iPURSE 2019

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Evaluating genetic resources of an endemic wild rice species, oryza rhizomatis vaughan
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Abhayagunasekara, A. V. C.; Pushpakumara, D. K. N. G.; Samarasinghe, W. L. G.; Bandaranayake, P. C. G.
Oryza rhizomatis (Vaughan) is an endemic wild relative of cultivated rice reported only from some isolated habitats in Sri Lanka. It is a perennial species with a clear rhizome and a thick root system. While genetic resources of some wild Oryza are incorporated in breeding programs, no such reports are available on O. rhizomatis. Characterization of existing germplasm is the primary step in such efforts. This study report morphological and molecular characterizations of existing O. rhizomatis germplasm, their drought tolerance and brown plant hopper (BPH) resistance. Fourteen O. rhizomatis accessions collected from an Island-wide survey were maintained under the controlled environmental conditions and assessed using 31 morphological characters including floral traits and yield parameters. Interestingly, the existing germplasm is morphologically diverse and even some samples collected from the nearby locations were considerably different from each other. Morphological differences could differentiate the O. rhizomatis accessions collected from North Western, North Central and Yala National Park of Sri Lanka. The same germplasm was assessed with twenty Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) primer sets and polymorphic Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) regions to assess genetic diversity. A pot experiment was carried out to test drought tolerance, by giving drought stress at the panicle initiation stage of the plant. Interestingly, the drought tolerance ability of the germplasm varied and three accessions collected from Puttalam district (two from DL1b and one from DL1f zone) were more drought tolerant than the others. The honeydew test was performed against BPH and all the accessions were resistant to BPH attack compared to the currently used resistant check variety, Ptb 33. These findings suggest possibility of utilizing O. rhizomatis genetic resources for defeating water scarcity and BPH damage in rice cultivation.
Interference of elevated serum bilirubin in serum creatinine estimation by Jaffe method and enzymatic method
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2019-09-12) Wickramarathne, W. R. S.; Dharmapala, A.; Dissanayaka, A. M. S. D. M.
Diseases related to the liver and kidney are encountered widely. Especially kidney disease is a major health problem in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, many studies have been conducted to determine the interfering substances on Jaffe method and enzymatic method in determining the serum creatinine level. Serum bilirubin has been explored as an interfering substance. However, the results have been inconclusive. The study aimed to determine whether there is an association between elevated serum bilirubin levels and creatinine levels, or whether serum bilirubin contributes to an error which affects the laboratory techniques. This analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted among 49 patients with elevated serum bilirubin levels at teaching hospitals Peradeniya and Kandy. A venous blood sample was obtained from the patients. Measurement of serum bilirubin and creatinine levels before and after photolysis were performed by Indiko clinical chemistry analyzer. Photolysis procedure was performed to reduce the high serum bilirubin levels to more physiological levels. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test indicated that the median post-photolysis test ranks were statistically significantly higher than the median pre-photolysis test ranks by the Jaffe method (Z= 5.959, P < 0.005). Moreover, the median post-photolysis test ranks were statistically significantly higher than the median pre-photolysis test ranks by the enzymatic method (Z= 5.595, P < 0.005). The correlation coefficient (r) for bilirubin concentration and creatinine concentration by Jaffe method before photolysis was -0.398, p= 0.005. The r for bilirubin concentration and creatinine concentration by enzymatic method before photolysis was -0.342, P= 0.016. Both correlations were statistically significant negative correlations. In present study elevated serum bilirubin levels had statistically significant interferences on both Jaffe and enzymatic method. By considering the mean differences, mean difference by Jaffe method was higher than enzymatic method. Therefore, it is recommended that enzymatic method may be used in measuring serum creatinine in patients with hyperbilirubinemia.
Investigation of applicable and cost effective culture medium for In-vitro sub culturing of anthurium ‘Lady Jane’
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Kapilarathne, P. G. C. H. K.; Herath, H. M. I.; Dahanayake, N.
Anthurium ‘Lady Jane’ is popular as an indoor potted plant and as a cut flower. Micro- propagation is widely used for production of higher number of healthy plantlets within short time period for large scale commercial production. However, high costs associated with distilled water and agar are major drawbacks in micro-propagation. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify low cost alternatives for agar and distilled water and preferable culture media states. Murashige & Skoog (MS) basal medium with Benzylaminopurine (BAP) (1mg/1mL) used for all experiments. Six- month old ‘Lady Jane’ plantlets grown in-vitro were used as explants and data were recorded at three-week intervals up to two months. Distilled water (control), tap water, rain water and ground water were used as water sources for experiment. Agar (8 g/L), Sago (120 g/L), Semolina (90 g/L), kithul flour {Caryota urens} (90 g/L), Corn flour (90 g/L), Agar (4 g/L) + Sago (60 g/L), Agar (4 g/L) + Semolina (45 g/L), Agar (4 g/L) + Kithul flour (45 g/L) and Agar (4 g/L) + Corn flour (45 g/L) were used as gelling agents for experiment two. Liquid medium (without agar) and solid medium (with agar) were used as experiment three. The experimental units were arranged according to Completely Randomized Design and the data were analyzed by SAS (Version 9.3.1.) soft-ware. Media prepared using rain water significantly increased plant height (3.4±0.04 cm), number of leaves (15.9) and number of plantlets (20.6) when compared to the control (3.0±0.04 cm, 11.9, 7.5) respectively. Plants with the medium with kithul flour and corn flour showed significantly increased plant height (3.8±0.02 cm), (3.6±0.03 cm) and number of leaves (12.9), (12.9) respectively than the control (3.0±0.02 cm, 12.8). Plants grown in agar + kithul flour showed significantly increased plant height (3.6±0.03 cm) compared to control (3.0±0.02 cm). Liquid medium showed a significantly higher plant height (3.1±0.03 cm), number of leaves (13.7) and number of plantlets (11.9) than solid medium. Rain water showed 100% cost reduction and corn flour showed 85.3% cost reduction for the production of plantlets.
Comparing the acceptance of two types of videos (recorded vs animated) on breast cancer education among Sri Lankans
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Lakmal, A. P. K.; Fernando, V.; Viduranga, V.; Manathunga, K.; Amarathunga, A.; Jayawardena, J. A. C. K.
Good health education videos are necessary for motivation of viewers to change their behaviour. Aim of the present study is to compare the acceptance of animated video vs recorded video on breast cancer education using two methods. In the first method, pre-test were given for 44 female non-academic members of the university in a computer lab. Participants were randomly divided into two groups and they were allowed to see either animated or recorded video followed by a post-test. The videos were swapped among the two groups. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived intension to use and perceived satisfaction about two types of videos were investigated using Google forms. In the second method, both videos were published via social media for 14 days. Video performances and viewers’ responses were analysed using Facebook and YouTube analytics. First method showed a significant difference between pre-test and post-test marks: (Animated= 56.86 ±19.84; 96.08 ±5.63; p < 0.001, Recorded= 61.37 ±18.85; 96.81 ±5.25; p <0.001 ). No difference was noted in the knowledge gain between two groups. When the acceptance for two videos were compared using Mann-Whitney test statistically significant differences (p< 0.001) were noticed: animated video vs recorded video; perceived usefulness: 7.57 ±1.96 vs 8.61 ±1.57, perceived ease of use: 8.12 ±1.78 vs 9.08 ±1.21, perceived intention to use: 7.19 ±2.21 vs 8.14 ±2.1, perceived satisfaction of the layout and presentation: 7.11 ± 2.12 vs 7.99 ±2.01). The social media analytics indicated that the most highly watched (73.32%) and favourite video was the recorded video. Facebook was the most viewed social media (12968 viewers). Significantly higher favourable responses were received to the recorded video than animated video. These results indicate that participants preferred recorded video compared to animated video and this should be considered during development of health education videos.
Seroprevalence of dengue and chikungunya in healthy individuals of Kandy district - Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Edirisinghe, L. E. A. D. A.; Mahakapuge, T. A. N.; Karunathilake, K. J. K.; Ambagaspitiya, G. G. A. T.; Kularatne, S. A. M.; Rajapakse, R. P. V. J.
Dengue and chikungunya are two vector-borne diseases which are commonly reported in Sri Lanka due to favourable environmental conditions and abundance of its vector, the Aedes mosquito. Asymptomatic exposure to dengue and chikungunya viruses in 454 healthy individuals of Kandy district, Sri Lanka during January to June 2018 were evaluated using commercially available ELISA kits. Subjects were selected from villages where patients were hospitalized during the previous year due to confirmed dengue infections. Since both diseases have the same vector and similar manifestations, seroprevalence studies will be useful in assessing susceptible groups and the potential for future outbreaks. Of the study group, 63.2% (287/454) were seropositive for dengue IgG indicating past asymptomatic exposure to the virus and 4% (18/454) were seropositive for dengue IgM indicating recent asymptomatic exposure. The highest percentage of 80% positivity (41/51) to dengue IgG was observed in the 51-60 year age group. The highest prevalence of dengue IgM was detected in the 21-30 year age group. Overall, 18.1% (82/454) were positive for anti-chikungunya IgG and 1.3% (6/454) were positive for anti- chikungunya IgM. Since anti-chikungnya IgG provides long-term immunity to the disease, only 18.1% will be safe during a future outbreak of the disease. Therefore, a high percentage of individuals in Kandy district may be at risk of developing chikungunya in the future. In this study group, 13.43% (61/454) had dual positivity for both dengue and chikungunya IgG, indicating exposure to both diseases. Interestingly, 74.39% (61/82) of the subjects who were positive for chikungunya IgG were also positive for dengue IgG and only 21.25% (61/287) of those positive for dengue IgG were positive for chikungunya IgG.
Evaluation of Ground source cooling potential for Batticaloa, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2019-09-12) Suganya, E.; Ariyawansha, R. T. K.; Ganepitiya, G. G. S. M.; Basnayake, B. F. A.
Ground source for cooling has been identified as a promising technology in dry tropical regions. However, it is not popular in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study was conducted to design a ground source cooling system that can be adopted in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka (Dry zone). The experiment was conducted during July and August, the hottest period of the year for Batticaloa. Thermocouples fixed to a data logger were installed into the soil to obtain the temperature profiles up to 7 m. It was found that the temperature did not vary below 2 m from the surface. The temperature at the water table depth of 7 m was 27 0C. In utilizing this information, the cooling load for a system was designed for a 3 m×3 m×3 m room with the occupation of four people and some electrical equipment. The calculations were based on thermal conductivity determined from experimental and standard values from literature. The highest ambient room temperature was considered as 40 ⁰C. Total cooling load approached a value of 5.2 kW to reduce and maintain the room temperature at 27 ⁰C. Water was used in the calculation as the heat-transfer medium of the system. It requires a flow rate of 2.48 × 10⁻⁴ m³/s with a pump rating of 24.33 W to maintain the required cooling load. It can be obtained from solar power. The copper tube selected for the design of heat exchanger has the dimensions of 0.9 cm inner and 1.14 cm outer diameters and best installed down to 7 m. Flat horizontal tubes are preferred to increase the contact surface area with soil and water filled pores. The application of Arduino-uno could increase the efficiency of the system by optimizing operating conditions. Coupling with pre-existing refrigeration system can boost the efficiency and demand where, we can have varying temperature according to the comfort preferences.
Morphometric analysis of the nasopalatine canal in the Sri Lankan population using cone beam computed tomography
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Jayasinghe, R. M.; Hettiarachchi, P. V. K. S.; Fonseka, M. C. N.; Nanayakkara, D.; Jayasighe, R. D.
Nasopalatine canal (NPC) is an important anatomical structure present in the anterior mid maxilla. It is also described as incisive canal or anterior palatine canal. It is a long slender bony canal which connects the palate to the floor of the nasal cavity. The objective of this study was to identify the morphometeric characteristics of the NPC in a group of Sri Lankan people using Cone beam computer tomography (CBCT). Fifty Maxillary CBCT images of patients in the 21-30 age group having a clear image of anterior maxilla were obtained from the archives of the University Dental Hospital, Peradeniya. They were retrospectively analyzed to determine the position of the NPC. All the images were analyzed for NPC morphology, canal dimension, and its (NPC) relation to the maxilla. Majority had a single or 2 openings (n=47). Average diameter of the canal was 3.69 mm with a range of 2 to 6 mm. Majority of the canals had funnel shape and were vertically curved. Average length of canal was 12.14 mm and angulation of the curvature was 115.69⁰ . Average antero-posterior diameter at nasal fossa was 2.85mm and at mid-palate was 2.36 mm. Within the limits of this study, we conclude that the form of the NPC is variable; predominantly funnel shaped with a single or two openings and with an average diameter of 3.7mm in the sample of Sri Lankan population. Identification of variations in the position and shape in relation to maxillary teeth will help in clinical practice specially in introducing local anesthetic block injections during dental treatment.
Association between perceived stress and the academic performance among undergraduate female students in the University of Peradeniya
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Ekanayake, E. H. M. R. K.; Mudiyanse, R. M.
University students are particularly subjected to stressors. Student can be stressed due to different stressors such as academic, financial and health related issues and female students suffer considerably higher level of stress than male students. Stress is the bodies’ reaction both neurologically and physiologically to adapt to the new condition. Stress can either negatively or positively influence the academic achievement. This study explores the association between perceived stress measured by Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) with current Grade Point Average (GPA), up to previous semester. Scores ranging from 0-13, 14-26 and 27-40 would be considered as low, moderate and high perceived stress. This cross-sectional study conducted among 450 third year undergraduate female students of the University of Peradeniya. Stress level and its correlation with current GPA of the students were analyzed using Pearsons’ correlation analysis. The mean age of the respondents was 23.30(SD ± 0.89). The mean perceived stress score and the GPA were 18.92(SD ± 5.22) and 3.16 (SD± 0.33) respectively. The findings of the study showed that overall, the undergraduate students experienced moderate levels of stress (76.8%). The correlation between perceived stress and the GPA was statistically negative and not significant (r= -0.006, P>0.05). Better stress levels in the Peradeniya compared to local and foreign universities, probably indicating the psychosocial relief provided by this garden university. Although the recent finding shows that undergraduate students were in moderate levels of stress, related research is encouraged to be conducted. This is important for the discovery of the current state of psychological well-being among undergraduate students.
Plato’s poets: are they completely removed from acquiring reality? a close reading of truth acquisition in the divided line of plato’s republic
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Biyanwila, A.
According to Plato, “art corrupts the minds of all who hearken to them, save only those whose knowledge of reality provides an antidote” (595-b) and this shows how Plato saw art as an obstacle to the wellbeing of the mind. This paper is a close reading of The Republic, which shows that the art and the artists/poets of Plato are not corrupt, as he has suggested, and are not completely removed from reality. At the end of Book VI of The Republic (509D-513E), in the Divided Line, Plato says that reality could be acquired with the use of the human intellect but not with the primary senses. The reality or the transcendent truth “relies exclusively on form, a level of intellection that is free from all hypothetical thinking” (510-b). According to Plato, the reality is completely dependent upon rational facts. Moreover, it is clear that the poets who “contrive appearances and not reality” (599-a) rely on hypothetical thinking, fabrications and are unable to attain truth, which is driven by reason. But contradictorily, Plato states, “the acquisition of true knowledge begins with assumptions and hypotheses but rises to a level...that is free from all hypothetical thinking” (510-B). It can be assumed that hypothetical thinking can mark the beginning of rational thought, which acquires truth. Then, it could be concluded that poets who engage in hypothetical thinking are not completely removed from acquiring truth but stand basic in the journey of acquiring reality. Thus, Plato’s poets are not completely removed from acquiring reality.
Internet based apps and social media in supply of agricultural information: a case study
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Liyanage, P. B.; Prasada, D. V. P.
Agriculture needs current and relevant information such as availability of inputs, services, market access, market opportunities, and new technologies. Agricultural information exchanged over social media is an emerging communication pathway in Sri Lanka. It is important to find out the demand for agricultural information shared on the social media sites before evaluating the impact of online information on agricultural productivity. To assess the demand for online agricultural information, two samples of ‘Govipola’ Facebook page users (n=79) and ‘Govipola’ posts (n=149) were selected using simple random sampling. Two statistical models were estimated using the data collected. In Model 1 (i.e. identification of the preference and the satisfaction on the separate agriculture related post types on Facebook), data were collected by using structured questionnaire through an online survey. According to the findings, posts with images with short content are most effective. Previous knowledge on agriculture has the largest effect with a coefficient of 1.694 (p=0.05) for this preference. In Model 2 (i.e. the assessment of demand for agricultural information on social media sites) meta-analytics of the posts shared on Govipola Facebook page were used. The metrics such as lifetime ‘likes’, comments and the ‘shares’ proxy the demand for information on the Govipola Facebook page. ‘Boosting’ shown the highest impact for shares with a coefficient of 5.33 (p=0.05) and moderate impacts on ‘comments’ and ‘likes’ with coefficients of 2.299 (0.05) and 2.127 (0.05), respectively. Agronomic content shows the least impact with a coefficient of - 0.78 (p=0.05). For estimating the relationships, Logistic, Ordered logistic and Poisson regression models were used. Age of the post and request for response in the post displayed positive impacts on the penetration of information.
Financial issues, living conditions and housing issues of an elderly population: a cross-sectional study
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Kaduruwewa, R. M. G. D.; Jayasinghe, C.
Sri Lanka is a country with a rapidly aging population. In addition to health issues, this population faces a multitude of social and financial problems. Objectives of the study were to assess financial status, current living conditions and issues related to housing of a semi urban elderly population. This is a cross sectional descriptive study. Study population was selected by a convenience sampling from the patients who attended to the elderly care unit at Teaching hospital Peradeniya over one year. Information was collected by an interviewer administered questionnaire. Hundred and forty eight people were included in the study. All were over 65 years of age. The vast majority (98.6 %) of the sample was receiving some income in which 71.8% get an adequate income through a job or pension, property or through family. Only 27.3% of the sample gets inadequate income and 0.9% of the study population doesn’t have any income method. Ten point eight percent of our population’s monthly income is only supported by the social services. Minority (1.4%) of the study population neither gets an income nor is supported by the social services. With regard to current living situations majority of the sample (85.8%) live with the spouse, children, in laws and relatives while 6.1% live alone. Out of the 6.1% who live alone majority are female (5.4%) An inverse relationship between the number of children and contentment regarding the care they receive is observed. 81.8% of the sample has favorable housing conditions. According to the study, results 95.9% revealed that their basic amenities needed for activities of daily living are fulfilled. Results of the analysis show that a majority of the elderly have reasonably acceptable financial status, living conditions and housing conditions.
Household practice and factors influencing the administration & storage of reconstituted medicinal syrups among parents of paediatric patients presenting to the pharmacy of the out patients department, teaching hospital, Jaffna
(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2019-09-12) Abiramy, K.; Thuvaragan, S.; Sathiadas, M. G.; Surenthirakumaran, R.
Most of the paediatric oral medications are prepared as dry powders for oral suspension. The correct administration and storage of reconstituted medicinal syrups is crucial towards ensuring safety and achieving therapeutic goals in paediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to describe the household practice and influencing factors on the administration and storage of reconstituted medicinal syrups among parents of paediatric patients at the OPD pharmacy. This study was descriptive cross-sectional design. It was carried out with 422 parents of paediatric patients under the age of 12 years with a response rate of 98.8%. Participants were selected systematically, and an interviewer administered validated questionnaire was used to collect data from parents. The data were entered into SPSS version 23 and descriptive and bivariate analysis was carried out. The majority (71.5%, n=298) of the study population had satisfactory household practice on the administration and storage of reconstituted medicinal syrups. Further analysis using chi square test for the associated socio demographic factors showed statistically significant association between the type of practice and monthly income of population. Also, statistically significant difference was observed between practice and sources of information and also between practice and ability to read and understand the medication label instruction clearly. In conclusion, satisfactory practice among parents of paediatric patients on the administration and storage of reconstituted medicinal syrups was observed. Further improvement can be done if health care professionals including physicians and pharmacists pay more attention to improve parents’ practice on administration and storage of reconstituted medicinal syrups.
Comparison of oxidative stability and quality of bulk coconut oil following repeated deep frying
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Sarusha, S.; Rajapakse, R. P. N. P.
This study was conducted to compare the oxidative stability and the quality of bulk coconut oil, followed by repeated deep frying. For this purpose, bulk coconut oil was obtained from five different processing mills and heated at 180⁰C for 20 minutes without or with food (“Vade”), for ten repeated frying cycles. The samples were tested for oxidative stability, physicochemical properties and structural alterations using standard methods. Free fatty acid content and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) increased (p<0.05) while saponification value and iodine value decreased (p<0.05) with increasing number of frying cycles. When oil was heated without food, peroxide value increased (p<0.05) over the frying cycles. However, when oil was heated with food, peroxide value increased (p<0.05) until the sixth cycle and thereafter decreased (p<0.05) as a result of degradation of peroxides into secondary oxidation products. There were no (p>0.05) differences in the peroxide values and TBARS values when the oil was heated with or without food, since water released from the food acts as barrier for oxygen and inhibits formation of peroxides and secondary oxidation products. Only free fatty acid content increased (p<0.05) when oil was heated with food compared to oil heated without food, due to the hydrolysis of triglycerides in the presence of water. Moreover, free fatty acid content, peroxide value and TBARS value were (p<0.05) different in bulk coconut oils tested due to varying processing conditions. These results indicated that repeated heating of bulk coconut oil had a negative effect (p<0.05) on its oxidative stability and physico-chemical properties compared to the accepted limits. However, it can be concluded that bulk coconut oil can be used for maximum of 2-4 repeated deep frying cycles, while maintaining its physico-chemical parameters under the specified limits of CODEX guidelines.
Factors affecting enterprising tendencies of undergraduates: a case study of University of Peradeniya
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Abhayarathne, M.H.R.; Kodithuwakku, K.A.S.S.
Understanding of enterprising tendencies of students provides insights on whether they possess the required traits to set up and manage innovative and growth-oriented projects more frequently. There are limited studies in Sri Lankan context which adapts psychological approach of studying entrepreneurship. Thus, this study explored the entrepreneurial tendency levels of undergraduates and examined what factors influence the tendency levels. A survey was conducted on a sample of 231 first year and final year students from three different fields of studies; Agricultural Technology and Management, Psychology and, Management from the University of Peradeniya. Using the General Enterprising Tendency (GETv2) test, enterprising tendency and its components, namely; Need for Autonomy, Need for Achievement, Creative Tendency, Calculated Risk-taking and Locus of Control were measured. In addition, demographic and personal characters were also measured. Results revealed that enterprising tendency levels of the majority of students range within the medium tendency level. The findings also highlighted that the year of study, entrepreneurship education and being involved in businesses positively affect the enterprising potential of undergraduates significantly (p<0.05). More interestingly, the entrepreneurial tendency levels of final year students were found to be lower compared to that of first years. In an in-depth analysis on the entrepreneurial attributes of the first-year and final years, it was found that the levels of need for achievement, creative tendency, and risk-taking were significantly (p<0.05) higher in first year students as compared to final years. However, there was no significant difference in the need for autonomy and internal locus of control. Based on the findings of this study, it appears that students who enter university with higher enterprising tendency levels are likely to reduce their enterprising tendency levels over the years at the university. Extending the study to more undergraduates from the state as well as private sector universities would provide further insights which will aid in designing programmes to enhance enterprising potential of students.
Assessment of knowledge practice and adherence to thyroxin treatment in thyroid cancer patients at Badulla provincial general hospital, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Amarasiri, H. A. D. B.; Kodagoda, B. M. C. U.; Tennakoon, T. M. P. S.; Wijekoon, W. M. N. C.; Sendanayake, L. R.; Chenthuran, M.
Thyroid cancer is one of the main cancer types and hence it becomes a main health concern globally. Recent studies have revealed an upsurge of thyroid cancer in Sri Lanka. Poor knowledge, practice, and adherence to treatment are factors which affect the quality of lives of patients and their families. Objectives of this study were to assess patients’ knowledge, practice, and adherence to thyroxin used for thyroid cancer in the oncology clinic at Badulla Provincial General Hospital. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 80 patients who visited the clinic during 24th May 2018 to 22nd June 2018. The questionnaire consisted of 4 parts Part A - demographic data, Part B - patients’ knowledge on thyroid cancer and treatment, Part C - patients’ knowledge of medicines used for thyroid cancer and Part D - patients’ practice and adherence regarding medicines used for thyroid cancer. Each correct response was given one mark with no negative marks allocated for false responses. Final total mark was categorized according to an in-house built scale. The results of the study revealed that majority (32.6%) of the participants belonged to the age category 51-60 years with male predominance (33.3%) in that group. Nearly half the patients had a fair knowledge of thyroid cancer while 58.5% of patients were fairly knowledgeable on thyroid cancer medicines including thyroxin. Regarding thyroxin, 76.8% had a clear idea on correct storage conditions. However, was 59 % of patients usually missed/skipped their daily thyroxin dose which shows poor adherence. It can be concluded that participants had a fair knowledge of thyroid cancer, and thyroxin but poor practice and adherence to thyroxin treatment. Further studies are needed to increase the knowledge, practice and adherence to treatment for thyroid cancer.
Is the plant response to available nitrogen forms in soil vary among vegetable crops?
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Nawarathna, K. K. K.; Dandeniya, W. S.; Dharmakeerthi, R. S.; Hansika, K. D.; Weerasingha, P.
Matching preferential needs of crop during fertilization could contribute to increase nutrient use efficiency. A study was conducted to assess crop responses to form/s of N available in root environment of selected vegetable crops. Six crops (Lettuce, Carrot, Capsicum, Tomato, Knolkhol and Cabbage) were grown in a pot experiment with different percentages of NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ supplying N (NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ as 0:100. 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and100:0 percent ratio) in sand-culture. Biomass accumulation and uptake of K, P and N were analyzed at the end of vegetative stage. Dicyanamide (DCD), a nitrification inhibitor, was added to maintain desired NH₄⁺ :NO₃⁻ ratio. In another pot experiment, Tomato and Capsicum were grown on soils (Ultisol) collected from two fields (SF1 and SF2) with three N-treatments; T1-control (no urea), T2-Urea and T3- Urea+DCD. Free drainage was not allowed until harvest at 45 days after transplanting. A third pot experiment was conducted repeating same N-treatments with soil SF1 and Capsicum as test crop. In this treatment, free drainage was allowed after irrigation and leachate was analyzed for NO3 - . Biomass accumulation and uptake of N and K were significantly (p <0.05) affected by crop type, N treatment and their interaction. Highest biomass accumulation for Tomato and Capsicum were under 100% NO3 - and 100% NH4 + , respectively. Carrot was not affected by form of N. Lettuce and knolkhol accumulated highest biomass under 75:25 treatment and cabbage performed well under 25:75 treatment. Availability of NH4 + in soils significantly increased under T3 compared to T2 but had no significant effect on biomass accumulation of capsicum and tomato. Leachate from pots contained NO3 - and values were lower under T3 than T2. Vegetable crops have preferential N forms but response to relative abundance of N forms can be different when cultivate in soil.
Comparison of neck range of motion and neck lordosis angle between spectacle users and non-spectacle users among first year undergraduates of University of Peradeniya
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Karunathilaka, K. G. L. R. A. D.; Kumarasiri, K. G. S. I.; Kalahagahawaththa, K. W. D. P.; Jayasundara, B. P.; Wijesinghe, N. P.; Lisana, M. M. F.; Senarath, M. K. I. D.; Sominanda, A.
Due to prism effect of glasses, objects are viewed in different line of sight than the normal. Spectacle users might compensate this by lifting chin or by leaning forward. Repetitive use of incorrect postures can be learnt as “daily habits” affecting the normal physiology and biomechanics of the neck. Present study was focused on determining the effect of spectacle wearing on neck ROMs (Range of motions) and lordosis angle and further to determine correlations between the cervical ROMs and lordosis angle. A randomized sample of 100 first year undergraduates of University of Peradeniya (age=19-24) who wore spectacles (n=50) and an age sex\ matched control group who did not wear spectacles (n=50) were included. Male: female ratios were 1:1.Cervical ROMs were measured using Universal Goniometer. Flexible ruler was used to measure the cervical lordosis. Significant differences were not found in cervical ROM (p>0.05) and lordosis angle (p>0.05) between spectacle users and non-users. Comparison of data across the sub-groups; male wearers and non-wearers showed a significant difference (p=0.012) among flexion angles. Among spectacle users, weak positive correlations were found between forward flexion (p<0.001), right lateral flexion (p<0.05) and left lateral flexion (p<0.05) with the lordosis angle, among non-users left neck rotation (p<0.05) with the lordosis angle. The neck ROMs and lordosis angle between spectacle users and non-users were found to be non-significant and therefore it can be concluded that neck ROMs and lordosis are not affected by spectacle wearing in general. Positive correlations between neck ROMs and lordosis angle among both groups were novel findings.
A study of startup motives and entrepreneurship tendency among small business operators
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Kahathuduwa, K.K.P.N.; Kodithuwakku, K.A.S.S.; Jayaweera, V.W.
A person’s propensity to engage in entrepreneurship has a relationship with his/her level of entrepreneurial tendency, and a person’s motivation to start-up business may defer from opportunity to necessity. This research primarily aims to assess start-up motives and entrepreneurial tendencies (ET) of small business operators in rural Sri Lanka. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 100 respondents. The motivation type of the business operator was decided using a list of structured questions and ET was calculated using the General Enterprising Tendency Test (GET) (Caird, 1991). The hypotheses were tested using Pairwise comparisons and Kruskal Wallis Test. Findings revealed that men were more opportunity driven whereas women were more necessity driven. However, both men and women were found to be motivated to fulfill personal needs. Furthermore, younger people are more opportunity driven compared to older people, and the respondents with a high level of formal education are more necessity driven. People owning older businesses are more opportunity-driven, also with higher ET scores whereas older people were more necessity driven and showed a lower level of ET scores. All in all, men demonstrated higher ET scores compared to women. Findings also revealed that the higher the level of formal education, the lower the ET scores. Even though some researchers argue that the personality traits (i.e. the construct of ET) of a given person are constant over the time, the findings of this research reveal that there are significant differences of the ET of groups of people belonging to different demographic and business characteristics. Furthermore, the ET also changed with the type of start-up motives, and vice versa. However, the findings also revealed that the influence of the type of startup motivation on ET is more significant than the influence of ET on the type of startup motives.
Ceylon cinnamon (cinammomum zeylanicum) possesses prophylactic and therapeutic potentials in ameliorating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Suranimala, W. M. D. H.; Wanasingha, R. W. S. H.; Rathnayake, R. M. C. J.; Siriweera, E.; Wijesundara, R. R. M. K. K.; Lee, C. K. F.; Kodithuwakku, S. P.
Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is known for its many bioactive properties and this study was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic potentials of Ceylon Cinnamon bark against PCOS, which is one of the most common endocrine and reproductive disorders among women at reproductive age. Symptoms of PCOS may affect the quality of life, and its accompanied metabolic difficulties have implications for long-term well-being. The experiments were performed using a Letrozol® induced PCOS mouse model. For prophylaxis potential evaluation, Cinnamon treatments were orally gavaged with Letrozol® for 21 days and compared with Letrozol only and non-treated control groups. For the therapeutic potential evaluation, cinnamon was gavaged after induction of the PCOS for another four weeks. At the end of the treatment periods, blood glucose levels, serum androgen levels, gross ovarian morphology, estrus cyclicity and histological examinations were performed. Morphological, histological and biochemical examinations revealed establishment of PCOS with Letrozol®. In prophylactic potential trial, the blood glucose levels significantly elevated (p<0.05) in PCOS group compared to control group and it was significantly ameliorated (p<0.05) with the Cinnamon treatment. The serum testosterone levels significantly elevated (p<0.05) in PCOS group compared to control group and it was significantly lowered (p<0.05) in Cinnamon treated groups. Histological examinations showed that ovaries of Cinnamon bark extract treated animals had functional ovaries with restored follicular development and cytology indicated normal cyclicity. In the therapeutic potential evaluation, blood glucose and testosterone levels were significantly (p<0.05) decreased compared to PCOS control group and histological examinations of vaginal swabs and ovaries revealed return to cyclicity and recovery of ovarian follicular development. Both groups of Cinnamon treated mice showed significant decrease in endometrial thickness (p<0.05) compared to the PCOS group. In summary, the data clearly indicate a greater prophylactic and therapeutic potential of Ceylon Cinnamon against PCOS warranting further in-depth investigations.
Impact of bank size on bank profitability: using four licensed commercial banks in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019-09-12) Jayamali, W. M. T.
The financial sector of a country plays an important role in economic development. However, only a profitable bank is better able to contribute to the stability of the financial system. Many factors affect bank profitability. One important variable in determining bank profitability is bank size. Previous studies examining this relationship have yielded mixed results. Given this background, the present study investigates the impact of bank size on bank profitability in Sri Lanka, using four licensed commercial banks over the period from 1998 to 2017. This study is conducted separately for four banks and panel sample using alternative measures for bank size and bank profitability and alternative model specifications. Return on assets and return on equity are used as proxies for bank profitability, while total assets, number of employees, number of branches are used as proxies for bank size. Leverage, liquidity and capital adequacy are used as control variables. Using a balanced panel data, employing Random Effect, Fixed Effect, GLS and GMM method, the impact of bank size on bank profitability is tested and OLS regression analysis is used to estimate the impact on four banks separately. The results reveal that the total assets and number of branches as proxies for bank size have a significantly positive impact on bank profitability as measured by return on assets. The overall model shows a significant impact on bank profitability on return on assets. When analyzed separately, only BOC and HNB show a positive significant relationship between bank size and bank profitability.

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