bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Services Act: Anticipating Challenges in Regulatory Implementation
Authors: Veleva Simona
Published: January 2025

The current article examines the legal aspects and challenges anticipated during the implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) into national regulatory frameworks. As the DSA represents a ground-breaking legislative initiative aimed at governing digital services within the European Union, this article explores some practical matters in terms of its implementation, the choices of the Member States countries concerning a Digital Services Coordinator (DSC), as well as potential hurdles faced by national regulatory authorities (NRA) in the implementation process, taking into account the right to freedom of expression, access to information, and the principle of liability exemption for intermediaries.
The research explores the legal implementation of the DSA across EU Member States, with a focus on the harmonisation of the act and the challenges posed by differing legal traditions and regulatory approaches, emphasising the importance of the European Commission in the regulation of very large online platforms (VLOPS) and very large online search engines (VLOSE), the current practices and the future tendencies in this regard. In addition, the article also examines some complex, specific tasks related to the enforcement of the DSA’s provisions. The NRAs face specific technical and logistical challenges regarding their new monitoring competencies, which the article also addresses.
The Impact of Digital Inequality on IT Identity in the Light of Inequalities in Internet Access
Authors: Kelemen Roland , Squillace Joseph , Németh Richárd , Cappella Justice
Published: January 2025

This article investigates the relationship between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Internet access, focusing on how digital connectivity influences the achievement of these global objectives. This research examines digital inequalities in access, usage, skills and outcomes through a mixed-methods approach, including statistical analysis and case studies. The findings indicate a strong correlation between Internet access and progression towards the European sustainability goals related to education quality, gender equality and industry innovation. In particular, it can be shown that where Internet access indicators are lower, digital literacy and IT identity scores are also lower for society as a whole, impacting both the quality of education and social mobility, while simultaneously reducing the economic competitiveness of the respective state. We can also see that these societies have a more patriarchal approach, negatively impacting the social status of women (although the COVID-19 epidemic negatively impacted social resilience, too) while further harming progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal associated with education. Significant disparities are also identified, particularly affecting rural areas, women, children and marginalised communities. The article futher explores IT identity, revealing that a strong IT identity enhances digital inclusion and empowerment. Article results highlight the necessity of addressing digital inequalities to ensure the equitable distribution of digital benefits and advocating for Internet access as a fundamental right essential to achieving global sustainability and Internet equality.
Information Operations as a Question of Law and Cyber Sovereignty
Authors: Farkas Ádám , Vikman László
Published: January 2025

The transmission of information content in the digital space, or its restriction, obstruction or distortion, is an extraordinary tool in the information age. States can be targets of information operations, regardless of their political system. For this reason, the ability and capacity to counter operations in the information space are fundamental issues for any state with a modern defence system. Information operations are, therefore, a necessary tool for the self-defence of sovereign states in the 21st century. However, the question arises as to what legal and institutional framework can provide an appropriate basis for information operations in such a way that the framework does not react to ad hoc events but ensures a systemic response in the long term while upholding the fundamental values of the state. The paper aims to contribute to understanding this problem by reviewing different nation-state solutions and providing a conceptual framework that synthesises legal, political, military and intelligence aspects.
Censorship and Freedom of Expression in the Age of Social Media
Authors: Gyetván Dorina
Published: January 2025

Although social media platforms have altered the structure of the public sphere, they have also inherited some of its issues, notably the problem of censorship. The phenomenon has remained, just its methods and practices have changed: censorship used to be strictly connected to states, but in the digital age, it is exercised by multiple actors, such as states, private companies and individuals (users), posing a unique and multilevel threat to freedom of expression. Social media service providers are motivated by their own economic interests and pressured by vague laws that impose liability for third-party user content; the combination of these factors steers service providers to ignore human rights standards, err on the side of caution, and tend to remove, block or restrict any questionable content in order to avoid liability. Therefore, online freedom of expression faces problems, just as it did in offline formats in analogue times, and often even more severe ones. However, technological advances mean that new censorship methods often remain unperceived by users and, therefore, often avoid the harsh criticism surrounding traditional censorship. In 2020, Facebook (Meta) set up the Oversight Board, a uniquely positioned semi-independent expert group as a sort of court-like body to deal with some of the more high-profile, influential and complex social-media-related decisions and offer a remedy against contract-based content moderation (censorship).
The gut-brain axis in adult externalizing behavior: How brain-functioning, diet, and the gut-microbiome may influence adult ADHD and reactive aggression
Authors: Jakobi Babette
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of adult externalizing behaviors, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and reactive aggression, by investigating the gut-microbiome-brain axis. Understanding the contribution of diet and gut microbiota to brain development and functioning may open up avenues to develop targeted interventions and reduce adverse outcomes in those affected with these conditions and maladaptive traits. The role of altered brain functioning during emotion processing, robust alterations in the gut-microbiome composition, and the complex interplay of diet and the gut-microbiota in adult ADHD and reactive aggression was invested.
Arquivos públicos catarinenses
Authors: Oda Rafael , Schveitzer Vanessa Aline , Bahia Eliana Maria dos Santos
Published: January 2025

Objetivo: O presente artigo discute a presença dos arquivos públicos do Estado de Santa Catarina no Cadastro Nacional de Entidades Custodiadoras de Acervos Arquivísticos (CODEARQ) e as pesquisas sobre essas instituições. Metodologia: Consiste em uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, com abordagem quali-quantitativa e, conforme os procedimentos adotados, documental e bibliográfica. A coleta de dados ocorreu no cadastro supracitado e na Base de Dados Referenciais de Artigos de Periódicos em Ciência da Informação (BRAPCI). Resultados: Constata-se que em relação ao número de municípios do Estado, a presença de arquivos públicos catarinenses no cadastro criado pelo Conselho Nacional de Arquivos (CONARQ) é baixa, sugerindo que muitos municípios não possuem instituições arquivísticas estruturadas. Além disso, a literatura nacional possui pesquisas que tratam desses arquivos e que utilizam o cadastro para a obtenção de informações sobre essas instituições, demonstrando a relevância desse instrumento para o acesso à informação. Conclusões: É necessário que os municípios catarinenses desenvolvam e mantenham seus arquivos públicos, visando respeitar a legislação vigente e atender as demandas informacionais da sociedade, afinal essas instituições colaboram para a transparência das ações governamentais e para a preservação da memória e história da população. A inexistência dessas instituições em municípios tende a favorecer a perda do patrimônio documental.
Patentes em inteligência artificial no Brasil
Authors: Morandin Janaina Laís Pacheco Lara , Moura Ana Maria Mielniczuk de
Published: January 2025

Objetivo: a pesquisa tem como objetivo geral caracterizar o domínio tecnológico formado pelas patentes em Inteligência Artificial no Brasil, depositadas no Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial, tanto por residentes quanto por não-residentes. Especificamente, identificar as instituições depositantes, os inventores, as áreas de classificação e a data de registro dos depósitos, assim como apontar a aplicação da Inteligência Artificial nas principais áreas de classificação estabelecidas e a colaboração entre depositantes e entre inventores. Utiliza a análise de domínio para identificar os fatores sociais que potencializam a produção das patentes, quanto ao desenvolvimento de tecnologias, infraestrutura e recursos.Metodologia: estudo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, aplicando a análise patentométrica aliada aos estudos históricos e epistemológicos às patentes recuperadas no Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.Resultados: as patentes em Inteligência Artificial no Brasil vêm apresentando crescimento a partir de 2016. As técnicas utilizadas nas invenções dizem respeito à Inteligência Artificial moderna e se concentram principalmente na área da Física. Os depositantes são principalmente empresas privadas. A colaboração está presente, porém de forma limitada, com ênfase na colaboração nacional, sendo que o Brasil é o país com maior número de depósitos.Conclusões: residentes brasileiros consideram importante proteger as invenções no Brasil, assim como os EUA e diversos países europeus. Os procedimentos metodológicos estabelecidos foram suficientes para caracterizar o depósito das patentes e como o patenteamento acontece no Brasil. A Ciência da Informação, por meio dos Estudos Métricos da Informação, aliados à Análise de Domínio, pode, por meio desta abordagem, contribuir com a compreensão e a difusão da informação tecnológica e dos campos tecnológicos.
Governança algorítmica como instrumento de Gestão da Informação
Authors: Paulo Alex Fabianne de , Silva Caio César da
Published: January 2025

Objetivo: Este trabalho analisa o papel desempenhado por esses bots na manutenção da qualidade e organização do conteúdo, comparando os projetos da Wikipédia em português e inglês. Metodologia: A pesquisa adota abordagem quantitativa e descritiva, utilizando dados coletados das páginas mais acessadas entre agosto de 2019 e agosto de 2020. As informações foram obtidas por meio das plataformas Toolforge e Xtools, considerando o volume de edições manuais e automatizadas. Resultados: Os resultados revelam um uso incipiente dos bots como instrumento de governança, com as edições manuais predominando em ambos os projetos. No entanto, observou-se maior intensidade e presença dos bots no projeto em inglês, enquanto no projeto em português sua atuação é mais limitada e focada em atividades operacionais, como correção de referências e atualização de links. Conclusões: Embora os bots desempenhem um papel relevante na organização e otimização do fluxo informacional, há um amplo caminho a ser percorrido para sua utilização mais eficaz na governança algorítmica. O estudo destaca ainda a necessidade de avanços tecnológicos e maior integração entre as intervenções humanas e automatizadas para garantir a eficiência na gestão de plataformas colaborativas.
A inteligência coletiva nos estudos de Ciência da Informação
Authors: Adrião Milton Cesar , Razzolini Filho Edelvino
Published: January 2025

Objetivo: Identificar periódicos e autores com mais contribuições; verificar abordagens, convergências e divergências no tratamento do tema da inteligência coletiva. Metodologia: A investigação realizada empregou métodos quantitativos e qualitativos. Foi realizada uma busca na base usando os termos ‘inteligência coletiva’ em todos os campos, sem delimitação de tempo. Os artigos recuperados, depois de eliminadas as repetições, foram analisados quantitativamente, a partir de uma planilha Excel. Os artigos foram então lidos para identificação de temas e abordagens. Seguindo a estratégia adotada por Bufrem et al. (2008), as categorias temáticas foram definidas a posteriori, devido à diversidade própria de um campo interdisciplinar por natureza. Resultados: Entre 1999 e 2022 foram publicados 63 artigos em 28 periódicos, por um total de 140 autoras e autores, de 32 diferentes instituições. Destes artigos, 28 são ensaios teóricos, 8 fazem revisão de literatura ou análise de produção, com 31 artigos teórico-empíricos. Oito autores respondem por cerca de 48% dos artigos. Apenas duas linhas de pesquisa podem ser claramente identificadas. Há uma significativa variedade de temas e abordagens, com algumas divergências de interpretação quanto à característica da inteligência coletiva. Conclusões: Existem grupos de pesquisa com trabalhos relevantes, mas não parece haver ainda uma escola brasileira de inteligência coletiva. A diversidade de temas e abordagens, bem como de autores referenciados, sugere um grande potencial para pesquisas e trocas.
Arquivologia computacional e o futuro dos registros digitais
Authors: Silva Pedro Felipy Cunha da , Araújo Wagner Junqueira de
Published: January 2025

Objetivo: Este estudo visa explorar como a arquivologia computacional tem sido abordada em publicações revisadas por pares, analisando a integração de tecnologias digitais na gestão de acervos arquivísticos digitais e identificando as principais tendências, ferramentas e desafios associados.Metodologia: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática de literatura utilizando o protocolo PRISMA, com busca nas bases de dados Web of Science, Scopus, Emerald, LISTA, Science Direct e Springer Link. Foram selecionados 18 artigos após o processo de triagem, análise de títulos, resumos e textos completos. A análise bibliométrica foi realizada com o auxílio do software VOSviewer, que mapeou as coocorrências de palavras-chave e relações de coautoria. Resultados: A revisão evidenciou que a arquivologia computacional é uma área interdisciplinar em crescimento, caracterizada pelo uso de inteligência artificial, aprendizado de máquina, processamento de linguagem natural e mineração de dados para gerir e preservar registros digitais em grande escala. Identificou-se a crescente demanda por profissionais capacitados e a necessidade de integrar essas tecnologias aos currículos educacionais. Além disso, observou-se que Estados Unidos e Reino Unido lideram as publicações na área. Conclusões: A arquivologia computacional representa uma evolução necessária para enfrentar os desafios do ambiente digital, favorecendo a acessibilidade e o processamento eficiente de grandes volumes de dados. A integração entre arquivologia e computação permite novas possibilidades de exploração e uso de acervos digitais, ampliando o impacto da ciência arquivística na era digital. Pesquisas futuras podem focar no desenvolvimento de ferramentas específicas e no aprofundamento epistemológico do campo.
Analysis of Functional Properties of Jackfruit Seed Flour and Formulation of a Jackfruit Seed Flour-Based Snack
Authors:   University of Peradeniya, Gunarathna R. W. M. M. , Samarakoon E. R. J. ,   Yako Products (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka, Janith R.M.L. ,   University of Peradeniya
Published: January 2025

Most deep-fried snacks, which are currently in high demand, contain high calories and fat. Contrarily, Jackfruit seeds are rich in carbohydrates, and proteins but low in fat. Therefore, it is observed that jackfruit seed flour can be used as an alternative ingredient to make deep-fried snacks. This study explored the functional properties of jackfruit seed flour and its potential in snack production. The flour was prepared by roasting, oven drying, and boiling. Boiled jackfruit seed flour exhibited the highest moisture content (7.04%), water-holding capacity (2.08 g/g), bulk density (0.81 g/cm³), oil-holding capacity (2.04 cm³/g), swelling power (6.91%), and the lowest solubility (7.69%). Accordingly, the lowest oil-holding capacity (1.84 cm3/g) was found in roasted jackfruit seed flour. Snacks were prepared using the extrusion technique with a composite flour mixture of 4:1:1 (jackfruit seed flour: rice flour: wheat flour). The frying times for snacks made with roasted, boiled, and oven-dried flours were 15, 17, and 10 sec, respectively. A proximate analysis showed that the boiled jackfruit seed flour-based snack contained, 83.61% carbohydrate, 4.74% moisture, 6.46% fat, 2.90% ash, 1.70% fibre, and 0.59% protein. It was found that snacks made from boiled jackfruit seed flour received the highest consumer acceptance. This study demonstrated that jackfruit seed flour is a promising ingredient for creating nutritious and low- fat snacks. Keywords: Capsicum annuum; Organic fertilizer; Bit- tern; Gliricidia sepium; Vegetative growth parameters
Enhancing Higher Order Thinking Skills in a Sri Lankan English Medium Instruction Science Classroom: An Action Research
Authors:   Kg/Dehi/Sulaimaniya College, Kannattota, Sri Lanka, Hameed Ruzaika , Wijesekera Harsha Dulari ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

This interventionist action research aimed to enhance Higher-Order-Thinking Skills (HOTs) which are essential for the 21st- century to face unprecedented challenges. The participants were Grade eight students who learn Science through English Medium Instruction (EMI) in a Sri Lankan public school. The study also aimed to address the examination-oriented mindset that prioritizes memorization over critical thinking, and scaffolding language gaps. The pre-intervention questionnaires and pre-tests revealed that students grapple with higher-order questions and primarily rely on lower- order thinking. To address this, “What If” questioning and “Notice and Wonder” techniques were adopted in collaborative group work over five 40-minute lessons to stimulate curiosity and encourage deeper cognitive engagement necessitating peer feedback, consciousness-raising, and co-construction of knowledge. The study combined quantitative statistical analysis of test scores with qualitative thematic analysis of student perceptions about their experiences elicited through questionnaire responses and corroborated through teacher reflection. Results demonstrated a significant improvement in students’ use of HOTs, also evidenced by increased post-test scores and student self-reflective feedback. Students reported enhanced engagement, motivation, and confidence in tackling complex problems, showing the effectiveness of the intervention in initiating, and developing a more analytical/curious mindset. The findings suggest that incorporating these pedagogical strategies into the curriculum can effectively shift focus from rote memorization to critical thinking, better preparing students for 21st-century challenges. This study contributes valuable insights into effective pedagogical approaches for developing HOTs in secondary science education, with potential implications for curriculum development and teaching practices in similar educational contexts. Keywords: Higher Order Thinking; Collaborative Groupwork; English Medium Instruction; action research; science education; Content Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)
Professional Identities of English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers in State and Non-State Higher Education Institutes: A Comparative Analysis
Authors:   University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka., Ekanayake E.M.P.E. , Dissanayake D.M.M.S. ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

Since teacher professional identity offers valuable insights into teaching as it is practiced in actual classroom contexts, research on this topic has been gathering more and more attention over the years. However, despite its significance, there have been very few studies on teacher professional identities of ESL teachers from state and non-state higher education institutes. Thus, this study aims to identify identities that constitute the professional identity of ESL teachers and to compare the similarities and differences of the professional identity of ESL teachers in the Sri Lankan higher education sector. In terms of the research design, the study adopted a qualitative approach. As such, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with six ESL teachers from state and non-state universities, and the data was then analyzed using the method of thematic analysis. According to data, the study found three identities that are common to both state and non-state university teachers: the motivator, the friendly teacher, and the advocate of communicative language teaching. Moreover, the study also found teacher identities that are unique to state and non- state university ESL teachers. The identities that are unique to state university teachers are promotor of value-based pedagogy, advocate of critical pedagogy, and ESL teacher at a state university. The facilitator, knowledge seeker, and continuous learner were found to be unique identities of non-state university teachers. While providing insight into ESL teacher identity formation and its contributory factors in the higher education landscape, this study recommends further research to validate and expand upon these findings across different contexts and larger participant groups. Keywords: ESL teachers; Teacher professional identity; State and non-state universities; Thematic analysis
A Study on the Diversity of Pharmacogenomic Variants Affecting Dapsone Hypersensitivity: A Comparative Study Based on South Asian and Other World Populations
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Weerasinghe Manura , Perera Nirmalee ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Kasthuriarachchi Jagath ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Ranasinghe Priyanga ,   University of Colombo
Published: January 2025

Recent data from Sri Lanka indicates an increase in leprosy cases, emphasizing the necessity of dapsone as a drug vital for managing it. Ironically, dapsone effectiveness is accompanied by dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) which varies among populations. We postulate that this is due to significant differences between SNP frequencies in HLA-B*13:01, CYP2C9*3, rs701829, rs17211071, and rs201929247. As per our reading, no comparative study has been done so far on DHS and related genes between South Asian (SAS) and other world populations. Therefore, this study compares the allele frequencies of SNPs from PharmGKB and dbSNP of world populations against SAS using chi- square (χ²) tests. For HLA-B*13:01; it is reported that Europeans, Africans, African others, and African Americans have demonstrated significant differences, and Asians, EAS, Other Asians, and Latin Americans have shown no significant differences. For CYP2C9*3 and rs701829; Americans, Africans, Amish, Ashkenazi Jews, East Asians (EAS), Finns, and Non-Finnish Europeans (NFE) all have demonstrated a significant difference from SAS. For rs17211071, Africans, Amish, Americans, East Asians, Finns, and NFE demonstrated no significant difference, and ASJ showed a significant difference. For rs201929247, Africans and Finns had no significant differences, whereas Americans, Amish, ASJ, EAS, and NFE had. Hence, compared with other populations, allele frequencies of some studied SNPs were significantly different in SAS, and these may likely account for the variability of DHS occurrence among these populations. Significant allele frequency differences between SAS and the rest of the world populations’ impact personalized medicine in leprosy treatment. Clinical research needs to determine the optimal dapsone dose alterations, considering environmental and other factors behind DHS. Keywords: Pharmacogenomics; Personalized Medicine; Leprosy; DHS; Dapsone
Improving the Ability in Completing Written Exercises Properly: An Action Research Study
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Amarasena K.A. , Aberathna A.H.M.G.R. Janaki ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Gamage Virajith ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

The subject of Information Technology has a prominent place in the current school curriculum due to its involvement in expanding the capacity, cognitive and psychomotor skills of an individual. The subject consists of both theoretical and practical areas. The ability to write proper answers for a given written exercise is a fundamental skill a student must have when studying Information Technology. While conducting the teaching learning process, the main problem encountered was the backwardness of student X in providing proper short answers to a given written exercise. Through data collection methods such as observations, interviews and documentary study, the nature of the problem was clearly investigated. The current study was started with the intention of eliminating backwardness in providing proper short answers to a given written exercise. The literature review was done to orient the action research towards the correct direction by getting an insight into implementing the intervention plan. The preliminary functional plan was executed with three steps and the objective was to motivate the student to complete the given written exercise accurately. The second intervention plan was implemented and completed with three steps. The objective of the second intervention was to build up the ability to construct a written answer logically and creatively. Finally, the third intervention step was executed with three steps to improve the ability in completing the written exercises properly. The qualitative analytical comparison was done among pre and post written answers of student X. There was a vivid positive improvement in the post written answer. Marks obtained for the structured essay part in the Information Technology subject had improved by eleven marks after conducting the action research. The current study thus demonstrates that there is a direct proportional relationship between the variables of student performance and the student’s capability in completing the given written tasks. Keywords: Cognitive; Psychomotor; Action Research; Intervention Plan; Structured Essay
Borrowings in Sri Lankan English Novels: An Analysis of Types and Functions
Authors:   Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Maheshika H. P. G.
Published: January 2025

The present research investigates the types of linguistic borrowings used in Sri Lankan English (SLE) novels and their role in shaping linguistic and cultural identity. As a distinct postcolonial variety of English, SLE has evolved through continuous interactions with Sinhala and Tamil, embodying a dynamic blend of linguistic influences that highlight Sri Lanka’s multi lingual and multi cultural context. This study closely examines the use of borrowings in three Gratiaen Prize-winning novels: The Jam Fruit Tree by Carl Muller, The Road from Elephant Pass by Nihal De Silva, and Playing Pillow Politics at MGK by Lal Medawattegedera. Employing a qualitative content analysis framework, the borrowings in these novels are categorized into three primary types: loanwords, loan blends, and loan shifts. Loanwords frequently represent culturally specific items, practices, and concepts within the narrative, grounding the stories firmly within a Sri Lankan setting and allowing readers to engage with the cultural specificity of SLE. Loan blends, which combine English with local language elements, facilitate the expression of nuanced cultural concepts, making these terms more accessible to Sri Lankan readers while preserving local meaning. Although less frequent, loan shifts adapt idiomatic expressions and metaphors from Sinhala and Tamil, preserving their cultural significance while integrating them into English. The study concludes that these borrowings significantly enrich the authenticity and cultural relevance of SLE literature, highlighting the hybridity and adaptability of SLE within the broader framework of postcolonial Englishes and reflecting its unique position in the evolving landscape of World Englishes. Keywords: Sri Lankan English; borrowings; Loan Words and Blends; Multilingualism; Cultural Identity
Sinhala-English Code-Switching in Text Messaging: A Study Based on Undergraduates of Two State Universities in Sri Lanka
Authors:   University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Wickramasinghe S. T. A.
Published: January 2025

This research investigates Sinhala-English code- switching in text messaging among undergraduates from two state universities in Sri Lanka. Despite the widespread occurrence of code-switching in spoken and written communication, there is a significant gap in research addressing this phenomenon in written forms, particularly within text messaging. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the functions of code-switching for effective communication in a bilingual context. A sample of 40 undergraduates from the University of Colombo and the University of Kelaniya was selected using stratified random sampling. The primary data comprised 1500 text messages. Qualitative content analysis was employed to examine the messages, focusing on identifying the functions of code-switching and its role in facilitating communication. The analysis was guided by Myers-Scott on’s Matrix Language Frame (MLF) model, which differentiates between the matrix language and the embedded language in bilingual utterances. The findings revealed seven key functions of code-switching: socio-cultural and religious functions, greetings, academic, scientific and technical terms, idioms and expressions, affective functions, quotatves and politeness markers. The results indicate that participants switch between the two languages to meet their communicative needs effectively. Code-switching to English mostly serves functions related to academic and technical terms, greetings, socio-cultural contexts and politeness markers, while code-switching to Sinhala is mostly used for affective functions, expressions and quotatives. This study contributes to the relatively unexplored area of written code-switching, offering insights into how bilingual undergraduates in Sri Lanka use code-switching in text messaging. Keywords: code-switching; text messaging; under- graduates; bilingualism; functions
The Case for Therapeutic Justice by Integrating the Practice of Private Mediation in Sri Lanka Throughout the Life Cycle of a Case
Authors:   Legalite, Gamage Thilani
Published: January 2025

The concept of Therapeutic Justice focuses on the law’s impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of the people, thus calls for therapeutic methods of resolving disputes against the negative effects of an adversarial setting. Eleven (11) cases litigated in Sri Lanka during the years 2021 to 2023 form the basis of an interpretive case research in a naturalistic setting that captures the complex emotional and psycho-social impact of the adversarial methods of dispute resolution on the disputants. Despite most such cases having achieved a so-called ‘out of court settlement’ through the collaboration of lawyers, the interactions between the disputants during the post litigation phase reveal persistent lack of confidence and distrust between the disputants as well as lack of therapeutic impact of ‘out of court settlements. Contextualised data was collected through observations and interviews of the participants in the court and from interactions with the lawyers. Using a thematic analysis, patterns emerged from the qualitative date directed towards the negligible therapeutic impact of ‘out of court settlements’ on the disputants and the potential use of private mediation as a therapeutic method of resolving disputes. The findings assume that Therapeutic Justice and mediation closely share attributes such as not only resolving underlying issues in a less-adversarial set-up but more importantly managing emotions, empowering’ litigants to actively participate in rehabilitating relationships, to achieve outcomes that benefit all parties through mediation. The findings highlight the need to adopt and experiment private mediation in Sri Lanka through court referrals throughout the life cycle of a case and of the corresponding need to set up a vibrant mediation culture.
Keywords: Therapeutic Justice; Private Mediation; Emotional Intelligence; out-of-court settlement
Increasing the Pass Rate of G.C.E. Advanced Level Engineering Technology Stream Students in a 1AB National School in the Matugama Zone through Comprehensive Process Management, Training and Development, and Supervision System
Authors:   C. W. W. Kannangara Central College, Matugama, Sri Lanka, Ekanayake E.M.N.D. , Rathnayake S. ,   Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

Education plays a vital role in shaping Sri Lankan society, with national-level exams, especially the Advanced Level (A/L) exams, being highly influential. There are growing concerns about pass rates in the A/L engineering technology stream. This study aimed to increase the pass rate in a selected school from 51.38% to 60.00% within a year by implementing a comprehensive framework involving process management, training and development, and supervision system. The methodology used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Structured interviews with six engineering technology teachers helped to develop a questionnaire, which was distributed to 100 students who had taken the A/L engineering technology exam. Quantitative data were also collected from various sources. Root cause analysis using the Ishikawa diagram revealed seven root causes. Proposed solutions included implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and flow charts for better process management, conducting comprehensive training needs analysis, designing and evaluating training programs, and introducing checklists and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to enhance supervision. These measures aimed to systematically address issues and improve educational outcomes of the school. Improved process management was expected to enhance both teacher and student skills. Training and development efforts aimed to boost student engagement, teacher satisfaction, and teaching effectiveness. The supervision system focused on increasing teacher participation, enhancing the teaching-learning process, and improving student performance. The study suggested that increasing pass rates is a significant indicator of a school’s overall quality and effectiveness. Effective planning, adherence to established processes, identifying staff training needs, and regular observation and feedback mechanisms are essential for improving pass rates. Keywords: Students’ pass rate; Process management; Training and development; Supervision system; Engineering Technology
Stressful Symphony: Exploring the Role of Work Stress on the Employee Commitment and Job Performance of Sri Lankan IT Professionals
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Chathumini J.K.D. Upadya , Ponnamperuma Lakmal ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

Work-related stress is a natural part of life and is connected to employment. While stress can be negative, it can also be beneficial, as employees need some stress to stay content, inspired, engaged, and productive. IT professionals face higher levels of workplace stress, although it affects all industries. The research aims to explore the role of work stress in determining employees’ commitment and job performance among IT professionals in Sri Lankan private sectors. This quantitative study follows a descriptive cross-sectional survey. The final sample consisted of 328 private sector IT professionals aged between 20- 45. Data was collected through structured questionnaires such as the Work Stress Screener (WOSS-13), TCM employee commitment survey, and the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire to measure work stress, employee commitment (EC), and job performance (JP), respectively. Multiple regression analysis indicates that eustress positively predicts JP (β= .33, p < .001) and EC (β= .24, p < .001), while distress negatively predicts EC (β= -.25, p < .001), but no prediction on JP (β= -.06, p > .001). The Pearson correlation analysis shows that there is a weak positive relationship between EC and JP, which was also statistically significant r (326) = .15, p = .006 p < .05). These findings imply that employees who had high levels of eustress tended to feel more committed and perform better in their organizations. Also, it suggests that high EC increases a worker’s productivity, which benefits the company and organization as well as the individual personally.
Keywords: work stress; eustress; distress; employee commitment; job performance
Examining the Influence of Regulatory Dynamics on Customer Behavioral Intentions towards Cryptocurrency Adoption in Sri Lanka
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Kothalawala Charuka , Bodaragama Kanishka ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

The emergence of Bitcoin in 2009 marked a pivotal moment, generating widespread interest in cryptocurrencies as a decentralized alternative to traditional financial systems. Despite its innovative potential, questions surrounding the legitimacy and integrity of cryptocurrencies have cast doubts on their viability as financial instruments. The inherent volatility of Bitcoin, largely fueled by speculative investments, has further contributed to public skepticism. This study concentrates on Sri Lanka, a South Asian Island nation, where the legal treatment of cryptocurrencies remains uncertain. It aims to provide valuable insights for key stakeholders, including central banks, merchants, and cryptocurrency exchanges, by examining consumers’ inclination to use cryptocurrencies for transactions. This research, catering to potential cryptocurrency users, adopts the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. A quantitative approach was employed in this study, involving the collection of 385 responses through the distribution of questionnaires. This was achieved through the application of simple linear regression and Pearson Correlation analyses. Snowball sampling was employed in the participant selection process, resulting in an interconnected group of users. The study findings reveal that performance expectations, effort expectations, social influence, and enabling factors exhibit a positive influence on the behavioral intention to use cryptocurrencies in Sri Lanka. Specifically, it was observed that effort expectations and facilitating conditions are the primary factors directly impacting behavioral intention in the Sri Lankan context. These results highlight the significance of perceived effort and the presence of favorable conditions as key drivers shaping individuals’ intentions to adopt cryptocurrencies in Sri Lanka.
Keywords: Behavioral intention; Bitcoin; Cryptocurrency; Decentralized; Speculative
Development of an ARIMA Model to Predict the Monthly Price of Bitcoin in USD
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Kapukotuwa R.W.M.C.L.B. , Muthuranwela M.M.P.L. ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Samarakoon H.G.I.L. ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Dilshan P.G.S. ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Sajeewani A.K.R.K ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Peiris T. S. G. ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

This study examines the bitcoin price in USD in the world by developing a suitable time series model to identify its future trends. This data set consists of monthly bitcoin prices from August 2010 to July 2024. It was found that the original series is not stationary and not seasonality. The stationary was achieved by the first difference. Of the parsimonious models identified based on the Partial Autocorrelation Function (PACF) and Autocorrelation Function (ACF) of the stationary series, an auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) (2,1,2) model was identified as the best-fitt ed model. The significance of the model and its parameters and information criteria such as the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Schwarz Criterion, and log-likelihood was used to identify the best-fitted model. The model was trained using data from August 2010 to March 2024. The residuals of the model were found to be white noise. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for validation data is 7.09%. The percentage errors for the validating set are all positive and varied from 3.5% to 12.9%. The predicted Bitcoin price (USD) from August to October 2024 are $59947.88, $60308.7, and $60669.53. Bitcoin price can be utilized by market demand and supply, regulatory environment, and technology development. Keywords: ACF; ARIMA models; Bitcoin price; Forecasting; PACF; Time series analysis
MedArb and beyond: Exploring the Possibilities of Expanding the Canvas of Commercial Dispute Resolution in Sri Lanka
Authors:   University of Colombo, Vithanage Pramoda
Published: January 2025

The ADR landscape is evolving at a rapid level across the world and one of the latest trends in such is transferring disputes into ArbMedArb and MedArb. Arbitration and Mediation are recognised as two favourable dispute resolution methods, especially in commercial dispute resolution. When considered in isolation, both mediation and arbitration have unique features. Despite a few substantive and procedural drawbacks in both methods, mediation, and arbitration have gained popularity recently. Moving beyond, the ADR landscape has transformed into a mixed approach of MedArb and ArbMedArb as a modern trend. While this is still in its infancy, this paper examines the possibility of utilising MedArb and ArbMedArb within the existing landscape of Sri Lanka. Arbitration practice in Sri Lanka has a long history and the Arbitration Act No. 11 of 1995 and there are amendments suggested which are to be in force in the future. Notably, the background for Meditation in Sri Lanka started with community mediation and now it has reached a significant milestone in commercial mediation as the enabling legislation for the Singapore convention was enacted recently. This paper uses a doctrinal approach in dealing with primary resources as well as secondary resources when conducting the research. This paper uses an exploratory analytical method. In its findings, the paper highlights that the MedArb practice is adaptable in Sri Lanka within the existing statutory framework and the institutional setup. However, the professionals as well as the commercial community should pay attention to the points discussed in the recommendations for the successful functioning of the MedArb practice.
Keywords: arbitration; commercial dispute resolution; mediation; MedArb
Love and Marriage in the Eyes of Gen Z: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors:   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Kulathunga Abhiman , Abeysinghe Nilanga ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka
Published: January 2025

Love and marriage are two interconnected concepts which serve as pillars of society. However, marriage rates are declining, and the perception of love changes with the newer generations. This study aims to explore the perception of love among Gen Zers in Sri Lanka and to understand the implications of these perceptions on marriage. A total of 11 participants who belong to Generation Z (age 18-26) were included in this study. Focus group and in-depth interviews were conducted to elicit the views on the related topic elements. This data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify the common themes presented within the data. Five main themes were constructed to explain the key ideas presented by the participants. Namely: Views on love, Relationship expectations and breakups, Views on marriage, marriage rates, and Role of culture. The results emerged showed that love is a crucial factor in marriage, especially in the newer generations because it has become a primary motivator towards marriage in contrast to past generations where marriage was considered a social obligation. However, the perception towards love has changed in the new generations, resulti ng in a decrease in marriage rates. This research offers valuable insights into the evolving concepts of love and marriage in newer generations, emphasising the need for further exploration to understand its broader implications to the society. Keywords: Perception of Love; Gen Z; Marriage Rates; Cultural Influence
Use of Human Primary Stem Cell Cultures for Screening Cell Proliferation Stimulatory and Inhibitory Effects of Botanical Preparations: an Alternative to Animal Models
Authors:   University of Colombo, Udalamaththa Vindya , Ratnayake Praneeth ,   Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka, Udagama Preethi ,   University of Colombo
Published: January 2025

Animals are widely used in scientific research as highly specific ‘models’ of humans. Primary cell culture is a widely used model to reduce and replace the use of animal models, as per the 3R concept. We investigated cell stimulatory effects of selected botanical preparations on primary human stem cell cultures, in place of animal models. Primary human fibroblast stem cell (hFSC), human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC), and human haematopoietic stem cell (hHSC) cultures, were established in-house, and characterized by immunophenotyping. Varying concentrations of selected botanical preparations (mature leaf concentrate of Carica papaya Sri Lankan wild type cultivar [MLCC], distillates of Vernoina/ Mallotus [VMD], and Ficus benghalensis [FBD]) were tested ex vivo for cell proliferation stimulation on these cell platforms, using the MTT assay. Compared with untreated controls, significant proliferative effects were demonstrated by MLCC on female (at 0.2% concentration) and male (0.6%) hMSCs, and on male and female hHSCs (0.6-0.2%) (P<0.05). FBD (0.05-1.2%) stimulated significant proliferation of both male hMSCs, and male hHSCs, but inhibited proliferation of female hMSCs (P<0.05), with no significant effects on female hHSCs. Conversely, VMD (0.2-1%) showed significant inhibitory effects on both male and female hMSCs, yet at 0.6% showed significant proliferative effects on female hHSCs (P<0.05). Selected VMD concentration exhibited approximately 1.5-folds higher % cell stimulation than the positive control (p < 0.01). Thus, eff ective cell proliferative concentrations of botanical preparations were identified using primary stem cell lines, aligning with “replacement” as per the 3R concept. Keywords: Human stem cells; botanical preparations; cell proliferation stimulants; 3R concept; Animal models