bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Three-Pillar Score System to Reduce the Sustainable Subset Heterogeneity within the GREENSL Rating System in Sri Lanka
Authors: Thiwanka S.P.D.  , Halwatura D.  , Pallewatta N.
Published: February 2024

Sustainable development is achievable only by integrating and acknowledging three main sustainability pillars (Environment, Social, and Economic) during the decision-making process. Sustainable/Green construction has become a major part of the sustainable development process in Sri Lanka today. Sustainable/Green buildings are evaluated using both international (LEED, BREEAM, CASBEE, Green globes, etc.) and local (GREENSL, Blue-Green Sri Lanka) green building rating systems. Most of these international green building rating systems have unequal credit point distribution among three sustainability subsets which causes heterogeneity among subsets. Thus, this research was designed to evaluate two local green building rating systems (GREENSL Version 2.0, and Blue-Green Sri Lanka for government constructions Version 1.0) to identify this heterogeneity in the local context. The credit point distribution among three sustainability subsets within the two selected rating systems was evaluated by analyzing the categories and criteria of these two rating systems. Here, when criteria represented one or more pillars of sustainability, the credit points belonging to such criteria were equally divided into those two subsets. The results revealed that three subsets were not equally considered in the GREENSL (Environment (52.1%), Social (21.6%), Economic (26.3%)) and Blue-green Sri Lanka for government constructions (Environment (48.4%), Social (17.2%), Economic (34.4%)) rating systems. Thus, there is a sustainable subset heterogeneity that is dominated by environmental sustainability. As achieving the exact 33.3% point distribution among three sustainability pillars is difficult, new point distribution percentages were proposed as 40% for the environment and 30% each for both social and economic sustainability pillars. Finally, a new three-pillar score system was proposed that can be used together with the GREENSL overall score for the buildings to reduce this subset heterogeneity by adopting the proposed point distribution percentages above. This study suggested that the building needs to fulfill both the total category score and the proposed three- pillar score to qualify for the respective GREENSL award (Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Green certified) to reduce the sustainable subset heterogeneity within this rating system.

Keywords: GREENSL for the built environment, Sustainability subsets, Sustainable subset heterogeneity, Three-pillar score system
Spatial Analysis of Locational Vulnerability of Fish Drying Cottage Industry of Kudawella, Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerakoon K.G.P.K.  , Abeysooriya G.
Published: February 2024

Informal fishing industries in Sri Lanka are in vulnerable areas and their industrial locations are risky. Fish Drying cottage industry of Kudawella is fast growing and spreading in the recent years within the village and to the outside. The industry has informal economy and perfectly competitive market characteristics which enables free entrance and exit and less legal bindings. Although the industry generates a significant direct and indirect employment opportunities and income, it has also created social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities. Vice versa, the industry has become vulnerable due to various social, economic and environmental factors too. Therefore, it the study aims to spatially identify the vulnerability of fish drying cottage industry. The study identified the factors affecting the vulnerability of the industry by conducting a literature survey and were evaluated through observations and the experience of the researchers. 381 industry locations and the relevant 9 criteria maps were mapped by using Open Street Mapping and ArcMap 10.8, such as proximity to the harbour, accessible roads, environmentally sensitive areas, access to the major tourist attraction in the village; ―Hummanaya‖ the blowhole, the coast, Tsunami reservation, social infrastructure and population density and selection for projects conducted by the government. For the weighted overlay analysis, each criterion was weighted based on their relative contribution to the vulnerability of the industry. The resulting map showed that higher portion of the village a higher percentage of existing number of manufactures are moderately vulnerable while a 4.2% of land in the village is severely vulnerable for the industry. However, no manufacturing site was found to be severely vulnerable within the concerned period. The village is an Urban Development Authority declared urban area which is having economic potential due to factors such as existence of the Blowhole and abundancy of coastal and shallow water resources. Therefore, the study suggests the decision makers to make decisions to upgrade informal sector to ensure to avoid vulnerable locations of Industry and they can earmark suitable locational area to ensure the sustainable utilization of land.

Keywords: Cottage industry, Fish drying, GIS, Sustainable land use, Weighted overlay analysis
Preliminary Investigation on the Effect of Termites on Wood Decay in Selected Sri Lankan Timber Species
Authors: Arachchi C.I.M.  , Muthumala C.K.  , Jayalath J.A.C.S.
Published: February 2024

Wood in suitable environmental conditions can be attacked by bacteria, fungi, insects, marine borers and some other biological organisms. Wood is the main biodegradation material which is naturally occurred in surrounding environment. As heartwood of wood consist most of the nonliving cells it shows more resistance to decay than sapwood. But insects can cause degrade in both heartwood and sapwood which are not preserved well. Termites belong to Class: Insecta, Order: Isoptera which are one of the most important as ecological contributors by breaking down the organic material of the wood structures directly. This study was done to analyze the effect of termites of selected 27 species with having different densities varying from 400 kg/m3 to 1100 kg/m3 at 12% moisture content. Ten pieces of each and every species of Wewarana, Jack, Badidel, Halmilla, Dawata, Walukeena, Hulanhik, Kaluwara, Hora, Pihimbiya, Damaniya, Godakirilla, Pelan, Hik, Etamba, Lunumidella, Diya Na, Palu, Mora, Kirihembiliya, Nedun, Kon, Kumbuk, Dummala, Milla, Kirikon and Burutha were stored in a separate same type wooden boxes and kept in same environmental conditions where termites can be seen in high densities for one year of time period in Head Office premises of State Timber Corporation at Battaramulla. According to the naked eye observations taken after one year time period Hora, Dummala, Godakirilla species were severely attack by termites while Halmilla, Walukeena, Pihimbiya, Damaniya, Pelan, Etamba, Lunumidella, Diya Na, Kirikon also attack at considerable level by termites. Other species were not attack by termites. Therefore altogether out of 27 species 12 were degraded by termites for the allocated one year time period. The other species of Wewarana, Jack, Bedidel, Dawata, Hulanhik, Kaluwara, Hik, Palu, Mora, Kirihembiliya, Nedun, Kon, Kumbuk, Milla, Burutha species were resistant to the termite attack during one year time period. However further studies are underway to develop the relationships of degradation due to termite attack with climatic conditions, geographical conditions, timber properties such as strength properties as well as the densities, mechanical properties with considerable time period which allocated to degrade.

Keywords: Ttermites, Decay, Density, Time period
Biofilm-based Biofertilizers and Microbial Mixed Cultures: Are they Different on Plant Growth?
Authors: Senanayake D.M.N.  , Seneviratne G.  , Jayasinghe J.A.W.W.
Published: February 2024

Intensive agriculture has increased crop yields, but at the same time has posed severe environmental problems. Organic agriculture is a good alternative to intensive agriculture in safeguarding the environment. However, handling bulky organic materials in large-scale cultivations limits the widespread use of organic agriculture. In this context, microbial biofertilizers can play a major role in replacing intensive agriculture, which is based only on chemical inputs. As a recent development in microbiology, biofilms have been formulated in vitro to be used as biofertilizers, which are then called biofilmed biofertilizers (BFBFs). Biofilms are complex, surface-attached communities of multiple microbial species that produce a wider range of ecologically important biochemicals. The present study investigated the biochemical expression and the effect on plant growth of BFBFs and just mixed cultures of the BFBF microbes, using tomato (Solanumlyco persicum) as the test plant. A plant assay and a pot experiment were carried out to evaluate this. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the biochemical expression of the BFBFs and the mixed cultures. Seeds inoculated with BFBF showed significantly higher germination percentages and seedling lengths than the mixed cultures. The BFBFs and the mixed culture increased the vigor index of tomatoes up to 177% and 120%, respectively over the non-amended control. BFBFs inoculations significantly improved the root growth and resulted in significantly higher biomass production and plant height than the mixed cultures, and this was proportional to the production of more diverse functional groups and nitrogenous compounds by the BFBFs. Thus, it can be concluded that the BFBFs secrete a wider range of biochemicals than their mixed cultures, thus leading to higher plant productivity.

Keywords: Biofilms, Biofertilizer, Tomato, Organic agriculture
Olax zeylanica Leaf Extract-assisted Eco-Benevolent Synthesis of Sulfur Nanoparticles and the Determination of their Insecticidal Potential against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Sandeepani G.D.V.A.  , Perera A.G.W.U.  , Chinthaka S.D.M.
Published: February 2024

Stored-product insects are serious pests of dried, stored, durable agricultural goods and value-added foods worldwide. In spite of the commonest way of controlling pestiferous insects associated with cereal grains and their milled products via conventional insecticides, their usage on stored grains are not recommended due to expensiveness, inefficacy due to insect resistance, and potential health hazards to humans. These deleterious consequences thus have been encouraging to merit investigation on the plant extract-assisted eco-benevolent synthesis of nanoparticles, owing to their sustainable, non-noxious, convenient, and environmental friendly nature. In view of this background, the present study was aimed at evaluating the insecticidal effectiveness of green synthesized sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) against Sitophilus oryzae adults. SNPs have been successfully prepared from sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3.5H2O) in the presence of Olax zeylanica leaf extract at room temperature. The resulting SNPs were then characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The toxicity of Sitophilus oryzae was bio-assayed by exposing the test insects to SNPs-treated rice grains at six different dosages at 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.0625 g/kg, whereby mortality counts were taken after every 24 hours for seven days. The UV- Vis spectroscopy showed a peak in the range of 260-280 nm, which showed the successful formation of SNPs, while being in accordance with the previous studies reported in the literature. According to the Debye-Scherrer formula of XRD data, the average crystalline size of the SNPs counted to be 72.7 nm. The particle size of SNPs is also confirmed by SEM images. FTIR results showed peak positions corresponding to S8 with slight differences due to the presence of biomolecules from the O. zeylanica leaf extract being bound onto the surface of SNPs. Bioassay results show that the mortality of insects increased with the increase of dosage and exposure time period, reporting 100% S. oryzae mortalities at 1.5 and 1.0 g/kg dosages within 7 days. Accordingly, the results of the present study thus suggest that the bio-transformed sulfur nanoparticles could be utilized not only as biocontrol agents, but also as ecofriendly candidates for the sustained-protection storage grain ecosystems from insect pest infestations.

Keywords: Green-synthesized Sulfur nanoparticles, Olax zeylanica, Insecticidal, Sitophilus oryzae
Review of the Responses of Various Soil Amendments in Sandy Soils
Authors: Jayathilini D.L.D.C  , Eeswaran R.  , Srikrishnah S.
Published: February 2024

The primary constraints with sandy soils are low soil organic matter content, poor nutrient availability, heavy losses of applied nutrients and lower water holding capacity. Improving the productivity of sandy soils, particularly in developing countries, could be a viable solution to food insecurity and poverty. Large extent of sandy soil is one of the major constraints for crop production in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, various soil amendments can be applied to improve the performances of cropping systems in sandy soils. Nevertheless, a comprehensive knowledge on which soil amendment would work better across different scales is not well known. To address this knowledge gap, this review was conducted using published literature. Systematic review approach was adopted, and the data were extracted from 65 highly relevant papers. The data were analyzed to calculate the percentage changes on crop yields, soil organic matter and soil carbon, in response to the applications of different soil amendments. The review highlighted the potential of several soil amendments to improve the crop performances in sandy soils. Interestingly, rice straw biochar and the municipal solid waste compost have greatly increased crop yields especially in rice at the rate of 0.9% w/w and 3% w/w in soil weight basis, respectively. Highest improvement in soil organic matter and soil carbon was observed under the applications of compost and spent grain, respectively. Therefore, rice straw biochar and compost could be evaluated to improve the productivity of sandy soils, especially in the Eastern region of Sri Lanka. Although the spent grain was promising, the availability for large scale applications may be limited in Sri Lanka. Testing of these soil amendments would require long-term experiments incorporating different crops and cropping systems. 

Keywords: Compost, Biochar, Sandy soil, Soil amendments
Effect of Cinnamon Leaf Compost on Selected Soil Properties in Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) Growing Soils
Authors: Anuradha M.D.  , Tharanga K.H.G.M.  , Dissanayake M.L.M.C.  , Madhurangi H.M.T.T.
Published: February 2024

Integrated nutrient-management programs incorporating organic and inorganic fertilizers have been suggested to increase crop yields and reduce adverse environmental impacts in intensive agriculture. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of long-term cinnamon leaf compost (CLC) application on some selected physical, biological and chemical soil properties and the horizontal and vertical distribution of some selected soil properties in cinnamon-growing soils. The study was conducted in the National Cinnamon Research and Training Center, Palolpitiya, from January to April 2022. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments (T1-Control, T2-Current recommendation (CR), T3-3/4 CR with 5 t/ha/yr CLC, T4-1/2 CR with 10 t/ha/yr CLC, T5-1/4 CR with 15 t/ha/yr CLC, T6-20 t/ha/yr CLC) and three replicates. Soil samples were collected considering three horizontal distances (15, 30 and 45 cm) and with three depths (10, 20 and 30 cm). Soil physical properties (aggregate stability, bulk density, soil moisture), chemical properties (soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC)), and biological properties (arbuscular mycorrhizal root colonization) were determined. Water stable aggregate (WSA), SOC, and soil pH were significantly affected by the treatments, and all the variables except EC were significantly affected by the soil depth (p<0.05). Soil pH was the only variable that was significantly affected by the horizontal distance (p<0.05). Only SOC and pH have shown a significant interaction effect among treatments and depth. The application of CLC (20 t/ha/yr) significantly increases the WSA and SOC. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi root colonization was increased with the incorporation of CLC. Continuous application of inorganic fertilizers (T2) caused soil compaction and acidification. WSA, soil pH, and SOC were significantly improved within the 0-10 cm soil depth. The best performances of WSA, pH, and EC were shown in 30-45 cm and SOC in 15–30 cm horizontal distance from the plant base and 0-10 cm soil depth with the application of 1/2 CR and 10 t/ha/yr CLC comparison to other fertilizer combinations. 

Keywords: Aggregates, Mycorrhizae, pH, Soil organic carbon
Impact of Heat on Soil Water Repellency in Forest Soils from Different Depths using Water-Repellent Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) Forest Soil
Authors: Perera H.T.M.  , Mori Y.  , Maeda M.  , Leelamanie D.A.L.
Published: February 2024

ome soils under plant species, such as casuarina, pine, eucalyptus, cedar, and cypress, show water- repellent conditions. Wildfires are common in forests dominated by these plant species as they produce highly flammable debris. The heat generated during wildfires alters soil characteristics, including soil water repellency (SWR). The responses of SWR to heat can differ depending on the heating temperature and the soil depth. This study aimed to examine the effects of different heating temperatures on SWR through a soil profile using Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) forest soil in Japan. Soil samples were collected from four different depths (0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20 cm). Soils were exposed to heat with seven heating temperatures (TH) (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350° C) separately for 1 h using a programmable muffle furnace. The degree (contact angle) and the persistence of SWR in both heated and non-heated samples were measured using the molarity of an ethanol droplet test and the water drop penetration time (WDPT) test, respectively. In non-heated soils, the 0-5 cm layer showed the highest SWR (contact angle ~110°; WDPT≥3600 s). SWR decreased with depth to be non-repellent at 15-20 cm (contact angle≤90°; WDPT≤1 s). In heated samples, SWR of 0-5, 5-10, and 10-15 cm layers decreased with increasing TH, while the selection from 15-20 cm was non-repellent in all treatments. Soils of 0-5 cm depth showed extreme SWR (WDPT=≥3600 s) up to 200° C and became non-repellant at 250° C, while those of 5-10 cm showed extreme SWR up to 150° C, severe SWR (WDPT~1350 s) at 200° C, and became non- repellent at 250° C. The soils from 10-15 cm showed severe SWR (WDPT~2100 s) at TH of 50° C and became non-repellent at 100° C. Results revealed that upper soil layers with higher SWR required higher TH to become non-repellent, and soils from lower layers with lower SWR became non-repellent at lower TH. Further experiments are necessary to identify the changes in molecular levels of organic matter in response to the impacts of heat on SWR. 

Keywords: Cryptomeria japonica, Laboratory heating, Soil water repellency, Wildfires
Identification of Deep and Shallow Groundwater Potential Zones using GIS Techniques; Case Study: Monaragala District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramarathna R.L.  , Illeperuma I.A.K.S.  , Indrajith W.G.T.
Published: February 2024

One of the most crucial steps in the management of groundwater sources sustainably is the delineation of the zones with potential for groundwater. However, in addition to taking a lot of time and money, groundwater investigations can be difficult and complex in many locations. To get sufficient results, it needed to demarcate shallow and deep groundwater potentiality separately. Sri Lankan districts have various problems due to a lack of water. With population growth and urbanization, surface water is insufficient to meet the water requirement. This study focused on groundwater potential mapping in Monaragala district covered with the total are 5708 km2 in Sri Lanka. The fuzzy overlay and weighted overlay method integrated with GIS were mainly used to determine potential zones for deep and shallow groundwater. The final results from the two overlaying methods were compared to identify most accurate locations. Six parameters, namely aquifer type, soil depth, soil group, rainfall, proximity to surface water bodies, and slope, were evaluated for the shallow groundwater studies. Proximity to lineament, geology and shallow groundwater parameters were assessed for profound groundwater potentiality. The final output resulting maps were categorized into five main categories such as extremely low, low, moderate, high and extremely high by considering obtained potential values. The deep groundwater potential map demonstrates that the high groundwater potential areas are located around the lineaments, prominently areas having mountain ranges. Therefore the effect of the lineament is very high for deep groundwater availability. High shallow groundwater potential areas are located in smaller regions from Katharagama, Thanamalwila and Siyambalanduwa. Obtained results were validated using existing 220 tube well data and 100 dug well data. 

Keywords: Fuzzy overlay, Geology, GIS, Groundwater, Weighted overlay
Impacts of Organic and Non-Organic Cultivation Practices on Soil Fertility Parameters of Selected Paddy Lands Based on the Duration of Cultivation in Wet and Intermediate Climate Zones of Sri Lanka
Authors: Hemachandra J.K.D.S.H.  , Godakumbura P.I.  , Prashantha M.A.B.  , Cooray A.T.
Published: February 2024

Sri Lanka has been practicing the cultivation of rice as its main staple food in two major agricultural techniques; organic and non-organic. The major aim of the present study was to analyze and compare the time duration-based impacts of the above two agricultural practices on paddy soil fertility indicators as the preliminary step of a long-term research project. Organic and non-organic paddy fields that have been cultivated for 2 seasons in Thorapitiya in the Matale district were selected as short-term cultivated lands. Land cultivated for 10 years organically in Homagama and land with a non-organic cultivation history of 20 years in Kottawa was selected as long-term cultivated lands. A total number of 35 samples were collected including the control samples from adjacent uncultivated land during the first phase of the Maha season 2021/2022. The samples were dried, sieved and then analyzed in their physical and chemical properties; color, texture, particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon content (OCC), total nitrogen content (TNC), available phosphorus content (APC), exchangeable potassium content (EPC), and exchangeable magnesium content (EMC). The soil samples from Thorapitiya had a reddish-brown nature while most of the samples from Kottawa and Homagama had a grayish-brown color. Higher clay percentages were found in the soil samples from long-term organically cultivated lands in Homagama. The uniformity coefficient (Cu) values for soils from study areas except Homagama lie in the range for well-graded soil while the coefficient of gradation (Cc) values of all three areas were not in the above range. Short-term cultivation using organic and non-organic fertilizers did not show a significant difference in soil texture, pH, EC, APC, EPC, and EMC values. Most of their cultivated lands had a lower pH (~5.5–6.0) than the corresponding control plots (~5.8–6.4). The TNC levels in non-organically cultivated lands were significantly higher than in organic lands. Practicing agricultural activities for a prolonged period has resulted in significant differences in soil texture, pH, EC, OCC, TNC and APC between organic and non-organic lands. Higher OCC and lower pH, EC and APC values have been obtained for long-term organically cultivated lands than their non-organic counterparts. The TNC, APC and EPC levels were higher in most of the long- term organic and non-organic lands than in their control samples. Several amendments have to be made to bring the fertility parameters to an optimum level in long-term cultivated lands. 

Keywords: Soil fertility, Paddy soil, Cultivation history, Organic cultivation, Non-organic cultivation
Spatial Variability of Selected Soil Chemical Parameters in Low-yielding Paddy Production Block in Mahaweli System H, Sri Lanka
Authors: Attanayaka A.M.S.M.  , Akther M.S.R.  , Naveendrakumar G.
Published: February 2024

Although water availability for paddy production in Mahaweli System H is abundant, paddy yield is lower in Nochchiyagama (278 km2), chosen for soil assessment. Paddy yield data were used to identify the low-yielding division using the area-weighted average. Twenty-five random locations were generated, and soil samples were collected for pH, soil conductivity (EC), salinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) analysis. ArcGIS software was used to create spatial distribution maps and related geostatistical analyses for each parameter. Vector files were created with their associated properties, and thematic maps were generated using spatial interpolation techniques, such as universal kriging (UK), ordinary kriging (OK), and inverse distance weighted (IDW) methods of interpolation techniques to identify the best interpolation method for soil chemical parameters mapping. The entire Nochchiyagama land was observed to have a slightly acidic pH (5.6-5.9) range that may have affected rice crop growth due to nutrient mobility and uptake issues. The spatial interpolation evaluation suggests that at least two-thirds of the area observed for lower TDS levels (591-654 mg/L) is potentially unsafe paddy production. Elevated levels of EC (3.1-7.24 dS/m) along with TDS may lead to physiological drought due to interferences in ion uptake. In overall, spatial interpolation evaluation indicators suggest that the UK method was observed with a lower mean relative error (MRE) than the other two interpolations. However, EC distribution showed low MRE in both IDW and OK interpolation techniques. The IDW method was observed to have a lower RMSE (Root mean square error). The UK spatial interpolation performed better for TDS and salinity predictions than other methods. This study found consistent regional differences in low paddy yields in Mahaweli system H using the UK method for analyzing soil chemical parameters. 

Keywords: Electrical conductivity, Interpolation errors, Salinity, Spatial interpolation
Connecting the Dots; Environmental Literacy Index in Measuring Knowledge for Environmental Conservation
Authors: Dissanayake, D.M.S.B.
Published: February 2024

Conservationist Aldo Leopold noted that acts of conservation without the requisite desires and skill are futile. Systematic environmental education plays a significant role in enhancing knowledge and competencies for environmental sustainability through a scientifically informed citizenry. The environmental education spiral consists of three key elements; environmental awareness, environmental conduct, and environmental literacy. While environmental conduct that emerged with awareness contributes to the reduction of environmental degradation, scholars argue that environmental literacy contributes to conservation. With the objective of developing an environmental literacy index, this research assessed environmental knowledge, personal conduct, and the extent of application of environmental knowledge. Key informant interviews were held to develop the index with 30 criteria, and a survey was held with 160 students in schools and universities, teachers, and development officers. Environmental literacy is seen as the individual‘s understanding and competencies that create rational and informed decisions and contributions to conserve natural systems and associated communities that create a sustainable and environmentally friendly quality of life. Environmental education can take place in many forms and is incorporated in the school education syllabus from grade one to eleven in general, and in the science stream. Among the school students, the majority (76%) were able to identify and understand age- appropriate environmental features and significance, however, had very low (13%) personal conduct for reducing pressure on the environment, while had moderate (38%) literacy levels. The average responses of the university students were 82%, 48% and 63%. Teachers, including non- science subjects teaching, had a similar status with the university students, indicating 84%, 54%, and 61%. The development officers showed slightly different patterns, representing 73%, 41% and 51%. Among all the respondents, only 13% identified agriculture practices may contribute to water pollution, 12% stated that the transport sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and 9% believed that energy practices at home contribute to global warming. The study reveals that environmental understanding has not contributed much to personal behaviours to reduce the pressure on the environment, and environmental literacy has not been in a state of environmental activism. 

Keywords: Environmental conservation, Environmental education, Environmental literacy
Role of Street trees in Urban Landscape: A Resource Audit
Authors: Seenapatabendige K.B.  , De Silva D.A.M.
Published: February 2024

Street trees first considered as an ornamentation of the city landscape while brings unique identity to the city. Sri Lanka being a bio diversity hotspot large variety of trees and shrubs were available and used as part of urban landscape ornamentation. Choice of street trees based on agroclimatic zone, cultural identities, characteristics and multipurpose nature of the species. Main focus of study was to explore the role of street trees in ornamentation of cities and identify uniqueness brought to the city landscape, find out ecosystem services provided by the street trees and find out socially, culturally, economically and environmentally suitable trees species for cities located in different agroclimatic zones of Sri Lanka. Case study approach was instrumental for this study. Main data collection tools were field observations, in-depth interviews with city dwellers (45), visitors (35), officers of municipal council and urban development authority (10) and scientists (3) and policy makers (3) and maps of the cities considered for the study. Present study based on the street tree profile of 5 main cities (Colombo, Galle, Matara, Anuradhapura and Kandy), town (Bandarawela, Kaluthara, Hambantota, Rathnapura, Peradeniya and Batticaloa) and small town (Suriyawewa, Ambalongoda, Bandaragama, Mawenella, Aluthgama and Mirissa). Street trees of the main cities were ornamented by culturally imported tree species while street of the town areas was appeared with diverse mixture of trees. In Contrast economically importuned trees were common in small towns. Typology of street trees were developed using seven dimensions; social benefits, functional properties, resistant to urban environment, environmental constraints, cultural constraints and limitation constraints. 6 species were identified as the most suitable for street posadas among 15 species found in street trees. Street trees played multifunctional role in urban landscape other than its themed ornamentation role. 

Keywords: Ecosystem services, Street, trees, Urban landscape
Mangrove Biodiversity Conservation and Aquaculture Practices in Sri Lanka: An Overview
Authors: Madumadhawa M.H.D.  , Manewa R.M.S.S.  , Palliyaguru O.G.  , Senaratna D.
Published: February 2024

The tropical island of Sri Lanka is endowed with a diverse and resourceful coastal area of 1,700 km coastline and 152,000 ha of highly productive 82 lagoons and 93,075ha of 45 estuary ecosystems. Around 33% of the population in coastal areas is engaged in fishing as the main income source, which contributes to around 1.10% of the national GDP. The objective of the review was to provide an overview of the present status of Sri Lankan coastal aquaculture, mangrove coverage, and conservation status. Mangroves are ecologically and economically important ecosystems providing the best nursery grounds for both blackish and marine species, covering only 0.24% of Sri Lanka‘s total land area. In addition, as the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics, mangroves provide a wide range of ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. Currently, Sri Lankan mangroves are estimated to cover 160 km2 and are distributed mainly in Jaffna, Kalpitiya, Batticaloa, Rekawa, and Trincomalee. Including endangered species such as Sonneratia apetala, Ceriops decandra, and Lumnitzera littorea, there are 21 true mangrove species, and 24 mangrove associate species can be found. However, mangrove ecosystems in Sri Lanka are progressively under threat due to coastal aquaculture practices, especially shrimp farming and development projects. Human settlements, overexploitation, and climatic variables such as coastal flooding, drought, rainfall, salinity changes, increased sea level, and sea surface temperature have significantly influenced coastal aquaculture and substantially damage the mangroves resulting in loss of mangrove biodiversity. Between 1980 and 2005, approximately 25% of mangrove habitats are estimated to have been destroyed. Recently, 1,000-1,200 hectares of mangroves have been established in 23 wetlands in Sri Lanka becoming leader of the mangrove conservation in Commonwealth countries. In conclusion, it is imperative to apply international standards for mangrove-based aquacultural practices, mangrove rehabilitation, and technical and management interventions. 

Keywords: Biodiversity, Coastal aquaculture, Coastal ecosystems, Mangroves
Awareness on the Waste Management Practices and Causes for Increased Urban Waste Generation among the General Public in Western Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Peiris P.C.  , Perera B.O.L.  , Jayathilake J.M.N.J.
Published: February 2024

he upsurge in waste generation and improper management of waste possess serious issues to individuals‘ health and the environment. The administration of waste holds a crucial part in waste organization and proper waste management practices are essential to control the increase of urban waste and associated hazards. The present study aimed to assess the awareness on causes for increased urban waste and the practices of the general public on waste management. A descriptive cross-sectional study in Western Province, Sri Lanka was conducted among males and females within the age group of 20 to 60. 150 individuals were recruited using the quota sampling method and a self-administered questionnaire was distributed in English, Sinhala, and Tamil languages. Additionally, using SPSS software, the results were statistically analyzed. As per the data that was analyzed, 51.3% of the respondents were between the ages of 20 and 30. Most of the participants, 87.3% were aware of the increase in urban waste, and 88.6% stated the management of waste can hold a positive impact on suitable development. However, 40.6% have stated industrial waste as the major source associated with the surging urban waste indicating the unawareness of household waste as the primary source. Furthermore, though 84.6% divide inorganic and organic waste, according to 64% of participants, e-waste is not discarded using proper channels. Thus, there is an increased risk of health implications as e-waste chemical constituents could be hazardous to both human health and the environment. In the opinion of 89.3%, further training on waste management should be carried out while 52% of the respondents have declared not attaining any practices on waste management. Hence, an increase in the urban waste can be visible as the participants were inexperienced and unfamiliar with efficient waste disposal and management methods. The evidence that is currently available from this study suggests that there is a need to enhance community awareness, encourage training, and change people's attitudes regarding waste. A comprehensive infection control program combined with safe disposal of waste is recommended to achieve sustainable and economically viable waste management. 

Keywords: Urban, Waste management, e-waste, Training
Temporal Variation of Water Quality in Nilwala River, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Diwyanjalee G.R.  , Premaratne W.A.P.J.
Published: February 2024

This study intended to investigate the temporal variation of water quality of the Nilwala river in the Matara district and to determine how the changes in rainfall affect to river water quality. Water samples were collected monthly from March 2019 to October 2019 (considering the second Inter monsoon season and first inter-monsoon season) at eight locations along the main river. Water quality parameters such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, nitrate and phosphate were analyzed using APHA 23rd edition of standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. Experimental results were statistically analyzed by Two-way ANOVA using Minitab 17. The pH, EC, temperature, alkalinity and nitrate concentration showed statistically significant differences among the months (p<0.001) and those showed statistically significant differences with monthly rainfall (p< 0.001). There is a statistically significant relationship between rainfall and month (p<0.001). There is a statistically significant relationship between rainfall and sampling location (p<0.001). The highest rainfall was recorded from august to November (2nd inter-monsoon season) and secondly from March to May (1st inter-monsoon season) was recorded. Conductivity, pH and temperature were decreased from March to June. This may due to 1st inter monsoon rainfall. Conductivity was increased during august-november. Flooding can increase conductivity when it washes salts and minerals from the soil into the water. Nitrate concentration in the majority of the locations was increased during march-may. Total alkalinity, pH and nitrate were increased from august to November. The temperature of river water at all locations decreased from august- November. In conclusion, the pH, EC, temperature, alkalinity and nitrate concentration showed statistically significant differences among each month. It may due to variation of rainfall. Upper part of Nilwala River had a higher rainfall than lower basin.

Keywords: Conductivity, Nilwala River, pH, temporal variation, Water quality
Application of Participatory Concept in Minimizing Food Packaging Waste (FPW) in Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Senevirathne B.S.  , Jayasinghe M.A.
Published: February 2024

All the industrialized countries lately focus on the need for the best solutions for the reduction of food waste at the various stages of the supply chain by conducting the participatory concept. It is a solution and stakeholder-oriented concept providing information on how to analyze the status quo identification of organization-specific problems and with the involvement of relevant stakeholders, develop solutions in the processes along the food value chain. The objective of this study is to present a participatory (five-phase) concept to diminish FPW in manufacturing firms. This concept is adapted to the continuous improvement (PDCA cycle) applied in Total Quality Management (TQM), which involves a participatory approach where workers and stakeholders are collaborated to detect causes for inefficiency and advance measures to counteract FPW in the Healthy Food Drink powder Manufacturing firm. The research was conducted by analyzing the data related to FPW such as Aluminum Wrappers (AlWs), Bag in Boxes (BIBs), and Plastic Bottles (PBs) using Microsoft Excel and Power BI software. Also, it paid attention to related operational and supporting processes within the organization and the behavior of the staff to get an impression of the working atmosphere and attitudes of staff. The analysis was done as a comparison with the collected FPW data for 2 months before and after developing, and implementing upgraded, targeted management practices. This analysis provided the basis for the developmental framework with the focus of increasing the effectiveness of FPW management practices by assessing the structure and selecting the best waste management methodologies for FPW. According to the analyzed data, the total wastage of AlWs, BIBs, and PBs showed 5.81%, 1.82% and 1.96% respectively. With the participatory concept, the organizational weaknesses which caused the occurrence of FPW were identified, and developmental measures were implemented to obtain significant reductions of waste of Alws, BIBs, and PBs up to 2.06%, 0% and 0.43% consequently. Counteractive measures, such as join in workforces into the developing and implementing waste reduction measures, workforce training, scheduled preventive maintenance on machines, utilization of removable ink-to-print date codes, efficient demand planning and accurate demand forecasting, enhance workforce motivation and commitment, establishing trust among all employees and proper communication flows within departments which influencing the occurrence of FPW have been proposed to avoid losses. It affirms that the participatory concept either contributes to reducing FPW or enhancing resource efficiency in the food industry, as this would enable companies to benefit economically. 

Keywords: Food packaging waste, Participatory concept, Continuous improvement, Integration, Resource efficiency
Academic Performance and Academic Self-Efficacy among Pre-University Students in Malaysia
Authors: Alzabidi Talal , Mohamad Sahari Nordin , Saleh Reben Ramadhan
Published: February 2024

This research investigated the relationship between academic performance and self-efficacy among pre-university students in Malaysia using cross-sectional survey data. The sample comprised 171 pre-university undergraduates, aged between 18 and 20, studying at a public university in Kuala Lumpur. They were derived from the population to form the sample using stratified random sampling. Two separate scales measuring academic self-efficacy and academic performance (i.e., the CEVEAPEU) were used to collect the survey data. The study used descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression to analyze the data. The results indicate that a majority of the students reported a high level of academic self-efficacy and established a strong positive relationship between self-efficacy and academic performance. No statistically significant gender differences were found in the respondents’ academic self-efficacy, but academic performance was significantly influenced by academic self-efficacy. The findings suggest the potential involvement of additional variables, such as CGPA, in shaping students’ academic performance, highlighting the need for further exploration of these variables in future studies.
The parental role in the hospital: view of a group of specialist pediatric nurses
Authors: Lopes Paula Meirinhos , Sousa Salomé Sobral , Silva André , Bessa Énio , Costa José Filipe , Pires Olinda , Santos Renata , Abreu Nuno , Alves Eduardo
Published: February 2024

Objective Know how Nurses Specialists in Child and Pediatric Health (NSCPH´s) see their care within the scope of the parental role in the hospital context. Methods This was a descriptive study of a qualitative nature that used a focus group, with an intentional sample of 11 specialists working in a university hospital center in the northern region of Portugal in 2022. The data was collected, organized, analyzed for content, and grouped into categories, serving as a basis for the construction of a clinical nursing path within the scope of the parental role. Results Four categories emerged from the data collected: the parental role in the hospital; conditions for a care partnership; the parental role and children’s needs, and training to care. The structure of diagnoses and interventions relating to these categories brought together a consensus among 100% of the nurses in the sample. Conclusion The presence of parents during hospitalization is important. An effective care partnership between parents and nurses is necessary, minimizing the negative impact of hospitalization on children and promoting parental autonomy in care. The systematization of information through a flowchart facilitates the care and standardization of nursing records.
Classification of newborns hospitalized in a neonatal unit regarding the indication of palliative care
Authors: Gumboski Josihelle , Schultz Lidiane Ferreira , Floriani Giséle Gomes , Milarch Carine de Freitas , Oliveira Amanda de , Cardoso Ana Beatriz , Hoffmann Carla Beatriz Pimentel Cesar
Published: February 2024

Objective To classify newborns hospitalized in a neonatal unit into categories of palliative care, describe the outcomes, and associate clinical and sociodemographic data. Methods A descriptive study with a quantitative approach was conducted. The participants were newborns hospitalized in a neonatal unit of a public maternity ward. Statistical tests were used to assess the association between variables. Results A total of 26 participants, with 17 (65.4%) being preterm, 14 (53.8%) female, and 18 (69.2%) weighing less than 2,500 grams. Regarding outcomes, 18 (69.2%) deceased, 5 (19.2%) were discharged with follow-up, and 3 (11.5%) were transferred. Regarding palliative care classification, 9 (34.6%) were categorized with a diagnosis of conditions with a considerable risk of death, followed by 8 (30.8%) at the limit of viability. Conclusion The study provided information about the conditions of newborns requiring palliative care, allowing healthcare professionals to have a comprehensive understanding of various situations.
The nursing team’s perception of safe maternity
Authors: Romão Mariany Braga , Vieira Maria Rita Rodrigues , Mainarte Miriam Andréia Chiquetto
Published: February 2024

Objective To verify the perception of the nursing team about safe motherhood in a maternal hospitalization unit in a maternal and child hospital. Methods Qualitative descriptive study of an exploratory nature. Fifty participants were interviewed with three guiding questions. The analysis was Bardin’s content analysis. Results Three categories were developed: 1. Understanding safe maternity; 2. The function of Nursing in safe maternity; 3. Proposals to improve care in the current context. Conclusion It was noticed that the nursing team has some deficit about safe motherhood, because it was expected that they would contemplate in their speeches the eight steps for a safe motherhood, which did not occur.