Digital Commons Network^™

Advancing Environmental Justice Through Chemical Education: Perspective From New Orleans’ Water And Air Quality Challenges, Ja’Lynn Keller, Sita Aggarwal, Rami A. Al-Horani, Morewell Gasseller, Navneet Goyal

Faculty and Staff Publications

New Orleans, Louisiana, faces profound environmental vulnerabilities arising from the convergence of industrial pollution, urban runoff, and climate change–driven weather events. This paper examines systemic challenges affecting water and air quality in the region, with particular focus on low-income and marginalized communities disproportionately burdened by environmental degradation. Drawing on educational and community-based monitoring initiatives at Xavier University of Louisiana and Southeastern Louisiana University, we highlight the integration of student learning with real-time data collection of contaminants such as fecal coliforms, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina revealed significant fecal contamination in sediment layers, …

Spiritual Scaffolding: Integrating Acute Care Nursing Empathy And Caregiver Religiosity To Enhance Well-Being For The Work Of The Informal Caregiver, Dr. Julie Yonker, Alyssa Pokharel

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Informal caregivers—adults providing unpaid medical or physical care to family or friends with adult-onset conditions— are essential yet often unrecognized contributors to U.S. health care. • One in four adults serve as caregivers, providing care valued at over $600 billion (AARP 2025). • Despite their vital role, many lack training, social support, and connection to professional care networks. • Health professionals can promote sustainable, whole-person care by integrating caregiver training and referral systems into acute care practice.

Community-Driven Esg Governance And Climate-Resilient Livelihoods In Ghana: Evidence From Participatory Action Research, Esi A. Elliot, Nana Opare-Djan, Mustapha Iddrisu

International Business and Entrepreneurship Faculty Publications

Illegal artisanal and small-scale mining (galamsey) and climate stress jointly degrade ecosystems and livelihoods in Ghana. This paper demonstrates how community-driven governance can realign incentives toward environmental stewardship and inclusive livelihoods. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design—quantitative difference-in-differences followed by qualitative case analysis and Participatory Action Research—we evaluate a structured program combining vocational training, financial literacy, environmental stewardship, and governance alignment. We operationalize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) outcomes via transparent composite indices and triangulate survey, administrative, and focus group evidence. The study identifies conditions under which alternative livelihoods reduce participation in illegal mining, strengthen women’s economic agency, and improve …

Influence Of Ceramic Thickness And Cad/Cam Ceramic Materials On The Fracture Resistance Of Indirect Restorations: An In Vitro Study, Lara El Hanach, Karim Corbani, Nabil Ghosn, Ryan Harouny, Cynthia Kassis

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate the impact of different CAD/CAM materials (IPS e.max® CAD and Cerasmart®) and thicknesses (0.7 mm, 1 mm, and 1.5 mm) on the fracture resistance of indirect overlay restorations.

Methods: Sixty-three human third molars were divided into 7 groups (n=9) based on material and thickness, including a control group of 9 sound teeth. Only 54 specimens were prepared using a thin-section cutting machine, scanned, and their scans were used to fabricate overlays from different materials and thicknesses. After adhesive cementation, the overlays underwent thermal cyclic loading (5,000 cycles between 5°C and 55°C). A universal …

Ai4qual: A Comprehensive Field Guide To Llm-Supported Qualitative Research (Tutorial), He Zhang, Jie Cai, Jingyi Xie, Chuhao Wu, Chan Min Kim, John M. Carroll

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

This half-day (≈ 180 minutes), hands-on tutorial translates recent findings on large language model (LLM) support for qualitative research into a concise, end-to-end workflow grounded in our prior studies. Part I (LLM-supported semi-structured interviewing) distills design principles for AI-generated follow-up questions—covering role assignment, engagement patterns, user perceptions, and practical tactics for integrating LLM prompts during interviews while honoring consent and study protocols. Part II (LLM-supported coding and analysis) operationalizes results from prior work on using ChatGPT/LLMs for qualitative coding: moving from open coding to categories/themes, interpreting human–LLM alignment and inter-rater reliability findings at a conceptual level, and building a lightweight …

Analysis Of Novel Cannabis Products Labeled As Containing Thc-Jd, Kaelas R. Munger, Carlton C. B. Bone, Killian M. Anreise, Robert M. Strongin

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective:

THC-JD (tetrahydrocannabioctyl) is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid with an eight-carbon C3 side chain, present in only trace amounts in hemp, requiring synthesis for commercial use. It has been promoted as potentially 19 times more potent than delta-9-THC, consistent with enhanced CB1 receptor affinities for cannabinoids with 7-8 carbon C3 side chains. While one peer-reviewed report identified THC-JD (tetrahydrocannabioctyl) in Japanese online products, an anecdotal report from the U.S. suggests mislabeling. Method: To inform regulatory efforts and consumer awareness and to address these discrepancies, this study chemically analyzed five U.S. commercial cannabis vape products marketed as containing THC-JD. Results: Utilizing GC-MS …

Key Elements Of Mission-Based Urban Agriculture In The United States Aimed At Addressing The Social Determinants Of Health, Jordan Losavio

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Urban agriculture (UA) in the United States (U.S.) is increasingly positioned as a multi-domain strategy for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), yet evidence is fragmented and often focused on participant outcomes rather than the organizational and environmental conditions that determine whether those benefits can be sustained, expanded, or maintained over time. This dissertation uses an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design to clarify (1) what SDOH outcomes are associated with UA in the peer-reviewed literature, (2) which internal and external factors leaders perceive as driving UA organizational success or failure, and (3) which factors predict comparative organizational functioning across a national …

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange For Uncontrollable Bleeding After Platelet Inhibition With Ticagrelor: A Report Of 2 Cases, Amanda Herrmann, Brenda Mai, Yu Bai, Brian Castillo, Biswajit Kar, Kimberly Klein, Ismael A Salas De Armas, Eric Salazar, Hlaing Tint, Igor D Gregoric

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Case series

Patients: Male, 52-year-old Male, 66-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Uncontrolled bleeding following ticagrelor associated with cardiac surgery

Symptoms: Bleeding

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Cardiology Critical Care Medicine Pathology

Objective: Unusual clinical course

Background

Acute coronary syndrome is the most common cause of death in the United States. Successful intervention often requires a multi-therapeutic approach, including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and antiplatelet agents such as ticagrelor. However, the use of antiplatelet agents can cause life-threatening bleeding, particularly during emergency procedures. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a procedure that selectively removes the patient’s plasma to eliminate harmful substances. Here, we present 2 …

Terrapiya, Rein Valerie A. Acuzar, Gabrielle D. Dingalsan, Marian Edilynne G. Lim, Vincent Andre B. Namuag, Xian Iverson A. Tan, Roderick Pangindian

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Terrapiya was formed in 2024 by a team of ABM students at DLSU-Manila to address the lack of accessible greenery in urban spaces. Specializing in customizable miniature terrariums, Terrapiya has grown from a school project into a promising venture, now entering early commercialization through successful market testing and direct sales. Its advantage lies in customizable designs, locally sourced materials, and a strong sustainability ethos. The business possesses no proprietary rights but operates as a sole proprietorship to streamline decision-making processes under Rein Acuzar. She is supported by a proficient team comprising Ms. Lim, Mr. Tan, Ms. Dingsalsan, and Mr. Namuag, …

South’In, Sa’Tin: Satin-Lined Caps To Counter Hair Thinning, Gian Dormido, Ethan Rafael F. Navarra, Franzin Esra R. Quintana, Sofia Angela M. Ordoña, Generie M. Manuel

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Founded in May 2024 to address scalp and hair health issues common among Gen Zs, South’In was organized by five De La Salle University SHS ABM students. The group conceptualized and crafted a bull cap brand that innovates traditional headwear through satin-lined caps. With an investment of ₱25,000.00, the venture initially earned ₱5,723.30 in net profit during its initial launch. Operating as a sole proprietorship with a functional structure, South’In offers its distinct fusion of satin’s hair and scalp benefits with everyday cap comfort, making it unique both in purpose and product. The cap design comes with three interchangeable fins …

Skitchi, Kristine Nicole Q. Vila, Julianne Danielle C. Briones Ms, Chester A. Del Rosario, Spyrus A. Garcia, Megan Samantha L. Te, Ma. Louise Gena Crisologo

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Skitchi is a bag business established in 2024 by five students from De La Salle University-Manila’s Accountancy, Business, and Management strand, namely Kristine Vila, Megan Te, Julianne Briones, Chester Del Rosario, and Spyrus Garcia. Operating under a sole proprietorship, the team shares a unified vision of promoting sustainability through practical, affordable, and stylish canvas bags with patches crafted from “katsa” or recycled sackcloth. In response to the growing issue of fabric waste, Skitchi sources leftover sackcloth from local stores in Marikina. The bags are produced in Bulacan, with patches sewn by Marikina seamstresses, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainable practices …

Opulace, Charisse Isabel V. Alagar, Michael Andre M. Mempin, Kristianna N. Naron, Zei Alexa S. Salazar, Christine A. Maranon

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Opulace is a student-led business founded in October 2024. It responds to the increased demand among Generation Z consumers for stylish, affordable accessories or ‘anik-aniks.’ The brand sells shoe charms, shoe chains, and mesh shoelaces, offering customers jewelry for leveling up their fashion in a unique manner: by adorning their footwear. Operating as a sole proprietorship, Opulace is controlled by four founders: Zei Salazar (General Manager), Andre Mempin (Operations Manager), Kristianna Naron (Finance Manager), and Charisse Alagar (Marketing Manager), whose positions align with their respective strengths. Mentors Chester Lin, Christine Marañon, and Norie Ecija support the team and provide strategic …

Kartera, Arwyn G. Alignay, Julianne Skye Alexandria A. Antonio, Jacob Mark R. Carlos, Lance P. Ercia, Ricardo P. Macatangay Iii, Christine A. Maranon

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Kartera was formed in July 2024, bridging the gap between physical and digital wallets while combining a convenient form and sustainability. These factors distinguish its product offerings from a recently stagnant set of commercial wallets. The venture is in an early growth stage in the wallet industry, having recently launched its flagship product. The product, a no-fold wallet constructed from Piñatex, a sustainable pineapple leather alternative, was launched in February 2025 during the ABM Bazaar and initiated the framework for design protection for future products. Kartera functions under the sole proprietorship of Lance Ercia, who is supported by four officers: …

In The Hood, Arvie G. Alignay, Chloe Sofia Margaret C. Llamas, Adrian Carlo G. Mariano, Juliana Adrienne Monta, Jaerus Aloysius B. Panganiban, Aldrin C. Balite

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

In The Hood, founded in July 2024, is an outdoor apparel brand offering sustainable, functional, stylish, and affordable wear suited for the Philippines’ wet and dry climate. It is a sole proprietorship owned by Ms. Juliana Monta, assisted by a management team composed of Mr. Arvie Alignay as head of operations, Mr. Adrian Mariano as head of marketing, Mr. Jaerus Panganiban as head of finance, and Ms. Chloe Llamas as head of human resources. The management executives contribute specialized expertise based on their functional areas, enabling effective organizational oversight and decision-making. Operating within the highly saturated outdoor apparel market, In …

Free For All: The Cost Of Political Freedom Without Competence Standards, Justine S. Leomo, Siou-Sian Chen, John Den Saul L. Dalan

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

In democratic societies, political participation is a fundamental right, allowing every citizen, regardless of background, to run for office. However, this political freedom raises pressing questions about governance quality when competence standards are not in place. The tension between democratic inclusivity and the need for competent leadership becomes particularly relevant in educational settings where future leaders are shaped. This study aims to explore how student leaders perceive and experience political freedom in the absence of defined competence criteria in leadership roles. Guided by a transcendental phenomenological design, the study involved 20 purposively selected student leaders from Columban College, Inc., Basic …

Rethinking The Revolution: Reimagining The Relationship Between People And Power Through Rousseau’S General Will, Avah Jimaria N. Marzan, Terrence Luis M. Reyes, Miguel Jae P. Asido, Ma. Angelica Therese Soriano Abiera, Armione Kiera M. Magadia, Kataryna Theriz M. Dato-On, Naoemi Mikka Ella Weill

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

The 1986 EDSA Revolution was a pivotal moment in Philippine history, where Filipinos united to oppose the tyranny under the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.. However, the country still faces long-term instabilities in its aftermath. Thus, by accounting for the facets contributing to the discourse of the general will, the paper examines EDSA through Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s theory to ascertain whether political rallies are compatible under a social contract—an agreement concerning individuals’ rights and responsibilities to stimulate respectful coexistence and law adherence. This paper argues that political rallies are compatible if they uphold the general will and when the …

Water Quality In Estero De Balete Using Moringa Oleifera-Enhanced Bokashi Balls: Heavy Metals, Turbidity, And Acidity, Alliyah Kirstyn B. Rafols, Gian Rafael T. Bergania, William Bradley S. Catli, Sheila Mae E. De Leon, Marie Antoinette V. Robles, Shalee Mae C. Gregorio, Ma. Cassandra G. Carbon, Juris Faith E. Calibjo, Eushabelle Hope C. Uy, Rian Kyle A. Aragon, Czhenn Kellie A. De Guzman, Mickaella Rosewyn E. Urzabia, John Albert D. Gurtiza

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Water pollution threatens public health and the environment, particularly in developing countries. Estero de Balete in Manila, Philippines, a tributary of the Pasig River, is affected by heavy metal contamination, murky water, and highly acidic water. This study examined Moringa oleifera-enhanced Bokashi balls for bioremediation purposes. The Bokashi balls were prepared with effective microorganisms (EM-1), molasses, rice hulls, and garden clay soil, incorporating varying concentrations of Moringa oleifera seed powder and pods (0.10 g, 0.25 g, and 0.40 g) in comparison to a control setup. Water samples were tested for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), turbidity, and pH. The results revealed …

Unraveling Greenwashing Awareness: A Narrative Case Study Among Miriam College High School Students, Mica Adriana C. Nangpi, Leanne C. Romales, Romina Alyssandra Reyes, Kelcy Reign R. Cruz, Elisha N. Espina, Eunice G. Pacifico

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Greenwashing is a deceptive marketing tactic involving false eco-friendly claims regarding products or services. Since this topic is not well-versed, especially within the high school student context, this study aims to assess the greenwashing awareness of Miriam College High School (MCHS) students and the factors that contribute to it. This was done by utilizing a focus group discussion (FGD) as the main data gathering instrument, with a pre-survey beforehand to classify which focus group the students belonged to. After conducting focus group discussions, the significant factors that lead to high and low greenwashing awareness were identified; for those with high …

Star Apple (Chrysophyllum Cainito) Leaf & Banana (Musa Acuminata) Peel Extract As A Hydrophobic Coating For Cardboard, Ferdinand F. Begnaen, Missy Noelle C. Velasco, Mary Catherine M. Alfonso, Sharee Mae A. Tamayo, Ashley Irish V. Balneg, Crizanne R. Barsatan, David Isaiah S. Gengania, Rivi N. Wacnisen, Nikah Mei I. James

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

This research aims to find a natural way to make cardboard more water-resistant, increasing its recyclability and lifespan by using banana peels (BP) and star apple leaves (SAL). The inspiration behind this study comes from commercial coatings that are made from synthetic chemicals, such as fluoropolymers and silicone, that can harm the environment. Since cardboard easily absorbs water, the researchers tested different mixtures of BP and SAL to determine which combination works best as a coating. Using ethanol maceration to extract hydrophobic compounds, epicuticular wax was obtained from SAL, while powdered BP was macerated with hexane. The extracts were concentrated …

The Role Of Social Media In Philippine Disaster Management: A Systematic Literature Review, Maxim Alexandrite V. Inoferio, Rich Angelo P. Santos, Henry Joshua A. Hernandez, Jeyson T. Taeza

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Despite the Philippines being one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, research on the role of social media in its disaster risk management remains limited. This study addresses this gap through a systematic review of existing literature on social media use in Philippine disaster risk management. The analysis is framed within the context of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and its four thematic areas: Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Rehabilitation and Recovery, which guide disaster risk reduction efforts in the country. Results show that social media is primarily employed in response to typhoons and earthquakes, …

Bioluminescent Bacteria In Squid Ink (Photololigo Duvaucelii) As A Potential Water Pollution Indicator At Selected Areas In Dasmariñas, Cavite, Jessica Rae G. Siyang, Remien Grace Balidvid, Aleeva Alexa V. Carrascal, Alyssa Mae V. Libranza, Arisha Jianne R. Dias, Pauline L. Cueno

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Bioluminescent bacteria are light-emitting microorganisms that are commonly found among marine species. In this study, bioluminescent bacteria were isolated from squid samples and submerged in selected water samples from Ylang-Ylang River and Dasmariñas Zone I River in Dasmariñas, Cavite, to determine whether they can be a potential water pollution indicator based on its bioluminescence intensity. The squid ink extracted from 6 squid samples was streaked on marine agar plates and incubated for 24 hours. The microplates were filled with 0.75 μL bioluminescent bacteria and 0.75 μL of polluted water samples and sterile water per three rows, where the light intensities …

Assessing The Eutrophication Potential Of Manila Bay Using Landsat 8-Derived Ndvi And Ndwi Parameters, Sean Andre D. Calajate, Tristan Josef A. Tolentino, Francis Edric M. Robles, Maria Francesca I. Rojas, Angela Nicole S. Masongsong, John Ray Cordova Estrellado

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Eutrophication, characterized by the presence of excess aquatic nutrients, poses a detrimental environmental threat to Philippine water bodies such as Manila Bay, consequently degrading water quality and augmenting algal blooms that harm aquatic life. This may be caused by a variety of issues, such as urbanization and assorted nutrient overloading. Thus, monitoring of its susceptibility to eutrophication is a valuable step in mitigating its potential effects. This study utilized Landsat-8 derived satellite imagery of Manila Bay to analyze the eutrophication potential (EP) of the bay from January 2024 to December 2024 using the open-access QGIS software for processing. Two spectral …

Asclepad: A Sustainable Wound Dressing Pad Using Chitosan And Vitamin C Infused Milkfish (Chanos Chanos) Skin For Advanced Wound Care, Diether Mark A. Lucero, Ramon Jacob L. Caluag, Juan Miguel M. Elayda, Marcelino G. Gigantone Jr.

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Medical waste is an overlooked issue posing a significant environmental and public health threat, with 4.7 billion tons generated annually, accounting for 3% of overall waste, and wound dressing pads being a major contributor. Vitamin C, involved in all phases of wound healing, demonstrates synergy with Chitosan, a polysaccharide ideal for medical and cosmetic applications. Milkfish (Chanos chanos) skin, a dominant commercial fish in the Philippines, shows synergy with Chitosan and Vitamin C in wound healing. Thus, aligning with SDGs 3, 12, and 13, this study aims to synthesize and evaluate AsclePad, a sustainable wound dressing pad infused with Chitosan …

Analysis Of Ghg Emissions From A Local Production Of Coconut-Based Biodiesel And Its Market Delivery: A Case Study In The Philippines, Andre Faytaren Bacod, Dmitri John A. Omahoy, Derrick Francis F. Pua, Jose Antonio Mendoza Vidal, Jeremias A. Gonzaga

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

As the world continues to strive for sustainability, different advancements in sources of energy have been made in hopes of reducing the dependency on non-renewable sources. These include the production of biofuels like biodiesel, which involves the conversion of different biomass. However, while the production of biodiesel has been proven to be more beneficial to the environment, there are other factors regarding its production that contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). The transportation and distance between different sectors of the biofuel supply chain indirectly affect the total amount of GHG produced in its life cycle. This research aims …

A Vector Autoregressive (Var) Model For The Hourly Forecasting Of Climatological Data In General Santos City, Jezzu Morrisen C. Quimosing, Feevol S. Into, Ayeesha Kate N. Castro, Criss Allyn C. Hongoy, Bai Ashfahana A. Abdullah, Ma. Sofia Franchesca P. Dizor, Leo James M. Podador, Joshua Caleb G. Pagalan, Ralph Laurence Valdueza

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

With rising concerns over climate change and its impacts, this study develops and evaluates a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model to forecast climatological data in General Santos City: surface pressure, specific humidity, wind speed, air temperature, precipitation, UVA and UVB irradiance, with data from January 1, 2001 to June 30, 2024. Mean hour calculations confirmed seasonality via the QS test (p < 0.001) for all variables except precipitation; Mann-Kendall tests indicated significant trends for all tested variables, and UV irradiances were the only variables with no significant long‐term trend. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller Test (p < 0.001) established stationarity of variables, and Granger‐causal relationships were identified. Results indicated a bidirectional Granger-causal relationship between variable pairs (p < 0.001). The AIC-based model selection identified VAR(168) as the best-fitting model, effectively capturing cyclic patterns up to one week. The residuals passed the Ljung-Box tests for no residual autocorrelation (p > 0.05), and OLS-CUSUM plots indicated structural stability. Mean root-mean-square error determined out-of-sample forecasting accuracy to be good for most variables, and poor for UVA and UVB irradiance; therefore, while the VAR(168) model does generate accurate forecasts, it still presents challenges. …

Optimization Of Iron (Iii) Removal Using Mango (Mangifera Indica) Peel Activated Carbon Biosorbent With Varying Adsorbent Dosage, Contact Time, And Temperature, Enzo Damian Berosa Magbatoc, Janssen Cahayon Mendoza, Pierre Cyrus Austria Obando, Fiona Bianca Tabares Saulon, Shelah Alfaro

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress Conference Proceedings

Heavy metal contamination in natural water sources poses a significant threat to public health, aquatic ecosystems, and environmental safety in affected communities. This study explores the utilization of Mango Peel Activated Carbon (MPAC), derived from ripe mango (Mangifera indica) peels, as a biosorbent for removing Iron(III) from aqueous solution, which underwent a sequence of physical and chemical activation processes. This examined key parameters such as A: adsorbent dosage (0.025–0.1 g/L), B: contact time (15–35 minutes), and C: temperature (25–35 °C), in order to assess its potential as a sustainable clean water solution. A Box-Behnken Design under Response Surface Methodology (RSM) …

“Neither Living Nor Dead”: From Nazgûl To The Sídhe In Tolkien's The Fellowship Of The Ring (1954), Noelia Ramos

Journal of Tolkien Research

This study explores the influence of Celtic supernatural folklore, particularly the banshee tradition, on Tolkien’s depiction of the Nazgûl in The Fellowship of the Ring. Using W.B. Yeats’ Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry (1888) and the Celtic Twilight movement as a comparative framework, it analyses “A Short Cut to Mushrooms” and “A Knife in the Dark”, focusing on liminality, spectral presence, and supernatural dread. These parallels are further contextualised through reference to early Irish texts The Táin Bó Cúailnge and The Boyhood Deeds of Fionn, central works within the Celtic literary compilation known to Tolkien …

Mechanical, Thermal And Fire Behaviour Of Hemp-Based Composites With Different Binders For Sustainable Building Applications, Anilcan Aygun, Fahri Birinci, Selim Aytac, Ali Kemal Ayan, Hasan Alp Sahin, Ibrahim Isildak

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study investigates the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of hemp-based composites produced with traditional binders such as lime, cement, gypsum, clay, and water-based glue. Hemp fractions of different sizes (splinter, shiv, fiber and powder) were combined with these binders to manufacture cube and plate specimens, which were tested for physical, mechanical, thermal, and temperature resistance properties. The study aims to compare the mechanical, physical, thermal, and fire behaviour of these composites to assess their suitability for sustainable construction applications. The hemp-based composites were tested for unit weight, water absorption, compressive strength and thermal conductivity. Most specimens are lightweight (<1000 kg/m3), and exhibit good thermal insulation performance and high compressive deformability, making them suitable for seismic-prone regions. The glue-based composite had the lowest unit weight, measured as 330 kg/m3. Thermal conductivity ranged from 0.051 to 0.243 W/m· K, with several mixtures performing better than natural pumice. While cement-based composites showed the highest compressive strength, ranging from 5.5 to 24.8 kg/cm2, natural hydraulic lime is the lowest. Water absorption was high, and moisture release occurred slowly across all hemp fractions. Combustion tests indicated that hemp-based materials have moderate temperature resistance, with charring temperatures ranging from 238–265°C for raw hemp and 300–385°C when mixed with binders. Overall, hemp-based composites are lightweight, eco-friendly, and suitable for non-load-bearing construction and insulation applications. However, improvements in moisture resistance and long-term durability are necessary to enhance their practical applicability.

Critical Heavy Metal Contamination In The Tigris River, Baghdad: A Comprehensive Assessment Using The Metal Index (Mi), Talib Kamil Abed, Abass J. Kadhem, Muwafaq Hussein Al-Lami

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

One of the most important rivers in Iraq is the Tigris River, which serves as the primary source of drinking water and irrigation for agricultural purposes. In recent events, researchers have identified growing concerns about heavy metal contamination in the river. To decide the status of the Tigris River, the metal index (MI) was used in this study. To conduct this study, three locations were chosen along the river, and eight likely harmful heavy metals were examined: iron (Fe), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). The results were worrying. The metal …

Aquifer Characteristics And Groundwater Flow Modeling For Sustainable Water Resources Development And Planning Using Modflow Software In India, Ravi Sharma

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

MODFLOW is one of the most commonly used numerical models for simulating groundwater flow. Its structured data design and compatibility with GIS tools make it suitable for groundwater assessment and planning. Groundwater forms an important part of the hydrological cycle and occurs within the pore spaces of sedimentary rocks or within fractures in hard rock terrains. Although its distribution beneath the surface is not always uniform or predictable, it is still considered one of the cleanest, most accessible, and quickly available freshwater sources. Numerical groundwater models help convert complex subsurface processes into simplified relationships that describe flow behavior. Even though …