JDRRA Volume 1 Issue 1
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/28516
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Item Possibility of ceylon tea waste conversion to biochar –a short review(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Jayathilake, Chamishka; Samarasekere, Pradeep; Rupasinghe, ThiliniStudying and comprehending factors influencing academic performance is crucial for gaining valuable insights into the success of undergraduates. In this systematic review, the correlation between gender and undergraduate academic performance across various fields of studies in Sri Lankan universities was comprehensively studied. The data from multiple studies conducted between 2008 and 2022 in different disciplines, including Science, Management, Medicine, Agriculture, and Information Technology, was analyzed systematically. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research published in English exploring the impact of gender on academic performance were studied. The review involved 16 research studies comprising 35,608 individuals from several state universities. The data analysis showed a complex picture of gender inequalities in academic performance, with several significant trends and consequences emerging. A consistent pattern emerged, with 75% of the studies demonstrating that female students excel academically across various disciplines, while the rest exhibited no gender differences in performance. These findings underscore the critical need to promote gender equity and eliminate gender-based gaps in Sri Lankan higher education. Conducting in-depth studies across all degree programs and universities in Sri Lanka is recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding and investigate the relationship between gender and academic performance.Item Possibility of ceylon tea waste conversion to biochar –a short review(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Perara, S.A.T. Himaya; Udayanga, W.D. ChanakaA few countries fulfil global tea demand, and Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is one of the top tea exporters. Tea is Sri Lanka's largest agricultural export, with an annual production of approximately 340 million kg. Consequently, the tea industry generates significant quantities of tea waste. Unfortunately, the Sri Lankan tea industry often ignores proper tea waste management, relying on open dumping and burning, which can harm the environment despite the biodegradable nature of the waste. Among a number of modern waste management methods, pyrolysis is gaining increasing attention as a sustainable waste treatment method as it transforms waste into carbonaceous materials, biofuel and syngas, leaving no waste behind at comparatively lower temperatures (400-600℃). Considering the nature of the Ceylon tea industry, which mainly uses conventional tea production processes, this short review article mainly focused on the effect of tea pyrolysis temperature, derived biochar activation methods, and their uses. Biochar derived from tea waste has demonstrated remarkable utility in various fields. By converting waste into stable carbonaceous materials, it not only mitigates local emissions but also serves as a reliable long-term carbon storage. Moreover, biochar and activated carbon derived from tea waste has proven efficient and cost-effective for removing water, soil, and air contaminants. Industry can obtain financial benefits by introducing derived activated carbon as an adsorbent. These facts highlight the suitability of adopting low-temperature pyrolysis of tea waste and biochar production to the Ceylon tea industry using simple techniques such as double-barrel systems that can be operated with the excess heat produced in boilers.Item One-dimensional metal oxide nanostructures: h2 gas sensors(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Kumarage, G.W.C.; Wijesundera, R.P.often overlooked but omnipresent, hold remarkable potential to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet. This article explores the multifaceted roles of fungi, transcending their conventional image as decomposers, and showcases how they emerge as unsung superheroes in the battle for environmental sustainability. From mycorrhizal symbiosis enhancing plant growth to bioremediation activities cleansing polluted environments, fungi play pivotal roles in diverse ecological processes. This article examines the promising applications of fungi in sustainable agriculture, food production, waste decomposition, and the production of biofuels, highlighting their capacity to revolutionise these fields. Furthermore, the medicinal and biotechnological contributions of fungi are also explored, revealing a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. The role of fungi in the production of various fermented foods and their capacity to combat pests biologically underscore their significance in sustainable food production. Fungi also proves vital in carbon sequestration, erosion control, and soil stabilisation, contributing to global efforts in mitigating climate change and preserving ecosystems. By delving into the world of fungal biodiversity, the paper emphasises the importance of conservation efforts in maintaining ecosystem resilience and preventing the loss of critical ecological functions. This article sheds light on the transformative potential of fungi, urging a paradigm shift in how we perceive and harness these organisms. As our understanding of fungal biology deepens, recognising the vast number of undescribed and unexplored species becomes increasingly important. With their remarkable adaptations and ecological significance, Fungi continue to captivate the scientific community and underscore the need for sustained exploration and conservation efforts in this diverse and understudied kingdom. Recognising fungi as environmental superheroes provides a novel perspective that could inspire innovative solutions for sustainable development and the preservation of our planet's health.Item From decomposers to superheroes”: unleashing the hidden powers of fungi to save our planet(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Daranagama, Dinushani AnupamaFungi, often overlooked but omnipresent, hold remarkable potential to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet. This article explores the multifaceted roles of fungi, transcending their conventional image as decomposers, and showcases how they emerge as unsung superheroes in the battle for environmental sustainability. From mycorrhizal symbiosis enhancing plant growth to bioremediation activities cleansing polluted environments, fungi play pivotal roles in diverse ecological processes. This article examines the promising applications of fungi in sustainable agriculture, food production, waste decomposition, and the production of biofuels, highlighting their capacity to revolutionise these fields. Furthermore, the medicinal and biotechnological contributions of fungi are also explored, revealing a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. The role of fungi in the production of various fermented foods and their capacity to combat pests biologically underscore their significance in sustainable food production. Fungi also proves vital in carbon sequestration, erosion control, and soil stabilisation, contributing to global efforts in mitigating climate change and preserving ecosystems. By delving into the world of fungal biodiversity, the paper emphasises the importance of conservation efforts in maintaining ecosystem resilience and preventing the loss of critical ecological functions. This article sheds light on the transformative potential of fungi, urging a paradigm shift in how we perceive and harness these organisms. As our understanding of fungal biology deepens, recognising the vast number of undescribed and unexplored species becomes increasingly important. With their remarkable adaptations and ecological significance, Fungi continue to captivate the scientific community and underscore the need for sustained exploration and conservation efforts in this diverse and understudied kingdom. Recognising fungi as environmental superheroes provides a novel perspective that could inspire innovative solutions for sustainable development and the preservation of our planet's health.Item A-itil, itil and agile based advanced framework for managing software and it related bau: a systematic literature review(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Peliarachchi, Amalka; Wijayanayake, JanakaIn today's rapidly evolving environment, two critical factors for organizations to maintain their competitive edge are speed to market and adaptability. Over the past ten years, a significant number of organizations have achieved success in delivering IT services by utilizing IT management frameworks. One widely adopted framework in this domain is ITIL, an abbreviation for the IT Infrastructure Library. ITIL serves as a guiding framework, facilitating the attainment of high-quality IT service management at an organizational level. When it comes to software development, it is crucial for managers and development teams to select an appropriate methodology that aligns with their project's needs. Agile software development is one prominent approach based on iterative and incremental development. It has gained significant prominence in the IT industry due to its ability to enhance project development processes. Combining ITIL and Agile methodologies has proven to be a valuable strategy for streamlining project development in the IT industry. This fusion results in what is known as the Agile- ITIL combined framework, often referred to as A-ITIL. This paper primarily focuses on the integration of ITIL processes with agile phases, shedding light on the amalgamation of ITIL and Agile with other frameworks and technologies. Furthermore, it examines the utilization of ITIL and Agile in various companies, offering valuable insights into how these methodologies can be applied effectively. Consequently, this publication is a valuable resource for researchers seeking comprehensive knowledge in the ITIL and Agile-related domains. It aims to identify potential avenues for future research and development in this dynamic field.Item Factors associated with depression among undergraduates: a review of existing literature(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Perera, Madhura; Tham, Jacquline; Azam, S.M. FerdousDepression among undergraduate students is a considerable mental health issue. Understanding the factors associated with depression is important to prevent it effectively and to design intervention strategies to mitigate the repercussions of depression. This systematic literature review mainly aims to identify and review the existing academic body of knowledge on the factors associated with depression among undergraduate students in relation to ScienceDirect and Scopus databases. A comprehensive search of ScienceDirect and Scopus databases derived 44 relevant articles published between 2003 and 2023. The review focuses on academic stress, social isolation, financial stress, relationship issues, preexisting mental health conditions, substance abuse, lack of sleep and fatigue, coping mechanisms, family history and genetics to be factors associated with depression among undergraduates. The implications of these findings highlight the importance of universities and counselling services to focus on and implementing stress management programs, providing social support mechanisms, establishing financial support systems during higher studies, promoting healthy relationships, addressing substance] abuse and sleep-related issues, and also providing resources and required support for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions and family history and genetics on depression to better cope up with depression. Future researchers are encouraged to conduct more longitudinal studies, examine underlying mechanisms, explore mediating and moderating factors while considering cultural and contextual factors, and conduct intervention studies that examine the impact of technology to enhance the understanding of the factors associated with depression among undergraduate students.Item Effect of development finance lending on financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Sri Lanka(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Weligamage, S.S.; Gunawardena, P.A.T.R.The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between development finance lending on the financial performance of SMEs and determine what components of development finance credit have the most impact on the growth of SMEs. The study was adopted with a target sample of 120 registered SMEs within the ABC Bank PLC, Sri Lanka. Secondary data was collected for the study using internal documents from the SME section in ABC Bank PLC and annual reports. SME financial performance has been considered as the dependent variable, whereas development finance credit amount, development finance loan period, initial credit amount, and collateral requirement have been considered as independent variables. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, correction and multiple regression approach. Findings revealed that development finance credit positively influences the financial performance of SMEs through the amount of credit provided, the initial credit amount, the collateral requirement, and the loan period granted by the bank, which affects the financial performance negatively based on the analysis. The study also found that all SMEs borrow credit to increase their financial performance. The study concludes that return improved with each consecutive loan, showing that microfinance facilities enhance the financial performance of SMEs in Sri Lanka with the evidence from ABC Bank PLC. The regression results propose that development finance credit gives more to the financial performance of SMEs and thus higher return.Item A study on punya lekhana tradition in sri lanka: with reference to kandyan era(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Gunasinghe, Hasitha ChamikaraFrom the ruler to the ordinary citizens, the documents that record the meritorious deeds can be called 'Punya Lekhana'. The history of writing these documents can be traced back to time immemorial. The primary influence of these writings was the belief in meritorious acts of man, and the ideas and ideologies on good deeds and as shaped up by tradition. The aim of this research was to study the charity writing tradition in Sri Lanka and the research question was whether this tradition continued during the Kandyan Period. Historical methodology was applied for this research. It seems that the idea of keeping a record of the merits done by oneself started at the beginning of the Kandyan era, and 'Punya Lekhana' was compiled to record the merits done by the king and the ordinary people. It was a custom to prepare and keep the most common pious writings written in a temple using palm leaf medium as an appendix to a palm leaf manuscript or as a palm leaf manuscript. Since there are charitable documents of various natures, classification is possible according to their nature. These are Punyanumodhana Patra, Pundyanumodhana Sandesa, Punya Pustaka and Punya Ayadeum Patra. It is evident that these charity writings can be useful to genealogists to obtain information on genealogy. Howerver it can be said that these documents were not been used as primary sources in historical research. This study underlines the fact that these are a unique source of literature in studying the religious, political and socio-economic history of the kandian Period.Item Uncovering the ancient cultural interactions and ties between nāgarjunakoṇḍa and sri lanka(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Gunawardena, N.S.This research focuses into the historical and cultural relations between Nāgarjunakoṇḍa and Sri Lanka during ancient times. The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the depth and significance of these cultural interactions, exploring their influence on art, architecture, religion, trade, and language. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive examination of historical records, archaeological findings, and scholarly literature has been conducted. Methodologically, this research relies on a multidisciplinary approach, integrating data from diverse sources to provide a holistic understanding of the ancient ties between Nāgarjunakoṇḍa and Sri Lanka. The research draws from ancient texts, inscriptions, archaeological excavations, and comparative analyses of art and architecture. The key findings of this study reveal that there was a cultural exchange between Nāgarjunakoṇḍa and Sri Lanka. Buddhism played a central role in facilitating these exchanges, leading to the transmission of religious teachings, texts, and artifacts. Architectural styles, artistic motifs, and trade connections were shared, leaving a lasting imprint on both regions. In conclusion, the cultural relations between Nāgarjunakoṇḍa and Sri Lanka during ancient times were profound and enduring. The findings underscore the importance of such historical interactions in shaping the cultural and religious landscapes of both regions. The lessons learned from these ancient ties can inform contemporary intercultural relations and cooperation. This research offers insights into the interconnectedness of societies in the past and highlights the value of preserving and studying our shared cultural heritage.Item The significance of modern agreements between greece and egypt as secondary readings: the echoes of herodotus and thucydides(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Perera, C.T.S. SathsaraGreece and Egypt, developed individually in two continents Europe and Africa, respectively, have maintained long beneficial relations since pre-historic times. The earliest evidence of Greek-Egyptian relations was uncovered from Minoan excavations that date back to 3000 BCE. Considering the literary sources available to examine the nature of contacts between Greece and Egypt, the Greek historians Herodotus and Thucydides from the 5th century BCE reveal evidently reliable information on the bilateral agreements that prevailed between the two nations. Historians relate stories on how these two nations significantly relied on times of need during the 5th century BCE war periods. While Egypt was the grain supplier for Greek city-states, specifically Athens, Athenians repaid Egypt by extending their military power to Egypt. Further, as history reveals, both nations maintained strong trade links. Fastforwarding to modern diplomatic relations, Greece and Egypt have continued their relations with each other up to the 21st century, irrespective of the fact that the cultures of both nations have evolved with many developments and advances. This research paper explores the contemporary importance of the bilateral agreements between Greece and Egypt, drawing parallels with the historical narratives of Herodotus and Thucydides. The paper follows a historical method in analysing the narrative of history and an analytical approach in reading the modern agreements taken under discussion. The paper intends to analyse how modern agreements between these two nations reflect and reminiscence the historical interactions, emphasizing the political, economic, and cultural significance between these powerful nations in the Mediterranean basin. By examining the historical context, the paper aims to shed light on the enduring diplomatic and cultural ties between Greece and Egypt, offering valuable knowledge for international relations in the present and future.