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The University of Sri Jayewardenepura proudly showcased its talent and innovation at the prestigious Arduino Challenge, part of the “Challenge Sphere” competition series organized by the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society of SLTC. This highly competitive event, which drew nearly 40 teams from various institutions, aimed to discover Arduino-based solutions to combat climate change using a limited set of components. Each team strived to present the most innovative and effective ideas, demonstrating their creativity and technical prowess in addressing one of the most pressing global issues.

Representing the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, four teams from the Electronic and Embedded System combination participated in this challenge. These teams, driven by creativity and a commitment to addressing real-world problems, proposed and constructed groundbreaking projects that stood out among their peers.

Out of nearly 40 groups that participated in the Arduino Challenge, all four teams from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura were selected as top 10 finalists, a remarkable achievement that highlights their innovation and technical expertise. Among these talented teams, Team Forsaken stood out with their exceptional project, ultimately earning them the prestigious position of 2nd Runners-up in the competition. This accomplishment reflects not only the team’s dedication and creativity but also the high standards of excellence upheld by the university’s Electronic and Embedded System program.

Self-Sustaining Greenhouse

Team Forsaken – Kasun Ukwattage, Dinusha Godage, Yasara Nawarathna

Urban areas, which house more than half of the world’s population, contribute significantly to the global carbon footprint. The high concentration of buildings, vehicles, and industrial activities in cities leads to substantial energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed solution was to build automated greenhouses. Which will create an environment where plants can grow without human supervision. Technologies such as control systems, signal processing, data acquisition were used in order to provide the optimal conditions for the prototype. This innovation paves the way to a more sustainable future by shoring up urban agriculture, enlarging conservatories and even protecting endangered plants.

Temperature Controlled Mushroom Planting Room using Automated Solar Tracking System

Team Solar Surge – Devindi Manage, Heshan Tharuka, Shashith Saputhanthri

In response to the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on agriculture, Team Solar Surge developed a sustainable solution that harnesses renewable energy to optimize agricultural productivity. Their project integrates a solar tracking system that maximizes sunlight capture to power an energy-efficient mushroom planting house. By regulating the temperature and humidity within the planting room, this system ensures optimal growing conditions while minimizing reliance on fossil fuels. This innovative approach not only addresses the challenges of climate change but also promotes sustainable agriculture.

Hexagon Plantation Unit

Team Hyper – Nehan De Silva, Janith Shehara, Gysni Sawbagya

Team Hyper’s project focuses on the critical role of bees in agriculture and environmental preservation. They designed an automatic bee control unit that not only protects bees but also enhances plant pollination. The system creates a controlled environment that automatically adjusts temperature, humidity, light quality, and soil moisture to support both bees and plants. Additionally, it uses sound waves of specific frequencies to attract bees, facilitating their role in pollination and honey production. This project demonstrates a harmonious blend of technology and nature, aiming to protect bees and support sustainable agriculture.

Balancing Indoor and Outdoor Lighting for Energy Efficiency

Team Bright Sense – Dinura Kumarasinghe, Janidu Navod

Team Bright Sense tackled the issue of energy efficiency in households by developing an intelligent lighting control system. Their project dynamically balances indoor lighting with natural outdoor light, reducing electricity consumption and promoting energy conservation. The system uses sensors to monitor light intensity, temperature, and human presence, allowing it to make real-time adjustments to indoor lighting. By optimizing the use of natural light and incorporating energy-efficient LED bulbs, this project contributes to climate change mitigation and sustainable living.

The University of Sri Jayewardenepura congratulates all four teams for their remarkable achievements. Their success at the Arduino Challenge not only highlights the potential of our students but also reinforces the importance of fostering creativity and innovation in addressing global challenges. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of these talented individuals in the field of electronics and embedded systems.

In a significant gesture of support towards the development of future scientists, engineers and innovators, Mr. Anuradha Fernando (DevOps Eng., Apple), an esteemed alumnus (99/2000) of the Department of Physics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, has made a generous donation to the Electronics and Embedded Systems program. The donation includes a wide array of valuable resources such as electronic items, books, development boards, and other essential equipment, providing a substantial boost to the program.

The donated items are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the learning experience of undergraduates enrolled in the program. With access to these advanced resources, students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, explore cutting-edge technologies, and develop practical skills that are vital in the field of electronics and embedded systems.

The Department of Physics expressed its profound gratitude for Mr. Fernando’s generosity, noting that the donated items will significantly enhance the program’s resources. Faculty members highlighted that this support will enable them to offer a more comprehensive and enriched curriculum, allowing students to undertake more complex projects and research initiatives.

Students of the Electronics and Embedded Systems program have also expressed their excitement and appreciation for the new resources. Many believe that this donation will open up new avenues for learning and experimentation, giving them the confidence to tackle real-world challenges and innovate in their future careers.

The department expressed deep gratitude for Mr. Fernando’s support, noting that the donation will enrich the curriculum and empower students to tackle more complex projects. This act of generosity highlights the strong bond between alumni and their alma mater, and its lasting impact on the education of future scientists.

Dr. Malkanthi Ilangakoon, currently residing in the USA, visited the Department of Physics on July 8th. During her visit, she met with the current staff and toured the laboratories. She was accompanied by Prof. Tantrigoda, Emeritus Professor of the Department and Chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka, and Dr. Sriya Kularatne from the Zoology Department, a close friend of Dr. Ilangakoon.

Dr. Ilangakoon was the first female assistant lecturer hired by the Department of Physics at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. After her departure, Prof. Tantrigoda also served as an Assistant Lecturer. The visit provided an opportunity for recent graduates and staff to connect, as they listened to stories shared by Dr. Ilangakoon and Prof. Tantrigoda about the Department’s early days.

Prof. Tantrigoda recalled the challenging conditions back then—there were no proper electricity or waterworks, and the blackboard had to be propped up with chairs due to the absence of a stand. The Department lacked benches, so students had to use chairs with attached stands for writing. Despite these humble beginnings, the Department has made remarkable progress, especially considering that the laboratories once had only two working sodium lamps for optics practicals.

In a groundbreaking initiative at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Apeksha Hospital Maharagama, Jpura undergraduate Lakmila Swarnajith, from the Department of Physics at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has spearheaded the development of an automated system for LINAC machine calibration support. This project, named the LINAC Machine Output Calibration Support App, promises to revolutionize the efficiency of cancer treatment processes, saving crucial time for patient care.

Swarnajith carried out this project for his internship as part of the honors degree in Physics program at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Under the guidance of esteemed professionals, Swarnajith received mentorship from Head of the department, Prof. Shantha Gamage, and other staff members from the Department of Physics at the University. From the hospital side, Chief Medical physicist Athula Kumara, Medical physicist Sampath Madushan, and Lakitha Ruwinda provided invaluable support and expertise during the development phase.

Recognizing the pressing need for enhanced efficiency in LINAC machine calibration, Swarnajith dedicated himself to creating a solution that would streamline the process and alleviate delays in patient treatments. Prior to the development of this app, physicists at the NCI relied on manual calculations using MS Excel sheets, followed by the preparation of handwritten reports. This outdated method not only consumed valuable time but also introduced the possibility of errors. With the introduction of the LINAC Machine Output Calibration Support App, the cumbersome manual process has been replaced by a seamless digital solution.

Powered by Visual Basic .Net and the MS .Net framework, this Windows-based application simplifies calculations, eliminates the need for manual parameter retrieval, and automates report generation in PDF format. One of the key features of the app is its ability to access machine parameters from a centralized database, significantly reducing the time required for calibration. Moreover, users have the flexibility to edit the machine database, ensuring adaptability for use in various hospital settings.

The impact of Swarnajith ‘s innovation has been immediate and profound. Physicists at the NCI have embraced the app with enthusiasm, citing its user-friendly interface and time-saving capabilities. The positive feedback underscores the importance of leveraging technology to enhance cancer care processes. It is worth noting that Swarnajith ‘s project was driven by a deep sense of commitment to cancer patients. By optimizing the calibration process, he has contributed to expediting treatment procedures and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Swarnajith ‘s LINAC Machine Output Calibration Support App stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between academia and healthcare professionals. Developed on the Visual Basic .Net platform utilizing the MS.NET framework, this innovative solution not only reflects Sri Lanka’s prowess in technological innovation but also serves as a beacon of hope for cancer patients and caregivers worldwide. Jpura Undergraduate Develops Innovative LINAC Machine Calibration Support App for National Cancer Institute (NCI), Apeksha Hospital Maharagama