2024 - (Vol. 04, Issue 02)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/23062

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Maintaining brain health: understanding determinants, neurological disorders, innovative treatments, and preventive strategies
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Wijesinha, D
The human brain, a remarkable product of evolution, controls our thoughts, memories, movements, and emotions. With an ageing population and the rising prevalence of neurological disorders, prioritizing brain health is crucial for enhancing individual well-being and advancing society. This article will examine the impact of major neurological disorders on brain health, their innovative treatments, and preventive measures, highlighting the need for greater attention to brain health and its determinants is emphasized,- which remain largely unexplored compared to cardiovascular health.
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Smart monitoring : uncovering anomalies in massive streaming time series data
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Talagala, P
Anomaly detection has become a critical component of monitoring systems across various applications in the modern age of digital information and interconnected systems. From detecting infrastructure defects in civil engineering to identifying chemical hazards in environmental engineering, the ability to monitor and detect anomalies in streaming data has a significant impact on safety, efficiency, and operational continuity. With rapid advancements in data collection technology, it has become increasingly common for organizations to rely on sensors to monitor these systems.
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Real time vehicle classification and vehicle counting at intersection using deep learning techniques
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Abeyrathna, H; Sivakumar, T
Fast suburbanization has resulted in more significant traffic backlogs demanding sophisticated traffic control solutions. This paper uses deep learning architecture to present a methodology for real-time vehicle classification and counting at intersections. Precise real-time vehicle classification and counting (RVCAC) at intersections are essential for efficient traffic management, especially in congested and heavy traffic mix conditions like those in Sri Lanka. Deep learning models deliver outstanding efficacy in object detection tasks compared to traditional machine learning models. Also, deep learning is a subcategory of machine learning. This paper explores a model that uses deep learning to classify and count vehicles around intersections. Our goal is to enhance accuracy by training a deep learning model based on a localized dataset that is specified for the Sri Lankan context. Real-time vehicle classification and counting, which are crucial for managing traffic conditions, detecting vehicle speed, identifying peak times, and more, have the potential to impact traffic management significantly.
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A Framework for sustainable materials selection for high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Sachchithananthan, M; Thayaparan, M
The construction industry, as a resource-intensive sector, significantly impacts the environment by consuming vast quantities of raw materials, energy, and water, while emitting substantial greenhouse gases and generating landfill waste [1]. Particularly, high-rise buildings are often associated with the consumption of significant amounts of energy and raw materials that result in negative consequences on the environment, economy, and society [2]. Consequently, there is an urgent need for sustainable construction practices, and the efficient use of materials plays a crucial role [3]. Hence this research aims to develop a framework to select sustainable materials for high-rise buildings in Sri Lanka. Sustainable materials in construction minimise environmental damage, protect raw materials from excessive depletion, and enhance long-term durability and efficiency of buildings [3]. The goal of these materials is to achieve a balance between environment, society, and economy without compromising the structural integrity and performance of the building [4]. The construction industry of Sri Lanka faces several challenges in the adoption of sustainable materials. One of the primary challenges is the lack of tools and data to sufficiently assess alternative materials to achieve sustainability in building [5]. In addressing this challenge, this research developed a framework to select suitable sustainable materials for high-rise buildings.
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Exploring the interconnectedness of sustainable procurement practices to drive supply chain sustainability in manufacturing industry
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Thalagalage, N; Perera, N
The manufacturing industry is a fundamental pillar of the global economy. The post-industrial manufacturing paradigm considers manufacturing as a business that deals with the difficulties that companies confront in adjusting to evolving customer demands and improving productivity in the post-industrial period [1]. However, in today’s world, manufacturing is seen as a cohesive concept that encompasses everything from machines and production systems to the overall operation of a business. The global manufacturing industry is a key driver of economic growth, encompassing the production of goods across various sectors such as automotive, consumer goods, industrial products, material products, and medical devices. As illustrated in Figure 1, the industry is projected to reach a total output of US$35.1 trillion, with material products and consumer goods representing the largest segments. The industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.10% from 2024 to 2029, driven by advancements in technology, increasing demand for consumer products, and the growing importance of industrial and material goods in global supply chains.
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Aesthetics and socio-cultural representation of Sri Lanka on stamps
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Ellawela, D; Wickramasinghe, A; Gopura, S; Ferrero-Regis, T
Postage stamps act as national symbols, commemorating events and reflecting a nation’s socio-cultural framework. In this study, aesthetics in Sri Lankan stamps refers to visual elements like color, form, and symbolism, which enhance beauty and express cultural values. Stamps also represent social and cultural life, depicting historical events, practices, landscapes, and symbols of Sri Lankan identity. Ultimately, they serve as a medium for communicating Sri Lanka’s heritage and societal evolution. Since the introduction of pictorial stamps in Sri Lanka in 1935, stamps have functioned both as communication tools and cultural artifacts. However, the rise of digital communication has reduced the use of physical stamps, threatening their cultural significance. As traditional mail declines, the rich narratives embedded in stamps risk disappearing. This study aims to preserve these socio-cultural stories by examining the historical and cultural importance of stamps in shaping Sri Lanka’s national identity.
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Navigating risk in Sri Lanka's renewable energy transition: key challenges affecting investment in onshore wind farms
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Bakmeewewa, P; Nethmini, N; Pradeepika, M; Kuruppu, G; Dushyantha, N; Dassanayake, S
In alignment with the 13 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that emphasize the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy [1]. Sri Lanka stands at a pivotal juncture in embracing this transformative trend. The country can significantly reduce its carbon footprint, enhance energy security, and foster sustainable economic growth by investing in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. With its geographical advantages, Sri Lanka has enormous potential to harness energy from renewable sources like wind, and sunlight. However, as of 2018, only 39% of Sri Lanka’s energy generation has been utilized through renewable energy sources. Located in one of South Asia’s largest monsoon belts, Sri Lanka benefited from excellent wind resources with an estimated 5000 km2 of wind energy potential in 2003 [2].
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Navigating the uncertainty: financial, technological, and geopolitical risks in deep-sea mining ventures
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Droohithya, T; Fernando, T; Ranaweera, P; Kuruppu, G; Dushyantha, N; Dassanayake, S
Deep-sea mining (DSM) involves extracting minerals from ocean depths exceeding 200 meters, focusing on resources like hydrothermal vents, ferromanganese crusts, and polymetallic nodules [1]. These resources are rich in valuable metals like cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and man-ganese, which are essential for technologies like electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy systems. For instance, as depicted in Figure 1, the electric vehicle market is expected to expand rapidly, leading to an increased need for essential minerals. While the DSM offers an exceptional opportunity to access the minerals, it also raises significant concerns about marine ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and potential conflicts with other marine resource users [3]. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is currently developing regulations to manage DSM, aiming to balance resource extraction with environmental protection.
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Satellite image band ratio techniques for identifying and visualizing minerals exposure zones in the Kandy district, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Ravanan, M; Samarasuriya, C; Dassanayake, A
Recent scientific studies are anticipating the development of novel, expeditious, and dependable methodologies for mineral exploration. This emerging need arises from the extensive depletion of major valuable mineral deposits in easily accessible regions. Furthermore, contemporary exploration strategies are increasingly focused on locating deeper mineral deposits in geologically complex and challenging terrains, where accessibility is significantly constrained [1], [2].Geophysical methodologies comprise a range of techniques utilized to acquire insights into the subsurface properties of the Earth. These methods facilitate the acquisition of data from considerable depths, with verification achieved through borehole core sampling [1]. Additionally, remote sensing data can offer valuable insights such as surface material composition and rock types, particularly in areas where vegetation cover is not comprehensive during the reconnaissance surveys [3]. Remote sensing data, including both multispectral and hyper spectral imagery used for mineral exploration does not serve as a replacement for ground truth data, but rather complements it by providing additional information about the region of interest [1],[2],[4]. The identification of potential mineral deposits is facilitated by the examination of available geological data, which includes observations such as specific mineral occurrences within distinct rock types, the distribution of geological structural features, significant alteration zones, deposits forms with high-temperature zones and hydrothermally altered areas [1], [5]. At a regional scale, diverse lithological features such as the textural properties of igneous and sedimentary rocks, structural configurations, and vegetation patterns can be effectively detected through remote sensing. These observations are instrumental in elucidating the geological and ecological framework of an area, thereby contributing to a comprehensive understanding of its natural environment. Integrating remote sensing with field observations and geospatial technologies provides a comprehensive view of landscapes, enhancing geological accuracy and supporting sustainable development. This approach aids informed land use planning and resource management, promoting efficient and sustainable natural resource utilization.
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Minimising waste related to major building elements and materials in the Sri Lankan construction industry through circular economy practices
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Bimsara, M; Abenayake, D; Lingasabesan, V; Vidanagamage, S
CE concept reverses “make, use, dispose of,” which generates a massive pile of waste in the current linear economy by creating a loop/circle as in nature [1]. Hence, a Circular Economy (CE) model would be an excellent solution to maintain the generation of construction waste [2], which is to be implemented at the earlier stages of construction projects [3]. Construction is a major buyer of resources. The individual disposal of construction materials and elements contributes highly to construction waste in Sri Lanka, e.g., timber, bricks, doors, and windows. Construction material wastage is high during construction and demolition [4]. As per the survey by [5], construction waste is generated due to activities such as discarded building materials, debris from renovations, and demolitions. Therefore, applying CE practices concerning major building materials and elements is essential to minimise waste proactively. Although many research studies have been conducted worldwide to investigate how to adopt CE principles in building materials and elements (e.g. [6], [7] ), there is a dearth of studies in the Sri Lankan context. Accordingly, this research is mounting the research problem: “How CE practices can be adopted in building materials and elements to minimise C&D waste in the Sri Lankan Construction industry?” Thus, this study aims to guide the adoption of CE practices in major building materials and elements to minimise C&D waste in Sri Lanka.
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The Dexios hand: towards affordable and functional prosthetics
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Bandara, H; Amarasinghe, D; Hettiarachchi, N; De Silva, M; Ranaweera, P; Gopura, R
Individuals who have experienced upper-limb loss often face significant challenges in regaining functional independence. The absence of a fully functional limb impairs their ability to perform daily tasks, diminishing both their physical capability and overall quality of life. According to global estimates, approximately 20 million people live with upper-limb loss related to traumatic events [1]. Functional prosthetic devices currently available in the market are prohibitively ex-pensive, and lack utility outside of basic grasping actions. This presents a considerable demand for affordable prosthetic solutions that are capable of restoring lost hand function. With this in mind, a research group from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University of Moratuwa have developed an upper-limb prosthetic device capable of adaptive grasping, employing a novel mechanism to improve dexterity. The device thus developed, named the Dexios Hand, is a prototype electric hand prosthesis with motorised actuation, which is a more user-friendly alternative to body-powered and cosmetic prostheses. The key characteristics of this functional prosthetic hand are its dexterity and shape-adaptive grasping ability. Dexterity refers to the prosthetic hand’s ability to perform skilful movements, while shape-adaptive grasping allows the prosthetic hand to conform to the contours of various objects for a more secure grip. These features are favoured for restoring natural hand functionality in prosthetics since they widen the range of grasps that the device is capable of.
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Design decision of an award winning packaging design: world star global packaging award - student category 2024
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Gunawardhana, U; Samarawickrama, S
The packaging design submitted for the World Star Global Packaging Award - Student category was part of the Level Three Packaging Design Project within the Media and Communication Design specialization at the Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa. This collaborative project involved the Export Development Board (EDB) of Sri Lanka and the University of Moratuwa, initiated by Samarwickrama as a pilot project to gain insights into the packaging requirements of the export sector. Gunawardhana’s assigned SME was a producer of edible cutlery con¬sidered as a potential exporter to Gulf nations. Edible cutlery, made from food ingredients such as rice, wheat, and corn flour, offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic cutlery, addressing plastic waste pollution concerns. However, due to the fragility of these products, maintaining quality until they reach the user presents a challenge. The existing cuboid packaging is unsuitable for this product, often resulting in product breakage during transit. Despite this challenge, the SME aims to maximize product inclusion in the packaging to boost sales, targeting Gulf countries.
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The Impact of ICT regulations and internet filtering on ICT diffusion and quality of life
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Ahangama, S
ICT has transformed human life in a multitude of ways and continues to do so, by the creation, sharing, communication, storing, and management of information. However, it also opened the door for new cybersecurity risks, and if these privacy and security risks are not adequately addressed, ICT use will be restricted by the users. Thus, this cross-country level study (with 106 countries) aims to identify the relationship between ICT regulations on ICT diffusion and the quality of life of citizens while exploring the moderating effect of the use of internet filtering by the government (Figure 1). ICT diffusion refers to the spread and adoption of ICT by various communities and organisations. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), USA, 74% of American internet users have reduced their online activities due to privacy concerns. Similar findings are drawn from other studies too [1]. Thus, to improve ICT diffusion, it is important to set up a matured ICT-related regulatory environment (H1). As virtual social networks become increasingly popular, online bullying, hate speech, and the spread of fake news have emerged as major problems. Some of the incidents have led to suicides as well as community-level violence. The platform providers are therefore under pressure to restrict this kind of internet content. For example, in January 2024 at the USA Senate, CEOs of social media companies were urged to draw attention to how they had failed to safeguard children. On the other hand, there is growing concern about the involvement of the government in content filtering and censoring highlighting the fact that it could impact the freedom of speech and be biased.
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Innovative packaging design: enhancing SME competitiveness in export markets
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Samarawickrama, S
Sri Lanka offers a wide range of printing, prepress, and packaging services, supporting major export sectors through high-quality packaging materials such as tea cartons, garment tags, and labels. These services are pivotal in meeting global consumer demands, showcasing the packaging sector’s capacity to align with international standards. Product packaging is not only a functional necessity but also a marketing tool that attracts consumers, communicates brand identity, and influences purchasing decisions [1], [2], [3]. In the Bachelor of Design (Hons) program at the Department of Integrated Design, University of Moratuwa, undergraduates specializing in Media and Communication Design are trained to address these demands. As part of their third-year Packaging Design Project, students collaborate with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) under the guidance of the author. This article summarizes insights from a pilot survey conducted with seven SMEs in the Spices, Essential Oils, and Oleoresins sector, identifying key requirements for packaging design. The study also highlights the impact of prototype designs created by students and their potential to transform SMEs’ packaging requirements.
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A System design solution for sustainable narrow boat tourism: revitalizing Hamilton canal in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, 2024) Uresha, T
Sri Lanka, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, offers a narrative that traces its economic evolution from ancient kingdoms to the colonial era. The remnants of ruins, historical sites, and waterways have played a vital role in enriching the export economy, illustrating the intricate trade history of the island. The waterways system in Sri Lanka dates back to the 15th century during the reign of King Vira Parakrama Bahu VIII Kotte, who connected major trade routes from inland regions to the bustling seaport of Negombo on the western coast [1]. The Sri Lankan irrigation canals not only reflect advanced engineering technologies but also hold significant historical importance.

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