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Abstract

Hydraulic ram pumps utilize the kinetic energy of flowing water to pump a portion of that water to a higher elevation without requiring any external power source, making them an efficient and sustainable technology. They operate by the principle of water hammer effect, where a sudden closure of a valve creates a high pressure that drives water through a one-way valve into an elevated storage tank. This technology is particularly valuable in remote or off-grid areas, providing a reliable water supply using only the natural energy present in flowing water.  

Profile:

Mr. E. M. Ranathunga recently finished his PhD in Engineering from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna.  He also completed his M.Phil. degree in Applied physics, and a Bachelor of Science Honors in Physics at the University of Ruhuna. He has been working as a senior lecturer at the department of physics, UoR since 2010.

His research interests focus on designing and fabricating automated equipment for real world applications and developing underlying theoretical foundations. He has several international publications and owns a patent issued in 2008 for an automated Hopper Making Machine. He received awards from the President's Awards for the best invention in 2008 and the Vice Chancellors for the most outstanding inventor in 2009. His most recent invention was a solar-powered water distillation system with a parabolic trough reflector and a solar tracking system, whose theoretical foundation is described by computational fluid dynamics, is currently being considered for use in the commercial sphere.

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Abstract:
The Univariate Hawkes Process, developed by Alan Hawkes in 1971, is a fundamental mathematical model for analyzing and predicting sequences where one event significantly influences subsequent events. we explore the mathematical underpinnings of the Univariate Hawkes Process and its broad applications across various fields such as finance, social media, seismology, and crime analysis.
We begin by introducing foundational concepts of point processes and counting processes. A point process is described as an increasing sequence of random times at which events occur, while a counting process records the number of events up to a specific time. Understanding the interplay between these processes is crucial for effectively modeling the temporal dynamics of events.
The Hawkes Process is notable for its self-exciting property, where the occurrence of one event probabilistically triggers additional events. This dynamic is quantitatively expressed through the conditional intensity function of the Univariate Hawkes Process. We further explore the components and properties of the Hawkes Process, including the background rate, triggering effect, decay rate, and response function. Special emphasis is placed on the exponential decay function, which vividly captures the aftermath of events and the gradual diminution of their probability impact over time. Alternative response functions such as the power-law decay function, Rayleigh function, and bi-exponential function allow the modeling of more intricate decay profiles.
Moreover, to illustrate the practical versatility of the Hawkes Process, various real-world applications and case studies are presented, including high-frequency trading, viral content spread on social media, aftershocks following major earthquakes, and patterns of gang violence. The advantages of the Hawkes Process in mathematics include analytical tractability, flexibility in modelling, robust parameter estimation, interdisciplinary applications, enhanced predictive accuracy, and mathematical elegance. By exploring the mathematical foundations of the Univariate Hawkes Process and its applications, this work aims to enhance understanding of self-exciting processes and their role in modelling complex real-world phenomena. 

Profile:

Dr. Devindi Rajapaksha earned her PhD in Mathematics from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Texas Tech University, USA. She also has a Master's degree in Statistics from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Dr. Rajapaksha will start her career as an Assistant Professor of Statistics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, USA.

Her primary research interests lie in the vast domain of Mathematics, with a keen focus on Statistics, Time Series Analysis and Data Analysis. Drawn to real-world problems, she employs statistical and mathematical methodologies to uncover latent patterns, decipher trends, and weave narratives from intricate data. Her ultimate aspiration is to translate these findings into actionable insights that can significantly influence data-informed decision-making processes.

 

 

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Career Talk 01

What does your future hold? Have you thought of a specialty that you want to pursue?

Join our session to discuss the different factors that you may want to consider and hopefully assist you in envisioning your career path!

Discover Your Future!

Mr. Asiri Soysa, Quality Engineer @ Vitrafy Life Sciences, Australia

Date: 22nd Wednesday, 05, 2024
Time: 12noon-1.00pm

Zoom link: https://learn.zoom.us/j/94695368691?pwd=VFFtcE0rM2E4OGpQK1E5ZTM5OUI3UT09


Meeting ID: 946 9536 8691
Passcode: gsMDR2.v

Organized by
The Department of Mathematics
University of Kelaniya

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Session of presenting Senate Awards and Cash Prizes to appreciate the researchers at the University of Kelaniya was held on the 25th of April 2024 at the Senate Room of the university.

Researchers whose papers were published in internationally recognized journals were appreciated and the Senate Awards and Cash Prizes were awarded to the researchers by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya. Moreover, the Deans of the Faculties, Heads of the Departments, and members of the Senate graced the event.

Mr. Jayantha Munasinghe and Dr. L. P. N. D. Premarathna were the awardees from the Department of Mathematics.

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Professor Bivudutta Mishra, Professor of Mathematics and Associate Dean for International Porgrammes and Collaboration called upon the Vice Chancellor Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva on 26th March 2024 at the Office of the Vice Chancellor.

It was revealed that BTIS offers doctoral fellowships to foreign students and recruitment of foreign faculty in several disciplines is available. A cultural exchange programme of two weeks duration is also offered to overseas undergraduates. Present at the occasion were Senior Professor Neelakshi C. Premawardhena, Diretcor, Centre for International Affairs and Ms. Kaveesha Hettiarachchi, Coordinator, International Cooperation.

Following the meeting with the Vice Chancellor Professor Mishra visited the Department of Mathematics and held a discussion with the academic staff. A colloquium to present the results of research conducted by Prof. Mishra was held at the Department of Mathematics for staff and students organized by the Head of Department Dr. Nadeeka Premarathna.

The visit was coordinated by the Centre for International Affairs.

https://news.kln.ac.lk/index.php/updates/news/1918-visit-from-birla-institute-of-technology-and-science-bits-pilani-india

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“ Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”. — B.B. King 

'Vidya Prabha' O/L Science exhibition organized by WP/ Ke/ Udupila Weera Vijayaba Maha Vidyalaya was held on 15th December 2023. Mathematics Students' Society of University of Kelaniya also became a part of this exhibition and helped in improving students' math knowledge. By incorporating real-life situations, using games and puzzles, encouraging collaboration and competition, using technology, incorporating real-world examples, using manipulatives, and making math fun, MSS help students understand and enjoy math.

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