SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Sciences and Humanities [SICASH] 2023

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Open Access
Determining Differentially Expressed Genes in Dengue Patients during Disease Progression
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Coorey, H.; Jayatillake, R.; Jayathilaka, N.; Ambanpola, N.
Gene expression studies on gene transcription to synthesize functional gene products have been used extensively to understand the biological differences between different disease conditions. Thus, this study determines differentially expressed genes in dengue infection during disease progression following the three phases: Febrile, Defervescence and Convalescent. Integrative data analysis of two publicly available longitudinal datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database has been employed to accomplish the prime objective of exploring temporal gene expression patterns. The Friedman test was given more emphasis due to the non-normality distributions of data. Since previous studies on gene expression have not primarily relied on normality assumption, repeated measures analysis of variance and linear mixed models were implemented to examine the potential of detecting differentially expressed genes despite non-normality. The Friedman test indicated that gene expression levels differentiate with different phases in dengue disease over time, resulting in a high number of significant differentially expressed genes compared to the other two techniques. The pathway analysis approach consists of significant differentially expressed genes derived from the Friedman test. The results identified 27 and 26 upregulated pathways for the “Febrile and Convalescent” and “Defervescence and Convalescent” groups respectively. Moreover, genes available in pathways were not identified by the two parametric tests for non-normal data implying that the parametric approaches resulted in the least significance for data with non-normal distributions.
Open Access
Sri Lankan Students’ Perceptions and the Factors that Affect Migrating for Their Higher Studies
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Madawala, N.C; Kulaweera, M.T
In recent times, with globalization, especially in Asian countries, there has been an increasing trend of student migration for higher education. This can cause short-term and long-term brain drain and the overflow of foreign exchange out of the country. Therefore, this study intends to provide students’ perceptions and the factors that affect migrating for their higher studies in Sri Lanka. This study is based on primary data from a rapid online survey of Sri Lankan students who are aged between 16 and 30 years old. Among 110 respondents, there were 51% males and 49% females. More than 60% of students were aged between 21-22 years old. Among all students, 83.6% of students are hoping to go abroad for higher studies. The students cited reasons such as the high quality of education abroad (56.4%), economic instability in Sri Lanka (53.6%), and limited enrolment and resources in government universities (20%) for choosing to study overseas. Students prefer studying abroad due to dissatisfaction with the local higher education system. Government school and state university graduates tend to migrate for higher education and not return home.
Open Access
The Use of the Literary Present Tense in Literary Analyses Written by Undergraduates of English Literature in Sri Lanka: An Error Analysis
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Dissanayake, A.K
In literary analyses, the literary present tense is used to discuss certain events that take place in literary works. In other words, in literary analyses, writers sometimes use the present tense in reference to works of literature written in the past. Literature students for whom English is a second language can find it daunting to grasp the concept of using the simple present to discuss past events. Apart from this confusion, undergraduate students of English literature can face difficulty in distinguishing between the creative and academic writing styles, especially as they are exposed to both styles of writing and are expected to write academically about creative writing. Against this backdrop, this study analyzed errors related to the use of present tense that occurred in academic writing samples of 21 undergraduate students studying English literature at a Sri Lankan nonstate higher education institute. The causes of these errors too were determined. The error analysis was conducted according to the five steps suggested by S. Pit Corder (1967). A total of 32 present tense-related errors were identified. Of them, 12 were instances of when the literary present tense was not used where necessary. The remaining 20 errors were examples of students’ usage of the simple present tense instead of the simple past. These two types of errors indicate that the students lack knowledge and/ or practice in determining when (and when not) to use the literary present tense in their literary analyses. Furthermore, a reporting sentence which could be written in either the simple present or simple past tense was identified; such reporting sentences can be construed as increasing the difficulty that students would face in the selection of tenses. Therefore, it can be concluded that literature undergraduates should be introduced to the concept of the literary present tense, which is not a term that is frequently discussed in books written about the pedagogy of academic writing, according to the researcher’s knowledge.
Open Access
Methyl Orange Degradation by Green Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles by Syzygium aromaticum
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Gaminda, K.A.P; Abeysinghe, T; Jayasinghe, C; Senthilnithy, R
Water contamination due to textile dyes is considered carcinogenic to the environment and living organisms. Many textile dyes resist degradation, and the degradation by-products of the textile dye cause severe effects on the ecosystems. Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Syzygium aromaticum extract to address this issue. Herein, the azo dye methyl orange (MO) degradation by the green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (GINPs) was investigated. The synthesized GINPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The results showed a successful synthesis and fabrication of GINPs by the S. aromaticum extract with the size ranging from nano to micro-region. A 100 ppm of MO was degraded up to 43 ppm in the first 20 min and reached equilibrium at 120 min, and the dye was degraded up to 40 ppm by the GINPs. At the equilibrium stage, 50 % of MO was degraded with a dosage (~20 ± 1 mg) of the GINPs, indicating the capability of GINPs in MO degradation compared to chemically synthesized zero-valent iron nanoparticles (CINPs).
Open Access
Relationship Between Resilience and Optimism Among Young Adult Undergraduates: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology.
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Jayaweera, T.A; Aththidiye, R
Young adulthood is an important developmental stage in which individuals must go through a positive trajectory for a healthy and successful life. Young adult undergraduates in Sri Lanka face many stressors and adversities which affect their lives negatively. Therefore, it is important to determine the factors contributing to their resilience. Optimism is a factor that significantly enhances resilience. Moreover, there is a paucity of positive psychological and gender-sensitive research in the Sri Lankan context. In this sense, the present study aims to determine the relationship between psychological resilience and dispositional optimism among young adult undergraduates in Sri Lanka, the gender differences in resilience, and the gender differences in optimism. The instruments used were the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) to measure resilience and the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) to measure dispositional optimism. A total of 124 participants were involved in the study. The findings suggest that (a) there is a statistically significant moderately positive relationship between resilience and optimism (b) there are no gender differences in resilience between males and females (c) there are no gender differences in optimism among males and females. Importantly, the research provides practical implications for mental health practitioners, researchers, and positive psychologists to develop gendersensitive interventions to cope with stressors and adversities.
Open Access
Construction and Validation of Academic Stress Scale for 18-35-year-old Sri Lankan University Students
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Ponnamperuma, L; Hettiarachchi, A; Jayakodi, P; Abeysinghe, N
This article describes the development and initial validation of a new instrument to measure the academic stress of university students in Sri Lanka. A 16-item scale was developed by reviewing the literature and conducting interviews. Surveys were conducted with 726 Sri Lankan undergraduate students, and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to analyse the data. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Oblimin rotation produced a two-component model of the Academic Stress Scale: (1) Stress due to lack of sufficient knowledge and (2) stress due to interpersonal relationships, which together explains 59% of the total item variance. The ASS is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring academic stress. A CFA suggested that the proposed factor model fits moderately well. Therefore, for researchers who have a particular interest in academic stress among Sri Lankan students, the ASS promises to be a helpful tool.
Open Access
Impact of Mobile Phone Dependence on Social Anxiety among University Students
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Lakshika, R; Bulathwatta, A
Mobile phone dependence is a significant condition that people experience all over the world. Dependence on mobile phones, like any phenomenon related to other technologies, is also related to psychological issues such as anxiety, social isolation, hopelessness, and sleep problems. Thus, this study aimed to figure out the impact of mobile phone dependence on social anxiety among students University of Peradeniya. A snowball sample of 115, 79 female and 36 male participants were selected from the Faculty of Arts. Data was gathered administrating a questionnaire as a google form. Quantitative data was gathered by a self-constructed questionnaire that measures mobile phone dependence and social anxiety was measured by using Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS-SR). The correlational analysis shows that there is a relationship between mobile phone dependence and social anxiety. It shows that dependence, loneliness, anxiety positively correlate with mobile phone dependence. The results show that there is a significant impact of mobile phone dependence on social anxiety among undergraduates. This study expected to have a positive relationship between mobile phone dependence and social anxiety among university students. Results revealed that the variable anxiety contributes the most to social anxiety among university students. In conclusion, university students depend on mobile phones for their academic activities and entertainment. Especially with the Covid-19 pandemic mobile phone dependence behavior of university students may have increased and it might be influencing their social anxiety.
Open Access
Exploring the Influence of Intermittent Heat Exposure on Spontaneous Mutations in Drosophila melanogaster: Assessing the Role of Vitamin C in Mitigating Heat Stress and Examining Inheritance Patterns of Induced Mutations
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Gammanpila, H. W.; Manjula, K. R.
Climate change poses a significant threat to the well-being of organisms. It has a detrimental impact on the survival of smaller organisms in response to climatic shifts, posing a substantial danger to biodiversity, which is already under stress due to habitat loss, emerging invasive species, and diseases. This study aimed to assess the influence of fluctuating temperatures on the physiology and behavior of Drosophila melanogaster, as well as to investigate whether such temperature fluctuations have any effect on phenotypic expression through potential spontaneous mutations. Genotypic changes were examined by observing cytological alterations in the salivary gland chromosomes. Drosophila melanogaster were exposed to intermittent heat conditions for a period of two weeks. The experimental setup was divided into four groups: a control group maintained at room temperature (25±2°C), a group at room temperature supplemented with vitamin C, a group exposed to heat at 38±2°C, and a group exposed to 38±2°C with vitamin C supplementation. Revival of the flies was noticeably better in the vitamin C supplemented group. These flies exhibited a higher revival rate even after exposure to the heat stress. Salivary gland chromosome analysis provided intriguing insights. More balbiani rings were observed, indicating elevated mRNA production during the heat exposure. Furthermore, an increase in the number of puffs in polytene chromosomes was noted, suggesting an overall increase in mRNA production in the heat-exposed flies. Additionally, the evaluation of wing mutants yielded important findings. It became evident that these mutations were not related to vestigial or curly wing traits. Instead, they indicated that heat exposure was damaging wing formation, resulting in abnormal wing patterns. These results suggest a substantial impact of temperature fluctuations on insect behavior, which can even lead to the induction of mutations. Generational studies further indicate that these mutations can be inherited.
Open Access
Approach or Avoid? A Quantitative Study on the Dualistic Nature of Social Media Envy in Undergraduates in a Non-state University in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Perera, R; Abeysinghe, N; Galappaththi, K
Envy is a complex emotion studied recently, especially with the impact of social media. This study explored the dualistic nature of social media envy in Sri Lankan undergraduates from a nonstate university. Using a quantitative design, data from 155 participants were collected via Google Forms and analysed with Spearman’s Rank test. Results indicated statistically significant positive moderate relationships between social media usage and both benign envy and malicious envy. However, social media only accounted for 20% of benign envy and 8.8% of malicious envy, suggesting it’s only one of many contributors. Furthermore, the association between social media usage and benign envy was stronger than that with malicious envy, implying social media envy may be less severe than perceived in Sri Lanka. The study acknowledges limitations, such as sample size and focus on one university. Future research should address these limitations and explore the dualistic nature of social media envy in different populations and contexts. Overall, the study emphasises the need to understand the complexity of envy and how social media can amplify or alleviate it. Findings have implications for social media usage, regulation, and interventions promoting emotional well-being.
Open Access
In vitro Regeneration of Gypsophila Paniculata L. Through Nodal Segments
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Kaliyadasa, P.E; Maheepala, G. H. N.
Gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata L.), commonly known as baby’s breath, is a very popular ornamental plant in the floriculture industry. Gypsophilas are often grown as ornamental plants in many European gardens. They are valuable as a cut flower in floristry to add as a filler to flower bouquets. A protocol for the regeneration of Gypsophila paniculata L. using nodal explants grown in the field was established. The induction of multiple shoots was best obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1 mg L-1 BAP and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA. After 8 weeks of initial culture, multiple shoots were regenerated from the explants and transferred to the rooting medium with different concentrations of IBA and NAA. The highest number of roots was obtained from the MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L-1 IBA and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA within 6 weeks. Rooted plantlets were hardened and established in pots with 89% highest survival rate.
Open Access
A Study on Depression of University Students due to Academic Stress in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Fazly, A; Kulaweera, M.T
Academic stress and depression in students are complex and with multifaceted issues. Stress is an inevitable part of academic life that negatively impacts students’ mental health, including depression. This study investigates depression among university students due to academic stress, identifies risk factors, examines barriers to mental health treatment access, and suggests recommendations for educators and mental health experts. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from university students in the Colombo district. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis tests were employed to evaluate the relationship between academic stress and depression. A total of 83 respondents participated in this questionnaire, out of which 55.4% were female and 44.6% were male respectively. Students’ mental health negatively affects academic performance at 71.1%, with 63.9% having no access to mental health professionals at university. Uncertainty in mental health services is reported by 43.4%, while 42.2% know where to seek help for depression. According to the study, there is a significant relationship between academic stress and depression, as well as between depression and gender. Regularly, more than 40% of respondents’ report experiencing difficulty concentrating, anxiety, disappointment, sleepiness, and anger. University students’ mental health and well-being require attention from mental health experts and professionals. demic stress; Student depression; Risk factors;eatment access; Coping echniques
Open Access
Liability of the Air Carrier for the Death and Injury of a Passenger
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Balasuriya, B.M.A.H.H.
International Civil Aviation Law is one of the most important legal orders in the contemporary International Law. Since passengers are the most important component in aviation processes, it is important to ensure the protection of passengers during the aviation process. An international legal framework for air carrier liability for passengers is governed by the Warsaw Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules relating to International Carriage by Air in 1929 and also Montreal Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules relating to International Carriage by Air in 1999. Even though these conventions are available, there are some lacunas related to ensuring the protection of the passengers covered by dozens of Case Laws. As Montreal Convention in 1999 replaced the Warsaw convention in 1929, it is paramount to ascertain the existing legal phenomena regarding the liability for death and injury of passengers, enriched by case laws. The focus of this study is a doctrinal research based on International Conventions, Case Laws, Law Reports and Law Journals in an international context. Based on the International Conventions and Case Laws, this paper will analyse the existing legal regime related to air carriers’ liability over death and injury of passengers in the field of International Civil Aviation.
Open Access
Parents’ Agreements to Actions That Can Be Taken by the School for the Intervention of Parents Towards the Teaching-Learning Process of Adolescent Students in the School
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Manewa, R.M.E.S.; Jayarathna, R.N.H.M.S
Parents have a special place for the people who teach students. Support given by the parents is a must for a successful teaching- learning process. Both the school and parents are highly important for students who are getting ready to face the General Certificate of Education (Ordinal Level) exam step by step. Teachers, students, parents and all the others involve in the field of education will find this study is important. As the objectives of this study, identifying the agreements of parents to actions taken by the school to intervene parents in to Teaching-Learning process, identification of agreements which are approved by majority of parents and managing and ranking those agreements can be mentioned. A Survey has been used for this study and the sample includes 60 students who are studying in grade 10 and 11 classes of the only 1AB school of Mawathagama Educational Division and Sixty parents either mother or father of 15 boys and 15 girls of both 10A and 11A. Purposive sampling has been used to select the parents. Questionnaires were used and preparation of questionnaires and data analysis were done based on actions that can be used to get parents’ support to school introduce by Allen, Epstein and others. Quantitative and qualitative data has been analyzed. Majority of the parents have agreed to hold programs and functions toassess parents that assist the school. Minority of parents have which parents for different school functions in which they can assist in health activities of family. Generally it can be concluded that parents show less interest to spend lot of time in the school for intervention inside the school premises.
Open Access
Unveiling the Unspoken: A Content Analysis of ‘School Girl’ Sri Lankan Online Pornography
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Perera, P. Y. O.; Pieris, W. G. A. D.
Technological advancements in Sri Lanka have normalized and popularized the use of pornography, particularly with a focus on schoolgirl-related content. Unfortunately, the potential negative consequences associated with this content category have been largely disregarded. This study aims to examine the portrayal of Sri Lankan schoolgirls in Sri Lankan pornographic videos, focusing on behaviours, scenarios, and power dynamics. It analyses the representation of agency, autonomy, and consent, emphasizing gender equality. This sheds light on the objectification and sexualisation of schoolgirls in pornographic videos, emphasizing concerns about protection against harmful societal stereotypes. Employing a content analysis approach, the study purposively selects videos from three popular adult websites based on recent uploads and explicit references to schoolgirls. A comprehensive coding system is developed to analyse descriptive characteristics, sexual behaviours, scenarios, agency, autonomy, consent, and power dynamics, ensuring intercoder reliability through rigorous familiarization and systematic analysis. The analysis of 111 Sri Lankan schoolgirl pornographic videos reveals significant findings. The portrayal of performers wearing school uniforms (48.5%) raises concerns about the objectification of schoolgirls. Dominant themes include romantic scenarios (79.2%), with prevalent sexual behaviours involving vaginal intercourse (65.7%) and non-penetrative activities (63.9%) and promoting less safe sexual practices. Power dynamics vary between equal (77.4%) and unequal (22.5%) relationships. Results suggest that Sri Lankan pornography perpetuates stereotypes portraying schoolgirls as sexually assertive individuals. Further research is needed to understand the motivations behind the demand for this genre and its societal impact, enabling efforts to combat harmful stereotypes.
Open Access
Law Goes Blue: A Phase towards a Sustainable Marine Life
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Samaradiwakara, S
The blue economy concept gained significant momentum in Rio +20, where nations undertook the promise to embark on sustainable blue growth. The overexploitation of ocean resources has brought in a sustainable development crisis, and in response to tackling its challenges has emerged the concept of the Blue Economy, which encompasses the two competing discourses - exploiting the marine resources and ocean sustainability. Blue economy, therefore, offers a fresh approach to conserving the oceans while extracting its benefits equitably and sustainably. In an age where the emphasis is on the green economy, the blue economy tries to bolster it rather than replace it. Sri Lanka, due to its geographical location in the Indian Ocean, is blessed with maritime areas seven times larger than the land area, and it provides one of the frontiers for economic development. Fishing, sea transportation, tourism, seabed mining and minerals are the activities that have immense potential in providing sustainable livelihood. Findings of the existing literature on this topic show that they are not comprehensive nor give sufficient attention to the legislative framework of Sri Lanka in harnessing the emerging concept so as to attain sustainable development. Hence, there is a gap in the existing literature as no study has discussed the legislative and policy framework and the challenges in giving effect to the blue economy. Research Problem includes despite the fact that there are catena of environmental legislation enacted in the idea of protecting and preserving the nature and its riches to which extent the legislations could be utilized to promote the blue economy concept? The purpose of this research paper is to examine the existing legal framework that bolsters the emerging concept of the blue economy and the challenges in protecting the marine ecosystem in the Sri Lankan context. This paper, employing a doctrinal legal research methodology, examines the importance of the blue economy concept to the island as a whole and the legislative initiatives that have been taken by the government to honour the concept of the blue economy while preserving and protecting the marine ecology. To this end, the paper analyses the relevant national legislations and the International Conventions which constitute as primary sources and to a lesser extent the scholarly articles on the concept as secondary sources. The paper concludes that the existing domestic legal framework could be utilized successfully to implement the concept and highlights the fact that the decision-makers and the judiciary should be willing and committed to recognizing the concept and, at the same, time prioritizing the conservation of the marine ecosystem.
Open Access
Perceived Stress as a Predictor of Sleep Quality in Undergraduates: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Jayasena, M; Abeysinghe, N
Research spanning several years has explored the topic of perceived stress among university students. Globally, investigations consistently highlight that undergraduates encounter escalated levels of perceived stress during their academic journey, often attributed to the intricate interplay between their physical, social, and emotional well-being. The transition to an unfamiliar lifestyle, coupled with the demands of academia and evolving familial dynamics, contributes substantially to heightened stress levels. Sleep disruptions and compromised sleep quality emerge as prevalent issues for a considerable number of undergraduates. Recent studies conducted in Sri Lanka underscore a noteworthy upswing in perceived stress among local undergraduates within the last decade. This study undertakes an exploration into the intricate connection between perceived stress and sleep quality within the context of a nonstate Sri Lankan university. Employing quantitative research methods, data was gathered from a cohort of 125 participants, (83 female, 39 male,3 LGBTQ) from the Humanities and Sciences faculty. The perceived stress scale, K10 and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index were used to collect the data. According to the results, participant’s gender has no influence on perceived stress levels, but does affect sleep quality in undergraduates (U = 103.0, p = .033), with males reporting lower sleep quality than females. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce stress and improve sleep quality among undergraduates.
Open Access
Antibacterial Activity of Cu Decorated TiO2 Nanorods
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Nilaweera, G; Thambiliyagodage, C; Jayanetti, M; Liyanaarachchi, H
Global public health is seriously threatened by the spread of infectious illnesses in general, particularly by the appearance of bacterial strains that are resistant to antibiotics. New antibacterial drugs are likely a result of recent developments in the field of nanobiotechnologies, particularly the ability to make metal oxide nanomaterials with specific morphologies. Using antibiotics for a long time period will show antibiotic resistance in host cells, which means the drug does not kill the pathogen anymore. As a solution to this problem, nanoparticles can be used. Researchers may find nanoparticles with high antibacterial activity which can kill the pathogen. This research shows the antibacterial activity of Cu decorated TiO2 nanoparticles against Klebsiella pneumoniae. In here the nanoparticles were synthesized in three weight ratios with TiO2 and CuO using hydrothermal method. Pure CuO and TiO2 were synthesized as controls. Then antibacterial activity was checked by the well diffusion method. After incubation the inhibition zones were measured, and the results were recorded. The antibacterial effect can be determined with the size of the inhibition zone. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using XRD to analyze physical properties such as phase composition, crystal structure. The value for inhibition zone of the best performing sample which the sample concentration is 40mg/ml is 13.17±1.53 mm which contains TiO2 : CuO (1:2) weight ratio. Therefore it can be determined that the best performing sample which has the highest antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae is G3 which contains TiO2 : CuO (1:2) weight ratio.
Open Access
A Long Waiting Hope of Integrating Animal Interests into our Legal System: A Critical Analysis on Animal Welfare Laws of Sri Lanka with Special Reference to Domestic Animals
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Thilakarathne, W. G. T. Y.
We live in a society where human rights are highly valued. However, many stories in relation to animal welfare and animals’ rights remain shocking and appalling without any concern. Sri Lanka is a country where there is a long tradition of kindness and respect for animals that has been extended across many horizons. But today, many heinous stories relating to animal abuse are heard very often. From a legal perspective, the concept of animal welfare has become a mere dream because of the current laws. Action in terms of law, policy, and public awareness is needed now more than ever. The current law relating to animal protection is inadequate, archaic, and does not address modern trends in animal welfare. The current law is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance No. 13 of 1907. Sri Lanka’s animal lovers have waited for years with hope for the new Animal Welfare Act to become law, yet it has still not become law. Many published and hidden stories relating to animal cruelty and abuse take place day by day. The acts of cruelty belong to both intentional and negligent acts of humans. The lack of a proper legal regime to protect animals from cruelty has become one of the major root causes of the increase in animal cruelty. Relying on the qualitative method of research, the researcher intends to critically evaluate the prevailing law relating to animal welfare in Sri Lanka. with hope for the new Animal Welfare Act to become law, yet it has still not become law. Many published and hidden stories relating to animal cruelty and abuse take place day by day. The acts of cruelty belong to both intentional and negligent acts of humans. The lack of a proper legal regime to protect animals from cruelty has become one of the major root causes of the increase in animal cruelty. Relying on the qualitative method of research, the researcher intends to critically evaluate the prevailing law relating to animal welfare in Sri Lanka.
Open Access
Effectiveness of Integrating STEM Education into Grade 8 Science Teaching and Learning Process
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Alahakoon, A.M.G.K.K.; Ekanayake, T.M.S.K.Y
Key elements of STEM education are integration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics into curriculum. The lowest mean score was achieved for sub-skill synthesis at a science national test in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the aim of study was to investigate effectiveness of STEM integration into science teaching learning process of selected schools in Wattegama Education Zone. Mixed methods approach and purposive sampling was done with 136 Grade 8 students. Quantitative data were collected from pre and post-test and analyzed using SPSS. Qualitative data were collected using activity sheets, interviews and analyzed thematically. Results showed STEM integrated activities enhanced student’s performance in school B and C (p< 0.05) except A (p >0.05). Independent sample t test showed post-test marks of experimental and control group of school A and C were not significantly different. Post-test marks of control and experimental group of school B were significantly different. Highest performance of students was shown in school B and it was not at a significant level in A and C due to crowded classrooms. There was no difference of science performance in school A, B and C (p >0.05) due to similar socio-cultural setting. The highest performed were male (B mean = 98.77), second highest was female (C mean= 97.94) and lowest was A (mean male =95.71 & mean female = 91.80) students respectively. So, male students and low number is influential, and Integration of STEM is successful to become professional teachers, expert students as lifelong learners.
Open Access
Data Smoothing and Other Methods for Generating Forecasts for COVID-19 Cases in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2023-11-01) Siriwardena, G; Dharmaratne, G; Amaratunga, D
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global society, including Sri Lanka, necessitating the need for reliable forecasting methods. This study compares ten distinct models to predict the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka, aiming to assess the performance of statistical models using limited and volatile realworld data characterized by trends, random peaks, and autocorrelations. In addition to the classical ARIMA model, various smoothing and filtering techniques were explored to capture the unique characteristics of the data. The model consistencies in multiple-day predictions were demonstrated, and robust evaluation criteria, along with non-robust measures, were utilized to enhance the effectiveness of the evaluation process. The results highlight the effectiveness of traditional smoothing strategies such as Simple Exponential Smoothing, Holt’s Exponential Smoothing, and the Smoothing Splines technique coupled with the ARIMA model. Notably, applying the ARIMA model directly to the original data without smoothing or filtering approaches yielded inadequate forecasts, underscoring its limitations in volatile data settings.