University Of Kelaniya Research Articles

The Impact of Adopting Facebook on Developing Descriptive and Narrative Paragraph Writing Skills of ESL Young Adult Learners

Facebook, as one of the popular social media sites worldwide and in Sri Lanka, has been highlighted as a powerful influencer on language learning. While Sri Lanka is working to modernize its paper-based traditional education system and follow global trends of incorporating technology and social media into teaching methods, Facebook use by students for learning reasons is a rarely explored area. The current study's problem stems from students' poor performance in English writing assessments and decreased interest in paper-based education. The objective of this study was to see how using Facebook assisted tertiary-level ESL students build descriptive and narrative paragraph writing skills. The study used an intervention research approach, with data obtained through pre and post-tests. The study included 60 intermediate-level ESL students from the University of Kelaniya who studied in the first-year "English for Social Sciences" course. Participants were chosen after the pre-test, and the experimental group's 30 students were taught for six weeks through a closed Facebook group, whereas the control group's 30 students were taught using paper-based method in regular classes. The similar lessons on descriptive and narrative paragraph writing were delivered to the students on the Facebook group and for the controlled group employing the conventional paper-based approach. The findings demonstrated statistically significant differences between scores of the controlled group and the experimental group, in favour of the experimental group subjected to Facebook learning, proving that Facebook is a modern arena that should be promoted as an appealing online platform to refine students' language skills.

Detection of pathogenic Leptospira with rapid extraction followed by recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay-A comprehensive study from Sri Lanka.

Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis in the world. The disease is more prevalent in tropical regions where the majority of developing countries are located. Leptospirosis is considered a protean manifestation zoonosis with severity of the disease ranging from a mild febrile illness to a severe and life-threatening illness. Clinical symptoms of leptospirosis overlap with other tropical febrile illnesses. Early, rapid, and definitive diagnosis is important for effective patient management. Since Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based assays are not readily available in most clinical settings, there is a need for an affordable, simple, and rapid diagnostic test. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) were implemented at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, and a prospective study to evaluate RPA for diagnosis of acute phase of leptospirosis was conducted. Results indicate that RPA and qPCR were positive in 81% (98/121) of the total positive and acute clinical samples. Of the 81 positive MAT confirmed patients 60 (74%) and 53 (65%) were positive with qPCR and RPA respectively. Retrospective evaluation revealed a high diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity-70% and specificity-87%) of RPA compared to MAT as the reference gold standard. Results further suggest that there is no significant difference between the two assays, qPCR and RPA-SwiftX (P = 0.40). Laboratory procedures for the extraction and detection by qPCR in the laboratory have been optimized to obtain results within 6 hours. However, the RPA-SwiftX method under field conditions took 35 minutes. The RPA-SwiftX method could replace the qPCR which shows similar sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, RPA established under the current study presents a powerful tool for the early and rapid diagnosis of leptospirosis at point-of-care.

Learning Odyssey: Assessing User Satisfaction through Library Guided Tour

The libraries provide User education to help users develop the necessary skills and knowledge to access, evaluate, and use information effectively. Library guided tours are an effective way to introduce new users to the library and its resources and offer tips on using them effectively. This research aimed to evaluate newcomers’ ability to use library services after participation in the guided library tour of the Library at the University of Kelaniya and to determine the level of satisfaction with the guided library tour, compare satisfaction between faculties and genders, and collect feedback from users on the tour experience. The research employed mixed method. The population was two thousand nine hundred sixty-five first-year students (2965) who participated in a library tour. The questionnaire was distributed among students via a Google Form. IBM SPSS 26 package was used to analyze the gathered data. Out of 2965 participants, only 343 responded. Both male and female students from various faculties exhibited intense satisfaction with the library tour, resulting in a test score of 1.4922 (M=1.4922; SD=0.76625). In conclusion, newcomers effectively acquired abilities through the library-guided tour, and their high satisfaction was evident.

Efficacy and safety of deferoxamine, deferasirox and deferiprone triple iron chelator combination therapy for transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia with very high iron overload: a protocol for randomised controlled clinical trial

IntroductionDespite the improvement in medical management, many patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia die prematurely due to transfusion-related iron overload. As per the current guidelines, the optimal chelation of iron cannot be...

Syllabus revision; a needs analysis study

Needs analysis is considered be one of the key aspects in Curriculum and Material design. The central aim of need analysis is to discover the content areas that learners have to learn, the sections which learners did not learn yet, and the domains that learners want to learn that corresponds roughly to learners’ needs, lacks and wants respectively. Needs assessments and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) are inextricably linked. Thus, a needs analysis is designed to identify the needs, wants and lacks first level undergraduates of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya who follow the course; English for Social Sciences. The purpose relies on comparing the needs of the students and the needs addressed in the existing syllabus with the primary objective of making recommendations to revise the current syllabus that use to teach the course. A sample of students was selected, and a questionnaire is used as a data collection tool. Meanwhile, a written essays of students were assessed to comprehend their current proficiency level. The course content was analyzed to determine the current needs addressed in them. In addition to the accessed needs of the students, at the end of the study, a considerable number of pitfalls were found in the existing syllabus and the necessary recommendations have indicated. It is crucial to determine the specific needs of the students while prioritizing their objectives of learning English language. The course materials should design systematically without deviating from the predetermined objectives. At the same time a key consideration should be given to the duration of the course and the materials should tailor according to the schedule.

Procedural simulation in venipuncture for medical undergraduates and its transfer to the bedside: a cluster randomized study.

Simulation is accepted as an effective method of learning procedural skills. However, the translational outcomes of skills acquired through simulation still warrants investigation. We designed this study to assess if skills laboratory training in addition to bedside learning (intervention group [IG]) would provide better learning results than bedside learning alone (control group [CG]) in the context of venipuncture training. This prospective, cluster-randomized, single-blind study took place at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Seventeen clusters of second-year medical students were randomly assigned to either IG or CG. The IG trained on venipuncture in the skills laboratory, receiving instruction after modified Payton's Four Step Method. Following the training, students of both IG and CG underwent bedside learning for one month. Afterward, students of both groups performed venipuncture on actual patients in a clinical setting. An independent, blinded assessor scored students' performance using the Integrated Procedural Protocol Instrument (IPPI) and a checklist. Patients assessed students' performance with the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT). Eight and nine clusters were randomized to the intervention and control groups, respectively. IG completed significantly more single steps of the procedure correctly (IG: 19.36 ± 3.87 for checklist items; CG: 15.57 ± 4.95; p < 0.001). IG also scored significantly better on IPPI ratings (median: IG: 27 (12) vs. CG: 21 (8); p < 0.001). Rated by patients, students' communication skills did not significantly differ between the two groups. Simulation-based venipuncture training enabled students to perform the procedure on actual patients with a higher technical accuracy than students who learned venipuncture at the bedside. Students were able to transfer the skills acquired through venipuncture training at the skill laboratory to the bedside.

Determinants of E-books Usage of Undergraduates; With Special Reference to Faculty of Commerce and Managment Studies, University of Kelaniya

When learning merges with technology, it creates an e-learning environment. Such environments integrate with software applications and create e-books for the beneficiaries who register with the system. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of e-book usage by Undergraduates in the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya. Three hundred thirty-five undergraduates from the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, were used as the sample. Data were collected through a standard questionnaire distributed via a google form. Version 23.0 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The mean score and standard deviation for each variable were utilized for univariate analysis, and the correlation coefficient was employed for bivariate analysis. The regression and Sobel tests were used to test the hypotheses. The results revealed a significant impact of Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness on E-book usage that has been significantly mediated by Behavioural Intention to Use. These findings have consequences for educators and instructional methodologists, who must balance the benefits of new learning technology with the realities of student perceptions and use.

Usefulness of knowledge in anatomy of the internal iliac artery in its ligation during life-threatening pelvic haemorrhages

Introduction: Post-Partum haemorrhage is a significant cause of maternal mortality. Bilateral internal iliac artery ligation is a life-saving procedure to control massive obstetric and gynaecological haemorrhages. Bilateral internal iliac artery ligation results in toning down the pulsatility making the arterial flow a slow venous flow encouraging the clot formation of the damaged pelvic vessels. This study assesses the retroperitoneal anatomy and regional variations of the internal iliac artery.Methods: The study was based on examining 45 pelvic halves (23 right sides and 22 left sides), which were dissected during the gross anatomy laboratory at the faculty of medicine, Ragama, University of Kelaniya, from 2020 -2023. There were all adult pelvises. The internal iliac artery and its major branches were carefully dissected and examined. Adachi classification was used to classify the distribution pattern of the internal iliac artery. The study was done on the donated cadavers, and the nature of the study did not warrant any special ethical clearance. No conflict of interest.Results: No anatomical deviation has been noted with regard to the levels of division of aorta, common iliac artery, the division into internal and external iliac arteries and the division of anterior and posterior branches of the internal iliac artery from that of classical anatomical literature. It was also noted that there had been no significant deviation of anatomical relations with regard to the structures as described in the internal lilac artery in our study. In our study, Type Ia was found in 35/45 (78%) of the specimens, Type IIa in 3/45 (6%), Type III in 7 (16%), and no specimens were found with Type IV and. Type V.Conclusion: Our study showed no significant anomalies of the pelvic anatomical structural relations to the internal iliac artery. The type Ia branching pattern was found to be the commonest.

A Study of DC Switching Electric ARC Characteristics for Low Voltages

Aims: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the DC electric arc characteristics for low voltages. And explore the relationship among arc time, arc voltage and arc current.&#x0D; Study Design: The experimental setup mainly consisted of a switch contact pair, variable resistive load, and a variable power supply. An oscilloscope was used to collect the voltage variations of the switch and the load. The voltage variation data were used to do further analysis.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physics and Electronics, University Of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka between September 2021 and May 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Voltage variations between the contact pair and the load voltage were measured using an oscilloscope for both switching on and off operations. The experiment was performed for four voltage levels; 60 VDC, 80 VDC, 100 VDC, and 120 VDC. For each voltage level, four load conditions were tested. Therein, a total of 16 different conditions were tested. Five tests were done for each condition. The average values were taken for analysis.&#x0D; Conclusion: When the switch contacts start to separate, the arc voltage must reach the arc starting voltage to form an arc. Moreover, according to the supply voltage and current, there is always a maximum voltage value that arc can reach, which is less than the supply voltage (arc ending voltage). After the arc was formed in DC systems, the arc voltage variation with time can be modeled using the trigonometry tan function.

Infrastructure, curriculum delivery and service provision improvements made by the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka in transforming education towards sustainability in the midst of economic crisis, in post-covid 19 pandemic period.

Covid-19 pandemic followed by the economic crisis that engulfed Sri Lanka (SL) has forced us to redefine strategies in transforming education towards sustainability. During and after the pandemic period, the University of Kelaniya (UOK) invested in multiple upgrades to its learning management system, server capacities, wifi access points, web-based educational resources, and development of human capital both academic and academic support. This preparedness has enabled UOK to continue academic activities in the midst of the current economic crisis in SL. Though distance learning was critical during the pandemic, university provides indispensable physical and social space. When resuming onsite learning, to enable an inclusive and conducive environment in classrooms, UOK is meeting green building ratings for its new constructions. Low-cost, on-campus student accommodations were improved in numbers, facilities, and access to differently-abled. Further, to ensure access to quality education despite the crippled economy and food scarcity, a cafeteria was converted into an energy-efficient, self-sustaining, non-profit venture that provides affordable, nutritional meals. Large scale vegetable cultivation project was initiated using compost produced as part of the solid waste management plan at the university to support the cafeteria. Simultaneously, support programs and awareness programs were conducted on managing mental health, nutritional requirements, and finances in an economic crisis. These programs were extended to the community with the support of students, facilitating education through social engagements. Last, despite budget cuts, funding for research was secured, with the hope of transforming education at UOK towards a sustainable future.

Acceptability of A Web-based Character Strengths Module for Early Adolescent School Children

Background: Frequent socio-political conflicts in the past decades have adversely affected the well-being of youth in Sri Lanka. There is a need to support youth development, mitigate past trauma, and promote social harmony. School-based interventions to improve character development, emotional regulation, and tolerance have good evidence and may benefit adolescents in Sri Lanka. Our objective was to develop a novel character strength program in Sinhala to promote Leadership, Empathy, Altruism, Personal Growth, and Social Responsibility (LEAPS). This program consists of ten web-based modules and is facilitated by teachers. This initial evaluation focuses on the first module and its acceptability among students and teachers. Method: Program modules were developed by a child and adolescent psychiatrist with the support of mental health and educational experts. The first module was piloted among grade 8 students (12-14 years) and teachers of two schools in the Gampaha District. It was designed to be interactive and contains various cultural activities and questions. On completion, participants gave feedback online via Likert scales. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. Results: A total of 115 students and 66 teachers participated. Overall, more than 95% of students and teachers found the module appropriate and suitable. The students had more favourable ratings for the module compared to the teachers on aspects of understanding the content (p&lt;0.001), ability to complete by self (p&lt;0.001), suitability to age (p&lt;0.001), shorter time for completion (p&lt;0.001) and suitability of the design (p&lt;0.001). Both groups suggested that the pictures and activities be increased. Conclusions: Teaching character strengths using a web-based intervention was well accepted by adolescent students and teachers in Sri Lanka.

REACh for the preschoolers; a developmental assessment tool for 2–5 year old children in Sri Lanka

BackgroundPreschool children in low resource settings are at higher risk of missing developmental potential due to the lack of standardized and validated methods for the timely detection of children with developmental delays or neurodevelopmental disorders. The preschool teacher is a non-specialist resourceful link within the community to detect and offer interventions early. This paper discusses the preliminary iteration of designing and testing the psychometric properties of a developmental assessment for children aged 24 to 60 months in Sri Lanka. This assessment is designed to be conducted by preschool teachers in their preschool setting.MethodsThree processes followed: 1. Designing and development of the Ragama Early Assessment for Children (REACh) complete preschool developmental assessment and a tool kit 2. Testing and training teachers on conducting the REACh assessment 3. Preliminary assessment of the psychometric properties including content validity, internal consistency, interrater reliability and concurrent validity.ResultsA literature search identified 11 assessments and 542 items representing cognitive, social-emotional and adaptive, language and motor domains. Content validity was assessed to select and adapt items. A complete assessment tool was designed to be administered in four settings within the preschool. This was further improved during pre and pilot testing and teacher training. Cronbach's alpha measuring internal consistency was > 0.70 for cognitive, language, social-emotional and adaptive domains across all three age groups in 1809 children. Interrater reliability was > 65% for age groups 36–47 and 47- 60 months. Concurrent validity using a clinical gold standard demonstrated sensitivity of more than 0.75 for all age groups with variable specificities (24–35 months: 0.71, 36- 47 months: 0.43 and 48–60 months: 0.67) assessed in 75 children.ConclusionsThis culturally and linguistically adapted tool was tested nationally in Sri Lanka. The inte-rrater reliability between teachers and research assistants was higher than 65% for all domains in children more than 36 months. The preliminary iteration confirms it as an acceptable screening assessment for all age groups but with significantly lower specificity in the 36-47 month age group. Further improvement in certain domains together with intense teacher training is likely to enhance the validity and reliability of the assessment.Trial registrationEthics clearance for the procedure was granted prospectively from the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (ERC no. P 131/06/2018).

Mediating Effect of Facebook Usage between Wellness Dimensions and Academic Performance on Government University Undergraduates in Sri Lanka

The concept of Wellness comes from the early decades of the twentieth century. Out of the wellness dimension models six main dimensions of wellness have been identified by researchers. They are Social Wellness, Physical Wellness, Intellectual Wellness, Occupational Wellness, Emotional Wellness and Spiritual Wellness. This study depicts the mediating effect of Facebook usage between wellness dimensions and academic performance on government university undergraduates in Sri Lanka. University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Colombo, University of Kelaniya and University of Peradeniya are the universities out of the fifteen universities in Sri Lanka which were selected as the sample for this study. Data collection method was simple random sample method. And in the questionnaire five point liquid scale method was used. The structural equation modeling using the Amos Software was used to analyze the collected data. Based on the findings of this study, wellness dimensions have an impact on the academic performance of government university undergraduates in Sri Lanka and there is an impact on wellness dimensions and Facebook usage of government university undergraduates in Sri Lanka.

Identification of patients with type 2 diabetes with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who are at increased risk of progressing to advanced fibrosis: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionIdentification of advanced hepatic fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is important as this may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The risk of hepatic fibrosis is especially high...

Association between Emotional Labour and Psychological Well-Being: With Special Reference to Doctors Working at COVID - 19 Treatment Units in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka

Kelaniya Journal of Human Resource Management is the journal of the Department of Human Resource Management, University of Kelaniya. The objective of this journal is to disseminate knowledge of research as conducted by the academic scientists and practitioners in the field of HRM. The journal contains research and review papers.

Coping with Psychological Issues Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic Times: Perspectives of Undergraduates of Non-State Universities

Kelaniya Journal of Human Resource Management is the journal of the Department of Human Resource Management, University of Kelaniya. The objective of this journal is to disseminate knowledge of research as conducted by the academic scientists and practitioners in the field of HRM. The journal contains research and review papers.

Role of Big Data in Human Resource Management: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis

During the last decades, big data has been recognized as a salient enabler of human resource management performance. Although increasing academic attention on big data in human resource management has been generated, there is still a void in this research domain. Due to the increasing academic interest in big data in HRM, a thorough bibliometric analysis of the structure and development of this research topic is required. Correspondingly, classic narrative literature evaluations provide substantial contributions, notwithstanding inadequate to give an exhaustive overview of a particular research area. Consequently, scientific mapping, which garners bibliometric techniques to structure and develop a specific area graphically, is gaining salience. Thereby, the overriding aim of this research is to examine Scopus publications related to big data and human resource management. Bibliometric analysis was performed to explore the growing trends, global distribution, thematic evolution, influential articles, researchers, keywords, and dominating countries in big data and HRM. The cluster analysis results highlight the most important topics for current and future academics in the fields of HRM and AI. Emerged clusters include Cluster1: adoption of HR analytics; Cluster2: decision support systems; Cluster 3: dynamic capabilities; Cluster4: digital innovation; Cluster5: organizational ambidexterity; Cluster6: internet of things; Cluster 7: cloud computing. The result is intended to show academics and practitioners a state-of-the-art and comprehensive view of the diverse and multidimensional phenomena of big data and HRM research.

Enhancing IT Graduates’ Employability Skills for Surviving in New Normal: Perspective of IT Professionals

Kelaniya Journal of Human Resource Management is the journal of the Department of Human Resource Management, University of Kelaniya. The objective of this journal is to disseminate knowledge of research as conducted by the academic scientists and practitioners in the field of HRM. The journal contains research and review papers.

Effect of Internal Audit on Fraud Management in the Financial Service Sector in Sri Lanka

The International Journal of Accountancy (IJA) is published by the Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. It is an interdisciplinary accountancy research journal, publishing enquiries of accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and governance issues and their impacts on policy, practice and society. IJA encourages better understandings of accountancy related matters through research, encouraging innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.

Determinants of Banks’ Profitability: Empirical Evidence from Sri Lanka

The International Journal of Accountancy (IJA) is published by the Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. It is an interdisciplinary accountancy research journal, publishing enquiries of accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and governance issues and their impacts on policy, practice and society. IJA encourages better understandings of accountancy related matters through research, encouraging innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.