Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya最新文献

{"title":"Morphometric relationships of blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus, Linnaeus, 1758) caught in Negombo coastal waters in Sri Lanka.","authors":"S. W. Wickramage, H. A. C. C. Perera","doi":"10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8096","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Length-weight relationships provide information about the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) population for successful stock management. Morphometric measurements of Two hundred fifty (250) crab samples were obtained from April to November 2019, of which 128 were males, and 122 were females, showing a sex ratio of 1:1. Chi-square test indicated that the sex ratio was not significantly different from the expected value of 1:1 at 5% level of significance (χ2cal = 0.144, χ2tab = 3.84). Carapace width (CW) was measured at the nearest 0.001 cm using a vernier calliper, and total body weight (W) was measured at the nearest gram (g) using a digital scale. The carapace width of males ranged from 7.28 - 15.7 cm, whereas it varied from 3.06 - 15.8 cm in females. The body weight of male crabs varied from 22.45 - 334.6 g, and females had a range from 23.0 - 275.35 g. Length-weight relationships for male and female crabs were W=0.0495CW3.0469 (R2=0.8526) and W=0.063CW2.9428 (R2=0.8179) respectively. Student’s t-test showed that the growth of male crabs was positive allometric (t = 5.64, p<0.05) and negative allometric (t = -8.21, p<0.05) for females. The mean condition factors for males and females were 5.68±0.12 and 5.65±0.12, respectively, indicating no significant difference between males and females (p=0.882) by two-sample t-tests. Providing baseline data, the present study recommends further studies for successful utilization, development and management of this crab species as it has been recognized as a commercially valuable species with a high market demand.","PeriodicalId":437187,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya","volume":"50 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140972595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Impact of Pulsed Electric Field Technology on Enzymes, Microbial and Nutritional Quality in Milk Processing - A Comprehensive Review","authors":"W. A. M. B. W. Adhipaththu, M. S. Christopher, M. M. M. T. Marasingha, T. A. S. V. Thunmuduna, M. H. S. Udayanga","doi":"10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8104","url":null,"abstract":"A pulsed electric field is a non-thermal technology used in the processing of foods, especially liquid foods such as milk, fruit juices, etc. The objective of this review is to provide an understanding of pulsed electric field technology and its application in milk processing, particularly in whole milk, skim milk, and UHT milk. This technology can be used as an alternative to traditional heat treatments such as pasteurizing, hot filling, blanching, and sterilization. In this technology, short high-intensity electric field is used at moderate temperatures. A pulsed electric field is an effective technology to inactivate microorganisms and enzymes with minimum changes in nutritional, functional, and organoleptic qualities compared to heat treatments. Pathogenic and spoilage bacteria can be reduced effectively when using pulsed electric field technology. However, there are variations between studies. As a recent advance, the pulsed electric field is used with mild heating. This shows a significant reduction in microbial count with less detrimental effects on the physico-chemical and organoleptic properties of food. It also has minimal impact on nutrients present in the milk such as proteins, milk fat globules, and vitamins. In this review, we describe in detail the introduction, the principle of pulsed electric field, the impact of pulsed electric field on microorganisms, enzymes, and nutrients, and the advantages and disadvantages of using PEF technology. Further studies can be conducted to investigate the combined approach of the pulsed electric field with mild heating treatment methods including pasteurization and sterilization.","PeriodicalId":437187,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya","volume":"59 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140973724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Narrative review on the spectrum of diseases prevalent among substance-addicted populations and their interconnected health dynamics","authors":"T. M. J. Charuni","doi":"10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8107","url":null,"abstract":"Substance addiction is a complex phenomenon characterized by the dysfunction of the brain's reward system and neuroplasticity, leading individuals to lose control over their behaviour. This review explores the diverse health implications of addiction, including its impact on liver diseases, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory issues, cancers, infectious diseases, gastrointestinal problems, and mental disorders. Heavy alcohol consumption, tobacco use, illicit drug abuse, and prescription drug misuse contribute significantly to these health burdens, affecting various organs and systems in the body. Respiratory issues arise from tobacco smoking, inhalation of illicit drugs, and volatile chemicals, causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancers, and bronchial asthma. Substance addiction is also linked to various cancers, particularly lung cancer from tobacco, oral cancers from tobacco and alcohol, and oesophageal cancers from alcohol and prescription drugs. Furthermore, addictive substances impair immunity, making individuals more susceptible to infectious diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, especially among injection drug users. The interconnected nature of substance addiction with mental health disorders, genetic factors, environmental influences, and social determinants underscores the need for comprehensive public health strategies. These strategies should encompass education, prevention programs, access to treatment and support services, harm reduction approaches, and destigmatization efforts to address substance addiction comprehensively and improve overall health outcomes for individuals and communities.","PeriodicalId":437187,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya","volume":"20 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140975712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Technical challenges for standardization of molecular monitoring in chronic myeloid leukaemia in developing countries","authors":"Ines Ouahchi","doi":"10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8106","url":null,"abstract":"Quantification of BCR-ABL after treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is an important therapeutic indicator for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). An international scale (IS) for BCR-ABL was established in 2012 to improve the comparability of results between different laboratories. BCR-ABL measurement is technically challenging, especially in developing countries where the process of standardization isn’t easily available. The aim of this study was to assess the technical advantages of reporting results on the IS using the GeneXpert BCR-ABL assay, compared to the RQ-PCR standard method currently recommended by the European Leukaemia Network but not standardised in our laboratory and to compare the results obtained by both methods. BCR-ABL transcript quantification was performed in 51 samples from CML patients by both methods. The operator hands-on time was reduced using the automated method. A good linear correlation was observed in the results between the two methods. The concordance at logarithmic intervals reached 64%. When the major molecular response (MMR) and the early molecular response (EMR) were analysed, 90% and 80% agreement, respectively, were achieved. However, the discordances in the remaining cases could have misled the therapeutic approach if only a standard method was used. The complexity of the process to establish a laboratory-specific conversion factor in developing countries can be overcome by the use of the GeneXpert automated system, which represents a rapid, accurate and reliable clinical tool to correctly define molecular responses on the IS and to allow clinicians to achieve better patient management.","PeriodicalId":437187,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya","volume":"120 23","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140977558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phytochemical, antimicrobial and proximate analysis of Costus spectabilis grown in different soil types","authors":"A. Bankole, A. Ebabhi, Caroline Umebese, F. Owagboriaye, Emmanuel Thomas","doi":"10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8103","url":null,"abstract":"The search for medicinal plants with novel properties for therapeutical potentials is a continuum. The preliminary phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial properties and proximate contents of Costus spectabilis leaf and root harvested from different soil types were studied following standard protocols. The ethyl ethanoate extracts were assayed against six microbial cultures of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29523), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus clavatus using the agar well diffusion methods. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponin, phenol, flavonoids and anthraquinone in all samples at varying concentrations. Terpenes and phlobatannins were not observed in any extract. Phenolic compound was observed to have the highest quantity of 6.18±0.00 mg/g from the leaf extract of the plant grown in loamy soil. Tannin and flavonoids were only detected in very insignificant quantities. The extracts showed significant inhibitory potential against the bacterial strains. The highest zone of inhibition was recorded as 33.02±1.45 mm against B. subtilis in the leaf extracts of the plant grown in clay soil. The leaf extracts from the plant obtained from clay soil showed fungicidal activity against the Aspergillus species, while the other extracts only showed fungistatic effects against all sampled fungal species. The proximate content analysis revealed that carbohydrates and protein are the dominant nutrients in the leaf of C. spectabilis. Costus spectabilis is a plant that can be exploited for its medicinal, nutritional and economic values.","PeriodicalId":437187,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya","volume":"84 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140973552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determination of nutritional composition, enzyme inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity of pretreated, dehydrated Amaranthus viridis L. Leaves","authors":"Madara Jayanetti, Palitha C. Arampath, Charitha Jayaruk Thambiliyagodage","doi":"10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8102","url":null,"abstract":"Amaranthus viridis L., belongs to the family Amaranthaceae is a perennial edible plant, and traditionally used for medicinal treatments in South Asia. Despite the significant uses of the plant, availability of scientific data on plant's biological efficiency is lacking in the scientific domain. There is a higher potential and demand for dehydrated value-added products from the local and international market. Hence, the objective of the research was to determine the impact of pretreatments and dehydration on nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibitory activity of A.viridis leaves. Magnesium oxide 0.1% (w/v), sodium bicarbonate 0.1% (w/v) and potassium metabisulphite 0.5% (w/v) were selected as the best pretreatment based on the experiments. The pretreated leaves were steam blanched (5 min), followed by dehydration at 60 ± 1°C for 12 hours. Protein (21.90 ± 1.01%db), fat (3.70 ± 0.02%db), fiber (5.90 ± 0.05%db), ash (11.30 ± 0.12%db) and carbohydrate (49.24 ± 0.08%db) were determined. Data was statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05). A qualitative phytochemical analysis was conducted. The total phenolic content, 5.89 ± 0.30 mg in Gallic acid equivalents per 1g was determined in pretreated, dehydrated powder. FRAP, DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferrous ion chelating activity of the methanolic extract were 20.22 ± 0.45 mg Trolox equivalents, 1.68 ± 0.07 mg in Trolox equivalents and 3.83 ± 0.06 mg EDTA equivalents per 1g of pretreated dehydrated leaf powder, respectively. Methanolic extract (500 μg/mL) showed inhibitory activity of 25.30 ± 0.60% on 5-lipoxygenase, 30.80 ± 0.50% on alpha-amylase and 25.60 ± 0.40% on alpha-glucosidase. Inhibitory activity was not detected against lipase, acetylcholine esterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes. In conclusion, pretreated, dehydrated, A. viridis leaves are recommended as a health beneficial food ingredient.","PeriodicalId":437187,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya","volume":"51 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140972560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preliminary cytogenetic study of Ctenopoma kingsleyae from Esa-Odo water reservoir, Osun State, Nigeria","authors":"Ekundare Olugbemi Victor, Fagbuaro Omotayo, Adeniran Idowu Isaac","doi":"10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/josuk.v17i1.8100","url":null,"abstract":"Ctenopoma kingsleyae belongs to the family Anabantidae covers a wide geographic region. It has been morphologically described by a number of authors, yet it is lacking in adequate cytogenetic information, which is a setback to understanding its karyotypic evolution. This study, therefore, describes the karyotype of C. kingsleyae (n = 10) from Esa-Odo, Reservoir, Osun State, Nigeria. Metaphase chromosome spread was obtained from the gills of fish after intraperitoneal injection with 0.05% colchicines. Slides prepared were stained with Giemsa stain, images of metaphase spread were taken digitally and a karyogram was prepared. The study revealed a karyotypic formula of 2n = 48t with uniarmed chromosomes. This study has provided needful information on C. kingsleyae karyotype and will serve as the basis for further study on its evolution, genetic resource management and production.","PeriodicalId":437187,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya","volume":"37 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140975651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analyses of length-weight, length-length relationships, and condition factor of Frigate tuna, Auxis thazard, collected from coastal fishing boats: a study on Negombo fishery harbour, west coast of Sri Lanka","authors":"A. P. H. B. Rathnayaka, H. A. C. C. Perera","doi":"10.4038/josuk.v16i2.8080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/josuk.v16i2.8080","url":null,"abstract":"Auxis thazard (Frigate tuna) is one of the commercially important neritic tuna species found in Sri Lankan waters. Even though frigate tuna contributes a higher percentage than the total tuna production income of the country, less information is available related to the biometric parameters due to the lack of studies based on this migratory species. Therefore, this study mainly focuses on length-weight relationship (LWR), length-length relationship (LLR) and the condition factor of A. thazard focusing mainly on the Western coast of Sri Lanka. The study was carried out from July 2021 to December 2021 collecting 214 A. thazard fish from the fishermen. Based on the results, the LWR was W= 0.0038TL3.3889. The pooled ‘b’ value 3.3889 indicated positive allometric growth (b > 3, t-test, p < 0.05) confirming A. thazard in the West Coast are in a suitable, healthy environment. The K value 1.51 ± 0.17 indicated relatively healthy condition in fish. The LLRs were highly correlated (r2 > 0.951; P < 0.001). The FishBase reports length at first maturity as 29.5 cm. The percentage below 29.5 cm included 17.29%. Therefore, continuous monitoring of fish landings is recommended for a sustainable fishery.","PeriodicalId":437187,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya","volume":"22 50","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139000925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatial Pattern of Generation and Management of Household Hazardous Waste in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu, Nigeria","authors":"N. Ubachukwu, A. M. Mshelia, A. C. Salihu","doi":"10.4038/josuk.v16i2.8082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/josuk.v16i2.8082","url":null,"abstract":"The paper examined the spatial pattern of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) generation and management options in the Enugu Metropolis. Ten (10) layouts were randomly selected from forty one (41) residential layouts that make up Enugu Metropolis. A total of 300 structured questionnaires were randomly administered to households, while oral interviews were conducted in the Enugu State Waste Management Agency (ESWAMA). The study showed that home cleaning waste was the most frequently generated HHW, accounting for 19%. This was followed by glasses (17%) and batteries (14.8) while the less generated include e-waste (10.4%), motoring products (8.7%), and paints (7.1%). Government Residential Area (G.R.A) generated the highest amount of HHW with a percent value of 13.1%, followed by New Haven (12.7%), Iva-Valley (10.6%), Ogui (10.2%) and Independence layout (10%). The relationship between dwelling type and quantity of HHW generated showed that the buildings with multiple rooms generated the highest (31%) amount of HHW, followed by three bedroom apartments. Lowest income earners (5,000-20,000 naira) were known to generate highest quantity, while houses with income above 250,000 naira generate less quantity. The study showed that 22.7% of the households indicated that they have no means of disposing of HHW, 2.7% indicated that they keep them or reuse them, 2.6% pour liquid HHW down their sinks or drains, 5% take them to a landfill site, the remaining 67% dispose of them in anyhow. Thus, there is a need for sensitization as this will encourage waste sorting, as well as help in educating the public on the need to purchase fewer hazardous products.","PeriodicalId":437187,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya","volume":"75 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138996173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the quality and safety issues in the coconut oil processing industry in Sri Lanka: A Review","authors":"H. G. A. S. Samarasinghe, U. C. Samaranayake, G. A. D. B. S. Dharmaprema","doi":"10.4038/josuk.v16i2.8081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/josuk.v16i2.8081","url":null,"abstract":"Coconut oil is a significant dietary component in Sri Lanka and serves as the primary source of fat for Sri Lankans, primarily used for culinary purposes. This review focuses on the quality and safety concerns within the coconut oil processing industry of Sri Lanka. The study collected data through interviews with industry personnel, conducted field visits to both small-scale and large-scale operations, and analyzed existing research. Several factors impact the quality and safety of coconut oil products. Key issues include the increase in free fatty acid content, the production of aflatoxin in copra, phthalate contamination from packaging, and the contamination of coconut oil with polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). These quality and safety concerns result from cross-contamination with metals and other chemicals during equipment use, a shortage of trained personnel, insufficient laboratory testing of oil quality parameters before market distribution, and inadequate surveillance of small and medium-sized oil mills by regulatory bodies. Additionally, the local market faces high levels of adulteration, where coconut oil is mixed with lower-quality oils, stored improperly, or is of overall poor quality. Issues related to coconut cultivation include a decline in yields due to inefficient land usage, reduced productivity, climate change impacts, pest infestations, diseases, and increased production costs. The adulteration problem arises from the supply-demand gap for coconut oil in Sri Lanka and the high cost of producing one litre of good-quality coconut oil. The Sri Lankan government and the Sri Lanka Standards Institution have introduced a product standard for coconut oil production, outlining key parameters for the final product. Nevertheless, the absence of a comprehensive process standard affects quality control throughout production. Small and medium-scale producers lack awareness of SLSI standards, leading to non-compliance, along with an absence of regular quality and safety checks. Consequently, stringent enforcement is necessary to address these challenges. While improvements have been made, unresolved issues remain; therefore, a quality assurance system for the coconut oil processing industry is an urgent requirement, especially for small and medium-scale oil production facilities, which are key suppliers to the local market.","PeriodicalId":437187,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Science of the University of Kelaniya","volume":"121 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138999728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}