Faculty of Computing Scopus 2
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Publication Open Access Real Time Accident Detection and Emergency Response Using Drones, Machine Learning and LoRa Communication(Science and Information Organization, 2025) Bandara H.M.S.I.D; Maduhansa H.K.T.P; Jayasinghe S.S; Samararathna A.K.S.R; Fernando, H; Lokuliyana, SRoad accidents and delayed emergency responses remain a major concern in urban environments, contributing to over 1.4 million fatalities globally each year. With rapid urbanization and increasing vehicle density, timely detection and efficient traffic management are critical to reducing the impact of such events. This study proposes a real time Accident Detection and Emergency Response System with integrating Machine Learning IoT enabled drones and LoRa communication. The system combines real time accident detection using CCTV, drone assisted fire detection for post accident scenarios, crime activity monitoring and automated traffic management to reduce congestion and improve public safety. LoRa ensure long range, energy-efficient communication. ML models improve detection accuracy across accidents, fires, crimes and vehicles. Figures and sensor data are analyzed in real time to trigger alerts and assist emergency responders. The system supports scalable integration with existing urban infrastructure, promoting the development of smart city safety frameworks. By minimizing emergency response time, limiting secondary incidents and improving situational awareness, the proposed solution addresses critical gaps in current urban safety systems. It offers a practical, intelligent and adaptive approach to accident mitigation and traffic control in smart cities.Publication Open Access Comparison of cardiovascular risk prediction models developed using machine learning based on data from a Sri Lankan cohort with World Health Organization risk charts for predicting cardiovascular risk among Sri Lankans: A cohort study(BMJ Publishing Group, 2025-01-15) Mettananda, C; Solangaarachchige, M; Haddela, P; Dassanayake, A.S; Kasturiratne, A; Wickremasinghe, R; Kato, N; De Silva, H.JIntroduction Models derived from non-Sri Lankan cohorts are used for cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification of Sri Lankans. Objective To develop a CV risk prediction model using machine learning (ML) based on data from a Sri Lankan cohort followed up for 10 years, and to compare the predictions with WHO risk charts. Design Cohort study. Setting The Ragama Health Study (RHS), an ongoing, prospective, population-based cohort study of patients randomly selected from the Ragama Medical Office of Heath area, Sri Lanka, focusing on the epidemiology of non-communicable diseases, was used to develop the model. The external validation cohort included patients admitted to Colombo North Teaching Hospital (CNTH), a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka, from January 2019 through August 2020. Participants All RHS participants, aged 40-64 years in 2007, without cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline, who had complete data of 10-year outcome by 2017, were used for model development. Patients aged 40-74 years admitted to CNTH during the study period with incident CV events or a disease other than an acute CV event (CVE) with complete data for CVD risk calculation were used for external validation of the model. Methods Using the follow-up data of the cohort, we developed two ML models for predicting 10-year CV risk using six conventional CV risk variables (age, gender, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, history of diabetes, and total cholesterol level) and all available variables (n=75). The ML models were derived using classification algorithms of the supervised learning technique. We compared the predictive performance of our ML models with WHO risk charts (2019, Southeast Asia) using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC-ROC) and calibration plots. We validated the 6-variable model in an external hospital-based cohort. Results Of the 2596 participants in the baseline cohort, 179 incident CVEs were observed over 10 years. WHO risk charts predicted only 10 CVEs (AUC-ROC: 0.51, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.60), while the new 6-variable ML model predicted 125 CVEs (AUC-ROC: 0.72, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.78) and the 75-variable ML model predicted 124 CVEs (AUC-ROC: 0.74, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.80). Calibration results (Hosmer-Lemeshow test) for the 6-variable ML model and the WHO risk charts were χ 2 =12.85 (p=0.12) and χ 2 =15.58 (p=0.05), respectively. In the external validation cohort, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and calibration of the 6-variable ML model and the WHO risk charts, respectively, were: 70.3%, 94.9%, 87.3%, 86.6%, χ 2 =8.22, p=0.41 and 23.7%, 79.0%, 35.8%, 67.7%, χ 2 =81.94, p<0.0001. Conclusions ML-based models derived from a cohort of Sri Lankans improved the overall accuracy of CV-risk prediction compared with the WHO risk charts for this cohort of Southeast Asians.Publication Open Access The Potential of Arboreal Tiger Beetle (Derocrania scitiscabra Walker) as a Natural Enemy for the Control of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith)(Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, 2025-01-15) Kasige R.H.; Abeywardhana D.L; Pallewatta N; Perera M.T.M.D.R; Dangalle C.DPurpose: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a serious pest of maize, sugarcane, and other crops in Sri Lanka. Natural predators and parasitoids are considered the best methods to control this insect pest. The present study investigates the possibility of using an endemic tiger beetle, Derocrania scitiscabra, as a natural predator for the larval stages of S. frugiperda. Research Method: The feeding preferences of D. scitiscabra to live prey versus dead prey, live prey types including different instar stages of S. frugiperda were investigated in the laboratory using choice tests. Fresh minced meat was used as dead prey, while red ants, earthworms and the six larval instar stages of S. frugiperda were used as live prey. Findings: Red ants were the most preferred prey type of D. scitiscabra, and dead prey, earthworms and mature S. frugiperda larvae were not consumed. Early larval instar stages of S. frugiperda were selected as prey, and the beetle showed a high feeding preference for the second larval instar stage. This feeding preference was observed irrespective of whether red ants were present or absent in the same environment. D. scitiscabra may have selected the second larval instars of S. frugiperda due to their small size, high prey density, mobility, and being devoid of injury. Research Limitations: The tests were conducted under laboratory conditions in insectary facilities. However, field investigations are essential to understand the ecological dynamics that affect insect behavior and survival. Originality/value: An endemic beetle is introduced to control S. frugiperda infestations in their early stages of development. The finding may provide an environmentally safe and economically beneficial method to control S. frugiperda.Publication Embargo Eco-friendly bismuth halide chalcogenide perovskites for solar energy harvesting(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025-03-04) Don Muditha Akmal, U. K; Hu, D; Wijesekara Abeygunawardhana, P.K; Sewvandi, G. AThe quest to eliminate lead (Pb) content in perovskite photovoltaic materials has significantly shifted focus towards identifying viable Pb-free alternatives. This study provides a comprehensive theoretical investigation of CH3NH3BiI2Se and CH3NH3BiI2S as Pb alternative candidates. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and the solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) were used. The DFT analysis reveals that both CH3NH3BiI2Se and CH3NH3BiI2S possess indirect band gaps of 1.35 eV and 1.39 eV, respectively. CH3NH3BiI2Se demonstrates a higher absorption coefficient, stronger absorption in the UV-visible regions, a broader absorption spectrum and better charge carrier mobilities compared to CH3NH3BiI2S. CH3NH3BiI2Se and CH3NH3BiI2S based solar cells which show 24.06% and 21.85% power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), respectively. This study emphasizes the potential of CH3NH3BiI2Se as a promising bismuth mixed halide chalcogenide compound for the development of sustainable perovskite solar cells. The findings provide a foundation for the guided design of novel bismuth chalcogenide compounds for optoelectronic applications and experimental studies.Item Embargo Wet-Neuromorphic Computing: A New Paradigm for Biological Artificial Intelligence(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 2025-03-31) Perera, J; Balasubramaniam, S; Somathilaka, S; Wen, Q; Li, X; Kasthurirathna, D; Roohi, A; Nelson, M. TAs we delve into a life governed by artificial intelligence (AI), ongoing research continues to discover new forms of intelligence that are efficient and closely mimic an organism’s brain in terms of performance. This article presents a new concept termed wet-neuromorphic computing, in which biological cells or organisms are leveraged to perform computational tasks using their natural molecular functions. We map key neuromorphic properties to natural biological computing observed in bacteria, 3-D organoids, and Caenorhabditis elegans. To expand beyond the inspiration of the brain to create conventional neuromorphic computing, the study presents a case study that demonstrates bacterial AI computing using the gene regulatory neural network derived from Escherichia coli’s gene regulatory network for pattern recognition, validated through wet lab experiments. Finally, challenges and future directions are discussed.Publication Open Access Real-Time Coordinate Estimation for SCARA Robots in PCB Repair Using Vision and Laser Triangulation(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-04-07) Sanjeewa, N; Wathudura, V. M; Kahatapitiya, N. S; Silva, B. N; Subasinghage, K.; Wijesinghe, R.EThe Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing industry is a rapidly expanding sector, fueled by advanced technologies and precision-oriented production processes. The placement of Surface-Mount Device (SMD) components in PCB assembly is efficiently automated using robots and design software-generated coordinate files; however, the PCB repair process remains significantly more complex and challenging. Repairing faulty PCBs, particularly replacing defective SMD components, requires high precision and significant manual expertise, making automated solutions both rare and difficult to implement. This study introduces a novel real-time machine vision-based coordinate estimation system designed for estimating the coordinates of SMD components during soldering or desoldering tasks. The system was specifically designed for Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm (SCARA) robots to overcome the challenges of repairing miniature PCB components. The proposed system integrates Image-Based Visual Servoing (IBVS) for precise X and Y coordinate estimation and a simplified laser triangulation method for Z-axis depth estimation. The system demonstrated accuracy rates of 98% for X and Y axes and 99% for the Z axis, coupled with high operational speed. The developed solution highlights the potential for automating PCB repair processes by enabling SCARA robots to execute precise picking and placement tasks. When equipped with a hot-air gun as the end-effector, the system could enable automated soldering and desoldering, effectively replacing faulty SMD components without human intervention. This advancement has the potential to bridge a critical gap in the PCB repair industry, improving efficiency and reducing dependence on manual expertise.Publication Embargo Spatio-temporal graph neural network based child action recognition using data-efficient methods: A systematic analysis(Elsevier Inc, 2025-06-03) Mohottala, S; Gawesha, A; Kasthurirathna, D; Samarasinghe, P; Abhayaratne, CThis paper presents implementations on child activity recognition (CAR) using spatial–temporal graph neural network (ST-GNN)-based deep learning models with the skeleton modality. Prior implementations in this domain have predominantly utilized CNN, LSTM, and other methods, despite the superior performance potential of graph neural networks. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to use an ST-GNN model for child activity recognition employing both in-the-lab, in-the-wild, and in-the-deployment skeleton data. To overcome the challenges posed by small publicly available child action datasets, transfer learning methods such as feature extraction and fine-tuning were applied to enhance model performance. As a principal contribution, we developed an ST-GNN-based skeleton modality model that, despite using a relatively small child action dataset, achieved superior performance (94.81%) compared to implementations trained on a significantly larger (x10) adult action dataset (90.6%) for a similar subset of actions. With ST-GCN-based feature extraction and fine-tuning methods, accuracy improved by 10%–40% compared to vanilla implementations, achieving a maximum accuracy of 94.81%. Additionally, implementations with other ST-GNN models demonstrated further accuracy improvements of 15%–45% over the ST-GCN baseline. The results on activity datasets empirically demonstrate that class diversity, dataset size, and careful selection of pre-training datasets significantly enhance accuracy. In-the-wild and in-the-deployment implementations confirm the real-world applicability of above approaches, with the ST-GNN model achieving 11 FPS on streaming data. Finally, preliminary evidence on the impact of graph expressivity and graph rewiring on accuracy of small dataset-based models is provided, outlining potential directions for future research. The codes are available at https://github.com/sankamohotttala/ST_GNN_HAR_DEML.Publication Open Access Optical Insight: Enhancing Ophthalmic Diagnostics with Automated Detection of Retinal Abnormalities(International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology, 2025-06-11) De Silva, D.I; Wijendra, D. R; Siriwardana, K.S; Gunasekara, S.N.W; Piyumantha, U; Thilakaratne, S.PEarly and accurate detection of retinal diseases is crucial for preventing vision loss, yet traditional diagnostic methods remain limited by subjectivity and inefficiencies. This study introduces an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostic system leveraging hybrid deep learning models to detect Glaucoma, Macular Hole, Central Serous Retinopathy, and Drusen using fundus images. By integrating multiple architectures, including Residual Network (ResNet), Visual Geometry Group 16-layer network (VGG16), Densely Connected Convolutional Network (DenseNet), U-shaped Network (U-Net), and You Only Look Once version 8 (extra-large variant) (YOLOv8x), the system enhances diagnostic precision and generalization across diverse imaging conditions. Key innovations include the hybrid ResNet-VGG16 and DenseNet-VGG16 models, which significantly improve detection accuracy for Drusen and Central Serous Retinopathy, respectively. Additionally, the U-Net-ResNet hybrid architecture mitigates overfitting, ensuring more reliable Macular Hole detection, while the YOLOv8x object detection model outperforms traditional approaches in Glaucoma localization by accurately identifying the optic disc. These models, integrated into a web-based diagnostic platform, achieved sensitivities and specificities exceeding 95%, establishing a new performance benchmark for automated ophthalmic diagnostics. This research advances medical image analysis by demonstrating the efficacy of hybrid deep learning models, offering a scalable AI solution for early retinal disease detection. Its integration into clinical workflows highlights its potential to transform ophthalmic care, enhancing accessibility and improving patient outcomes.Item Open Access Optimizing Inotropic Infusion With Cluster Specific AI Decision Models and Digital TwinsNair, V(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 2025-06-20) Nair, V. S; Niranga, G. D. H; Aryalakshmi C.S; Sathyapalan, D. T; Madathil, T; Pathinarupothi, R.KInotropes are critical care medications essential for maintaining normal blood pressure (BP) in hospitalized patients. Titrating infusion rates of inotropes such as noradrenaline, vasopressin, and adrenaline based on fluctuating BP presents significant challenges in critical care settings. Typically, clinicians set a constant infusion rate for one hour, which may not accommodate the dynamic variability of BP inherent in critically ill patients, potentially leading to inadvertent hypotension or hypertension. Conventional feedback controllers, including fuzzy logic controllers (FLC), struggle to adapt to complex BP variations due to fixed algorithms and intracohort variability in drug responses. We propose an AI-enhanced closed-loop noradrenaline infusion control mechanism utilizing long short-term memory (LSTM) networks. This approach captures variability in drug responses through clustering of patients using LSTM autoencoders and K-means algorithms, subsequently developing LSTM-based decision models for infusion rates tailored to clusters. Additionally, a digital twin cardiac model serves as a simulation tool for validating the impact of inotropic infusion as indicated by the decision model. Comparative performance analyses demonstrate that our AI-enhanced closed-loop feedback method outperforms conventional systems like FLC regulators and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) models while ensuring patient safety as well as reducing the workload of clinicians.Publication Open Access Hybrid neural network methods to model the external wind pressure on a low-rise flat-roofed building in an irregularly shaped urban environment(Elsevier Ltd, 2025-06-23) Sajindra, H; Dharmawansha, S; Wijesundara, H; Herath, S; Rathnayake, U; Meddage D.P.PThe present study used hybrid artificial neural networks to model the wind pressure (mean and fluctuating) on a flat-roofed, low-rise building in an irregularly shaped urban environment. Four neural networks, each combined with an artificial bee colony (ABC), genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimisation (PSO), and independent component analysis (ICA), along with an individual artificial neural network (ANN) model and a convolutional neural network (CNN), were used for the wind pressure predictions. The data was obtained from Tokyo Polytechnic University’s boundary layer wind tunnel and was used to train the neural network models. The results revealed that all models accurately captured the wind pressure on the low-rise building in a dense urban environment. Specifically, the genetic algorithm-artificial neural network (GA-ANN) model outperformed the remaining models, achieving good prediction accuracy for test data (coefficient of determination (R²) = 0.96 for mean pressure R² = 0.84 for fluctuation pressure). The use of machine learning explainability methods confirmed the consistency of GA-ANN with the fundamentals of wind engineering. Notably, the GA-ANN approach accurately modeled the special flow features on the building surface, such as flow separation, vortex formation, and pressure gradients, to a greater extent compared to the wind tunnel results. Therefore, the authors propose this method as an complementary approach for predicting wind pressure on low-rise buildings in complex urban environmentsPublication Open Access Exploring nontoxic perovskite materials for perovskite solar cells using machine learning(Discover, 2025-07-06) Pabasara W.G.A; Wijerathne H.A.H.M; Karunarathne M.G.M.M.; Sandaru D.M.C; Abeygunawardhana, Pradeep K. W; Sewvandi, GPerovskite solar cells are promising renewable energy technology that faces significant challenges due to the Pb induced toxicity. The current study addresses this issue by leveraging machine learning techniques to explore Pb-free perovskite materials that ensure environmental sustainability and human safety. A highly accurate machine learning model was developed to predict Goldschmidt factor and the band gap, aiming to discover lead-free perovskites. Extreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost), Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boost Regression (GBR), and Ada Boost Regression (ABR) models were employed for this purpose. The findings exhibit that XGBoost delivers the most precise and reliable results for Goldsmith tolerance factor prediction with an accuracy of 98.5%. Furthermore, GBR model, combined with K-nearest neighbors (KNN) model delivers an impressive accuracy of 98.7% for the band gap predictions. 49 Pb-free perovskite materials were screened out considering the toxicity and the abundance. Utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering, six optimal materials (KBiBr3, KZnBr3, RbBiBr 3, RbZnBr3, MAGeI3, and FAGeI3null) were identified as the potential environment-friendly materials for photovoltaic applications. These results show the crucial role of machine learning and statistical analysis in discovering nontoxic and environmental-friendly perovskite materials, advancing the development of sustainable energy solutionsPublication Open Access AI-Driven Adaptive Security for Sensor Networks: Next-Generation Firewalls for Attack Detection(John Wiley and Sons, 2025-07-25) Meegammana, N.W; Fernando, HSensor networks are increasingly critical in modern smart environments; however, their limited computational resources expose them to sophisticated cyber threats. Traditional static firewalls and computationally intensive deep learning models are impractical for securing such networks. This study proposes an adaptive next-generation firewall (NGFW) that dynamically switches between shallow and deep AI models based on real-time network load and resource availability. Four neural network models were trained using 20 and 40-feature subsets of the UNSW-NB15 dataset. Two runtime strategies (i) on-demand model loading and (ii) preloaded model switching were developed and evaluated through simulation under real-time conditions. Experimental results indicate that the preloaded approach achieves up to 96% accuracy, 98% precision, and 4-ms inference latency, with a memory footprint of 19 MB, outperforming static AI firewalls in both efficiency and scalability. The proposed NGFW framework offers a resilient and scalable solution for real-time attack detection in resource-constrained environments without requiring frequent model retraining. Future enhancements include hybrid shallow–deep model architectures, continuous federated learning for decentralized adaptability, and the integration of explainable AI to enhance transparency and trustworthiness in edge security deployments.Publication Open Access A novel application with explainable machine learning (SHAP and LIME) to predict soil N, P, and K nutrient content in cabbage cultivation(Elsevier B.V., 2025-08) Abekoon, T; Sajindra, H; Rathnayake, N; Ekanayake, I.U.; Jayakody, A; Rathnayake, UCabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is commonly cultivated in high altitudes and features dense, tightly packed leaves. The Green Coronet variety is well-known for its robust growth and culinary versatility. Maximizing yield is crucial for food sustainability. It is essential to predict the soil's major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) to maximize the yield. Artificial intelligence is widely used for non-linear predictions with explainability. This research assessed the predictive capabilities of soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels with explainable machine learning methods over an 85-day cabbage growth period. Experiments were conducted on cabbage plants grown in central hills of Sri Lanka. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME) were used to clarify the model's predictions. SHAP analysis showed that high feature values of the number of days and plant average leaf area negatively impacted for nutrient predictions, while high feature values of leaf count and plant height had a positive effect on the nutrient predictions. To validate the results, 15 greenhouse-grown cabbage plants at various growth stages were selected. The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels were measured and compared with the predicted values. These insights help refine predictive models and optimize agricultural practices. A user-friendly application was developed to improve the accessibility and interpretation of predictions. This tool is a user-friendly platform for end-users, enabling effective use of the model's predictive capabilities.Publication Embargo Tuning of Optoelectronic Properties of Chalcohalides by Tailoring Pnictogen Composition for Sustainable Photovoltaics(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025-08) Hu, D; Abeygunawardhana, P.K.W; Asha, GThis study investigates Sb1-xBixSeI pnictogen chalcohalides as lead-free materials for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Increasing Bi content from 0.5 to 0.6 reduces the bandgap from 1.60 to 1.43 eV, enhancing the light absorption and aligning with the optimal range for solar energy conversions. Structural analysis reveals that higher Bi substitution expands the lattice, reduces the hole effective mass, and improves the hole mobility, while the electron mobility decreases slightly. Sb0.4Bi0.6SeI demonstrates quasi-direct bandgap characteristics attributed to Bi-induced lattice distortion and strong spin–orbit coupling (SOC), which reduces the conduction band minimum and facilitate direct-like electronic transitions. Enhanced absorption near the band edge and localized states contribute to higher sub-bandgap absorption, broadening the spectral response. Reduced bandgap falls within the optimal range for single-junction solar cells, increasing photocurrent generation. While defect-induced recombination poses challenges, passivation and compositional tuning can optimize its performance. This study identifies the potential of Sb0.4Bi0.6SeI as a versatile absorber material in emerging solar cell architectures. The findings provide a pathway toward designing cost-effective and sustainable materials with tailored properties for next-generation photovoltaic and optoelectronic technologies.Item Open Access Enhancing Cognitive and Metacognitive Domains of Autistic Children Using Machine Learning(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-08-21) Tharaki, D; Rupasinghe, Y; Ruhunage, P; Pehesarani, A; Rathnayake, S.CASD poses special difficulty in both cognitive and metacognitive development, necessitating specialized educational strategies. This research proposes LearnMate, a web-based application powered by machine learning techniques that aims to improve the abilities of children with autism. Utilizing classification models learned from medical data, LearnMate forecasts skill acquisition and suggests personalized learning activities according to the strengths and developmental requirements of the child. The system permits instructors to monitor progress through real-time feedback, enabling adaptive learning approaches. Pilot application to more than 100 children showed significant gains in their skills. The results demonstrate the immense potential for change through machine learning in special education to facilitate data-driven, personalized learning opportunities that enhance the capabilities of both autistic students and teachers.Publication Open Access Bridging Language Barriers in Programming Education: Java Programming Assistance Tool for Sinhala Native Speakers(International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology, 2025-09-12) Athukorala, K. S.N; De Silva, D.IThis study presents an innovative programming assistance tool designed to address language barriers faced by Sinhala-speaking novice Java programmers. The tool provides real-time Java code generation and diagram creation based on Sinhala programming queries, enhancing conceptual understanding. Developed using a Design-Based Research methodology, the tool underwent iterative testing with 122 Sinhala-speaking learners, incorporating user feedback to refine usability and performance. Central to the system is Generative Pre-trained Transformer, version 3.5 Turbo, ensuring accurate translations and programming assistance, alongside a transformer-based model that translates Sinhala queries into English for processing. The translation model achieved 91.37% accuracy, with strong Bilingual Evaluation Understudy scores validating its contextual relevance. The tool’s practical applications extend beyond academia, supporting educational institutions, self-learners, and industry professionals in learning and skill development. Statistical evaluation of user performance demonstrated significant improvements in programming comprehension, reinforcing its effectiveness. By promoting inclusivity and expanding access to programming knowledge, this research contributes to the advancement of Sri Lanka’s technology sector and establishes a scalable framework for broader implementation in multilingual programming education. CopyrightPublication Embargo Deep Q-Network-Based Path Planning in a Simulated Warehouse Environment with SLAM Map Integration and Dynamic Obstacles(Department of Agribusiness, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, 2025-09-19) Medagangoda, H; Jayawickrama, N; de Silva, R; Samantha K.R.U.U; Abeygunawardhana, P.K.WWith the rise of e-Commerce and the evolution of robotic technologies, the focus on autonomous navigation within warehouse environments has increased. This study presents a simulation-based framework for path planning using Deep Q-Networks (DQN) in a warehouse environment modeled with moving obstacles. The proposed solution integrates a prebuilt map of the environment generated using Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), which provides prior spatial knowledge of static obstacles. The reinforcement learning model is formulated with a state space derived from grayscale images that combine the static map generated by SLAM and dynamic obstacles in real time. The action space consists of four discrete movements for the agent. A reward shaping strategy includes a distance-based reward and penalty for collisions to encourage goal-reaching and discourage collisions. An epsilon-greedy policy with exponential decay is used to balance exploration and exploitation. This system was implemented in the Robot Operating System (ROS) and Gazebo simulation environment. The agent was trained over 1000 episodes and metrics such as the number of actions executed to reach the goal and the cumulative reward per episode were analyzed to evaluate the convergence of the proposed solution. The results across two goal locations show that incorporating the SLAM map enhances learning stability, with the agent reaching a goal approximately 150 times, nearly double the success rate compared to the baseline without map information, which achieved only 80 successful episodes over the same number of episodes. This indicates faster convergence and reduced exploration overhead due to improved spatial awareness.Publication Open Access Optical Coherence Imaging Hybridized Deep Learning Framework for Automated Plant Bud Classification in Emasculation Processes: A Pilot Study(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025-09-25) Tharaka, D; Withanage, A; Kahatapitiya, N. S; Abhayapala, R; Wijenayake, U; Wijethunge, A; Ravichandran, N. K; Silva, B. N; Jeon, M; Kim, JA vision-based autonomous system for emasculating okra enhances agriculture by enabling precise flower bud identification, overcoming the labor-intensive, error-prone challenges of traditional manual methods with improved accuracy and efficiency. This study presents a framework for an adaptive, automated bud identification method to assist the emasculation process, hybridized optical coherence tomography (OCT). Three YOLOv8 variants were evaluated for accuracy, detection speed, and frame rate to identify the most efficient model. To strengthen the findings, YOLO was hybridized with OCT, enabling non-invasive sub-surface verification and precise quantification of the emasculated depth of both sepal and petal layers of the flower bud. To establish a solid benchmark, gold standard color histograms and a digital imaging-based method under optimal lighting conditions with confidence scoring were also employed. The results demonstrated that the proposed method significantly outperformed these conventional frameworks, providing superior accuracy and layer differentiation during emasculation. Hence, the developed YOLOv8 hybridized OCT method for flower bud identification and emasculation offers a powerful tool to significantly improve both the precision and efficiency of crop breeding practices. This framework sets the stage for implementing scalable, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven strategies that can modernize and optimize traditional crop breeding workflows.Publication Open Access Machine learning-based criminal behavior analysis for enhanced digital forensics(Public Library of Science, 2025-10-06) Dananjana, W. P; Arambawela, J. S; Gonawala, D.G. S. N; Rathnayaka, R.K. G.H; Senarathne, A. N; Siriwardena, S.M. D.NIn an increasingly digital world, uncovering criminal activity often relies on analyzing vast amounts of online behavior. Traditional methods in digital forensics struggle to keep up with the complexity and volume of data, particularly when trying to detect subtle deviations in online activity that could signal illegal intent. This research introduces an innovative approach that leverages machine learning to analyze internet activity—specifically browser artifacts—shedding new light on criminal behaviors that would otherwise remain hidden.Using advanced machine learning techniques such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and Autoencoders, this study focuses on detecting suspicious patterns and anomalies in browsing activity. By understanding the sequence and timing of a user’s online actions, this method enhances digital forensics investigations, allowing for faster and more accurate detection of criminal intent and behavior. The research aims to improve the speed and accuracy of identifying malicious online activity but also offers law enforcement and investigators a powerful tool to make sense of complex data. These findings represent an important step towards advancing digital forensics, enabling deeper insights into criminal behavior and more effective investigations, ultimately contributing to a safer digital environment.Publication Open Access Optimizing Asset Transfer Process in ERP Using Business Process Management Technique(Science and Information Organization, 2025-10-30) Yasarathne, R; Ranatunga, N; Herath, V; Chalinda, L; Kahandawaarachchi, C; Perera, S; Randula, CEnterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are critical for managing enterprise-wide business processes, including asset management. Yet, many ERP platforms lack efficient mechanisms for bulk asset transfers, leading to high manual effort, increased costs, and data inconsistencies. This study applies Business Process Reengineering (BPR) techniques as the methodology to optimize ERP asset management, focusing on workflow optimization and automation, contributing both practical and methodological insights. A mixed-method approach was adopted, analyzing a financial organization with 256 branches and over 450 Oracle ERP users. Data from 51 representative branches identified inefficiencies such as manual transfer delays, approval bottlenecks, and synchronization issues. The proposed solution introduces automated bulk asset transfers, optimized approval workflows, and real-time data synchronization, along with new metrics for evaluating efficiency, compliance, risk, and asset utilization. Compared to the As-Is system, the reengineered framework achieved a 100% reduction in operational costs per user ($7,500 annual saving), an 80% reduction in compliance incidents, a 67% reduction in asset transaction errors, and a 20% improvement in asset utilization. These results demonstrate a scalable, adaptable, and effective framework that enhances ERP operational efficiency, strengthens data integrity, and advances both academic understanding and industrial practice of asset management process reengineering.