Importance of Leaf Micro Morphological Trait Combinations of Trees to Capture Atmospheric PM10.5 and PM2.5: A Study on 11 Selected Tropical Roadside Tree Species in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Roadside trees can increase the surface roughness of the ground and reduce wind speeds and provide considerable amount of time for pollutants like Particulate Matter (PM) to be blocked and filtered. This study was designed with the objective of understanding the most effective tree species to accumulate outdoor atmospheric PM10.5 and PM2.5. As a specific objective of the study, which is to understand this phenomenon in a tropical urban setting, 11 street tree species which are frequently distributed in roadsides of Colombo Municipal Council, Sri Lanka were selected; Tectona grandis (Teak), Cassia fistula (Ehala), Terminalia catappa (Kottamba), Polyalthia longifolia (False Ashoka), Plumeria obtusa (Araliya), Madhuca longifolia (Mee), Ficus benjamina var.benjamina (Walu Nuga), Mangifera indica (Mango), Pongamia pinnata (Karanda), Ficus religiosa (Bo), and Acacia pycnantha (Acacia). The study was conducted in two sites as Beddagana wetland forest; the least polluted site and busy roadsides of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Kolonnawa and Colombo Municipal Council; the highly polluted site. PM10.5 and PM2.5 trapped on both surface and wax layer of leaves were measured using a gravimetric method. Leaf micro morphological traits were identified and their abundance were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of the leaves. Standard MANOVA was followed to identify the relationship among each morphological trait and the PM amount. High PM values were recorded inpolluted site. According to the study results it can be concluded that leaf size and leaf shape were the major determinants of capturing PM from the atmosphere. Compared to the other traits considered, only leaf size showed negative correlation with the capturing of both PM10.5 and PM2.5. Although trichomes, hairs, epi-cuticular waxes and texture of leaves showed positiverelationship it can be concluded that they are not crucial properties in immobilizing PM in leaves. Keywords: PM10.5, PM2.5, Leaf micro morphological traits, SEM image

Phytochemical Screening and Antihyperglycemic Activity of Basella rubra

The objective of the present study was phytochemical screening and  antihyperglycemic activity of Aqueous extract of Basella rubra  in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The phytochemical screening of Basella rubra was done by using different methods. Basella rubra is found to contain high levels of the non-enzymic ,enzymic antioxidants, and Phytonutrients it would be effective in treating the diseases caused by free radicals and also in the treatment  of diabetes. The STZ induced diabetic rats are divided into four groups of six animals each. Group I served as Non diabetic control, Group II - Diabetic control, Group III Non-diabetic rats treated with Basella rubra, Group IV Diabetic rats treated with Basella rubra. The Aqueous extract of Basella rubra produced a significant antihyperglycemic (decrease in blood glucose level) effect (

Rögnvaldur Hannesson, Debt, Democracy and the Welfare State: Are Modern Democracies Living on Borrewed Time and Money

Abstract. This book deals with the accumulation of government debt in twenty-two of the richest countries of the world, which has been ongoing since about the mid-1970s. All these countries are welfare states with a large government sector that provides services and transfers purchasing power to the perceived needy, although some countries are more ambitious in this respect than others. The build-up of debt is due to maintaining welfare expenditures beyond what tax revenues allow. But indefinite debt accumulation is not an option. The question is whether the governing elites in democratic countries will shrink from doing what is necessary in fear of losing their electorate, in the end opening the way to unenlightened populists and potential usurpers.Keywords. Dept, Democracy, Welfare State.JEL. D60, F34, I30, H60, P00

Work based learning in intercultural settings: a model in practice

As part of an MA in Intercultural Business Communication at the University of Central Lancashire, we offer a taught module with a work placement that exists within a multicultural context. As part of this process, students must work towards completing two practical assessments, a project presented in a report format and a reflective essay. Our aim is to raise the international employment profile of our students by undertaking a professional intercultural work placement that will enhance their skill set through a guided process, from job search, to a critical reflection, to a final report of the project