Browsing by Author "Fernando, E."

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Anomalies of the Lumbrical Muscles of the Hand
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Ranaweera, L.; Hasan, R.; Salgado, S.; Karunanayake, A.; Salvin, K.A.; Fernando, P.; Fernando, E.; Wijesooriya, P.; Vithanage, S.
Introduction:The human hand occupies a unique position in evolution. The lumbrical muscles, one of the major constituents of intrinsic musculature in hand, play significantly greater role in the precision movements of the fingers. There are four cylindrical lumbrical muscles which rise from the four tendons of flexor digitorumprofundus (FDP) in the hand and pass along the radial side of the corresponding metacarpophalangeal joint to insert into the dorsal digital expansion of the medial four fingers. The first and second lumbricals are unipennate while the third and fourth lumbricals are bipennate. Anomalies of the attachments of the lumbricals are not uncommon and have a significant value in the design of surgical procedures. Objectives: To study the possible variations of lumbrical muscles and also document a relevant Sri Lankan study. Methodology:This research was carried out as a descriptive study in19 preserved human hands in the Departments of Anatomy, University of Kelaniya, Ragama. Results: In 9 (47.4%) hands the lumbricals were normal. Regarding the proximal attachments, the third lumbrial was unipennate in 3 (15.7%) whereas same architecture for the fourth lumbrical encountered was 2 (10.5%). Moreover, it was found that 1 (5.3%) of the second lumbricals was bipennate. Regarding the distal attachments, the split insertion of the third lumbrial and fourth lumbrical were observed as 2 (10.5%) and 1 (5.3%), respectively. Interestingly, 1 (5.3%) of the third lumbricals was inserted on the medial side of the middle finger. Conclusion: In our preliminary studyof lumbrical muscles of the hand, it was apparent that majority of the observations are comparable to previous research, while there were a higher percentage of proximal attachment variations than distal attachment variations in the study group.
An Investigation of Motivation for English Language Learning among First Year Undergraduates of Social Sciences after Following the English for Social Sciences Course at the University of Kelaniya
(Proceedings of the Undergraduate Research Symposium (HUG 2019), Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka, 2019) Maheesha, .C.; Ponnamperuma, D.; Fernando, E.
Motivation plays a significant role in English language learning process as it drives learners to learn the language. According to Gardner (1985), motivation has long been identified as one of the main factors affecting English language learning. The objective of this study is to identify the level and the type (instrumental or integrative) of motivation for English language learning among the Social Sciences undergraduates after following the English for Social Sciences course in the first semester. A quantitative study was carried out among 40 first year undergraduates selected from the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Kelaniya. The primary data for the study was collected using a modified motivational questionnaire, which was designed based on the format of Gardner‟s Attitude Motivation Test Battery (AMTB). Data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed using a five – point Likert scale to find out the level and type of motivation of the Social Sciences undergraduates. The findings of the study reveal that out of the 40 students about 75% of the students are motivated after following the English for Social Sciences course. Moreover, it was also found that the undergraduates are more “instrumentally” motivated to learn English. This study will assist in recommending some useful motivational learning implications to accelerate the motivation for English language learning.
Simulating haptic feedback of abdomen organs on laparoscopic surgery tools
(International Academy Publishing (IAP), 2015) Kannangara, S.M.; Fernando, E.; Kumarage, S.K.; Nanayakkara, N.D.
AIMS: The study tested the hypothesis that a theory driven Diabetes Self-Management (DSM) intervention delivered by trained nurses would result in a clinically significant improvement in glycaemic control. METHODS: Patients with an HbA1c >7.5% (58mmol/mol) and free of diabetes complications were enrolled into a randomized controlled trial (n=85). Intervention consisted of four sessions and monthly follow up for 6 months. Biochemical tests, and diet and physical activity assessments were done in both groups. Analysis of covariance was used to test the effectiveness of the intervention. RESULTS: At 6 months, there was a significant difference (P=0.001) in HbA1c between the groups controlling for baseline values and other variables. Based on the primary outcome, 28% in the intervention group achieved the target value of 6.5% HbA1c, compared to 8% in the "usual care" group (P<0.001; η2=0.65). The reduction in total energy intake and increase in physical activity was significant in the intervention group between baseline and follow up. CONCLUSIONS: The DSM intervention has resulted in a clinically significant impact on glycaemia, change in diet and physical activity, and has demonstrated the feasibility of using it within existing care arrangements in a developing country setting. Copyright © 2015 Primary Care Diabetes Europe. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Variations in the Termination of the Human Thoracic Duct
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Hasan, R.; Salgado, S.; Karunanayake, A.; Salvin, K.A.; Fernando, P.; Ranaweera, L.; Vithanage, S.; Wijesooriya, P.; Ilayperuma, I.; Fernando, E.
Introduction: The mammalian thoracic duct is the main lymphatic channel which drains lymph from the distal extremities of the trunk, lower limbs and the left half of the proximal trunk. In humans, it runs a typical course commencing over the twelfth thoracic vertebra and ascends through the aortic orifice of the diaphragm. It inclines to the left at the level of the Sternal angle and terminates by draining into the left jugulosubclavian junction. Objectives: Variations from this typical course are not uncommon and have been the subject of extensive research. Knowledge of the possible variations in the thoracic duct would enable accurate thoraco- cervical surgery, thus preventing inadvertent damage to the thoracic duct and consequent leakage of chyle.This research is carried out with the aim ofenhancing the existing knowledge of the possible variations of termination of the human thoracic duct while also documenting a relevant Sri Lankan study. Methodology: This research was carried out as a descriptive study in36 preserved human cadavers in the Departments of Anatomy, the University of Kelaniya and the University of Ruhuna. Results: In 22 (61.11%) cadavers the thoracic duct drained into the left jugulosubclavian junction whereas in 11 (30.56%) cadavers it drained into the left subclavian vein. Moreover, in 2(5.56%) cadavers it drained into the left internal jugular vein. Interestingly, in 1 (2.77%) cadaver thoracic duct drained into both left subclavian vein and jugulosubclavian junction through the presence of a bifurcation. Conclusion: It was apparent that majority of the findings are comparable to previous research, while there were variations in the percentage incidence of the findings.