Browsing by Author "Rathnayake, R.M.N.P."

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Assessment of Background Frequency of Micronuclei Formation in Two Selected Populations in Sri Lanka.
(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Weerakkody, W.A.T.L.; Warnakulasuriya, D.T.D.; Williams, H.S.A.; Dabarera, M.D.; Rathnayake, R.M.N.P.; Rodrigo, B.K.S.K.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
This study assessed background frequency of micronuclei formation using biodosimetry in persons living in Norochcholai and Ragama in Sri Lanka. Biodosimetry, a technique used to assess exposure to radiation, is considered superior to physical dosimetry. It gives a clearer picture of individual variation of susceptibility to radiation and human risk assessment. This study establishes baseline levels of micronuclei formation in a Sri Lankan population to monitor possible radiation accidents that may occur at a nuclear power plant that was commissioned in nearby India recently. Biodosimetry has been used to detect external and internal exposure to ionising radiations in scenarios of accidental and occupational exposure wherever nuclear power plants are present. 96 healthy individuals from both sexes were selected for the study (in the age range of 20-59 years), comprising 50 from Norochcholai (area closest to the power plant) and 46 (matched for gender, age and life style) from Ragama (as a control). 10ml of venous blood was drawn and the cytokinesis–block micronuclei assay was performed, 1000 binucleate cells were assessed; the median spontaneous micronuclei formation was estimated. Background radiation was measured using an Automess dose rate meter 6150AD. There was no significant difference in the median MN frequency between the two sexes (p= 0.538). There was no significant difference between the median background frequency of micronuclei formation between the two study areas (p=0.539). Significantly higher radiation dose rate (measured by suevey meter) has been shown in Ragama area compared to Norochcholei area (Mann Whitney U= 217.00, p=0.000 ). There was no strong correlation between background radiation and MN frequency in both areas. The MN frequency can be used as a baseline to monitor exposure to radiation in the future. This is important for monitoring radiation hazards and will be useful in case of a nuclear accident.
Difficulties and obstacles to achieve communicative competence, in learning English as a second language
(2014) Rathnayake, R.M.N.P.
Sleep patterns among medical undergraduates in Faculty of Medicine, Ragama
(College of the Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 2013) Rajapaksha, R.M.D.S.S.; Ranathunga, R.M.D.C.; Ranaweera, R.K.M.D.S.P.; Randika, J.M.T.; Rathnayake, R.M.N.P.; Rathnayaka, K.M.S.P.; Kumarendran, B.; Pinidiyapathirage, J.M.
INTRODUCTION: Sleep pattern has a proven role in the academic performances. OBJECTIVES: To assess sleep patterns and associated factors for different sleep patterns among medical undergraduates in Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (FMUK). METHODS: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 311 medical undergraduates from second (n= 57), third (n=94), fourth (n=128) and final (n=32) years of FMUK. Data was collected by a group of six fourth year medical students during September 2011. Data were collected using a self-ad ministered questionnaire and analysed using Epi info and SPSS software. RESULTS: Of the 311 respondents, 65% were females. Majority (54.7%) of them stayed in university hostels while 34.1% were in private boarding places and 11.3% in their own houses. Median duration of reported sleep during the weekday was 6.5 hours (Inter Quartile Rage -IQR : 6 to 7) and 8.5 hours [IQR : 7.5 to 9.5) during weekends. Reported quality of sleep varied from good quality (58.5%), trouble in falling asleep (13.8%), nightmares (13.5%), snoring (8.4%) and talking in sleep (5.5%). A single student reported walking in sleep. At least one nap per day was reported among 60%. The most common sleep habit among participants was falling to sleep without knowledge (40.8%) followed by dozing on table while studying (36.3%), studying/reading on bed (33.8%) and drinking alcohol or smoking prior to be (0.6%). However the majority of study participants (44.7%) reported to wake up without difficulty. Decreased sleep was reported prior to examinations among 54% and increased sleep among 23.2%. Nearly half of the participants (46.6%), reported feeling sleepy during most of the lectures. Sleep during lecture was reported to be associated with the topic of lecture (n= 96), presentation skills (n= 249), voice (n= 158), and the appearance (n-35) of lecturer. Good quality of sleep was associated with female sex (p -0.04), students resides at their homes (p = 0.04) and not dozing on the table (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Students identified the factors associated with sleep during lectures. Good quality sleep was associated with female sex. residence at home and not dozing on table. Lecturers should consider the factors which are associated with sleep during lectures.