Conference Agenda

The study analyzes the factors that influence consumer attitudes toward photovoltaic technology in the Dominican Republic. Through a survey of engineering students and teachers, key constructs were identified such as knowledge about the carbon footprint, environmental concern, and ethics of sustainable consumption, assessed with the PLS-SEM methodology. The results show that technical knowledge has a limited impact, while ethics and environmental concern are stronger predictors. The need for public policies, accessible education, and subsidies to overcome economic barriers and encourage technological adoption is highlighted. It is concluded that favorable attitude depends on ethical and environmental values ​​more than technical knowledge.

The recent hurricanes that impacted Puerto Rico have highlighted the fragility of the electrical system, resulting in long-term power outages. This study focuses on the distribution poles failure, which posed a significant challenge to the recovery of the island’s electrical system after Hurricane Maria. An analysis was conducted to estimate the wind load on a typical H4 concrete type pole configuration. The results show that wind loads would not exceed the breaking strength of the pole structure. The Broms method was employed to estimate the lateral load that a pole can sustain, as well as the procedure described in the international building code (IBC) 2018, which relates the minimum required embedment depth with the applied lateral load. The analysis shows that the embedment depth of the poles could not provide adequate support to sustain lateral load. The use of guy wires and dead-end breakaway connectors was evaluated to protect the distribution system. Guys wires could provide lateral support, while breakaway connectors are intended to break before the pole falls. Further analysis is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a protection system to improve the resiliency of the electrical distribution network.

This paper presents the development and evaluation of a low-cost multisensor system to monitor volcanic gas emissions, focusing on CO2, SO2, and H2S. The performance of the system was validated through field tests conducted at critical sites, including the crater rim of the Santa Ana volcano and the thermal area of Los Infiernillos on the slopes of the San Vicente volcano. Comparison with commercial equipment from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MARN) of El Salvador revealed minor deviations from the measurement, demonstrating the system's ability to provide reliable data while capturing rapid fluctuations and peak concentrations. This work aims to serve as a low-cost technological tool to achieve effective volcanic risk management and environmental monitoring efforts.

This case study describes the first experience of the Honduran Red Cross activating an Early Action Plan (EAP) in anticipation of a hydrometeorological event in a high-risk area. Using a mixed-methods approach, it analyzes decision-making, institutional coordination, and the implementation of the Forecast-based Action mechanism. Despite logistical challenges, the early deployment allowed for timely assistance and highlighted the need to generate further research, strengthen the national system, and create partnerships that enable more efficient humanitarian logistics.