The omnipresence of algorithmic social media platforms presents a profound cognitive challenge in technical undergraduate education. This empirical study investigates the relationship between daily engagement with Facebook and TikTok and the academic performance of Information Technology (IT) undergraduates within the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at NIIBS Campus. Employing a quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design, …

The Impact of Facebook and TikTok Usage on the First Semester End Exam Scores of IT Undergraduates in the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at NIIBS Campus.Read More

Mechatronics traditionally integrates mechanical systems, electronics, sensing and computer control through pre-specified models, rules and feedback structures. Artificial intelligence (AI) extends this paradigm by enabling representation learning, probabilistic inference, adaptive optimisation and data-driven decision-making; however, published evidence remains fragmented across robotics, maintenance, manufacturing, digital twins and cyber-physical systems. This critical evidence review synthesises a verified …

Artificial Intelligence as the New Intelligence Layer of Mechatronics A Critical Review of the Transformation from Programmed Automation to Assured AutonomyRead More

BlooDChain is a novel blockchain-enabled privacy-preserving blood donation platform that addresses critical challenges in donor-recipient coordination while maintaining robust privacy protection. The system integrates a multi-layered security architecture combining blockchain immutability, steganographic data concealment, hardware-based encryption, and zero-knowledge anonymous matching protocols to provide unprecedented donor privacy protection. BlooDChain introduces a three-tier privacy model accommodating varying …

BlooDChain Design and Analytical Evaluation of a Privacy-Preserving Blockchain Framework with Steganography for Anonymous Blood Donor MatchingRead More

Human Resource Management (HRM) plays a vital role in improving workforce performance and organizational productivity in the construction industry. However, the Sri Lankan building construction industry continues to experience several HRM challenges that affect project performance and employee management. This study aims to identify the critical Human Resource Management challenges faced by the Sri Lankan …

Critical Human Resource Management Challenges in the Large-Scale Building Construction Industry of Sri Lanka An RII-Based AnalysisRead More

Engine misfire is a combustion fault that results in one or more cylinders not contributing to the torque. It negatively affects the drivability, consumes more fuel, produces higher emissions and can cause damage to exhaust after-treatment systems if not detected. Conventional on-board diagnostics are primarily based on crankshaft speed variation, which is useful for regulatory …

A REVIEW OF LOW-COST EMBEDDED ACOUSTIC AND VIBRATION-BASED ENGINE MISFIRE DETECTION FOR REAL-VEHICLERead More

Puberty represents a critical development phase marked by significant physical, psychological, and reproductive changes that transform a girl into young women. Menstruation is one of the most important milestones in this process. This study aims to examine the prevalence of menstruation myths among young girls and women in contemporary Sri Lanka. The specific objectives were …

Menstruation Myths Among Young Girls and Women in Contemporary Sri Lankan SocietyRead More

Aggregate shape is an important factor for concrete performance, but most existing studies have focused on idealized single-shape aggregate rather than mixed-shape aggregate compositions that are common in practice. The present work is an experimental investigation on the influence of coarse aggregate shape composition, individual and systematic blends on workability and compressive strength of M25 …

Comparative Analysis of Concrete Mix Designs Considering Aggregate Shape on Workability & Compressive StrengthRead More

The persistent emphasis on theory-led instruction in many engineering technology programmes raises a practical question: does direct, hands-on exposure to equipment measurably improve how well students understand and apply what they have already studied. This study evaluated the immediate effect of a practical demonstration on assessment performance among 75 final-year Engineering Technology undergraduates enrolled in …

Practical Demonstration Improves Assessment Performance in Farm Machinery Education A Quasi-Experimental StudyRead More

The growing share of power-electronic-based loads on low-voltage distribution networks — electric vehicle (EV) chargers, variable frequency drives (VFDs), switched-mode power supplies (SMPS), LED lighting drivers, and data-centre infrastructure — is changing the reactive power profile that utilities must manage. Unlike conventional linear loads, these devices draw non-sinusoidal current, depress the effective power factor, and …

Impact of Modern Non-Linear Loads on Reactive Power Demand and Power Quality A Comparative Review of STATCOM Topologies for Distribution SystemsRead More

The purpose of this case study is to determine the pros and cons of the effects of social media usage by students of Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies on the academic performance of these students. By conducting a case study using the mixed methods approach and collecting data by administering the Google Forms to …

The Impact of social media on Academic Performance A Case Study of Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist StudiesRead More

The growing need for construction and engineering materials stemming from swift urban growth and industrial progress has led to the overuse of natural resources and heightened environmental worries. The incorporation of recycled materials has garnered considerable interest as a sustainable approach in numerous engineering fields. This research examines the use of recycled materials in fields …

Application of Recycled Materials in Construction and Selected Engineering FieldsRead More

Sri Lanka generates approximately 1.2 million tons of C&D waste annually. The conventional paving block production consumes 100 kg of virgin aggregates per square meter. This study evaluates the technical and environmental feasibility of incorporating high proportions (50–75%) of C&D waste crushed concrete demolition waste as fine aggregate and ceramic tile waste as coarse aggregate …

Reducing Environmental Pollution through Sustainable High-Percentage Construction and Demolition Waste Utilization in Interlocking Paving Blocks A Tropical Climate Case StudyRead More

Rapid urbanization in Sri Lanka has led to more construction and a rise in construction waste, causing problems like soil contamination, drainage issues, air pollution, carbon emissions, and illegal dumping. Although the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has set national guidelines, waste management practices are still inconsistent at urban construction sites. This study looks at the …

Evaluating the Environmental impacts of Construction Waste in Urban Area Projects in Sri LankaRead More

The apparel sector is a major driver of employment in Sri Lanka, with women making up a substantial share of the workforce. Despite this significant representation, a persistent gender gap remains in terms of equal opportunities and access to resources within industry. This study explores whether the Sri Lankan apparel sector provides equitable treatment to …

Challenges and Opportunities in Achieving Gender Equality in Apparel Sector in Sri LankaRead More

This study investigates the structural characteristics and temporal variability of Iraq’s crude oil export system during the first quarter of 2025, with particular emphasis on its exposure to geopolitical disruptions. Using descriptive statistical analysis and graphical modeling, the study identifies patterns of fluctuation, concentration, and dependency within export flows. The results indicate that total crude …

Geopolitical Vulnerability and Structural Concentration in Iraq’s Oil Export System A Statistical and Market-Based Analysis under Regional Conflict ConditionsRead More

This study evaluates the performance of lightweight mortar incorporating recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) as a partial replacement for natural river sand. Targeting non-structural applications plastering, rendering, and masonry bedding a 25% volumetric sand replacement was investigated. The water-to-cement ratio was maintained between 0.45 and 0.50 using an OPC:sand ratio of 1:3 by volume. Results show …

Incorporation of Waste EPS in Mortar for Lightweight and Energy-Efficient ConstructionRead More

This study investigates the feasibility of using Boat Fiber Waste Powder (BFWP) as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in M30-grade concrete. BFWP, derived from discarded glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) boat components, was incorporated at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% replacement levels by mass of fine aggregate. Workability (slump test, ASTM C143), 7-day and 28-day …

Performance of Concrete Incorporating Boat Fiber Waste Powder as a Partial Replacement for Fine AggregatesRead More

Expansive clayey soils present persistent engineering challenges due to their high plasticity and pronounced swelling behavior upon moisture fluctuation. Conventional stabilization methods such as lime and cement treatment are effective but entail substantial economic and environmental costs. This study investigates the viability of coal-derived bottom ash (BA), sourced from the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant in …

Effect of Coal Bottom Ash on the Plasticity and Swelling Behavior of Expansive Clayey SoilRead More

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) have added another layer of cybersecurity issues in today’s world with more devices, more ownership, more remote locations, and increased reliance on digital communication networks. These attributes extend the attack surface of modern power systems and render traditional perimeter-control based security methods useless. In this review, the application of zero-trust security …

Zero-Trust Security for Distributed Energy Resources – A Comprehensive Review of Threats, Vulnerabilities, and CountermeasuresRead More

The escalating global production of waste tires exceeding 1.5 billion units annually presents an acute environmental challenge that demands integration with sustainable construction strategies. This study investigates the mechanical and physical performance of concrete incorporating heat-treated crumb rubber (CR) as a partial fine aggregate replacement at six substitution levels: 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and …

Mechanical and Physical Properties of Heat-Treated Crumb Rubber Concrete at High Fine Aggregate Replacement Levels Implications for Sustainable Lightweight ConstructionRead More