Advances in Technology
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait
<p>The <strong style="font-style: italic;">Advances in Technology</strong>, founded in 2021, is an international journal aims to promote emerging technological advances and innovations in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology.</p> <p><strong>Aim</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Advances in Technology</strong> (ISSN 2773-7098) </em>is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal concerned with theoretical and experimental research pertaining to the knowledge and applications of Technology in aspects of Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Education.</p> <p><strong>Scope</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Advances in Technology </em></strong>journal welcomes articles, communications, and reviews that identify and examine technology advancements. The journal focuses on research in the following main fields, but not limited to, Advanced Materials, Agriculture Technology, Automation, Automobile, Aquatic and Marine Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Biomedical, Building Services, Civil and Construction Technology, Computer Networks, Data Science, Deep Learning, Electrical and Electronics, Energy, Environmental Technology, Field Crop Management, Emerging Food Technology, Food Preservation Technology, Food Engineering Technology, Geotechnology, Information and Communication Technology, Industrial Bioprocessing, Mechatronics, Mechanical Technology, Multimedia Technology, Nanotechnology, Robotics, Science for Technology, Transportation, Technolgy Education, Technology Management, Polymer Technology, and Waste Management Technology. The journal provides a platform for publishing technology research papers that straddles the boundaries separating two or more disciplines.</p> <p><strong>The journal's entire review process will take 21-28 days from the initial submission to the final decision. Acceptance to the proofread stage will take up to 14 days. Once accepted, the manuscript will be published in the upcoming volume. </strong></p> <p><strong><em>Advances in Technology</em> publishes three issues annually.</strong></p> <p><strong>ISSN: </strong>ISSN 2773-7098</p> <p> </p>Faculty of Technolgy, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lankaen-USAdvances in Technology2773-7098<p dir="ltr"><span>The Authors hold the copyright of their manuscripts, and all articles are circulated under the terms of the </span><span>Creative Commons Attribution License</span><span>, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, as long as that the original work is properly cited.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span>The use of general descriptive names, trade names, trademarks, and so forth in this publication, even if not specifically identified, does not imply that these names are not protected by the relevant laws and regulations. The authors are responsible for securing any permissions needed for the reuse of copyrighted materials included in the manuscript.</span></p><div><span><br /></span></div>Expression of cdk4 Gene in MNU-Induced Breast Cancer Wister Female Albino Rats Treated with Ethanolic Extract of Peperomia pellucida Aerial Parts
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/6286
<p>Breast cancer being the most prevalent type of cancer, with 2.26 million cases and primary cause of cancer death in women, thus need for treatment with minimal side effect. To determine the anti- proliferative potential of P. pellucida aerial parts extract on R24 residue of CDK4 n-methyl-n-nitrosourea (MNU) induced breast cancer of Wister female albino rats. Phytochemical screening was performed on ethanolic extract of P. pellucida aerial parts, and fifty (50) Wister female albino rats were grouped into 5 groups based on their body weights. The treatment of animals lasted for 8 weeks. The breast tissues from each rat were harvested and fixed in formalin for histopathology and the expression level of mRNA was determined by Quantitative RT- PCR. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of reducing sugar flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins and tannins while the quantitative analysis revealed that reducing sugar has the highest concentration of 63.25 µg/g. The extract shows no signs of toxicity or mortality during the period of observation. The gene expression studies revealed that the target gene was up regulated in the group that received MNU only while the target gene was down regulated in the group that received higher concentration of the extracts. Histological assay shows vascular abnormality in the group that received MNU only, while reduced vascular abnormalities were seen in the groups that received different concentration of the extract. This study shows that P. pellucida aerial possesses antiproliferative potential against MNU-induced breast cancer rats.</p> <p> </p>joseph minariOlabisi Balikis SholajaUgo OkekeJosephine AYOKHAIShina Ojo
Copyright (c) 2023 joseph minari, Olabisi Balikis Sholaja, Ugo Okeke, Josephine AYOKHAI, Shina Ojo
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2023-09-292023-09-294050Behaviors of the Curtain Wall Façade in the Tall Building Under Dynamic Actions- An Overview and Recommendations
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/6279
<p>The flourishing growth of tall building construction with advanced technologies adopted façade structures is the new trend around the world. This study is mainly focused on the design and construction techniques of the curtain wall façade system and its behaviors under dynamic actions. Generally, a unitized curtain wall system is used as a building lope in the tall building due to its faster installation techniques. The provision of stack joints is a crucial part, especially at the design stage to accommodate the horizontal and vertical movement of the tall building under cyclic wind and seismic action. The effect of the deflection, story drift index, and column shortening of the tall building is analyzed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) with 41 store building model on the façade wall is well discussed and recommended suitable measures to increase the life span of the façade wall under heavy dynamic repeated loading. On the other hand, lateral torsional buckling of the mullion, especially for the long span plays a vital role in the material and cost of the curtain wall panel. Therefore, this study is focused on the provision of the Anti-Buckling Clip (ABC) to increase the lateral torsional buckling capacity as well as flexural buckling capacity without increasing the stiffeners of the mullion.</p>Jeyamohan Kunaratnam
Copyright (c) 2023 Jeyamohan Kunaratnam
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2023-09-292023-09-293339Consumers’ perception, buying behavior and income on consumption pattern of selected dried fish varieties in Sri Lanka
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/6269
<p>Dried fish consumption is ever becoming popularized locally and globally due to its micro-nutrient content, semi-perishability, and taste. The outcomes uncovered that physical quality attributes are the main choosing factors for dried fish. Perceptions and buying behavior of consumers are highly varied on dried fish varieties, purchasing level and quality attributes. Furthermore, studies on dried fish buying behavior, consumption patterns are lacking. Therefore, this study decided to identify the relationship between the level of dried fish consumption pattern over consumer’s income and to analyze consumers’ perception and buying behavior on selected dried fish varieties (sprats, skipjack tuna and smoothbelly sardinella) in Sri Lanka. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was distributed among 200 dried fish consumers by using Convenient and Snowball sampling in Kurunegala, Gampaha, Jaffna, Puttalam and Matara which represent the highest dried fish consumption and production districts in Sri Lanka. Secondary data was collected from the Department of Census and Statistics and Ministry of Fisheries and the Aquatic Resource Development on selected major animal protein sources during 2006-2019. Data were analyzed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics using Pearson correlation and Friedman test. The consumer preference is the highest for consumption of smoothbelly sardinella (Mean =2.95, p=0.00) than other two varieties. All perceived quality deterioration was observed along the supply chain. Consumers in Gampaha and Matara believe supermarkets (Mean> 3.13, p=0.00) while other all observed district believe producer level market (Mean >2.89) as the source for higher quality dried fish. Appearance (Mean> 3.79, p=0.00) is valued over texture, odor, breakage and shelf life while breakage (Mean< 2.82, p= 0.00) is indicated the least value by consumers in all five districts. Higher percentage share (36%<) of dried fish expenditure is captured by 1-4 income range of expenditure deciles that counts on 1-3 income range for consumption (43% <) of dried fish. Strong positive correlation between the percentage share of chicken consumption (0.777)/ expenditure (0.802) while negative correlation with the percentage share of dried sprats (-0.743)/ dried skipjack tuna (-0.798) consumption are observed against mean income in each expenditure deciles. In conclusion, the dried fish act as the main animal protein source for lower income households as giffen good. Appearance and texture are the main quality attributes perceived by consumer at buying. Consumers consider more on product and trader’s level quality when buying dried fish. Effective value additions and standardized handling practices need to be introduced and practiced to enhance the physical quality of dried fish along the dried fish supply chains. Further, decisions and policies need to be addressed by identifying consumer preferences and buying behavior to establish the stable industry.</p>Shalika Laksan WickramaDilanthi KoralagamaLasantha Sandika
Copyright (c) 2023 Shalika Laksan Wickrama, Dilanthi Koralagama, Lasantha Sandika
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2023-07-212023-07-212032Effect of surface and drip irrigation on growth, yield and water use efficiency of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) – A Review
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/6080
<p>Water scarcity is a major constraint in vegetable crop production and exacerbates food insecurity in developing countries. In future, promoting the cultivation and consumption of vegetables having diversified nutrients under suitable irrigation techniques would be an inevitable practice in mitigating the adverse consequences of food insecurity (i.e., malnutrition and diseases). Okra (<em>Abelmoschus</em> <em>esculentus</em>); a fruit vegetable, consumed in several countries to fight against poverty and malnutrition due to its rich nutrient content with impressive health benefits. However, okra cultivation during the dry season is mainly dependent upon water availability. Therefore, this review study is conducted to highlight; 1) the impact of surface and drip irrigation on the growth, yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) of okra, and 2) the effect of surface and drip irrigation in combination with fertilizer and mulch on growth and development of okra. According to the analysis of available literature, among surface irrigation methods, although furrow irrigation has been widely practiced among traditional farmers, growing okra under alternate furrow irrigation with black plastic mulch at the furrow bottom has a positive impact on increasing the WUE. On other hand, the combination of nitrogen fertigation along with mulching under a 25-micron thickness black plastic sheet is an effective means to achieve a better yield advantage under drip irrigation. Further, foliar treatment of organic fertilizers like humic acid, putrescine, and application of organic manures like chicken manure attribute to enhanced growth and quality okra pods under regulated deficit irrigation through the drip system. However, despite the surface drip irrigation, investing in sub-surface drip irrigation by placing the laterals between 0.10 to 0.15 m of depth below the soil surface with daily irrigation assures the better performance of okra in sandy loam soil conditions. This compilation will support future researchers, and farmers as an approach to sustainable okra production under water-scarce conditions according to the availability of resources.</p>Ibrahim Imrana FarhanM. Sugirtharan
Copyright (c) 2023 Ibrahim Imrana Farhan, Dr. M. Sugirtharan
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2023-01-122023-01-12119Labour-related Causes Controlling the Efficiency of Road Construction Operations in Sri Lanka: Engineers’ Standpoint
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/6072
<p>The efficiency of workforce operations has a significant impact on how profitable a construction firm is. Studies from the past demonstrate that a variety of labour-related concerns have been affecting the construction sector in Sri Lanka and other developing countries, which has a negative impact on the efficiency of construction activities. Construction engineers are crucial resources who can play a key role in the development of decisions and regulations pertaining to construction labourers. This study intends to examine the influence of labour-related causes on the efficiency of construction operations in Sri Lankan road construction projects from the perspective of construction engineers. The significant labour-related causes were identified by a comprehensive scholarly review. Then, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 31 road construction contractors in Sri Lanka. The impact level of each cause was calculated using the Relative Importance Index (RII) method. A total of 26 causes were found to be critical, where labour skill shortage, labour discipline, labourers’ poor ability of reading, understanding, speaking and writing, labourers’ lack of thinking abilities and their communication problems were the top five ranking causes in the list. The validity and reliability of the study findings were established using statistical testing. The activities required in the construction site management processes were also evaluated in relation to the key variables identified through a number of industry consultative sessions. These consultative outcomes further confirmed the validity of the study results. The study findings will significantly aid in modernising current industry practices to boost output and efficiency. Even though the study findings are applicable and limited to the Sri Lankan road construction sector, some of those may still be considered in other developing sectors/countries.</p>Kesavan ManoharanPujitha DissanayakeChintha PathiranaDharsana DeegahawatureRenuka Silva
Copyright (c) 2022 Kesavan Manoharan, Pujitha Dissanayake, Chintha Pathirana, Dharsana Deegahawature, Renuka Silva
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2022-12-112022-12-1141743210.31357/ait.v2i4.6072Cement and Clay Bricks Reinforced with Coconut Fiber and Fiber Dust
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/6046
Anjan Mevan Rajapakse et al.
Copyright (c) 2022 Editor -Advances in Technology
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2022-09-242022-09-2410.31357/ait.v2i3.6046An assessment of Wellbeing Priorities of Small-scale Migratory Fishing Communities in the West Coast, Sri Lanka
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/6043
<p>Identification of wellbeing priorities is a pre-requisite for successful development programs. Wellbeing assessment has become ever-challenging yet crucial in development studies, especially in achieving macroeconomic goals. This paper presents a descriptive assessment method to identify unmet wellbeing priorities, which may provide valuable and meaningful insights on development needs and frustrations. Assessment has been conducted assuming the perceiving wellbeing as a gap between an individual’s necessities (aspiration) and level of satisfaction. There, development frustrations and goal achievements have been explored with respect to the small-scale migratory fishers in the west coast, Sri Lanka. A sample of 142 fishers (25% of the migrant fishing population in the west coast) was drawn randomly from the lists of fisheries associations in Negombo and Chilaw, who are migrating to Mannar, in the North. The necessities and satisfactions were assessed based on a 3-point and 4-point Likert scale and the mean scores were calculated and ranked. Differences between the mean score rank of the wellbeing necessities and mean score rank of satisfaction were calculated. The negative difference indicates development frustrations, and the positives are goal achievements. Indian trawling issue, illegal fishing, financial uncertainty, cost of fishing, fish pricing mechanism, patience, conflicts, and physical health are the unmet wellbeing priorities with negative ranks. Migration has enabled easy access to sea, smooth consumption, diversified livelihood opportunities, good family relationships, and a few others with a positive difference – the goal achievements. Implementation of rules and regulations encouraging sustainable fishing techniques, regulations against poaching, adequate market linkages and effective pricing mechanism to control unhealthy price fluctuations, an interactive governance system including locals and migrant fishers, and frequent health clinics are recommended. </p>Dilanthi Nadeeka Koralagama
Copyright (c) 2022 DILANTHI NADEEKA Koralagama
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2022-12-312022-12-3143344310.31357/ait.v2i4.6043History and Philosophy of Science and Technology: The Driving force of Developing Innovative Creativity
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/6042
<p>How philosophers and some scholars who had learned about philosophy in the past became scientists is an important question that arises in the study of the development of innovative creativity. Generally, philosophy is the fundamental basis on which the results of the empirical sciences are based to formulate theories and theories in subjects that are common to any field. Therefore, philosophy and the world can be interconnected with any science. Western scholars who clearly identified this connection were anxious to analyze and study from different angles how this connection could occur.</p>Dilan Ranaweera
Copyright (c) 2022 Dilan Ranawwera
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2022-05-152022-05-1522122310.31357/ait.v2i2.6042Status of Expression of GnRH gene in Fed, Starved, and Refed Clarias Gariepinus (African Catfish)
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/6032
<p>Inadequate nutritional status impairs gonadal activities, which may induce reproductive difficulties in <em>Clarias gariepinus</em>. This research was aimed at evaluating the influence of starvation and subsequent refeeding on the expression of GnRH gene in <em>Clarias gariepinus</em>. One hundred and eighty (180) healthy juvenile Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) used in this study were randomly placed into two groups in triplicates. Fish in the control group were fed to satiation while fish in the treatment group were starved and refed and the fish in the control group were continuously fed. Brain tissue samples were collected after 7 days and 14 days of starvation, histopathology, and gene expression studies were done. The histological sections of brain tissue of week one starved and fed, <em>C. gariepinus</em> show neuronal cells on a background of neuropil while week two starved reveal badly distorted morphological architecture and degenerated neuronal cells. However, the week two re-fed,<em> C. gariepinus </em>brain tissue shows vacuolation of neuropil while the week two continuous fed shows no abnormalities. No mortality was recorded during starvation and the entire experimental period. In the second week of starvation, a decrease in the fold change (1.7) was observed when compared to week one while the fold change (1.2) observed in week three (week one of re-fed) is lower than the fold change observed in week one and two of starvation. The fold change (1.7) observed in week four (week two re-fed) is higher than the fold change observed in week three. The highest fold change (2.13) was observed in week one of starvation while the lowest fold change (1.24) was observed in week one of re-feeding. This study reveals that exposure of <em>C. gariepinus</em> to prolonged food deprivation alters the expression of GnRH, which might lead to impairment in the reproductive success of <em>Clarias gariepinus.</em></p>joseph minariJosephine Oshio AYOKHAIBalikis Olabisi SHOLAJA
Copyright (c) 2022 joseph minari, Josephine Oshio AYOKHAI, Balikis Olabisi SHOLAJA
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2022-11-222022-11-2240541710.31357/ait.v2i4.6032Green Tea Incorporated Edible Coating Extends the Postharvest Life of Strawberry Fruits (Fragaria ananassa)
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/6031
<p>In this study, the effects of green tea incorporated edible coating (EC) on the postharvest quality of strawberries were evaluated. EC was prepared by solubilizing carboxymethyl cellulose (0.75 % w/v), glycerol (2% v/v), and green tea concentrate (14% v/v) in distilled water at 80°C. Coated strawberries were packed in perforated polyethylene terephthalate boxes (10 fruits per box) and kept in refrigerated conditions (6±1°C). Uncoated strawberries were used as the control. Significant differences were observed in weight loss, visual quality, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids between the coated and uncoated fruits. The EC significantly reduced the total aerobic plate count and yeast and mold count of the stored fruits (p<0.05). EC exhibited decent in vitro inhibitory activity against <em>Botrytis cinerea</em>. The sensory properties of the coated fruits were comparable with fresh strawberries even on the 15<sup>th</sup> day of storage. In conclusion, green tea incorporated edible coating can be introduced as an effective coating material for the extension of the postharvest life of strawberry fruits.</p>N.A.I. JayamaliJanaka WijesingheP.A.P.M.D. Silva
Copyright (c) 2022 N.A.I. Jayamali, Janaka Wijesinghe, P.A.P.M.D. Silva
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2022-10-222022-10-2238239310.31357/ait.v2i4.6031Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare Systems of Developing World: Opportunities and Risks
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/5996
<p>Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now everywhere. It refers to systems that demonstrate intelligent behavior, such as the ability to analyze their environment to take action that is typically displayed by humans and animals. AI-embedded devices possess the ability to learn through example scenarios and past data presented to the system. The word AI was first introduced to the research community in 1956 at a conference at Dartmouth College in the United States [1]. With time, the AI industry expanded from data to information, then to knowledge, and ultimately to intelligence. Due to the depth and breadth of learning capacity associated with AI technologies, today it has become one of the hottest research areas, finding applications in but not limited to computer vision, marketing, industrial automation, big data, and the Internet of things (IOT).</p>Maheshi Dissanayake
Copyright (c) 2022 Editor -Advances in Technology; Maheshi Dissanayake
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2022-08-292022-08-2926326510.31357/ait.v2i3.5996Application of Digital Corpus Analysis Technologies to address Low English Proficiency' in undergraduates in English Medium Higher Education
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/5989
<p>Undergraduates with Low English Proficiency (LEP) in faculties that teach exclusively in the English medium would be linguistically ill-prepared to follow an English medium degree. One of the immediate needs created is the need to develop high discipline and course content specific (content related to the undergraduates’ year of study, such as the first year) English proficiency within an extremely limited time [1]. This need could be more acute in first-year LEP students who need to transition to English Medium Instruction (EMI) in higher education. So is the need to develop discipline-specific (content related to the undergraduates’ subjects of study) English proficiency for the first time after completing school education in the local languages [2]. Based on observations gathered through an endeavour to prepare English language assistance course material for English preliminary level undergraduates in EMI, this paper proposes digital Corpus Analysis technology as a feasible tool that can be used as a fast-track method to develop a discipline and course-specific English proficiency in LEP undergraduates.</p> <p> </p>Zareena D. HussainSavitri Y. Dias
Copyright (c) 2022 Zareena D. Hussain, Ms. Savitri Y. Dias
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2022-11-092022-11-09402405E-marketing Tools for Food Businesses Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic: Advantages and Challenges
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/5663
<p>Many businesses are interested in searching for the latest technologies to secure the tie with existing customers and to prevent potential customers from abandoning their businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The food industry is one of them. Therefore, this review article is an attempt to identify various e-marketing tools adopted in the business world in the pre-covid era and to underpin their applicability in the food industry in the covid era by highlighting the advantages and challenges of their adoption. Research articles, conference proceedings, book chapters, theses, and dissertations regarding the topic of applications of e-marketing published from 2000 to 2019 available in the google scholar database, were considered in the review. The final search of the literature was carried out in February 2020. The study reveals that the benefits of applying e-marketing tools in food businesses could compensate for the pitfalls of adopting them. Authors suggest that the ability to compare prices of similar products from different sellers as the most promising benefit of e-marketing, from the customer perspective. Similarly, the cost-effectiveness experienced by food suppliers compared to traditional marketing, makes the e-marketing concept attractive, for food businesses. This work discovers the ability and the inclination of people to launch, manage and organize business ventures with e-marketing approaches in the present as well as the future world.</p> <p> </p>Piyumi WanniarachchiSupun Rajakaruna
Copyright (c) 2022 Piyumi Wanniarachchi, Supun Rajakaruna
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2022-08-252022-08-2526627610.31357/ait.v2i3.5663Website Aesthetics and Technology Playfulness in Encouraging Customer Use of Online based Self-Service Technologies: Special Reference to Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/5500
<p>Rapid technological advancements have aided the service sector's continued evolution, converting traditional physical service encounters managed by service professionals into self-service technologies (SSTs) controlled by customers. Despite the fact that prior studies have attempted to understand customers' technology acceptance in general, sufficient attention has not been paid to the study of self-service technologies, particularly Online based SSTs. Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the website aesthetics and technology playfulness of online-based SSTs leading the use of self-service technologies in the Sri Lankan commercial banking industry. A qualitative approach was undertaken, conducting 50 semi-structured interviews with banking customers who use SSTs in the Western Province, Sri Lanka with the use of a non-probabilistic purposeful sampling strategy. The method of thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed “Information quality and guidance”, “Innovative systems and facilities”, “Use of multiple languages”, “High interactivity” and “Visually appealing techniques” as the five themes of website aesthetics and “Enjoyment”, “Exciting”, “Entertaining”, “Creativity”, “Delight” and “Appealing features” as the six themes of technology playfulness leading towards the use of online-based SSTs in the banking sector. The findings would occupy the vacuum of existing literature on the customer use of online-based self-service technologies. Practitioners will be given direction with the understanding on how consumers could be encouraged towards the use of online-based SSTs with the integration of website aesthetics and technology playfulness to improve the delivery of self-service technologies in the commercial banking sector.</p>Sandamali GaldolageSamudrika Rasanjalee
Copyright (c) 2022 Sandamali Galdolage, Samudrika Rasanjalee
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2022-08-202022-08-2024926210.31357/ait.v2i3.5500Value Stream Analysis and Middlemen Impact of Skipjack Tuna and Smoothbelly Sardinella Dried Fish Value Chains in Sri Lanka
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/5661
<p>Value-added activities, chain structures, and middlemen impact are incomprehensible in the dried fish economy. Processors have a significant impact at the initial stage of the value chain, but little control over value chain management; however vastly monopolized by intermediaries. Yet, the processors receive poor returns compared to other actors in the value chain. Value stream analysis visualizes the value additions incorporated by all the actors and agents in the value chain. Despite the literature states of different returns along the value chain, a comprehensive mapping is needed to assess the contribution by actors and agents over Value Added (VA), Necessary Value Added (NVA) and Non-Necessary Value Added activities (NNVA). This will enable fair and efficient functions in the value chain. The same scenario is common in dried fish value chains in Sri Lanka which is inadequately researched. This study aims to conduct a value stream analysis, middlemen impact assessment, and their relationship for skipjack tuna and smoothbelly sardinella dried fish value chains representing the highest per-capita consumption dried fish varieties in Sri Lanka. Hambantota, Matara, Puttalam, and Gampaha were selected to conduct the study representing the highest dried fish production districts. A quantitative data collection method was adopted employing a pre-tested structured questionnaire. A simple random sampling technique was used to draw the sample from processors, wholesalers and retailers where the sample sizes were 100, ,40, and 40 respectively. Secondary data were collected from reputed published materials. Data were analyzed mainly using descriptive techniques. The number of VA, NV,A and NNVA activities are approximately decreased through the skipjack tuna value chain as processor (VA-10, NVA-01, NNVA-02), wholesaler (VA-2, NVA-1, NNVA-4) and retailer (VA-02, NVA-01, NNVA-01) and for smoothbelly sardinella processor (VA-08, NVA-01, NNVA-02), wholesaler (VA-02, NVA-01, NNVA-02) and retailer (VA-01, NVA-01, NNVA-02) levels. Time spent for each activity is decreased through value chain for both dried fish varieties. The market margins for skipjack tuna and smoothbelly sardinella are 46.64% and 38.19% respectively. Profit margins are increased along the value chain at the processor, wholesaler and retailer levels for skipjack tuna (9.63%, 15.25%, 27.22%) and smoothbelly sardinella (12.53%, 14.23%, 20.98%) respectively. In contrast, profit gain was not fairly distributed along the value chain proportionately contribution to activities and times spent by actors. This recommended an effective mechanism for fair profit sharing for dried fish actors based on their contribution to value addition and time spent on each activity.</p>Shalika Laksan WickramaDilanthi Koralagama Sandika Abeysinghe
Copyright (c) 2022 Shalika Laksan Wickrama, Dilanthi Koralagama, Sandika Abeysinghe
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2022-08-292022-08-2932233910.31357/ait.v2i3.5661Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties of Coriandrum Sativum and Zingiber Officinale against Human Respiratory Tract Related Bacterial and Viral Infections: A Review with a Focus on the Case of SARS-CoV
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/5598
<p>Phytochemical constituents in extracts from medicinal plants have been widely used since ancient times to treat microbial infections. <em>Coriandrum sativum </em>and <em>Zingiber officinale</em> are two of the main popular ingredients in traditional medicine recipes. Currently, these extracts are used to prevent Covid-19 infections. Therefore, this review describes the antimicrobial properties of coriander and ginger and how far it is suitable to use against bacterial and viral infections occurring in the human respiratory tract. For instance, the main phytochemical available in <em>C. sativum</em> is linalool, followed by terpinene, pinene, cymene, decenal, and camphor. Gingerol is the main constituent in <em>Z. officinale</em> followed by shogaols and paradols. Moreover, many research findings revealed that the extract from coriander and ginger can be used to control respiratory tract infected pathogens due to the antiviral and antibacterial properties of available phytochemicals. Therefore, it is very effective to use coriander and ginger to boost the immune system. Furthermore, scientific evidence has proved the effective antiviral properties of compounds present in coriander and ginger that have binding affinity to the proteins in the virus, blocking the virus's receptors and boosting the immunity to face the COVID-19 situation. In fact, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial activity of mixed extract of medicinal plant parts is better than that of individuals. Therefore, this will review the therapeutic characteristics of coriander and ginger extracts due to their various phytochemical activities. </p>Buddhi KodikaraDr Lanka UndugodaHimashi KarunarathneRavi Kandisa
Copyright (c) 2022 Buddhi Kodikara, Dr Lanka Undugoda, Himashi Karunarathne, Ravi Kandisa
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2022-09-242022-09-2436138110.31357/ait.v2i3.5598A Novel Method for Moving Laterally and Discovering Malicious Lateral Movements in Windows Operating Systems: A Case Study
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/5584
<p>Lateral movement is a pervasive threat because modern networked systems that provide access to multiple users are far more efficient than their non-networked counterparts. It is a well-known attack methodology with extensive research conducted investigating the prevention of lateral movement in enterprise systems. However, attackers use increasingly sophisticated methods to move laterally that bypass typical detection systems. This research comprehensively reviews the problems in lateral movement detection and outlines common defenses to protect modern systems from lateral movement attacks. A literature review outlines techniques for automatic detection of malicious lateral movement, explaining common attack methods utilized by advanced persistent threats and components built into the Windows operating system that can assist with discovering malicious lateral movement. Finally, a novel approach for moving laterally designed by other security researchers is reviewed and studied, an original process for detecting this method of lateral movement is proposed, and the application of the detection methodology is also expanded.</p>Akalanka MailewaKyle Rozendaal
Copyright (c) 2022 Akalanka Mailewa, Kyle Rozendaal
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
2022-08-252022-08-2529132110.31357/ait.v2i3.5584Deep Residual Learning-Based Convolutional Variational Autoencoder For Driver Fatigue Classification
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/5545
<p>Driving under the influence of fatigue often results in uncontrollable vehicle dynamics, which causes severe and fatal accidents. Therefore, early warning on the fatigue onset is crucial to avoid occurrences of such kind of a disaster. In this paper, the authors have investigated a novel semi-supervised convolutional variational autoencoder-based classification approach to classify the state of the driver. A convolutional variational autoencoder is a generative network. The authors have proposed a discriminative model using convolutional variational autoencoders and residual learning. This approach calculates an intermediate loss base on deep features of the network in addition to the label information in training. The loss obtained by this method helps the training to be more effective on the model and leads to better accuracy in driver fatigue classification. The trained model has managed to classify driver fatigue with higher accuracy (97%) than the other successful models taken into comparison, proving that the proposed method is more practical for computing classification loss for driver fatigue to currently available methods.</p>Sameera AdhikariSenaka Amarakeerthi
Copyright (c) 2022 Sameera Adhikari, Senaka Amarakeerthi
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
2022-08-252022-08-2527729010.31357/ait.v2i3.5545Cement and Clay Bricks Reinforced with Coconut Fiber and Fiber Dust
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/5534
<p>For generations, Sri Lankans use cement bricks and clay bricks as common building materials in the construction field. This study investigates the feasibility of improving the strength while lowering the mass and thermal conductivity of bricks by adding coconut fiber or coconut fiber dust as a reinforcing material. Each reinforcing material is used in both clay and cement bricks. The mixtures are prepared according to varying volume ratios of the raw materials used. Coconut fibers are combed and cut into 4-5 cm pieces and dry coconut fiber dust is sieved using a 4 mm sieving mesh. The mixture is prepared by hand mixing and the traditional processes are replicated in making the bricks. Tests are carried out to understand the variation of mass, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and water absorption of the reinforced bricks in comparison to bricks with no reinforced material. The cement brick reinforced with coconut fiber achieves the expected results in the compressive strength test and thermal conductivity test but underperformed when comparing masses and water absorption. Clay bricks reinforced with coconut fiber dust show impressive results in compressive tests and with the addition of dust, the appearance seems to have changed. It is observed that reinforcing cement bricks with coconut fiber could double the compressive strength along with a 5% reduction in mass. Reinforcing clay bricks with coconut fiber dust increases its compressive strength by over 70% while decreasing the mass by over 30 %. The study proves that it is feasible to use reinforced coconut fiber or coconut fiber dust to improve the properties of both clay and cement bricks, while clay bricks reinforced with coconut fiber are an exception.</p>Anjan Mevan RajapakseDulini Yasara MudunkotuwaSanura Naveen SanjulaKelum NishanthaTharaka Ruwan Bandara
Copyright (c) 2022 Anjan Mevan Rajapakse, Dulini Yasara Mudunkotuwa, Sanura Naveen Sanjula, Kelum Nishantha, Tharaka Ruwan Bandara
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
2022-05-312022-05-3123324810.31357/ait.v2i3.5534Suitability of Reusing the Spent Diatomaceous Earth in Brick Production: A Review
https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/ait/article/view/5529
<p>Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is commonly used as a filter material in the brewery industry. Spent Diatomaceous Earth (SDE) is an industrial waste generated after filling DE pores with impurities from brewing industries during filtration. After the final filtering process, this SDE is disposed into dumping areas, causing numerous environmental concerns. SDE has been recently reported as a substitute for clay in brick production. Incorporating SDE with clay in brick production can reduce the amount of clay added to the brick and the SDE waste discharged into the environment. However, only limited literature is available on SDE utilization in brick production. This paper reviews the recent research on reusing SDE in brick production. Moreover, the manufacturing process of bricks, including essential chemical reactions accompanying the firing of brick, properties of SDE and clay, factors maintained in brick, and affecting the quality of brick, have also been discussed in this review.</p>Rumesh NanayakkaraChamila GunathilakeRohan Dassanayake
Copyright (c) 2022 Rohan Dassanayake, Chamila Gunathilake, Rumesh Nanayakkara
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
2022-05-252022-05-2515116610.31357/ait.v2i2.5529