The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) was declared an endangered species in 2008 along with the three other subspecies. The primary threat to elephants in Sri Lanka, as elsewhere, is habitat loss and fragmentation, leading to Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC). Annually, due to HEC, about 70 humans and 250 elephants lose their lives, and about 14 elephant calves become orphans. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (PEO) is an institution for taking care of elephants orphaned in the wild in Sri Lanka. As a decent indicator of health and management, the body condition score (BCS) index is being subjectively used, which measures the body fat reserves of animals, particularly over the bony prominences. The study aimed to assess the body condition of elephants in the PEO using BCS indices, to determine the most suitable BCS index. Additionally, efforts were made to identify outlier elephants and propose remedies to enhance veterinary attention and improve their respective situations. The standard BCS estimation methods described by Wemmer (BCSWe), Fernando (BCSFe), Wijeyamohan (BCSWi) and Morfeld (BCSMo) were used to assess the body condition of 62 elephants at PEO. BCSWe and BCSWi are complexed, detailed and there is a substantial overlap of elephant body features considered in the two methods. BCSFe and BCSMo were found to be relatively simple. The analysis revealed that the body conditions of elephants in PEO were independent of age, sex, or origin. Four elephants were outliers for the lower end, while six elephants scored the highest score for all BCS indices. It is believed that the food, nutrition and other resources available do not influence the body condition of the elephants in PEO, but their health and age affect the body condition. BCSFe is the ideal index for assessing the body condition of the elephants in PEO.

Sri Lanka is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean with an impressive biodiversity. The contribution of microbes to this biodiversity is significant; yet many groups, such as cyanobacteria have not been adequately studied in Sri Lanka. The diverse ecosystems and habitats of Sri Lanka support a rich diversity and great abundance of cyanobacteria. Therefore, the unexplored diversity of cyanobacteria in Sri Lanka could surpass the number of species studied and recorded to date. In late 1800s and early 1900s, the researchers from the Western world had conducted several studies and published scientific records on algae, blue green algae and diatoms in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon); considering the island as one of the tropical regions with remarkable phytoplankton diversity. However, recently, researchers have increasingly focused on Sri Lankan cyanobacteria. As a result, several published records of Sri Lankan cyanobacteria are available after 1998. These scientific records published after 1900 are scattered in scientific journals, abstracts/proceedings and other written documents and not well sorted and documented into checklists or books. Therefore, this provisional checklist of cyanobacteria was presented by compiling all species of cyanobacteria recorded in the country after early 1900s. The checklist comprises 671 entries of cyanobacteria, encompassing 74 genera in 37 families. Some cyanobacteria were identified only up to the order level, resulting in 3 cyanobacteria orders being recorded in the checklist. Additionally, it provides information on the available GPS coordinates, distribution/habitats, identification and the ability of toxin production of different species. This checklist provides solid evidence that Sri Lanka is a major contributor to the world’s cyanobacteria diversity, representing 48% of the cyanobacteria families reported worldwide to date. Therefore, this checklist will be useful in compiling the cyanobacteria biodiversity of Sri Lanka, highlighting its significant contribution to the world’s biodiversity and facilitating the implementation of future conservation measures.

In this study, three spices of plant extracts: scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), tumeric (Curcuma longa) and the fruit of Negro-pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) were studied for their antimicrobial activities. Standard methods were adopted for extraction of soluble components in them. Antimicrobial potentials of the three extracts were tested separately and in consortium against selected spoilage microorganisms. Results showed that Ocimum gratissimum, Curcuma longa and Xylopia aethiopica had antimicrobial effects on some of the microorganisms tested. However, none of the extracts were able to inhibit the growth of Proteus vulgaris. Results indicated that minimum inhibitory concentration of scent leaf at 400 mg/mL was able to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Citrobacter freundii, while 500 mg/mL was effective on Escherichia coli as well. Similarly, turmeric at 400 mg/mL inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, while 500 mg/mL of the same extract inhibited Citrobacter freundii as well. Negro pepper shows inhibition above 300 mg/mL. Combined effects of these extracts showed varying degrees of inhibitions.

This study addresses the challenge of seam failure in men’s casual wear trousers made from woven fabrics, a significant quality issue stemming from reliance on trial and error due to limited knowledge on enhancing seam strength. Focusing on superimposed seams joined by a 401-double thread chain stitch, the research utilizes a 2k factorial experimental design to examine the effects of variables: sewing thread tension (A), sewing thread strength (B), fabric stability (C), stitch density (D), and fabric tensile strength (E) on seam strength. Through this design, which included a single replication for cost and time efficiency, the study analysed 32 treatment combinations to identify significant factors and their optimum levels for maximizing seam strength. Normal probability plots pinpointed significant main effects (C, D, E) and a marginal two-way interaction (CD), revealing A and B as insignificant. Optimal seam strength was achieved by controlling C, D, and E at lower levels. The study’s major contribution lies in delineating the significant factors influencing seam strength, thereby offering a statistical foundation to replace the trial and error method in product design and development. This research underlines the importance of managing key variables to optimize seam strength, and enhance the quality of trousers.

Nunu is a nutritious fermented yoghurt-like milk beverage that can serve as a source of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with antimicrobial and bacteriocin potentials. Nunu samples were screened for LAB with antimicrobial activity against test organisms. Three LAB, namely Lactobacillus parafarraginis OCLP1, L. fermentum CSL58 and L. buchneri MZE12 out of a total of 14 isolates produced antimicrobial activity against Bacillus anthracis CHF-2011-32b, B. cereus DHM5-1, Providencia vermicola KSVDL-09-71600, P. rettgeri SIRT3, P. stuartti SILT11 and other test organisms. Antimicrobial factors were assayed in LAB cell-free extracts (CFE), neutralized CFE, and ammonium sulphate precipitants of the CFE, and Lactobacillus parafarraginis OCLP1 demonstrated highest activity with zone of inhibition = 20.33±3.51 mm­, 13.33±1.09 mm and 25.33±2.52 mm respectively. The CFE of the LAB especially L. parafarraginis OCLP1 demonstrated wide activity spectra by inhibiting both the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria tested. Result of plasmid curing of the LAB indicate that the bacteriocins of L. parafarraginis OCLP1 was plasmid-encoded while the others have their gene clusters on the chromosome. This study concluded that bacteriocin-producing LAB can be found in “nunu” and recommend the use of the isolated LAB as starter in fermented food production after ensuring their safety through toxicological studies.

In recent years, metal complexes and biopolymers have gained significant attention in environmental applications such as catalysis and heavy metal removal. Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from chitin, is well-known for its biodegradability, non-toxicity, and strong metal ion affinity, which can be further enhanced through Schiff bases to improve its catalytic and adsorption capabilities. The primary objectives of this study were to investigate whether Cu(II) complex of Chitosan Salicylaldehyde Schiff Base CSSB-Cu(II) can act as an efficient catalyst in hydrogen peroxide decomposition reaction and to find out the raw absorbent which has the highest Cadmium ion removal efficiency from among the absorbents Chitin (CT), Chitosan (CS) and Chitosan Salicylaldehyde Schiff Base (CSSB). CSSB was synthesized using the Schiff condensation reaction between the amino group of CS and the carbonyl compound of salicylaldehyde with the elimination of water molecules and it was complexed with Cu(II) ion to produce CSSB-Cu(II) complex. The catalytic effect of the CSSB-Cu(II) complex on the kinetics of the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide was investigated and compared with CSSB. CSSB-Cu(II) showed a better catalytic effect than CSSB and has a pseudo-first-order catalytic decomposition for H2 O2 . CT, CS, and CSSB were investigated as adsorbents for the Cd(II) removal to determine their cadmium removal efficiencies. This study concludes that the removal efficiency of CSSB was greater than that of CS and CT. The equilibrium data agreed more with the Langmuir model than with the Freundlich model. The IR and electronic spectral data confirm the presence of an imine bond and the existence of the complex in square planar geometry.

Postharvest quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits treated with lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus L.) and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) oil was evaluated. Tomato variety Roma fruits of uniform size and weight at the red stage of ripening were overlaid with lemongrass oil only (L1P0), chili pepper oil only (L0P1), or mixtures in a ratio 1:1 (L1P1), and 1:2 (L1P2 and L2P1). Control (L0P0) was not treated with any oil. Treated and untreated fruits were stored at 280±20C and 46%±2 RH for 12 days. Treatments L1P0 and L2P1 oil inhibited postharvest tomato fruit rot for 12 days, whereas L1P2, L0P1, and L1P1 oil and the control showed rot within the range of 86.6% - 100% in 12 days. L1P0 and L2P1 also slowed fruit softening and significantly reduced weight loss, though L1P0 was the most protective. Total soluble solid content of fruit was not affected by both L1P0 and L2P1 throughout storage, but the parameter reduced significantly (p<0.05) in fruits treated with L1P1, L1P2, L0P1 and in control. Reduction in titratable acidity during storage was least in fruits treated with L1P0 followed by L2P1, compared to that in other treatments and the control. This study showed that lemongrass oil applied as surface coating preserved tomato fruit quality in tropical ambient storage conditions for 12 days.

This study investigated the potential of Ficus nota water (FNW) as a natural soaking agent to enhance seed germination, emergence, and subsequent growth performance in Pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis). Utilizing varying FNW concentrations (0%, 50%, and 100%) and seed soaking durations (2, 4, 6 hours), the research aimed to identify optimal treatment combinations for maximizing pre-transplant vigor and post-transplant productivity of Pechy. The results revealed a significant interaction between FNW concentration and soaking time, accelerating germination onset and promoting germination percentage. Notably, the 50% FNW treatment coupled with the 4-hour soaking duration expedited germination by 60% compared to the untreated control. This optimal priming combination also positively influenced seedling height, root proliferation, and biomass accumulation during the pre-transplant nursery stage. Post-transplantation, FNW-primed seedlings exhibited taller stems and broader leaves compared to non-primed controls. However, despite enhancing vegetative growth, priming did not translate into increased biomass yields, suggesting potential trade-offs in resource allocation patterns. The findings highlight the efficacy of FNW in expediting germination and enhancing nursery vigor, while underscoring the need for further investigations into the mechanisms governing the translation of early growth promotion into marketable yields under field conditions. This research contributes valuable insights into the application of natural plant extracts for optimizing seed priming protocols and potentially improving crop productivity.

Viruses belong to the Family Adenoviridae can infect a wide range of vertebrates. These viruses are classified into different genera based on phylogenetic distance, genome organization, and host range. From those genera, Aviadenovirus only infect birds and are serologically different from other adenovirus genera. Fowl Adenoviruses (FAdVs) fall under the Aviadenovirus genus and have a considerably large genome. The FAdV genome comprises non-segmented, linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) of 43-46 kbp. The capsid of FAdVs is composed of hexons, penton bases, and fiber proteins, which are vital for cellular interaction and immune responses. Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) is a significant disease caused by FAdVs, impacting broiler chickens primarily. Inclusion Body Hepatitis results in sudden mortality, poor growth, and other clinical signs, contributing to economic losses in the poultry industry, and is transmitted horizontally through contaminated excretions and vertically via embryonated eggs from infected parent flocks. The disease pathogenesis involves replication in the alimentary and respiratory tract epithelium, leading to viremia and dissemination to organs. Gross pathological findings mainly include swollen liver with necrotic foci and multifocal petechial hemorrhages. Histopathologically, degeneration, necrosis, and the presence of intranuclear/intracytoplasmic, basophilic/eosinophilic inclusion bodies are observed mainly in hepatocytes. Diagnosis of IBH involves detecting intranuclear inclusion bodies in hepatocytes, virus isolation, and molecular techniques like PCR for serotyping. Control strategies include strict biosecurity measures, continuous disease surveillance, breeder monitoring, and vaccination. Inactivated and live vaccines are commonly used, with autogenous inactivated vaccines prepared from prevalent serotypes for prevention in endemic regions. Since 2021, IBH outbreaks have been reported in Sri Lanka. The objective of this review is to provide a quick overview of the members and viral structure of the Family Adenoviridae as well as an in-depth review of IBH, one of the main diseases caused by FAdV in poultry.

The University of Peradeniya’s grounds are home to the famous Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) L.G. Lohmann; cat’s claw vine, which blooms primarily from March through May. The vine has received a lot of attention mostly for its showy flowers. Being an invasive species, D. unguis-cati can pose a threat to the native flora and fauna. Yet, the vine also has positive impacts. Therefore, we looked at nectar production dimensions, the average brix value of nectar, honey production potential (HPP) and the honeybee colony carrying capacity (HCCC) of the vine specific to the garden of the University of Peradeniya, which reveals that it is a significant source of food for foraging bees. A vine had an average flower density of 154,700 per vine and 324 per m2. Each blossom produced nectar for at least four days. The average sugar content per blossom was 6.3 mg and an average of 3.94 kg of sugar was thought to be generated by each plant. The HPP per plant in the experiment was 4.58 kg, whereas the estimated HPP at the study site was between 77 - 125 kg. This gave an HCCC rating between 15 and 25. As a result, D. unguis-cati serves as a safe haven for honeybees and a vital food supply for insects, which are crucial in ecology. This study only considered the honey production potential; any other impact on the local flora and fauna has not been considered.