Research Symposium-2010

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Impact of Marketing Strategies on Customer Satisfaction in Mobile Telecommunication Sector: A study with special reference to Badulla region
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Priyanthi, H.J.; Rohan, D.N.N.
The Telecommunication Sector in Sri Lanka is under rapid changes with the increasing of telecommunication operators and their changing strategical perspectives to capture the biggest portion of the market. The scope of their strategies spread from the beating the competitors severely to offering higher value added products and services to the customers. Hence they should highly concentrate on well designing the marketing strategies since they consider customer satisfaction is a fundamental marketing construct. The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between the marketing strategies and customer satisfaction in mobile telecommunication sector in Badulla region. A structured questionnaire was administered to two hundred users and the direct interviews were carried out with every branch manager for the purpose of identifying the existing strategies among mobile telecommunication sector. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to analyze the data. The results indicated a strong positive relationship between the marketing strategies and customer satisfaction. The study concluded that the service providers in Badulla region should highly focus the marketing strategies in order to acquire new customers and to retain the existing customers. Key words: Marketing strategies, Customer satisfaction
Web Based University Student Registration and Examination Grading System
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Ponnampalam, R.; Makalanda, G.S.
Web based university student registration and examination grading system is designed to facilitate lecturers and students interactions through web in addition to the meetings at the regular lectures. It has almost all the features that a student or lecturers will need to communicate regarding the course, grading and submission etc. There is different level of users and depending upon the level they have access to different pages and functionalities. The web pages are built using php and used with MySQL database for database development. Object oriented analysis techniques were used to analyze and model the system, the system is available only for the registered users. To use the system, the students and lecturers should have the access to computers, the Internet and should possess basic knowledge of workings of a Web Application. Key words: - Database, Web application, Registration
Effect of Slaughtering Age Sex of Strain Cobb and Hybro on Cutup Weights
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Pathmanathan, P.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.; Weerasooriya, G.
The qualitative properties of the meat are of major importance for poultry processing, since meat is now widely consumed as cuts or as processed products. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of slaughtering age, sex and strain Cobb and Hybro PG+ on cutup weights. The experiment was conducted with 192 broilers of two different strains (Cobb and Hybro) which were reared in a fully automated, closed house system at Crysbro Group of Company, Jayamalapura, Gampola. Birds were slaughtered at the age of 33 to 42 days. All broilers were kept on a 12 hours starvation period then weighed before slaughtering. At the end of processing, carcasses were portioned into five different parts such as Leg, Breast, Back, Wing and Neck and weighed to the nearest ±0.01 g. Data were analyzed by Multiple Regression employing sex and strain as two dummy variables. Age of birds was taken as a quantitative variable. The results revealed that all variables except the Neck% varies significantly with age (P<0.05). All variables have varied significantly with the strain (P<0.05). Sex had shown a significant effect (P<0.05) on Neck (N %) and Back (B %). Wing (W%), Breast% (Br %) and Leg (L %), have increased with slaughtering age (P<0.05) while Back (B %) has decreased with slaughtering age. No change observed in Neck (N %) with the slaughtering age. Processed weight of male was higher than that of female in both strains. Strain Cobb was identified as the most suitable strain for portioning as expensive cut percentages such as Breast% and Leg% are higher in Cobbs than Hybro PG+. At 38 days of slaughtering age, strain Cobb produced average 2.143 kg of live weight, Back 15.19%, Wing 7.68%, Leg 23.0%, Breast 27.61% and Neck 4.43%. Therefore, strain Cobb could be used to obtain high carcass weight or expensive portions from 38 days of age. Key Words: Hybro PG+ , Cobb, Strain,Carcass weight, Starvation
Empirical Study on Relationship between Productivity Techniques and Export Quality Production Level of the Tea Factories (Special Reference to Badulla District)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Wickramarathna, P.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.
The scarcity of the resources is the major problem in the present world and all the nations try to get the maximum use of the existing resources. Therefore several strategies are used to increase the productivity of the existing resources to get the competitive advantage. The study aimed at assessing how productivity techniques effect to increase the export quality production level of the small holding tea factories in Badulla District. Therefore the main objective of this study is to examine the effect of productivity techniques on production of tea and identify the barriers of implementing those techniques. Five small holding tea factories those are adapting 5S practices were selected from Badulla district for the study. Structured questioners were used to collect the data from the considered sample and Cobb —Douglas production function was occupied within the study by employing OLS method to take the productivity of tea factories in to account. The results show that 5S concept has directly affected on increasing the export quality production level of the small and medium holding tea factories in the Badulla. Furthermore the study explored that the factors like employee resistance to change, lack of the expertise knowledge have been massive barriers in implementing the 5S concepts within their entities. According to the further investigation the study identified most of the tea factories were in the maturity stage and they faced to decreasing return to scale. The study strongly recommends adapting proper productivity techniques in order to achieve a higher level of production in terms of quantity and quality. Key words: Productivity Techniques, 5S, Cobb —Douglas Production Function, OLS method
Effect of the Flock Age and Eggs Storage Time On the Hatchability and Apparent Fertility of Broiler Grandparents Stock Eggs
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Ekanayake, I.K.D.C.B.; Nambapana, N.M.N.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.; Sathtarasinghe, D.A.; Samarasinghe, K.
This research was conducted to determine the effects of flock age and storage time of eggs on the hatchability, apparent fertility, hatch of fertile and embryonic mortality of 30 to 59 weeks aged broiler grandparent eggs. The experiment was conducted with eggs from Cobb 500 broiler grandparent breeders from 30-39 weeks, 40-49 weeks and 50-59 weeks of age. For each age groups eggs were stored at 12-15 °C and storage time grouped as 1-8 days, 9-16 days and 17-24 days respectively. After the storage period, eggs of all the groups were incubated for 21 days in single stage incubator. After 21 days chicks were counted and the hatchability was determined. Unhatched eggs were broken to determine fertility, and if fertile, the stage of embryonic death was recorded. The results indicated that the storage period significantly affects the apparent fertility, hatchability, hatch of fertile, early dead, mid dead and late dead, total embryonic morality and contaminated eggs but not for pips (P<0.05). The best apparent fertility, hatchability and hatch of fertile (96.56±0.24, 87.28 ±0A5, 90.39±0.50) and lowest percentages early dead, mid dead and late dead (3.72±0.45, 1.00±0.17, 2.67±0.19) were obtained in 30-39 weeks flock age group. The Flock age significantly affects ( p < 0.05) on apparent 'fertility, hatchability, hatch of fertile, late dead and contaminated eggs but not on (P>0.05) early dead, mid dead, total embryonic morality and pips. Combined effect of Flock age x storage period did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05) on hatchability, apparent fertility, hatch of fertile and embryonic mortality. It is evident that, the eggs of 30-39 weeks flock age group stored within 1-8 days period had the highest hatchability (87.28 ±0.45) and the eggs of 50-59 weeks flock age group that stored within 17-24 days had the lowest hatchability (60.17 ± 1.51). The study shows that the eggs which were stored for a shorter period in the storage have given higher hatchability than the eggs stored for a prolonged period in the storage. Key words: Apparent fertility, Hatchability, Embryonic mortality, Flock age, Storage period
Develpoment of Breeding Technology for Endemic fish, Beiontia signata
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Ossen, S.O.M.R.; Mudelige, A.R.; Jayamanne, S.C.
Belontia signata is an endemic freshwater fish found in slow flowing, shallow, clear water streams usually habituated with pebble or sand substrate, shaded streams and rivulets of Sri Lanka. The species has a high demand in the international market but the production is low as the breeding and rearing technology of B. signata is not well established. The present study aims to develop breeding and rearing technology of B. signata in captivity. Differentiation of sex is difficult in B. signata but by closely observing the morphological characteristics such as colour of the body and colour of the eyelid sexes were identified with an accuracy of 100%. Males have bright body color and females have dark body color in calm environment and the eyelid of the male is red while it is black in females. Differences in caudal fin characteristics were also observed but the accuracy of using it for sex differentiation is low (55%). The caudal fin of the male bares more filaments than that of females. Trials were conducted to investigate the space and availability of hiding places for breeding B. signata. Another experiment was conducted to find out the most suitable feed for the growth of fry using two live food species, microworm and Artemia nauplii. It is difficult to get B. signata to start breeding but when started they spawn after every 14 days of last spawn. The results revealed that B. signata prefers spacious long tanks (P<0.05), calm environment (P<0.05) and hiding places (P<0.05) for their breeding. In average a female produced 81 ± 27 (n=7) eggs and the total length of fry varied between 9.1 cm - 11.8 cm. Duration of development stages were, egg to hatchling 36-48 h, hatchling to post larva stage 3-4 days at temperature range of 25.75-28.76 °C and pH range of 7.4 - 7.6. Post larvae fed with Artemia exhibited the highest growth (P<0.05) compared with microworm (Anguillula sp.) The fry can be fed on formulated feed after 35 days. The study established the breeding technology of Belontia signata successfully in captivity. Key words: Belontia signata, Breeding, Ornamental fish
Assessment of Adoption of Fair Trade Quality Standard in the Corporate Tea Sector in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Senarath, S.M.S.; Athauda, A.M.T.P.
In addition to conventional tea production which contributes mainly to the standard industrial tea sector, the percentage of value addition has to be gradually increased to maintain higher end market at profitable levels. It is important that value addition is coupled with other strong consumer requirements and expectations such as environment protection and bio diversity maintenance of eco systems towards combating global warming, offering social responsibility to the workers and beneficial health to consumers, convenience and sensory satisfaction. Obtaining Fairtrade quality standard appeared to be a strategic tool used in value addition of tea industry to compete in the international tea market from which Sri Lanka earns foreign exchange as a main source of export income. This study examines the factors affecting adoption of Fairtrade Quality Standard (FQS) in the Sri Lankan corporate tea sector. The identification of the constraints for obtaining Fairtrade certificate is also targeted by the study. A questionnaire based study was carried out to collect data from 35 randomly selected tea estates in up country. Multiple Linear Regression was used to identify the factors affecting the adoption of Fairtrade quality standard. Descriptive statistical method was also used to identify constraints in obtaining Fairtrade certificate and adoptability of each standards of Fairtrade. Results of Binary Logistic Regression reveal that adopting of Fairtrade quality standard in the corporate tea sector is significantly determined by attitude, working experience of the estate manager, revenue of the estate and number of employees in the estate. The most important constraints perceived by the corporate sector tea estates were low market share in global market, lack of finance and unawareness of the workers about Fairtrade. Some of the standards like no child labour, non-discrimination, environmental friendly farming practices and safe working conditions can be observed in most of the estates. Key words: Adoption, Fairtrade, Quality Standard, Value Addition
A Rationale, in Certitude of Good Manufacturing Practices(GMP)for Ceylon Cinnamon, Trading in the Export Market
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) De Silva, D.I.P.; Gunathilaka, R.P.D.
Cinnamon Is one of the best foreign exchange earning spice. In Sri Lanka the demand in the world market depends on the quality of the cinnamon produced. The local Cinnamon industry is characterized by small — holdings, primitive technology, low productivity, high cost of production and unorganized marketing system which has adverse impact on export promotion. Though we are famous for 'True Cinnamon", yet we have not been capable of meeting the most basic quality standards for Cinnamon. The objective of this study is to analyze the status of processers and export firms in positioning GMP for their processes when producing Cinnamon for export markets. Specific objectives are identification of constraints which processers and export firms tend to face in setting up GMP for Cinnamon processes and identification of grounds for not gaining price increments for GMP holding Cinnamon products. Seventy five randomly selected Cinnamon processors in Galle district, and 25 Cinnamon exporting companies in Colombo district were selected for this study. Cost of processing, material wastage, awareness of GMP, market information recovery, buyer inquiry of quality standards and benefit awareness of quality standards were identified as facts influencing on implementation of GMP for processors. For Cinnamon exporting companies, quantity of exports, business status; major product of exportation, buyer inquiry of quality standards and benefit awareness of quality standards were identified as facts influencing on implementation of GMP. Lack of awareness on selling point and less processing quantity in GMP holders were constraints in implementing quality standards by processors. Less awareness on processing and poor monitoring of Cinnamon processing were observed as constraints of exporters. Hence, there is not yet a proper demand for GMP, Cinnamon exporting companies has been unable to offer a higher price for GMP owned products. Key Words: Cinnamon, Quality standards, GMP, Exporting companies, Processors
Development of Low cost 3D Scanner for Surface Registration of Simple Objects
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Ranasinghe, N.A.N.; Udawatta, L.; Piyathilaka, J.M.L.C.; Ekanayake, R.M.T.C.B.; Nihmiya, A.R.
Three-dimensional scanning has been widely used for many years for reverse engineering, quality control and part inspection applications. Use of the technique has recently expanded into the entertainment industry for character animation, toys, computer games, and feature films. Other applications include archaeological applications and forensic assessment. 3D laser scanners are high tech devices that have the ability to accurately capture the surface of objects and provide real 3D data back to the user. It analyzes a real-world object or environment to collect data on its shape and possibly its appearance. The collected data can then be used to construct digital, 3D models useful for a wide variety of applications. However, they can only obtain a partial representation of the scene while the human mind is able to imagine and extrapolate all the information from the object. The goal of this research is to study the different techniques used and propose convenient and fast mechanism to register 3D acquisitions. This study detects the complexity of the existing techniques and presents a new classification in 3D real time registration. Historically, devices that could be used in 3D scanning have been prohibitively expensive. Large scale devices can cost in excess of $20,000 with desktop units, with limited capability costing more than $1,500. Therefore this research focused on acquiring 3D models for computer graphics and animation applications using low-cost 3D laser scanning' system. The primary advantage of laser scanning is that the process is non-contact, fast and generates coordinate locations that lie directly on the surface of the scanned object. This research describes a low-cost hardware and software system for construction of digital, three dimensional, computer aided model of simple real-world objects, that will be useful for a wide variety of applications. Key words: 3D laser scanners, Computer graphics, Animation applications
Study on In-Vitro Growth, Rooting and Acclimatization of Baby’s Breath(Gypsophila paniculata L.)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) De Silva, W.A.N.T.; Shirani, D.A.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.
Baby's breath (Gypsophyla paniculata L.) is one of the important cut flower which used tissue cultured techniques to propagate commercially. Fragile nature of roots reduced in-vitro rooting and plant survival during acclimatization. Therefore, this research was conducted to improve the in-vitro rooting and plant survival of Baby's breath. Effect of four different gel strengths of MS medium (solid : 9 g/I agar, semisolid : 4.5 g/I agar, liquid and liquid with coir dust), two different aeration levels (aerated and non aerated) and two different age levels of cultures (four and six weeks aged) on in-vitro growth, rooting and acclimatization of baby's breath was studied through observing shoot height (cm), total dry weight (TDW) (g), total fresh weight (TFW) (g), no, of roots, root length (cm), no, of rooted plants by using 3 replicates and no, of survival plants observed weekly interval up to one month by using 40 plants at tissue Culture laboratory, Agricultural Research Station, Sita Eliya. Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and MINITAB statistical package were used to analyze the data. Tukey test was used to mean comparison at 5% significant level. Six weeks old plants in aerated semi solid medium was found to be better for in-vitro shooting as it recorded higher survival percentage (83.3%) than four weeks old plants in non aerated semisolid medium (50%) due to high calli growth though it was recorded the highest TDW, TDW/TFW. Six weeks old plants in aerated solid medium was recorded the best performances in in-vitro rooting which recorded 100% rooting and survival percentage with higher no, of roots (2.83) comparing to the six weeks old plants in non aerated solid medium which recorded 100% rooting and survival percentage with lower number of roots (2.16) at 5% significant level. Therefore, it was concluded that six weeks old plants in aerated semi solid medium can be used for in-vitro shooting and six weeks old plants in aerated solid medium can be used to in-vitro rooting and acclimatization. It could also be suggested that three weeks time period was sufficient for acclimatization of in-vitro grown plants. Key words: Solid, Semi solid and liquid medium, Coir dust medium, Aerated vessels, Age of in-vitro plants
Evaluation of Different Postharvest Treatments on the Shelf life of Guava (Psidium guajava L.)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Bandara, S.M.I.P.G.; Wellala, C.K.D.; Ranawana, S.R.W.M.C.J.K.
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a climacteric fruit with limited shelf life. Considerable postharvest loss can be occurred in guava due to its high perishability. The present study was conducted at the Fruit Crops Research and Development Center, Kananwila, Horana with the aim of identifying the correct harvesting stage and proper postharvest treatment to extend the shelf life of guava while maintaining its quality. For this purpose, experiments were carried out. Using four recommended varieties of guava namely Horana white, Horana red, Kanthi and Pubudu, the fruits were harvested at four different maturity stages and analyzed for their quality, color turning stage. Harvested fruits were treated with four different postharvest treatments; keeping at ambient conditions, packaging in 200 gauge LDPE bags, wax coating with 4 % gelatin based edible wax and keeping at cold storage conditions (4 - 8 °C) until decaying. Seven days of shelf life was recorded, Horana white, Horana red and Kanthi fruits kept at ambient conditions. Pubudu fruits showed nine days of shelf life under ambient conditions. Equal shelf life of nine days was observed in Horana white and Horana red varieties treated with LDPE packaging and wax application. Kanthi fruits treated with wax coating and LDPE packaging maintained seven days of shelf life similar to the fruits kept at ambient conditions. Maximum shelf life with high quality was recorded in fruits kept at cold storage conditions. The shelf life of fruits stored at cold storage conditions of Horana white was fifteen days and it was thirteen days for both Horana red and Kanthi fruits. Wax coating and LDPE packaging delayed the fruit ripening only for two days in Horana white and Horana red varieties. No extension in shelf life was observed in Kanthi either by LDPE packaging or wax coating. Shelf life was extended for additional six days in Pubudu by LDPE packaging. Considering the above facts, keeping fruits at cold storage conditions (4 - 8 °C) can be considered as a treatment to extend the shelf life of guava harvested at the color turning stage. Further investigations are required for recommendations. Key words: Guava (Psidium guajava L.), Quality, Maturity, Postharvest treatments, shelf life
Automated Hospital Management System – Hospital Net
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Amarasinghe, N.W.T.L.; Makalanda, G.S.
Most of the people in our country get treatments from the government hospitals which are operating most of the processes manually such as making appointments, taking records of the patients, recording the history of the disease etc. It is a time consuming process where difficulties in controlling information, lack of security of personal details and record duplication occur. The automated hospital management system called "Hospital Net" was developed to solve the above mentioned problems in a government hospital. This system can handle the procedures of controlling • patients' registration, managing patient's history of diseases, recording patient's admission details, managing patient prescription details and testing details. This software has the facility to keep a unique ID number for a patient and transfer the details to relevant sections automatically. For instance an OPD doctor can receive the details of patients who are assigned to him before the patient is admitted. A nurse can check the assigned prescription of each patient with the system. Doctors can search daily diagnosis details of each patient in the ward. Both the hospital and the community will be benefitted through this "Hospital Net" since it makes the system very efficient. Key Words: Automated Hospital Management System, Hospital Net
Success and Failures of English Language Teaching Methodologies in Sri Lanka: Case of English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) of the University of Colombo
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Gamage, U.P.
Teaching English as a second language becomes a conspicuous issue of selection of and application of suitable methodologies, particularly for the language learners in non-English speaking environments. Though there are well developed methodologies for systematic teaching of second languages used in different parts of the world, it is quite understandable that the Sri Lankan second language teaching convention has not opted for using them methodically in class rooms. This hypothetical ground convinced us to do this study on the second language teaching methodologies with special reference to English Language Teaching Unit of the Colombo University (ELTUCU). The major objective of the study finds whether the teaching methodology used by the ELTUCU was success or failure. It was revealed by the study that the teaching methodology that has been used by the English Language Teaching Unit of the Colombo University does not deal with one selected theoretical approach, but with scattered practices, randomly picked from each and every other method of teaching languages. The very obvious fact is that this sample has given little recognition even to the prominent modern methods in the curriculum, so that most of the practices enact a conventional role leading to poor language acquisition by the learner. The very low achievement of students' goals and the inclusion of the students who already achieved the proficiency level prior to joining the program, further pointed to the lesser success of the methodologies used. Finally, the study concludes, with the empirical backing of the research, that the non-use of modern methods in the class room for teaching English would make little impact on non-native language learners, especially in the context of teaching English. Key words: Language, English, Speaking, Teaching methodology
Development of Value Added Stirred Yoghurt Rippled with Cooking Chocolate Syrup
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Ranasinghe, M.K.; Mudannayake, D.C.; Abeysinghe, A.M.N.L.; Rupasinghe, L.; Vidanarachchi, J.K.
Developing a yoghurt incorporating cooking chocolate syrup is attempted with an aim of adding value to conventional yoghurt by increasing the organoleptic profile of the product. The composition of the conventional stirred yoghurts were modified slightly by varying gelatin percentages as 0.5%(w/w), 1.0%(w/w) and 1.5% (w/w). Best gelatin percentage was selected by sensory evaluation using 07 trained panelists. Stirred yoghurts prepared with selected gelatin percentage were rippled with 6.5 ml of chocolate syrup of three concentrations, 40%, 50% and 60% (percentage by weight). Chocolate incorporated stirred yoghurts were evaluated by using 30 untrained panelists with 5 point hedonic scale to assess sensory attributes such as, colour, appearance, chocolate flavour, sweetness and overall acceptability. Sensory data were analyzed by friedman non-parametric statistical method while titratable acidity and pH were analyzed by one-sample t-test in MINITAB 14. Shelf life determination was done by analyzing titratable acidity, pH, yeasts and moulds, total colony count (TCC), coliforms and Escherichia coil at two days intervals for 15 days comparing with the plain stirred yoghurt which was chosen as the control. Stirred yoghurt prepared with 50% chocolate syrup concentration showed higher (P<0.05) preference with all sensory attributes except appearance. The pH and titratable acidity of the above concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to the control at day 3. Coliforms, Escherichia coil and Yeast and mould counts were in compliance with specifications in Sri Lankan Standards for the set yoghurt during 10 days of refrigerated storage. Based on the results it can be concluded that stirred yoghurt rippled with chocolate syrup prepared with 0.5% gelatin and 50% chocolate syrup concentration has the highest sensory attributes with 09 days of shelf life at 4 °C temperature. Key Words; Stirred yoghurt, Gelatin, Chocolate Syrup
Zinc Oxide Nanorods for Hybrid Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Herath, H.M.N.K.K.; Ranasinghe, J.I.; Bandara, J.M.
Solar cells are devices which convert energy of photon to the electrical energy by photovoltaic effect. Among the different structures of solar cell devices, the demand for low cost and efficient solar cell is tremendous. Though the polymer photovoltaic devices can be easily fabricated with the available technology, increase in the device efficiency is an upward hurdle due to rapid charge recombination with the increase in thickness of the solar cell. However, this problem can be overcome by blending donor-acceptor materials together allowing better charge separation as well as transport and high cell thickness for harvest more energy from sun light. Bulk heterojunction solar cell overcome that barrier by blending donor acceptor material together which allows good charge transport and high cell thickness for harvest more energy from sun light. Introducing nanostructure inorganic charge transport material charge transport area, charge collection and transport can be enhanced. In this study, ZnO nanorods for Hybrid- bulk heterojunction(HBHJ) solar cells and their performance were studied. HBHJ solar cells were fabricated employing ZnO nanorod as electron transport media, blend of Poly(3-hexylthiopene) (P3HT) and (6, 6)-phenyl C6-butyric acid methylester (PCBM) as an light active layer and polyethylene dioxythiophene polystyrene (PEDOT: PSS) as a hole transport medium. ZnO nanorods were fabricated on fluorine doped conducting glass (FTO) by electro deposition method and on which the photoactive polymer layer was coated as a thin film using a blend of P3HT: PCBM in chlorobenzene followed by a deposition of a thin layer of PEDOT: PSS by spin coating technique. It was noticed that the performance of solar cell was highly depended on the preparation conditions and the solar cell performance optimization techniques were investigated in this study. The optimized device yielded Voc of 396 mV, photocurrentof 5. mA/cm2, a fill factor of 30% with an overall efficiency of 0.62%. Key words: ZnO nanorods, HBHJ solar cells, spin coating
Development of a HACCP Plan for Formed Meat Production Line at Gills Food Product (PVT) Ltd.
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Piyasena, K.M.P.K.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.; Jayasena, D.K.D.D.; Boraluwa, C.; Cyril, H.W.
Over the past decade several food poisoning outbreaks have been reported with meat products. Hence implementation of a proper quality assurance system is important for meat products to ensure the product safety during their long shelf life. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a systematic approach to identify and assess the hazards and risks associated with food operation in defining the means of their control. It eliminates or reduces the biological, chemical and physical hazards to an acceptable level to ensure a safe product to consumers. Formed chicken drumstick is one of the formed meat product manufactured at Gills Food Product (Pvt) Ltd. Therefore the main aim of this study is to develop a HACCP plan for the processing line of formed chicken drumstick. Based on existing production line, process flow diagram was developed. Good Manufacturing Procedure (GMP) manual was studied and Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) manual was developed to fulfill the pre-requisite program. Entire potential hazards associated with each processing step from raw material reception to dispatch of the end product were identified. Then weighing of additives, deep frying, metal detection and blast freezing were identified as the Critical Control Points (CCPs) in the processing line using CODEX CCP decision tree. Monitoring of CCPs, correction action and verification procedure were developed and documented. Control limits were established for the identified CCPs. Critical limit for nitrate was 100 mg/kg. During deep frying minimum core temperature of the product was estimated to be 71.1 °C for 10 seconds. A critical limit of blast freezer temperature was between -32°C and -35°C within 4 hours. The metal detector should detect 1.0 mm for Ferrous, 1.5 mm for stainless steal and 2.0 mm for non ferrous fragments. Once the proposed HACCP plan is implemented, it is expected to produce formed meat products at Gills Food Product (Pvt) Ltd. under internationally accepted food safety standards. Key words: CCPs, Chicken drumstick, Nitrate, Deep frying, Blast freezing
Changes in Total Factor Productivity Growth and Technological Progress in Paddy Sector of Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Thayaparan, A.
The objective of this study is to analyze regional differences in total factor productivity, efficiency and technological change in the paddy sector by using Malmquist productivity indices (Total factor productivity index) for the period 2002 -2008. For this purpose, panel data were collected for seven districts from annual reports of Central Bank of Sri Lanka and Department of Agriculture. Due to the non-availability of reliable input price data the study uses data envelopment analysis to derive Malmquist productivity index and it examines efficiency change, technical change, pure efficiency change and scale change in the paddy sector of Sri Lanka. Based on the results, it was found that over the period, total factor productivity growth was positive and on average, technical efficiency change contributes 0.6% to the 0.5% of the total factor productivity growth while pure technical efficiency change did not contributes to increase it. Therefore, most of the total factor productivity growth measured for paddy production is ascribable to the technical efficiency change and it was achieved by the scale change. On the contrary, the effects of technical change actually lower the total factor productivity index by 0.1 %. The period of positive growth coincided with an increase in usage of fertilizer and new rice varieties while the declines may have been caused by intensification of paddy production in other districts. Certain districts such as Polonnaruwa, Ampara, Hambantota and Anuradhpura, exhibited slightly higher rates of total factor productivity change than others, which seems to have been contributed by higher investment in irrigation, increased adoption of tractors, higher population density and a better agro climatic environment. This good performance of the paddy sector was due to good progress in technical efficiency change rather than technical change. This study highlights the fact that technical change has been the main constraint of achievement of high levels of productivity during the reference period in Sri Lanka Key words: Malmquist index, Technical efficiency change, Technical change, Data envelopment analysis
Improve the Export Quality of Sword Fish Steak by Incorporating Low Valued Fish (Lates calcarifer, Catia catia, Lutjanus campechanus)and Root Crops(Solanum tuberosum,Ipomoea batatas, Solenostemon rotundifolius)to Reduce thw
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Niruba, S.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Jayasena, S.H.
Sword fish has low saturated fat, contain high-quality protein, and provides essential vitamins and minerals. Sword fish is vulnerable to contamination by toxic pollutant mercury and making people ill via food. Sword fish steak is a value added product which includes low valued fish such as Lates calcarifer or Calla catla or Lutjanus campechanus and root crops as Solanum tuberosum or 1pomoea batatas or Solenostemon rotundifolius in order to reduce the initial mercury of Sword fish. Preliminary investigations were conducted to determine the suitable levels of ingredients which have low level of mercury, to produce a value added Sword fish steak. The best recipe was selected based on the lowest level of mercury content of ingredients. Low valued fish was incorporated at 30%, 25%, and 20% by weight of whole amount with 50% of Sword fish respectively and root crop incorporation was at 10%, 7.5%, and 5%. Other ingredients were changed accordingly. Mercury test showed that 30% of fish is suitable to incorporate with 50% of Sword fish in order to reduce the initial mercury content (P<0.05), whereas 10% of root crop is suitable to incorporate with 50% of Sword fish (P<0.05). Catla catla was the best fish species to incorporate with Swordfish in order to reduce initial mercury content (P<0.05). The sensory results indicated that the mixture of Sword fish (50%) and Lates calcarifer (30%) is more accepted for value added Sword fish steak preparation (P<0.05). Proximate analysis showed that the mixture of Sword fish and Red snapper sample had the highest crude protein. Shelf life study was conducted for six weeks and results revealed that Water Holding Capacity (WHO), Thio Barbituric Acid (TBA) values have increased (P<0.05) while pH value (P<0.05) is reduced. The mixture of Sword fish and Lutjanus campechanus was found to be the best combination for fish steak. Key words: Mercury, Sword fish, Root crop, Value added fish.
Development of an Instant Herbal Tea from Walkoththamalli(Scoparia dulcis) for Reduction of Blood Glucose Level
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Sarathchandra, P.W.S.H.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.
The study was carried out to identify the suitable plant part, drying period for the preparation of instant herbal tea of Walkoththamalli and to analyze consumer preference, quality of the product, chemical composition and pharmacological effect of the herbal extract to control the blood sugar level. Whole plant and leaves of the plant were selected as reliable plant parts and dried under 70 °C for 12, 24 and 24 hours to prepare the bags by filling 1.5 g of dried samples and microbial test was performed for four months to check the shelf life of the product by comparing the available standards for black tea. Organoleptic properties of finished product and herbal extract were evaluated using a sensory evaluation with thirty one panelists and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) with 5% methanol in chloroform solvent system was used to study chemical compounds available in the 95% ethanol herbal extract. Random blood sugar test and glucose tolerance test with 75 g of oral administration of glucose were used as clinical trails to test the effect of the herbal extract on blood sugar level (leaves dried for 24 hour at 70 °C) using five and three volunteers respectively. Among the six treatments, leaves dried for 24 hours was recorded the significantly highest (P<0.05) consumer preference for all parameters analyzed in the sensory evaluation. The same sample recorded the lowest microbial activity compared to the other samples. With the TLC all six samples showed that different banding patterns in the plates, which represent the availability of chemically active compounds in the herbal extracts and leaves dried for 24 hours at 70 DC was shown the highest number of bands under 254 nm UV light. The results of random blood sugar test and blood sugar level in glucose tolerance test showed that significant reduction in blood sugar levels of each volunteer with herbal extract than the control. According to the above results leaves dried for 24 hours at 70 DC was the best type to prepare the instant herbal tea from Walkoththamalli which is having the ability to reduce the blood sugar level. Key words: Blood glucose level, Thin Layer Chromatography, Chemical compounds, Microbial activity
Isolation of Microflora and Changes of Carbohydrates of Certain Water Weeds through Senescene
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Perera, O.S.; Ratnayake, R.R.; Kulasooriya, S.A.
Water weeds have become an ecological and social problem in irrigation tanks, reducing the flow of water in irrigation and drainage channels, blocking sluice gates and points of water intake in power generating stations. Producing biofuels via biomass conversion to use them as renewable sources of energy alternative to fossil fuels would be an economi¬cal solution to control these weeds. "Microbial energy conversions" can be used to convert biomass into biofuel at low cost. This study aimed to isolate and identify the microflora that can be used in microbial energy conversions and to examine the changes of carbohydrates of certain water weeds through senescence. Three floating aquatic weeds; Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), Salvinia molesta (water moss) and Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce) abundant in different climatic zones of Sri Lanka were utilized. Enrichment culture techniques were used to isolate the microorganisms. Bacterial isolates were identified to the genus level using biochemical tests and for fungi morphological characters were observed. Finally pure cultures were transfered to agar slants of suitable media for short term storage, and for long term maintenance they were presereved in cryo tubes and stored under -20 OC. Bacterial genera identified consisted Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Staphylococcus and Klebsiella while the fungal genera consisted Paecilomyces, Trichoderma, Acremonium and Cylindrocarpon. To analyse the carbohydrate composition (mainly cellulose and lignin), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) was used. Cellulose and lignin were identified using FTIR absorbance peaks for bonds that are specific for these compounds. According to the FTIR absorbance peaks there were no qualitatative changes among the three species of water weeds or within the different stages of their growth. The statistical analysis of the different absorptivities of the water weeds showed that there is no significant different in Cellulose or Lignin among the three water weeds. When comparing Cellulose and Lignin mature Eichhornia crassipes had a significantly higher amount of lignin than cellulose at the 5% probability level.The Cellulose content is high in mature stage of Salvinia molesta than in young and senescence stages. This study was a prelude for the development of microbial energy conversions to produce bio-fuels from cellulosic biomass.

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