Research Symposium-2015

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Remittance and investment of Tea small holders in Uva region
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Wijayalathge, W. C. S.; Dharmadasa, R.A.P.I.S.
Labor shortage is a current problem facing by tea small holding sector. The predominant reason for that is migration of workers from out of farming. These migrants send remittance to their households. Societal perception about labor migration is that it has a negative impact on the sustainability of the tea small holding sector. But, there might be some positive impacts from remittance gained by the migrants especially as investments on tea lands. Hence, it is very much important to understand the ability to compensate the labor shortage by the remittance sent by the migrants. According to Chen (2004), Migrants are defined as those who lived away from their families for migratory work for no less than one month.As well as Migrant familiesspecifically refer to those rural families in which at least one family member is identified as migrant.Money and goods that are transmitted to households back home by people who working away from their origin community (Adams, 1989). Methodology The population of the research was the total tea small holders in Uva region. There are 16 TI ranges under 3 main sub offices in Uva region. (Annual Report 2012, Tea Small Holding Development Authority). Multistage sampling method was used for the selection of the tea small holder’s household units. There are three sub offices in Uva region as Haliela, Bandarawela, Welimada. There are six ranges of Haliela sub office, six ranges of Bandarawela sub office and four ranges of Welimada sub office. Three ranges each from Haliela and Bandarawela sub offices and two ranges from Walimada range were randomly selected. 100 Tea small holders were randomly selected from these 8 TI ranges. Primary data were collected from the farmers while they were interviewed at their field or their residences. Productive investment for tea land was the dependent variable of this study. It was measured calculating all the expenses for tea land within past twelve months. The expenditure for, Buying new tea land, Infilling the tea land, Fertilizer application, Soil conservationmeasures, Shade tree management, Pest and disease management , Within last twelve months. Household characteristics, characteristics of household head and socio economics characteristics were used as independent variables. There are thirteen independent variables as Age of house hold head, Education Level of household head, Tea cultivated land extent, Number of children, Income from Tea land, Durable consumption, Non-durable consumption, Other Investment, Migration Dummy, Remittance, Income from Other Cultivation, Income from Job of household head, Number of family members. Data were analyzed by Using Stata software package. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to present the demographic features of the sample. Multiple linear regression analysis was worked out to find out the impact of remittance on productive investment of Tea small holders in Uva region.
Influence of Sustainable Development in Foreign Policy Creation: Realist Framework
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Kodithuwakku, K.M.S.M.; Jayawardena, K.P.P.U.
International Relations discipline focuses on reconciling human development with environment protection. Meanwhile the concept Sustainable Development has gained immense importance in International Relations as a concept which talks about the pure wellbeing of the human. On the other hand, foreign policy making which has unique features of different states is a key tool in integrating states. Therefore this research aims at finding the extent at which foreign policy makers have taken Sustainable Development into account in a realist perspective. Methodology This research used both primary and secondary data in data collection. Primary data was to understand the international agreements on Sustainable Development. Meanwhile, secondary data was used to find the definitions and practice of Foreign Policy. This research is basically an archival based research. Result and the Discussion Realism which is a founding school of thought in International Relations explains states greediness for power. According to realists, states consider only about its own security and states do anything and everything to assure it. In this research, states persuasion in looking at Sustainable Development in foreign Policy creation is investigated according to the realism school of thought. Sustainable Development Principles, which has received growing acceptance within the body of International Relations during the last few decades. International Relations jurisprudence is increasingly integrating these principles in various methods, especially since the submission of the Brundtland commission report on sustainable development in 1987, which serves as a good example to highlight the importance attached to this matter within the International Relations field. However, Sustainable Development is by no means a recent concept but is found deeply embedded within the traditional and religious wisdom of the world. The seven Sustainable Development Principle are as set out in the International Law Association’s Delhi Declaration 2002 are discussed in some detail as they form the basis for the rest of the discourse. The Sustainable Development Principles are, 2. 3. 4. The duty of states to ensure sustainable use of natural resources. The Principle of equity and the eradication of poverty. The Principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The Principle of the precautionary approach to the human health, natural resources and ecosystems. 5. 6. 7. The Principle of Public Participation an access to formation and justice. The Principle of good governance. The Principle of integration and interrelationship, in particular in relation human rights and social, economic and environmental objectives. That means the above principles have turned into International Law obligations. The Brundtland Commission of 1987, which defines Sustainable Development, is “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Therefore Sustainable Development could be simply identified as an attempt to reconcile socioeconomic justice with environmental protection and conservation. On the other hand, it is important to understand what a foreign policy is. According to the Joseph Frankel, “Consist of decisions and actions which involve to some appraisable extent relations between one state and others”. Sustainable Development has been accepted as a global policy and International Law. It is no longer a mere conceptual notion but an established body of principles under international law applied, utilized, and adopted by various actors within the international community, whether it be states or otherwise. During the last decades, Sustainable Development principle have become an indispensable consideration in policy making. Specially foreign policy making. Therefore states should necessarily adopt process through which sustainable development principles are integrated within their foreign policies. in the 2002, World summit of sustainable development highlights, and head of states agreed to continue" to promote coherent and coordinated approaches to institutional frameworks for sustainable development at all national levels, including, as appropriate, the establishment of strengthening of existing authorities, and mechanisms necessary for policy making, coordination and implementation and enforcement of laws.
Development of low Glycemic Index bread using a composite flour mixture
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Thilakarathna, K.W.; Wijesinghe, W.A.J.P.; Sarananda, K,H.
Composite flour technology is initially referred to process of mixing wheat flour with cereal and legume flour for making bread and biscuits. However, the term can also be used with regard to mixing of non-wheat flours, roots and tubers or other raw materials (Singh and Raguvanshi, 2011).Bread is a product obtained by baking yeast leavened dough prepared from wheat flour and with or without the addition of ingredients and permitted additives (SLS 141: 1992). The Glycemic Index (GI) of a food refers to the effect the food has on the body’s blood sugar levels. Modern day people seek to avoid wheat flour bread, due to health risk. There is growing interest about nutrients content in bread using composite flour technology. Therefore, this research was carried out to develop low Glycemic Index bread as a solution for various health effects occurred due to the consumption of wheat bread. Methodology The current study was carried out at Food Research Unit, Gannoruwa. Six experimental trials with different treatments were conducted during this study. Finally three treatments were prepared and evaluated on sensory and microbial analysis. 10%, 12% and 14% finger millet incorporated, treatments were used for sensory evaluation. The sensory evaluation was done using 15 semi trained panelists. In chemical analysis, proximate composition was determined for moisture content, fat, crude protein, ash, fiber, total carbohydrate and calcium. Specific volume was measured in selected three bread dough and bread samples using Modified Rapeseed Displacement Method. Texture was measured using a penetrometer for selected bread sample from sensory evaluation. Microbiological analysis was done for Escherichia coli, Total Plate Count (TPC), yeast and mould. Self-life determination was done by stored normal temperature with polythene wrap and without polythene wrap. Glycemic Index was measured using ten healthy volunteers in Food Research unit Result and Discussion According to the sensory evaluation, the 12% finger millet incorporated bread was selected as best bread sample by giving good texture, taste, aroma and colour. According to the figure 01, just after baked mean pressure become 0.83 kg. Then texture was soft. The pressure gradually increased with the time. With the time texture become harder than just after baked. After two hours mean pressure was 16.67 kg. Texture is mainly governed by gluten percentage. High gluten content gives soft texture due to gluten network. In this bread, Finger millet flour was used. Due to it fibrous content it affects for the texture and it gives more hard texture with the time. High pressure show poor texture.
Development of a suitable culture media for mass culture of Moina macrocopa
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) De Silva, G. N. M.; Jayamanne, S. C.; Chandrarathna, W. P. R.
Two experiments were conducted to develop a suitable method for culturing Moina macrocopa in National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) at Rambadagalla. Experiment 1 was conducted to find out possible culture media and to determine its concentration for mass culture. Experiment 2 was conducted to find out the best culture medium and its concentration for mass culture of Moina macrocopa. All bottles and tanks used in experiments were cleaned, drained and sun dried for two days and then filled with water, left for two days before using. Moina macrocopa for all experiments were taken from stock culture developed in NAQDA Centre at Rambadagalla. Pure culture of Chlorella vulgaris (1×10 cells per 1 ml) was acquired from NAQDA Centre at Rambadagalla. Filtered tap water was used in both experiments. In experiment 1, five culture media; mineralized cow dung, steamed cow dung, 15 min. boiled chicken manure, 30 min. boiled chicken manure, and 1 hr. boiled chicken manure were prepared with four different concentrations such as 5 . Different concentrations with various media tested with and without adding Chlorella into the medium. As control, a medium only with Chlorella and water was maintained. Three replicates from each treatment were maintained during experiment. Five individuals of Moina macrocopa were inoculated into each bottle. After that, top of the bottles were covered with a mosquito net to prevent entrance of undesired insects. They were allowed to stay 10 days and after that data were collected. Three samples from every tank were collected using 3 ml of fine dropping pipette. Samples were taken from the surface to bottom at three random points. Collected data (number of Moina macrocopa ) were analyzed using Minitab 16 software with ANOVA, general linear model. According to the results of experiment 1, the positive culture media and their concentrations were used in experiment 2. Selected treatments were prepared as same as in experiment 1. 150 individuals of Moina macrocopa were introduced into each tank. After ten days, 25 ml samples were taken as earlier and preserved using two drops of 1.007 g cm Lugol’s solution. Values of all tanks were recorded. Data were analyzed as in experiment 1. Results and Discussion According to the preliminary experiment, there was a significant relationship between number of Moina macrocopa and culture medium (p<0.05). There was a significant relationship between medium and concentration to the number of Moina macrocopa (p<0.05). There were no results of of mineralized cow dung media. There were no results of Moina macrocopa in 15 g l and 20 g l of steamed cow dung media. Those media may be not favorable for growth of Moina. There were no results found in 15 min. boiled chicken manure and 30 min. boiled chicken manure media. The major reason for boiling chicken manure is to prevent the Salmonella effect. Low time duration for boiling might be not enough for destroy the undesirable pathogens. There may be not a favorable environment for growth of Moina macrocopa in both of those media.
Effect of tropical forages on growth performance and carcass quality of rabbits
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Mohamed, F.S.; Abeyrathne, E.D.N.S.
Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a small mono-gastric animal which has a very small body size and an efficient reproductive ability. Backyard rabbit keeping supplies additional protein with low investment and labor inputs. Rabbit meat has many nutritional benefits which include high protein, low cholesterol and high palatability (Samkol and Lukefahr, 2008).The major problem with rabbit production is high feeding cost (Lebas et al., 1997). Feeding cost for rabbits account more than 75% of total cost of production. At present there is a competition for protein sources between man and animals (Jiya et al., 2011). Rabbits are herbivores and can be successfully raised on diets with low in grains and high in roughage. Therefore tropical legumes can be used as an alternative for fed rabbits. The objective of this study was to determine the growth performance, carcass quality of weaner rabbits with diet containing forage supplements and commercial layer pellet. Methodology The experiment was carried out at Uva Wellassa University, Badulla. Sixteen (16) weaned cross bred rabbits, mixed sexes were used for the feeding trial which conducted for 45-days. All rabbits selected which were born on same day,a few from same litter. Rabbits were grouped according to Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with four replicates, 2 males and 2 females for each diet group. Ration for all the diets were formulated according to the nutritional requirement of grower rabbit. Maximum inclusion levels for the selected leaves also considered. All animals were kept for an adaptation period during the adaptation period rabbits were fed with only the control diet (Prima layer pellet) with fresh guinea grass (Panicum maximum). The experimental diet was introduced gradually for 8 days. Water was supplied ad-libitum for each rabbit. Guinea grass (Panicum maximum), Erythrina leaves (Erythrina indica), Cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and Leucaena leaves (Leucaena leucocephala) were harvested from the surrounding environment of the university premises. Guinea grass was harvested one week before feeding to the animals and hay was made by keeping under sun. Erythrina leaves, Cassava leaves and Leucaena leaves were harvested three to four days before feeding rabbits. Those harvested leaves were chopped and wilted until constant weight was gained. Wilted leaves and dried grass were stored under dry condition. Diet 1 = Only layer pellet 100% (control), Diet 2 = Layer pellet 70%, Erythrina indica 20%, Panicum maximum 10%, Diet 3 = Layer pellet 65%, Manihot esculenta Crantz 20%, Panicum maximum 15% and Diet 4 = Layer pellet 92%, Leucaena leucocephala 7%, Panicum maximum 1%. Data were collected on body weight and weight gains, feed intake and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). Two rabbits (one male and one female) from each group were slaughtered for carcass quality evaluation. After 45 days of feeding trial two rabbits (one male and one female) from each treatment group was slaughtered. Hot carcass weight, pH, Length of carcass, dressing percentage was evaluated under carcass quality parameters. Chemical composition of carcasses was analyzed for proximate constituents according to AOAC, 2002 method. Sensory evaluation of boiled meat samples were evaluated using 15 semi trained panelists. Collected data was analyzed using Analysis of variance (one way ANOVA and two way ANOVA) - Minitab 16 statistical software package. Analysis of variance fallowed by a mean separation procedure using Tukey’s test. Sensory analysis was done by using non parametric analysis of Friedman test.
Analysis of factors affecting for Tea buyers’ level of trust on Tea brokers
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Rathnayaka, L. P.; Rathnayaka, R. M. S. D.; Wedande, D.
The tea industry in Sri Lanka has paramount importance to country’s economy. In Sri Lanka, out of total quantity of bulk packaged tea, more than 95% is sold through public auction annually. The main participants of auction system are buyers and brokers. The most important concept, to carry out the business relationship between buyers and brokers is TRUST. All the transactions between buyers and brokers will confirm with the trust before complete the transaction by using monetary terms. In economic terms, trust can be defined as "the belief or perception by one party (e.g. a principal) that the other party (e.g. an agent) to a particular transaction will not cheat" (Paul J. Zak and Knack, 2001). In the case of buyer-broker relationship in the tea industry (relevant to buyers), trust can be defined as a belief of the buyer that the broker will efficiently provide good quality teas without any deceptions, while maintaining the goodwill. Therefore this research was carried out to identify major factors affecting for tea buyers’ trust on tea brokers. Methodology The selected population for the study was all the tea buyers who are weekly buying tea at the Colombo Tea Auction. The data were collected from a sample of 70 tea buyers selected using Simple Random Sampling technique and ranked according to their export quantity (Sri Lanka Custom Data, 2012). Data were collected through a questionnaire by individually giving it to the selected sample. The trust was measured by using ten point likertscales. Data were analyzed using Descriptive Statisticsmanner andbased on Ordinal Logistic Regression analysis techniques.Ordinal Logistic Regression is used to independent variables(ChristensenR.H.B.,2011). The SPSS statistical software, Minitab 16 software and Microsoft Excel were used for both descriptive and ordinal logistic regression analysis.
A Study on Crocodile Behavior (Crocodylus palustris) and Public Value Orientation in Ethimale of Monaragala District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Wijethilaka, W.G.R.I.; Samaraweera, A.M.; Abesinghe, A.M.N.L.
Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is principally restricted to Indian subcontinent and the highest number is recorded in Sri Lanka (Da Silva and Lenin, 2010). Crocodylus palustris is categorized as a vulnerable species in IUCN red list (2011). Furthermore, due to destruction of their natural habitats, illegal hunting, fishing activities and crocodile attacks during sand mining, bathing and washing, there is an emergence of this interaction as a human-crocodile conflict. Though the existence of considerable number of C. palustris is recorded in Uva less literature is available on their status in Uva Province of Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was conducted to understand people’s attitudes, risks, believes and practices towards human crocodile conflict and to study the behavior of crocodile in Ethimale area. Methodology The study was conducted in villages surrounding eight perennial and seasonal tanks (Doser tank, Wattarama tank, Kotiyagala tank, Heekaduwa tank 1 and 2, Karadandara tank, Karakolagaswewa tank and Vila oya) at Ethimale of Monaragala district from May to August 2014. Ninety four individuals were interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire including farmers, fishermen and villagers to determine their awareness, knowledge, practices, believes and attitudes regarding C. palustris. The information on purpose, frequency and duration of water body usage by the villages, crocodile population, their approximate size, migration and their availability throughout the year in the area was gathered through the questionnaire. Moreover, the practices of the people and attitudes regarding crocodiles were identified by gathering information on crocodile attacks, financial damages, people’s reaction when seen crocodiles, offending actions, benefits/uses of crocodiles and threats face by crocodiles. Presence of fecal pellets, footprints, smashed vegetation and cleared basking areas were observed to study the migration and basking behavior. Data analysis was carried out by Microsoft Excel and map was created using ArcGIS software including crocodile migration paths. Results and Discussion Awareness of the people The main water sources of Ethimale were tanks and Vila oya. Therefore, around 97% of the respondents used tanks for their needs daily. Moreover, most of households are by or close to the tanks which explains their close relation with the crocodiles. Knowledge of the people regarding crocodiles Sixty eight percent of the respondents considered that crocodiles were useful and 32% of respondents believed that crocodiles were not useful or did not know the ecological roles played by the crocodiles. According to them, consumption of crocodile meat and egg are the major uses. Around 53% of the respondents have eaten crocodile meat while 5.3% have consumed crocodile eggs. Though few had heard the uses of crocodile hide they have not done any hide processing. Though the respondents have seen crocodiles throughout the day, crocodiles were common on tank sides especially in the morning (6.00 to 8.00 a.m.) and evening (5.30 to 7.00 p.m.). Based on the observations of the respondents, highest crocodile number was reported from Kotiyagala tank (20 to 25), followed by Heekaduwa tank-1 (15 to 20) and Heekaduwa tank-2 (10 to 15). Regarding the approximate length of the largest crocodile seen by the respondents, majority (62%) of has seen largest crocodile in between 2-3 m in length. Nesting season, i.e., from June to August of Crocodylus palustris coincides with the dry season in Monaragala (June to September) (Department of meteorology statistics, 2014). Therefore, the hatching of eggs takes place with the beginning of the rainy season. Around 45% of the respondents have seen crocodile nesting sites at tank bunds, Vila oya sides, canal sides, Vila oya anicut and jungle area which close to tanks.However, 11% of respondents have seen Water Monitors (Varanus salvator) and Land Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) as main predators of crocodile eggs. Among the crocodile deaths observed by the respondents, most of the recorded crocodile deaths were due to human actions such as shooting and hitting when the crocodiles attack to the fishing nets (Specially for hatchlings). Two crocodile attacks to the fishermen while fishing were reported. However, 37% of the respondents have faced some financial damages from the crocodiles as damage to livestock (especially to calves) (37%), loss of fish yield (29%), fish net damage and damage to pet animals. Among them damage to livestock and damage to net and loss of fish yield were common. Moreover, threat from crocodiles was reported as one reason to refrain youngsters from fishery. Attitudes regarding crocodiles Though 77% of the respondents have agreed that the crocodiles have become threat to fishery or daily uses of the water body, 73% of the respondents still believe that conservation programs for crocodiles are essential, since they believe that the number of crocodiles are depleting annually. Moreover, they have suggested translocation of crocodiles (to large tanks, national parks and zoo) and ecotourism to minimize the human crocodile conflict may be due to the ethical reasons since all the respondents are Buddhists. Crocodile migration and basking behavior Crocodiles were migrated during the dry season and they were returned to their original habitats at the beginning of the rainy season. Therefore, crocodile migration was highest during August where all most all the seasonal tanks were dried and low water level was observed in perennial tanks. With the beginning of rainy season in September, crocodiles were returned to their original habitats. Crocodiles were basked commonly during 6.00 am to 9.30 am under direct sun light (average 33°C daily temperature) in open areas such as dead trees in water, on the Vila oya river bank, tank sides/bund and surrounding rocks. With the high day time temperature, they were moved to the tank bottom and come to the top only for breathing meanwhile some crocodiles were moved to burrows. Recommendations to solve human crocodile conflict and conservation To minimize human-crocodile conflict conducting awareness program to villagers including conservation and laws related, installation and maintenance of crocodile excluding areas at bathing places, installing warning sign boards and translocation of crocodiles which trap to fish nets can be done. The crocodile conservation can be done to some extent by sharing conservation and management responsibility among local community. The crocodiles can be an attraction of visitors and create employment opportunities for the local community. Eco- tourism may be a good solution for involving people with their traditional knowledge about crocodile conservation and will be helpful to uplift the local socio-economic conditions. Other than eco-tourism, protection of nesting habitats, initiation of crocodile parks or sanctuary, conservation education and public awareness also can be practiced. Conclusion Majority of the villagers have sound knowledge regarding crocodile population, behavior, migration patterns and availability. Since almost all the people were engaged with the tanks for their daily needs and majority was farmers and fishermen. Though there are several livestock attacks and economic losses from crocodiles no fatal attacks recorded to people. Therefore, majority of the people in Ethimale was having a positive attitudes regarding conservation of crocodiles.
Radio frequency remote controller for domestic AC loads
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Somasiri, K.G.H.A.; Wanniarachchi, W.K.I.L.
In today’s electronic market, there are two primary types of remote control systems available to consumers, they are IR (Infrared) based systems and RF (radio frequency) based systems. The most common type of remote control receiver is the IR based. It works well, but with limitations. With an IR remote control, typically, one must have a very clear line of site from the remote to the device that is trying to control. IR transmitting and receiving systems are inexpensive and are generally reliable. The carrier frequency of such infrared signals is typically in the order of around 38 kHz. In most cases, the IR signals are send only one way, in a low-speed burst for distances of up to 30 feet. Even though IR remotes are the most common due to the low cost and most of the time it used to control a single device, RF remote controls are easier to use because they do not require line of sight and do not have to be aimed at the equipment. The RF remote can also be operated from another room. RF remotes use radio frequencies that travel far and can easily pass through walls and floors and also it can control more than one device with a single remote controller. So it offers a far better range in terms of distance. In this work RF remote controller was developed to control domestic AC appliance like CFL/incandescent bulbs, fans, heaters, single phase motors, pumps, etc…
Assessment of oil yield and quality in cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) leaves under different severity levels of two types of leaf galls
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Daladawatta, N. P.; Chandrasena, G.; Weerawansha, A. N. R.
Leaf gall infestation in cinnamon, is one of the prominent pest damage found in cinnamon cultivations. In cinnamon, two conspicuous leaf gall types are available. They are upper leaf galls caused by jumping plant louse (Trioza cinnamomi), a homopteran and lower leaf galls caused by Eriophyes boisi, a mite belongs to family Eriophyidae. Two pests are plant sappers and form galls on leaf blade as their habitats. The feeding by Eriophyes boisi or Trioza cinnamomi causes abnormal cell development and formation of galls. Each gall type is identical and their dimensions are variable. The galls are solitary and widespread on the leaf blade but are not on the veins. These Gall forming pests generally do little damage to plants and its bark yield because the affected parts are able to carry out photosynthesis with near normal efficiency. But cinnamon leaf oil yield and its quality may be changed significantly due to gall forming (Perera et. al., 1985; Prematilaka and Dharmadasa, 1995). Therefore this study was conducted to determine the effect of two different leaf galls in cinnamon leaves under different severity levels on the leaf oil content and quality of oil. Methodology Cinnamon leaf samples infested with two types of galls, were collected from a field in Palolpitiya, Matara. Leaves only suffered from upper and lower gall infestations were harvested separately and categorized each of them into five pre-determined severity levels for oil extraction. Four severity levels of upper leaf gall infestation 1-50, 51 – 100, 101 – 150 and more than 151 galls per leaf and four severity levels of lower leaf gall infestation 1 -15, 16 – 30, 31 – 45 and more than 46 galls per leaf were compared with cinnamon leaves without galls separately. Five treatments were assigned in randomized complete block design with five replicates. 50 g of air dried cinnamon leaf sample taken from each severity level was weighed and all the galls in the sample were isolated and weighed. Weight of galls in each severity level was expressed as a percentage to the whole sample weight. Each sample was subjected to extract leaf oil by hydro distillation. Amount of the major chemical components present in the extracted oil samples were measured by performing Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC). Oil content and quality were subjected to analysis of variance and regression analysis by SAS programme. Results and Discussion Thus it revealed that leaf oil contents were significantly different with the intensity of upper gall infestation (Table 1). It was observed that cinnamon leaf oil content had been lost from 10.48% at 25.62% severity to 74.26% at 97.26% severity. Same trend was observed in the case of lower gall infestation (Table 2), but oil reduction due to this infestation had been occurred from 25.87% at 22.7% severity to 96.45% at 99.63% severity. Experimental results showed that mite galls (lower leaf galls) had reduced the oil yield in greater than the insect galls (upper leaf galls). Both upper and lower leaf gall infestations were caused to reduce the oil yield in cinnamon leaves and those infestations showed a strong negative significant relationship with the oil content in cinnamon leaves (Fig. 1 and 2). Prematilaka and Dharmadasa (1996) reported about 35% of oil reduction could be made due to upper leaf gall infestation, but the current study revealed that loss of oil content has been varied on severity of infestation.
Landmine contaminated area scanning robot
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Senevirathne, M.M.G.T.L.; Ekanayake, T.; Wijesooriya, P.N.
Landmines pose serious threats for post conflict countries like Sri Lanka. There are nearly 120 million landmines all over the world today. Unlike other weapons, landmines are long term killers and function long after a war is over. It kills and maims more than 20,000 civilians per year (World Vision. 2009. About Landmines. United States: World Vision). Clearing the burial mines by human is lethal. Though autonomous mine detecting machines are available, the cost is high and one shortage of the systems is not providing a map of the scanned area. Therefore the percent work aim to design a prototype of an economical autonomous robot which facilitates the mine detecting and map generating of buried places. Methodology The black color marks in a white background were considered as landmines and IR sensors were used as detectors. The complete design is consisting of detectors, carrying vehicle and controlling unit. There are three detectors which are placing in three sides of the robot and each detector consists of five IR sensors. The analog signals of the detector were converted in to digital by using the LM 339 comparator. The separate presets were used to adjust the reference voltage with the comparator. The LED bulbs were placed in front of the sensors to avoid the disturbance of infra-red rays of the sunlight. The detector of the moving side was only activated at a time and other two were deactivated in that time. The robot has to scan the total area and the moving pattern of the robot is the most important part and key feature of the design. It moving on straight lines and moving perpendicular direction without turning. The special wheel was used for this function and the wheels have cylindrical rollers to reduce the friction when it is moving in perpendicular direction. The robot is moving by using the two pairs of wheels. The two pairs wheels arranged in perpendicular direction and driven by gear motors. The L 293 motor drivers were used to control the motors. The 12V 6800mAh li-ion rechargeable battery was used as the power supply of the robot and the power transmission was done by using the L7805 regulators. The powers for the motors were supplied through the two 1000 micro farad capacitors. It avoids the restart of the processor because of the over consumption power of the motors. The regulated power was smooth further and given to the processor. All of the operation was processed by the Arduino Mega at mega 2560 microprocessor. The robot is moving 1m front while scanning the area and doing the serial communication. Then stay 1 second for stable the robot and moving 20cm perpendicular direction and after 1 second delay it is moving back. Then again do the perpendicular movement. The serial communication is occurring while these movements. This process is repeating 5 times again and again. The counter was used to control the repeating times of the cycle. The real time data communication was done by serial communication and data received by a serial terminal. The USB port was functioning as the virtual serial port. The communication port and the baud rate should be same. Baud rate can be set as the requirement. The predefined Matlab application generated the map.
Toxicity effects of trace metals on Zebra fish (Danio rerio) embryo
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Fasmina, M.F.A.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Liyanage, N.P.P.; De Silva, D.P.N.
Water quality deterioration is a major problem in the most of the countries, due to organic and inorganic contaminants. Among all the toxicant trace metals are threaten to the aquatic ecosystem and organisms. Metals are natural component of aquatic ecosystem. Trace metals such as Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Chromium (Cr) are important for the metabolic and other biological activities of lives whereas Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Cadmium(Cd) are biologically non-essential metal that can be toxic to biota even at very low concentration. High concentration of some essential trace metals can be toxic when it exceeds the limits(Ebrahimi and Taherianfard, 2011).High accumulation of trace metal in both biotic and abiotic components causes serious health consequences. Thus, assessment of their toxicity has become an important component of water pollution monitoring. Now in most of the toxicity studies Zebra fish (Danio rerio) embryo used as an alternative model for the fish acute toxicity to determine the toxicity of pollutants. Therefore this study was focused on determination of the acute toxicity of Cu, Zn, Cd, As, Pb and Hg that produce lethal effect on zebra fish embryos during four day period. Materials and Methodology Zebra fish breeding was carried out and eggs were collected using a small pipette. The stock solution of 1000 ppm of selected Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As and Hg were prepared a day before the test by dissolving Copper sulfate (CuSO4.5H2O), Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4. 7H2O), Lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2, Arsenic pentoxide (As2O5), Cadmium chloride (CdCl2. ½ H2O) and Mercury chloride (HgCl2) in deionized water. The working treatment solution was prepared daily by serial dilution of the stock solution. Initially a range finding test was carried out in the nominal concentrations of (1000, 100, 10, 1 and ) for 96 hours. Ten eggs per concentrations were used. Deionized water was used as a negative control. Each treatment had three replicates. Acute Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Cd and Hg toxicity experiments were performed for a 4-day period using Danio rerio embryo. Ten test concentrations of Cu, Cd (0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4 and 10.0 mgL⁻ ), Zn, Pb, As (2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 16.0, 32.0,64.0, 125.0,250.0, 500.0 and 1000.0 mgL⁻ ) and Hg (0.002, 0.004, 0.008, 0.016, 0.032, 0.064, 0.125, 0.250, 0.500 and 1.0 mgL⁻ ) were prepared by diluting the stock solution in deionized water. Deionized water was used as negative control and as internal plate control. As a positive control concentration of 15% ethanol(Hassan et al., 2008) was used with each embryo batch for testing. Fertilized zebra fish embryos were immersed in the test solutions before cleavage, by the 16 cell- stage. At least twice the number of eggs needed per treatment group (40 eggs) was randomly selected and transferred into the respective concentrations and controls within the 90 minutes of post fertilization. 24-well plates were filled with 2 mL per well freshly prepared test solutions. In each plate twenty wells were used for test concentrations and four were used as internal plate control. Another plate was used as positive control. The eggs in standard 24- well plate were covered by shelf adhesive foil and maintain at a temperature to 26 ± 1 °C. The mortality of the fish eggs were recorded at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of exposure using a stereo microscope with the indicator of lethality; coagulation of fertilized egg, lack of somite formation, lack of detachment of the tail and lack of heart beat as described in OECD/ OCDE 236, 2013; guideline for the test of chemical, Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity (FET) tests. Dead eggs were removed immediately. Three replicates were performed individually. In this study the acute toxic effect of each metal on the Danio rerio embryo was determined by Probit Analysis LC50 determination method. Data analysis was performed by using statistical software SPSS15.
Development of micropropagation protocols for two aponogeton species of Sri Lanka (Aponogeton crispus and Aponogeton natans)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Amarawansha, T.W.G.J.C .; Bambaranda, B.V.A.S. M.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Herath, H.M.I
Sri Lanka being a tropical country contributes for a highly diversified flora and fauna. These climatic conditions have become a critical factor for the occurrence of highly diversified aquatic flora as well. Aponogeton is genus of aquatic plants which belongs to the family Aponogetonaceae. Methodology The study was carried out at tissue culture laboratory of Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya. Mother plants were collected from different areas of Sri Lanka. Experiments were done to determine hormonal effect on shoot initiation and multiplication using rhizomes of Aponogeton crispus and A. jacobsenii; leaf and leaf stalks of A. natans and A. jacobsenii and seeds of A. crispus and A. natans. For the Sterilization of A. crispus and A. jacobsenii rhizomes were kept under running tap water for 3 hours and dipped in a fungicide for 30 minutes. Then disinfected using 20 % NaOCl (Clorox) with 2 drops of Tween twenty for 10 minutes and washed with 0.1 % HgCl2 for 7 minutes. Finally rhizomes were washed 5 times thoroughly with distilled water per 5 minutes. For seeds sterilization seeds were kept under running tap water for 10 minutes, disinfected using 5 % Clorox with 2 drops of Tween twenty for 15 minutes and washed 3 times with distilled water. Three sterilization procedures were carried out for leaves and leaf stalks. Firstly leaves kept under running tap water for 1 ½ hours and dipped in fungicide (topsin) for half an hour.
Development of light weight bricks using red clay and rice-husk
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Vyshnavi, G.; Pitawala, J.; Wanniarachchi, D.D.C.; Pitawala, H.M.T.G.A.
Bricks are one of the oldest building materials that can be made at relatively low cost. They have been in continual use for more than 5000 years and still used in Sri Lanka, because of their many advantages (El-Mahllawy et al., 2013). Mud bricks, burned bricks and cement bricks are types of bricks using in construction purposes (Society of Civil Engineers, 1996). The composition of red clay minerals used in brick production is SiO2 (60.67%), Al2O3 (15.18%) and Fe2O3 (7.61%) (Hettiarachchi et al., 2010). Certain admixtures such as rice-husks, sawdust, etc. are added to brick raw mixtures to produce different effects such as color, high strength, or low weight in the finished product. Admixtures consists of organic matter are burned out when bricks undergo firing. Cons equently, porous bricks are produced. This permits the control of the bulk density of brick products and help in producing lighter bricks with low material cost. In this research work, bricks are made using red clay and 5 wt. % of rice-husk or 5 wt. % of rice-husk ash as admixtures. The fabricated bricks were analyzed to measure material properties such as compressive strength, weight, volume, density, water absorption, and color changes during firing process. Results are then compared with the values obtained from commercial bricks. Methodology Preparation of prototype bricks The dimensions of the bricks studied in this project were 25% of the commercial brick dimensions. Accordingly, length.41/4” (10.79 cm) x width 23/4” (6.98 cm) x height 11/4” (3.17 cm) mold was used to make prototype bricks. Bricks were made with both premixed clay (obtained from brick makers) and dried clay with rice husk. Procedure 1 (Premixed Clay) The amount of water added to the clay material was unknown as it was obtained as a wet sample from the brick makers. The purpose of making bricks with this premix is to set standards for tensile strength and weight of the bricks similar to market quality bricks. Accordingly, five brick blocks were made with premixed clay (500 g). These bricks are labeled as sample 1. Procedure 2 (Dried Clay) Clay material and rice-husk sample were dried until a constant weight was obtained (2-3 days). Then dried clay and a known amount of water were mixed to produce bricks to be used as the control (sample 2) to compare the effect of rice husk. The same amount of clay and water were mixed with either five percent of rice-husk (sample 3) or rice-husk ash (sample 4). In each case, five bricks were made. All the brick samples were dried under sunlight for four days. Firing process of the bricks was done using a common rice-husk burning kiln or using an electrical furnace at 1000 C during this research. All bricks were tested for compressive strength, weight, volume, density, water absorption, and color changes. Bricks made with rice husk (sample 3 and 4) were compared against premix samples (sample 1) and bricks made without rice husk (sample 2). Results and Discussion Density of the prototype bricks The dimensions and weight of the bricks were recorded for all samples before and after firing. These data were used to calculate the volume and density of bricks. According to the results, volumes of unfired bricks samples are almost equal, but after firing the bricks have different values for volume due to evaporation of water and burning of organic matter during firing process. The lowest density was recoded for sample with rice husk (3) compared to the control sample (2). Also addition of rice husk in sample 3 resulted in lower density compared to the sample with rice husk ash (4). This observation is in agreement with the expected trend in density where rice husk burning will result higher loss in weight compared to rice husk ash.
Development of activated carbon included natural rubber latex pillow
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Bulathsinghala, B.A.D.U.P.; Withanage, N.S.; Samaraweera, U.H.T.P.
Latex is a milky white liquid tapped from the trunks of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) and then combined with water to create a thick suspension. In manufacturing natural latex foam rubber, the latex suspension is whipped to a froth and poured into carousel moulds, onto a conveyor, or into sheets and then heated to the point of vulcanization (Polyurethane Foam Association, 2000). Activated carbon(AC) is a non-graphite form of carbon which could be produced from any carbonaceous material. AC manufactured from coconut shell is considered superior to those obtained from other sources mainly because of small macro pores structure which renders it more effective for the adsorption of gas/vapour and for the removal of colour and odour of compounds (Coconut Development Board, 2013). AC has numerous applications due to its higher adsorption property. Thus it is capable to adsorbing volatile organic compounds which are also air pollutant in the atmosphere. The incorporation of activated carbon into natural rubber latex foam pillow can provi de volatile organic compounds adsorption property apart from its cushioning effect. Many volatile organic compounds are toxic, posing a high risk to human health as a result of their widespread use and occurrence in laboratory, home and also workplace envi ronments (Magureanu, Mandache, Eloy, Gaigneaux and Parvulescu, 2005). Therefore natural rubber latex foam pillow currently available in Sri Lankan market can be successfully value added by incorporating coconut shell based activated carbon to get the similar cushioning effects together with air purification ability upto a certain level . Methodology The current study was carried out at Richard Pieris Natural Foam (RPNF) Ltd, Malwana, Biyagama. Laboratory tests were done at RPNF, Richard Pieris Company plc and Bureau Veritas Consumer Product Services Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd laboratories. Two experimental trials with different treatments were conducted during this study. Experimental trial I was carried out to find out the appropriate activated carbon level suitable for the natural rubber latex foam pillow. It was compromised with eight treatment levels having 0% to 7% activated carbon levels with other compounding ingredients as different treatments levels. Each treatment was replicated 3 times. Experimental trial II was done in order to find the air purification ability with respect to acetone adsorption capacity. In experiment II, both the control which has 0% activated carbon and 2% of AC treated pillow were used to investigate the acetone (a VOC) adsorption capacity. Both treatments were replicated 3 times. Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was conducted and data obtained from both physical properties tests and acetone adsorption capacity was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure of Minitab 16. Mean comparison of treatments were done using the tukey’s test. Results and Discussion According to the physical properties evaluation (Hardness, compression set, density and tensile strength) the formulation with 2% of activated carbon has given a desirable physical structure and selected in experiment trial I. Based on the data analysis of hardness, there is significant difference (P<0.05) between control (currently manufacturing latex pillow without AC) and the different treatment levels whereas no significant difference between the Control and 2% of AC treatment. Therefore similar hardness can be obtained by incorporating 2% AC into the present latex pillow formulation. According to the results of compression set value, it is been observed that there is no significant difference between 2%, 3% of AC treatments and control. Whereas more economical benefit through the lower material cost can be obtained by incorporating 2% AC. As a rubber material is compressed over time, it loses its ability to return to its original thickness. This loss of resiliency may reduce the capability of a cushioning pad to perform over a long period of time (Compression Set of Elastomeric Materials, 2014). Therefore lower compression set value is better for the cushioning materials. However density and tensile strength do not show the significant difference in all the treatments. Generally, acceptable tensile strengths are above 0.006895 MPa depending to some extent on the final application of the flexible foam. There are some cases where lower tensile strength foams may be used, but it is generally advisable to use foams that have a tensile strength of at least 0.006895 MPa (Polyurethane Foam Association, 1994). In this study it shows that tensile strength for all the treatment levels have values which are more than the acceptable value. In experimental trial II, activated carbon treated pillow was selected due to its high acetone adsorption capacity.
Evaluating the potentials of adopting cleaner production techniques to reduce the manufacturing cost of rice flour and coffee
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Ediriweera, E.P.S.K.; Wijesinghe, T.P.; Peris, V.R.S
The increment of cost of production (COP) whilst consumer pressure for a lower price is a major constraint for the sustainable growth of rice and coffee processing sector in Sri Lanka. Several studies have been investigated to find effective ways of minimizing COP, (Brezet and Schelleman, 1995) however literature do not evidence any use of cleaner production, a waste zeroing system. This study was aimed to evaluate the cleaner production concept in rice and coffee processing sectors, as a solution for minimizing COP. Cleaner production is the continuous application of an integrated preventive strategy to processes, products and services, to increase eco-efficiency and to reduce risks to humans and the environment (Brezet and Schelleman, 1995). Methodology Using Ruhunu Foods (Pvt). Ltd flour and spice processing factory as the host, the production process was analyzed to identify possible waste streams and their causes. Using direct measurements and material balance calculations, the waste streams were then quantified. This was done during a period of one month batch production from both processing sections. The quantified wastes were then expressed in terms of their monetary value. Significant waste streams were identified using Pareto analysis. Control measures for them were suggested using CP philosophy and CP techniques as a guide. Ten minute power logger data were obtained from both hammer mill machine and flour mill machine. Then the power factor correction was done to find the payback period for the energy saving process. Result and Discussion According to the findings of this study, both avoidable and unavoidable wastes occur in the coffee flour manufacturing process. The average loss per batch of money due to avoidable wastes of red rice, white rice and coffee processing are respectively LKR.3885.07, LKR.7612.5, and LKR.1529.39. Significant waste streams which contribute to this monetary loss are stuck red and white rice flour and coffee powder inside the milling and grinding machines (89.75%, 93.59%, 97.46%), rejected coffee beans (59.51%). The possible control measures for these waste streams are good housekeeping, better process controlling and equipment modifications. Ten minute power logger data were indicted both flour mill and hammer mill have a low power factor. According to the power factor correction both milling process takes less than 4 years payback period to recover the cost of the energy upgrade from the energy savings. Usage of premium efficiency motors and capacitor banks will save the energy. Immediate implementation of cleaner production will uphold the company image and increase the quality, productivity, worker satisfaction and profit.
Policyholder perception on customer orientation of Insurance agent and customer loyalty with reference to Life Insurance companies in Anuradhpura District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Warnakulasooriya, W.M.N.M.; Siyabalapitiya, J.
One reason of switching behavior is the low customer orientation service and therefore sector considered insurance Agent as a vital factor. Without considering positive actions taken by the life insurance industry, there is little existing research that evaluates individual perceptions of the service rendered by life insurance providers. Further to that customer attrition is an increasingly pressing issue faced by many insurance providers today (Goonetilleke & Caldera, 2013) and few researchers has identified customer-orientated culture leads to excellent customer services (Kassim, & Fong, 2012). Few empirical studies have addressed the impact of customer orientation of service employee on firm’s success (Brown et al., 2002). Customers rely on the behavior of service employees when evaluating quality of services (Thurau, 2004). Customer loyalty has been found in the literature to be a competitive tool for many companies customer loyalty is to determine the level of customer service through service quality assessment. Cited by Whereas Ruyter et al., (1998); Boulding et al., (1993) and Brady and Cronin (2001) found that high degree of service quality translates into loyalty. According to Aydin and Ozer (2005) and Cronin and Taylor (1992) are of a contrary opinion. They are of the view that service quality is a necessary but not sufficient condition to obtain customer loyalty. In previous researches there are contradictory arguments. According to Henning and Thurau, (2004) customer orientation of service employee is affected an employee’s technical skills, employee’s social skills his or her motivation to serve customer and his or herself perceived decision–making authority. My research objectives are to identify the relationship of the Customer Orientation that influence to the Loyalty of policyholder’s in the Life insurance, to determine the impact of the Customer Orientation service employee dimensions on Customer Loyalty in the Life insurance industry and to determine the most and least important customer Orientation service employee dimension factors that influence to the Customer Loyalty in the Life insurance industry. Employee’s technical skills, employee’s social skills his or her motivation to serve customer and his or herself perceived decision–making authority dimensions are use in this research. Methodology Researcher considered the policy holder s ’perception of customer orientation of insurance agent and the customer loyalty of life insurance industry in Anuradhapura district. Therefore four life insurance companies was selected in Thabuthegama regional area to carrying out the research study .Since this research is focused on life insurance customers’ Loyalty and Customer Orientation insurance agent, life insurance policyholder can be identified as unit of analyses and sample technique use simple random sample method. Both descriptive and inferential techniques were used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics were used to discover and summarize the attributed of the sample. Furthermore, correlation coefficient analysis was used to measure the degree of linear association between two variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to combine contribution of each parts of the independent variable.
CuO free p-Cu2O nano-surfaces prepared by oxidizing copper sheets with a slow heating rate exhibiting the highest photocurrent and the H2 evaluation rate
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Liyanaarachchi, U. S.; Fernando, C. A. N.; De Silva, S. N. T.
Among the various metal oxide materials for solar energy applications, p-type cuprous oxide (p- Cu2O) is a promising non-toxic and low cost semiconductor with attracted attention for many decades (Mittiga et al., 2006). It was reported that p-Cu2O can be prepared by various fabrication processes such as thermal oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, chemical bath deposition and chemical vapor deposition. Low energy conversion efficiency of p-Cu2O based solar energy conversion devices is due to the prevention of the photo-generated charge carrier separation in the micron–sized Cu2O grains on the surface enhancing the recombination process. If the grains radius is reduced from micron to nano-size, the opportunities for recombination can be dramatically reduced enhancing the light absorption properties of the films. Therefore, the preparation of nano- crystalline Cu2O thin films is a key factor to improve the performance of solar application devices without destroying the crystalline properties of the Cu2O films. Hence, the present work is aim to fabricate CuO free nano-crystalline p-Cu2O by thermal oxidation of copper sheets under maintaining slow heating rate for the first time. Structural and photoelectrochemical properties are also aimed to study. Methodology The outer layers of commercially available (99.99% purity) copper sheets 2cm×4cm were removed by sand papers and polished with Brasso Metal Polisher until obtaining a mirror like surface. Thereafter, polished copper sheets were washed with a surface detergent and distilled water several times. Well cleaned copper sheets were inserted into a Quartz Tube in a Cabolite- 301 Tube Furnace opening both ends by filling normal air during the oxidation process. Initially a heating rate 10 C/min was provided inside the furnace with copper sheets starting from the room temperature. After reaching 300 C, 400 C, 450 C and 700 C the temperature kept constant for 30min and then cooled down to room temperature. Experimentally that it was found that the 10 C/min heating rate was the most suitable to fabricate mechanically stable p-Cu2O on copper C temperature profiles did not produce mechanically stable Cu2O films on copper sheets. Furnace temperature below 300 C was not sufficient to oxidize copper sheets to form quality Cu2O surfaces.Fig.2 shows the appearance of the Cu2O films prepared. Four different surface colors exhibited at each temperature profile expecting four different surface morphologies. Result and Discussion Fig.01 shows the diffuse reflectance spectra for the samples prepared from 300ºC, 400ºC, 450ºC and 700ºC temperature profiles. For the samples prepared from 300ºC, 400ºC and 450ºC temperature profiles show absorption edges 630nm, 620 nm and 600nm, to the band gaps 1.98eV, 2.0eV and 2.1 eV due to band to band transitions of Cu2O. Band gap 1.4eV for an absorption edge ≈850nm can be observed for CuO crystals prepared from 700ºC temperature profile. It should be mentioned that the absorption edges for Cu2O corresponding to the 300ºC, 400 ºC and 450ºC temperature profiles cannot be observed clearly for the samples prepared at 700ºC temperature profile as shown. So that, it can be concluded the most light is absorbed by CuO regions than the Cu2O regions for the samples prepared from 700ºC temperature profile.
Determinants of Poverty in Tea Estate Workers in Nuwara Eliya District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Wijerathne, K. M. D. L.; Dharmadasa, R. A. P. I. S.; Shyamalie, H. W.; Karunarathna, B. M. N. C.; Pilapitiya, H. M. C. G.
As a developing country, poverty is a major issue in Sri Lanka. The poverty or poor is expressed as lack of access to basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education etc. The poverty line specifies the minimum standard of living condition in the society to which everybody should be entitled. However, income level and other facilities available to people in the different sectors may vary. Also, the household living standard has a strong relationship with the poverty of the people. NuwaraEliya district is one of the major tea growing areas in Sri Lanka. Of the total population in NuwaraEliya district (706,588), 53.6 % of the population is belonged to estate sector (Central Bank, 2013). Knowing the socio-economic factors which affect to poverty in estate sector is vital to find the strategies for improving their living conditions. Therefore, this study attempts to identify the determinants of poverty in estate sector. The results of the study will be useful to make policies and suggestions to improve their living conditions of estate workers in NuwaraEliya district. Methodology The present study was conducted in tea growing locations of NuwaraEliya district. There are five District Secretariat (DS) divisions in NuwaraEliya District and of them, NuwaraEliya DS division was purposely selected for the study, since the highest estate population is recorded in this DS division (Central Bank, 2013). Multi stage sampling method was used for the selection of tea estates and systematic sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Out of seventy two GramaNiladari divisions, four GramaNiladari divisions were randomly selected. An estate was randomly selected from each selected GramaNiladhari division. Fifty workers were selected from each estate for the survey and total sample size was 200 estate workers. Primary data relating to various parameters of socio - economic status were gathered through well designed and pre tested questionnaire. The secondary information was collected from various published/unpublished sources. Tabular and regression techniques were employed to analyse the data. Binary Logistic regression model was employed to identify the determinants of poverty. A poverty level (poor or non - poor) was decided by using the real per capita expenditure as a cut off point corresponding to Sri Lanka Official Poverty Line (OPL) Rs. 3924 in 2014 August (Department of Censes and Statistic, 2014).
Development of Green Tea incorporated Ayurvedic toothpaste
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Ranasinghe, D. N. C.; Alakolanga, A.G.A.W.; Arachchi, M.P.M.
The tea plant Camellia sinensis is native to South East Asia and consumed worldwide, although in greatly different amounts. It is generally accepted that, next to water, tea is the most consumed . Green tea contains polyphenolic compounds, which include flavanols, flavandiols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids and account for 30% of the dry weight of green tea leaves. Green tea contains compounds that appear to control inflammation and fight bacterial infection. This drink is also rich in antioxidants, which have many oral health properties as Cavity prevention, Gum health, Less tooth loss, Cancer control, Better breath (Lisa, 2011). But the oral health benefit of the green tea is less aware by the people (Narotzki et al, 2012). This study is aimed to develop green tea incorporated ayurvedic toothpaste by addition of five different herbs to enhance the natural flavor of the tooth paste while increasing the oral health benefits. The main objective is to develop ayurvedic toothpaste incorporating green tea and evaluate it for selected quality parameters. Other objectives are to determine the appropriate green tea and herbal oil incorporation quantity, to evaluate taste of the toothpaste (strength, bitterness), liquor color, smell, freshness after washing and the overall acceptability as quality indicators. Materials and Methods The green tea ayurvedic toothpaste consists with chemical mixture, green tea extract and herbal oil. To prepare the toothpaste chemical mixture 325g of powdered Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3), 5g of Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC), 10g of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and 2g of Methyl Paraben were mixed well during 15 minutes. And 110 mL of distilled water, 70 mL of glycerol and 70 mL of sorbitol were mixed in a separate dish and poured in to the solid chemical mixture and mixed together until 30 minutes. It was stored in a sealed container. To extract the herbal oil 110g of each powdered Clove, Welmee, Munamal and Aralu were ground by adding 100 mL of distilled water until herbal pulp was formed. And the pulp was boiled during 10 minutes at constant temperature while mixing with 500 mL Sesame oil until evaporated the total water amount. Green tea – water extraction was done using reflux extractor (ISO 1574:1980). To prepare the green tea ayurvedic toothpaste all the three ingredients (chemical mixture, green tea and herbal oil) were mixed together at 1% , 2% of green tea extract and herbal oil levels. Sensory evaluation with 30 untrained panelists was carried out to select the best green tea, and herbal oil incorporation quantity for the formulated toothpaste. Five point hedonic scale was used to evaluate samples for taste (strength, bitterness), color of the paste, smell, freshness after wa shing and the overall acceptability. Data were statistically analyzed using Freidman test at 5% level of significance using MINITAB statistical software. The pH value of the developed toothpaste was measured with electronic pH meter. Determination of Moisture and Volatile Matter, Foaming Volume and Stability of the toothpaste were done based on SLS 275:2006 specifications. Determination of polyphenol content of the toothpaste was done according to the ISO 14502-1 specifications. Prepared green tea ayurvedic toothpaste and control were tested for well diffusion assay using experimental microorganism included Strephylococcs aureus and the mean zone inhibition was measured (Awadalla et al, 2011). A total plate count test was done to determine the microbial evaluation of the toothpaste. The prepared mouthwash was subjected to a storage study by observing color and the smell at two weeks intervals and the pH of the product also measured. Results and Discussion Analyzed statistical data of the sensory evaluation of first experiment revealed that, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) among five treatments in respect to the all the sensory attributes tested. According to the Figure 1, Second treatment combination (475) which consisted of 1% of green tea extract and 2% of herbal oil amounts were selected as the best treatment to develop the new product since each of the significantly different attribute bears the highest rank mean and median values except colour of the product
Development of Finger millet (Eleusinecoracana) incorporated symbiotic drinking yoghurt
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Awanthika, H.K.T.; Abesinghe, A.M.N.L.; De Silva, U.
Sri Lankan yogurt market is characterized by intense competition prompting leading players to differentiate themselves by focusing on health benefits, branding, and incorporation of different ingredients. Yoghurt is a popular fermented dairy product due to its health benefits as a functional food in addition to its nutritional benefits (Robinson and Tamime, 1999). High calorie yogurt drink that contains any kind of a cereal powder is completely a new product concept to the Sri Lankan market. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to develop a health beneficial probiotic drinking yoghurt by incorporating finger millet as a cereal which can be used as a breakfast food, sport supplement and also as a weaned food for toddlers. Nutritionally, finger millet is used as a whole grain, it is higher in protein and minerals in comparison to all other cereals and millets. Accroding to previous studies, finger millet is also known for several health benefits such as anti-diabetic, antitumerogenic, atherosclerogenic effects, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which are mainly attributed due to its polyphenol and dietary fiber contents (Dykes and Rooney, 2007; Chethan, 2008). Therefore this study was conducted to develop a cereal based probiotic yoghurt drink which can be promoted as a natural source of high calorie that can be consumed as an alternative for the imported, artificial and expensive sport nutrition’s and weaned foods. Methodology The study was conducted at the research and development and quality assurance laboratories in Ceylon cold stores PLC, Ranala, Kaduwela. In the preliminary trial 1 most compatible sugar percentages for different incorporation levels of finger millet flour from the three experimental forms (roasted flour, germinated flour and raw slurry) were selected. Then preliminary trial 2 was carried out using ranking method to select the best finger millet incorporation levels (4 %, 5 %, 6%, 7% and 8 % (w/w)) for each incorporation form. The best sugar percentages and incorporation levels of finger millet from preliminary trials were used in next steps of experiments. Sensory evaluation 1 was carried out to select the best form/type of finger millet flour to incorporate out of three forms. In second sensory evaluation, the most suitable stage for finger millet incorporation was determined by using two treatments. Each sensory evaluation was conducted with 30 untrained panellists and color, taste, aroma, mouth feel and overall acceptability were considered as sensory properties. Finally proximate analysis, physico- chemical and microbial analysis were conducted for the selected final probiotic drinking yoghurt by comparing with a control sample. Probiotc lactic acid bacteria enumeration was carried out using the selected final product by pour plating on MRS media to find out the effect of finger millet incorporation on the viability of probiotic lactobacilli. Selected final product was compared with a control sample and enumeration was done at 1, 7 and 14 days interval. The sensory data were analyzed using Friedman non-parametric test with 95% significance by using Minitab 16 software. Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was conducted and data obtained from chemical and microbiological tests were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the SAS 9.0 software. Significant means of treatments were separated using the Least Significant Difference test (LSD) (P< 0.05). Results and Discussion According to the results of the series of preliminary trials 5% (w/w) was selected as the best incorporation level from each three finger millet forms and 8 % (w/w) sugar as the compatible sugar percentage. In the first sensory evaluation for selecting best form/type of incorporation out of three experimental forms, germinated /malted flour incorporated yoghurt was selected as the best due to higher preference than other two. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between treatments regarding and overall acceptability. Second sensory evaluation revealed, 5 % (w/w) germinated (malted) finger millet flour incorporated (Addition before fermentation) drinking yoghurt have the higher preference compared to the other treatment

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