Philippine Journal of Science

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I am Rother M. Gaudiel, a BS and MS Fisheries graduate from the University of the Philippines Visayas in Miagao, Iloilo. I was a former research assistant under various projects funded by FAO and DOST-PCAARRD. These projects tackled Small-Scale Fisheries (FAO) and the invasive Black Mussel (Mytella Strigata; DOST-PCAARRD). Currently, I am working as a faculty member at the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

As a resident of a coastal barangay in Miagao, Iloilo, beach seining is a traditional fishing activity wherein people helping could get a portion of the catch as long as the catch is abundant. One of the dominant species caught is the sergestid shrimp Acetes spp. Studies on Acetes spp are limited even though PSA considered it the top ten municipal fisheries catch. This encouraged me to conduct biological and population dynamics studies since there has yet to be a study in our country. In contrast, other countries like Malaysia, South Korea, Brazil, and America have studies about it.

The most challenging part of my research is when I analyze my samples while recording fishing effort at nighttime because beach seine operations should be conducted at night to get Acetes spp.

The most fulfilling aspect of my research was when I completed analyzing all the results. The results paved the way for discussion, which gave insight into the Acetes app's status. fishery, biology, and population dynamics in Miagao, Iloilo. The biology, population parameters, and ecology aspects are also the first in the country, which could serve as a baseline for future research in different areas. Also, species identification is quite challenging due to its small size, and it made me happy when I could identify them in a dissecting microscope (or compound microscope if needed).

To aspiring young individuals who want to pursue careers in S&T, you should not limit yourself to what you know. Venture outside the box, for that is where we are needed, as researchers and scientists, to discover and fully understand the unknown. Lastly, before conducting your research, ensure its significance and objectives will help our fellow citizens. Ensure you also extend your research to them since they are our most important stakeholders.

📸Rother M. Gaudiel

LOOK: Water yield is an important service since it plays a significant role in supporting ecosystems, human livelihood, and economic activities. It is a valuable indicator for understanding the significance of water resources in specific geographic regions. This paper focuses on the valuation of water supply as an ecosystem service in the subwatersheds of the Upper Pampanga River Basin by applying the InVEST model in both scenarios of business-as-usual (BAU) and development. The model incorporates economic valuation techniques, i.e. net present value, thereby enabling the assessment of the monetary value associated with water supply. The results of this study show that there is a slightly decreasing trend in the annual water yield values in both scenarios. In terms of land area, the largest area under the projected BAU and development scenario (2020–2027) is grassland and forest, respectively.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/nha3da3b

LOOK: A new species, 𝘗𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢 𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘪 Calcetas and Staines (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) in the Philippines, is described. The species 𝘗𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘢 Baly, 1865 is very similar and known from Borneo (Sarawak, Sabah) and Brunei is re-described, and the introduced 𝘗𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘢 (L., 1767) is contrasted and compared. However, the endophallic median sclerite of the paramere of the male genitalia in 𝘗. 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘢 is whip-like and apically tapered, whereas it is shield-like and apically rounded in the new species 𝘗. 𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘪. A key to the genus 𝘗𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢 in the Philippines and Sarawak is provided.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/wtud2udu

LOOK: During the botanical fieldwork conducted in the Central Mindanao University view deck in Bukidnon, the Philippines, 𝘞𝘶𝘳𝘧𝘣𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘴 (Ridl.) Škorničk. & A.D.Poulsen was collected and currently holds a new distribution record in the said province. It is a Philippine endemic ginger species and is recorded only in Bataan, Ilocos Norte, and Quezon in Luzon and Lanao del Sur in Mindanao. After the thorough review of relevant literature, the description of this species needs to be amended as some characters should be included to properly identify this specific taxon. A full morphological description, phenology, updated distribution, habitat and ecology, and color photographs are given.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/ye2a9d9c

LOOK: The trend in the cosmetics industry in Indonesia has been upward since 2019. There is currently a problem with consumer knowledge of cosmetics made with natural ingredients. Through bioprospecting studies, the Bogor Botanical Gardens is a key player in identifying Indonesia's potential plants, one of which is a source of raw materials for cosmetics. With a focus on skincare, this study aims to inform readers about the plant collections in the Bogor Botanical Gardens that have potential cosmetic applications. The Bogor Botanical Gardens' plant collections were directly observed for this study's secondary data, which were gathered through literature reviews. The study identified 26 plant species from 20 families—primarily Zingiberaceae, Arecaceae, and Fabaceae—as having potential uses in cosmetics, especially skincare products. These plants are mostly trees, at least 50% of them. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (30.77%), followed by fruits (11.54%), rhizomes (11.54%), seeds (11.54%), leaf sheaths (7.69%), and other parts (3.85%). The conservation status of 13 out of the 26 species is known; of these, nine are considered to be of least concern, four have insufficient data, and one is on the verge of extinction.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/23xf9dcz

LOOK: The synthesis of zeolites from local resources has been an attractive route to address the demand for more economical means in the production of zeolites for commercial applications. In particular, Philippine bentonite—a local clay material—has been used as a raw ingredient to synthesize zeolites, faujasite-type (FAU), and analcime-type (ANA) 𝘷𝘪𝘢 hydrothermal synthesis. The silicon-aluminum ratio (SAR) and crystallization temperature were varied to investigate the conditions in the synthesis of pure FAU and ANA-type zeolites. X-ray diffraction allowed the identification of zeolite phases upon comparison to reference patterns from the International Zeolite Association database. The sample with the highest degree of crystallinity of 98% (ANA-type) was prepared at a temperature of 150 °C and an initial SAR of 1.18. This sample also exhibited the largest particle size of 29.1 µm in diameter. Scanning electron micrographs showed octahedral, spherical, and cross morphologies of the products, with average particle size ranging from 1.24 (± 0.13) to 29.1 (± 1.66) µm. The transformation of Philippine bentonite to different types of zeolites demonstrates the viability of local clays as raw resource material for hydrothermal synthesis of a wide range of zeolite frameworks.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/mrx8uaee

LOOK: Diabetes mellitus is one of the fastest-growing metabolic disorders. Worldwide, one out of 10 people suffer from diabetes mellitus. In this manuscript, we establish the antidiabetic potential of previously synthesized pyridazine derivatives using 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘰 and 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 experiments. Molecular docking studies of pyridazine derivatives with pullulanase Amy12, isomaltase, and alpha-amylase receptors revealed that Molecules 45, 46, and 29 showed good docking interaction scores. ADMET analysis of the top three docked pyridazine derivatives (45, 46, and 29) showed lesser solubility and poor distribution behavior. Molecules 45, 46, and 29 maintained drug-like properties with good oral bioavailability. Molecules 45 and 29 showed reproductive toxicity without any sign of mutagenicity, tumorigenicity, or other irritancy. Molecule 46 emerged as a nontoxic molecule in all aspects. 𝘐𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 alpha-amylase inhibition data of Molecules 45, 46, 29, and acarbose showed IC₅₀ values of 8.67, 8.46, 8.83, and 66.65 µg/mL, respectively. The antidiabetic activity of pyridazine derivatives is increased with the presence of phenothiazine coupled with a biphenyl group, indole with a biphenyl group, and phenothiazine with an ethylphenyl group. Establishing these pyridazine derivatives using 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 experiments could be beneficial in managing diabetes.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/3btp7dy9

LOOK: This paper presents a three-year profile of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Eastern Visayas, the Philippines, from 23 Mar 2020–31 Mar 2023—with descriptive data on temporal trends, geographical variations, demographic factors, clinical characteristics, transmission patterns, and outcomes for vaccinated and unvaccinated cases.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/4d9t7jmc

LOOK: In the world, the largest reserves of low-grade coal or lignite coal are available. Low-ranking coal with high mineral content, sulfur, moisture, and low calorific value greatly contributes to environmental pollution 𝘷𝘪𝘢 the emission of greenhouse gases, SOx, and NOx. To resolve this, the coal must be extracted or reduced of its minerals and sulfur through the processes called demineralization and desulfurization. In this regard, previous studies used different leaching agents to treat low-grade coal; however, their removal efficiencies were lower. Herein, demineralization and desulfurization of coal were carried out using alkali and alkali-acid hybrid treatments.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/mt9wrcae

LOOK: Culturally literate science is taught through community culture as a learning resource. The culture in the community around the school or native Indonesian culture is expected to be learning resources. The research aims to reveal the ethnicity of prospective science teachers in microteaching courses concerning culture-based teaching skills. The research used a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method. The dependent variable research was the teaching skills of prospective science teachers of different ethnicities. A quasi-experimental method was chosen to investigate the relationship between ethnicities and the teaching skills of prospective science teachers. This research finds that Papuan and Minang prospective science teachers have better abilities to integrate culture in implementing teaching practices through microteaching. Papuan prospective science teachers live in the interior, far from urban areas, and are still accustomed to using local culture in their daily activities. These factors make it easier for them to provide examples of culturally literate science. There is a linear relationship between ethnicity and culturally literate teaching skills from the test results, with a significant value of 0.710 > α (0.05).

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/58v8rrt6

LOOK: This study aims to describe the enterprise architecture (EA) model in the management of Islamic institutions in Indonesia in the Industrial Era 5.0, which can be used as a reference for carrying out the activity process. This study was conducted using the descriptive qualitative method—which provides data or documents in a complete, orderly, and gradual manner—so as to be able to provide valid, reliable, authentic, and verifiable information. Data collection techniques used were interviews, documentation, observation, data analysis, and literature study. Based on this research, the EA model in Islamic tertiary institutions consists of facilities and infrastructure, staffing, finance, business units, offices, marketing, main activities, learning activities, and learning technology. This model can be implemented and used as a reference for Islamic tertiary institutions to carry out the activity process. Based on this research, the EA model in Islamic tertiary institutions consists of facilities and infrastructure, staffing, finance, business units, offices, marketing, main activities, learning activities, and learning technology. This model can be implemented and used as a reference for Islamic tertiary institutions to carry out the activity process. To sum up, the implementation of EA is a solution in the era of Information Technology 5.0 that thrives on the values of effectiveness, efficiency, accountability, user-friendliness, familiarity, and real-time.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/ktandzpm

LOOK: Identifying the collection sites for the wild seeds of a highly valued species is crucial for the conservation and management of its wild population and habitat. This study is the first to document the distribution and the characteristics of spiny lobster puerulus collection sites in Palawan, the Philippines. The data were obtained from various key informants, site visits, and historical imagery from Google Earth Pro and Sentinel 2A of Copernicus between January 2021–December 2023. The data were loaded into the QGIS v3.28 software to produce a map of each locality projecting the distribution and characteristics of spiny lobster puerulus collection sites. The results showed that the collection began in the municipality of Sofronio Española in 2019 and eventually spread southward and northward along the east coast of Palawan.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/2r5hraty

LOOK: Negros Oriental in the Philippines provides a rich diversity of geothermal habitats. Despite the abundance, there are only a few published thermophile studies in the area. This study aimed to isolate thermophilic cyanobacteria from a hot spring in Negros Oriental and use morphological and molecular features for characterization and identification. Six filamentous, homocystous cyanobacteria designated as CV1, CV2, CV3, CV4, CV5, and CV6 were successfully isolated and cultured. Morphological characterization showed light green to blue-green sheathed trichomes that form an interwoven pattern similar to the recently identified cyanobacterium, 𝘈𝘭𝘬𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘢. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed 98.58% identity of the strains with 𝘈𝘭𝘬𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 DCHY213, and phylogenetic analysis placed them under the family Leptolyngbyaceae—hence forming a separate cluster from other 𝘈. 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 strains. The differences in ecotype and morphotype, as well as the distinct clustering in the phylogenetic tree of the Negros Oriental strains, imply the possibility of belonging to a different species. Amylase activity was detected in all strains except CV4, hence implying their potential for bioactive metabolite studies.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/fw4jbdv2

LOOK: 𝘗𝘴𝘦𝘶𝘥𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘤𝘺𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪 Heller, 1912 is reported for the first time since its description in 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘺 Tanglagan in the lowland forests of the Apayao Lowland Forest Key Biodiversity Area. Characters for recognition are mentioned, high-definition photographs of its habitus, median lobe, and endophallus are provided, and a brief discussion of its ecology is presented.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/mv5nxapf

LOOK: People not only inhale life-sustaining oxygen but also traces of bacteria and even inanimate surfaces introduce microorganisms to one’s bodies. However, the diversity and richness of bacterial communities both indoor and outdoor in a Philippine higher educational institution in relation to human occupancy patterns remain relatively unexplored. Hence, the study aimed to bridge this gap. Microflora were collected using settle plates and swabbing method and identified by comparing their 16s rRNA gene amplicons using the Basic Local Alignment Tool. Several isolates were found to have biological implications in health (𝘦.𝘨. 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 and 𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘴) and biotechnology (𝘦.𝘨. 𝘙𝘩𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴 and 𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴). The phylogeny of samples exhibited close cohesion from the genus level, hence forming monophyletic taxa—under the classes Bacilli, Gammaproteobacteria, and Actinomycetes. Furthermore, statistical results established the significant relationship between indoor air and outdoor surface microbial load with the volume of occupants, as opposed to outdoor air and indoor surfaces.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/ms7ryppk

LOOK: Species identification of mangrove crabs at the juvenile stages is crucial for maximizing production. Traditional knowledge in identifying juvenile mangrove crabs (𝘚𝘤𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘢 spp.) is mainstream although the techniques vary with locations and are yet to be validated for their effectiveness. In this study, widespread traditional techniques for identifying juvenile 𝘚𝘤𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘢 were validated by looking for patterns through principal component analysis in dorsal carapace features—including bumps, black spots, coloration, and shape—as determined by the ratio of carapace length to internal carapace width (CL:ICW). The less prominent bumps on the dorsal carapace and the lower CL:ICW of 𝘚. 𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢 were seen to have the potential for nationwide adoption to distinguish this least preferred species. The dorsal carapace color varies across species but is inconsistent across regions. The presence of black and white spots, texture features such as depression on the center of the dorsal carapace, and growth rates of the samples were found to have no diagnostic applications for juvenile 𝘚𝘤𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘢. This study confirmed the utility of some traditional techniques to identify juvenile 𝘚. 𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢 without the aid of a device, but no consistent method to differentiate 𝘚. 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘢 from 𝘚. 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢 was found. Image analysis data on these validated techniques can be added to the machine learning algorithm of existing species identification tools to increase accuracy.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/yc7my492

LOOK: Monitoring hard coral health and diversity is essential in assessing their resilience to disturbances such as coral bleaching. This study gathered baseline data on the health and benthic composition of coral reefs in western Calatagan, Batangas, the Philippines. Coral health in two sites—Buntong Gasang and the Quilitisan Marine Protected Area (MPA)—was assessed using the CoralWatch citizen science Coral Health Chart method. The average color score of more than 200 coral colonies was compared between sites and coral growth forms (𝘪.𝘦. branching, boulder, and plate). In addition, benthic composition in both sites was determined using photoquadrats. Buntong Gasang Point and Quilitisan MPA had mean coral scores that are 4.4 (± 1.0 SD) and 3.6 (± 1.0 SD), respectively, thus indicating normal symbiont densities.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/53yw7ry7

LOOK: The Batanes archipelago—a province designated by the Philippine government as a protected area—possesses abundant marine resources and diverse ecosystems that serve as optimal habitats for marine turtles to forage, reproduce, and nest. Ivatans, the native inhabitants of Batanes who are also indigenous peoples, possess knowledge of the existence of marine turtles in their coastal waters; however, published reports are still unavailable. This study provides significant data on species identification, observations, and the distribution of nesting areas across the province.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/mtx4ketx

𝗜𝗸𝗮 𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮, “𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲” 😺🐾🐈
Isinagawa ng mga mananaliksik ang pag-aaral sa home range ng domestic cats sa Mount Makiling Forest Reserve gamit ang GPS collars mula November 2019 hanggang March 2020. Ayon sa resulta, nakita na malawak ang kanilang nasasakupan, at nakapaghuli rin sila ng iba't ibang mga hayop, kabilang ang mga species ng butiki, daga, at paniki na native o endemic lamang sa nasabing lugar.
Maraming pusa ang malayang nakakapaggala sa forest reserve na nagdudulot ng panganib sa wildlife ng lugar. Inirerekomenda ng mga mananaliksik sa cat owners na limitahan nila ang paglabas ng kanilang mga alagang pusa sa mga protektadong lugar upang maiwasan ang pagkasira ng ecosystem.
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Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, basahin ang research paper sa link na ito:
https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/.../cats_paw_tracking...
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Reference:
Tenorio, F. M. B., Fernandez, D. A. P., de Luna, M. C. T., de Guia, A. P. O., Balatibat, J. B., Baril, J. A., & Aurellado, M. E. B. (2024). Cat’s Paw: Tracking the Home Range of Domestic Cats in Mount Makiling Forest Reserve. Philippine Journal of Science, 153(1), 353-361.
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Pwedeng i-access ang iba pang mga pananaliksik sa iba’t ibang larangan ng Siyensya sa website ng Philippine Journal of Science: https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/

𝗜𝗸𝗮 𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮, “𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲” 😺🐾🐈
Isinagawa ng mga mananaliksik ang pag-aaral sa home range ng domestic cats sa Mount Makiling Forest Reserve gamit ang GPS collars mula November 2019 hanggang March 2020. Ayon sa resulta, nakita na malawak ang kanilang nasasakupan, at nakapaghuli rin sila ng iba't ibang mga hayop, kabilang ang mga species ng butiki, daga, at paniki na native o endemic lamang sa nasabing lugar.

Maraming pusa ang malayang nakakapaglakad sa forest reserve na nagdudulot ng panganib sa wildlife ng lugar. Inirerekomenda ng mga mananaliksik sa mga cat owners na limitahan ang paglabas ng kanilang mga alagang pusa sa mga protektadong lugar upang maiwasan ang pagkasira ng ecosystem. Dagdag pa rito, mungkahi nila na iparehistro at i-sterilize ang mga alagang pusa kung pahihintulutin man itong gumala. Ang sterilization o castration ay nakakatulong upang mabawasan ang populasyon ng mga stray cats. Higit sa lahat, ang maayos na komunikasyon at sapat na edukasyon at kooperasyon kasama ang ating mga cat owners at ang buong komunidad ang siyang pinakasusi para sa pagbuo ng mas epektibong conservation strategy plans na may kinalaman sa ating mga alagang pusa.
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Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, basahin ang research paper sa link na ito: https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/images/pdf/pjs_pdf/vol153_No1_Feb2024/cats_paw_tracking_the_home_range_of_cats_in_Mt_Makiling_.pdf
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Reference:
Tenorio, F. M. B., Fernandez, D. A. P., de Luna, M. C. T., de Guia, A. P. O., Balatibat, J. B., Baril, J. A., & Aurellado, M. E. B. (2024). Cat’s Paw: Tracking the Home Range of Domestic Cats in Mount Makiling Forest Reserve. Philippine Journal of Science, 153(1), 353-361.
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Pwedeng i-access ang iba pang mga pananaliksik sa iba’t ibang larangan ng Siyensya sa website ng Philippine Journal of Science: https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/

LOOK: Limited university-industry-government (UIG) collaboration in the Philippines underscores untapped opportunities crucial for national economic growth. Implementing an integrated web-based platform for researcher profiles and resources in Philippine higher education institutions could promote and strengthen UIG collaboration. A baseline assessment surveyed 111 faculty members—thereby revealing their motivations, contexts, and challenges, as well as guiding the framework for the platform's development—with satisfaction ratings indicating favorable collaboration experiences driven by networking and professional development.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/3vhyjj5u

LOOK: Almero 𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘭. proposed a semiparametric mixed covariance model for crossover designs that address carryover effects. This model, employing restricted maximum likelihood estimation and smoothing splines regression within the backfitting algorithm, adjusts responses using nonparametric functions of covariates to mitigate experimental heterogeneity. Additionally, they introduced a bootstrap-based test for random treatment effects—thereby demonstrating correct sizing, power, and robustness in simulation studies, as well as offering advantages over classical analysis of covariance amidst experimental design and measurement challenges.

Full story: https://tinyurl.com/mrx42c8v