Uva Wellassa University

The experiment was conducted to estimate the matrix value of xylanase and the effect of dietary xylanase supplementation on growth performance, viscosity, digestibility, and carcass traits in broiler chickens. A total of 588 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were raised with a commercial diet until day 7 and seven-day-old chicks were randomly allotted to one of seven dietary treatments with twelve replicates. Diets were corn-soybean meat based with wheat added. Dietary treatments were as follows; four basal diets (PC, energy sufficient diet; NC-1, -40 kcal/kg ME reduced from PC diet; NC-2, -80 kcal/kg ME reduced from PC diet; NC-3. -120 kcal/kg ME reduced from PC diet) and three different xylanase activity levels diet (NCX-1, 1,500 U/kg xylanase activity; NCX-2, 3,000 U/kg xylanase activity, NCX-3 4,500 U/kg xylanase activity) in the NC-3 diet. The standard xylanase dose was decided from the previous in vitro experiment. The weight gain and feed intake were measured and feed efficiency was calculated weekly. One bird per pen was selected and euthanized to harvest the intestinal digesta, breast meat, and leg meat samples on days 24 and 35. The linear and quadratic regression analysis and regression plateau were used to determine the xylanase recommendation and marginal level. The viscosity, digestibility, and proximate analysis of meat were analyzed from taken samples. Xylanase-added treatments were performed for higher ( p < 0.05) body weight and body weight gain. Furthermore, xylanase-added treatments showed higher protein digestibility and lower viscosity compared to non-xylanase treatment. The maximum metabolizable energy compensation level of xylanase calculated by the regression was 120 kcal/kg and the marginal xylanase level showed maximum performances were 3,622 U/kg on the linear plateau and 4,000 U/kg on the quadratic plateau. Therefore, our experiment suggested that xylanase addition in an energy deficiency diet not only enhances growth performance but also reduces viscosity, and enhances protein digestibility and the maximum compensation level of metabolizable energy was 120 kcal/kg. The recommended levels of xylanase supplementation were determined to be 3,622 and 4,000 U/kg.

Microplastics (MPs) have gained significant global concern due to their widespread presence, potential harm to ecosystems, and ability to enter biological systems. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge, rich in fibrous-shaped MPs, is a primary source of MPs in terrestrial environments. Managing MPs in soil from WWTP sludge presents significant challenges. Therefore, it is necessary to develop effective management solutions for this waste stream. This study aimed to assess the potential of duckweed (Lemna minor), an aquatic macrophyte, in phytoextracting MPs from textile waste sludge. Preparation of dry samples and wet peroxide oxidation processes were done for the identification of fiber-shaped MPs in selected sludge. Microscopic analysis revealed an average MP concentration of 2.2 particles per gram in the selected textile waste sludge, primarily in a fibrous form. Lemna minor was cultivated in the sludge samples. As the plants matured, a steady increase in fibrous-shaped MPs phytoextraction was evident, with concentrations reaching 1.3 MPs per plant after 7 days, 5.6 MPs per plant after 21 days, and 9.2 MPs per plant after 45 days. The visual sorting method was carried out to count MPs using an optical microscope. These results highlighted the proficiency of Lemna minor in MP phytoextraction through an eco-friendly and economically viable process to mitigate MP contamination from textile waste sludge. Once these macrophytes reach their maximum biomass yield, it is recommended to harvest and burn them in available burning facilities. The resulting remediated sludge can be used as a fertilizer. In addition, attention should be directed toward industrial plants with potential for textile fiber production, such as corn, wheat, hemp, and bamboo, to offer a more comprehensive solution to MP phytoextraction aligned with circular economy principles. This study demonstrates the potential of using Lemna minor for effective MP remediation from textile waste, contributing to sustainable waste management practices.

Micronutrient malnutrition remains a critical challenge in the Global South, particularly in Sri Lanka, where vulnerable populations face food insecurity and limited dietary diversity. This review examines biofortification as a sustainable strategy to address these deficiencies, using Sri Lanka as a case study. Biofortification, through agronomic practices, traditional breeding, and genetic engineering, offers a solution to enhance the nutritional quality of staple crops by increasing levels of essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin A. Given the prominence of rice in the Sri Lankan diet, fortifying native aromatic rice varieties with these micronutrients is emphasized. The potential of biofortifying other staples such as pulses, soybean, maize, and cassava is also explored, addressing diverse agroecological contexts. While highlighting challenges such as economic, cultural, and adoption barriers, the article advocates for biofortification as a key element of a comprehensive nutrition security strategy. The importance of consumer awareness, dietary guidelines, and integrated policy frameworks is underscored to promote the widespread adoption of biofortified crops. Policymakers are urged to prioritize biofortification initiatives within broader nutrition security agendas, offering a sustainable solution to combat micronutrient malnutrition and promote resilience in the Global South. Graphical Abstract

The antibiotic resistance issue in low- and middle-income countries has drawn global concern. This study presents the first metagenomic investigation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in hospital and municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Sri Lanka, using Illumina short-read and Nanopore long-read sequencing. Samples from three representative WWTPs receiving hospital and/or municipal wastewater (domestic generated) were collected from four districts in Sri Lanka, and as a comparison, wastewater directly discharged without treatment was also taken. ARG abundance was significantly higher in hospital wastewater (7.22 copies/cell) than in municipal wastewater (2.33 copies/cell), and greatly decreased by 82% and 93% after treatment processes, respectively. Similar trends were observed for mobile genetic elements. The prevalent subtypes of clinically relevant extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase genes in hospital wastewater were blaOXA, blaGES, blaVEB and blaTEM, whereas blaCTX-M and blaNDM were less dominant, which indicated the potential unique distribution pattern of ESBL and carbapenemase genes in Sri Lanka. Using long-read metagenomics, bacterial host range and genetic locations (plasmid or chromosome) of ARGs in sludge samples were predicted. Diverse pathogenic host taxa (Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Salmonella and Escherichia) and a higher plasmid proportion were identified in the hospital WWTP (39.8% vs. 21.5% in the municipal WWTP). Detected mobile genetic contexts in this study, IS6100-sul1-blaOXA-329-blaGES-5-blaGES-5-intI1 and ISKpn6-blaKPC-2-ISKpn7-ISPsy42, were also common in antibiotic-resistant plasmids in Enterobacteriaceae from different countries. These data will serve to expand the inventory of global ARG epidemiology. Also, the finding emphasizes that the wastewater treatment projects, especially in healthcare facilities, are vital for reducing clinically relevant ARG discharge to the environment. Further monitoring using advanced meta-omics approaches is crucial to assess potential ARG risks and optimize control strategies for improving human and ecosystem health in Sri Lanka.

Background and Aims Tobacco and betel quid are two major causes of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Tumor biomarkers offer potential headway for improved diagnosis of OSCC caused by tobacco and betel quid. Currently, several empirical investigations have explored the use of diverse types of tumor biomarkers in the diagnosis of tobacco‐ and betel quid‐induced OSCC; however, no known study has mapped the evidence reported in those studies. This scoping review aims to map existing empirical evidence on the biomarkers of OSCC caused by these carcinogenic substances. Methods This scoping review adhered to the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. Seven databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, AMED, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Ultimate, Dentistry, and Oral Sciences Source) were searched to retrieve literature on diagnostic tumor markers used in detecting tobacco‐ and betel quid‐induced OSCC. After deduplication and screening of research articles based on the eligibility criteria. Only 36 peer‐reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria of the scoping review. Data from the selected articles were charted, collated, summarized, and presented. Results All the included articles were on studies published within the past decade. Most of them (26 articles) reported case‐control studies. More than half (20 articles) were on studies conducted in India. A total of 6707 participants were investigated in the included articles, and different oral anatomical sites were involved. The biomarkers investigated were of diverse types, ranging from genomic biomarkers to transcriptomic markers. Specifically, these markers include micronuclei, miRNAs, protein markers, gene alterations, and salivary markers. These biomarkers were used in the early detection, risk assessment, and prognosis evaluation of tobacco‐/betel quid‐induced OSCC. Conclusion This scoping review provides insights into the current global research landscape on the use of biomarkers in the diagnosis of tobacco‐ and betel quid‐induced OSCC; it also provides potential avenues for improving early detection and management of this prevalent oral malignancy.

CuO was synthesized by employing the facile chemical precipitation technique to vary the concentrations of Cu(NO3)2 in a range from 0.001 to 0.1 M. This was carried out in order to find the concentration of Cu(NO3)2 that results in optimal electrochemical performance in CuO as an anode electrode material for lithium-ion batteries. Among the investigated concentrations, the 0.03 M Cu(NO3)2 showed the best electrochemical performance. Of the synthesized materials, the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis revealed the existence of a sponge-like morphology. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD) and Raman spectrum confirmed the formation of a required CuO phase. The electron density distribution on the crystalline structure of the synthesized CuO indicates the existence of the highest distribution of electrons around Cu atoms, with enhanced productivity of the conversion mechanism during the cycling process. Further, this study shows that the electronic interfacial properties of Cu/CuO could be improved by optimizing the amount of acetylene black used for the electrode fabrication, with 20 wt% being the optimum value. The electrodes fabricated with the synthesized sponge-like microstructured CuO as the active material exhibited a high initial specific discharge capacity of 3371.9 mA h g⁻¹ and resulted in a specific discharge capacity of 442.9 mA h g⁻¹ (Coulombic efficiency of 97.4%) after 50 cycles, at a rate of 0.2 C. Moreover, the specific discharge capacity reported at the rate of 1.0 C was 217.6 mA h g⁻¹ with a significantly high Coulombic efficiency of about 98.0% after 50 cycles. Altogether, this study reveals the high potentiality of using sponge-like microstructured CuO as a high-performance anode electrode material for LIBs.

The climate crisis and its hazardous impacts reached alarming levels where attitudes, mindsets, values, and behaviors of responsible citizens, especially universities need to engage with climate change including the ability to deal with complexity and work collaboratively across sectors and disciplines. Innovative student-centered learning pedagogies will prepare learners for their roles in highly exposed, sensitive, and vulnerable countries to climate hazards. The purpose of this study was to mainstream problem-based learning into climate change education in science-based undergraduate curricula with special emphasis on performing a resource audit on learning materials and teaching pedagogies, analyzing the feedback of learners, and proposing a smart student-centered learning framework. The data were collected via an online questionnaire (n = 211) and three focus group discussions (n = 29) with undergraduates. Student participation was significant in presenting their solutions while exploring, practicing, and developing climate-smart solutions to local, regional, and global climate hazards. Respondents were able to develop innovative, practical solutions and they preferred co-creation over the conventional learning methods. Crowd-sourcing methods used in problem-based learning yielded the best deliverables and active participation showed its potential as a teaching tool. Idea generation through brainstorming, mind mapping, focus group discussions, participatory observations, field days, and research publications was ranked high.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, and no flagella, designated SLMDC-22 T, was isolated from the intestine of a mud crab (Scylla serrata). The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SLMDC-22 T belonged to the genus Polaribacter and exhibited 96.9% similarity to P. huanghezhanensis, 96.5% to P. pacificus, 95.8% to P. lacunae, and 94.1% to P. marinivivus. The G + C content of the DNA of strain SLMDC-22 T was 30.3%. Growth occurred at 4–34 °C (optimum, 23 °C), at pH 5–9 (optimum, pH 7.0), and with 0.5–2.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2%). The major fatty acid was iso-C15:0. Major polar lipids include phospholipid, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, amino lipid, glycolipid, amino phospholipid, and an unknown polar lipid. The major respiratory quinone is MK-6. Based on whole-genome analysis, the orthologous average nucleotide identity (ANI) with the two closest relatives, Polaribacter huanghezhanensis and Polaribacter pacificus, were 87.3% and 75.7%, respectively. Furthermore, the digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values against Polaribacter huanghezhanensis and Polaribacter pacificus were 75.8% and 19.6%, respectively. Notably, 25 genes of SLMDC-22 T were associated with nitrogen metabolism, including denitrification, nitrate ammonification, ammonium assimilation, and nitrosative stress. The phenotypic, genotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain SLMDC-22 T represents a novel species of the genus Polaribacter, for which the name Polaribacter uvawellassae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SLMDC-22 T (= KCTC 102289 T = MCCC 1K09222T).

Heterotrigona itama, a widely reared stingless bee species, produces highly valued honey. These bees naturally secure their colonies within logs, accessed via a single entrance tube, but remain vulnerable to intruders and predators. Guard bees play a critical role in colony defense, exhibiting the ability to discriminate between nestmates and non-nestmates and employing strategies such as pheromone release, buzzing, hissing, and vibrations to alert and recruit hive mates during intrusions. This study investigated the acoustic signals produced by H. itama guard bees during intrusions to determine their potential for intrusion detection. Using a Jetson Nano equipped with a microphone and camera, guard bee sounds were recorded and labeled. After preprocessing the sound data, Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) were extracted as features, and various dimensionality reduction techniques were explored. Among them, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) demonstrated the best performance in improving class separability. The reduced feature set was used to train both Support Vector Machine (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifiers. KNN outperformed SVM, achieving a Precision of 0.9527, a Recall of 0.9586, and an F1 Score of 0.9556. Additionally, KNN attained an Overall Cross-Validation Accuracy of 95.54% (±0.67%), demonstrating its superior classification performance. These findings confirm that H. itama produces distinct alarm sounds during intrusions, which can be effectively classified using machine learning; thus, demonstrating the feasibility of sound-based intrusion detection as a cost-effective alternative to image-based approaches. Future research should explore real-world implementation under varying environmental conditions and extend the study to other stingless bee species.

The growing number of networked devices and complex network infrastructures necessitates robust network security measures. Network intrusion detection systems are crucial for identifying and mitigating malicious activities within network environments. Traditional intrusion detection systems (IDS) often struggle to adapt to new and evolving threats. To address these limitations, researchers are increasingly turning to advanced methodologies such as deep learning (DL), reinforcement learning (RL), and ensemble learning (EL), which offer enhanced capabilities in detecting sophisticated and previously unseen attacks. This systematic literature review (SLR) evaluates 33 technical studies from 2020 to 2024 on the application of DL, RL, and EL in IDS. The study reviews the DL and RL methods used in IDS, along with detection methods that employ EL techniques, to combine the strengths of these approaches. It highlights the advantages, disadvantages, and applicability of the proposed techniques, while also suggesting potential improvements. The aim of this SLR is to provide researchers and practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of current IDS methodologies leveraging DL, RL, and EL, enabling the development of more effective and resilient network security solutions. In addition, this review identifies gaps in the existing literature and outlines potential future research directions.

The search for simple principles that underlie the spatial structure and dynamics of plant communities is a long-standing challenge in ecology1, 2, 3, 4, 5–6. In particular, the relationship between species coexistence and the spatial distribution of plants is challenging to resolve in species-rich communities7, 8–9. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the spatial patterns of 720 tree species in 21 large forest plots and their consequences for species coexistence. We show that species with low abundance tend to be more spatially aggregated than more abundant species. Moreover, there is a latitudinal gradient in the strength of this negative aggregation–abundance relationship that increases from tropical to temperate forests. We suggest, in line with recent work¹⁰, that latitudinal gradients in animal seed dispersal¹¹ and mycorrhizal associations12, 13–14 may jointly generate this pattern. By integrating the observed spatial patterns into population models⁸, we derive the conditions under which species can invade from low abundance in terms of spatial patterns, demography, niche overlap and immigration. Evaluation of the spatial-invasion condition for the 720 tree species analysed suggests that temperate and tropical forests both meet the invasion criterion to a similar extent but through contrasting strategies conditioned by their spatial patterns. Our approach opens up new avenues for the integration of observed spatial patterns into ecological theory and underscores the need to understand the interaction among spatial patterns at the neighbourhood scale and multiple ecological processes in greater detail.

Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of microplastics on the ocean surface is crucial for assessing their impact on marine ecosystems and human health; however, long-term fluctuations have not been extensively studied. We present a long-term empirical data set on floating marine plastic debris collected from 1949 to 2020 around Japan in the western North Pacific. We observed three phases: 1) a period of increase (0–10⁴ pieces/km²) from the early 1950s to the late 1970s; 2) a stagnation period, with high abundance (10⁴–10⁵ pieces/km²), from the 1980s to the early 2010s; and 3) a period of reincrease (>10⁵ pieces/km²) from the mid-2010s to the present. The shift from film to fragmented plastic in the 1980s and the continuous downsizing may have caused the expansion of the offshore polluted area, resulting in a stagnation period by enhancing removal. The removal is most likely caused by sedimentation with phytoplankton, as the abundance of the plastic debris during this period was significantly related to the winter Pacific Decadal Oscillation, an index of annual primary productivity. The recent increase in microplastics suggests that plastic discharge is outpacing its removal capacity, suggesting that the impact of pollution on ocean surface biota is becoming increasingly evident.

Plant-based mechanisms to remove and remediate toxic metals from contaminated soils have gained wide social acceptance which ensures the well-being of human and healthy environment. Phytomining is such green technology that uses the bioavailability of metals in the contaminated soils to remove the toxicity and gain the commercial interest of metals using hyperaccumulators. Due to the skyrocketing demand for nickel in clean energy transition and the depletion of high-grade deposits, nickel phytomining has been studied over the last few decades with successful field demonstrations in serpentine soil. In Sri Lanka, there are six nickel-enriched serpentinite deposits where little effort has been made to recover nickel from the soil. Moreover, the nickel toxicity has affected the local community and reduced the economic value of the lands. Thus, this paper assess the findings of global nickel phytomining studies in terms of influencing factors on phytomining, extraction methodologies, and the economical, social, and environmental benefits of nickel phytomining which help to explore the potential of implementing such method in Sri Lankan serpentinite deposits. Moreover, the findings of the recent phytomining studies with Ginigalpelessa serpentine soil have been evaluated to emphasize its potential in removing and recovering nickel from serpentine soil at local scale. By addressing technological challenges, extraction mechanics, and adhering to sustainability goals such as United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Environmental, Social and Governance principles, this approach advocates for ethical and sustainable practices in serpentinite lands globally and locally, emphasizing responsible resource extraction for future demand.

An enormous amount of immature king coconut husk waste (KCHW) has accumulated as a result of the rising demand for king coconut water worldwide, creating environmental problems. This study investigates the potential of KCHW as a sustainable resource for producing soil conditioners through pyrolysis. Biochar, produced at 300, 400, and 500 °C for 1 h, and ash, produced at 400, 500, and 600 °C for 4 h, analyzed for their nutritional composition and physical properties. The results revealed that increasing pyrolysis temperature significantly influenced nutrient profiles, leading to higher available potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations. Biochar exhibited high fixed carbon content (> 70%), indicating potential for carbon sequestration, while ash samples showed high inorganic matter content (> 50%), suggesting value as a mineral-rich amendment. In conclusion, this study confirms biochar's potential to enhance available potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels in soil. The study underscores the critical importance of systematically refining pyrolysis parameters to develop biochar with optimal nutritional characteristics that precisely match specific soil nutrient deficiencies. It provided insights for devising future sustainable waste management approaches for coconut industries and seemingly made suggestions for the enhancement of the state of the plantation soil for coconut production.

This study investigates the effects of ultrasonication on milk coagulation properties, focusing on milk from indigenous Thamankaduwa White (TW) and exotic Holstein Friesian (HF) cattle. Milk samples were subjected to ultrasound treatment (20 kHz with a 2 cm probe depth and 60 % amplitude) at three energy densities (504, 612, and 720 J mL−1). Acid-induced gels were formed using a lactic acid starter culture, while rennet-induced gels were produced through enzymatic coagulation. The results demonstrate that ultrasonication significantly enhances the water-holding capacity (WHC) in both gel types, particularly in HF milk treated at 720 J mL−1. Ultrasonication also altered gel hardness, cohesiveness, and microstructure, with TW milk showing more pronounced changes. These include larger and more abundant void spaces in rennet gels and a coarser protein network in acid-induced gels. Ultrasonication offers a practical and efficient method to improve dairy product quality by enhancing WHC, hardness, and cohesiveness while reducing syneresis in milk gels. This technology also promotes the utilization of milk from underutilized indigenous cattle breeds, such as TW, in the dairy industry, contributing to sustainability and addressing industry challenges.