Abstract Book

Abstract

The global transition from fossil fuel–based energy systems to cleaner and more sustainable alternatives has accelerated the deployment of renewable energy technologies worldwide. Among these, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most widely implemented energy solutions. However, the rapid expansion of utility-scale solar farms has raised concerns regarding their potential influence on local microclimatic conditions, particularly through localized heat island effects associated with extensive land coverage by PV modules. This study employs a computational simulation approach to quantify the microclimatic changes induced by solar farms of varying sizes. Monocrystalline silicon panels were used to represent photovoltaic modules in the modeled systems. A ten-day simulation was conducted under prevailing meteorological conditions to examine variations in air temperature, relative humidity, and thermal dispersion patterns for solar farm areas of (40 × 40) m², (100 × 100) m², (160 × 160) m², and (220 × 220) m². The baseline ten-day average ambient air temperature was 29.31 °C. Results indicate a progressive increase in air temperature with expanding solar farm area, showing increments of 0.43 °C, 0.77 °C, 1.10 °C, and 1.18 °C, respectively. In contrast, the average relative humidity over the study period (68%) exhibited corresponding reductions of 2.01%, 2.62%, 3.94%, and 5.35%. Additionally, temperature distribution analysis within a 0–50 m surrounding zone revealed elevated air temperatures of 29.44 °C, 29.63 °C, 29.81 °C, and 30.00 °C for the increasing farm sizes. The findings demonstrate a clear relationship between solar farm size and localized microclimatic modification, characterized by moderate warming and reduced atmospheric moisture content. These results underscore the importance of incorporating microclimate considerations into the environmental planning and assessment of large-scale solar energy developments.

Keywords: Microclimate, large-scale solar farm, heat island effect, temperature variation, relative humidity.

Temporal Variability and Trend Analysis of Rainfall in Vavuniya District, Sri Lanka Using Mann–Kendall and Sen’s Slope Estimator (2007–2024)

N.F. Samama^1*, Y. Jinthusa¹

¹Department of Bio-science, University of Vavuniya, Vavuniya, Sri Lanka

*fsamama1999@gmail.com

Rainfall variability is a critical factor of water resource availability, agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. This study evaluates long-term monthly rainfall patterns in the Vavuniya District over an 18-year period (2007–2024), with additional insights from recent irregular rainfall events observed up to December 2025. The primary objective is to analyze temporal variability, seasonal distribution and emerging trends in rainfall, with particular focus on extreme precipitation associated with monsoonal dynamics.

The rainfall routine shows a distinct bimodal distribution determined by the Northeast Monsoon (October–January) and inter-monsoonal periods. Peak rainfall consistently occurs during October, November and December, with extreme events such as 634.6 mm in December 2012 and 621.1 mm in November 2024. In contrast, the June–August period stays persistently dry, that confirms the characteristic prolonged dry season of the region. Significant interannual variability is also observed, with certain years (e.g., 2011, 2014, and 2023) which demonstrates distinct deviations from long-term mean rainfall.

Trend analysis using the Mann–Kendall test reveals a weak positive trend (S = 9, Z = 0.303) in annual rainfall; however, the trend is statistically non-significant (p = 0.762), that highlights the absence of a consistent monotonic increase over time. The Sen’s slope estimator indicates a modest upward trend of 2.76 mm/year, which suggests a gradual increase in rainfall magnitude. These results collectively indicate that rainfall in the study area is characterized more by high variability than by a strong directional trend.

The inclusion of 2024 data reinforce the pattern of increasing variability, while observations extending to 2025 suggest an intensification of extreme rainfall events, particularly during the late Northeast Monsoon period. These anomalies are likely associated with enhanced convective activity and cyclonic influences, that indicates a shift toward more occasional, high-intensity rainfall events rather than evenly distributed precipitation. Such changes may be linked to broader climatic drivers, including ocean–atmosphere interactions and regional climate variability.

The increasing concentration of rainfall within shorter durations raises concerns regarding surface runoff, flood risk and reduced groundwater recharge efficiency. Additionally, irregular rainfall occurrences during traditionally dry months suggest a gradual alteration of established seasonal boundaries.

This study emphasizes the need for adaptive water resource management strategies and climate-resilient agricultural planning in the Vavuniya District. Continuous monitoring and integration of updated climatic data are essential for improving predictive models and supporting sustainable development initiatives. The findings provide a strong scientific basis for understanding localized hydroclimatic dynamics and guiding future environmental and hydrological assessments.

Keywords: Extreme rainfall events, Northeast Monsoon, Mann–Kendall test, Rainfall variability, Sen’s slope estimator, Vavuniya District 

Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer) is well-known for its commercially valuable products, but its medicinal properties are less known. This study was designed to screen the potential growth resistance activity of the palmyrah leaf indumentum sample. Eight distinct bacterial isolates were investigated using a methanolic crude extract. The concentrations used in this investigation were 1 and 10 µg/µL and the effect was compared with standard antibiotic (chloramphenicol) at the 0.5 µg/µL concentration. The extract showed a significant (P < 0.05) growth resistance in Bacillus subtilis (20 mm) followed by Escherichia coli (19.8 mm). The strains more susceptible to the extract were B. subtilis, E. coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella pneumonia, which showed protruding inhibitions. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were found in the ranges of 0.6 – 0.8 mg/ml and 0.8 – 0.1 mg/ml, respectively. However, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in MIC and MBC for all investigated bacterial isolates. Additionally, the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the extract exhibited the availability of various phytochemicals and this would be the first study to reveal the phytoconstituents accompanied with B. Flabellifer leaf indumentum might be a great source of natural antimicrobials since it has potent growth resistance activity against all tested bacterial isolates.

Tire wear particles (TWPs) and tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) are recognized as major contributors to microplastic pollution. These particles are generated through frictional abrasion between tire treads and road surfaces during vehicle operations and continuously accumulate in roadside environments, posing risks to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In Sri Lanka, the occurrence and distribution of these particles remain entirely unexplored. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective, reliable methodology for the extraction and quantification of TWPs and TRWPs in road dust and to assess their spatial variation across different road types in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Method optimization was conducted by assessing the recovery of laboratory-derived TWPs spiked into microplastic-free dust using two density separation solutions. The saturated ZnCl₂ solution achieved a higher recovery (93.60 ± 5.55%) compared to saturated NaCl solution (76.80 ± 8.67%) and was selected for environmental sample processing. Digestion with 50% H₂O₂ at 50 °C for 72 hours showed satisfactory removal of organic matter. Environmental road dust samples were collected from an expressway, a main road, and a secondary road at five equidistant points along 1 km segments. TRWPs were extracted using the optimized method and identified under the stereomicroscope based on morphological characteristics. Statistically significant differences were observed in the abundance and size distribution of TRWPs across road types (p < 0.05). Mean particle abundance was highest on main roads (5092 ± 583 particles/100 mg dust), followed by secondary roads (3626 ± 739 particles/100 mg) and lowest on expressways (1486 ± 1384 particles/100 mg dust). A qualitative observational analysis indicated that higher particle levels were associated with areas of frequent acceleration, braking, turning, and idling. Showing a similar trend, mean particle size was largest on main roads (226.53 ± 6.45 μm), intermediate on secondary roads (115.97 ± 23.68 μm), and smallest on expressways (68.02 ± 19.95 μm). These findings establish the first baseline data on TRWP occurrence in Sri Lanka and highlight the influence of road type, traffic dynamics, and driving behavior on particle generation. The study underscores the importance of incorporating TRWP monitoring into national environmental assessments and offers a practical methodology for future research on urban microplastic pollution.

Keywords: Microplastics, Road Dust, Tire and Road Wear Particles, Tire Wear Particles

Background

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), remains an important global health challenge, regardless of advances in diagnosis and treatment. Approximately 10 million new cases of TB are diagnosed each year, with over a million deaths. TB is an airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis generally affects adults in their most productive years. However, all age clusters are at risk. 

Results 

A total of 1046 sputum specimen were received at the Microbiology Laboratory during the sample collection period, 69/1046 (6.59%) specimens were giving positive result for Gene Xpert test. Among Gene Xpert positive specimens the majority 36/69 (52.17%) specimen received from chest clinic while 33/69 (47.82%) received from inward departments of Teaching hospital, Polonnaruwa. From 69 of positive patients 10/69 (14.49%) were females and 59/69 (85.50%) were males. The highest number of patients reported between age category 51-60 years. 

Among 69 of positive specimen according to quantification majority 34.78% (24/69) were showed MTB detected low followed by 24.63% (17/69) were both MTB detected high and medium, 8.69% (6/69) were very low and 7.24% (5/69) were MTB detected trace. Only 7.24% trace category showed rifampicin resistance indeterminate, other all specimen showed rifampicin resistance not detected.

MTB detected High Xpert results (17/17) correlate strongly with Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) +3 (all were smear-positive at the highest grade). Medium results mostly show AFB positivity (+3 or +2). Low results show weaker correlation: majority were AFB +1, with some +2. Very low and trace results are mostly smear-negative showing GeneXpert detects MTB even when microscopy misses it.

 Conclusion 

AFB microscopy detected about 87% of GeneXpert-positive TB cases. However, its sensitivity decreases with low/very low/trace bacterial load, where Gene Xpert still detects TB while smear often misses it.

Keywords

Gene Xpert, Acid Fast Bacilli

Methane gas produced by livestock animals contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emission and is a major environmental issue. However the use of feed additives for controlling ruminal methanogenesis has emerged as a promising solution for reducing this emission.To mitigate these impacts, feed additives have been developed to reduce enteric methane emissions without compromising animal productivity. Notably, 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), dietary nitrate, and dried Asparagopsis (red algae) have demonstrated substantial methane reduction. 3-NOP inhibits methyl coenzyme M reductase, a key enzyme in methanogenesis, while dietary nitrate redirects hydrogen from methane formation to ammonia, and dried Asparagopsis contains halogenated compounds that suppress methanogenic archaea. Other additives, including tannins, monensin, essential oils, microbial direct-fed microbial, and microalgae, show variable methane reduction and potential productivity benefits, such as improved milk fat. And omega-3 fatty acid content. Emerging additives, such as biopremix, cinnamaldehyde, chitosan, fumarate, and synthetic bromochloromethane, require further evaluation for efficacy, safety, and economic feasibility. Integrative approaches combining multiple additives and precision feeding strategies are increasingly recommended to optimize methane mitigation while maintaining animal performance. Overall, methane-reducing feed additives offer a promising, scalable solution to lower the environmental footprint of ruminant production and improving animal health and productivity and promoting support sustainable livestock systems.

Keywords:  Methane, Feed Additives, Enteric Fermentation, Sustainable Livestock, Methanogenesis.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted significant interest as effective antimicrobial agents due to their unique physicochemical properties, including the release of Ag⁺ ions, disruption of microbial membranes, and generation of reactive oxygen species. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized via a green synthesis approach using Acacia farnesiana pod extract, providing an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, which showed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at ~420 nm, while Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicated the involvement of phytochemicals in the reduction and stabilization process. To enhance nanoparticle stability and biological activity, the synthesized AgNPs were functionalized with L-cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, yielding L-cysteine-capped AgNPs (L-cys-AgNPs). These modified nanoparticles were subsequently incorporated into a chitin matrix to fabricate a biodegradable nanocomposite with multifunctional properties. 

The antibacterial activity of AgNPs, L-cys-AgNPs, and the chitin nanocomposite was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the well diffusion method. The results demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in inhibition zones for sample volumes ranging from 20 to 100 µL. L-cys-AgNPs exhibited rapid and enhanced antibacterial activity compared to uncapped AgNPs, while the nanocomposite showed a slower but sustained antibacterial effect due to the controlled release of silver ions from the chitin matrix. Furthermore, the larvicidal activity of the nanocomposite was assessed against third and fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. A clear dose-dependent mortality was observed within 24 and 48 h, indicating strong vector control potential. Overall, the developed L-cysteine-capped AgNP–chitin nanocomposite demonstrates a combination of rapid antibacterial action and prolonged bioactivity, along with effective larvicidal performance. This study highlights its potential as a biodegradable, environmentally friendly material for long-term antimicrobial applications and mosquito vector control.

Keywords: Silver nanoparticles, Nanocomposites, Chitin, Antibacterial activity, Larvicidal activity.

Despite advancements in various photovoltaics, silicon-based solar cells dominate the market due to their reduced cost per watt and reasonable efficiencies. However, their high production costs hinder competition with fossil fuels. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are a promising alternative to silicon solar cells due to its low manufacturing costs and satisfactory efficiencies. The DSC consists of working electrode or photoanode, electrolyte and counter electrode. The cost of DSCs depends mainly on the counter electrode (CE) where the best catalytic agent for triiodide reduction at the CE is platinum (Pt), which is expensive and not completely resistive to corrosion. While Pt is a commonly used counter electrode material in DSCs due to its effectiveness, researchers are investigating carbon-based alternatives that are more cost effective and abundant. Invasive plant species pose a significant ecological threat, particularly in aquatic environments where they disrupt native biodiversity, degrade water quality, and hinder resource availability. Simultaneously, large quantities of plant-based biological waste remain underutilized. 

Addressing both environmental and economic challenges, this study explores the conversion of invasive plant biomass and seed waste into value-added materials for DSCs applications. The biomass sources underwent carbonization and activation processes. Activated charcoals derived from invasive water hyacinth (AWHC) and Bauhinia variegata seeds (ABSC) were utilized to fabricate CEs for DSCs using N719 dye and a liquid electrolyte(I⁻/I₃⁻). The CEs were produced using the spray pyrolysis method. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of oxygen groups and graphitic domains, which increase polarity and the number of sites where I₃⁻ can be reduced. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Spectroscopy revealed amorphous/turbostratic carbon with partial graphitization, as indicated by the (002) peak at approximately 28°. The Raman D/G bands (R ≈ 0.85) showed that the structures were full of defects, which made charge transfer better. The device Current Voltage Measurement (J–V) and Incident Photon to Current Conversion Efficiency (IPCE) data show that ABSC CEs have the highest power conversion efficiency of 6.2% among carbonaceous options (compared to 5.5% AWHC and 7.5% Pt standard), positioning these eco-friendly materials as viable Pt alternatives. These biomass-derived counter electrodes are slightly lower than Pt standards, but they lower costs, promote circular resource use, and support environmental sustainability by turning invasive weeds and waste into high performance DSCs parts. This study introduces innovative eco-friendly energy solutions, advances scalable solar technology, and addresses the management of invasive species and substantial seed waste.

Keywords: Dye-sensitized solar cells, Power conversion efficiency, N719, Counter electrode, Activated Charcoal.

Edible mushrooms are widely consumed across Canada and have nutritional, cultural, and economic importance, particularly in regions such as Ontario, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. However, their strong capacity to bioaccumulate toxic metals, including arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), raises significant food safety concerns. Surveillance data from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency indicate that nearly all tested mushroom samples contain detectable levels of these metals, reflecting both natural and anthropogenic contamination sources. 

This review examines evidence on the geochemical origins, environmental processing, and biological uptake mechanisms that govern metal accumulation in mushrooms. In northern and Shield regions, metal-rich bedrock, permafrost thaw, and organic- rich soils create naturally elevated background levels. Human activities such as mining, smelting, and urban deposition further amplify this contamination. 

Metal uptake is strongly influenced by chemical speciation, with arsenate mimicking phosphate transport, arsenite entering via aquaglyceroporins, and Cd/Pb competing with essential cations. Once internalized, metals bind to fungal cell walls and intracellular thiol compounds, leading to stable accumulation that is often concentrated in mushroom caps. 

These exposures intersect with food security challenges, particularly among Indigenous peoples. The findings emphasize that mushroom safety cannot be predicted solely from soil concentrations but depends on species-specific uptake and environmental chemistry. Improved monitoring, substrate control, and integration of Indigenous knowledge with Western risk frameworks are crucial to ensure safe and equitable access to mushrooms in contaminated regions of interest.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Edible mushrooms, Bioaccumulation, Food safety, Canada, Indigenous food systems 

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem. In Sri Lanka, diagnosis mainly relies on sputum-based tests such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra and culture, both affected by sputum quality. Microscopic assessment, particularly squamous epithelial cells (SECs) and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs), is important for determining sample adequacy and its impact on diagnostic yield.

Objective:To examine the impact of sputum microscopic quality on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) detection using GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra and TB culture.

Methods: A laboratory-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Sri Lanka. A total of 422 sputum samples from newly suspected pulmonary TB patients (December 2024–October 2025) were categorized into five groups based on microscopic appearance (SECs and PMNs per low-power field). All samples were tested using GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra and solid culture methods.

Results: A total of 422 sputum samples were evaluated for microscopic quality based on squamous epithelial cells (SECs) and polymorpho nuclear cells (PMNs). Among 422 sputum samples, the majority were classified as Group 2 (SECs ≥25, PMNs 10–25; 36.3%) and Group 1 (SECs ≥25, PMNs <10; 34.8%). Group 5 (SECs <10, PMNs ≥25) accounted for 12.1% of samples, followed by Group 4 (SECs 10–25, PMNs ≥25) at 10.0%. Group 3 (SECs ≥25, PMNs ≥25) represented the smallest proportion (6.9%). Out of 422 samples, 61 (14.5%) were MTB detected by GeneXpert Ultra and 361 (85.5%) were not detected. TB culture showed 65 (15.4%) positive, 341 (80.8%) negative, and 16 (3.8%) contaminated samples. GeneXpert (MTB/RIF) Ultra results showed increasing MTB detection rates with higher PMN counts, particularly in Groups 3 (24.1%), 4 (31.0%), and 5 (19.6%), compared to lower detection rates in Groups 1 (9.5%) and 2 (11.1%). Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between microscopic sputum quality and GeneXpert detection (χ²=16.812, p=0.002; Fisher’s Exact p=0.003). Similarly, TB culture positivity was higher in samples with increased PMN counts, the highest positivity was observed in Group 4 (35.7%) followed by Group 3 (27.6%), while Groups 1 and 2 showed lower positivity (10.2% and 12.4%, respectively). Group 5 had moderate positivity (15.7%). Contamination rates were generally low across all groups. A strong significant association was found between microscopic quality and culture results (χ²=24.100, p=0.002; Fisher’s Exact p=0.004). Overall, microscopic sputum quality, particularly higher PMN counts, was significantly associated with improved detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by both GeneXpert Ultra and TB culture methods.

Conclusion: Higher microscopic sputum quality, characterized by increased PMN counts and lower SECs, is associated with improved MTB detection in both GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra and TB culture. However, suboptimal samples may still yield positive results, indicating that microscopic grading should guide but not solely determine specimen rejection.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, Sputum microscopic quality, GeneXpert, Culture

Temperature is a key environmental factor influencing metabolic rate in ectothermic organisms, as it affects enzyme activity and biochemical reaction rates. This study investigated whether an increase in temperature affects metabolic rate in the crayfish Cambarellus patzcuarensis, and whether the method used to measure oxygen consumption influences the resulting metabolic rate values. It was predicted that metabolic rate would increase with temperature and that both measurement methods would produce comparable results.

Metabolic rate was assessed using two independent methods: a BIOPAC oxygen electrode system and Winkler titration, at room (~25 °C) and warm (~30 °C) temperatures . Using the Winkler method, metabolic rate was 0.0146 ± 0.00347 mL O₂ min⁻¹ g⁻¹ at room temperature and 0.0209 ± 0.00783 mL O₂ min⁻¹ g⁻¹ at warm temperature (p = 0.425). BIOPAC measurements showed similar values (room: 0.0144 ± 0.00715; warm: 0.0226 ± 0.0114 mL O₂ min⁻¹ g⁻¹; p = 0.555). No significant differences were observed between methods at either temperature (room: p = 0.976; warm: p = 0.909).

These findings do not support the hypothesis that increased temperature significantly elevates metabolic rate under the conditions tested. Additionally, the lack of differences between methods suggests that measurement technique did not significantly influence metabolic rate estimates. Overall, the results highlight the role of biological variability and methodological sensitivity in metabolic studies of ectotherms.

Background: Maternal colonization with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a known risk factor for neonatal infections. Determining the current GBS colonization rate in Sri Lanka is important to support recommendations for routine antenatal screening.

Objective: To identify colonization rate of GBS using real time PCR and culture methods in pregnant women in selected hospitals in Western Province of Sri Lanka.

Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried at Western Province of Sri Lanka. Vaginal and rectal swabs were collected from 175 pregnant women at >35 weeks of gestation. Specimens were subjected to GBS detection using real-time PCR assay and standard culture. 

Results: The proportion of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) vaginal and/or rectal colonization in the study population was 45 (25.7%) by culture, with 40 (22.9%) vaginal and 5 (2.9%) rectal isolates. By real time PCR, GBS colonization increased to 96 (54.9%) [79 (45.1%) vaginal and 55 (31.4%) rectal], demonstrating a 2.2 fold higher detection rate compared with culture.

One vaginal specimen positive by culture was negative by PCR, whereas 52 specimens (vaginal and rectal) positive by real time PCR were negative by culture. Among paired samples, 79 vaginal specimens were PCR positive while 41 corresponding rectal specimens were negative. Similarly, among 55 rectal PCR-positive samples, 17 corresponding vaginal samples were negative. PCR detected GBS in both vaginal and rectal specimens in only 38 individuals.

GBS isolates were confirmed using the CAMP test, Streptococcal Lancefield grouping test, and detection of the dltS gene by conventional PCR. Of the 45 isolates confirmed by Lancefield grouping, 44 were CAMP-positive and one was CAMP negative but confirmed as GBS by Lancefield grouping and dltS gene detection. The CAMP test demonstrated a sensitivity of 97.8% and a positive predictive value of 100%, while specificity and negative predictive value could not be determined due to the absence of negative samples.

Conclusion/s: Real time PCR showed higher detection of Group B Streptococcus colonization than culture, indicating greater sensitivity, while CAMP and Lancefield tests reliably confirmed isolates, supported by dltS targeted PCR.

Keywords: Group B Streptococcus, Vaginal colonization, Real Time PCR.

Interrelationships among socio-demographic, quality of life and biochemical parameters of hemodialysis patients in Puttalam District, Sri Lanka.

Ekanayake S.M.W, Silva M.N.S.J, Dilrukshi G.N, Ratnapala D.U.S

Abstract

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring maintenance hemodialysis (HD) is a significant and growing public health concern in Sri Lanka. In resource-limited regions like the Puttalam District, understanding the complex interplay between socio-demographic factors, biochemical markers, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is vital for enhancing patient outcomes and clinical management. 

Objective: This study aimed to assess the interrelationships among socio-demographic characteristics, biochemical parameters, and HRQoL in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in the Puttalam District. 

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 adult hemodialysis patients at District General Hospital, Chilaw, and Base Hospital, Puttalam. Socio-demographic and HRQoL data were gathered using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-SF™) questionnaire. Biochemical data including hemoglobin, serum albumin, creatinine, urea reduction ratio, and serum electrolyte were retrieved from existing medical records. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, independent sample t-tests, and ANOVA to identify significant associations. 

Results: The majority of participants were middle-aged (41–60 years; 66%), and 52% were male. Nearly half (49%) had been receiving hemodialysis for between six months and one year. Biochemical findings revealed a high prevalence of anemia, with a mean hemoglobin concentration of 8.13 ± 1.59 g/dL. HRQoL was substantially impaired, particularly in physical health, with mean SF-12 Physical and Mental Composite Scores of 37.07 ± 8.60 and 43.50 ± 8.65, respectively. Serum albumin showed significant positive correlations with physical functioning, general health, social function, and energy/fatigue (p < 0.05). Hemoglobin was positively correlated with emotional roles and energy levels, while higher serum potassium was linked to a greater symptom burden. Socio-demographically, gender significantly influenced creatinine levels, while age and education levels were related to specific HRQoL domains like sleep and patient satisfaction. 

Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients in the Puttalam District experience a markedly reduced quality of life, especially regarding physical domains. Modifiable biochemical markers, particularly serum albumin and hemoglobin, are strong predictors of HRQoL. These findings suggest that optimizing nutritional status and anemia management is essential for improving both clinical outcomes and the psychosocial well-being of dialysis patients. 

Keywords: Hemodialysis, Quality of Life, Biochemical Parameters, Socio-Demographic Factors 

Agricultural practices such as phosphate fertilizer application and groundwater irrigation can mobilize naturally occurring arsenic in soil, increasing environmental and human health risks. These processes are governed by complex geochemical interactions, including competitive adsorption between phosphate and arsenate at mineral surfaces and redox-driven transformations from arsenate (As(V)) to the more mobile arsenite (As(III)). Such multiscale processes, spanning molecular to environmental systems, are often difficult for students to conceptualize using traditional teaching methods. This study investigates the use of immersive virtual reality (IVR) as an interactive tool to enhance understanding of arsenic mobilization in agricultural systems.

An IVR simulation was developed through a multi-stage design process informed by real-world agricultural conditions in Punjab, India. The development pipeline progressed from conceptual storyboarding to two-dimensional BioRender schematics, and ultimately to a three-dimensional Unity-based environment. This simulation integrated environmental features such as irrigation systems, soil structure, and crop growth with simplified molecular representations to visualize key processes including phosphate-driven competitive adsorption, arsenic mobilization, leaching, and subsurface transport within a spatially interactive framework.

A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted using a focus group of undergraduate students across different academic levels. Pre-simulation and post-simulation surveys employing Likert-scale measures assessed engagement, usability, cognitive load, and perceived learning outcomes, while qualitative feedback and observational insights provided deeper context on user experience. Results indicated that IVR enhanced engagement and facilitated a more integrated understanding of multiscale environmental and chemical processes. First-year participants reported low cognitive load and high usability, suggesting accessibility for novice learners, whereas upper-year students demonstrated more critical evaluation of simulation realism and scientific detail.

Although dynamic molecular visualizations were not fully implemented, audio-guided explanations supported conceptual understanding and helped link molecular and system-level processes. Therefore, IVR shows strong potential as a complementary tool for connecting abstract chemical mechanisms with real-world environmental systems and improving knowledge translation in environmental chemistry education.

Key Words                                                                                                                           

Immersive Virtual Reality, Arsenic Mobilization, Environmental Chemistry, Geochemical Processes, Experiential Learning, STEM Education, Knowledge Translation

Abstract 

A crucial barrier separating Vadamarachchy from Valikamam and Thenmarachchy regions is the Thondaimanaru Lagoon in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. This study examines microplankton abundance, species identification, composition, density, and the effects of chemical variables on diversity at Thondaimanaru Barrage from February to July 2023. The objective is to increase knowledge for improved conservation and management of ecosystems. Every month, zooplankton and phytoplankton samples were fixed with 4% formalin and Lugol's solution after being collected at two locations using a 55 Plankton net. Standard keys and a Sedgewick-rafter counting cell were used to assess genus-level identity and abundance. Water samples were collected concurrently to measure the quantities of nitrate, phosphate, pH, turbidity, temperature, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. Results from the Thondaimanaru Barrage revealed that although Site A recorded 22 phytoplankton species and 7 zooplankton species, Site B recorded 44 phytoplankton species and 9 zooplankton species. Bacillariophyceae predominated, with diatoms accounting for 77.78% in Site B and 64.71% in Site A. Certain dinoflagellate and diatom species were shown to be potentially dangerous. Site B showed a considerable salinity range (15.91 to 34.75 ppt) despite little variation in temperature and pH. While phosphate concentration dynamics differed across the two sites, nitrate levels increased in June and July in both locations, with Site B showing greater concentrations. The impact of environmental conditions on the planktonic populations at Thondaimanaru Barrage is highlighted by the substantial correlation (p < 0.05) between potentially dangerous plankton species and nitrate and phosphorus levels, as well as the positive relationship between plankton density and nutrient availability.

Keywords: Thondaimanaru lagoon, Nutrient availability, Plankton abundance,

                 Bacillariophyceae, Species composition.

 NEARSHORE SEDIMENT TRANSPORT AND HEAVY MINERAL ENRICHMENT IN KIRINDA HARBOUR, SRI LANKA

Rathnakumar Piranavan¹*, Nalin Ratnayake², Upul Premarathne¹, Gayan Pathirana¹, and R.M. Pubudi Dilshara²

¹Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences &Technology, University of Ruhuna, Wellamadawa, Matara, Sri Lanka.

²Depatrment of Earth Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Katubedha, Sri Lanka  

*Corresponding Author Email: piranavan.rathnakumar@gmail.com,

Recurrent siltation and coastal sediment accumulation at Kirinda Harbour, southern Sri Lanka, pose operational and sediment management challenges. This study examines nearshore sediment characteristics and evaluates whether accumulated and dredged sediments could be a potential heavy mineral resource. The objectives were to compare sediment properties across coastal, harbour basin, and dredged areas; quantify heavy mineral concentrations; and assess the influence of hydrodynamic conditions on sediment deposition.On 12 March 2025, fourteen surface sediment samples were collected from three settings: five coastal samples (four southward, one northward), five harbour basin, and four dredged deposits, all from the upper 0–15 cm layer. Coastal samples were collected along the shoreline, basin samples from operational harbour areas, and dredged samples from recently deposited sites. Grain-size distribution was analysed using standard sieves and GRADISTAT, heavy minerals were separated via bromoform and identified by petrographic microscopy, and Rare Earth Element (REE) concentrations were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.Results reveal a dual sedimentary system. Medium, moderately well-sorted coastal sands show elevated heavy mineral enrichment (11–19%), whereas finer harbour basin sediments have lower concentrations (0.00–5.80%). Zircon dominates, and total REE concentrations (15–110 ppm) indicate Light Rare Earth Element enrichment from Highland Complex source rocks. Spatial variations in sediment texture and mineral distribution reflect hydrodynamic sorting under prevailing coastal energy conditions.These findings provide a basis for sustainable sediment monitoring and dredged material management, supporting dredging planning, siltation mitigation, and potential resource utilization.

Keywords: Kirinda Harbour, Sri Lanka; Coastal sediment dynamics; Heavy mineral   enrichment; Harbour siltation; Dredged material management

ABSTRACT: Acute and chronic inflammatory conditions—including severe burn injury, sepsis, and aging—are characterized by persistent metabolic dysfunction, impaired tissue repair, and reduced cellular resilience. Although mitochondrial abnormalities have been widely documented in these settings, most studies rely on static measurements of bioenergetic status under basal conditions, which often fail to capture dynamic deficits that emerge under stress.

As a result, a critical but underexplored aspect of cellular function—the ability to dynamically match energy supply with demand—remains insufficiently characterized. This limitation may obscure latent bioenergetic vulnerability, where cells appear functionally intact at baseline but fail under increased demand, analogous to preclinical dysfunction revealed only during stress testing.

Here, we redefine the “Red Queen” system as a stress-dependent adaptive process requiring coordinated regulation of bioenergetic supply and intracellular transport. Within this framework, cellular function depends not only on maintaining energy levels, but on sustaining dynamic adaptability under fluctuating demand.

Using a live-cell ATP imaging platform with compartment-specific reporters on disease cross-platform assays using endotoxemia, and oxidative stress models using C2C12 cultured myocytes, we demonstrate that disease models maintain normal ATP levels at baseline but exhibit a marked failure to sustain ATP homeostasis under stress, resulting in stress-unmasked bioenergetic collapse within mitochondrial compartments. In contrast, healthy cells preserve ATP levels despite similar challenges, indicating preserved adaptive capacity.

Mechanistically, this failure is associated with impaired microtubule polymerization and defective mitophagosome trafficking and maturation, linking cytoskeletal dynamics with bioenergetic insufficiency.

We propose that disease progression reflects a failure of coordinated adaptation under stress—termed Red Queen breakdown—rather than static dysfunction alone. This framework provides a conceptual basis for functional “cellular stress testing” to detect otherwise hidden pathology and suggests new directions for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting dynamic resilience.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are primarily caused by repetitive and excessive plantar pressure acting on insensate tissue, often leading to severe complications, including infection and amputation. This study presents the design, development, and clinical evaluation of a novel modular insole integrated with a smart pressure measurement system for effective plantar pressure offloading. The modular insole consists of a 3D-printed mid-frame combined with removable inserts that enable region-specific pressure redistribution. A wearable pressure-measuring insole embedded with Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) sensors was developed to quantify plantar pressure in real time. A clinical study involving healthy and diabetic participants was conducted understanding and walking conditions to evaluate performance. The results demonstrated substantial pressure reduction, reaching up to approximately 98% in targeted regions, along with high user satisfaction scores. The proposed system offers a cost-effective, customizable, and clinically relevant solution for preventing diabetic foot ulceration.

The results confirm that the modular insole enables precise and effective pressure redistribution, particularly in ulcer-prone regions. The integration of a smart pressure measurement system allows real-time monitoring, which can support clinical decision-making and personalized treatment strategies. Compared to conventional insoles, the proposed design offers superior adaptability and ease of customization. However, certain limitations exist, including the use of a single insole size and the relatively small sample size. Future work should focus on scaling the design for different foot geometries and conducting long-term clinical evaluations.

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) are highly photoluminescent nanomaterials with low toxicity and excellent compatibility. Plasma processing is a flexible method for synthesizing nanomaterials tailored for various applications. In this, the important parameters such as input voltage, processing time, and gas flow rate play a major part in adjusting the process for an optimized deposition of materials onto substrates. In this study, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were effectively deposited onto the glass surface using the DC glow discharge non-thermal plasma method. The structural and graphitic layer formation of carbon nanoparticles on glass was analyzed using Raman spectroscopy, while the amorphous nature of the samples was confirmed by XRD results. FESEM images revealed a uniform distribution of carbon nanoparticles over the glass substrate. The superhydrophobic properties of the prepared films were demonstrated through contact angle measurements for water. Subsequently, the coated films underwent the process of ultrasonication to separate and accumulate the carbon nanoparticles deposited on the glass, enabling their evaluation as sensitizers in solar cell applications. The isolated carbon nanoparticles were deposited onto a mesoporous TiO₂ layer through the spin-coating technique. The solar cell was fabricated in the configuration of FTO/TiO₂/CNPs /Redox electrolyte/Pt and subsequently characterized.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting approximately 5 to 15 percent of women of reproductive age and is characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, irregular menstrual cycles, and reduced fertility (Rosenfield & Ehrmann, 2016). Elevated testosterone is a major contributor to the metabolic and reproductive symptoms associated with PCOS, including hirsutism, acne, and impaired ovulation (Legro et al., 2010; Rosenfield & Ehrmann, 2016). Although physicians commonly recommend dietary modifications as part of treatment, limited research has directly compared how diets with different macronutrient compositions influence testosterone levels in women predisposed to PCOS (Shahid et al., 2022; Scarfò et al., 2022). This study investigated whether dietary interventions could serve as a non-pharmacological strategy to reduce circulating testosterone levels.

Sixteen women aged 20 to 40 who met Rotterdam Criteria for symptoms associated with PCOS were recruited and screened for elevated free testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control group maintaining their usual diet, a high-protein diet, a high-carbohydrate diet, or a high-fat diet. Dietary interventions were modeled over a one-year period using the HumMod physiological simulation platform. Blood samples were collected monthly, and testosterone concentrations were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Simulations were conducted in four 90-day cycles to represent a complete 365-day period. The control group exhibited the highest mean testosterone level at 6.4 nMol/L. All experimental diets resulted in lower testosterone concentrations, with mean levels of 2.9 nMol/L for the high-protein diet, 3.3 nMol/L for the high-carbohydrate diet, and 3.5 nMol/L for the high-fat diet. Although variability within groups was observed, each dietary intervention produced a substantial reduction compared with the control. 

These findings suggest that dietary modifications may significantly reduce elevated testosterone levels in women predisposed to PCOS and could provide an effective, non-invasive treatment approach (Toscani et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2024; Khalid et al., 2023). Further studies with larger and more diverse populations are needed to determine the mechanisms underlying these effects and to develop personalized nutritional recommendations for PCOS management.

Keywords: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; PCOS; Testosterone; Diet; Protein; Carbohydrate; Fat; Women’s Health

Forests are crucial carbon sinks that regulate global and local climates; however, logging threatens this function by degrading ecosystems, disrupting carbon dynamics, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This study examines forest management practices in Canada and South Africa to determine how they influence climate change mitigation and outcomes. Although the two countries differ in their climate agreements, forest contexts, and management strategies, logging is identified as a significant driver of climate change in both contexts through a synthesis of grey literature and peer-reviewed articles.

To identify contributing factors, this study compares legislative, institutional, and ecological reports that examine forestry policies and frameworks in each country. This comparison highlights gaps between environmental and managerial goals, as well as between intended frameworks and their implementation. Cumulatively, these gaps indicate a time lag between policy development and climate outcomes in the forestry sector, resulting in wood being removed from forests faster than it can be regrown.

To address this issue, the study proposes a generalized sustainable forest management framework intended to support countries, regardless of forest context, in aligning management practices with sustainable outcomes and their respective climate agreements. Although the framework emerges from a comparison of two countries with different developmental contexts, data availability, and data quality considerations, its generalized design provides a foundation for broader application.

The proposed framework is grounded in community-led stewardship and emphasizes the need for a specific commercial forestry management plan to strengthen policy enforcement and accountability. It also prioritizes Indigenous knowledge, local capacity building, time-bound sectoral actions, and publicly accessible progress tracking to support verifiable progress toward sustainable forest management. Looking ahead, governments must actively assess the role of logging in national emissions and explicitly monitor this enigmatic and potentially explosive sector.

Keywords: climate mitigation, logging, forestry management, framework

Immigrant gardening is often seen as a simple or personal activity, but it plays a much deeper role in shaping culture, sustainability, and community. This paper examines how immigrant gardening contributes to sustainability through cultural and ecological practices. Ecological practices within immigrant gardens support biodiversity, improve soil health, and contribute to community well-being, while cultural practices help preserve traditional knowledge, identity, and foodways across generations. Through the lens of sustainability, environment, and global health, this research demonstrates how the everyday act of personal food production connects to broader environmental and social benefits. 

This project focuses on three key ideas. First, immigrant gardens act as spaces of cultural resilience. Many immigrants grow traditional crops and use techniques passed down through generations, such as seed saving and selective cultivation. These practices help preserve genetic diversity in plant populations, crop resilience, adaptation, and long-term food security. Second, immigrant gardening supports sustainability through practices grounded in ecological science. Small-scale methods such as composting improve soil structure, increase microbial activity, and enhance nutrient cycling, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Maintaining diverse plant species also supports local biodiversity and ecosystem stability. These practices align with broader environmental goals, including climate change mitigation and sustainable land use.Third, immigrant gardens contribute to health and well-being. Access to fresh, home-grown produce improves nutritional intake, while exposure to green spaces has been linked to reduced stress and improved mental health. Through sharing seeds, exchanging food, and learning from one another, these gardens also build strong social connections that support community well-being.

This research uses a qualitative case study approach that combines personal reflection, conversations, and visual documentation. My mother’s experience as an immigrant gardener is central to this project, along with insights from others in our community, supported by course readings in agroecology, food systems, and migration. Overall, this paper shows that immigrant gardens are more than just places to grow food. They are local, small-scale models of sustainable food systems and sites where cultural knowledge, ecological practice and community care intersect. Recognizing these gardens as both social and scientific systems helps us better understand how everyday actions contribute to broader environmental and global health challenges.

Keywords: immigrant gardening, sustainability, biodiversity, cultural resilience, community, agroecology, community health

Climate change is increasingly disrupting agricultural systems worldwide and creating significant impacts on global food security. Current climate change impact assessment (CCIA) frameworks remain largely grounded in quantitative methodologies, which often overlook community knowledge in agricultural contexts. This study addresses this gap through a comparative mixed-methods analysis of agriculture in London, Ontario, Canada, and the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. It examines how quantitative climate data and qualitative community knowledge are analyzed, applied, and integrated within climate adaptation research and practice.

Quantitative analyses of long-term climate records indicate regional warming trends and shifting climatic conditions. In contrast, qualitative findings from interviews with farmers and Indigenous knowledge holders reveal climate change as it is experienced through variability, uncertainty, and locally grounded adaptation strategies. Together, these findings highlight the limitations of single-method approaches and underscore the need for integrative assessment frameworks.

Building on these insights, this study proposes a Community-Engaged Mixed-Methods CCIA Framework. The framework treats qualitative and quantitative knowledge systems as complementary rather than hierarchical, centers local variability, and systematically analyzes discrepancies between the two methods as sources of insight, rather than error. By integrating both forms of knowledge, the framework supports the development of more context-sensitive and equitable climate adaptation strategies through case studies.

This approach supports the development of a global classroom in which learners from diverse disciplines and regions can engage with shared, global representations of climate change impacts. By enabling users in Canada and Ghana to experience each other’s agricultural realities, the platform fosters cross-cultural understanding, interdisciplinary learning, and more inclusive climate education. This research contributes to both climate science and global interdisciplinary knowledge exchange by linking mixed-methods CCIA frameworks comparing Canada and Ghana. It demonstrates that integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches can enhance knowledge translation, broaden engagement, and support more holistic and globally connected approaches to climate adaptation.

Keywords: Climate Change, Climate Change Impact Assessment (CCIA), Mixed-methods, Community Knowledge, Adaptation Strategies, Global Classroom

The Vermicompost Project is an initiative that seeks to engage students and staff through learning experiences and project work that culminate in a greener campus. This project investigates the implementation of a closed-loop vermicomposting system at UTSC to repurpose institutional food waste into agricultural inputs. The Vermicompost Project, under the supervision of Dr. Kelsey Kilgore at the Culinaria Research Centre and Dr. Kris Kim, is a sustainability initiative in which vermicompost is produced in situ and utilised within an institutional sustainability model. The objective of the project is to repurpose waste generated through tutorials and events held at the Culinaria Research Centre into usable compost that supports the education of both chemistry and food studies students. This involves volunteers establishing regulated feeding schedules and monitoring pH, relative humidity, carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, mould development, and vermiculture conditions.

Within the laboratory, chemistry students analyse the compost for specific analytes and carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, while food studies students at the research centre use it to examine the role of composting within sustainable food systems. This approach enables real-time application of sustainability principles while producing compost that supports the Culinaria’s hydroponic grow wall. The final component of this integrated methodology is the utilisation of the compost to grow crops. This approach reflects the Campus Living Lab (CLL) model, which bridges teaching across multiple disciplines, allowing students to learn about food cycles, chemistry, and sustainability practices through applied learning.

In the presentation, we will further describe the methodologies, challenges, successes, and experiences associated with creating and maintaining the vermicompost system, and how the project ultimately developed into a Campus Living Lab model.

Keywords: Vermicomposting, closed-loop sustainability, food waste, Campus Living Lab, experiential learning

Climate change presents an increasingly urgent socio-ecological challenge, disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities despite their long-standing expertise in environmental stewardship, adaptation, and land-based resilience. Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) contain deeply rooted ecological understandings that offer valuable approaches to climate adaptation; however, these systems continue to be marginalized within dominant Western STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education frameworks. This exclusion reinforces epistemic inequities and limits opportunities for culturally responsive, community-driven climate action. Addressing this gap, this study explores how Indigenous Knowledge (IK) can be meaningfully integrated into climate-focused STEM education to strengthen climate resilience and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through decolonial educational reform. This thesis develops the Climate Change–Indigenous Adaptation in Education (CCIA-E) Framework, a cross-contextual model designed to integrate Indigenous knowledge into STEM curricula and climate adaptation governance across Canada, Ghana, and South Africa. Grounded in decolonial and Indigenous methodological approaches, the study employed a qualitative interpretive design incorporating thematic analysis of fourteen purposively selected documents, including Indigenous-authored scholarship, climate governance policies, sustainability education literature, community interviews, and institutional reports. Data were analyzed using NVivo through iterative deductive and inductive thematic coding guided by eight overarching themes: integration of Indigenous knowledge in STEM, Indigenous-led agriculture and climate resilience, institutional and social barriers, community partnerships, student experiences, Indigenous epistemologies, Two-Eyed Seeing pedagogy, and governance accountability. To strengthen contextual understanding, two comparative case studies were incorporated. The first examined the UTSC–South Africa Global Classroom Project, an international collaborative learning initiative involving Canadian and South African students exploring Indigenous knowledge, climate justice, and sustainability. Student survey data revealed strong recognition of Indigenous knowledge as essential to meaningful climate adaptation and highlighted the value of intercultural collaboration in fostering climate literacy and epistemic plurality. Students identified Western-centric STEM systems as barriers to Indigenous inclusion and emphasized the importance of relational, land-based, and community-driven learning approaches. The second case study focused on climate adaptation practices in Ghana, where analysis demonstrated that Indigenous ecological indicators—including seasonal patterns, soil conditions, wind shifts, and biodiversity observations—continue to inform community-based climate resilience strategies. Findings further emphasized the role of local governance structures, including traditional leaders and community councils, as critical actors in climate adaptation and educational transformation. Across both contexts, recurring themes underscored the importance of collaborative governance, Indigenous-led agriculture, relational accountability, and sustained institutional partnerships in shaping effective adaptation systems. The resulting CCIA-E framework adapts climate governance principles into four educational pillars: organisation and planning, public finance, subnational and community governance, and monitoring, evaluation, and accountability. Anchored by Two-Eyed Seeing, youth leadership, and relational accountability, the framework offers a practical model for embedding Indigenous knowledge into climate education while aligning with SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Ultimately, this research argues that decolonising STEM education is not merely curricular reform but a structural imperative for equitable, climate-resilient futures grounded in Indigenous sovereignty, knowledge plurality, and sustainable global partnerships.

Healthcare managers routinely make decisions that affect patient care, resource allocation, and organizational policy, yet formal healthcare ethics training for non-clinical healthcare management students remains limited and inconsistently delivered. This scoping review examined how healthcare ethics is currently taught to non-clinical healthcare management learners and professionals, evaluated the pedagogical approaches described in the literature, identified gaps in educational assessment, and developed recommendations for curriculum design.

Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR, we searched PubMed, ERIC, Business Source Premier, and Scopus for studies published from 2015 onward using concepts related to healthcare management, ethics or bioethics, and curriculum or pedagogy. Articles were double screened and data were extracted independently by two reviewers, with findings synthesized descriptively.

Of 4,014 records identified, 3,677 remained after deduplication and 113 full-text articles were assessed; seven studies met inclusion criteria. The included studies were published between 2016 and 2025 and represented academic programs and one professional leadership initiative across the United States, Australia, Israel, Bulgaria, and Zambia. The literature described a range of teaching approaches, including formal coursework, case-based learning, simulation, role-play, interprofessional workshops, reflection, discussion, film-based teaching, and work-integrated learning. Studies with an explicit focus on healthcare ethics and scenario-driven approaches were more likely to report improvements in ethical awareness, ethical reasoning, confidence, and related competencies. Across the evidence base, successful initiatives generally combined foundational instruction in ethical principles with interactive and experiential learning.

However, the literature remains sparse, heterogeneous, and limited by small numbers of studies, inconsistent outcome measures, and a lack of longitudinal evaluation. The findings suggest that healthcare management programs should adopt multi-component ethics education that includes explicit theoretical grounding, case-based and simulation-based learning, opportunities for interprofessional engagement, and culturally sensitive content. Future research should prioritize validated tools for assessing ethical competency and examine whether gains are sustained over time. Strengthening ethics education in healthcare management may better prepare future leaders to navigate complex organizational and patient-centered dilemmas in contemporary health systems.

Abstract

Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTTs) are an important part of the healthcare system, but public sector laboratories often face staff dissatisfaction and loss of skilled workers with compared to the privet sector laboratories. To retain staff, it is important to understand the workplace factors that affect employee morale and performance.

 This study examines the job satisfaction of MLTTs working in government-sector medical laboratories in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka, based on Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of Motivation. The study focuses on key organizational factors affecting job satisfaction, including monthly salary, working environment, career development, job recognition, and training opportunities. A positivist research philosophy with a deductive approach was adopted, using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design. Primary data were gathered via random stratified sampling from 14 major government medical laboratories representing specialized, teaching, and base hospitals across the district. Out of the distributed questionnaires, 242 valid responses were obtained, yielding an 84% response rate. Data were subjected to descriptive, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses using SPSS.

Descriptive analysis revealed a dominant trend of neutrality, with over 40% of respondents reporting neutral job satisfaction levels, while fewer than 10% indicated strong satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Multiple regression analysis (R² = 17.2, p < 0.05) demonstrated that intrinsic motivators such as job recognition (p = 0.006) and training opportunities (p = 0.006) were significant predictors of job satisfaction. Similar positive relationships were observed in correlation analysis for job recognition (r = 0.462, p = 0.000), career progression (r = 0.404, p = 0.000), and training opportunities (r = 0.438, p = 0.000). Conversely, hygiene factors including monthly salary (p = 0.959) and working environment (p = 0.476) demonstrated weaker associations with overall job satisfaction. Major sources of dissatisfaction included low remuneration, hazardous working conditions, limited career development opportunities, and inadequate training programs.

The findings support the applicability of Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory in explaining job satisfaction among MLTTs in Sri Lanka. The study recommends improvements in remuneration, workplace safety, career advancement pathways, staff recognition, and continuous professional development opportunities. Future research should consider additional variables such as work-life balance and organizational culture and extend to other allied health professions using qualitative approaches for deeper insight.

            
Keywords: Job Satisfaction, Medical Laboratory Technologists, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, Organizational Factors, Healthcare Management.

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) defined as prolonged periods when sea surface temperatures exceed the 90th percentile of the climatological baseline for five or more consecutive days — are becoming more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting as anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions continue to reshape ocean thermal regimes. The Indian Ocean is particularly concerning in this context. It has warmed faster than the global ocean mean over recent decades, and the biological communities that depend on its productivity are already under measurable thermal pressure. Yet despite the basin's outsized importance for regional food security and the livelihoods of fisheries-dependent populations across South Asia, East Africa, and the broader Indo-Pacific, a coherent scientific synthesis of how MHWs are altering Indian Ocean marine ecology remains lacking. This review works toward filling that gap.

The ecological consequences of MHWs unfold through a cascade of well-understood physical and biological mechanisms. As surface waters warm anomalously, upper-ocean stratification strengthens — reducing the vertical mixing that ordinarily delivers nutrient-rich water from depth to the sunlit surface layer. The result, observed across many regions of the Indian Ocean, is a decline in phytoplankton biomass and a marked shift in community composition. Smaller picophytoplankton, cyanobacteria, and harmful algal bloom species tend to proliferate under these warm, nutrient-depleted conditions, progressively displacing energy-rich diatom-dominated assemblages that form the nutritional foundation of most marine food webs. Zooplankton communities feel this shift directly both through reduced food quality and through disruptions in bloom timing that desynchronise their own developmental cycles from phytoplankton availability. These phenological mismatches weaken the trophic coupling on which pelagic productivity depends. Further up the food web, changes in the biomass and spatial distribution of commercially important fish species have been linked to MHW events, with implications for catch potential that vary considerably by region, species, and the intensity of individual thermal anomalies.

Perhaps the most pressing knowledge gap this review identifies is the near-complete absence of studies examining how MHWs interact with co-occurring stressors — particularly ocean acidification and deoxygenation — to shape plankton dynamics in Indian Ocean waters. Each stressor is studied in relative isolation, yet in reality they operate simultaneously and likely compound one another's biological effects. Addressing this will require sustained, long-term biological monitoring, stronger coupling between satellite-derived and in situ observational datasets, and a more deliberate integration of MHW projections into regional fisheries management planning. For the millions of people whose food security depends on a productive Indian Ocean, these are not abstract research priorities — they are urgent practical ones.

Keywords: Marine heatwaves, Indian Ocean, sea surface temperature, phytoplankton, zooplankton, trophic cascade, fisheries, climate change.

ABO antibodies develop after birth due to environmental exposure, and their titers vary among individuals. Group O donors may possess high titers of anti-A and anti-B antibodies, which can lead to hemolytic transfusion reactions in recipients during minor incompatible transfusions. Therefore, identification of donors with high isohemagglutinin titers is important in improving transfusion safety. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of high-titer anti-A and anti-B antibodies among group O donors in the Batticaloa district and evaluate their association with demographic factors. 

A single-center prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2025 among blood group O donors. Demographic data were collected from eligible donors aged 18–59 years with a body weight ≥50 kg. Anti-A and anti-B antibody titers were determined manually using the conventional tube method. Titers ≥1:64 were considered high. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. 

A total of 382 donors were included in the study, comprising 214 (56.0%) males and 168 (44.0%) females. The majority of donors belonged to the 20–39-year age group (n = 305), while the lowest representation was observed among donors aged 50–59 years (n = 9). The median anti-A and anti-B antibody titers were both 32 (IQR: 16 – 64). High anti-A antibody titers were observed in 87 (22.8%) donors, while high anti-B antibody titers were observed in 71 (18.6%) donors. Chi-Square analysis demonstrated significant association between gender and both anti-A and anti-B antibody titers (p < 0.001), with female donors more likely to exhibit high antibody titers than male donors. No high anti-A or anti-B antibody titers were observed among donors aged 50–59 years. Age was significantly associated with both anti A (χ²(4) = 10.521, p = 0.033) and anti B (χ²(8) = 19.197, p = 0.014) antibody titers. 

The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test showed non-normal distribution of weight data (p < 0.001). Although low antibody titers were observed across all weight categories, high titers were less frequently observed among donors in higher weight categories. Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrated weak but statistically significant negative correlation between body weight and anti-A (rₛ = -0.212, p < 0.001) and anti-B (rₛ = -0.194, p < 0.001) antibody titers. 

In conclusion, high-titer anti-A and anti-B antibodies were identified among a considerable proportion of group O donors in the Batticaloa district and showed significant associations with demographic factors including gender, age, and body weight. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring isohemagglutinin titers among group O donors to improve transfusion safety and minimize the risk of hemolytic transfusion reactions.

This study explores the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using a yeast extract obtained from banana peel waste. The isolated yeast strain was identified as Nakaseomyces glabratus through ITS sequencing analysis. The biosynthesized SeNPs were characterized using UV–Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM analyses, confirming the successful formation and stability of the nanoparticles. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of biomolecules, particularly polypeptides, which played an important role in the reduction and stabilization of SeNPs. The synthesized SeNPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against several foodborne pathogens. The tested microorganisms included Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Aspergillus flavus. Strong antimicrobial effects were observed at a concentration of 100 μg/mL in agar diffusion assays. To enhance food preservation, an active cornstarch/PVA-based antimicrobial gel incorporated with SeNPs was developed. The incorporation of SeNPs improved the biological properties of the nanocomposite gel and effectively reduced microbial spoilage. The SeNP-loaded gel was applied to tomatoes and blueberries. It successfully extended shelf life and maintained fruit quality under normal storage conditions when compared to untreated controls. In addition, cytotoxicity evaluation using L929 fibroblast cell lines demonstrated high biocompatibility, showing approximately 92% cell viability at 25 μg/mL concentration. Overall, the findings suggest that biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles derived from Nakaseomyces glabratus possess strong antimicrobial potential and can serve as a safe, sustainable, and effective natural agent for biodegradable food packaging and preservation applications.

Keywords: Selenium nanoparticles, Nakaseomyces glabratus, Food borne pathogens, Antimicrobial, Food contamination, Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), SeNPs-loaded cornstarch/PVA gel, Food preservation.

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), providing improved survival and quality of life compared to dialysis. However, graft rejection remains a significant challenge, largely due to the recipient’s immune response against the transplanted organ. Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA), are key mediators of immune recognition in transplantation. HLA class I (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C) and class II (HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, HLA-DP) genes play a critical role in determining graft compatibility, and mismatches can trigger the production of anti-HLA antibodies, leading to antibody-mediated rejection.

This study aimed to determine the frequency of de novo anti-HLA antibodies among renal transplant rejected patients with no prior sensitization, including donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) and non-donor-specific antibodies (NDSAs), both with and without cross-reactive groups (CREGs). A laboratory-based retrospective study was conducted at the Histocompatibility Laboratory, National Blood Centre, Narahenpita, analyzing post kidney transplant rejected patient samples with no prior sensitization collected from 2018 to 2024. Patients included had negative pre-transplant antibody screening, complete HLA typing, and follow-up data within one-year post-transplant.

Among the cohort consisting of 276 samples, 81.9% were male and 18.1% were female, and most patients were aged 21–60 years. Kidney graft rejection was most frequent within the first 12 weeks of post-transplant (51.1%). Overall, 26.4% of patients developed de novo HLA antibodies, with 13.41% positive for DSA and 13.04% for NDSA. The most common DSAs were against HLA-DR (24.7%) and HLA-DQ (23.3%), while NDSAs were predominantly against HLA-DQ (39.7%). CREG and non-CREG NDSAs were observed in 19–27% of patients across different loci.

The prevalence and distribution of de novo HLA antibodies in graft-rejected patients, provides crucial insights for post-transplant monitoring to improve long-term graft survival.

Saccharin (SAC), a widely used artificial sweetener, is increasingly recognized as an emerging environmental contaminant due to its persistent release into aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in developing countries. Despite its global consumption, the ecological risks posed by SAC accumulation remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the phytotoxicity of SAC using Allium cepa, a well-established sensitive plant-based model for toxicity testing. Healthy A. cepa bulbs of similar sizes were exposed to a concentration gradient of SAC (0.1 – 5 g/L) for 7 days under controlled laboratory conditions, with 5 replicates maintained per treatment group. The lower concentrations were included to simulate environmentally realistic exposure conditions, whereas higher concentrations were applied to evaluate potential phytotoxic effects under elevated contamination scenarios and to determine threshold toxicity responses. Aerated water and potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇;10 µM) served as the negative and positive controls, respectively. At the end of the 7 days, the lengths of the roots of each bulb and the morphological abnormalities of the rootlets were recorded. SAC exposure resulted in clear concentration-dependent root growth inhibition across all treatment groups (p < 0.05, one-way ANOVA), with an EC₅₀ of 0.38 g/L (95% CI: 0.30–0.47 g/L). Noticeable inhibition of root elongation of (25.81 ± 7.39) % was observed even at the lowest tested concentration of 0.1 g/L, indicating the sensitivity of A. cepa root meristems to SAC exposure. At higher concentrations, root growth was markedly suppressed, reflecting severe interference with cellular proliferation and elongation. The highest tested concentration, 5 g/L, showed 94.50 ± 1.96% root growth inhibition, which was threefold higher than that of the positive control. In addition to root growth inhibition, noticeable shoot growth inhibition was observed in higher concentrations (≥ 3 g/L). Furthermore, SAC exposure induced a range of morphological abnormalities in root tissues. These included root tip breakages, hook formations, constricted rootlets, C tumor-like swellings, and abnormal pigmentations. The frequency and severity of these deformities increased progressively with concentrations (≥ 0.1 g/L), suggesting cumulative toxic effects. Such structural changes are indicative of disruptions in mitotic activity, cellular organization, and hormonal regulation within the root systems. Overall, the findings provide clear evidence that SAC exerts significant phytotoxic effects on A. cepa, even at relatively low concentrations. The inhibition of root growth and induction of morphological abnormalities highlight the potential ecological risk associated with SAC accumulation in the environment. Given the increasing discharge of SAC into wastewater systems and its persistence in environmental matrices, these results emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and stricter regulation of SAC usage for environmental sustainability.

(keywords: Allium cepa, Saccharin, Root growth inhibition, Phytotoxicity)

Early and accurate detection of rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) infestations plays a vital role in reducing yield losses and minimizing excessive pesticide application in Sri Lankan paddy cultivation. The rice leaf folder is one of the most damaging pests affecting paddy fields, and conventional manual scouting methods are time-consuming, labour-intensive, and often inaccurate under variable field conditions. Artificial intelligence-based detection systems offer a promising alternative by enabling automated, scalable, and real-time pest identification. This study systematically evaluates seven state-of-the-art AI models, namely YOLOv8, ResNet-50, Inception-V3, MobileNetV2, VGG-19, EfficientNetB2, and XGBoost, under realistic field conditions that reflect practical challenges encountered in paddy agriculture. These challenges include lighting variation, diverse leaf orientations, multiple crop growth stages, and visually complex backgrounds. Field images were collected during the Yala and Maha cultivation seasons of 2025 in the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka. The collected dataset was annotated by experienced agricultural experts and subsequently augmented to improve dataset diversity and model generalisation.

Evaluation on a balanced test set revealed that YOLOv8 achieved the highest overall accuracy of 94.17%, outperforming all other models in terms of precision-recall balance, demonstrating its suitability for real-time object-level pest detection. XGBoost delivered the highest precision at 95.52%, though with comparatively lower recall, indicating a tendency to miss some positive instances. MobileNetV2 achieved a competitive accuracy of 86.50% while maintaining low computational requirements, positioning it as a viable candidate for edge device deployment in resource-constrained agricultural environments. Detection performance across all evaluated models was influenced by environmental factors, including pesticide residue on leaf surfaces, partial occlusion of infested regions, and image noise. These findings establish a comprehensive benchmark for AI-based pest detection in resource-limited settings and provide practical guidance for model selection in developing scalable, field-ready solutions that support sustainable rice pest management in tropical paddy cultivation systems.

Keywords— Pest detection, Rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, YOLOv8, AI in agriculture, Sri Lanka, Early detection, Paddy fields.

Introduction 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is widely recognized as one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. With a global prevalence of 5.3%, ADHD is primarily diagnosed before the age of 12. In Canada, an estimated 8.6% of children and youth across five provinces have been diagnosed with ADHD. In these individuals, commonly associated symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulse-control difficulties that can make it difficult for students to thrive in the school environment. Despite increasing awareness of this disorder, ADHD continues to be a frequently misunderstood condition. Existing research demonstrates that ADHD diagnosis rates are increasing due to the presence of overlapping symptoms with other medical, psychological, and developmental conditions, which leads to misdiagnosis. As well, since youth are naturally energetic and curious, normal aspects of brain development may mimic ADHD symptoms. Moreover, research suggests that ADHD in girls is frequently overlooked because they are more likely to display inattentive symptoms and mask their symptoms, contributing to delayed diagnosis and reduced access to early academic and emotional support. As a result, two significant challenges remain: the potential overdiagnosis among youth who present with milder symptoms and the underdiagnosis of ADHD among girls. 

Objective 

This project aims to raise awareness about ADHD misdiagnosis in high school and university students between 14 and 22 years old, as well as how this misdiagnosis differs between girls and boys. Increasing ADHD literacy will provide students, educators, families, health care practitioners, and the general community with a better understanding of how ADHD manifests, ultimately leading to enhanced access to mental health services and decreased stigma. 

Methodology 

To explore this issue, we will collect data using an anonymous questionnaire administered through Google Forms. This survey will incorporate questions selected from the Revised Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Knowledge Survey (AKOS-R) to assess general knowledge about ADHD among high school and university students. As well, questions regarding the timing of diagnosis, perceptions of potential misdiagnosis, and whether they

believe other factors, like substance use, have influenced ADHD-related symptoms. These questions will be developed alongside a thorough literature review that compiles common misconceptions about ADHD and specific demographics with increased misdiagnosis concerns. 

Results 

Overall, our questionnaire will allow for greater awareness of ADHD misdiagnosis, which can be used to minimize overdiagnosis in youth and underdiagnosis in girls. Preliminary research indicates that ADHD diagnosis rates are steadily increasing. Medical conditions, including sleep deprivation, learning disabilities, substance use, and anxiety, have overlapping symptoms, which may be mistaken for ADHD in youth. Moreover, studies highlight that external incentives like social and academic pressures can motivate individuals to seek ADHD diagnoses for access to stimulant medications, disability accommodations, and extra time on university exams. 

Introduction

Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of trauma across generations through familial, psychological, social and biological factors. War, displacement, and forced migration can have lasting effects on families long after the original traumatic events have ended. With over 117 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, including 36.4 million refugees, intergenerational trauma is an important public health issue affecting many immigrant and refugee families.

University students from refugee or immigrant backgrounds may experience unique pressures related to identity, family expectations, cultural belonging, and mental health. Research suggests that trauma can be transmitted through family communication, parenting behaviours, and chronic stress in the home environment. As a result, children of trauma survivors may experience anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and identity struggles, even without directly experiencing war themselves. Despite growing refugee and immigrant populations globally, there has been limited research exploring how intergenerational trauma affects mental health and resilience among university students in these populations.

Methods

This community-based cross-sectional study will examine the relationship between intergenerational trauma, mental health, coping, and resilience among university students from refugee or war-affected immigrant families. Participants will be recruited through Iranian, Palestinian, and Sri Lankan university student associations, cultural clubs, social media, and campus wellness networks. Data will be collected using an anonymous online questionnaire through Google Forms or Qualtrics. The survey will assess family communication, perceived parental trauma, cultural identity, social support, coping strategies, mental health awareness, and barriers to seeking support. Quantitative responses will be summarized using descriptive statistics, while optional open-ended responses will be analyzed for common themes.

Anticipated Results

It is anticipated that students with stronger family communication, cultural connection, peer support, and community belonging will report greater resilience and healthier coping strategies. Students may also identify barriers such as stigma, lack of culturally sensitive counselling, and difficulty discussing trauma within families. Findings may help contribute to a better understanding of both risk factors and current coping strategies associated with intergenerational trauma, and help universities develop trauma-informed, culturally appropriate mental health supports for immigrant and refugee students.

Keywords:

Intergenerational trauma; refugee mental health; university students; resilience; trauma-informed care.

Introduction

Postmenopausal women aged 50–60 years frequently experience anxiety, mood disturbances, fatigue, and sleep problems that can negatively affect their quality of life. Menopause typically occurs between ages 42 and 58, and women spend approximately one-third of their lives in the postmenopausal stage. Research has reported that 72% of postmenopausal women experience anxiety, 67% report depressive mood, 68% experience irritability, 83% report physical and mental exhaustion, and 88% experience sleep problems. Regular physical activity is increasingly recognized as a form of medicine because it can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms, improve mood and sleep quality, enhance physical fitness, and improve overall quality of life. This study examines the effects of regular exercise on anxiety and quality of life among postmenopausal women aged 50–60 years.

Methodology

This study will employ a cross-sectional survey design to assess exercise habits, anxiety levels, and quality of life among postmenopausal women aged 50–60 years. Participants will be recruited through community centers, fitness facilities, women's health clinics, and social media platforms. The survey will be administered in both online and paper-based formats.

Physical activity levels will be measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF), a validated instrument that assesses walking, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity physical activity performed during the previous seven days. Anxiety levels will be evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, a widely validated tool for assessing the severity of anxiety symptoms. Quality of life will be measured using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), which is specifically designed to assess the impact of menopausal symptoms on physical, psychosocial, vasomotor, and sexual domains of quality of life.

In addition to these standardized instruments, participants will provide demographic information including age, years since menopause, employment status, and exercise participation patterns. Data collected will be analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize participant characteristics and questionnaire scores. Correlation and comparative analyses will be conducted to examine the relationship between physical activity levels, anxiety symptoms, and quality of life outcomes.

Anticipated Results

It is anticipated that postmenopausal women aged 50–60 years who engage in regular physical activity will report lower levels of anxiety, improved mood, better sleep quality, and higher overall quality of life compared to those with low or no physical activity. Participants who exercise consistently are also expected to report greater perceived physical strength, mobility, and independence in daily activities. However, some respondents may still experience barriers to exercise participation, including fatigue, lack of motivation, physical limitations, and time constraints. Overall, findings are expected to support existing evidence that regular exercise acts as a protective factor against anxiety and quality-of-life decline in postmenopausal women, reinforcing the importance of accessible, sustainable, and age-appropriate physical activity programs for this population.

Keywords: Postmenopausal women, exercise as medicine, anxiety, quality of life, physical activity, menopause, mental health, sleep quality, functional independence, healthy aging.

Introduction

Climate change has accelerated the frequency and intensity of wildfires across Canada, turning wildfire smoke into a critical environmental health priority. Emergency services usually focus on only putting out active wildfires, and official policy frameworks often overlook the broader impacts, such as widespread smoke pollution and community displacement. Cardiorespiratory morbidity directly correlates with exposure to long-range, transboundary fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Globally, the 2023 Canadian wildfires alone elevated population-weighted annual averages by causing an estimated 5400 acute and 64,300 chronic deaths across North America and Europe. Domestically, these poor air quality episodes trigger a sharp 10% to 30% spike in emergency department admissions for respiratory distress. Beyond acute physical illnesses, profound psychosocial outcomes show a prolonged trajectory where adult PTSD persists up to 10 years, and youth depressive rates spike to 31% post evacuation. Crucially, this vulnerability is stratified by gender; following the Fort McMurray disaster, 14.9% of displaced females met the clinical threshold for PTSD compared to only 8.7% of males. Thus, understanding both the visible physical burdens and the understated psychosocial and systemic impacts is essential for building climate-resilient communities.

Methodology 

To explore the public awareness of the health impacts associated with climate change-induced wildfires, this study will employ a mixed-methods pilot study utilizing an anonymous, self-reported questionnaire administered through Google Forms. The survey will target high school and university students and will assess their knowledge of wildfire frequency, awareness of associated physical and mental health effects, and perceptions of wildfire-related health risks. Through analyzing participant responses, this methodology aims to identify gaps in public knowledge while raising awareness about the increasing consequences of climate change-induced wildfires on human health.

Anticipated Results

The following questionnaire aims to demonstrate a severe, cascading public health burden driven by changing wildfire patterns. Therefore, by examining how prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke directly affects individuals, this study will emphasize the urgent need for preventative strategies, interventions, and policies that can reduce wildfire exposure. These findings can contribute to greater awareness of the long-term consequences of climate change on human health and support efforts to protect vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Wildfires, climate change, public health, mental health

Autoimmune Skin Diseases (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of chronic, immune-mediated disorders characterized by blistering of the skin and mucous membranes due to autoantibody-mediated damage to structural components of the epidermis, dermis and dermo-epidermal junction. These conditions contribute significantly to patient morbidity and reduced quality of life. Despite their clinical importance, demographical and histopathological data on ASDs in Sri Lanka remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the frequency, clinical characteristics, and demographic distribution of ASDs, and to evaluate the diagnostic agreement between clinical, histopathological, and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) findings of skin biopsies received to Medical Research Institute, Sri Lanka from 2020 - 2024.

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using patient data at the Department of Immunology, Medical Research Institute, Colombo. Data were collected from duly completed request forms of patients whose skin biopsies were submitted for DIF analysis during the study period. Information regarding age, gender, clinical features, suggested clinical diagnosis, histopathological findings, and DIF results were extracted and analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

A total of 1055 cases were included in the study, out of which 783 cases (74%) were confirmed as ASDs based on DIF findings. Bullous pemphigoid was the most frequently diagnosed disease, accounting for 365 cases (46.6%), followed by pemphigus with 301 cases (38.4%) and small vessel vasculitis with 40 cases (5.2%). Rest of the ASDs were less (n<20) among the ASD confirmed cases. Bullous Pemphigoid predominantly appear in patients as annular, clustered and tense blisters. Mucosal involvement is not normally seen. The second most common ASD pemphigus showed annular, single or clustered and flaccid blisters.  Mucosal involvement could be seen in most of the patients. A female predominance was observed, with 445 cases (57%) compared to males having 338 cases (43%). The majority of patients were in the 61-70 year age group (26.7%), indicating a higher disease distribution among the elderly population.

Diagnostic concordance analysis showed that 44% of cases had direct agreement between clinical diagnosis and DIF findings, while 33% showed a direct agreement between histopathological diagnosis and DIF findings.

In conclusion, this study provides a valuable diagnostic insight to ASDs in Sri Lanka. The integration of clinical, histopathological, and immunofluorescence data enhances diagnostic accuracy. The findings contribute to improved understanding of local disease patterns and support the development of more effective diagnostic and management strategies for ASDs in Sri Lanka.

Key words – Autoimmune skin diseases, Direct Immunofluorescence, Bullous pemphigoid, Pemphigus, small vessel vasculitis

Sri Lanka has been ranked seventh in the world based on oral cancer incidence rate. In Jaffna we see many cases with oral cancer patients with modifiable risk factors and  presentation late with poor outcomes. This study aimed to describe the socio-demographic and aetio-pathological profiles of oral cancer patients and analyse factors associated with aetiology and diagnosis.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among histologically confirmed oral cancer patients following clinic at Tellipalai Trail Cancer Hospital, Jaffna. Data about socio-demographic factors, risk behaviours, awareness about risk factors, and time to first consultation were collected using interviewer administered questioner. Delayed presentation was defined as >3 months after symptom onset. Associations were analysed using Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square test.

A total of 50 patients were included in the study. The majority were older than 60 years (66%), male (92%), had a low educational level (90%), low monthly income (80%), and were engaged in manual occupations (58%). Betel chewing (70%) and smoking (74%) were common aetio-pathological risk factors. Smoking habits were significantly associated with occupation, being more common among manual workers (p=0.003). Awareness of oral cancer risk factors was relatively high (56%); however, many patients continued to engage in harmful habits despite this awareness. Delayed presentation was observed in 16% of patients. Patient-related negligence was attributed to 69% of delayed presentations. Educational level was not significantly associated with awareness (p=0.150) or delayed presentation (p=0.393). Patients with delayed presentation more frequently exhibited multiple risk behaviours, although this association was not statistically significant (p=0.770). Analysis of patient’s residence by district revealed that majority were from Jaffna District. There was no significant association between district of patient residence and their delayed presentation (p=0.793). 

Oral cancer patients in Northern Sri Lanka are predominantly from poor socioeconomical backgrounds with high exposure to preventable risk factors. Delay in seeking  healthcare remains common despite widespread awareness about aetio-pathology. Addressing this knowledge–behaviour gap requires a multidimensional approach. Community-based awareness programmes,  behavioural interventions targeting habit cessation and early screening strategies at the primary care level need to be expanded. 

Prevalence of oral cancer is high in Sri Lanka. We see many patients attending post treatment follow up clinics in Jaffna. Scarcity exists on published data about Quality of life (QoL) in oral cancer patients with regard to their functional and nutritional compromise aftermath treatment. This study aims to quantify the functional, symptomatic, and nutritional impairment after treatment by using a standard patient-reported outcomes in patient with oral cancer.

This is a cross-sectional study with an analytical component among patients treated for oral cancer attending follow up clinic at Trail Cancer Hospital. Fifty patients having a minimum of 3-month follow up care after treatment were included to this study. Functional and nutritional compromise affecting quality of life was assessed by using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35. Data were collected through standard structured interviews and patients’ treatment records. Group comparisons were performed using ANOVA and independent t-tests, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

 46 patients, out of 50 patients, received radiotherapy as part of their treatment; among them 42 (91.3%) reported severe post-radiotherapy side effects and 16 of them (34.8%) were unaware of the potential side effects of radiotherapy before receiving treatment. The mean global QoL score was severely impaired at 51.2±28.4 on the EORTC QLQ-C30. The most disabling head and neck-specific symptoms included dry mouth / xerostomia (59.3±42.2), difficulty opening mouth (55.3±40.7), and sticky saliva (49.3±42.2). Multiple QoL domains significantly affected by type of treatment, such as: pain (p=0.007), swallowing difficulties (p=0.055 – trend), senses problems (p=0.023), speech problems (p=0.021), trouble with social eating (p=0.041), trouble with social contact (p=0.031), dry mouth (p=0.049), feeling ill (p=0.01), cognitive functioning (p=0.014), and fatigue (p=0.05). Clinically meaningful associations was observed with difficulty in opening the mouth (p=0.067); acute mucositis was significantly associated with weight loss (p=0.045). Furthermore, Sixteen patients were fed via a feeding tube. The need for tube feeding was significantly associated with lower emotional functioning (p = 0.001), role functioning (p = 0.003), and physical functioning (p = 0.001), indicating a substantial negative impact on QoL.
 Among the oral cancer survivors in Northern Sri Lanka, those who received radiotherapy experience substantial functional and nutritional compromise in QoL. A significant proportion of patients were unaware of treatment-related side effects beforehand, and many expressed post-treatment concerns, highlighting gaps in pre-treatment counseling and informed consent. Routine survivorship care must integrate structured QoL assessment alongside nutritional screening, with targeted supportive interventions including nutritional support, pain management, saliva substitutes, and speech-swallowing rehabilitation.

Oral cancer survivors frequently experience substantial impairment in quality of life (QoL), affecting their physical emotional and social wellbeing. There is a distinct lack of empirical data exploring how survivors specifically navigate the multi-layered healing process, the mending of both mind and body, within the distinct socio-cultural and post-conflict setting of the Northern Province. This study aims to fill that clinical gap by comprehensively mapping the physical, social, and emotional realities of oral cancer survivors currently in the follow-up phase of health care.

This is a cross-sectional study with an analytical component incorporating fifty adult patients treated for oral cancer. The inclusion criteria should be to have minimum of 3-month follow up. Patients were recruited from the oncology clinics of Trail Cancer Hospital. Physical, Social, and Emotional impacts on Quality of life were assessed by using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35. Data were collected through structured interviews and patients’ treatment records. Group comparisons were performed using ANOVA and independent t-tests, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

 The mean age of patients was 64.54±11.57 years, with 46 (92.0%) males and 4 (8.0%) females. QoL domain showed no significant association with duration following treatment. Physical function (p=0.007), dyspnoea (p=0.004), and social contact (p=0.047) had significant impact on QoL among patients with relatively younger age, suggesting greater functional expectations and social engagement in this group. Loss of appetite (p=0.072), constipation (p=0.088), and financial difficulties (p=0.064) showed a trend with age of patient. Higher H&N35 feeling ill scores were observed in females compared to males (p=0.011), despite their small representation in the cohort. Worse social function was significantly associated with lower educational level (p=0.034). Poorer outcomes across multiple domains such as physical function (p=0.025), role function (p=0.037), emotional functioning (p=0.004), social functioning (p=0.007), and global QoL (p=0.014) showed strong associations with lower income.

 Oral cancer survivors in Northern Sri Lanka experience significant physical, social, and emotional compromise in quality of life. Lower income emerges as the strongest sociodemographic determinant, showing significant associations across multiple QoL domains. However, the patient's age, gender, and educational level also independently influence physical, role, emotional, social, and global functioning domains. These interconnected sociodemographic vulnerabilities highlight the need for an equity sensitive, multidisciplinary approach. These findings could assist localized health infrastructure to design targeted psychosocial counseling, social support mechanisms, and physical rehabilitation frameworks tailored to the unique post conflict sociocultural context of Northern Sri Lanka.

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is a key commercial crop in Sri Lanka, contributing to sugar production, bioenergy, and rural livelihoods. Sugarcane pink mealybug (Saccharicoccus sachari), a potential pest with rising temperature, significantly reduces yield and juice quality. Conventional chemical control methods pose limitations such as environmental hazards, pest resistance, and negative effects on non-target organisms, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the potential of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae as a biological control agent against sugarcane pink mealybug under controlled conditions at the Sugarcane Research Institute, Uda-Walawa. The fungus was isolated, cultured, and applied at different concentrations 10^-1, 10^-3,10^-7,10^-8 and 10^-12 to infested sugarcane stems. Mortality of mealybug was recorded at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment, and lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values were determined using dose–response analysis. Results demonstrated a clear concentration and time-dependent increase in mealybug mortality. The LC₅₀ values decreased from 27.6 cells/ml at 12 hours to 1.9 cells/ml at 48 hours, indicating peak fungal virulence within 24–48 hours, followed by stabilization at 72 hours (2.29 cells/ml). Compared to previous studies on similar pests, the relatively low LC₅₀ values observed in this study suggest that sugarcane mealybugs are highly susceptible to M. anisopliae. Overall, the findings confirm that M. anisopliae is an effective and environmentally friendly biocontrol agent for managing sugarcane pink mealybug. Its integration into pest management programs can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and support sustainable sugarcane production in Sri Lanka. Future studies should evaluate the field-level effectiveness and formulation optimization of M. anisopliae under different environmental conditions to support its large-scale application in sustainable sugarcane pink mealybug management.

This paper presents the design, implementation, and preliminary evaluation of an integrated Internet-of-Things (IoT) platform that combines automated environmental management with access control and intrusion detection for small-scale agricultural environments such as gardens, greenhouses, and micro-farms. This project was motivated by the operational inefficiencies and human-error susceptibility of manual monitoring practices, and by persistent security gaps in unmonitored cultivation spaces, the proposed system consolidates heterogeneous sensing, actuation, biometric authentication, and cloud-enabled communication within a unified ESP32-based architecture.

The hardware suite comprises environmental sensors (soil moisture probes, DHT11/DHT22 temperature–humidity sensors, rain detectors, and an LDR sensor for ambient light assessment), security sensors (PIR motion detector and a fingerprint scanner), actuators (submersible water pump, relay-switched drainage controls, servo/solenoid locking mechanisms, buzzer and LED indicators), and regulated power supplies sized for mixed-voltage components. The software stack, developed in Arduino C/C++ and deployed on an ESP32 microcontroller, is modularized into sensor monitoring, decision-making, security control, and communication modules. Continuous sampling and preprocessing of sensor streams feed a threshold-based decision engine: automated irrigation is triggered when soil moisture falls below calibrated setpoints; drainage activation or alert generation occurs upon detection of excessive water or rain; an LDR-determined night mode activates enhanced security logic whereby PIR-detected motion initiates local alarms and immediate push notifications. Fingerprint authentication governs physical access, with unauthorized attempts logged and reported to remote operators.

This system is designed using a four-layered system architecture—sensing, processing, actuation, and communication—facilitates separation of concerns and simplifies scalability. The communication layer leverages the ESP32’s native Wi‑Fi to publish telemetry and events to a cloud IoT service and an associated web interface, enabling remote visualization of real-time environmental metrics, lock status, and historical logs, plus configurable alert delivery (push notifications, email). Preliminary bench-top functional evaluations validate the system’s responsiveness, correct actuation under simulated drought and flood conditions, and reliable authentication and alarm workflows during nocturnal operation. Comparative analysis against conventional manual regimes indicates potential reductions in water usage through targeted irrigation and faster reaction to security events.

Further, this paper discusses the design trade-offs, including sensor selection, threshold calibration, power management for continuous operation, and relay-isolated control of high-voltage actuators. It also outlines  the IoT device field deployments for longitudinal validation, optimization for low-power/solar operation, integration of encrypted MQTT for secure cloud communication, and incorporation of machine-learning-based predictive irrigation models. The integrated platform demonstrates a practical, modular approach to enhancing both sustainable resource management and environmental hazard management in domestic or small-scale agricultural systems.

Keywords: Internet-of-Things, Sustainable Farming, Automation, Smart Irrigation, Secured-IoT

Background: 

Water holds a deeper cultural and physical significance for many First Nations and is crucial for communities to connect. As of May 2026, long-term water advisories remain in effect across 37 First Nation communities. Despite Canada being the third most water-abundant country in the world, many Indigenous communities lack access to safe drinking water. This issue does not arise from a shortage of clean water; instead, it is rooted in the lasting impacts of systemic inequities and the unjust nature of underfunding First Nation communities to build reliable infrastructure. The water they have access to is often subject to long-term water advisories because it is contaminated with coliform, uranium, and trihalomethanes. 

Objectives: 

This topic is to shine light on a topic not talked about enough and to spread awareness. This study will include getting insight from the suffering population themselves, the indigenous communities. When getting their insight on the topic, a better and more catered solution can be conducted. In addition, making sure they are heard and seen is the most important aspect in this study. Indigenous communities have already faced a significant challenge, so understanding them is crucial. Their insight will then be studied by university students. Getting university students to do research brings more awareness and educated students beyond academics. 

Methodology: 

This cross-sectional survey aims to collect data through an anonymous online questionnaire, which will be distributed to university students through associations and campus networks. The survey will ask the participants about their familiarity with First Nations water advisories, their views on Indigenous water rights, and whether they would be open to getting involved in finding solutions. Quantitative responses, such as a Likert scale for certain questions, will be summarized using descriptive statistics, while open-ended responses will be reviewed for common themes of how well students are educated on this topic and how much they are willing to put effort into helping. These findings will help us understand where awareness is lacking and how best to reach students who may not yet know about this ongoing crisis. 

Results: 

We anticipate that our research will significantly raise awareness among schools and universities, which will eventually spread to other researchers and the general public, creating broader societal pressure for change. This is critical because Indigenous peoples view water as medicine, and this ongoing problem is not only a health issue but a violation of their rights. This means that many indigenous communities are still being denied access to safe water. We anticipate that bringing the public's attention to this issue will create pressure for meaningful policy reform, ensuring that Indigenous communities are no longer denied access to a basic human necessity. This will lead to improved treatment and understanding of health conditions linked to water contamination, including cancer, gastrointestinal

illness, skin disease, and depression. Spreading awareness is the first and most critical step toward achieving long-term, systemic change. 

Artificial Intelligence Usage and Mental Health Among University Students: The Moderating Role of Digital Resilience among University Undergraduates

N.Jasintha

Department of Human Resource Management

University of Jaffna

Jasinthabn@univ.jfn.ac.lk

Abstract

The Integration of artificial intelligence in education has become inevitable. Its’ swift adoption including generative AI applications has altered the way students focus, study, interconnect and solve the issues. Although AI provides numerous advantages, the substantial number of students still feel difficulties and the mental health declines. The growing concerns have emerged about the AI usage among the students. Despite the adoption of AI in education, limited empirical consideration has been given to ow AI influences on mental health of undergraduates. Therefore, this study examines the impact of artificial intelligence usage on mental health through the moderating role of digital resilience via the lens of technology acceptance model. This quantitative study used cross sectional design and the data gathered from undergraduates from northern province through the structured questionnaire. The regression analysis was performed using SPSS software.  Findings of the study revealed that artificial intelligence usage negatively impact the mental health of the students while digital resilience moderated this impact of AI usage on mental health. The students with high digital resilience, experience positive mental health than the students with lower level digital resilience. This study contributes to the artificial intelligence and psychology literature by expanding the ideas of how AI influences students’ mental health. This study contributes to the literature on Artificial Intelligence and psychological well-being by extending understanding of how AI usage influences mental health outcomes among university students. It advances the theoretical knowledge by including the digital resilience as moderator.  This study addresses the gap by providing evidence from south Asian context where AI usage is still increasing and underexplored in higher education sector towards mental health empirically. It offers practical implications for fostering AI engagement and safeguarding wellbeing of the undergraduates.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence Usage, Mental Health, Digital Resilience, and University undergraduates 

Artificial Intelligence is changing the way students learn in universities everywhere. Tools like,ChatGPT,Gemini,Copilot,NoteGPT,ZeroGPT,QuillBot,Grammarly,perplexityAI,Paperpal,Mendeley & Zotero,NotebookLM,BrainUs AI,Gamma AI,Canva are helping students with everything from research projects to essay writing and solving tough academic problems. There's a lot of promise here: AI can boost learning speed, sharpen critical thinking, and improve grades. But it's not all good news. People worry about cheating, plagiarism, students relying too much on AI, and losing important research skills.

In Sri Lanka, more and more university students are jumping on the AI bandwagon. Still, hardly anyone has looked at how they actually use these technologies, or what problems they’re running into.

 This study will dig into how Sri Lankan university students use AI. The goal is to build a practical framework for using these tools responsibly and effectively in higher education. We’re asking: How much do students know about AI? How do they feel about using it? What benefits do they get? What obstacles do they face? And, most importantly, how does AI affect learning, academic honesty, and student involvement?

 We'll use a survey to gather answers from undergrads in selected Sri Lankan universities. The data gets crunched with statistical analysis to spot trends, uncover relationships, and figure out what drives responsible AI use among students. The results should shine a light on what's really happening with AI on campuses and where universities need to step in with support or new policies.

 Ultimately, this research aims to chart a clear path for using AI in higher education the right way. We want students and teachers to get the most out of these technologies — without sacrificing academic integrity or independent thinking. The recommendations will help universities in Sri Lanka weave AI into the fabric of their learning systems for the long haul.

  Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education, Generative AI, AI Adoption, AI  

                   Governance.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted considerable attention due to their flexibility, simple fabrication process, and efficient performance under various light conditions. Conventional DSSCs commonly employ Ru-based synthetic dyes as photosensitizers because of their excellent light-harvesting ability and charge-transfer properties. However, the high cost, complex synthesis procedures, and the use of toxic and scarce heavy metals in Ru-based dyes have motivated the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. In this context, natural pigments derived from plants have emerged as promising low-cost and eco-friendly photosensitizers for DSSC applications.

In this study, natural dyes were extracted from Mussaenda erythrophylla, Ixora coccinea, and Catharanthus roseus flowers and employed as photosensitizers in DSSCs. UV-Visible and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses of the ethanol extracts revealed the presence of anthocyanin pigments in Ixora coccinea, chlorophyll a pigment in Catharanthus roseus, and both anthocyanin and chlorophyll a pigments in Mussaenda erythrophylla. DSSCs were fabricated using dye-sensitized TiO₂ photoanodes, an electrolyte, and a Pt counter electrode, and their photovoltaic performances were evaluated under 1 sun illumination with an AM 1.5G filter. The DSSCs sensitized with ethanol extracts of Mussaenda erythrophylla, Ixora coccinea, and Catharanthus roseus exhibited power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 0.27%, 0.23%, and 0.12%, respectively. The superior performance of the Mussaenda erythrophylla-based DSSC was attributed to the synergistic light absorption of both anthocyanin and chlorophyll a pigment. Further optimization of the dye extract through pH adjustment enhanced the PCE to 0.41% at pH 5 due to the formation of stable flavylium ions. These findings demonstrate that Mussaenda erythrophylla flower extract is a promising low-cost and eco-friendly alternative to conventional Ru-based dyes for DSSC applications.

Microsoft Excel remains one of the most widely used software applications in business and has long been a central component of business school curricula. Traditionally, Excel instruction has focused on spreadsheet development, formulas, functions, simulations, data analysis, and visualization through hands-on exercises. However, the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way spreadsheets are created, analyzed, interpreted, and automated, creating a need to rethink how Excel is taught in business core courses. 

This paper presents a structured framework for incorporating AI into Excel-based business education. First, the paper reviews the Excel-related capabilities of prominent AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. Second, it introduces selected AI tools designed specifically for spreadsheet applications and discusses their potential educational uses. Third, the paper proposes a structured framework that integrates AI into Excel instruction. The framework follows a scaffolded learning sequence: Excel Fundamentals → Advanced Excel Analytics → Pivot Tables → Data Visualization → AI-Assisted Formula Development → AI-Assisted Reporting and Visualization → AI-Assisted Advanced Analytics → AI-Assisted Programming.  

The framework is designed to help students first develop spreadsheet competency before applying AI tools to enhance productivity, analysis, and decision support. It emphasizes the critical evaluation of AI-generated outputs. Rather than simply using AI tools, students are required to validate formulas, analyses, visualizations, and code generated by AI systems. This emphasis helps develop spreadsheet literacy, AI literacy, critical thinking, and professional judgment simultaneously. 

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft Excel, Business Education, Spreadsheet Analytics, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, AI Literacy

Healthcare systems across Canada continue to face significant challenges, including fragmented health information, increasing chronic disease burden, prolonged wait times, provider shortages, and limited interoperability among healthcare systems. Patients often encounter difficulties accessing their medical information, coordinating care among multiple providers, and managing complex health conditions. These challenges are particularly evident among older adults, individuals with multiple chronic illnesses, and caregivers navigating increasingly complex healthcare journeys.

Elevate Health Passport™ is an AI-powered, patient-centric digital health platform designed to provide individuals with secure access to a comprehensive longitudinal health record by integrating electronic medical records (EMRs), wearable device data, laboratory results, medications, imaging reports, and patient-reported outcomes into a single interoperable platform. The initiative seeks to empower patients, enhance care coordination, and support healthcare providers through real-time clinical insights and personalized health recommendations.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, usability, patient engagement, and public acceptance of the Elevate Health Passport™ platform through a community-based pilot study and assess its potential scalability across Ontario and Canada.

Methods

A prospective pilot study will be conducted across community-based primary care and specialty clinics within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Approximately 500 adult volunteer participants will be recruited through healthcare clinics, community organizations, seniors' groups, and health outreach programs.

Participants will utilize the Elevate Health Passport™ platform over a 6–12-month period. The platform incorporates:

• Secure patient-controlled health records

• EMR interoperability through HL7/FHIR standards

• Wearable device integration

• AI-driven predictive health analytics

• Medication and appointment management

• Patient-reported outcomes and health tracking

• Secure information sharing between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers

Quantitative measures will include platform adoption rates, utilization frequency, patient activation scores, health literacy measures, satisfaction surveys, and willingness to electronically share health information. Qualitative feedback will be obtained through focus groups and structured interviews involving patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Descriptive and comparative analyses will be performed to identify barriers, facilitators, and opportunities for future implementation and scale-up.

Expected Results

We anticipate strong public interest and acceptance of a patient-owned digital health passport model. Expected outcomes include improved patient engagement, increased accessibility to personal health information, enhanced communication between patients and providers, improved self-management of chronic disease, and greater confidence in navigating healthcare services.

The pilot will also provide important information regarding interoperability requirements, privacy and security considerations, provider adoption, and implementation pathways necessary for broader deployment across healthcare systems.

Conclusion

Elevate Health Passport™ represents a transformative model for person-centred digital healthcare. By integrating artificial intelligence, interoperable health records, wearable technologies, and patient-owned data, the platform aims to create a seamless healthcare experience that empowers patients while supporting providers and health systems.

Findings from this pilot study will inform future expansion across Ontario during 2027 and support the development of a scalable national framework for patient-centred digital healthcare across Canada.

How do science students' writing and thinking develop as they move through structured interdisciplinary learning across multiple semesters? Existing research rarely tracks STEM students longitudinally across course sequences, and fewer studies examine how the specific nature of experiential collaboration — field-based, land-based, cross-cultural — shapes that writing over time. Building on published evidence that curiosity and metacognitive language increase in both Chemistry and HRM students through Global Classroom collaboration (Radhakrishnan, Thavarajah, Pan & Hoang, 2026), this paper extends that model by tracing writing development specifically in Chemistry and Environmental Science students across two cross-course, cross-semester sequences.

In the first sequence, Chemistry students enrolled in a supervised research study collaborated with science and social science students taking an introductory course in Human Resource Management (HRM). Together, interdisciplinary teams visited a local organic winery, grounding their SDG-focused research in a real-world agricultural context. The following semester, those same Chemistry students collaborated with students in an advanced Industrial Relations course, with a second field trip to a coffee processing plant extending the experiential thread. This cross-semester design allows us to ask whether the writing patterns Chemistry students develop through one disciplinary collaboration persist and deepen when they encounter a new HRM partner context — and whether the field-based experiential anchor shapes the transfer of knowledge from one course to the next.

In the second sequence, Environmental Science (EE) students collaborated with management students in a Diversity in the Workplace course as part of a Global Classroom — a Canada-South Africa partnership connecting Canadian management and STEM students with women and girls in STEM through Enlighten Africa. This iteration introduced land-based pedagogy: students visited the campus farm, live-streamed to South African partners, where they learned about Indigenous approaches to land stewardship from the farm's Indigenous manager. At the end of the semester, a virtual fireside chat with an Indigenous Elder, who discussed her career path in STEM, deepened students' engagement with Indigenous scholarship. The Two-Eyed Seeing framework was embedded throughout as a lens for integrating Indigenous and Western ways of knowing. We then tracked those same EE students as they continued into a Business Negotiations course the following semester, creating a longitudinal writing pathway for individual learners across two semesters and two disciplinary management contexts.

Using LIWC-22 linguistic analysis, we examine written reflections produced at multiple points across each sequence. We focus on curiosity and metacognitive language as indicators of reflective and integrative thinking. We ask whether interdisciplinary, land-based, and cross-cultural learning experiences measurably increase STEM students' use of inquiry-oriented and systems-level reasoning — and whether knowledge transfer occurs bidirectionally between management, chemistry, and environmental science students.

By tracing writing development across organic winery, coffee processing, campus farm, Indigenous learning, and South Africa Global Classroom contexts, this paper provides linguistic evidence that transdisciplinary pedagogy measurably shapes how STEM students think and communicate across disciplines. The study contributes a replicable model for designing cross-course collaborations that connect land-based learning, global partnerships, and community-engaged sustainability challenges to strengthen STEM students' communication skills for diverse professional contexts.

We tested how career-relevant problem-based exercises can be built around STEM students' unique industries to engage them with human resource management (HRM) concepts and theories experientially, write analytically, transform and transfer those gains to their writing about those topics in the final exam.  We designed career-relevant writing exercises to be relevant to STEM students and increase their engagement. Students reflected on their dream job in the first session and learned about the qualifications and experiences needed by examining job descriptions from Canadian and US employment databases. They then assessed their fit for these dream jobs by submitting their resumes to freely available applicant assessment systems for jobs (e.g. Glassdoor). In a third session, they reflected on what motivated them about their dream jobs; built interview questions and performance assessment metrics for these jobs and evaluated the worth of their dream jobs using standard compensation frameworks. Preparations and reflections from such weekly career-relevant exercises were directly paired with final exam answers on recruitment, selection, job design, motivation, and performance management. We analyzed reflections and final exam answers with LIWC-22, an NLP-based text analytics tool, focusing on cognition, causal, and curiosity. We tracked the writing improvements of 77 science and social science students enrolled in an HRM course for Business Minors at a North American university. We extend prior work (Radhakrishnan et al., 2025) that showed significant differences in social leadership, global citizenship, lived experiences, work, and lifestyle language in these exercises. We now analyze their writing gains by pairing each exercise with its matched final exam questions to test whether gains transfer to a high-stakes environment.  Students wrote more on the handwritten open-book final exam (M=1,237 words) than on any single exercise during the semester — a sign of genuine engagement. Students significantly improved their metacognitive reasoning, showing gains in cognition and causal language in the final exam when compared to the first exercise. This is consistent with prior findings on practice with answering inquiry-based questions (Radhakrishnan et al, 2010).  When STEM students learn about HRM by learning about their dream jobs and what it pays — they write with more depth and evidence. These results offer educators a practical model for designing HRM courses for STEM students and offers a method for tracking writing growth and giving just in time feedback using validated text analysis tools like LIWC-22. 

AI-driven learning tools, including adaptive tutoring systems, literacy applications, health education chatbots, and workforce upskilling platforms, are increasingly being deployed beyond schools and universities and into community settings such as libraries, clinics, nonprofit organizations, and grassroots education programs. These technologies offer opportunities to expand access to personalized learning, particularly among underserved populations. At the same time, they collect and process sensitive behavioral, demographic, and sometimes biometric data from individuals who may have limited digital literacy, constrained capacity to provide informed consent, and few avenues for recourse if their data are misused.

Governance frameworks for AI in education are driven by institutional environments characterized by formal oversight structures, data protection offices, compliance mechanisms, and clearly defined lines of accountability. Such assumptions often do not hold in community-based settings, where organizations may operate with limited resources, limited technical expertise, and varying levels of public trust. As a result, governance models designed for educational institutions may not adequately address the realities of community deployment.

This paper argues that AI-driven learning tools used in community settings require a purpose-built governance framework that reflects the unique needs and constraints of these environments. Drawing on principles from data governance and responsible AI, the paper proposes a framework organized around five pillars: (1) consent and transparency adapted to low-literacy and low-trust populations; (2) data minimization and purpose limitation for resource-constrained organizations; (3) algorithmic fairness and routine bias assessment; (4) community participation and shared oversight in decisions regarding data collection and use; and (5) accountability, auditability, and accessible mechanisms for redress. For each pillar, the framework proposes practical implementation guidelines and a self-assessment checklist for organizations to apply before, during, and after deployment.

The paper outlines a practical governance instrument that translates high-level data protection and responsible AI principles into actionable practices for community organizations. By balancing personalization and privacy, the framework seeks to support practitioners, funders, and policymakers in deploying AI-driven learning tools that are effective, equitable, transparent, and trustworthy.

Keywords: AI Governance, Community-Based Learning, Data Privacy, Health Education, Educational Technology

Background: The global population is aging, with approximately one quarter of Canadians projected to be 65 years of age or older by 2052, according to Statistics Canada. Loneliness is prevalent across the lifespan, with adults under 25 years of age reporting the highest levels, followed closely by older adults, who represent the second most affected age group. Loneliness is defined as the subjective perception of insufficient social relationships and is closely associated with social isolation, which is more common in later life. Loneliness has been linked to adverse mental and physical health outcomes, highlighting its relevance as a public health concern. Intergenerational interventions have emerged as a promising approach to addressing loneliness by fostering meaningful social connection between younger and older adults, with potential reciprocal benefits across age groups.

Objectives: This review aimed to examine the impact of intergenerational interventions involving older adults (65+) and individuals under 25 years of age, and to inform the development of a proposed social engagement model.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2025. Studies were included if they examined intergenerational interventions involving both age groups and reported outcomes related to loneliness, social connection, or well-being.

Results: The literature consistently reported positive outcomes of intergenerational interventions across both age groups. Older adults reported improved well-being, social connectedness, and aspects of cognitive and physical health. Younger participants also experienced reduced loneliness, enhanced social connection, and more positive attitudes toward aging. Across studies, both groups showed reduced age-related stereotypes. Intervention formats included structured dialogue, reminiscence, and arts, music, and activity-based programming. While some studies suggest potential long-term cognitive or dementia-related benefits, the evidence remains limited. Key limitations included small sample sizes, limited demographic diversity, and a lack of longitudinal follow-up.

Design: Building on these findings, a national student-led intergenerational engagement model is proposed through the Student Association for Geriatric Empowerment (SAGE). Operated and delivered through university and college chapters, SAGE implements recurring in-person programming within long-term care and community settings to foster sustained intergenerational relationships and reduce loneliness among older adults, while also enhancing social connection among younger participants. National implementation of SAGE may help address limitations in existing research by improving scalability, sample diversity, and intervention duration. Program outcomes would be evaluated using validated measures including the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).

Conclusion: Intergenerational interventions show consistent promise in reducing loneliness and improving psychosocial outcomes among older adults, while also benefiting younger participants. However, further large-scale and longitudinal research is required to better establish long-term effects. A structured, national student-led model such as SAGE may provide a scalable framework for implementing and evaluating intergenerational programming.

Keywords: social isolation, loneliness, older adults, social connection, intergenerational, intergenerational interventions, SAGE. 

Unguided AI use can harm learning when students rely on it as a shortcut rather than a thinking tool; structured scaffolding reduces this risk (Bastani et al., 2025; Fan et al., 2025). Eaton et al. (2025) identify how pedagogical design shapes students' AI reasoning as a gap in the literature. We test whether Career-Relevant Problem-Based Learning (CPBL) — in which students repeatedly engage in interpersonal exercises like negotiations and career pitches while reflecting after each exercise — functions as that scaffold. Our prior work found that students who receive task-specific feedback on their writing produce more analytical, causal, and insightful language while reducing vague persuasive language, and that grades correlate with those language shifts as measured by LIWC-22 (Radhakrishnan et al., 2025). We test whether the same pattern holds when students reflect on AI after engaging with it as a thinking partner for their leadership development assignments. 

We compare two cohorts in a mandatory business leadership course at a large North American university during a period in which generative AI tools were actively being released. Students in the Winter 2025 semester (n = 34) could use generative AI freely during a snow-day virtual synchronous class in which they engaged in an email-based managerial inbox simulation and answered debrief questions, then reflected on that experience on their final exam. In contrast, students in the Winter 2026 term (n = 31) attended library workshops on AI research tools, were given access to Claude through an institutional education license with instructions on how to use it to carefully interpret their leadership assessment data and effectively complete their Leadership Development Assignment (LDA), and were asked to reflect on their AI use on their final exam.

Students who completed the first six weeks with an AI thinking partner were more articulate on the final exam about their evolving social skills. Relative to the 2025 cohort, the 2026 cohort scored significantly higher on the social-skills question (79.6% vs. 71.1%), t(62) = −2.42, p = .018, d = 0.60, despite facing a more demanding prompt requiring concrete behavioural detail and identification of a specific aspect of the skill, making the performance gap more striking. Higher-scoring responses described not just what happened in an interaction but how and why they adjusted, a level of explanatory precision unlikely to emerge from superficial AI use.

LIWC-22 analysis reinforces this: top-scoring 2026 reflections used more analytical and cognitive-processing language, while lower-scoring reflections across both cohorts leaned on surface-level description, echoing our earlier finding that task-specific feedback helps shift student writing toward more causal, insightful language (Radhakrishnan et al., 2025). Reasoning, not description, differentiates stronger reflections, supporting our argument that a structured AI thinking partner helps students meaningfully develop deeper metacognitive awareness that is hard to reach alone (Radhakrishnan et al., 2026). These findings remain preliminary given sample size and differing ambient AI literacy across cohorts (Qin et al., 2025), yet they offer early classroom evidence of the kind Eaton et al. (2026) call for, inviting longitudinal replication.