University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
Not a member yet
5869 research outputs found
Sort by
Modulating Role of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Meal on Spermatogenic and Steroidogenic Functions of West African Dwarf Bucks Testis
Get PDFVernonia amygdalina has a unique nutritional and phytochemical property with numerous physiological, biochemical and morphological benefits due to its anti-oxidative and anti-helminthic properties. This study evaluated the effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) on follicle stimulating (FSH), luteinizing hormones (LH) and testosterone regulation of seminal characteristics of West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. Twenty-four (24) WAD bucks were randomly assigned to four treatments (A, B, C and D) in a completely randomized design for a nutritional trial of eight weeks. Animals were given diets containing 0, 20, 30 and 40g VALM/kg feed. Animals were weighed and blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment and subsequently forth-nightly before the end of the experiment for hormonal assay. Semen volume, semen color, sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology were determined from the semen samples obtained forth-nightly by electro-ejaculation. All data collected were analyzed using the General Linear Model procedure of SAS, (2002). Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same software. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in most of the hormones studied except testosterone which was not significantly affected by VALM. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology increased significantly (P<0.05) and was highest at 40 g of VALM/kg feed. The color of the semen from all the treatments was whitish grey. It was therefore concluded that VALM improved the FSH and LH production at 40 g of VALM/kg feed with improved sperm quality in WAD bucks, thereby enhancing the reproductive performance of the goats.
Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, semen quality, hormone, goat
A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY ON FAMILY ROLE OF EMPLOYED WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY (BASED ON EMPLOYED WOMEN AT HECTOR KOBBEKADUWA AGRARIAN RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE)
No full textThe role of women is very important for the survival of the family. According to gender studies, women are assigned threefold roles in the family. A sociological study was conducted on the family role of the employed women and concerned of the issue of how employed women make a balance between their work life and the household responcibilities. For that, 52 married women from the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agricultural Research and Training Institute, a research institute belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture, were used. According to the findings of the study, the study revealed that the working women maintain a different role in the family than a non- working woman who only does household chores. Does not reflect a negative state of mental satisfaction of the studied women. Due to the working life, the responsibilities of children in the family, sometimes avoided from women. It is a major problem with regard to the role of the family. Despite of this circumstances, further, women are expected to continue their working life. Because, it is done for future security, Economic contribution for family, and maintaining the social status. The study is suggests that to fulfill her duties in the family role, Creating a smooth environment that can do justice to the family role as well as the job role, for that purpose, through conducting a monthly training session for women in every institutions, its includes the new government policies regarding women, legal regulations, Institutional circulars, local and foreign employment opportunities, educational opportunities and introducing successful characters from the academic, economic and social sectors, as well as strengthening women's welfare work, providing flexible time for coming and leaving from the office. As well as to identify the possibility to revise the old government policies regarding women, or to prepare new policies to suit the new society is emphasized by this research study
GENDER REPRESENTATION IN SRI LANKAN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS
Get PDFGender stereotyping is common in cultural products such as children's books and textbooks. Gender representation in textbooks is critical because it plays a role in fostering gender roles in children. Although gender equality was introduced in Sri Lankan education reforms in 1999, it is unclear how completely these changes have been incorporated into textbooks ever since. Thus, this study aimed to examine the gender representation and gender stereotypes in English-language textbooks used in state-owned schools in Sri Lanka since the education reforms of 1999. Three eighth-grade textbooks published between 2001 and 2015 were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively for textual and visual information. The information from the three books was then contrasted to comprehend how gender representation and stereotyping have changed over time. The findings confirmed that stereotyping and negative discrimination against women are prevalent in Sri Lankan English-language textbooks. The masculine presence is dominant in both the images and the texts, and the women's representation depicts stereotypical gender roles. Despite the 2001 textbook's initial attempt to reduce stereotyping and demonstrate gender equality, stereotyping, and gender representation have not changed positively over the last two decades. As a result, stereotypical elements were much more prevalent in recent textbooks. This unfavorable result appears to have been influenced by the absence of gender equality concepts in national educational goals as well as prevalent but unacknowledged gender perceptions in society, and this situation requires further research
An Anthropological Study on the Use of Natural Flavoring Agents in Sri Lankan Traditional Food Culture
Get PDFThere is no universal definition for the term ‘flavorings’. Yet, spices, herbs, condiments, and seasonings altogether are known as natural flavoring agents, including coloring sources, tart flavorings, preservative spices, aromatic flavorings, and appetizers. In this study, main objective was to identify culinary spices, herbs, condiments, and seasonings that are being used, and their form of usage. This study covered purposively selected 100 Divisions out of 256 Divisions to represent selected Divisional Secretariats. Each 25-household was selected from Divisional Secretariats via snowball sampling method representing 100 D.S. Divisions. The required data were collected from 2500 households through semi-structured interviews. Identified Sri Lankan natural food flavoring agents are divided into three main categories based on their sources: plant-based, animal-based, and mineral-based. 61 natural flavoring agents were identified in this study and this constitutes the highest number of natural flavoring agents used in Sri Lanka. Majority of the identified flavoring agents belonged to the plant-based 55(N) (90%) category. Mineral-based 3(N) (5%) and animal-based 3(N) (5%) natural flavoring agents were identified during this study. In addition, spices 23(N) (38%), herbs 17(N) (28%), seasonings 12(N) (19%), and condiments 9(N) (15%) were also identified in this study. Considerably, flavoring mixtures (thunapaha) play a notable role in Sri Lankan traditional cuisine. Similarly, ‘Thuna’ is one mixture made out of three ingredients (cumin, fennel and coriander) and‘Paha’ is another mixture made out of five lumps (pepper, garcinia, mustard, turmeric and chili). Today, people have limited the use of flavoring agents because of the lack of traditional knowledge and the disappearance of the traditional practices related to cooking from modernized societies.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v09i02.1
The Impact of Big Five Personality on Executive Employees’ Job Performance: Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction in a Selected Public Financial Institution in Sri Lanka
Get PDFThe impact of an individual's Big Five Personality (BFP) on Job Performance (JP) is an important concept that has received widespread attention in the contemporary world. This study investigates the impact of an executive employee’s big five personality on job performance, with Job Satisfaction (JS) as the mediating factor for executive employees in a selected public financial institution in Sri Lanka. This study employs trait theory and a Five-Factor Model, analyzing individuals through a self-administered questionnaire utilizing a natural setting. The questionnaire comprises 75 statements and a demographic profile as the measurement instrument. Thirty executives were the subjects of the pilot test. 150 executives from the chosen public-sector financial institution made up the sample size. The data was analyzed using regression analysis and the correlation coefficient technique, with statistical data analysis conducted using SPSS 26. The study revealed that the big five personality and job satisfaction significantly influence executive employees' job performance and confirmed the mediation effect of job satisfaction. This study supports the big five personality and job satisfaction effects on job performance, offering insights for future human resources management planning such as recruitment, deployment, capacity development, and performance reviews in both the public and private sectors. Longitudinal and subsequent studies using alternative data collection techniques like interviews, samples, and mixed methods are recommended for more in-depth and diverse findings.
Keywords: Big Five Personality, Executive Employees, Job Performance, Job Satisfaction, Public Sector, Sri Lank
Relationship Between Tributyltin Contamination Level and Total Lipid Content in Body Tissues of Marine Invertebrates
Get PDFTributyltin (TBT) is a xenobiotic, and it has highly hydrophobic, lipophilic, and ionic characteristics resulting toxicity to living organisms. These chemicals easily cross cell membranes and accumulate in adipose tissue due to lipophilicity. TBT has a high affinity for biomagnification along food chains, in addition to bioaccumulation of these chemicals. This study aimed to find the relationship between the TBT contamination level and total lipid content in body tissues of collected molluscs samples (Crassostrea madrasensis, Saccostrea cucullate, Perna viridis, P. perna, Thais clavigera) to confirm their bioaccumulation potential. TBT levels in mollusc tissues were quantified using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry method after Solid Phase Micro Extraction. Freeze-dried tissue samples of molluscs (n=10 from each species) were used for crude lipid extraction using a mixture of chloroform and methanol in gravimetric method. Different size classes of P. viridis; 0-15 g, 16-30 g, 31-45 g were used to study the relationship between TBT levels and different size classes. The results revealed that the highest concentration of TBT with the highest lipid content in body tissue of P. viridis (234±3 ng/kg and 5.84±1.4%) followed by T. clavigera (134±2.3 ng/kg and 2.01±0.6%). The average lipid content in gastropods was positively correlated (P<0.005) with the average TBT concentrations in all tested individuals. A positive correlation between TBT concentrations and total lipid content in body tissues of C. madrasensis (P=0.004), S. cucullate (P=0.02), P. viridis (P=0.003), P. perna (P=0.001) and T. clavigera (P=0.001) was found. Similarly, the highest concentration of TBT in the highest body weight of the mussels were observed. TBT contamination in different size classes of the P. viridis varied from 4±1.2 ngkg-1 to 42±2.2 ngkg-1 (wet weight). The highest level was recorded as 42±2.2 ngkg-1 for 30-35 g size class in Dikkowita harbour, which is situated adjacent to the Colombo port. The TBT concentrations in P. viridis were recorded by ascending order of 12 ngkg-1 , 22 ngkg-1 and 42 ngkg-1 following the average body weight ranges of; 0-15 g><16-30 g><31-45 g, respectively. According to the results, there was a positive correlation of TBT with the body weight and fatty tissues accumulate a high level of TBT in molluscs. Keywords: Tributyltin, Bioaccumulation, Lipid tissues, Body size, Molluscs ><0.005) with the average TBT concentrations in all tested individuals. A positive correlation between TBT concentrations and total lipid content in body tissues of C. madrasensis (P=0.004), S. cucullate (P=0.02), P. viridis (P=0.003), P. perna (P=0.001) and T. clavigera (P=0.001) was found. Similarly, the highest concentration of TBT in the highest body weight of the mussels were observed. TBT contamination in different size classes of the P. viridis varied from 4±1.2 ngkg-1 to 42±2.2 ngkg-1 (wet weight). The highest level was recorded as 42±2.2 ngkg-1 for 30-35 g size class in Dikkowita harbour, which is situated adjacent to the Colombo port. The TBT concentrations in P. viridis were recorded by ascending order of 12 ngkg-1 , 22 ngkg-1 and 42 ngkg-1 following the average body weight ranges of; 0-15 g<16-30 g><31-45 g, respectively. According to the results, there was a positive correlation of TBT with the body weight and fatty tissues accumulate a high level of TBT in molluscs. Keywords: Tributyltin, Bioaccumulation, Lipid tissues, Body size, Molluscs ><16-30 g<31-45 g, respectively. According to the results, there was a positive correlation of TBT with the body weight and fatty tissues accumulate a high level of TBT in molluscs.
Keywords: Tributyltin, Bioaccumulation, Lipid tissues, Body size, Mollusc
Development of Protein Rich Ready to Serve Drink by Incorporating Whey in Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima)
Get PDFWhey is a by-product of the dairy industry, obtained during the manufacture of cheese, paneer, or similar products by separation from curd after the coagulation of milk. Whey contains almost all the nutrients of milk except casein and fat, thus making it highly nutritious. Whey is commonly disposed of as waste in many countries. However, it is hazardous to dispose of whey directly into the environment because several toxic substances are formed during the decomposition of whey, which can have several harmful consequences for the environment. The production of a ready-to[1]serve drink by combining whey and fruit juice for human consumption has been shown to have good commercial potential and also reduce the issues related to waste disposal. Therefore, a study was designed to incorporate different proportions of whey into wood apple (Limonia acidissima) pulp with the aim of developing a protein-rich, ready-to-serve drink. In the first trial, ready-to-serve drinks were prepared by incorporating different ratios of (0%,10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) whey into wood apple pulp. Then, the second trial was conducted by incorporating various ratios of (30%, 40% and 50%) whey into wood apple pulp. Based on the results of sensory analysis using 5-point hedonic scale, 40% of whey incorporated with 60% wood apple pulp ready[1]to-serve drink was selected for further studies along with a control (100% wood apple pulp). Then, physicochemical, and nutritional properties of raw materials and selected ready-to[1]serve drink and control were evaluated. According to this analysis, whey is a good source of protein (13.31±0.02%), ash (8.74±0.03%) and phosphorous content (995.16±4.14 mg/100 g). Then, shelf[1]life studies were also carried out, and it reported ready-to-serve drinks can be stored for 60 days without a significant increase in microbial content with the addition of SMS at 50 ppm. The cost of production of the whey-incorporated drink (89 rupees/1000 g) is comparatively lower than the control (129 rupees/1000 g). Therefore, it can be concluded that whey can be incorporated in wood apple pulp up to the ratio of 40:60 to prepare ready-to-serve beverages that have reasonable amounts of minerals, vitamins, and high-quality protein, which will be acceptable to consumers, and may solve the issue of waste disposal of whey.
Keywords: Ready-to-serve drink, Waste management, Whey, Wood appl
Determination of Heavy Metals in Metapenaeus dobsoni and Penaeus indicus Shrimp Species Captured from Negombo and Puttalam Lagoons, Sri Lanka
Get PDFThe presence of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems has become a growing concern worldwide due to their potential impact on human health and environmental well-being. Shrimp consumption has also been increasing over the years in Sri Lanka, underscoring the need to analyze shrimp to ensure that contaminant heavy metal levels meet international food safety standards. This study was carried out to determine the levels of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Cd in muscle tissue of commercially important Metapenaeus dobsoni (Kadal Issa) and the levels of Cu, Zn, and Cr in Penaeus indicus (Kiri Issa) shrimp species from Negombo and Puttalam lagoons in Sri Lanka. The study aimed to compare heavy metal levels in shrimp species between two lagoons and evaluate potential risks to human health associated with shrimp consumption. Shrimp samples were collected monthly from October 2022 to March 2023. Dry ash preparation was carried out as the digestion technique for the samples and quantified for Cu and Zn using Flame-Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS), while Cr using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS). Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was used to determine Pb and Cd. The mean heavy metal levels in µg/g wet weight in the Metapenaeus dobsoni captured from Negombo lagoon were found in order of Cu(4.1±1.7)>Zn(4.0±3.3)>Pb(0.126±0.066)>Cd(0.088±0.013)>Cr(0.061±0.031), while captured
from Puttalam lagoon were found in order of Zn(6.6±4.3)>Cu(6.6±1.404)>Pb(0.172±0.193)> Cd(0.145±0.066)>Cr(0.076±0.005). The mean metal levels in µg/g wet weight found in Penaeus indicus were as follows, Cu(4.4±1.8)>Zn(2.7±1.3)>Cr(0.048±0.019) in Negombo lagoon and Cu(5.9±0.8)>Zn(4.4±2.3)>Cr(0.073±0.030) in Puttalam lagoon. The findings show that in general, the heavy metals levels detected in shrimp samples were higher in Puttalam Lagoon than in Negombo Lagoon. In addition, the results demonstrated that shrimp from both lagoons and species were safe for human consumption during the study period since none of the heavy metal levels in the shrimp samples exceeded the maximum permissible level (MPL) allowed for shrimp consumption according to FAO/WHO. Furthermore, the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values indicated that there was no non-carcinogenic risk of the determined metals via the consumption of Metapenaeus dobsoni and Penaeus indicus shrimp species captured from Negombo and Puttalam lagoons.
Keywords: Heavy metals, Shrimp consumption, Negombo lagoon, Puttalam lagoon, Potential risk
Vegetable Wastes as Alternative Culture Media for the Growth of Selected Fungi
Get PDFCulture medium is the environment which provides essential nutrients to support the growth of microorganisms in the laboratory. Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium is widely used for the growth of fungi. The exorbitant cost of conventional culture media such as PDA, has limited the use of these media in schools and laboratories with less facilities. Potato Dextrose Broth(PDB) is used to grow fungi in liquid medium. This study was aimed to find out the potential of vegetable waste such as cabbage, onion, carrot, beans, beetroot and drumstick as alternative nutrient source for the growth of fungi. Nowadays, waste disposal has become a major problem. High amount of these waste materials is often improperly disposed which causes severe environmental pollution. The dumping sites of vegetable wastes promote the growth of vectors and pathogenic bacteria. Thus, the use of vegetable waste for preparing an alternative culture media for the cultivation of fungi would be a new avenue. Six different fungi were used to this study such as Aspergillussp., Fusarium sp., Mucor sp., Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp. and Trichoderma sp. The haemocytometer count of spores and dry weight of mycelia of different fungi after five days of inoculation were obtained. Most of the fungi showed higher growth in alternative media than Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB). According to the results, Mucor sp. and Rhizopus sp. showed higher growth in onion, Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. showed higher growth in carrot. Fusarium sp. showed higher growth in drumstick and Trichoderma sp. showed higher growth in cabbage.
Keywords: Alternative media, Vegetable waste, Potato dextrose brot
Analysis of Heavy Metal in Macrophytes from Neg0mbo Lagoon, Sri Lanka
Get PDFHeavy metal contamination poses a serious threat to coastal ecosystems. The comprehension of these metals' effects and how they bioaccumulate via food webs is still insufficient. This research aimed to examine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe, Cd, and Mn) in four coastal macrophytes (Halodule pinifolia, Chaetomorpha sp., Ulva intestinalis, and Gracilaria sp.) collected from the Negombo lagoon, Sri Lanka. A random sampling approach was utilized by using a quadrat (50×50 cm) to collect macrophyte samples from each species across the study area. The samples were collected from January 2023 to June 2023, and twenty samples (n=20) from each species were analyzed. The heavy metals were extracted from macrophyte samples by acid digestion (conc. HNO3 and H2O2) and analyzed by the atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The heavy metal concentrations were varied among macrophytes, but their abundance was in the order of Fe>Cu>Zn>Mn. Cd and Cr were not at detectable levels. Gracilaria sp. exhibited higher concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn compared to other species (3.05±0.11 mg/L, 5.92±0.51 mg/L, 215.85±6.75 mg/L, and 0.86±0.95 mg/L, respectively). Chaetomorpha sp. consisted of Fe; 89.98±47.73 mg/L; Cu; 2.86±0.05 mg/L; Zn; 0.61±0.45 mg/L; and Mn; 0.20±0.21 mg/L. The
abundance of metals in Ulva intestinalis is 2.80±0.21 mg/L, Zn is 0.18±0.26 mg/L, Fe is 11.01±4.64 mg/L, and Mn is 0.16±0.17 mg/L. The concentrations of metals in Halodule pinifolia are Cu (2.78±0.33 mg/L), Zn (0.44±0.08 mg/L), Fe (29.241±12.40 mg/L), and Mn (0.69±0.56 mg/L). This
study reveals that bioaccumulation of heavy metals within marine food webs can occur, and further studies are required to evaluate the bioaccumulation of these metals in marine food webs resulting from macrophyte consumption.
Keywords: AAS, Heavy metals, Macrophytes, Negombo lagoon
Financial assistance from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CFAS) under the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) of the Blue Planet Fund, UK, University of Kelaniya Research Grant (RP/03/02/06/02/2021), and the National Aquatic Resource Research and Development Agency (NARA), Sri Lanka are acknowledged