Biochar, a carbon-rich product derived from the biomass pyrolysis process, has emerged as a promising and sustainable soil amendment with the potential to enhance rice cultivation while mitigating environmental issues such as soil deterioration, nutrient depletion and greenhouse gas emission. In this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) principles were followed to ensure methodological consistency and transparency. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to include studies published from 2013 to 2024, using major research databases. Relevant research and review papers were thematically grouped to highlight the patterns, outcomes, and research gaps related to the use of biochar in rice production systems. These studies and the variables measured were used to achieve the objectives of the review. This review paper emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of biochar application on rice farming, focusing on its role in enhancing soil physical and chemical properties, nutrient retention, and overall crop productivity. The application of biochar significantly improves soil structure by increasing soil aggregation, enhancing water-holding capacity and aeration. Additionally, biochar increases the capacity exchange of the soil, which reduces nutrient leaching and enhances the availability of essential nutrients such as silicon (Si), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P). Moreover, the application of biochar plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide and methane. Changes in microbial activity, nitrogen cycling, immobilization of heavy metals and nutrient use efficiency are also beneficial effects of biochar application. However, further research on biochar properties application rate and types for different soil types and rice varieties, and effects on long-term application effects in required to maximize the positive effects of biochar use in rice farming.

Keywords :  Biochar, Greenhouse gases, Rice, Soil alteration, Sustainability

The global coronavirus challenge has accelerated vaccination implementation. Though these vaccines have strengthened immune defenses, reported side effects have increased public concern. The expeditious dissemination of the coronavirus and its ability to propagate prior to the manifestation of symptoms have rendered immunization against it a worldwide predicament in the twenty-first century. Scientists have developed multiple vaccinations that efficiently enhance the immune system’s ability to protect against the virus. Nevertheless, a rise in adverse occurrences linked to the side effects of vaccinations, whether due to chance or casual observation, could potentially jeopardize the public’s willingness to embrace immunizations. Therefore, it is imperative to carry out a comprehensive investigation into adverse occurrences associated with immunizations. Analyzing reported data can yield intriguing insights into the occurrences of adverse events related to vaccination. By employing the star model on a selected dataset, we consider several factors such as mortality rates, hospital admissions, gender distribution, immunization types, and fatalities, with particular attention given to vulnerable social populations. This approach provides further insights into adverse events for those who have already been categorized as high-risk. The experiment yields significant findings indicating that Pfizer has greater efficacy in females compared to males, while the Moderna vaccine demonstrates superior effectiveness in males relative to females. Furthermore, the comprehensive dataset demonstrates a higher likelihood of male fatalities compared to female fatalities, accompanied by a significant recovery rate of 76.4% subsequent to immunization, and no adverse effects were documented. These findings provide crucial data for formulating focused preventative and control strategies aimed at halting the epidemic and mitigating unexpected societal damage

Keywords: Data warehousing, VAERS, Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, Covid-19 Vaccination, Adverse, Covid-19, Analytical System

Journal Title : Journal of Technology and Value Addition

Volume : 7

Issue : 1

Page  : 42 – 56

Correspondence :   geethika@sjp.ac.lk

Understanding the factors influencing parental perceptions and adherence to Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) is essential for improving nutrition and health awareness in Sri Lanka. This study examines these factors within the Colombo district, revealing that adherence remains low despite the Ministry of Health’s introduction of FBDGs in 2021. Data was collected from 252 participants through a self-administered questionnaire assessing perceptions of FBDGs, awareness programs, social support, and family involvement. Reliability analysis showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.849), and sample adequacy was confirmed (KMO = 0.752). Factor analysis identified four key latent factors: Family Support and Social Participation (FSSP), Community Awareness and Social Participation (CASP), Parental Encouragement and Social Promotion (PESP), and Perceived Ease and Utility (PEPU). FSSP had the highest mean score (4.20), highlighting the crucial role of family support, while CASP had the lowest (3.02), reflecting the limited effectiveness of community awareness programs. GLM analysis revealed significant relationships between demographic factors and these variables. Age significantly influenced CASP (p = 0.049) and PESP (p = 0.006), while education level affected FSSP (p = 0.021) and CASP (p = 0.026). Household income impacted FSSP (p = 0.002), CASP (p = 0.043), and PEPU (p = 0.001), with family type significantly affecting FSSP (p = 0.027). These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to enhance community awareness, improve access to dietary information, and consider demographic factors to strengthen food literacy and adherence to FBDGs for better public health outcomes in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Community awareness, Family Support, Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, Food Literacy, Parental perceptions