Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

Neglected and underutilized seed crops (NUSC) can play an important role in food and nutritional security. Understanding the progress and gaps in research concerning NUSC can improve the efficiency of research and policies involving the transformation of agriculture with the potential of these crops. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to assess the global literature on NUSCs. The records available in the Scopus database (www. scopus. com) during the 1990-2022 period were evaluated and the title, abstract, and keywords were analyzed using predetermined terms (not mentioned here). Several citation-related metrics and keyword analyses were performed using NUSC-related publications. The Scopus search resulted in a total of 1456 publications reported from 114 countries, of which more than 70% were published during the last decade (2013-2022). The major applications of NUSCs identified in this study were animal feed/fodder, biofuel, energy, fiber, food and nutrition, industrial uses, medicinal properties, oil, ornamental, pest and disease control , and others. The highest applications were related to food and nutrition. An open-access database on NUSCs was published which provides important information for future research. This article shows the potential of neglected and underutilized seed crops which may be exploited to achieve food and nutritional security.

The limited shelf life of guava contributes significantly to post-harvest losses, underscoring the importance of extending freshness during storage through effective preservation techniques. The impact of nanoemulsion coatings with encapsulated clove essential oil as an antimicrobial bioactive compound was used as a coating application on ‘Allahabad Safeda’ guava fruits at an ambient condition (25 ± 2 °C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity) for 12 days. Nanoemulsions are fine oil-in-water or water-in-oil dispersions with droplet sizes typically below 300 nm, offering improved stability and enhanced delivery of bioactive compounds. Different nanoemulsion formulations of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), sodium alginate and clove essential oil containing Tween 20 as a surfactant were used. Fresh fruits were coated with different concentrations of coating and fruits dipped in water served as the control sample. Droplet size varied from 200 to 300 nm. Weight loss, decay, firmness, sugars, soluble solids content (TSS), reducing sugars (RS) and total sugars (TS), titratable acidity (TA), and ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity were determined. Results showed that fruit weight (112.60 mg; 41.5% higher than control), TSS (11.44°Brix), TA (0.38%), firmness (1.54 Kgcm⁻²; 45.8% higher), ascorbic acid (192.41 mg/100 g; 33.2% higher), antioxidant activity (36.13%; 28.4% higher), total sugar (6.65%), reducing sugars (4.21%), non-reducing sugars (5.00%) were maintained as compared with control. It can be concluded that T4 (2% Nano-CMC + 2% Nano-clove essential oil) was most effective treatment among all treatments. Future studies are required to study more about anti-microbial compounds and their encapsulation techniques into the coating matrix for shelf-life extension.

In this report we present the synthesis, characterization, and application of cost-effective WO3 thin films prepared by the hydrothermal method as a photoanode in direct water splitting under solar irradiation. Na2WO4.2H2O, NaNO3, and HNO3 were used as starting materials to synthesize WO3 powder by the hydrothermal method. Hydrothermally prepared WO3 powder coated on Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO) by drop casting followed by annealing in air at 600 °C was used as the working electrode in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation to produce hydrogen fuel. The prepared electrode was characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of nanostructured pristine WO3. Mott–Schottky analysis confirmed the n-type semiconductivity of the prepared WO3. The photoanode of WO3 prepared on FTO exhibited maximum photocurrent of 120 µA cm⁻² at an applied bias of + 0.6 V (Vs Ag/AgCl) under periodic UV–Vis irradiation of 100 mW cm⁻² for water oxidation. High stability was observed for this WO3 electrode in the water oxidation for continuous periodic illumination over 1 h. Further improvements will be carried out by incorporating carbon-supported materials.

Background Ischaemic heart disease commonly presents with chest pain and autonomic symptoms; however, atypical manifestations can occur. Cardiac cephalalgia is a rare presentation of acute coronary syndrome, characterised by a migraine-like headache triggered by myocardial ischaemia. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Case presentation We describe a 47-year-old man with diabetes and a history of smoking who presented with an acute, severe frontotemporal headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Electrocardiography revealed ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads. Coronary angiography demonstrated multivessel coronary artery disease involving the right coronary artery and the left anterior descending artery. A subsequent measurement of serum troponin I confirmed myocardial injury. Both arteries were successfully stented, leading to clinical improvement and resolution of the headache. Conclusions This case highlights the importance of considering cardiac causes in patients presenting with severe headaches particularly in those with cardiovascular risk factors.

Wild plant-assisted phytoremediation is a promising strategy for remediating trace metal(loid) contaminated soil. It is an economically feasible, ecologically safe, green strategy whose efficiency depends on the type of plant species used and their underlying mechanisms. Hyperaccumulator wild plants, such as Pteris vittata, Thlaspi caerulescens, Verbascum thapsus, and Calystegia hederacea, are particularly effective due to their ability to absorb and store exceptionally high concentrations of metals, including cadmium, arsenic, and zinc, in their tissues without exhibiting toxicity. On the other hand, non-hyperaccumulator species, such as Chenopodium album and Salix atrocinerea, known for their high biomass production and adaptability, play a crucial role in phytostabilization and complement hyperaccumulators in remediation efforts. However, limitations associated with the phytoremediation process include lesser bioavailability of contaminants, the absence of appropriate disposal methods, and the lack of proper efficacy testing procedures. Therefore, several biotechnological and microbiological strategies, such as the application of transgenic plants, microbe- and chelate-assisted phytoremediation, and the exploration of exogenous additives, have been employed to enhance the efficiency of phytoremediation by increasing metal tolerance in plants, enhancing metal bioavailability, and improving plant biomass. Additionally, plants undergo detoxification mechanisms, such as avoidance and tolerance behaviors, in response to trace metal toxicity. Recently, many studies have been conducted to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of trace metal tolerance in plants. Therefore, this review aims to discuss various phytoremediation mechanisms and the absorption and translocation processes of trace metal(loid)s in reclaimed soils contaminated with these elements, with a primary focus on terrestrial wild plants. Furthermore, it will encompass recent advancements in phytoremediation and provide new insights into future research.

Purpose of Review This review provides a comprehensive understanding about the mechanisms and technologies for the enhanced remediation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)-contaminated soils by organic and biochar amendments. This article discusses the practical implications in relation to degradation, mobility, and bioavailability of POPs in soils. Recent Findings The application of organic (and carbonaceous) amendment lead to changes in soil’s pH, OM, and soluble organic carbon levels which might shift POPs from solid to aqueous phases, increasing their availability for microbial breakdown. Biochar can be useful as an electron donor, acceptor, or shuttle for microorganisms that degrade POPs (via different biological or chemical reactions) apart from its high surface area and excellent sorption properties (π–π interactions). Summary Large amounts of organic such as composted manure, biosolids, municipal solid waste, and biochar amendments are utilized as a soil conditioner to enhance soil health and crop productivity as well as a source of carbon and nutrients, which can also impact the interactions of POPs in soil.

Plants have developed numerous pre-existing and inducible defense mechanisms to combat the various pathogenic threats to which they are exposed. These defense mechanisms are supported by biocontrol agents, including fungi, antagonistic bacteria, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). PGPR enhance plant growth and resistance through multiple mechanisms: eliciting induction of systemic resistance (ISR) or systemic acquired resistance (SAR), improving food production, synthesizing growth promoters, inhibiting the growth of phytopathogens, emitting volatile compounds, and secreting antimicrobial metabolites. Trichoderma harzianum, a nursery-grown fungus, controls phytopathogenic fungi by activating plant-made antimicrobial compounds, antibiosis, and cell wall-degrading enzymes. Only five PGPRs have had their genomes fully sequenced: four strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Agrobacterium radiobacter K84. In biocontrol research, proteomics is a game-changing technology that provides insight into the relationships among plants, diseases, and biocontrol agents. Advanced methods such as globular and organellar proteomics, which are focused on deep analysis of the plant proteome show how biocontrol treatments can change the defense mechanisms and metabolic processes in plants. These findings are invaluable, as they shed light on the molecular and metabolic alterations occurring in plants with the support of those beneficial microbes. Taken together, these recent advancements may pave the way to greater sustainability and efficacy in plant disease control. At the same time, it can offer a new look at plant defense. This chapter develops the manner through which recent trends in proteomics could impact plant defense mechanisms.

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.

Organic and inorganic contaminants are entrained into environmental systems through natural and anthropogenic processes, such as mining activities, manufacturing, and waste disposal. In terrestrial and aquatic environments, the contaminant(s) remediation can be achieved by immobilization, thereby inhibiting their dispersal and bioavailability. Mobilization, through leaching and plant uptake, is another process of pollutant removal. Phytoremediation has attracted attention as an eco-friendly alternative for the remediation of contaminated environments. However, the safe management of post-phytoremediation contaminated biomass poses many practical challenges. Understanding the fate of the pollutants in the plants allows the estimation of the possible transfer of the contaminants to the food chain ascertain by-products or residues during biofuel production. Metal-enriched fractions could be used as a valuable source of novel catalysts or reusable materials. The safe conversion of biomass into energy may require sequestering contaminants at any step of the process, preferably upstream of the energy conversion or as a pre-treatment of plant biomass. Through gasification or pyrolysis of post-remediation biomass, bioenergy products (including syngas, oil, hydrogen gas, biochar, and hydrochar) can be used for heating and electricity generation. A comparative evaluation among pyrolysis, gasification, combustion, and liquefaction/fermentation processes for biofuel production from post-phytoremediation biomass suggests that pyrolysis is the strategy with the lowest transfer of toxic metals to the final products. This review presents critical discussions of the processes involved in phytoremediation of contaminated environments, the redistribution of contaminants within plant biomass, the sustainable management of post-phytoremediation biomass, and the unintended environmental consequences of phytoremediation.

This study investigates the production of biomass briquettes using waste coconut shell charcoal and cinnamon sawdust, bound by eco-friendly, non-edible binders: cassava peel starch, giant taro starch, and pine resin. The production process involved carbonization of coconut shells, followed by crushing, blending with sawdust, pressing, and a 12-day sun-drying period. The briquettes were tested for calorific value, density, compressive strength, and shatter resistance. The calorific values ranged from 26.07–31.60 MJ/kg, meeting the industrial standards, while densities varied between 0.83 g/cm³ and 1.14 g/cm³, ensuring compactness and efficient combustion. Among the binders, cassava peel starch provided the best bonding strength, resulting in high-density briquettes with superior durability and energy release, showing a calorific value and compressive strength of 2.11 MPa. Giant taro starch also improved durability, though with slightly lower calorific values but better bonding than pine resin. Pine resin, while contributing to high calorific values, reduced compressive strength with increased resin content, making it less suitable for high mechanical strength applications. Proximate analysis revealed that cassava peel starch-based briquettes had moisture content from 6.5% to 8.6%, volatile matter from 15.2% to 23.5%, ash content from 2.1% to 3.2%, and fixed carbon between 69% and 76.2%. Giant taro starch-based briquettes exhibited 63.2% to 75% fixed carbon, while pine resin-based briquettes had the highest fixed carbon content (66.4% to 78.3%), demonstrating the potential of non-edible adhesives for sustainable, high-performance fuel production.

Sri Lanka’s rice systems are subject to low yield events that threaten national food security. Extreme climate events during the cropping season are the main cause, but whether human-induced climate change has contributed to low yield events is an open question. Here, we present an impact attribution analysis that quantifies the effect of climate change to the average yield in 1981–2019 and the low yield event that occurred in 2017 using factual and counterfactual climate model simulations as inputs to three process-based crop models, DSSAT, APSIM and CYGMA. All of the crop models consistently show that climate change has decreased average yield by − 4.99% to − 0.20%, compared to that without climate change. However, the effect of climate change to the 2017 event is mixed in the sign across the crop models. When using a multi-model ensemble average (MME) of the three crop models, a significant negative impact on the Yala season is detected. The large uncertainties associated with the use of different crop models also make it inconclusive whether the 2017-level low yield events would become more frequent and severer by mid-century (2031–2069) under projected climates than under the present-day climate. The same result was derived even when MME is used. These results underscore the need for improved impact attribution to inform climate negotiations on the development of climate-resilient agri-food systems in low-income countries through the Loss and Damage mechanism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-00262-5.

The Eocene-Oligocene transition (EOT) marks a pivotal shift from a global warm climate to the glaciated conditions observed in the Oligocene Era. Despite its significance, research on the palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic conditions during this transition in the equatorial margin of the Northern Indian Ocean around Sri Lanka remains limited. This study addresses this gap by reconstructing these conditions using calcareous nannoplankton assemblages from sediment cores collected in the Mannar Basin in the Indian Ocean. A total of 54 species spanning 17 genera and 7 families were identified, indicative of a diverse marine ecosystem during this period. The assemblages were distributed across NP23 to NP16 nan-nofossil zones, corresponding to the Bartonian to early Rupelian stages. Warm-water species such as Coccolithus pelagicus and Umbilicosphaera bramlettei, alongside cold-water species like Reticulofenestra dictyoda, suggest variations in sea surface temperatures and cooler water layers or upwelling zones. The rapid extinction of warm-water taxa and the absence of certain species during the Eocene-Oligocene Transition indicate a significant decrease in temperature. Notably, the decline in abundance of k-mode taxa such as Coccolithus, Discoaster and Ericsonia suggests a shift from warm and oligotrophic conditions to cooler and eutrophic environments. Key index nannofossils, including Coccolithus formosus and Discoaster deflandrei, indicate relatively high sea surface temperatures and oligotrophic environments. These findings shed light on the transition from the late Eocene to the early Oligocene period and provide valuable insights into past climatic and environmental dynamics in the Indian Ocean.

Introduction Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is prevalent in older adults as well as in individuals with chronic medical conditions and those taking specific medications. Despite its significance, OH remains underdiagnosed and poorly managed, partly due to limited training and awareness among doctors. Aims and Objectives This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of medical officers regarding OH at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 registered medical officers. Data were collected through a pretested, self-administered questionnaire addressing demographic details, knowledge of OH diagnostic protocols, symptoms, and management strategies. Results There were 200 medical officers, 22% of whom were consultants. The mean participant age was 48.2 years, with 58% being male. Knowledge of systolic and diastolic blood pressure changes was significantly higher among consultants (63.63% and 79.54%, respectively) ( P < 0.01) compared to medical officers (35.25% and 38.46%, respectively) ( P < 0.01). However, knowledge of proper OH measurement protocols, including the timing of blood pressure readings, was poor in both groups, with no significant difference ( P > 0.05). Awareness of common OH symptoms such as dizziness and falls was high, but less common symptoms (e.g. weakness and fatigue) were poorly recognized. Knowledge of pharmacological treatment options was insufficient in both groups. Conclusion This study underscores the need for enhanced training and education on OH in Sri Lanka, particularly regarding diagnostic protocols, symptom recognition, and management strategies. Incorporating these could bridge the knowledge gap and improve patient outcomes, reducing the risk of falls and associated morbidities in older adults.

Nanofluids, fluids with different suspended nanoparticles, have shown improved thermo-physical properties in recent research outputs, and they have emerged as promising alternatives for the industrial fluids used in numerous heat exchange applications. Much research has been conducted around the world to develop heat transfer fluids with optimum thermo-physical properties with the help of nanotechnology, especially in the 21st century. Following the latest research outcomes, nanofluids with base fluids of industrially used coolants, such as water, engine oil, transformer oil, electronic coolants, etc., have shown imposing thermo-physical properties compared to their base fluid. Identifying the nanofluids with high performances and lesser practical obstacles to be used as heat transfer fluids is vital. This paper reviews the thermo-physical property improvements of nanofluid properties, such as thermal conductivity, viscosity, density, specific heat capacity, and flash point, along with their theoretical models. Recent studies on using surfactants to improve the stability of nanofluids are also included in this review. The next part of the study reviews the latest research outputs on the thermo-physical properties of nanofluids in applications in engineering disciplines. Later, research on molecular dynamics simulations of nanofluids are discussed. As the final section, this paper presents Nanofluid research related to neural network modeling. Cumulatively, this paper presents a comprehensive review of recent nanofluids research, along with theoretical developments. This review is a cumulative study of the recent studies of nanofluid research in different disciplines. Most of the recent reviews focused on specific applications of nanofluids and do not cover the field from the basics of the nanofluids to their applications. However, this review covers all the aspects of the nanofluid field, along with several important engineering applications.

Polyaniline (PANI) is a promising material for energy storage technologies such as supercapacitors due to its unique properties such as high conductivity, redox activity, excellent environmental stability, low cost, and easy preparation. However, enhancing the charge storage capability of PANI and improving the capacitance of PANI is a challenge. To address this challenge, a novel and facile electrochemical approach to synthesizing the porous PANI is proposed. This approach varies from conventional methods by eliminating the necessity for templates to form pores in the PANI matrix. Pore formation was facilitated using the readily available organic dye, methylene blue (MB). Electrochemical polymerization of PANI was carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV) within the potential range of 0 V–1.4 V in a 0.1 M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte containing 0.025 M MB. Characteristic redox peaks at approximately 0.5 V, 0.9 V, and 0.2 V confirmed the successful synthesis of PANI. The polymer was electrodeposited onto a stainless-steel (SS) substrate pre-adsorbed with MB and subsequently immersed in ethanol to extract the dye. Porous structures significantly enhance the surface area of the PANI matrix, facilitating rapid ion diffusion and improving charge storage capability. Synthesized material was structurally characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). FTIR analysis confirmed the deposition of PANI on the electrode substrate. SEM images showed pore structures in the PANI matrix. EDX data showed the presence of elements N and C, confirming the deposition of PANI. The electrochemical characterization of the material was carried out using CV, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) technique in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte using a three-electrode configuration to illustrate the electrochemical performance of the material. The CV data showed a significant enhancement in the capacitance of porous PANI to 13 mF cm ⁻² at the 5 mV/s scan rate compared to the capacitance of PANI of 7.6 mF cm ⁻² . The capacitive and diffusive contributions quantified using Dunn’s method were 24.8 % and 75.2 % respectively. GCD data showed an energy density of 2.056 μ Wh cm ⁻² at the power density of 0.034 mW cm ⁻² and a capacitance retention of 98 % after the 10 cycles. EIS data showed the enhancement of electrochemical performances with less charge transfer resistance for porous PANI. These results concluded the efficacy of the proposed electrochemical synthesis method in enhancing the charge storage capability of PANI for its potential for high-performance supercapacitor applications.

The emergence of the food service industry is among the most promising sectors that open many great opportunities for its development. Restaurants are also a part of the world’s economy. This is reflected in the increasing demand for high-quality, upscale dining experiences. The restaurant industry is well-positioned for future growth. However, few researchers have explored the impact of restaurant attributes on overall customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions in the context of fine dining restaurants. This study investigates how restaurant attributes influence overall satisfaction and behavioural intentions in an emerging economy such as India. To explore this relationship, we adopted the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory proposed by Mehrabian and Russell (1974) [1]. The results show that restaurant attributes can lead to higher customer satisfaction rates, benefiting the industry. Restaurant attributes also play an essential role in creating a positive customer dining experience. Restaurant attributes help provide thoughtful customer service, such as assisting with menu items, remembering customers’ names, or providing helpful suggestions, which can also show customers that they are valued.