bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Odor, Taste and Toxin Producing Cyanobacteria and Algae in Surface Waters of North Central Province
Authors: Peduruarachchi H.T.  , , Liyanage G.Y.  , Manage P.M.  
Published: June 2022

North Central Province, the largest province in Sri Lanka, consists of two main districts; Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa with a semi-arid climate. During the present study, Padaviya Wewa, Tissa Wewa, Nuwara Wewa, Kala Wewa, Basawakkulama Wewa and Rajanganaya Wewa from Anuradhapura District and Parakrama Samudraya, Minneriya Wewa, Ambagas Wewa, Kaudulla Wewa, and Girithale Wewa from Polonnaruwa District were studied to evaluate the potential odor, taste and toxin-producing cyanobacteria and algae in the water sources, since there’s a lack of scientific data on plankton who are capable of producing odor, taste and toxins. The studied water bodies are being used for the purposes of drinking, fisheries and recreational activities. Sampling was done during November 2020 in triplicates and phytoplankton were observed under the microscope following Lugals’ sedimentation procedure. According to the observations, the total phytoplankton density (Cyanobacteria+Algae) was higher in the Anuradhapura District (1176.33±129.19 cells/L) than in the Polonnaruwa District (699.20±28.76 cells/L). The phytoplankton groups found in the studied water bodies belong to Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Chrysophyta and Cyanophyta. The most abundant species was Microcystis sp. both in the Anuradhapura District (929±123.02 cells/L) and in the Polonnaruwa District (462±22.79 cells/L) and the species is responsible for producing the cyanotoxins, microcystin (MC) and anatoxins and also responsible for causing taste and odor in water. Except for Microcystis sp., Cylindrospermopsis sp. was found in high numbers (163.50±13.52 cells/L) in Anuradhapura, which produces the cyanotoxins cylindrospermopsin (CYN), anatoxin, and saxitoxin and also gives rise to taste and odor in water. Anabaena sp. found in Anuradhapura (89.00±5.15 cells/L) and Oscillatoria sp. found in Polonnaruwa (191.00±0.00 cells/L) were also responsible for the production of cyanotoxins such as, MC, CYN, saxitoxin, and anatoxin and add taste and odor to the water too. Further, Merismopedia sp. was found both in Anuradhapura (94.00±4.54 cells/L) and Polonnaruwa (118.40±12.39 cells/L), which is responsible of producing toxic lipopolysaccharides. Among the observed algal species, Dinobryon sp. was detected in low numbers in Polonnaruwa, which is also responsible for the occurrence of taste and odor in water. Based on the assessment of phytoplankton in the North Central Province, it is clear that, the surface water is not pleasant and healthy enough to provide safe drinking water to the community, especially, due to the presence of unpleasant taste, odor and cyanotoxins producing organisms.
Keywords: North Central, Odor, Taste and toxins, Cyanobacteria, Algae
Assessment of Surface Water Quality of an Urban Wetland: Thalangama Wetland, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Angekumbura M.A.  , Vidanage S.P.  
Published: June 2022

Thalangama wetland is situated within the Kelani river basin, Colombo District, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most attractive landscapes in Colombo that provides a wide range of ecological, social and economic functions. Wetland water supports aquatic life and is being prominently used for agriculture and bathing and contact recreational activities without knowing if the water quality is appropriate for such uses. This study was therefore conducted to assess the surface water quality of Thalangama wetland using key-physicochemical parameters and to examine the suitability of wetland waters for bathing and contact recreational water, aquatic life, irrigation and other agricultural activities. A total of 10 water quality parameters covering temperature, pH, salinity, TDS, EC, DO, BOD, COD, nitrate, and total phosphate were measured at eight sampling sites of the wetland. The study was conducted in August 2020. The spatial variation of water quality parameters was assessed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s pairwise comparison. Results were compared with ambient water quality standards of Sri Lanka. The study revealed that the surface water quality parameters including temperature, EC, TDS, DO, BOD, COD, nitrate and total phosphate show a significant spatial variation among the sampling sites. Surface water pH and BOD at all the sampling sites were within the ambient water quality standards for water suitable for bathing and contact recreational water and water suitable for aquatic life, irrigation and agricultural activities. EC at all the sampling sites were within the limits of water suitable for irrigation and agricultural activities. Nitrate and total phosphate concentrations at all the sampling sites were within the limits of water suitable as bathing and contact recreational water and water suitable for aquatic life. DO at six out of eight sampling sites were within the limits of water suitable as bathing and contact recreational waters and water suitable for aquatic life, irrigation and agricultural activities. COD at all the sampling sites were not within the limits of water suitable as bathing and contact recreational water and water suitable for aquatic life. The study identifies agricultural practices, livestock rearing, construction activities and urban discharges as major anthropogenic influences that degrade the surface water quality of the wetland. Hence, the study determines the necessity for effective management of the surface water of Thalangama wetland to prevent pollution and to ensure the water quality of the wetland is within the recommended standards.
Keywords: Urban wetlands, Surface water quality, Spatial variation, Physicochemical parameters, Ambient water quality standards
Insights of School Water Consumption and Sanitation and Hygiene Practices among School Children in Dehiovita, Kegalle District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Dassanayake D.M.J.L.  , Bellanthudawa B.K.A.  , Neththipola M.M.T.D.  , Darshana W.D.  , Nawalage N.M.S.K.  , Pawuluwage S.M.  
Published: June 2022

Developing access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices can reduce water borne diseases. The present study was carried out in the Dehiovita Zonal Educational zone under the Kegalle District from December 2018 to March 2019 to monitor existing facilities in schools, behavior among students, and for the sustainable development in water, sanitation, and hygiene at the schools. A semi-structured questionnaire was conducted covering students (n=500) from grade 7-13 in 15 schools through a random sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software to compare the responses using graphical presentation. In terms of water consumption behavior, about 73% of respondents use water bottles. Of these, 73%, 43% accounted for using unsafe plastic bottles and 28% accounted for aluminum bottles. Most of the respondents, 50% mentioned that they use water bottles twice daily. In relation to the water purification method used, 45% of students use chlorinated water, whereas 36% do not have purified water. Only 36% of respondents do have a water supply. Regarding the issues of water supply, 62% of respondents stated that they have broken taps, and 54% responded on less treated water. Most respondents, 78% mentioned, that they are unsatisfied with the existing water. With regards to the sanitation behavior among students, 48% of students use the latrine twice while 32% of respondents use the latrine once a day. Most of the respondents, 88% mentioned that they do not use soap after toilet use. 78% of respondents mentioned that the existing sanitation facilities are unsatisfied. Regarding the issues associated with sanitation facilities in schools, 92% of respondents showed the unavailability of soap and 73% of respondents stated that they have old latrines, while 67% stated that there is no cleaning equipment. Given the consideration on menstrual hygiene management (MHM), the usage of sanitation facilities by female students, 28% of respondents use once daily and 26% do not use the sanitation facility. Regarding the issues associated with MHM, 91% of respondents showed that no napkins discarding facility, and 84% mentioned lack of a place to wash, while 72% of students stated the lack of water. In conclusion, it reveals that there exists a higher demand on awareness of water consumption, sanitation and hygiene practices at schools and awareness on disease spreading as there exists poor quality standards of water consumption and sanitation. Thus, it needs careful monitoring of management steps to uplift water consumption, hygiene, and sanitation. The study suggests strengthening school water, sanitation, and hygiene clubs at schools and focus on government funding for utility development.
Keywords: Water consumption, School sanitation, Hygiene practices, Dehiovita, Menstrual hygiene management
A Study on the Quality of Life of Middle-income Community along Urban Canal Waterfronts with Special Reference to the Greater Colombo Region
Authors: Madhushan A.M.L.  , Dharmasena S.W.J.H.  
Published: June 2022

The canal network in Greater Colombo region mainly works as the drainage system of the urban area and as the backyard of the city. Consequently, there is a lack of attention to the canal waterfronts by the government and the general public. Hence, this research was to find out and evaluate the factors, which affect the quality of life of people along urban canal waterfronts. The quality of life has been discussed in terms of liveability through a series of carefully selected indicators. Liveability surveys were conducted to evaluate the participants’ perceptions, at five locations along Kirulapone canal, Kinda canal, and Dematagoda canal. Each canal waterfront was rated on over 25 qualitative and quantitative factors (set of indicators) across six broad categories (dimensions): safety, comfort, health and wellbeing, mobility, environment, and socio-cultural factors. Each qualitative factor was given a rating from 1-5, where one is considered as tolerable and five is considered as intolerable. Quantitative factors were then combined with the qualitative factors through a series of equations to form the liveability index. The outcomes of this study will aid in the creation of government policies, plans, rules and regulations and provide guidance when implementing projects along urban canal waterfronts.
Keywords: Canal waterfronts, Quality of life, Liveability
Potential of Medicinal Plants in Piramanthanaru, Kilinochchi District of Sri Lanka Assessed by Transect Belt Method
Authors: Sripandurangana R.  , Vivian S.  
Published: June 2022

Medicinal plants are mainly used to treat diseases in Siddha, Ayurveda and traditional system of medicine in Sri Lanka. The present study was carried out to identify the availability of medicinal plants in Piramanthanaru of Kilinochchi District through transect belt method and documental evidence based their traditional uses according to the Siddha Ayurveda classical text book. This survey was conducted from October 2016 to January 2017 at Piramanthanaru of Kilinochchi District. The permission for the study was obtained from authorities and map also got from Divisional Secretariat of Kilinochchi District. After that, the medicinal plants were identified and collected the by transect belt method for documentation of medicinal plants. Specimens collected from the field were authenticated and verified in the Herbarium, Unit of Siddha Medicines. A total of 132 medicinal plants belonging to 48 families were reported from Piramanthanaru Grama Niladhari Division of Karachchi Pradesiya Sabha by transect belt method. The dominant plant family was reported as Leguminosae (13.63%), Euphorbiaceae (5.30%), Malvaceae (4.50%). Among these 132 medicinal plants, 41.66% herbs, 19.70% trees and shrub and 18.94% climbers. Endemic and economical viable medicinal plants were identified, such as, Vernonia zeylanica, Evolvulus alsinoides and Indigofera tinctoria respectively. Rejuvenative medicinal plants were also reported. These are used to increase the immunity and promote the nutritive. In traditional way, these plants used as food and to treat various disease such as, skin diseases, snake bites, diabetes, menorrhagia, asthma, scabies, rheumatism, dysentery, diarrhea, urinary problems. Findings of this study act as basic data to understand the biodiversity of Piramanthanaru of Kilinochchi District along with the significance of available medicinal plants in traditional and classical practice as well as used to enhance to sustainable development strategy in Kilinochchi District. The documented data shows important medicinal plants along with their potential uses, which can be effectively used in clinical practice and further research.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Kilinochchi district, Traditional medicine
Efficacy of Exogenous Sodium Nitroprusside, Salicylic Acid and Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Extracts as Biostimulants on Growth and Physiological Attributes of Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) under Sub-optimal Climatic Conditions
Authors: Nayanakantha N.M.C.  , Nakandala D.S.A.  , Silva T.U.K.  , Herath H.M.N.N.  , Herath V.  , Senevirathna P.  
Published: June 2022

Stress phenomena that coincide, such as drought and heat, have been shown to affect the growth of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) negatively under sub-optimal climatic conditions in nontraditional drier areas of Sri Lanka. Exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP), salicylic acid (SA), and moringa leaf extract (MLE) as bio-stimulants have been shown to improve the growth and physiology of crop plants under sub-optimal climatic conditions. Therefore, the present study aimed at exploring the effect of the above bio-stimulants on the growth and physiology of rubber under sub-optimal climatic conditions. Rubber plants of clone RRIC 121 cultivated in Hingurana, Ampara, Dry Zone (DZ) were spray treated with SNP at 100 and 200 µM, SA at 0.1 and 0.2 µM, and MLE at 5, 10% concentrations at monthly intervals for six months. Physiological parameters viz. chlorophyll content (cc), stomatal conductance (gs), and leaf water potential (Ψ) were recorded before and after three months from the commencement of treatments while growth measurements (girth and height) were recorded at three and ten months of treatments. Significantly higher girth values were recorded in plants treated with SNP, SA, and MLE at all concentrations compared to control and mock treatment after ten months from the commencement of treatments. Significantly higher chlorophyll values were recorded in plants treated with SNP at 100 µM (50.6±1.85), 200 µM (53.4±1.24), SA at 0.1 µM (49.5±1.49), MLE at 5% (50.1±1.98) and 10% (51.1±1.35) concentrations compared to control (41.9±1.15) and mock treatment (44.6±1.32) respectively after ten months from the commencement of treatments. Significantly higher leaf water potential values were recorded in plants treated with SNP, SA, and MLE at all concentrations compared to control and mock treatments after three months of the first treatment. Significantly lower stomatal conductance values were recorded in plants treated with SNP at 200 µM, SA at 0.1 and 0.2 µM, and MLE at 10% concentrations compared to control and mock treatments after three months from the first treatment. Improved growth and physiological attributes of rubber plants could be attributed to the beneficial effect of SNP, SA, and MLE as bio-stimulants. Therefore, exogenous application of the above bio-stimulants may be utilized for growth improvement in Hevea sp. under sub-optimal climatic conditions.
Keywords: Bio-stimulants, Growth, Physiological parameters, Rubber, Sub-optimal climatic conditions
‘Fall to Rise’ : A Quest to Revive Performance of Sri Lanka’s Boutique Hotels in Post-Easter Attack
Authors: Weerarathna Ranitha Sachinthana , Jayasinghe Nipuni , Ellepola Tharuka , Balasuriya Nimesh , Uddeepa Eashani , Kanumale Umasha 
Published: June 2022

This study aims to identify the factors influencing the business performance of boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, in particular, those factors that impact the most post-Easter Sunday attacks. Three major factors were identified based on past literature; these were operators’ experience and strategies, financial structure and marketing strategies. During May to July, 2020, data were collected via a questionnaire to respondents, who are owners of 53 boutique hotels. Snowball sampling was used as the sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS stastical software and multiple regression was used to identify the factors that influence the performance of boutique hotels the most. The study findings conclude that the -operator’s previous experience and strategies- is the factor that influences business performance the most. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate/examine how boutique hotels have regained their business performance in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attack. The analysis revealed that boutique hotels have adopted the local market strategy, the social media marketing strategy, discounts and promotional strategies, the employee lay off strategy and the employee training & development strategy to regain business performance post-Easter Sunday attacks. This study is significant for boutique hotel owners to maximize their profits and for the government to implement better tourism-related policies, to revive Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
Simulation the effectiveness of heat recovery of the regenerative ventilator using different approaches
Authors: Vakulenko D.  , Mileikovskyi V. 
Published: June 2022

Today buildings should be designed for energy efficiency class not less than C. This requires ventilation with heat recovery. On the market, there are different compact heat recovery ventilation units for decentralized ventilation. Regenerative ventilators represent a promising area of effective ventilation with exhaust air heat recovery. They operate cyclically for the inlet and outlet of air. These kinds of ventilators should work in a blocked pair(s) – one for input and one for output in each pair. If not, the effectiveness will decrease. A mathematical model of the ceramic heat regenerator in the regenerative ventilator “Twin Fresh” by Vents has been created to improve the efficiency of its operation. In previous works, on the basis of two different approaches, the operation of the heat regenerator was simulated. The first one uses M. Mikheev’s formula for the Nusselt number. The second one is computational fluid dynamic simulation by SolidWorks Flow Simulation. The efficiency coefficients obtained as a result of the simulation had a significant difference – up to 66.5 %. The aim of the work is to find alternative methods for adequately determining the efficiency of the ventilator. A mathematical simulation was performed using a different formula from “Novyi spravochnik khimika i tekhnologa. Protsessy i aparaty khimicheskikh tekhnologii”. This formula takes into account the Grashof number. Values obtained are significantly different from both previous ones – up to two times. There is no information in the literature about the experimental conditions for determining the Nusselt number, which was used in the simulation. Therefore, we can’t assume, what approach is closer to the conditions of the ceramic regenerator. There is a need to conduct experimental studies to determine the efficiency of the regenerative heat exchanger.
Desarrollo histórico de la Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Computación en la UMT-UADY: Un estudio de caso
Authors: Aguilar Vera R. , Narváez Díaz L. , Chí Pech V. , Díaz Mendoza J. 
Published: June 2022

Los autores presentan el caso de la Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Computación de la Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, en su oferta a la zona oriente del Estado de Yucatán, en particular, en la Unidad Multidisciplinaria ubicada en la ciudad de Tizimín (UMT). Se ofrece información sobre los planes de estudio, así como de las evaluaciones externas a las que fue sometido el programa curricular en el período de 2000 a 2015; se incluyen datos estadísticos sobre el ingreso, titulación y modalidades de titulación preferidas por los egresados. En cuanto al desempeño de los egresados, se presentan los datos históricos en el Examen General de Egreso administrado por el CENEVAL. Finalmente, los autores comentan algunas reflexiones sobre la pertinencia e impacto del programa durante su operación en la UMT.
The authors present the case of the Bachelor of Computer Science of the Autonomous University of Yucatan, in its offer to the eastern region of the State of Yucatan, particularly, in the Multidisciplinary Unit located in Tizimín City (UMT). Information is provided on the curricula, as well as on the external evaluations to which the curricular program was submitted during the period from 2000 to 2015; statistical data are included on the income, qualification and modalities of qualifications preferred by graduate. Regarding the performance of graduates, historical data are presented in the General Exit Exam administered by CENEVAL. Finally, the authors comment on some reflections on the relevance and impact of the program during its operation in the UMT.
PROSES KREATIF EDDIE CAHYONO DALAM PENCIPTAAN FILM SITI
Authors: Nugroho Widhi , Adji Titus Soepono , Wastiwi S Sri 
Published: June 2022

The Siti film directed by Eddie Cahyono deserves to be appreciated as a work of long fictionÂ films by creative production. Evidently, the film funded with a budget under 150 million rupiah,Â able to deliver it into the nomination of film festivals, even this film is able to win awards in aÂ number of prestigious film festivals in various countries. It can not be separated from theÂ creative work of Eddie Cahyono as a scriptwriter and director at the filmThis creative work isdue to his role as a meticulous person,looking deeply,appreciating the role of women,elevatingÂ her dignity and then transferring it in a film. Siti is a reflection of women living in confinement,Â debt induced,taking care of families and husbands paralyzed by sea accidents as fishermen.SitiÂ just want to be free and independent of it all, it is a statement to be conveyed Eddie Cahyonothrough this film.The stages in reviewing this creativity include Eddie Cahyono's work steps inÂ writing film scenarios that include the process of finding ideas, themes, story settings, storyÂ conflicts to the whole siti movie scenario,while to examine the directing process including theÂ preproduction process (script breakdown, casting, reading, rehearsal), production processÂ (shooting in the field) and post-production process through the mise en scene in the Siti film.Keywords: Siti film,creativity,scriptwriter,and director
REPRESENTASI CITRA LAKI-LAKI DALAM IKLAN GATSBY STYLING POMADE KAJIAN SEMIOTIKA ROLAND BARTHES
Authors: Rahayu Nur Umi , Afrianto Damar Tri 
Published: June 2022

Advertising is now creating a need for consumers. Advertising makes the wishes and expectations of consumers as a need that must be met and how the fulfillment of course by consuming the advertised product. This study aims to determine the representation of male image contained in the ad Gatsby Styling Pomade. The type of research used is qualitative research with semiology communication approach. The focus of this study is the representation of the male image formed from the symbols contained in the ad Gatsby Styling Pomade. Analysis technique used in this research is semiotics analysis method with Roland Barthes semiotics analysis approach which has two marking level denotation and connotation and myth. In this ad shows that men should always look perfect with a proportionate body shape and a neat hair. The male image is displayed, forming the notion that men should always look stylish and cool. Then it can be concluded that the image of men found in the ad Gatsby Styling Pomade included in the category of masculine image.Â Kerwords : Advertising, representation, image, semiotics, masculineÂ Â