2026-01-30
K. W. Yasintha, B.M. Jinendra
Rice production systems and breeding programmes often require handling large numbers of paddy samples, where maintaining sample identity is critical. Conventional identification methods, such as morphological and molecular analyses, are reliable but laborious and time-consuming. To address this, the present study evaluated the use of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (588–1091 nm) combined with soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) for rapid discrimination of paddy seed varieties. A total of 750 seed samples representing five varieties (Bg300, Bg352, Bg357, Bg359, and Bw363) were scanned, and SIMCA prediction models were developed using Pirouette 3.11 software. Model parameters were optimized to enhance classification performance. The influence of moisture content (MC) at four levels (10%, 12%, 15%, and 23%) during seed handling was also investigated. The SIMCA models achieved variety-specific classification accuracies of 89% (Bg300), 83% (Bg352), 88% (Bg357), 87% (Bg359), and 84% (Bw363). When averaged across all varieties, correct identification rates were 82% at 10% MC, 83% at 12% MC, 88% at 15% MC, and 92% at 23% MC. The results confirm an increasing trend in predictive accuracy with elevated MC, attributable to stronger variety-specific water-related absorbance features in the NIR region. Overall, the study demonstrates that NIR spectroscopy combined with SIMCA provides a rapid, non-destructive, and feasible approach for varietal identification of paddy seeds, particularly effective under equalized moisture levels. This method holds strong potential for field-level application, offering faster and more reliable variety authentication compared to conventional practices.
2026-01-30
C. Suneetha, M. Sukumar
Kodo millet ( Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is a nutrient-rich, gluten-free grain with significant potential for enhancing food security. However, its high phytic acid content limits mineral bioavailability, necessitating strategies for reduction. This study evaluated 75 kodo millet germplasms sourced from ICRISAT and cultivated under surface drip irrigation during the 2022-2023 Rabi (dry/winter season) and 2023-2024 Kharif (wet/monsoon season) at the University of Hyderabad. Two-way ANOVA was used to identify IPs 69 as the highest-yielding variety across both seasons, while IPs 240 (Kharif) and IPs 236 (Rabi) were the lowest yielding. Seasonal variations influenced overall productivity, with Rabi conditions favouring grain production. Phytic acid levels were analysed in husked and dehusked grains, showing significant genetic variation but minimal seasonal influence on post-harvest dehusking. To enhance mineral bioavailability, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize soaking (20.63 h, 38.49 °C, pH 4.08) and germination (36.29 h, 27.29 °C, 65.18% moisture) conditions. Soaking alone resulted in a substantial reduction of phytic acid by 48.11%, while soaking followed by germination led to a total reduction of 53.97%, indicating that germination contributed only a marginal additional decrease beyond soaking. These findings demonstrate that soaking is the primary contributor to phytic acid degradation, with germination playing a supplementary role. This study highlights the importance of selecting high yielding, nutritionally superior kodo millet varieties while optimizing post-harvest treatments to improve their dietary value. The findings underscore the role of genetic diversity, environmental conditions, and processing interventions in determining the grain’s nutritional and agronomic potential. Future research should focus on integrating advanced breeding strategies and optimized processing methods to enhance the bioavailability of essential micronutrients, ensuring kodo millet’s broader adoption in sustainable food systems.
2026-01-30
A. H. M. N. R. Aberathne, T. H. P. S. Fernando, E. A. D. D. Siriwardena
Cinnamomum zeylanicum , a member of the family Lauraceae, is commonly grown as an intercrop in Sri Lankan rubber plantations to provide additional income for growers. However, diseases affecting intercrops pose a potential threat to rubber, as pathogens may spread between host species and increase economic losses. This study aimed to identify potential pathogens associated with diseased cinnamon leaves. Leaf samples collected from lesion margins were surface sterilized and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Distinct fungal colonies were sub-cultured, and ten morphologically different isolates were purified through single-spore isolation. Pathogenicity tests were conducted according to standard procedures to establish Koch’s postulates. The most virulent isolate was selected for morphological characterization and molecular identification using bi-directional sequencing of the ITS gene region. The pathogen was identified as Colletotrichum siamense (WDCM accession number RRISL87), which showed high pathogenicity on both cinnamon and rubber leaves. This study represents the first report of C. siamense infecting cinnamon and highlights the importance of further pathogen identification to strengthen quarantine measures and improve disease management strategies.
2026-01-30
C. Muralidharan, M. C. Jobin Christ
Chest anteroposterior diameter (APD) measurement is a critical metric in evaluating thoracic dimensions, particularly in assessing conditions like pectus excavatum and guiding interventions such as laryngoscopy and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The lateral distance measurement of the thoracic cavity using the computed tomography image provides APD, but they expose the subject to radiation. Though the manual method of chest APD measurement using a wooden ruler is radiation-free, it is time-consuming and prone to human errors. This study proposes a novel and radiation-free method of measuring chest APD using an ultrasonic sensor. The accuracy and reliability of the measured chest APD using the ultrasonic method were compared with the manual method across three distinct BMI categories of 150 participants. The measured chest APD using ultrasonic and manual methods for underweight, normal, and obese participants ranges from 17-18 cm, 18.5-20.5 cm, and 23.75-25 cm, respectively. The statistical analyses, including paired t-tests and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), were performed to assess agreement between the two methods. The paired t-test manifests no significant difference between the mean APD measured using ultrasonic and manual methods with p-values of 0.8742 (underweight), 0.7390 (normal), and 0.7998 (obese). The ICC values obtained from the intra- and inter-observers for the ultrasonic and manual methods were ICC ≥ 0.93, 0.80 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.82 and 0.91, and 0.78. The ICC value obtained from the intra- and inter-observers for the ultrasonic method was high, so the ultrasonic method is better than the manual method. This study concludes that the ultrasonic method provides a radiation-free alternative to the manual method, making it suitable for routine clinical use globally.
2026-01-30
C. L. R. Fernando, A. M. C. U. M. Athapattu
This paper explores the star edge coloring of simple connected sub-cubic graphs, which is a more restricted way of edge coloring. The idea of star edge coloring was introduced by two mathematicians Liu and Deng in 2008, motivated by its vertex version. Since then, star edge coloring has been studied extensively by many researchers. Computing the star chromatic index 𝜒𝑠𝑡′(𝐺) for a graph 𝐺 is a challenging problem, and finding an algorithm for it is an active area of research in graph theory. So, numerous studies have been conducted introducing upper bounds for the star chromatic index. One of the primary objectives of this research is to establish a better upper bound for the star chromatic index of simple connected sub-cubic graphs, partially answering the conjecture in Lužar et al., 2017, posed by Dvorak et al. in 2013: “If 𝐺 is a sub-cubic graph, then 𝜒𝑠𝑡′(𝐺)≤6”. The method of star edge coloring for 2-connected graphs, used in this paper mainly based on the decomposition of the graph into a matching and a 2-factor. That can also be expanded into real-world situations, like branching companies, and planning cities.
2026-01-30
S. S. Wijesooriya, H. M. K. C. Nawarathna, S. S. Kumari, A. Sooriyarachchi, J. M. A. K. Jayaweera, C. Perera, L. D. B. Suriyagoda
In Sri Lanka, rice ( Oryza sativa L.) is cultivated during two seasons, known as Yala and Maha , across 25 districts either with or without access to irrigation water. However, variations in crop productivity and harvested extent in the last few decades remain unknown, particularly in relation to the district, season and water management systems (minor and major irrigation schemes, and rainfed). In this context, we conducted this study to determine the changes in rice crop productivity and harvested extent during the last forty years, and how they are affected by the season, district and water management systems. The relevant data for the period from 1979 to 2021 were obtained from the Department of Agriculture. Results revealed that rice crop productivity remained unchanged or increased with time for all the districts, seasons and water management systems, except for Galle where productivity declined under the major irrigation scheme during Yala. The harvested extent increased over the years for most districts, seasons and water management systems with a few exceptions. These exceptions were rainfed and minor irrigated paddy lands in the wet zone districts. Development and adoption of new improved varieties, better agronomic and management practices, use of modern technology and effective extension services have contributed to productivity improvement. In order to secure the harvested extent for the future, district, season and water management method-based recommendations are required apart from the common policies applicable at the national level.