https://www.scientific.net/AST Latest Results for Advances in Science and Technology en-us https://www.scientific.net https://www.scientific.net/Image/JournalCover/14 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.-7 Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br /> <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.3 10.4028/p-jP9Reo Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Chamika M. Dissanayake, Vishen Dias, Priyashantha Tennakoon <br />Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular due to reduced gasoline consumption and significant environmental benefits. The majority of the functions of these vehicles rely on the battery power and batteries tend to degrade over time. Testing and maintenance of the batteries of these vehicles are essential. Thus, hybrid vehicle battery testers are utilized for this purpose. These testers are often expensive and come as a set of gadgets. In particular, the battery testers depend on, computers or mobile devices to display the results when needed. Therefore, the battery testers are getting expensive, and having several types of equipment makes the use of a tester a hassle. To solve these shortcomings, we developed a low-cost, portable hybrid vehicle tester that is custom-made for the Sri Lankan context, focusing on its ease of use and practicality. Our device can successfully detect weak cells present in hybrid and electric vehicle batteries by carefully calculating the discharging time of each of the cells. In addition to being compatible with a variety of hybrid and electric vehicle batteries, this lightweight tester is an inexpensive, self-supporting test tool that complies with sustainable vehicle maintenance processes. This paper discusses the current practice and the methods for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) battery testing and their disadvantages. Furthermore, the development of the low-cost and portable battery tester as well as the main functions of the device are presented in detail. Finally, the results used for the verification of the developed device are presented and discussed. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.13 10.4028/p-lEt9Iy Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Nethumina Pananwala, Nethmi Deheragoda, Isini Rathnayake, Lakmini Malasinghe <br />The system outlined here presents a novel in-vehicle system designed for continuous monitoring of a vehicle by detection of traffic violations and aggressive driving. The system integrates a range of sensing modules and data processing algorithms within the in-vehicle unit to continuously capture and process vehicle data. The system transmits data, including violation states and aggressive driving state to a remote server in real time to provide secure and immediate access to the data. The system’s continuous detection and monitoring functionality is a significant improvement in remote vehicle surveillance technology. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.25 10.4028/p-9reRRv Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Yoshua Dylan, Chrishmal Perera, Dilum Perera <br />The present research targeted the measurement of flue gas flow rates in industrial boiler applications, to improve boiler efficiency in Sri Lanka. This study discussed three methodologies for flow measurement and placed significant emphasis on the benefits of thermal mass flow meters, given their accuracy and reliability, especially within low flow rates. A thorough literature review was conducted to pinpoint critical parameters involved in the generation of boiler performance: flue gas composition and draft regulation. This research spotlights the deficiency in the current measurement practices, hence, a systematic approach to develop, a cost-effective and regionally adaptable solution is presented for the flue gas flow measurement. The investigation validates the proposed measurement techniques by using a combination of theoretical analysis and CFD simulations and demonstrates that the simulated flow rates are close to calculated values, with minimum differences of 0.000461 kg/s. results imply that the optimization of flue gas flow measurement can result in significant enhancements in combustion efficiency. The research ultimately contributes to the betterment of boiler operation practices in Sri Lanka by providing recommendations for future studies and practical implementations to enhance resource management and environmental sustainability within the industrial sector. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.39 10.4028/p-d80BZc Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Dulina Pankaja Amarasinghe, Ganegama Bogodage Sakura <br />Among the various approaches to developing field equipment for measuring elevator rope slippage, this study, which utilizes contact-based motion measurement, stands out as a more practical and reliable methodology. The relative motion of the traction sheave and the rope is sensed by encoders and computed by microprocessors. Primarily, the movements of the traction sheave and the hoisting ropes must be measured to determine the rope slippage during various dynamic movements of the elevator. Modern elevators achieve precise control through the use of motion sensors. However, quantitative detection of rope travel is more difficult than that of the traction sheave. Thus, the research intended to find an alternative to measure the motion of the passenger cabin. A laboratory-scale prototype was developed to investigate rope slippage behavior under varying weight ratios, simulating different load conditions in an actual elevator. The experiments revealed that increasing the weight ratio between the passenger car and the counterweight leads to a noticeable increase in rope slippage, highlighting the sensitivity of slippage to tension ratios in traction systems. The research extended to field-level experiments to examine the traction slippage behavior of an elevator traction machine under no passenger load conditions. Results indicated that, in the absence of passenger weight, the traction machine exhibits greater slippage during upward movement compared to downward travel. The experimental setup yielded promising results from both experimental tests and field measurements. Ultimately, the encoder-based motion measuring systems demonstrated potential for field applications when integrated with enhanced mechanisms. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.49 10.4028/p-q2A0ez Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Shamila Binakshi Liyanage, Shavindree Nissanka, B. Kavinya C. Perera <br />This research investigates the integration of VR technology within the construction industry, a sector notably lagging in digital adoption despite VR's transformative impact in others. The study aims to investigate the potentials of VR across different stages of construction projects, specifically aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work. The study initially confirmed low VR adoption rates and a significant gap between awareness and practical implementation among professionals. It then identified a comprehensive array of barriers, including prevalent technical skill shortages, high implementation costs, integration difficulties, and resistance to change. Building on these findings, the research proposes actionable strategies for overcoming these challenges, promoting for phased VR implementation, targeted workforce training, and the strategic selection of compatible technologies. While offering crucial insights, the study acknowledges limitations such as a regionally focused sample and perception-based data. Future research should pursue in-depth, longitudinal case studies and explore the impact of specific VR tools on project outcomes to further accelerate the construction industry's digital transformation. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.61 10.4028/p-un4Vn8 Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Pathum Udukumburage, Chamli Pushpakumara <br />Intelligent Process Automation represents the integration of Robotic Process Automation,Artificial Intelligence, and Business Process Management aimed at streamlining complex businessprocesses. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted to explore the implementation landscapeof IPA within the global and Sri Lankan industrial context, a domain with limited empiricalexploration. The study systematically analyzed 142 publications in Web of Science and Scopus andvisualized bibliometric networks through the VOS viewer and Bibliometrix, which are built into the Rsoftware package using the PRISMA protocol. Despite global advancements and growing academicinterest, the review reveals a significant gap in IPA research in Sri Lanka, both in terms of context,empirical evidence, and theoretical foundations. The opportunities for industrial transformation wereindicated by the emergence of two main thematic clusters, comprising intelligent process automationtechnologies and their strategic applications. Furthermore, a density visualization demonstratedthe limited involvement of Sri Lankan institutions, highlighting the need for localized research. Thestudy examines the determinants that influence the adoption of IPA, such as trust, transparency, anduser attitudes, through the lens of the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology(UTAUT). Additionally, it identifies barriers like knowledge hiding and resistance to AI-driven innovationsgrounded in organizational behavior theories, including the Not-Invented-Here Syndromeand knowledge-based views. The findings propose that business model innovation supported by stronggovernance, employee readiness, and aligned strategic vision is critical for successful IPA integration.The study highlights under-researched areas and establishes a foundation for future empirical investigationsin the Sri Lankan industrial domain. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.73 10.4028/p-s1fKPd Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Sumali S. Morapitiya, Dushantha Nalin K. Jayakody <br />This study is based on the Simultaneous Lightwave Information and Power Transfer (SLIPT) system. Today, it has a high demand for the research community as well as new trends in Visible Light Communication (VLC). Here, we discussed two main receiver architectures, namely Power Splitting(PS)-SLIPT technology, which functions in the power domain and Time Splitting (TS)-SLIPT architecture, which functions in the time domain. In addition, we analyzed and compared both system architectures. Information decoding (ID) and energy harvesting (EH) are analyzed in both architectures. In addition, we discussed the existing mathematical model for the TS-SLIPT architecture and the mathematical model developed for the PS-SLIPT system. Finally, we discuss the enhancement of Quality of Service (QoS) in both systems using numerical values. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.81 10.4028/p-R4C9Jo Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Rajeev Kumar, Yatindra Nath Singh, Dushantha Nalin K. Jayakody, Stefan Panic <br />Optimizing energy consumption is critical for extending network lifetime and ensuring re-liable data collection in UAV-assisted wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In the proposed work, an enhanced MAC protocol is developed, i.e., Duty-Cycle-Aware Bit-Mapped (DCABM). The proposed method estimates the active nodes per communication cycle based on their duty cycles and assigns transmission slots using a bit-mapping approach. The protocol is evaluated using the IEEE 802.15.4 standard with CC2420 radio parameters, considering varying network sizes, event occurrence prob-abilities, and packet sizes. The comparative analysis of the proposed method is compared with con-ventional UAV _EBMA and UAV _ETDMA methods. The results demonstrate that DCABM sig-nificantly reduces energy consumption. Specifically, DCABM achieves up to 42% energy savings compared to UAV _ETDMA and approximately 31% reduction compared to UAV _EBMA un-der high event occurrence conditions. Additionally, across increasing node densities and packet sizes, DCABM consistently maintains superior energy efficiency, making it suitable for scalable and event-driven WSN applications with UAV support. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.93 10.4028/p-bQbiw4 Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Udeni Priyantha Nawagamuwa, Chathurangani De Silva Bavindi <br />The global accumulation of scrap tyres presents a growing environmental and public health challenge due to their resistance to degradation and limited recycling options. Addressing this issue through innovative reuse strategies is vital for advancing sustainable construction practices. This study explores the integration of shredded scrap tyres as a lightweight fill material in gabion wall construction, promoting circular economy principles by transforming waste into a valuable engineering resource. A novel method was developed using shredded tyres, cut into pieces measuring 100 mm × 50 mm, mixed with rockfill (75–100 mm in size), and placed within gabion units. The structural behavior of these modified gabions was analyzed with a focus on lateral and vertical displacement patterns, bulging behavior, and overall stability. Factor of safety calculations indicated that a gabion unit with a height and depth of 3 meters could achieve a significant unit weight reduction up to 8.2 kN/m³ compared to conventional rockfill gabions, which typically weigh between 15 and 19 kN/m³. The introduction of tyre pieces resulted in a void ratio of approximately 0.4, suggesting effective packing and compaction. The lightweight gabion units demonstrated the capacity to safely support the load of three stacked units without significant deformation, validating their structural integrity for practical applications. To maintain optimal performance, it is essential to keep the unit weight at or below 8.2 kN/m³ and ensure a void ratio between 0.3 and 0.4. Further testing is recommended to evaluate compatibility across varying rock and tyre densities. Overall, this research highlights a sustainable and cost-effective approach to scrap tyre reuse, contributing to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the development of eco-friendly materials for retaining wall applications in civil engineering. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.101 10.4028/p-q5tVmS Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): P. C. M. Wijesena, D. M. S. M. Karunarathna, H. M. C. C. Somarathna, S. Kishotharan <br />This study investigates the flammability characteristics of composites developed from waste materials, notably integrating Palmyra fibre and waste LDPE. The research systematically assessed the flammability properties of Palmyra Fibre-Reinforced Composites (PFRCs) across seventeen distinct variations. PFRCs were synthesized employing a variety of techniques, including the hot-press method, the cold-press method, and the hand lay-up method. The analysis spanned various dimensions such as the treatment condition of the fibres, fibre lengths, volume fractions, and orientation, aiming to evaluate their impact on the composite's flammability properties comprehensively. Among the variations considered, 40 mm length alkali-treated fibre with 20% (w/w) inclusion in random orientation provided the best overall density and flammability characteristics. The results highlight the capability of Palmyra fibre to serve as an effective alternative for reinforcing composite sheets. The research indicates that these materials demonstrate not only favourable density and improved resistance to fire but also add to the overall durability and wider usage possibilities of the composites. Together, these findings emphasise the field of sustainable and alternative materials research, emphasizing the practicality of utilizing waste-derived composites in a range of applications. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.115 10.4028/p-cwoSI1 Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): W.K.B. Hasitha S. Fernando, H.M.C.C. Somarathna <br />This study explores the variation of compressive stress-strain behavior of concrete incorporating waste tire aggregates as a partial replacement for conventional coarse aggregates, addressing the global challenge of tire waste management. Concrete mixes with 0%, 10%, and 20% rubber replacement were tested under varying loading conditions after curing for 28 days. The research aims to provide insights into the trade-offs between strength and flexibility in rubberized concrete to support sustainable construction practices. Experimental results demonstrated that the control mix (0% rubber) exhibited the highest compressive strength but showed brittle behavior with minimal strain tolerance. The 10% rubber mix achieved a balance, retaining substantial strength while improving strain capacity and energy absorption, making it suitable for applications requiring both strength and ductility. The 20% rubber mix had the greatest strain tolerance and energy absorption but the lowest compressive strength, indicating its potential for impact-resistant and flexible structures. These findings align with existing literature, emphasizing the material's suitability for applications in seismic zones, noise barriers, and vibration-dampening structures. This study highlights the potential of rubberized concrete as a sustainable alternative, offering environmental benefits by reusing waste tires and reducing dependence on natural aggregates. However, challenges such as reduced strength with higher rubber content need to be addressed through optimized mix designs and pretreatment methods. Rubberized concrete provides a promising pathway for balancing sustainability with structural performance, particularly for dynamic and non-load-bearing applications. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.129 10.4028/p-9fKdL2 Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Nesura T. Bulathsinghala, Jeeva Wijesundara <br />Fish markets in Sri Lanka, vital to the national economy, lack essential hygiene facilities such as washable floors, dedicated cutting and gutting stations, and enclosed drainage. These deficiencies, coupled with poor wastewater handling, severely impact surrounding environments, ecosystems, and public health. In most markets, waste management relies on a collect-and-dump approach, while wastewater often flows through clogged, foul-smelling drains, worsening hygiene and environmental issues. These conditions highlight the urgent need for an integrated water management strategy that addresses market operations and adapts to functional zones. This research develops a scalable framework for water and wastewater management in Sri Lankan fish markets. It draws on case studies of the Sydney Fish Market as a global best practice and the Peliyagoda Fish Market as a local practice, adapting international standards to the Sri Lankan context. Stakeholder engagement and field assessments revealed critical gaps, including the absence of greywater separation, inadequate drainage, poor solid waste filtering, limited reuse systems, and lack of smart monitoring The framework suggests dedicated zones for market functions—washing and sorting, wholesale and retail, cutting bays, and loading spaces—while integrating water supply and wastewater systems within each zone to ensure hygiene, spatial organization, and sustainability. It further recommends seawater ice for storage, rainwater harvesting for non-potable use, bunded wash zones with enclosed drainage, biofiltration units for treatment, and affordable smart technologies for monitoring. This systematic organization offers a replicable framework to upgrade Sri Lankan fish markets into hygienic, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible urban facilities. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.141 10.4028/p-Ai0aeU Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Manuja Malshan Nallaperuma <br />Leachate treatment is a critical component of municipal solid waste management due to the complex and variable nature of leachate composition. This study investigates a dilution-based strategy to address insufficient leachate volume during a mandated 21-day reliability test at the Kelaniya Transfer Station leachate treatment plant, part of the Metro Colombo Solid Waste Management Project. The primary objective was to evaluate the plant's capacity to treat leachate under continuous operational conditions at its design flow rate of 160 m³/day, despite a limited leachate supply caused by non-functional compactors. A dilution ratio of 50–60% was applied to available leachate to meet volume requirements, with the underlying assumption that such dilution would not significantly alter leachate variability. Baseline and incoming leachate samples were analyzed for key parameters, chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH4–N), total nitrogen (TN), and total suspended solids (TSS). Statistical tests, including two-sample t-tests and Levene’s tests, were conducted to assess variability before and after dilution. The results revealed significant variation between undiluted samples from the same source, confirming the inherent variability of leachate. However, Levene’s tests showed no statistically significant differences in variance for NH4–N, TN and TSS before and after dilution, indicating that the dilution process preserved the natural variability of leachate characteristics. The findings support the use of controlled dilution as a valid strategy for leachate volume supplementation during performance testing, without compromising the reliability of treatment plant assessment. Nevertheless, dilution reduces nutrient loading, particularly carbon input, and may not reflect peak loading scenarios. To address this, a supplementary a separate testing phase was conducted using undiluted leachate with high-strength characteristics over a period, specifically to evaluate the treatment plant’s capacity to handle peak loading scenarios. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.151 10.4028/p-jDf5vl Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Abdullah Al Bahey, Chalani Ruchira Oruthotaarachchi <br />This study explores the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the research component of business processes and its potential to enhance client acquisition effectiveness in IT services companies. In an environment where traditional research methods remain dominant yet inefficient, AI offers opportunities to streamline data collection, improve insight generation, and reduce time-to-strategy. However, AI adoption across IT research teams remains inconsistent due to barriers such as data privacy concerns, skill gaps, and limited organizational readiness. The research applies a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with nine professionals from a global IT services organization. Thematic analysis reveals that while AI tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are increasingly used for summarization and trend analysis, their integration remains exploratory rather than systematic. Barriers for AI adoption include limited AI literacy, lack of structured training, leadership hesitation, and concerns about trust and compliance. Conversely, enablers such as pilot testing, internal AI platforms, peer learning, and strong leadership support are identified as critical facilitators of successful adoption. A five-phase AI Adoption Framework is then proposed, offering a practical roadmap for organizations to transition from ad-hoc AI use to structured, outcome-driven integration. The findings contribute to academic literature by addressing gaps in B2B AI adoption research and offering practical implications for IT service organizations seeking to enhance research efficiency and client acquisition performance through AI. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.163 10.4028/p-4s2C0f Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): A.M. Chandrika Malkanthi, B.T.G.S. Kumara, D.R. Welikanna, R.M.K.T. Rathnayaka <br />Deforestation is a significant threat to the sustainability of the ecosystem, leading to adverse effects such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic consequences. Timely monitoring of forest destruction enables effective implementation of preventive mechanisms supported by law enforcement. Advancements in remote sensing, coupled with enhanced deep learning techniques, boost efficient deforestation monitoring as these technologies support real-time analysis of complex satellite images. Thus, this study aimed to develop a classification model to identify forest areas from non-forest areas using Landsat-8 data acquired for Wilpattu park, Sri Lanka, between 2015 to 2024. We explored model building using minimal input of two bands in satellite data, facilitating low resource needs. Seven deep learning models were explored, progressing from Convolution Neural Networks to Transformer-based models to build the classifier using a set of patches of size 100×100. The results were evaluated using standard metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and Kappa index. We found that SegNet outperformed the remaining models with an overall accuracy of 96.36%, F1 score of 0.97, and Kappa index of 0.92, demonstrating excellent ability to distinguish the classes. However, the efficiency of the model needs further improvement. The proposed system will contribute to deforestation detection, offering a simpler model development approach with minimum input requirements. The proposed method can be adopted to other domains where the chosen band combination supports effective detection, such as water body identification. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200 https://www.scientific.net/AST.177.175 10.4028/p-rd3iP0 Publication date: 19 May 2026 <br />Source: Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 177 <br />Author(s): Pabasara Siriwardena, Uthpala Bulathgama, Avindu Liyanage, Sisitha Ramachandra <br />Plastic pollution remains a critical environmental and public health challenge. Bioplastics have emerged as a promising alternative to reduce the adverse impacts of petroleum-based plastics. Among renewable biomass sources, macroalgae, particularly seaweeds, stand out due to their high biomass yields, cost-effectiveness, and ease of cultivation. For an island nation like Sri Lanka, seaweed-based bioplastics present a unique opportunity to advance sustainability while strengthening the economy. Sri Lanka already has an established seaweed farming industry, primarily exporting dried seaweeds, which could be expanded into value-added bioplastic production. Several studies project a significant global increase in bioplastic demand by 2028, underscoring the potential market. With its year-round cultivation potential, rich marine biodiversity, and proximity to major Asian markets, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to become a competitive player in the regional bioplastics industry. This review examines bioplastic production from seaweeds, with a focus on its applicability, benefits, and strategic relevance for Sri Lanka as a developing country. <br /> <br /> Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Thu, 21 May 2026 23:34:12 +0200