Ayurveda and modern medicine represent two formulations of the reality behind the same phenomenon with respect to human existence; maintenance of health and the management and cure of disease. These two formulations (medical systems) are rooted in two fundamentally different knowledge systems. Modern medicine is rooted in the reductionist approach of modern science, based on the concepts of physics, chemistry and biology. Ayurveda is rooted in the holistic approach of the Indian Knowledge system, based on the concept of the Panchamahabhuta. The Panchamahabuta refers to the five ‘elements’ of space, air, fire, water and earth, which are considered the fundamental constituents of all manifested reality.Ayurvedic treatments for various diseases are based on diet, medication and practices. Particular emphasis is given to diet, specifying foods that should or should not be consumed. Many therapeutic regimens commence with purgation treatments. It is apparent that modulation of the gut microbiome can be one of the outcomes of these treatment modalities. One of the most interesting areas of research in modern medicine currently is the gut microbiome-immune system-brain axis. The manifestations of a variety of diseases ranging from psychiatric illness, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiac disease, cancer and skin diseases to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis are being investigated for their interconnection with the gut microbiota.The acknowledged applicability and relevance of both Ayurveda and modern medicine in many areas relating to health and disease pose the intriguing question of how the basic concepts of each formulation relate to one another. While Ayurveda does not refer to the gut microbiome, it uses the concept of Agni (fire), the energy that powers all physical functions, particularly digestion. It governs not only digestion, absorption and metabolism, but also all physical functions and mental and emotional processes. Thus, interpretation of Ayurvedic clinical practice in terms of the gut microbiome-immune system-brain axis, where applicable, can potentially yield valuable insights to both systems of medicine.
Detecting unusual crowd events in surveillance video is crucial due to increased crime rates in recent years. However, automatically identifying these events is challenging because feature comparison across the training and test phases is time-consuming. To address this, we introduce the Markov-nearest transition based unusual events classifier (MTUEC) classifier, which classifies input frames as either normal or unusual events. The MTUEC algorithm comprises several modules: the spatial slice model, static object removal computation, spatio-temporal estimation, and the Markov-nearest transition based unusual events classifier. The MTUEC algorithm focuses on comparing features between immediate training frames and the testing frame. If the immediate training frame does not match the testing frame, the algorithm considers other training frames for comparison. This approach significantly reduces the time needed to detect unusual crowd events. To examine the effectiveness of the proposed method, we used two benchmark datasets for unusual crowd events: UMN and UCSD Ped1 and Ped2. We also compared the performance of the proposed approach with several existing algorithms for unusual event detection.
The inspiration of this manuscript is reflected power function (RPF) and size biased distributions. We present a size-biased reflected power function (SBRPF) distribution using highly flexible reflected power function distribution. The resulting distribution is also flexible enough to fit all types of data either J shaped, reverse J shaped, positive skewed and negative skewed. We also drive various important properties of the suggested model. We show the comprehensive analysis of the proposed model detailing the asymptotic behavior of the function. We use diverse methods of estimation such as modified maximum likelihood method (MMLM) , maximum likelihood method (MLE) , percentile estimator (PE). The numerical analysis shows that the SBRF distribution remains consistent while mean square error (MSE) does not decrease as sample size increases. The real-life data sets demonstrate that SBRPF distribution is a better choice to be compared with other models exist in the literature. We also reported the use of two control charts Exponential weighted moving averages (EWMA) and Extended Exponentially weighted moving averages (EEWMA) for the shape parameter of the proposed model. From both Simulation studies and real-life application, we observe that EEWMA is a more effective control chart for detecting early change during a process for SBRPF distribution.
Isolated tropical islands support unique biodiversity and high endemism but face high extinction risks for some plant species due to small, fragmented populations and increasing anthropogenic pressures. Sri Lanka, a continental island in the Western Ghats–Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot, hosts remarkable pteridophyte flora, including two highly threatened groups: the filmy ferns (Hymenophyllaceae) and grammitid ferns (Grammitidoideae). Owing to their narrow ecological niches and dependence on humid, shaded microhabitats, these taxa are highly sensitive to microclimatic shifts and habitat disturbance. This study proposes a holistic conservation approach to safeguard these fern groups by integrating historical and contemporary data, herbarium records, geospatial analyses, hotspot identification, and expert knowledge. Using 752 herbarium specimens from 22 global herbaria, together with recent field collections, we mapped species distributions, examined temporal collection patterns, and identified priority regions and climatic envelopes essential for their survival. Results reveal that high-elevation and southwestern wet-zone forests are key hotspots. Additionally, the analysis identified three hotspots for grammitid ferns and two for filmy ferns. The study outlines a roadmap incorporating species prioritization, targeted field surveys, microhabitat restoration, in situ conservation, ex situ propagation via high-tech greenhouses, community engagement, and collaborative research. Emphasis is placed on strengthening national herbarium resources, integrating citizen science, applying genomic tools, and aligning conservation actions with global frameworks. This holistic, multidisciplinary strategy provides a comprehensive foundation for conserving Sri Lanka’s threatened filmy and grammitid ferns and offers a model applicable to other island flora worldwide.
Indigenous cattle in Sri Lanka consists of several geographically isolated populations. Due to lack of descriptive information, they remained non-descriptive. With isolated breeding with directional selection, some of these populations have developed unique features allowing the opportunity to establish indigenous breeds. The Kinniya cattle population is one such breed, which is featured by unique selection and breeding system under specific management circumstances. This study was carried out to identify the unique characteristics in Kinniya cattle, while unveiling the associated social, cultural and economic background. Comparison of the distribution and characteristics of Kinniya cattle of those with different indigenous cattle populations in Sri Lanka was done using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the Kinniya cattle are reared extensively in large herds, and bull calves are selected for well-defined draught characters at three months of age. Having undergone directional selection for generations, the population has now stabilized to feature well developed horns with uniform orientation, prominent hump and dewlap. The comparison with other populations revealed that, despite the ancestral similarities that could exist with the Thamakaduwa cattle, Kinniya cattle showed a distinct morphometric attribute. The study disclosed the directional selection and breeding strategies adopted by the communities over generations, and the distinct herd management strategies adopted have helped developing the uniqueness of Kinniya cattle as a separate indigenous population in Sri Lanka and the only population bred for draught purpose.
The integration of organic mulches with beneficial microorganisms offers a sustainable strategy for enhancing soil fertility and plant productivity. This study evaluated the effects of Gliricidia sepium mulch enriched with two native bacterial strains (I-I and I-II) from Sri Lanka on the vegetative growth, essential oil yield, and soil nutrient status of Cinnamomum verum variety Sri Gemunu under greenhouse conditions. A 12-month experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments: control (mulch only), bacterial strain I-I enriched mulch (G I-I), and bacterial strain I-II enriched mulch (G I-II). Vegetative growth parameters, essential oil yield, and soil nutrient levels were assessed. Both bacterial treatments significantly improved plant height, stem circumference, leaf number, and root length compared to the control, with G I-II exhibiting significant performance in most growth metrics. Soil analysis indicated significantly elevated phosphorus levels in both inoculated treatments, while nitrogen levels increased only in the G I-I treatment. These findings highlight the potential of plant growth promoting bacteria-enriched Gliricidia sepium mulch to enhance vegetative growth and soil fertility in cinnamon cultivation, suggesting potential gains in overall oil productivity, supporting its relevance in sustainable cinnamon production systems.
The growing global demand for energy and the depletion of fossil fuels create serious challenges for energy security and increasing environmental problems such as pollution, global warming, rising sea levels, and CO₂ emissions. Switching to low-carbon fuels is necessary to fight climate change. Bioethanol, a renewable fuel made from plants, offers a sustainable way to meet energy needs while reducing environmental impact. This study investigates the use of Musa paradisiaca peels, an underutilized agro-waste, for bioethanol production. Different parts of the plant, including pseudostem, leaves, roots, peels, and bunch stalk, were tested. Among these, peels produced the highest levels of reducing sugars and bio-alcohol, making them the most effective carbon substrate for further optimization. Fermentation conditions were optimized step by step by altering one factor at a time while maintaining all other parameters constant. The optimization process involved determining the ideal fermentation time, hydrolysis agent, sulfuric acid concentration, yeast inoculum size, and substrate amount. Under the optimized conditions, a 40-hour fermentation time, the use of 0.75M sulfuric acid as the hydrolysis agent, 100 g/L yeast inoculum, and 75 g/100 mL substrate concentration resulted in a significant 8.15-fold increase in bio-alcohol yield compared to the non-optimized conditions. Analysis by GC revealed that the amount of ethanol in the crude alcohol sample was 89.6%. This study shows an effective way to convert banana peels into high purity bioethanol, supporting sustainable waste management and circular bioeconomy strategies.
Molecular Identification of the Plant Parasitic Nematode, Meloidogyne Species in Sri Lanka Abstract Root-knot nematodes, a major type of plant pathogen of the genus Meloidogyne, cause substantial losses in many agricultural crops. Therefore, the correct identification of Meloidogyne species is essential for the application of appropriate nematode control measures for effective crop recovery. In this study, molecular identification of Meloidogyne species was conducted on 27 root samples with abnormal root-galls, collected from nine different types of crops. The samples were collected from 21 different agricultural fields in seven provinces of Sri Lanka, between 2014 - 2018. The presence of juvenile stages in 25 samples (93%) was confirmed using microscopic analysis, and DNA was isolated from purified males, eggs, and juvenile stages for molecular identification. Universal primers MF/MR, which amplified the 500 bp of ribosomal DNA, confirmed the presence of Meloidogyne in 23 samples (85%). Primers C2F3/1108 and 194/195 were used to confirm species-specific amplification of mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA. Species Meloidogyne arenaria, Meloidogyne enterolobii, and Meloidogyne thailandica were identified in 22%, 67%, and 4% of the samples collected, respectively, either as single species populations or as mixed populations. Collectively, these species were detected in several economically important crops, including tomato, cherry tomato, spinach, guava, chili, cabbage, and capsicum. Meloidogyne enterolobii was the most prevalent species and was detected on guava, capsicum, and tomato in the Northwestern, Central, and Western provinces. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on molecular identification of Meloidogyne species in Sri Lanka and the first report of M. enterolobii and M. thailandica in Sri Lanka. This expands the previously known worldwide distribution of these species. The presence of Meloidogyne species associated with economically important crops was observed in all seven provinces surveyed, indicating an urgent need for the implementation of effective nematode management strategies.
In this study, we report the first instance of the fungus Ramularia coleosporii, isolated in the sori of Plumeria leaf rust caused by Coleosporium plumeriae in Sri Lanka. The fungus R. coleosporii was cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, DNA was isolated, and PCR was conducted targeting the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of the genome. Phylogenetic analysis using the obtained sequence data and other homologous sequences retrieved from GenBank revealed a close relationship with Ramularia coleosporii strains reported from Eastern and Western regions of Asia. The Sri Lankan isolate showed 99% sequence identity with R. coleosporii from South Korea, with strong bootstrap support (99%) for this identification. Although R. coleosporii has been reported as a hyperparasite of plumeria rust in other regions, hyperparasitism was not experimentally verified in this study.
Dendrimers are highly ordered, unimolecular, monodisperse, micellar nanostructures, applied in various fields such as drug delivery, nanotechnology, and biomedical applications. Hexadentate 3-hydroxypyridinones-terminated dendrimers are used in iron binding and anti-microbial activities. In the molecular graph, atoms are the vertices, and the bonds are the edges. A graph G consists of a pair of nonempty sets of vertices V(G) and edges EG and dG(u) is the degree of a vertex u∈ V(G). In this study, multiple bonds were modeled as multi-edges, and all hydrogen atoms were included in the molecular graph, thereby reducing the assumptions of traditional computational methods. Here, different Revan indices, which are topological descriptors derived from graph theory, were computed for hexadentate-3-hydroxypyridinones-terminated dendrimers. The Revan degree rG(u) of a vertex u is defined as rG(u)=∆(G)+δ(G)−dG(u), where ∆(G) is the maximum degree and δ(G) is the minimum degree among the vertices in G. In this paper, the first, second, and third Revan indices, forgotten Revan index, hyper Revan index, atom-bond connectivity Revan index, product connectivity Revan index, sum connectivity Revan index, harmonic Revan index, and geometric arithmetic Revan index were computed for different generations of hexadentate 3-hydroxypyridinones-terminated dendrimers. The results demonstrate that the complex topology in dendrimers can be accurately represented with the Revan indices, and as a result, their structural properties can be better understood. This study underlines the importance of these topological indices in directing design and development toward advanced applications with dendrimer-based systems.
Mankind was familiar with technology long before science. However, following the periods of the scientific revolution and the industrial revolution, there has developed an increasingly symbiotic relationship between science and technology. New scientific discoveries provide the impetus for their creative use in technology and new technology provides new areas for investigation and new tools to do so. For example, the concept of the wave-particle duality of electrons was an essential element in the development of the electron microscope, which in its turn vastly opened up the microscopic world beyond the capability of the optical microscope. Thus, the ‘need to know’ how and why nature operates the way it does (science) and the ‘need to do’ and manipulate nature (technology), feed on one another. Today, new knowledge and related new technology are being created at a dizzying speed which makes it difficult to be even aware of important new developments other than in a narrow area of interest.....
Starch-based thickening agents are widely used in the food industry, and corn flour (CF) is the most prominent intomato sauce manufacturing. Jackfruit seeds which are highly abundant but underutilized source of flour, have very limited industrial applications. Jackfruit seed flour (JSF) which can be acquired from jackfruit seeds is a good option to meet different industrial applications. Hence, this study aims to investigate the thickening capacity of JSF in tomato sauce production. As functional properties of flour change with their drying techniques, two drying techniques: hot-air-drying (HAD-JSF) and freeze-drying (FD-JSF) were tried, and out of them, HADJSF was used for the further studies based on its functional properties and potential to be used in commercial level.According to the proximate analysis, ash, fat, crude protein, and crude fiber were significantly higher while moisture and total carbohydrate content were significantly lower in HADJSF than CF (p < 0.05). HAD-JSF incorporated tomato sauce showed incredible thickening properties with increased viscosity (1083 cP) with lower syneresis than CF-incorporated tomato sauce (1004 cP). During the 8 weeks of storage period,total soluble solids and titratable acidity of JSF- incorporated tomato sauce was significantly consistent (p > 0.05) while the pH and the water activity significantly increased (p < 0.05). The microbial counts were below the standard limits. JSF incorporated tomato sauce received the highest consumer acceptance on the sensory evaluations. This study proclaims the potential of JSF as a successful thickening agent in tomato sauce.
This study presents a comprehensive performance evaluation of a lab-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor for treating landfill leachate under ambient temperature conditions (28 - 32 °C), representative of tropical climates. The reactor was operated continuously for 94 days with real landfill leachate, investigating the system’s treatment efficiency across varying hydraulic retention times (HRTs) from 6 to 10 h. Key performance indicators, including organic matter removal, biogas production, and heavy metal reduction, were systematically analyzed. The results demonstrated optimal treatment performance at 6 h HRT, achieving 64 ± 1% COD removal efficiency with a concomitant high methane yield of 86.1 ± 1.1% in the produced biogas. The reactor maintained stable operational conditions, with pH in the range 6.2 - 7.5 and oxidation-reduction potential consistently below -200 mV, confirming effective anaerobic digestion under ambient temperature conditions. Heavy metal removal efficiencies varied significantly, with maximum removal observed for lead (55 ± 1%) and chromium (47 ± 1%), while suspended solids removal reached 66% for total suspended solids (TSS) and and 29% for volatile suspended solids (VSS). The study provides critical insights into the applicability of UASB technology for landfill leachate treatment in tropical regions, highlighting both its strengths in organic load reduction and limitations in comprehensive contaminant removal under ambient temperature operation. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable, climate-appropriate leachate treatment solutions for regions with limited resources.
Lichens are an important component of Sri Lankan biodiversity and have contributed greatly to the tropical diversity as well as to their application as bioindicators of changing environmental conditions. This review summarises 49 selected research publications on the taxonomic and chemical diversity of lichens, their application as bioindicators, and as a source of bioactive compounds that have medicinal properties against microorganisms with the potential of curing some diseases. The chemical properties of lichens and associated fungi and mycobionts have been a major focus in recent years, and several useful compounds have been identified that have benefits for human health. Several areas of the country are well surveyed and further surveys in new areas will aim to discover new species and document lichen diversity, and responses to environmental pollution. These results highlighted the importance of ongoing research in Sri Lanka in a tropical and global lichen context.
Evidence based decision making on most matters of public interest concerned with the welfare of the public require the application of scientific knowledge. It is reasonable to suppose that the extent to which policy makers base their decisions on scientific evidence, will be influenced by the apparent extent of public trust in science. In the absence of such trust, policy makers are more likely to be influenced by personal bias and by other factors of a socio-political nature.
This study investigated the feasibility of using carbonised wood particles (CWP) as a sustainable filler replacement in hot mix asphalt (HMA), addressing both environmental concerns and construction material performance. Despite considerable research, the moisture susceptibility of HMA modified with CWP, possessing a wider particle size distribution, remains unestablished. Twenty five HMA mixes with varying CWP content (0 to 40 g, equivalent to 0-24% filler replacement by mass) and asphalt content (4-6%) were evaluated against ASTM standards for their Marshall stability and indirect tensile strength, moisture susceptibility, and water absorption. The results indicate a clear trade-off: incorporating CWP improved physical properties like void structure but significantly reduced the mechanical strength and moisture resistance. Marshall stability and indirect tensile strength decreased by up to 79% and 75%, respectively, with higher CWP contents. The study conclusively identified 12% CWP replacement (20 g) as the optimal dosage. This proportion maintains acceptable performance for medium-traffic highways while delivering significant sustainability benefits by reducing reliance on quarried mineral filler and repurposing industrial waste. This optimal balance offers a viable pathway for more eco-friendly pavement construction without compromising critical performance criteria for specific applications.
This research investigates the magnetic properties of body-centred cubic (bcc) ferromagnetic thin films with three spin layers, using a detailed model known as the fourth-order perturbed Heisenberg Hamiltonian. Ferromagnetic thin films are essential for modern technologies, such as magnetic sensors and spintronic devices, because their magnetic behaviour can be precisely controlled. We investigated the influence of magnetic anisotropy and spin exchange interactions on the spatial distribution of magnetic energy across the layers. Using MATLAB simulations, we created 3-D and 2-D graphs to analyse energy in relation to the spin exchange interaction and azimuthal angle. Our results show that the total magnetic energy can vary significantly, reaching orders of 1017 when the fourth-order anisotropy constant in the bottom spin layer is minimized. In contrast, when the middle spin layer has lower anisotropy, the total magnetic energy decreases to the order of 1013, indicating that it becomes easier for the magnetic moments to rotate. We also found that the angle between consecutive magnetic easy and hard directions is not always 90 degrees, and interchanging layers leads to slight changes in energy maxima and minima. Importantly, the total magnetic energy is significantly higher in configurations with two spin layers, ranging from 1042 to 1043, compared to those with three layers. These results underscore the sensitivity of bcc ferromagnetic thin films to variations in magnetic anisotropy and provide important insights for future applications in magnetic storage, sensors, and spintronic technologies.
Biometric parameters, feeding habits, heavy metal content, and fisheries aspects of Amblygaster sirm (Spotted sardinella) in the coastal waters off Negombo, Sri Lanka were studied from August 2022 to March 2023. Length-weight relationships for males, females, and the pooled data were W=0.0029 TL3.3546, W=0.0035 TL3.2819 and W=0.0030 TL3.3459, respectively showing positive allometric growth. Fulton's condition factors for males, females and pooled data were 0.9047 f 0.1074, 0.94392 f 0.08699, and 0.92331 f 0.09995 respectively. Food mainly consisted of animal parts (77.56%) with crustacean larvae being the most abundant food item (25.51%). The gastro-somatic index showed the highest and lowest feeding intensities in the size classes of 17.5-18.5 cm and 12.5-13.5 cm respectively. Outboard fiberglass reinforced plastic boats and gillnets of mesh sizes 11/4 and 11/2 inches are widely used for fishing. The results of the principal component analysis showed that variables such as total length, standard length, head length, body weight, gut length, and gut weight were positively associated with each other. The mean concentrations of Cr, Zn, Cu and Cd in the edible muscles of A. sirm were 10.067 f 3.658 mg/kg, 7.878 f 1.856 mg/kg, 5.3857 f 0.0818 mg/kg and 0.5209 f 0.0447 mg/kg respectively. These values did not exceed the permissible limits declared by FAO and WHO. Overall, the study found that the fishes were in good physical condition with safe levels of heavy metal content for human consumption.
Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is a nutrient-rich, gluten-free grain with significant potential for enhancing food security. However, its high phytic acid content limits mineral bioavailability, necessitating strategies for reduction. This study evaluated 75 kodo millet germplasms sourced from ICRISAT and cultivated under surface drip irrigation during the 2022-2023 Rabi (dry/winter season) and 2023-2024 Kharif (wet/monsoon season) at the University of Hyderabad. Two-way ANOVA was used to identify IPs 69 as the highest-yielding variety across both seasons, while IPs 240 (Kharif) and IPs 236 (Rabi) were the lowest yielding. Seasonal variations influenced overall productivity, with Rabi conditions favouring grain production. Phytic acid levels were analysed in husked and dehusked grains, showing significant genetic variation but minimal seasonal influence on post-harvest dehusking. To enhance mineral bioavailability, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize soaking (20.63 h, 38.49 degrees C, pH 4.08) and germination (36.29 h, 27.29 degrees C, 65.18% moisture) conditions. Soaking alone resulted in a substantial reduction of phytic acid by 48.11%, while soaking followed by germination led to a total reduction of 53.97%, indicating that germination contributed only a marginal additional decrease beyond soaking. These findings demonstrate that soaking is the primary contributor to phytic acid degradation, with germination playing a supplementary role. This study highlights the importance of selecting high-yielding, nutritionally superior kodo millet varieties while optimizing post-harvest treatments to improve their dietary value. The findings underscore the role of genetic diversity, environmental conditions, and processing interventions in determining the grain's nutritional and agronomic potential. Future research should focus on integrating advanced breeding strategies and optimized processing methods to enhance the bioavailability of essential micronutrients, ensuring kodo millet's broader adoption in sustainable food systems.
