International Research Conference of UWU-2020
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Item Subject Plus: An Information Management Tool for Developing Research Guides in Academic Libraries(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Mariyapillai, J.; Jeyaraj, W.J.Library professionals must play a dynamic role in promoting library collection to educate researchers and convince them of the benefit of using resources for their academic and research activities. In recent years, information is generated from every sector of human society. However, managing these huge amounts of information is turning out to be very difficult by the day. The Recent trend amongst information seekers is becoming very specific and they require pin-pointed information. Along with this information explosion, the academic libraries are split into various sections to manage various kinds of information resources such as the reader section, periodical section, automation section, electronic section, digital section, research support section, etc. For the management of all subdivisions of the libraries, the information professionals are using several library management software, management tools, and new technological services as well. Hence, the main aim of this paper was to discuss the experience of creating and managing online subject guides or research guides at the Eastern University, Sri Lanka (EUSL). Subject Plus is a free and open-source tool that enables libraries to create and manage online research guides. And this tool maps to the library resources while simultaneously helping the researchers to find the right information at the right time. This Subject Plus tool can be downloaded from http://www.subjectsplus.com and installed with prerequisite free software such as PHP, MySQL Apache Web Server, and JavaScript along with Windows or Linux operating systems. The installation part is quite the same as other Content Management System (Joomla, WordPress, Drupal) tools but, the customization is quite tailored and lengthy. The EUSL Library has implemented an online Subject Guide project along with the already available Ubuntu server. And this was customized according to the requirements of the University researchers using the available commercialized and openaccess information resources. Consequently, the developed online Subject Guide served as a beneficial tool for researchers for On and Off-campus access, resource access through the subjects or topics, A-Z list of databases access, subject librarian collaboration with faculty staff. etc. As described, Subject Guides/Research Guides create awareness about various digital resources and enhance the information-based services in the academic libraries. Collectively, these implementation and efforts create awareness among all other Sri Lankan university information professionals to adopt Subject Plus open-source tools for their information management services. Keywords: Subject plus, Subject guides, Research guides, Open source software, Information managementItem Scientific Eminence in the Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences based on the Publications during 2015 – 2019(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Vellakuddy, A.Characterization of Scientific journals based on citations, references, bibliometric indicators has a long history. Evaluating a journal may be used to represent the extent of use to identify the scientific eminence of research publications. This paper provided a citation network analysis of publications from the SJSS. The analysis covered publications in the journal from 2015–2019. The Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences (SJSS) is published twice a year, in June and December, by the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka. The journal publishes articles in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages, covering the entire range of social sciences focusing on Sri Lanka and/or other South Asian countries. The Journal is indexed in Scopus and Emerging Sources Citation Index. The paper analysed the most published authors, most cited articles, uncited articles, most prolific authors, top institutions, collaboration profile of authors, and the nationalities of authors, that are most represented in the journal. 67 articles were taken from the primary data source, the Google Scholar using Publish or Perish (POP) software. An analysis of 114 citations was carried out using the POP online analytics tool and Excel. Results indicated that 47% of SJSS research publications have received a minimum of single citations. 101 authors have been contributed to 67 articles published during the study period in SJSS. In terms of collaboration profile, the SJSS’s authors showed a preference for “Single– authored” papers. Only 29 (43%) papers were two authored or Mega authored. The most cited article is “Impact of microfinance on women's empowerment: a case study on two microfinance institutions in Sri Lanka” authored by Herath, H and Guneratne, LHP published in 2015. Keywords: Bibliometric analysis, Citation analysis, Collaborative research, Journal EvaluationItem Islandora: An Open Source Software Solution for Museum Collections of the Library, Eastern University, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Mariyapillai, J.; Navitharan, G.The long-standing dream and ambition of the library of Eastern University, Sri Lanka [EUSL] are to establish and maintain a museum to conserve and preserve the valuable traditional and heritable materials of the Batticaloa district. The museum at the EUSL library was established under the Conservation and Preservation Unit [CPU] of the library. The CPU aims to acquire, preserve and provide access to rare and unique materials of the cultural and historical value of the Batticaloa district and also the library, EUSL provides entity to document and care of cultural heritage materials collected across the Eastern Province. The established library museum comprises of varietal collections of rare materials such as utensils of our ancestors, some paintings, materials used by farmers and other people, palm leaf manuscripts, ancient coins of Sri Lanka and details of worldwide library science pioneers with their statues. This article is providing useful information about ongoing work related to the development of the Digital Museum Collection with open sources software Islandora. The Islandora is a flexible, customizable digital repository system for the entire institution, not just the library. Therefore, Islandora is decided to use for the museum collections as it is an open-source digital asset management system based on Fedora, Drupal, and Solr applications. With temporary UBUNTU server Islandora was installed and customized for the museum requirements. Till today, the CPU team transferred 50% of museum collection into a repository and it delivering services to the library user via the local area network of the library, EUSL. In conclusion, this new approach will be the long-term preservation of the EUSL museum collection and suggested as a new way to other museums in Sri Lanka as well. Keywords: Digitization, Islandora, Museum, Rare Collection, Repository, Open sourceItem Awareness and Attitude towards using e-Journals and Databases by Postgraduate Students: A Case Study of Sabaragamuwa University, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Neighsoorei, T. N.In the global movement towards the knowledge community, e-Journals and databases have become a prominent medium for teaching, learning, and research. In Sri Lankan context e-Journals and databases have an emerging trend in the current digital era. The nation has been massively investing in the growth of electronic-based education products for the betterment of the country education. Particularly, adoption and usage of electronic-based digital resources have several challenges such as accessibility, reliability, copyright, etc. This paper focused on the postgraduates’ student’s awareness and attitude towards the use of e-Journals and Databases available in the Library, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL). The survey method was adopted with registered users of the Faculty of Graduates Studies between the 2017-2019 period numbering 334 formed the population of the study where the sample size was 181. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. The study used diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) to measure the awareness and attitude level of postgraduate students towards the use of e-Journals and Databases. The findings suggested that the students have a high level of awareness about e-Journals and Databases. However, there was a different attitude among the students. Also, the results indicated that the students have not regularly accessed e-Journal and databases for their research work because the majority of them did not aware of how can they access remotely [off-Campus]. The study concluded with a suggestion that the library should provide appropriate awareness programs and training to students about the benefits of using e-Journals and databases and should encourage them to access e-Journals and databases regularly for their research work. Finally, it was revealed that the use of eJournals and databases is jointly determined by the level of awareness and attitude. Keywords: Awareness, Attitude, e-Journals, Databases, Diffusion of innovation, Theory of reasoned actionItem Influence of Libraries on Learning Activities of Students in Secondary Schools in Paddipalai Division, Batticaloa West(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Yasanthini, G.F.It has revealed that the school libraries played an important role in student learning activities especially in difficult area. This study was conducted to analyse the impact of school libraries on learning activities of students in the Paddipalai Educational Division, Batticaloa West. A structured questionnaire was distributed among the respondents for data collection. The response rate was 97.5%. According to the study, 52.6% were female and the highest percentage (33%) of them was in the age group of 13 – 14 years compared to other age group. The students visit the school libraries frequently (50.8 %) is slightly higher than the occasionally visit (42.5 %). Study individually is the main reason for using the library which is 86%, followed by respondents visited the library for preparing term examination and completing continuous assessments. Textbooks, past and model papers for general examination are the most frequently used library materials. To enhance independent learning, develop skill for reading and taking notes, create a new idea for a particular topic in various subjects, and access relevant materials for understanding the subject are the major role of the school library in Paddipalai educational division. During the period of reading months school libraries organized different types of competition for students to enhance their library visit and usage. The majority of the respondents felt lack in availability of updated text books and past papers, availability of computer and internet facilities, inadequate photocopy services, lack of library hours in school time table, and less library organization and shelfing arrangements are the challenges faced by them for using library in their learning activities. The finding of the study revealed that, the school library plays positive roles on student learning activities in the Paddipalai educational division. By upgrading the library resources and services in school the government authority needs to allocate more funds for improving the library collection and acquiring new technology and to appoint a teacher librarian in each school library for handling library functions. Key words: Learning Activities; Library Resources; Library Services; School Libraries; Teacher LibrarianItem Development of an Efficient Transdermal Drug Delivery System Based on a Novel Biopolymer Matrix(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Jaliyabandara, K.M.S.P.; Premarathne, E. P.N.; Pitawala, H.M.J.C.Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems can be defined as a capacitor that can hold and can release a discrete dosage of a therapeutic drug that will deliver drugs through the skin and it has taken a higher consideration in the present due to its control drug-releasing mechanism. However, there are some major downsides in sustaining a controlled and slow release rate of the drug to the structural circulation. Hence developing a novel polymer matrix to enhance the biocompatibility, controlled and continuous drug-releasing became a key objective. Therefore, as a solution a transdermal drug delivery system has developed using a horse gram and corn starch based novel biopolymer which contains Diclofenac Sodium as a model drug. This novel biopolymer films were obtained with a different particle size of horse gram (<63 µm, <125 µm, <150 µm) and horse gram/corn starch ratio (25%, 50%, 100% w/w). Surface morphology, functional group analysis, water vapor transmission rate, transparency, folding endurance, and moisture content were used in characterizing the novel drug loaded biopolymer. UV–visible spectroscopy was used to analyse the releasing kinetics of the drug loaded polymer. 8.97 x 10-3 g m-2 h - 1 value of WVTR rate was observed for composition 1(100 %<63 µm Horse gram). Percentage moisture absorbance was maximum in composition 3(25 % <63 µm Horse gram) (25.78%) and percentage moisture loss was maximum composition 2(50 % <63 µm Horse gram) (18.82%). A dialysis tube test with a pH 7.44 buffer solution indicated that the bio polymer matrix with particle size is less than 63µm and contains 100% horse gram shows significantly higher releasing kinetics than the other formulations. Diclofenac Sodium release models from the polymer matrix demonstrate two diffusions, approaching a first order and Fickian controlled-diffusion model for 8 h. Hence this new biodegradable polymer matrix shows significant potential as a delivery platform in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Keywords: Controlled release, Drug delivery, Release kinetics, Biopolymer, Diclofenac sodiumItem Development of Novel Composite Material for Roofing Tiles by Mineral Based Industrial Waste and Waste Plastic(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dilshan, W. M. L. I.; Hewathilake, H. P. T. S.Several research studies related to the construction sector look forward for the utilization of waste as promising construction materials. This trend has instanced by the depleting natural aggregates and increasing their demand. Therefore, this research aims to introduce a navel composite material for roofing tile, based on Fly Ash (FA), Sand, Tile Waste (TW) and chemically unmodified Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) waste plastic. Initially, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) phase analysis and moisture content analysis have conducted for the collected samples. Sample blocks with different combinations under three different samples series have prepared by using 7.0 cm ×5.0 cm ×1.5 cm size mold. All the raw materials were thoroughly mixed with molten PET and added to mold. Physio-mechanical characteristics were conducted by Water Absorption (WA) test and Compressive Strength (CS) test. Prior to the composite preparation moisture content of each raw material has analyzed and maintain below 7%. XRD analysis of sand, TW and FA have confirmed the major phase is crystalline silica. WA of each composite was compared with the clay roofing tile specimen which has the WA of 10.68%. However, all the prepared composites have the WA below 1% since each having 35% PET. Further, variation of the sand amount has the high impact of WA, since it is increased when sand content increased above 30%. CS analysis has shown that the minimum CS, 17.0 MPa of the composite is higher than the CS, 15.3 MPa of reference clay roof tile. Further, in each series, if the raw material content is increased more than 22.5%, CS was decreased. Therefore, to achieve low WA and high CS, the amount of Sand, FA and TW should be equal or below 22.5 %. Hence, all the combinations are complied with aforesaid weight ratios are suitable for the rooftile production but utilizing the composition with lower sand amount will be more cost effective thus both fly and tile waste are rejected waste materials. Keywords: PET plastic, Composite material, Compressive strength, Water absorptionItem Preliminary Investigations of Geochemical Characterization in Murunkan Clay Deposit, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Subasinghe, H.C.S.; Gayashini, K.Y.; Ratnayake, A.S.; Wijewardhana, D.T.U.; Pitawala, H.M.J.C.; Attanayake, A.M.A.N.B.Clay minerals are categorised into several groups as kaolin group, smectite group, illite group, chlorite group and 2:1 clays such as attapulgite and sepiolite. Over other clays, smectites are far more valuable due to their advanced application potential. Smectites exhibit excellent swell properties and the highest cation exchange capacity (CEC). Smectites can be used as adsorbents, filler material, drilling mud, excipients, and plasticisers. Montmorillonite is a layered alumino silicate with a higher specific surface area. It is also the most abundant of the smectite clays. The main objective of the current study is to identify spatial and temporal variations in geochemical characteristics of the Murunkan clay deposit. In this on-going project, two boreholes were drilled nearly 1 km distance each other in the Murunkan Basin. One borehole reached a depth of 6.5 feet while the other just passed a depth of 4.0 feet. Samples were cut into 5 inches of each core. Geochemical characteristics of the Murunkan clay deposit were evaluated for 15 clay samples and a Sigma Aldrich montmorillonite sample (reference material) using Xray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analyses. XRF results indicate ~57% SiO2, ~19% Na2O, ~10% Al2O3, ~5% Fe2O3, ~2% CaO, ~2% MgO, ~1.5% K2O, and ~1% TiO2. FTIR spectra of analysed clay samples show transmittance bands matching with the standard data of kaolinite and montmorillonite. Similarly, XRD analysis also suggests the occurrence of clay minerals such as montmorillonite, illite, kaolinite, chlorite, muscovite and cookeite. Quartz and feldspar can also be detected as the major impurities in the Murunkan clay samples. However, no considerable spatial and temporal geochemical variations can be observed in this deposit. Therefore, the Murunkan clay deposit can be identified as a prospective area for further exploration. The future research works would focus to demarcate the boundary of clay deposit and quantify the volumetric estimation. Besides, value additional potential such as purification and possible industrial applications would be examined. Keywords: Murunkan clay, Montmorillonite, Value addition potentialItem Synthesis of Aragonite Phase Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles from Sri Lankan Beach Cockle Shells(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Rashad, M.S.M.; Hewathilake, H.P.T.S.Cockle Shells (CSs) are very rich natural resource for Calcium Carbonate (CC). Synthesis of Aragonite Nano Particles (ANPs) is one of the prime targets of researchers in the biomedical field, since the biodegradability, biocompatibility, and porous nature of ANPs. Further, it is denser than calcite and can be integrated, resolved, and replaced by bone and also has the potential to develop as anticancer drugs, drug delivery systems, and for bone repairing. Highly purified aragonite phase CC hard to obtain by synthesizing. Sri Lanka comprises of a fairly huge amount of naturally formed CSs along the sea-coast without adding any industrial value, other than the beauty. Therefore, the present study has been forced to synthesize ANPs from CSs. The CSs collected from the beach were thoroughly washed, dried, and pulverized. 5.0 g of 63µm powdered CSs sample was stirred with 50.0 mL of deionized water and then 2.0 mL of Coco Diethyl Betaine (CDEB) surfactant has added continue the stirring. Nine different series were tested by varying the stirring speed and time with deionized water before adding CDEB. Raw CSs samples and prepared ANPs were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrometry, and Particle size analysis (PSA). XRD analysis has confirmed both raw CS and ANPs consist of aragonite phases and the applied mechano-chemical method (MCM) was able to preserve crystallinity of the Aragonite phase in ANPs. FTIR spectroscopic analysis has shown aragonite phase CC and confirmed that the CDEB does not affect the vibration frequencies of carbonate ions. PSA has shown that the average particle size below 100 nm, ANPs were able to obtain by stirring 63 µm powder under 1400 rpm for one hour before adding the surfactant. Hence the MCM was very effective in producing ANPs which is a promising material in biomedical applications. Keywords: Cockle shells, Aragonite, Biomaterial, Mechano-chemical, NanoparticlesItem Preliminary Investigation on the Occurrence of Reddish Brown Colour in Zircon from Kolonna, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Rifkhan, M.N.M.; Wewegedara, W.G.C.N.; Jayasinghe, R.M.N.P.K.; Dharmaratne, T.S.; Malaviarachchi, M.A.S.P.K.; Rohana, C.Sri Lanka is famous for various types of gem minerals. From among these minerals, gemquality zircon is found in both primary and secondary deposits. Kolonna is a location where zircon is found in primary deposits with a reddish-brown colour. The main objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of reddish-brown colour in zircon from Kolonna area. Although many factors could cause the colour of gem minerals, the colour of zircons is known to be produced by trace elements (transition metals, lanthanides, actinides, and REEs), radiation damage (radiation-induced color centers) and charge transfer. Five randomly selected reddish-brown zircon samples were selected for this study. All samples were translucent, highly fractured, sub-adamantine, and with euhedral to subhedral crystal form. Samples were analyzed with EDXRF, UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, and FTIR methods. The UV-Vis spectrum of these samples showed an increase in absorption towards the UV region and declines towards the NIR region with a shoulder at around 500 nm. This can be identified as a structurally defected colour center that may occur due to the radiation damage caused by radioactive elements such as U and Th. This was further confirmed by the U4+ peak at 654 and 690 nm. The U5+ peak at 6663 cm-1 in the FTIR spectrum further confirmed the presence of U in samples. This was confirmed by the EDXRF analyses that showed a trace amount of radioactive elements. The average weight percentage of U and Th were 0.06 and 0.02, respectively. It was also noted an occurrence of an OH- group indicated at 3196 cm-1 on FTIR spectra. This may be probably due to slight radiation damage caused by radioactive elements in zircon samples. This study revealed the presence of U which accounts for structural defects that form colour centers in reddish-brown zircon from the Kolonna region. Keywords: Absorption, Colour center, Cause of color, Zircon, RadiationItem Purification of Kaolin in Meetiyagoda Kaolin Deposit, Sri Lanka by Bio Leaching for Removing Iron Oxide Impurities(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Wijekoon, A.S.K.; Attanayake, A.M.A.N.B.; Henagamage, A.P.Meetiyagoda Kaolin has both iron and titanium impurities which cause deep coloration in it. Deep coloration in Meetiyagoda kaolin is the main barrier for most of the applications where the higher whiteness is necessary. This study was aimed to purify kaolin and enhance the whiteness properties by removing iron oxide impurities using microorganisms under bioleaching method. Bacteria and fungi were isolated from iron rich Meetiyagoda soil. Iron tolerated microorganisms were selected by inoculating the isolated microorganisms in nutrient media impregnated with different known concentrations of iron (200, 400, 600 and 900 ppm). Kaolin samples with three particle sizes (125-150, 63-125, and less than 63 microns) were separately treated with the screened microorganisms and the soluble iron concentration of the treated samples was measured under different time intervals using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Out of screened bacteria and fungi types the most tolerated and the most suitable bacteria type and fungi type to leach iron impurities was investigated. Bio leaching ability was increased with the increasing particle size. The most convenient particle size was 125-150 microns. This biological treatment has shown one of the most effective processes for removing iron impurities and enhancing the whiteness properties of kaolin. The study concludes that the bioleaching method can be used for purification of kaolin in Meetiyagoda by using soil microorganisms and it can significantly improve the quality of kaolin from an industrial point of view. Keywords: Kaolin, Bacteria, Fungi, BioleachingItem Investigation of Geuda Gemstones, before and after the Heat Treatment using FTIR Spectroscopy(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Ramesh, T.G.; Jaliya, R.G.C.; Illangasinghe, I.K.M.S.C.K.; Diyabalanage, S.; Jayasinghe, N.; Dharmaratne, T.S.Geuda is a low-quality form of corundum and abundant in the most gem enriched regions in Sri Lanka and can transfer into premium blue sapphires, similar to the natural in appearance through heat treatments. The study intended to identify characteristic features to distinguish heated geuda from natural sapphire using FTIR Spectroscopy. 53 geuda samples were collected from five gem bearing localities Ratnapura, Ridiyagama, Okkampitiya, Bakamuna, and Katharagama and heat treated up to 1800°C for the onehour soaking period under reducing environmental condition. Study samples were subjected to FTIR analysis before and after the heat treatment and could identify the development of a distinctive peak at 3310 cm-1 after treatment. This is due to the diffusion of atmospheric Hydrogen back into the crystal and appears in the absorption spectrum as an interstitial O-H bond in the corundum crystal structure. Further, two absorption bands at 2342 or 2362 cm-1 which corresponds to atmospheric CO2 and CO2 gas in negative crystals were observant in almost of the samples and as a direct response to CO2 gas in negative crystals, the intensity of this particular peak is found to be significantly less for Ridiyagama samples with respect to other localities. This reveals that the Ridiyagama samples are with less CO2 trapped inclusions. Nevertheless, certain 2853 and 2924 cm-1 peaks were observed before and after heat treated stones due to the C-H bond resulted in contamination. Furthermore, 3620 and 3697 cm-1 absorption bands related to Kaolinite hydrous mineral inclusions have been disappeared with heat treatment. This concludes to identify heat treated sapphires with 3310 cm-1 peaks and remaining of 3620 and 3697 cm-1 peaks verify it as a non-heat-treated sapphire. Hence, the FTIR technique could be clarified as one of the best methods to identify heat treated blue sapphires. Keywords: Heat treatment, FTIR analysis, Negative crystals, Absorption spectrum, InclusionsItem Development Optimisation of Prototype Froth Floatation facility as an advanced physical beneficiation technique to upgrade low grade Sri Lankan vein graphite in Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Amarasiri, P.G.S.C.; Chiranjaya, Y.A.S. U.; Dissanayake, D.M.S.; Hewathilake, H.P.T.S.Presently, Sri Lanka is the sole Vein Graphite (VG) supplier to the world market. Since the best quality VG has been selected in the sorting procedure, low-quality VG remains while leaving a chance for upgrading. The natural hydrophobicity of graphite has been utilized by the Froth Floatation (FF) which is a physical beneficiation technique uses to separate graphite from gangue minerals. Few studies have been conducted for both flake graphite and VG. Therefore, the present study was forced to set up a prototype FF facility to optimize its cell design and identify the pulp density, frother type, and dosage, collector dosage for the economically feasible installation of the FF plant at KGLL. The cylindrical cell was designed with a height of 20 cm and diameter 12 cm. 150 g of ≤ 72 µm VG powder was mixed with different volumes of water to find optimum solid to liquid (S/L) ratio. The effect of the collector and the frothers were determined by varying the kerosene dosage for 0.01g to 0.10g and both Pine Oil (PO) and 4-Methyl-2-pentanol (TMTP) for 0.01g to 0.05g, respectively, while all other factors were kept constant. Resulted floated VG samples were analysed by Carbon Content (CC) (ASTM-C561) and X-ray Florescence (XRF) analyses. The optimum recovery of 80% of VG was achieved with the pulp density of 10% S/L ratio and further, 0.08g of kerosene, 0.02g of TMTP, and 0.04 g of pine oil. Among the two frothers, TMTP was cost-effective and easy to handle than pine oil. The CC of the obtained floated VG graphite has upgraded from 90.2% to 96.58% and comprehensive elemental analysis was confirmed the removal of iron, silica, and other metallic impurities up to 72%. Therefore, the FF plant can be effectively run with the 10% of S/L ratio together with kerosene collector and TMTP frother. Keywords: Vein graphite, Froth-flotation, Surface science, Value additionItem Investigation of the Origin of Radioactive Mineral in Godakawela Gem Field, Rathnapura in Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Kuruppu, K.A.D.D.N.; Hewathilake, H.P.T.S.; Illangasinghe, I.K.M.S.C.K.; Ranasinghe, R.A.N.C.; Jayasinghe, N.; Dharmaratne, T. S.Sri Lanka is well known for high-quality gemstones and 25% of the total land area is liable for potential gem fields. However, the identification of new gem bearing areas in Sri Lanka is mostly conducted by the sedimentological and geochemical analysis. Notably, most of the gem bearing areas have been associated with radioactive minerals (RAMs). Hence, the in-situ radioactivity survey is an important tool that has not been carried out intensively in Sri Lanka. Recent studies have revealed that the Godakawela gem field (GGF) in Rathnapura has an interesting radioactiveness. Therefore, the present study has conducted to investigate the type of the origin of the RAMs in GGF. The ambient gamma dose rate was measured by the plastic scintillation detector from 40 points in random walk mode and gamma energy was recorded in the NaI scintillation detector. Further, field observations, associated minerals, and surrounding geology were also considered together with the anomaly results. Anomaly results have proved that the GGF has high radioactiveness of 1305 nSv h-1 gamma radiation, which is ten times greater than the average baseline value in Sri Lanka. Peak anomaly observed in the base of the valley has shown a decrement in gamma dosage of 476 nSv h-1 compared to the mid-region of the slope. Hence, if it is a secondary deposit, a considerable amount of the RAMs must be settled to the low altitude area of the valley and given high peak anomaly. Godakawela is located in the Highland-Vijayan boundary which is also known to be fluoride-rich, and well-formed crystals of tourmaline have been associated in the area. Similarly, a large pegmatitic origin of the vein quartz deposit has been identified in this region. Therefore, depending on the distribution of radioactive anomaly patterns and the presence of associated minerals such as well-formed crystals of zircon, tourmaline together with the surrounded geological aspects has identified that the RAMs have primary origin in GGF. Keywords: Radioactiveness, Radioactivity survey, Gamma dose, Primary originItem Development of a Novel Dental Filling Material Using Hydroxyapatite Derived from Waste Oyster Shells(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Uresha, M.T.S.; Pitawala, H.M.J.C.The present study aimed at developing a novel zinc phosphate based dental cement by adding Pentacalcium hydroxide triphosphate (hydroxyapatite) as a reinforcing filler to investigate the mechanical and elution properties of the prepared specimens. Here waste oyster shells of Crassostrea madrasensis were calcined to obtain Oxocalcium. The Calcium dihydroxide precursor for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite by wet precipitation method at room temperature was prepared by dissolving Oxocalcium in water. Synthesized hydroxyapatite was added into zinc phosphate powder in seven different ratios and specimens were fabricated. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy results of oyster shells showed that Oxocalcium (88.5%) was the major oxide while Silicon dioxide and Iron (Ⅲ) oxide were present in trivial amounts. The stoichiometric calcium/phosphorus ratio of synthesized hydroxyapatite was close to 1.7. Both Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction results of unsintered and sintered hydroxyapatite were compatible with the results of the commercial compound. The particle size of the sintered hydroxyapatite was 1.518×10-6 m. Zinc phosphate cement with 10% hydroxyapatite was identified as the ideal percentage that showed the best mechanical and chemical properties with the highest compressive and diametral tensile strengths which were 66.85×106 Nm-2 are 18.88 Nm-2 respectively. Further, it showed the lowest elution percentage in pH 3 and 5 aqueous 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid and water. Hence hydroxyapatite synthesized from waste can be used as reinforcing filler in zinc phosphate dental cement. Keywords: Zinc phospate dental cement, Hydroxyapatite, Crassostrea madrasensis, oystersItem Geochemistry of Petroleum Potential Source Rocks in Barracuda Well of Mannar Basin, Sri Lanka(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Ratnayake, A.S.; Bogahawatte, M.V.Four exploration wells (Dorado North, Dorado, Barracuda, and Wallago) were drilled in the deep-water Mannar Basin during the second phase of hydrocarbon exploration. The Barracuda well was confirmed as gas potential due to presence of 85 wt% methane in the Upper Cretaceous sediments. Therefore, the current study focused to evaluate geochemistry of core sediments (depth from 2139–4741 m) in Barracuda well using XRay Diffraction (XRD) and stable isotopes analyses. The upstream petroleum industry prefers such supportive geochemical data at the development stage. Stable carbon (δ 13 C) isotopic values (–33.86 ‰ to – 24.88 ‰) and C/N ratios (17.3–158.8) suggest a considerable supply of terrestrial plants organic matter (gas prone Type III kerogen) to sediment. XRD results identified several paleoclimatic chronozones based on dominant clay mineral assemblages. The Early Campanian age consists of montmorillonite dominant sediments suggesting that arid climate. Kaolinite dominant Late Campanian to Late Maastrichtian sediments indicates the warmer/wetter paleoclimatic condition. However, montmorillonite dominant sediments in the Late Maastrichtian can be controlled by short-term global cooling events and/or volcanogenic sediments followed by Deccan-Reunion basalt volcanism. The Early-Late Paleocene sediments in the Barracuda well suggest arid (mock aridity) climate in the Indian Ocean. The Late Paleocene to Middle-Late Eocene age is composed of kaolinite dominant sediments that correlate warmer and wetter greenhouse paleoclimate in the Indian Ocean. The EarlyMiddle Oligocene to Miocene sedimentary succession of the Barracuda well also contains kaolinite dominant clay mineral assemblage. This wet climate characteristic is linked to the sharp decline of atmospheric CO2 concentration followed by the growth of Antarctica ice sheets after the Eocene-Oligocene climate transition (ca. 34 Ma) and development of present-day South Asian monsoon system. Keywords: Paleoclimate, Sediments, Clay mineralogyItem Synthesis and characterization of a Composite Biomaterial Containing Cow Bone Derived Hydroxyapatite, and Polylactic Acid(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Keerthana, J.; Pitawala, H.M.J.C.; Wijesekara, K.B.Hydroxyapatite is a ceramic biomaterial that mimics the mineral composition of bones and teeth of vertebrates. Hydroxyapatite can be synthesized from various chemical methods. However, most are non-economical and does not have sufficient biological properties as natural Hydroxyapatite in human bones. Cow bone waste is rich in biocompatible Hydroxyapatite as a natural source. The load bearing ability of pure Hydroxyapatite is very poor and it has limited its application as a bone grafting material. Polylactic acid is a biocompatible, biodegradable, and bioresorbable polymer which can be used to reinforce pure Hydroxyapatite to improve its mechanical properties. This study investigated the change of mechanical property of pure Hydroxyapatite when it is mixed with a varying ratio of Polylactic acid to form Hydroxyapatite-Polylactic acid composite. High purity Hydroxyapatite was extracted from cow bones using the thermal decomposition method by sintering at 900 ºC for 3 h. The composites were prepared by blending Hydroxyapatite with Polylactic acid in various ratios with and without maleicanhydride compatibilizer. The resulting composite blends were subjected to tensile tests separately with three replicates per blend. The thermal-gravimetric analysis was performed to determine the purity of cow bone derived Hydroxyapatite in comparison to a commercial Hydroxyapatite sample. 30% Hydroxyapatite loading composite blend with 4% maleic-anhydride has increased the tensile strength of the composite by about 7-folds. Scanning electron microscope shows, the interfacial adhesion between Hydroxyapatite and polylactic acid was increased by the addition of maleic-anhydride resulting in improved mechanical properties. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Thermal-gravimetric analysis show that derived Hydroxyapatite has similar material properties as commercial hydroxyapatite. The prepared composite has the potential of using bone drafting applications in humans. Keywords: Hydroxyapatite, Polylactic acid, Maleic-anhydride, Bone grafting biocompositesItem Dependence of performance of Sb2S3 thin film solar cell on blocking TiO2 layer(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Farhana, M.A.; Bandara, J.The demand for low cost, high efficiency solar cells is the power of thin film solar cells. In recent years, antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) has much attraction as light harvesting material in solar cell applications. Sb2S3 solar cells are reported with a dense blocking layer and mesoscopic TiO2 scaffold. But still, in both cases, the performance of Sb2S3 solar cells are unsatisfactory. However, planner Sb2S3 solar cells would be more competitive because it is simpler and has a higher open circuit voltage due to reduced charge carrier recombination. Herein, planner Sb2S3 solar cells have been successfully made using spin coated Sb2S3 as the absorber, dense blocking TiO2 (bl-TiO2) as the electron conductor and poly (3-hexathiophene) (P3HT) as the hole conductor. This study pinpointed the dependence of cell performance on the thickness of the blocking TiO2 layer. The bl-TiO2 was deposited by spin coating at rpm with a different number of spin coat cycles (1-5). The TiO2 precursor solution was prepared by mixing of Titanium IsoPropoxide (TTIP), of butol-1-ol and of diethanolamine. The blocking properties and thickness variation of the bl-TiO2 layers fabricated with a various number of spinning cycles were verified by cyclic voltammograms and UV-Vis spectra respectively. The optimization of the TiO2 blocking layer to enhance the device performance was carried out on the planner device consisting of FTO/bl-TiO2/Sb2S3/P3HT/Ag and the optimized device with of bl-TiO2 exhibited the power conversion efficiency of at 1 sun illumination. Keywords: Blocking TiO2, Planner structure, Performance, Sb2S3, and Spin coat cycleItem Polyacrylonitrile Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Rechargeable Magnesium Ion Batteries(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Dias, N.A.T.H.; Pitawala, H.M.J.C.; Ratnasekera, J.L.; Bandara, T.M.W.J.; Nayanakanthi, M.D.M.The demand for energy storage devices has highly increased with the increment of the demand for electronic portable devices and electric vehicles. Therefore, developing rechargeable batteries has received the most attention. Among the components of a rechargeable battery, electrolyte is highly concerned as it is the medium for the transfer of charges between the pair of electrodes. Developing gel polymer electrolytes is mostly explored due to its favourable performances and minimum drawbacks compared to liquid electrolytes and solid electrolytes. In this research polyacrylonitrile based gel polymer electrolyte for magnesium ion batteries was prepared and characterized to investigate its physicochemical properties. Preparation of gel polymer electrolytes was carried out by a common solution casting technique using dimethyl sulfoxide as the solvent, magnesium trifluoromethanesulphonate as the salt and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide as the ionic liquid. Impedance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Differential scanning calorimetry was performed to analyse the prepared electrolyte samples. The maximum room temperature ionic conductivity of 2.33×10-3 S cm-1 and 3.33×10-3 S cm-1 were obtained for the sample before and after the addition of ionic liquid respectively. Considerable indications for the polymer-solvent, polymer-salt, and polymer-salt-ionic liquid interactions were investigated by analysing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Although the crystallinity has increased with the addition of salt due to the formation of ion pairs and aggregates, the effect has been preserved with the addition of ionic liquid. The glass transition temperature has also increased from 80 0C to 104 0C after the coordination of polyacrylonitrile with magnesium trifluoromethanesulphonate, however, it is reduced to 102 0C after the addition of ionic liquid. Keywords: Gel polymer electrolyte, Polyacrylonitrile, Magnesium trifluoromethanesulphonate, Ionic liquid, Ionic conductivityItem Development of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber Composite with Improved Physico-Mechanical and Oil Resistant Properties by Incorporating Waste Egg Shell Powder as a Filler(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Seneviratne, D.V.M.; Vitharana, V.H.P.; Wijesinghe, H.G.I.M.The present study attempted to develop a high-performance oil-resistant rubber material based on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) by incorporating waste eggshell powder (ESP) as a filler to be utilized in automobiles industry while reducing the commercial Carbon Black (CB) content. Since CB is obtained from petroleum resources, its manufacturing process is hazardous and cause environmental pollution. Thus, the use of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is found as a remarkable way to replace the CB in the rubber compounds due to its non-toxic and environmentally friendly nature. Value addition to waste eggshells was one of the main aspects of this research. The effect of surface modified CaCO3 filler on the cure, mechanical and swelling properties of NBR composites with respect to CB was studied. Filler amount was kept constant at 45 phr. Only the ratio of CB: ESP was changed. Ten ratios of samples were prepared by varying filler amounts by 5 phr. The surface modification of CaCO3 was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Particle size having 3.05 μm CaCO3 was successfully obtained from eggshell powder. X-ray diffraction patterns proved that raw eggshell powder was chemically similar to commercial CaCO3. The vulcanizates were evaluated by rheological, physical, and mechanical characteristics. The cure times and scorch times were at an acceptable level. NBR composites with ESP loadings of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 phr showed tensile strengths of 7-14 MPa, compression sets of 2.38- 5.49 %, hardness of 61 - 72 IRHD. Therefore, it can be deduced that NBR filled with surface modified eggshell powder has competed favorably with the standard CB. Replacing CB from ESP loadings of 5, 10, 15, 20 phr did not show a significant difference in physico-mechanical properties. Hence eggshell CaCO3 can be considered as one of the best conventional fillers suited for automotive applications with a high oil-resistant sealing material. Keywords: Calcium carbonate, Carbon black, Egg shell powder, Filler, Oil resistance