SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Sciences and Humanities [SICASH] 2020
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/449
Browse
Publication Embargo Academic Research and Technology Transfer from University to Industry: Prospects, Challenges and the Way Forward for Sri Lanka(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Punchihewa, N. S.Universities are at the frontier of knowledge, research, innovation and cutting-edge technology. Therefore, converting university research outcome into commercial success has attracted significant attention among policymakers in developed and developing nations alike in recent years. As it is evident, universities around the world are currently embracing a paradigm shift in academic research commercialization, in addition to traditional university mission. Based on the ’Triple Helix’ model of innovation, the universities are to create ‘academic entrepreneurship.’ Relying upon the landmark legislation of the US, commonly known as the ‘Bayh-Dole Act’ leading universities in many countries have established their own university technology transfer offices (TTOs). The Sri Lankan university system is no exception to this international development. Given the critical and urgent need, the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka has introduced a new legal initiative; namely, the Commission Circular (University Business Linkage) No. 10 of 2016 and guidelines for its implementation. The Circular requires universities to implement an IP Policy at universities, promote the creation of university spin-offs and research cooperation between business and the university, among others. To further this policy objective, all fifteen state universities and a number of non-state sector higher education institutions have established the University Business Linkage (UBL) Cells in compliance with provisions of the said Circular. Therefore, the universities in Sri Lanka have perceived the mandate of teaching, research and creating co-operative extension to provide innovative advantages for the benefit of the society in line with the university mission. In view of the above, this research aims to shed light on and critique the new legal environment created by the UGC Circular for academic research, innovation, protection and commercialization viewed through the lens of a comparative legal research and analysis.Publication Embargo Applications, Benefits and Drawbacks of Bioprinting – A Review(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Hewagama, H.; Chamathka, H.; Nilaweera, G.Tissue regeneration technology, also known as ‘bioprinting’ is a work in progress and has made many advances in recent years. Following the invention of 3D printing in the 1980’s, bioprinting has evolved to print various tissues such as heart valves, hepatic tissues and breast cancer cells. Now, many commercial bioprinters are available. Bioprinters show variety in the way they function, their speed, and their cost of operation. There are three common techniques used in this technology: inkjet-based, laser-assisted and extrusion-based bioprinting. The printers require a bioink and scaffold to ensure production of mechanically stable constructs which are able to mimic human tissues. Specific hydrogels and biomaterials are chosen for each printing method. Mainly, gelatin, agarose, alginate, hyaluronic acid, chitosan and fibrin are used. Biopolymers such as PEGDA, PEG and PEGX- PEG are used for structural maintenance of tissues. The Bioprinting technology aims to improve treatments for burns, injuries and cardiovascular diseases by replacing traditional treatments such as autografts, allografts and skin grafts. Ethical issues and legal issues exist with this novel technology but its benefits for animal testing, drug discovery and organ transplantation cannot be ignored.Publication Embargo Attitude of the Students Towards the Usage of Group Activities as a Remedy for Speaking Anxiety(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Peiris, A.E.As literature suggests Second Language (L2) speaking has always been a challenge for students. One of the main issues is the apprehension occurring when a learner is expected to perform in the second language (Gardner and MacIntyre, 1993). As facilitators at the tertiary level, it is vital to create a low-anxiety classroom to aid students with L2 speaking anxiety. This research attempts to investigate the perspective of students towards using group activities to alleviate speaking anxiety in the ESL classroom. The sample group consisted of forty-five Post Advanced Level Students from an intensive course in a private institute. A questionnaire prior to any speaking activity and weekly questionnaires while conducting both group and individual speaking activities were given to this mixed ability group to study their attitude towards L2 speaking for three weeks. The participation, behaviour and responses of the closely monitored sample group were observed and evaluated to meet the intended objectives. Initial questionnaire revealed that majority was afraid of L2 speaking due to several reasons. During the second week there was a slight attitudinal change towards the perception on L2 speaking, but there was a drop in the attendance towards the end of the three weeks. As revealed, group activities have helped the students to make an effort to speak as there were students who did speaking activities for the first time in their life. It was concluded that Group activities can be used effectively to a certain extent, and since students preferred group activities more than individual activities, they can be used to bridge the gap between students and L2 Speaking.Publication Embargo Attitudes and Practices of Nurses’ Regarding the First 24 Hours Post- operative Pain Management in Teaching Hospital, Rathnapura(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Amarasinghe, D.I.I.; Meegoda, M.K.D.L.Surgical patients experience a great intensity of pain during the first 24 hours of surgery due to various reasons including tissue damage during the surgery. Therefore, assessing nurses’ attitudes and practices on assessment and management of pain especially in post-operative units is essential because nurses are the professionals who play a key role in managing patients’ pain. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 135 government registered nurses in surgical units, Teaching Hospital, Rathnapura. Cluster sampling technique was performed and self-administered questionnaire was used. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Clearance Committee, University of Colombo. The study participants were in the attitude that health workers should not encourage patients to tolerate pain (58.5%), believed non- pharmacological methods are not effective in managing post- operative pain (53.3%), ineffectively treated pain may not lead to chronic pain in future (58.5%), by using placebo injections health professionals can identify whether the pain is real (51.1%), health professionals’ religious background affects for the attitude towards patients pain and suffers (55.6%) and if the patient does not complain pain, continuation of analgesics within first 24 hours is not necessary (64.4%). Of them 79.3% believed that patients should be individually assessed to determine cultural influences in pain and 97% are revealing effective communication and therapeutic relationship are as essential components in post-operative pain management. Although the pain assessment scale indicates the most accurate judgment regarding intensity of patient’s pain (66.7%), only less than 50% of the participants were assessed the pain using a pain scale. Almost all the nurses follow up the post-operative patients’ pain after administration of analgesics (97.8% reassess, 97% observe, 98.5% consider safety measures). However, whether the doctor has prescribed fixed schedule of pain medication, many of them follow that according to their assessment (45.9%). It is recommended to improve nurses’ attitudes and practices regarding the first 24 hours post- operative pain assessment and pain management.Publication Embargo Biotechnology - The Panacea When Everything Else Fails(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Fernando, K.S.P.; Gamage, J.H.Biotechnology is a vivid and a widely applied component in the present world. As the whole humanity is under a huge threat of a global pandemic, the presence of innovative biotechnological applications is in dire need. In this review, we are discussing about a plethora of major immunological threats that took place in the globe from the dawn of time. The biggest spotlight would be given to the remarkable biotechnological advancements that are carried out by accomplished research scientists across the globe, regarding the SARS-CoVid-2 virus, as it is the biggest threat prevailing at the moment. A diverse number of researches are being conducted by individuals and organizations in every nook and corner of the world to combat this threat and these experiments are mainly being performed by genetically altering the DNA and RNA sequences of the virus model and by modifying the genetic information of human host cells. A couple of vaccines that are capable of reducing the virulence of the above-mentioned virus have been introduced by scientists and now are being administered at a global level. The latest additions to these vaccines are Moderna, Pfizer- BioNTech vaccine, AstraZeneca vaccine and the Johnsons & Johnsons vaccine. Different Covid-19 detection tests such as the RT-PCR test, rapid antigen test and serological test are also being implemented with the aid of biotechnology. Furthermore, a simple suggestion to make the testing procedure more convenient for this virus is also being discussed in the latter part of the review. These types of immunity-based attacks can be avoided to a certain extent by the effective use of biotechnological techniques.Publication Embargo Callus Induction Protocol for Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. (Beli) through Seeds Explants(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Hansani; Fonseka, S.A.N.P.; Kumari, D.L.C.Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. commonly known as 'beli' in Sri Lanka is an important fruit tree with extensive medicinal properties. Roots and shoots being vital parts of indigenous medicine, destructive harvesting poses a serious threat to the sustenance of this plant. Though this plant is conventionally propagated by seeds and root suckers, the efficiency of these methods is not sufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an effective protocol for callus induction for Aegle marmelos. Seeds were sterilized with 5% Clorox bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient) for 5 minutes and established in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentration and combinations of BAP (0.5 mgL- 1, 1 mgL- 1, 0.5 mgL- 1) and 2,4-D(1 mgL- 1 , 2 mgL- 1). The study was arranged according to the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replicates. The growth and colour of callus were recorded accordingly. No significant difference (p S 0.05) was observed within treatments used for callus induction from Aegle marmelos. Hence, callus can be generated from combination of 0.5 mgL-1 to 1.5 mgL- 1 BAP and 1 mgL-1 to 2 mgL-12, 4-D.The findings of the study can be used for future in-vitro propagation studies of Aegle marmelos.Publication Embargo Case Study on Safety Culture in Chemical Laboratories in Western Province, Sri Lanka(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Samaranayake, A.D.A.I.; Nishadya, S.M.S.; Jayasundara, U.K.A laboratory where chemicals are handled can be considered as a hazardous environment and hence, prudential practices should be strictly enforced. In Sri Lanka and around the world, there are numerous reports of accidents involving injuries such as deaths from chemical laboratories due to lack of safety rules. The purpose of this case study was to analyse the safety culture and the level of safety regulations existing within the chemical laboratories in Sri Lanka. A survey was conducted with the supervisors of the final year students (academic year 2018/2019) who attended industrial training at laboratories in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, representing both the private and government sector. Even though 80 surveys were distributed among 80 laboratories, only 46 surveys were submitted. The majority of the individuals who participated in the survey were between the age of 30 - 35, and none were below 20 years. Regardless of the working experience among the participants, 80% of them continue in the same workplace with the intention of moderate self-perceived risks. However, the majority considers safety an important factor with improved safety inspections compared to previous years. About half of the surveyed individuals stated that monthly inspections were carried out while 54% of the respondents mentioned that it was attended to by the employees from the laboratory. An astounding number of participants were prepared to take action in case of an emergency as they were aware of the location of the safety equipment and how to handle it. This study shows that the participants have positive attitudes towards the laboratory safety rules and inspections. However, the safety culture should be improved further to minimize laboratory related accidents or injuries.Publication Embargo Common Complications Related to Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation (PIVC)(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Dasanayake, D.M.C.D.K.Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation (PIVC) is the insertion of a short, flexible, hollow plastic catheter into a peripheral vein. Indications of PIVC include facilitating hydration, maintaining electrolyte balance, administration of medication, supporting diagnostic procedures in acute and emergencies, infusion of blood and blood components, and parenteral nutrition. PIVC is associated with risks for several complications. The skin, one of the defence organs of the body is penetrated during the insertion of vascular access that results in additional potential risk for PIVC related complications include local and systemic complications. The PIVC induced complications cause significant discomfort, prolonged hospitalization, higher costs, and leads to other illnesses. This review was done to find out the common peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC) related complications. For this review, scholarly articles and guidelines published from 2008 to 2020 were obtained by searching MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Pub Med databases. It was found that the incidence of PIVC related complications were significantly high. Phlebitis, pain, infiltration, occlusion and dislodgement were local complications related to PIVC while phlebitis was the most common complication among them. Fear and anxiety were found as systemic complications of PIVC. The rates of PIVC-induced local complications is higher than PIVC-induced systemic complications. However, nurses must be responsible to apply correct techniques and follow the standard guidelines of PIVC. It is also recommended that the nurses must perform careful observations of patients with peripheral intravenous catheters to identify risks of PIVC induced complications and take necessary actions to prevent them.Publication Embargo A Comparative Study between Tissue Biopsy and Liquid Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Cancer(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Balaakshayan, B.; Sathsarani, A. M. A.; Kumarasinghe, N. M.; Rathnayake, R. M.; Perera, M. R. N.; Annan, N.J.Tissue biopsy is invasive, and it can be accompanied by surgical complications and pain. Concept of liquid biopsy is the analysis of tumors utilizing biomarkers circulating in liquids, for example, the blood. Samples may be insufficient and need repeating- Tissue biopsies may not generally be effortlessly acquired and frequently may include the utilization of progressively obtrusive methodology. In tissue biopsy, a long thin needle is inserted into the area of suspicion. Liquid biopsy is a test done on a blood sample to find DNA fragments from cancer cells or cancer cells in a blood clot. The basic needle biopsy uses a large needle with a cutting tip to draw a strip of tissue from a suspicious area. Liquid biopsies can be used to help detect cancer at an early stage. Most pathologists depend on playing out a tissue biopsy to analyze a malady and they are prepared explicitly to perform different cytological tests on the submitted tissue example. The needle used throughout a core biopsy is Associate in Nursing empty cylinder that allows to untangle a core of tissue for testing. Tissue diagnostic test to assist Associate in Nursing analyze Associate in Nursing upset or to preclude an upset or condition. Advantages and Disadvantages of Liquid biopsy Advantages of Liquid biopsy ct-DNA and CTCs represent the overall tumor heterogeneity and help in the complete assessment of patient's resistance and in predicting response to 1790M- targeted inhibitors.Publication Embargo A comparison study of removing Rhodamine B from waste water by functionalized natural and synthetic porous carbon.(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Ranchagoda, R.A.S.S.; Jayaruk, T.C.Textile industry discharge a huge amount of dye containing waste water which pollutes water, soil and also have adverse effect on human health, animal and plant. Approximately 10 - 15% of the synthetic dyes is released into the industrial waste, causing serious environmental problem, flora and fauna of aquatic ecosystem. It causes contamination of surface water, accumulation of toxic and carcinogenic substances in water. Rhodamine B is widely used in industrial purposes. However, the organic dyes will cause serious environmental and biological problems. Thus the removal of dye from water is a great challenge and a pressing task. Various porous carbon materials were applied to remove organic dye materials such as Rhodamine B from wastewater. Synthetic porous carbon was synthesized through the sol-gel method and carbonization process and naturally abundant waste materials like Rice husk and Coconut husk available at low cost were used as functionalized porous carbon materials which were obtained from slow pyrolysis process. According to the FT-IR, SEM and adsorption analysis adsorption capacities of these porous carbon materials were determined for Rhodamine B. HNO3 treated porous carbon materials were expressed positive results for absorptivity of RhB.Publication Embargo Compromising Health to Gain Wealth: A Legal Response to Adverse Health Effects of Night Work(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Puwanitha, S.Although night work has responded to a variety of social, technical, and economic reasons, it has adversely affected the health, safety, and work-life balance of such night workers. Thus, this article aims to explore the hiatus in the Sri Lankan law in devising effective legal measures responding to such health issues encountered by night workers due to their engagement at an irregular work time. This research is conducted as a literature review based on secondary sources approaching both qualitative and quantitative methods. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and its recommendations provide for an effective mechanism for an organised night working culture in response to the health effects of such working community. However, Sri Lanka, not being a signatory to those conventions failed to address the issue through legislative measures. Further, the delinquency of statistics and medical research on the health status of night workers in Sri Lanka also worsened the situation. Thus, the author attempts to draw a constitutional justification to delineate the fundamental duty of the state to address the said issue and recommends suitable strategies and mechanisms to truncate the adverse health effects to those workers by drawing examples from initiatives taken by the European Union especially from Spain.Publication Embargo Contractarian Approach in Protecting Trade Secrets in An Employment Context(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Sumanadasa, D.Today, we live in a knowledge-based society where everything is valued upon knowledge. Trade secrets in this knowledge-based economy amount to capital although there is insufficient protection for them compared to other intellectual property rights. In a typical scenario, an employer believes that the comprehensive employment contract which includes non-disclosure and non-competition clauses would be the best way to protect their trade secrets from employees. However, these restraint of trade clauses may prejudicially affect employees’ right to have employment options. As such, this paper proposes that the courts should be able to equally concern the rights of employers in protecting trade secrets and the rights of employees in terms of their right to employability.Publication Embargo The Covid-19 and Public Law of Sri Lanka(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Selvakkumaran, N.When the novel corona virus 2019 pandemic hit the countries world over and ours, it was a dreadful scenario as to how we would be handling the crisis and safeguard the lives of people with minimum hardship to the people and maximum benefit to the country. In this study, it is considered whether the government handled the pandemic crisis effectively from the public health perspective and also from the public law perspective, in particular from the standpoint of rule of law. The approach to research is qualitative and library-based. The study shows that the government had necessary laws in place to effectively and efficiently deal with the pandemic from the medical and public health standpoint as well as from the rule of law perspective. However, the study concludes that while the government handled the covid-19 pandemic in a creditable manner from the public health perspective, its score card is dismal looked at from the rule of law perspective.Publication Embargo Denial of Justice Claims under the Fair and Equitable Standard: Scope and Limitations(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Kumarasoorier, T.The cause of action for denial of justice claims lies either on the procedural irregularities of a case or systematic shortcomings of the host state’s judicial system which could result in losses for the investor. The evolution of denial of justice claims began in the mid-1990s along with the rise of investor - state arbitration. Within the period of 2000 - 2019, nineteen denial of justice claims have been brought before the ICSID tribunal under the ambit of Fair and Equitable Standard (FET). Among those, the claimant was successful only in three claims. Approximately 84% of the claims were unsuccessful. This raises an interesting question to examine how the principle of denial of justice has been utilized in arbitral awards to afford protection for foreign investors under the FET standard. Pursuant to the arbitral awards analyzed for this study, key aspects that decide the scope and limitation of denial of justice claims are related to the standard to evaluate denial of justice claims, the application of the local remedy rule and the role of the arbitration tribunal.Publication Embargo Depressive Symptoms, Social Anxiety and Aggression as Predictors of Cyber bullying Perpetration in Adulthood(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Gunathillake, N.A.; Perera, H.KThe present study aimed to investigate whether depressive symptoms, social anxiety, and aggression were significant predictors of cyber bullying perpetration on Facebook in adulthood. A cross- sectional, non-experimental study was conducted using 168 Sri Lankan Face book users between the ages 21 and 60. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling method. Data were collected exclusively online using a structured questionnaire. The study variables cyber bullying, depressive symptoms, social anxiety, and aggression were assessed using the self-reports, Prevalence of Face book Bullying Scale, Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10), Interaction Anxiousness Scale, and Brief Aggression Questionnaire respectively. Data were analysed using the statistical techniques Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results of the Spearman correlation analysis revealed that depressive symptoms and aggression were significantly and positively related to cyber bullying perpetration, while there was no significant relationship between social anxiety and cyber bullying perpetration. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that depressive symptoms and aggression were significant predictors of cyber bullying perpetration, while social anxiety did not significantly predict cyber bullying perpetration. The findings of the present study highlight the importance of addressing the psychological and behavioural health issues of the perpetrators using appropriate interventions in order to reduce the occurrence of cyber bullying. This study also emphasizes the importance of reporting incidents of cyber bullying and taking necessary legal actions against the perpetrators.Publication Embargo Design of a Framework for Professional Development Programs for Teachers in the Use of Interactive Touch Screen(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Perera, K.G.S.K.; Wijesundera, M.; Siriwardhena, I.The aim of this study was to design a framework for professional development programmes for teachers in the use of Interactive Touch Screen (ITS). At present ITSs are distributed in selected schools in Sri Lanka. Although, in these schools, selected teachers are trained on the use of the ITS, comprehensive training on the instructional strategies of ITS is yet to be provided. The objectives of the study were (1) Analyse the current usage of ITS of teachers in the school system, (2) Design and develop a professional development program (PDP) for teachers on the use of ITS, (3) Implement the PDP and evaluate the effect on the teachers and (4) Reflect on the evaluation results to upgrade the current PDP to conduct the following PDP. The sample was a total of 31 teachers of an educational zone in the Colombo district. Instruments for quantitative data collection were six scales and open-ended questions were used to collect qualitative data. Design Based Research (DBR) approach was made in this study in which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected in the research process. DBR approach is characterized by analysis of the problem domain, design of the solution (intervention), iterative cycles of testing and refining the solution and finally reflecting on the whole process to arrive at design principles and inventing the solution. Intervention of this study was in terms of two professional development programmes on the integration of ITS in instruction. The results of the first intervention are presented in this paper. Analysis of data formed the feedback to design the revised PDP. Proposed revisions were to increase the time allocation of the PDP, provide more hands-on experience, demonstrate ITS-based instructional strategies related to different subject areas and conduct separate PDPs for non-ICT teachers.Publication Open Access Effect of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Wrapping Material on Shelf-Life and Postharvest Qualities of Spine Gourd (Momordica dioica)(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Wijesinghe, G.P.M; Kumara, G.D.K; Kumara, J.B.D.A.PSpine gourd (Momordica dioica) is a tropical underutilized, climbing creeper vegetable (commonly known as kakrol, spiny gourd or teasle gourd) belonging to the family cucurbitaceae. It is native to Asia and now extensively distributed in Sri Lanka due to boosted commercial cultivation of hybrid varieties. Spine gourd has a growing demand both in the local and the export market for its distinct taste and promising health properties over thousands of years. However, vulnerability to postharvest damages due to large area/volume ratio and climacteric ripening behaviour result in short shelf- life for this commodity. Consequently, its market potential is significantly affected. The present study attempts to extend shelf-life while maintaining postharvest qualities in spine gourd by using 1- methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) wrapping at an ambient temperature (27±1 ⁰ᢽ). The experiment was conducted according to the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) using eight treatments: 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 µL L-1 1-MCP treated for 15 hours and stored with and without LDPE wrapping under ambient temperature (27±1 oᢽ). Physical parameters; fresh weight loss, firmness, peel colour changes, and chemical parameters; total soluble solids, titratable acidity, were evaluated daily. Fresh weight loss and peel colour changes significantly declined in wrapped Spine gourd fruits. The highest firmness was observed in chemically treated and LDPE wrapped fruits than the control during 5 days of the storage. Thus, it can be concluded that some postharvest qualities of Spine gourd are positively affected by 1-MCP treatment and LDPE wrapping.Publication Embargo Effectiveness of L2 Grammar Videos: A Dialogue between Teachers and Learners(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Kalinga, J.Throughout the years it has been debated whether it is necessary to teach grammar, and what the most effective methods of teaching grammar are. This research addressed several aspects of using technology in the field of education such as technology in language learning, the video as a learning tool, and its relevance to grammar learning and the teacher’s role in a technology-driven classroom. The study examined the perspectives of the teachers and the students towards L2 (Second Language) grammar videos and the effectiveness of such videos through a mixed method: Embedded Experimental Model. The sample included 120 young adults aged 18 - 24 who studied at a private campus in Sri Lanka and two teachers. A major finding of the study is that the students expect their teachers to explain what is on the video while playing it or after the video in order to clarify their doubts and for improved understanding. Consequently, the teachers can use L2 grammar videos as a scaffolding tool. The statistical analysis proved that the experimental group scored more in the tests compared to the control group. Further, there is a discrepancy between the teachers’ perceptions on L2 grammar videos and the students’ preferred types of grammar videos.Publication Embargo Effects of Silver Nitrate in In Vitro Establishment of Cordyline fruticosa (L.) cv ‘Purple Compacta Tri Colour’ with CSUP Media Sterilization(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Peiris, S.E.; Hemathilaka, H.; Peiris, C.N.; Wijerathna, A.W.Cordyline Varieties have gained high interest in the export markets for the in vitro ex agar plant material. Though in vitro plants have many advantages in export markets required quantities cannot be produced in a given period of time due to the high contamination rates in establishment of explants. Hence, this study was carried out to investigate silver nitrate (AgNO3) in three concentrations, on Cordyline fruticosa cv ‘Purple Compacta Tri Colour’ as an efficient chemical which can overcome contaminations occurring during introduction of explants to the in vitro environment. Actively growing shoot tips and nodal explants from 6 cm below from the shoot tip of C. fruticosa were selected as explants. Surface sterilization of these explants was carried out with silver nitrate in three concentrations, 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%. Clorox™ in 10% was used as the control. The explants were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, with 0.5mg/L benzyl amino purine (BAP), which was sterilized with CSUP media sterilization. Data of non-contaminated cultures was collected after three weeks and shoot growth from explants was recorded after two months. According to the results obtained the explants treated with 10% Clorox™, 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.01 % of AgNO3 had 13, 17, 22 and 40% uncontaminated cultures, respectively. These survived explants produced shoots in 50, 50, 60 and 66 % of uncontaminated explains, respectively after 2 months in the same medium. The production of uncontaminated cultures was significantly (P=0.001) different from the other two concentrations used and the control. The shoot production was not significantly affected by the AgNO3 levels and when compared with the control. Hence, it can be concluded that 0.1 % of Silver Nitrate is an efficient chemical to obtain high amount of axenic cultures and shoots, in CSUP sterilized medium, which can be used for multiplication in vitro.Publication Embargo An Efficient Plant Regeneration Using Leaf Explant for Osbeckia octandra (L.) DC; A Valuable Medicinal and Ornamental Plant(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Dilrukshi, S. K.; Nagahatenna, D.S.K.; Peiris, Sriyani E.Osbeckia octandra (Heen Bovitiya), which is one of the most valuable ayurvedic medicinal and ornamental plants in Sri Lanka is now threatened due to overexploitation in its natural habitat. In order to preserve this economically important plant species, a highly efficient in vitro clonal propagation system using leaf explants was developed in this study. The effects of three different concentrations of plant growth regulators: (6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and kinetin) and incubation conditions on plant regeneration were investigated. The plant growth parameters were analyzed in 15 biological replicates using one- way or two-way ANOVA. The present study revealed that the highest number of shoots per leaf explant with 92.4% shoot induction rate was achieved when young mature leaf explants were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L NAA under dark conditions. When micro shoots were separated and subcultured on hormone-free MS medium with high sugar content (4%), shoots multiplied rapidly and a vigorous root system was developed under light conditions. The in vitro grown plantlets were successfully acclimatized and 89% of the regenerated plantlets survived. Our novel clonal propagation system will open new avenues for large- scale multiplication and improvement of medicinal and ornamental characteristics of this valuable species using biotechnological tools.
- «
- 1 (current)
- 2
- 3
- »