JDRRA Volume 1 Issue 2

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Human capital valuation and development: prospects and challenges in sri lanka
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Weligamage, S.S.
Human Capital plays a prominent role as the major factor in the development of individuals, organisations and countries as a whole. Sri Lanka is experiencing a challenging economic and social environment and moving towards changes in economic growth and human capital mobility. The government and all employers need to rethink recognising and providing appropriate value for the human capital in Sri Lanka. This concept paper aims to provide an overview of human capital valuation and development in Sri Lanka and find out the prospects and challenges. Data was collected through secondary data sources using different reports available in Sri Lanka and at the international level and presented using explanations and descriptions. Based on the information, the review revealed several important areas that would directly impact human capital enhancement in the country. More focus should be given to tertiary and vocational education, labour force participation, unemployment, highskills employment, talent shortage, middle-skills employment, long-term unemployment, public spending on education, employment gender gap, developing more human capital in the areas of health, service and welfare sector to meet the future global job market. At the same time, Sri Lankan organisations should consider valuing their human capital and calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) at the organisational level. Sri Lanka should focus more on catering to the international labour demand related to the professional, skilled, and semi-skilled categories in light of the decline in demand for low-skilled labour in the international labour market.
A systematic review on the hemolytic effect of bisphenol-a on human erythrocytes (in-vitro)
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Kodithuwakku, K.H.P.P.; Rajapaksa, G.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high-production volume industrial chemical, and human exposure to BPA is essentially ubiquitous with the increased use of BPA-associated products. Though the ubiquitous nature of BPA exposure has resulted in circulating levels of BPA, as reported in numerous biomonitoring studies, a limited number of studies have been carried out to investigate the impact of BPA on human red blood cells. Yet the findings remain ambiguous. Thus, this study aimed to systematically review the published literature on the hemolytic activity of BPA on human erythrocytes. A systematic review of published literature was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) approach. A comprehensive search of the literature was undertaken using Google Scholar, PubMed and Research Gate for studies published from 2015 to September 2023. The keywords "human erythrocytes", "Bisphenol-A", "in vitro", and "hemolysis" were included in the search. The search identified a total of 933 articles (PubMed = 3, research gate=99, and Google Scholar = 831). After following the exclusion and inclusion criteria, four full papers were entitled to review. In these four studies, they have incubated isolated human red blood cells with varying concentrations for different durations. BPA showed a dose-dependent and time-dependent hemolytic activity in-vitro on human erythrocytes. Reasons for BPA-induced hemolysis in erythrocytes involve the generation of reactive oxygen species. As there are contradictory observations, meta-analysis is recommended. However, no comprehensive investigations have been carried out to evaluate the impact of BPA on human red blood cells under physiological concentrations so far. Consequently, it is recommended that further research in this area be undertaken to provide a more robust understanding of the physiological implications of BPA exposure on red blood cell function.
The intangible culture illustrated by the use of clothing in domestic rituals of traditional sinhalese society
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Ihalagama, H.A.A. Swarna
In any society, all the physical (tangible) and immaterial (intangible) phenomena artificially created on the natural environment by the members of that society belong to its unique culture. Buildings, vehicles, food, clothes, dagobas, statues, etc. are examples of tangible culture and rituals, beliefs, folklore, etc. are examples of intangible culture. There is an inseparable relationship between the tangible and intangible aspects of a culture, even if such classifications have been made based on the prevailing theoretical and practical usage. In the creation of any physical product or material, appropriate technical knowledge and skill should be used, and in the implementation of any immaterial practice, physical products or materials should be used. This research investigates the way in which clothing belonging to tangible culture is used in rituals belonging to intangible culture. Accordingly, the objective of this research is to examine the way in which clothes were used in the main life events, such as birth, puberty, marriage and death, in the traditional Sinhalese society and the inseparable relationship between tangible culture and intangible culture. The research problem is “how the intangible side of Sri Lankan traditional culture is illustrated by the use of clothes in domestic rituals?”. The secondary source was widely used for data collection, and interviews and direct observation were slightly used to make the primary data more reliable. To analyze the data and draw conclusions, a qualitative research methodology was used.
The impact of sustainability reporting practices on financial performance from power and energy sector organisations in sri lanka
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Tilakasiri, K.K.; Wanninayake, H.M.K.B.
Sustainability reporting integrates the organisation's economic, environmental and social performance towards achieving better financial performance and has become a contemporary issue due to the absence of a precise model or a rigid regulatory framework in this arena. The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of sustainability reporting practices on the financial performance of power and energy sector organisations in Sri Lanka. Another objective of this study was to determine the level of sustainability reporting practices in power and energy sector organisations. Sustainability disclosures were measured using social, economic, and environmental sustainability initiatives, and the company performance was measured through Return on Assets (ROA) and Sales Growth (SG). This study was based on ten power and energy companies listed in CSE in Sri Lanka and Government corporations in the power and utility sectors. The sustainability disclosures in the annual reports of the selected companies for the past nine years (2012-2020) were analysed. Accordingly, the author derived a disclosure index from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, which consist of 91 parameters to evaluate the content of the reports of organisations in the power and energy sector. The analysis of the study's data has been done by employing the panel data analysis research technique. Descriptive statistics have been used to assess the level of sustainability reporting, and correlation matrix and panel data analyses were used to determine the impact of sustainability reporting on financial performance in power and energy sector organisations in Sri Lanka. Based on the research findings of the study, it was concluded that there is a negative association between the level of sustainability reporting and Return on Assets (ROA) as well as Sales Growth (SG). Finally, sustainability reporting disclosure does not affect a firm’s financial performance (ROA and Sales Growth) in power and energy sector organisations in Sri Lanka. It is recommended that future research can be further improved by using mixed research methods.
Artificial intelligence and mindfulness: systematic literature review based on prisma method
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Weerakkody, Shalini; Rajapaksha, Sisitha
Isolating oneself from the constant barrage of new technologies and machines in today's fast-paced world can be challenging. Throughout history, people have used the practice of mindfulness to better themselves and find inner calm by focusing on the here and now rather than on the past or the future. However, in recent years, Artificial Intelligence has emerged from the technological revolution, radically altering the landscape of mental health and mindfulness. This conceptual review aims to revisit the prevailing literature on artificial intelligence and mindfulness and explore future research opportunities. A systematic literature review (SLR) with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was used to conduct the review. VOSviewer software has been used to perform keyword co-occurrence analysis to reveal the areas that need the attention of researchers. Articles have been downloaded from the Scopus database to ensure the quality of the input of this conceptual paper. Future research directions have been provided with respect to the research gaps identified in this effort. Some knowledge gaps, empirical gaps, contextual gaps and methodological gaps have been identified in this research.
The treaty of 1815? Or the proclamation of the convention for the ceylon settlement act?
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Herath, Saman
This research aimed to investigate the Paper written by the British in 1815 AD called 'Givisuma', in historiography and within the Sinhalese context. In 1815, the paper that the British documented regarding the Ceylon and obtained signatures from elites at Kandy has been attested in various Sinhala language sources as 'Givisuma'. Several scholars have been mentioning this as 'Sammutiya' (Convention). Nevertheless, in this regard, English words included in the primary sources indicate a different Sinhala literal meaning. The paper of 1815 is commonly referred to as the 'Proclamation' in the primary sources and its Sinhala meaning is being ignored in secondary Sinhala language sources and usage among the Sri Lankans. 'Proclamation' means the Sinhala literal meaning of, "Prakasha Pattraya", "Danveem Pattraya". A 'Proclamation' is a formal announcement, usually made by a government or other powerful authority which has been used as a means of expression by the British colonialists and the legal mechanism to affirm the accession of a British king or queen and confirm the right to the lands belonging to the Great Britain. A 'Treaty' is a legal document in international relations. A 'Convention' is a set of rules for parties who agree to a convention to solve a problem that affects a number of people in the world. The components included in a 'Treaty' are called 'Agreements'. Thus, this research seeks to determine the most fitting name for the document proposed in Sri Lanka in 1815 considering its Sinhala language meaning. The Historical Research Method has been used for this research. Considering the medium of expression enforced by the British in their colonies, their content, and the nomenclature given to those expression mediums, the paper written in Ceylon in 1815 has a different meaning than the meaning that emerges from the term 'Treaty'. The findings suggested that, based on historical considerations, the document 1815 in Sri Lanka may be more accurately described as the "The Proclamation of the Convention for the Ceylon Settlement Act, 1815" rather than using the term "1815 treaty (Givisuma)".
Taboos and transgressions: social perceptions of dark art practices in imperial rome and ancient sri lanka
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Jayawardena, S.G.
This research aims to illuminate the intricate socio-cultural dynamics surrounding "Dark Art" practices in two divergent historical contexts: Imperial Rome and Ancient Sri Lanka. By delving into the perceptions, taboos, and transgressions associated with these practices, the study offers a nuanced understanding of how these societies grappled with the shadowy realms of occultism, magic, and mysticism. This research also sheds light on the complex social perceptions of these practices while underlining the critical role of secondary readings in unravelling the intricacies of these enigmatic traditions. The research will span across distinct historical periods, focusing on pivotal epochs, including the Imperial Roman period and corresponding eras in Ancient Sri Lankan history. Through rigorous analysis of historical texts, secondary readings, archaeological artefacts, and socioanthropological insights, this study will uncover specific Dark Art practices that were prevalent within each cultural landscape. With a keen focus on societal perceptions, the study will examine how these practices were positioned within broader cultural narratives and power structures. By investigating the taboos and transgressions associated with Dark Art, it seeks to explore how these practices challenged normative boundaries and potentially disrupted the established social order. The role of gender and social status will be scrutinized to discern if marginalized groups had a distinct involvement in or resistance against these practices. By conducting this cross-cultural analysis, the research aims to contribute to a deeper comprehension of the complex interplay between Dark Arts, social norms, and transgressions. This study not only enriches historical scholarship but also offers insights into how societies historically negotiated the tension between the allure of the forbidden and the preservation of societal cohesion. Ultimately, by unravelling the intricacies of these practices and their societal responses, the study endeavours to shed light on the perennial fascination with the arcane and the forbidden.
Blockchain-based secure distributed file storage for community cloud computing
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Jinasena, T.M.K.K.; Nayanathara, B.P.S.
Cloud storage is the most used option for storing and sharing files. However, cloud storage has issues like lack of transparency, privacy, security, and trust. On the other hand, local file storage is always faster and more secure than public cloud storage. Besides, a community cloud is more economical and scalable than private storage. However, due to the ad-hoc nature of community users, developing such a community cloud storage has always been a challenge due to data privacy, security, and availability concerns. Recent developments in blockchain technology and computer security are promising to resolve most of these challenges. Thus, in this research, we are presenting blockchain-based, distributed file storage for community cloud computing. This research, which focuses on local communities, allows them to securely share the excessive storage with the locals to earn something while gaining access to faster, more reliable large-scale local storage. By replacing the central authority of third-party storage vendors and migrating to distributed file storage, local communities will achieve greater security, reliability, and control over their data while reducing the risks of data failures and interruptions. Due to symmetric encryption, data privacy would be 100% assured even though they are stored in other peoples' computers. Moreover, this system uses Reed Solomon. Using the Reed Solomon algorithm, the system can retrieve files even when users holding 33.33% of the files are not present. Besides, it allows local communities to make effective use of their idle and unallocated computer resources transparently.
Empowering language learners: unveiling the transformative potential of value-based pedagogy in esl education
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Wijerathna, Shalini; Edama, Jennifer; Suraweera, Paba
This desk research examines how, in an ESL classroom, when combined with standard academic content, value-based pedagogy becomes a comprehensive and transformative approach to education that strongly emphasises instilling essential values and principles in students. Value-based pedagogy strongly emphasises developing students' critical thinking and moral reasoning skills. Moreover, one could not place a division between language and values as one could not explore either in isolation. In value-based pedagogy, students get the ability to make ethically sound decisions and traverse the intricacies of the real world by participating in classroom discussions and ethical issues. This study's methodology is based on a textual analysis of the existing lesson materials designed for undergraduate students and an in-depth reading of published materials in the above-mentioned research area. The study is based on the theoretical works of scholars such as Arjuna Parakrama, Bill Johnston and Paulo Freire. Finally, the findings and the conclusion of this study emphasise the need for value-based pedagogy in an ESL classroom which empowers students to navigate challenges in life. Similarly, this approach urges educators to act as role models and questions established paradigms. The importance of valuebased pedagogy in education is highlighted by its capacity to bring about profound transformation in learners, teachers, and society at large.
Clinical simulation for procedural expertise: state of education and application
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Kodikara, K.
Procedural skills are a core component in the health care practice that extends across all medical practitioners, from novice trainees to specialists. Medical institutions have widely adopted simulation to develop the clinical and procedural skills of health profession students. This review evaluates the evidence regarding simulation-based training for developing procedural expertise among medical students and junior doctors. For this purpose, Google Scholar and MEDLINE/PubMed databases were searched for articles published on simulation-based procedural training between January 2000 and October 2023. Reviews or studies published in languages other than English and research that showed evidence on communication, critical thinking, teamwork, decision-making, and cognitive skills were excluded from the search. The focus was placed on clinical and psychomotor skills as this review intends to inform clinical skills teaching and research practice. The results reveal that simulation-based training has been utilized increasingly to train medical students and junior doctors in procedural skills. Varying levels of fidelity have been incorporated to train psychomotor skills about a multitude of common and rare procedures. The evidence supports the acquisition of knowledge and procedural skills via simulation. Evidence also supports the transfer of skills from the simulated environment to clinical practice and live patients. However, resource intensiveness has limited the implementation of this method of education in developing countries. When used consciously, simulation can complement clinical training to produce competent doctors capable of effective patient care.
Therapeutic potential of melittin peptide: major pain-producing substance of european honeybee (apis mellifera) venom against several communicable and non-communicable diseases
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Gunathilaka, N.; Wimalasiri, U.; Wijerathna, T.
Invertebrates have evolved to produce peptide compounds to ensure success in prey capture and defence against potential enemies. Some of these compounds have become highly potent therapeutic compounds used in medicine. Melittin, a peptide extracted from bee venom, has emerged as a promising therapeutic option that has the potential to obviate the disadvantages of existing therapeutics against several communicable and non-communicable diseases. This article reviews peer-reviewed journal articles to provide a conspectus of current research on the therapeutic uses of melittin. Melittin is predominantly an antimicrobial peptide and shows therapeutic potential against several non-communicable diseases, including cancers, inflammatory diseases and diabetes. Furthermore, it acts against a range of protozoan parasites that infect humans. The biological activities of melittin are mainly achieved via cytotoxicity and downregulation of certain metabolic pathways. The ability to conjugate with other compounds and nanoparticles to improve the effectiveness is an added advantage in melittin-based therapy. The antiparasitic properties and relatively shorter sequence enable the use of this molecule in biological control methods such as paratransgenesis. This is further facilitated by the ability to express in an inactive form to be activated later. Melittin is a peptide with a broad therapeutic potential. The supplementation of the existing knowledge with studies on effective and specific delivery mechanisms will enable the effective use of this peptide against many communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Contemporary india – sri lanka relations in post-covid pandemic period
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Thalpawila, Osantha Nayanapriya
India’s foreign policy under the Narendra Modi government has been focused on rebuilding cooperation in South Asia. The Indian foreign policy has been restructured as ‘Neighborhood First,’ which primarily plans to strengthen relations with its South Asian neighbours. In this context, India -Sri Lanka relations have been considered by scholars in South Asian politics in recent times. Relations between both countries during the immediate post-civil war period deteriorated with some better experiences. However, relations have been progressing since 2015 in the context of changing new governments in both countries. This paper examines the contemporary relations between India and Sri Lanka in the post-COVID pandemic era. The research paper is based on secondary data from books and journal articles in the relevant disciplines. Further, recent data was collected from printed and electronic media reports. The collected data were analyzed using a descriptive-analytical method. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka faced many adversities in the country. In this context, India offered her cooperation to rebuild the collapsed economy in Sri Lanka. India extended her financial and humanitarian assistance to the government of Sri Lanka. In addition, India signed some bilateral cooperation pacts in investment projects on energy, economic, development, and cultural relations by enhancing the relations between the two countries and the people-to-people of both countries. In addition, official visits of the two premiers during times of crisis in Sri Lanka initiated mutual relations again. It was proved that India was keen to initiate her policy of ‘Neighborhood First” towards her immediate maritime neighbour.
A narrative review on human anxiety detection in social media using natural language processing
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Senanayake, Ashala; Liyanage, Sidath
Currently, with the boundless proliferation of social media platforms, it is undoubted that the world is in the middle of a significant phase of social media evolution. These virtually created user environments allow users to create, share, and interact with content. Most people who interact with social media make a pitch to share their mood, tension, feelings, and behaviour unhesitatingly with the community. Mostly, these data can be taken as a mirror that reflects the mental health status of a person, such as stress, anxiety, and suffering. With increased social media penetration, people tend to share their disturbances rather than suffer alone. Anxiety can be taken as an ordinary human emotion which prepares the human body for potentially vulnerable situations. It would be beneficial if there were any system that could predict if a person is anxious before going through a critical situation that would have to be clinically treated. This study is a narrative review of anxiety detection over the past ten years. Furthermore, this qualitative study discusses an overview of anxiety detection using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and key concepts highlighting emerging trends. We conclude that the existing state-of-the-art social media anxiety detection mechanisms can be outperformed using deep learning based on large pretrained language models. Furthermore, it can be safely stated that a specific pre-trained large language model for social media anxiety detection is a crucial necessity yet to be fulfilled.