http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/7340 This community contains all other publications produced by the University Academic Members. 2026-08-08T21:21:11Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/21550 Assessing the effectiveness of academic library services: A review on the formulation of a feasible conceptual framework Ajith, J.A.; Ramanayaka, K.H.; Weerasooriya, W.A. With the rapid development of internet technology and the gradually accelerating rate of information technology, library systems are progressively transforming into hybrid library systems that provide services from traditional and electronic means. For insightful planning toward a strong service to the community, there is a need to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of library services. Based on this requirement, the purpose of this study is to determine the criteria and their measuring indicators that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of modern academic library services by reviewing related studies found in the literature, and then build a conceptual framework. A comprehensive literature review related to library service effectiveness was conducted to identify, determine and suggest scientific evaluation criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of academic library services. The study revealed that User Satisfaction, Collection Development, Management and Staff Contributions, Service Efficiency, and Accessibility, were the top key evaluation criteria used or cited in the related works. Three or more indicator categories for each criterion have been identified, and the measurable indicators consisted of Likert-type questions on a five-point rating scale that can be used to measure indicator categories. Finally, the conceptual framework for assessing academic library service effectiveness has been developed based on these criteria and their measurement indicators. The study has presented a framework of service effectiveness, including assessment criteria and measurement indicators that can be used to evaluate modern hybrid academic libraries. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/21498 Improvement of the performance of recycled concrete powder-based artificial aggregates through the acceleration carbonation effect induced by polyethyleneimine admixture Shuqing, Tao; Qijun, Yu; Yang, Yu; Appuhamy, J.M.Ruwan S. Abstract Manufactured sand, recycled concrete powder, and cement were used as raw materials to produce recycled concrete powder-based artificial aggregates (RCP-AA) via cold-bonding granulation technology. The effects of curing methods and polyethyleneimine (PEI) dosage on the macro performance and microstructure of RCP-AA were analyzed. The recycled concrete powder contains a small number of active substances that can react with CO₂ to form CaCO3, thereby enhancing the performance of the artificial aggregates. Additionally, the secondary and tertiary amine groups in PEI molecules react with CO₂ to promote the carbonation process and form carbonates. This process not only improves carbonation efficiency under milder conditions, reducing the dependence on high CO₂ concentrations and pressure, but also significantly enhances the microstructure and performance of the aggregates. The results showed that carbonation and PEI addition significantly increased aggregate density, reduced water absorption, and enhanced single particle strength by promoting CaCO3 formation and improving the microstructure. Specially, the water absorption of RCP-AA reduced from 13.9 % to 9.8 %, and the early strength reached 3.07 MPa at an 8 % PEI dosage. Microstructural characterization further confirmed the effects of carbonation, showing a reduction in Ca(OH)2 content, an increase in CaCO3 formation, significant pore structure optimization, and improved carbonation efficiency and structural uniformity. The maximum CaCO3 generation occurred within the PEI dosage range of 8–12 %, while a 16 % dosage hindered carbonation due to the formation of overly dense polymer films. Considering both performance and practical applicability, an 8 % PEI dosage was recommended as the optimal level for improving the structure and mechanical properties of RCP-AA. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the preparation and curing of sustainable building materials, with the proposed method not only enhancing material performance but also offering significant potential for promoting the application of low-carbon, green materials, thereby supporting the construction industry's environmental sustainability. 2025-06-13T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/21487 A Review on Novel Approaches to Enhance Sound Absorbing Performance Using Textile Fibers Madushika, J.W.A.; Lanarolle, W.D.G. Fibreglass, foam, mineral fibres and their composites are the conventional materials used in applica tions that require absorption of sound. However, due to the health risks associated with the traditional materials, textile fibrous structures are becoming a valid alternative in spite of their comparatively lower sound absorption properties. The existing textile structures and textile structures specifically modified physically or chemically to enhance sound absorption properties have been experimented for better performance in sound-related properties. The fibres have been chemically modified using plasma treatments and alkali treatments, while microfibres, nanofibres, hollow fibres, bicomponent fibres, crimp fibres and aerogel-treated fibres are produced to modify the physical structures of fibres. The basic principle employed in these fibre modifications to enhance sound absorption is the increase of energy dissipation by increasing the fibre surface area, fibre roughness and tortuosity of the mater ial. This article critically reviews the techniques of modifying the fibrous structures to enhance sound absorption properties and their effectiveness. The sound absorption coefficient of natural fibres can be enhanced up to 0.9 in mid and high frequencies by alkali treatments, while the sound absorption coefficients of microfibres, hollow fibres, bicomponent fibres and nanofibres significantly higher than regular fibres. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.lib.ruh.ac.lk/handle/iruor/21486 Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Acoustic Properties of Knitted Fabrics Backed by an Air Cavity Madushika, J.W.A.; Wijerathne, J.K.; Lanarolle, W.D.G. Noise pollution has become a critical issue in the modern world of ever-increasing industries and machinery. Noise should be controlled due to the physical and psychological health effects associated with noise. Textiles as lightweight and cost-effective porous structures have received increasing interest for acoustic controlling applications. In-room acoustics, knitted fabrics represent a strong source of innovation due to drapability and aesthetic appearance. However, in general, the sound absorption performance of knitted fabrics is relatively low. Therefore, the primary goal of this work is to enhance sound absorption by introducing an air gap between the fabric and a solid wall. The diffuse incident sound absorption coefficient of knitted fabrics was mathematically modeled and simulated using basic equations of fluid dynamics where the fabric is acoustically described by its porosity, thickness, density and airflow resistivity. The air gap varied from 10 to 25 mm in 5 mm increments. Modeling predictions were compared with the experimental data obtained from the literature for sound absorption of knitted fabrics. The modeling predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data for different values of air gap thicknesses. The simulation results indicated that when the air layer thickness increases, the sound absorption coefficient of knitted fabrics increases significantly at low frequencies. The peak value of the sound absorption coefficient moves in the direction of a lower frequency. The sound absorption coefficient reached a maximum value of 0.45 at a resonance frequency equivalent to the quarter wavelength of the air layer thickness. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z