University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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Mobile Phone Usage Patterns among Post-Adolescent School Students
No full textThis study was conducted to identify "How post-adolescent school students use mobile phones". That was conducted according to the survey research design and implemented through three objectives. Determining the extent of mobile phone use among post-adolescent students, identifying the mobile phone usage patterns of post-adolescent school students, and identifying the problems faced by the students due to the use of mobile phones. As the sample for this research, eighty students were used, who were studying Advanced Level Technology stream from selected two schools in Kurunegala Education Division. Data analysis was carried out in both quantitative data analysis and qualitative data analysis. The pilot survey was conducted with ten students in grade 13 who did not belong to the research sample. According to the data analysis, the following conclusions were reached. Mobile phone usage among post-adolescent students has increased rapidly in the year 2020 and all students are currently using mobile phones. These students frequently use mobile phones and weaning them from using mobile phones is an impossible task, so what can be done is to get them to use mobile phones effectively. Further, post-adolescent school students often try to keep their mobile phone private and use it privately. They used mobile phones to get the information needed for their studies and to engage in their studies. Also, the use of mobile phones for non-academic activities was very high. Use of mobile phones caused to weaken the relationships between their family members as well as social relationships. The use of mobile phones had caused health problems for the students. And the parents' lax policies regarding their children's mobile phone use and their lack of knowledge about mobile phone is the main reason for students' mobile phone use to slip away from their control. However, mobile phones can be used to increase the academic performance and it is important to introduce data packages at affordable prices. And, it is also important to introduce special mobile phones with separate software for the use of students as well as to provide systematic training to both students and teachers on how to use mobile phones to increase learning performance. According to the above conclusion and the information obtained from the data analysis, the following suggestions are made to guide post-adolescent students to use mobile phones effectively: Implementation of a series of training programs for students and teachers on the effective use of mobile phones for academic purposes at the school level, and conducting an awareness program on the use of mobile phones for parents. According to the facilities available in the school, students are directed to use smart classrooms and tab computers in a planned schedule. Implementation of projects to encourage students to learn through exploration, applying for concessional data packages for students in consultation with communication institutes, and arranging sponsorships for communication institutes to get data scholarships for students, are the other recommendations.
KEYWORDS: post-adolescent, student, mobile phones, usage pattern
A Comparative Study of Serum Albumin Estimation: BCP and BCG Dye Binding Methods vs. Capillary Electrophoresis
No full textDye binding methods remain popular for serum albumin estimation due to their practicality and affordability. BCG and BCP methods, the two dye binding techniques are known to yield discordant results and there is a lack of consensus in the literature necessitating further investigation and attention. To compare the BCG and BCP methods, a method comparison study was carried out against the CZE method serving as the reference. The albumin concentration of 47 blood samples was measured using the three methods. One-way ANOVA test followed by a post-hoc Tukey HSD test for pairwise discrepancies, independent sample t-test, Pearson Correlation, and Bland-Altman plots were employed to compare and evaluate the correlation and agreement between the methods. No significant difference was observed in measurements between the CZE (M = 35.72 g/L, SD = 7.12 g/L) and BCP (M = 36.4 g/L, SD = 7.08 g/L); t (88) = -450, p = 0.654 (p>0.05) methods. Mean difference between BCG (M = 40.28 g/L, SD = 5.53 g/L) and CZE methods was 4.56 g/L, demonstrating significance; t (88) = -3.39, p = 0.001 (p<0.05). Both BCG (r=0.875, p<0.001) and BCP (r= 0.910, p<0.001) methods showed a significant positive correlation with the CZE method while the BCP method had the strongest. Bland Altman analysis revealed a bias of 0.67 g/L, (95% limits of agreement, -5.00 g/L to 6.56 g/L) between the BCP and CZE methods. The BCG method showed a bias of 4.56 g/L (95% limits of agreement, -2.34 g/L to 11.46 g/L) versus the CZE method. This study concludes that the BCP method agrees more closely with the CZE method. The BCG method overestimates albumin in serum in comparison to the CZE method (positive bias), more so than observed with the BCP method.
KEYWORDS: Albumin, HSA, Dye-binding, BCG, BCP, CZ
DETERMINANTS OF YOUTH LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR: EVIDENCE FROM BUTTALA DIVISIONAL SECRETARY’S DIVISION IN SRI LANKA
No full textUnited Nations defines “Youth” as a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to adulthood’s independence and awareness of interdependence as members of a community. Youth participation in agriculture is very important to make a sustainable contribution to national development as well as living standard of the rural community. This study aims to examine factors affecting the youth labor force participation in agricultural sector in Buttala DS division, Sri Lanka. Field survey was conducted from February to March in 2023 to collect the relevant data from 150 youth farmers selected randomly who were belong to the age group between 15 – 29 in the study area. To explore the socio – economic and farming characteristics of the youth labor participation in agriculture sector, frequency analysis was applied in the study. Among the total respondents, the involvement of males and females in the agriculture sector are 64.7% and 35.3% respectively. Tobit regression model and its marginal effects were used to identify the factors influencing youth involvement in the agriculture sector and its results revealed that education level, access to off-farm income, access to credit, land ownership and land size have significantly influenced the youth labor participation in the agriculture sector in the study. Among these factors, access of off-farm income, land ownership and size of land were significant influenced the youth involvement at 1% level while the level of education, and access to credit influenced the youth involvement at 5% significant level. As revealed by the findings there are several recommendations have been made to attract youth for farming such as provide the chances for earning off – farm income, improving the credit access facilities, and ensure the land ownership of them. Thus, these types of strategies motivate the young generation to actively participate in the agriculture sector in the future.
Keywords: agricultural sector, socio – economic and farming characteristics, youth labour force participation, Tobit regression model
International Response to the Refugee Crisis: Challenges Faced By Ukrainian and Sudanese Refugees
No full textThe global refugee crisis remains one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time, driven by conflicts, political instability, and economic disparities. The paper focuses on the specific challenges faced by refugees from Ukraine and Sudan, examining the role of the global system in both exacerbating and attempting to mitigate these crises. The study employs a comprehensive evaluation of the socio-political dynamics, legal frameworks, and international responses to these conflicts. By comparing the experiences of refugees from these two regions, the paper highlights the varying impacts of geopolitical interests, international policies, and humanitarian aid on displaced populations. The paper adopted the forced migration theory and refugee integration theory and used the secondary methods of data collection in addressing the work. The findings reveal the socio economic, legal and other challenges faced by refugees and underscore the need for more effective and equitable global strategies to address the refugee crisis, advocating for policies that prioritise human rights, sustainable integration, and international cooperation. The paper contributes to the broader discourse on refugee management and offers recommendations for improving the global response to such humanitarian emergencies.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v10i02.0
Analysis of an Alternative Mode to Derive Annual Value in Sri Lanka: A Case Study of the Gampaha District
No full textThe existing rating assessment system adopted by local authorities requires considerable staff and time, and is generally perceived as complex, with a significant number of rating re-assessments remaining outstanding. To address these issues, the Contractor’s Test Method–embedded valuation model was proposed and tested using a stratified random sample across 19 local authorities in the Gampaha District. The findings revealed that 61% of the sample showed a difference of less than ±10% in annual value compared with existing assessments. The average difference in total annual values at the local authority level was ±4%. In addition, the proposed method achieved a time saving of approximately five minutes per property; further, it was capable of generating both capital and rental values. Overall, the results indicate that the proposed assessment method addresses several shortcomings of the existing system to a significant extent.
 
Consumer Behaviour and Preferences in Apartment Purchasing Decisions: Case Study in Proposed Apartment Project in Malabe, Sri Lanka
No full textThe escalating demand for housing in suburban regions of Sri Lanka necessitates a comprehensive understanding of consumer preferences in apartment purchase decisions. This study investigates factors influencing apartment purchase intentions in Malabe, a rapidly emerging suburban growth center near Colombo. Previous research has focused primarily on high-end condominiums in Colombo, leaving a gap in understanding suburban preferences and end users’ priorities. The study aims to identify key factors affecting apartment purchase decisions among potential buyers and examine preferences regarding pricing, financing, amenities and sustainability features. A Quantitative research approach was employed, using purposive sampling to collect data through a structured questionnaire survey administered to 194 respondents interested in real estate transactions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses and rank factor importance. Key findings reveal that price and proximity to work are the primary factors influencing apartment purchase decisions. Three-bedroom apartments dominate demand, especially in higher price ranges. External financing is the preferred funding method, but buyers tend to maintain conservative loan-to-price ratios. Eco-features are considered important, with most respondents willing to pay a premium for sustainable features, although cost sensitivity remains high. These insights provide valuable guidance for developers and policymakers in tailoring suburban apartment projects to meet market demands while addressing sustainability concerns.
 
විදුදය භාෂා, සාහිත්ය, සංස්කෘතික හා සන්නිවේදන ශාස්ත්රීය සංග්රහය VIDUDAYA Journal of Language, Literary, Cultural and Communication Studies
No full textවිදුදය භාෂා, සාහිත්ය, සංස්කෘතික හා සන්නිවේදන ශාස්ත්රීය සංග්රහය
VIDUDAYA Journal of Language, Literary, Cultural and Communication Studie
A study on past human experiences related to gender roles as revealed through children's lullabies (Based on the Suriya Ara village in the Monaragala district)
No full textOral lullabies, which were used by mothers to lull their children to sleep in traditional villages in Sri Lanka, are still used today.( A lullaby is a gentle, soothing song that is sung to babies and young children to help them fall asleep) These songs used to lullaby children, can be used to discuss gender roles. The research problem used for this study was “What gender roles are revealed in children's lullabies”? The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of gender roles as revealed in children's luallabies. The attitudes that have existed in society since the moment a male child is born, as well as the history of attitudes toward female children, could be identified through certain information contained in these lullabies. The research methodology used for this study was the field study method and the library survey method. This research was conducted under the qualitative research methodology. The importance of this study is to identify the views that adults in rural society have towards children based on gender. Also, their interests and attitudes towards gender can be identified here. These songs reflect that although society as a whole loves children, it expects different outcomes from its children based on gender. In some songs, mothers are pleased with their son's talents and expect a commitment to the welfare of the family from their son. But attitudes among adults towards female children are different. It can be identified that attitudes include those regarding women's innocence, their femininity and their ability to become mothers in the future. Some of the songs clearly show how advice is given to both sexes. It seems that efforts have been made to instill in her daughter that as the girl grows older in the future, she must protect her dignity and that it is her responsibility. It was also clear that rural women have used nursery rhymes to give advice to their sons from a young age, lovingly telling them to be good natured, to be friendly with their peers, and to be kind to their children. Accordingly, even in these children's lullabies, it was possible to identify gender differences and how women and men have different roles in gender society
A Sustainable Environmental Development Perspective in Low-Country Rituals
No full textIt must be acknowledged that there has been a unique bond between humans and the environment since the beginning of civilization. Among these, human perception of environmental sustainability is very important. Among the economic, political, and social phenomena that influence it, cultural ideologies are particularly significant. In seeking solutions, the low country rituals were identified as expressions of the folk mind of Sri Lankan culture. The research question was whether the eco-friendly practices of these rituals have an impact on the environment. The study focused on the cultural rules related to the environment in the tree, water, and land rituals of the low country sanniyakuma, suniyam kapima, madushanthikarma, and bali shanthikarma, which were limited in scope. It is assumed that the origin of these cultural norms is expressed through religious ideologies. Attitudes based on human environmental knowledge and beliefs were examined. The qualitative research methodology used was the anthropological method, with low country ritual observation and participant observation considered primary sources of data collection. Meanwhile, ritual literature, as well as the study of human–environment relations, were used as secondary resources. Cultural practices such as nawakola aththa, millakapima, kap situveema, aththagahamathireema, nanumuraya, diyakeliya, kahadiyara kannalawwa, and bahirawa pooja, which were the objectives of the research, were observed. Accordingly, the practices studied confirm that humanistic attitudes and values toward the environment have had a beneficial effect on environmental democracy. It was also observed that eco-cultural norms are based on both human empirical understanding and belief systems about the environment.
 
Gen Z’s Attraction to the Gig Economy: A Social Cognitive Career Theory Perspective
No full textThe “on-demand economy” concept has evolved significantly; over the past decade, the ‘gig economy’ has risen from obscurity to become synonymous with the contemporary digitalized labour market. This category includes occupations as varied as interpreters and consultants, IT specialists, artists, and creative workers, and is frequently called the independent professionals category. The rapid growth of the gig economy has meant that there is a need for more research to understand gig economy workers and their motivation for being gig workers. This study aims to examine what motives Gen Z workers’ participation in the gig economy. Social Cognitive Career Theory used to develop the conceptual framework of the study. Knowledge characteristics, social characteristics, task characteristics, and contextual characteristics are included as the determinants. The target population of this study was Gen Z people engaged in or interested in gig work. 450 sample was selected based on a purposive sampling technique using online platforms that are popular amongst Gen Z, such as Instagram and TikTok. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that all four hypothesized characteristics had a significant impact on Gen Z’s attraction to gig work. Task characteristics (β = 0.263, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictor, followed by contextual characteristics (β = 0.218, p < 0.001), social characteristics (β = 0.350, p < 0.001), and knowledge characteristics (β = 0.123, p = 0.018). Under the current circumstances where many individuals face unemployment, gig economy becomes a quick alternative for Gen Z people who have dependents to be taken care of. The study proposes a comprehensive framework illustrating the interplay of task, knowledge, social, and regulatory forces affecting Gen Z’s attraction to gig work in order to foster a more equitable gig economy. Future research should conduct longitudinal studies along with qualitative approaches to understand nuanced experiences and experiences across cultures to inform cross- cultural comparisons and studies