Research Symposium-2016
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Item A study on shelf life of export oriented fresh chilled Yellowfin tuna loins in relation to histamine content(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Arachchige, T.R.K.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Amarasinghe, K.Sri Lanka has become a leading country which produces Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacores) and other large pelagic species in the Indian Ocean. (Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, 2011). To meet export market, maximum histamine content of the product should not exceed 50 ppm (Food and Drug Administration, 1998). Seafood processing factories guarantee a shelf life of 14 days for the product fresh chilled Yellowfin tuna loin, even though shelf life of different Yellowfin tuna loin batches is varied. Shelf life can be exceeded or not exceeded 14 days in different batches. These batches represent Yellowfin tuna received from different fishing harbors in different proportions. According to the fishing harbor environmental factors and practices followed by fishermen can be varied. There is evident that depending on the nature of the environment, different proportions of decarboxylase positive bacteria would be present in water and external fish tissue, and therefore the level of histamine and other toxigenic amines formed in fish tissue would not be uniform (Yoshinga and Frank, 1982). This research is to identify whether these fishing harbors have an effect on the shelf life of fresh chilled Yellowfin tuna loin in relation to histamine content. Methodology The study was carried out at SGS Lanka (Pvt) Limited, Colombo 02. The sample collection and background study of fresh chilled Yellowfin tuna loin exportation was done at Global Seafoods (Pvt) Limited. Three repeated experimental trials on histamine analysis of Yellowfin tuna loin samples were conducted during a time period of 42 days. Storage time period of each set of samples for an experimental trial was 14 days. Selected fishing harbors were Beruwala, Tangalle, Chilaw, and Trincomalee. Yellowfin tuna loins of Grade A and B were selected from each fishing harbor. All collected samples had an on-broad freezing time period, which was varied between 18 - 22 days. Labeled and vacuum packed samples were stored at 0 C, in the fresh chilled condition. Histamine analysis was carried out from the time period of zero day of storage to 14 days of storage. Histamine was analysed using flurometric method according to the AOAC official methods of analysis. Data collected from the three experimental trials were analysed using Minitab 14 statistical software. Descriptive statistics of means, Standard deviation, two-way ANOVA and one way ANOVA with tukey’s pairwise comparison was applied in analysing the results. A significance level of 5 % was used. Result and Discussion Histamine content was increased with storage time period in each and every sample. The increment pattern of Yellowfin tuna loins received from four selected fishing harbors of Grade B did not show any significant difference (P>0.005). It was concluded that there was an effect from fishing harbor on average histamine content of Yellowfin tuna loins within fish grade A (P<0.005). Further analysis of one way ANOVA with tukey’s pairwise comparison revealed that Trincomalee fishing harbor had the least contribution for histamine formation.Item Possible Effects of Climate Change Driven Sea Level Rise on Small Islet Complex of Negombo Lagoon Sea Entrance with Respect to Mangrove Floral Community and Fisheries(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Silva, E.N.S.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; Jayamanne, S.C.The climate change driven long term sea level rise by global warming will be a potential threat to the islet system of Negombo lagoon sea entrance which is a unique Eco geographic feature of the Sri Lankan coastline. The study was carried out to identify both ecological and socioeconomic impacts by long term sea level rise on this islet system of Negombo lagoon as a fisheries hub and ecologically important mangrove forests to the country. Three possible sea level rise scenarios by year 2100 were developed based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts of sea level rise through Representative Concentrative Pathways (RCPs'). Inundation patterns due to sea level rise for the islet complex was projected. As ecological impacts, pneumatophore heights of Sonneratia spp. and Avicennia spp. for its distribution and inundation percentage along the Siriwardene mangrove forest due to sea level rise by 2100 were calculated. A timeline analysis for Munnakkarai islet was conducted to understand the socioeconomic significance for two selected shorelines at Munnakkarai islet with an emphasis to fisheries activities. Results have expressed that percentage land loss of Munnakkarai islet due to sea level rise scenarios I, II and III are respectively 18.21% 27.54% and 42.20% by year 2100 and projected loss of pneumatophore distribution for the scenarios I, II and III were respectively 79.7% , 99.2 % and 100%. There is a possibility of displacement, effect on fisheries and species loss in this islet complex by year 2100 due to the loss of pressure on mangrove outskirts of the island where they are possible nursery grounds of economically important fish and shellfish. In conclusion, current study has predicted negative ecological and economic impact for the islet complex due to climate change driven sea level rise by year 2100, emphasizing immediate requirement to overcome global warming nationally and internationally. Keywords: Global climate change, Sea level rise, Lagoons, Fisheries, MangrovesItem Development of Polyphenol Incorporated Herbal Hair Shampoo by Using Tea Fluff(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Peduruarachchi, D.M.N.H.; Silva, P.D.P.M.D.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Samaranayake, H.G.H.Usage of cost effective herbal cosmetic products have become a new trend among the people. Tea polyphenol is one of the food derived active ingredients which has potential of hair growth. Since tea fluff is a cost effective polyphenol rich wastage, can be used to produce several natural cosmetic products with lower side effects and higher safeness. Therefore the major objective of this study was, development of polyphenol incorporated herbal hair shampoo by using tea fluff as a value added product which is effective towards hair growth and safeness. This study was used to determine the best polyphenol incorporation level to the shampoo based on its sensory properties, show the potential of used tea fluff as a cost effective polyphenol rich source for new product development, show the potential of value addition to the wastages and effectively utilize the wastages for the purpose of cost effective waste management method. Polyphenol extract of tea fluff was appended into shampoo base with varied concentrations i.e. 2.1%, 2.3%, 2.5%, 2.7% and 2.9%. Further sieved tea fluff was appended into shampoo base with varied proportions i.e. 0.021%, 0.023%, 0.025%, 0.027% and 0.029%. A sensory evaluation test was carried out with 30 panelists to reveal the best treatment. A shelf life analysis was performed at the storage of room temperature for the selected best treatments for period of two months at two weeks of interval. Results revealed that hair shampoo was stable in room temperature. According to the results of the sensory evaluation and statistical analysis, it can be concluded that 2.1% of polyphenol extract with 97.9% shampoo base (most preferable formula) and 0.025% of tea fluff with 99.975% shampoo (contains the highest polyphenol level) base are the two best formula among the two series. Keywords: Tea fluff, Polyphenol, Shampoo, Hair growth, Sensory evaluationItem Effect of Exogenous Nitric Oxide on Growth and Physiological Parameters of Rubber Clone PB 260 Subjected to Drought(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Rathnayake, R.M.C.G.; Kaliyadasa', P.E.; Jayasinhe, H.A.S.L.; Nayanakantha, N.M.O.Rubber cultivation is being expanded into non-traditional areas of Sri Lanka where drought stress is one of the major abiotic stresses that limits growth and development. Nitric oxide (NO) is a bioactive molecule involved in diverse biological pathways that proved to be protective against damages under abiotic stress. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as an exogenous NO donor on physiological parameters and growth attributes in the rubber clone PB 260 under drought. Six treatments were imposed for polybagged rubber plants namely control (normal watering), Ti (drought stress, no watering), T2 (50 [IM SNP + normal watering), T3 (50 p,M SNP + drought stress), T4 (100 !AM SNP + normal watering) and T5 (100 pM SNP + drought stress) that grown under glass house condition. Photosynthesis rate (Pr) and Stomatal conductance (gs) were recorded at 0, 2, 4, 7 and 14 day's intervals. Chlorophyll content (Cc) was recorded at 0, 7, and 14 days and also two weeks after treatments. Growth parameters were recorded after maturing of the new shoot during post treatment period. Although there was no significant difference among different treatments initially, a significant increase in Pr and Cc were observed in drought stressed plants in T5 compared to T1 where no SNP treatments. Stomatal conductance was significantly decreased with increase in water stress irrespective of SNP treatments. Interestingly, significant increase in Cc was recorded in both concentrations of SNP in drought compared to drought stressed plants with no SNP in two weeks after recovering. There was a slight increase in dry weight of the new shoots in plants in T3 and T5 compared to the plants subjected to Ti. Results revealed that single application of SNP as a NO donor at the beginning of drought stress proved to be beneficial in alleviating the negative effects of drought stress on physiological and growth attributes of rubber plants. Key words: PB 260, Drought, Chlorophyll content, Stomata conductance, Dry weight,Item Effectiveness of Ultraviolet Filtration of Incoming Sea Water for Controlling Vibrio spp. in Shrimp Hatcheries in North Western Province(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Pathirana, I.P.D.H.; Rajapakshe, R.M.G.N.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Ranathunga, R.M.N.P.K.Vibrio spp. are natural micro flora that presence in marine waters are one of the main factors which responsible for larval mortality of penaeid shrimp. To avoid bacteriological problems, shrimp hatcheries adopt extensive water treatments which include effective ultraviolet filtration. But there the effectiveness of UV filters is a considerable problem. Therefore effectiveness of UV filtration of incoming sea water for controlling the Vibrio spp. and the management procedures that can be implemented for improving the efficiency of UV filters were studied. Ten shrimp hatcheries out of forty seven hatcheries in north western province of the country were selected. Sea water samples were taken before and after the UV filtration and were subjected to the Total Vibrio Count (TVC) test. Thiosulfate Citrate Bile salt Sucrose (TCBS) agar was used as the culture medium and pH, salinity, Ammonium-N, Nitrate-N, Nitrite-N were checked. Questionnaire survey was also conducted for collecting information regarding water treatment systems, disinfection procedures and the factors affecting on the efficiency of UV filters. According to this study there is a significant difference by considering the TVC among hatcheries and between the TVC of sea water before and after UV filtering. It was observed that salinity and pH have no significant effect on the TVC. According to questionnaire survey, although each hatchery uses the UV bulb capacities which are relevant to the water flow rates by considering the water usage volume, the effectiveness of UV filtration is not in an efficient level when comparing the mean values of TVC of sea water before and after UV filtering. According to Chi square Goodness of fit test, availability of charcoal filters, maintaining the records of hours of UV filter operation, replacing UV bulbs after its life time and routine changing of filter media in sand, charcoal and cartridge filters have significant impact on the TVC of UV filtered water. Therefore productive maintaining of the filter system is very important for the effectiveness of UV filtration. Keywords: Water quality, Shrimp disease, Bacteriological problems, Water treatments, UV filtersItem Study on Relative reactivity and Toxicity of Metal-Glyphosate Complexes(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Liyanage, D.N.; Jayarathna, R.A.; Wanniarachchi, D.D.C.Glyphosate (Gip), (C31-1,1\10,13), N-(phosphonomethyl)glycin is a non-selective, post emergence organophosphorus herbicide. Metal-glyphosate complexes can be formed via coordination of amine, carboxylate, and phosphonate functional groups in glyphosate with di/tri valent metal ions in surface water. However, adequate studies on toxicity of metal¬glyphosate complexes are not yet conducted. Furthermore, glyphosate metal complexes are suspected to cause chronic kidney disease in Sri Lanka. The goal of this study is to compare relative reactivity of metal ions towards glyphosate and toxicity of metal¬glyphosate complexes. Therefore, metal-glyphosate complexes which has a higher potential to contaminate the surface water can be identified. Complexes were synthesized for Cu, Fe and Ca ions and characterized with FTIR and UV-Visible spectroscopy. Solubility was measured for these complexes and suggests higher solubility for Cu-Glp. However, the fastest complex formation was observed for formation of Ca-Glp followed by Fe- Glp and Cu- Glp. Fish embryo toxicity (FET) test results indicates metal-glyphosate complexes have a higher toxicity compared to individual metal ions and the highest toxicity was reported for Cu-Glp complex. Keywords: Glyphosate, Metal glyphosate complexes, Toxicity, Glyphosate-metal reaction ratesItem Sri Lankan Vein Graphite Classification Using Image Processing and Neural Network(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Wickramasinghe, E.M.C.G.; Cooray, J.T.; Wimaladharma, S.T.C.I.Image classification is an essential task in pattern recognition applications. Rock and mineral images are some of the typical examples for natural images, and their analysis is more important in rock and mineral industry. Ore mineral classification is based on specific visual descriptors extracted from the images. These textures are used to identify their visual similarity and categorise them accordingly. This research primarily addresses the problem of automatic measurement of graphite ore textures by image analysis in a way that it is relevant to mineral processing in Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited, Sri Lanka. Specifically, it addresses three major hypotheses: Automatic separation of graphite ore by image analysis provides a feasible alternative to manual curing by mineralogists and labourers, Image analysis can quantify process mineralogy by physical parameters and Image analysis provides potential benefits to process mineralogy and better retains the information of manual logging. Traditionally, minerals are visually recognized and manually outlined prior to the digitizing and subsequent analysis. The preciseness of the outcomes is affected by the conventional methods. This limitation can be overcome by using multichannel methods of classification with Artificial Neural Network, in which the minerals in multichannel digital images are accurately recognized based on their unique spectral or elemental signatures, established by a training stage prior to classification. The technique is applied here for model analysis of images, which are digitized using a standard digital camera. In all case studies of the analysis of graphite lumps, the resulting mineral modes are sufficiently precise to identify significant compositional heterogeneities between groups of samples. This model can be readily applied to automated vein graphite ore classification in mineral processing industry. Keywords: Mineral classification, Image processing, Neural network, Vein graphite classificationItem Induction of Embryogenic Callus in Grapes (Vitis vinifera)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Gunasinghe, U.L.D.M.S.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; ayasinghc, H.A.S.L. J.; Nagahawatta, S.M.In vitro propagation of Grapes ( Vitis vinifera) extends opportunities for increasing plant material for cultivation. This experiment was conducted to develop an efficient protocol for surface sterilization and callus induction from different explants of Grapes. Grape peduncle segments and fruit skins were used as explants. Different Clorox® concentrations and different soaking times were used to select the best surface sterilization method. The sterilized explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different hormone concentrations and combinations of NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) — BAP (6- Benzyl Amino Purine), NAA— KIN (Kinetin), 2,4 —D (DicholoroPhenoxy Acetic Acid) - BAP and 2,4—D- KIN to investigate the effect on callus induction. Cultures were maintained at 25± 2 °C temperature under dark conditions in a culture room. The best surface sterilization of peduncles was achieved with 25 % Clorox with twenty minutes and the best surface sterilizataion of fruit skins was achieved with 2.5 % Clorox for one second. Peduncles are explants for high frequency callus induction than the fruit skins. Among the NAA and 2, 4 — D hormones, NAA is better for callus induction from peduncles and 2, 4 — D is better for callus induction from the fruit skins. 10 mg r' NAA + 0.5 mg r' BAP are best hormone combination for earlier callus formation and obtain higher volume callus from grape peduncles. As a protocol for callus induction of grapes using peduncles and fruit skins above methods of surface sterilization and culture establishment can be used successfully. Keywords: Callus induction, NAA, BAP, KIN, 2, 4-DItem Determinants of Ceylon Black Tea Market Penetration in Chinese Tea Market(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Kirusiya, R.; Prematilake, K. G.; Amarakoon, A. M. C.; Chitty, A.A growing economy and a booming middle class makes China a potentially lucrative market for exporters and further, changing younger generation's preference towards black teas creates a new export wave for the black teas to China. In view of this, a study was conducted to explore the factors effect on Ceylon black orthodox tea market penetration in Chinese tea market. The data employed to analyse the factors influencing market penetration of Ceylon black orthodox tea in Chinese tea market were obtained through a questionnaire. 52 Ceylon black tea exporting companies to China were selected as the sample using simple random sampling technique. Both descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis techniques were used for the analysis. The major findings of the study indicated that, the model used for the study is significant at 95% significance level. Moreover, value addition, quality of tea, recognition of brand, consumer focus, competition, promotional activities and trade barriers were identified as significant factors that affect market penetration of Ceylon black tea into Chinese tea market. In addition, value addition, quality of tea, consumer focus, competition, promotional activities and standard barriers are having positive relationships with market penetration while failure rate, recognition of brand, unit price and trade barriers are having negative relationships with the market penetration. The results will assist Ceylon tea exporters in understanding the key necessities of the Chinese tea market and thereby improving the market penetration of Ceylon black tea into Chinese tea market. Keywords: Ceylon black orthodox tea, Chinese tea market, Market penetrationItem Efficacy of Aloe vera Against Aeromonas hydrophila in Gold Fish (Crassius auratus)(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Dissanayaka, D.M.S.G.; Jagoda, S.S.S de S; Wijesundera, R.R.M.K.K.Sri Lanka is a pioneer county of ornamental fish industry. Guppy, Goldfish, Swordtail, Moly are some fresh water fish species which have high export potential. Disease is one of the major constraints to the development of the ornamental fish industry and bacterial infections are very common in ornamental fish. Herbal medicines have become cheaper and better alternatives to antimicrobial drugs to treat bacterial infections in fish. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to determine the efficacy ofAloe vera for gold fish growth and against artificially injected A. hydrophila. A. hydrophila was isolated from a septicaemic fish and the identity was confirmed through conventional bio chemical tests and Polymerase Chain Reaction- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR¬RFLP). Fresh and mature A. vera leaves were used for the experiment. Antibacterial efficacy ofA. vera was tested in in- vitro by using A. vera supernatant. To examine in- vivo antibacterial efficacy, A. vera supernatant was combined with commercial fish feed and three different A. vera concentrations, i.e; 250 g/kg, 500 g/kg and 750 g/kg were used with a control. According to the results, there was a positive effect of A, vera against A. hydrophila in-vitro. Original A. vera supernatant had the highest inhibition zone in-vitro. Inhibition zone diameter was decreased with increased dilution. When consider about the in- vivo method, a noticeable increase in body weight and Feed Conversion Efficiency was observed as the A. vera concentration in feed goes up, though the values are not statistically significant. Different levels of mortalities were observed in all groups, but the highest mortality within the observed period was recorded in control group and the lowest in the group fed with highest A. vera concentration. Keywords: Bacterial infections, PCR- RFLP, Feed conversion efficiency, Antimicrobial drugs, Ornamental fish industry.Item Factors Affecting on Income Generation from Kandyan Home Gardens(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Premasinghe, Y.H.G.D.B.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Seneviratne, M.A.P.K.; Rathnayaka, R.M.P.S.Great population growing rates, growing land division and constant mono-cropping have caused in low farm efficiency and food uncertainty in Sri Lanka. Most of the households in Kandy district continue Kandyan home garden structure in addition to their plantations. These home gardens are recognized to considerably contribute to food production and the cash revenue generation of the farm households, there is inadequate of quantitative information on the profits of Kandyan home gardens in the country. The main purpose of this study was therefore to identify the factors affecting on income generation from Kandyan home gardens. The study was conducted in Udunuwara and Yatinuwara divisional secretariat divisions in Kandy district. A household questionnaire survey was used to collect data about household income and other related characteristics. One hundred and fifty (150) households were selected for the survey based on stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected by interviews at household level. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that the Income From Kandyan Home Gardens (IFKHG) significantly determined by the factors of gender of the householder, main income of the householder, time spent in the home garden, number of crop types in the home garden and expenses derived from the home garden, family size and interest to work in the home garden at 5% significant level. Age of the householder, gender of the respondent, land area, family size, time spent and number of crop types represent the positive relationship with the income from Kandyan home gardens. Education level of the householder, main income of the householder, interest to work in the home garden and expenses derived from the home garden represent the negative relationship with income from Kandyan home gardens. This study will have a potential to increase livelihoods significantly specifically if farmers take the steps to make production more sustainable. Keywords: Kandyan home garden, Income, HouseholdItem The Trend and Behaviour of Unemployment Rate in Uva Province during Last Decade(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Ramwickrama, P.; Kumari, K.W.S.N.Sri Lanka was subjected to lot of economic and political changes in the latter part of the war and in the post war period including the changes in the labour force structure, and therefore, the behavior of unemployment rate. Therefore, this study attempts to evaluate the trend and behavior of unemployment rate in the Uva Province and their socio—economic consequences since its least income and lower literacy status compared to national figures. To see if this status of the province is a result of unemployment of the residents in the province, the study was done in two phases where firstly, provincial and national unemployment rates for ten years were compared using time series analysis. Second, a survey with the questionnaire filled by respondents' method for a sample of 150 was carried out. The analysis revealed there is no difference of unemployment rate in Uva Province and Sri Lanka. But, they showed totally different trends. For Sri Lanka, the estimated trend equation is Y, = 9.33+0.595t-0.0842t2 and for Uva Province, it is 111 = 18.25-2.694t + 0.1584t2. The survey resulted most of the sample has the attitude that improving educational qualifications will help them to be employed. 39.33% of the sample passed GCE AIL examination. 44% of the people under study expected government employments. There was no difference between each economic region (i.e. Urban, Rural and Estate) and the availability of employments. According to the survey, 46.67% of the sample, stated the family background is the most influencing reason for them to be unemployed. However, in general the attitude change ofthe younger generation has caused the increase of unemployment since 1999. Basically the highest contribution to the national GDP from Uva Province is by Agriculture, which is quite different from other regions. With industrialization, the younger generation has directed more towards industrialized employments instead of Agriculture related employments. According to national statistics, since 1999 population in "Looking for a job" category for the Uva Province has increased. Also, the survey results shows most of the younger people in the sample are willing to migrate from the province for more industrialized jobs. Therefore, this study suggests increasing the employment opportunities within the province including Agriculture sector. Keywords: Unemployment rate, Time series analysis, Socio—economic consequences, IndustrializationItem Spatial and Temporal Variation of Physico-chemical Parameters of Water in Badulu-oya Upper Catchment Area(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Rajapaksha, R.M.G.N.; Edirisinghe, U.; Jayawardana, J.M.C.K.; Jayamanne, S.C.Upper catchment area of Badulu-oya, is one of the natural lotic systems, where its pristine status is getting ruined as a result of excessive pressure exerted due to various anthropogenic activities. The present study was planned to study the spatial and temporal variation of physico-chemical parameters of water in the Badulu-oya upper catchment. Covering a 20 km distance, 12 study locations were selected, which included 4 tributaries that confluenced to the main river and possessed different land use patterns as well as urbanized and relatively less disturbed locations. Thirteen physico-chemical parameters were analysed for one year period, monthly. General Linear Model was used to identify the significance differences of spatial and temporal variations of water quality. Correlations of water quality parameters with respect to their spatial and temporal variations were analysed by Principle ComponentAnalysis using PRIMER 7 software. Throughout the study period, water temperature, turbidity, EC, TDS, apparent colour, pH, DO, BOD„ total alkalinity, total hardness, nitrate, nitrite and orthophosphate contents fluctuated between 20.9 —30.4°C, 2.27 —159 NTU, 40.2 —198.5 p.S/cm, 20.1 — 99.5 ppm, 4 — 454 PtCo., 5.6 - 8.64, 8.4 —13.4 mg/L, 0.28 — 6.32 mg/L, 34 —136 mg/L CaCO3, 34 —134 mg/L CaCO3, 0.5 — 17.5 mg/L, 0.001 — 0.045 mg/L and 0.11 — 0.95 mg/L respectively. Five principle components (PC) were obtained with Eigenvalues >1 summing almost 76% of the total variance in the data set. The PC1 represented 24% while PC2 represented 20 % of the data variability. Water temperature, pH, EC, TDS, total alkalinity and total hardness negatively correlated with PC1, while BOD and NO3", EC, TDS, alkalinity and hardness negatively correlated with both PC1 and 2. Study revealed that water quality of Badulu-oya upper catchment is still under the recommended surface water quality standards which support healthy aquatic life. Keywords: Catchment, Water quality, Spatial, TemporalItem Evaluation of Varietal Variation in Initial Growth and Development of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum.L) Under Irrigation(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Rathnaweera, D.S.K.; Amarasinghe, M.K.T.K.; Galahitigama, G.A.H.; Bandara, H.M.G.N.S.C.Sugarcane is a commercial crop grown in Sri Lanka for manufacturing sugar. Hybrid sugarcane genotypes have been developed and selected to cultivate in different locations in Sri Lanka. However, the gap between potential and actual yield in sugarcane is significant in all sugarcane growing locations. Cane and sugar yield varies on different factors such as verities, growing condition, management practices, climatic and soil characteristics in the location. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the initial growth performance of selected sugarcane varieties in Hingurana under irrigated conditions to select the most suitable varieties in Hingurana area. The experiment was conducted at the agronomy field in the Gal-Oya plantations, Hingurana, Ampara. Five sugarcane varieties, M 438/59 (T1), SL 7130 (T2), SL 96 328 (T3), SL 88 116 (T4) and SL 92 4918 (T5) were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Following observations in initial growth stages of sugarcane were made: time taken to emerge first shoot, germination percentage, time taken to emerge first, second and third tiller, tiller counts at 45, 60 and 75 days after planting (DAP), leaf area index and above ground total biomass, bulk density and soil moisture content. There was a significant (P<0.05) varietal variation in time taken for germination of first shoot, germination percentage at 45 DAP, total tillers at 60 DAP and 75 DAP and time taken for first second tillering. Bulk density of each plot was similar and around 1.47 to 1.49 &m'. The average soil moisture content in 1 m soil profile was greater than 20% (dry weight basis) since planting up to 2 months after planting. According to overall results, initial growth performances of the variety SL 96 328 were better in Hingurana area compared with the other tested varieties. Keywords: Sugarcane, Varietal variation, Hybrid varietiesItem Development of a Wine from Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus): A Value Added Product from a Tropical Fruit Crop in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayawardana, G.H.; Henagamage, A.P.Wine is generally produced by the fermentation of fruit juice with yeast (Saccharoinyces cerevisiae). Ripened fruits have natural sugar, natural acids and pectinase enzyme which ultimately enhance the quality of the product. The quality and the type of commodity dictate the final quality of the fruit- based wine. Hence, the selection of correct fruit commodity is critical in wine making. It has been found that the Jambola (Citrus grandis) peels have high amount of pectinase content which has the potential to enhance quality of fruit beverages. Thus, this study was focused to develop a wine from watermelon using baker's yeast and to evaluate the effect of Jambola peels to enhance the quality of the wine. Fruit juice was extracted by crushing the flesh from completely ripened water melon. Quality parameters such as Total Soluble Solid (TSS) and Titratable Acidity (TA) were adjusted by adding 250g sugar and 2.8g of Citric acid for 6litre of solution to prepare for the fermentation. The prepared fruit juices were allowed for fermentation for four weeks with and without treating Jambola peels and by adding baker's yeast. Quality attributes such as pH, TA, TSS and alcohol content were measured using standard protocols. Sensory attributes were evaluated and analyzed using Friedman Test (MINITAB, version 16). Mean TSS and mean TA values of the wine treated with jambola peels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the wine without treating jambola peels. Wine sample treated with Jambola peels was the best with respect to aroma (p = 0.000), taste (p = 0.006), colour (p = 0.006), and overall acceptance (p = 0.025) except texture (p = 0.72). Further, final mean alcohol percentage of the selected water melon wine sample treated with jambola peels (10.32 %) was in the acceptable range compared to standard wine (9.0- 13.50%). Therefore, water melon wine developed with jambola peels can be recommended as the best wine since it has high quality attributes and high sensory attributes ccmpared to the standard wine and has a potential to improve as a commercial wine. Keywords: Watermelon, Baker's yeast, Sensory evaluation, CitrusItem Mouse Control System for People Who Have Lost Their Privileges of Using Both Hands and Voice(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Srimevan, K.R.D.; Ihalagedara, I. K. K. B.The "NOHV Mouse" system has been developed to provide a technique of mouse control as an alternative input device with personal computers for people with hand and speech disability. The standard mouse can be difficult for people with some disabilities to use and has to face lot of challenges when using the computer, we have to know what capabilities such a person has to apply universal design to computer interfaces. The user can control the cursor with small head movements and performing clicks with default facial gestures in front of a webcam. The system tracked the computer user's head movements with a video camera and translates them into the movements of the mouse pointer on the screen and detect eye open/close for performing click events. NOHV Mouse provided a real time tracking system using image processing, face/eye detection techniques. The system used basics of face detection using Haar Feature-based Cascade Classifiers and extend the same for eye detection. It was tested with some users and according to their feedback, it took average 15 minutes to get the best usage of the system and understood functions well and interact with the system. According to the results, showed that this system (NOHV Mouse) successfully provided computer access for people lost their both hands and voice with some limitations.The primary goal of this project is to provide a low-cost approach and increase the human computer interactivity than existing solution in the same problematic situation. Keywords: Real-time tracking, Face detection, Eye Detection, Haar Feature-based Cascade Classifiers, Image Processing.Item A Study on the Influential Factors towards Consumers' Choice for a Self-Service Retail Store - with Special Reference to Colombo District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Peiris, T.C.R.; Fernando, P.I.N.The study on influential factors towards consumers' choice for a self-service retail was conducted by myself T.C.R Peiris, UWU/ENM/11/0039 as a partial fulfillment of the Bachelor of Business Management in Entrepreneurship and Management degree programme. The self-service retail stores' culture in Sri Lanka was initially commenced in 1980's and due to various constraints the industry began to expand from year, 2000. This study was focused on the consumers' choice for self-service retail stores in Colombo district. Objectives of the study is to identify the most influential factor, relative contribution of each influential factor and the degree of correlation between the influential factors towards consumers' choice for self-service retail stores. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected from the sample survey which was conducted in three divisional secretariats ofColombo; Maharagama, Kotte and Thimbirigasyaya. 200 respondents were selected for the sample. A questionnaire was designed to obtain information about consumers' choice with reference to major influential factors when selecting a self-service retail store. Influential factors were grouped into four variables namely store image, range of brands available, ease of access and the pricing strategies used by the retail stores. The secondary data were collected from published sources. Descriptive statistics has implied the existing level consumers' choice while correlation and multiple linear regression were used in identifying the relationship between the influential factors and consumers' choice towards self-service retail stores. The results illustrated that there is a strong positive relationship between each influential dimension and the consumers' choice towards self-service retail stores. The identified most equally influential factors towards consumers' choice for self-service retail stores were ease of access to the store and range of brands available in the store hence it is recommended that retail store chain owners should focus more on the strategies which will make an impact on these two influential factors in order to attract and retain customers. Keywords: Self-service retail store, Consumer, Consumers' choice, Influential factors, Divisional secretariatItem Leadership Behaviour and Its Impact on Employee Job Performance: the Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Maduwanthi, B.C.H.; Mahaliyanaarchchi, R.P.The leadership role is a necessity in any organization. This study builds on theoretical argument that has dominated the field of organizational behaviour for many years that leadership behaviour directly suggests the competent and committed employees in a firm and organizational commitment has significantly positive effect on employee's job performance. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of supervisor leadership behaviour on employee job performance while investigating the mediating role of organizational commitment on relationship between leadership behaviour and employee job performance. Data were gathered using cross sectional survey strategy. Sample size was 220. Data were collected using, (a) individual semi structured interviews (b) adaptations of House's Path Goal Model of Leadership with Perceived Leadership Behaviour Questionnaire (PBLQ) and Meyer and Allen's Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ). Pearson Correlation analysis was employed to assess the correlation among three variables. Sobel Goodman mediating test was carried out to find out the mediating effect of organizational commitment. Results revealed that supervisor leadership behaviour s and organizational commitment of operational level employees are having a positive correlation. Further, it was found that directive and achievement oriented leadership behaviour s are negatively correlated with affective commitment whilst positively correlated with continuance and normative commitments. Further, supportive and participative leadership behaviours are positively correlated with all three types of commitments. Moreover, affective, normative and continuance commitments were positively correlated with employee job performance. Organizational commitment significantly mediated the relationship between supervisor leadership behaviour and employee job performance. Extensive training programs to develop above leadership skills of supervisors and give proper guidance to adopt appropriate leadership style according to the situation is immediate action in order to sustain and retain the competent labor force within the company and enhance the performance of operational level employees and formulating recruitment policy is a long term strategy. Keywords: Path goal leadership behaviour, Job performance, Organizational commitment, Mediating roleItem Regional Poverty in Sri Lanka: A Multidimensional Approach(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Kumara, P.H.T.; Abyeweera, G.H.; Siriwardhana, K.M.R.The reduction of monetary poverty in Sri Lanka is commendable in recent years, yet literature questions the reality of this achievement. One of the major criticisms in this regard is the measurement method applied (monetary approach) in estimating poverty in Sri Lanka, Hence, this study applied the Multidimensional Poverty Index developed by Alkire and Santos in 2010 in order to estimate the regional multidimensional poverty in Sri Lanka. In analysing the regional multidimensional poverty, three indices, namely the multidimensional poverty headcount index, the intensity of deprivations, and the multidimensional poverty index, were estimated at national, provincial, and district levels. The micro datasets compiled from Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2009/10 conducted by Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka were used for the analysis. The study found that multidimensional poverty in Sri Lanka is a regional phenomenon, in that multidimensional poverty in the estate areas is significantly high. The study also found that the levels of multidimensional poverty vary according to the location of the household (sector, provinces, and districts). In addition, living standards dimension of the Multidimensional Poverty Index has contributed to the most of the multidimensional poverty in Sri Lanka, irrespective of the areas of living. However, there are differences between the contributions of 'health' and 'education' dimensions to the Multidimensional Poverty Index, depending on the area of living. The contribution of the health dimension to the Multidimensional Poverty Index is high in the urban areas and in richer regions while the contribution of the education dimension is high in the rural and estate areas and in the poorer regions. Therefore, priority should be given to the improvements of health care and services in the urban areas and of education in the rural areas while the improvements in the living standards dimensions are required irrespective of the area. Keywords: Alkire-Foster method, Multidimensional poverty, Poverty, Spatial poverty, Sri LankaItem Simultaneous Wall Following and Map Building Robot(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Withanawasam, D.M.; Wanniarachche, W.K.I.L.In this research, an autonomous differential drive mobile robot is proposed to follow the wall on its right side, while avoiding any obstacles on its way and builds the map of the moved path. The importance of the study is that it can be used in a quarantined building where it is unable to send a human directly, but is important to send some device to collect information about the area. The proposed method can also be used to replace prevailing automated guided vehicle (AGV) system. The wall following algorithm is based on the method that a person find the way in a dark building. Even though the person cannot see, the person can understand the surrounding in the hand distance by touching the wall and then the person pursues to follow the wall. The robot platform includes three ultrasonic range sensors, microcontroller board, a motor driver and a power source. The programmed microcontroller gathers the distance information of surrounding area through the ultrasonic sensors and control the individual motor speed and direction according to the given logic. The speed of the individual motor is controlled by the pulse width modulation (PWM) signals. The developed robot communicates with nearby computer via a Bluetooth connection to gather the relevant information such as ultrasound sensor and wheel motion data. The recorded data are used to map the path of indoor mobile for the robot navigation. Keywords: Wall following, Mobile robot mapping, Microcontroller