Research Symposium-2016
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Item A study on shelf life of export oriented fresh chilled Yellowfin tuna loins in relation to histamine content(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Arachchige, T.R.K.; Jayamanne, S.C.; Amarasinghe, K.Sri Lanka has become a leading country which produces Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacores) and other large pelagic species in the Indian Ocean. (Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, 2011). To meet export market, maximum histamine content of the product should not exceed 50 ppm (Food and Drug Administration, 1998). Seafood processing factories guarantee a shelf life of 14 days for the product fresh chilled Yellowfin tuna loin, even though shelf life of different Yellowfin tuna loin batches is varied. Shelf life can be exceeded or not exceeded 14 days in different batches. These batches represent Yellowfin tuna received from different fishing harbors in different proportions. According to the fishing harbor environmental factors and practices followed by fishermen can be varied. There is evident that depending on the nature of the environment, different proportions of decarboxylase positive bacteria would be present in water and external fish tissue, and therefore the level of histamine and other toxigenic amines formed in fish tissue would not be uniform (Yoshinga and Frank, 1982). This research is to identify whether these fishing harbors have an effect on the shelf life of fresh chilled Yellowfin tuna loin in relation to histamine content. Methodology The study was carried out at SGS Lanka (Pvt) Limited, Colombo 02. The sample collection and background study of fresh chilled Yellowfin tuna loin exportation was done at Global Seafoods (Pvt) Limited. Three repeated experimental trials on histamine analysis of Yellowfin tuna loin samples were conducted during a time period of 42 days. Storage time period of each set of samples for an experimental trial was 14 days. Selected fishing harbors were Beruwala, Tangalle, Chilaw, and Trincomalee. Yellowfin tuna loins of Grade A and B were selected from each fishing harbor. All collected samples had an on-broad freezing time period, which was varied between 18 - 22 days. Labeled and vacuum packed samples were stored at 0 C, in the fresh chilled condition. Histamine analysis was carried out from the time period of zero day of storage to 14 days of storage. Histamine was analysed using flurometric method according to the AOAC official methods of analysis. Data collected from the three experimental trials were analysed using Minitab 14 statistical software. Descriptive statistics of means, Standard deviation, two-way ANOVA and one way ANOVA with tukey’s pairwise comparison was applied in analysing the results. A significance level of 5 % was used. Result and Discussion Histamine content was increased with storage time period in each and every sample. The increment pattern of Yellowfin tuna loins received from four selected fishing harbors of Grade B did not show any significant difference (P>0.005). It was concluded that there was an effect from fishing harbor on average histamine content of Yellowfin tuna loins within fish grade A (P<0.005). Further analysis of one way ANOVA with tukey’s pairwise comparison revealed that Trincomalee fishing harbor had the least contribution for histamine formation.Item Study on Socio-Economic characteristics of Income diversified Tea Smallholders in Badulla District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Chamalka, S.H.; Dharmadasa, R.A.P.I.S.This study focused on investigating socio-economic characteristics of Income diversified tea smallholders in Badulla district. In this study income was categorized into four categories namely, income from only tea cultivation, income from tea and other agricultural activities, income from tea and non-agricultural activities and income from tea, other agricultural activities and non-agricultural activities. Income generating only from tea is 15%, income generating from tea and other agricultural activities is 53.33% and it is the highest percentage. Income generating from tea and non-agricultural activities is 15.33% and income generating from tea, other agricultural activities and non¬agricultural activities is 16.33%. In this sample, the highest portion is male household heads (92.32%) and the rest (7.59%) is female household heads. Highest proportion of small holders who have generated their income by tea and other agricultural activities belongs to 45 — 60 age group. Majority of the tea small holders have completed their secondary education (Grade 6 to 11) and most of the smallholders who have diversified their income belongs to this group. Majority of the households are having 3 to 5 members in their families. As well as highest diversification rate can be seen in the families who are having 3 to 5 members. Highest percentage of diversification can be seen in small holders who are having 0.5 to 1 acres. Small holders who are having more than 20 year experience have highest percentage of income generating from tea, other agriculture and non-agriculture. According to findings highest number (205) of tea small holders are not engaging with non-agricultural activities. Small holders who have the ownership of their lands has more diversification rate comparing the small holders who have not owned a land. Income generating only from tea cultivation is in higher level in households which has migrant members. The obtained results have important policy implications which imply that programs targeted to engage people in other income generating activities would augment their income sources. As measures from the part of the government reducing the rate of interest for private enterprising in the rural sector, development of rural infrastructure and improving information facilities at the rural areas are suggested. Keywords: Income diversification, Tea small holders, Socio-Economic characteristicsItem Factors Affecting on Income Generation from Kandyan Home Gardens(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Premasinghe, Y.H.G.D.B.; Gunadasa, H.K.S.G.; Seneviratne, M.A.P.K.; Rathnayaka, R.M.P.S.Great population growing rates, growing land division and constant mono-cropping have caused in low farm efficiency and food uncertainty in Sri Lanka. Most of the households in Kandy district continue Kandyan home garden structure in addition to their plantations. These home gardens are recognized to considerably contribute to food production and the cash revenue generation of the farm households, there is inadequate of quantitative information on the profits of Kandyan home gardens in the country. The main purpose of this study was therefore to identify the factors affecting on income generation from Kandyan home gardens. The study was conducted in Udunuwara and Yatinuwara divisional secretariat divisions in Kandy district. A household questionnaire survey was used to collect data about household income and other related characteristics. One hundred and fifty (150) households were selected for the survey based on stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected by interviews at household level. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that the Income From Kandyan Home Gardens (IFKHG) significantly determined by the factors of gender of the householder, main income of the householder, time spent in the home garden, number of crop types in the home garden and expenses derived from the home garden, family size and interest to work in the home garden at 5% significant level. Age of the householder, gender of the respondent, land area, family size, time spent and number of crop types represent the positive relationship with the income from Kandyan home gardens. Education level of the householder, main income of the householder, interest to work in the home garden and expenses derived from the home garden represent the negative relationship with income from Kandyan home gardens. This study will have a potential to increase livelihoods significantly specifically if farmers take the steps to make production more sustainable. Keywords: Kandyan home garden, Income, HouseholdItem The Trend and Behaviour of Unemployment Rate in Uva Province during Last Decade(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Ramwickrama, P.; Kumari, K.W.S.N.Sri Lanka was subjected to lot of economic and political changes in the latter part of the war and in the post war period including the changes in the labour force structure, and therefore, the behavior of unemployment rate. Therefore, this study attempts to evaluate the trend and behavior of unemployment rate in the Uva Province and their socio—economic consequences since its least income and lower literacy status compared to national figures. To see if this status of the province is a result of unemployment of the residents in the province, the study was done in two phases where firstly, provincial and national unemployment rates for ten years were compared using time series analysis. Second, a survey with the questionnaire filled by respondents' method for a sample of 150 was carried out. The analysis revealed there is no difference of unemployment rate in Uva Province and Sri Lanka. But, they showed totally different trends. For Sri Lanka, the estimated trend equation is Y, = 9.33+0.595t-0.0842t2 and for Uva Province, it is 111 = 18.25-2.694t + 0.1584t2. The survey resulted most of the sample has the attitude that improving educational qualifications will help them to be employed. 39.33% of the sample passed GCE AIL examination. 44% of the people under study expected government employments. There was no difference between each economic region (i.e. Urban, Rural and Estate) and the availability of employments. According to the survey, 46.67% of the sample, stated the family background is the most influencing reason for them to be unemployed. However, in general the attitude change ofthe younger generation has caused the increase of unemployment since 1999. Basically the highest contribution to the national GDP from Uva Province is by Agriculture, which is quite different from other regions. With industrialization, the younger generation has directed more towards industrialized employments instead of Agriculture related employments. According to national statistics, since 1999 population in "Looking for a job" category for the Uva Province has increased. Also, the survey results shows most of the younger people in the sample are willing to migrate from the province for more industrialized jobs. Therefore, this study suggests increasing the employment opportunities within the province including Agriculture sector. Keywords: Unemployment rate, Time series analysis, Socio—economic consequences, IndustrializationItem Identification of Factors that Affect the Grade of the Mathematics Subject at Ordinary Level Examination with Reference to Uva Province(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayawardana, J.M.D.R.; Mayadunne, M.M.C.M.; Kumari, K.W.S.N.In Sri Lanka, education has to play a key role in social and economic sectors. The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the other relevant ministries is working relentlessly to achieve the development of the education sector. Mathematics is one of the main subjects in the education section in Sri Lanka which is used to select students for their higher education. According to a previous research, it was found that the average pass rate at the ordinary level examination is 37% in our country, and it is around 31-32 in the less developed provinces such as North-Eastern, North-central, Uva and Central. To attempt the decisions in education sector in Uva province in future, it is really important to identify the significant factors that affect the ordinary level Mathematics subject. The main objective of this study is based on identifying the main factors which can affect the results of Mathematics subject. In this study, data were acquired by using multistage systematic sampling method.Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was fitted to final marks of the grade eleven students to identify the main factors that affect the final grade. It was noted that students' attendance to school, performing mathematics exercises, getting help from their parents, grade five scholarship and time spend for the mathematics subject at home were significantly affecting the students' results of the ordinary level Mathematics subject. According to the factor analysis results, it was found that the factors of the fitted model significantly affect the students' marks in Mathematics subject. Keywords: Mathematics, Education, Ordinary level, Generalized linear modelItem An Evaluation on Fisher Women Contribution for Household Economy in North-western Province of Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) De Silva, D.W.L.U.; Sandaruwan, K.P.G.L.; Wimalasena, H.D.The fisheries sector is concerned as a sector that has high gender discrimination all over the world because it is highly dominated by males. However, a fishery woman provides a significant contribution for the wellbeing of their family which is not clearly visible. This study was conducted to assess the level of contribution of fishery women to the family economy. The study was carried out in North western province (NWP) and relevant data were gathered by administrating a pre tested questionnaire during the year 2014. The total sample was 197. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver.20. Although women engagement in active fishing at the sea was nil, with aquaculture marginal (only 2%) they provide supportive services such as net clearing and sorting of fish. These services are not earned direct income but save Rs. 25,492 for their family in a year. Dried fish production and selling as well as fresh fish selling were major income earning activities of fishery women in NWP and earned annually Rs. 5,460 and 10,920 respectively. Hence, fisher women have contributed Rs. 41,872 annually to their family income by cash or non-cash form. Keywords: Barriers, Empowerment, Economic contribution, Fisher women, North western provinceItem Time Series Analysis of Colombo Tea Auction Price Data(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Hameem, M.R.; Dharmadasa, R.A.I.P.S.; Jayawardana, K.M.K.Tea is a Market Commodity which has an Economic value. Manufactured Tea is sold through three main Marketing Channels in Sri Lanka; Public Auction, Direct Sales, Private Sales. More than 95% of Made Tea in Sri Lanka is marketed through Public Auction. The Colombo Tea Auction is considered to be the most influential Price decider of Made Teas in Sri Lanka. It is a Market driven Auction and Price fluctuations of the Auction is decided according to the bids placed by Buyers. The issue involved with Price changes over a period of time affects the Manufacturers and the Tea Industry as a whole. According to Price Data, Tea Auction Prices have been on the rise throughout the past decade (2005-2014). This study focuses on using Univariate (Price is considered the only variable whilst effect of other variables are considered null) Time Series Analysis techniques to determine the Trends of Price Data changes in Colombo Tea Auction related to its Locations of Origin; High grown, Medium grown, Low grown and All Island. The study is used to determine the best fit Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models related to each Price category and use the models to Forecast Price Data. The ARIMA models with the Seasonal factor (SARIMA) were found to be the most appropriate models. The Best Fit Models were; High Grown: ARIMA (1, 0, 0) (1, 0, Os°, Mid Grown: ARIMA (1, 0, 0) (1, 0, 0)", Low Grown: ARIMA (1, 0, 0) (1, 0, 1)" and All Island: ARIMA (1, 0, 0) (1, 0, 1)50. S Curve method was used to compare Forecasts of ARIMA model Forecasting. ARIMA forecasts were similar to the S Curve values. Seasonal factor in ARIMA is a result of 50 weekly sales dates and its effects on the Price Fluctuation. High Grown and Low Grown Price Fluctuation were the most influential on All Island Price Fluctuations. Due to the Forecast results with positive values the Colombo TcaAuction rising Price in the future is expected to be unchanged. Keywords: Price, Location of origin, Time series analysis, ARIMA, ForecastingItem An Inventive Teaching Method to Enrich the Knowledge in Grammar Amongst The GCE AIL Students in Gampaha District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Bandara, T.A.C.J.S.; Pathiratne, S.; Amarathunga, P.A.B.H.Grammar instruction can take many forms and can be carried out with various pedagogical goals in mind. The investigators have tried to explore an Inventive Method of integrating grammar lyric, song, and music to teach grammar. The researchers during the process of teaching Sinhala to the learners, varying from the age group of thirteen to fifty, have come across various problems in teaching grammar. The pedagogical potential of songs in teaching grammar has been enormously realized in the foreign but not in the Sri Lankan context, particularly in Gampaha District. The purpose of the research was to develop the students' knowledge in grammar, using grammar songs in the classrooms. And the Objectives are a) To compare the effectiveness of traditional methods and the Inventive Teaching Method in developing the students' knowledge in grammar. b) Analyse the effect of teaching Method on the experimental group in the pre-test and post-test in learning grammar. c) Examine the effect of traditional teaching on the control group in the pre-test and post-test in learning grammar. The study has been carried out with the AlL Arts students in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. It was decided to have a manageable sample of50 students. The pre-test and post-test questionnaires were developed by the researchers. The Results show that, from the scores that the treatment given to experimental group has produced positive result on the performance of the students. Therefore, it may be concluded that both the groups differ significantly. Also test showed that students performed better in the Post-Test compared to the Pre-Test. The ANOVA test for the control group and the experimental group concluded that the students who belong to the experimental group scored higher than the students who belong to the control group. The results of the studies reported in the study could influence the use of songs in grammar teaching and learning to Sinhala language learners. The findings indicate that the Inventive approach has a definite pedagogical value at the school level of grammar learners in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka Keywords: Gampaha, Grammar, Teaching, Songs, Sinhala languageItem Regional Poverty in Sri Lanka: A Multidimensional Approach(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Kumara, P.H.T.; Abyeweera, G.H.; Siriwardhana, K.M.R.The reduction of monetary poverty in Sri Lanka is commendable in recent years, yet literature questions the reality of this achievement. One of the major criticisms in this regard is the measurement method applied (monetary approach) in estimating poverty in Sri Lanka, Hence, this study applied the Multidimensional Poverty Index developed by Alkire and Santos in 2010 in order to estimate the regional multidimensional poverty in Sri Lanka. In analysing the regional multidimensional poverty, three indices, namely the multidimensional poverty headcount index, the intensity of deprivations, and the multidimensional poverty index, were estimated at national, provincial, and district levels. The micro datasets compiled from Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2009/10 conducted by Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka were used for the analysis. The study found that multidimensional poverty in Sri Lanka is a regional phenomenon, in that multidimensional poverty in the estate areas is significantly high. The study also found that the levels of multidimensional poverty vary according to the location of the household (sector, provinces, and districts). In addition, living standards dimension of the Multidimensional Poverty Index has contributed to the most of the multidimensional poverty in Sri Lanka, irrespective of the areas of living. However, there are differences between the contributions of 'health' and 'education' dimensions to the Multidimensional Poverty Index, depending on the area of living. The contribution of the health dimension to the Multidimensional Poverty Index is high in the urban areas and in richer regions while the contribution of the education dimension is high in the rural and estate areas and in the poorer regions. Therefore, priority should be given to the improvements of health care and services in the urban areas and of education in the rural areas while the improvements in the living standards dimensions are required irrespective of the area. Keywords: Alkire-Foster method, Multidimensional poverty, Poverty, Spatial poverty, Sri LankaItem Youths Intension towards Migration(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Infaz, M.J.M.; Dharmadasa, R.A.P.I.S .Migration can be identified as movement of people from their roots to other surroundings, whether inside or outside of the country. While migration is a normal element, the scale of movement experienced in some developing countries can produce undesirable or desirable effect for the whole society. Moreover, youth's intention towards migration is also very important to manage the youth migration and human capital available to the local labor market in Sri Lanka. However, there is no research carried out regarding the youth's intension towards the migration. Therefore, this research examines the youth's intension towards the international migration. Youth sample was selected through snow ball technique from the youth of 18 to 29 age categories of three selected Divisional Secretariat divisions ofAmpara district in Eastern province of Sri Lanka, who have an idea to migrate. The questionnaires were answered directly by the youth and the total of 151 questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive techniques. The results reveal that individual's gender have some influence on their intention to migrate, while the occupation and their income level also have influence on migration intension. Gender has some influence on individual's migrate age. The occupation and their income level have influence on their intension towards the migration. There are relationships between the gender and the education qualification with the country those who willing to migrate. The education qualification has some influence on the expecting income. Considering the intention, most of the respondents have an idea in the developing stage of migration process and male shows highest intention than female in most of the choices, because the social and economic factors influence on male individuals towards the migration. Keywords: Youths intension, International migration, Socio economic characteristicsItem Impact of Labour out-Migration on Technical Efficiency of Cinnamon Farmers in Kamburupitiya, Matara District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Belpage, P.M.; Dharmadasa, R.A.P.I.S.This research examines the impact of labour out-migration on technical efficiency of cinnamon farmers using a sample of 150 Cinnamon farm families in Kamburupitiya DS division, Matara district, Sri Lanka. Technical efficiency was estimated using a stochastic frontier function with a Cobb-Douglas model, incorporating technical inefficiency effect model. Results indicate that mean technical efficiency of Cinnamon farmers of the total sample is 77.61%. Still, there is a remaining potential to develop the output levels without increasing input levels by 22.39%. Land extent, labour and fertilizer cost increase the Cinnamon production and education of household head and household size increase the efficiency of farmers in the total sample. Mean technical efficiency of migrant households and non-migrant households are 95.05% and 75.27% respectively when considering no effect from migration. Nevertheless, the mean technical efficiency of migrant households decreases up to 73.74% after concerning the migration impact. Age of household head and extension services will increase the efficiency and experience of household head decreases the efficiency of migrant households while education of household head will increase the efficiency of non-migrant households. For the migrant households, even though 72% of migrants are sending remittances, it will not increase the Cinnamon production. This could be due to the fact that either over use of remittances on Cinnamon or not using remittances as an input for Cinnamon. Number of migrants has a significant effect on increasing the inefficiency. These results clearly show that migration has a negative impact on production and efficiency of Cinnamon. These findings recommend that family members should use remittances in effective manner to compensate the negative effect from migration and there should be actions to reduce the number of migrants from that area. Keywords: Out-migration, Technical efficiency, Cinnamon farmers, Stochastic frontier analysisItem Impact of Migration Remittance on Consumption Expenditure Pattern in Tea Estate Households(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Ekanayake, B.M.S.K.; Dharmadasa, R.A.P.I.S.Migration can be identified as the flow or movement of people from the place of origin to the other surrounding, whether inside or outside the country for various reasons. In recent years, the outflow of Sri Lankan workers has shown an increasing trend. Sri Lanka is predominantly an agricultural country and Tea sector receives the highest priority in its development agenda. Due to labour migration, Sri Lankan Tea sector faces many consequences such as scarcity of labour. The migration remittance that they send can make several impacts on consumption expenditure pattern of labour households. Therefore, this research has been conducted to determine the effect of remittances on expenditure pattern of tea estate households in Badulla district collecting data from six tea estates. The sample consists of 205 estate worker households and 114 of them were migrant households. Data were collected by using a self-developed questionnaire covering consumption details and other demographic characteristics of the households. The data were analyzed using Working - Leser model within the Engle's curve framework. Ordinary least square (OLS) regression technique was used to estimate the model. OLS results indicate that remittances negatively contributes to food expenditure and expenditure on utilities and positively to non — food expenditure. This implies that migration and remittances are used as a short term coping strategies and hardly used as stepping-stone to productive investment options. Keywords: Consumption pattern, Migration and remittance, Ordinary least square regression, Tea estate households, Working - lesser modelItem Sri Lankan Vein Graphite Classification Using Image Processing and Neural Network(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Wickramasinghe, E.M.C.G.; Cooray, J.T.; Wimaladharma, S.T.C.I.Image classification is an essential task in pattern recognition applications. Rock and mineral images are some of the typical examples for natural images, and their analysis is more important in rock and mineral industry. Ore mineral classification is based on specific visual descriptors extracted from the images. These textures are used to identify their visual similarity and categorise them accordingly. This research primarily addresses the problem of automatic measurement of graphite ore textures by image analysis in a way that it is relevant to mineral processing in Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited, Sri Lanka. Specifically, it addresses three major hypotheses: Automatic separation of graphite ore by image analysis provides a feasible alternative to manual curing by mineralogists and labourers, Image analysis can quantify process mineralogy by physical parameters and Image analysis provides potential benefits to process mineralogy and better retains the information of manual logging. Traditionally, minerals are visually recognized and manually outlined prior to the digitizing and subsequent analysis. The preciseness of the outcomes is affected by the conventional methods. This limitation can be overcome by using multichannel methods of classification with Artificial Neural Network, in which the minerals in multichannel digital images are accurately recognized based on their unique spectral or elemental signatures, established by a training stage prior to classification. The technique is applied here for model analysis of images, which are digitized using a standard digital camera. In all case studies of the analysis of graphite lumps, the resulting mineral modes are sufficiently precise to identify significant compositional heterogeneities between groups of samples. This model can be readily applied to automated vein graphite ore classification in mineral processing industry. Keywords: Mineral classification, Image processing, Neural network, Vein graphite classificationItem Systematic Approach to Maintain Civil Information for Grama Niladharis' In Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Chathurani, D.M.N.; Ellepola, C.S.D.Accurate statistics is an essential asset for developing countries because statistics are the guidelines in implementing development programs. When it comes to the Sri Lankan context statistics are maintained by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) which is the central government agency responsible for undertaking census and statistics. However, they are unable to provide accurate and reliable data as the census are carried out every 10 years in Sri Lanka. Apart from Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) Grama Niladhari Division is one of the major administrative units in the hierarchy of Sri Lankan Public Administration which undertakes census and statistics in Sri Lanka. The importance of the duty performed by Grama Niladhari in Sri Lankan statistics process is high. However with the existing system they are unable to maintain and provide statistics in a proper manner. Therefore, the present work aims to develop a reliable and more efficient Grama Niladhari management system with the use of highly developing technologies. A main purpose of computerization is to improve accuracy of civil registration data and thereby make vital statistics data more accurate, complete and timely. Keywords: Water quality, Shrimp disease, Bacteriological problems, Water treatments, UV filtersItem Implementing a User Friendly Feed Formulation Software Application for Sri Lankan Poultry Famers(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Kaluarachchi, I. A.; Ihalagedara, I. K. K. B.Poultry is a fast growing livestock sub-sector in Sri Lanka today. We have 50 years history of commercial poultry industry in Sri Lanka. With the introduction of open economy policy in 1980's this industry started to boost up and now it has become well established in our country. With the rapid growth of poultry sector it demands higher quality concentrated feeds and it opens up a new industry opportunity for large scale feed manufacturing ventures. Since poultry requires high quality concentrate feed our poultry famers have to depend on commercial compound feeds. Instead of having commercially manufactured feed, some poultry famers use self-mixed feeds as commercial feeds are costly. Starting from the resent past there is a growing tendency in famers in mixing their own feeds inside the farm.Since these self-mixed feeds are not up to standards in terms of nutrient levels and hygienic conditions. Poultry birds should be fed well balanced compounded feeds as modern poultry strains are bred for higher performances. This high performance can be achieved through proper feeding and management only. Developing a mathematical model which is to formulate the feed ration with optimal solution and implement with in software which can be used by poultry farmers to day to day manufacturing will be my solution. C# was used as the runtime environment to the application and Solver Foundation was used to simulate problems, User can change ingredients and get dynamic results as he satisfy with the ration mix ingredients. When using Traditional methods like trial and error method or Pearson's Square method user have to spend more than 10 min to hours to prepare one ration to specific bird type. But using this software user can prepare a ration in seconds. Keywords: Poultry feed formulation, Object Oriented Programing, Solver Foundation, Linear ProgramingItem Widespread Emergency Response System in Colombo District(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Tamari, H.V.; Ihalagedara, I. K. K. B.Majority of fire emergency and rescue services struggle with the management due to the absence of efficient systems. In the current process of fire emergency and rescue management service, several issues have been identified. Therefore, the present study is suggested to overcome identified inconveniences by developing an efficient & effective automated system to manage time, resources and make correct & timely decisions. Data was collected from the both people who get and don't get the service from this department. Another new set of issues that contains in the current service were identified through the collected data. A method; Widespread Emergency Response System was developed to reengineer the current process using information technology. The objective of the research was to measure the effectiveness of the widespread emergency response system for Fire Rescue and Emergency Service. The literature survey was carried out in order to identify existing methods of controlling emergencies and understand their positive and negative features. Identified factors were applied to the proposed system. The system was developed with three mobile applications and controlled web application. A system which provides facilities to send emergency request with selecting emergency type was developed and after controlling process start user could view the route map and contact the service center. Control room officer assign the task through the system and allocated officer can view their task through the application. The system architecture was designed. The system was functional wise tested according to the test cases created. By using project network techniques, the collected data was analyzed from both current and developed systems. Overall and average values were used to determine more effective method. The results indicated that developed system has shown the less value. This system can be further developed and a method can be developed to find the location from the normal phone. Keywords: Rescue, Automated system, Project network techniquesItem Recommending a Usability Practices for Websites Developers and Designers(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Madushani, T.D.; Wimaladharma, S.T.C.I.Websites are fundamentally designed to work for all people. Using these websites, people meet different kind of goals. When the web meets this goal, it is accessible to people with a diverse range of hearing, movement, sight and cognitive ability. Website creating which is compatible with accessibility standards is kind of best practices. These standards enable to extend group of information users such as people with disabilities, people who encounter incompatibility and technology problems. Considering the problems, World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) proposed worth standards called Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world with a goal of proving a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations and governments internationally. A-Tester and 508-checker version 1.4 are the tools used for evaluation and they follow the guidelines from WCAG. When website is 508 compliant, they are accessible to all users. Using 508 checker can quickly check web page for 508 compliance and learn more about how to become 508 compliant across the entire organization. A-Tester checks the pre-enhanced version of a web page designed with progressive enhancement against Evaluera's "WCAG 2.0 Level — AA conformance statements for HTML5 foundation mark-up". A selected set of websites from all over the world are evaluated using above tools and found the most common accessibility issues. Finally, an accessibility standards checklist is developed in order to minimize the mistakes made by the developers. Keywords: Web usability, Accessibility, Disable people, Web accessibility standardsItem Location Based Real Time Advertising System(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) De Mel, W. U. R.; Ellepola, C.S.D.Advertising is a single component of the marketing process. It is a part that involves getting the word out regarding the business, product, or the services the companies are offering. Advertising and marketing are key elements in a company's success. One cannot be used without the other. Advertising works based on statistics. So definitely there are some people who are not been reached through most advertisements. Providing advertisements to the relevant people who actually needed them is more productive. With the rapid growth of smartphone users in Sri Lanka, an opportunity is there to create a link between customers and businesses, making advertising more effective. Currently mobile advertising has become one of the fastest-growing advertising formats. However, the problem engaged with all of the formats including online advertising is that they are not actually giving priority for the customer's perspectives. Therefore, a system that is user friendly and allows the customers to search products according to their wish instead of viewing advertisements is more productive. This research is carried out to develop a framework between customers and companies who use Android OS based smart phones. Businesses can post advertisements tagged to specific geo locations and the customers can subscribe to the advertisements. The primary purpose of this research is to increase the productivity of advertising by giving real time location based experience to customers and also to companies. The customers can find the locations of a specific product in a short period of time without visiting each and every shop, and companies can share the advertisements with customers who actually need it in a cost effective way. Keywords: Marketing, Advertising, Location Based Advertising, Smart phone users, ProductivityItem Virtual Laboratory System for AIL Physics Units of Electricity(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Maheshika, H.W.D.; Thambawita, D.R.V.L.B.Practical experiment, an important feature of science education receives little attention in the science curriculum for several reasons. In science subjects, laboratories perform an important role in students learning enhancement, particularly in physics education. Students take more interest in learning by performing and observing the experiments in a physics laboratory which improve and consolidate their learning. Therefore, we want to recognize the need for field and laboratory exercises in school science programs as they help to promote a science, technology and innovation culture in the country. However, due to financial problems and other deficient facilities in laboratories, most of the schools cannot establish a complete physics laboratory. However, the lack of laboratory resources in schools appears to be the main reason in rural areas. Also, lack of focus on practical work, teacher shortages and variable quality of teachers were equally affected to science education at the GCE AIL. But the syllabus of the GCE AIL science subjects is competency- based, student- centered and activity- oriented and aimed to develop personal, interpersonal and higher order thinking skills of the target student group. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of a Virtual Laboratory, which can be proven as an important educational tool that deals with the lack of practical experience in education. It also fulfills the deficiency of physical equipment which appears in the real physics laboratory environment. The aim of VPL is the simulation of physics experiments with 3D interaction in an easy way and access to educational and research material is facilitated for both students and teachers as well. In order to evaluate the VPL, we invited students of different schools in rural areas. This virtual lab consisting of tools and simulators can be effectively replaced the use of the corresponding necessary equipment and will provide equivalent services to support students. Virtual labs offer some advantages in education and can supplement physical labs. Keywords: Experiment, Virtual Laboratory, 3D InteractionItem Pronunciation Training System to Enhance Sinhala and Tamil Language Skills(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Carnage, G.R.M.D.; Thambawita, D.R.V.L.B.This is a pronunciation training system to enhance Sinhala & Tamil language skills. Most commercial pronunciation systems are developed in English and those systems are limited to people with English literacy. Language is never a simple issue of communication, in contemporary social and political practice everywhere, language goes much beyond its basic utilitarian purposes. In this sense, Sri Lanka has no exception. By now, Sri Lanka has ended an immensely destructive military conflict that had much to do with a crisis of identity linked as much to language as ethnicity and contested notions of binary-nationalisms and competitive interpretations of history. As a solution for language problem between Tamils and Sinhalese, this research idea comes out. This system aimed both Sinhala and Tamil languages and is developed pronunciation training tests for both languages. This system is the only pronunciation tool develop for both Sinhala and Tamil languages. This system has been tested in both Sinhala and Tamil. Firstly system pronounce the word and user can listen to the word and pronounce the word. Then system compares both audio files and gives a score. The main objective of this pronunciation training system is comparing two audio files and giving a score as a percentage. For that Fast Fourier transformation has been used. Fast Fourier transform converts time domain waveform samples into the frequency domain spectrum samples. This system is a very user friendly system for the user. Users can select language and the words according to the preference and preview the pronouncing word before pronouncing it. As well as graphically illustrate the frequency with the time of both original and user's sound. Therefore, users can get a rough idea about the original audio and pronounced audio. Keywords: Pronunciation, Sinhala, Fourier