International Research Conference of UWU-2020

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Extraction of Crude Protein from Hilsa kelee and Determination of its functional properties
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Jayathissa, R.C.M.; Rupasinghe, R.A.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.
Karattaya (Hilsa kelee) is a marine pelagic species. H. kelee is a seasonal fish species and has high catch from April to September. However, it does not have a high market demand due to its bony structure and sharp tough bones which make it hard to eat. Due to that, it generates a large quantity of waste and currently used only in the production of fish meal. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a simple nontoxic method for extracting crude protein from H. kelee and to determine the functional properties of the extract. Collected fish samples were blended and treated with 04 different ratios as a sample: distilled water 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 to separate sarcoplasmic proteins followed with salt extraction with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% (w/v) concentrated NaCl at 1:10 ratio to separate myofibrillar proteins separately. Crude extraction was lyophilized and selected the best ratio and concentrate by using the yield and SDS-PAGE analysis. Antimicrobial properties, antioxidant properties, and metal chelating properties of selected extracted crude protein were determined. All treatments were replicated (n=3). H. kelee contained moisture, ash, crude protein 67.39 ± 2.23%, 5.07. ± 0.92% and 20.38 ± 2.38%, respectively. In yield analysis of water extraction 1:4 ratio showed the highest yield compared to other treatments (p<0.05). In salt extraction, there was no significant difference between yields (p>0.05), therefore 5% (w/v) was selected as the best sample for further experiment. Antioxidant activities of extracted Fish Protein Concentrates (FPC) were higher in the salt extracted sample than the water extracted sample (p<0.05). FPC had a negative response to the Fe2+ chelating activity. No inhibition was observed against E. coli and Total Plate Count (TPC) up to 20,000 ppm concentration in all FPC. It concludes that extracted FPC contains strong antioxidant properties. However, they do not exhibit Fe2+ chelating properties and antimicrobial properties. Keywords: Hilsa kelee, Fish Protein Concentrate, Extraction, Antioxidant property
Abundance and Diversity of Reef Associated Fish Species in the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Ramawickrama, N. W.; Thilakarathne, E. P. D. N.; Herath, H. M. T. N. B.; Malshani, P. K. T.; Egodauyana, K. P. U. T.
Reef fishes are important marine fauna that provides benefits to reef ecosystems. Although their ecological role is extremely important for the healthiness of the coral reef ecosystem, marine ornamental fishing industry, coastal food fish industry, tourism industry, and lack of monitoring and caring, severely degrade reef fish stocks in the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Since it is highly important to keep up to date scientific records, a survey was conducted in the final quarter of 2019 using fish belt transect method by snorkeling and/or diving over five selected sites; Passikudah, Kayankerni, Adukkuparu, Parrot rock, and Pigeon island as major and most important reefs in Eastern coast. Threats on sites were identified by visual observation and questioner surveying. 289 reef fish species belonging to 41 families were recorded from all five sites. Reef fish species of each site recorded as 41, 131, 31, 103, and 156 respectively. The highest abundance of fish was recorded in the Kayankerni reef, with a greater number of Damselfish and their abundance was increased from shallow (1 m) to deeper (5 m) area while the lowest abundance was recorded in the Adukkuparu reef. The highest biodiversity (0.96), species richness (103), and evenness (0.65) were recorded in the Parrot rock which may due to the highest recorded coral diversity (0.93) and lives coral cover (70%) of the reef. Lowest reef fish diversity (0.68) was recorded in the Passikudah reef which may due to the low coral diversity of the reef (21% live coral cover) but with the highest (51%) algae cover. Marine ornamental fish trade, tourist attraction, invasive species, and pollution were the majorly identified threats to reef fish stocks in the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Acanthaster planci and Halimeda sp. are the identified invasive species. Reef fish species and Coral reefs on the eastern coast are in highly threaten level and the Parrot rock and the Kayankerni reefs are recommended to declare as marine national parks. Keywords: Reef fish, Coral reefs, Eastern coast of Sri Lanka, Kayankerni and Pigeon Island
Determination of Acrylamide Formation with Different Frying Temperatures in Potato (Solanum tuberosum), Cassava (Manihot esculenta) and Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Rangana, M.A.S.; Peris, C.M.; Rambukwella, R.U.W.M.C.B.; Senarathna, K.G.C.
Acrylamide is a carcinogenic toxic compound formed during the frying process at high temperatures by the reaction of asparagine and reducing sugars. Due to the high consumption of fried tubers in the world, it is worthwhile to detect and quantify the acrylamide in fried foods to reduce the detrimental effects on human health. This study aimed to analyze the effect of temperature and the available nutrient content on the formation of acrylamide in three selected tuber species named as potato (Solanum tuberosum), cassava (Manihot esculenta) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Fried tuber samples were prepared by deep frying at 160°C, 180°C and 200°C separately using coconut oil until they reach the standard colour based on the colour chart recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture. Proximate analysis was carried out to determine the nutrient content of raw and fried tubers before analyzing the acrylamide. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to detect the acrylamide and quantification was proceeded according to a calibration curve of acrylamide standard (R2 =0.8535). Among the varieties, the potato was recorded the longest frying time and sweet potato was recorded the shortest time duration in all three different temperatures to obtain the recommended colour. Further, the highest amount of protein content was observed in potato and the lowest protein content was observed in sweet potato in raw form and the protein content reduced in all varieties dramatically with the increment of temperature. Similarly, the highest acrylamide concentration was found in potato (1125.65 µgkg-1 ) fried at 200°C and lowest acrylamide concentration was detected in sweet potatoes fried at 180°C which was 84.36 µgkg-1 . Acrylamide was not detected in raw samples. Results revealed that acrylamide formation was increased with the increment of temperature and there is a significant effect of the protein content of tubers on the development of acrylamide (P < 0.05). Keywords: Acrylamide, Frying temperatures, Tubers, GC-MS
Incorporating Songs to Enhance English as a Second Language Listening Comprehension: a Study Conducted with Special Reference to Udagama Maha Vidyalaya
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Wickramarathna, G.K.M.
As stated by Feyten (1991) listening has emerged as an important component in the process of Second Language Acquisition. Although a child exposes to his First Language (L1) through listening, in the Second Language (L2) learning environment, teachers pay the least attention to developing listening skills. As diminutive provisions have been provided in Sri Lankan English as Second Language (ESL) syllabuses, the teachers use diverse strategies in teaching listening. The use of songs in teaching listening has recently attracted attention in the ESL context. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the use of songs to enhance the listening comprehension of ESL students. The researcher decided to focus on a limited sample because of time and resource constrictions. The study was conducted with special reference to Udagama Maha Vidyalaya in Balangoda and the sample of the study consists of eight ESL teachers of grades ten and eleven and the sample was selected using a convenient sampling method. The structured interview method was used to obtain data and data was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings of the study illustrated that songs which are in the textbooks had been used to practice listening skills. Further, it indicated that the difficulties faced by the teachers, such as lack of resources, limitation of time allocated for practicing songs in the classroom, and difficulty in giving attention to students individually. Sometimes the students could not comprehend the songs because of the speed of the words and the unacquainted accent so that the teachers had to replay the song. Also, the students were not interested in the songs that they found in the syllabus. Therefore, this study concluded that the incorporation of songs enhances the listening comprehension of ESL students if the songs are well-chosen by considering the facts; the predilection of the audience, language proficiency of the students, and the content of the songs. Keywords: Incorporating songs, Listening comprehension, English as a second language
Incorporation of Polymer Material to Enhance Properties of Traditional Asphalt: A Review
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Subasinghe, H.C.S.
Sustainability and green concepts are currently acknowledged throughout the global construction industry. The present study is focussed to review the effects of polymer incorporated traditional asphalt. Besides, wearing of roads due to the melting of nearsurface tar has become a critical issue in road construction. The traditional material used in road construction is a mixture of rock aggregates with bitumen. However, the introduction of waste plastics such as polythene bags, cups, bottles, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is highly appreciated. Since the plastics and polythene are nonbiodegradable, these have become the major environmental pollutants around the World. However, these have been effectively incorporated in the asphalt mixture to be used in the construction of roads. According to literature, various polymer materials have been preheated at 150°C-200°C until the melt is well liquefied. The well-heated aggregates have then been added to the polymer melt. Thereafter, the plastic-coated aggregates have been mixed with bitumen to produce the polymer mixed asphalt composite (Plastiphalt). The mechanical properties of the composite have shown excellent strength values. Further, this composite has shown higher wear resistance and the melting of bitumen during exposure to sunlight has also reduced. Thereby, the durability of plastiphalt has been concluded to be much higher than the traditional asphalt material. Moreover, the dark black colour has also been reduced, thus minimizing heat absorbance to the inner material. The surficial oil formation of newly paved roads has also reduced. Consequently, road safety has been increased with a reduced number of accidents during rainy seasons. Therefore, the utilization of abundantly available waste plastics in road construction is highly recommended to developing countries such as Sri Lanka. Keywords: Plastic waste, Eco-friendly, Roads, Asphalt, Durability
Consumer Willingness to Pay for Underutilized Vegetables in the Badulla District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Karunarathna, L.B.D.S.; Mahindarathne, M.G.P.P.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.
Sri Lanka is one of the countries that consist of a wide range of plant species and they can be categorized as wild and domesticated plant species. Underutilized crops can be described as the domesticated plant species which have been eventually declined their importance for the society. The vegetable crops which are neither grown commercially in large scale nor traded widely termed as “underutilized” vegetable crops. Nowadays, consumers exhibit increased concern on the underutilized crops due to their medicinal properties, other health benefits, and nutritional values. However, prices of these underutilized vegetables at farmers’ markets and village fairs are low and unstable so that the sellers cannot maintain competitive prices and profit margin for underutilized vegetables. Therefore, this research was carried out to identify the consumer and marketing mix factors that may be influential on consumers’ willingness to pay for underutilized vegetables. To accomplish the objectives, a self-administered questionnaire was prepared and a survey was conducted with 200 customers who visited the village fair for purchasing vegetables in Badulla, Bandarawela, and Hali Ela divisional secretariat area in Badulla district. For data analysis, the ordered logit model was applied. The results of regression analysis revealed that consumer age, income, suffering from noncommunicable diseases by family members, number of children present in the family, attitude towards health benefits of foods, knowledge on health foods, and marketing mix factors were significantly associated with the consumer willingness to pay for underutilized vegetables. Furthermore, the marginal effects were calculated to reveal the probable impact of each significant independent variable on consumers’ levels of willingness to pay for underutilized vegetables. Keywords: Underutilized vegetables, Willingness to pay, Consumer factors, Marketing mix factors, Ordered logit model
Institutions, Investment and Economic Growth: Evidence from SubSaharan Africa
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Ahmad, D.; Premaratne, S. P.
Sub Saharan African countries experience low private investment compared to other developing countries in the world. For instance, private investment in the region averaged 15% of GDP from 2010 to 2016, as compared to 22%, 18%, and 17% for developing countries in Asia, Europe, and Latin America respectively. This low investment level constrained the region’s ability to grow and improve social outcomes such as; increase in real wages and poverty reduction. Low-quality institutions could explain this phenomenon. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of institutions on investment and economic growth of 37 SSA countries from 1996 to 2017 using a dynamic panel data model. The data were retrieved from Worldwide Governance Indicators, World Development Indicators and the Chinn-Ito index. System Generalized Method of Moments was used to estimate the result. The key findings generated by the study confirmed that these measures of institutional variables and their interaction with investment yield a positive and statistically significant result. Indicating that strengthening the quality of these institutions could positively affect investment and economic growth of the region. For instance, a unit increase in controlling corruption increases investment by 1.4%. Furthermore, there is evidence showing financial development slows investment growth, which can be attributed to the weak institutional arrangements, as the coefficient of financial development is negative and statistically significant. The study recommended that SSA countries should pay greater attention to institutional reforms particularly; control of corruption and political stability to drive meaningful growth and development in the region. Keywords: Institutions, Investment, Economic growth, Sub Saharan Africa
A Model for a Mobile Application to Support Agro-ecological Zones based Crop Selection in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Mohamed, M.S. A.; Wathugala, D.L.; Indika, W.A.; Madushika, M.K.S.; Piyaratne, M.K.D.K.; Samaraweera, G.C.
Agriculture is the key source of livelihood and economic support for the Sri Lankan population. The farmer is the salient stakeholder in agriculture and he has to decide the appropriate crops for cultivation in every season. This decision should be primarily based on market conditions including pricing but several other factors such as climatic conditions of the area, land suitability, irrigation facilities, etc. should also take into consideration. Thus, crop selection is a vital and critical decision that farmer has to get in the farming lifecycle and many farmers face problems in selecting the right crops at the right time to grow. Therefore, in this study, a digital platform has been created to provide crop suitability information based on the agro-ecological zones in Sri Lanka. Providing information regarding suitable crops according to agro-ecological zones in Sri Lanka is the correct intervention to facilitate farmers during the crop selection stage. Contextual data for crop selection were mainly gathered through primary and secondary sources. The study learned that the agro-ecological zones have been classified based on different climatic zones, annual rainfall, terrain characteristics, available major soil groups, and recommended crops for all agro-ecological zones. A crop selection model was designed and listed out suitable crops based on 46 agro-ecological zones in Sri Lanka. Further, this decision is depended on the influence factors such as major cultivation seasons, irrigation types, and farmer preferences, etc. The designed model has been provided through a mobile-based platform to the farmers. Then, they could easily find recommended crops and varieties suitable to their farms by asking users to add their Province, District, Divisional Secretariat, and Grama Niladhari, division. Thus, the model will be promised in supporting farmers to increase the profit and social status of the farmers in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Agriculture, Agro-ecological zones, Crop selection, Farmers, Mobile application
Development of Finger Food Incorporated with Rathu Heenati Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Flour, Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Flour and Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Flour for Toddlers
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Kanchanamala, A.M.O.; Ranasinghe, M.K.; Kulasinghe, W.M.A.A.; Ekanayake, S.M.P.S.
In the Sri Lankan context, proper nutrition among toddlers is a very crucial problem due to less consumption of nutritious foods. Therefore, finger foods with high nutritional composition and acceptable sensory attributes can be introduced to increase their consumption. Legumes such as; mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) are rich sources of protein. Rathu heenati rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a traditional rice variety that contains a high nutritional and medicinal value. The main objective of this study was to develop value-added finger food which can fulfill the nutritional requirements of toddlers to a considerable level. Finger food was prepared by changing the levels of rathu heenati rice flour, germinated chickpea, and mung bean flour in the percentages of 60:10:30, 60:25:15, 60:30:10, 60:15:25 and 60:20:20, respectively. Treatments were subjected to sensory analysis to select the best finger food formulation. Finger food formulated with 60 of wheat flour: 20 of mung bean: 20 chickpea flour served as control. Finger food with rathu heenati rice flour, chickpea flour and mung bean flour in 60:25:15 treatment was chosen as the best sample (p<0.05) and tested for proximate composition (protein, fat, ash, fiber and moisture), colour, texture, pH, Brix value and TPC over one month in seven days interval. Results showed that selected finger food sample had the highest protein (21.85%), fat (22.11%) and ash (3.27%) content compared to the control which showed protein (16.52%), fat (19.83%) and ash (1.84%) content, (p<0.05). During the storage, pH was decreased while TPC values were increased in both samples. The hardness of both samples was decreased within the storage. E. coli was absent in both samples. In conclusion, finger food incorporated with rathu heenati rice flour, chickpea flour, and mung bean flour at 60:25:15, showed high nutritional composition as well as acceptable sensory attributes for toddlers. Keywords: Rathu heenati rice, Mung bean, Chickpea, Finger food, Toddlers
Synthesizing a Bone Ash Substitute Using Locally Available Eppawala Apatite
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Balasooriya, I.A.; Pitawala, H.M.J.C.
Bone china is considered as the highest-grade porcelain with incomparable features due to the presence of bone ash as its main ingredient. But, as bone ash is sourced from animal bones; compositional variations, presence of high iron contents, and dissent of the vegetarians have become significant issues. Further, the local mineral resources with conformable compositions to bone ash have drawn less attention. So, an attempt was taken to synthesize a bone ash substitute using locally available Eppawala Apatite. Three products were synthesized by heat-treating apatite with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) at different temperatures; 700, 800, and 900 0C. The samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Florescence (XRF) analytical techniques. A test ceramic ware was manufactured using the synthesized product to investigate its practical viability. A reference ceramic ware was produced using commercially available bone ash. The FTIR spectrums indicated that all the synthesized samples have the characteristic PO4 3- and OHfunctional groups, of commercially available bone ash. The XRD analysis revealed that the samples have the inherent hexagonal crystal structure. The XRF analysis suggested that the samples have appropriate elemental compositions. Even though it is attainable to synthesize bone ash at 700, 800, 900 0C, the product that was heat-treated to 9000C, has the highest purity level with the best crystallinity and has the most appropriate elemental composition with least amounts of fluorine, chlorine, and iron. Also, the heavy metal free product could be denoted as safer, inexpensive raw material. The test ceramic ware expressed similar whiteness levels and higher strength compared to the reference ceramic ware. So, it can be suggested that it is possible to synthesize a bone ash substitute by treating Eppawala Apatite with Ca(OH)2 at 900 0C. Keywords: Bone china, Bone ash, Eppawala Apatite
Synthesis and characterization of a Composite Biomaterial Containing Cow Bone Derived Hydroxyapatite, and Polylactic Acid
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Keerthana, J.; Pitawala, H.M.J.C.; Wijesekara, K.B.
Hydroxyapatite is a ceramic biomaterial that mimics the mineral composition of bones and teeth of vertebrates. Hydroxyapatite can be synthesized from various chemical methods. However, most are non-economical and does not have sufficient biological properties as natural Hydroxyapatite in human bones. Cow bone waste is rich in biocompatible Hydroxyapatite as a natural source. The load bearing ability of pure Hydroxyapatite is very poor and it has limited its application as a bone grafting material. Polylactic acid is a biocompatible, biodegradable, and bioresorbable polymer which can be used to reinforce pure Hydroxyapatite to improve its mechanical properties. This study investigated the change of mechanical property of pure Hydroxyapatite when it is mixed with a varying ratio of Polylactic acid to form Hydroxyapatite-Polylactic acid composite. High purity Hydroxyapatite was extracted from cow bones using the thermal decomposition method by sintering at 900 ºC for 3 h. The composites were prepared by blending Hydroxyapatite with Polylactic acid in various ratios with and without maleicanhydride compatibilizer. The resulting composite blends were subjected to tensile tests separately with three replicates per blend. The thermal-gravimetric analysis was performed to determine the purity of cow bone derived Hydroxyapatite in comparison to a commercial Hydroxyapatite sample. 30% Hydroxyapatite loading composite blend with 4% maleic-anhydride has increased the tensile strength of the composite by about 7-folds. Scanning electron microscope shows, the interfacial adhesion between Hydroxyapatite and polylactic acid was increased by the addition of maleic-anhydride resulting in improved mechanical properties. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Thermal-gravimetric analysis show that derived Hydroxyapatite has similar material properties as commercial hydroxyapatite. The prepared composite has the potential of using bone drafting applications in humans. Keywords: Hydroxyapatite, Polylactic acid, Maleic-anhydride, Bone grafting biocomposites
Development of Fruit Incorporated Paneer Based Dairy Snack Bar
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Bandara, H.M.G.S.; Kulasinghe, W.M.A.A.; Mudannayake, D.C.
Dairy based snack bars which can be used as “on-the-go” products are currently rare in the market. Paneer is an un-ripened soft cheese variety obtained by acid and heat coagulation. This study was conducted to develop a fruit incorporated paneer based dairy snack bar. Citric acid and vinegar (1:3), a 2% solution was used to coagulate the cow milk. Mango pieces were osmotically dehydrated using 50% of sugar and drying at 60˚C for 30 minutes. Paneer snack bars were formulated using different stabilizers (corn flour, tylose powder®, guar gum, and xanthan gum) at different incorporation levels, while chocolate coated and non-coated. The best stabilizer for the product was selected using 4 sensory evaluations with 30 untrained panelists according to the 9-point hedonic scale. Proximate analysis (AOAC, 2016) and antioxidant properties (DPPH radical scavenging activity) were measured. Sensory attributes, microbial analysis, color (colorimeter), texture (texture analyzer), pH, titratable acidity, and peroxide values were evaluated at a 7-day interval for 28 days of refrigerated storage (4±1˚C) for the finalized product. The guar gum incorporated snack bars gave the highest notes for sensory attributes (above 7). Results revealed that the non-coated sample had the highest protein content of 14.83±0.31%, while the coated sample had 12.37±0.42%. Ash, moisture and fiber contents were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in non-coated samples as 1.05±0.04%, 34.40±2.08%, 42.07±1.53%, respectively. Fat content was higher in the coated sample as 37.12±1.64%. The hardness of the coated samples was slightly decreased by 0.97±0.03 N within the storage time. Acidity, pH, and peroxide values of the coated and non-coated samples were significantly altered (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a fruit incorporated paneer snack bar can be successfully formulated, which indicates a possibility to develop a novel dairy product with enhanced nutritive properties with one month of shelf life using the guar gum as the stabilizer. Keywords: Paneer, Snack bar, Guar gum, Mango incorporated, Coated
Smart SMS Classification for Android Operating System Using Natural Language Processing
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Sumanasekara, S.S.; Kaumada, M.W.S.; Jayasekara, N.E.C.; Wimaladharma, S.T.C.I.
The use of Short Message Service (SMS) is increasing as more people exchange SMS messages very frequently due to the rapid increase of mobile phone usage and the simplicity in sending SMS messages. However, this has led to an increase in mobile device attacks using SMS Spam. The two main categories of SMS Messages are spam messages and ham (legitimate) messages. Up to now, several kinds of research were done on SMS classification but all of them are on spam filtering techniques by using various algorithms and machine learning techniques. In this paper, we present a novel approach that can detect and filter both spam and ham messages into a better organization under six different predefined categories named as Primary for legitimate messages, Bank and Finance, Social and Web, Promotions, Service Provider Messages, and Spam Messages by using Natural Language Processing for Android Operating System. A smart messaging application that can properly organize SMS into categories will help to identify the SMS easily as they are classified under different tabs. Even though SMS can be identified and categorized manually with little or no effort by people, it remains difficult for mobile phones. A dataset is created according to the Sri Lankan context and various experiments are performed to evaluate the performance of the SMS Classification. Initially, the features were selected based on the behavior of messages and extracted the features from the dataset to get the feature vectors. Naive Bayes and Support Vector Machines algorithms were used to select the best classification algorithm. With the highest accuracy rate, the Support Vector Machines algorithm is selected to train the model while k-Fold cross-validation is used to perform the validation. Our proposed approach achieved a 93% accuracy rate and the model is deployed in the Android environment and its performance is confirmed using a proof of concept. Keywords: SMS classification, Natural language processing, Support vector machines, Naive bayes algorithm, Android
Identification of Common Pathogenic Bacteria and Suitable Antibiotics for Treatment of Bovine Mastitis in Badulla District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Thelisinghe, T.H.M.S.N.; Kumaravithana, K.V.I.N.; Gamage, M.G.S.; Kurukulasuriya, M.S.
Mastitis is a common problem in dairy farms which is caused by multiple pathogens. Ad hoc use of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance in common mastitis-causing bacteria. Identification of common pathogens and their resistance to antibiotics is important for future mastitis treatment plans. The present study was conducted to identify the prevalence of different mastitis-causing bacteria and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria isolated from milk samples of dairy cows with mastitis in the Badulla district. The study considered milk samples received by Veterinary Investigation Centre, Badulla. A total of 55 milk samples from lactating cows were collected and California Mastitis Test (CMT) was used to detect the severity of mastitis. Milk samples were collected from all four quarters of affected cows. Bacteria in CMT positive milk were cultured and identified using colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical tests including catalase, urease, citrate, Triple Sugar Iron Agar, Sulfide Indole Motility test, etc. Sensitivities of the isolates were tested against five antibiotics; Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, Enrofloxacin, Gentamycin, and Neomycin using Kirby-Bauer method. Statistical analysis was done by one-way ANOVA. The pure and mixed bacterial infection in total mastitis cases were 90% and 10%, respectively. Hindquarters (55%) were mainly affected than the forequarters (45%). There is no significant difference between the association of mastitis severity and the affected quarter (p>0.05). The prevalence of mastitis is more common in 5 to 7 years of age. The prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. was high (72%) followed by Escherichia coli (6%), Klebsiella spp.(6%), Streptococcus spp.(4%), Pasteurella spp.(4%)and Bacillu s spp. (4%). Bacterial isolates were most sensitive to Enrofloxacin and Gentamycin. Around 75% of the isolates were resistant to one or more antibiotics. In conclusion, Staphylococcus is the most predominant pathogenic bacteria present in mastitis milk and, Enrofloxacin and Gentamycin are the most suitable antibiotics for treatment of bovine mastitis in Badulla district. Keywords: Bacteria, Mastitis, Antibiotic Sensitivity
Effect of Bread Fruit (Artocarpus altilis) Flour on Growth Performance and Meat Quality Parameters of Broiler Chickens
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dayarathna, N.K.P.K.; Jayarathna, G.G.N.; Jayasena, D.D.; Dissanayake, S.P.; Nambapana, N.M.N.
Breadfruit flour (BFF) is considered as an energy rich food ingredient which provides an excellent source of calories for the diet. The study reported herein was conducted to determine the effect of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) flour on growth performance and meat quality parameters of broiler chickens. Ninety-day old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned into three dietary treatments as control (0% BFF), treatment 1 (5% BFF), and treatment 2 (10% BFF) in a booster, starter and finisher diets, respectively. Each treatment replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded for 5-weeks. On day-36, two birds from each replicate were randomly selected and were slaughtered for carcass analysis. Data were analysed using a one-way analysis for a variance by using Minitab 17 software. Tukey multiple range test was used to determine the significant differences between experimented groups at p<0.05. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) on feed intake of broilers fed different dietary treatments. Birds fed 10% BFF achieved the highest (p<0.05) weight gain and the lowest FCR compared to other treatments. The highest (p<0.05) dressing percentage and the relative weights (p<0.05) of heart, liver, and intestines were recorded from the birds fed the diet having 10% BFF. No significant effect (p>0.05) was observed in proximate composition and meat quality parameters tested. Sensory attributes were higher in birds fed treatment 2 and the highest (p<0.05) overall acceptability was recorded by the birds fed with 10% BFF. In conclusion, breadfruit flour can be incorporated into broiler diets at a 10% level to enhance body weight, good carcass yield, and to improve meat quality parameters of broiler chickens without any negative effects. Keywords: Breadfruit flour, Broiler chickens, Growth performance, Meat quality
Potentials for Agro Tourism Development in Pinnawala, Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Weerasooriya, P.C.U.; Wijesundara, W.G.S.R.; Kumara, P.H.T.; Ranaweera, R.A.A.K.
Agrotourism, as an alternative to mass tourism, is a rapidly growing segment of the tourism industry. At present, agro-tourism is done by most of the countries in the world aiming at sustainable rural development. Pinnawala area has several features that can be developed as an agro-tourism destination. Due to the lack of government involvement and support, awareness on agro-tourism and infrastructure facilities, the development of agrotourism has been slowed down in Sri Lanka. There is an empirical gap due to the limited studies done in the agro-tourism sector. Pinnawala is an emerging area of interest among tourists where the agro-tourism can be practiced. This research aimed to study the potentials for the application of agro-tourism in the Pinnawala area. After, a comprehensive literature review, a structured questionnaire was constructed. The target sample for the study was tourists who visited Pinnawala from July to August 2019 and the tourism stakeholders in the area. The convenience sampling method was used and the primary data were collected from 73 tourists using the structured questionnaire and from 7 tourism stakeholders with in-depth interviews. Data were analysed with descriptive analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, thematic analysis, and Friedman test. According to the results, it was revealed that there was a relationship between environmental facilities and potential to the agrotourism development in the area. Lack of government involvement and support, lack of agro-tourism awareness, lack of agro tourism-based activities in the area were identified as the most influencing challenges and issues to develop agro-tourism in the area. Based on the findings, it is recommended to concern on development of agro-tourism awareness and training, implementing agro tourism-based activities and products, formulate agro-tourism standards to promote the agro-tourism in the destination. Further, comprehensive research related to the agrotourism activities and product development would be useful to develop agro-tourism in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Agro tourism, Potentials, Tourism development
Design & Control of A Dual Wheel Self Balancing Robot
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Liyanage, R.S.; Pushpakumara, P.D.S.; Wijebandara, T.R.; Hemakeerthi, D.A.B.
The field of robotics is a playground of creative minds in the modern age. In this research, it designed and controlled a two-wheel self-balancing robot within a low cost and efficient manner. Two-wheel robots can easily be controlled, spin on the spot, or turn around in small places faster than four wheels robots. The main objective of this project is it has a small footprint to navigate nicely through doors and tight spaces and made within low cost. Another specialty of this robot is it acquires it's balanced even within some fluctuations (around 0.35 rad) around its mean position. The angle of the robot relative to the ground will be sensed from the gyroscope. H-bridge motor driver was used to control the motors and two DC gear motors gave force to stable the robot. ATMega microcontroller used to control and connect the modules, sensors. The system is kept balanced in a straight position in the presence of disturbances forces applied by calculating the PID controller. The robot can guide to its destination within an application with a cloud-based platform, through Wi-Fi with the use of Nodemcu. The gyroscope, motors, and control boards were selected by considering both accuracy and cost. The structure of the robot made by low-cost materials. Kalman filter used to eliminate the noise of the gyroscope value. It helps to filter and avoid noises of the robot and get precise angle values to stable the robot smoothly. The fraction of the floor and tires, weight, and height of the robot are the most important factors to calculate the PID values (Kp, Ki, Kd) for the stabilization of the robot. Finally, the self-balancing robot can be made as a very user-friendly, cost-effective, faster, and small size of the product that can be used to carry or send things easily. And also, it can be modified by adding stages with a camera, IR sensor, etc. because wheeled robots can handle higher payload capability and can control the balance by varying the PID values. Keywords: PID controller, Self-balancing, cost effective, Kalman Filter, Gyroscope
Determination of Pectinase and Cellulase Activity of Fungi Species Isolated from Unsanitary Landfill in Badulla
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Thennakoon, T.M.A.R.S.; Singhalage, I.D.; Maheshika, W.A.H.
Municipal solid waste is one of the major sources for microbes having potent enzymatic activities. The positive impacts of such microbes could use for finding a suitable solution to overcome waste-related problems. The present study aimed at isolating and determining pectinase and cellulase activity of fungal strains living in unsanitary landfills. Fungi species were isolated in Potato Dextrose Agar medium. The isolated fungal strains were distinguished from each other by examining their morphological features through the light microscope after culturing them in slides. All fungal isolates were tested for cellulase and pectinase activities by using Carboxymethylcellulose and Vincent’s agar plates respectively. The good diffusion method was used in both assays. The diameter of the clearance zone around the wells was measured after the incubation. Data were analysed by ANOVA in Minitab 17.1. According to the results, a total of 29 fungal species were isolated and coded from F1-F29. Among them, 21 species were positive for pectinase activity whereas 20 species were positive for cellulase activity. The significant (p < 0.05) mean diameter for pectinase activity was given by F22 (40 mm) and for cellulase activity by F9 (19 mm). Eight fungi isolates (F22, F16, F23, F9, F24, F25, F15, and F2) were shown both pectinase and cellulase activities. Thus, such cultures having positive pectinase and cellulase activities could be useful in organic waste management in unsanitary landfills. The fungal species having pectinase and cellulase activities yet to be identified. Keywords: Unsanitary landfill, Fungi, Pectinase, Cellulase
Impact of Social Competencies on Social Performance of Social Enterprises (Special Reference to Northern Province in Sri Lanka)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Lojini, S.; Fasana, F.S.; Dissanayake, D.M.R.N.
Social enterprises are continuously searching for new ways to develop and achieve better social performance. Thus, consideration has been given to understand the social competencies which have a great significance on social performance. Numerous forerunners have shown success with the social performance of social enterprises. The present study focuses on identifying the level of social competencies and social performance of the social enterprises in Northern province while examining how social competencies affect the social performance of the social enterprises in Northern province. Further, the study expected to identify the most influencing social competencies on the social performance of the social enterprises in Northern province. The population of this study was all the social enterprises situated in Northern province. A stratified sampling method was used to select a sample of 100 social enterprises. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential techniques were used to accomplish the objectives in which inferential, Pearson’s correlation analysis and regression analysis were used to indicate relationship and impact between social competencies and social performance of the social enterprises. Results indicated that there is a positive relationship between social competencies and social performance. Also, the result of regression analysis stipulated that the ability to recognize social problem showed the highest positive relationship with social performance. According to the study results, some valuable suggestions and management implications were provided to the management for achieving better social performance by increasing the social competencies. Keywords: Social enterprises, Social competencies, Social performance
Technical Efficiency and Inefficiency Determinants of Chili Cultivation in Vavuniya District of Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Mohanachandran, K.; Wijetunga, C.S.
Increasing the productivity of green chili is important to meet the market demand as well as to reduce the food import bill. However, farmers face productivity issues due to the lack of knowledge on how to maximize the level of output at a given level of inputs. This study focuses to evaluate the technical efficiency of green chili farmers and subsequently identifying the determinants of technical inefficiency in the Vavuniya district of Northern Province in Sri Lanka. The data used in this study were based on a direct interview survey of 297 randomly selected green chili farm households conducted in 2019. The stochastic frontier analysis was used to evaluate technical efficiency. The estimated stochastic production frontier model indicates that parameters used in production such as fertilizer, chemicals, land, labour, seed variety, and irrigation had significant effects on yield. The coefficients for land, labour, and fertilizer had positive values of 1.07, 1.93, and 1.99 respectively. The results show that the mean technical efficiency of farmers is 93% ranges from 74% to 97%. This implies that there is room to improve the efficiency level of farmers on average by 7% using current technology and available inputs. The variables of age, education level, access to extension, and household size negatively affected technical inefficiency. Therefore, this study proposes providing better farmer training programs and enhance the education level of farmers and providing farmers with the opportunity of accessing better extension services to improve technical efficiency. Keywords: Chili Cultivation, Cobb-Douglas stochastic Production Frontier, Technical Inefficiency, Production Efficiency, Determinants

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