This study investigates the psychological and cultural motivations that underpin charitable giving in Sri Lanka,with particular attention to whether such behaviour can be considered genuinely altruistic.While charitab...This study investigates the psychological and cultural motivations that underpin charitable giving in Sri Lanka,with particular attention to whether such behaviour can be considered genuinely altruistic.While charitable acts are commonly perceived as selfless,this research highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of the motivations involved.Using a qualitative approach,semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who regularly engage in charitable activities.Thematic analysis revealed three overarching categories of motivation.The first,obliged motives stem from social expectations and religious duty.The second,independent motives reflect personal values and intrinsic satisfaction.The third,ambivalent motives are a novel category that captures the simultaneous interplay between self-serving and other-oriented intentions.The emergence of ambivalent motives is especially significant,as it challenges binary distinctions between altruism and egoism,suggesting that charitable giving frequently serves psychological,social,and existential needs alongside prosocial goals.The findings support established psychological frameworks such as Self-Determination Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior,while also highlighting the unique cultural dynamics of Sri Lankan society,particularly the influence of Buddhist ethics and collectivist values.These cultural factors shape both the meaning and practice of giving,embedding it within broader narratives of moral obligation,social harmony,and spiritual merit.Ultimately,the study concludes that while charitable giving in Sri Lanka may outwardly appear altruistic,it is often driven by a complex mixture of internal and external motives,suggesting that authenticity in giving is rarely absolute but rather contextually and psychologically mediated.展开更多
This study assesses the portfolio concentration of socially responsible investment(SRI)pension funds,which may be subject to a potentially limited asset universe and have a higher concentration and lower performance t...This study assesses the portfolio concentration of socially responsible investment(SRI)pension funds,which may be subject to a potentially limited asset universe and have a higher concentration and lower performance than conventional funds.Nonetheless,in contrast to previous studies on SRI funds,this study considers the informationadvantage theory,positing that skilled managers should increase their concentration in assets in which they possess valuable information,departing from optimization models to achieve outperformance.This study first compares actual fund concentration with concentration obtained from several traditional and modern portfolio optimization techniques(minimum variance,global minimum variance,optimal portfolio,naïve diversification,risk parity,and reward-to-risk timing)to understand whether SRI pension funds concentrate portfolios and deviate from optimization model solutions.Unlike previous studies,the actual fund assets are considered in the optimization models to take into account the real investment profiles of SRI funds.The results indicate that SRI pension funds are less concentrated than conventional funds,and SRI and conventional pension funds largely diversify their portfolios,presenting lower concentration than portfolios formed with the optimization models.Furthermore,concentration strategies positively influence performance in SRI and conventional funds,revealing the use of information advantage.However,SRI and conventional fund managers present poor skills(picking,timing,and trading)to exploit information advantages due to overconfidence issues,which affect performance with concentration strategies.This situation may be modified if SRI funds follow modern optimization models and conventional funds follow traditional optimization models,improving managers’performance and skills.展开更多
BACKGROUND In tropical Asia,arbovirus-induced encephalitis continues to be a serious public health issue.Encephalitis is caused by wide range of neurotropic pathogens,and flaviviruses are one of the main causative age...BACKGROUND In tropical Asia,arbovirus-induced encephalitis continues to be a serious public health issue.Encephalitis is caused by wide range of neurotropic pathogens,and flaviviruses are one of the main causative agents in the area.Sri Lanka reports a considerable number of central nervous system infections annually.Both dengue and Japanese encephalitis are endemic,and cases of Zika and West Nile virus infections were reported occasionally in Sri Lanka.Although reported number of Japanese encephalitis cases has reduced in the past,aetiological diagnosis in majority of encephalitis cases is still unknown.AIM To detect dengue virus(DENV)infections in individuals in the central region of Sri Lanka who were clinically suspected of having encephalitis.METHODS A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on 99 cerebrospinal fluid samples received to a virology laboratory from patients in the central part of Sri Lanka who were clinically suspected of having encephalitis.Samples were analyzed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)with universal flavivirus primers to detect flaviviral RNA followed by DENV serotyping real-time RT-PCR,and an immunoglobulin M(IgM)detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect IgM antibodies indicative of a possible recent DENV infection.RESULTS DENV aetiology was detected in 6(6.06%)cerebrospinal fluid samples,and all were confirmed as DENV infections.A single positive result(1.01%)was yielded through RT-PCR and was identified as DENV serotype 3.Serology testing detected 05(5.05%)anti-dengue IgM positives and further investigation indicated probable DENV aetiology.Among positives 02(33.33%)were children(aged less than 14 years),and rest were adults.CONCLUSION These findings underscore the presence of DENV-associated central nervous system infections and highlight the need for broader surveillance and more advanced diagnostic approaches in the future.展开更多
Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightl...Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightly in the Banduragoda Public Health Inspector area.Larvae were collected using standard siphoning methods,while adults were sampled using Cattle Baited Trap,Gravid Traps,Light Traps,Bird-Baited Traps,Dog Baited Traps,and diurnal human landing collections.Specimens were transported to the Entomology Laboratory at the Medical Research Institute for identification.Morphological identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys.Molecular confirmation was achieved through DNA sequencing of mosquito head and thoracic regions,followed by sequence analysis using NCBI BLAST and Geneious software(version 7.1.3).Results:Adults of Cx.cinctellus were identified in Bird-Baited Traps and human bait collections.Unique morphological characteristics,including well-developed pulvilli,wing vein 1A ending before the apex of cross vein mcu,basal transverse pale bands on abdominal terga,and two labial basal setae on the proboscis,confirmed species identity.Morphometric measurements included mean thoracic length(0.58±0.02)mm,thoracic width(0.63±0.02)mm,abdominal length(2.15±0.03)mm,abdominal width(0.61±0.01)mm,and wing length(2.91±0.02)mm.Molecular analysis corroborated the morphological identification,affirming the species as Cx.cinctellus.COI sequences of the collected specimen(452 bp)were confirmed as Cx.cinctellus for sequence identity by BLAST and BOLD analysis.These sequences were subsequently deposited in GenBank under the accession number OR225623.1.Conclusions:This study documents the first occurrence of Cx.cinctellus in Sri Lanka,highlighting the need to enhance entomological surveillance to monitor its dispersal and population dynamics.展开更多
The World Health Organization declared Sri Lanka a malaria eliminated country in 2016[1-3].At present,the country is in the phase of preventing the re-establishment of malaria[4].However,travelers who contract the dis...The World Health Organization declared Sri Lanka a malaria eliminated country in 2016[1-3].At present,the country is in the phase of preventing the re-establishment of malaria[4].However,travelers who contract the disease overseas in malaria endemic countries continue to present a constant risk of re-establishing malaria in Sri Lanka,where malaria-transmitting mosquitos is prevalent.In this context,robust measures are being implemented in the country to prevent re-establishment of malaria and to stop travelers infected with malaria progressing into severe disease and death.展开更多
BACKGROUND The emergence of the Omicron variant(B.1.1.529)of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)raised global concerns with its highly transmissible nature.AIM To investigate the genomic,clinic...BACKGROUND The emergence of the Omicron variant(B.1.1.529)of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)raised global concerns with its highly transmissible nature.AIM To investigate the genomic,clinical,and demographic characteristics of Omicron infections within the early outbreak cluster in western part of Sri Lanka.METHODS We analyzed sequence data from January 2022 to April 2022 to understand variant dynamics,clinical presentation,and demographic associations.RESULTS Whole-genome sequencing of 85 nasopharyngeal and throat swab samples collected in western part of Sri Lanka between January and April 2022 identified 70(82.34%)of it as Omicron variants.BA.2 was the most prevalent sub-lineage(57%),followed by BA.1.1(14.20%)and majority of them were from>12 years old individuals.Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering into four distinct clades(21I,21K,21L,and 21M),suggesting potential differences in transmission chains or evolutionary pressures.CONCLUSION This study found BA.2 to be the predominant Omicron sub-lineage in the western part of Sri Lanka during the first quarter of 2022,aligning with global trends.Phylogenetic analysis revealed diverse introductions and local transmission.Continued genomic surveillance and robust public health measures remain crucial for managing the evolving SARS-CoV-2 landscape.展开更多
Dengue fever presents a significant and persistent public health challenge in Sri Lanka.The disease,transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes,affects individuals across all age groups,with working p...Dengue fever presents a significant and persistent public health challenge in Sri Lanka.The disease,transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes,affects individuals across all age groups,with working populations and school-aged children at higher risk due to increased outdoor exposure[1].Dengue transmission in Sri Lanka is seasonal with two high transmission waves corresponding with the two monsoon rains every year.The estimated average annual incidence is 175/100000 population,and it was 407.5/100000 in 2023 with a case fatality rate of 0.07%[2].展开更多
BACKGROUND Gastric motility is an essential gastrointestinal function.It can be influenced by age,gender,body composition,and metabolic status.However,published data on these associations remains limited.AIM To assess...BACKGROUND Gastric motility is an essential gastrointestinal function.It can be influenced by age,gender,body composition,and metabolic status.However,published data on these associations remains limited.AIM To assess the relationship between gastric motility and adiposity,and metabolic indicators in a cohort of Sri Lankan office workers.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 office workers(58.5%females)aged 20-50 years(mean 36.81,SD 8.85 years)of the University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka.Gastric motility was assessed by real-time ultrasonography,using a previously validated method.Fasting antral area(FAA),postprandial antral areas at 1 minutes and 15 minutes(AA1,AA15),and antral contraction frequency(FAC)were measured,and gastric emptying rate(GER)and antral motility index were calculated.Anthropometric parameters were obtained using sensitive scales.Glycated hemoglobin,lipid profile,and liver enzyme levels were measured at an accredited laboratory.RESULTS The mean body mass index(BMI)was 24.36(SD 4.09)kg/m^(2),and 39.2%were overweight or obese.Increased abdominal adiposity was detected in 29.2%and 40.8%had high waist-to-hip ratios.Prediabetes/diabetes were observed in 20.0%,hypercholesterolemia in 47.7%,hypertriglyceridemia in 14.7%,high low-density lipoproteins in 39.2%,and elevated aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in 5.4%and 21.5%respectively.FAA had a weak negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein level(r=-0.227,P=0.009),and a positive correlation with waist circumference(r=0.235,P=0.007),and waist-to-hip ratio(r=0.244,P=0.005).GER and AA1 correlated weakly with triglyceride(GER:r=0.174,P=0.048;AA1:r=0.194,P=0.027)and VLDL levels(GER:r=0.183,P=0.038;AA1:r=0.195,P=0.026).In females,AA1 positively correlated with triglycerides(r=0.333,P=0.003),and VLDL levels(r=0.337,P=0.003),and AA15 with BMI(r=0.284,P=0.013)and hip circumference(r=0.229,P=0.047).FAC negatively correlated with BMI(r=-0.234,P=0.042)and hip circumference(r=-0.247,P=0.032).CONCLUSION Gastric motility parameters showed weak associations with metabolic indicators,particularly lipid profiles,and to a lesser extent,with adiposity indicators.The greater number of correlations observed in females suggests the possibility of sex-specific differences in these associations.These findings highlight potential relationships that require confirmation through longitudinal studies.展开更多
人口的剧增、土壤的退化和环境的恶化,是当前社会可持续发展所面临的严峻挑战。作为人类生存空间的土地资源的可持续利用成为政府和社会所关注的核心。由于土壤资源信息系统能够为用户提供准确、及时的土壤信息和相关信息,因此,利用GIS...人口的剧增、土壤的退化和环境的恶化,是当前社会可持续发展所面临的严峻挑战。作为人类生存空间的土地资源的可持续利用成为政府和社会所关注的核心。由于土壤资源信息系统能够为用户提供准确、及时的土壤信息和相关信息,因此,利用GIS技术建立土壤资源信息系统是近年来普遍的趋势。概述了土壤资源信息系统(Soil Resource Information System,SRIS)的概念、形成及其发展过程。介绍了土壤资源信息系统在数字化制图、土地资源评价和环境保护、水土流失、"精作农业"各方面的应用,并对今后中国的土壤资源信息系统的发展提出了几点建议。展开更多
文摘This study investigates the psychological and cultural motivations that underpin charitable giving in Sri Lanka,with particular attention to whether such behaviour can be considered genuinely altruistic.While charitable acts are commonly perceived as selfless,this research highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of the motivations involved.Using a qualitative approach,semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who regularly engage in charitable activities.Thematic analysis revealed three overarching categories of motivation.The first,obliged motives stem from social expectations and religious duty.The second,independent motives reflect personal values and intrinsic satisfaction.The third,ambivalent motives are a novel category that captures the simultaneous interplay between self-serving and other-oriented intentions.The emergence of ambivalent motives is especially significant,as it challenges binary distinctions between altruism and egoism,suggesting that charitable giving frequently serves psychological,social,and existential needs alongside prosocial goals.The findings support established psychological frameworks such as Self-Determination Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior,while also highlighting the unique cultural dynamics of Sri Lankan society,particularly the influence of Buddhist ethics and collectivist values.These cultural factors shape both the meaning and practice of giving,embedding it within broader narratives of moral obligation,social harmony,and spiritual merit.Ultimately,the study concludes that while charitable giving in Sri Lanka may outwardly appear altruistic,it is often driven by a complex mixture of internal and external motives,suggesting that authenticity in giving is rarely absolute but rather contextually and psychologically mediated.
基金supported by Government of Aragon[Grant S38_20R]Ibercaja and University of Zaragoza[Grants JIUZ-2021-SOC-03 and JIUZ2022-CSJ-24]Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and FEDER[PID2022-136818NB-100].
文摘This study assesses the portfolio concentration of socially responsible investment(SRI)pension funds,which may be subject to a potentially limited asset universe and have a higher concentration and lower performance than conventional funds.Nonetheless,in contrast to previous studies on SRI funds,this study considers the informationadvantage theory,positing that skilled managers should increase their concentration in assets in which they possess valuable information,departing from optimization models to achieve outperformance.This study first compares actual fund concentration with concentration obtained from several traditional and modern portfolio optimization techniques(minimum variance,global minimum variance,optimal portfolio,naïve diversification,risk parity,and reward-to-risk timing)to understand whether SRI pension funds concentrate portfolios and deviate from optimization model solutions.Unlike previous studies,the actual fund assets are considered in the optimization models to take into account the real investment profiles of SRI funds.The results indicate that SRI pension funds are less concentrated than conventional funds,and SRI and conventional pension funds largely diversify their portfolios,presenting lower concentration than portfolios formed with the optimization models.Furthermore,concentration strategies positively influence performance in SRI and conventional funds,revealing the use of information advantage.However,SRI and conventional fund managers present poor skills(picking,timing,and trading)to exploit information advantages due to overconfidence issues,which affect performance with concentration strategies.This situation may be modified if SRI funds follow modern optimization models and conventional funds follow traditional optimization models,improving managers’performance and skills.
文摘BACKGROUND In tropical Asia,arbovirus-induced encephalitis continues to be a serious public health issue.Encephalitis is caused by wide range of neurotropic pathogens,and flaviviruses are one of the main causative agents in the area.Sri Lanka reports a considerable number of central nervous system infections annually.Both dengue and Japanese encephalitis are endemic,and cases of Zika and West Nile virus infections were reported occasionally in Sri Lanka.Although reported number of Japanese encephalitis cases has reduced in the past,aetiological diagnosis in majority of encephalitis cases is still unknown.AIM To detect dengue virus(DENV)infections in individuals in the central region of Sri Lanka who were clinically suspected of having encephalitis.METHODS A retrospective observational analysis was conducted on 99 cerebrospinal fluid samples received to a virology laboratory from patients in the central part of Sri Lanka who were clinically suspected of having encephalitis.Samples were analyzed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)with universal flavivirus primers to detect flaviviral RNA followed by DENV serotyping real-time RT-PCR,and an immunoglobulin M(IgM)detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect IgM antibodies indicative of a possible recent DENV infection.RESULTS DENV aetiology was detected in 6(6.06%)cerebrospinal fluid samples,and all were confirmed as DENV infections.A single positive result(1.01%)was yielded through RT-PCR and was identified as DENV serotype 3.Serology testing detected 05(5.05%)anti-dengue IgM positives and further investigation indicated probable DENV aetiology.Among positives 02(33.33%)were children(aged less than 14 years),and rest were adults.CONCLUSION These findings underscore the presence of DENV-associated central nervous system infections and highlight the need for broader surveillance and more advanced diagnostic approaches in the future.
文摘Objective:To confirm the presence of Culex(Cx.)(Lophoceraomyia)cinctellus in Sri Lanka using morphological and molecular evidence.Methods:From October 2019 to April 2020,mosquito surveillance was conducted fort-nightly in the Banduragoda Public Health Inspector area.Larvae were collected using standard siphoning methods,while adults were sampled using Cattle Baited Trap,Gravid Traps,Light Traps,Bird-Baited Traps,Dog Baited Traps,and diurnal human landing collections.Specimens were transported to the Entomology Laboratory at the Medical Research Institute for identification.Morphological identification was performed using standard taxonomic keys.Molecular confirmation was achieved through DNA sequencing of mosquito head and thoracic regions,followed by sequence analysis using NCBI BLAST and Geneious software(version 7.1.3).Results:Adults of Cx.cinctellus were identified in Bird-Baited Traps and human bait collections.Unique morphological characteristics,including well-developed pulvilli,wing vein 1A ending before the apex of cross vein mcu,basal transverse pale bands on abdominal terga,and two labial basal setae on the proboscis,confirmed species identity.Morphometric measurements included mean thoracic length(0.58±0.02)mm,thoracic width(0.63±0.02)mm,abdominal length(2.15±0.03)mm,abdominal width(0.61±0.01)mm,and wing length(2.91±0.02)mm.Molecular analysis corroborated the morphological identification,affirming the species as Cx.cinctellus.COI sequences of the collected specimen(452 bp)were confirmed as Cx.cinctellus for sequence identity by BLAST and BOLD analysis.These sequences were subsequently deposited in GenBank under the accession number OR225623.1.Conclusions:This study documents the first occurrence of Cx.cinctellus in Sri Lanka,highlighting the need to enhance entomological surveillance to monitor its dispersal and population dynamics.
文摘The World Health Organization declared Sri Lanka a malaria eliminated country in 2016[1-3].At present,the country is in the phase of preventing the re-establishment of malaria[4].However,travelers who contract the disease overseas in malaria endemic countries continue to present a constant risk of re-establishing malaria in Sri Lanka,where malaria-transmitting mosquitos is prevalent.In this context,robust measures are being implemented in the country to prevent re-establishment of malaria and to stop travelers infected with malaria progressing into severe disease and death.
文摘BACKGROUND The emergence of the Omicron variant(B.1.1.529)of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)raised global concerns with its highly transmissible nature.AIM To investigate the genomic,clinical,and demographic characteristics of Omicron infections within the early outbreak cluster in western part of Sri Lanka.METHODS We analyzed sequence data from January 2022 to April 2022 to understand variant dynamics,clinical presentation,and demographic associations.RESULTS Whole-genome sequencing of 85 nasopharyngeal and throat swab samples collected in western part of Sri Lanka between January and April 2022 identified 70(82.34%)of it as Omicron variants.BA.2 was the most prevalent sub-lineage(57%),followed by BA.1.1(14.20%)and majority of them were from>12 years old individuals.Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering into four distinct clades(21I,21K,21L,and 21M),suggesting potential differences in transmission chains or evolutionary pressures.CONCLUSION This study found BA.2 to be the predominant Omicron sub-lineage in the western part of Sri Lanka during the first quarter of 2022,aligning with global trends.Phylogenetic analysis revealed diverse introductions and local transmission.Continued genomic surveillance and robust public health measures remain crucial for managing the evolving SARS-CoV-2 landscape.
文摘Dengue fever presents a significant and persistent public health challenge in Sri Lanka.The disease,transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes,affects individuals across all age groups,with working populations and school-aged children at higher risk due to increased outdoor exposure[1].Dengue transmission in Sri Lanka is seasonal with two high transmission waves corresponding with the two monsoon rains every year.The estimated average annual incidence is 175/100000 population,and it was 407.5/100000 in 2023 with a case fatality rate of 0.07%[2].
基金Supported by the University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka,Research Grant,No.RP/03/04/03/01/2022.
文摘BACKGROUND Gastric motility is an essential gastrointestinal function.It can be influenced by age,gender,body composition,and metabolic status.However,published data on these associations remains limited.AIM To assess the relationship between gastric motility and adiposity,and metabolic indicators in a cohort of Sri Lankan office workers.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 office workers(58.5%females)aged 20-50 years(mean 36.81,SD 8.85 years)of the University of Kelaniya,Sri Lanka.Gastric motility was assessed by real-time ultrasonography,using a previously validated method.Fasting antral area(FAA),postprandial antral areas at 1 minutes and 15 minutes(AA1,AA15),and antral contraction frequency(FAC)were measured,and gastric emptying rate(GER)and antral motility index were calculated.Anthropometric parameters were obtained using sensitive scales.Glycated hemoglobin,lipid profile,and liver enzyme levels were measured at an accredited laboratory.RESULTS The mean body mass index(BMI)was 24.36(SD 4.09)kg/m^(2),and 39.2%were overweight or obese.Increased abdominal adiposity was detected in 29.2%and 40.8%had high waist-to-hip ratios.Prediabetes/diabetes were observed in 20.0%,hypercholesterolemia in 47.7%,hypertriglyceridemia in 14.7%,high low-density lipoproteins in 39.2%,and elevated aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in 5.4%and 21.5%respectively.FAA had a weak negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein level(r=-0.227,P=0.009),and a positive correlation with waist circumference(r=0.235,P=0.007),and waist-to-hip ratio(r=0.244,P=0.005).GER and AA1 correlated weakly with triglyceride(GER:r=0.174,P=0.048;AA1:r=0.194,P=0.027)and VLDL levels(GER:r=0.183,P=0.038;AA1:r=0.195,P=0.026).In females,AA1 positively correlated with triglycerides(r=0.333,P=0.003),and VLDL levels(r=0.337,P=0.003),and AA15 with BMI(r=0.284,P=0.013)and hip circumference(r=0.229,P=0.047).FAC negatively correlated with BMI(r=-0.234,P=0.042)and hip circumference(r=-0.247,P=0.032).CONCLUSION Gastric motility parameters showed weak associations with metabolic indicators,particularly lipid profiles,and to a lesser extent,with adiposity indicators.The greater number of correlations observed in females suggests the possibility of sex-specific differences in these associations.These findings highlight potential relationships that require confirmation through longitudinal studies.
文摘人口的剧增、土壤的退化和环境的恶化,是当前社会可持续发展所面临的严峻挑战。作为人类生存空间的土地资源的可持续利用成为政府和社会所关注的核心。由于土壤资源信息系统能够为用户提供准确、及时的土壤信息和相关信息,因此,利用GIS技术建立土壤资源信息系统是近年来普遍的趋势。概述了土壤资源信息系统(Soil Resource Information System,SRIS)的概念、形成及其发展过程。介绍了土壤资源信息系统在数字化制图、土地资源评价和环境保护、水土流失、"精作农业"各方面的应用,并对今后中国的土壤资源信息系统的发展提出了几点建议。
