SLIIT Conference and Symposium Proceedings
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/295
All SLIIT faculties annually conduct international conferences and symposiums. Publications from these events are included in this collection.
Browse
4 results
Search Results
Publication Open Access Development Of An Ai-Based Model With Low Computational Complexity For Accurate Solar Energy Forecasting(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Chandrasinghe, S; Fernando, NThis paper introduces a short-term solar energy forecasting model that is designed with a focus on low computational complexity and addresses the challenges posed by fluctuations in solar energy generation, which are significantly influenced by environmental factors. These fluctuations can lead to instability when solar power generation systems are integrated into national energy grids, creating difficulties in maintaining a balanced supply and demand. If solar energy generation can be accurately forecasted before fluctuations occur, potential issues can be identified in advance, allowing for better management of the energy system, including optimizing storage facilities when energy generation is high. Current solar energy forecasting systems face significant challenges due to their high computational complexity, which results in increased power consumption and lower accuracy. To address these issues, this study focuses on the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based forecasting model using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The goal is to reduce the computational complexity of the model while maintaining high accuracy. To achieve this, various data analysis and complexity reduction techniques, such as variable reduction, pruning, and quantization, were applied. The performance of the optimized AI model was evaluated by comparing the forecasted values to actual solar energy generation data. The results demonstrate that the proposed model successfully reduces computational complexity while maintaining a satisfactory level of accuracy. This optimization makes the model more suitable for real-time forecasting, particularly in resource-constrained environments, and provides a more efficient approach to solar energy management. The findings of this study suggest that AI-based forecasting models can play a critical role in enhancing the integration of solar energy into national grids, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable energy supply. Further research could explore additional optimization techniques and the introduction of generalization techniques to improve transferability of the model and applicability across diverse geographical regions. Additionally, focus on utilizing AI techniques that minimize computational complexity without compromising the accuracy of the model, aiming to maintain high forecasting precision while optimizing the efficiency of the system.Publication Open Access Development of an AI-Based Model with Low Computational Complexity for Accurate Wind Energy Forecasting(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Dilshan, S; Fernando, NMost countries primarily relay on fossil fuel for electricity generation, leading to fossil fuel depletion and environmental pollution. The countries are developed technologies for renewable energy generation. The wind energy being promoted as a superior renewable energy. However, wind energy has its challengers, particularly uncertainty that can affect overall system stability. The accurate short-term forecasting of wind energy was crucial for ensuring grid stability. Both physical and AI-based models can effectively be utilized for wind energy prediction. AI-based methodologies have shown superior effectiveness, efficiency, and accuracy when compared to traditional physical models. The lightweight AI-based forecasting model was particularly significant for processing devices, enabling faster computations and substantially more cost-effective forecasting. The research utilized simulation software to develop an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model, initially incorporating eight meteorological parameters. Four of these parameters showed weak correlations and were subsequently removed from the model. Further optimization was achieved through pruning and quantization techniques, significantly reducing computational complexity. The optimized model demonstrates a notable reduction in both training time by 92.69% and inference time by 63.83%, while maintaining accuracy with only a marginal decrease of 3.99% compared to the initial model. These improvements were achieved with minimal loss in predictive accuracy, significantly reducing computational complexity. The study concludes that the optimized ANN model is wellsuited for real-time wind power forecasting, offering a balance between accuracy and computational efficiency. This approach not only facilitates better grid management but also extends the applicability of AI-based forecasting to devices with limited processing capabilities. Future work could explore additional complexity reduction techniques and broader deployment scenarios.Publication Open Access Exploring the Determinants of Medical Insurance Expenses: A Quantile Regression Approach(Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Rathnayake, K; Somasiri, D; Abeygunawardana, T; Nugegoda, K; Fernando, N; Guruge, M. L.; Peiris, T. S. G.Healthcare insurance costs are influenced by a combination of biological and socioeconomic factors. This study investigates how age, body mass index (BMI), gender, and discount eligibility affect medical insurance expenses in the United States, using data from 1,338 individuals. Due to the right-skewed distribution of expenses, quantile regression was applied at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, providing insights across low-, medium-, and high-cost groups. Results show that age and BMI consistently increase insurance expenses, with stronger effects among high-cost patients. Genderdifferences also emerged, with females incurring higher costs than males at certain expenditure levels. Discount eligibility significantly reduced expenses across all quantiles. In contrast, the number of children was not a significant predictor and was excluded from the final model. Compared to ordinary least squares regression, quantile regression provided a more accurate assessment of cost determinants in skewed data. These findings highlight the importance of adopting advanced modeling approachesin insurance pricing and suggest that targeted policies addressing individuals having high BMI and equitable discount programs could improve healthcare affordability and risk management.Publication Open Access The Professional Life of Counsellors During the Economic Crisis of Sri Lanka(School of Psychology. Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Ekanayake, T; Fernando, NEconomic recession periods can significantly heighten risks to the population's mental health and wellbeing while posing additional challenges to health systems. Despite being central to mental health care delivery, the experiences of professionals working through such crises remain underexplored. This qualitative study seeks to illuminate those experiences by addressing two core research questions: (1) What challenges have mental health counsellors in Sri Lanka faced during the economic crisis, and (2) What motivational factors have sustained their commitment under such adverse conditions? Semistructured interviews were conducted with six counsellors from Colombo, who participated voluntarily. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the study uncovered four superordinate themes: ‘economic adversity and emotional dynamics’, ‘coping resources and protective factors’, ‘sense of fulfilment and personal growth’, and ‘professional support and availability of services’. The findings reveal that counsellors were deeply committed to providing psychological care despite economic uncertainty, social stigma, and limitations in service infrastructure. Participants emphasized the importance of both internal and external coping mechanisms, including personal resilience, peer support, and ongoing motivation rooted in a strong sense of purpose. Notably, many counsellors reflected on their growth and sense of fulfilment derived from working with vulnerable populations, highlighting the transformative nature of their roles during crises. While the study is limited by a small sample and the interpretative nature of qualitative research, it offers valuable insights for stakeholders in the mental health sector. Recommendations include strengthening practitioner support systems, enhancing professional infrastructure, and ensuring counsellors’ voices guide future policy and planning.