Browsing by Author "Ekanayake, S."

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A Strategy on Competitive Intelligence for the Sri Lankan Rubber Industry to Generate Potential Value
(2011) Ekanayake, S.; Abeysinghe, D.
The competitive intelligence (CI) is analyzed knowledge and foreknowledge having effective decision making powers to empower business innovative performance for evolution of market advantage and potential value. The competitive intelligence reins with power of knowledge: knowledge management influence business performance to protect intellectual capital vulnerable to competitor incursions, to receive intellectual benefits and appropriation to extract potential market value. The concept of ?competitive intelligence? came to light during an empirical investigation in the Sri Lanka rubber industry. The industry had developed its market advantage as ?latex crepe rubber?, but, had stagnated thereafter by trading it as a commodity. Nonexistence of industrial strategy and committed regulatory role for knowledge management in pursuance of competitive market intelligence had immobilized industrial innovation performance; thus preventing promotion of technological superiority and attainment of intellectual benefits for market advantage to extract potential market value. A qualitative inquiry to understand industry environmental phenomenon from industry practitioners and a quantitative inquiry on industrial performance and value generation was undertaken to arrive at conclusions. A strategic management focus in combination with competitive intelligence needs understanding by industry practitioners and academics to gather insights for potential value generation.
Cancer antigen 15-3 and the grade of the breast carcinoma in newly diagnosed patients
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Akalanka, H.M.K.; Ekanayake, S.; Samarasinghe, K.
BACKGROUND: Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) is a breast tumor marker of clinical utility. However, the utility of measuring CA15-3 in patients with breast cancer (BC) remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: To assess CA15-3 concentrations of newly diagnosed BC patients and to compare those with concentrations of apparently healthy females and within the different the grades of the carcinoma. METHODS: CA15-3 concentration of newly diagnosed BC patients (n=155) and apparently healthy age matched females (n=35) was assessed using enzyme immunoassay sandwich method with a final fluorescent detection using mini vidas immuno analyser. Nottingham grade of the carcinoma of each BC patient was recorded from the histopathology records. RESULTS: The median levels of CA15-3 of the BC patients and apparently healthy women in the study sample was 14.45 (IQR: 10.17) U/mL and 14.19 (IQR: 7.09) U/mL respectively. CA15-3 concentrations were not significantly different among BC and healthy women (p>0.05). Only 11% of women with BC had elevated CA15-3 concentrations above the reference range (30 U/mL). The BC patients were classified as Nottingham grade I (13.4%), II (47.8%) and III (38%). CA15-3. Concentrations (median and IQR) within each grade were 15.24 (6.62), 13.06 (11.56) and 17.52 (13.69) respectively. CA15-3 concentrations were not significantly different according to the grade (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CA 15-3 concentrations of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were not significantly different when compared with apparently healthy women and according to the Nottingham grading.
Chemical and functional properties of selected traditional rice ( Oryza sativa ) varieties
(Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2018 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Bhagy, K. A. D. L.; Ekanayake, S.
Rice is the single most important cereal consumed by Sri Lankans with a 114 kg per-capita consumption per year. Due to the current increase in the interest on consuming traditional rice varieties due to health benefits, information regarding chemical and the functional properties in terms of nutrients and the ability of the rice flour to be incorporated in food production led to this study where we determined the chemical composition, water solubility index (WSI) and water absorbability index (WAI) of five different raw and cooked traditional rice varieties named Kaluheenati, Suwadel, Mavee, Masuran, and Gonabaru. Rice was cooked as per home cooking. Raw and cooked flour were obtained after drying and milling. All the analyses were carried out according to standard methods (n=6). Significances were analyzed at 95% confidence interval. Among the analyzed traditional rice varieties, digestible starch (DS) content was prominent and ranged between 71-79% in raw and 77-84% in cooked rice. Mavee contained the highest DS content (83.7%) after cooking which had significantly increased from raw rice (70.7%). Crude fat and crude protein of cooked rice ranged between 4-6% and 5-10% while in raw rice the values were 45% and 6-9% respectively. Fat content of Masuran (6%) and Suwadel (4.6%) were significantly high in cooked and raw rice respectively. According to the results, majority of studied raw or cooked traditional rice are a good source of protein with Suwadel (9.5%) and Mavee (9.2%) having significantly high protein contents among the tested cooked varieties. WSI of all raw (2-5%) and cooked rice (4-9%) were low. However, the WAI ranged between 98-146% in raw rice and 192-236% of cooked rice. Highest WAI were found in Suwadel (236%) followed by Mavee (228%) both of which contained high protein. Cooking has increased the DS content, protein and WAI of rice flour when compared to raw rice flour.
Comparison of the basic nutritional characteristics of the first extract and second extract of coconut milk
(2015) Nadeeshani, R.; Wijayaratna, U.N.; Prasadani, W.C.; Ekanayake, S.; Seneviratne, K.N.; Jayathilaka, N.
Comparison of the in vivo antioxidant activity of traditional coconut oil, virgin coconut oil and soya oil
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2008) Seneviratne, K.N.; Ekanayake, S.; Hapuarachchi, C.D.
When the nutritional quality of cooking oils is considered, it is extremely important to evaluate the contribution of cooking oils to the antioxidant activity in blood. In the present study, the in vivo antioxidant potentials of three cooking oils are compared. Male Wistar rats were fed with a special diet containing traditional coconut oil (TCO, prepared by boiling coconut milk), virgin coconut oil (VCO) and soya oil (SO). The effect of the consumption of these oils on the total antioxidant activity in blood serum was analyzed and compared. The decolorization of ABTS•+ (radical cation of 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid) was used as a measure of antioxidant activity and the antioxidant activity was expressed as trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC).
Comparison of the Phenolic-dependant antioxidant properties of coconut oil extracted under cold and hot conditions
(Food Chemistry, 2008) Senevirathne, K.N.; Hapuarachchi, C.D.; Ekanayake, S.
Efficacy of a limb-care regime in preventing acute adenolymphangitis in patients with lymphoedema caused by bancroftian filariasis, in Colombo, Sri Lanka
(Academic Press, 2007) Wijesinghe, R.S.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Ekanayake, S.; Perera, M.S.
The efficacy of a programme of community home-based care (CHBC) for lymphoedematous limbs was evaluated among 163 lymphoedema patientsattending two filariasis clinics in Colombo. Each patient was interviewed and examined and his or her lymphoedema was graded during a baseline assessment, before the CHBC programme, and again, during a post-intervention assessment, after the patient had been in the programme for 1 year. The number of patients having entry lesions was 24% lower at the post-intervention assessment than at the baseline (P<0.001), with a reduction in the frequency of each type of entry lesion investigated. In the year the patients were in the CHBC programme, 30% fewer of them experienced at least one attack of adenolymphangitis (ADL; P<0.001), the mean number of ADL attacks/patient was lower (P<0.001), and the mean duration of each ADL attack suffered was slightly shorter (5.70 v. 5.84 days; P>0.05) than in the year before the baseline assessment. The reduction in the incidence of ADL attacks was greatest in the patients with the higher grades of lymphoedema. Approximately 66% of the patients perceived an improvement in their swollen limb post-intervention. Eleven patients had grade-II lymphoedema at baseline but only grade-I lymphoedema after being on the CHBC programme for a year (P=0.012). The programme appeared to increase the frequencies with which patients followed each of the limb-care measures considered and most of the measures for the home management of ADL attacks that were investigated. It is recommended that the CHBC programme be implemented as a national programme in Sri Lanka.
Geohelminthic infection in an estate child population in Sri Lanka: association with hygienic practices and eosinophil counts
(Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, 2006) Banneheke, B.M.H.A.; Gunawardane, D.M.D.E.A.; Pinidiyapathirage, M.J.; Ekanayake, S.; Withana, R.J.; Tilakaratne, W.D.T.
OBJECTIVES: To describe hygienic practices, prevalence of geohelminthic infections and its association with eosinophil counts among children. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in a tea plantation in Ratnapura District involving 316 school children. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the child or parent. Stool and blood samples were obtained from all the consenting children. Stool examinations were conducted using saline smear, agar-plate culture technique, and Kato-Katz quantitative technique. Eosinophil count was obtained using blood smears. RESULTS: Mean age of the children (n=317) in the sample was 8.5 years (SD 1.7). Of the selected sample 219(85%) had access to pipe borne water, 228(72%) washed hands before meals, 164(52%) did not use a toilet, 180(57%) had a domesticated dog or a cat and 168(53%) used antihelminthic drugs regularly. A history of asthma, wheezing/allergies was reported by 101(32%) subjects. Of the 317 stool samples examined, Ascaris infection was prevalent in 60(19%), hookworm infection in 25(8%) (15 of them had>4000 eggs per gram - severe infection), Trichuris infection in 7(2.2%) and Strongyloides infection in 3(0.9 %) children. Of the 298 blood samples examined 12 (4%) had an eosinophil count of > 16 %( severe eosinophilia). A statistically significant association was observed with hookworm infection and increased eosinophil counts (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of geohelminthic infections was low among this population, Ascaris showing the highest prevalence (n~60, 19%). An association between the presence of helminthic infection and an increased eosinophil count was observed only with hookworm infection in which (n= 15)60% reported a severe degree of infection.
Improving the nutritional quality of coconut oil by incorporating phenolic substances of coconut cake
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2009) Seneviratne, K.N.; Hapuarachchi, C.D.; Ekanayake, S.
In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity mediated by palmyra pulp and sprout silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites
(Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Aththanayake, A. M. S.; Thiripuranatha, G.; Ekanayake, S.
Pathogenic bacterial resistance to antibiotics has become a significant barrier to the accurate identification and treatment of infectious diseases. To address this challenge, there is a high demand for new chemical substances acting as antibiotics or potential antibacterial targets. Biogenic metal nanoparticles (NPs)/ nanocomposites (NCs) show promise as sustainable solutions, exhibiting remarkable antimicrobial activities against various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This study uses palmyra pulp and sprout extracts, rich in phytochemicals, to sustainably synthesize AgNPs, ZnO NPs, and Ag-ZnO NCs. Additionally, it aims to explore the effectiveness of overcoming bacterial resistance by suppressing resistance mechanisms through biogenic NPs and NCs. The study explored the impact of different factors (ion precursor concentration, extractto-metal ion ratio, pH, irradiation methods, and incubation time) on nanomaterials (NMs) synthesis. The biogenic NMs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and XRD analysis. Antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was also investigated. The positive controls used for comparison were Azithromycin and Tetracycline (2000 ppm: 100 µL). NMs synthesis was verified by surface plasmon resonance peaks: 436-438 nm for AgNPs, 350-354 nm for ZnO NPs, and 350-450 nm for Ag-ZnO NCs. FTIR analysis revealed the involvement of bioactive compounds as reducing and capping/stabilizing agents in phytoextracts. SEM analysis confirmed successful Ag-ZnO NCs synthesis, with spherical AgNPs aggregating on nanoflower-shaped ZnO NPs. TEM images showed the coexistence of Ag on ZnO for NCs, with an average particle size ranging from 11-120 nm for NMs. XRD analysis indicated a hexagonal wurtzite structure for ZnO and a face-centered structure for Ag during Ag-ZnO NCs formation. Biogenic AgNPs and Ag-ZnO NCs displayed the highest growth inhibition, while ZnO NPs had the least inhibitory activity. Pulp and sprout-mediated AgNPs (2000 ppm: 100 µL) showed greater inhibition zones against E. coli (16.0 ± 0.6 mm, 15.0 ± 1.0 mm respectively) and S. aureus (18.0 ± 0.3 mm, 19.0 ± 0.3 mm respectively). Pulp and sprout-mediated Ag-ZnO NCs (2000 ppm: 100 µL) exhibited average inhibition zones of 15.0 ± 0.3 mm and 14.0 ± 0.3 mm against E. coli, and 17.0 ± 1.0 mm and 16.0 ± 0.5 mm against S. aureus, respectively. The inhibition zones for Azithromycin against E. coli were 3.5 cm and Tetracycline against S. aureus. was 4.5 cm. There were no significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) in growth inhibition between pulpmediated AgNPs and Ag-ZnO NCs against S aureus and between sprout-mediated AgNPs and Ag-ZnO NCs against E. coli. However, there were highly significant differences in growth inhibition between extracts mediated AgNPs and ZnO NPs, and between ZnO NPs and Ag-ZnO NCs against both bacterial strains. These findings highlight the sustainable synthesis of Ag-ZnO NCs using palmyra pulp and sprout extracts, which effectively inhibit bacterial growth.
Knowledge and perceptions of filariasis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, among patients with chronic filarial lymphoedema
(Academic Press, 2007) Wijesinghe, R.S.; Ekanayake, S.; Perera, M.S.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
Knowledge and perceptions of lymphedema in patients attending filariasis clinics in the Colombo district
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2005) Wijesinghe, R.; Ekanayake, S.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
Management Functions and Core Competencies for Value Gain: Sri Iankan Gem and Jewelry Industry
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Ekanayake, S.; Abeysinghe, D.
The focus of the research study is value gain. The purpose ofthe research is therdorc: to identify capable core competencies and a capable management function that would continue to generate economic value over tJme and at the same time. meet increasingly competitive pressures of the outside world. Generating an increasing value is a gradual elevation process that runs through a long period of time. The research study identifies three types of management functions required for value gain for short and long run. Initial set of growth strategies are required to build resources; a second set of management strategies are required to mould competitively capable core competencies for value generation, and a third set or strategies are required to retain the competitive advantage built over years to generate greater value in a fast changing competitive global business environment. The three strategic management functions would develop, integrate, augment, build core competencies and carry them from one stage to another in a continuous value accrual process to achieve greater value. The study was conducted through the identification of four research variables considered as resources set in motion in an integrated manner to generate value. The four variables are 'human', 'energy', 'knowledge' and 'capital'. The research design recognizes the four variables as cornerstones of value creating process and their combined efl"orts or cross functional activities build them to be competiti'11ely capable core competencies or a country to generate value over time. It is envisaged that their potential for long term competitive advantage depends on building and nurturing these core competencies in the value creating process. The final resulting 'value' represent 'entrepreneurs' assisted by 'intellectual capital', capable of 'innovation' for production of 'goods and services' in a country. Application of the research variables in the Sri Lankan gem and jewelry industry made it possible to highlight relevant strategic management functions for value generation.
Physical disability and psychosocial impact associated with lymphoedema in patients attending filariasis clinics in the Colombo district.
(Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, 2005) Wijesinghe, R.; Ekanayake, S.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
INTRODUCTION: Lymphatic filariasis is a leading cause of long-term disability and can lead to significant social and economic impact in affected individuals. OBJECTIVE: To describe the physical disability and psychosocial impact associated with lymphoedema in patients attending two filariasis clinics in the Colombo district. METHODOLOGY: 413 patients with lymphoedema attending the filariasis clinics in Werahera & Dehiwala were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed written consent. Data was collected using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). RESULTS: The patients' mean- age was 51.27 years. 72.4% were female. The right lower limb, left lower limb, right upper limb and left upper limb were affected in 50.8%, 59.1%, 4.8% and 4.1% respectively. The mean duration of lymphoedema varied from 5.27 to 11.64 years. 11.9% of patients had other family members with swollen limbs. 37.7% of patients with lower limb oedema reported difficulty in walking (p=0.023). The swollen limb affected the work of 87 patients and 26 persons reported loss of job. 8.7% felt that they were stigmatized by society. 25,2 % and 5.8% reported having problems interacting with the community and the family, respectively. 36.8% of patients felt the swollen limb was a major problem. 5.7% and 6.3% of married persons reported sexual and marital problems respectively, due to lymphoedema. Of those who had marital problems, 77.3% reported sexual problems aswell(p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lymphoedema gives rise to physical, psychological and social consequences in affected individuals. Morbidity control, in addition to control of physical disability, should also target the psychosocial consequences. ACKNOWLEGEMENT: Funding by the University of Sri Jayawardenepura Research Grant ASP/6/RE /2004/05 is acknowledged.
Physical disability and psychosocial impact due to chronic filarial lymphoedema in Sri Lanka
(BioMed Central, 2007) Wijesinghe, R.S.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Ekanayake, S.; Perera, M.S.
BACKGROUND: Information on the physical and psychosocial disability of lymphatic filariasis in Sri Lanka is scarce. Therefore this study was carried out to describe the physical disability and psychosocial impact associated with chronic lymphoedema in patients attending filariasis clinics in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. METHODS: Four hundred and thirteen patients with lymphoedema of limbs attending filariasis clinics in Werahera and Dehiwala in the Colombo district were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed written consent. Data were collected using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Majority (95%) of patients had lower limbs affected and there was a significant association with difficulty in walking (p = 0.023). The swollen limb affected the work of 87 (52%) of employed patients and 26 persons reported loss of job. Approximately 25% and 6% reported having problems interacting with the community and family, respectively and 8.7% felt that they were rejected by society. The swollen limb was perceived as a major problem by 36.8% of patients. Of the married persons, 5.7% and 6.2% reported sexual and marital problems respectively, due to their swollen limb/s. Of those who had marital problems, 77.3% reported sexual problems as well (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lymphoedema significantly affects physical, psychological and social functioning in affected individuals. Morbidity control, in addition to control of physical disability, should target the psychosocial consequences.
Preparation of Coconut oil blends and the evaluation of their health effects
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2008) Seneviratne, K.N.; Ekanayake, S.; Kotuwegedara, R.T.
Coconut oil prepared by pressing copra (copra oil, CO) is the major cooking oil in Sri Lanka. However, copra oil contains only less than 1.5 % of essential fatty acids. The objective of the project is to improve the quality of copra oil by blending copra oil with traditional Sri Lankan seed oils containing high percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oils of the seeds of Brassica juncea (Aba), Madhuca nerifolia (Mee) and Sessamum indicum (Thala) were used to prepare oil blends. The organoleptic acceptability of the prepared blends was checked by a panel and the oil blends selected by the panel were selected for the evaluation of health effects. The acceptable blends of coconut oil were aba oil (AO) (40%), thala oil (TO) (50%) and mee oil (MO) (60%) and by volume. Male Wistar rats were fed with a special diet containing these oil blends, coconut oil (CO), and soya oil (control) and their serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), HDL, LDL, and triglycerides (TG) were determined.
Serum ferritin in newly diagnosed breast cancer and apparently healthy individuals
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Akalanka, H.M.K.; Ekanayake, S.; Samarasinghe, K.
BACKGROUND: Iron is an essential element for the cell proliferation and is primarily stored in human body in the form of ferritin. Iron metabolism is influenced by oestrogen and interactions between iron and oestrogen is thought to synergistically promote breast cancer (BC). OBJECTIVES: To assess serum ferittin concentrations of BC patients and healthy females. METHODS: Newly diagnosed BC patients (n=150) and apparently healthy females (n=75) who consented to be on the study were enrolled. Serum ferritin concentration was assessed using enzyme immunoassay method using mini vidas immune analyser. RESULTS: Median serum ferritin concentrations (IQR) of pre (n=58) and postmenopausal (n=92) BC patients were 32.32 (37.84) ng/ml and 64.33 (27.18) ng/ml respectively. Postmenopausal BC patients had significantly high (p<0.05) serum ferritin concentrations compared to premenopausal BC patients. Apparently healthy pre (n=35) and postmenopausal (n=40) women had median values of 26.06(28.09) ng/ml and 45.00(51.24) ng/ml respectively the difference of which was statistically significant (p<0.05). A significant difference in serum ferritin concentration was not observed among premenopausal BC women and apparently healthy women (p>0.05). However, postmenopausal BC women had significant high levels of serum ferritin compared to postmenopausal healthy women (0<0.05). The postmenopausal ferritin concentrations among BC and normal women studied via ROC curve showed 70% (p=0.000, CI 0.62-0.79) of area under the curve with ferritin cutoff value of 58 ng/mL with 60% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Among postmenopausal BC and healthy women, 56.5% and 29% had ferritin levels above this cutoff value respectively and postmenopausal women having ferritin levels above the cutoff had 3times (OR=3.1, 95%CI 1.6-5.9) risk of having breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum ferritin concentration in postmenopausal women is associated with breast cancer risk but not in premenopausal women.
Service Technologies Creates a Tangible Link for Value Generation: Service Economy in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Ekanayake, S.; Abeysinghe, D.
A country’s ability to develop a competitive service economy depends on its production sector, as they demand use of services. Continuous improvement or innovation in technologies in both manufacturing and services will simultaneously increase smooth flow of operations for competitiveness by lowering cost of production to enhance customer satisfaction, to attain value. The success of different industries depends on how well the service sector is geared to support them. To carry out better management strategies for value gain, it is necessary to provide a tangible link to integrate the production and distribution channels for efficiency and effectiveness of the organizational and technological dimensions. Technology transfer and continuous innovation of systems enhances productivity growth for cost competitiveness leading to better prices, responsiveness and flexibility of the processes to deliver a quality product to changing markets. The research purpose is therefore to identify management strategies and service technologies to analyze the characteristics of research variables in relation to GDP value generating sectors and focus on issues relating to value.
A strategy for innovation management to earn premium value
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2013) Ekanayake, S.
Treatment seeking behavior and treatment practices of lymphatic filariasis patients with Lymphoedema in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka
(SAGE Publishing, 2008) Wijesinghe, R.S.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.; Ekanayake, S.; Perera, M.S.A.
This cross-sectional, descriptive study describes the treatment-seeking behavior of 413 lymphoedema patients attending 2 filariasis clinics in theColombo district, Sri Lanka. A pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire obtained information regarding sources and types of treatment taken, time taken for diagnosis, and details regarding diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) treatment. There was a mean delay of 2.37 years (SD 1.37) in diagnosing filariasis after the first appearance of limb swelling. General practitioners were the most frequent first-contact health care providers and the most visited source overall, followed by government hospitals and Ayurvedic practitioners. Approximately 95% of patients were on DEC treatmentranging from 10 days to 43 years (mean 2.5 years SD +/- 1.1). Sixty-one percent of patients reported always having taken the recommended DEC course. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, and antibiotics were liberally prescribed. Approximately 97% had sought treatment from a medical practitioner for an acute adenolymphangitis attack. Despite the area being endemic for filariasis, there was a delay in treatment and inappropriate use of DEC in patients with chronic filarial lymphoedema