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Analysis of leaf morphological and anatomical features of selected six rice varieties
A pot experiment was conducted at faculty of Technology, South Eastern
University of Sri Lanka in the net house from August to December, 2023.
The aim of the research was the investigation of leaf morphological and
anatomical characters of selected six rice varieties in the low country dry
zone. The performance of BG 360, BG 310, BG 403, BG 379-2, and BW 367
were compared with control variety AT 362. The experiment was laid out
with Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. The data
were recorded in the vegetative phase, started from 3rd to 13th Week After
Planting. The results revealed that showed considerable variations during the
experiment. Among the leaf morphological parameters, the highest number
of leaves was produced in BG-403 and BG 379-2 compared to the control
variety, leaf length and leaf width were found from control variety AT 362
which was statistically similar with BG 379-2 and BW 367 rice variety, and
the highest flag leaf length and width were recorded from BG 379-2 and BW
367 which was statistically similar with control variety. Meanwhile, the
anatomical features of tested rice varieties, the highest number of major and
minor veins per mm was observed from BG 360 and the highest number of
stomata was observed from BG 379-2 compared with control variety. The
results concluded that BG 379-2, BW 367, and BG 360 exhibit better leaf
morpho-anatomical performance among the tested rice varieties for low
country dry zone
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Purpose: This study explores the potential of wellness tourism in Sri Lanka, a niche
within the broader tourism industry focusing on enhancing health and well-being. It
examines Sri Lanka’s unique wellness resources, market demand, challenges, and
strategies for sustainable growth, aiming to position the country as a premier wellness
tourism destination.
Design/methodology/approach: The research adopts a qualitative approach,
employing a case study method. Primary data was collected through interviews with
key stakeholders, including wellness tourists and practitioners. Secondary data
sources include government reports and industry publications. A SWOT analysis
framework was utilized to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in
Sri Lanka’s wellness tourism sector.
Findings: Sri Lanka has significant potential to grow as a wellness tourism
destination, thanks to its traditional practices like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani,
alongside its diverse natural landscapes. However, the industry faces challenges, such
as inadequate infrastructure and limited international marketing. A targeted strategy
focused on quality assurance, eco-friendly practices, and improved infrastructure is
essential to compete with leading destinations like Thailand and Bali.
Practical implications: To realize its potential, Sri Lanka needs infrastructure
improvements, global marketing efforts, and standardized quality measures in
wellness services. Emphasizing sustainable tourism practices and creating a strong
brand identity centered on unique wellness offerings can attract a diverse international
audience, fostering economic growth and sustainable development.
Originality value: This research highlights Sri Lanka's distinct advantages in the
wellness tourism sector, underpinned by a unique blend of cultural heritage,
traditional healing practices, and scenic beauty. It provides actionable insights for
stakeholders to leverage these strengths for sustainable and inclusive growth within
the wellness tourism sector
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An incubator is a device that is used to turn the
fertile eggs hatching successfully at suitable
environmental conditions by regulating the
temperature and humidity of the enclosure. To
meet the high demand of poultry production
artificial egg hatching is needed. So temperature
controls are an important factor for the incubation
process. The source of power in an incubator is
electrical energy. Energy is limited on earth. So
proper use of energy is an important factor. By
controlling
the temperature and humidity
efficiently we can reduce the electrical energy
consumption. In this paper, we have discussed
energy-saving techniques in hatching incubators
which can save energy. The possibility of hatching
egg is about 35-40° centigrade but the optimum
temperature should be kept at 37.5° centigrade for
21 days and Below 35° centigrade and above
40.5° centigrade no embryo can be survived for
hatching. Cooling eggs for short periods says 30
40 minutes out of 24 hours regularly with no
harmful effect during incubation and probably
profit. So to reduce energy consumption we
introduced a power-saving mood that keeps the
system shut off for 15-20 minutes within 24 hours
during incubation. Using the inverter, we have
simulated the backup system which has improved
the temperature rise time and settling time
compared to the conventional egg incubator.
Calculation shows that this system is energy
efficient
Exploring the factors influencing the adoption of mobile banking among the customers of commercial banks in Sri Lanka: special reference to Ampara district
Purpose: Mobile banking allows customers to perform banking transactions via smart
phones or other mobile devices. However, the adoption of these services varies across
different regions, influenced by various factors. Therefore, this study aims to identify
factors influencing the adoption of mobile banking among the
customers of commercial banks in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach: Primary data was collected from 385 respondents
through a structured questionnaire comprising 32 statements related to the adoption
of mobile banking. The random sampling method was used to choose respondents
from the Ampara district in Sri Lanka. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25,
applying descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses. The Cronbach’s alpha test
was performed to confirm the constructs' reliability.
Findings: The study proved that Perceived Usefulness, Digital Literacy, Perceived
Security, Relative Advantage, and Accessibility all have a positive and significant
impact on mobile banking adoption. The formulated hypotheses have been supported
by the results of the correlation and regression analyses.
Practical implications: The research provides valuable insights to help banks design
targeted marketing strategies and educational programs, promoting the adoption of
mobile banking. Its findings can guide both banks and policymakers in crafting
effective strategies to boost mobile banking usage in Sri Lanka.
Research limitations: The sample is limited to the Ampara district, which means
the findings may not accurately represent the broader population across different
regions.
Originality value: The study adds value to the existing body of knowledge regarding
mobile banking adoption within similar emerging market contexts. For scholars, it
offers a foundational basis for future research on mobile banking services
A study on the factors influencing consumers’ re-purchases intention towards eco friendly packaged FMCGS with the mediating role of customer satisfaction
Purpose: The sustainability of packaging should be enhanced by reducing the amount
of materials used and incorporating recycled components, given that packaging
significantly contributes to pollution. In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)
sector, businesses face increasing pressure to adopt environmentally friendly
strategies. This research seeks to identify the factors influencing repurchase intentions,
with customer satisfaction serving as a mediating factor, specifically among
consumers in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach: A comprehensive review of the literature identified
attitude, environmental concern, willingness to pay, and personal norms as
independent variables, while consumers' repurchase intention was treated as the
dependent variable. Additionally, customer satisfaction was employed as a mediating
variable. The study followed a deductive approach, Data were collected through
structured questionnaires distributed to 384 consumers in the Central Province, using
convenience sampling technique. Hypotheses were tested using correlation analysis,
multiple linear regression analysis, and the Sobel test, with IBM SPSS 27 software
employed for data analysis.
Findings: The results highlighted the significant influence of attitude, personal norms,
environmental concern, and willingness to pay on consumers repurchase intentions
towards eco-friendly packaged FMCGs. Customer satisfaction partially mediated the
relationship between attitude, personal norms, and environmental concern and there
was no mediation between willingness to pay and repurchase intention.
Practical implications: These findings have important implications for marketers,
government policymakers, and packaging designers, encouraging them to implement
measures that enhance repurchase intentions for eco-friendly packaged FMCGs in Sri
Lanka.
Originality value: In Sri Lankan context, there were no previous researches that had
explored the use of customer satisfaction as a mediator in the FMCG sector
The sources of stock market volatility: a study on the Colombo stock exchange
Purpose: This study investigates internal/own shock in the domestic market and three external volatility spillovers from India, the UK, and the USA to the Sri Lanka stock market. Need for the Study: The external market’s internal/own shocks and volatility spillovers influence portfolio choices in domestic stock market returns. Hence, it is required to investigate the internal shock in the domestic market and the external volatility spillovers from other countries.
Methodology: This study employs a quantitative method using ARMA(1,1)-GARCH(1,1) model. All Share Price Index (ASPI) is the proxy for the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) stock return. It uses daily time-series data from 1st April 2010 to 21st June 2023.
Findings: The findings revealed that internal/own and external shocks substantially impact the stock price volatility in CSE. Significant volatility clusters and persistence with extended memory in ASPI confirm internal/own shock in the market. Furthermore, CSE receives significant volatility shock from the USA, confirming external shock. This study’s findings highlight the importance of considering internal and external shocks in portfolio decision-making. Practical Implications: Understanding the influence of internal shocks helps investors manage their portfolios and adapt to market volatility. Recognising significant volatility spillovers from external markets, especially the USA, informs diversification strategies. From a policy standpoint, the study emphasises the need for robust regulations and risk management measures to address shocks in domestic and global markets. This study adds value to the literature by assessing the sources of volatility shocks in the CSE, employing the ARMA-GARCH, a sophisticated econometrics model, to capture stock returns volatility, enhancing understanding of the CSE’s volatility dynamics
Study of meat quality parameters of broiler chicken under halal and kosher methods
Chicken meat is the most popular protein dish in Sri Lanka. The Halal
Method and Kosher Method are the two prominent slaughtering methods
practiced all over the world. The objective of this study is to critically
compare broiler chicken undergoing both the Halal Method and Kosher
Method. Breed of Arbor Acres plus Broilers were collected from broiler
farms and slaughtered at the age of 38+ days with an average weight of
2.05kg. The slaughtering processes were done at Nelna Processing Plant,
Meethirigala. After the slaughtering process, proximate analysis for Crude
protein content, crude fat content, Moisture content and Ash content was
conducted at the Department of Biosystems Technology of South Eastern
University of Sri Lanka. Data were analyzed using the Minitab 20 edition.
According to the proximate analysis results, there was no significant
difference between the results of Crude protein content, Crude fat content,
Moisture content and Ash content (p > 0.05). According to the results, there
is no significant difference between two methods for Crude protein content,
Crude fat content, Moisture content and Ash content. Furthermore, there was
no significant difference between the proximate compounds. This study
warrants a more detailed study to be conducted to compare both Halal
Method and Kosher Methods
Stock market volatility and the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka
Purpose: This chapter examines the effect of COVID-19 on the stock market volatility (SMV) in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), Sri Lanka.
Need for the Study: The study is necessary to understand investor behaviour, market efficiency, and risk management strategies during a global crisis.
Methodology: Utilising daily All Share Price Index (ASPI) data from 2 January 2018 to 31 August 2021, the data are divided into subsamples corresponding to the pre-pandemic period, the pandemic period, and distinct waves of the pandemic. The impact of the pandemic is investigated using the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the Exponential Generalised Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (EGARCH) model.
Findings: The pandemic considerably affected CSE – the Mann–Whitney U test produced different market returns during the pre-COVID and COVID eras. The Kruskal–Wallis test improved performance during COVID-19 but did not continue to do so across COVID-19 waves. The EGARCH model detected increased volatility and risk during the first wave, but the second and third waves outperformed the first. COVID-19 had a minimal overall effect on CSE market results. GARCH and Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (ARCH) models identified long-term variance memory and volatility clustering. The News Impact Curve (NIC) showed that negative news had a more significant impact on market return volatility than positive news, even if the asymmetric term was not statistically significant.
Practical Implications: This study offers significant insight into how Sri Lanka’s SMV is affected by COVID-19. The findings help create efficient mitigation strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of future events
The effect of mns quantum dot in CdS by silar method for a co-sensitized solar cell
Quantum dots have secured their identity as a potent candidate in opto-electronics and
photovoltaic applications. Highly efficient, low-cost quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
(QDSSCs) have been fabricated with CdS quantum dots by co-sensitization with MnS
quantum dots. The CdS and MnS quantum dots layer, which was deposited on the
photoanode using the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR)
technique. Cadmium (II) Acetate (C4H6CdO4), Manganese (II) Acetate [Mn
(CH3CO2)2] and Sodium Sulfide (Na2S) used to prepare the mentioned quantum dots.
Device configuration of the fabricated QDSSC was FTO/TiO2 -P90/ TiO2 -
P25/CdS/MnS/electrolyte/Pt. Poly-sulfide redox couple was used as the electrolyte.
Solar cells resulted in an efficiency of 1.18 % with an open-circuit voltage of 467.9
mV and a short-circuit current density of 8.94 mA cm-2, and fill factor of 28.2% under
the illumination of 100 mW cm2 with AM 1.5 spectral filter. Active area of the cell
was limited to 0.16 cm2. The efficiency of co-sensitized MnS QDSSC is 1.16 times
greater than only CdS quantum dot sensitized solar cells. Morphological, optical and
electrical characterizations of photoanodes and cells have been studied with standard
methods. They really supported to clarify the results
Corporate social responsibility and sustainable tourism development: a bibliometric analysis
Purpose: This bibliometric analysis study aims to provide trends and patterns of
scholarly output in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainable Tourism
Development (STD). It provides insights into the growth of submissions, leading
authors, essential sources, intellectual structure, and thematic research areas on CSR
and STD.
Design/methodology/approach: The analysis was based on a clearly defined dataset
comprising 144 indexed documents from Scopus databases covering 2006–2024.
More specifically, bibliometric software tools like Bibliometrix and VOS Viewer are
applied to the publication data for performance analysis and science mapping.
Findings: The study reveals that the research area of CSR and STD is developing
adequately, with an average annual growth rate of 15.31%. This is an indicator of
increasing interest from scholars. In addition, the most relevant sources for
disseminating research on this topic are CSR, Sustainability, Ethics, and Governance
and Sustainability (Switzerland). Also, the most productive authors based on the h-
h-index and g-index are Manente M, Minghetti V, Mingotto E, and González-Morales
O. Moreover, China occupies first place regarding the number of documents in which
international collaboration is present. Finally, it determines the dominant themes are
community participation, environmental sustainability, and ethics.
Practical implications: The findings provide valuable insights for researchers,
policymakers, and practitioners. This bibliometric analysis study aims to provide
trends and patterns of scholarly output in CSR and STD. It provides insights into the
growth of submissions, leading authors, essential sources, intellectual structure, and
thematic research areas on CSR and STD.
Originality value: This bibliometric analysis's novelty lies in its focused
approach, whichwill allow the intersection of CSR and STD. It is based on very recent
data and is multifaceted. This more detailed examination of specific thematic areas
identifies emerging trends, thus establishing a fresh field perspective