Browsing by Author "Fernando, A."

Now showing 1 - 20 of 32

Association of smoking with some aspects of pulmonary tuberculosis in Central Chest Clinic, Colombo
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2011) Kajarajan, R.; Kumarendran, B.; Fernando, A.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES; to study the association of smoking with some aspects of sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis (SP-PTB) in Central chest clinic, Colombo (CCC). Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 99 consecutive SP-PTB patients (both new and re treatment) registered in CCC and produced treatment outcome as cured, treatment completion or treatment failures. Data were collected by the principal investigator using a questionnaire and data extraction sheet. Smoking status was categorised into ever smoked and never smoked. Pre-treatment sputum status was categorised as <1+ (scanty/ 1+) and >2+ (2+/S+). Chi-square test was used as significance test. RESULTS: Of the 29 female participants, only one had ever smoked in life. Hence, only males were included in the subsequent analysis. Among males, 56 (80.0%) answered as ever smoked and 21 (30.0%) were current smokers. Median age was 50 years (IQR: 45 to 60) among those ever smoked and 46 years (IQR: 21 to 51) among those never smoked. Smoking status was not associated with sputum status of first smear (p=0.53). Smoking status was significantly associated with sputum status of second smear (p=0.02), third smear (p=0.001) and pretreatment smear p=0.04). Association was not significant with smoking status and category of treatment (p=0.4), delay in sputum conversion (p=0.43), chest X-ray findings such as upper lobe infiltration (p=0.62), cavitation (p=0.1) and multiple lobe involvement (p=0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of smoking was higher in patient with sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis. Second and third sample showed significant positivity in smokers than non smokers.
Associations between ADHD symptoms and maternal and birth outcomes: An exploratory analysis in a multi-country cohort of expectant mothers
(SAGE Publications, 2022) Murray, A.L.; Taut, D; Baban, A.; Hemady, C.L.; Walker, S.; Osafo, J.; Sikander, S.; Tomlinson, M.; Toit, S.D.; Marlow, M.; Ward, C.L.; Fernando, A.; Madrid, B.; Van, T.V.; Tuyen, H.D.; Dunne, M.; Hughes, C.; Fearon, P.; Valdebenito, S.; Eisner, M.
OBJECTIVE: ADHD symptoms can adversely impact functioning in a range of domains relevant for maternal well-being and fetal development; however, there has been almost no research examining their impact during pregnancy. We aimed to address this gap. METHOD: We used data (n = 1,204) from a longitudinal birth cohort study spanning eight countries to address this gap. RESULTS: ADHD symptoms in the third trimester of pregnancy were associated with lower social support from family (b = -0.16, p = .031), friends (b = -0.16, p = .024), and significant others (b = -0.09, p = .001); higher stress (b = 0.34, p < .001) and depressive symptoms (b = 0.31, p < .001), and increased likelihood of an unwanted pregnancy (b = 0.30, p = .009). Significant associations with tobacco use (b = 0.36, p = .023) and premature birth (b = 0.35, p = .007) did not survive correction for multiple comparisons and there were no significant associations with alcohol use, low birth weight, or unplanned pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that women with ADHD symptoms could benefit from earlier, more regular screening for mental health difficulties and greater mental health support during pregnancy.
Characteristics of tuberculous lymphadenitis
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2010) Jawahir, A.G.M.; Kumarendran, B.; Fernando, A.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBL) cases in Central Chest Clinic, Colombo. METHOD: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Central Chest Clinic, Colombo (CCC) using a structured format, from 49 consecutive TBL cases registered at CCC during November 2008 - January 2009. Data was analysed using SPSS soft-ware. TBL was diagnosed based on caseating granuloma in histology, TBL culture for AFB or FNA direct smear for acid fast bacilli and supported by Mantoux test and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). RESULTS: Majority were aged 21 - 40 years (n=29, 59.2%) and 51 % (n^ 25J were males. Four cases (8.2%) had past TBL. Of the tests, histology showed the highest sensitivity (85.7%), followed by Mantoux test (81.6%), smear (45.8%) and culture (13.3%). Although, smear or culture was not positive among seven TBL cases with non-caseating granuloma (14.3%), diagnosis of TBL was made based on higher mantoux tests ranging from 15 to 50 mm. One case had both TBL and PTB. ATT was continued for more than the standard period in 11 cases (22.4%) with surgical interventions (n=7), persistent lymph node (n=3) and drug induced hepatitis (n=l). Oral prednisolone was given to ten cases for persistent lymph node (n=7) or cutaneous reaction (n-1). All the cases (n=10) who received antibiotics had a surgical intervention. Cut-offs for ESR and Mantoux determined by ROC curves. CONCLUSION: At the Chest Clinic, Colombo the diagnosis of TBL is made commonly by histology and Mantoux test rather than a positive culture.
Combination of cycle threshold time, absolute lymphocyte count and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio is predictive of hypoxia in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
(Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2022) Abeysuriya, V.; Seneviratne, S.L.; de Silva, A.P.; Mowjood, R.; Mowjood, S.; de Silva, T.; de Mel, P.; de Mel, C.; Chandrasena, L.; Wijesinha, R.S.; Fernando, A.; de Mel, S.
Background: There is currently no clinically validated biomarker to predict respiratory compromise in sudden acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Cycle threshold time (Ct), absolute lymphocyte count (AL) and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been previously evaluated for this purpose. We hypothesized that the combination of these parameters at presentation may be predictive of hypoxia (oxygen saturation <92%). Methods: Data were collected on 118 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection between May 2020 and April 2021. Demographics, clinical parameters and laboratory and radiological investigation results were recorded. Respiratory compromise (RC) was defined based on symptoms and signs, hypoxia and chest X-ray abnormalities. Results: RC occurred in 61 (51.7%) of patients. The Ct, AL and NLR at median day 3 of illness were significantly different between patients with and without RC (Ct, RC vs not: 19.46±2.64 vs 22.62±3.37, p=0.0001; AL, RC vs not: 531.49±289.09 vs 764.69±481.79, p=0.0001; NLR, RC vs not: 3.42±0.75 vs 2.59±0.55, p=0.0001). Receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that a Ct <19.9, AL <630.8×103/μL and NLR >3.12 at median day 3 of symptoms was predictive of hypoxia on day 7 of illness (area under the curve 0.805, sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 69.1%). The predictive value for the parameters combined was significantly superior to their individual predictive power. Conclusions: Ct, AL and NLR used in combination on day 3 of symptoms are predictive of hypoxia on day 7 of SARS-CoV-2 illness.
Determinants of timely pregnancy dating scan in a Sri Lankan antenatal clinic setup
(Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2015) Dias, T.; Fernando, A.; Kumarasiri, S.; Padeniya, T.
Background: Early accurate estimation of gestational age is the most important intervention in pregnancy. Ultrasound between 11 and 13 weeks is most reliable in dating. There is no uniform policy in timing of dating scan in Sri Lanka. Objective: Aim of this study was to find out factors that determine the timely dating scan before 14 weeks in a district general hospital in Sri Lanka. Methods: This was a prospective observational study carried out at District General Hospital in Sri Lanka. A detail history was taken in order to ascertain age, parity, menstrual history, time taken to reach the hospital, distance to the hospital, level of education and gestation at the first booking visit with public health midwife (PMH). We offered dating scans for every pregnant mother before 14 weeks. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of socio-demographic factors and receiving timely dating scan before 14 Weeks. Results:A total 199 women were included for the analysis with a mean age of 26.98 years (SD 5.58). A 190 out of total recruitments (95.5%) were booked with PHM before 14 weeks. A total of 171 (86%) pregnant women received their first scan before 14 weeks. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only booking before 14 weeks with PMH (Odds ratio 12.272 (95% CI, 4.563-33.000) p<0.000) contributed significantly to receive dating scan before 14 weeks, while maternal age, parity, time taken to reach the hospital, distance to the hospital and mother’s level of education did not. Conclusion: Our study showed it is entirely possible to offer dating scan before 14 weeks even in a peripheral District General Hospital. Moreover, we demonstrated that none other than booking before 14 weeks was determined the dating scan prior to 14 weeks.
Determination of Arsenic Content in Synthetic and Organic Manure Based Fertilizers Available in Sri Lanka
(International Conference on Chemical Sciences, 2012) Fernando, A.; Paranagama, P.A.; Jayalath, K.; Fonseka, S.; Amarasinghe, M.D.; Senanayake, K.; Jayasumana, C.; Mahamithawa, P.; Wijewardhane, C.; Samarasinghe, D.; Dahanayake, K.S.
Filarial antigens detected in urine using the immunochromatographic card test
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2006) Adikaram, N.D.; de Silva, N.R.; Fernando, A.; Fernando, D.; Lamabadasuriya, S.; Reid, C.B.
No Abstract Available.
Finite Element Analysis of Inflation Tyre Simulation Using Simulia Abaqus.
(Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Fernando, A.; Darshana, D.
Finite Element Analyses (FEA) are conducted in tyre industry either for a safety verification or prediction of the characteristics of virtual tyres. In the design stage of a tyre, it is impossible to determine its manufacturing performance. Therefore, modeling of a virtual tyre plays a significant role when predicting the performance and the characteristics of the tyre. At the end of the virtual simulation if the results do not satisfy the customer requirements, the tyre parameters can be easily changed without manufacturing a prototype sample. This inflation simulation is conducted to determine the outer diameter and the section width of the tyre after pressurizing it under given loading conditions. To obtain the required characteristics of the tyre, the input parameters are adjusted accordingly. It leads to analyze several versions of this virtual tyre simulations. Here, three different versions of virtual tyres are individually analyzed and, the best fitting parameters are determined. The accuracy of the FEA method is estimated by comparing simulation results with that of the prototype dimensions. In the method, three versions of the virtual tyres and the prototype tyres are individually compared to verify the results. As per the estimation, FEA of virtual model simulation shows low dimensional variance (2.38%) compared to that of the actual prototype simulation. Therefore, the results confirm the high accuracy of FEA method in virtual tyre simulation and the importance of implementing it in local industries. It would certainly cause to save precious time, unnecessary cost while increasing the quality of the products.
Frequent falls and gaze palsy in two patients
(Ceylon College of Physicians, 2000) Seneviratne, S; Ranawaka, U.; Gunasekera, S.; Senanayake, B.; Fernando, A.; Dissanayake, S.; Wijesekera, J.
Health status of primary school children in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2005) Pathmeswaran, A.; Jayatissa, R.; Samarasinghe, S.; Fernando, A.; de Silva, R.P.; Thattil, R.O.; de Silva, N.R.
OBJECTIVE: To assess health status of 9-10-year old school children in Sri Lanka. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, descriptive study. Schools were selected to obtain a sample representative at national and provincial levels and 20 children were randomly selected from Grade 5 classes in each school. MEASUREMENTS: Children were examined for Bitot's spots and goitre. Height, weight, and visual acuity were measured according to standard procedures. Haemoglobin level was measured using finger-prick blood and a HemoCue meter. Geohelminth infections were quantified by faecal examination using the modified Kato-Katz technique. Height for age Z-scores (HAZ) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated as indicators of nutritional status. RESULTS: Two thousand five hundred and twenty eight children (1351 boys) from 144 schools (140 state schools and four private schools) were examined. Nationally, 15.5% of children were stunted (HAZ lower than -2.0 SD); 52.6% were thin (BMI < 5th centile of age- and sex-matched reference population); 3.1% were overweight (BMI > 85th centile); 12.1% were anaemic; 0.3% had Bitot's spots; 3% had a visible or palpable goitre; 4.6% were shortsighted; and 6.9% had one or more soil-transmitted nematode infection. Among children on whom anthropometry, haemoglobin and faecal examinations were all done, 64.6% (1332/2063) were thin, stunted, anaemic or infected with worms. A much higher proportion of children in the Northern and Eastern provinces had health problems when compared to the other provinces. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of older primary schoolchildren in Sri Lanka are undernourished. Anaemia, vitamin A deficiency, iodine deficiency and soil-transmitted nematode infections affect a much smaller proportion of them.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with Red-Vented Bulbul: a new encounter of bird related hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
(Hindawi Pub. Corp., 2019) Amarasinghe, W.D.N.L.; Jayasekara, R.; Jayamanne, B.D.W.; Nalaka, T.D.K.; Amarasiri, W.A.D.L.; Punchihewa, R.; Fernando, A.
Bird related hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is becoming more common than other forms of HP around the world. We present two cases of HP, associated with exposure to visiting birds which had nested within their homes in semi urban areas of Colombo, Sri Lanka. A 65-year-old female (case 1) and a 61-year-old male (case 2) presented to the chest clinic complaining of gradually progressive and persistent chronic dry cough and dyspnoea during the year 2018. Both were found to have close contact with red-vented bulbuls (Konda kurulla) in their homes for more than 6 months prior to onset of symptoms and denied any other risk exposures in detail history taking. In both patients, high-resolution computed tomography chest (HRCT) showed centrilobular nodules of ground glass density with significant lobular air trapping. Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATs) lung biopsy of case 1 showed patchy and focal interstitial thickening with lymphocytic infiltrate, minimal fibrosis, and few noncaseating granulomata within the interstitium. Transbronchial lung biopsy of case 2 showed thickened alveolar septae with lympho-histiocytic infiltrate and occasional neutrophils and eosinopils. Both showed severe reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) at presentation. Multidisciplinary diagnosis of HP associated with red-vented bulbuls was made. Both achieved good improvement in clinical, lung function, and radiological assessment following removal of offending antigen exposure and treatment with oral corticosteroids.
Korean Wave In Sri Lanka: Past, Present And Future
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2018), Department of International Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Fernando, A.
“Korean Wave” is the increase in global popularity of South Korean culture since the 1990s. This phenomenon which began in Southeast Asia reached Sri Lanka a decade ago driven by the spread of Korean TV shows and music. Despite the abundance of global research on Korean Wave, no previous attempt has been made into tracing the Korean Wave in Sri Lanka. As images and information about South Korea are not familiar to Sri Lankan life, and as the country is heavily influenced by Indian and colonial cultures, the spread of Korean culture within a short period of time is an interesting subject of discussion. This paper attempts to discuss the beginning, spread, landmark moments, and the future of the Korean Wave in Sri Lanka. It shows that Sri Lankans were first introduced to Korean culture through the airing of Korean TV shows in local television channels, later accessed through means such as DVDs, movie streaming websites, and user generated content websites. Moving forward from Korean TV shows and movies, today Korean pop music is rapidly gaining a widespread local audience. This has resulted in the creation of active online fan communities on social media, a proliferation of Korean language classes, and an increasing interest in Korean culture within the island. The study is based on primary data collected through interviews of Korean fans, and secondary data collected from journal articles, websites and newspaper articles. The paper concludes that this increase in popularity of Korean culture, especially observed among youth, can challenge the status quo enjoyed by Indian and American cultural products
Measuring antenatal depressive symptoms across the world: A validation and cross-country invariance analysis of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in eight diverse low-resource settings
(American Psychological Association, 2022) Murray, A.L.; Hemady, C.L.; Do, H.; Dunne, M.; Foley, S.; Osafo, J.; Sikander, S.; Madrid, B.; Baban, A.; Taut, D.; Ward, C.L.; Fernando, A.; Thang, V.V.; Eisner, M.; Hughes, C.; Fearon, P.; Valdebenito, S.; Tomlinson, M.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Walker, S.
Measures that produce valid and reliable antenatal depressive symptom scores in low-resource country contexts are important for efforts to illuminate risk factors, outcomes, and effective interventions in these contexts. Establishing the psychometric comparability of scores across countries also facilitates analyses of similarities and differences across contexts. To date, however, few studies have evaluated the psychometric properties and comparability of the most widely used antenatal depressive symptom measures across diverse cultural, political, and social contexts. To address this gap, we used data from the Evidence for Better Lives Study-Foundational Research (EBLS-FR) project to examine the internal consistency reliability, nomological network validity, and cross-country measurement invariance of the nine-item version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in antenatal samples across eight low-resource contexts. We found that the PHQ-9 scores had good internal consistency across all eight countries. Correlations between PHQ-9 scores and constructs conceptually associated with depression were generally consistent, with a few exceptions. In measurement invariance analyses, only partial metric invariance held and only across four of the countries. Our results suggest that the PHQ-9 yields internally consistent scores when administered in culturally diverse antenatal populations; however, the meaning of the scores may vary. Thus, interpretation of PHQ-9 scores should consider local meanings of symptoms of depression to ensure that context-specific conceptualizations and manifestations of antenatal depressive symptoms are adequately reflected. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
North Colombo diverticular disease snap shot audit (VISTA study): a collaborative research initiative
(The College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, 2023) Chandrasinghe, P.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.; Niriella, M.; Ranwaka, C.; Fernando, A.; Gunawardena, H.; Kumarage, S.
INTRODUCTION Diverticulosis and diverticular disease (DD) is a common occurrence in clinical practice in the local setting with a lack of documented literature. A snapshot audit was conducted at North Colombo Teaching Hospital (NCTH) to ascertain the disease burden in clinical practice as a pilot study to assess feasibility and response rate for a nation wide snapshot audit. METHODOLOGY All surgical and gastroenterology units at NCTH were requested to enter the data between 1st January 2022 to 30th of June 2022 on all patients presenting with DD or those detected with diverticulosis during screening colonoscopy. Prospective data collection was done using RedCap© data capturing platform. RESULTS Out of the 8 units invited (general surgery – 5, GI surgery – 1, gastroenterology – 2), 5 units participated (general surgery – 2, GI surgery – 1, gastroenterology – 2); response rate is 62%. A total of 46 patient records (median age- 68 years; range 29- 86; female 51%) were received within 6 months. Of the total 54.3% had symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) while 33% were detected with diverticulosis at screening. Only 13% (n=6) required inward care (bleeding – 3, diverticulitis – 2, perforation – 1) and detected using colonoscopy in 4 and CT scan in 2. In the DD group, 20% (6/31) had complicated DD while 80% had Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD). CONCLUSION In this pilot study, a majority of the patients with DD presented with SUDD while around 20% came with complicated DD. The response rate from collaborators was satisfactory. The secure online database usage is feasible and will be used for a national level study in the future to assess the disease burden in the healthcare setting in Sri Lanka.
Patterns of adverse childhood experiences and associations with prenatal substance use and poor infant outcomes in a multi-country cohort of mothers: a latent class analysis
(BioMed Central,London, 2022) Hemady, C.L.; Speyer, L.G.; Murray, A.L.; Brown, R.H.; Meinck, F.; Fry, D.; Do, H.; Sikander, S.; Madrid, B.; Fernando, A.; Walker, S.; Dunne, M.; Foley, S.; Hughes, C.; Osafo, J.; Baban, A.; Taut, D.; Ward, C.L.; Thang, V.V.; Fearon, P.; Tomlinson, M.; Valdebenito, S.; Eisner, M.
Background: This paper enumerates and characterizes latent classes of adverse childhood experiences and investigates how they relate to prenatal substance use (i.e., smoking, alcohol, and other drugs) and poor infant outcomes (i.e., infant prematurity and low birthweight) across eight low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: A total of 1189 mother-infant dyads from the Evidence for Better Lives Study cohort were recruited. Latent class analysis using the Bolck, Croon, and Hagenaars (BCH) 3-step method with auxiliary multilevel logistic regressions was performed. Results: Three high-risk classes and one low-risk class emerged: (1) highly maltreated (7%, n = 89), (2) emotionally and physically abused with intra-familial violence exposure (13%, n = 152), (3), emotionally abused (40%, n = 474), and (4) low household dysfunction and abuse (40%, n = 474). Pairwise comparisons between classes indicate higher probabilities of prenatal drug use in the highly maltreated and emotionally abused classes compared with the low household dysfunction and abuse class. Additionally, the emotionally and physically abused with intra-familial violence exposure class had higher probability of low birthweight than the three remaining classes.Conclusion: Our results highlight the multifaceted nature of ACEs and underline the potential importance of exposure to childhood adversities on behaviors and outcomes in the perinatal period. This can inform the design of antenatal support to better address these challenges.
Phosphate fertilizer is a main source of arsenic in areas affected with chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka
(SpringerPlus, 2015) Jayasumana, C.; Fonseka, S.; Fernando, A.; Jayalath, K.; Amarasinghe, M.; Gunatilake, S.; Siribaddana, S.; Paranagama, P.A.
Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) has escalated into an epidemic in North Central Province (NCP) and adjacent farming areas in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Studies have shown that this special type of CKD is a toxic nephropathy and arsenic may play a causative role along with a number of other heavy metals. We investigated the hypothesis that chemical fertilizers and pesticide could be a source of arsenic. 226 samples of Fertilizers and 273 samples of pesticides were collected and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for arsenic and other heavy metals in two university laboratories. Almost all the agrochemicals available to the farmers in the study area are contaminated with arsenic. The highest amount was in triple super phosphate (TSP) with a mean value of 31 mg/kg. Also TSP is a rich source of other nephrotoxic metals including Cr, Co, Ni, Pb and V. Annually more than 0.1 million tons of TSP is imported to Sri Lanka containing approximately 2100 kg of arsenic. The next highest concentration was seen in the rock phosphate obtained from an open pit mine in NCP (8.56 mg/kg). Organic fertilizer contained very low amounts of arsenic. Arsenic contamination in pesticides varied from 0.18 mg/kg to 2.53 mg/kg although arsenic containing pesticides are banned in Sri Lanka. Glyphosate the most widely used pesticide in Sri Lanka contains average of 1.9 mg/kg arsenic. Findings suggest that agrochemicals especially phosphate fertilizers are a major source of inorganic arsenic in CKDu endemic areas. Organic fertilizer available in Sri Lanka is comparatively very low in arsenic and hence the farmers in CKDu endemic areas in Sri Lanka should be encouraged to minimize the use of imported chemical fertilizer and use organic fertilizers instead.
Popular Geopolitics in Motion Pictures: A Study of Selected James Bond Movies on their Representation of the Cold War
(2nd International Studies Students’ Research Symposium – 2018, Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Fernando, A.
Since its inception in 1962, James Bond is the longest running and most commercially successful cinematic franchise of all time. At its surface, James Bond or “007” is a popular Western pop icon. At a deeper level however, there are meaningful undercurrents, themes, symbols, and messages that operate as popular geopolitics. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Cold War as presented in the Bond films. It discusses how each film can be connected to contemporary world events; how Bond acknowledges other states; how British, American and Russian identities are presented in the viewpoint of the West; and the how Communism and Espionage are symbolized in the movies. The study is based on the detailed examination of six James Bond movies, namely From Russia with Love (1963), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Octopussy (1983), and The Living Daylights (1987). They were compared and contrasted for visual and textual representations of the Cold War. The critical conversation revolves around the extent to which the selected James Bond movies have been influenced by Cold War politics. The importance of studying geopolitical images and themes of Bond movies rests in their capability of influencing mass audiences and functioning as propaganda. The paper concludes that the Bond movies draw people’s attention to the social insecurities of the era before ultimately reinforcing the message that the West and its allies will prevail against any threat to security
Postdischarge outcomes of COVID-19 patients from South Asia: a prospective study
(Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2022) Abeysuriya, V.; Seneviratne, S.L.; de Silva, A.P.; Mowjood, R.; Mowjood, S.; de Silva, T.; de Mel, P.; de Mel, C.; Wijesinha, R.S.; Fernando, A.; de Mel, S.; Chandrasena, L.
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause clinical manifestations that last for weeks or months after hospital discharge. The manifestations are heterogeneous and vary in their frequency. Their multisystem nature requires a holistic approach to management. There are sparse data from the South Asian region on the outcomes of hospital-discharged COVID-19 patients. We assessed the posthospital discharge outcomes of a cohort of Sri Lankan COVID-19 patients and explored the factors that influenced these outcomes. Methods: Data were prospectively collected from patients who were discharged following an admission to the Nawaloka Hospital, Sri Lanka with COVID-19 from March to June 2021. At discharge, their demographic, clinical and laboratory findings were recorded. The patients were categorised as having mild, moderate and severe COVID-19, based on the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines. Following discharge, information on health status, complications and outcomes was collected through clinic visits and preplanned telephone interviews. A validated (in Sri Lanka) version of the Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) was used to assess multi-item dimensions health status of the patients at 1, 2 and 3 mo postdischarge. Results: We collected data on 203 patients (male, n=111 [54.7%]). The level of vaccination was significantly associated with disease severity (p<0.001). Early recovery was seen in the mild group compared with the moderate and severe groups. At 3 mo, on average 98% of mild and 90% of moderate/severe patients had recovered. Based on the SF-36, physical functioning dimensions, role limitation due to physical and emotional health, energy/ fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, pain and general health were significantly different in the moderate/severe vs mild COVID-19 groups at 1, 2 and 3 mo postdischarge (p<0.05). Twenty-three patients developed complications, of which the most common were myocardial infarction with heart failure (n=6/23; 26.1%), cerebrovascular accident (n=6/23; 26.1%) and respiratory tract infections (n=3/23; 13.01%) and there were six deaths. Conclusions: In our cohort, receiving two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine was associated with reduced disease severity. Those with mild disease recovered faster than those with moderate/severe disease. At 3 mo posthospital discharge, >90% had recovered.
Power of Hallyu: Change in Sri Lankan Perception towards South Korea
(2nd International Studies Students’ Research Symposium – 2018, Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Fernando, A.
“Hallyu” or the Korean Wave refers to the surge in the international visibility of Korean culture, beginning in East Asia in the 1990s and continuing more recently in Asia, the United States, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. Korean popular culture ranges from Korean music (K-pop), dramas (K-drama), movies, video games, food, fashion, tourism, and language (Hangul). Until recent times, images and information about South Korea were not familiar to Sri Lankans as Sri Lanka does not share any significant historical or cultural relations with South Korea. Images associated with South Korea are generally negative and related to events such as the Korean War, cycles of poverty and political instability. The main focus of this paper is to examine the effect of Hallyu on the Sri Lankan public perception towards South Korea. It will compare and contrast the attitudes of consumers and non-consumers of Korean popular culture on the subject of their feelings towards South Korea and Korean society. This Study uses qualitative data obtained through interviews from the selected samples regarding their thoughts related to Hallyu, K-pop, Korean culture, wider issues related to society, culture, and attitude towards South Korea. This paper will attempt to answer whether Hallyu has been capable of influencing Sri Lankan audiences through dissemination of attractive images of Korea. The findings conclude that the constant consumption of Korean popular cultural products has indeed affected the image Sri Lankans have towards South Korea in a positive way, by improving their knowledge and perception of South Korea. It also has also urged the consumers to travel to South Korea, learn the language and build social networks with the Koreans. The importance of this study rests on the power of popular culture to influence an individual's attitudes
Pre-defined competency level based instructional design model for learning Anatomy in an undergraduate medical curriculum
(South East Asia Regional Association for Medical Education (SEARAME), 2021) Abeykoon, I.; Fernando, L.; Fernando, A.; Weerasooriya, T.; Chandratilake, M.
ABSTRACT: The paper presents a competency based instructional design model to teach gross Anatomy in an undergraduate medical course. The main objectives of the presented instructional design model is to allow space for identification of finer demarcations for expected competencies while allowing the students to possess a broader understanding of the discussed areas under each competency level. Here the traditional semester will be split into three competency levels and within each competency level the entire region expected to be discussed will be presented. However, the first competency level will discuss the given area superficially with details being introduced during second and third competency levels. The center of focus as well as teaching learning modalities will also evolve with increasing competency levels making the presented instructional design model a more dynamic than a static approach. KEYWORDS: Medical education, Anatomy, Competency based education, Higher education, Educational model