iPURSE 2014

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/42

Browse

Now showing 1 - 10 of 10

Value object classification for healthcare service development
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Geethika, T. D. G.; Kumari, D. W. C. P.; Jayaweera, P.
E-Service provided by enterprises are to improve performance of entire business according to their goals. In present day, service oriented enterprise applications are founded on e-Services for inter and intra cooperation of enterprise systems. Such e-Service identification, designing and development are tedious and time consuming task besides its criticality. In order to overcome these deficiencies, utilization of business value models to get initial institution of e-Services is important and fundamental. Among existing business value modeling approaches, e3-Value modeling take over the advantage of describing exchange of values among actors in a networked e-Business atmosphere. Further this e³-Value modeling approach illustrates the overview of business plan in terms of value actors, value objects and value activities. In this research work we propose a classification that supports the creation of value object types focusing e3- Value modeling. Presented taxonomy supports e³-Value modeling by facilitating identification of related value actors and value activities in business collaborations with particular focus on healthcare industry. Further it also leads to assist in analyzing the composition of the components in e³-Value model. A case study of healthcare domain is used to ground and apply the proposed approach that could reduce complexity of enterprise solution development for networked business since it supports early identification of services. Thus the attempt of the study is to figure a classification that is capable enough to provide clear and precise understanding of services to be developed and deployed by e-Service designers in healthcare industry. Our study classifies the value objects in to Intrinsic Value Objects (IVO), Recurrent Value Objects (RVO), Co-created Value Objects (CVO) and Affirmative Value Objects (AVO). This work supports requirement engineering in the way of identifying objects with security requirements, reusability, co-creation and proper authentication. The adoption and utilization of the classification could be applied in different specializations and various application areas even within the health industry as well as trying out this in other possible domains. Further we wish to propose a complete framework that combines this classification with service rules in a specific domain to address major issues in analyzing service rules that directly influence the process modeling of the organization.
Direct methods and the particle method for the Gardner Equation
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Nawalage, U. H.; Weliwita, J. A.
Gardner equation, which takes the form, 𝑢ₜ+α𝑢𝑢ₓ+α₁𝑢²𝑢ₓ β𝑢ₓₓₓ = 0 is a standard mathematical model for wave propagation, when a strong nonlinearity is experienced. Here 𝑢 (𝘹,𝘵) describes the wave at place 𝘹 at time 𝘵 and the coefficients, α, α₁ and β are determined by the environment density and shear flow stratification. Unlike other nonlinear evolution equations, this particular equation cannot be integrated by classical approach, method of Inverse Scattering Transform. We numerically integrate the equation using spectral methods and exponential Runge Kutta time stepping of order four in MATLAB. The results are compared with the solutions obtained from various integrating techniques such as 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘩 ansatz, 𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘩 and 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘩 methods. Moreover we discuss the types of the solutions for different parameter values of the equation. For instance, thick solitary wave with flat crest exists only if α₁ is negative, that is, the cubic nonlinear term has opposite polarity to the linear dispersive term. More importantly we derive the particle method that can approximate the solution the Gardner Equation. Particle methods have become one of the most effective and widely used tools in approximating solutions for partial differential equations. This method considers the solution to be a collection of particles located at some points and carrying masses. The dynamics of the location of the particles and their weights can be described from the equation of evaluation of time. The accuracy of this method will depend on the choice of so called cutoff function and on its width. We have successfully implemented the particle method for the Gardner equation and discuss the validity of this method by considering different values for the coefficients. The numerical integration and the particle method work well for any parameter value. We suggest the particle method as a powerful method to solve Gardner equation.
On the efficiency and accuracy of a fast computation of discrete monomial transform
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Gunarathna, W. A.; Nasir, H. M.
Let {z₀, z₁,...zₙ₋₁} be a given set of 𝘯 sample points. The 𝘯-point Discrete Monomial Transform (DMT) of an input vector (𝘧₀, 𝘧₁,...𝘧ₙ₋₁) is defined by the collection: 𝘧= {𝘧(0),𝘧(1),...𝘧(𝘯-1)}, where for 0≤𝘬≤ 𝘯-1. The DMT is a widely used numerical tool in numerous scientific and technical applications, including Magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI), signal and image processing, weather forecasting, and engineering. The direct method (algo. 1) for computing the DMT at 𝘯 sample points requires an 𝘖 (𝘯²) computational complexity. This cost gets prohibitively increased for large values of 𝘯 and hence it makes a heavy burden in many DMT applications. In this paper, we consider an 𝘖 (𝘯log₂² 𝘯) algorithm (algo. 2) for computing an 𝘯 point DMT. This algorithm takes advantage of the natural divide and conquer algorithm, fast polynomial multiplication via the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and fast Toeplitz matrix-vector multiplication. The key objective of this paper is to assess the accuracy and time efficiency of this algorithm when it is implemented in finite precision computer arithmetic. MATLAB programs are coded using a tree data structure in MATLAB to implement algo. 2, and two numerical tests are carried out to test the performance of algo. 2. The CPU times taken by each algorithm are computed and compared for each numerical computation. The accuracy of the algorithm is computed by the absolute relative errors of the numerical solutions of the same numerical tests. The experiment results demonstrate that algo.2 is more efficient than algo. 1 when 𝘯≥128 However, the absolute relative errors of the numerical solution show the accuracy of algo. 2 is drastically contaminated by lots of errors when 𝘯>16 The tests done using matrix condition number indicate that the lower triangular matrices associated with algo. 2 become ill-conditioned when 𝘯>16 Possible factors which affect the contamination of the accuracy of algo. 2 are identified. Although algo. 2 is exact in hand computations, it can yield unreliable numerical errors for problems of modest size when it is implemented in reasonable computer arithmetic. However, its time efficiency can be trusted since it applies the same set of instructions for every problem size.
Life cycle of spinose ear tick 𝘖𝘵𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘪 associated with horse otoacariasis in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Diyes, G. C. P.; Akalanka, P. M.; Rajakaruna, R. S.
Spinose ear tick, 𝘖𝘵𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘪 is a one host, soft tick (Family Argasidae) that parasitizes domestic animals and occasionally humans. From its centre of origin Southwestern North America, it has distributed over a vast geographic region. It is speculated that 𝘖. 𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘪 was introduced to Sri Lanka from India via horse trading. This tick had never been reported from any animal before except for patients visiting the ENT clinic in Nuwara Eliya General Hospital as an intra aural infestation. Interestingly, all these patients had been working as jockeys at racecourses in Nuwara Eliya. The present study was carried out to determine the life cycle of 𝘖. 𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘪 under laboratory conditions. Stables in Nuwara Eliya racecourses were visited twice a month from May to September 2013. Ticks were collected from the ear canals of seven horses, brought to the lab and reared on rabbits. All ticks collected from horse ear canals were immature stages (larvae and nymphs). Except for one lactating mare, all the other horses (10 males and 4 females) were infected with the spinose ear tick. Mean weight of engorged larvae was 4.7(±1.9) mg. Larvae weighing less than 1 mg did not moult but the majority (93.7%) of larvae, which were heavier than 1 mg successfully moulted to nymphs with an average pre-moulting period of 4.5(±0.9) days. Moulting of the larvae was completed within nine days. Heavier larvae had a shorter pre-moulting period and higher moulting success. Mean larval survival period was 44.2(±4.3) days. Nymphs that were collected from horses had mean weight of 37.2(±23.17) mg. Naturally detached nymphs had a mean weight of 43.1(±10.1) mg. Weight of nymphs moulted to adult was 43.4(±20.2) mg. Smaller nymphs less than 11 mg did not moult to adults but the majority (95.4%), which were heavier than 11 mg successfully moulted within 22 days. Pre-moulting period was 6 to 21 days with an average of 11.3(±2.2) days. Majority moulted after 10 days of detachment. All the nymphs weighing over 60 mg moulted into females while nymphs weighing less than 60 mg moulted into either males (67.8%) or females (32.2%). Sex ratio of the overall nymph population was 1:1. Otobius megnini infesting horses in Sri Lanka has one nymphal instar. Number of nymphal instars can vary from one to three, which is one of the major dissimilarities among O. megnini populations. During the study two females weighing 64 mg and 67 mg laid eggs without mating but the eggs were not viable. Average pre-oviposition period of females was 9.0(±4.7) days. Average total number of eggs laid by females over 70 mg was 716.4(±293.4). The mean oviposition period was 52.2(±10.9) days. Minimum incubation periods at three different temperatures 21 ⁰C, 27 ⁰C, and 31 ⁰C were 25.7(±2.0), 12.8(±0.7) and 9.5(±0.7) days, respectively and the incubation success at 27±1 ⁰C was 65.5%. There is only one nymphal instar in the life cycle of Sri Lankan 𝘖. 𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘪 as in those of the Neotropical population whereas the Indian population has three nymphal instars. This difference observed in the life cycle of Sri Lankan species could be an adaptation to the cold environmental conditions in Nuwara Eliya.
Initial changes of phosphorus and poatassium in low-land paddy soils and responses of rice plants (𝘖𝘳𝘺𝘻𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢 𝘓.) under fertilized and unfertilized conditions
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Somaweera, K. A. T. N.; Suriyagoda, L; Sirisena, D. N.; De Costa, W. A. J. M.
Phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) are two important nutrients for rice plant. At present the availability of these nutrients, both in terms of quality and quantity, have declined while the prizes are increasing. Under such instances it is important to understand efficient mechanisms in rice plants to take up P and K in addition to the mechanisms in soil to store and supply to rice plants. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to study the P and K dynamics in soil and to identify the plant responses for P and K fertilization in a major low land paddy soil. Four fertilizer treatments (recommended P and K, (P1K1) (P2O5 45 kg ha-1 and K2O 35 kg ha-1), recommended P and without K fertilization (P1K0), recommended K and without P fertilization (P0K1), and without both P and K fertilization (P0K0)) were used. Urea and ZnSO4 were applied for all the treatments as recommended. Four replicates were arranged in a randomized complete block design at the Rice Research and Development Institute at Batalagoda during 2012 yala and 2012/13 maha. Soil samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment and after two seasons of cultivation from top 20 cm, whereas plant samples were collected at the correct physiological maturity stage in both seasons. Solution and available P and K concentrations in soil and tissue P and K concentrations were tested. In the soil solution P concentration was reduced when P fertilizer was not applied, however, the available P (Olsen-P) concentration was not changed. Instead, the P buffering capacity in P unfertilized soil was increased. Responses observed for soil K was different from P. Although the plant DW was unaffected, the height of plants was lower in P and K unfertilized plots (P0K0) than that in standard P and K fertilized plots (P1K1). Furthermore, tissue P concentration was reduced, while K concentration was unaffected. The relative amounts of P and K taken up by P and K unfertilized plants were less than those of the plants under standard P and K application. These responses in soil and plants are required when deciding and designing P and K fertilizer application plans for lowland rice cultivation.
Improving the shelf life and consumer acceptability of osmodehydrated three seasonal fruits in Sri Lanka; 𝘈𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘩𝘰𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘢 (‘Kamaranga’), 𝘚𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘴 𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘤𝘪𝘴 (‘Amberalla’) and 𝘗𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢 (‘Nelli’)
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Perera, H. N. A.; Weerasooriya, M. K. B.
Due to lack of preservation and storage facilities, postharvest loss of fruits frequently remained at a higher level in Sri Lanka. Osmotic dehydration is a cost saving drying technology which helps to extend the shelf life and to improve the sensorial, nutritional and organo-leptic properties of food. In the present study three seasonal fruits 𝘈𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘩𝘰𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘢 (Kamaranga), 𝘚𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘴 𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘤𝘪𝘴 (Ambarella) and 𝘗𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘴 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢 (Nelli) were osmotically dehydrated changing different parameters such as sugar concentration in hypertonic solution, immersing time of the fruit sample in hypertonic solution and temperature of the hypertonic solution. Fruit slices with ~1cm thickness, sucrose concentrations ranging from 20 to 70 % w/v immersing times varying from 8 to 24 hours, hypertonic solution temperature varying from 30 to 70ºC were used for the experiments. Three replicates were done for each experiment. To test the effect of preservatives, one set of samples was osmo-dehydrated in the sucrose solution 60 % w/v containing 100 ppm sodium benzoate. After the treatments, weight loss, moisture loss and solid gain were monitored. Water loss and solids gain increased with the increase of temperature, solution concentration and immersing time. Sucrose solution 60 % w/v, 16 hours immersing time, and room temperature as immersing temperature were identified as the optimum conditions for osmo-dehydration. At the 60 % w/v sucrose level, moisture loss of fruits was in following order; kamaranga (69.13 %), amberalla (66.00 %) and nelli (57.89 %). Fruit samples osmo-dehydrated using sodium benzoate as a preservative did not show any microbial contamination during 3 months storage period. Freeze drying and hot air drying methods were used for drying the fruit samples.Dried samples were packed under nitrogen or under vacuum and stored at room temperature (27-31°C) for 3 months. Freeze dried samples were found to be more susceptible for microbial contamination than the hot air dried samples. Samples packed under vacuum were less contaminated with microorganisms than those packed under nitrogen. Ash content, phosphorus content and fibre content of all the dried samples remained same over the 3 months period for each treatment. Analysis on nutritional content showed total acidity, ash content, phosphorus content and fibre content of all the dried samples remained almost the same. Only ascorbic acid content was decreased by 35, 38 and 48 % in Amberalla, Kamaranga and Nelli respectively. Fruit samples osmo-dehydrated using sodium benzoate as a preservative showed no any microbial contamination during whole storage period of 3 months. Sensory evaluation test showed that quality of freeze dried samples were better than hot air dried samples in terms of colour, taste, texture as well as total acceptability. Osmodehydrating in 60 % w/v sucrose solution for 16 hours fortified with 100ppm sodium benzoate as a preservative and subsequent freeze drying lead to longer shelf life of Amberalla, Kamaranga and Nelli with better consumer acceptability.
Removal of sodium ions from saline water using laboratory prepared activated coir
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Attanayake, A. M. N. H.; Kottegoda, M. N. S.; Perera, A. D. L. C.
This study focusses on investigating the potential of laboratory synthesized activated coir in removal of sodium ions from saline water which can be further extended to desalination applications. Activated coir was prepared by pyrolysis of raw coir obtained from dried coconut coir which was treated with 50% (wt/wt) phosphoric acid. The activated coir was characterized by comparing its properties such as iodine number according to ASTM standards, methylene blue adsorption, FTIR spectra, SEM images and PXRD patterns with commercial activated coir samples. The scanning electron microscopic imaging and the adsorption capacity of the synthesized coir samples displayed nanoporous structure and better adsorption capacity than the commercial samples. FTIR data implies the presence of oxygen and nitrogen containing functional groups in the activated coir sample which are responsible for the adsorption of cations through electrostatic interactions. Sodium ion removal efficiency was studied using standard sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions under dynamic conditions. All experiments were triplicated. A column of 1.5 g of activated coir adsorbed 30-35 % of sodium ions from 0.20 mol dm⁻³ NaCl solution. During repeated filtration through two such columns a removal of 5055 % was obtained. The maximum removal of sodium ions was obtained when the NaCl solution was passed through the column at a rate of 1.00 cm³ min⁻¹. It is also found that the removal of ions depends on the initial concentrations of the standard NaCl solutions. The kinetics and equilibrium studies for the adsorption of sodium ions were carried out. The experimental results fit with pseudo second order kinetic model. The experimental isotherms were fitted with Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich equations. The results fit with Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms implying a homogenous, monolayer coverage and chemisorption. The Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms show two correlations in the experimental results implying the presence of two or more types of active sites for adsorption of sodium ions.
Drawbacks in current approaches in developing anthropometric size charts
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Vithanage, C. P.; Thilakaratne, C. D.; Jayawardane, T. S. S.; Niles, S. N.
The Ready to-wear garment industry requires perfect pre-developed body size charts which represent their customer segment in order to become a success. With the introduction of online shopping, the importance of correct body size charts has increased. It is reported that 50% of women cannot find a good fit in apparel. In addition, fit problems are the reason for 50% of catalogue returns. Especially, women are displeased with the fit of the lower-body garments. These fit problems are due to the issues in existing size charts which are developed using different data analysis methods. Hence, the objective of this research is to explore the shortcomings of the widely used existing approaches which have been used to develop size charts. The literature shows different approaches from simple statistical approaches to data mining techniques used for the development of body size charts. Anthropometric data of Sri Lankan females’ lower body has been collected and data analysis has been carried out using SPSS version 16 software. Thirteen anthropometric variables were collected from a statistically adequate sample of 1068 females aged between 20-40 years. These data were used for developing size charts for female lower body using different approaches found in literature in view of finding shortcomings of the approaches. First, a statistical approach was used to develop the size chart which uses mean, standard deviation, range and drop value (hip girth – waist girth) of the data. Secondly, K-means clustering algorithm with factor analysis (this is the most widely used approach in past studies) was used. According to anatomy, the human body, especially the female body, differs greatly from person to person. For example, there are five major female pelvic shapes. Hence, the statistical approach which divides the measurement ranges considering the constant size interval, generates poor size charts which do not represent the majority of the population. In the second approach, factor analysis resulted three factors namely girth factor, length factor and height factor, representing thirteen variables, and the sample has been clustered based on the factor scores using the K-means algorithm. This analysis clearly showed that there are three different clusters. However, the plot of key lower-body measurements, namely waist-girth and hip-girth, showed that these measurements are overlapped among the clusters, making the factors identified meaningless and useless for developing size charts. Hence, an advanced approach has to be used to generate body size charts which represent the majority of the population.
Effect of Substituting Calf Milk Replacer with Porcine Whole Blood on the Growth and Performance of Bull Calves
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Wijetunge, W. M. G. I. S. L.; Himali, S. M. C.; Senavirathna, N. G.; Cyril, H. W.; Vidanarachchi, J. K.; Randheera, C. S.
Most of the calves in the commercial farms are fed with milk replacer during their liquid feeding period. As an alternative low cost protein ingredient, porcine whole blood was evaluated by substituting as a possible calf milk replacer. Twelve (12) male Holstein-Friesian calves (weight 40±5 kg and 21±10-day old) were used for the experiment. The study period was 42 days. After adaptation period of seven days, calves were assigned randomly for three groups. The control group of calves was fed with100% calf milk replacer, while the other two groups were fed with milk replacer substituted with 10% whole blood and 15% whole blood. The animals were fed with 4 L and 3 L of milk replacer/milk replacer containing whole blood per day in the first month and for the rest of the research period respectively. All other management practices were performed similarly for all the calves used in the experiment. Daily intakes, rectal emperature and fecal consistencies of each animal were recorded. Body weight, heart girth, body length, skinfold thickness were measured weekly. Daily intake of milk replacer/milk replacer substituted with blood was the same for all calves throughout the experiment period. Body weight gain/week, heart girth, body length, skinfold thickness were analyzed as repeated measures ANOVA using the Mixed Procedure of SAS. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the body weight gain (2.5±0.6kg/week), heart girth (85±5 cm), body length (68±5 cm) and skinfold thickness (1.090±0.2cm), concentrate intake (3±1.9 kg/week) among the treatments. The result of this experiment demonstrates that 10% and 15% of calf milk replacer can be successfully substituted by porcine whole blood. The findings suggest the possibility of using whole blood of pigs obtained as a slaughterhouse by-product to reduce the cost of feed in rearing calves.
Developing a Drumstick (Moringa Oleifera) Incorporated Functional Drinking Yoghurt
(University of Peradeniya , Sri Lanka, 2014-07-04) Weerasinghe, L. T. K.; Madhujith, T.; Sarananda, K. H.
Moringa oleifera leaves have been reported to be a rich source of β-carotene, protein, vitamin C, calcium and potassium. In addition, it is reported that Moringa leaves possess bioactives that bring about a myriad of health benefits. Incorporating Moringa into yoghurt can increase the health benefits. Moringa oleifera leaf samples, sugar and gelatin were obtained from local market. Liquid milk was purchased from University of Peradeniya and the starter culture was obtained from Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), Gannoruwa. Moringa leaf powder (DMLP) was prepared by drying, grinding and sieving of Moringa leaves. The particle size of DMLP was less than 125 μm. Set yoghurt was prepared incorporating varying quantities of DMLP [0.5, 1, 2 and 4%, (w/w)] to the yoghurt mixture. Stirred yoghurt was prepared following the same procedure with the exception of adding extra sugar or water. The so prepared set and drinking yoghurt samples were evaluated for sensory attributes to select the best concentration of DMLP for drinking and stirred yoghurts. According to the paired preference test, drinking yoghurt containing 1% DMLP was the most preferred yoghurt formulation, thus set yoghurt was dropped from the rest of the study. It was observed that 1% DMLP was the most preferred formulation for drinking yoghurt. Furthermore, the selection of the best flavouring agent for set and drinking yoghurts was also carried out through the sensory analysis. Mango flavour was the most preferred flavouring agent for 1% DMLP added drinking yoghurt. Proximate analysis of the best set and drinking yoghurts was performed following standard AOAC methods. Proximate analysis revealed that drinking yoghurt containing 1% DMLP contained 74.28 ± 0.03% moisture, 25.72 ± 0.03% dry matter, 3.91 ± 0.655% ash (on dry weight basis) and 1066.91 mg/100g ± 28.39 calcium. The titratable acidity, TSS and pH of yoghurt were 0.82 ± 0.010%, 21.97 ± 0.06% and 4.60 ± 0.01, respectively. It is concluded that Moringa dry leaf powder, which carries many bioactive properties can be incorporated into drinking yoghurt without affecting the sensory attributes.

Browse

Recent Submissions