MPhil / PhD Theses
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Item Evidencing information overload in the annual reports and their impact on the financial performance of the listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka(2023) Regina, A. L. VAs the world indulged in the information era, perceiving a clear understanding of the role of information in the business context became vital. Therefore, this study aims to examine whether the information disclosures in the annual reports of the listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka are overloaded enough to impact financial performance. A total of 270 firm-year observations were utilized in this research, covering ten years from 2012 to 2022 for twenty-seven companies. Separate panel regression models were developed to reveal the inverted U-shaped relationship between every information attribute and financial performance. Information attributes comprised the quantity of information in the annual reports and the quality of the information, which was measured by several readability scores. The study's outcome reveals that an increase in information—both in terms of quantity and quality—in the annual reports initially produces a positive association with financial performance. However, after a certain level, further increases in that information establish a negative relationship. This leads to an inverted U-shaped curved relationship between the information and the financial outcome. The findings of this study draw the attention of annual report preparers, policymakers, and standard setters towards reconsidering the construction mechanisms of annual reports in this cluttered information era. Since this is an original study carried out in Sri Lanka, the outcome provides significant insights to organizations in designing the information content and quality in annual reports. Preparers could create a mechanism to identify whether including particular information in the annual reports is coherent with the decision-making process in advance, thereby avoiding information overload for the stakeholders.Item ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CAROTID ARTERY INTIMA AND MEDIA THICKNESSES (CIMT) AND RISK OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE (CHD) IN A SELECTED SRI LANKAN POPULATION(2024) Abeysuriya, V.Introduction: Carotid artery Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) is an important biomarker for assessing coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Despite its importance, the application of CIMT in South Asian populations remains under-explored. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis of global literature on CIMT to clarify its demographic and regional variation was conducted, and CIMT values were assessed in a specific Sri Lankan cohort. Methods: Phase 1 involved a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) criteria. A comprehensive search for relevant studies was performed to evaluate the global applicability of CIMT as a prognostic tool for CHD risk. Phase 2 comprised a comparative study conducted from November 2019 to October 2020 at Nawaloka Hospital PLC in Colombo. This phase examined two cohorts of participants aged 40–74 years: those with coronary heart disease (CHD) (n=338) and those without (non-CHD) (n=356). Data collection included socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements, clinical evaluations, biochemical analyses, and CIMT assessments. The original Framingham Risk Scores (oFRS) and recalibrated Framingham Risk Scores (rFRS) were calculated for the non-CHD group. Results: There were significant differences in mean CIMT between the CHD and non-CHD cohorts, with notable variations across WHO regions. After adjusting for age, region, and ultrasound equipment, the CHD group exhibited a significantly thicker mean CIMT. Segment-specific CIMT variations were also observed. A total of 694 participants (male n=399, 57.5%) were enrolled, with a mean age of 60.2 (±9.86) years. The composite mean CIMT for the CHD group was significantly greater than that of the non-CHD group. Statistical evaluations indicated disparities in participant distribution across 10-year CHD risk categories based on both oFRS and rFRS, with the rFRS model classifying individuals into lower risk categories compared to the oFRS. Conclusions: CIMT measurements are influenced by regional, age, sex, and disease-specific factors. CIMT was higher in subjects with CHD as compared to the control group and increased with higher CHD risk groups. The rFRS model consistently classified subjects in lower risk categories as compared to the oFRS.Item GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN SRI LANKA: AN ASSESSMENT OF ISLAND-WIDE PREVALENCE, TREATMENT OPTIONS IN USE, TREATMENT RESISTANCE, AND THE USE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PHYSIOLOGY TO PREDICT TREATMENT OUTCOMES(2023) Wickramasinghe, N. A. M.Introduction Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), although commonly found in Sri Lanka, has not yet been fully studied at a national level. This study was conducted to improve knowledge regarding GERD and its risk factors in Sri Lanka and provide baseline data for developing Sri Lankan guidelines on diagnosis and treatment. Methods The study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 is a cross-sectional, community-based epidemiological study to assess the island-wide prevalence of GERD and associated factors. A total of 1200 individuals aged 18–70 years were recruited from all 25 districts of the country using stratified random sampling. An interviewer-administered, country-validated questionnaire was used to assess the GERD prevalence and associated factors. Weight, height, waist, and hip circumference were measured. Phase 2 was a hospital-based prospective study of 209 patients attending the gastrointestinal clinics and endoscopy units of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka with complaints of GERD symptoms. Their information was obtained using the same interviewer-administered questionnaire used in Phase 1 with additional hospital reports. Follow-up questioning was done at 6 months and 1 year. During Phase 3, a hospital-based prospective study was conducted to assess the value of gastrointestinal physiology investigations, namely esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH impedance testing, in 46 treatment-resistant GERD patients. Results Of the normal population, 25.3% suffer from heartburn or regurgitation at least once a week. At the same time, 38.4% were using medication for the symptoms while 19.8% were on proton pump inhibitors. Of the patients with GERD symptoms who were referred for treatment to a specialized GI unit, 95% have undergone endoscopy. Of them, erosive GERD was detected in 33%. The rest of the patients were left without a definitive diagnosis due to the very limited number of patients undergoing MII-pH (22%). Meanwhile, 99% of patients were offered anti-reflux medication, though the follow-up management of them was not adequate, leading to ad hoc improper use of medications later. Treatment-resistant GERD was estimated at 15%. Of the patients who did undergo MII-pH, a diagnosis of GERD was obtained for 28.3%, while conclusive evidence of reflux hypersensitivity and functional heartburn was obtained for 17.8% and 13.3%, respectively. Newer metrics, such as mean nocturnal baseline impedance, significantly (p <0.001) impacted identifying patients with GERD. Using the results of all three phases of the study, a crude estimated value of 7% was calculated for GERD prevalence in Sri Lanka. Mental stress and inadequate sleep were significantly higher in subjects suffering from GERD symptoms and those objectively diagnosed with GERD. Certain dietary-related habits, such as sleeping after meals, were detected in patients with GERD and GERD symptoms. Considerable changes in dietary intake and patterns were noted in patients with GERD. Conclusion GERD management practices seemed more reliant on PPI-based medical management, with less emphasis on lifestyle change and behavioral therapies and even less on anti-reflux surgery. Diagnosis, follow-up, and management are ad hoc and not streamlined according to internationally recommended guidelines. Establishing centers with specialized investigation facilities such as MII-pH will optimize the diagnosis of GERD in Sri Lanka and help in the effective management of patients.Item Impact of Digital Transactions on Financial Traceability and Credit Access for SMEs in Sri Lanka(2024) Premathilaka, S. C.This study explores the transformative impact of digital payment systems on financial traceability and its implications for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) regarding access to credit within formal financial channels. Through a thorough examination of existing gaps in theoretical, empirical, and practical knowledge, the research formulates a focused problem statement. While centering on its primary objective, the study also integrates additional factors to expand its analytical scope. The use of Digital Payment Systems (UDPS) and Financial Data Traceability (FDT) are positioned as mediating variables, while Government Intervention (GI) serves as a moderating factor, as supported by an extensive review of the literature. A carefully constructed theoretical framework underpins the study, aligning all core components. Grounded in a positivist epistemology and following a deductive approach, the study employs quantitative methods for primary data collection, supplemented by interviews to enhance validation. This mixed-methods strategy strengthens the validation process, beginning with a pre-survey for content validation and followed by a pilot survey involving 30 respondents to ensure measurement reliability and validity. Given the study's broad population base and the absence of a defined sample framework, a multilevel mixed-method sampling technique was employed, gathering responses from 600 SME digital payment users across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka, out of a larger population of 85,453 as of 2022. The data was analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique, which revealed that UDPS has the most significant effect on SME credit access, followed by GI and FDT. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between digital payment systems, financial traceability, government intervention, and SME credit access, contributing to a deeper understanding of these dynamics and their implications for business growth.Item IMPACT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT; MODERATING IMPACT OF THE BEHAVIORAL INTENTION IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN SRI LANKA(2024) Chandramohan, S.Higher education institutions globally face challenges in addressing student satisfaction, retention, loyalty, academic performance, and employability. In Sri Lanka, these challenges are particularly pressing for both state and non-state universities, with student retention and employability being key concerns. The global pandemic and subsequent economic crisis have exacerbated these challenges, compelling universities to shift to virtual classrooms and digitalized activities. However, this rapid transition has raised concerns about fulfilling the fundamental objectives of higher education. This study aims to investigate student engagement, a critical factor within the control of universities, to address these challenges effectively. Grounded in Astin’s Theory of Involvement (1984), Bronfenbrenner and Ceci’s Ecological System Theory, and Kember and Leung’s Teaching and Learning Environment Model, this research explores the variables influencing student engagement in Sri Lankan higher education. Additionally, technology adoption models are employed to assess the moderating role of technology in student engagement. A deductive approach was adopted, with data collected from students in both state and non-state universities. The findings reveal that Teaching, Student-Peer Relationships, Teacher-Student Relationships, and the Campus and Institutional Environment positively influence student engagement. Furthermore, the study highlights that technology integration plays a significant moderating role in shaping engagement outcomes. These results provide valuable insights into enhancing student engagement amidst technological disruptions. The research establishes a comprehensive model tailored to the Sri Lankan context, emphasizing the importance of effective teaching strategies, supportive relationships, and a conducive institutional environment. It also underscores the necessity of managing technology integration to ensure it enhances rather than hinders engagement. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of how higher education institutions can address contemporary challenges and enhance student outcomes effectively.Item BLOCKCHAIN ENABLED DEEP Q LEARNING-BASED COMPUTATIONAL MODEL FOR TRUSTWORTHINESS AND SECURITY OF MOBILE AD-HOC NETWORKS(2023) Jinarajadasa, M. H. G. M.Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs) are integral to modern communication systems, yet their susceptibility to security threats demands innovative solutions. This thesis introduces an advanced machine learning-based trust computational model designed to strengthen the trustworthiness and security of MANETs. This research is conducted in two phases. The outcomes of Phase 1 of this research constitute a multifaceted approach to enhancing trust and security within MANETs. At its core, a Deep Q-learning-based Node Trust Computational Model was developed, serving as the foundational element for evaluating trustworthiness within MANETs. Complementing this model, an Ant Colony Optimization-based Trust Routing Protocol was implemented, leveraging trust values to optimize routing decisions, thereby improving network efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) Classifier was crafted for node classification, proficiently categorizing nodes as either trustworthy or malicious. This classification mechanism plays a pivotal role in fortifying network security by aiding in the identification and mitigation of potential threats. Phase 2 delved into enhancing the security measures of the network while refining trust value calculation. This phase innovatively integrated blockchain technology to authenticate MANET nodes based on their behavioral patterns and trustworthiness. The primary outcome of Phase 2 was a Blockchain-enabled Deep Q-learning-based Node Trust Computational Model. The predictions from this model were cyclically employed to retrain both the route optimizer and the node classifier, ensuring adaptability to evolving network conditions. In Phase 1, the Deep Q-learning-based Node Trust Computational Model achieved an accuracy of 80% in computing trust, while Phase 2 enhanced this performance, reaching an impressive accuracy of 90% through the integration of blockchain technology. By combining cutting-edge machine learning techniques, blockchain technology, and trust-based routing protocols, this research offers a novel approach to fortifying the trustworthiness and security of MANETs, addressing the critical challenges associated with trust and security in dynamic wireless communication environments.Item A study of three life stories of Pioneers who dedicated their Service to the Tamil Journalisam in Sri Lanka(2023) Wijerathna, N.A study of three life stories of pioneers who dedicated their service to Tamil journalism . The core theme of this composition is to inquire how Tamil journalists have served the improvement of their journalism .In this context such an improvement could be seen during the time from 1841 to 1924 AD in this country. So, in this remarkable period it could be observed that the literacy as well the education of Tamils ,Muslims ,and plantation workers could reach its progress. It also brought a spreading of their religions too. Infact their journalism could bring the development of their social strata also. The study that I have completed with the works of Arumuga Nawalar, Mohammadhu Siddhilebbe and Kondarama Nadesaiyar who are pioneers led me to inquire the improvement of journalism as well as the development of the social groups of Tamils, Muslims and plantation workers. I would like to note down here that three main sources have helped this task .The primary source that I could reach there is infact the newspapers and other writings of journalists and I could study resourceful facts found in newspapers indicated by these journalists and I could analyze data which are coming in their works as well, I could see the way and track of some leaders emerged in some social groups. In this study many literatures submitted in different angles by aforesaid journalists have been reviewed by me.They have enriched my findings. Further, many periodicals penned and issued on the aforesaid journalists have been reviewed by me and I also could recognize their ideas.Their ideas also have enriched my views too. So their writings have become a remarkable support to my study. The source materials earned from the readings of aforesaid journalists clearly prove the fact that their contribution paved the way for the present development of journalism.Therefore we are convinced that the above mentioned three leading journalists are pioneers of the social groups;Tamils, Muslims and Plantation workers.in Sri Lanka.Item වකුගඩු රෝග ව්යාප්තිය ග්රාමීය සමාජ ව්යුහයට සිදු කරන බලපෑම පිළිබඳ සමාජවිද්යාත්මක විශ්ලේෂණයක්(2024) Munasinghe, P.S.The main objective of this research was to conduct a sociological analysis of the impact on the rural social structure by the spread of the kidney disease within the Vavuniya South, Welioya, Medawachchiya, Medirigiriya and Wilgamuwa Divisional Secretariat divisions in Sri Lanka’s Northern and North-Central Provinces. The research also focused on the impacts caused on the rural economy, children’s education, security, the family unit and social relations. This research is a mix of both, the quantitative and qualitative methods. A questionnaire was used to obtain the quantitative data while key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FDGs) were used for the qualitative data. While the SPSS software was used for the data analysis, Atlas ti was used through thematic analysis for the qualitative data analysis. While 77% of the patients were those engaged in the agricultural sector and labourers, the impact on their economies is higher, since they are unable engage in their daily activities. The children were school dropouts due to the inability to obtain the finances, equipment and materials for their educational activities, and due to the lack of proper security they were evidently attracted towards romantic affairs, under-aged marriages, illegal and anti-social activities. Despite there being family disputes prevalent among around 10% of the patients, the majority were found to be caring to the patients. Though the provision of potable water through Reverse Osmosis (RO) machines has caused a considerable decrease in the spread of the disease, there is no proper regulation of these machines. It can be stated that while quality advisory services, livelihood development, encouraging children towards vocational education etc. are suitable, a more productive conclusion could be reached if all the high-risk Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the island are included in these, without it being limited only to these five Divisional Secretariat Divisions.Item Surface modified graphene-based nanocomposite for selective molecular sieving and adsorption of aqueous ions(2024) Perera, W. P. R. T.Even if, granular media filtration demonstrates efficacy in diminishing water turbidity, its constrained surface functionalities and inherent physical attributes limit its capacity to efficiently adsorptive removal of contaminants from aqueous environments. Concurrently, graphene oxide (GO), employed across various adsorptive removal endeavors targeting toxic metals and molecules, presents challenges in recovery following dispersion within aqueous matrices. Addressing this shortfall, we have engineered a GO/sand composite (M-GO/S) via coating GO on purified sand without using a binding agent to optimize contaminant removal efficacy in aqueous systems. This innovation not only reduces water turbidity but also enhances the mechanical integrity of GO and activates the sand's surface. When graphene oxide (GO) is applied to the surface of sand, it perturbates the local hydrogen-bonded structure of the sand, exposing the Si-OH sites for chemisorption. M-GO/S achieves fluoride removal efficiency exceeding 70% at a pH of approximately 6.30, as per the Hill adsorption model. In tests using simulated water samples, the M-GO/S composite significantly reduced solution turbidity by 87%, lowering it from 0.08 to 0.01 NTU. These findings suggest that M-GO/S is an effective material for simultaneously reducing both fluoride levels and turbidity in water. M-GO/S outperformed commercial coal powdered activated carbon by removing 75% of calcium ions from simulated hard water (pH 8), indicating superior efficacy. The detection of (-O-Ca-O-) chemical bonds on the nanocomposite's surface post-calcium ion equilibration reveals chemical interactions. This highlights the M-GO/S nanocomposite as a promising option for hard water treatment. The M-GO/S nanocomposite effectively adsorbed toxic metals such as Pb (52 mg/g), Cr (37 mg/g), Cd (40 mg/g), and Ni (21 mg/g) and silanol groups acting as active sites for ion exchange. Graphene oxide's adsorption mechanism is driven by its oxygen-rich functional groups (hydroxyl, epoxide, and carboxyl), which boost its affinity for metal ions via complexation, electrostatic attraction, and cation exchange. The M-GO/S composite, leveraging the synergistic surface properties of sand and GO, effectively removes not just cations and anions but also cationic and anionic molecules. Its notable adsorption capacity for substances like Methylene Blue (259.5 mg/g) and MCPA (47.3 mg/g) indicates that this composite may serve as a promising material for molecular sieving. Developing a chemical-free synthesis method for GO is essential for the large-scale production of M-GO/S, aimed at extensive water purification applications.Item රූපවාහිනි ටෙලිනාට්ය ප්රවර්ධනය සඳහා යුටියුබ් මාධ්ය භාවිතය(2024) Gangewatta, C.J.YouTube media works as promotional media, convergence media, flexible media, instant and user-friendly media. The main research problem of this study was to find the feasibility of using YouTube media as a promotional tool for teledramas. A mixed method research approach was used for the research. There, mixed research approaches were used for data collection, data analysis and presentation of results under both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Research results under the mixed approach were integrated to compare the interrelated valid results, and both qualitative and quantitative data approaches were given a similar approach in data analysis. Under the judgment sampling method, this study was conducted specifically on the Deweni Inima, Paradige, Manikkavata and Sakarma dramas, which were the best and most popular teledramas of the years 2021 and 2022 and also used YouTube media as promotional media. 120 respondents were selected who watched both Television and YouTube media. The main objective of this research was to study the feasibility of using YouTube media as a promotional tool for television dramas. Teaser and Trailer, Behind the Scenes, Fan generated content, Live streams and premieres, Sharing Option, Subscriber Interaction, Analytics and Engagement Metrics were identified as new trends in using YouTube media as a promotional tool for television dramas. Also, it was realized through the study that the strategies and approaches used by the Teledrama producers and promotion officers in using YouTube media as a promotional medium use all kinds of new trends based on their possibilities, and through that a successful promotional process is maintained. Accordingly, it is clear that the potential of this promotion is high due to the fact that the YouTube medium is a convergent medium, a flexible medium, an immediate and user - friendly medium as well as an attractive medium.