Browsing by Author "Perera, H."

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Collaborative model to enhance informal communication within software teams.
(International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2017 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Perera, H.; Wijayanayake, W. M. J. I.
Communication is undoubtedly one of the key elements of successful modern software development, which directly influence on the coordination and teamwork in managing complex software projects. Many researchers have stated that informal communication plays a major role within a software organization than formal communication to achieve objectives. Majority of the knowledge and information within an organization will transfer through informal ways such as cubical chatting, informal emails, telephone calls etc. Informal communication is considered the most significant portion of communication for a software organization’s internal and external progress. Although most of the previous literature considered formal and informal communication together, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no study which had addressed informal communication in software development extensively. There exist many challenges within a software development team such as difficulties in requirements engineering, poor teamwork, poor sharing of resources etc. due to lack of informal communication. One of the main issues is that the best practices and strategies have not been followed within the informal communication network. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to develop a model to enhance the informal communication within a software team. There can be both horizontal informal communication and vertical informal communication present in an organization, and the employees informally communicating would differ accordingly. Also, the way and the extent of informal communication would differ from co-located software projects to global software projects. Taking these aspects into consideration, initially a survey on literature was conducted and with the use of grounded theory, challenges due to lack of informal communication and the best practices in order to mitigate the challenges were identified. Then an industrial analysis was conducted, and similarly, with the aid of grounded theory the challenges and best practices that were applied to real world companies were identified. A theoretical model to be followed in order to enhance and control the existing informal communication network that was developed by linking the challenges and the best practices that had been identified from both the literature survey and the industrial analysis. Finally, the applicability of the model was computed with a number of interviews that were conducted with the industry experts. The best practices introduced in the theoretical model enhances the software team’s informal communication and mitigates many currently existing challenges associated in requirements engineering, teamwork, task allocation etc. It also helps to effectively share knowledge and resources among the software team and increase the transparency among the software team. Further, it is applicable to any type of software team rather than including both local and global software development.
Community Responses at Environmental Injustice: A case of Sedawattha, Kelani River Reservation, Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Abenayake, C.; Perera, H.
Researchers in the field of environmental justice are widely focused on policy studies on mainstreaming environmental rights of vulnerable communities and their social movements. This research is placed in the Sri Lankan context where very limited research studies were undertaken to address the environmental rights of vulnerable populations and their responses. The research so far contends the notion that recognizes these people as passive recipients of environmental injustice who were compelled to be silent as they represent the bottom layer of social power pyramids. Instead, this study emphasizes such community groups as active respondents who react continuously to get-rid-of their vulnerability. This study has built on the empirical evidence of two community groups which reside inside an annual flood prone area and adjacent to a solid waste disposal site, respectively. The empirical evidence was collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and direct observations. Findings of the study revealed that many of these residents are not capable of avoiding the occurrence of floods and pollution but they make strong attempts to save their lives, assets and livelihoods from being affected. Many such responses are small interventions, which do not significantly change events but are continuous efforts. Further, though this community is relatively weak in power yet there are many powerful actors involved with them who either suppress or praise the community actions. It is important to understand the level of ability to respond and the way of responding of these communities in order to empower them in urban planning practices. This research finding partially answers the failure of resettlement schemes made by planners for vulnerable urban groups as they all know that they are vulnerable, yet settle down in these locations by choice and attempt to cope with whatever comes their way.
Confirmation of 2006 chikungunya outbreak in Sri Lanka using RT-PCR
(Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, 2007) Abeyewickreme, W.; Bandara, K.B.A.T.; Perera, H.; Dayanath, M.Y.D.; Hapuarachchi, C.
Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by a single-stranded RNA virus of the family Togaviridae, is considered as a rare, non-fatal disease. During February to October 2006, an epidemic of over 1.3 million suspected cases was reported in India and neighbouring countries causing a significant economic loss due to crippling manifestations of this infection. With the outbreak of many viral fevers including dengue and dengue haemorrhagic fever, in October–November 2006, patients with manifestations suggestive of chikungunya such as high fever, headache, arthralgia and arthiritis (particularly, in ankle, knee and small joints of hands) were reported in many parts of Sri Lanka. As no chikungunya cases had been officially reported in the island since 1969, laboratory investigations for the presence of chikungunya virus was a prime requirement for confirmation of the outbreak. A total of 60 venous blood samples collected from suspected patients from different geographical regions of Sri Lanka were analysed using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique to confirm the presence of chikungunya virus. Viral RNA was extracted from samples collected within 1-4 days of fever by using a Qiagen RNA extraction kit. RT-PCR was performed using chikungunya specific oligonucleotides. Both positive and negative controls were included in each set of reactions. The amplified products (354 bp) were visualized by running in a 1.5% agarose gel followed by ethidium bromide staining. Of the 60 samples, 33 (55%) were positive for chikungunya. They were distributed among almost all the geographical regions, highlighting the presence of a wide-spread epidemic in the country.
The Diversity of midgut bacteria among wild-caught Phlebotomus argentipes (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), the Vector of leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka
(Hindawi Pub. Co., 2020) Gunathilaka, N.; Perera, H.; Wijerathna, T.; Rodrigo, W.; Wijegunawardana, N.D.A.D.
ABSTRACT: Phlebotomus argentipes is the main suspected vector for leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. Investigations on the presence of aerobic bacteria in the gut of sand flies which evidence a potential approach to control leishmaniasis transmission through a paratransgenic strategy are still not available for the local sand fly populations. Field-caught unfed female sand flies collected from three selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas (Polpithigama, Maho, and Galgamuwa) in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka from August to December 2018 were used. Prokaryotic 16S ribosomal RNA partial gene was amplified and sequenced. Morphological identification revealed the presence of only one sand fly species, P. argentipes (n = 1,969). A total of 20 organisms belonging to two phyla (Proteobactericea and Furmicutes) were detected within the gut microbial community of the studied sand fly specimens. This study documents the first-ever observation of Rhizobium sp. in the midgut of P. argentipes. The presence of Bacillus megaterium, which is considered as a nonpathogenic bacterium with potential use for paratransgenic manipulation of P. argentipes suggest that it may be used as a delivery vehicle to block the vectorial transmission of Leishmania parasites. In addition, Serratia marcescens may be used as a potential candidate to block the parasite development in sand fly vectors since it has evidenced antileishmanial activities in previous investigations. Hence, further studies are required to gain full insight into the potential use of this bacterium in the control of Leishmania parasites through paratransgenesis.
Is a six hour fast after a rice meal sufficient before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy?
(Informa Healthcare, 2010) de Silva, A.P.; Niriella, M.A.; Perera, H.; Aryasingha, S.; Kalubowila, U.; Manchanayake, J.; Dassanayake, A.S.; Devanarayana, N.M.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, H.J.
OBJECTIVE: Rice is the staple diet in many Asian countries. Current endoscopic guidelines advice a 6 h fast for solids and a 4 h fast for liquids before the procedure. However, these guidelines focus on a Western type diet. The aim of the study was to determine if a 6 h fast for rice is sufficient prior to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: After informed consent, 212 patients referred for UGIE, who had no alarm symptoms, were randomized into two groups in preparation for UGIE. Fasting 6 h after a rice meal (R6) or fasting 10 h after a rice meal (R10). All meals contained lentils and an egg, and were isocaloric. Endoscopic vision was graded as poor, average, or good. RESULTS: In the R10 group (n = 107) vision was poor in 2 (1.9%), average in 7 (6.5%), and good in 98 (91.6%). While in the R6 group (n = 105) vision was poor in 30 (28.6%), average in 19 (18.1%), good in 56 (53.3%). The observed difference of percentages among the two groups for endoscopic vision was significant (M-H Chi-Square for trend = 25.67; df = 1; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fasting for 6 h after a rice based meal seems inadequate for UGIE. Fasting for 10 h significantly improves endoscopic vision. Current guidelines need to be re-evaluated for populations where rice is the staple diet.
Some biological aspects and molecular variations in frigate tuna, Auxis thazard of the coastal waters around Sri Lanka
(Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 2019) Herath, D.; Perera, H.; Hettiarachchi, G.
Auxis thazard (frigate tuna), is a commercially important fish species in Sri Lanka. Although Sri Lanka is fortunate to have a large resource of tuna, little information is available on the biology, genetics and stock structure of A. thazard. Hence, the present study was conducted to study the biology, genetics and stock structure of A. thazard in coastal waters around Sri Lanka. The fish samples were collected from October 2015 to September 2017 from day-boats operating in the Western, North Western, Eastern and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka. For this period, the length-weight relationship and Fulton’s condition factor (K) calculated for A. thazard using standard length measured in centimetres and weight measured in grams were shown as W = 0.1091L 3.3385 and 1.93, respectively, indicating a relatively healthy growth pattern and a comparatively unpolluted habitat. Studies on the stomach contents revealed that A. thazard are non-selective carnivors, feeding on diverse animal prey items such as small fish species, shrimps and cephalopods available in the surrounding waters. The fecundity of female A. thazard was shown to be 48,056 to 267,000 eggs. The calculated GSI values showed that the peak spawning period for male A. thazard extends from May to August and for the females from May to July. The phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial D-loop region sequences of 75 selected samples representing all the geographical regions studied showed that the fish of different regions are clustering together. Hence, for fisheries management strategies, A. thazard found in the coastal waters of the Western, North Western, Eastern and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka could be considered as a single stock.
Sporadic cases of adult measles: a research article
(BioMed Central, 2017) Premaratna, R.; Luke, N.; Perera, H.; Gunathilake, M.; Amarasena, P.; Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.
BACKGROUND: Measles caused by a paramyxovirus, characterized by fever, malaise, cough, coryza conjunctivitis, a maculopapular rash is known to result in pneumonia, encephalitis and death. Fatal cases of measles in Sri Lanka are rare after implementation of the National Immunization Programme in 1984. Thereafter 0.1% case fatality rate was observed during October 1999-June 2000 which is a very low figure compared to other regional countries. Immunization guidelines were further revised in 2001, 2011 and in 2012 when additional immunization was recommended to age group 4-21 years; who are likely to have inadequate immunization, in order to achieve elimination of Measles by 2020. However, in 2013-2014, 4690 cases were reported and the majority were children less than 1 year of age. The occurrence in adults is hard to retrieve in published epidemiological reports, however had been 38% (out of 1008 patients) in the 3rd quarter of 2013. During this outbreak 73/101 (72%) reported from the North Central Province of Sri Lanka had been more than 12 years of age with 50% being more than 29 years. 14 Sri lankan adult patients [median age 32 years (range 25-48)] who presented sporadically from June 2014 to March 2016, with confirmed measles infection were enrolled retrospectively after informed consent. Details with regards to their clinical presentation, immunization and other relevant areas were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire or using patient management records. RESULTS: The patients presented with high fever, headache, severe body aches, sore throat, dry cough, intense tearing, red eyes and posterior cervical lymphadenopathy over 3-5 days duration. Later they developed discrete maculopapular rash helping the diagnosis. They had a variable degree of leucopenia, lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia and derangements in the liver functions mimicking any other acute febrile illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, leptospirosis or Zika virus infection. CONCLUSION: At least a 3-5 day delay in the diagnosis was observed (even after the appearance of the rash in some patients), due to non-awareness of its occurrence, unfamiliarity of measles in adults, non-specific nature of the illness and non-availability of rapid diagnostics, risking transmission to the immune-compromised or non-immune staff or patients. Identification of the source of infection in these sporadic adult cases and their virologic surveillance and molecular epidemiology will be important to interrupt the transmission and to achieve the targeted elimination of measles from Sri Lanka by 2020.
Sterol carrier protein inhibition-based control of mosquito vectors: Current knowledge and future perspectives
(Hindawi Limited, 2019) Perera, H.; Wijerathna, T.
ABSTRACT: Cholesterol is one of the most vital compounds for animals as it is involved in various biological processes and acts as the structural material in the body. However, insects do not have some of the essential enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and this makes them dependent on dietary cholesterol. Thus, the blocking of cholesterol uptake may have detrimental effects on the survival of the insect. Utilizing this character, certain phytochemicals can be used to inhibit mosquito sterol carrier protein-2 (AeSCP-2) activity via competitive binding and proven to have effective insecticidal activities against disease-transmitting mosquitoes and other insect vectors. A range of synthetic compounds, phytochemicals, and synthetic analogs of phytochemicals are found to have AeSCP-2 inhibitory activity. Phytochemicals such as alpha-mangostin can be considered as the most promising group of compounds when considering the minimum environmental impact and availability at a low cost. Once the few limitations such as very low persistence in the environment are addressed successfully, these chemicals may be used as an effective tool for controlling mosquitoes and other disease-transmitting vector populations. © 2019 Hirunika Perera and Tharaka Wijerathna.
Stigma related to mental health issues – a study among adolescents in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists, 2020) Attygalle, U.R.; Perera, H.; Jayamanne, B.D.W.
INTRODUCTION: It is well known that stigma is a key contributory factor for delayed help seeking in mental health issues. This in turn has led to poor outcomes amongst those who suffer from mental health issues. In Sri Lanka, large studies on stigma amongst adolescents are limited. AIMS: This study aims to describe the attributes of stigma in relation to selected mental health issues amongst adolescents. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study focusing on data collected from 1002 adolescents. The data was collected using a questionnaire based on the Children's Attribution Questionnaire (AQ-8-C). Case vignettes depicting depression with suicidal ideation, social phobia, psychosis and a physical health issue, namely diabetes, was used. RESULTS: The study revealed that the likelihood of providing help was significantly higher with regards to mental health issues compared to diabetes (p<0.001), while the likelihood of avoiding a mental health patient was higher in psychosis compared to the other vignettes (p<0.001). Those with a personal or family history of mental health issues had a higher tendency of avoiding or being angered by such patients, or considering the person in the mental health vignette to be dangerous (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents in this cohort stated they were more likely to help in the case of a person with a mental health issue, compared to someone with diabetes. They were more likely to stay away from those with psychosis, compared to those with other mental health issues. Exposure to mental health issues did not appear to lower the stigma associated with these disorders. KEYWORDS: Adolescents, Stigma, Attitudes, Mental health
Tardive Dyskinesia in an 8-year-old child
(Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists, 2014) Chandradasa, M.; Champika, L.; Kotalawala, S.; Seneviratne, S.; Siriwardene, G.; Perera, H.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is an uncommon presentation in children, which can be disabling and irreversible when it does occur. An 8 year old boy, with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and borderline intelligence, developed features suggestive of TD on withdrawal of long-term haloperidol medication. After recommencing haloperidol at a lower dose his symptoms improved clinically and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale score also decreased. Haloperidol was tailed off gradually and vitamin E was initiated
Work-related health problems and their associated factors among teachers in schools of Western Province
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Gurusinghe, A.; Perera, H.; Perera, S.; Samaraweera, R.; Subasinghe, S.; Amarasinghe, C.; Alagiyawanna, D.; Goonewardena, S.
Introduction: The teaching profession is characterized by high levels of stress and physical complaints. These occupation-related health problems affect the effectiveness of teachers influencing the quality of education. Objectives: To describe the proportion of work-related health problems among teachers and their associated factors in selected schools in Western province. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving teachers aged 20-60 years old, who have one-year work experience in Western province. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire via a google form. Data was analysed using SPSS software version 26.0. P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A total of 239 participated and there was a significant female predominance (82.8%). Mean age was 38.17 years (SD= 9.014). The common ergonomic problems reported are leg pain (45.2%), vocal discomfort (42.3%) and back pain (33.5%). The majority of females experienced leg pain (49%). The common co-morbidity reported was respiratory diseases (20.5%). Wearing high heel shoes (p= 0.02) and walking long distances in a school day (p= 0.002) were statistically significant with leg pain. There was significant association between vocal discomfort and using blackboards (p<0.05). Older age, BMI above 23, teaching experience exceeding 10 years, increasing number of working periods and walking long distances in a school day were associated with high prevalence of back pain (p<0.05). Conclusions: Majority had ergonomic problems and most of them were females. Remedial measures should be given to teachers to counteract these ergonomic problems which hider their teaching and thereby the quality of life.
ජාතික ආණ්ඩු ප්‍රතිපත්තිය ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ යහපාලන සමාජයක් පිහිටුවීමට දක්වන දායකත්වය පිළිබඳ ජනතා ආකල්ප (ජා ඇල ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම් කොට්ඨාසය ඇසුරින්)
(Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Perera, H.