ARS - 2012

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/170

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 182

Academic Imperialism: A Critical Interrogation
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Jayashantha, D.L.C.
Both ‘tradition’ as well as ‘modernity’ have been differently phrased and discussed; predominantly in the realms of philosophy, anthropology, archeology, sciences, aesthetics, sociology, political, and cultural discourses. Marxists view globalization as a new phase of capitalism and conclude debates about the relationship between modern capitalism, imperialism and globalization dating back to Lenin. However, imperialism, later has assumed a soft and indirect approach of economic and ideological influence than that of the direct colonial rule. Place of bullets is now given to thoughts. Extensive capitalistic exploitation is masked by the decorations of postmodern social institutions, information society for example. Academic imperialism as an academic discourse, describes how the ‘institution’ of education is being abused by imperial powers to sustain the exploitation and escape from its certain death. It can also be defined as the newest addition to the list of disciplines that are discussed in postcolonial scholarship. The notion of academic imperialism, first attempts to denote the influences of imperialism on education, and secondly, how it is being used to perpetuate imperialism. This paper examines how the manifestation of academic imperialism, in largely postcolonial contexts, has depreciated non western doctrines, philosophies and use the conquest of intellectual sphere for the imperial project. It places the European enlightenment project at the center, which is considered to be the foundation for most of the modern western theories and so-called academic progression. This paper critically interrogates the progression of academic imperialism through western scholasticism, impact on academics, theoretical invasion, issues on anthropology, the notion of education industry, lack of reflexive and plural cognition, linguistic imperialism, and finally the destiny of academic research. Towards the conclusion, the paper stresses that academic imperialism should be critically examined and subversively resisted. It also emphasizes importance of subscribing critical postcolonial scholarship in order to get rid of this intellectual domination
Acute Toxicity and Sub-lethal Effects of Chlorpyrifos to Three Larvivorous Fish, Poecilia eticulate Aplocheilus dayi, and Rasbora daniconius
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Ganehiarachchi, G.A.S.M.; Amarasinghe, L.D.; Weerasinghe, T.
The insecticide belonging to the organophosphate group, chlorpyrifos 40 % EC, is reported to be highly toxic on fish and it is under restricted usage globally. This chemical is used by Dry Zone chena cultivators and hence, there is a possibility of contaminating the bordering water sources rich with larvivorous fish by tracer amounts of this chemical. Two naturally occurring fish species, Aplocheilus dayi (nalahandaya) and Rasbora daniconius (dandiya) and introduced fish species, Poecilia reticulata (wild guppy) are among the potential larvivorous fish in Sri Lanka. The present study was carried out to find out; acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos 40% EC (commando™), to Aplocheilus dayi, Rasbora daniconius and Poecilia reticulata, effects of sub-lethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos on offspring production and on histological alterations in the gill structure. The exposure media contained a series of concentrations (50, 5, 0.5 and 0 μg/l) of chlorpyrifos 40 EC in glass aquaria. Based on the mortality data, LC50 (24 hr) value of chlorpyrifos 40 EC for Aplocheilus dayi, Rasbora daniconius and Poeceilia reticulata was estimated as 0.514μg/l, 0.472 μg/l and 0.882μg/l respectively. It was also revealed that chlorpyrifos 0.5 μg/l of sub-lethal level to P. reticulata has induced production of hatchlings (mean number of 15 hatchings per female per day) whereas no production of hatchings was observed in other treatments during the exposure period. Histopathological study of the gills exposed to 5 and 50 μg/l of chlopyrifos for 48 hr showed hypertrophy of gill arches, lifting and degeneration of lamella epithelium, degeneration of gill filaments and vasodialation in the lamella axis of both Rasbora daniconius and Poecilia reticulata. This study concludes that LC50 values vary for three fish species tested and Poecilia reticulata is more resistant than the other two species. The sub-lethal levels of contaminants of chlorpyrifos 40EC cause histological and physiological aberration in freshwater fish.
Analysis of Entrepreneurial Traits of Small Business Owners in Sri Lanka (With Special Reference to Gampaha District)
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Nishanthi, H.M.
Small business entrepreneurs play a significant role in the economic development of Sri Lanka. However, statistics indicate that most of the small businesses fail, despite their importance to the economy. Researchers signify several reasons for their failure, in which lack of entrepreneurial traits is a major reason. Siropolis (1994) had identified six major entrepreneurial traits to be found in entrepreneurs, while four of them such as creativity and innovation, risk taking, self confidence and hard work are believed to be most significant. These traits have been taken analyzed in this study. This paper discusses the presence of entrepreneurial traits among different types of small business owners in the Gampaha District in order to ascertain whether selected personal characteristics, defined as 'entrepreneurial traits', are actually attributes of business owners and whether these characteristics are typical of them. The study was conducted by taking 50 small business owners in Gampaha District. Primary data were collected by administering a well structured 5 point Likert scale questionnaire and holding short interviews while secondary data were gathered through published research articles, text books and other related documentary evidence. Collected data were presented by using descriptive analysis, like mean and the correlation analysis and it was reported that the small business owners posses entrepreneurial traits to a significant level as per the outcomes generated through spss (version 14+) software. As a result, it was concluded that the small business owners of Gampaha District do possess entrepreneurial traits and they are at a significant level.
Analysis of Fatalities in Road Accidents considering Peliyagoda Police Area in Gampaha District as a Case Study
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Dissanayaka, D.M.P.V.; Kulatunga, D.D.S.
Road accidents have become a leading cause of death and injury as well as property damage worldwide. In Sri Lanka, a steady increase of road accidents has been reported resulting in a rising trend of fatalities too. In 2006, there were 2069 fatalities, while 2263 fatalities were reported in 2010. There are a number of factors that increase the risk of road accidents, including vehicle design, speed of operation, road design, road environment, driver’s skill and driver’s behaviour. The objective of this study is to find the factors that mostly contribute to fatal road accidents caused by motor vehicle drivers, using Logistic Regression Analysis. This study investigates the factors affecting fatalities in road accidents in the Peliyagoda Police Area in Gampaha district, using Logistic Regression Analysis. Accident data [519 accidents] recorded at the Peliyagoda Police Station in 2009 were considered. A total number of 506 road accidents where the motor vehicles were at fault were included in the analysis. Based on the data obtained from the police records, several predictor variables were employed in three independent Logistic Regression models in this study. A multinomial logistic model was used in one of them to deal with the multiple nature of dependent variables such as fatal, grievous, non grievous compared to damage only accidents. A binary logistic regression model was also developed to evaluate the odds of fatal accidents compared to non fatal accidents. The odds of an accident being fatal due to the collisions with pedestrians were high in both models with a positive effect. Since there were only 17 fatal accidents (3.4%), both these models were unsuccessful with huge coefficients. Re-categorizing fatal, grievous and non grievous accidents as human damage accidents, and damage only accidents as non human damage accidents, a binary logistic regression model was constructed. Head on crashes, approaching crashes, rear end crashes, crashes in conjunction with turning movements, crashes with pedestrians and passengers were positively related to human damage accidents rather than single crashes. Similarly, in the first two models, crashes with pedestrians and passengers had high impact on increasing the odds of human damage accidents. The odds of an accident being human damage were increased by a factor of 6.888 by having no traffic control rather than having police traffic control. The odds of an accident being human damage by a driver/rider with a valid or probationary driving license were about 25% and 13% respectively, lower than for accidents caused by the drivers/riders without valid license. The odds of an accident being human damage rather than being non-human damage are increased by a factor of 6.742 for motor cycles and bicycles rather than heavy vehicles. For every one-unit increase in the age of the vehicle, we can expect a 1.074 increase in the odds of human damage accidents, holding all other independent variables constant. In the Peliyagoda Police area, analyzing human damage accidents is more effective than analysing fatal accidents. However, a further study is recommended for an area where fatal accidents are more significant.
An Android Application in Searching for Hospitals
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Chandrasena, A.M.D.; Dias, N.G.J.
This research focuses on Android application development techniques needed to implement a mobile application that consists of features that can search information about hospitals with its exact or nearest location. Since there is no application available to developers to explain such techniques, this research presents such a development. We have been able to create a number of different applications where we provide the user with information regarding a place he or she wants to visit. But thes e applications are limited to desktops only. The objective of this research is to develop such an application for Android mobile devices. The application can help users to find the location of hospitals with the hospital and doctors’ information. From this application, Android users can search any hospital in the country with its exact or nearest location using the Google Maps in satellite or map view. This is an information service, accessible with Android mobile devices through the mobile network, and utilizing the ability to make use of geographical position of any hospital in the country. Also, from this application users can search for information about doctors such as day, time and the hospital that has the facility to channel them according to their specialty. Data is inserted into the database by the administrator through the developed service based web interface and then the Android application fetches that data according to the given details. This application is used as automated testing tools on the Android API to build a map for integrating Google maps to display the location of hospitals by using their coordinates. People have to face a lot of difficulties to find information about hospitals for a variety of reasons. Therefore, the Hospital Search Application for Android Mobiles is developed to find information about hospitals and doctors in order to provide a solution for people who face difficulties when they search for such service providers and places.
Anomalies of the Lumbrical Muscles of the Hand
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Ranaweera, L.; Hasan, R.; Salgado, S.; Karunanayake, A.; Salvin, K.A.; Fernando, P.; Fernando, E.; Wijesooriya, P.; Vithanage, S.
Introduction:The human hand occupies a unique position in evolution. The lumbrical muscles, one of the major constituents of intrinsic musculature in hand, play significantly greater role in the precision movements of the fingers. There are four cylindrical lumbrical muscles which rise from the four tendons of flexor digitorumprofundus (FDP) in the hand and pass along the radial side of the corresponding metacarpophalangeal joint to insert into the dorsal digital expansion of the medial four fingers. The first and second lumbricals are unipennate while the third and fourth lumbricals are bipennate. Anomalies of the attachments of the lumbricals are not uncommon and have a significant value in the design of surgical procedures. Objectives: To study the possible variations of lumbrical muscles and also document a relevant Sri Lankan study. Methodology:This research was carried out as a descriptive study in19 preserved human hands in the Departments of Anatomy, University of Kelaniya, Ragama. Results: In 9 (47.4%) hands the lumbricals were normal. Regarding the proximal attachments, the third lumbrial was unipennate in 3 (15.7%) whereas same architecture for the fourth lumbrical encountered was 2 (10.5%). Moreover, it was found that 1 (5.3%) of the second lumbricals was bipennate. Regarding the distal attachments, the split insertion of the third lumbrial and fourth lumbrical were observed as 2 (10.5%) and 1 (5.3%), respectively. Interestingly, 1 (5.3%) of the third lumbricals was inserted on the medial side of the middle finger. Conclusion: In our preliminary studyof lumbrical muscles of the hand, it was apparent that majority of the observations are comparable to previous research, while there were a higher percentage of proximal attachment variations than distal attachment variations in the study group.
Applicability of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in Sri Lankan Context
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Liyanage, C.J.
The purchasing power parity (PPP) hypothesis can be regarded as the cornerstone of many of the theoretical models of international finance. Testing for the long-run PPP hypothesis provides a useful insight about the competitiveness between a country and its trading partners. Many studies could be found testing the long-run PPP hypothesis but only few studies could be found on PPP in the Sri Lankan context and there is no evidence of research using data of the 21st century. In this paper the researcher has attempted to check the absolute and relative PPP in Sri Lanka in terms of trading partners and competitors. As trading partner currencies the researcher has used USD, GBP, Yen, and Yuen because they are the main contributors of Sri Lankan imports. As competitor currencies researcher has used INR and Baat because they have been the main competitors for the Sri Lankan apparel exports. According to the absolute PPP theory if the PPP holds between both countries the exchange rate between two countries should be equal to the ratio of the general price levels of the two countries. If relative PPP holds,the percentage change in the exchange rate between two countries over any period should be equal to the difference between the percentage change in national price levels. In order to examine the validity of the absolute and relative PPP hypothesis, the researcher has first checked the nominal exchange rates from January 1986 to December 2009 with the use of Cointegration method and Wald test. Then the real exchange rates with the use of ADF Unit root test were checked. Based on the test results, it can be concluded that even though the absolute PPP may not hold, the relative PPP may hold in Sri Lanka from 1986 to 2009 for the above trading partners and competitors. The objective of this research was not only to validate the PPP as the main determinant of the exchange rate but to understand which factors may influence not holding the PPP in the Sri Lankan context.
Application of a Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Detection of Pathogenic Leptospira in Clinical Samples
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Denipitiya, D.T.H.; Jiffrey, A.M.; Abeyewickreme, W.; Wellawaththge, C.; Hapugoda, M.D.
Leptospirosis, is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution, caused by pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira. It has the greatest impact on health in developing countries where it is often grossly under-recognized. Clinical features are similar to a range of other infectious diseases that occur in the same environmental and climatologic conditions. Therefore, laboratory confirmation is essential for proper management of leptospirosis patients. Molecular assays offer definitive laboratory confirmation of leptospirosis at the early phase of infection (1-5 days of fever) within a few hours. The objective of this study was to establish and evaluate potential use of a real time- PCR assay for early, definitive laboratory confirmation of leptospirosis patients. A SYBR green-based real time PCR assay targeting a 203 bp fragment on the secY gene which is conserved among pathogenic serovars of Leptospira was established using a reference DNA sample (Leptospira interrogans strain RGA). Analytical specificity of the assay was tested with the DNA from pathogenic and non-pathogenic Leptospira spp. and five other micro organisms. Analytical sensitivity of the assay was tested using serial dilutions of the reference sample. A panel of acute blood samples (n=150) collected during early phase of infection (1-5 days of fever) from leptospirosis suspected patients was used for evaluation of real time PCR vs qualitative PCR. The results show, real time PCR assay with high analytical specificity (100%) was established and the assay shows 100 times higher sensitivity over qualitative PCR assay (1.3 pg/ml). Real time PCR and qualitative PCR could diagnose current leptospirosis infection in 37.3% (56/150) and 19.3% (29/150) suspected patients respectively. These results indicate high sensitivity of real time PCR over qualitative PCR for diagnosis of leptospirosis patients. In conclusion, this study shows that real time PCR has the potential to facilitate rapid and sensitive diagnosis of acute leptospirosis during early phase of infection.
Areas of Attraction and Areas of Isolation: A Case Study of the Havanevela Cist Burial
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Saldin, M.
The village of Havanevela is located in the Havanevela Gramasevaka Division in the Galewela Divisional Secretariat of the Matale District. The site is located seven kilometres from the Galevela junction and can be approached via the Galevela- Matale road (B345). The preliminary excavation at the Havanevela cist burial carried out in 2007 by the Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya provided valuable evidence with regard to the cist burial culture in the Upper Kala Oya region. Furthermore, it also augmented Prof. Sudarshan Seneviratne’s (1987) theory on areas of attraction and areas of isolation/ relative isolation in relation to two other significant cist burials in the Upper Kala Oya region, Ibbankatuva and Yatigalpotta. This paper aims to discuss the testing of Seneviratne’s above mentioned theory in relation to the data recovered from Havanevela.
Assessment of Dengue Risk by means of Larval Indices and Insecticide Susceptibility in two Localities of Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Dharshini, S.; Vinobaba, M.
Dengue is the most important vector borne disease in Sri Lanka and globally due to its increasing incidence over the years. Climate changes coupled with rapid urban development result in increasing the breeding and survival of Aedes mosquitoes, the vector for dengue, hence the success of dengue virus transmission. This study aims to identify the relationship between Aedeslaval indices (House Index [HI], Container Index [CI] and Breteau Index [BI]) and dengue risk, and study the insecticide susceptibility to strengthen future mosquito control strategies in the Batticaloa district. The two locations selected for collection of Aedes larvae were Batticaloa and Oddamavadi, in Batticaloa District. Larval collections were made fortnightly using conventional ovitraps for nine months covering the dry and wet seasons. 15 Ovitraps were placed in randomly selected houses on each locality based on the data obtained from Anti Malaria Campaign where dengue cases were available. WHO kit with insecticide impregnated papers with the following concentration recommended by WHO were used for the susceptibility test (Malathion – 0.8%, DDT – 4% and Permathrin – 0.25%). This study demonstrates that all larval indices HI, CI and BI were higher than WHO standard. This indicated a high risk of DF/DHF transmission in both localities. Present investigations revealed that, Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus from all study sites were completely resistant to 4% DDT, moderate to high level resistance to 0.8% Malathion but were susceptible to 0.25% Permathrin. This study suggests that regular and continuous monitoring of resistance should be conducted in all dengueendemic sites, to confirm the continued efficacy of insecticides, and to help choose the most effective insecticides for dengue control.
Assessment of ICT Use in Government Schools of Kalmunai Central Zone, Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Haleem, S.L.A.
Rapid development of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications in each and every field has led researchers to investigate the status of ICT utilization in respective sectors. In that sense it is important to analyze the application of ICT in the education sector. The purpose of this study is to understand, describe and interpret the availability and usability of ICT in schools as a means to expand and enhance teaching learning and related administrative tasks in the Kalmunai Central Zone in Sri Lanka. The descriptive survey approach was used as a research method and three research questions were formulated for the study. The population consisted of five famous schools (1AB grade). Purposive sampling technique was used and a total of eighty participants including five principals, twenty five teachers and fifty students were selected for this study. Questionnaires with some interviewing and field observation were used as instruments for gathering data. Data collected were analyzed using frequency tables and simple percentage and relations. The results of the study showed that ICT facilities and infrastructure are at a poor level, lack of leadership support, inadequate school planning, lack of ICT competency, and negative attitudes towards ICT are major barriers in effective integration of ICT in education. Lack of literature indicated that there was no research conducted in Kalmunai, on this topic. Recommendations were then made to the policy makers for future development and integration of ICT for teaching, learning and administrative tasks.
Banking System Distress: Causes, Impact and Diagnosis
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Bachama, Y.N.
The Nigerian banking sector has experienced a number of banking distresses that have led to the liquidation of quite a number of banks before the banking ordinance of 1952, and after. The tenacity of banking distress in the country, therefore, became a matter of grave and utmost concern not only to the entire nation in general, but to the practitioner and the academic as well. This study has tried to examine the causes of bank distress in Nigeria, its impact and the way out (diagnosis and solution). The study also tries to assess the extent to which these identified factors are accountable for the distress and to ascertain other factors that may be responsible for it. Questionnaires were applied to a cross section of the banking community in Nigeria between the months of January and February 2012, in addition to secondary data obtained for analysis in the study. With the use of simple regression analysis the study has been able to establish the extent to which these identified factors (financial liberalization, macroeconomic epidemics and microeconomic deficiencies – that encompass such factors as poor management, capital inadequacy, financial liberalization and others, corruption, regulatory inadequacy etc.) have been accountable for banking distress in Nigeria. Consequently, the paper has identified that the main factors responsible for bank distress in Nigeria are poor management, capital inadequacies, government policies, regulatory inadequacy and non-performing loans. The impact of banking distress has been profound in that it affects investment which in turn will affect employment and level of output; it also affects depositors and their welfare, etc. According to the findings, the researcher recommends that the regulatory framework and supervision be overhauled and strengthened; financial literacy should be entrenched at all levels of the country’s educational sector (to enhance market discipline) and information disclosure be made compulsory, amongst others.
A Biological System with Bristle Fiber of Coconut to Reduce COD Level of Synthetic Rubber Waste
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Prasanna, M.A.U.U.; Ganepola, K.; Mendis, S.
It is a great problem to reduce COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) levels of water soluble synthetic rubber waste which comes from rubber factories. Solid waste can be removed by using alum and lime. After removing solid waste subjecting to clarifier, the effluent is treated by secondary digestion using aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Bristle fiber bacterial system is used for secondary digestion and efficiency of this system was very high. After the chemical treating, COD level was between 2000 mg/L and 4000 mg/L. The retention time of the new system was 30 hours and it contained anaerobic system, rotating batch contactor (RBC) system, and finalizing system. Bristle fiber of coconut was used as retention medium in every step and specially developed bacterial culture was used. Under the lab scale project, the following data were reported. Average value of input COD was 2784 mg/L. System A (anaerobic tank, tank capacity-50 L, flow rate-24 L/hour, retention time - 2 hours, output COD - 2202 mg/L, COD reduction percentage - 20.89%, pH - 6.8), System B (RBC with Bristle fiber, tank capacity - 350 L, flow rate - 24 L/hour, retention time - 14 hours, output COD- 330 mg/L, COD reduction percentage - 67.26%, pH - 7 and System C (contact with bristle fiber, tank capacity - 350 L, flow rate - 24 L/hour, retention time - 14 hours, output COD- 110 mg/L, COD reduction percentage- 7.89%, pH - 7). The final COD, BOD, pH and total suspended solids (TSS) values of treated water were 110 mg/L, 23mg/L, pH 7 and 20mg/L respectively while total COD reduction percentage was 96% and total retention time was 30 hours. The treated volume of water per day was 576 L. In the large scale project, the following data were reported. Average value of input COD was 2790.8 mg/L. System X (anaerobic tank, tank capacity - 7000 L, flow rate – 625 L/hour, retention time - 11.4 hours, output COD - 1755 mg/L, COD reduction percentage - 36.16%, pH - 6.8), System Y (RBC system with Bristle fiber, tank capacity – 10000 L, flow rate - 625 L/hour, retention time - 16 hours, output COD - 84.7 mg/L, COD reduction percentage 60 %, pH - 6.8) and System Z (contact with bristle fiber, tank capacity - 1500 L, flow rate - 625 L/hour, retention time - 2.6 hours, output COD - 62.45 mg/L, COD reduction percentage - 0.82%, pH - 6.8). Final COD value of treated water was 62.45 mg/L. Total COD reduction percentage was 96.8% and total retention time was 30 hours. The treated volume of water per day was 15000 L. 96% of COD can be reduced through this system within 30 hours.
Blood-feeding patterns of Anopheles mosquitoes in malaria-endemic areas of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N.; Fernando, M.A.S.T.; Hapugoda, M.D.; Wijeyerathne, P.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Abeyewickreme, W.
Background: Studies on host preference patterns in blood-feeding of anopheline mosquitoes are crucial for incriminating them as malaria vectors. However, little information is available on the host preferences of Anopheles mosquitoes in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the hematophagic tendency of the anophelines. Methods: Adult Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using Cattle Baited Trap Collection (CBTC), Cattle Baited Net Collection (CBNC), Window Trap Collection (WTC), and Hand Collection (HC) from selected sentinel sites in Mannnar (3) and Trincomalee (5) Districts during June 2011- June 2012. Each blood fed mosquito was processed in to 9 cm whatman filter papers within 24 hours after blood meal has taken. DNA was extracted using the dried blood meal protocol of the QIAmp DNA mini kit. A multiplexed, Real Time Polymerase Reaction (RT- PCR) assay targeting 8 animals was developed for two panels (Panel 1: Bovine, cat, pig, monkey: Panel 2: Human, rat, dog, chicken) to identify the host meal of Anopheles. Human Blood Index (HBI), Forage Ratio (FR) and Host Feeding Index (HFI) were calculated. Results: A total of 216 field caught freshly engorged females mosquitoes belonging to 12 Anopheles species was analyzed. The host preference of anophelines observed in this study was bovine (86.17%), human (1.84%), cat (0.46%) and pig (0.46%). Only 6.91 % was positive for both human and bovine. In addition 5.0 % of the total samples tested were unknown. The overall HBI and HFI in the present study were low indicating the humans were not the preferred host for the tested anopheline species. Nevertheless, a small proportion engorged An. aconitus (0.37), An. culicifacies (0.27), An. barbirostris (0.2), An. annularis (0.125) and An. subpictus (0.12), An. peditaeniatus (0.08), An. pseudojamesi (0.04) and An. barbumbrosus (0.04) contained human blood, The FRs for human were <1.0 for most of the anophelines, except An. aconitus (1.04). Conclusion: The presence of human blood, in mosquito species indicates the possibility of them transmitting malaria. Hence, further studies on vector competence are needed to determine the role of each of the above anopheline species currently as efficient vectors of malaria.
Breeding of Anopheles culicifacies in different waterbodies in the district of Trincomalee
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Gunathilaka, P.A.D.H.N.; Fernando, M.A.S.T.; Hapugoda, M.D.; Wijeyerathne, P.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Abeyewickreme, W.
Introduction: Anopheles culicifacies (Diptera: Culicidae), the major vector of malaria in Sri Lanka is known to breed in clean and clear water. This study was focused to understand the larval habitats of the major malaria vector with the eco system changes in the Trincomalee district of the Eastern Province. Method: Potential larval habitats for Anopheles mosquitoes were surveyed on a monthly basis for 17 months (January 2011 –June 2012) in 4 different selected sampling sites (Murthankulam, Kommnaimottai, Paranamadawachchiya and Kokmotawewa). Collected larvae were identified using standard taxonomic keys. The species Distribution (C) and Density (D) were calculated. Results: A total of 2996 larval specimens representing 13 Anopheles species were reported from 16 different breeding habitats namely, waste water (n= 635), built well (n= 1229), earth well (n=149), agricultural well (n=9), rain water collection (n=89), animal hoof print (n=17), burrow pit (n=256), rock pool (n=10), canal (n=15), irrigation canal (n=27), lake margin (n=27), tank margin (n=448), pond margin (n=15), marshy land (n=13), paddy field (n=15) and slow moving water (n=42). An. culicifacies was observed as the most predominant species throughout the survey. According to Density criterion, An. culicifacies (44.0%), An. subpictus (19.2%), An. barbirostris (13.2%), An. peditaeniatus (10.28%) and An. nigerrimus (8.7%) were within the dominant class; (D > 5%). Two species (An. vagus, An. pallidus) were in the subdominant class (1< D <5%). Only An. annularis, An. varuna, An. barbumbrosus, An. pseudojamesi, An. jamesii and An. tessellatus were the satellite species (D < 1%). An. nigerrimus, An. subpictus and An. peditaeniatus can be regarded as constant according to distribution (C= 80.1-100%). Only An. vagus was the most frequently reported (C= 60.1 – 80%) species. All other Anopheles including An. culicifacies were observed as infrequent species (C= 20.1 – 40%) and no species was identified as sporadic appearance (C= 0 – 20%). Most productive breeding site for An. culicifacies were drains covered with waste water (Density= 81.57%) in remote areas. Interpretation & conclusion: These results indicate that An. culicifacies has adapted to breed in a wide range of water bodies including waste water collections although they are considered to breed in clean and clear water. The survival of the major vector mosquito in widespread water bodies could be responsible for the increase in the incidence of malaria in the future.
Can Rehearsing Lead to Over-rehearsing?
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Ferdinando, I.
This paper is based on personal observation and the researcher as participant in action research. As a theatre director, the researcher has always endeavoured to achieve precision in a theatre production in order to generate the desired expressions/emotions in the spectator during a performance. Every director must attempt to accomplish this precision through the set of signs and the sign system of the production in order to obtain the desired reactions from the audience. But as the director cannot control a live performance or all the circumstances that surround it, s/he must use the rehearsal process, which is generally under her/his control, to search for precision. Every moment and movement of the play must be designed and well-rehearsed; the accuracy of the expression achieved through well designed signs to maximise the uninterrupted flow of the play’s signs and sign system is what the director expects from the performance. By working with self-trained and semi-professional actors in Sri Lanka, the rehearsal process has become extremely important and crucial for theatre directors to bring the production to the standard that s/he desires. Experience shows that actors do not display simultaneous development during the course of rehearsals, and to accomplish consistency and precision, directors are compelled to conduct as many rehearsals as possible. However, in the Sri Lankan context, it is often difficult to conduct the number of rehearsals the director desires due to financial constraints and socio-political dynamics. However, there have been instances where the play has not reached its expected precision, because it has been over-rehearsed rather than under-rehearsed, and in the process, lost its spontaneity, and its actors have become mechanical. They enacted what was ‘recorded’ into them and lacked dynamism and authenticity. Most of all, the actors did not appear to enjoy their performance. But directors are generally unable to convince themselves to discontinue rehearsals, because of dissatisfaction with the level of accuracy achieved thus far. This situation leads to a conflict in theatre practice. The director conducts continuous rehearsals to explore and design moments and movements and, record them in actors until s/he is satisfied with the precision of the play. But incessant rehearsals can take the production to a state of over-rehearsing and damage the spontaneity and liveliness of the performance. This paper attempts to explore how a director can avoid this state of over-rehearsing while conducting a rehearsal process and how to let a play take its natural course, once it has reached a desired standard.
Capital Market Securities in Retrospect: A Shift into Properties
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Bruce, A.A.A.
Securities investors in the 21st century seem to change the trend of investment for fear of the effects of the global financial crises and executive fraud scandals which account for the quick fall in the value of shares and other investment securities in the Nigerian Capital Market. Informed investors are of the view that the primary aim of their investment is to help create more wealth and advance their grip on corporate control; yet these have not been realistic because of these crises, hence the diversion from securities investment business to property ownerships. These have accosted most investors to resort to alternative investments, most especially in the properties such as land and buildings. This presentation substantiates the nature of regrets of most investors of securities and their sudden shift to investment properties and the effects such will have on the consolidation and growth of the Nigerian Capital Market. Structured questions were asked of 47 randomly selected investors in some selected Nigerian States: Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Abuja, Jos, and Gombe. Data was empirically sourced from both primary and published materials which were analyzed via a chi-square test to obtain results. It was discovered that most capital market investors have begun to shift their investment priorities to properties such as land, buildings and other valuables which have a bearing on quick investment appreciation and returns. The author recommends that a complete shift from securities by investors may jeopardize the expected growth of the Nigerian Capital Market and investors may end up overstressing properties investment which may likely experience a similar trend in the stock market. Hence investors should only learn to diversify by spreading their investment on both securities and alternative investments.
Challenges in Selecting Humanities and Social Science Journal articles for Bibliometric Analysis at University Level in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Navaneethkrishnan, S.; Weerasooriya, W.A.
The century we live in is witnessing a huge disparity between the developed countries and the developing countries. This is also true in creating knowledge. The disparity is especially clear between pure sciences and social sciences. Even with the research studies of the Humanities and Social Sciences and their disciplines done to date, the amount of investigation is considerably less than in science and technology. Bibliometrics is built to provide an objective approach to assess research outputs of an individual scholar, a research agency, a university or a nation. Based on such outcomes, research funding is allocated and the reputation or credentials of a scholar or an institution are assessed. Although bibliometric assessment has been continuously criticized and improved over time for multidimensional measurement, reflecting more accurately the reality of research activities, it has some significant limitations when applied to the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the methodological challenges faced in selecting Humanities and Social Science journal articles for bibliometric analysis at University level in Sri Lanka.This research paper provides a basic understanding to a researcher and formulates guiding principles when dealing with bibliometric analysis of Humanities and Social Science subjects. Variations in citation patterns, discrepancies due to journals with dual volume-numbering systems or combined volumes, publication gaps due to the war situation, language and regional bias, need of fine-grained delineation at the level of individual articles, defining journal coverage in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences and unavailability of soft forms of printed journals are identified as the major challenges in selecting journal articles for bibliometric analysis at University level in Sri Lanka. Even though the methodological challenges have been pointed out, responding to these challenges and designing strategies with criteria are necessary to promote a better application of bibliometrics for the evaluation of journal articles. It paves the way for more cautious and sophisticated evaluation systems, rooted in a better understanding of the dynamics of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Challenges in Technical Translations
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Wanasinghe, W.M.S.P.K.
As human beings are social animals, people have the instinct to communicate with others, to share their feelings and thoughts and as a result translations have become popular among people in order to make communication more effective. Translations can be simply explained as translating a text from a source language to a target language. Translations can be categorized into various varieties such as literary, legal, scientific, technical and religious/sacred translations. This paper will discuss existing issues such as lack of a clear theoretical home for technical translations which remains problematic for researchers, translators and students alike. A number of key challenges for technical translations still remain and it will be found beyond the traditional confines of translation studies. Technical translation is a type of specialized translation involving the translation of circulars, reports, official documents, manuals, user guiders, advertisements etc. Many translators find it a challenging task to translate specialized features such as technical words, terms, jargon, phrases which are unique to its own subject area. Thus technical translations cover the translation of many kinds of specialized texts and require a high level of subject knowledge and mastery of the relevant terminology and writing conventions. Data has been gathered through personal experience, practice, secondary sources, observations and interviews. This research would provide an insight into recognizing and overcoming problems in technical translations enabling one to produce a successful outcome.
Challenges of Defending Maritime Domain of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Kotakadeniya, H.M.S.K.B.; Kalingamudali, S.R.D.; Bulathsinghala, G.
The Indian Ocean is rapidly surpassing both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as the world’s busiest and most critical trade corridor, triggering several dramatic changes in the region. With the growth in legitimate international commerce in the maritime domain, escalation of criminal activities has also proliferated. Human and drug smuggling, weapons, and other contraband, as well as piracy and armed robberies against vessels, pose a serious threat to maritime security. The existing level of protection given to the maritime assets and the sealines is grossly inadequate. The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) is conducting surveillance in brown water ranging from 50 Nm to 100 Nm as and when required. Due to the limited number of blue water ships, SLN’s capacity is restricted to continuous surveillance. All ships that sail on the international waters are fitted with the Automatic Identification System (AIS) which emanates position, identity, course and speed over ground, heading and rate of turn as well as navigational status and the destination of the ship. The information received is easily plotted on an electronic chart display system which has the capability of identifying rogue ships in the Exclusive Economic Zone, but the existing shore based sensors’ are restricted with poor coverage due to range. To overcome this limitation surveillance aircraft can be fitted with the AIS to cover a larger sea area. The objective of this research study is to establish the possibility of using indigenous mechanisms to upgrade the capabilities of the Sri Lanka Air Force’s (SLAF’s) existing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) with minimum capital commitment. The research team has carried out in-depth analysis of the existing reconnaissance procedure of SLN. A number of interviews have been conducted with senior Naval officers who are directly involved in the operation and had identified its limitations. There is a possibility of fixing an airborne AIS system to available UAV’s and the engine power/aircraft weight ratios have been calculated for the modification. It has been determined to position the available Ground Data Terminal on a SLN ship. This will facilitate the UAV to extend its range. As follow up to this study, the team intends studying the possibility of linking up the UAV Uplink/Datalink with a satellite to gain more range since Sri Lanka will have one of her own very soon. The time is ripe to integrate the SLAF’s and SLN’s capabilities to strengthen surveillance mechanisms, effectively arresting the emerging transnational threats in the Maritime domain.