The Journal of Proceedings published by PNGUoT Press provide a collection of peer-reviewed papers presented at academic and professional gatherings hosted by the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. They serve as a platform for researchers, practitioners, and students to share original findings, innovative ideas, and critical insights across diverse fields. Each volume reflects the conference theme and contributes to advancing knowledge, promoting dialogue, and supporting the university’s role in national and regional development.
Papua New Guinea University of Technology PRESS
Exploring the Role of Pasin-Lotu in the Peace Process in Bougainville
Some studies have revealed that the role of women and pasin-tumbuna1 were important peace mechanisms in the Bougainville crisis. However, it is often forgotten that the women and peacemakers involved were active members of the Christian churches and that the Bougainville traditional customs were already blended with the Christian faith. It has been argued that little was said about the role of Pasin-lotu2 in the peace process3, and the primary objective of this article is to bring this essential aspect of the journey to peace into view. An interpretive paradigm provided a theoretical framework for this study, and a qualitative approach was used to collect, analyse, and interpret data. Melanesian tok-stori4 and personal interviews were used for data collection. An inductive thematic analysis procedure guided the data interpretation. It was revealed that Pasin-lotu drove the spirit of confession and forgiveness, and reconnected the divided people. This faith enhanced the peace negotiations, added meaning to the reconciliation, and brought stability to the peace process. Pasin-lotu emerged from the findings as another essential driver of peace that helped to end the Bougainville Crisis.
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Is there any Impact of Credit Management Practices on Bank Performance in PNG
Credit Management and Bank Lending practices were the paramount influential activities performed by every bank globally. These activities become major determinant factors for banking performance in commercial banks and private financial institutions in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Most banks have achieved unfavorable results due to a lack of effective credit management and lending practices. According to observations from various annual reports of commercial banks, default risk in terms of existing bad debt has resulted from poor credit management and lending practices. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of credit management and bank lending practices on the performance of banks. Specifically, the research examined the effects of interest rates, loan amounts, and loan terms on loan repayment by commercial banks in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The target population for this study was all commercial banks in PNG; however, due to the unavailability of publicly accessible annual reports, only four commercial banks were evaluated based on the available information from the financial years 2016 to 2023. Remarkably, the loans and advances section of the report has been evaluated in conjunction with the lending rate for the loan term available on the banks' website. This research adopted a regression model for the data analysis. The study findings showed that loan amount and loan term (lending practices) have a positive significant effect on loan repayment (banking performance). In contrast, interest rates (Credit Management) have a significant adverse effect on banking performance. The overall study highlights the proactive approach to managing credit risk and promoting transparent lending procedures to sustain banking performance. Several recommendations made in this study aim to improve the efficiency of credit management and lending practices, thereby enhancing the performance of banking.
From Suspicion to Trust: ICP Blockchain's Role in PNG Aid Accountability
This paper is written to combat corruption, the ministerial slowness, and the overall lack of real-time control within Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) current centralized Charity aid system in distributing aid throughout the country. These problems concerning the structure of how Papua New Guinea (PNG) aids distribution, they are big cause of widespread mishandling of resources resulting to a big decline in donor trust, which has drastically impacted development process at the ground level (local Level) and up with a high decreased in external support. In contrast, there is hope through blockchain platforms such as Internet Computer Protocol (ICP). Ethereum and etc. ICP is one of the current top tiers in Public Blockchain technology in operation today. The purpose of the study is to see the benefits of ICP in PNG aid distribution in terms of its function’s accountability and transparency. The study will also be examining the possibility of deploying such a system into Papua New Guinea’s technological ecosystem especially its possibility, advantage, and any draw backs that comes with deploying this workable blockchain based solution, a thorough analysis of academic papers and research papers having ICP or block chain based solution used around the world on aid system or aid distribution will be examined. Given the thorough analysis and overview of PNG,s economy in terms of corruption and blockchain application of several papers, it is seen that blockchain may greatly impose an increase in transparency by offering immutable ledger capabilities that build donors confidence with real time fund tracking, this will revolutionize and reduce the number of administrative workloads through the use of automated smart contracts. Moreover, there are still underlying issues regarding the country’s inadequate infrastructure, level of digital literacy and the necessary framework needed to guide implementation of this blockchain technology to successful adaptation. Despite the country’s status as a third world country and still developing, PNG has the capacity to turn things around if proper studies is carried out to pinpoint the weakness in our economy and focus the solution on technological innovations to change it, by doing so improving its economy and country’s state in general. So, in order to promote blockchain as one revolutionary tool that may restore faith in the humanitarian sector of Papua New Guinea, the study ends with strategic policy proposals for the incorporation into the assistance management frameworks.
An Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination in Freshwater Sediments and Fish and Cyanide in Sediment around Gold Ridge mine site, Solomon Islands
Heavy metals in riverine sediments around Gold Ridge mine site ranged from 0.71 ± 0.09 to 726.73 ± 0.86 µg g−1. Out of all the metals that were investigated in the area, only arsenic metal claimed the highest concentrations for all sites within the area with values exceeding those of the WHO and EPA guidelines. The moderate type of contamination was shown for cyanide in sediments with values of 0 to 4.41 ± 0.35 µg g−1 which exceeded the WHO limit of 1µg g-1. The values of metals recorded for the two selected fish species Gobiidae, Belobranchus belobranchus and Rhyacichthys aspro ranged from under 0 to 2.59 ± 0.38 µg g−1. The use of these fish species as bio-indicators of heavy metal contamination in rivers around gold ridge proved them suitable to use as bio-indicators for future studies in the area. The sequential extraction of heavy metal in sediments indicated that most metals were present in the non-resistance fraction, a fraction that was readily available to move in the environment. Comparing the present study to the baseline study in the same area, indicated a simple % ration of, Cu (17%), Pb (78%), and Cr (54%), Cd (no data) and as (55%) were noted for all metals in the sediments. The present study confirms a significant increase of metals over years in rivers around the Gold Ridge mine site. The highest levels of metals and cyanide in riverine sediment around gold ridge mine site, compared to other Pacific studies, are attributed to the discharge of wastewater from the tailing dam in the area.
Community-Driven Adoption of Industry 4.0 Technologies for Sustainable and Resilient Food Production
Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins offer significant opportunities for improving sustainability and efficiency in food production. However, their adoption remains limited, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and in contexts where manual operations are still necessary. This research presents a community-driven framework to support the integration of these technologies in local food production and agricultural systems. By combining technical development with community engagement, the research addresses both operational optimization and existing digital skill gaps. This research contributes to the broader digital and green transition by aligning advanced technologies with local needs, ensuring that innovation is inclusive, practical, and socially grounded.
An analysis of Cultural Intelligence in Different Regions of Papua New Guinea based on Physics Education
Cultural intelligence is important in a globalized world where people from different cultures interact effectively. The cultural factors that influence education in Papua New Guinea are language barriers, traditional knowledge in science, the teaching methods, students’ attitude towards science and the societal or family expectations. In our study, we selected physics education because physics is the study of matter and energy which is closely associated with the environment and supports all branches of engineering. Cultural quotient has been calculated in different regions of PNG by conducting a survey on first-year university students from different regions taking physics. Cultural quotient was found to be higher in Highland’s region and lower in Islands region. Remedial methods have been suggested to improve the cultural quotient in all regions of PNG.
Psychological Impacts of Gender-based Violence against Women in Hula Community
This paper examines the issue of Gender-based violence (GBV) as a serious problem that affects women psychologically in Papua New Guinea (PNG). These effects include hindering freedom of movement and community participation by women. The aim is to develop an understanding of such negative effects on women and girls, as a case study that was conducted in Hula village of Central Province, PNG. The purpose of the study was to identify the main forms of violence against women in the community, the possible causes and their psychological consequences, identify and recommend strategies to reduce and prevent these captioned issues. The research involved 20 key informant interviews with community leaders and three focus groups within a small group of men and women including the teachers from an elementary school in the village. The main findings from the study highlights the psychological effects of gender-based violence committed against women, either single or married. The major contributing factors of gender-based violence identified are lack of food and money, alcohol consumption, pure jealousy, adultery and other contributing factors such as misuse of social media. These contributing factors have extensively contributed to gender-based violence having greater impact on women's mental health. Consequently, the women are unable to participate fairly in social activities. The study is important as it highlighted the proportion of GBV prevalence at the community level.
Animal Health Capacity Building in Papua New Guinea: A Comprehensive Approach to Strengthening Animal and Wildlife Health Systems Through Biosecurity, One Health, and Cross-Border Collaboration
Papua New Guinea (PNG) occupies a critical position in regional biosecurity as a biodiversity hotspot and geographical nexus between Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, yet faces unprecedented challenges in animal and wildlife health management. This comprehensive review examines the interconnected challenges confronting PNG's animal health systems and their impacts on public health, economic stability, food security, cultural preservation, and regional biosecurity. Through systematic analysis of geographical vulnerabilities, infrastructural constraints, and systemic limitations, this review reveals critical gaps in PNG's capacity to manage emerging infectious diseases. The research identifies four strategic pillars for transformation: 1. Developing a sustainable veterinary workforce through innovative training and community-based networks, 2. Establishing robust disease surveillance systems integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies, 3. Strengthening diagnostic capabilities through strategic partnerships and point-of-care solutions, and 4. Fostering cross-sectoral collaboration through One Health frameworks and transboundary partnerships. Recent disease incursions, including Newcastle Disease (ND) and African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks, demonstrate PNG's vulnerability and the urgent need for enhanced preparedness. With only four qualified veterinarians serving over 9 million people and limited diagnostic capacity concentrated in Port Moresby, PNG's current animal health infrastructure is inadequate for addressing transboundary disease risks threatening national and regional security. The review emphasizes exceptional opportunities for PNG-Australia-Indonesia-Pacific Island Countries collaboration for mutual biosecurity enhancement, coordinated disease prevention, and knowledge exchange across shared ecological boundaries. By adopting integrated One Health approaches that honour indigenous knowledge systems, leverage digital technologies, and establish strategic multilateral partnerships, PNG can transform its animal health landscape from a regional vulnerability into a cornerstone of Pacific biosecurity. This framework addresses immediate capacity gaps while positioning PNG to manage climate-induced disease emergence, protect culturally significant species, ensure food security for rural communities, and contribute to global health security. The study provides a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable animal and wildlife health system development with significant implications for public health resilience, economic development, biodiversity conservation, and regional stability across the Asia-Pacific region.
Applying Design Thinking Methodology to include meaningful Social and Cultural input to Mobile phone application software development
Today everyone has access to mobile phone technologies and the use of mobile technologies for business, socializing, and entertainment. However, many mobile phone applications are generic and lack sensitivity to the social and cultural expectations of Pacific users. In this research we explored the design thinking research methodology to design inclusive mobile phone applications. The integration of traditional knowledge, customs, languages and forms of art are critical to developing mobile solutions for today’s challenges. This research contributes methodology, and the elaboration of methods in action to solve communication problems in current mobile phone applications. It also challenges many of the contemporary mobile phone application development methods and theories to be user centric. The harnessing of mobile technologies for the safe and sustainable development of the Pacific requires sensitivity to the Pacific and the many cultures, languages, and customs that new technologies are to host and not replace.
Utilizing Non-fungible Token (NFT) Technologies to Preserve Cultural Histories and Artefacts
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are blockchain-based tokens that each represent a unique asset in digital format. It is an irrevocable digital certificate of ownership and authenticity for a given asset, that is securely stored for future authorized access. This research explored NFT technology as a solution for the universal problem of digitization writing over and erasing important Pacific histories, artefacts, and stories. The research developed methodology to harness the new technology for the social and cultural preservation of artefacts and histories. The methods used addressed the challenges with applying the technology and the challenges of capturing authentic socio-cultural histories. The new digital format has application in all the Pacific cultures and people groups for the preservation of what is culturally important and the transmission to future generations. The safe and sustainable development of the Pacific requires the adoption of new technologies in ways that integrate traditional knowledges into the new opportunities and solutions for real challenges.
Assessing the Downstream Impacts of Soil Sedimentation Caused by Small- Scale Alluvial Mining in Atamo, Central Bougainville
The sedimentation of soils resulting from small-scale alluvial gold mining poses major environmental and socio-economic problems for the communities concerned. This study examines the extent and consequences of soil erosion caused by mountain gold mining in the Atamo area of Central Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. Using qualitative methods, including field surveys, interviews with local communities, the study documents sediment accumulation in river basins, which has disrupted natural water flows, damaged infrastructure, and altered aquatic ecosystems. The issue is further exacerbated by the presence of climate change, where irregular and extreme rainfall events accelerate soil erosion and sediment transport from mining sites into waterways. Key findings show that sediment deposition has resulted in the diversion of rivers, road deterioration, and a deterioration of water quality for human consumption. The study also highlights the lack of awareness among miners about sediment management and the absence of formal mitigation strategies. The report concludes that soil sedimentation is a threat to environmental sustainability and hinders the livelihood and mobility of the communities concerned. The document recommends the introduction of effective erosion control measures, reforestation, and regulatory frameworks to manage mining practices and protect the ecosystems downstream.
Modeling and Mechanobiology of the Mitral Valve
In this study, we have used a fluid structure interaction to model the blood flow in the mitral valve and its leaflets. Using CT images, we have made a real geometry of the mitral valve, and SolidWorks was used to make the model. The real boundary conditions were used, and the diastolic phase of the heart was modeled for 0.5 seconds. The hyper elastic material properties were used both for the left ventricle and the mitral. ANSYS software was used to perform numerical simulations. The hemodynamic parameters, including blood velocity, pressure, and shear stresses, were analyzed. The results obtained were compared to the existing literature. The displacements and strain of the left ventricle tissue were also studied.
Assessing the Water Balance and Groundwater Drying Trends in Papua New Guinea: The Potential of Soil and Water Conservation for Recharge Restoration
Groundwater stress is becoming more prevalent in Papua New Guinea, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where shallow aquifers are essential for subsistence. This study does a quantitative water balance assessment to better understand the causes of these drying trends. The research looks into the imbalance between recharge and outflow rates in critical regions of PNG by assessing climatological and hydrological data such as rainfall, evapotranspiration, surface runoff, and groundwater extraction. Furthermore, the study assesses the effectiveness of soil and water conservation (SWC) techniques in mitigating aquifer depletion. Contour farming, vegetative cover, recharge ponds, and check dams are all being considered for their ability to improve groundwater recharge rates. Preliminary findings suggest that implementing targeted SWC treatments, particularly in highland and deforested areas, can dramatically increase groundwater recharge capacity. Finally, the study makes practical recommendations for incorporating SWC methods into local watershed and water resource management programs. This attempts to manage rising groundwater stress and maintain the long-term usage of this critical resource in Papua New Guinea.
Perceptions of Health Extension Officer Students in Divine Word University on Medical Simulation Training as a Preparation Tool for Clinical Placement: A Mixed Methods Study
Medical simulation training is an increasingly vital educational strategy for preparing healthcare professionals to meet the complex demands of clinical environments. This study explores the perceptions of Health Extension Officer (HEO) students at Divine Word University (DWU) regarding the effectiveness of medical simulation training as a preparation tool for clinical placement. The study aligns with Papua New Guinea’s desire to produce skilled and competent healthcare professionals and this view is a natural extension into the Pacific region’s goal of harnessing innovative technologies to improve healthcare delivery and support sustainable development. A mixed-methods approach using a sequential explanatory research design was utilized, involving a survey of 101 students across three academic years, followed by focus group discussions (FGDs) with 24 participants. The survey assessed satisfaction, perceived skill development, and resource adequacy, while the FGDs provided in- depth perspectives on the integration of basic medical sciences, development of interpersonal and clinical skills, and suggestions for enhancing simulation training. Findings revealed that students perceive simulation as a highly effective tool for building clinical competencies, especially in technical skills, decision-making, and teamwork, all within a safe, low-risk environment. Participants valued structured feedback and opportunities for hands-on practice. However, they identified the need for longer sessions, improved basic science integration, and standardized instructor training. This study highlights the transformative potential of simulation- based learning in strengthening healthcare education across Papua New Guinea (PNG). By investing in simulation technologies and enhancing teaching methodologies, institutions can better prepare future health workers to serve rural and underserved communities, contributing to safer and more equitable health outcomes. The results hold implications not only for DWU and PNG but also for similar health systems across the Pacific, where resource limitations and workforce challenges demand innovative, context-relevant solutions. In conclusion, medical simulation training as a core educational strategy into training of clinical healthcare professionals supports PNG’s efforts towards building a resilient and competent health workforce, in doing so illustrating one positive approach desired to enhance safe, efficient, and sustainable healthcare improvements across the Pacific region.
Learning the Shoreline: A Very High-Resolution Approach to Reef Island Dynamics
Pacific atoll islets are often described as stable in global-scale studies, typically based on long-term shoreline proxies such as vegetation line or morphometrics like planform surface area. While informative, these approaches can obscure short-term, localized coastal dynamics – including changes in island shape and position that are critical for ecosystem function, cultural practices, and coastal infrastructure resilience. This study presents a transferable, automated approach to shoreline monitoring using very high-resolution Pléiades imagery and a XGBoost classifier. The method integrates spectral indices and textural features to delineate the outer limit of emerged land, including vegetated areas, beaches, man-made surfaces, and beach rock. This shoreline definition supports fine- scale, spatially explicit monitoring of reef island dynamics, even in morphologically complex environments. Developed and tested on multiple atolls in French Polynesia (Tetiaroa, Tikehau, Hao, and Puka Puka), the model achieves high accuracy (mean Intersection over Union ≈ 0.99; Mean Absolute Positional Error ≈ 1.28 m) and demonstrates strong performance on both training and held-out sites, validating its spatial transferability. The extracted shorelines reveal subtle but significant island-scale changes in extent, configuration, and spatial position that remain undetected by conventional shoreline proxies and surface metrics. By enabling high- precision, scalable shoreline monitoring, this method provides a more nuanced understanding of atoll change processes. It supports Pacific efforts to move beyond narratives of passive loss toward frameworks of resilience and adaptation, while providing spatial tools tailored to low-lying island realities.
Innovative Technologies for Volcanic Hazard Mitigation in the Pacific Islands
Volcanic hazards pose significant risks to Pacific island nations, where remoteness, rugged terrain, and limited infrastructure hinder effective monitoring. This paper presents a multi- technology strategy adapted to these challenges, combining low-cost, innovative instruments with community-based monitoring approaches. Integrated through cloud-based platforms, these tools enable real-time data access, improved eruption forecasting, and more effective early warning systems. Field applications demonstrate how the combination of ground-based and satellite-based methods enhances resilience and supports community-level risk reduction. This scalable and transdisciplinary framework offers a practical pathway for strengthening volcanic hazard monitoring and response across the Southwest Pacific.
Digital Literacy at Divine Word University
Over the last two decades, Divine Word University, with its "paperless" university policy and the "one laptop per student" initiative has encouraged digital literacy among staff and students. Developments over time saw the introduction of online exams, and the expansion of the Moodle LMS across several campuses. In 2018 DWU conducted an exhaustive study with 289 student participants who were asked to complete sixteen assignments on the internet. The researchers noted necessary operational and formal skills, as well as the importance of developing information and strategic skills to ensure a meaningful and creative use of digital technologies. More recently, during and after the COVID pandemic, the university introduced new tools to support virtual teaching and learning, along with infrastructural upgrades to support those developments. The introduction of AI tools raises new issues of digital literacy, making AI literacy part of student learning. This presentation will identify the most recent issues for students learning digital literacy at Divine Word University.
Aligning University Courses to the PNG Government Digital Plan, A Challenge for the Universities in PNG
The Papua New Guinea Government Digital Plan 2023-2027 has set the path for its digital future agenda, focusing on transforming public service delivery, improve e-governance and build the national digital ecosystem. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) as the lead government department has developed this plan as well as supporting policy documents such as the Government Cloud Policy, Data Governance Policy, Digital Infrastructure Policy and etc. According to the plan’s implementation schedule, the government wants to go paperless in 2026 and integration of AI technologies into public service systems and processes before 2027. This plan indirectly calls for and creates a demand for technically skilled labor force in emerging ICT fields like software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and cybersecurity. Meeting this demand will challenge the universities in Papua New Guinea on two fronts. First is modernizing the universities themselves as institutions and integrate ICT technologies in their administration and core business of teaching and learning. This is highlighted in the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST)’s policy document titled “Policy on Digitalization of PNG Universities Research Institutes. Second is to realign and modernize their IT program curricula to meet these digital demands in the industry. Therefore, this paper seeks to establish the status of IT related programs offered across seven universities in the country by analyzing the DHERST’s 2025 Continuing Student List, of students studying in all the universities under the Tertiary Education Study Scheme (TESAS) scholarship Then the particular subject units of the respective IT programs observed from the respective institutional websites to see whether current trends in ICT like data analytics, e-commerce, software programming and AI were factored in the program subject unit structure. The results will generate informed awareness of the shortfall in IT program curriculum reform across all universities and help formulate corrective action. This will ensure the IT graduates are job ready when they enter the job market when the PNG Government Digital Plan implementation gets momentum.
In Search of Indigenous Framework on Climate Change Education in the Vanuatu Education System
Climate change has become the focus of attention in many countries of the world. Education is seen as a pivotal tool not only in bringing climate change issues to the fore of regional and international debates, but also in raising awareness about climate change in schools. In Vanuatu, Climate Change Education (CCE) has been included in the Vanuatu Education System including relevant policies and curriculum documents. This paper reports on the preliminary findings emanated from a qualitative case study recently carried out in Vanuatu. The purpose of the study was to find out if current official curriculum documents promote climate change concepts congruent to local settings, for example, the indigenous knowledge system, to promote sustainable development. Data was collected via interviews of key education and climate change officers; as well as by reviewing relevant educational documents, including educational policies and curriculum. Data collected was analysed through the content analytical tool. The preliminary findings show that the promotion of local climate knowledge in the curriculum is less emphasized. These findings will be articulated in the presentation. The paper then speculates on the best possible indigenous knowledge framework on climate change beyond the curriculum to promote climate change education and to ensure sustainable development for the Pacific people.
Estimation of Lifetime Lung Cancer Risk from Radon Inhalation in PNG
There are several known factors causing lung cancer. Exposure to nanoparticles, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and inhalation of radioactive radon gas are the major sources. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that radon exposure accounts for approximately 3% to 14% of all lung cancer cases, depending on factors like average radon levels and smoking habits. Research in a Southeast Asian country, estimated 26% of lung cancer deaths in males and 28% in females. These were attributed by indoor radon exposure, with variations depending on local radon concentrations. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after cigarette smoking. The EPA estimates that about 21,000 people die each year as a result of radon-related lung disease. Radon is radioactive and can decay into cancer-causing radioactive progeny. These progenies stick onto the Trachea Bronchi region of lung and continuously irradiate the lung tissues unless they are translocated by some physiological process. Radon need to be measured for a long time in the indoor atmosphere to obtain a time averaged estimate of the inhalation dose to the inhabitants. Active radon measurements are more accurate even if they are difficult to deploy for measurements. In the present study, results of measurements of nearly a year long continuous indoor radon measurements at different locations in the city of Lae in PNG will be presented. Using the results of the measurement of indoor radon activity, excess lifetime risk due to the inhalation of radon will also be presented.
From Artificial Intelligence to Artificial Intelligences
Artificial intelligence was over; artificial intelligences are booming around us. Artificial intelligence is significant for many people as a discipline, where Artificial intelligences have benefited all people, organizations, companies, and nations. This paper examines artificial intelligence, the evolution from AI to artificial intelligences. It looks at artificial intelligence systems and platforms, business intelligences as examples of artificial intelligences. The proposed approach in this paper might facilitate the research and development of AIs, artificial wisdoms, business intelligences, and business analytics.
Contamination of Dump Soils by Toxic Heavy Metals: An Emerging Risk to Groundwater Quality
Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) pose significant concerns due to their persistence in the environment and their potential risks to human health and ecosystems. Contamination of soil can jeopardize groundwater quality, as precipitation may facilitate the leaching of these metals into the water supply. Given that groundwater serves as a crucial source of drinking water, such contamination can adversely affect aquifer geochemistry, resulting in severe health and environmental consequences. This study corroborates earlier research that identified the presence of Cd, Pb, and Hg in borewell samples by assessing heavy metal concentrations in the soil surrounding the Papua New Guinea University of Technology's dump site. Utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS), the investigation revealed concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Hg ranging from 0.0031 to 0.0062 mg/L, 0.04 to 0.63 mg/L, and 0.0008 to 0.0018 mg/L, respectively. The findings indicate a significant increase in heavy metal concentrations in proximity to the dump site over the years.
Inverse distance weight (IDW) interpolation.
Preliminary Results on Development of Sustainable and Biodegradable Food Packaging Films Using the Peels of Indigenous Banana Plant Musaingens from Enga Province of Papua New Guinea
“Sustainability” and “Plastic/polymer pollution” are probably the two challenging phrases that the world is currently facing and the scientific investigations are focusing on. While mitigating plastic pollution has become a humongous task, sustainability has always come in handy with vastly spread biodiversity. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one such blessed country with a hugely diversified bioresources. Food industry is one massive area that contributes to pollution, mostly through food packaging and single-use plastics. Of many known banana varieties in PNG, Musa ingens is special as it holds the record of being the world’s largest banana tree, and they are widely found at elevation limits between 1000-2100 m. Based on recent research published, this study was undertaken, however, with raw banana peels instead of ripened ones, to check if the fruit-ripening factor plays a significant role in preparing biofilms, and further if raw peels result in films with superior properties. The study indicated that raw peels were also able to produce biodegradable films. Preliminary results are encouraging and the films were able to be prepared, stretched as well as biodegraded within a definite timescale. The study indicated that some vital factors for putting these films into food packaging applications like water solubility (~21-47%,lower the better), moisture content (~16-35%, lower the better) and stretchability/elongation (~3-12%, higher the better) are still challenges to overcome. A discussion on subtle modifications done to the laboratory procedures and various results obtained will be presented. Further, a comparison of properties of films obtained from the present study with those of ripened peels reported in the literature will also be presented in the paper.
On the Impact of Exotic Naturalized Trees in the Landscapes of Papua New Guinea - the situation in Bulolo and Wau
Exotic tree species are tree species that have been introduced into an area outside their normal distribution. Over the years, exotic plants have been introduced in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for aesthetic, agricultural, landscaping, and many other uses. Today, some of these plant species are noticeably dominating the natural ecosystems, particularly the disturbed landscapes, where they are suppressing regeneration of native plant species. This is the trend of species composition expected under the disturbance following from climate change and anthropogenic and natural disasters. Little is known about their rate and extent of their distribution, potential benefits and negative impacts on the environment and the ecosystem as a whole. The natural forests often are not able to rebound from alteration of forests by anthropogenic activities through agricultural farming practices, logging, mining, infrastructural development and settlements, and also natural disasters. The rate and extent of the exotic tree species dominating the vicinity in and around the township of Wau and Bulolo, namely, Albiziachinensis (Fabaceae), Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae), Pinus caribaea (Pinaceae), and Piper aduncum (Piperaceae, Samanea saman (Fabaceae) and Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) were assessed using aerial images to demonstrate the actual formation of forest communities by exotic tree species in a PNG landscape. The survey data demonstrated a positive impact that exotic tree species can naturalize well into the landscape ecosystem they thrive in, forming new forest communities. Their spread has had both beneficial and negative impacts on natural landscapes, and community livelihoods.
The Transition of Secondary Students into Higher Tertiary Education: The Perspective of Divine Word University, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea
This paper provides an overview of students transitioning from secondary school to higher education institutions and their experiences with contemporary learning. This study explored the challenges and barriers students encounter when transitioning into tertiary education at Divine Word University (DWU) and identified available support services to aid in student development. This study employed an interpretivist philosophy thus; qualitative methodology was used. Data was collected using one- on- one interview with semi- structured questions. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The results indicated that students faced multiple challenges, particularly when moving from secondary education. Key challenges expressed by DWU students are, getting nervous and anxious, leaving parents behind and becoming independent, mismanagement of time, excessive social media use, limited digital literacy, and difficulty in adapting to the online system at DWU. Additionally, adapting to the environment is a significant challenge, which leads to students losing government scholarships, being distracted from studies, and experiencing peer pressures. However, there are support services offered by DWU Student Services, such as counselling, psychoeducation and peer mentoring programs, weekend sports, and Information, Communication and Technology services that help students adapt to the tertiary education system. Hence, it is significant for students to utilize the services available to overcome the challenges expressed. The findings underscore the importance of early engagement with students and the proactive use of available support services to facilitate their transition into higher education. Thus, enhancing orientation programs, increasing digital literacy support, and promoting greater awareness of the offered support services are vital areas for improvement to empower students in their learning.
Python for Network Automation: A Comparative Study of Tools, Architectures, and Industry Use Cases
Managing large-scale networks has become increasingly complex in today's technology-driven environment. Traditional manual configurations no longer meet the speed, consistency, or scalability that modern organizations demand. Network automation is no longer optional, but it is essential. Python is a programming language valued for its readability and rich ecosystem, has proven to be a pivotal tool in network management. It enables engineers to automate manual routine network tasks, reduce the risk of human error, and integrate seamlessly with a wide range of devices and protocols. This paper evaluates Python’s role in network automation through a comparative study of tools (Netmiko, NAPALM, Ansible), real-world use cases, and emerging trends like intent-based networking. We also highlight current academic perspectives, outline implementation challenges, and provide best practices based on real-world scenarios. The goal is to present a balanced, human-written overview that can help engineers, IT managers, and researchers understand how Python is reshaping the way networks are designed and managed.
Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) habitat and variability in French Polynesia
Albacore tuna is important for the economy and food industry of French Polynesia. Nowadays, it represents 55% of the offshore fishery. With its lower resilience to climate change, relative to other tuna species, albacore requires focused study. This study investigates albacore’s spatial distribution and relative abundance within the FP Exclusive Economic Zone (FP-EEZ) by analysing monthly fishery data from 2000 to 2022. Environmental parameters influencing Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) are assessed using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) to define preferred habitat of albacore tuna. The parameters include sea surface temperature (SST), dissolved oxygen (DO) at 100m, chlorophyll concentration (Chl), sea surface salinity (SSS), and zonal and meridional currents. GAMs have the possibility to analyses past data in order to create a model that can predict on short and long-term time scale. Our results reveal a clear seasonal variability with a peak between May and December, and a pronounced interannual variation linked to El Niño Southern Oscillation. Our data show that part of the FP-EEZ is a spawning ground for albacore tuna, providing critical insights for sustainable fisheries management. GAM is a powerful tool to help making decisions as for a proper management of fishery resource in French Polynesia EEZ.
Vibration Mode Analysis of a 100m Simply-supported Steel Beam Bridge via POD of FEM
Bridge vibrations pose significant challenges to structural safety and longevity. This study employs the Finite Element Method (FEM) with Euler-Bernoulli beam elements and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) to analyze the dynamic response of a one-dimensional beam bridge model under sinusoidal external loading. The governing partial differential equation (PDE) describes the behavior of the lines with terms for inertial forces, damping, and flexural rigidity, discretized into a system of algebraic equations using finite elements of a 1D beam. This numerical approach simulates the bridge’s linear displacement field over time and space, providing detailed understanding of its vibrational behavior through POD mode extraction. This study highlights the importance of integrating advanced computational tools, such as FEM and POD, into structural engineering practices. Furthermore, this research promotes the safe and sustainable development of infrastructure, particularly in the Pacific region, where rising sea levels and extreme weather events pose significant challenges.
Leveraging Data Integration using APIs for Enhanced Data Analytics in Papua New Guinea
Data is the “New Oil”. In a fast-evolving technological world where the survival of organizations mostly depends upon technology, data is the catalyst that is driving business optimization, growth and success. Most successful organizations are data driven. They capitalize on the magical spell of data analytics. Data analytics plays a pivotal role in enforcing well informed decisions in strategic marketing and planning, new product development and other shifts that drive business growth and development across various sectors. Unfortunately, in Papua New Guinea (PNG), due to the splintered nature of diverse data systems and the incapability of interoperability poses significant barriers to effectively capitalize on the strengths of data analytics. Due to the involvement of traditional manual processes and the existence of data and systems in silos, the integration of data and advance data analytics remains a major challenge. This research explores the integration capability of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and the potential of leveraging it to address these challenges. It involves a mixed methods approach, consolidating qualitative interviews with data science and analytics professionals and quantitative analysis of case studies from both local and international organizations. It assesses the current state of data integration and analytics in PNG, taking into consideration the limitations of traditional and manual processes of data exchange methods. Significant findings have shown that API-driven data integration presents advantages for growth and efficiency. The study does not only reveal and promotes the rich advantages of API, instead it acknowledges and uncover the challenges that are to be attended for a successful implementation. It proposes a practical framework that is workable in PNG context for API adoption in data integration, which includes a customize architectural design for API Integration. The significance of securing APIs and the transmission of data safely between different systems is echoed in the proposed architectural design. The research exposes the transformative potential of APIs in the space of data integration and analytics in PNG. By embracing API-based data integration, diverse organizations can unlock more reliable and timely insights, ultimately supporting data-driven development and policy-making in the country that are based upon reliable data.
Pacific short stories on Traditional Agriculture to the Sustainable Development in the Pacific
The Pacific Islands face growing challenges related to food security, climate change, and modernization, threatening traditional agricultural knowledge and practices. While scientific and technological solutions are crucial, the role of literature - particularly short stories - in preserving and transmitting indigenous knowledge remains largely unexplored. This research examines how Pacific short stories depict traditional food crops, farming techniques, and the cultural significance of agriculture, providing valuable insights into sustainability and resilience within island societies. Drawing on narratives from both Anglophone and Francophone Pacific authors such as Wendt, A. (1976), Hau‘ofa, E. (1993), Kurtovitch, N. (2000), Gorodé, D. (2005), and Kurtovitch, N. (2011), Tavo, P. (2015), this study highlights how literature preserves oral traditions, documents indigenous farming practices, and reflects the evolving relationship between Pacific communities and their environment. These stories emphasize the importance of food sovereignty, seasonal cycles, and the spiritual and communal dimensions of agriculture. They also reveal tensions between modernization and the preservation of traditional agricultural systems, Nabobo-Baba, U. (2006) and Campbell, J.R. (2015). Through a literary and ethnographic analysis, this study argues that storytelling serves not only as a means of cultural preservation but also as a potential tool for education and policymaking. Integrating literary narratives into discussions on sustainable agricultural development helps bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and technological innovations, ensuring a more holistic approach to food security in the Pacific. This study aligns with the PIURN 2025 theme by emphasizing how cultural narratives can complement and enrich technological advancements for sustainable development tailored to the realities of the Pacific Islands.