SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Science and Humanities [SICASH]
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/311
SLIIT International Conference on Advancements in Science and Humanities is organized by the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences of the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), the annual research multi-conference of the faculty.
Browse
Publication Embargo Manufacturer v. Consumer: A Critical Analysis of Sri Lankan Product Liability Law in Respect of Electronic and Electrical Products(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-02-26) Segarajasingham, S.Consumer protection is an area that is being subjected to many recent developments globally. The old notion of caveat emptor has been replaced by the modern concept of consumer protection by recognizing it in statutes, cases, and theories. International forum and States are moving towards providing protection to consumers. The buyers of goods and users of products and services are brought under consumer law, and this includes users of all types of goods including software, hardware, literature, music, photograph, motion picture, game, information, data, gas, water and electricity. In this paper, the writer focuses on liability for defective electrical and electronic products. Although the larger area of law relating to product liability is analysed the researcher’s focus is limited to the above-mentioned products. The applicable statutes in relation to consumer protection in the law of Sri Lanka are compared and contrasted with the statutes of the UK and South Africa. Theories connected to consumer protection have been taken into consideration. This paper suggests that Sri Lanka needs a consolidated statute to safeguard the rights of consumers.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 The Public Primary School Teachers’ Perception of Integrating Information and Communication Technology for Teaching & Learning in the Zonal Education of Colombo, Sri Lanka(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Bukhari, S.K.; Peiris, C.N.; Thelijjagoda, S.; Nawinna, D. P.; Wijekoon, W.M.J.L.This study examined teachers’ perceptions of integration of information and communications technologies (IICT) for teaching and learning in the primary sections of the public schools in the Zone of Colombo, Sri Lanka. It has been noticed that there is a considerable delay in technology acquaint in public schools in Sri Lanka. Thus, it is important that teachers and other educational professionals in the school system are equipped with up-to-date trends in education and that they accept the new educational challenges that are emerging. Even though the government has offered IICT infrastructure facilities to Secondary schools, Primary section IICT infrastructure has been neglected. Thus, more attention should be focused on factors which influence IICT and how teachers can apply their ICT skill to the teaching and learning process and improve the subjects, especially Mathematics, English and Social Science (MES), in their classroom activity. Therefore, the study investigated 120 teachers from the primary sections of the public schools in the Colombo Zone, under the criteria of ICT available primary schools and ICT not available primary schools. This study utilized a quantitative approach based on a Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Data were collected through questionnaires and analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS software). The results of the analysis revealed that the R Square value was 20.4% of the variation in the perception of teachers explained by their knowledge & skill (KS), ICT Training and ICT experience and the p-value of independent variables were less than 0.05. The research identified that lack of knowledge and skill, inadequate teacher training, and lack of ICT experience are the hindering or impeding factors of IICT in the school environment. Hence, the knowledge of ICT was influenced by penetrating ICT, the skill of ICT was influenced by training and the experience of ICT was influenced by professional development. Future research could focus on classroom observations to determine the actual integration of ICT in the teaching and learning process.Publication Embargo Protecting Human Rights in Pandemic Situations: An Analysis of International Legal Responses in the Context of ‘Covid 19’ Outbreak(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Seneviratne, S.S.M.W.In the context of domestic and international legal and institutional frameworks on protecting human rights, the responsibility of guaranteeing the rights of people cannot be entirely cast either on the sovereign States or the international community but a shared responsibility of both. However, how to draw the dividing line between the two has been an issue of legal, moral, political and many other forms. This research aims at examining the legal dimension of the paradigm shift of sovereignty that allows the international community to step into the areas once were determined exclusively as internal matters with no international interventions to be done. In this premise, this research particularly wishes to explore the questions of ‘why the matters under the purview of the domestic authorities should be taken over by the international community, what legal doctrine/s would support such a move and how to strike a balance between the two parties to harmonize the potential for disputes among the two with special reference to global pandemic situations such as Covid 19 health crisis. Since the research is a doctrinal analysis, qualitative method is used. Key findings expose that the doctrine of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is a globally accepted legal response in this millennium that provides a legitimate basis to divide the responsibility between two duty bearers. R2P recognizes that the primary responsibility should lie with the national authorities and in the cases of failure of this, the residual responsibility should be taken over by the international community. Although the ambit of this doctrine is to halt specifically designated mass atrocities against human beings, this research argues to adapt it suitably to guarantee the relevant human rights in circumstances where human rights are grossly violated, such as pandemic situations like Covid 19 health crisis, in par with the relevant international standards.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 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 ZnO Nanoparticles Deposited on Gamboge (Garcinia gummi-gutta L.) Based Activated Carbon for Removal of Phenol from Synthetic Wastewater(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Nadeeshani, M.LN.; Edussuriya, , M.This study was performed to investigate the potential utilization of Gamboge in the green synthesis of ZnO nano particles (NPs) and production of activated carbon (AC) in order to explore both ZnO NPs and Gamboge based AC for the removal of phenol from synthetic wastewater. Aqueous extracts of dried fruits of Garcinia gummi-gutta L. were used for the synthesis of ZnO NPs and formation of NPs was confirmed by the characteristic absorption peak at 364 nm in the UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis. X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed a well crystallized hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO NPs. Gamboge based activated carbon (AC) samples were prepared using two activating agents: ZnCl2 and H3PO4. Deposition of NPs on AC was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Photo catalytic degradation ability of synthesized NPs and NPs deposited AC was studied for the removal of phenol from synthetic phenol solution. The present study revealed that, incorporation of AC produced by activation with ZnCl2 into ZnO NPs has enhanced the removal efficiency of phenol by 12%. The effect of experimental parameters such as pH, contact time, dosage and initial phenol concentration on degradation of phenol was studied. It was revealed that NPs loaded onto ZnCl2/AC have higher degradation ability (94.23%) for phenol when compared with NPs loaded onto H3PO4/AC (81.72%) at optimized experimental conditions. The highest phenol degradation efficiency was observed under optimum conditions of pH 6.9, dosage of 3.0 g L-1 and initial phenol concentration of 100 mg L-1 in natural sunlight for 6.00 h. It is evident that the intensity of sunlight which was measured using the Lux meter plays a major role in photo catalytic degradation of phenol. This research opens a new path to enhance photo catalytic degradation of phenol in which both NPs and ACs are used.Publication Embargo Multilocational Evaluation of Growth and Antioxidant Content of Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var acephala) and Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) in Sri Lanka(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Jayasooriya, R. Y.; Chamara, R.M.S.R; Gunathilake, G.K.D.C.S.; Liyanage, L.P.H.; Beneragama, C.K.Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) and Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) are cruciferous vegetables, which have recently gained great popularity in the world as a ‘super-food’. Generally, Kale has the capacity to tolerate diverse climatic conditions while demanding fewer inputs, thus making it possible to cultivate with a minimum cost for crop management. However, Kale is still not popular in Sri Lanka as a vegetable. Therefore, it has not been a commercialized crop to date. This study was conducted to explore the potential of cultivating Kale in Sri Lanka. Two cultivars of curly Kale (‘Dwarf green curled’ and ‘Winterbor F1’) and Chinese kale were cultivated in three agro-climatic zones representing three main climatic zones in the country, namely the Mid-Country Wet Zone, Mid country Intermediate Zone and Low-Country Dry Zone, using three different media (M1: Existing soil in each location; M2: Sand and coir dust mixture - ratio 1:1; M3: Sand, coir dust, and soil - ratio 1:1:1) at each location. The experiment was carried out as a three-factor factorial with three replicates as a pot experiment. Based on the results of the present study, even though all the varieties displayed a significantly (p<0.05) higher growth in terms of dry matter accumulation in the Wet Zone, the growth in the other two locations were also found to be satisfactory. Within each location, dry matter accumulation was not significantly (p>0.05) different among the varieties. Different media did not have a significant influence on growth. Even though the antioxidant contents in all varieties varied among locations, the values were within the acceptable range. Therefore, both Curly kale and Chinese kale can be successfully grown in the tested locations in Sri Lanka and can be easily introduced to local consumers as a ‘super-food’.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 The Use of Colour Shade Material in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L) Propagation(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Jayasinghe, J.A.T.U.; Wickramanayake, D.S.D.D.S.; Kirthisinghe, J.P.Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), is the second most important spice crop grown in Sri Lanka, having the potential of generating substantial foreign exchange earnings. Black pepper is grown as an intercrop with tea and coconut. Black pepper is commercially propagated through stem cuttings. In the traditional propagation method, coir netting is used as the shading material and it takes 5 months to plant in the field. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to find the correct shading to reduce the nursery period and to improve the quality of planting material by using coloured high-quality flame retardant, heavy- duty lock stitch knit, black, green and blue coloured shade fabric specifically for shade covers of 50 and 75% shade. The longest shoot length of 8.1 cm, highest fresh weight of 121 mg, highest dry weights of 18.1 mg, highest number of roots of 21 per plant, total root length of 13 cm per plant and highest root dry weight of 2.5 mg at 90 days were recorded in the treatment 50% blue shade. Therefore, the use of 50% blue shading material in pepper commercial nurseries provides better growth of pepper nursery plants.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 Molecular Approach to the Covid 19 VIRUS(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Duleela, S.; Dulara, S.; Silva, S.; Inuli, U.; Shivani, T.Covid - 19 has become a burning problem that has spread all over the world. Cities locked down, airports closed, children have no way of attending school. It is said that for the past few months, more than 2/3 of the world’s population were under lockdown. All these happened as a result of a tiny virus. This article refers to the scientific approach of the Covid -19 virus and how this virus could be eradicated from the world. It includes the latest facts that are found by researchers, scientists and biotechnologists all around the world. It mainly focusses on the structure of the virus, the types of Corona viruses and the lifecycle of the Covid -19 virus. Further it discusses different types of the Corona virus that have affected the whole world in the past and this article shows how this virus has spread among the main countries in the world. University of Oxford, a leading university in UK as well as around the world is taking the lead in finding a vaccine for this deadly virus. Also, how our very own Sri Lankan Scientists and Biotechnologists are striving hard to find a cure for this virus is further discussed in this article. Few recommendations are given in order to get protected from this deadly virusPublication Embargo Electrochemical Evaluation of Delayed Release Behaviour of Diclofenac Sodium Tablets(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Sewwandi, A.A.M.; Soysa, H.; Sasimali, M.Diclofenac Sodium is a commonly used electro active anti-inflammatory drug. There are various analytical techniques to detect Diclofenac Sodium active ingredient including cyclic voltammetry. Cyclic voltammetry was used with different kinds of modified electrodes. In this project, drug release action of Diclofenac Sodium is detected by introducing bare Platinum electrode as the working electrode instead of the modified electrodes. Carbon and silver/silver chloride electrodes are counting and reference electrodes respectively. Platinum electrode is characterized by using 0.5 mM potassium ferrocyanide in a 0.1 M Potassium chloride solution at different scan rates. Diclofenac Sodium dissolution medium is a phosphate buffer solution. The optimum pH value of the phosphate buffer solution for the Diclofenac Sodium dissolution is identified as 6.8. From the resultant cyclic voltammograms of current density at bare platinum electrode Vs. applied potential, the variation of drug concentration with respect to the time is analyzed. The limit of detection (LOD) of Diclofenac Sodium and the limit on quantification (LOQ) on the bare platinum electrode are 0.21 mM and 0.63 mM respectively. The limit of detection is suitable to detect the delayed release behaviour of Diclofenac Sodium. All the three selected brands take around 12 hours to reach a constant concentration. Finally, the characteristic drug release curve of delayed release drugs can be obtained from the resultant graphs of drug concentration Vs. drug dissolution time for the three selected brands. Electrochemical sensors are therefore proposed as an alternative tool for delayed release analysis in medical sciences and pharmaceutical industries.Publication Embargo The Social Vision Reflected Through the Poetry of William Blake(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Abeywickrama, D.D.The poetry of William Blake is an ideal portrayal of social issues which prevailed during the poetic period of romanticism. The poem “London” has been presented in a way to make the readers aware about the concept of commercialization. London, was not a peaceful city anymore. Corruption has gnawed the innocence of people. Thus, it has made them immoral. Furthermore, Blake’s progressive vision of the 20th century concept on gender equality is promoted in ‘The Sick Rose’, which is a symbolical representation of women’s plight in parasitic relationships. The poem, ‘The Sick Rose’ indicates problems which are parallel to those of our current society where, sensual pleasures are given more prominence over spirituality. Simply, reciprocation of love does not exist anymore due to insatiable sensual desires of mankind. In addition, Blake displays his social vision in presenting children as the victimized entity in “Holy Thursday” and “The Chimney Sweeper”. The pain, torture and agony encountered by children who were brought up under institutional care were not publicly displayed. However, all this was suppressed by religion and the religious leaders, which indeed is ironic and repulsive. “The Chimney Sweeper” is a denunciation of the material conditions and the institutions: the established church, mercenary and the uncaring parents who promoted child labour. Blake’s social vision could have been influenced by the French revolution and industrialization which would have brought out quite a few social problems which are valid in the 21st century as well.Publication Embargo A Study on the Impact of Online Monolingual and Bilingual Dictionary Use on ESL Learners’ Vocabulary Acquisition and Retention(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Wijesuriya, K.; Dissanayake, D.M.M.S.This experimental research comparatively analyzed the impact of online monolingual and online bilingual dictionary use in vocabulary acquisition and retention. Forty Engineering undergraduates in their first term at B1 level in proficiency were divided into two comparison groups: Online Monolingual Dictionary (OMD) and Online Bilingual Dictionary (OBD) groups. Then both groups were exposed to an unknown set of ten academic words using an online monolingual dictionary and an online bilingual dictionary (English-Sinhala/English-Tamil) respectively. After the treatment/exposure, the same vocabulary tests: pretest, immediate test and posttest, were administered in both groups to check the effectiveness of the treatments. While both classes significantly acquired and retained vocabulary under each online dictionary use, the independent sample t -test determined a statistically significant difference in the vocabulary retention of the online monolingual class over the online bilingual class at the immediate test as well as at the post test. The findings confirmed the hypothesis that online monolingual dictionary use is effective over online bilingual dictionary use in vocabulary acquisition and retention.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 An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis on Factors Affecting Organizational Commitment by HR Managers of Private Sector Service Industries(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Chamindi, D. I.Organizational commitment and its link to various other constructs in organizations has been widely discussed in the Western context. However, the Sri Lankan context is less researched therefore, the present study examines the relationship between organizational commitment and contributing factors of organizational commitment within private sector service industries as perceived by five HR managers from private sector service industries in Sri Lanka.The research has adopted Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach to conduct the research. Five Human Resource managers were interviewed using semi structured interviews for the qualitative analysis to explore the factors affecting organizational commitment. The qualitative data revealed three superordinate themes of Contributions to organizational commitment by the employer, employee, and peers. The research suggests an existing need to study the perception of organizational commitment with relevance to employees intensively due to conclusions obtained. Moreover, the study has proven that organizational commitment is being influenced by more than the individual characteristics of an employee. The present study emphasis the need for in depth studies in defining and perception organizational commitment within the Sri Lanka cultural context.Publication Embargo Identification of SNP-Allelic Polymorphism Based Changes in Two Salt Responsive Proteins, Na+ H+ ANTIPORTER 4 and GLUTAREDOXIN 24 Between Two Rice Varieties(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Abhayawickrama, B.P.; Hanchapola, C.R.; Kottearachchi, N.S.; Gimhani, D.R.Rice is identified as a salinity vulnerable crop. To avoid the salinity stress problem, advanced steps have been taken, including developing novel plant sources with genetic variation associated with stress tolerance. Therefore, developing salt-tolerant varieties by combining different salt-tolerant mechanisms is a long-term solution to withstand salinity stress. Subsequently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are largely utilized in crop improvement including rice. This study was focused on analyzing the SNP variations discovered in two key salt responsive genes: Na+ H+ antiporter 4 (OsNHX4) and Glutaredoxin 24 (OsGRX24). The OsNHX4 and OsGRX24 gene sequences of At354 and Bg352 were retrieved from the Next Generation Sequencing derived whole genomes of two rice varieties. The gene sequences were aligned along with the Nipponbare reference gene sequences and the SNP variants present in the coding regions were identified. The amino acid sequences of each gene were obtained and their physiochemical parameters and protein structures were predicted. Results showed that OsNHX4 had 4 and 9 SNPs in At354 and Bg352 while OsGRX24 had 3 and 5 SNPs in At354 and Bg352 respectively. The secondary protein structure of OsNHX4 in Bg352 was modified due to an amino acid residue substitution, causing an alpha-helix to beta-sheet transition. In OsGRX24 of Bg352, two different alpha-helix regions were affected due to amino acid substitutions. Consequently, it could be speculated that these amino acid differences between the two varieties might be one of the causal factors for their phenotypic differences in salinity responsiveness.Publication Embargo Property, Sustainability and Well-Being: The Perspectives of the American Colonizers and the Natives in William Faulkner’s Go Down, Moses(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) Jayasinghe, M.K.This article primarily, considers the different points of view held by the Native Indians and the White man concerning property in Faulkner’s novel, Go Down, Moses. Subsequently, these findings are examined to ascertain how their opinions on property influence their viewpoints on sustainability and well-being. This paper has two objectives. One is to expose how these two cultural groups considered sustainability and well-being in the framework of their own concepts of property and the way Faulkner exposes these differences artistically. The other aim is to examine the possible reasons which could have led the author to work on this idea of property. Faulkner being a well-known humanist, one wonders whether the injustice done to the Natives from the very inception of the conquering of America which finally culminated officially with the Removal act of 1830 and all that followed with the implementation of this act was playing on his conscience or whether this theme of property was a response to the aftermath of the Civil war of 1861 and the devastation of the South. Once the distinctive views of property are explained, Faulkner’s artistry is demonstrated wherein he invents characters in environments specific to them, so that they could be endowed with certain traits which could bring out these concepts. To conclude, Faulkner’s penchant towards the Natives observed in the novel, strengthens his universal reputation of being a humanist. In his work, Faulkner gives an explicit and implicit view on property and the reasons for this are examined.Publication Embargo In Vitro Root Induction and Acclimatization of Cissampelos pareira: An Important Medicinal Plant(Faculty of Humanities and Sciences - SLIIT, 2021-03-26) De Silva, D.C.M; Fonseka, D.L.C.K.Cissampelos pareira, known in Sinhala as Diyamiththa, is a climbing herb with numerous medicinal properties and belongs to the family Menispermaceae. The plant has a number of phytochemicals which have the potential to produce drugs for various diseases. An in vitro establishment and multiplication method were developed previously for this important medicinal herb in order to extract phytochemicals. Establishment of field plantations is another option to harvest large quantities of this plant. Therefore, the current study was aimed at developing a suitable in vitro root induction and acclimatization method for in vitro generated shoot tips of this plant. For root induction, micro-shoots were transferred to half strength MS medium with various combinations and concentrations of Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (0.5and 1.0 mg/L) and Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (0.5, 1.0and 1.5 mg/L). The study was carried out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 20 replicates. The highest percentage of root formation, the highest number of roots and the highest length of roots were recorded in half strength MS medium with 0.5 mgL-1 IAA and 1.0 mgL-1 IBA. Above values were significantly higher than all other treatments (p S 0.05). Five different potting media were tested for acclimatization and a significantly high rate of survival was recorded from plantlets established in coco pellets (95%) (p S 0.05). The findings of this study can be used for commercial cultivation and further studies of Cissampelos pareira.