Complex Systems Modeling

Research Projects

Currently, there are active research projects by the group (AY 2015-2016), which are the following:

1. Modeling Coral Reef Community Diversity and Dynamics

James Matthew Miraflor and Adrian Roy Valdez, Ph.D.

Description of project

2. Modeling Post-Disaster Regrowth of Mangrove Forests

Franklin David Ang, J Stephen Duncan Mariano and Vena Pearl Bongolan, Ph.D.

This study aims to accurately model the recovery of mangrove populations after being damaged by storms. It adapts Salmo and Juanico's agent-based model for mangrove forest growth to a virtual reconstruction of the Bangrin Marine Protected Area in Pangasinan, Philippines. The virtual environment incorporates two models of Heibeler: Fragmented Habitat to simulate variable inhabitability per unit area, and Block Disturbance to simulate the occurence of storms. The model features planted (Rhizophora mucronata) and native (Avicennia and Sonneratia spp.) mangrove species, which have different levels of sensitivity and adaptation to environmental factors.

3. Optimal Water Allocation Policy for the Greater Manila Area Under Different Water Supply Regimes

Nicle Vynique Bedia, Mara Shen and Adrian Roy Valdez, Ph.D.

The Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system is the main source of water for the Greater Manila Area. Due to the increasing population, climate change, and the lack for new source of water supply, water shortage is imminent. To address this problem, first, this study aims to know when will the demand overtake the supply using Euler approximation method. The resulting projection can identify how much water will be needed in the future and when should a new source for water supply be developed. Next, as a short term solution to water scarcity, improvement on water allocation should be done. The researchers developed a water allocation policy under El Niño phenomenon that will satisfy the demand and maintain an above critical water level of the Angat dam. With the help of this study, water security and security from droughts can be provided for the people of the Greater Manila Area.

4. 3D Printing Optimization Through Projection-Assisted Parameter Search (PAPS)

Niña Kamille Quiazon, Sarah Samonte and Vena Pearl Bongolan, Ph.D.

3D printing is one of the emerging technologies in science. In the local scene, 3D printers are used by the National Institute of Physics to create miniature models of figures to teach public elementary school students, realizing that visual and hands-on learning is a key tool in teaching Science in early stages of childhood. Since this technology is new in the country, cutting monetary costs is a necessity for average- earning people and government institutions to be able to afford using it. A better value then would mean usability of the technology by the general public, and for the purposes of this research, in the education sector. Minimizing the printing cost would mean cheaper costs not only in monetary value, but also costs in terms of time, effort, and energy. This study aims to find the best orientation (x-y-z axis parameters) of an STL model that gives the least 3D printing time and least use of filament materials through the rotation of the model in 3D space in order to minimize cost.

Selected Research Publications

3D Printing Time Optimization Through Projection-Assisted Parameter Search (PAPS)

Niña Kamille Quiazon, Sarah Samonte and Vena Pearl Bongolan

Proceedings of the Mathematical Society of the Philippines Annual Convention 2016, 30-31 May 2016, Cebu City, Philippines