bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Curious Case of Subacute Meningitis- Eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Authors: Anandan Somarajan , Rajendran Sajeesh S. , Padmanabhan Rihul
Published: January 2025

Presence of eosinophils in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a very important clue for the aetiology of meningitis and has to be carefully looked by an experienced pathologist. Most of the time history reveals the origin of eosinophilic meningitis (EM). Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide.  Peripheral eosinophilia and CSF eosinophils can increase in spite of anthelmintics and treatment should include steroids in addition to anthelmintics. Here we describe a case of eosinophilic meningitis following consumption of meat of monitor lizard who presented with headache and diplopia without fever.
Original Study Development and Validation of a Height and Mid-Arm Circumference (MAC)-Based Weight Estimation Formula
Authors: Karn Pallavi , Roka Yam
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Accurate weight measurement is crucial in clinical settings for medication dosing, nutritional management, fluid balance, diagnostics, and ventilator settings. Traditional weight measurement methods can be challenging for neurological patients, especially those with impaired mobility. This study aims to develop and validate a weight estimation formula using height and mid-arm circumference (MAC) to address these issues.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Neurosurgery outpatient department of Neuro Cardio and Multispecialty Hospital in Biratnagar, involving 120 adults aged 18-75 years. Convenience random sampling was used. Data were analyzed using MS Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0. A linear regression equation was developed to estimate weight based on height and MAC. The validation included R² analysis, t-tests, Bland-Altman analysis, percentage error calculation, and scatterplot diagrams.
Results: The simple formula for weight estimation using linear regression equation was derived: Weight (kg) = −73 + 0.32 × Height (cm) + 3 × MAC (cm). Method C (age and gender-neutral) was the most accurate, with an R-squared value of 0.858, a t-value of 2.387, and a p-value of 0.019. In addition, Bland-Altman analysis showed the least bias and limits of agreement (LOA) of -0.996 and -9.95 to 7.97 respectively. Method C also had higher percentages of estimates within 10%, 20%, and 30% of actual weight (83.3%, 96.7%, and 100%, respectively). Scatterplot analysis indicated better linearity for Method C.
Conclusions: Method C is recommended for bedside weight estimation in neurological patients due to its simplicity and precision.
Comparative Study of Watertight and Non-Watertight Duraplasty for Decompressive Craniectomy in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective Study
Authors: Shakya Bikram , KC Bidur
Published: January 2025

Introduction: This prospective study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of watertight versus non-watertight duraplasty techniques in patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy (DC) for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Material and Methods: We evaluated 48 patients with severe TBI who underwent DC, with 24 receiving watertight duraplasty and 24 receiving non-watertight duraplasty. Primary outcomes included the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, postoperative infections, and wound healing disturbances. Secondary outcomes included operative duration, ICU stay, hospital stay, mortality, and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at 6 months post-surgery. Data were compared using appropriate statistical tests, and results were benchmarked against international publications.
Results: Watertight duraplasty significantly reduced the incidence of CSF leaks (8.3% vs. 29.2%, P=0.041) and shortened hospital stay (22.8 ± 6.3 days vs. 28.4 ± 7.2 days, P=0.027) compared to non-watertight duraplasty. Although the watertight group had fewer postoperative infections (12.5% vs. 25.0%) and wound healing disturbances (8.3% vs. 20.8%), these differences were not statistically significant. The operative duration was longer for the watertight group (145 ± 25 minutes vs. 115 ± 20 minutes, p<0.001). ICU stay (12.5 ± 4.2 days vs. 14.3 ± 5.1 days, P=0.187), mortality rates (8.3% vs. 12.5%, P=0.642), and GOS scores (3.5 ± 1.1 vs. 3.3 ± 1.2, P=0.483) were similar between the groups.
Conclusion: Watertight duraplasty is associated with lower rates of CSF leaks and shorter hospital stays but requires longer operative times. However, the absence of significant differences in infection rates, wound healing, ICU stay, and long-term neurological outcomes indicates the need for further research. The comparison of our results with international publications underscores the global relevance of optimizing duraplasty techniques to improve patient outcomes in neurosurgery.
मलमासस्य विमर्शः
Authors: गौतम Gautam दामोदर Damodar
Published: January 2025

मस् परिमाणे इत्यस्माद्धातोर्निष्पन्नोऽयं मासशब्दः । मस्यते परिमीयते यावता कालेन चन्द्रस्य वृद्धिक्षययोः स चान्द्रो मासः । चान्द्रमासः शुक्लादिशुक्लपक्षस्य प्रतिपदात आरभ्य दर्शान्तः अमावास्यान्तः एक चान्द्र मासः व्यवह्रियते । चान्द्रमासो विशेषतः आभ्युदयिके  पितृकार्येऽन्यव्रतपर्वणि च प्रशस्यते । चान्द्रमासः शुद्धमासः विद्धमासो (मलमास) रूपेण द्विविधो भवति । काम्यकर्मणां प्रारम्भः समाप्तिश्च मलमासे न भवति । मलमासे अन्यानि कर्माण्यपि प्रतिबन्धकीभूतानि  दृश्यन्ते । मलमासविषये विभिन्नानि धर्मशास्त्रीयाणि मतमतान्तराणि विद्यन्ते । तेषु ग्रन्थोक्तदिशमवलम्ब्य मलमासस्वरूपं कालः, मलमासः कदा केन कारणेन आयाति ? मलमासे कार्याकार्यकर्म जप-तप-दानादेः फलं प्राप्यते न वा ? देवकार्यं पितृकार्यं च मलमासे कथं क्रियते ? मलमासे विहितं कर्म, निषिद्धं कर्मादिविषये शास्त्रीयं मतमवलम्व्यात्र प्रकाशनं विधीयते ।
More Than Colleagues: Disrupting Anti-Blackness and Promoting Well-Being Through Black Women’s Workplace Friendships
Authors: Hall Terra N. , Massie-Burrell Terri
Published: January 2025

Anti-Blackness in the academy has the potential to negatively impact relationships between Black Women, which can ultimately influence Black women’s retention and career advancement. Through an analysis of existing theories, including workplace friendships, Black feminist thought, and critical race theory, the authors first interrogate how anti-Blackness operates to harm Black women’s workplace relationships and then illuminate how Black women student affairs administrators (BWSAAs) disrupt anti-Blackness and resist toxicity and systemic oppression by cultivating and sustaining positive Black women’s workplace friendships. BWSAAs and those who supervise, serve with, support, and advocate for them will gain knowledge to help bolster BWSAAs’ well-being, retention, and career advancement.
Photovoice as a Participatory Evaluation Method: Evaluating a Collective Kitchen Program in Northern Ontario
Authors: Oystrick Vivian , Shapiro Sidney
Published: January 2025

This article describes the evaluation of a collective kitchen program that aimed to provide food education programming to young adults, economically vulnerable community members, and Indigenous families. Photovoice was used as a participatory evaluation method to gain more insight into the impact of the collective kitchen program on the lives of the participants. Photovoice is a research approach that allows people in a community to express their views, concerns, or experiences on issues that are important to them. The objective was to give participants an opportunity to “speak” through photographs about how participating in the program impacted their lives. Photovoice allowed us to capture the true extent of the program’s impact, and ultimately, it became a meaningful and powerful way to help us better understand each participant’s experiences and connect with the issues that created barriers to healthy eating.
LexOptima: The promise of AI-enabled legal systems
Authors: Becher Samuel , Alarie Benjamin
Published: January 2025

Emerging technological developments, such as advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, predictive analytics, and new and emerging methods in artificial intelligence (AI), are poised to significantly transform legal systems. These technologies are already enhancing the predictability of litigation outcomes and beginning to automate aspects of legal research and adjudication processes. Current legal systems, however, are not ready to leverage these developments optimally and to distribute their benefits equitably. This article critically examines the potential for a new AI-enabled legal model, which we call LexOptima. LexOptima is characterized by its use of decentralized, community-driven data and algorithms to generate – in real time – context-aware law and personalized legal services. LexOptima has the potential to radically improve access to justice, reduce bias in legal processes, empower communities to play a greater role in the creation and development of law and policy, and increase efficiency in legal institutions. However, the transition to such a model also faces significant challenges, including issues of data privacy, resistance by incumbent interests, algorithmic transparency, and the need for robust human oversight. Drawing upon an interdisciplinary analysis of relevant literature and technological trends, we provide a conceptual framework for LexOptima and explore its potential benefits and limitations. We conclude by proposing key considerations and next steps for a dynamic, human-centred approach to legal system transformation that optimally and inclusively leverages the strengths of humans and AI-enabled technologies.
Analisis Sentimen Ulasan Aplikasi Jago Bank Digital Menggunakan Multi Layer Perceptron
Authors: Chandraditio Ramadhan , Garno Garno , Jaman Jajam Haerul
Published: January 2025

Bank Jago merupakan platform perbankan daring yang memungkinkan pengguna mengakses layanan perbankan secara langsung melalui telepon pintar. Aplikasi Bank Jago telah mencapai tonggak sejarah yang mengesankan, yakni sebanyak 5 juta unduhan di Google Play Store, dengan rating 4,6. Pengguna berbagi pengalaman dengan memberikan rating dan ulasan di platform ini. Meskipun demikian, terkadang rating tidak sesuai dengan isi ulasan. Banyaknya ulasan yang tidak terstruktur sering kali mempersulit pemahaman umpan balik pengguna. Dalam pengembangan aplikasi, opini pengguna sama pentingnya dengan rating itu sendiri. Oleh karena itu, pengembang harus menafsirkan setiap ulasan yang diterima secara efektif. Untuk mencapai hal ini, analisis sentimen dilakukan terhadap ulasan tersebut dengan menggunakan algoritma Multi Layer Perceptron, yang bertujuan untuk mengumpulkan wawasan tentang sentimen pengguna terkait aplikasi Bank Jago di Google Play Store. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Knowledge Discovery in Database (KDD) yang terdiri dari 5 tahap, yaitu Data Selection, Preprocessing, Transformation, Data Mining, dan Evaluation. Data yang digunakan adalah 5174 ulasan aplikasi Bank Jago, dengan 3629 ulasan positif dan 1499 ulasan negatif. Pada tahap Transformation dan Data Mining dilakukan dengan split data 70:30. Kemudian dengan model Multi Layer Perceptron mengkonversikan hasil dari confusion matrix yaitu false negative dan false positive menjadi hasil sebenarnya untuk memperbaiki ketidakserasian rating dengan komentar. Proses ini mendapatkan tingkat akurasi sebesar 91,82%, Precision 94,69%, Recall 92,05%, dan f1-score 93,35% evaluasi tersebut mendapatkan predikat sangat baik
Numerical analysis of fluid permeability in compacted sandstones
Authors:   Division of Sustainable Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Miura O. , Oishi R. , Harada S. , Yagi T. ,   Radioactive Waste Management Funding and Research Center, Japan
Published: January 2025

Fluid permeability in compacted sandstones were investigated numerically. The structural analysis of spherical particle bed which imitates compacted sand layer was conducted and pore region in the particle bed was extracted. The pore characteristics, such as effective porosity, tortuosity and specific surface area, were quantified by various numerical methods. From these pore characteristics, fluid permeability was calculated using the Kozeny-Carman equation. The obtained permeability agreed quantitatively with those measured from actual sandstones.
Assessing the influence of microstructural features on deformation of rocks under triaxial loading
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Silva S.A.V. , Rathnapriya R.H.D.L. , Riyasath M.S.M. , Dassanayake A.B.N.	. , Fujii Y. ,   Sustainable Resources Engineering Division, Hokkaido University, Japan, Wickrama M.A.D.M.G. ,   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

Assessing the influence of microstructural features on the deformation of rocks under triaxial loading is vital in rock engineering applications, aiding safe and efficient operations by predicting the deformation of rocks. Triaxial testing offers the simulation of stress conditions within a rock to examine the deformation of rocks with confinements. This research focuses on how microstructural features, such as cementing material and pore geometry, affect the deformation behaviour of rocks subjected to triaxial loading. Two rock types were considered in this study: Kimachi sandstone (medium hard clastic rock) and Bibai sandstone (hard clastic rock). The progressive failure behaviour under Hydro Mechanical (HM) coupling effect was analysed by stress-strain distribution and the fracture geometry was examined using CT images of the specimens which were tested under different confinements. Thin sections were analysed to examine the changes in porosity and the effect on the cementing material with the confinement. The results of the proposed approach reveal a clear influence of the effective confinement on the failure of rocks and how it influences the porosity and cementing material of rocks. It is found that the Bibai sandstone shows a brittle failure and a shearing deformation while Kimachi sandstone shows a brittle to ductile failure and shearing to compaction deformation with the confinement due to the less presence of cementing material within Bibai sandstone compared to Kimachi sandstone. Therefore, with the confinement, the porosity of Bibai sandstone increases while it decreases in Kimachi sandstone. The results highlight the differences in the failure mechanism of a particular rock type for the same effective confinement which is a result of only a partial contribution of the pore pressure on the failure. These findings provide valuable insight into the assessment of microstructural features on the deformation of rocks under triaxial loading, aiding in the development of safer and more efficient rock engineering operations.
Assessing the applicability of geophysical methods for exploring vein type mica deposits – a case study in Matale district, Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Wickramasinghe K.G.K.G. , Arachchige R.A.N.U.R. , De Zoysa D.Y.B. , Premasiri H.M.R. , Abeysinghe A.M.K.B. , Ratnayake N.P. , Batapola N.M. , Dilshara R.M.P.
Published: January 2025

Mica, a group of silicate minerals characterized by their layered structure, is integral in various industries due to its insulating properties, heat resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Mica is commonly found as pegmatite and vein type deposits. However, vein type mica is extremely difficult to explore because of the complexity of their underlying geology and structural features. Atipola mica mine is one of the well-known mica mining sites in Matale district, Sri Lanka where the exploration of vein type mica deposits is difficult due to their complex geological formation. Therefore, this work attempts to assess the applicability of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) geophysical methods for discovering new mica deposits. The field survey data collecting, and coverage plan were developed to investigate the most appropriate and pertinent area based on preliminary field observations. Since mica mining has emerged as a crucial economic activity in Sri Lanka, this study will also contribute to the investigation and advancement of vein-type mineral deposit exploration in Sri Lanka. Integrating GPR could make it possible to explain the subsurface structure in a non-destructive and appropriate way, which could help with informed mining methods and lead to the right decision regarding the accurate categories of the mineralogy deposit
Exploration and characterization of potential iron ore occurrence in Pelpitigoda, Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Wijethunge H.P. , Appuhamy R.P.M.C. , Vilojan M. , Ratnayake N.P. , Abeysinghe A.M.K.B. , Premasiri H.M.R. , Rohitha L.P.S. , Dushyantha N.P. ,   Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka, Batapola N.M. , Dilshara R.M.P. ,   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

Iron is widely used across industries in worldwide, with an annual usage of over 1.8 billion tonnes, steadily increasing over decades. Due to this high consumption of iron, it is crucial to find new sources of iron. Therefore, this research project was designed with the objectives of exploring the potential iron occurrence and characterize the mineralogy and geochemistry of the Pelpitigoda area. The methodology comprises two phases. In the initial phase, geological settings were studied to understand the rock formations and structures surrounding the area. It was followed by a magnetic susceptibility survey to identify variations and anomalies, along with systematic sample collection across the deposit. The phase two was completed with laboratory analysis, including sample preparation, colorimetry, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Notably, colorimetry results from phase two indicated iron content ranging between 40-60 wt% in the samples, with XRD analysis identifying goethite as the predominant mineral, alongside magnetite, hematite, and gibbsite. XRF results revealed an average iron content of 38.47 wt%. Furthermore, ICP-MS analysis showed lower potential for valuable metals like V, Cr, Co, Ni, and Zn in the area. The significance of this research lies in its potential to identify a new iron ore occurrence in the Pelpitigoda area. The comprehensive characterization of the mineralogy and geochemistry provides valuable insights into the composition and distribution of iron-bearing minerals in the area. Future work entails completing the last phase of roasting the samples to extract iron oxide, followed by comprehensive laboratory testing of the prepared samples.
Comparison of critical metal potential in beach and offshore sediments of Pulmoddai, Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Nanayakkara C.J. , Ratnayake N.P. , Premasiri H.M.R. , Abeysinghe A.M.K.B. , Ratnayake A.S. ,   Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University,  Sri Lanka, Dushyantha N.P. ,   Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University,  Sri Lanka, Batapola N.M. ,   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Dilshara R.M.P. ,   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

The global transition towards renewable energy resources for power generation has increased the demand for critical metals (CMs), including rare earth elements (REEs). This rapid growth of demand coupled with geological scarcity and geo-political concerns has posed great challenges in securing the supply chain of CMs. Therefore, prospecting new CM sources worldwide is of timely importance. In this context, the Pulmoddai coastal stretch in Sri Lanka has been recognized as a dynamic deposit with established potential for REEs and other critical metal resources, currently undergoing beach face mining operations. The focus of this study is to compare the critical metal potential in the beach and offshore sediments in Pulmoddai, Sri Lanka, crucial for determining the origin and delineating the extent of this deposit. Twelve onshore and nineteen offshore samples were collected and analyzed for CMs (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Rb, Sr, and Cs) and REEs. Based on the results, light REE content (LREE), heavy REE content (HREE), and total REE content (TREE) were computed for both onshore and offshore locations. For onshore sites, LREE, HREE, and TREE ranged respectively from 43.27 to 244.09 ppm, 19.62 to 92.29 ppm, and 62.92 to 336.39 ppm. Conversely, offshore locations exhibited higher concentrations with the corresponding values ranging from 116.12 to 363.62 ppm, 8.57 to 120.93 ppm, and 167.93 to 484.55 ppm. Sr, Ni, and Cr were determined as the most abundant CMs for both onshore and offshore locations. Sr, Ni, and Cr concentrations ranged from 227.17 to 674.58 ppm, 116.17 to 675.88 ppm, and 43.55 to 112.87 ppm respectively for the onshore locations. The corresponding ranges for offshore sites were determined as 370.86-754.30 ppm, 235.43-721.44 ppm, and 32.51-172.62 ppm. The higher CM content in offshore regions suggests an offshore origin to this dynamic deposit, which is enriched by the offshore sediments transported onshore and deposited on a long-term basis. Therefore, regulatory authorities overseeing the mining operations of Pulmoddai deposit should accurately delineate its extent, integrating both onshore and offshore regions as a unified system, rather than solely focusing on prospecting the longshore areas.
Spatio-Temporal analysis with machine learning for sustainable management of abandoned quarries
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Gouthaman V. , Jayakody J.A.N.S. , Jayasinghe J.A.S.H.R. , Thiruchittampalam S. , Jayawardena C.L.
Published: January 2025

The abandoned quarries demand not only appropriate rehabilitation but also continuous monitoring. If these sites are left unmanaged, they can create significant environmental and ecological impact due to changes in land-use and land-cover. Monitoring of abandoned quarries are often overlooked due to challenges such as accessibility, safety and costs involved. Hence, there hardly exists a systematic monitoring approach or appropriate guidelines for managing quarry sites upon termination of the extraction activities. Thereby the presence of hazardous environments will be unavoidable with a substantial resistance on the quarry industry for not so sustainable closure procedures and following up actions. To overcome these challenges, sufficient monitoring of quarry sites and surroundings to enforce appropriate rehabilitation strategies with post monitoring that has minimal on-site involvements would be essential. For such purposes, analysing remotely sensed data would be applicable, based on the quality of data collection, processing and sufficient ground truthing. Accordingly, this study aims to develop an automated classification approach for mapping the land cover in the regions of abandoned quarries. It employs a comprehensive methodology that includes data preparation, feature extraction and selection, hyperparameter optimization, and identification of the algorithm that exhibits better accuracy. The efficacy of machine learning models - decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) - were critical to analyse Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 satellite images at selected sites in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The outcome reveals that the SVM model produced the highest accuracy of 91.30% with a kappa index of 0.898. This superior performance of Sentinel 2 images could be attributed to their higher spatial resolution compared to Landsat 8 and SVM’s efficient handling of high-dimensional data. Furthermore, SVM’s robustness against overfitting using regularization, and its flexibility in dealing with complex separations through kernel functions would have facilitated the computations in addition to textural features and spectral indices incorporated to augment the model training procedure. It was also evident that augmenting the number of features can help alleviate the misclassifications that occur when exclusive use of spectral data. Utilizing the developed machine learning algorithms, a temporal analysis was performed on land cover from 2018 to 2022 to obtain a comprehensive overview on the changes. This analysis underscores the potential for monitoring land cover changes in abandoned quarries for effective management and rehabilitation strategies with minimal human intervention.
Enhancing stockpile inventory management through UAV- based volume estimation: a case study of salt stockpiles in Hambantota mahalewaya
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Perera M.T.R.D. , Wijesundara K.K.G.I. , Jayawarna M.D. , Chaminda S.P. , Madhurshan R. , Samarakoon K.G.A.U.
Published: January 2025

Accurate volume estimation of stockpiles is crucial in industries such as Mining, Construction, salt, and Agriculture to optimize resource utilization. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) compared to Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and Total Station (TS) methods for volume estimation of outdoor salt stockpiles in Hambantota Mahalewaya, Southern province of Sri Lanka. The inventory identified two stockpiles, stockpile 1 and stockpile 2, with volumes of 1832.25 m3 and 819 m3, respectively. An optimal elevation of 55m was utilized for UAV surveys, and the results were compared with DGPS and TS measurements. UAV surveying factors affecting errors, including image resolution, Ground Control Points (GCPs), and image processing software, were assessed for both stockpiles. Survey time and cost for each method were also analyzed. Pix4dMapper and Agisoft Metashape software processed UAV images, while Civil3D software processed DGPS and TS data. Results indicated that increasing UAV survey elevation reduced volume error percentages for both stockpiles, with and without GCPs. For Stockpile 1, UAV volume estimation showed a 0.88% difference from the actual volume, compared to 4.81% for DGPS and 3.35% for TS. Conversely, for Stockpile 2, UAV estimation differed by 0.95%, while DGPS and TS showed differences of 0.56% and 0.10%, respectively. UAV surveys proved efficient in terms of survey time and labor intensity. Despite technological advancements, challenges remain, particularly in addressing topographical variations for accurate volume estimation. To improve UAV-based estimation, addressing bottom elevation discrepancies by establishing fixed benchmarks on flat terrains was suggested. Nonetheless, UAV-based approaches offer fast and relatively reliable results, indicating their potential for widespread adoption.
A predictive model derived from sattellite data and selected water quality parameters for invasive plant dynamics in north Bolgoda lake
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Gowsiga A. , Kayooran S. , Sriyasantha P.D.S.H. , Gohulan H. ,   Department of Decision Sciences, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Dassanayake D.M.S.M. , Jayawardena C.L. ,   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

The proliferation of aquatic weeds and algae in water bodies, such as Water Hyacinth coverage in North Bolgoda Lake, underscores potential pollution concerns associated with prolonged plant growth on surface water, changing nutrient levels and subsequently the water quality. This study aims to develop a regression model employing remote sensing techniques to identify and map the spatial distribution of invasive plants, primarily Water Hyacinth, in North Bolgoda Lake. Integration of surface temperatures derived from the Thermal Infrared (TIR) band of Landsat-8 satellite data facilitated by the field measurements of selected parameters are the main components of this research. Utilizing TIR band 10 data, converted into Lake Surface Water Temperature (SWT) imagery, alongside the surface water temperature measurements from pre-identified locations and computed Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values for the same locations includes the main data used for the study. Lake SWT and DO, COD gathered from 30 locations during February and March 2024, revealed a linear inverse correlation between Lake SWT, COD, and DO. A composite map was generated for the selected locality of the North Bolgoda Lake with all the above information including provisions for precision enhancements by continuing insertion of field data. Despite the involvement of limited parameters this dynamic map could serve as a preliminary model for recognizing the behaviour of invasive plants and their impact on the selected elements of the waterbody. Further, this could be extended to determine the lake bottom dynamics, behavioural characteristics of the water column and the potential for encountering contaminations. It is recommended to develop this map by including further parameters and replicate the same methodology to cover the North Bolgoda Lake extent to assist authorities to make informed decisions. This study merges the satellite-derived data with ground-truth measurements to validate and refine the predictive models, ensuring their accuracy and reliability in forecasting. Utilizing spatial autocorrelation techniques this predictive framework could be further improved.
Disaster and attitudinal vulnerability: a systematic conceptual review
Authors:   Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, Sri Lanka, Senavirathna C. , Rajapaksha S.
Published: January 2025

Natural hazards represent a destructive force that poses a significant risk to human life, property, and the economy, among other aspects. The impact of natural hazards on the economy and human populations is profound. Various attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors are linked to different demographic groups, some of which may be more susceptible to these hazards than others. In developing nations, catastrophic natural events like tsunamis can deliver a sudden blow to their development trajectory, leading to a costly and challenging recovery process. A key contemporary challenge in disaster preparedness involves the effective application of soft measures, focusing on assessing local awareness, knowledge, perception, and attitudes towards disasters. The primary research inquiry in this investigation pertains to understanding the existing knowledge surrounding attitudinal vulnerability to disasters. The aims of this study include conducting an extensive review of current knowledge on attitudinal vulnerability in disasters and identifying potential avenues for future research.PRISMA framework and guidelines have been followed to conduct this systematic conceptual review. Total of 128 articles were initially identified from the Scopus database using the key words “Disaster”, “Vulnerability” and “attitude”. Review protocol has been developed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Analysis method used in this study was keyword co-occurrence utilizing the VOSviewer software (Version 1.6.20). The principal discoveries of this theoretical manuscript encompass the delineation of forthcoming avenues for research and areas of research deficiency, such as knowledge lacunae, empirical deficiencies, contextual deficiencies, and methodological deficiencies. A comprehensive framework is imperative to grasp the extent of the matter, encompassing both the technical and social repercussions. Subsequent research endeavours should concentrate on the amalgamation of Blockchain and the internet of things to facilitate real-time data utilization in the realm of disaster readiness. Initiatives aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness should specifically target younger demographics for enhancement purposes. In conclusion, the influence of past experiences on current and future preparedness needs to be explored enhancing public attitudes and knowledge of climate change and disaster risk
A Study of groundwater recovery following tunnel construction in the upper highland complex – a case study on the Ranwediyawa tunnel
Authors:   China State Construction Engineering Co. Ltd, Sri Lanka, Dissanayake H.M. , Perumal M. ,   Program Management, Design and Supervision Consultant, Sri Lanka, Lees D.J. ,   Program Management, Design and Supervision Consultant, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

In Sri Lanka, understanding the hydrogeological conditions is vital when constructing tunnels, especially geological regions such as the Highland Complex, where groundwater supports local communities and agriculture. While some recent data sheds light on groundwater reduction during tunneling, little is known about the recovery process. The Ranwediyawa tunnel construction, part of the Mahaweli Water Security and Investment Program (MWSIP), offered an opportunity to monitor groundwater impact closely. During excavation, considering seasonal variations, a reduction in groundwater levels was recorded, and following tunnel completion and installation of the waterproof lining, the groundwater recovery was monitored. The hydrogeological conditions of the Highland Complex present unique challenges as groundwater is vital for local communities and agriculture, so tunneling activities must be carefully managed to minimize disturbance. This paper outlines the planning, monitoring, and construction carried out for this project. Our findings stress the importance of comprehensive planning and monitoring during tunnel construction, understanding hydrogeological conditions and implementing effective waterproofing measures, to minimize environmental impact and ensure no disruption in domestic water supply and agriculture sustainability. It is hoped that the data and insights gained from this project can be used in future tunnel projects in similar hydrogeological settings, enhancing infrastructure project resilience and safeguarding groundwater resources for future generations.
Polymer-modified microbial induced carbonate precipitation for stabilizing unstable slope surfaces in Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Engineering Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, Chandraleka K. , Sabeshraj P. , Thilakarathna A.M.G.G.G. , Nawarathna T.H.K. , Gowthaman S. , De Silva L.I.N. ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Karunawardena A. ,   National Building Research Organization, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

Cement grouting is a widely using technique in Sri Lanka to stabilize the unstable slope surfaces. Although cement grouting has been identified as an efficient mean of stabilization, it is not an ecofriendly practice. Polymer-modified microbial induced carbonate precipitation (PM-MICP) has been recently recognized as a promising pathway to produce bio-grout material that has the potential to be used for stabilizations in the place of cement. In MICP, calcium carbonate bio-cement is produced through enzymatic reactions. The efficiency of the process can be further improved by incorporating bio-polymer. In this research, the viability of the PM-MICP to stabilize the Sri Lankan unstable slope surfaces was evaluated. Representative soil samples were collected from unstable slope areas in Matale district of Sri Lanka. Sporosarcina pasteurii was the ureolytic bacteria, and chitosan was the natural biopolymer used for the experiments. Laboratory scaled specimens were prepared and treated using (i) saturation and (ii) percolation methods; for different concentrations of cementation solutions (i) 0.3 mol/L and (ii) 0.5 mol/L); (i) with 0.05% and (ii) without chitosan. Bacteria culture was injected twice during the fourteen days of treatment, while the cementation solution was injected daily. After the treatment, samples were removed from the mold and subjected to a comprehensive evaluation program. Laboratory-scale model slope was also prepared and treated after 28 days of treatment, and the surface strength was determined. The samples treated with 0.5 mol/L cementation solution and polymer, exhibited a strong solidification compared with the specimens treated without polymer in both saturation and percolation methods. However, bottom of samples showed a weak solidification due to the less penetration of the bacteria and cementation solution to the bottom of the sample. In without polymer case, a weak solidification was observed for the samples treated using percolation method compared with the saturation method. Higher cementation could be achieved for the samples with 0.5 mol/L cementation solution than the sample with 0.3 mol/L. Comparatively, the surface strength was higher for the slope treated with polymer, thus the PM-MICP can be recommended as a promising alternative approach to conventional cement grouting for stabilizing the unstable slope surfaces in Sri Lanka.
Investigation of suitable methods to protect main roads adjacent to water bodies
Authors:   Road Development Authority, Sri Lanka, Logeswaran J. , Kulathilaka S.A.S. ,   Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

Main roads near water bodies are prone to stability issues caused by erosion from rainfall, river flow, sudden water drawdowns, and human activities. This study examines four sites facing such challenges, identifying erosion causes and evaluating stabilization methods. Techniques such as gabion walls, bamboo crib walls, and vegetated soil bags were explored, balancing cost, constructability, and sustainability. Implemented solutions have shown promising performance, supporting eco-friendly infrastructure initiatives. The findings demonstrate the potential of combining conventional and bioengineering methods for effective slope stabilization. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable practices for protecting road infrastructure, crucial for future applications in similar geotechnical conditions in Sri Lanka.
Optimization of rice straw hydrolysis to convert ligno-cellulose to simple sugars
Authors:   Technical department, Waste Management Authority (Western Province), Thumbowila, Karadiyana, Madanayake N. , Basnayake B.F.A. ,   Departments of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Jayakody L.N. ,   Department of Microbiology, Southern Illinois University
Published: January 2025

Development and use of renewable energy is a key option towards poverty alleviation and to mitigate global warming. Annual rice straw yield of 2.7 million metric tons in Sri Lanka is the most abundant lingo-cellulosic crop residue for bioconversion into ethanol. This research focused on the hydrolysis phase in ethanol production to optimize the rice straw digestion in the saccharification process. In this study, four anaerobic leaching columns in which the base filled with gravel and sand were used. Except for the control, the other three contained an additional soil layer of 60 mm that was obtained beneath a pile of decomposing rice straw. Then, 500g of rice straw was added to each column. In one of the soil added columns, elute was re-circulated. Rice straw to water ratio was maintained at 1:20 by adding water and straw. Samples were taken at daily basis, except for non-recycled one with analysis of initial and final day for pH, conductivity, TDS, salinity, brix, TS, VS, VSS, TSS, VSS, and BOD. The non-recycled, soil added column gave increased values of conductivity, TDS, salinity, TSS, VSS, and well-grown white mycelia on straw. Highest values of measured parameters were reported in re-circulated column. The increment of cumulative conductivity, TDS, salinity, VS, TSS, and VSS, of non-recycled, soil added column was significant rather than the control. In applying Michaelis Menten kinetics, Vmax and Km for the column without soil are 0.33 and 26.7, with soil were 0.42 and 18.37 and with re-circulation were 7.22 and 0.15, respectively. The latter with higher rate of conversion with less inhibition, proved better affinity between substrate and enzyme. The elusions of TS for without and with soil were 58.0g and 71.5g. These converted to 40.1g and 50.8g of simple sugars and they were 8.0% and 10.1% of total straw weight, expressing in cellulose mass, varied between 22.9%-26.7% and 29%-33.8% of simple sugars. Thus, deduced energy contents are 1.03-1.40 MJ/kg and 1.30-1.77 MJ/kg. Hence hydrolysis of rice straw with soil, has a potential to recover 175 million liters of ethanol.
Evaluation of mango (Mangifera indica L.) different cultivars for flowering attributes of Chhattisgarh plain zone under rained condition
Authors: Rana Gangaram , Sharma G. L. , Lal Sahu Roshan
Published: January 2025

A conducted field experiment that is an investigation of flowering characteristic attributes of some mango varieties in the Chhattisgarh plain zone at a field of Horticulture Farm, CoA, IGKV, Raipur (C.G.) in the years 2019-20 and 2020-21. In the results of research work of both the years, the difference in flower buds was different. It was noticed that the Chhattisgarh Raj variety was the earliest panicle emergence and the late variety Amarpali experimental years. In the same way are varieties Chhattisgarh Raj is earliest and late is Amrapali different parameters likeflower bud differentiation, the emergence of inflorescence, the start of the first flowering date, 25% flower opening, 50% flower opening, and days of full bloom and start date of a bearing. The both years (2019-20 and 2020-21) observed that in total number of flowers in panicle1 was the maximum variety Chhattisgarh Gaurav (1780.16) and the minimum is Chhattisgarh Pawan (704.50), in case number of hermaphrodite flower panicle1 Dashehari (518.00) highest and lowest Chhattisgarh Raj (68.33) and several male flower panicle1 is highest Chhattisgarh Gaurav (1265.16) and least value Chhattisgarh Pawan (522.833), sex ratio is highest is Chhattisgarh Raj (14.21) and the minimum is Langra (1.56).
Evaluation of Lactic acid bacteria for extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables
Authors: Suresh M. T. , R. Poorniammal  , S. Prabhu  , M. Suryabalan
Published: January 2025

The preservation of fruits and vegetables using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated directly from fruits and vegetables is a human-friendly approach. The fruits and vegetables which were available in the nearby local market were used for this experiment. LAB in these fruits and vegetables were enriched using skim milk broth. Then the cultures were isolated and purified. LAB was isolated using MRS media. Then after serious of morphological and biochemical characterization, their antimicrobial property was assessed against B. subtilis, E. coli, Pseudomonas sp., Xanthomonas sp., Serratia sp. and Collectotrichum sp., Alternaria sp., Sclerotia sp., Rhizopus sp. and best isolate which was performed well as selected and polysaccharide was extracted by centrifuge method at 10,000 rpm for 20 minutes. The Lactobacillus plantarum LABB3 was found to be the best isolate recorded maximum polysaccharide with antimicrobial activity. Then fruits and vegetables (banana, papaya, carrot, beans) were coated with these polysaccharides (biofilm). It is found that these biofilms reduce the weight loss of fruits and vegetables and also reduce atmospheric microbial attack on fruits and increase the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Thus these edible biofilms can be used as bio preservatives for increasing the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
Peculiarities of access to hydrological data and their use on the example of well-known databases of hydrological information
Authors: Yushchenko Vasyl
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this work is to categorize and provide characteristics of the existing hydrological information databases and also to demonstrate the modern capabilities of using hydrological data. The subject of the study is the use of hydrological data stored in databases for research and modeling.

The main focus of the study is on various existing hydrological information databases. The most well-known public databases and methods of accessing them are described in order to guide researchers through the process of using public hydrological data.

One of the most popular ways of accessing hydrological database is using public web interface. Most of the well-known public databases provide web interface for the anonymous user access. Usually, the process of reaching the data is simple, user need to perform several common steps. Firstly, web interface needs to be loaded in the web browser, next steps are selecting the desired region and time span. Additionally, subset of hydrological parameters can be selected in order to minimize network traffic. And lastly, data can be loaded by submitting web form. The result is usually presented in the form of table, or as an interactive trend.

Another way of obtaining hydrological data from the public database is making a request for data export to the database owner organization. As an example of this approach, GRDC database access is described. GRDC can export data in several popular formats of the hydrological data, such as CSV, NetCDF or WaterML2. In order to get the data, you need to fill in the access request form, which contains personal contact data, scientific institution contact data and subject matter. After accepting the request, GRDC sends back exported archive via email. Data can be transformed and integrated into GIS software or hydrological model.

Additionally, in the work, there is a mention of approaches to the standardization of hydrological data, which can be used to build a private hydrological database. According to the modern standards, private relational database is the most efficient way of storing hydrological data, because of high integrity quality of this approach. Most of the modern GIS software, as well as hydrological modeling systems, are capable of integration with different types of relational databases. This is a promising direction for the next research.

Keywords: hydrology, database, time series, statistics, water runoff.
Resource management issues in future wireless multimedia networks
Authors: Iraqi Youssef , Boutaba Raouf
Published: January 2025

Broadband multimedia services and wireless services are becoming very popular. They are presently the two major drivers in the telecommunication industry. It is expected that wireless mobile users' demands for multimedia mobile services will rapidly increase in the future. The paper starts by presenting the evolution of wireless networks to support future integrated multimedia wireless personal services and highlight the need for efficient resource management. The limited resources in wireless systems, such as spectrum resource and transmitter power also stress the need for efficient resource management. Emphasis is given in the paper to the discussion of the channel allocation, mobility management, and bandwidth distribution problems. A review of some approaches proposed in the literature to solve these problems is presented. Finally, the paper discusses some of the key resource management issues that need to be addressed in the context of future wireless mobile networks that support multimedia communications while ensuring quality of service guarantees.