ions which makes sorbent development for radionuclide sequestrati...

27/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Evaluating the Calcium Bioavailability of a Local Fluoride Varnish via Calcium Release

Fluoride varnish used in dental caries management acts as a fluoride reservoir to ensure a steady supply of fluoride ions necessary to prevent demineralization and promote remineralization of enamel. Its effectiveness is limited by the bioavailability of calcium and phosphate ions in the oral cavity. This study evaluated a locally manufactured fluoride varnish in light of its ability to release calcium ions. Distilled water was added to a cup containing the fluoride varnish and allowed to incubate at 37°C. The contents of the cup were collected and replenished with fresh distilled water every 30 minutes for 4 hours. The collected solutions were analyzed for calcium concentration. A large calcium concentration was initially released and the results of the cumulative calcium ion released showed an increasing trend. This positively suggests the bioavailability of calcium in the fluoride varnish formulation, highlighting its potential in effective dental caries management.

Citation:
Lim - Co Yu Kang, G. G., Parreñas, T. J., & Nolasco, N. P. (2025). Evaluating the Calcium Bioavailability of a Local Fluoride Varnish via Calcium Release. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 45-50.

13/01/2026

FEATURED ARTICLE
Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station Allocation on a Coupled Distribution-Transportation Network with Randomly Distributed Photovoltaic Modules

The shift to electromobility through electric vehicle (EV) adoption is hindered by range anxiety, lengthy recharging period, and long queueing times at limited charging stations (CS). These problems can be addressed by utilizing fast charging through high-power chargers, but they can adversely impact the distribution network. Hence, the distribution and transport networks must be studied simultaneously in allocating the charging facilities. This study offers a new perspective by tackling the CS siting and sizing problem in a coupled distribution-transport network with randomly distributed solar modules. M/M/s queueing theory was utilized to provide a realistic EV charging demand. The objective function consisting of minimizing the additional power loss from CS integration, maximizing the captured traffic flow, and minimizing the per-unit cost of land occupied by CS was solved using OpenDSS, MATLAB, and GA. Results showed that voltage violations in the distribution network are the main concern arising from CS deployment, even with the presence of solar modules. Hence, network improvements are necessary to support the high pe*******on of EVs in the future.

Citation:
Manzano, J. P. P. & Lebosada, M. D. C. (2025). Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station Allocation on a Coupled Distribution-Transportation Network with Randomly Distributed Photovoltaic Modules. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 25-43.

06/12/2025

FEATURED ARTICLE
Emotional competence, self-affirmation, help-seeker stereotypes and their relation to the psychological help-seeking intentions of Filipino adolescents

The concern on Filipino adolescents’ mental health issues, coupled with the general public’s reluctance to seek professional help for mental well-being, underscores the need to investigate the factors that could positively influence psychological help-seeking among this age group. This study examined the predictive relationships between the Filipino adolescents’ level of psychological help-seeking intent and their emotional competence, use of self-affirmation, and negative endorsements of mental health help-seekers. A total of 392 high school students from Baguio City were surveyed using pre-existing tools designed to measure the proposed variables and their relationships. Correlation and regression analyses revealed no significant associations between psychological help-seeking intent and the predictor variables. This lack of direct relationships is attributed to variability in responses, potentially stemming from differences in participants’ personal experiences, cultural norms, and social attitudes. These findings also underscore the complexity of help-seeking behaviors among Filipino adolescents, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to understand the factors that influence these behaviors,
which is essential for developing more effective interventions.

Citation:
Santiago, S. D. B. N. & Namoca, M. P. E. (2025). Emotional competence, self-affirmation, help-seeker stereotypes and their relation to the psychological help-seeking intentions of Filipino adolescents. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 14-24.

15/11/2025

FEATURED ARTICLE
Taxonomic Analysis of Bacterial and Archaeal Communities Collected from the Manleluag Hyperalkaline Spring in Pangasinan, Philippines Using Two Bioinformatic Pipelines

Techno-economic analysis (TEA) is used to test the integration of renewable energy (RE) systems in existing facilities and off-grid areas. Public facilities such as schools with enough rooftop space and operating mostly during the day can potentially benefit from RE systems. Thus, this study performed TEA to find an alternative, cost-effective, grid-tied RE system for a public elementary school in Laguna, Philippines. TEA reveals that the most cost-effective system consists of a 55.3 kW solar PV, a 19.2 kWh battery storage, a 27.8 kW inverter, and a grid connection. This configuration yielded a net present cost (NPC) of Php5,898,483 and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of Php6.94 per kWh. This alternative system could reduce the grid electricity import of the school by 39,008 kWh and generate Php433,373 savings annually. These findings underscore the economic benefits of introducing RE-based power systems in existing facilities, particularly public schools.

Citation:
Anacleto, M. R. U., Samaniego, J. M., Manuel, M. C. C., Lantican, N. B., & Diaz, M. G. Q. (2025). Taxonomic Analysis of Bacterial and Archaeal Communities Collected from the Manleluag Hyperalkaline Spring in Pangasinan, Philippines Using Two Bioinformatic Pipelines. Philippine e-Journal for Applied Research and Development, 15, 1-13.