Cycle 14 - 2015

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/10837

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Adoption of Green Supply Chain Practices in Manufacturing Companies in Sri Lanka
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayarathna, B.C.P.
The concept of Green Supply Chain Management is being discussing by the researchers today more than ever before. It is because of environmental issues raised through the process of delivering the products to end user. It becomes one of the main sources of serious environmental problems. Therefore most of the organizations tend to accept the green practices as a concern to environmental sustainability. Therefore this study aims to identify the level of adoption of green supply chain practices of manufacturing firms in Sri Lanka and to identify the key derivers that influence to adopt green supply chain practices of manufacturing firms in Sri Lanka. For this purpose structured questionnaire is used to collect data from the sample of ISO 14000 certified manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka and structural equation model is used to analyze data. Theoretical scope of the study includes identifying external factors based on institutional theory and internal factors based on resource based view for adopting green supply chain practices while empirical scope is narrow down to the manufacturing companies of Sri Lanka. Identifying the trend that the world need to be changed for environmental aspects due to global issues, it is important to study the green supply chain management since it is one of the ways to reduce environmental impacts of firms’ operations and for sustainability. And also the findings of the study will be more contributed to enhance the adoption of green supply chain practices by manufacturers, suppliers and the government.
An Analytical Study on the Role of the Woman in Käma-Sütra
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayawardhana, K.B.
Käma-sütra (the science of sensual gratification) that is the principle of acquisition of trivarga such as dharma (Ethical behaviour), artha ( Acquisition of valuable things) and käma (Sense gratification) was compiled between 1st - 6th A.D. by Vätsyäyana, a great sage. Man as well as woman has the unavoidable responsibility to maintain the satisfaction of mundane life. People will instinctively try to obtain sensual gratification through food and sex. In this stage the woman has invaluable role that will ultimately lead to the transcendental level of complete freedom and unconditional happiness. All damsels should learn art of sex with 64 arts and other scriptures in order to develop skills that will help to bring prosperity to their home as well as get independent income in case of widowhood or financial difficulties of the husband or his family. Wife has different roles such as mother, sister, friend, chief organizer, monitor and psychologist of the house. Woman has been given due right to stand against injustice. She has command in home. Wife is the accountable character who should maintain the harmony and peace and responsible to retain husband form unconventional behavior. Six kinds of lady teachers who are major in related fields guide damsels. Although people believe that the profession of the gaëikä is ignoble, according to the käma-sütra woman who engage in this profession has been honored even by the kings, wise and ministers. Princes, Princesses and daughters of ministers have learnt under the supervision of those respected and well versed women. They provide services as musicians, artists and dancers.
Awareness of Sexual Education to Conceived Women and all through Enriching Dramatic Dance of ‘Sabaragamu Dola Upatha’ by Charmer
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Salgamuwa, D.W.
‘Sabaragamuwa Dola Upatha’ which is cited as an inspiring dramatic shanthikarma has been conducted in the Sabaramuwa Province of Sri Lanka for centuries. This provides counseling and awareness on issues and complications related to Sexual Education and pregnancy. Therefore, a valuable question arises is whether the society is aware about this Shanthikarma? Is this important to modern society? If so why is this so important? Therefore, this research attempts to provide an in-depth analysis of this cultural event that could make an impact to reduce mother and baby mortality ratio and raise sexual and academic education in society. According to the World Bank report 2014 and the UNDP report, Sri Lankan mortality ratio is high. Sexual education is not given due emphasis in the National curriculum of Sri Lanka. Though this Shanthikarma is limited only to the Sabaragamuwa Province, it is essential to expand it to all communities. The objectives of this research are to find how important the Sabaragamu Dola Upatha is to the present society to reduce the questions on sexual education. To achieve these objectives, primary data will be collected through questionnaires and secondary data will be collected through books, newspapers, Publications and ancient writings. Two hundred (200) questionnaires will be given randomly to selected groups like aged group interviews where live in Sabaragmu Province, professionals, students, husbands and youth. Outcome of this research will ensure the importance to expand this dramatic dance in island wide and make awareness among all. Counseling through a dramatic dance would be a better way to cogent and convince on sexual education simply through a Charmer.
Bile Reflux and Quality of Life after Retro gastric Retro colic Gastrojejunostomy in Whipple Procedure
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Siriwardhana, R.
Introduction: Whipple surgery is a complex procedure done for pancreatic cancer. Main problem in long term survivors is delayed gastric emptying and bile reflux which is to cause chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, reflux oesophagitis and Barrett’s oesophagus As our preferred technique we have adapted a technique of performing retro colic posterior gastrojejunostomy over the last 2 years. In this technique the small bowel loop is anastomosed to the posterior wall of the stomach. Then the distal stomach with the gastro jejunostomy is pulled through a window in the transverse mesocolon and anchored. This study was designed to assess the macro and microscopic outcome. Methods: All patients who had undergone Whipple procedure from June 2012 to June 2014 will be included. Patients with recurrence, ones who had chemotherapy within last three months, and ones who have undergone the surgery within the last 3 months will be excluded. Informed written consent will be obtained All will undergo endoscopy observing the appearance of gastric mucosa and severity of bile reflux objectively. Five punch-biopsy specimens will be taken from the stomach in accordance to the recommended biopsy sites. Specimens will be fixed and stained in H & E and modified Giemsa stains. Bile reflux index (BRI) will be calculated using a standard formula. Severity of dyspeptic symptoms will be calculated with the “Nepean Dyspepsia Index- Short form (NDI-SF)” Questionnaire. Based on the findings we will be able to objectively evaluate the clinical and histological outcome of the procedure.
Characterization of the Temperate Phage vB_RleM_PPF1 and its Site-Specific Integration into the Genome of Rhizobium leguminosarum Strain F1
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Halmillawewa, A.P.; Restrepo-Córdoba, M.; Perry, B.J.; Yost, C.K.; Hynes, M.F.
The presence of prophages in a genome can contribute in increasing the bacterial fitness and ecological success in an environment that contains closely related phages. The temperate phage PPF1 was isolated from a lysogenized strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum F1. The complete genome sequence of Myoviridae phage PPF1 was determined using 454-Pyrosequencing technology. PPF1 is the first available complete genome sequence of a Rhizobium leguminosarum temperate phage (GenBank accession no: KJ746502) and the integration site and possible mechanism of integration of this phage has been identified. PPF1 is capable of efficiently lysogenizing the R. leguminosarum strain F1, and can be induced from its lysogenized host using UV irradiation. The genome of PPF1 is 54,506 bp in length with an average G+C content of 61.9%. The ORF predictions of the PPF1 genome revealed the presence of 94 putative proteinencoding genes and 74.5% of these predicted ORFs share homology at the protein level with previously reported sequences in the database. However, putative functions could only be assigned to 25.5% (24 ORFs) of the predicted genes. The site-specific recombination system of the phage targets an integration site that lies within a putative tRNA-Pro (CGG) gene in R. leguminosarum F1. Upon integration, the phage is capable of restoring the disrupted tRNA gene, owing to the 50 bp homologous sequence (att core region) it shares with its rhizobial host genome. The predicted att site of temperate phage PPF1 share a sequence similarity with the targeted att site of previously characterized Sinorhizobium meliloti phage 16-3. In spite of phage PPF1's propensity for lysogenizing host strains, including strains on which it does not form visible plaques, there has thus far been no evidence of the presence of similar phages integrated into completed genomes of R. leguminosarum and related phages. The site specificity of insertion of this phage could be used to create single copy integration vectors for genetic work in R. leguminosarum.
Corporate Governance and Firm Performance: A Study of Sri Lankan Bank, Finance and Insurance Companies
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Kawshalya, P.
Corporate governance is a highly discussed topic which received the attention of corporate world during the last decade due to the paramount importance embodied within it for the company performance and stability. Basically corporate governance means the set of rules by which management of the company is directed and controlled. It attempts to ensure that managers and other insiders of an organization take measures or adopt mechanisms to safeguard the interest of stakeholders. With the global financial crisis which affected many of the world business giants, now companies are highly concerned to improve their corporate governance practices and therefore today researchers also have a great awareness to carry out researches in this area. However currently in Sri Lankan context less considerable of researches available in Corporate Governance. This study focuses on “Corporate Governance and Company Performance” considering all Bank, Finance and Insurance companies listed in Colombo Stock Exchange as at December 2014. Data will be analyzed using the data of financial year 2013/14 using SPSS statistical software and hypothesis will be tested by performing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis for collected data.
Correlation of Ligand Donicity with Catalytic Activity in a Series of Gold (I) Carbene and Phosphine Complexes
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Mathota Arachchige, Y.L.N.; Slaughter, L.M.
Catalytic activities of transition metal complexes are influenced by both steric and electronic effects arising from ancillary ligands. In the case of linear gold (I) complexes, the available evidence suggests that ligand electronic effects are more important. However, available methods to investigate the donor abilities of ligands are not easily conducted with gold (I) complexes. In this study, the donor abilities of selected carbene ligands, including N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), abnormal N-heterocyclic carbenes (aNHCs), and acyclic diaminocarbenes (ADCs), as well as phosphine ligands, at a gold (I) center were studied. Methyl isocyanide adducts and 1,3- diisopropylbenzimidazolin-2-ylidene (i Pr2-bimy) adducts of a series of gold complexes were synthesized as IR probes and 13C NMR probes, respectively. The gold-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of alkynes, which is known to be accelerated by strong donor ligands, showed an inverse relationship between the Δν of the MeNC IR probe and the reaction rate. The same trend was observed with the 13C NMR probe, but the MeNC IR probes gave a better correlation with catalytic rates. Explanations of the observed donicity trends in terms of bonding effects will be discussed.
Culture in Translation: Shyam Selvadurei’s Funny Boy in Sinhala and French
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayawardena, H.S.M.M.
Shyam Selvadurei is one of the better known writers in English of the Sri Lankan Diaspora. Funny Boy, his first novel was translated in to French by Frédéric Limare and Susan Fox-Limare in 1998. The Sinhala translation was published later in 2002, translated by Sugathapala de Silva. Selvadurei’s style of writing is heavily influenced by the variety of English spoken in Sri Lanka, his mother tongue Tamil, Sinhala and Sri Lankan culture which explains the necessity of the glossary included in the novel. The object of the present paper is to examine how these cultural elements are translated in to two different languages. Both translations were analyzed to identify strategies and techniques used by the translators. The French translators targeted an audience who are familiar neither with the Sri Lankan context nor its languages where as the Sinhala translator has translated a novel, though written in English is placed in a more familiar context. The translators have chosen different strategies in their respective translations. The French translators have attempted to make certain cultural elements explicit to its target audience, by including a glossary, footnotes, and strategies such as adaptation. Equivalence was a strategy used in both translations, especially in translating idiomatic expressions and proverbs. The Sinhala translator has not provided footnotes, glossary or explanations. Many terms were not translated but were given in English in the Sinhala translation. The translation reflects the bilingualism practiced by Sri Lankans. As a strategy, it also highlights the dominance of the English language and the Western culture in the Sri Lankan context. The French and the Sinhala translators ‘domesticate’ their work and however, their strategies vary depending on the chosen target audience and its linguistic context.
Development and Standardization of Dichotic Speech Tests in Sinhala
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayasena, B.
Dichotic speech tests involve simultaneous presentation of auditory stimuli to both ears, with the stimulus presented to each ear being different. The stimuli utilized in dichotic speech tasks include digits, nonsense syllables, spondee words and sentences. Listeners may be required to repeat information being presented to both ears (binaural integration) or repeat the auditory message presented to one ear while ignoring the message presented to the other ear (binaural separation). Binaural integration and binaural separation are auditory processes that holds great importance in everyday listening conditions, especially for understanding spoken messages in noisy environments. These two processes are found to be dysfunctional in individuals having difficulties in processing auditory information in the central nervous system, namely Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD).Most often, CAPD coexist with learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. CAPD are multiple in nature and often require a collection of tests to assess the dysfunctional auditory processes. In Sri Lanka, children with CAPD are most often missed or misdiagnosed as having peripheral hearing loss due to the scarcity of standardized assessment tools. The proposed study is aimed at developing a Dichotic Digit Test, a Dichotic Nonsense Syllable Test and a Synthetic Sentence Identification test with Contralateral Competing Message (SSI-CCM) to diagnose binaural integration and binaural separation deficits. It also aims at establishing norms for the above tests for children between 7- 12 years of age. The study will be beneficial to clinical audiologists in terms of access to valid and reliable assessment tools that would effectively diagnose those with deficits in auditory performance with competing acoustic signals. It will also help teachers, speech language therapists and other involved professionals in designing appropriate deficit-specific management strategies for affected individuals.
Devolution of Power, Gender and Female Representation in Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka: Special References with Southern Provincial Council
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Damayanthi, M.K.N.
Reduce or avoid gender based discrimination and gender issues, equity and high level of participation are some of key expectations of the power devolution. To fulfil the requirement of power devolution the Provincial Councils were established in 1987 in according to the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka. However, from the initial stage of the Provincial Councils, it shows that fewer number of female representatives were included in the nomination list and negligible number of females were elected. Major objective of this study is to examine the present scenario of the female representation in Provincial Council system and examine factors affecting on less female representation in Provincial Councils. This study limits to Southern Provincial Council election in 2014. Data collected through official sources of the Election Commissioner General, questionnaire survey on randomly selected voters in Gonapeenuwal Divisional Secretariat Division in Galle District and interviews with randomly selected politicians in Southern Provincial Council. Study results shows that, 9 percent of the female candidates were include in nomination lists of the number of parties and contest for the 2014 Provincial Council election in Southern Province. However, only 1.8 percent (01) female representative was selected as a member of Southern Provincial Council. As revealed by the field survey, proportional electoral system, political system, media campaign specially social media campaign, cultural and social barriers and image of the candidates were negatively influence in female representatives in Southern Provincial Council election in 2014.
The Effect of Germination on Quality of Protein of Selected Legumes
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Amarakoon, R.
Legumes are the major source of plant protein. The presence of anti-nutritional factors in legumes, limits the availability of nutrients. The aim of this study is primarily to find the best use of legumes to alleviate the problem of protein energy malnutrition, most prevalent in developing countries and fulfil the protein requirement of the global population. The quality of protein in cotyledons and radicles (shoot) was separately investigated in selected legumes, namely Pisum sativum (Terno, Xantos, Svit, Achat), Glycine max, Lupinus albus (Amiga), Pisum sativum var. arvense (Arkta), Faba vulgaris (Piestansky) after germinating for 48 hours and compared with the respective raw seeds. All samples were analysed for crude protein, amino acids with ion exchange chromatography with post column ninhydrin-based detection and in vitro protein digestibility. Crude protein content was ranged from 21.5-34.4% in raw seeds. It was increased in all cotyledons ranged from 23.1 to 48.0%, and in radicles 32.9 to 64.9% after germinating raw seeds for 48 hours. The highest content of amino acid in cotyledons and radicles were noted in P. sativum (Xantos) and its phenylalanine was the highest increased essential amino acid in radicles 7.4 g/16 g N with respective raw seeds 4.6 g/16 g N. The in vitro protein digestibility of cotyledons and radicles increased significantly (P < 0.05) of all legumes under study. It is ranged from 79.1% to 86.4% in cotyledons, 86.7% to 93.4% in radicles and 54.1% to 75.0% in respective raw seeds. Results revealed that all the legumes under study are a rich source of protein. The quality of protein in cotyledons and radicles obtained after germinating raw seeds for 48 hours increases significantly in comparison with their respective raw seeds of legumes under study. Germination is an inexpensive and simplest method of processing of legumes, in comparison with other methods of processing to improve the quality of protein of legumes.
Fostering Technological Capabilities in the Wind Power Sector of Sri Lanka via Effective Technology Transfer
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Withanaarachchi, A.S.
Globally, harnessing wind energy for electricity generation is one of the fastest growing technologies for the last decade or so and has become well developed and mature (REN21, 2012). The wind-mapping studies performed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that Sri Lanka has the potentiality of 2000 MW of wind power that could be absorbed gradually into the national grid over the period of time (Ratnasiri, 2008). However by the end of October 2012, the private sector has developed wind power plants around costal and central hill areas adding 74MW to the national grid. Further, power purchase agreements have been signed for another 31MW (Ceylon Electricity Board, 2013). Schnepp et al. define technology transfer as ‘a process by which expertise or knowledge related to some aspect of technology is passed from one user to another for the purpose of economic gain’’ (in Karakosta, Doukas, and Psarras, 2010: 1547). Although the deployment of technological goods is what matters to address climate change, the transfer of technological capabilities is indeed the key to developing countries obtaining a share of the green business pie. Technology capacity building begins with learning by doing followed by learning by adapting, aiming at augmenting productivity through efficient utilisation and adaptation of technologies at the shop floor (Lall, 1978). Accordingly the objective of this study is to evaluate the use of technology transfer and cooperation in strengthening the technological capabilities of the wind power sector of Sri Lanka. A qualitative approach will be taken to answer the research question. Thus the study will comprises with a comprehensive literature survey on technological capabilities, technology transfer, and wind power sector. Experts in the renewable energy sector of the country, wind power produces (IPPs), and scholars will be interviewed to answer the research question.
Genetic modifier of Hereditary Hemochromatosis gene (HFE) in transfusion dependent thalassemia: phenotype genotype relationship in a Sri Lankan population
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Padeniya, A.G.P.M.
Background and Purpose: Iron overload is a major complication in patients with transfusion dependant thalassaemia and co- existence of Hereditary Haemochromatosis (HH) aggravates this complication. Two common missence mutations in the HFE gene 845G>A (p.C282Y) and c.187C>G (p.H63D) are associated with HH. The aim of this study was to genotype c.845G>A and c.187C>G mutations in regularly transfused β thalassaemia patients and to correlate the association between these mutations with their serum ferritin levels. Method: 125 patients with β thalassaemia who were on regular blood transfusions referred to ward 2, 3, 4 and 9, Lady Ridgway Hospital, Colombo and who were at Thalassaemia center, Teaching Hospital, Anuradhapura were recruited to the study. HFE gene was tested for c.845G>A and c.187C>G mutations by Amplification Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction. Serum ferritin level was measured using electrochemiluminescense method. The C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation level (ESR), and Serum Glutamine Aspartate Transaminase (SGPT) levels were done to exclude coexisting inflammatory states and liver disease. The results were analyzed using Student’s t-test. Results: None had the p.C282Y variant. 23 were heterozygous for the p.H63D variant. Allele frequencies of the two variants; p.C282Y and p.H63D, were 0% and 9.2% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.865) between the mean ferritin level of carriers and wild type of the p.H63D variant; the levels were 4987ng/ml and 4571ng/ml respectively. CRP, ESR and SGPT were elevated in 9 (7.2%; c.187CC 4, c.187CG 5), 65(52%; c.187CC 50, c.187CG 15), 82(65.6%; c.187CC 64, c.187CG 18) respectively. The confounding effect of inflammation and liver disease on the serum ferritin level could not be analyzed due to small sample size. Conclusions: In Sri Lankan patients with transfusion dependant thalassaemia the p.C282Y mutation is rare and cannot be considered as a risk factor for iron over load. The p.H63D mutation may be a potential risk factor for iron overload; this needs to be verified using larger cohort studies.
Impact of Job Satisfaction on Job Performance with Reference to Public Banks in Sri Lanka
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayarathna, S.M.D.Y.
To attain a competitive advantage and remain in the competitive market, organizations should focus on the employee job satisfaction and job performance. Job Satisfaction is one of the most significant attitudes of the employees of an organization and it describes whether the employees are happy, asserted, and fulfilling their desires and needs at work. The organizations are challenged, as they have to make the employee’s satisfied in their job. So, they will perform better and consequently organization will achieve their competitive edge. Thus, achieving job performance of the employees has been significant for both private and public organizations. Hence, it is needed to investigate how the satisfaction of the employees of the public banks affects the job performance of their employees. As such, the objective of this research is to investigate the impact of job satisfaction on job performance of the public banks in Colombo District. The independent variable of the study is job satisfaction and the dependent variable is job performance. The reliability of the instruments are to be tested against the survey data. This study focuses on hypothesis testing and is a correlational study. The research is to be conducted in the natural environment where work proceeds normally, with less interference of the researchers (non contrived setting). Data will be collected from individuals: employees of the public banks, and the study is cross sectional. The population of the study will be Managerial, Executive and Non Executive employees in the public banks operating in Colombo district of Sri Lanka. It is expected to collect data by distributing from 400 self administered anonymous questionnaires. Data used for the analysis will be primary data. The analysis will be done by simple regression models using the software SPSS 20.0.
Impact of Multichannel Brand Trust on Behavioral Intention
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Bandara, B.S.S.U.
Purpose- trust and commitment are major tents for a successful relationship with the customer. This is vital in both offline and online retailing spheres. Even the customer have interact with retailors face to face in an offline environment it is more difficult to build trust on brands. This makes even more when the brands deal in an online environment where the consumer cannot physically see the product or feel the service. Therefore this paper aims to study the combine effect of both online and offline brand trust towards the behavioral intention. The researcher of the study has utilized the well-known Commitment-Trust theory to establish the relationships and thus it will further advance the theory by examining the multichannel effect which in previous studies have only examined this in different channels separately. Design/methodology/approach- the researcher used validated scales from previous research and modified it to match the context which this study takes place. Further to validate the modified questions a pilot study will be conducted. Analysis will be done by using descriptive tools and a comprehensive description of the analysis will also be done
Impact of Social Networking Sites on Academic Engagement and Performance
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Hettiarachchi, H.A.H.
There is no question that social networking sites (SNS) have gained wider acceptance and probably become key interacting tools among students specially at the higher level of educational pursuit. In fact, the quick rise in popularity of SNSs began in the second half of the last decade partly because of their extensive usage by school and university students (Kirschner & Karpinski, 2010). Social networking is a tool, with both its advantages and problems for usage in teaching and learning (Hoffman, 2009). Therefore, it is essential to examine the impact of the SNSs usage on student academic performance and engagement of the Sri Lankan state universities.
Internet-mediated Market Orientation towards Customer Perceived Value: Empirical Evidence from Hotel Industry in Sri Lanka
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Gamage, T.C.; Ahsan, F.J.
Market orientation (MO) has long been stressed as an essential concept in the marketing discipline. Despite the emerging role of the Internet as a crucial topic in the marketing discipline, the nature of MO on the Internet remains an area of ambiguity. Drawing upon the MO theory and the consumption-values theory, this paper proposes a framework which addresses the mechanism underlying the relationship between MO and customer perceived value (CPV) on the Internet with a use of a mediator variable called information-based value creation (IVC). Adopting the pragmatism research paradigm and mixed method research design, face-to-face questionnaire survey is used as the main research strategy. Semistructured interviews are initially used to validate the measurement scales and at the end, to help explain the quantitative findings. Data stemmed from 116 manager- customer dyads are used to assess the proposed framework in hotel industry in Sri Lanka using the Partial Least Squares path modeling. The results indicate that the proposed framework explains 96.6% of the variance in IVC and 92.2% of the variance in CPV, providing strong evidence of its explanatory power. Moreover, the results demonstrate that IVC has a complementary mediating effect on the relationship between MO and CPV indicating that besides influencing CPV indirectly via IVC, MO also impacts CPV directly on the Internet. The significance of this study stems from theory and methodological triangulation. The findings may help hotels to deliver superior value to their customers through proper integration of the Internet into MO process.
Lexico-Syntactic Retrival and Cohesive Speech in Sinhala-English Speaking Bilingual Aphasics
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Atapattu-Bakmeewewa, A.D.S.
Introduction: The asymmetrical effects on the languages of an aphasic bilingual and the subsequent patterns of recovery have continually questioned the underlying representation and control of language. The linguistic environment within which a word is recalled is thought a key determiner. Discourse analysis provides an unprecedented opportunity for a realistic assessment of word recall performance. Need: The akin and atypical lexico-syntactic features of Sinhala and English may indicate novel and distinctive patterns of bilingual aphasic language errors. Aim: To compare and contrast unit retrieval skills in naming and connected speech tasks in Sinhala speaking monolinguals and Sinhala-English speaking Bilingual, healthy controls and Persons with Aphasia (PwA). Methodology: The first phase of the four-phased study involves the preparation and translation of three, originally English, test material, the development of a Language Proficiency Questionnaire (LPQ) and pictorial stimuli for connected speech sample elicitation. A pilot trial is conducted in phase two and primary testing, in phase three. Based on phase-specific objectives of the study, monolingual (Sinhala) and bilingual (Sinhala- English) PwA and healthy controls are recruited. Participants will be sampled purposively and selected through stringent eligibility criteria. Accessible information guidelines of the British Stoke Association are employed. The main test protocol includes a naming task, narrative discourse, procedural discourse and a conversational speech. The fourth and final phase would further analyze the findings in phase three. Analysis: Micro and macro-structural analysis of the speech samples; across groups and languages, for error patterns through various levels of language production, utilization of linguistic cues and methods of self-correction. Anticipated Implications: Findings are expected to challenge the wide spread practice of utilizing clinical data and material developed for other languages. Instead, it aims to highlight the need for tailor made assessment and treatment protocols, unique to the Sri Lankan clinical context.
Measurement Assisted Robotic Assembly of Fuselage Skin Panels
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayaweera, N.
Geometrically complex structural components are extensively used in the assembly of airframe structures. Currently the application of robotics to the assembly of such structures has been limited and the assembly of aero-structure components is primarily a skilled manual process. The use of manual handling represents a significant health and safety risk and an increased likelihood of damaging components during the assembly process. The compliance of components is significant and the resulting geometric and positional uncertainty within the assembly is such that conventional robotic pick and place approaches cannot be used as it is impossible to pre-define and fix the exact position of parts within the assembly. Using product specific fixtures and templates can solve this problem, but this significantly increases cost and reduces flexibility. This paper addresses the above problems by using a novel combination of standard low cost industrial robots, low cost sensors and a mathematical ‘best-fit’ algorithm. During the assembly process the location of existing part-to-part holes and edges are measured to provide alignment points for individual components within the structure and the data obtained is processed through a ‘best-fit’ mathematical algorithm to calculate the relative component positions required for an optimal assembly. The developed methodology has been evaluated and demonstrated using real airframe components and results are presented. The assembly experiments presented have confirmed that it is possible to assemble aero-structure components within aerospace production specifications.
Sri Lankan University Students’ Smartphone usage to enhance Their Educational and Skill Development and the Features (Apps) Used by them
(Staff Development Center, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayawardhana, K.G.L.A.N.S.
A smartphone (or smart phone) is a mobile phone with more advanced computing capability and connectivity than basic feature phones. By now, smart phone has become indispensable tool for university students as it facilitates and assists their learning process and the day to day life as well. The development of mobile wireless technologies has generated a considerable amount of excitement among university students and academics because it results in shifting the academic environment from traditional settings to mobile learning (m-learning) settings. So the researcher is going to conduct a research on “Sri Lankan University Students’ Smartphone usage to enhance Their Educational and Skill Development and the Features (Apps) Used by them” based on five research questions as How Smart Phone usage facilitate Sri Lankan University Students’ day to day life? To which extent Sri Lankan University Students use Smart Phones to enhance their Educational development? What are the features (apps) use to enhance their Educational development? To which extent Sri Lankan University Students use Smart Phones to enhance their skill development? & what are the apps use to enhance their skill development? And the objectives of the study is to find out how Smart Phone usage facilitate Sri Lankan University Students’ day to day life , to find out to which extent Sri Lankan University Students use Smart Phones to enhance their Educational Development, to find out what are the features (apps) use to enhance their Educational development, to find out which extent Sri Lankan University Students use Smart Phones to enhance their skill development, & to find out what are the apps use to enhance their skill development. To achieve these objectives, primary data will be collected through Questionnaires and the secondary data will be collected through books, newspapers, web sources and Publications. Three hundred (300) questionnaires will be given to randomly selected group (20 university students from each fifteen (15) State Universities in Sri Lanka (Eastern University of Sri Lanka, University of Colombo, University of Kelaniya, University of Peradeniya, University of Sri Jayawardhanapura, University of Moratuwa, University of Rajarata, University of Ruhuna, Open University of Sri Lanka, University of Visual and Performing Arts, Sabaragamuwa University, Wayamba University, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, University of Uva Wellassa, and University of Jaffna.)