Interdisciplinary Journal of Papua New Guinea University of Technology
IJPNGUoT is a semiannual blindfold refereed interdisciplinary Journal published by the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Papua New Guinea (PNG). The journal aims to cover the most recent and outstanding developments in interdisciplinary areas of Pure & Applied Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Smart Built Environment, Humanities, and Sustainable Agriculture practices, but not limited to.
Papua New Guinea University of Technology
Investigation of Teaching Platforms Used in Grades 11 and 12 Physics Education in Papua New Guinea
ICT in education uses technology to enhance and facilitate teaching and learning processes. It involves the use of various digital tools, platforms, and resources to support teaching and learning activities. The introduction of ICT in education has bridged the gap between traditional teaching methods and modern, technology-driven learning. Through the integration of ICT, students can now access a wealth of information and resources online, collaborate with peers and teachers in real-time, and even engage with interactive learning materials. In our study, we selected physics education because physics is the most difficult science subject. Status of ICT and the types of teaching platforms used in teaching and learning physics at grades 11 and 12 were determined by conducting a survey on first year university physics. ICT status was found to be good for the schools run by the state. Recommendations have been proposed to narrow the disparities in ICT status and the teaching platforms used in cities, urban towns, district towns and rural disadvantaged locations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Interdisciplinary Journal of Papua New Guinea University of Technology
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 science, engineering and technology. Cultural quotient has been calculated in different regions of PNG by conducting a survey on first year university physics students from different regions of PNG. Cultural quotient was found to be higher in Highland region and lower in Island region. Remedial methods have been suggested to improve the cultural quotient in all regions of PNG.
Youth of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow: A Political Rhetoric? A Critique on Employment Opportunities and Challenges for the Out-Of-School Youth in Papua New Guinea
Youth unemployment and underemployment for the out-of-school has been a contentious issue amongst the top ten challenges confronting successive governments in PNG since 1975. The prevailing illusion that those categories of youth are ably catered for and supported by the traditional social safety nets, and can survive by working on their customary land (about 90% unalienated land) is no longer a reality for many young people. A great majority of them have left school and are still searching for brighter opportunities in life away from the land. Often, they are regarded as the targets of anti-social behaviors and disorderly community make-ups. Governments therefore spend relentless time, efforts and resources to keep them at bay and locked them away to pave the way for societies to function orderly for the sake of those few who are at the helm of power and wealth. Numerous legislative and policy reforms have had no significant impact on the lives and prosperity of that particular target group, apart from the National Youth Movement Programme (NYMP-1980-1990) which will be reflected-on later in this paper.
Appreciating Or Deteriorating Systems Amidst Paradigm Shifts: Achieving an Integrated Natural and Social-Economic Capital System For Sustainable Development
Drawing from the systems theory perspective articulated by economist and social thinker Kenneth Boulding (1970/1971/1978) and the paradigm-shifting thesis of Thomas Kuhn (1962), the author (building upon previously published works outlining Vadineanu’s 2001 contribution on how Natural Capital [NC] and the Socio-Economic Systems [SES] interact) posits a multi-level framework to undergird specific policies to encourage the creation of energy systems that can foster sustainable development in OACPS. This goal needs to be achieved while mindful that the Asia-Pacific region is most affected by effects of unpredictable climate change and heavy fossil fuel energy resource depletion. As organizers of the 2018 SERI conference had stated, the “energy crisis ‘worldwide’ should be approached in a holistic manner. It is not enough that energy be clean, renewable, safe[,] and sustainable. It must be affordable and available to every consumer throughout their lifetime” in line with the Sustainable Development Goal number 7 (that articulates that people the world over have a right to “affordable and clean energy”).
Comparative Marketing Decisions among Contact and Non-Contact Smallholder Coffee Growers in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea
Coffee remains a fundamental component of Papua New Guinea’s agricultural economy, generating over K510 million in foreign exchange earnings in the past decade. This study examines the marketing decisions of smallholder coffee growers associated with the Nakama Agribusiness Cooperative in Quepunung village, Morobe Province. By contrasting contact growers (cooperative members) with non-contact growers (independent farmers), the research investigates how personal and socio-economic characteristics influence marketing strategies. Utilizing a sample of 50 growers and employing a mixed-methods approach, the study reveals that, despite demographic similarities between the two groups, contact growers tend to favour rapid sales and bargaining strategies, whereas non-contact growers are more inclined to utilize delay techniques. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, cooperatives, and extension services seeking to enhance market participation and income stability for smallholder farmers.
Solar and Visible-Light Photooxygenations of Furfural – An Example for the Manufacturing of Commodity Chemicals from Renewable Materials
This study investigated the photooxygenation of furfural as a bagasse-derived material to the important platform chemical hydroxy furanone. The reaction was successfully transferred from small laboratory-scales with artificial light to large solar demonstration scales in direct, natural sunlight. Due to the challenging isolation of pure hydroxy furanone due to thermal follow-up reactions, pseudo-esterifications and -transesterifications to the corresponding alkoxy-derivatives were furthermore investigated. The results from this investigation offer new opportunities for sugarcane bagasse waste utilization and product diversification of renewable biomass materials.
Impacts, Challenges and Opportunities of Cloud Computing in Department of Works and Highways
The concept of cloud computing has been around since 1960 when J. C. R Licklider observed that users can share multiple computer resources remotely at any one time. This idea became reality when Microsoft in 2008 introduced its first ever cloud platform Azure which enabled users to share and access information such as videos, music, links and files. The Papua New Guinea National Department of Works and Highways (DOWH) embraces this digital technology by adapting the cloud-based Asset Work Manager (AWM) system which stores and manages road data. The system houses analytical tools such as RAMS/BAMS, GIS and HDM4 where the road data collected on site including project reports is uploaded onto the cloud server and analyzed to produce reports and patterns to guide decision making in road investments. With the aid of the cloud platform, road network planning has improved significantly from planning and programming of capital and maintenance works to implementation, monitoring and reporting. Like any other digital technological inventions, the cloud technology has its own challenges from a product perspective as well as user perception such as lack of expertise within DOWH to manage it, data security concerns, inefficient internet accessibility to all 22 provincial establishments, budget constraints, environmental factors and workforce adaptation. These challenges can be solved through creative thinking, capacity development, collaboration with cloud service providers such as PNG DataCo, improve internet accessibility and open dialogue with all stakeholders. The use of cloud and other digital technologies is here to stay with further developments and advancements expected in the future, therefore the department remains receptive to the changes and will use the technologies to its advantage while at the same time managing the challenges.
Copyright (c) 2025 Interdisciplinary Journal of Papua New Guinea University of Technology
Assessment of Markham Bridge Concrete Deck’s Health by Schmidt Hammer T est
This paper strives to assess the current health condition of the concrete of the bridge deck of Markham bridge of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The existing quality of concrete is tested through non- destructive testing (NDT) method. Schmidt hammer is used to assess the health condition. Vertical values were used for calculation of the in-situ compressive strength of concrete at 24 locations spanning along the entire length and breadth of the bridge deck. The compressive strengths at various locations related to the surface hardness based on empirical and statistical approach were calculated. The current quality of concrete in most of the locations is typically fair, not good. At one location, the compressive strength is calculated to be 18 MPa which is not acceptable for reinforced concrete construction and indicates need of immediate attention of the authority for pre-emptive measures to protect the bridge from further deterioration and untoward event in future. The School of Civil Engineering may be engaged with the Department of Works and Highways (DOWH) of PNG for more rigorous studies on the rehabilitation or replacement issues with the cost escalation for this purpose.
A Socio-economic Development of PNG AND Mozambique from 1975 to 2025: A Statistical Analysis
When we celebrate the Golden jubilee of our country’s independence, it is significant to study Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Mozambique because both countries gained their political independence in 1975. This paper titled, a socio-economic development of Papua New Guinea and Mozambique from 1975 to 2025: A statistical Analysis, will use four sets of statistical data; (a) Gross national product, (GDP), (b) the national government expenditure (NGE), (c) the per capita of GDP, and (d) the per capita of GNE of two countries to analyse socio-economic development of Papua New Guinea and Mozambique in half a century. The research discovers that PNG had a higher level of the GDP and the NGE, than Mozambique in the 50 years of independence. It also discovers that PNG had a higher level of per capita GDP and per capita GNE in the same period. Th paper will facilitate the research and development of economics, economic-social development of Papua New Guinea.
Identification of Economic Benefits of Taro Cultivation for Small Scale Farmer Communities in Papua New Gunia, a Study based on Markham District in Morobe Province
The taro plays a vital role in contributing to rural economic growth and development in Papua New Guinea (PNG); however, the subsistence nature of its farming practices has hindered improvements in productivity and non-usage of modern agricultural practices, and emerging new technologies, which led to the unsustainable low-volume of supply which restricts access to export markets. In this context, this research aims to evaluate the challenges in taro cultivation and marketing practices. This study employs quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches, collecting data through 50 local taro farmers in Markam village in Morobe Province and interviews with key stakeholders in the taro value chain. The primary methods for analyzing this data are multiple regression, ANOVA analysis and focus group discussions. The findings indicate that taro farming has raised the income levels of rural households, thereby enhancing food security within the community and leading to improved nutritional, economic, and social stability in these areas. The main themes identified are the impact of climate change, the non-availability of agricultural inputs, and the non-existence of economic success factors. Furthermore, taro production is limited by several other challenges, including restricted market access, high transportation costs, and fluctuating prices in urban markets. Moreover, insufficient government extension service support throughout the supply chain is the main barrier to advancing this critical crop to the next higher level. The policy recommendations include further promoting the cooperative model for both cultivation and marketing, employing new marketing strategies through cooperative societies to improve market access, developing rural road infrastructure, addressing issues related to the climate changes on production, government intervention through the provision of reliable extension and training services, awareness programs on modern technology and updated cultivation methods for farmers, as well as offering additional financial and marketing assistance to strengthen this nationally important symbolic food crop in PNG.
Formation Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Reservoirs of Oil Fields in Geological Basin by the Help of Petrophysical Tools.
The purpose of formation evaluation is to identify the reservoir rock, evaluate the potential hydrocarbon and estimate the volume of those hydrocarbon reserves. Reservoir rock means it should be porous (void space) and permeable to get production of commercial volume of hydrocarbon. Petrophysical tools are to be lowered in the borehole to record continuous log data corresponding to depths within the borehole. Log data recorded from the tools are formation resistivity, resistivity of formation water of the reservoir, porosity, permeability, gamma ray log data for finding volume of shalyness etc. All these log data are used as inputs to the Special software of Electro Log Analysis (ELAN). Archie’s equation for clean sand and Indonesian equation for shaly-sand are used in ELAN software for finding the water saturation in turn hydrocarbon saturation of the reservoir as an output. Also, effective porosity, volume of shalyness and matrix volume of the reservoir are displayed after ELAN processing.
Applications of Natural Gamma Ray Spectrometry Tool for Petrophysical Analysis of Hydrocarbon Reservoir in Oil & Gas Industry
Gamma ray tool used for petrophysical analysis in Oil & Gas industry is for natural radioactivity in rocks in subsurface. Potassium (40K), uranium (236U) and thorium (232Th) are three decay series of isotopes are abundant in rocks and are detected by Natural Gamma Ray Spectrometry (NGS) tool. Potassium, thorium and uranium spectra of Gamma ray is obtained by NGS tool with NaI crystal of photo multiplier tube. NGS tool has five windows for counting the gamma rays of low energy and high energy level. Tool has a master calibration in Clamart (France). Secondary calibrators are used to check the operation of the tool and its stability. Natural Gamma Ray Spectrometry measures the contribution of gamma ray of each individual series of Thorium, Uranium and Potassium separately. Also, it measures concentration of Thorium and Uranium in ppm and potassium in percentage in any rock. Applications of NGS are many folds. This is very good shale indicator. Also, it differentiates between shale and potassium salts (Evaporites) with help of cross plots of K% versus bulk density, neutron porosity and sonic transit time. From the ratio of Th/K obtained from NGS tool against rocks, it distinguishes feldspathic sandstone, micaceous sandstone or quartzite sandstone. Feldspar contain high potassium and low thorium as a result Th/K ratio is very low against Feldspathic sandstone whereas the ratio is high in Micaceous sandstone due to high thorium in mica and low potassium. NGS tool play an important role to find the origin of carbonate either in pure chemical origin or organic by measuring the uranium. Low uranium indicates it is of chemical origin whereas rich content of uranium in carbonate indicates it is reducing environment and of organic origin. NGS also shows Th/K ratio abruptly high in case of unconformities. It is possible to find the organic content from measurement of uranium and from that its hydrocarbon potential in source rock after proper calibration with core data.
Sophisticated Machine Learning Methods for Reliable Network Traffic Data Categorization Models
Network traffic classification is critical for efficient network management, resource optimization, and security enhancement. The complexity of modern traffic patterns, driven by increasing user demands and diverse applications, poses challenges for traditional methods. This study explores advanced machine learning techniques to address these challenges, focusing on precise classification to improve network performance and detect anomalies effectively. The main key with machine learning such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), and Logistic Regression were evaluated for their categorization of the capabilities. SVM achieved an accuracy of 99.30%, while KNN and Logistic Regression excelled with accuracies of 99.92%. These results highlight the robustness and adaptability of these models to dynamic and complex network traffic scenarios. Accurate traffic classification facilitates informed decision-making in bandwidth allocation, congestion control, and service prioritization. Furthermore, these scalable models can adapt to evolving network environments and support data-intensive applications. This research demonstrates the transformative potential of machine learning in advancing network operations, offering a foundation for future innovations in intelligent, efficient, and secure network management.
Analysis of Cyber Security Challenges in Smart Grids
A Smart grid is generally an electrical grid combined with the best of digital technologies. The benefit of this shift, though very dependent, efficient, and sustainable, also has a lot of cybersecurity risks. Modern energy systems are based on the smart grid, which is vulnerable to hackers and hence threatens the safety of public and economic activities. In this study, we provide a thorough analysis of Smart Grid cybersecurity concerns. One of the major issues with a smart grid network has been security; up until now, cybersecurity has been the main factor to be taken into account. Again, it took a lot of investigation to uncover those security flaws. Cybersecurity issues are continuously changing, especially those related to do with privacy, connectivity, and security management. Modern cybersecurity technology and best practices are mostly borrowed from the traditional telecommunications sector due to its laxer availability and safety standards. The oil and gas industry can provide very valuable inputs on how to handle all operational integration security issues; however, the smart grid faces a very different reality, with an extremely high number of end-users and very high geographic dispersion. Global growth in electricity demand necessitates the need to preserve the reliability, robustness, and safety of energy infrastructure, hence shielding smart grids against cyberattacks. Whoever is responsible will be able to adequately protect this vital piece of modern civilization's infrastructure against smart grid cybersecurity and, moving forward, implement remedial strategies before the threats. Only with strong partnerships working and striving in the right direction will we be able to address all aspects of smart grids associated maintenance challenges, delivering on that promise. A brief discussion on major cybersecurity concerns to a smart grid and some strategies for risk reduction is covered in the forthcoming section of this research.
Event-Based PI Control Applied to Laboratory Plant
In this research, event-based PI controllers is implemented to control a liquid flow-rate in a laboratory plant. With the emerging technologies like Industry 4.0 and IoT, the Networked Control Systems (NCSs) are said to be wirelessly connected in the distributed process industries, thereby reduction in signal transmissions, CPU utilization and power consumption. The flow-rate valve actuator transfer function is identified as a first-order plus dead time (FOPDT) using the open-loop reaction curve of the plant and it is tuned with the SIMC-PI tuning method. A time-based PI controller is designed and simulated on the plant with event-based PI controller techniques. This is further improved as an advanced type of event-based PI strategy (PIDPLUS controller) to improve the performance. These techniques are implemented and simulated in the MATLAB/SIMULINK workspace aided by OPC toolbox that provides the interface for laboratory plant data reading and control. The emerging technologies used in this research can be employed by the industries in PNG to enhance their productivity and performance.
Anomaly Detection in Smart Grids Using Machine Learning: A Real-Time Streaming Approach Using Apache Kafka and Kubernetes
Smart grids face escalating cyber-physical threats, demanding robust and real-time anomaly detection systems. This paper presents a machine learning (ML) framework for detecting anomalies in smart grid data streams, integrating Apache Kafka and Kubernetes for high-throughput data ingestion and Python-based ML models. We evaluate five algorithms—Random Forest, Neural Network, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naive Bayes, and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN)—on a dataset of 100,000 samples with 15 electrical and operational features. The Random Forest model achieves exceptional performance (F1-score: 0.9982, precision: 0.9987, recall: 0.9978), outperforming other models. Kafka integrated in Kubernetes enables real-time data streaming, ensuring timely threat detection. This work bridges scalable data processing with ML-driven security, offering a deployable solution for grid resilience.
Keypad-Programmable Reference Voltage Generation for DC-DC Converters Using Arduino-PWM: Proteus Simulation and Filter Optimization
This study presents the design and simulation of a microcontroller-based programmable reference voltage system for DC-DC converters using a Proteus simulation environment. The proposed system combines an Arduino UNO virtual model with a 4×4 keypad interface and 16×2 LCD display to generate precision reference voltages through PWM-to-analog conversion. The Proteus implementation features: (1) accurate modeling of Timer1 10-bit PWM generation at 31.25 kHz, (2) SPICE-based simulation of the two-stage RC low-pass filter (1kΩ/10μF → 1kΩ/100nF), and (3) interactive virtual instrumentation for performance validation. Simulation results demonstrate the system's capability to produce stable reference voltages from 0V to 5.00V with 4.88 mV resolution. Virtual oscilloscope measurements show the filtered PWM output achieves <1.5% voltage ripple (p-p) when loaded with a 10kΩ impedance, with settling times of 70 ms for 0V→5V transitions. The Proteus model verifies the effectiveness of the digital control algorithm, including keypad debouncing (modeled with 50ms delay blocks) and dynamic PWM updates without voltage discontinuities. Comparative analysis between ideal mathematical models and Proteus simulations reveals a less than 3% deviation in output voltage accuracy across the operating range. The virtual testing environment enabled the optimization of filter components, demonstrating that increasing the second-stage capacitor to 100nF reduces ripple by 32% while maintaining acceptable settling characteristics. System response to simulated load transients (20%-80% step changes) confirms reference voltage stability within ±1% of setpoint. This work validates the feasibility of the design through comprehensive virtual prototyping, providing a cost-effective simulation framework for developing programmable reference systems before hardware implementation. The Proteus model serves as a versatile testbed for evaluating different filter configurations and control algorithms in power electronics applications.
Watershed Characterization Approach to Redefine Bioregions: A Case Study at Moro and Iagifu Bioregions in Southern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
A watershed is the natural laboratory of water, soil, flora, and fauna. It is the land area where all precipitation drains to a lake, sea, or river through a common outlet. Demarcation of the watershed is generally performed using the Digital Elevation Model through topographic analysis. However, this method doesn’t consider environmental processes and ecological relationships. This study employed the watershed characterization technique to define ecoregions and subsequently merge them to delineate a bioregion, utilizing geographical information science and systems (GIS) and remote sensing. It incorporated empirical and statistical data from six significant environmental variables: physio-geography, soil, climate, natural communities (focusing on flora), ecological processes, and hydrology. There is insufficient recognition for the watershed approach used in environmental impact assessments or analyses in Papua New Guinea. The study has shown that this technique can be highly effective, particularly in supporting watershed management practices, environmental planning, and natural resource management. To utilize this technique, one must understand the ‘system of relationships’ among the six significant ecological variables and how they interrelate and correlate within this dynamic bioregion. This research delineates more precise boundaries of the defined bioregions based on the scientific approach compared to the existing bioregions.
Causes and Effects of Climate Variability in the Pacific Island of Papua New Guinea
The pacific island of Papua New Guinea is the third largest rainforest in the world. The forests help maintain the agricultural land and protect people and crops from floods and landslides. From year 2001 to 2023, there is a tree cover loss of 0.89% mainly due to deforestation and a small percentage of forest fire. This results in about five million tons of carbon dioxide emission per annum. An analysis has been done to study the spacial and temporal changes in the climate of Papua New Guinea using published meteorological parameters for a period 2001-2020. Dry and wet conditions in different regions of Papua New Guinea in different years were identified by calculating Rainfall Anomaly Index. It is observed that dry conditions prevail in some regions of the country due to warming of the atmosphere. Also, El Nina/La Nina events and deforestation influenced the climate to some extent.
Digital Health Transformation in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea’s healthcare system faces persistent challenges, including limited infrastructure, fragmented service delivery, and a predominantly paper-based system that hinders timely, effective care. This thesis paper investigates how digital technologies can transform healthcare delivery at Angau Provincial Hospital, one of PNG’s key referral and teaching hospitals. Positioned within the broader context of national health priorities and UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 9, and 17), the research study evaluates the hospital’s readiness for digital health transformation and proposes phased, context-specific interventions to improve operational efficiency, patient safety, and healthcare accessibility. Using a qualitative case study methodology, supported by stakeholder analysis and comparative insights from international implementations, including Kenya’s mobile health platforms, India’s hospital information systems, and Port Moresby General Hospital’s early telehealth adoption, the research identifies practical pathways for integrating electronic health records (EHRs), digital inventory systems, and telemedicine at Angau. In addition, comparative international case studies from India, Kenya, Estonia, and Rwanda underscore the feasibility and benefits of digital health interventions in resource-constrained settings. It also outlines strategies for overcoming PNG-specific constraints such as poor internet connectivity, low digital literacy, and limited funding. The study finds that with targeted investment in infrastructure, capacity-building, and collaborative partnerships with stakeholders such as UNDP, WHO, and DFAT, Angau can become a national model for digital health transformation. The thesis paper concludes with a roadmap for implementation and highlights future research needs in digital infrastructure scaling, policy development, and workforce training. This research contributes to the growing discourse on digital equity and health system modernization in low-resource settings, offering Angau and PNG a clear vision for inclusive, technology-enabled healthcare.
Retrospective Screening of Cattle Serum for Leptospirosis in the Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea
Leptospirosis is a significant bacterial zoonosis affecting both animals and humans across tropical regions, including Papua New Guinea (PNG). In cattle, this disease can cause abortion, decreased milk production, high fever, jaundice, and reddish-brown urine discoloration, resulting in substantial economic losses for livestock producers. This study, part of an ongoing PhD research investigating leptospirosis epidemiology in PNG livestock, retrospectively analyzed 902 cattle serum samples from 19 farms in the Morobe Province using real-time PCR (qPCR). These samples, originally collected in 2017 through a collaborative NAQIA project and stored at -80°C at PNGIMR, were accessed in 2022 for qPCR. Despite previous documentation of Leptospira interorgans serovars Hardjo and Tarassovi in PNG cattle, all samples tested negative for Leptospira spp. This unexpected outcome may potentially reflect prior vaccination practices in the sampled herds, though vaccination records were unavailable. This finding has prompted further investigation of presumed non-vaccinated cattle farms in subsequent chapters of the PhD project to better determine the true prevalence of leptospirosis in PNG. Nevertheless, this investigation provides valuable baseline data on cattle distribution, breed characteristics, and farm management practices in the Morobe Province that will inform the broader PhD research framework on leptospirosis epidemiology in PNG, contributing to improved animal health surveillance strategies and zoonotic disease control measures.
Postgraduate Education at Papua New Guinea University of Technology: A Distinctive Journey of Achievements and National Development
In celebration of 50 years of Papua New Guinea's independence, Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) reflects on its pioneering role in spearheading national development through postgraduate education. PNGUoT has shaped experts and researchers in key Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields pivotal to the socio-economic development of the country. The purpose of this article is to evaluate PNGUoT’s accomplishments in teaching and research excellence, and to explore future developments that will establish it as a knowledge hub. The university has made significant progress, but it remains constrained by ongoing funding limitations, gaps in physical infrastructure, equipment, and laboratory facilities, and inadequate scholarship coverage. This constrains the drastic expansion of postgraduate training necessary for industrialization, innovation, and a knowledge-based economy. Between 1976 and 2025, PNGUoT graduated 28 Doctor of Philosophy, 451 Master’s, and 210 Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate students. Between 1976 and 2000, the number of graduates was 75, whereas in the subsequent 25 years, from 2001 to 2025, it significantly increased to 614. In recent years, the University has graduated approximately 40-50 postgraduate students annually, with enrolments reaching 214 in 2025 across the faculty. Despite this progress, access to postgraduate education remains limited to a small segment of the population. A significant gap exists that must be addressed to expand access and bring postgraduate programs closer to the levels seen in developed nations, involving ongoing investment in research infrastructure, academic staff capacity-building, strengthened partnership-building, and a balanced scholarship scheme. As PNG charts its next 50 years of development, the revitalization of postgraduate education in PNGUoT and other higher education institutions offers a transformative path to unlocking human capital, enhancing research quality, and fostering technological leadership to propel educational, economic, and scientific contributions to sustainable national development for all.
From Knowledge to Action: Enhancing Decision-Making through Science -Policy Integration for Papua New Guinea
This paper, titled "From Knowledge to Action: Enhancing Decision-Making through Science-Policy Integration," explores the relationship between science and policy in Papua New Guinea. The study emphasizes that, given the country's extraordinary biological and cultural diversity, effective decision-making must rely on both scientific evidence and local knowledge systems. Currently, weak links between Papua New Guinea’s unique assets and science policy hinder progress affecting many of country’s societal, environmental and economic problems. This disconnect limits the nation’s ability to leverage knowledge for innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. The study advocates for a science-policy interface that integrates indigenous knowledge with modern scientific research, viewing this integration as essential for fostering a knowledge-based economy and society—key prerequisites for sustainable growth. The paper concludes that increasing interaction among policymakers, scientists, knowledge producers, and stakeholders is crucial to bridge the gap between science, policy, and action, ensuring decisions are informed by relevant, robust evidence. To improve policies related to environmental management, health, agriculture, and climate change, Papua New Guinea needs to strengthen data collection systems, boost research funding, and foster partnerships among government, academia, and civil society. Future efforts should focus on building local scientific capacity and translating research findings into actionable policies that benefit both communities and the environment.
Redefining Papua New Guinea’s Law-and-Order Path: Learning from the Past and Forging a New Approach in the 50th Year of Independence
This paper analyzes Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) law-and-order challenges since independence in 1975 and proposes strategies for sustainable improvements as the nation marks its 50th year of independence. PNG faces complex and diverse issues, including corruption, transnational crime, ethnic conflicts, property crimes, and violent crimes, including serious abuse of human rights, which are exacerbated by weak institutions, poverty, unemployment, and other structural socio-economic factors. Historically, state responses have been reactive and crisis-driven, often failing to address underlying structural weaknesses and socio-economic inequalities. Drawing on literature, the study emphasizes the importance of good governance, responsible leadership, and active citizen engagement in addressing crime. To achieve lasting peace and security, PNG must prioritize its people, strengthen governance and the criminal justice system, eliminate corruption and illegal firearms, reform education to enhance employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, and leverage technology for accountability and effective law enforcement. The paper presents PNG’s 50-year law-and-order strategic agenda (2025–2075) as a key roadmap for building a safe, equitable, and resilient society.
PNGUoT at 50 Years of Independence: A Vice Chancellor’s Vision for a World-Class University
Abstract: As Papua New Guinea marks fifty years of independence, the role of higher education in national development must be redefined and strengthened. This manuscript reflects on the philosophy, vision, and institutional reforms that have guided the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) over the past five years. It articulates the belief that universities are sovereign institutions of knowledge, entrusted with authority to generate, transfer, and apply science and technology to uplift livelihoods. The paper highlights milestones achieved under the current leadership, including full accreditation of five engineering programs under the Washington Accord, establishment of international collaborations, creation of the Office of Strategic Internationalization (OSI), and mobilization of industry partnerships. Ultimately, it argues that PNGUoT must be a driver of societal transformation by ensuring that higher standards of education directly translate to higher standards of living for the people of Papua New Guinea.
An Estimation of long-run Export Demand Function for Papua New Guinea by employing the Multivariate Cointegration and Vector Error Correction Models
For the sample period annual data between 1977 to 2020 ,for Papua new Guinea , there is a long-run relationship ( cointegration) between the exports , the real GDP , the PGK/USD exchange rate , the variability of the exchange rate , the consumer prices , the imports , and the money supply .Most of the aforesaid relationships or the signs of the coefficients of the variables in the cointegrating vector , after transformation into equation form are as expected from the theory .For example , the depreciation of the exchange rate of PGK /USD increases the exports ; but the increase in the variability of the PGK/USD rate decreases the exports by discouraging the exporters from the heightened uncertainty as the exporters are risk averse . The increase in the consumer prices and money supply decreases the exports. The increase in GDP has of course a positive favourable effect on the exports. Granger -causality using the Error-correction model has established that the change in natural log of the exports from Papua New Guinea are Granger-caused by the past level or the past trend of other variables in the system, namely the money supply, kina-dollar exchange rates depreciation, and the real GDP., the consumer prices and the variability of the exchange rate.
Smart Home Security Gate System Based Arduino Uno
Today’s home safety has become a challenge due to advanced techniques used by burglars. To offer complete security solution to lives and properties at home, schools, offices, etc., in this research paper, a smart gate lock security system-based Arduino Uno with DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) polyphonic tone sensor has been developed and simulated in Proteus platform. The keypad unit is used to enter the password whereas an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for visual information display. After a password has been entered, the system compares it with the stored password for a match. If there is a match ‘Access Granted’ is displayed on the LCD and the gate will be unlocked but after being in idle state for five seconds, the gate will be automatically locked again (protection system). If there is no match in the password, ‘Access Denied’ is displayed on the LCD and the gate remains closed. If wrong passwords have been entered three times in the row, the alarm system will be triggered to alert people around. For more safety, a CCD (Charge-Coupled-Device) Camera will take the photos of visitors regardless the entered password status. To reset the password, the ‘###’ button is entered followed by the ‘reset key’ known by the system’s owner. If the reset key is confirmed, the system’s owner will enter twice the new password. The system has recorded 100% success rate (SR) in granting access for registered users and 100% failure rate (FR) for non-registered users. Finally, the system has also been 100% successful for password reset.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence of Things and Big Data Analytics for Enhanced Predictive Maintenance
This research aims at establishing the role of AIoT and Big Data Analytics in improving PdM techniques by providing failure prognosis and condition-based upkeep. The proposed framework utilizes IoT sensors installed on the industrial assets to always track vital parameters which are as follows; Temperature, Vibration, Pressure and Humidity which inversely reflect the status of equipment. The information gathered from these sensors is preprocessed and analyzed in real time by the means of Edge computing that helps in minimizing the latencies of the large amount of data collected and in turn makes the decision making possible at the edge of the network. Pulse signal data of equipment are used together with the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for prediction of degradation, identification of abnormality, and determination of Remaining Useful Life (RUL) that enable prescriptive maintenance. The inclusion of Big Data Analytics in the evaluation of this framework also improves this aspect by providing a way of storing and processing large volumes of data and the review of patterns in the data to refine the model over time. Evaluation metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall together with Mean Absolute Error (MAE) summarize the ability of the proposed AIoT based PdM system to effectively prognosticate maintenance requirements effectively.
An Assessment of the Effects of Groundwater Quality Parameters in Proximity to the Open Dump Site in the Perimeter ofPNG University of Technology
The study, which investigated physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of drinking water quality, was carried out near the dumpsite. The physical parameters were conductivity and total dissolved solids (TDS), the chemical parameters were silica (SiO₂), nitrate (NO₃), sulfate (SO₄), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and total hardness (TH), and the biological parameters were coliform bacteria. The study utilized the use of cutting-edge equipment, including an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, and a colony counter. Coliform bacteria maxima are 760,000 cfu/100 ml, conductivity and TDS range from 80 to 785 μS/cm and 5 to 560 mg/L, respectively, and the chemical properties analysed in bore wells near the dumpsite were noteworthy, according to the investigation's findings. High levels of microbiological and chemical contaminants may spread through soils and contaminate groundwater, which is the source from which Water PNG Limited extracts, treats, and distributes water, according to the results of the groundwater analysis.
Growth of Juvenile Male (GIFT) Tilapia Fed 40% Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larval Meal in tanks of Fertilized or Unfertilized Water Sources
A simple farm-made feed utilizing Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), Hermetia illucens, was offered to all male juvenile GIFT tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, in enclosed aquaculture systems, to test the effects of managing fish in three water sources of different quality. Two isonitrogenous and isoenergetic test diets were a Basal diet with protein concentrate or a strategically formulated diet with BSFL at 40% inclusion rate (400g kg-1). A total of 240 fish (BW 1.95±0.01g) were placed in 12 tanks at a density of 20 fish to 1m-3 of tank volume in an open shed under tropical lowland conditions. The test diets were offered twice a day to satiety of fish-groups kept in tanks managed as two blocks of fertilized, natural stream and rain-tank water systems, replicated over three diet-water interchange periods (90 days), for the assessment of final body weight and length, biomass gain, feed intake/tank (FIT), FCR, PER, SGR, TGC and Condition Factor (K). Results were significant for diet, water source and by interactions (P<0.05). Higher feed intake on Basal diet (P<0.001) provided better FCR (P<0.001), PER (P<0.001), SGR (P<0.01) and TGC (P<0.001). Fertilized water afforded better growth (P<0.001) due to improved feed efficiency (P<0.001) when dietary feed intake was similar to tank water (P>0.05). Overall, fish-groups fed the BSFL diet in tank water performed the least (FIT=7.78g, FCR=4.20, PER=0.86, SGR=1.52% day-1) while fish fed the Basal diet in fertilized water performed the best (FIT=8.91g, FCR=1.25, PER=3.00, SGR=3.53% day-1). While, the nutritional value of BSFL catered for comparative SGR (P<0.01) in juvenile tilapia fed in fertilized water (FIT=7.07g, FCR=2.58, PER=1.38, SGR=2.45% day-1) the diet palatability reduced feed intake (P<0.001), utilization (P<0.001) and protein efficiency (P<0.5), compared to tank water. Manipulating the digestibility of BSFL by including other feed ingredients may improve the utilization of this valuable on-farm produced protein feed.