Open University of Sri Lanka

Background Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which was formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a global epidemic that is predicted to affect more than 50% of the world population by 2040. However, except for Resmetiron, there are no approved drugs in conventional medicine to treat MASLD. The aim of this study was to explore the hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extracts (AEs) of Osbeckia octandra (O. octandra), Vernonia cinerea (V. cinerea), and Atalantia ceylanica (A. ceylanica) which have been extensively used to treat hepatic diseases in the Sri Lankan traditional medicine. Methods During initial in vitro experiments, aqueous extracts (AEs) of these three medicinal plants were prepared and evaluated for antioxidant potential using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assay. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay on Vero cells to determine non-toxic doses for in vivo studies. For in vivo experiments, a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MASLD mouse model was used. After co-treating the mice with AEs of the tested medicinal plants, their body weight gain was evaluated. Serum ALT, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were analyzed using standard chemical methods. Hepatic lipid aggregation was evaluated by histopathology. Expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and PPAR-α genes was quantified using qRT-PCR. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test or LSD test. The level of significance was (p < 0.05). Results Initial in vitro experiments revealed that AEs of these medicinal plants are rich sources of natural antioxidants with low cytotoxic effects. Subsequent in vivo experiments on the HFD-induced MASLD mouse model also demonstrated that AEs of these medicinal plants can ameliorate HFD-induced weight gain, dyslipidemia, and hepatic lipid aggregation. Reversal of downregulated PPAR-α gene expression confirmed their positive impact on lipid metabolism. Attenuation of increased serum ALT concentration provides evidence for their protective role against hepatic injury. In addition, these extracts could suppress the upregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 genes, which are crucial for inducing steatohepatitis. Conclusion Aqueous extracts of O. octandra, V. cinerea, and A. ceylanica are rich in antioxidants and have the ability to suppress HFD-induced weight gain, dyslipidemias, hepatic steatosis, and hepatic inflammation providing solid evidence for their beneficial effects against initiation and progression of MASLD. Among these extracts, O. octandra stands out with the highest antioxidant activity, lowest cytotoxicity, and most promising hepatoprotective effects.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) in older mothers is a prevalent and multifaceted condition influenced by a range of biopsychosocial factors. As the trend of late motherhood increases globally, it is essential to understand how LBP affects this population from a biopsychosocial perspective. Objective: This systematic review aims to examine the biopsychosocial determinants of LBP in older mothers by synthesizing findings from quantitative studies published between January 2010 and May 2024. Specifically, it explores the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to LBP in this population and how it affects their daily lives and well-being. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Science, EMBASE, DARE, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were screened for eligibility based on predefined criteria. Five quantitative studies with a combined sample of 118,964 participants were included. The methodological quality was assessed, and data were extracted for analysis. Results: All five studies addressed biological aspects of LBP, including pelvic girdle pain, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Three studies also explored psychological factors such as depression and stress. Two studies incorporated social dimensions, including inadequate support systems, occupational burdens, and healthcare access barriers. Age and parity were consistently reported as exacerbating physical and psychological symptoms. Conclusions: This review highlights the importance of considering biopsychosocial factors when managing LBP in older mothers. Tailored interventions, such as exercise programs, family support, and workplace accommodations, are essential for improving outcomes. Further research using longitudinal studies is needed to explore these factors in greater depth.

The law of contracts stands as a mechanism for creating and enforcing legal rights and obligations that ensure that parties are held to their respective promises. However, if contract law permits a seller to agree to sell the same item to two or more buyers to the extent of creating two valid contracts, this may violate one of the main purposes of contract law which is to bring certainty and predictability pertaining to the duties and rights of the parties. This article initially examined the elements of contract law to analyze if the same could give rise to two or more valid bilateral agreements purporting to sell the same item to different individuals. This was followed by proposed reforms to the existing framework to protect both sellers and buyers who may not be aware of the legal framework governing their relationships. After assessing and evaluating whether a seller of limited stocks can contract to sell more than they own, it was identified that it is legally possible for a seller to be bound by two or more valid contracts to sell the same item. It was proposed to either interpret the expression of willingness to sell a product by a seller with limited stocks as an invitation to treat or subject the validity of concepts of offer and acceptance to the condition of availability of stocks as mechanisms to afford protection to domestic sellers who may be incautious of the surrounding legal rules.

The re-introduction of English Medium Instruction (EMI) to selected state and private schools of Sri Lanka in 2001 has presented several challenges to the various stakeholders within the system. This chapter investigates how these challenges have affected the students and teachers engaged in EMI in the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level (A/L) classes of schools from the nine provinces of Sri Lanka. The study employed a mixed methods approach and used a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews as its research instruments. Sample populations for the interviews were drawn using convenience sampling. Data obtained from the open-ended section of the questionnaires and the interviews were subjected to a theme-based qualitative content analysis. The findings indicate that both the students and teachers face several challenges related to the acquisition of Academic Literacies (AL) such as the lack of basic English language proficiency on the part of both students and teachers, the students’ lack of subject knowledge, and the intensely exam-oriented teaching–learning process. Another significant finding was the diversity of views on translanguaging in EMI. Based on these findings, it is evident that although EMI has been in effect in the school system for over 20 years, there are still significant challenges to its successful implementation.

Background An episiotomy is making a controlled incision to the perineal region to enlarge the vaginal opening to facilitate difficult childbirths. According to evidence-based guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), it is not recommended that this procedure be performed routinely due to its detrimental effects on mothers’ postpartum quality of life (QOL). Therefore, this study aims to examine the QOL of postpartum mothers who experienced episiotomy during normal vaginal (NVD) delivery in a Tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with postpartum mothers (n = 131) who had experienced an episiotomy during NVD in a Tertiary care hospital, in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from November 2023 to January 2024, using the Maternal Postpartum QOL Instrument (MPQOL-1), a previously validated questionnaire comprising five sub-scales. Participants were voluntarily recruited from postpartum mothers attending postnatal clinics in the above setting. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS software version 26. Results The study found that the majority of participants (71%) reported a high level of QOL related to episiotomy, while 28.2% had a moderate level. Factors such as parity, postpartum period, and number of episiotomies experienced significantly influenced QOL (p < 0.05). Women in the first postpartum week and those with fewer episiotomies reported higher QOL scores. Episiotomy complications are significantly associated with QOL, particularly regarding breastfeeding, newborn care, and bonding (p < 0.05). Conclusions Postpartum mothers generally report a high QOL following episiotomy, with parity, postpartum period, and the number of episiotomies influencing outcomes. Early postpartum women and those with fewer episiotomies experience better QOL. Episiotomy complications, however, negatively impact key aspects of maternal well-being, including breastfeeding, newborn care, and bonding, highlighting the importance of minimizing complications.

Background Globally, public health nursing is an integral part of the community healthcare system, and it focuses mainly on disease prevention and health promotion. This study aims to systematically examine the evolution, roles, and discontinuities in public health nursing in Sri Lanka, highlighting historical milestones, training changes, and broader contributions to improving the community health of Sri Lanka. Methods/data sources: A scoping review was conducted via electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Lens.org), supplemented by gray literature and manual searches in national archives, government reports, historical records, and local journals. Sources in English and Sinhala were included, and the data were synthesized thematically across identified historical periods. Results Based on our findings, we classified the history of public health nursing in Sri Lanka into four distinct eras: the Colonial Era, the Post-Colonial Era, the No-PHN Era, and the Re-establishment Era. This review traced how public health nurses were progressively involved in maternal and child health, control of communicable disease, and school health in the early decades, supported by progressively improved recruitment and training programs. It also revealed a prolonged interruption in public health nurse services in the 1980s, but with limited documentation and records for this discontinuation. In recent years, they have been reintroduced to reflect newly emerging health needs of the country, with a widened role that consists of palliative care, geriatric care, and prevention of noncommunicable diseases. Throughout the review, a lack of consistent documentation and visibility in published work and official records in the public health system of the country could be observed. Conclusions The evolution of public health nursing in Sri Lanka reflects the changes that have occurred in the health goals of the country over the past century. Since the beginning, public health nurses have shown their value and essential service through providing maternal and child health care and more contemporary services, including NCD prevention, palliative, and elderly care. Although this position was discontinued in the 1980s, resulting in clear gaps in service, its re-establishment could have redefined the role and responsibilities of public health nurses in Sri Lanka.

Fake reviews are becoming a greater problem for online platforms, especially in the restaurant world. These dodgy reviews can hurt businesses; smaller ones often pinch the most because they mess with people’s trust and sway their buying decisions. Traditional ways of sniffing out fake reviews, such as manually going through them, are relatively slow and not very reliable; however, they are effective only approximately 57% of the time. However, that is where machine learning comes in with natural language processing. It is a game changer that uses enormous datasets and smart algorithms to find those tells that give away fake reviews via sentiment analysis. By looking at how people write, things such as grammar and meaning, and how they behave, such as how engaged they are or when they post, machine learning can do way better than the previous methods can. This study is all about pushing for better fake review detection systems that can help both businesses and customers, hitting accuracy rates of over 95% via behavioral feature extraction.

The addition of HHO on the brake thermal efficiency and the specific fuel consumption was analyzed. The laminar flame speed for hydrogen is almost five times higher than that for most hydrocarbon fuels. Better homogeneity of the combustible mixture would provide better conditions for the complete combustion process. In addition, faster combustion becomes closer to constant volume causing an increase in the indicated efficiency. The analysis revealed that adding self-generated HHO affects the engine performance. The effect can be positive or negative depending on the operating condition of the engine. The reason for the high BTE is attributed to increase in heat release rate and improvement of the overall thermodynamic efficiency of the engine when mixed with hydrogen. A specific operating region of the engine where HHO could affect was identified.

Nanoencapsulation of herbal extracts is an emerging strategy in developing novel therapeutic agents to combat type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study aimed to investigate sub‐acute antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of aqueous ethanol 70% v/v extract of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (MAE) encapsulated gelatin nanoparticles (MGNP) using a high fat diet fed streptozotocin induced diabetic Wistar rats. MGNP (10, 20, and 60 mg kg‐1) and free MAE (85, 255, and 765 mg kg‐1) were administered to rats for 28 days, and biochemical and histopathological investigations were conducted. Rats treated with MGNP (therapeutic dose:20 mg kg‐1) showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in glycated hemoglobin (by 61.7%, 16.3%), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (by 64.7%, 49.0%), triglyceride (by 49.2%, 10.4%), very low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (by 49.4%, 10.4%), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (by 75.9%, 41.5%), malondialdehyde (by 67.5%, 27.5%), and increased homeostatic model assessment of β cell function (by 949.5%, 449.7%), leptin (by 283.3%, 177.0%), catalase (by 429.8%, 102.9%) and total antioxidant capacity (by 688.0%, 13.4%) compared to diabetic control rats and MAE, respectively, indicating profound antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities. The biochemical findings were corroborated by the amelioration of histopathological abnormalities in the pancreas, proving MGNP is a novel drug lead in pharmaceutical applications.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCS) were fabricated using different photoanode compositions of P25 TiO2 and hierarchically structured TiO2 microspheres and optimized their performance. DSSCs fabricated with 10% TiO2 microspheres in the composite photoanode exhibited the highest efficiency of 7.17%, while the devices with pristine P25 TiO2 photoanode showed an efficiency of 6.34% under the same illumination conditions of 100 mW cm⁻². Device performance was further optimized by using the plasmonic effect of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) with different particle sizes. SEM imaging revealed that the average diameter of the TiO2 microspheres was about 700 nm and consisted of aggregates of smaller TiO2 nanoparticles of diameters 5–15 nm. This unique morphology appears to enhance the light absorption by scattering effect as well as by increasing the specific surface area of the TiO2 photoanode for improved dye adsorption. The average particle size of the Ag nanoparticles confirmed by the Transmittance Electron Microscopy (TEM) measurements was found to be 20 nm (red colour) and 80 nm (blue colour). Optimized DSSCs made with 10 wt% of AgNPs (in TiO2) with red colour and blue colour showed efficiencies of 7.88% and 8.15% respectively under the same illumination conditions. An impressive ~ 29% increase in the overall device efficiency due to the combined effect of hierarchically TiO2 microspheres as well as the plasmonic Ag NPs of blue colour (cluster size 80 nm) in the photoanodes, whereas the overall efficiency enhancement with red-coloured AgNPs of size ~ 20 nm was ~ 24%. Graphical Abstract

This research proposes a unique cable-driven two-degree-of-freedom wrist exoskeleton robotic device for Range of Motion (ROM) exercises related to Carpal Tunnel Recovery (CTR). A transportable platform for hand support powered by two actuators and a nonwearable sensing system comprised the basic, user-friendly design of the proposed exoskeleton robotic device. A specialized assist-as-needed control was installed to make the necessary movements with the robotic device. Transferring the data to the exoskeleton for rehabilitation, the control approach was combined with a computer vision system that imitated the therapist's wrist motions. Utilizing a computer algorithm, hand landmarks were produced to mimic the therapist's wrist movements. A total of 20 participants (Male: 55 % and Female: 45 %) were involved in the experimental procedure. High-accuracy ROM readings were obtained: 87.5 % for flexion, 90.0 % for extension, 92.5 % for ulnar deviation, and 90.0 % for radial deviation. In the conventional method, the healthy persons have a ROM for wrist flexion and extension of 71.6° and 63.0°, respectively, but Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) patients have a reduced ROM of 49.4° and 38.9°. Healthy participants have ulnar and radial deviations of 45.6° and 27.0°, respectively, while CTS patients have lower values of 28.7° and 20.1°. Using an exoskeleton, healthy people exhibit ROM flexion and extension of 64.9° and 59.0°, compared to 42.9° and 34.5° in CTS patients. This pattern is also shown in the ulnar and radial deviations, which are 44.1° and 25.6° for healthy individuals and 27.1° and 18.9° for CTS patients, respectively. These findings demonstrated the validity of the measurement techniques, which is crucial for clinical evaluations and rehabilitation plans.

Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, seafood safety, and human health. This study investigates the accumulation of microplastics in two commercially important shrimp species, Litopenaeus vannamei (L. vannamei) and Penaeus monodon (P. monodon), sourced from cluster farming sites in Puttalam, Sri Lanka. Shrimp exoskeletons and edible soft tissues underwent rigorous microplastic analysis, including density separation, alkali digestion, stereo microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed high microplastic contamination, with L. vannamei containing an average of 4.99 ± 1.81 MP particles/g and P. monodon containing 1.87 ± 0.55 MP particles/g. Microplastic sizes varied, with L. vannamei predominantly contaminated with 100–250 µm particles and P. monodon with 500 µm—1000 µm particles. Fiber morphotypes were prevalent in L. vannamei, while blue-colored microplastics were dominant in P. monodon. These comprised polystyrene (PS), nylon 6,6, and polyethylene (PE) which were identified by Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, the study investigated the acute toxicity effects of microplastic polymer combinations using a zebrafish embryo model (FET236 assay). Zebrafish embryos exposed to polyethylene-nylon 6,6 combinations exhibited significant adverse effects on hatching, survival, and heart function at lower concentrations, while polyethylene terephthalate-polystyrene combinations showed no considerable effects. These findings underscore the urgent need for monitoring and managing microplastic contamination in shrimp farming areas. Future research should focus on elucidating the ecological impacts and human health risks associated with microplastic exposure. Graphical Abstract

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies is transforming industries globally, including higher education. This study looks at how IoT can be used in Sri Lankan higher education, exploring both its opportunities and challenges. It examines the current technology in Sri Lankan universities and identifies key factors that affect the adoption of IoT, such as performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC), behavioral intention (BI), and use behavior (UB). By reviewing global examples of IoT in education, the study shows how IoT can improve learning, reduce administrative work, and increase efficiency. The research suggests a framework based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), offering a clear approach for integrating IoT into Sri Lanka’s higher education system while meeting the unique needs of local institutions. The study also highlights potential challenges and suggests strategies to make the transition smoother. The results show that all participants know about IoT, and more than 80% of students are excited to use it. Ultimately, this research provides a clear understanding of how IoT can transform education, aiming to guide policymakers and education leaders in effectively using IoT to enhance the quality and impact of higher education in Sri Lanka.

The textile industry generates significant amounts of polymeric waste, primarily from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, which are non-biodegradable and contribute to environmental pollution. This review explores the potential of repurposing textile polymeric waste into sustainable biodegradable composites, offering a promising solution to reduce waste and address environmental concerns. Biodegradable composites, made by recycling textile waste, can replace conventional non-biodegradable materials in industries such as construction, automotive, and packaging. This paper discusses the various methods for repurposing polymeric waste, including mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling techniques. It also examines the challenges involved in converting textile waste into high-quality biodegradable composites, such as issues with material properties, processing difficulties, and cost-effectiveness. The review highlights the opportunities for integrating this waste into a circular economy, with a focus on environmental benefits, economic potential, and future research directions.

The increasing environmental impact of plastic waste has prompted the exploration of sustainable alternatives, particularly CO₂-based biodegradable polymers. These polymers, synthesized from CO₂, offer an innovative approach to both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating plastic pollution. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in CO₂-derived biodegradable polymers, with a focus on catalyst development, polymerization methods, and material properties. Various catalysts, including metal-based, organic, photocatalysts, and enzymes, are evaluated for their effectiveness in CO₂ activation and polymer synthesis. The structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of CO₂-based polymers are discussed, with comparisons to conventional petroleum-based plastics to highlight their potential advantages and limitations. Additionally, the biodegradability of these materials is assessed through soil burial, enzymatic degradation, and hydrolysis studies. Challenges in scalability, catalyst efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are also examined. Despite these challenges, CO₂-based biodegradable polymers hold significant promise for reducing plastic pollution, particularly in short-lifetime applications. This review concludes by discussing the future potential of CO₂-based polymers and the need for continued research to enhance their commercial viability and environmental impact.

Pesticides are physical or biological agents, and their quantities in the surroundings must be controlled and closely monitored since they are hazardous to people, animals, and the environment. Although there are traditional methods for detecting pesticides, such as gas chromatography/liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC/LC–MS), researchers have recently developed alternative approaches due to the modern methods’ affordability, environmental friendliness, and ease of use. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) relies on the optical properties of nanostructured materials to significantly amplify Raman signals, enabling sensitive and rapid detection of pesticide residues. By functionalizing nanoparticles (NPs) with specific receptors, these sensors provide efficient environmental monitoring and management through prompt and sensitive pollution detection. This review addresses the limitations of traditional pesticide detection methods and examines the role of nanomaterials (NMs) in enhancing SERS-based detection. Further, it will summarize the potential of NMs in transforming pesticide detection and improving accuracy and efficiency through advances in nanostructure design and SERS technologies.

The use of activated coconut shell charcoal (ACSC) was explored as a cost-effective and viable alternative to platinum (Pt) counter electrodes (CE) in CdS quantum dot–sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). The photovoltaic performances of QDSSCs with newly fabricated ACSC CEs by spraying method and Pt CEs were evaluated using current density–voltage measurements under 100 mWcm⁻² light illumination. While the QDSSC with a Pt CE showed an efficiency of 1.26%, the QDSSC with an ACSC CE, with an optimal thickness of 25 μm, corresponding to a spray time of 60 s, showed an efficiency of 2.93%, demonstrating a more than two-fold increase in the efficiency. The physicochemical parameters of ACSC CEs were analyzed using FTIR, Raman, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and Tafel characterization. CV, Tafel, and electrochemical impedance (EIS) analysis confirmed the superior electrocatalytic activity of the ACSC CE compared to the Pt CE for QDSSCs. The efficiency enhancement can be attributed to the increased photocurrent density due to the superior electrocatalytic activity of ACSC, which promotes efficient polysulfide reduction at the electrolyte/counter electrode interface. The porous nature of ACSC provides an increased specific surface area, facilitating redox reactions and improving the interaction between the electrolyte and the counter electrode. Additionally, the enhanced charge transfer capabilities of the ACSC-based counter electrode contribute to efficient electron transport and reduced recombination losses. These properties collectively optimize the cell’s performance by ensuring effective energy conversion. Consequently, ACSC is emerging as a promising novel material for counter electrodes in QDSSCs. Graphical Abstract