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Faced with the escalating crisis of global deforestation, including particularly alarming rates in Sri Lanka, researchers have turned their attention to the potential of boronbased preservatives for treating timber. The comprehensive study of the samples has revealed a significant negative correlation between the treatability of timber under pressure and the total area of vessels and wood density. Woods with fewer and smaller vessels are more receptive to boron treatment, making them more suitable for preservation. The study also identified a positive, though somewhat weak, correlation between treatability and the total ray area within the wood, indicating that the internal structure of timber plays a crucial role in its preservation potential. The timber during the research has been categorized based on the depth of boron penetration, with categories ranging from fully penetrated to less than 5 mm. The findings obtained suggest that boron preservatives offer a promising and sustainable alternative to traditional timber treatment methods. By categorizing wood based on the treatability and anatomical properties, we can optimize the treatment processes, thereby maximizing resource utilization and minimizing waste. Thus boron-treated timber could become a cornerstone in the fight against deforestation in future, providing a responsible and environmentally friendly alternative to the untreated wood. In doing so, the research contributes significantly to the preservation of our forests and the overall well-being of our planet, offering a promising trajectory in sustainable forestry practices.

Purpose. This study aims to explore the potential integration of Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle with the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism to offer a comprehensive framework for personal growth and transformation. Methodology. A qualitative analysis was conducted, drawing on existing literature on Kolb's learning theory and Buddhist philosophy. The study focused on identifying parallels and synergies between Kolb's four-stage learning cycle and the Four Noble Truths, elucidating how their integration could enhance understanding and application of spiritual principles in daily life. Results. The analysis revealed significant alignment between Kolb's cycle and the Four Noble Truths. Reflective observation corresponds to the acknowledgment of suffering (First Noble Truth), the identification of its causes (Second Noble Truth). Abstract conceptualization mirrors the understanding of the cessation of suffering (Third Noble Truth) through wisdom and insight into the nature of existence. Active experimentation resonates with the Noble Eightfold Path (Fourth Noble Truth), emphasizing the practical application of ethical conduct, mental cultivation, and wisdom development to alleviate suffering. The integration of Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle with the Four Noble Truths offers a holistic approach to personal growth and transformation. By combining experiential learning with spiritual wisdom, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the causes of suffering and the path to liberation. This integrated framework provides a structured methodology for cultivating resilience, wisdom, and compassion in daily life, fostering holistic development and contributing to greater well-being and fulfillment. Conclusion. Further research and practical application of this framework holds promise for enhancing individual and collective flourishing in diverse cultural and educational contexts.

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to study the relationship between Bloom’s Taxonomy and Kawyasekara. According to some, the first instance of Bloom’s Taxonomy was recorded by Benjamin Bloom in 1956, while Kawyasekara was written by Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera in 1449. Methodology. Modern concepts of three hierarchical models, which differ from other types of educational concepts, did not develop until the fifteenth century, according to the critics. In this paper, it is shown how the concept we now refer to as Bloom’s Taxonomy was first presented in a similar manner in a text from the Kotte Era in Sri Lanka, written in the fifteenth century by Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera. Results. This manuscript demonstrates that Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera deserves praise for distinguishing educational notions from other kinds of educational conceptions. Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera categories, which were much more recently discovered, are given special consideration. Conclusions. This document considering contemporary scientific findings and pedagogy exposes instructional ideas that have been around for centuries. These findings’ theoretical and clinical ramifications are also examined.

Purpose is to analyze BOPPPS as a model for participatory learning and development (PLD) activities for architectural students. Methodology. The methods of analysis, classification, and descriptions are used. Results. BOPPPS model consists of the following components: Bridge-in: An opening session to introduce the topic, participants, and objectives of the PLD activity. Objectives: Defining the specific goals and outcomes that the PLD activity aims to achieve. Post-test: An evaluation tool used to assess participants' knowledge and understanding of the topic prior to the PLD activity. Participatory Learning: A process where participants actively engage in learning activities, such as group discussions, role-plays, and hands-on exercises, to acquire new knowledge and skills. Post-assessment: An evaluation tool used to assess participants' knowledge and understanding of the topic after the PLD activity. Summary: A closing session where the facilitator summarizes the key takeaways from the PLD activity and highlights areas for further improvement or follow-up. The BOPPPS model is designed to ensure that PLD activities are well-structured, participatory, and effective in promoting learning and development. By incorporating evaluation tools such as pre- and post-tests, the model allows organizers to measure the impact of the PLD activity and assess its effectiveness. The addition of the "S for Spirit" in the BOPPPS model emphasizes the importance of designing PLD activities with the spirit, or the essence and guiding principle, of the project. This means that the PLD activity is not only structured and evaluated effectively, but also aligns with the purpose, values, and vision of the project. Designing with the spirit can add a more meaningful and personal touch to the PLD activity, creating a more impactful learning experience for participants. Conclusions. The updated BOPPPS model could include one more component Spirit (S). They are as followings: Bridge-in, Objectives, Post-test, Participatory Learning, Post-assessment, Summary, and definitely Spirit (S) – the guiding principle and essence of the project that shapes the PLD activity.

The study on Loris species diversity in Sri Lanka was considered is based on environmental, morphological, and genetic factors. The distribution of the Loris species, according to genetics and morphology, was the focal point of this work. We have observed seven groups from 25 districts in Sri Lanka in the environmental analysis. When we compare the ecological factors of the Loris species in the study of distribution patterns, the genetic and morphological characteristics are considered for the occurrence of each species, and it also align with the environmental clustering style as seven clusters. Our results suggest that segregation plays a key role in the evolution of genetic structure within the Loris species populations under conditions of free movement. Given the monophyletic arrival of the Loris species, our study challenges the view that geographical barriers are strictly needed for genetic divergence. The study further raises the interesting prospect that social forces - such as social structure, feeding habits, and the breeding of Loris - might influence the genetic partitioning of the population.

. Tea is the most favorable beverage in the world after the pure water. Professional tea tasters categorize the quality of the tea in subjective manner by assessing the several parameters. The flavor, aroma and color of tea are the most important and considered parameters when professional tea tasters categorize and evaluate tea. The value of abovementioned parameters depends on the chemical composition of the tea. Basically, flavanols are major compounds which affect the quality of the tea. Therefore, it is possible to identify a correlation between flavanols composition of tea and professional tea taster’s valuation. The main purpose of this article is identifying above correlation and according to that correlation design and implements “Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based Intelligent Tea Taster” to automate manual tea tasting process. This review is focused on training an artificial neural network according to identified correlation between flavanols composition and tea taster’s valuation and based on that trained artificial neural network After going through successful training iterations and evaluations, a computer-based solution can be designed and implemented to define the quality of tea according to its flavanols compound. The results show good correlation of estimated values of theaflavins and thearubigins with the actual concentrations obtained by the system when we tested at laboratory. The review is based on ANN base Intelligent Tea Taster will automate the tea tasting process while improving efficiency, effectiveness and accuracy of the tea tasting process.

Santalum album is susceptible to sandal spike, an infectious disease caused by phytoplasma. The disease spreads through phloem feeding insect vectors. As high economic losses are reported due to this disease, the present study was aimed at assessing the status of spike disease in commercially grown sandalwood plantations in Sri Lanka. Specific objectives of the study were to evaluate the distribution, prevalence and severity of the disease in the studied plantations. A survey covering five districts was conducted in 13 commercially grown sandalwood plantations. Total number of plants, total number of affected plants, total number of major branches of the canopy of the affected plants, total number of affected major branches of the selected plants, total number of completely damaged plants, total number of severely damaged plants, total number of moderately damaged plants and total number of lightly damaged plants were counted for each plantation. Survey data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive methods. The highest prevalence of the spike disease (30.11%) was recorded in Beragala estate and the lowest prevalence (0.36%) was recorded in Mahao 1 estate. In Godigamuwa estate, percentage of completely damaged plants (9.93%) was equal to that of severely damaged plants. In Beragala estate, the majority (39.12%) of the plants were shown to have low damages. Diyaluma and Belihuloya estates were shown to have 39.72% and 75.00% medium damaged plants respectively. In the case of Matale, only low damaged plants were found. Completely damaged plants were not found in Tangalle, Belihuloya, Matale and Mahao estates. The aim of this study is to increase understanding of nature and severity of sandal spike disease among Sri Lankan fields in order to encourage cultivation with resistant on spike disease to discover best management practices. The increased cultivation of sandalwood plantations has significant importance, and it is essential to strengthen the economic ties to overcome current economic crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]