Browsing by Author "Jayawardena, B."

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Applicability of Bluetooth routing ad-hoc networks for efficient communication.
(International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2017 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Jayawardena, B.
In the age of Internet of Things, we expect devices other than computers to communicate with similar or different types of devices. These devices have to be designed in a specific way to communicate and achieve a predefined set of objectives. Hence, the devices need to be aware of with whom they should communicate and what, with what infrastructure and operational environments such as cars, door-locks, refrigerators, health information devices which could create intelligent systems that communicate over the Internet with information/computer systems. On the road, cars may move in a lane one after the other, swiftly engaging in lane changes, slowing down through intersections, accelerating when required, turning left and right after each block. If these vehicles can continuously communicate with each other to exchange status updates on its movement and drivers’ actions, smooth operation of vehicles on roads could become a reality. Cars need to know who is behind them, front of them, and passing them, in order to send messages forward, backward or around each one of them. The study describes two instances (event of braking and road condition of a location) where cars communicate depending on information collected through ad-hoc networks, built upon sharing critical information and a selection of topologies and protocols depending on the objective of the network. The study proposes Bluetooth routing ad-hoc network to provide conceptual framework for dynamic ad-hoc networks where a set of devices can quickly form in a network based on their relative position, continue to maintain the network as new nodes join and leave, and disband once the objective of the network is accomplished. Specialty of this situation is that each node should know who are directly nearby or next to them, and from which direction, in order to communicate specific messages, and when required, a node should be able to reach a group of nodes in a given direction, but out of direct communication range, through intermediary nodes that route communications. A signal such as Wi-Fi would reach longer distance than Bluetooth, confusing this critical discovery process by reaching irrelevant devices faraway. Currently, this area has not been studied specifically. Concept was validated by having a group of devices arranged in a line, being able to discover each other, communicate with each other based on their relative physical positon in the group, and pass simple messages between them. Bluetooth communication uses low power radio signals in a limited range, compared to strong Wi-Fi signals that travel longer distances. Bluetooth ad-hoc routing networks can handle discovery and peer negotiations efficiently and even let stronger, long-distanced Wi-Fi signals make communication between the nodes where required, based on the established Bluetooth ad-hoc network.
Basil oil plus aluminium sulfate and modified atmosphere packagingcontrols Crown rot disease in Embul banana (Musa acuminata, AAB) during cold storage
(Elsevier, 2017) Siriwardanaa, H.; Abeywickrama, K.; Kannangaraa, S.; Jayawardena, B.; Attanayake, S.
tEffect of basil oil spray treatment in combination with modified atmosphere packaging was investigatedin controlling crown rot and extending the shelf life of Embul banana (Musa acuminata, AAB) at 12–14◦C.Embul banana fruits were treated with 1% aluminium sulfate, 1% aluminium sulfate + 0.4% basil oil and dis-tilled water (control). Treated banana samples were packed in Low Density Polyethylene bags and storedat 12–14◦C. In-package gases were analysed after 14 days of cold storage. Physicochemical properties,nutritional properties, sensory properties and crown rot disease severity as well as residues in treatedbanana peel were determined in ripening induced fruits. Test marketing trials were conducted in fruit out-lets in Dambulla and Kiribathgoda, Sri Lanka where treatments were provided to consumers and staff toobtain feedback on the quality of treated banana. At the end of 14 days, O2in packages remained between3.1–3.7% while CO2varied from 4.2 to 4.7%. 1% aluminium sulfate + oil treatment significantly controlledcrown rot disease compared to others. Most of the physicochemical, sensory properties of aluminiumsulfate + basil oil treated banana were not significantly different compared to control whereas nutritionalproperties of treated samples showed no drastic changes compared to control. Treated samples scoredhigher for peel colour and taste over control samples, by staff and consumers of fruit outlets. Consumerspreferred basil oil treated banana over untreated due to their sweet and pleasant taste. Insignificantamount of residues persisted in treated banana. This current safe, eco-friendly treatment strategy couldbe recommended in preparing Embul as well as other banana varieties belonging to Musa acuminata, AABgroup for commercial scale export to various destinations which require a transit time of two weeks.
Blockchain-based distributed reputation model for ensuring trust in mobile adhoc networks
(Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2020) Peiris, P.P.C.; Rajapakse, Chathura; Jayawardena, B.
Mobile ad-hoc networks also known as MANETs have been in global use for numerous applications which are not possible with fixed network topologies. The distributed operation and dynamic topology have encouraged MANETs to be applied for establishing communication in unstable environments. MANET's dynamic topology and mobility have been very advantageous in the fields of military and disaster management. These dynamic characteristics of a MANET also create a major challenge in managing trust between the mobile nodes. Managing the trustworthiness of information that a node provides to the rest of the MANET is very crucial as misinformation spread can lead to erroneous decision making. Although previous studies have been carried out on trust management in MANETs using price-based and reputation systems, the potential of a globally distributed system has not been utilized practically. Therefore, these systems address the trust management issue within a boundary of a single MANET. Above mentioned systems should be re-evaluated when a node from another MANET joins a new MANET as the reputations of the node in the previous MANET cannot be imported to the new MANET. Lack of a possible solution for this gap may result in misinformation spreading by a malicious node before other nodes determine its reputation, which could be very dangerous in sensitive environments. Therefore, a globally distributed reputation model is a timely need in mobile ad-hoc networking. Blockchain technology is one of the most suitable technologies in present for its immutable and distributed properties to build robust systems. Blockchain is a distributed ledger, that has the ability to store feedback from mobile nodes about the accuracy of information provided by other nodes. A trust factor for each node can be calculated using these feedbacks. A mobile node can then decide whether to trust information, based on nodes’ trust factors. Adopting a development-oriented research methodology, a blockchain based reputation model prototype has been implemented and validated within the study.
Developing an efficient extraction method for Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) bark; to develop an antidiabetic nutraceutical
(4th International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Dilhari, R. K. H. M.; Jayawardena, B.
Diabetes is a common global disease. It causes mortality and morbidity. Therefore, many synthetic drugs have been introduced. Most of them are alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitors. But, they cause many side effects. Accordingly, modern researches are focused on plants based bioactive compounds which can inhibit alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is a potential candidate for antidiabetes agent. This research is focused on experimental evaluation of different extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum which is suitable for human consumption. Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark was extracted using water at three different temperatures (room temperature, 40 ̊C and 90 ̊C) and using ethyl acetate at room temperature. Alpha amylase inhibitory activities of these extracts were determined by a previously described method. Bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, proanthocyanidins and cinnamaldehyde) in the extracts were evaluated and correlated with the alpha amylase inhibitory activity. Effect of extraction time duration on efficiency of water extract at room temperature was studied. IC50 values (concentration of inhibitor that is required for 50% inhibition of enzyme) of three different extracts were determined using alpha amylase inhibitory activity. Water extract at 40 ̊C temperature had the lowest IC50 value for alpha amylase (0.301±0.238 mg/mL) followed by highest phenolic content (50.3±0.827 mg GAE/g) and highest proanthocyanidin content (19.0±0.665 mg/g). IC50 values for alpha amylase of three different extracts decreased with the increment of phenolic and proanthocyanidin content of extracts. Water extract at room temperature showed same changing pattern for proanthocyanidin content, phenolic content and alpha amylase inhibition activity with extraction time. Initially inhibitory activity and amount of bioactive compounds were increased and after three hours they were decreased. Ethyl acetate extract had highest cinnamaldehyde content and cinnamaldehyde content in water extract at room temperature decreased with time. Water extract at 40 ̊C temperature was the most efficient extraction method among three different extraction methods as it showed the highest alpha amylase inhibitory activity followed by highest phenol and proanthocyanidin content
Effect of alum in combination with vacuum packaging in extending the shelf life of Embul banana
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Siriwardana, H.L.S.; Abeywickrama, K.P.; Kannangara, S.; Jayawardena, B.
Crown rot disease is the major post harvest disease in Embul banana causing severe post harvest loss both in terms of quality and quantity. Due to hazardous effects of fungicides, use of eco-friendly methods of controlling crown rot disease are being investigated throughout the world. In this study, efficacy of alum (sodium aluminium sulphate) in combination with vacuum packaging was investigated in extending the shelf life of Embul banana at cold temperature. Approximately 85-day mature Embul banana hands were washed with 1% alum (w/v) solution and control was washed only in water. Treated and control fruits were packed in Low density polyethylene bags, air inside bags were removed using a vacuum and placed in fibre board cartons and stored in a cold room at 12-14 ºC. Each treatment comprised 8 replicate boxes each with 5 hands. In-package gases were analysed on initial day and every seven days thereafter up to 28 days of storage. Physicochemical and sensory properties and crown rot disease severity (CRS) were determined in ripened fruits after each storage period. Medium (50 kg) and large scale (100 kg) test marketing trials were conducted at fruit outlets in Dambulla and Kiribathgoda, Sri lanka by providing treated Embul banana samples to consumers and staff to obtain feedback on the quality of treated banana. Crown rot disease severity was low (CRS index < 1) in alum treated samples compared to control after 28 days. Physicochemical and sensory properties were unaffected by alum+vacuum packaging treatment. Oxygen within packages was maintained between 3.3 - 4.4 % while CO2 % varied between 3.9 - 4.0 %. In medium and large scale test marketing trials, treatment controlled crown rot disease to a fair extent and obtained higher score values from the customers and staff of fruit outlets for the sensory properties compared to control. Therefore, this eco-friendly treatment method could be adopted for effective control of crown rot disease and to extend shelf life of Embul banana up to one month.
Effect of Cinnamic Acid and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Storage Life of Pleurotus Ostreatus (Oyster Mushrooms)
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Jayawardena, B.; Silva, H.A.P.
In Sri Lanka Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a popular cultivated variety of mushrooms. It is considered as a good source of proteins and fiber. The shelf life of Pleurotus ostreatus is short and it deteriorates rapidly due to browning and microbial infestations. Polyphenol oxidae is the enzyme responsible for enzymatic browning. Polyphenol oxidase inhibitors are used to inhibit the browning reaction. Cinnamic acid is an inhibitor of polyphenol oxidase of mushroom. In the current study cinnamic acid treatment and modified atmosphere packaging were used to extend the storage life of Pleurotus ostreatus. The ID50 value of cinnamic acid for polyphenol oxidase of Pleurotus ostreatus was 3.42 mM. Mushrooms were dipped in 0.50 mM, 1.25 mM and 2.00 mM solutions of cinnamic acid and stored in polyethylene bags for 4,7, 11 and 14 days at 4ºC . After the storage period the organoleptic properties were evaluated. After 07 days of storage product started to deteriorate in the controls and some treated samples. Mushrooms treated with a cinnamic acid concentration of 1.25 mM and packed in polyethylene bags and stored at 4º C maintained the organoleptic properties up to 11 days. The storage life of Oyster mushroom can be extended up to 11 days at 4º C using 1.25 mM cinnamic acid dipping and packaging in 150 gauge (38 μm) polyethylene bags with 3:1 surface area to weight ratio.
Effect of Ocimum basilicum oil plus modified atmosphere packaging of quality of Embul banana
(2016) Abeywickrama, K.; Siriwardana, H.; Kannangara, S.; Jayawardena, B.
Essential Oil Vapor Treatment to Control Post Harvest Diseases in Embul Banana (Mw.,•a Acuminate)
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Niharepola, D.A.; Jayawardena, B.
Anthracnose and crown rot are very common post harvest diseases of banana. ;\nthracnose caused by Colletotrichum musae result in the development of black circular to lenticular lesions during ripening. Crown rot is caused by Fusarium moniliforme, l_mioJiplodia theohromae, and colletotrichum musae. Antifungal properties of essential oils of Cinnamon are well documented. However, only a limited number of studies have been conducted in the use of these oils in controlling post harvest diseases of banana. In earlier studies banana were sprayed with an emulsion of the oil and stored at room temperature and l5°C up to 15 and 21 days respectively. Objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of essential oil vapor treatment on post harvest diseases in embul banana. In the present study the banana \Vas exposed to essential oil vapor at 15"C and allowed to stand at room temp up to 21 days. The matured embul bananas were placed inside 3L polystyrene containers with snap on lids. Essential oil (Cinnamon leaf oil (Cinnamon zeylanicum) concentrations of 1170 ppm or 2340 ppm was applied to filter paper (5.5cm) and placed in each container for expose banana to vapor. Filter paper moistened with water was placed in each container, to maintain high relative humidity. The containers were then transferred to storage at 15°C in a cold room. Control samples were handled similarly with the exception of the volatile treatment. Banana samples were exposed to essential oil vapor for either I day (A) or 2 days (B) or 3 days(C). The exposed banana samples were placed at l5°C,and stored for an additional 21 days. After 21 days the banana samples were exposed to ethylene and were allowed to ripen. After the ripening severity of crown rot and anthracnose were recorded using a Standard Index. Data were analyzed statistically usmg one-way ANOVA. Oil vapor treated banana present low severity of both diseases compared to the control. The banana exposed for 2 days to a concentration of 2340 ppm (sample B) had the lowest incidence of the both diseases (Crown rot and Anthracnose). But it was not significantly different from the 3 days exposure (sample C). The banana exposed for 3 days (sample C) showed higher number of incidence of both diseases. During the 3 days exposure it was observed an increases in number of banana finger ripen. Therefore the fingers become more vulnerable to the both diseases.
Fungal pretreatment to enhance the yield of phytochemicals and evaluation of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition using Cinnamomum zeylanicum (L.) quills pressurized water extracts
(Blackwell Scientific Publications, 2021) Wariyapperuma, W.A.N.M.; Kannangara, S.; Wijayasinghe, Y.S.; Subramanium, S.; Jayawardena, B.
ABSTRACT: Bioactive compounds entrapped in plant materials can be effectively recovered using fungal enzymes. Cinnamomum zeylanicum Sri Wijaya (SW) and Sri Gemunu (SG) accessions and commercially available C. zeylanicum (CC) were subjected to fungal pretreatment and extracted with pressured water (PWE, 0·098 MPa). Thirteen fungal species were isolated and the substrate utilization ability of the species was tested using cellulose, pectin and lignin (indirectly). Total phenolic content (TPC, Folin-Ciocalteu method), proanthocyanidin content (PC, vanillin method) and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of the extracts were evaluated. The anti-diabetic drug, Acarbose was used as the positive control. Trichoderma harzianum (MH298760) showed the highest cell lysis ability and hence was used for the microbial pretreatment process. Extracts of SW treated with T. harzianum species (Pre-SW) gave the highest percentage yield (4·08% ± 0·15%), significantly potent inhibition (P < 0·05) of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities (IC50 57 ± 8 and 36 ± 8 μg ml-1 respectively), TPC (2·24 ± 0·02 mg gallic acid equivalent g-1 ), and PC (48·2 ± 0·4 mg of catechin equivalent g-1 ) compared to Pre-SG, Pre-CC and nontreated samples. Trichoderma harzianum treatment can enhance the hypoglycaemic properties, PC and TPC of Cinnamon extracts and provide new insights into the recovery of phytochemicals. KEYWORDS: Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Trichoderma harzianum; pressured water extraction; α-amylase; α-glucosidase.
Fungal pretreatment to enhance the yield ofphytochemicals and evaluation of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition using Cinnamomum zeylanicum (L.)quills pressurized water extracts
(Letters in Applied Microbiology, 2020) Wariyapperuma, W.A.N. Madushika; Kannangara, S.; Wijayasinghe, Y.S.; Subramanium, S.; Jayawardena, B.
Bioactive compounds entrapped in plant materials can be effectively recovered using fungal enzymes. Cinnamomum zeylanicum Sri Wijaya (SW) and Sri Gemunu (SG) accessions and commercially available C. zeylanicum (CC) were subjected to fungal pretreatment and extracted with pressured water (PWE, 0 098 MPa). Thirteen fungal species were isolated and the substrate utilization ability of the species was tested using cellulose, pectin and lignin (indirectly). Total phenolic content (TPC, Folin–Ciocalteu method), proanthocyanidin content (PC, vanillin method) and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of the extracts were evaluated. The anti-diabetic drug, Acarbose was used as the positive control. Trichoderma harzianum (MH298760) showed the highest cell lysis ability and hence was used for the microbial pretreatment process. Extracts of SW treated with T. harzianum species (Pre-SW) gave the highest percentage yield (4 08% 0 15%), significantly potent inhibition (P < 0 05) of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities (IC50 57 8 and 36 8 μg ml−1 respectively), TPC (2 24 0 02 mg gallic acid equivalent g−1), and PC (48 2 0 4 mg of catechin equivalent g−1) compared to Pre-SG, Pre- CC and nontreated samples. Trichoderma harzianum treatment can enhance the hypoglycaemic properties, PC and TPC of Cinnamon extracts and provide new insights into the recovery of phytochemicals.
Fungicidal activity of essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (L.) and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr et LM Perry against crown rot and anthracnose pathogens isolated from banana
(Blackwell Science Ltd., 2002) Ranasinghe, L.; Jayawardena, B.; Abeywickrama, K.
Aims: To develop a post-harvest treatment system against post-harvest fungal pathogens of banana using natural products. Methods and Results:Colletotrichum musae was isolated and identified as the causative agent responsible for anthracnose peel blemishes while three fungi, namely Lasiodiplodia theobromae, C. musae and Fusarium proliferatum, were identified as causative agents responsible for crown rot. During the liquid bioassay, cinnamon [Cinnamomum zeylanicum (L.)] leaf, bark and clove [Syzygium aromaticum (L.)] oils were tested against the anthracnose and crown rot pathogens. The test oils were fungistatic and fungicidal against the test pathogens within a range of 0·03−0·11% (v/v). Conclusions: Cinnamon and clove essential oils could be used as antifungal agents to manage post harvest fungal diseases of banana. Significance and Impact of the Study: Cinnamon and clove essential oil could be used as alternative post-harvest treatments on banana. Banana treated with essential oil is chemically safe and acceptable to consumers. Benomyl (Benlate), which is currently used to manage fungal pathogens, can cause adverse health effects and could be replaced with volatile essential oils.
Hypoglycemic and Anti‑lipidemic Properties of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (“Sri Wijaya” Accession) Water‑soluble Nutraceutical in Streptozotocin‑induced Diabetic and Healthy Wistar Rats
(Pharmacognosy Magazine, 2021) Jayawardena, B.; Madushika Wariyapperuma, W.N.; Thammitiyagodage, M.; Karunakaran, R.; Sisira Kumara, W.S.
Background: Hyperglycemia is a serious health crisis worldwide, and more than 90% of the Sri Lankan patients effected with the condition have diabetes mellitus type 2. Natural therapeutic agents can manage the progression of the disease. Objectives: To investigate the hypoglycemic and antilipidemic effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (“Sri Wijaya” accession) water‑soluble nutraceuticals in diabetic‑induced and healthy Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The diabetic and nondiabetic Wistar rats were treated with Cinnamon pressured water, Cinnamon decoction, pretreated pressured water Cinnamon extract for 1 month. The results were compared with the group treated with the positive control, Acarbose untreated normal group. Blood glucose and other biochemical parameters were estimated using commercial test kits. Results: There was a significant difference in the fasting serum glucose, food consumption, and water consumption in rats with induced diabetes. The total cholesterol level was significantly decreased in the normal groups treated with Cinnamon extracts, compared with the untreated groups. There was a significant increase in high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the normal group treated with pressured water Cinnamon extract and decoction when compared with the Acarbose‑treated diabetic group. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly higher in the diabetic group treated with Acarbose than in all Cinnamon‑treated groups. However, no significant difference was shown in normal rat groups for aspartate aminotransferase and ALT. Conclusion: Cinnamon nutraceuticals have the potential to reduce hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. Cinnamon extracts may inhibit α‑amylase and α‑glucosidase enzymes in rat pancreatic tissues.
Identification and Characterization of Plant Growth Regulators Present in Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Water Using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography)
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Agampodi, V.A.; Jayawardena, B.
Coconut water (CW) contains a variety of plant growth regulators like indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA) and kinetin. In the present study attempts have been made to isolate plant growth regulators from CW. The CW (2.0 L) was initially set to pH 2.5 with 1.0 M HCI and extracted with ethyl acetate (200 ml x 5). The pH of the aqueous layer was adjusted to 7.0 with 1.0 M NaOH and same extraction procedure was followed . The ethyl acetate layer was concentrated under vacuum pressure at 40 °C and dissolved in 1.0 mL of methanol. TLC was done to separate IAA, GA and kinetin in the CW extract. The hormones were identified on TLC with the corresponding Rf values after comparing with the authentic coll!pounds. The identified bands on the TLC were scraped and redissolved in 1.0 mL of methanol and filtered through 0.45 11m filter, 10 IlL was injected into a reverse phase HPLC column. Retention times for peaks were compared with those of authentic standards. Based on the HPLC analysis, CW contains about 0.088 mg L-1 of IAA, 0.076 mg L-1 of GA and 0.044 mg L-1 of kinetin. In the current method it was possible to extract IAA with 80% recovery (0.07 mg L-1), GA with 70% recovery (0.053 mg L- 1) and kinetin with 75% recovery (0.059 mg L-1) from the CW. It can be confirmed that the plant growth regulators present in CW can be effectively extracted, identified and characterized using the current method.
In vitro anti-diabetic effects and phytochemical profiling of novel varieties of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (L.) extracts
(Corte Madera, 2020) Niroshani, W.A.; Wariyapperuma, M.; Kannangara, S.; Wijayasinghe, Y.S.; Subramanium, S.; Jayawardena, B.
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is a leading metabolic disorder in the world. Anti-diabetic actions of phytochemicals from various medicinal herbs have been explored as an alternative therapy in the management of DMT2 due to adverse effects of synthetic drugs used in allopathic medicine. α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential and phytochemical profiling were investigated in aqueous extracts of two new Cinnamomum zeylanicum accessions, namely C. zeylanicum Sri Wijaya (SW), C. zeylanicum Sri Gemunu (SG) and commercially available C. zeylanicum (CC). METHODS: Microwave Digestion (MD), Pressurized Water Extraction (PWE), Steam Distillation (SD), Solvent Extraction (SE), Decoction Water Extraction (DWE) and Infusion Water Extraction (IWE) methods were used to prepare Cinnamon quill extracts. Total phenolic content (TPC, Folin-Ciocalteu method) and Proanthocyanidin content (PC, vanillin assay), α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition of Cinnamon extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition were reported in terms of IC50 value. The phytochemical profiling was accomplished by GC-MS technique. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Lowest IC50 values were observed in PWE and DWE of SW. The highest PC and TPC were also observed in PWE and DWE of SW. Pressured water and decoctions are promising methods for the extraction of antidiabetic constituents from cinnamon. Benzoic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and 4-Allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol were identified as major compounds in SW extracts. These compounds are believed to be responsible for strong enzyme inhibitory activity of the extracts. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to explore the use of pressured and decoctions water to extract anti-diabetic phytochemicals from cinnamon. The extensive metabolite profiling of novel SW and SG extracts and comparison of that with commercially available CC are reported for the first time in this study. The C. zeylanicum, SW accession holds some promise in the management of diabetes. KEYWORDS: Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Decoction water extraction; Diabetes mellitus type 2; GC-MS; Pressurized Water Extraction; Sri Wijaya; α-amylase; α-glucosidase.
In Vitro Inhibitory Potentials of Alpha Amylase and Alpha Glucosidase in Tricosanthes Dioica, Moringa Oleifera And Averrhoa Carambola
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayawardena, B.; Ranasinghe, M.
In recent times type 2 diabetes has become one of the major public health concern in both developing and developed countries. It is defined as an endocrine and metabolic disease defined by elevated blood glucose level (hyperglycemia). Current studies based on medicinal plants have revealed that phenolic and flavonoids compounds present in plants can inhibit key enzymes such as alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase and offer an effective strategy to control post prandial hyperglycaemia. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the inhibitory potential of alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase byTricosanthesdioica (Padwal), Moringaoleifera (Murunga)and Averrhoacarambola (Kamaranga). Leaves of Padwal, Murunga and fruits of Kamaranga were sliced, dried, powdered and refluxed with 75% ethanol and fractionated with ethyl acetate. 75% ethanol extract, ethyl acetate extract and aqueous layers were obtained. Each layer was tested for the total phenolic content and percentage reducing activity. IC50 values of alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitions by the extractswere determined using several biochemical assays. Among the three plantsT. dioica 75% ethanol extract had the highest amount of phenolic content (50.88±4.90 mg/g) and the highest reducing power was in A. carambola 75% ethanol extract (710.91±15.62). The most plant extracts showed higher reducing power compared with standard BHT (317.27±19.10). In the determination of IC50 values for alpha amylase, ethyl acetate layer of A. carambola (57.36 ± 16.51 μg/g) showed the lowest value and the highest IC50value was inT. dioica aqueous layer (1225.84±59.57 μg/g). The lowest IC50 value for alpha glucosidasewas observed in M. oleifera (279.84±35.51 ng/g) aqueous layer and the highest value was in the ethyl acetate extract of T. dioica(9.08×105±1.11×104ng/g). In the present study the selected plant materials had high phenolic contents and percentage reducing power. A. carambola ethyl acetate extract is most effective inhibitor for amylase and M. oleifera aqueous layer is effectual inhibitor for glucosidase in vitro among the three plants.
A method to determine user location distribution pattern in a Wi-Fi network through SNMP protocol
(Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2018 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Abeysekara, A. M. R. B.; Jayawardena, B.; Wijayasiriwardhane, T. K.
In today’s connected world, the biggest challenge that a network manager encounters is the allocation of the bandwidth within the network in response to the user requests to increase it in different areas of the network. However, due to the limited bandwidth provided by the service provider, in most of the situations, the network manager would not be in a position to increase the bandwidth as much as the users’ request. This is because to increase the bandwidth in a particular area, it requires to decrease the bandwidth in some other area in the network in order to maintain a maximum utilization of the provided bandwidth in the entire network. On the other hand, in every network there is a pattern of user location distribution. As a result, some areas in the network require more bandwidth during a certain period of time due to the more users located in that area during that period of time whilst the other areas may not need that much of bandwidth due to the lesser number of users located. Therefore, if the pattern of user location distribution of a network can be determined, the network manager can dynamically allocate a different amount of bandwidth to the different areas of the network accordingly. In this research, we propose a novel method to determine the user location distribution data in a Wi-Fi network using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP protocol) and thereby to identify any pattern of user location distribution against the time. In our method is, first we get the information such as MAC addresses, IP Addresses using SNMP protocol from the routers in the network. From that information, we then get the location distribution of the users based on the router’s location. We use that information to do pattern analysis and the location distribution pattern against the time is then determined. Our aim is to provide a more rational approach for network managers to allocate different amounts of bandwidth to different areas in their network while maintaining a maximum utilization of the provided bandwidth in the entire network.
Novel post-harvest treatment for oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)
(University of Kelaniya, 2013) Jayawardena, B.; Subashini, A.
Pleurotus ostreatus is an edible mushroom, which is usually known as an oyster mushroom. Mushrooms have a very short shelf life. At present, a low cost, non toxic method has not been developed to prolong the shelf life of oyster mushrooms. Development of a method to increase the shelf life of oyster mushrooms would be helpful to reduce the cost of production, and to popularize it as a nutritional supplement. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as an anti microbial agent on fresh fruits and vegetables. Samples of fresh, whole, unwashed mushrooms, each containing 40.00±0.01 X 5 g were immersed in 200 ml of 3% H2O2 solutions for 30 seconds at 30±1 °C or sprayed with a solution of 3% H2O2. The treated samples were placed on absorbent paper to remove excess water and packaged into LDPE with 3:1 ratio and stored at 8oC. Controls were sprayed with water. At intervals of 03, 04, 05, 08, 10 days of storage, samples were tested for organoleptic and biochemical properties. The experiment was repeated three times. Our studies indicate, Tyrosinase activity of mushrooms can be inhibited by hydrogen peroxide. Thus spraying and dipping in hydrogen peroxide solutions were used to prevent enzymatic browning and to increase the post harvest shelf life of oyster mushrooms. Untreated mushrooms packaged in low density polyethylene and stored at 8oC showed signs of browning after 3 days. Mushrooms treated with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide could be stored up to 10 days at 8oC. As hydrogen peroxide is a non toxic, environmentally friendly compound, the treatment method developed in the current study, can be recommended as a post harvest treatment for oyster mushrooms.
Nutritional quality of Cavendish banana (Musa acuminata, AAA) as affected by basil oil and determination of basil oil residues by GC-MS
(Journal of Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, 2019) Siriwardana, H.; Abeywickrama, K.; Kannangara, S.; Jayawardena, B.
The effectiveness of basil oil on the nutritional properties of Cavendish banana and chemical composition of basil oil and oil residue levels of treated banana fruits were evaluated in this study. Cavendish banana hands were treated with 1% alum (w/v), 1% alum (w/v) + 0.4% Ocimum basilicum (basil) oil, distilled water (control) and packaged in Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) bags and stored at a cold room at 12-14ºC. After two weeks of cold storage banana were induced ripened and nutritional contents of treated Cavendish banana were determined. Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was instrumental in identifying the chemical constituents of basil oil as well as residues in basil oil treated Cavendish banana peel after two weeks of storage at 12-14ºC.
Nutritional quality of Cavendish banana (Musa acuminata, AAA) as affected by basil oil and determination of basil oil residues by GC-MS.
(Journal of Science 2019, Department of Botany, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Siriwardana, H.; Abeywickrama, K.; Kannangara, S.; Jayawardena, B.
The effectiveness of basil oil on the nutritional properties of Cavendish banana and chemical composition of basil oil and oil residue levels of treated banana fruits were evaluated in this study. Cavendish banana hands were treated with 1% alum (w/v), 1% alum (w/v) + 0.4% Ocimum basilicum (basil) oil, distilled water (control) and packaged in Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) bags and stored at a cold room at 12-14ºC. After two weeks of cold storage banana were induced ripened and nutritional contents of treated Cavendish banana were determined. Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was instrumental in identifying the chemical constituents of basil oil as well as residues in basil oil treated Cavendish banana peel after two weeks of storage at 12-14ºC.1 Nutritional properties of basil oil treated Cavendish banana showed no adverse changes compared to control. Methyl chavicol (estragole) was the most abundant component (74.44%) of basil oil followed by linalool (15.01%). GC-MS data revealed that negligible amount of residues of basil oil retained in treated Cavendish banana after 14 days. Basil oil treatment and subsequent modified atmosphere packaging of Cavendish banana is recommended as an ecofriendly strategy for air freight or long distance transport over land.
Phenolic extracts of coconut oil cake: a potential alternative for synthetic antioxidants
(2016) Seneviratne, K.N.; Prasadani, W.C.; Jayawardena, B.
Limitations of natural antioxidants include relatively low antioxidant activity, narrow range of food systems where the antioxidants are effective and limited thermal stability compared to synthetic antioxidants. In the present study, the phenolic extract of coconut oil cake (COCE) was tested for antioxidant activity-related food stabilization. Heat stabilities of COCE and synthetic antioxidants were determined by measuring the induction time of sunflower oil enriched with heat-treated antioxidants. In the β-carotene-linoleate emulsion used for testing antioxidant activity, COCE can retain 96 ± 2% of initial colour intensity while BHT can retain 89 ± 2% of initial colour intensity at 60 μg mL–1 concentration after two hours. TBARS contents (MDA equivalents / kg of meat) in COCE-treated and control pork samples after 14 days was 2.80 ± 0.57 and 22.55 ± 2.30 respectively. Heat stability varies in the order butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) < (butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) < COCE < tertiary butylhydroxyquinone (TBHQ). The results of these experiments suggest that COCE is a versatile and thermally stable natural antioxidant mixture effective in stabilizing many food systems.