University of Peradeniya

About: University of Peradeniya is a education organization based out in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 5970 authors who have published 7388 publications receiving 197002 citations.

Temporal variability of forest communities: empirical estimates of population change in 4000 tree species

Abstract: Long-term surveys of entire communities of species are needed to measure fluctuations in natural populations and elucidate the mechanisms driving population dynamics and community assembly. We analysed changes in abundance of over 4000 tree species in 12 forests across the world over periods of 6-28 years. Abundance fluctuations in all forests are large and consistent with population dynamics models in which temporal environmental variance plays a central role. At some sites we identify clear environmental drivers, such as fire and drought, that could underlie these patterns, but at other sites there is a need for further research to identify drivers. In addition, cross-site comparisons showed that abundance fluctuations were smaller at species-rich sites, consistent with the idea that stable environmental conditions promote higher diversity. Much community ecology theory emphasises demographic variance and niche stabilisation; we encourage the development of theory in which temporal environmental variance plays a central role.

Cassava leaves as animal feed: Potential and limitations

Abstract: The nutrient composition and potential productivity of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves are examined, and their usefulness as a protein supplement in animal nutrition in the tropics is reviewed. On average, meal prepared from cassava leaves contains (on a dry matter basis) 210 g kg−1 crude protein, 250 g kg−1 acid detergent fibre, 85 g kg−1 ash, 14.5 g kg−1 calcium and 4.5 g kg−1 phosphorus. Cassava leaf protein is well balanced, except for a deficiency of sulphur-containing amino acids. The presence of hydrocyanic acid and tannins is considered, but a leaf meal with low levels of these anti-nutritional factors may be prepared using simple processing techniques. The most immediate prospects for the use of cassava leaf products are in the following areas: (i) low level inclusion of leaf meal in feed formulations for monogastric animals, and (ii) fresh forage as a protein supplement to low-quality roughages in ruminant feeding. Relevant future research needs are also identified.

Comparison of lossless data compression algorithms for text data

Abstract: Data compression is a common requirement for most of the computerized applications. There are number of data compression algorithms, which are dedicated to compress different data formats. Even for a single data type there are number of different compression algorithms, which use different approaches. This paper examines lossless data compression algorithms and compares their performance. A set of selected algorithms are examined and implemented to evaluate the performance in compressing text data. An experimental comparison of a number of different lossless data compression algorithms is presented in this paper. The article is concluded by stating which algorithm performs well for text data.