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Online education- a post pandemic of COVID: with special reference to higher educational institutions in Sri Lanka
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of this research is to evaluate the performance of students in the
higher educational institutes in online learning after the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri
Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach: The research framework was conceptualized with
four variables such as Learners' experiences, learning facilities, teacher support,
institutional support to measure the performance of the participants. This research
employed a quantitative research design. An online questionnaire was issued among
students in 10 higher educational institutes such as universities and Sri Lanka Institute
of Advanced Technical Education (SLIATEs) in Sri Lanka. In order to collect primary
data for the study among a sample of 330 students selected randomly. Gathered data
was assessed by using SPSS 23.0 student version. Univariate, bivariate, and multiple
regression analysis were used in this study to test the hypotheses.
Findings: Learners' experiences, learning facilities, teacher support, supports
organization have significant positive impact on students’ performance in online
learning, Students’ satisfaction is the crucial factor for the success of education.
Research implications: It is important to reduce the challenges associated with online
learning to enhanceperformance of students in online learning. It is responsible for
academics and academic institutions to setup the necessary arrangements to enhance
students’ performance via online mode education since it has been an alternative
teaching learning process now a days.
Research limitation: This study eliminated selected higher educational institutes. For
future studies, researchers may consider all higher educational and professional
institutes to get a deep insight of the findings and its generalizability.
Originality value: Findings of this study will be beneficial to students, academics and
policy makers in order to ensure the success of the online education in future
educational planning
Corporate social responsibility and organizational citizenship behavior: does employee job satisfaction matter? Case of Sri Lankan tourism industry
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of the studies to find the influence of CSR on the perception
of employee’s job satisfaction (JS) are very few. Additionally, studies on the
mediating effect of JS on the relationship between CSR and OCB seems to be not
conducted as far as the published literature is concerned. The first objective of this
study was to investigate the effect of employees’ perception of CSR on OCB, and JS,
and the second objective was to explore the mediating role of JS to link employees’
perception of CSR and OCB.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A self-administered questionnaire was used to
collect the data from 500 employees in the tourism industry in the eastern province
of Sri Lanka. The OCB scale measuring two dimensions of OCB (OCBO and OCBI)
developed by Williams and Anderson (1991) was used to measure OCB. Maignan
and Ferrell (2000) questionnaire was used to measure perceived CSR of employees.
The satisfaction questionnaire having fifteen items adopted from Tamm et al., (2010)
was used to measure JS. The causal step method of Baron and Kenny (1986) was
employed for analyzing the effect of mediation in this study.
Findings: CSR were found to be significant in promoting employee OCB. The results
also demonstrated that job satisfaction fully mediate the relationship between CSR
and OCB.
Practical implications: Findings highlighted that CSR among hotel industry is
important to increase OCB which will improve its overall performance. The concept
of CSR should be considered as the essential part in the strategies of tourism
companies. This study discusses the theoretical and practical implications of these
findings, and offers suggestions for future studies. This is the additional contribution
to social identity theory and social exchange theory from Sri Lankan context.
Originality Value: This is a new contribution among hotel industry in the Sri Lankan
context in the relevant scope
Assessment of growth, photosynthetic, and biomass characteristics in selected fodder grass varieties under varied water conditions
Get PDFFodder species play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and
sustaining the cattle industry. However, water availability tends to impact
fodder production. The objective of this research was to compare the growth
and yield attributes of selected fodder varieties under varied water
conditions. The experiment was conducted in semi-automated polytunnel
facilities. Four fodder varieties (Factor 1) were utilized: CO3 (V1), CO4
(V2), Super Napier (V3), and Brachiaria brizantha (V4), with different water
levels (Factor 2): 100% (25.0 l/day), 40% (10.0 l/day), and 25% (5.0 l/day)
supplied throughout the growing season, each with thirty-six replicates. Each
polytunnel was divided into four beds (12’x8’) with four fodder species.
Photosynthetic, growth, and yield data were analyzed. Results indicated that,
among the fodder varieties, when supplemented with 40% water, CO3
exhibited the highest leaf length of 120cm, followed by CO4 (106.2cm), and
Super Napier (76cm), respectively. Regarding photosynthetic traits, although
not statistically significant, the 25% water-supplemented plots exhibited an
increase in quantum yield efficiencies of photosynthesis (0.73) in CO4 grass,
followed by Super Napier and CO3 (0.72). Similarly, stomatal conductance
increased in CO3 (382 mmol mol), followed by Super Napier (372.0) and
CO4 (300), while chlorophyll content was higher in the 100% water-treated
plots in Super Napier fodder (47.7). The highest fresh and dry weights were
produced in the 40% water-treated plots. Accordingly, Super Napier
produced the highest (1756 g), followed by CO4 (1421g) and CO3 (906g)
species, respectively. Overall, the 40% water supply (10 l/day) proved
sufficient for producing increased biomass among the tested fodder grasse
The Role of biotransformation in drug development
No full textThis book provides the basic concepts of biotransformation and its applications in the fields of pharmaceutical and food industries, as well as in drug development. It offers alternative solutions to conventional methods of chemical synthesis by providing examples that directly contribute to saving time, reducing costs, and providing the public safety necessary in drug manufacturing and development.
This book explores how biological catalysts work to carry out reactions on natural and pharmaceutical compounds in single steps with high regio- and stereospecificity. The book also provides useful results that, in turn, lead to developments in the pharmaceutical and food industries.This book also establishes the principles of using sustainable green chemistry, which reduces the use of dangerous chemicals by workers and researchers
Utilization of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) and Lasia stem (Lasia spinosa) replacers in burger patties
Get PDFMany meat-based processed foods have been developed with plant-based
fat replacers due to the adverse effects of cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids in
meat. Many underutilized plants have the potential to be used as fat replacers in
processed meat-based products. In this study, different amounts of elephant foot yam
(Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) flour and lasia (Lasia spinosa) stem flour were used
as replacements for the chicken burger patty. The treatments were developed with the
composition of elephant foot yam flour, lasia stem flour and chicken meat as T1 (30
%, 30 %, 40%), T2 (25 %, 25 %, 50 %), T3 (25 %, 15 %, 60 %), T4 (15 %, 25 %, 60
%) respectively, and T5 (100 % chicken) as a control treatment. The physicochemical, cooking, and sensorial properties of the triplicated samples were then
compared to those of a control group made with 100% chicken. Cooking properties
such as cooking loss, cooking yield, water holding capacity, fat retention, moisture
retention, and shrinkage have shown significant differences (p<0.05) among the
treatments. Overall, 25% elephant foot yam flour and 15% lasia stem flour
incorporated patties have shown optimum values for water holding capacity, cooking
yield, fat retention, moisture retention, and cooking loss compared to control except
shrinkage. The proximate analysis, such as moisture content, protein, fat, fiber
content, and ash content had significant differences (p<0.05) among the treatments
and 25 % elephant foot yam flour and 15 % lasia stem flour incorporated patties
showed favorable values. Compared to the control, patties incorporated with elephant
foot yam and lasia stem flour replacements have shown lower fat content and higher
fiber content. However, the sensory attributes of the replaced burger patties were not
different compared to 100% chicken meat burger patty except for colour and taste
ESL and ASL students’ and teachers’ perspectives on online classroom management techniques
Get PDFClassroom management is an essential concept in the implementation of the learning
process in the classroom. The successful execution of effective classroom management
is a significant factor in determining the future viability of education, specifically through
a virtual learning environment where physical interaction is lacking. The primary
objective of the study is to investigate English as a Second Language (ESL) and Arabic
as a Second Language (ASL) students' and teachers’ perceptions of implementing
classroom management techniques via online learning platforms and to analyze the
effectiveness and different kinds of classroom management techniques implemented via
online learning platforms. The study adopted a mixed method in which questionnaires
were distributed to all 40 ESL and ASL students to collect numerical data. 20 students
and 10 lecturers involved in teaching and learning ESL and ASL were interviewed to
collect the potential impact of using classroom management techniques. The study's
significant findings revealed that many dynamic classroom management techniques have
been incorporated to ensure a positive learning environment, eradicate disruptive
behaviours, active participation, and better learning outcomes. Furthermore, dynamic
classroom management techniques and online classroom ethics have been proposed to
ensure better learning outcomes online
Impact of internship training on employee performance
Get PDFPurpose: The major purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of internship
training for management undergraduates on employee performance
Design/methodology/approach: Primary data was collected from the management
graduates that passed out from state universities between 2010 – 2018. The study
collected data from the 165 respondents according to the random sampling method.
A questionnaire survey was conducted during a two-month period. The level of
measuring variables was interval and the relevant statistical techniques for these
measures were univariate analysis and bivariate analysis.
Findings: Internship training for undergraduates has a significant positive
relationship with employee performance. In addition, the study found the technical
and professional skills gained from internship training have more influence on job
performance.
Practical implications: Undergraduates should more focus on their internships to
develop their skills and state universities and the other higher education institutions
need to focus to send their undergraduates for internship training program
compulsorily.
Originality value: This study offers new insights on the relationship of internship
training of undergraduates of state universities to employee performance
Demographic characteristics and iron deficiency anemia at KalmunaiBase Hospital
No full textIron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is still a global public health concern that affects people of all
ages. However, its frequency in pediatric groups is particularly a concern, given the potential
forlong-term developmental and health effects. This study aimed to examine the associations
between various demographic characteristics and IDA in children in Kalmunai, Sri Lanka. A
cross-sectional study was conducted with 101 (according to the sample size calculator) children
hospitalized at the Base Hospital Kalmunai North, Sri Lanka. The ethical approval for this study
was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of the Faculty of Health-Care Sciences, Eastern
University of Sri Lanka. A 5 ml blood sample was collected from each child to measure the CRP, Hemoglobin and serum ferritin. Hemoglobin level was used to measure the presence of IDA,
and demographic factors such as age, gender, dwelling sector, mother's educational
attainment, number of children in the household, birth interval, and monthly income were
examined in connection with the presence of IDA. The associations between IDA and
demographic characters were evaluated for significance using the Chi-square test. The total
prevalence of IDA among thestudy sample was close to 8%. According to the data, there were
no occurrences of IDA in the 10-14 age group of children and they had the highest mean
hemoglobin levels (12.79 ± 0.9 g/dl).There was no significant difference in the frequency of IDA
between male and female children. Compared to children in rural areas (11.8%), the
prevalence of IDA among urban children was marginally lower (4.0%). The lowest prevalence of
IDA (4.5%) was seen among children whose mothers have greater levels of education. The
lowest prevalence of IDA was found in families with one kid (2.3%). The prevalence of IDA was
significantly higher (at 50%) among children in families where childbirth interval was 1 year
compared to those with longer intervals. Children from families with an income of less than
20,000 rupees per month were more likely to have IDA (15.6%) than those are from families
with higher income levels. In summary, this research indicates that multiple demographic
variables could impact the frequency of IDA among children. The results highlighted the
significance of identifying susceptible individuals. It can be recommended to implement
measures to treat iron deficiency anemia, particularly among children from low- income
families with more children and shorter birth intervals
Influence of parasitic infestation and water quality deterioration on gill histopathology of oreochromis mossambicus (peters, 1852) in beira lake.
Get PDFThe present study investigated the gill histopathology of Oreochromis mossambicus in
relation to the prevalence of fish parasitic infestation and water quality deterioration.
Water samples were collected from two sites of Beira Lake from September 2023 to
February 2024. Water quality parameters pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, nitrates,
phosphates, biological and chemical oxygen demand were measured and compared with
local and international water quality standards. The data were analyzed using One-Way
ANOVA (p<0.05) in MINITAB 14.0. The study recorded spatial variations in Beira
Lake including mean conductivity (185.76±7.91 µS/cm), nitrates (1.73±0.0685 mg/L),
and phosphates (1.07±0.0584 mg/L) exceeding the Ambient Water Quality Standards
for aquatic life set by the Central Environmental Authority, which is 0.4 mg/L for
phosphates. The pH values of the Beira Lake range from 6.08±0.568 to 9.34±0.544; has
exceeded the standard higher range (8.5) and lower range (6.0) according to the SLSI
standard limits. Elevated pH values lead to induced gill epithelial hyperplasia. The mean
dissolved Oxygen recorded at Beira Lake was 7.59±0.684 mg/L, which exceeds the
Central Environmental Authority ambient water quality limit related to the category C
shall be suitable for aquatic life (5 mg/L). Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) were also above the CEA standards, with recorded
values of 633.0±105 mg/L and 7.30±0.373 mg/L, respectively, compared to the CEA
limits of 15 mg/L and 4 mg/L. Fifteen fish samples of O. mosssambicus were sampled
using a cast net from the lake and gills were dissected and subjected to Paraffin- Wax
method for the histopathological investigation. Parasites invasion was recorded in all
samples with a total prevalence of four ectoparasite species and could be related to the
increased organic matter content. Dactylogyrus species, were identified in the gill
tissues of the examined fish specimens. Histopathological analysis of the gills of O.
mossambicus revealed severe abnormalities, including deformed pillar systems,
clubbed tips, epithelial hyperplasia, lamellae fusion and telangiectasia. Result analysis
concluded that the associated impacts of ectoparasitic infestation and the water quality
deterioration played a significant impact in abnormalities of gill histopathology of O.
mossambicus in Beira Lake. The study recommended periodic monitoring of the lake
water, investigation of parasites of different fish species inhabiting in Beira Lake, heavy
metal contamination in water and sediments along with the identification of key
pollution sources
Unravelling cenozoic carbonate platform fluid expulsion: deciphering pockmark morphologies and genesis in the Tanintharyi shelf of the Andaman Sea as promising hydrocarbon reservoirs
Get PDFPockmarks, intriguing seafloor geological and geomorphological features, are
commonly observed in marginal basins with hydrocarbon potential. As a Cenozoic
marginal sea, the Andaman Sea is known for its significant petroleum reserves, and
exploring its back-arc continental margin has revealed favourable conditions for
petroleum occurrences. This study focuses on the Tanintharyi passive continental
margin in the Andaman Sea, employing extensive stratigraphic and morphological
analyses based on 2D and 3D seismic data interpretation techniques. Specifically, sub
seafloor characteristics of the Tanintharyi shelf region were investigated, focusing on
comprehensively understanding pockmark morphologies, including their
generation, evolution, migration, preservation, and the complete process leading to
seabed leakage. This study revealed the potential of the Oligocene/Early Miocene
carbonate platform in the Tanintharyi shelf region as a significant hydrocarbon reservoir for the upwelling buoyant fluids from the deep East Andaman Basin.
Besides reservoir function, this carbonate platform serves as a passageway for the
migration of fluids from the deep-sea area to the shallow-sea area, thereby playing a
pivotal role in supporting fluid expulsion mechanisms in shaping a pockmark train
adjacent to truncated sedimentary formations surrounding a geomorphological high
on the contemporary seafloor. Additionally, the study examines the influence of
changes in sedimentary facies and the tectonic setting of the Andaman Sea on
pockmark evolutions, with a specific emphasis on the role of the uppermost shallow
marine shale beds in developing sub-seafloor overpressure systems due to their
impermeable seal rock properties. The article presents substantial evidence for the
initiation of pockmark fields during the Middle Miocene period, followed by their
transformation into pockmark trains on the present-day seafloor, attributed to the
triggering effect of sub-seafloor overpressure systems due to changes in sedimentary
dynamics in the Andaman Sea