SLIIT International Conference On Engineering and Technology,Industry Connect Papers [SICET]
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Publication Open Access Circular Economy Practices and Challenges in the Industries of Bangladesh: A Case Study(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Rashid, I.K.ACircular economy (CE) is a concept that represents a paradigm shift from the conventional linear economic model—characterized by the "take-make-dispose" approach—toward a more sustainable framework grounded in the principles of "reduce-reuse-recycle." This transition emphasizes enhanced resource efficiency and the minimization of waste generation. While regions such as Europe and North America have made significant progress in integrating circular economy principles, Bangladesh continues to operate largely within a linear economic framework, exhibiting low levels of recycling and substantial waste accumulation. Circular economy awareness and implementation remain limited across most industrial sectors in Bangladesh, with only a few industries demonstrating preliminary engagement. Nonetheless, the country possesses considerable untapped potential for CE adoption. To investigate the current status and practices of the circular economy in Bangladesh, this study employed semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders across relevant sectors. Additionally, secondary data sources, including annual reports and industry publications, were analyzed to complement and triangulate the primary findings. In this paper, circular economy practices and challenges in a large home appliance manufacturing company of Bangladesh are explored and beneficial guidelines are suggested.Publication Open Access Smart Irrigation System Using Arduino and LabVIEW for Real-Time Monitoring and Efficient Water Management(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Vinayagamoorthy, SEfficient water management is a critical challenge in agriculture, particularly in regions experiencing water scarcity and climate variability. Conventional irrigation systems, typically based on fixed schedules or manual practices, often result in over- irrigation or under-irrigation, leading to resource wastage and reduced crop performance. This paper presents the design and implementation of a Smart Irrigation System that integrates Arduino-based embedded hardware with a LabVIEW graphical interface to achieve real-time monitoring, automation, and user-driven control of irrigation. The system continuously measures soil moisture, temperature, and humidity, enabling dynamic threshold-based irrigation supported by a manual override option. Experimental validation confirmed that the system operates reliably, responds accurately to changing soil conditions, and prevents unnecessary irrigation by activating the water pump only when required. Unlike existing solutions, the proposed system provides dual operating modes, interactive threshold adjustment, and intuitive real-time visualization through LabVIEW, making it both scalable and cost-effective for small- to medium-scale farming applications. This work contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by combining affordability, adaptability, and improved water-use efficiency.Publication Open Access An Investigation of Effective Document Management Strategies for Post-Contract Period Used by Consultant Quantity Surveyors in Sri Lanka(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Kahandawa K.A.A.G; Wijekoon, W.M.C.L.K.; Buddhini P.H.Y.In the construction industry, efficient document management is crucial for ensuring the successful completion of projects, compliance with regulations, and the delivery of high-quality results. The importance of proper document management becomes even more apparent during the post-contract period, as it governs essential processes such as project handover, maintenance, and future reference. Most studies have examined document management issues from the contractor’s perspective, leaving a gap in understanding how consultant Quantity Surveyors, who manage extensive documentation during the post-contract period, handle these challenges. This gap is critical, as poor practices cause disputes, delays, and weak claim administration, yet little research addresses it. This research aims to explore effective strategies for managing construction documents during the post-contract period by consultant quantity surveyors in Sri Lanka. An extensive literature review was conducted to identify existing document management strategies and assess their effectiveness. Mixed-methodology approach was adopted in this study. Data were collected through preliminary interviews, a comprehensive questionnaire survey, and semi-structured interviews with professionals in the construction industry. The questionnaire survey yielded 50 responses from industry professionals, which were analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis. Qualitative data were obtained from preliminary interviews with five industry experts and semi-structured interviews with an additional five experts, which were evaluated using thematic analysis. The research proposes current best practices for implementing document management systems (DMS) to support construction projects. Key aspects such as the evaluation of existing DMSs, identification of writing strategies, strategy implementation, challenges encountered, recommended solutions, and the effectiveness of document management strategies and standards are highlighted. The findings reveal a strong preference for physical records, driven by concerns over digital durability, security, and familiarity. The study identified for integrate digital DMS to enhance efficiency, security, and long-term accessibility, encouraging a gradual shift towards more sustainable, technology-driven practices in the industry.Publication Open Access Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Improving Labour Productivity In the Sri Lankan Construction Industry(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Henadeera N.S; Bandara R.P.H.S; Buddhini P.H.YThe construction industry plays a vital role in fostering economic growth globally, with labour productivity being a critical determinant of project success and industry competitiveness. Despite extensive research and strategic efforts, Sri Lankan construction companies continue to face significant challenges related to low labour productivity, often stemming from interpersonal, organizational, and technological issues. Recent studies highlight the potential of emotional intelligence (EI) as a pivotal non-technical factor that enhances individual and team performance in construction settings. This research investigates the impact of EI on labour productivity within the Sri Lankan construction sector. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires from a diverse sample of 45 workers and open-ended interviews from interviewers, including project managers and HR professionals. Quantitative analysis using correlation techniques and qualitative thematic analysis revealed that the impact of EI positively influences communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and motivation among workers. Furthermore,5 key strategies and practical actions were identified as effective measures to enhance labour performance. The study underscores the importance of integrating EI development initiatives into industry practices to mitigate common productivity barriers and promote a more cohesive, efficient, and motivated workforce. The findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of non-technical skills in construction productivity and propose practical frameworks for industry stakeholders to implement EI-enhanced management practices, ultimately leading to higher efficiency, safety, and project success in Sri Lanka’s evolving construction landscape.Publication Open Access Entrepreneurial Orientation on Talent Acquisition and Retention in Construction SMEs(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) De Silva, M; De Silva, PThis study investigates how Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) influences talent acquisition and retention strategies in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). Construction SMEs often face limitations in attracting and retaining skilled employees. Therefore, this study examines the role of EO dimensions (innovativeness, autonomy, and proactiveness) in offering a strategic approach to address these challenges and enhance HR practices. The author adopted a mixed-method research approach for this study, collecting data through semi-structured interviews with SME managerial-level professionals and administering a questionnaire survey among professionals in the construction sector. The data were analysed using correlation techniques and thematic analysis to identify the strategic alignment between EO practices and talent management efforts. The findings revealed that internships and employee referrals are the most used and effective talent acquisition strategies. In terms of talent retention approaches, performance-based incentives and career development programs were identified as dominant approaches. Moreover, the study found that the EO dimensions of autonomy and proactiveness significantly impact the adoption and success of these talent retention and acquisition strategies. The results offer a framework for construction SMEs to improve talent-related outcomes by integrating EO into their HR planning.Publication Open Access Mechanical Properties of OPC-Fly Ash Blended Cement Mortar Samples Utilizing Fly Ash from Sri Lankan Power Plants(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Maduwantha, N; Kulasuriya, CThis paper presents findings of an investigation of the compressive strength and water absorption of fly ash blended cement mortar samples made using fly ash (FA) generated in power plants in Sri Lanka. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) was substituted partially by 10%, 20%, 30% and, 40% of FA by weight. The control mixture was made up entirely of 100% OPC. The ratio of Cement is to sand was 1:2.75 by volume. Three water to binder ratios were used in preparing mortar samples as 0.375, 0.4, and 0.425. A total of 180 mortar cubes of 50mm x 50 mm x 50mm were prepared and the mortar cubes were water cured. The mortar samples were tested for water absorption at age of 28 days and compressive strength at the ages of 3, 7, and 28 days. The test results show that water absorption increased with FA content, while compressive strength decreased slightly at early ages but remained within an acceptable range. At 28 days, FA replacement had no significant negative impact on strength, and the water absorption was inversely related to compressive strength and density. These findings indicate that OPC can be partially replaced by up to 40% FA without compromising mechanical performance, offering benefits in reducing CO2 emissions, conserving energy, and promoting sustainable construction materials.Publication Open Access Evaluating the Role of Gamification on AI Technology tools for addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Withanage, R.PThe VERA AI platform offers an innovative, AI-driven neuro-engineering approach to delivering scalable, trauma-informed interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among ex- combatants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in post-conflict Sri Lanka. By combining CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and gamification within a secure, GDPR-compliant ecosystem, it aligns with Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) objectives, supporting both individual recovery and community reintegration.Integrating neuro-sensing technologies such as EEG and HRV with machine-learning models enables personalised, real-time therapy, while policy applications include strengthening DDR programme evaluation and informing national mental health strategies. Ethical deployment emphasising privacy, informed consent, and cultural sensitivity remains central. VERA AI demonstrates how gamified, AI-enabled neuro-engineering can provide effective, cost- efficient, and user-centred psychosocial rehabilitation, empowering individuals in Sri Lanka and other post-conflict settings to rebuild their lives and contribute to sustainable peace.Publication Open Access Impact of IoT on Personal Area Networks (PANs)(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Thilakarathna D.R.T.D.; Gamage N.H.; Mendis B.P.U.; Kavindya P.M.S.; Sammani H.M.; Senanayake M. M. V.The Internet, as a revolutionary technology, continues to develop new technologies and software, making it accessible to all. Today, the most common forms of communication are either human-to-human or human-to-device communication; however, the Internet of Things (IoT) foresees a promising future for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. Many novel wireless technologies, including ZigBee and Bluetooth, compete to provide the Internet of Things with low-power wireless communication solutions; however, in some IoT applications, the technological options are constrained by hardware resource limitations, low power consumption requirements, and overall device costs. Low power consumption is a basic prerequisite for enabling IoT expansion. Besides low power consumption, other requirements must be considered, such as technology cost, security, manageability, usability, wireless data rates, and communication ranges, among others. This paper discusses how the Internet of Things is transforming PANs, with particular focus on proximity communication protocols such as IEEE 802.15.4, Bluetooth, and ZigBee. The scope of this study extends beyond conventional device interconnection to cover new application areas like smart homes, healthcare, wellness, and wearables, succinctly presenting key trends and challenges from current literature, technology standards, and empirical evidence while analyzing critical factors in IoT-integrated PANs such as network scalability, privacy, interference control, and data security, which introduce new complexities to design and administration. This research offers details of IoT-PAN integration by conducting an analysis of wireless integrated personal area networks to identify research gaps and propose future directions. It defines the most important communication protocols and examines adequate levels of security and privacy, analyzing relevant literature to develop a robust framework that enables researchers and practitioners to address gaps in the literature regarding IoT-PAN integration. Therefore, this paper highlights the importance of PAN solutions that are secure, adaptable, and interoperable to enable next-generation IoT ecosystems by providing future insights.Publication Open Access Integrating Large Language Models into Personalized Diabetes Care: A Systematic Review of Clinical Applications, Model Adaptation Strategies, and Ethical Implications(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Jayakody,J.A.U.S.; Jayawardhana, S.M.M.S.; Thilakarathne, P.R.H.N.G.This systematic review examines the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) into personalized diabetes care, focusing on clinical applications, adaptation strategies, and ethical considerations. As diabetes management demands increasingly personalized approaches, LLMs including GPT-3 and GPT-4 show promise for patient education, clinical decision support, and diagnostic assistance. This review synthesizes findings from studies published between 2018 and 2025 to evaluate LLM clinical applications and assess adaptation techniques. Key applications include conversational agents for patient education, personalized decision-making systems, and predictive modeling for diabetes-related complications. Model adaptation through domain-specific training and multimodal integration demonstrates enhanced performance in clinical settings. However, significant challenges persist, including data privacy concerns, model fairness issues, and limited real-world validation. Ethical considerations encompass training bias and data security, highlighting the need for privacy-preserving approaches. The review identifies critical gaps in current research and proposes future directions emphasizing explainable AI models to build trust among healthcare professionals and patients. While LLMs offer transformative potential for personalized diabetes care, their responsible integration requires addressing technical, ethical, and regulatory challenges. This synthesis provides a foundation for advancing LLM applications in diabetes management while ensuring patient safety and equitable care delivery.Publication Open Access Faster Than the Teacher, Smarter Than the Student: Classifying with Wisdom via Knowledge Distillation in LLMs(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Gobihanath B.; Abishethvarman V.; Prasanth S; Banujan K.; B.T.G.S KumaraLarge language models (LLMs) have achieved remarkable success across various natural language processing (NLP) tasks, driven by their ability to capture complex language patterns through large-scale pretraining. However, their substantial computational demands limit their deployment in resourceconstrained environments. To address this, this research introduced Knowledge distillation-based framework for text classification using a multiclass approach across three domains: entertainment, sports, and politics. We utilize both hard labels (ground-truth categories) and soft labels (logits from a teacher model) to train a student and a distilled model. The teacher model is accurate but computationally expensive. The student model is lightweight and fast, yet less accurate. Through distillation, we derive a task-specific distilled model that balances speed and accuracy. We also compare the performance of these models against traditional classifiers such as LSTM, SVM, and Naive Bayes. Traditional models excel comparing to the LLMs. Considering only task agnostic language models, evaluation shows that the distilled model performs significantly better than the student and competitively against the teacher, offering a practical trade-off. Our study demonstrates the value of soft label transfer and semantic alignment for improving classification performance in resource-constrained environments. The text classification code can be found at: https://github.com/Abishethvarman/KD-Text-Classification