Volume 08 - 2013

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    Synthesis of Nanosilica from Paddy Husk Ash and Their Surface Functionalization
    (University of Kelaniya, 2013) Premaratne, W.A.P.J.; Priyadarshana, W.M.G.I.; Gunawardena, S.H.P.; de Alwis, A.A.P.
    Nanosilica was synthesized by a chemical precipitation process from paddy husk ash (PHA) efficiently and effectively. Surface functionalization of the silica nanoparticles was carried out with oleic acid (C18H34O2). Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) data showed that the nanosilica particle size was in the range of 50-70 nm and they were in the agglomerate form. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis data revealed that synthesized nanosilica was in amorphous form showing a strong broad peak at 22.14o (2). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) data supported the presence of hydrogen bonded silanol group and siloxane groups in nanosilica. Surface functionalized nanosilica with oleic acid was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and FT-IR methods. FT-IR experimental data showed that the modified nanosilica formed the ester bonding between silanol group in nanosilica and the carboxylic group of oleic acid with a successful functionalization.
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    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.
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    Feasibility Assessment Model for Successful Adoption of Information Systems in Small and Medium Enterprises
    (University of Kelaniya, 2013) Jayasinghe, J.M.S.S.; Wijayanayake, W.M.J.I.
    Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) have been recognized as an important strategic sector for promoting growth and social development in Sri Lanka. In the meantime IT has enabled the development of powerful and efficient Computer Based Information Systems (CBIS) which play a major role in business performance improvement. However, it can be seen that majority of SMEs have not adopted CBIS and also not all who have adopted have been successful. Therefore, this research is undertaken to develop a feasibility assessment model by which an SME that is considering adopting CBIS will be able to assess whether the adoption is feasible. Firstly, the influential factors at the phases of Pre-implementation, Implementation & Post-implementation and their level of significance were identified. The factors were evaluated and their importance and the level of influence caused were identified through a survey of SMEs which have already been implemented CBIS. Based on the results of the analysis a CBIS Feasibility Assessment Framework has been developed that would assist an SME to know its level of feasibility before adopting CBIS. Top management support and System Complexity proved to have impact in all three phases of CBIS adoption and mainly it was the Pre-implementation and/or Implementation capabilities that showed significant correlation with the system adoption success.