International Research Conference of UWU-2021

Permanent URI for this collection

https://erepo.lib.uwu.ac.lk/handle/123456789/8715

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 276

Design an Extruder Machine to Make Artificial Rice
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Sanjeewani, U.U.; De Silva, K.P.I.M.; Rukshan, R.A.T.; Senarathna, K.G.C.
More than half of the world's population consume rice as a staple meal. Sri Lankans consume 2.34 million metric tons of rice per year on average. But rice shortage occurs due to natural disasters in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka produced 1.471 million tons of paddy during the Yala cultivation season in 2019. Rice peases are procuced as a by-product during the milling process and therefore the value of the rice is droped down. As a solution of this low value products, more nutrition, taste rice varieties with good appearance can be prepared for different purposes. In order to facilitate these reqerements, artificial rice production has attracted the attention of other countries in the world. It is our defeating goal to establish this in our country too. extrusion technology is used to achieve this goal. The purpose of this study is to develop a new type of rice using extrusion technology using raw rice and other protein ingredients as raw material. Extraction is the process by which a mixed ingredient passes through a narrow opening called a die to form and get the desired shape of food. Processing flowcharts of some extruded food products ingredient storage 1. Ingredient Feeding 2. Mixing, Extrusion 3. Drying 4. Cutting 5. Packaging. this machine is designed with three main units feeding unit, compressing unit, and cutting and rolling unit. stainless steel SUS 304 is used for every part of contact with food. shape of the rice produced using this machine is basmati rice. Construction is based on Single screw extrusion. This machine can be used to produce artificial rice and content of the rice material can be modified in order to have good taste, apearace and nutritions. Indeed, it is a value addition to the grain grown in Sri Lanka and make a new quality product for the local market as well as export to the global market. Keywords: Artificial rice; Extrusion Technology; Synthetic rice; Extruder machine
Quality Assurance Policy Realization Framework for Higher Education: With Special Reference to Teaching and Learning Process in Sri Lankan State Universities
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Pushpakumara, H.M.C.; Jayaweera, P.M.; Wanniarachchige, M.K.
The higher education sector has focused on assuring and improving the quality of education and research. In this context, quality assurance is a proactive and continuous process encompassing a diverse set of policies and procedures. The quality assurance monitoring process assures the quality through examining the compliance while indicating instances where changes in policies and procedures are required. Nevertheless, universities still apply traditional methods in quality assurance that rely heavily on bulky documentary evidence, mainly based on manual techniques. Thereby, quality assurance has become an additional burden for the employees. Although universities employ a variety of information systems, their focus on quality assurance is limited. These systems heavily focus on running routine and day-to-day operations instead of acting like an integrated management information system. Therefore, this paper proposes a new information system module that can act as a quality assurance policy realization module while providing a mechanism to operationalize policies and procedures in electronic form. The study followed the design science research methodology. Experts‟ interviews, physical observations of the quality assurance activities, and references of quality assurance related documentation were used as the main data sources. The system consists of three sub-modules: process monitoring and recording, quality assurance rules management and execution, and performance evaluation. Given the complexity, this study demonstrates only how quality can be assured in the teaching and learning process. In the first sub-module, the teaching and learning process was explored and respective sub-processes and activities were identified. Then, quality compliance reports were introduced to monitor the activities and record compliance with existing and recommended policies and procedures. The second sub-module specifies the quality assurance rules on activities and guides the activities in the execution stage. The third sub-module is a quality assurance knowledge repository that can deliver information for decision making. The proposed system facilitates the dynamic nature of quality assurance policies and procedures through online monitoring and establishing an evolving rule-base. Keywords: Quality assurance; Higher education; Information system
Enhanced Photovoltaic Properties of Cadmium Sulfide Quantum Dot Sensitized TiO2 Solar Cells with Novel SnO2 Based Counter Electrode
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Sandamali, W.I.; Senadeera, G.K.R.; Dissanayake, M.A.K.L.; Jaseetharan, T.; Kumari, J.M.K.W.; Umair, K.; Perera, V.P.S.; Rajendra, J.C.N.; Karthikeyan, N.
Quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) have gained increased attention due to the unique properties of the semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), as light captivating materials. QDs facilitates multiple exciton generation, tunable bandgaps, high absorption coefficient, and low power consumption. Many studies have been carried out towards producing affordable QDSSCs with high power conversion efficiencies, utilizing these properties. As a critical component of QDSSCs, counter electrodes hold significant importance among these studies. Platinum (Pt), a widely used counter electrode with QDSSCs, is being disfavored due to high cost, diminishing material supply, and reduced catalytic activity, when used with polysulfide electrolyte which is the most common electrolyte for QDSSCs, due to surface, adsorbed sulphur. Therefore, substantial investigations have been carried out in searching for an alternative, affordable and effective counter electrode in these devices. Among the suitable materials, tin oxide (SnO2), a wide bandgap semiconductor, has become a promising candidate for counter electrode due to its high chemical stability, high electron mobility, low cost and environmentally friendly nature. In this study, counter electrodes were fabricated by depositing SnO2 films on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates by using a simple spray pyrolysis technique. These counter electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopic and Raman techniques. Photovoltaic properties of CdS quantum dots sensitized TiO2 solar cells with polysulfide electrolyte were tested by using this novel counter electrode. QDSSCs fabricated with optimized SnO2 counter electrode showed 1.47% power conversion efficiency under the illumination of 100 mW cm-2, whereas the devices fabricated with conventional Pt coated counter electrodes showed 1.08% under the same conditions. Therefore, about 36% enhancement in power conversion efficiency could be obtained by employing this novel low-cost counter electrode in these QDSSCs. Keywords: Counter electrode; SnO2; CdS; Quantum dot sensitized solar cell
COVID-19 Impact on E-commerce Usage: An Empirical Evidence from Sri Lankan SME Sector (With special reference to Northern Province)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Saisinthu, S.; Kulathunga, K.M.M.C.B.; Amarawansha, T.G.A.H.C.
The adoption of e-commerce in the small and medium sector has become one of the main business improvement areas in the Small and Medium Enterprises that seems unavoidable in competing and even surviving in a highly competitive industry before and during COVID-19. This study focus on the impact of e-commerce usage in small and medium enterprises under the COVID-19 outbreak. It is found that many firms are having a difficult situation with business operation and attempted to use e- commerce to upgrade their operation and competitive capabilities for survival in the industry. To review this problem in the Sri Lankan Small and Medium Enterprise sector, Technological, Organizational and Environmental model was modified and used as a conceptual framework to review the problem in the Sri Lankan small and medium enterprises. This study focused on the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, consisting of five districts: Jaffna, Killinochchi, Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu. This research was conducted based on quantitative survey method. The structured questionnaire was distributed among 120 samples of small and medium enterprises, which was selected using a simple random technique. The data collected through this survey was analyzed using SPSS and PLS-SEM (SmartPLS) version 3 to examine the relationship between variables and test the hypothesis. The findings of the study reveal that perceived benefits, e-commerce knowledge, external pressure and supply chain integration have a significant positive impact. In the other hand, IT infrastructure has an insignificant effect on e-commerce usage. In addition, the benefits obtained from this study can be used to empower e-commerce usage in the small and medium enterprise, including manufacturing industry, service industry and trade industry. Also, it will enhance the quality of providing goods and services. The origin of this research is combining effect of Technological, Organizational and Environmental and Diffusion of Innovation theory on e-commerce usage for the Small and Medium Enterprises to contribute to the literature. Keywords: COVID-19; E-commerce; Small and Medium enterprises; Organizational; Technological; Environmental
Development and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Kappaphycus alvarezii Seaweed- based Coating Solution for the Shelf-life Extension of Banana (Variety: Cavendish)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Hettiarachchi, H.A.S.U.; Liyanage, A.L.C.J.; Jayasundera, A.C.A.
Application of biodegradable coating solutions is a novel approach to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables. A variety of raw materials are used to develop cost effective coating materials. Studies focusing on the development of seaweed-based coatings are still scarce in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the aims of the present study are to formulate fruit coating material from Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed using glycerol as the plasticizer and to determine the applicability of formulated coating for the shelf life extension of Cavendish bananas. Seaweed extract(obtained by hot water extraction) and 10%, 15% and 20% (V/W) glycerol concentrations were used to produce three different types of coating solutions (glycerol concentrations were selected based on potential bioplastic strength). Cavendish bananas (ripening index 5) were coated with the prepared coating solutions and percentage weight loss, change in firmness (fruit hardness tester), total soluble solid (TSS) content (refractometer) and the peel browning (visual observation) were evaluated for six days. Percentage weight loss was highest for non-coated bananas compared to coated bananas and the least weight loss was observed in the bananas coated with 20% glycerol added coating solution (p<0.05). After six days of storage, total percentage weight loss of non-coated bananas was 23.97% and 11.54% for bananas coated with 20% glycerol added coating solution. A continuous loss in fruit firmness was observed in all the four types of samples. The rate of firmness reduction was highest (32%) in non-coated bananas than coated bananas (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in TSS content of non-coated bananas compared to coated bananas during storage (p<0.05). The rate of TSS increment was higher (8%) in non-coated bananas than coated bananas. Lowest degree of peel browning was observed in the banana coated with 20% glycerol added film forming solution while peel browning was greatest in control samples. Accordingly, percentage weight loss, loss of firmness and peel browning can be effectively reduced by applying seaweed- based coating solutions. Effectiveness of coating solution increases with the increasing glycerol content. It can be concluded that the 20% glycerol incorporated coating solution is a viable coating material for the shelf life extension of Cavendish bananas Keywords: Coating solutions; Glycerol; Kappaphycus alvarezii; Seaweeds; Shelf life extension
Effect of Seaweed Extract (Sargassum wightii) on Seedling Growth Promotion in the Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata) Hawari verity
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Gamage, G.C.T.; Sathees, D.; Hemalatha, J.P.S.
Growth in the human population urges the need for increment in food production. This leads to indiscriminate use of synthetic and chemicals for their agricultural lands resulting are highly toxic to the environment and soil. Our study aims to develop a seaweed extract from commonly available seaweed Sargassum wightii to enhance the plant growth promotion in the Hawari verity Long bean (Vigna unguiculata). The seaweed extract was treated at six different levels of T1 – 0%, T2 – 5%, T3 – 10%, T4 – 15%, T5 – 20%, and T6 –25% for long bean Hawari verity. The extraction was used to check the seed germination percentage and shoot length, root length, the number of leaves was measured at 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th days after transplanting. The highest seed germination percentage of 94.44% was observed in T4 whereas the lowest of 56.64% was observed in T6. The highest shoot length of the seedling was observed in T5 and lowest in T1. Similarly, the highest root length (7.07±0.42 cm) was observed in T5 and the lowest (6.00±0.51cm) in T1 on the 16th day. The highest (6.46±0.51) and lowest (5.46±0.51) number of leaves were observed in T5 and T1. The results suggest that 20% Sargassum wightii extract enhances the germination and growth of Hawari verity seedling on Vigna unguiculata. Sargassum wightii extract can be used in organic agriculture. Keywords: Long bean; Organic fertilizer; Seaweed extract; Seed germination; Seedling growth
Does “SERVEQUAL” Model Impact on Food and Beverage Service Quality in Customer Retention during COVID 19 New Normal? ; A Study Reference to Family Restaurants in Western Province, Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Perera, L.A.P.C.; Rathnayaka, B.R.M.G.M.
The service quality is considered to be a critical factor in contemporary and changing Hospitality and Tourism industry. COVID 19 New Normal has created an exceptional paradigm in the recent tourism, creating a detrimental effect on the restaurant industry. Immediate recovery of the tourism during “dramatical” New Normal needs to possess the service quality excellence at its highest to regain the customer retention in the food and beverage sector. In consonance with that, this study aims to identify whether “SERVEQUAL” model impact on food and beverage service quality in customer retention during new normal COVID 19 in family restaurants in Western Province, Sri Lanka. A questionnaire based telephone Interview series was conducted by selecting 50 family restaurants in the Western Province as the sample through judgemental sampling technique. After the comprehensive literature review, the study decided to adopt the deductive approach over quantitative design. Initially, a multiple regression analysis was performed to diagnose the impact of SERVEQUAL dimensions: Reliability, Assurance, Tangibility, Empathy and Responsiveness on the customer retention. The results disclosed that, there is a strong direct and significant impact of SERVEQUAL on Customer retention for family restaurants, especially during New Normal. Further, empathy and assurance of service quality of food and beverage were highlighted as the most apprehensive and decisive influences on customers‟ retention during New Normal. Advancement in the smart electronic service practices and changes in the behavior, attitudes and hygienic appearance of service staff need to be aggrandized in order to retain customers with family restaurants during new normal. Moreover, studies on the moderating effect of customer satisfaction for SERVEQUAL model in retaining customers in food and beverage industry can be carried out. Keywords: SERVEQUAL Model; Service Quality; New Normal; Customer Retention; Food and Beverage
A Study on the Impact of Employee Engagement Techniques to Ensure Employee Obedience on Hotel Policies and Procedures (With Special Reference to Boutique Hotels in Kandy District)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Dissanayake, B.D.C.N.; Peiris, H.R.N.; Wijesundara, W.G.S.R.
The concept of employee engagement has become a significant concern in the corporate world as a highly engaged workforce helps to increase innovation, productivity, and overall performance. For employees to be engaged in their job tasks and enhance their performance, they should know what an organization expects from them. Rules, regulations, guidelines, or standards are the directive bodies that guide employees to meet organizational goals and objectives. The employee obedience concept explains employee‟s loyalty towards the organization. The hotel industry, as a service sector, requires a high degree of interaction of employees and it is essential in obeying hotel policies and procedures to enhance the customer experience. This study seeks to identify the impact of employee engagement techniques and their importance to ensure employee obedience to hotel policies. A quantitative study was conducted involving 110 employees who work in boutique hotels in Kandy District, Sri Lanka applying a convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used for collecting data, which was analyzed through descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analytical methods. As results revealed, employee engagement techniques illustrated a mixed type of impact on employee obedience on hotel policies and procedures. Further, reward and recognition, training and career development, and compensation show combined impact while employee relationship management and work environment display the individual impact on employee obedience on hotel policies and procedures. Compensation shows a negative impact on employee obedience to hotel policies and procedures. Further, results highlight the unavailability of properly established or universal employee engagement methods techniques. The study recommends that employee engagement strategies should be based on organizational culture, objectives, and goals, and the capacity of the organization to ensure employee obedience on hotel policies and procedures. This study suggests regulating and maintaining employee engagement techniques under the supervision of management. Besides, an organization needs to be concerned about the work environment and managing employee relations rather than typical employee engagement practices to ensure employee obedience to hotel policies and procedures. However, this study suggests identifying the relationship between employee engagement, organizational performance, and commitment in the service sector in future research, as it is important to validate the findings of this study. Keywords: Employee engagement; Employee engagement techniques; Employee obedience; Hotel Policies and Procedures
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Probing of Nano-zero Valent Iron Assisted Nitrate Degradation
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Halpegama, J.U.; Heenkenda, K.Y.; Kuss, C.; Nanayakkara, K.G.N.; Herath, A.C.; Rajapakse, R.M.G.; Weerasooriya, R.
Excess nitrate adversely contributes to groundwater pollution. However, nitrate remediation is not an easy task. Upon boiling it concentrates, and does not sorb, in significant amounts, onto soils or other surfaces. Metallic iron (Fe) is an attractive alternative for nitrate reduction compared to conventional treatment processes. In this research nano zero valent iron-reduced graphene oxide composite (nZVI-rGO) was synthesized using modified Hummers method. Polyphenols derived from natural tea leaves were used to reduce Fe2+/Fe3+ into Fe. All X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) measurements were carried out by an XPS (5000 VersaProbe II ULVAC-PHI Inc., Japan) system equipped with an X-ray source (monochromatic Al K𝛼 1486.7 eV X rays). These measurements were used to elucidate the surface sites and the oxidation states of nitrogen adhered to the surface of nZVI-rGO. At 5.6 pH, composite material reduce 70% of 0.8064 mM nitrates within an hour at 25 . However, the mechanistic steps of nitrate reduction are inconclusive to date. The Fe-XPS signal was assigned to oxidized Fe signaling surface oxidation, and Fe(0) within the core-shell structure of nZVI-rGO. The N 1s transition indicates the aromatic N presence in polyphenols. After nitrate reduction, ammonia accounts for 95% of the nitrogen mass balance with N2, NO and NO2- traces. The peak at 706.7 eV contributes to Fe(0) was disappeared and the intensity of the Fe(II) and Fe(III) peaks decreased. During the reduction, oxidized Fe2+(aq) was converted into Fe3O4 via spontaneous electron transfer between the Fe2+ and the pre-existing surface Fe3+ oxides and enhanced the nitrate removal efficiencies. nZVI reduces nitrate into NO, which has a high electron density. This NO can easily trap free electrons and form negatively charged NO-. The adsorbed NO- to the cationic iron oxides sites of nZVI-rGO surface identified by N 1s transition peak at 401.7 eV. Further research is required for the identification of nitrogen- containing groups of natural green tea leaves polyphenols to confirm the surface sites of nitrogen. Keywords: Nano-zero valent iron; Nitrate reduction; Polyphenols; Reduced graphene oxide; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Livelihood Environmentalism and Judicial Activism: A Critical Review of Sri Lankan Experience
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Thilakarathna, K.A A.N.; Madushanka, M.A.D.
Environmentalism refers to the methods and tools used for the protection of the environment from the adverse effects caused upon it by the humankind. While the concern is common, the approaches utilized under environmentalism has differed across the rich and the poor where the poor have advocated for a livelihood approach for the protection of environment where the environment protection is advocated as a means of protecting their livelihood. When one considers this situation from a Sri Lankan perspective, the livelihood approach has been utilized and is responsible for invoking the judicial activism of the courts in acting as a protector of the environment through its adjudication process. Using a qualitative method by employing the doctrinal approach, this article looks at the intersection of the livelihood approach and the judicial activism in advancing a right to a clean and healthy environment. The results have shown that, the courts have played an active role when it has been called to adjudicate on environmental matters that involves a livelihood aspect and this has led the judiciary to take a conscious effort in getting itself involved in the protection and preservation of the environment in the absence of Constitutional provisions which specifically grants a justiciable right to a clean and healthy environment. The judiciary has been bold enough to declare that a meaningful interpretation of Article 12(1) of the Constitution should include a right to a clean and healthy environment. However, it is concluded that, while the livelihood approach has made a significant impact on the judicial law making in the country when it comes to advocating for a right to a clean and healthy environment, having a specific right to a clean and healthy environment under the fundamental rights chapter of the Constitution itself must be the final endeavour in helping those who to vindicate their right to a clean and healthy environment through fundamental right adjudication. Keywords: Livelihood Environmentalism; Judicial Activism; Right to Environment; Sociology
Nutrient Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Qualitative Phytochemicals Screening of Acrostichum aureum (Kerenkoku) Extracts
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Peduruhewa, P.S.; Jayathunga, K.G.L.R.; Liyanage, R.
Hundreds of wild edible species, which are capable of contributing to improve healthy dietary patterns are available in Sri Lanka. Although Acrostichum aureum (Kerenkoku) is an important wild edible species, its nutritional properties are still unexplored. This study was carried out to determine the nutrient composition, antioxidant activity and to screen the phytochemicals in different crude extracts of A. aureum. Different organic solvents including hexane, ethanol and chloroform were used to prepare crude extracts. Different crude extracts were tested to determine the antioxidant activity using DPPH assay. The proximate nutritional composition including, ash, moisture, crude protein, crude fat and crude fiber were determined using AOAC standards. In DPPH assay, IC 50 values of crude extracts varied between 1.53 mgmL-1 to 4.3 mgmL-1. According to the results, the highest antioxidant activity was found in chloroform extract followed by ethanol and hexane extracts. Qualitative In vitro phytochemicals screening for all crude extracts had shown the presence of alkaloid, phenol, flavonoid and quinine compounds. Moreover, ethanol extract contained tannin and saponin compounds. On the other hand, all the crude extracts did not show positive results for coumarin and steroids. Moisture and ash contents were 86.90% and 0.03% of fresh weight, respectively. The corresponding values for crude fat, crude fiber and crude protein were 2.80%, 7.53% and 3.53% respectively in dry weight basis. Nutritional compositions of A. aureum showed similar values to most leafy vegetables in Sri Lanka, while the identified crude fiber level was higher than the other common leafy vegetables. In conclusion, most of the screened phytochemicals in A. aureum are potent antioxidants and have corresponded to free radical scavenging activity. A. aureum has a good potential to be used as a food source due to its significant nutritional values. Accordingly, these underutilized plants can play an important role in improving human dietary patterns as well as to fight against food insecurity in future. Keywords: Acrostichum aureum; Antioxidant activity; Proximate composition; Phytochemicals
Development of Tracking over Speed System Using IoT Technology for Vehicles
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Danijal, T.J.; Thevathayarajh, T.
Now, IoT technology is used for many applications. But they are certainly used for agriculture purpose in Sri Lanka. In the modern era, many accidents occur due to over speed. But accidents are controlled with the help of the police force and speed bumps in the past. IoT technology was used in this project to monitor the high speed. First, the velocity of the motorcycle was measured with the help of a Tachometer. When approaching the predefined maximum speed, the warning message was sent to the driver. When crossing the predefined maximum speed, all details including the reading of the Tachometer and location were sent to the mobile number of the motorcyclist and to the web application that was created for the police force at the same time using GPS/GPRS/GSM module. Finally, the output of the complete project shows 90% accuracy and the system showed the expected output with the available components. Keywords: IoT technology; over speed; Tachometer; Gps module; GPRS module; GSM module
A Study on Sustained Drug Releasing Properties of Acarbose Intercalated Na- montmorillonite for Potential Pharmaceutical Applications
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Kawmudhi, P.A.S.; Lochana, E.A.L.; Premarathne, E.P.N.; Alakolanga, A.G.A.W.; Rathnayake, S.I.
Acarbose is a well-known synthetic drug, which commonly treats type II diabetes. For diabetic patients, acarbose must be administered multiple doses a day to keep a stable glucose level in the body due to short biological half-life. Therefore, drug formulations with sustained releasing properties are developed using stable carriers like, Montmorillonite (MMT) due to its unique structure and properties. In this study, acarbose intercalated clay formulations were synthesized and their sustained releasing properties tested. Acarbose solution (100 ppm) was stirred with MMT (1 g) for 24 h at 4–8 pH. The highest intercalation of acarbose was observed at acidic pH due to electrostatic interactions between negatively charges clay layers and protonated acarbose molecules. The concentration of acarbose in aqueous solution was determined using the UV-Vis spectroscopy method. The calibration curve (2–40 ppm) of standard acarbose (r2 =0.9826) at 426 nm, was used for calculating the acarbose intercalation percentages. 2.18 mg g-1 (43.77%) and 5.1 mg g-1 (52.27%) of acarbose intercalated into MMT at pH 6 and the interlayer space of unmodified montmorillonite has been increased from 1.185 to 1.310 nm and 1.403 nm upon acarbose intercalation at 50 ppm and 100 ppm initial acarbose concentrations, respectively. This concludes that acarbose has been successfully intercalated into the interlayers of montmorillonite and the intercalated amount increased with increasing the initial acarbose concentration. Increased intensity and broadening of the peak corresponding to vibrations of OH groups (3687–3125 cm-1) was observed in FTIR spectra of acarbose intercalated montmorillonite, which may due to the presence of acarbose on or between the layers of montmorillonite. The in-vitro drug releasing properties of acarbose from acarbose intercalated montmorillonite was tested in artificial intestinal condition (pH 7.4 PBS solution) using dialysis tube method. Acarbose releasing from the montmorillonite matrix was gradually increased in the first 8 h and slow release was observed after that. Pseudo-second order kinetics model showed a good fit (r2= 0.9767) for the acarbose releasing data suggesting the release of acarbose from MMT matrix involves chemical desorption. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential applications of montmorillonite as matrix material for sustained release drug formulations for future pharmaceutical studies. Keywords: Acarbose; Montmorillonite; Sustained drug releasing; XRD; FTIR
Assessment of the Association between Selected Socio-demographic Characteristics with Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of School Children in Colombo, Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Wanniarachchi, P.C.; Abeysundara, P.D.A.; Peiris, K.G.H.S.
Having felicitous knowledge and positive attitude on food safety with proper execution of safe food handling practices since childhood make school children more confident in facing food safety risks as adults in future. This work was conducted to assess and analyse the relationship between some selected socio-demographic factors on the food safety knowledge, attitude and practices among school children in Colombo Education Zone, Sri Lanka. Data were collected using a self- administered questionnaire which contained 44 close ended questions on four basic areas; students‟ experiences with food preparation, students‟ attitude on food safety, students‟ food safety knowledge and their self-reported practices. Three hundred and eighty volunteer students (14-16 years old) from government schools of Colombo Education Zone were participated in the study. Three Scores were given to evaluate food safety knowledge, attitude and practices of students separately. The mean food safety knowledge, attitude and practice scores of students were 59.94 ± 0.83, 84.33 ± 0.44, 79.59 ± 0.61 respectively. Mann-Whitney u test indicated gender wise significant differences in food safety knowledge score (p = 0.035) and food safety practice score (0.000). Positive correlations were found (p < 0.05) between food safety knowledge score and parents‟ education background, student‟s academic ranking, Science marks. Significant positive correlations were shown between food safety practice score and student‟s academic ranking, Science marks. Similarly positive correlation- coefficients were recorded between food safety attitude score and parents‟ education background and students‟ Science marks. Results from the regression model indicated that food safety knowledge score significantly decreased if education level of parents, academic rank and Science marks of students (p < 0.05) are decreased. Although food safety knowledge score of males is higher than females, poor food safety practices were common among males and students with lower Science marks (p < 0.05). In conclusion, gender, parents‟ education background, students‟ academic ranking and Science marks can be effectively used as parameters to further improve food safety knowledge, attitude and practices among school children. Keywords: Food safety; Knowledge; Practices; Attitude; Socio-demographic factors; School children
Impact of Brand Awareness on Consumer Purchase Intention with Special Reference to Sri Lankan Tea Brands
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Priyadarshana, K.M.D.A.; Mahindarathne, M.G.P.P.; Maduwanthi, B.C.H.; Dissanayake, S.D.
Tea is the most widely consumed, most popular, and lower-cost beverage in the world next only to water. Sri Lanka is one of the top tea-producing countries in the world. Apart from the export market, the local market is also critical to sustain the tea industry. At present, a number of tea brands are available in the local market creating huge competition among them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of brand awareness on the consumer purchase intention of local consumers. Referring to the literature, the brand equity model that explains the relationship of brand awareness, brand loyalty, brand association, and perceived quality with the purchase intention was selected as the conceptual framework of this study, and a structured questionnaire was developed accordingly. In this study, the primary data were collected from 200 consumers in the Colombo district of Sri Lanka selected via non-probability convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive and regression analysis. The regression results showed that brand awareness and perceived quality have a positive significant relationship with purchase intention whereas brand loyalty and brand association do not. According to the results, the study stresses the importance of creating brand awareness, thus the tea traders should use appropriate marketing communication tools to raise brand awareness. Further, the perceived quality of tea revealed to be significant so that the tea traders take this into account in developing their products. Keywords: Brand Awareness; Brand Association; Brand Loyalty; Local Tea Market; Purchase Intention; Perceived Quality
Nephrotoxic Effect of Environmental Water Sample on Wistar Rats with Special Reference to Synergistic Effect of Fluoride and Hardness
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Dilrukshi, K.T.; Wanigasuriya, K.; Beneragama, D.H.; Suresh, T.S.; Manage, P.M.
Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) is a serious health problem in Sri Lanka and it has spread in epidemic proportions among the rural farming communities in the North Central Dry Zone of the country. There are several hypotheses on this phenomenon and the present study was focused on the nephrotoxic effect of environmental water samples on Wistar rats. Special attention was taken to evaluate the synergistic effect of water hardness and fluoride on nephrotoxicity. Experimental protocols were approved by the ethics committee of the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka (ERCIOBSL 194062019). Fourteen Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups (n=7). One group of rats was treated with water sample collected from Padaviya while the other group was given de-ionized (DI) water as the control group. Body weight and daily water consumption of each rat were measured and blood and urine samples were collected at 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days‟ intervals. Serum creatinine, urine creatinine and urinary biomarker KIM-01 were analysed. The concentrations of fluoride and hardness of Padaviya water sample were 1.91 and 280 mg/L respectively. There was no significant difference in body weights and daily water consumption between treated and control groups (p>0.05) were recorded. Average serum creatinine levels of the rats treated with Padaviya water and DI water were ranged from 0.73 to 1.02 mg/dL and 0.56 to 0.71 mg/dL respectively. Average urine creatinine levels of the rats treated with Padaviya water and DI water were ranged from 0.61 to 0.76 mg/dL and 0.65 to 0.7 mg/dL respectively. KIM-1 level was not detected in the control group treated with DI water where rats received Padaviya water, the KIM-1 level was 5.9 ng/mL at the end of the study. The results indicate that there was a nephrotoxic effect from Padaviya water sample which recorded high fluoride and water hardness. Thus, further studies are needed to evaluate the synergistic effect of water hardness and fluoride to determine the threshold levels. Keywords: Synergistic effect; Fluoride; Water hardness; Creatinine levels; Nephrotoxic effects
Development of a Silicone Dielectric Polymer for Actuators
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Dissanayake, D.M.N.T.; Asela, A.U.; Premarathna, A.K.C.P.; Tennakoon, G.A.A.I.; Samaraweera, R.L.
Virtual 3D environments (Virtual Reality) are created inside computers to deliver thermal, vibrational, and force feelings. Haptics technology brings this virtual world to end-users by haptics goggles and gloves. Tactile displays have been developed to deliver sensations in haptics gloves. In this regard, actuators act as movers in tactile displays stimulating sensations to skin receptors inside the fingertips. Dielectric polymer-based actuators are prominent in the world due to lightness, lower energy loss, and simplicity leading to wearable haptics gloves. Acrylic and silicone are the major types of dielectric polymers used for actuators. Silicone dielectric polymers have excellent properties such as faster response (3 s), efficiency, lower mechanical loss, and thermal stability comparing to acrylic. But silicones unable to achieve greater electro-strains (>10%) as it’s in acrylic-based actuators. This research work focused on enhancing the electro-strain property of silicone dielectric polymer by blending polyaniline particles. The electro-strain property of dielectric polymers depends on both dielectric constant and elastic modulus. Increased dielectric constant and decreased elastic modulus improve the electro-strain of actuators. Polyaniline has positive and negative charges itself which can be utilized to improve the dielectric constant of silicone polymer. Also, dispersed particles can change the elastic modulus of the matrix material. In the procedure, polyaniline and Dow corning silicone (DC 3481) were mixed in 0.0wt%, 0.5wt%, 1.0wt%, 1.5wt%, and 2wt% compositions and stirred for six hours. Next, thin films (thickness-125 m) were prepared using the Doctor blade technique on PVC (Polyvinylchloride) sheets. Crosslinking process was carried out for 24 hours. In characterization, 2wt% Dow corning silicone (DC 3481) and polyaniline polymer blend showed the 41.76% increment in dielectric constant, and elastic modulus was decreased by 68.71% compared to pure Dow corning silicone (DC 3481). This composition achieved the best matching electromechanical properties in dielectric constant and elastic modulus to apply in actuators. The developed polymer is recommended for haptics gloves to deliver enhanced force and vibration. Moreover, the Doctor blade technique can be introduced to fabricate thin films in actuators which is simple and cost-effective. Keywords: Virtual reality (VR); Actuators; Dielectric constant; Elastic modulus
Determination of Pectinase Activity of Selected Bacterial and Fungal Strains
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Yogarajah, K.; Singhalage, I.D.
Enzymes have been utilized to speed up the biological reactions in industrial productions. Enzymatic methods are environmentally friendly, low cost in production and disposal but the limitation of sources to extract different enzymes is an issue. Therefore, the current research aimed in order to determine the pectinase activity of selected bacterial and fungal strains isolated from a municipal garbage dump. Thirty-four bacterial (B1–B34) and five fungal (F1-F5) strains taken from the culture collection were activated in Nutrient Agar (NA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) respectively. For the enzymatic assay, the bacterial and fungal strains were re-cultured in NutrientBroth (NB) and Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB) respectively. The culture medium collected on day four was centrifuged and cell free supernatants were then tested for pectinase activity by well diffusion assay conducted in Pectinase Screening Agar medium (PSA) by following the Complete Randomized Design with three replicates. The NB alone was the control. Diameters of halo zones formed around the wells were measured at day four as the data. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA. The bacterial culture, B16 showed the highest pectinase activity among bacterial strains. F3 showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) pectinase activity among fungal strains. The study was further elaborated to find out the optimal maturity stage of B16 and F3 with the highest pectinase activity. For that, B16 were re-cultured in NB and F3 was re-cultured in PDB. The crude enzyme was extracted from the subsamples collected from each medium within 6 hr time intervals and used to digest pectine and the amounts of sugar formation after the pectine digestion was evaluated by DNSA method. The B16 showed highest pectinase activity (2.95 AU) at 72 and 78 hours of inoculation whereas F3 showed the highest pectinase activity (1.43 AU) between 54 and 78 hours of inoculation. Thus, the pectinase activity of B16 is higher than that of F3. Therefore, B16 of present study can be introduced as an efficient culture to extract pectinase enzyme in bulk for industrial applications. Keywords: Bacteria; Fungi; Pectinase
A Review on Ornamental Shrimp Industry in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Mudalipitiya, M.P.S.H.D.; Dias, P.C.B.; Liyanage, N.P.P.
Ornamental shrimp industry in Sri Lanka is developing rapidly within last few years. However, Sri Lanka is still in a developing stage of ornamental shrimp industry and needs to fulfil some gaps in the sector. Species identification is one of the major challenges in exportation as well as conservation viewpoint to reduce the biopiracy. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify the status of ornamental shrimp export industry, develop a user-friendly identification guide for exporting and protected shrimp species, and develop a database on ornamental shrimp industry. Available digitized export data were obtained from Sri Lankan customs and, reliable secondary data such as legal framework, morphological features, taxonomic levels, water quality requirements, lifespan, disease were collected. However, only 2017 and 2018 export details were available in digital format. Published research articles and taxonomic identification guides were studied and body type, body color, color of the maxillipeds, telson, chelae, abdomen, carapace, nature of the pleopods, significant body color spots and strips were identified as key characteristics and easy identification guide was developed using these morphological features. Percentage of export quantities were calculated using export data for each species and family. Nineteen species belong to eight families were identified as commonly exporting species. Family Hippolytidae had the highest export demand. 88.05% and 89.50% were represented by this family in total export quantities in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Hymenoceridae had the lowest demand of 0.01% in 2017 and no export in 2018. Percentage of Lysmata amboinensis is 66.83% in 2017 and 57.88% in 2018 and Lysmata debilius 22.11% in 2017 and is 29.14% in 2018. These species were the two major exported shrimp species out of all 19 species of family Hippolytidae. Bright colors and tank cleaning ability are major reasons for this high demand. Moreover, selected secondary data and results obtained were compiled into a database in MS Excel format and willing to be published as online database including identification guide, to improve the awareness of the common public in Sri Lanka. Further, easy identification guide will make identification of prohibited shrimps easy, and it will support to reduce biopiracy. Keywords: Shrimp Export; Dichotomous key; Protected shrimp species; Hippolytidae
A Comparative Study on Degradability of NBR and NR Latex Gloves
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Manukularathne, W.G.P.D; Sandamali, P.K.N.N; Siriwardena, S.; Lochana, E.A.L.; Senevirathna, A.M.W.K.
Natural rubber (NR) and Nitrile rubber (NBR) gloves are two main types of latex gloves used in the personal protective equipment market. In the face of an abrupt increase in the demand and usage of these gloves due to the present Covid-19 pandemic, degradation of these gloves after usage may create an environmental threat. Therefore, a study was conducted to compare the degradable behavior of these products. Both glove types were treated under thermal and hydrothermal, and UV radiation environments. Untreated samples were used as the control. Under thermal, hydrothermal and photo- oxidative treatments, an increase of the swelling index of untreated NR gloves (65.2%) increased by 38.23%, 14.69% and 7.17%, respectively while NBR gloves showed a percentage swelling index increment of 14.52%, 15.56% and 12.12% with compered to the percentage of the swelling index of the untreated sample (28.77%) in the same order of treatments. The average tensile strength of NR was decreased from 16.89 to 15.67, 11.19, and 15.63 MPa while for NBR it decreased from 28.06 to 24.35, 23.93 and 20.56 MPa after the thermal, hydrothermal and UV exposure, respectively. Hydrothermally treated NR gloves showed new peaks suspected as hydroxyl groups and carbon- carbon triple bonds. Spectra of thermally and hydrothermally treated NBR showed identical loss of the peak responsible for the cyanide group. TGA analysis showed that the initial decomposition temperature of NR has reduced from 365.42 ̊C to 364.95 ̊C, 360.63 ̊C and 365.27 ̊C, respectively after the thermal, hydrothermal and UV treatments. NBR gloves also showed the same trend except for hydrothermal treatment where an increase in initial decomposition temperature was recorded. Overall, hydrothermal treatment was the best degradation method for NR gloves among candidates while exposure to UV radiation exhibited the highest degradation potential for NBR gloves. It was also found that removal of cyanide group when NBR gloves were subjected to hydrothermal degradation. Keywords: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Natural rubber; Nitrile Butadiene rubber; Thermo gravimetric analysis; Ultraviolet

Browse

Browsing International Research Conference of UWU-2021 by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options