iPURSE 2016

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Relationship between biology students’ G.C.E. (A/L) results and their mathematics results at G.C.E. (O/L): a case study in Bandarawela educational zone
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-10-05) Hettiarachchi, B.H.A.C.K.; Chandrasena, W.D.; Jayasundera, A.C.A.
The G.C.E. (O/L) and the G.C.E. (A/L) Examinations are the milestones in secondary education which determine the golden key to admirable future to Sri Lankan students. According to the available statistics the achievement level of students at the G.C.E. (A/L) is still less than the expected level despite the annual allocation of human and physical resources by the Sri Lankan government with the aim of improving students’ performance. This could be due to several interrelated factors such as lack of interest, poor academic abilities, poor teaching methods, weak teacher characteristics and other related issues. This study focuses on finding the relationship between biology students’ G.C.E. (A/L) results and their mathematics results at G.C.E. (O/L).This is a mixed method study. Questionnaires, documents, and semi- structured interview schedules were used in the data collection process. The sample included of167 G.C.E. (A/L) Biology students from Bandarawela Educational Zone. Data analysis was performed through basic statistical procedures and qualitative data analytic techniques. Results show that the high percentage of students who pass their G.C.E. (A/L) examination at their first attempt had “A” Grade for their G.C.E. (O/L) Mathematics compared to the students who had low results for their G.C.E. (A/L).Moreover, high percentage of students who obtained more than “S” Grade for G.C.E. (A/L) Physics were the students who had “A” Grade for their G.C.E. (O\L) Mathematics. The high percentage of students who passed their G.C.E. (A/L) examination at their first attempt was the students who have sat for their both G.C.E. (O/L) and G.C.E. (A/L) examination at the same school. Thus, G.C.E. (O/L) Mathematics results directly affect for G.C.E (A/L) Biology students’ performance at the examination. Interview data reveals that the students’ G.C.E. (A/L) Biology stream results are better when they have enthusiasm in all sections in G.C.E. (O/L) Mathematics. Further, the change of the school after their G.C.E. (O/L) could also affect students’ performance at G.C.E. (A/L) in the bio-science stream. Hence, these findings could be considered in remedying the prevailing situation through suitable practices to enhance the status of science education in Sri Lanka.
Antioxidant properties of selected traditional rice varieties in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11) Kariyawasam, T.I.; Godakumbura, P.I.; Prashantha, M.A.B.; Premakumara, G.A.S.; Abeysekera, W.K.S.M.
Rice is the major cereal crop as well as the main staple food in Sri Lanka and other regions of Asia. Previous studies on some of the traditional rice varieties of Sri Lanka (STRV) show higher nutritional value and bioactivity when compared with improved rice varieties cultivated in Sri Lanka. This study evaluates the antioxidant properties of extracts of selected STRV. Methanolic extracts of four STRV (Kalu Heenati, Pokkali, Kahawanu and Sudu Murunga) were used for in vitro antioxidant assays. Antioxidant properties of STRV were measured using total polyphenolic content (TPC), 1, 1- diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and 2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. Methanolic extracts of selected rice varieties showed potent antioxidant activity. Mean TPC of STRV were in the range of 1.66 ± 0.08 – 7.66 ± 0.17 mg gallic acid equivalents/g. Mean DPPH and ABTS antioxidant properties were in the ranges of 0.56 ± 0.03 – 2.58 ± 0.15 and 3.83 ± 1.08 – 13.14 ± 0.90 mmol Trolox equivalents/ 100g flour, respectively. The order of mean TPC in the rice varieties was Pokkali > Kalu Heenati > Kahawanu > Sudu Murunga. Results show a difference among rice varieties in scavenging activity for DPPH and ABTS radicals. The order of scavenging activity for DPPH radicals was Kalu Heenati > Pokkali > Kahawanu > Sudu Murunga while for ABTS radicals, the order was Pokkali > Kalu Heenati > Kahawanu > Sudu Murunga. Accordingly the antioxidant power of the extracts was in the order of Pokkali > Kalu Heenati > Kahawanu > Sudu Murunga. Rice varieties having red pericarps displayed higher antioxidant activities when compared to rice varieties having white pericarps. The present study highlights the importance of STRV as potential sources of antioxidant compounds, especially the varieties of Pokkali and Kalu Heenati. These traditional rice varieties may be able to limit the risk of various chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress and this data will be useful to nutritionists for formulating therapeutic diets rich in antioxidants.
Identification of mutations in BRCA1 exon 11 of breast cancer confirmed patients and in at risk individuals
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11) Jayasooriya, K.M.D.; Hewawithana, P.B.; Galketiya, K.B.; Wickramasinghe, S.; Yatawara, L.
Breast cancer is the commonest malignancy among females. Of the risk factors leading to develop breast cancer, germline mutations and sequence variance of breast cancer susceptibility genes play a major role.This study was conducted to identify germline mutations in exon 11 of BRCA1 breast cancer susceptibility gene.Exon 11of BRCA1is a common region of mutations in breast cancer patients and also in individuals with a family history of breast cancer. The study consists of a total of 43 breast cancer patients with family history (N=12) and without a family history (N=31). About 26 currently unaffected individuals with first or second degree relatives having breast cancer and 25 controls (those who are without any personnel or family history of any cancer) were also included. Self-administered questionnaires were given to the participants to evaluate the personal and family histories of breast and other cancers. Blood samples were collected for detection of mutations in exon 11 of BRCA1 gene. Following genomic DNA extraction, mutation detection was performed using polymerase chain reaction by amplifying exon 11which consist of 3426 base pairs that represents 60% of the coding sequence. Upon amplification, PCR products which showed abnormal migration patterns in gel electrophoresis were sequenced. Mean age of the onset for 43 women diagnosed with breast cancer in this study was 52.256±9.70 years. Mean age at diagnosis of breast cancer patients with family history was 55.08 ± 6.788 and without family history was 51.16 ±10.51. Furthermore, abnormal migration patterns in PCR products were observed in breast cancer confirmed patients and in at risk individuals upon gel electrophoresis. PCR products which show the size variations were subjected for direct sequencing. Seventeen sequence variations were found in the exon 11 of three sequenced samples. G3135delC/exon 11 was observed. Previously reported six polymorphisms were also identified in these sequences. Results obtained from this study confirmed the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the exon 11 of BRCA1 gene of the individuals included in this study.
In vitro anti Candida effect of Sri Lankan virgin coconut oil
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11) Garusinghe, N.; Jayatilake, J.A.M.S.; Madujith,T.
Coconut oil obtained from Cocus nucifera is commonly used in Sri Lankan food. It is also a skin and hair remedy in native medicine. Candida is a commensal fungus found in human mucosa and skin. Whereas, Sri Lanka is a leading coconut producer in the world Sri Lankan virgin coconut oil (VCO) has not been explored for anti-Candida effect. This study aimed to investigate anti Candida effect of Sri Lankan VCO. VCO extracted by fermentation method was used for the study. Mature coconut kernel was scraped and allowed for fermentation under sterile conditions. Resultant oil was separated by heating at a controlled temperature. Thus extracted VCO was divided into two samples. One sample was used directly to check the anti-Candida effect while other sample was subjected to partial hydrolysis. Hydrolysis was done by reflux condensing on sand bath using methanolic sodium hydroxide. Hydrolyzed oil was neutralized and extracted in hexane. Anti-Candida effect for both unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed samples were tested against five species of Candida; Candida albicans (ATCC90028), Candida glabrata (ATCC90030), Candida krusei (ATCC6258), Candida parapsilosis (ATCC22019), Candida tropicalis (ATCC13803). Several diffusion techniques on Sabouraud’s agar including disk diffusion, well diffusion and direct drop method were used to demonstrate anti Candida effect. Unhydrolyzed VCO did not produce any significant inhibition zones against any of the Candida species tested. In contrast, hydrolyzed VCO produced significant inhibition zones against all Candida species tested. C. glabrata showed the highest mean inhibition zone (40.88mm) followed by C. Tropicalis (36.00mm), C. Parapsilosis (32.11mm) C.albicans (28.22mm) and C. krusei (23.88mm). This study demonstrates that partially hydrolyzed Sri Lankan VCO obtained from fermentation method have anti-Candida effects which could be used as an alternative to resistant Candida in the future. Use of hydrolyzed Sri Lankan VCO in skin remedies may help control Candida colonization.
Setting up a weather research and forecasting model for rainfall prediction in Upper Mahaweli basin
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Herath, H.M.V.V.; Dayananda, R.G.A.B.; Weerakoon, S.B.
Upper Mahaweli basin, which is the Mahaweli River sub-basin above the Polgolla reservoir, has a special importance in the water management of Sri Lanka.Reliable weather prediction in the basin is especially important for the operation of a number of reservoirs in the basin. Simulating the natural atmosphere by using computer models is the main tool that is used for weather prediction. In this study, Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to downscale global scale weather prediction data to obtain rainfall prediction over the Upper Mahaweli basin. WRF model is a regional weather forecasting model and it is a mesoscale numerical weather prediction system designed to serve both operational forecasting and atmospheric research needs. The WRF model was calibrated using National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data for forecasting extreme rainfall in the Upper Mahaweli basin by selecting appropriate physics options of the model including microphysics schemes, cumulus parameterization schemes, land surface schemes, planetary boundary layer schemes, surface layer schemes and radiation physics schemes. WRF predictions were compared with the observed point rainfall data of selected gauging stations within the catchment. Observed point rainfall data were distributed to the same grid of WRF predictions by GIS based Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) technique. After the comparison of WRF prediction with observed rainfall, a most appropriate physics combination was selected for rainfall prediction. Then the calibrated model was satisfactorily validated for few other rainfall events in the reservoir catchment. NSSL 2-mom microphysics scheme, Kain-Fritsch cumulus parameterization scheme, CAM shortwave radiation scheme, RRTM long wave radiation scheme, YSU planetary boundary layer scheme, Noah land surface scheme and Revised MM5 surface layer scheme with other default physics options are the most suitable physics combinations for the Upper Mahaweli basin. This combination gave the least Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 11 mm at the calibration stage. In the validation process the model was run with optimized physics combination and RMSEs of 18 mm and 20 mm were obtained for two other extreme rainfall events. Calibrated WRF model is a useful tool for rainfall prediction in Upper Mahaweli basin.
Impact of elevation and weed management methods on variability of Soil Organic Carbon stocks in an Ultisol
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Jayasekara, M.J.P.T.M.; Vitharana, U.W.A.; Peiris, H.M.P.
Soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks play a significant role in regulating global warming.Generation of detailed maps of SOC stocks is necessary to assess its contribution for C sequestration at regional scale. Identifying environmental controllers of SOC stocks is a requirement for designing sampling schemes and detailed mapping of SOC stocks. This study was conducted in Hapugasthanna Tea Estate in Maskeliya(WU1) to quantify the spatial variability of SOC stocks while investigating impact of elevation, soil properties and weed management on SOC stocksin a slopyUltisol soil-scape. Topsoil (0-30 cm) samples were collected from 44 locations using grid combined random sampling scheme.Three fields where herbicides applied in three months interval and three fields where herbicide free integrated weed management (HFIWM) practiced for three yearswere selected and samples were taken within each field. These samples were analyzed for SOC, bulk density, soil texture, saturated hydraulic conductivity, pH and EC.Organic carbon content and bulk density were used to calculate SOC stocks. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) 90m Digital Elevation Model was used to extract the elevation data. Average SOC stock within the study area was 64.8 t ha-1and coefficient of variation (CV=18.4%) indicated medium variability. Other soil properties(pH, EC, hydraulic conductivity)showed CVs from 9 % to 35 % indicating medium variability. Soil organic carbon stocks showed a positive correlation (r = 0.4) with bulk density and clay content. A negative correlation (r = -0.31) was observed between SOC stocks and elevation. Agreeing with this finding, interpolated map showed higher SOC stocks in low elevation compared to higher elevation. Variogram of SOC indicated moderately structured spatial variability. Average SOC stock in HFIWM fields (80.2 t ha-1) was larger than herbicide applied fields (65.6 t ha-1) (P = 0.07). We found a medium level spatial variability of SOC stocks in slopy Ultisol soil- scape. Topography is one of the main controllers of spatial variability of SOC stocks. Thus, elevation and topographic attributes can be used as co-variates for sampling and subsequent mapping of SOC stocks. Weedicide free weed management enhances soil carbon sequestration in tea growing Ultisols.
Consumer acceptance of mobile value added services: a model based on literature
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Bandara, A.M.A.S.M.; Wickramasuriya, H.V.A.
The number of mobile connections exceeded the population of Sri Lanka by the year 2014 indicating that the potential customer base is diminishing. In line with the global trend, offering different Value Added Services (VAS) to the existing customer base was identified as a potential means of growth by the mobile service providers (MSPs) where the knowhow of the influential factors on the consumer adoption of mobile VAS would be important since the earnings from VAS were reported to be not substantial due to the lower adoption levels by the consumers. On the other hand, many researches were conducted on the determinants of technology adoption and usage making it a prominent research area throughout the last few decades. However, a research gap can still be identified in relation to the adoption of technologies in the consumer context as the earlier researchers have given a prominence to the technologies in the organizational context. From an extensive literature search using Google Scholar®, a total of 20 relevant articles published later than 2010 were identified and the factors that have been investigated in the selected studies were classified according to their similarity and patterns of their findings. Among the identified models, the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) was selected as the theoretical base since it was specifically design for the technologies available in the consumer context. Moreover, UTAUT is an extension to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology which is a review and consolidation of the constructs of eight models that were used in explaining the information systems usage and behaviour. The developed model consists of two constructs in addition to the constructs of UTAUT2 i.e. the Perceived English Language Proficiency (EL) and the Type of the Connection (TC). Having EL in the model is important as the MSPs use English as the primary language of nonverbal communication. Such dependency may act as a barrier to the technology use. TC on the other hand, indicates the major categories of mobile connections based on the billing method (i.e. pre-paid and post-paid) which may have an impact on the adoption and use of VAS. In line with the UTAUT2, Use Behaviour (UB) has been identified as the dependent variable of the proposed model. UB was conceptualized to have direct relationships with Behavioural Intention (BI), Facilitation Conditions (FC), Habit (HB), and Experience on Mobile Technologies (EX), EL, TC and Demographic Factors (DF). On the other hand, BI was conceptualized to have direct relationships with all independent constructs (i.e. Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), Price Value (PV), Hedonic Motivation (HM), FC, HB, EX, EL, TC and DF) making it an intermediary variable. However, the proposed model requires empirical validation before practical usage.
Body composition of secondary school children in Sri Lanka: a study to develop a set of morphological fitness reference values
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Senevirathne, K.S.H.M.V.W.W; Wijesundera, S.D.K.
The overweight and obesity prevalence among children in Sri Lanka show different ranges according to provincial and gender variations. In recent years, the interest in physical fitness assessment in school children has increased in other countries, but in Sri Lanka it is still very low. There is a dearth of reference values of physical fitness including body mass index (BMI) for secondary school children in Sri Lanka. The objectives of this study were to contribute to the available knowledge concerning the assessment of body composition (Body Mass Index), identifying sex and age-related norms of body mass index of the secondary school children in Sri Lanka and to compare BMI values of Sri Lankan children with the relevant values of children in other countries. A quantitative approach was used in this study. Physical fitness assessments were implemented to measure BMI of 1229 students (638 boys and 591 girls, aged between 11 years and 17 years), which was a randomly selected sample in the Kandy District. All the data were computed and analyzed to formulate test norms as percentile values, stratified by chronological age groups separately for boys and girls. All the calculations were performed using SPSS vs. 17 for windows. The significant observation is that the BMI percentiles of P5, P10, P90 and P95 of the boys in the age groups 11, 12 and 13 are greater than those of the boys in the age group of 14 years. Reasons may be due to changes occurred in adolescent period. Except this unusual pattern, it is revealed that BMI percentiles of the boys and girls gradually increase according to the age over a period from 11 years of age to 17 years. According to the data the lowest P5 of boys’ BMI is approximately 13 and the highest P5 is 17 .4. Furthermore, the lowest P95 of boys BMI is approximately 18 and the highest P95 is approximately 22 .6. Furthermore, the lowest P5 of girls BMI is approximately 14 and the highest P5 is approximately 17. Furthermore, the lowest P95 of girls BMI was found for the year 18 range and the highest P95 was found in 22 .9 range. It can be observed that although the BMI levels of Sri Lankan children (both boys and girls) are not in the range of ‘Needs Improvement-Health Risk (NI-HR)’ but in the range of ‘Needs improvement’. They are in the margin of very lean level according to the USA norms. However, we cannot say BMI level of Sri Lankan boys and girls are not in a satisfactory level compared to USA standards. It should also be noted that since these figures are normative base values, such norms are identical only for a specific population.
Outcomes of the implementation of a task based approach in the EAP (English for Academic Purposes) classroom
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Izzadeen, F.S.
The task based approach has gained recognition as an important element in the language classroom as a method to move learners from reproductive language use to creative language use, resulting in maximum engagement in language acquisition through requiring them to draw upon their emerging language skills and resources in an integrated manner (Nunan, 2004). The objective of this study was to explore the effects of tasks in pedagogy in the English as a second language classroom for undergraduates. This was achieved through investigating dialogic exchanges, involving noticing, formulation and hypothesis testing, produced as a result of stimulus from a pedagogical task. A task was designed for second year undergraduates at the Faculty of Science, who are learners of English as a Second Language (ESL) following the English for Academic Purposes course. The task which was designed to reinforce structural and grammatical skills while focusing on the meaning conveyed and involved learners using and manipulating previously taught forms to fulfill the functions of the task. The task was structured to engender discussion and foster peer learning. Learners were provided with incomplete information in the form of three short excerpts from a newspaper article. Working in groups the learners had to decide on the storyline of the article guided by the given excerpts. As the final outcome, each group had to write an article for a newspaper about the incident incorporating the given data and adding further details. The structures targeted in this task included the past tense, reported speech, lexical items and sequence markers, all of which the students had encountered in previous lessons. The learning outcome was measured through Language Related Episodes (LRE) that occurred in the process of carrying out the task. Success in the task was measured in terms of accuracy of linguistic use and the achievement of the task. Investigation of the LREs produced during the task showed that this task resulted in peer learning and achieved the aim of pushing learners to think about, manipulate and practice the target language features. Thus, in conclusion, well planned tasks can engender language learning in a second language context by pushing learners to notice, interact and formulate language, focusing on both form and meaning.
Impact of intervention on socio-economic status of village chicken rearing farmers: a case in Karuwalagaswewa and Thirappane veterinary divisions
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Thilini, H.W.L.; Korale Gedara, P.; Silva, G.L.L.P.
Village chickens contribute to 15% of the national egg production. Although the village chickens arepoor producers of eggs, farmers tend to rear them because of the favorable characteristics exhibited by village chicken. This study was conducted to evaluate the change in the socio economic status of village chicken farmers in Karuwalagaswewa and Thirappane veterinary ranges due to intervention done by a recent project. A sample of eighty seven farmers representing four villages was interviewed by a detailed survey. The improvement of the village chicken farmers in terms of livelihood and farming conditions after the intervention was determined using Wilcoxon sign rank test and simple mean percentages. A cost-benefit analysis was conducted using Net Present Value and Benefit Cost Ratio to evaluate the worthiness of establishing mini hatcheries in both sites. The results of the cost-benefit analysis showed that the establishment of mini hatcheries was a worthy intervention. The awareness about diseases, poultry housing management, knowledge level of farmers on poultry farming, connection with other farmers, communication ability and knowledge on marketing were significantly high (P<0.05) among the farmers who participated in the project as a result of the training programs conducted by the project. However, obtaining veterinary services and the practice of using vaccinations to prevent diseases has not significantly improved (P>0.05) by the interventions done through the project. Nevertheless, the ranking index indicated that the most affecting constraint revealed by village chicken farmers was lapses in obtaining veterinary services. Thus, the findings of the present study indicated that the project interventions could make an impact on direct drivers of socio-economic development of the farming community whereas indirect drivers such as linking with service providers and allied offices was least influenced. Accordingly, the overall impact of the project intervention on socio economic development of village chicken farmers was high. However, the impact could be further enhanced through an integrated approach in addressing indirect drivers influencing socio-economic status of farmers.
Incorporating layered clay of Okanda and Kirinda ores into a poly (vinyl alcohol) matrix
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Senanayake, P.; Karunarathne, M.; Ratnaweera, D.
One of the eye catching areas in modern material science is the polymer nanoclay composites. Most of the local nanoclay demands are satisfied by imported materials. Sri Lanka is a country which is full of mineral resources including nanoclay. Clay is commonly used as a filler to enhance the polymer properties. As a result of composite formation, polymer will gain high barrier properties, chemical resistivity as well as an improvement in mechanical properties. This study was carried out to confirm the utility of such fillers in polyvinyl alcohol polymers. Raw soil samples were collected from Kirinda (81.2228 E, 6.2060 N) and Okanda 81.77092 E, 6.67650 N) areas at 50-70 cm depths. The collected clay samples were dried and subjected to a basic physical purification procedure. After confirming the presence of MMT type layered clays in local clay samples by XRD, these samples were subjected to further purification using sodium hexametaphosphate to remove quartz and other impurities. The chemical procedure was a trial and error method. The best purification cycle was selected by carrying out XRD and FTIR analysis after each stage of purification. The best purification level of layered clays was observed after one purification cycle with sodium hexametaphosphate. Modification of partially purified layered clay was carried out to overcome the incompatibility between the PVA and the clay fillers. As the modifiers, 6-aminohexanoic acid and octadecylamine with 11-Aminoundecanoic acid were selected to do the comparison between the modifiers. Octadecylamine and 11- aminoundecanoic acid were used to give a co- treatment for the clay surface. Intercalation of modifiers to local and commercial layered clays was confirmed using XRD and FTIR studies. After confirming the intercalation of the modifiers, they were mixed with PVA. Composites of PVA and organically modified clay were prepared using the solvent intercalation method. The characterization of commercial and local clay PVA composites were carried out using XRD and FTIR. XRD studies showed that for all composites, the degree of crystallinity was improved compared to virgin PVA matrix. Additional diffraction lines due to crystalline domains appeared around 20° of XRD spectra. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) studies confirmed the presence of more crystalline domains in the polymer composites compared to pure polymer. In addition, DSC studies confirmed the improvement of the melting temperature of all clay composites compared to virgin PVA matrix.
Rapid assessment to determine seasonal variation of water quality in Negombo lagoon
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Handagiripathira, H.M.N.L.; Deeyamulla, M.P.; Waduge, V.A.
Water quality parameters are important factors which help to reveal the current environmental conditions of coastal marine waters. In addition temporal trends on the marine ecosystems also can be identified with the help of water quality measurements. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to understand the status of water quality of the Negombo Lagoon during the wet and dry seasons in 2015. The physico-chemical parameters were measured in 26 sampling locations in Negombo lagoon. In-situ analyses were carried out for pH, conductivity, salinity and total dissolved solids (TDS) measurements using a portable meter (ORION STAR A329, Thermo Scientific). There were slight variations of pH during dry (ranged 6.6 to 8.6) and wet (ranged 6.4 to 8.1) seasons. The electrical conductivity (EC) and salinity values were also high during dry season (13.6 to 55.4 mS/cm) and (7.2 to 32.1 ppt) respectively. Similarly, in the wet season sampling EC and salinity levels decreased (ranged 0.1 to 31.1 mS/cm) and (ranged 0.1 to 18.2 ppt) respectively. The average values of total dissolved solids were high in dry season (19.3 ppt) and relatively low in wet season ( 6.5 ppt). The EC, salinity and TDS values were relatively high in all the locations during dry season sampling, because the lagoon was undergoing drying and salts were accumulating through evaporation. According to the results of the Negombo Lagoon, pH and nutrient parameters are within the accepted limits for the fish and aquatic life according to the proposed inland water quality standards of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), in 2001. In conclusion, the results from this study showed that physical water quality parameters such as salinity, EC and TDS showed strong seasonal variations amongst stations. The only identifiable source of water loss from the lagoon is by evaporation and freshwater inflow through several canals. The evaporation seems to be a major controlling force for these chemical parameters in the lagoon. The effects of season and runoff are the two major causes of variation in water quality but human activities have interfered with this cycle and have exacerbated both wet and dry period extremes. In this study, three main parameters were identified as being principle in influencing the observed water physicochemical parameter distribution in the study area. These are salinity, pH and conductivity.
Developing a tool for the evaluation of student’s engagement in learning activities
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Mudiyanse, R.M.; Edussuriya, D.; Jayawardhana, R.; Liyanapathirana, V.; Nanayakkara, I.
Active engagement in learning activity is a critical component in student learning behaviour. However, there is a scarcity of literature on how to evaluate student engagement in learning activities. The purpose of this study was to develop a tool to evaluate student engagement in learning activities. A preliminary checklist to evaluate student engagement in learning activities was constructed with the help of existing literature and teaching experience. This checklist comprised of31 items categorized based on: Pre-activity engagement, per-activity engagement and post-activity engagement. Consensus on the items in the checklist was obtained by a Delphi survey of 8 experienced teachers at the Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. The tool was used on 73 1st year medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya and 228 pre-entry students eligible for local medical schools to evaluate student engagement prior to, during, and after an interactive lecture. Two items of the tool were agreeable to 70%, on initial Delphi survey with one item receiving a 50% and the rest a 100% each. Consensus was defined as agreement by 70% or more participants. Such consensus was achieved on 97% of the questions in the tool. The entire tool obtained an internal consistency value (α) of 0.872 and the pre-activity, per-activity and post activity categories got 0.724, 0.427 and 0.802 respectively. The coefficient of correlation (r) calculated for student engagement versus test performance, after eliminating the outliers, was 0.103. The tool has the face validity but concurrent validity and predictive validity need further evaluation. This could be considered as the first step towards developing a valid and reliable tool to evaluate student engagement in educational activities. It should be modified and improved further. However, feasibility with regards to need for resource persons and subjective nature of the observation and variability hinder its usefulness as a research tool.
Exploring the potential of proximal soil sensing for predicting soil fertility parameters
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Palihakkara, P.D.B.J.; Vitharana, U.W.A.; Wijesekara, A.
Proximal soil sensing is an emerging technique having a potential to generate covariates for the digital soil mapping over time in a cost effective manner. This study investigates the potential of DUALEM-1S electromagnetic induction based proximal soil sensor to predict fertility determining soil properties in a Rhodustalf. The apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) survey was performed in a commercial banana cultivation (4 ha) in Pelwehera (DL1b) using a DUALEM-1S sensor. The survey resulted in 8507 measurements of horizontal and perpendicular coplanar (HCP-subsoil and PRP-topsoil sensitive, respectively) ECa measurements. Topsoil (0-30 cm) samples were collected from 43 locations. Soil samples were analyzed for texture, organic carbon, plant available (Av.) nutrients: N, K, P, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, pH, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) and electrical conductivity (EC). ECaHCP and ECaPRP data showed a high correlation (r = 0.9) indicating comparable top and subsoil properties. ECaPRP measurements showed strong correlations with clay % (r = 0.6), sand % (r = -0.6), Av. Mg (r = 0.7) and Ca (r = 0.7). Spatial variability of properties was investigated using variogram analysis. Available Mg, N, Fe, Mn, P, K and Ca in the topsoil showed a strong spatial dependence with a relative nugget effect less than 25%. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess the potential of ECa to serve as a covariate to predict other soil physiochemical properties. The PCA reduced the dimensionality of the data set into five principal components (PC). PC1 attributed 32% of the variability which highlighted the relationships among ECaHCP, ECaPRP, sand, clay, ECEC, Av.Ca and Mg. PC2 attributed 19% of the variability highlighting the relationships among Av. Zn, P, Cu, Fe and EC. This study revealed a strong spatially structured variability of soil fertility parameters which can be used to optimize soil management practices. Proximal soil sensing can be used as a promising tool to predict a majority of soil properties: sand, clay, organic matter, Av. Mg, Ca, Fe, P, Cu and Zn in Rhodustalf, the most prevalent soil great group in the dry zone.
Determinants of Internet Financial Reporting (IFR): evidence from top twenty listed companies in Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Regina, L.V.; Priyadarshani, P.L.W.
Disseminating financial information via internet is one strategy used by decision makers to capture a wider audience and to disclose more information than what is possible from traditional paper – based reporting. Therefore the present study focused to establish the level and the determinants of IFR done by companies listed in CSE. Consequently top twenty listed companies ranked by Standard and Poor (S&P) Sri Lanka Index in 2015 were surveyed since they assist both local and international investors to gauge the performance of the equity market in Sri Lanka. The level of IFR was evaluated on the basis of the IFR index composed of fifty three Disclosure Content (DC) and twenty five Presentation Format (PF) related elements by weighting them to 60% and 40% respectively and the relevant information were gathered by directly visiting the websites of the companies. The level of IFR and the impact of eight factors on IFR index were analyzed through a Multiple Regression Analysis. Accordingly Board Size, Role Duality and Ownership Concentration are considered as corporate governance variables while Company Size, Auditor Type, Profitability, Leverage and Liquidity are considered as firm specific variables. (The study discloses that the level of IFR done by listed companies is above average. Further it provides evidence that IFR is significantly and positively influenced by the firm specific variables namely Company Size, Profitability, Leverage and Liquidity while the influence of corporate governance and ownership concentration is significant and negative. These findings reveal that large size companies in terms of total assets, companies with higher Return on Capital Employed, higher debt to equity ratios, higher current ratios and low percentage of shares held by the directors are more likely to engage in IFR. However findings do not show a significant relationship between IFR and rest of the corporate governance variables namely Board Size and Role Duality. Auditor Type becomes a constant variable in this study and this circumstance reveals that all the companies in the sample are audited by the audit firms affiliated by Big-4 audit firms and that may be the possible reason that the level of IFR is above average since the Big-4 audit firms highly motivate their clients to engage in more disclosure. Therefore the results portray that the companies with superior features do more internet reporting since internet is an effective media today to do more promotion at lower cost. Findings of the study are essential as they assist in informing regulators about the characteristics of listed companies that are and are not satisfying domestic and international investors’ demand on online information. Further it facilitates CSE whose main objective is to monitor the fair and orderly functions of the markets and protecting the rights of the investors.
Research output of the University of Peradeniya in PubMed database from 1995-2015
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Dissanayake, H.N.K.
PubMed is a free database on Medical Sciences, which contains bibliographic records of Medline of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and abstracts on life sciences and biomedical topics. The present study is a bibliometric study conducted to find out the research output of University of Peradeniya. A search was conducted in University of Peradeniya in the affiliated field and 558 records were retrieved. This was analyzed using BibExcel, a tool used to analyze bibliographic data. The first analysis was done to find out the place of publication of the journals in which the articles authored by the scholars of university of Peradeniya. 185 publications were published in journals published in England followed by 114 in the United States and 54 and 45 in Netherlands and Sri Lanka respectively. The highest number of articles was published by Kularatne SAM and the number of articles was 27. Nineteen articles were published by Tilakaratne W. M. and 15 articles were published by Maduwage K. and Kodikara, S., Kularatne S.A.M. Maduwage, K. and Kodikara S. are attached to the Faculty of Medicine and Thilakaratne W.M. is attached to the Faculty of Dental Sciences of the University of Peradeniya. When the subjects of the articles were analyzed according the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus given in the database 330 articles were found to be on humans, 228 articles on females and 219 articles on males. The type of publications by the Sri Lankan Medical scientists fall into the categories of 110 journal articles, 76 journal articles with research support non US govt., 26 case reports and 20 reviews. 45 articles were published in Ceylon Medical Journal and that is the highest number of articles published in a single journal. 13 articles were published in BMC Research Notes and in the Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine. The results showed that the Sri Lankan medical scientists have published more in UK based journals. The Ceylon Medical Journal is the most popular local journal with the highest number of publications. The results showed that the highest contributors to PubMed database were Medical and Dental Scientists.
Auto-regressive distributed lag model on forecasting tourist arrivals from Asian region to Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Konarasinghe, K.M.U.B.
When one analyzes the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, it clearly shows the historical development of tourist arrivals every year. The Asian region is the highest tourist producer to the tourism market in Sri Lanka. With the increase in tourist arrivals from the Asian region, the government needs a correct method of forecasting tourist arrivals to cope with uncertain situations and resource management. Therefore, this study focused on identifying a suitable model to test the ADLM on forecasting tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka from the Asian region. Monthly tourist arrival data from 2009 to 2014 were obtained from statistical reports of 2009 and 2014 from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). Auto- regressive Distributed Lag Model (ADLM) was tested on forecasting tourist arrivals. One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique was used for overall model testing and t- test was used for individual parameter testing. The residual plots, Anderson –Darling and Durbin- Watson tests for residuals were used as a model validation criterion. Stationary of the series was tested by Augmented Dickey- Fuller Test (ADFT) and Auto Correlation Function (ACF).The forecasting ability of the models was assessed by considering both relative and absolute measurements of errors. ADFT and ACF confirmed the non-stationary of the series. The results revealed that lag 1 is significant. The P value of Anderson-Darling test was (P= 0.534) and the Durbin- Watson statistic was 1.93.It confirmed the normality and independence of residuals. Adjusted R2 of the model is 76.8%. The Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) values of fitting and verification of model with lag 1 were 1.36 % and 1.03% respectively; Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) was 0.133 and 0.110 of fitting and verification; Mean Square Error (MSE) was 0.028 and 0.012. It was concluded that the ADLM with lag one is suitable for forecasting tourist arrivals from Asian region to Sri Lanka. It is recommended to try other time series techniques; decomposition techniques, Circular Model and Seasonal Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models to capture the seasonal behavior of the series.
Microbiological quality assessment of beach sand in Uswatakeiyawa, Prithipura coastal area, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Samarasekera, K.N.; Abeygunawardena, G.A.S.I.
Assessment of microbiological quality of beach sand has becomeone of the essential factors in many countriesto reduce the risk on health of the bathers and others using these beaches for recreational activities. According to recent studies beach sand may act as a source of fecal pathogens for the overlying seawater. This study was designed to assess the microbiological quality of beach sand of a popular bathing beach at Prithipura, Uswatakeiyawa. Two sampling sites were selected with a distance of 150m and the samples were collected from April to September 2015. Microbiological quality of sand was monitored by testing for Enterococcus(as fecal streptococci -FS), coliforms, thermo-tolerantcoliforms (as fecal coliforms- FC) and E. coli according to APHA and UNEP standards. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas were also monitored using Mannitol Salt Agar and Pseudomonas Selective Agar respectively. Temperature, salinity, conductivity, TDS and pH weremeasuredat the sites to assess their effect on microbial growth. Analysis of enterococci levels in sand was ranged from 112-400 MPN/100ml with an average level of 353 MPN/100ml. The average coliform content was 1111 MPN/100ml which was ranged from 40-1600 MPN/100ml. The average counts for thermo-tolerant coliforms and E. coli were 257MPN/100ml and 80 MPN/100ml respectively. Microbiological counts from two sites were not significantly different when subjected to 2-sample t-test using Minitab 14 statistical software. Staphylococcus aureus was absent in most of the samples, but the average level was 9.42x103 CFU/ml. Pseudomonas spp. showed a higher average value of 3.40x104 CFU/ml. The Pearson correlation test performed for all microbial and physical parameters indicated a negative correlation between Pseudomonas and temperature (-0.665, 0.036 and -0.774, 0.014) and a positive correlation between fecal coliforms and E. coli (0.625, 0.05 and 0.7, 0.024) at both sites. The average values of pH, conductivity and salinity were 7.89, 2.21 mS/cm and 1.1 ppt respectively. Furthermore, the ratios of FC/FS ranged <0.7 – 4.0 but none of the samples exceeded 4.0 of which many were within the range of 0.7-2.0 providing evidence that a main and frequent cause of pollution is domestic animal wastes. However,one sample showed a value of 3.8 (FC/FS) which is an indicative of predominant human waste pollution.
Family power in governance of family businesses: cases from Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Kuruppuge, R.H.; Ekanayake, A.
Family businesses have been widely researched over the years. For instance, scholars attempted to distinguish family businesses over nonfamily businesses using many criteria. Although there is no commonly accepted such criteria to identify family businesses. More specifically, family power has been identified as a key criterion to explain the governance of family businesses. Following qualitative research approach and undertaking four case studies this paper aims to explain the ways in which family power shapes the governance of family businesses. The existing literature suggests that among other things, family ownership and their involvement in management contribute heavily to the governance of family businesses. The notions of agency and stewardship theories propose that family power could create positive outcomes such as minimizing agency costs between owners and managers. However, it can also form governance issues due to lack of professional management, particularly when the organizations become larger. Data was gathered through interviewing directors, owner- managers, family-tied non-executive employees of the four family owned businesses, and analyzed in three interactive processes, namely data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings suggest that the ownership control influence differently on the governance of family owned businesses depending on whether the family business is single owned or multiple owned. Further, the findings also suggest that the family management plays a significant role in the governance of family owned businesses. It was revealed that the level of involvement of family members on governance vary depending on the extent the family members are represented at the directorate, managerial and non- managerial levels of the family businesses.
Factors influencing success of fashion design entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2016-11-05) Jinasena, E.G.; Kusumsiri, N.
Successful fashion entrepreneurs play a significant role in driving the local fashion industry forward. As entrepreneurs are important actors of the fashion business, it is essential to provide systematic guidance in order to achieve business success through incubation and support programmes. Support initiatives depend on knowledge of diverse factors that would influence the fashion business. Fashion entrepreneurship has not being subject to systematic research in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this research focuses on identification and discussion of factors influencing fashion entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. The research started with a review of literature, which divides the influential factors into four main categories: (1) Business Characteristics; (2) Personality, Attitudes and Behavioural factors; (3) Environmental factors; and (4) Strategic factors. The information about fashion businesses were solicited through available databases of main fashion events such as Colombo Fashion Week and also through social media. A random sample of 180 successfully established and emerging fashion entrepreneurs participated in the survey, out of which 85 participants responded. The importance of each factor was analysed according to four main categories based on the questionnaire responses provided by fashion design entrepreneurs who have launched their own fashion enterprises in Colombo and suburbs. Statistical techniques available on Microsoft Excel such as tabulation, graphing, mean, and median, and standard deviation were used for the analysis. The analysis highlights that personality, attitudes and behavioural factors are the most influential factors of fashion design entrepreneurship. The findings revealed that fashion entrepreneurs’ personal identity, as expressed through their personality and attitudes, influence entrepreneurial behaviour in fashion designers. The findings also reveal that personal identity is constructed through interaction of social and cultural factors prevailing in Sri Lanka. It facilitates fashion entrepreneurs to recognise their personal identity construction that influence their business decisions so that favourable identity constructions are identified and nourished while non-favourable constructions are redefined. The findings reveal that the external factors can be managed through recognising, developing and redefining their personality, attitudes and behaviour in the process of developing successful fashion enterprises.

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