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
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
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
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
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
Objective:To describe the situation of measles in Sri Lanka from May to November,2023 and to define the role of virology laboratory towards case confirmation and epidemiological and genetic characterization of the out...Objective:To describe the situation of measles in Sri Lanka from May to November,2023 and to define the role of virology laboratory towards case confirmation and epidemiological and genetic characterization of the outbreak.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed all samples tested for measles from 1st of May to 30th of November,2023 at National Measles Rubella Laboratory,Sri Lanka.According to the World Health Organization(WHO)algorithm,serum and oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs were tested with WHO recommended kits for anti-measles IgM and measles virus specific RNA,respectively.Selected RNA positive samples were sequenced at reference laboratory,India.Analysis of sequencing data and construction of phylogenetic tree were carried out at National Measles Rubella Laboratory.Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results:Of the total 1132 serum samples and 497 oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs from 1326 patients,657(49.5%)patients were confirmed as measles by anti-measles IgM,measles virus specific RNA or both.Males(55.6%,n=365)and the age group from>20 to≤30 years(33.0%,n=217)predominated positive patients.All provinces reported measles positive cases.All samples sequenced(100%,n=42)were genotype D8 with 95.2%(n=40)bearing Victoria.Australia origin.Conclusions:We described resurgence of measles in an eliminated country,confirming the genotype to be D8,one of the two genotypes currently circulating globally.Further,the study strongly convinced the importance of a strengthened virological surveillance system in an eliminated country,despite its eliminated status.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.
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].
文摘Objective:To describe the situation of measles in Sri Lanka from May to November,2023 and to define the role of virology laboratory towards case confirmation and epidemiological and genetic characterization of the outbreak.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed all samples tested for measles from 1st of May to 30th of November,2023 at National Measles Rubella Laboratory,Sri Lanka.According to the World Health Organization(WHO)algorithm,serum and oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs were tested with WHO recommended kits for anti-measles IgM and measles virus specific RNA,respectively.Selected RNA positive samples were sequenced at reference laboratory,India.Analysis of sequencing data and construction of phylogenetic tree were carried out at National Measles Rubella Laboratory.Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results:Of the total 1132 serum samples and 497 oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs from 1326 patients,657(49.5%)patients were confirmed as measles by anti-measles IgM,measles virus specific RNA or both.Males(55.6%,n=365)and the age group from>20 to≤30 years(33.0%,n=217)predominated positive patients.All provinces reported measles positive cases.All samples sequenced(100%,n=42)were genotype D8 with 95.2%(n=40)bearing Victoria.Australia origin.Conclusions:We described resurgence of measles in an eliminated country,confirming the genotype to be D8,one of the two genotypes currently circulating globally.Further,the study strongly convinced the importance of a strengthened virological surveillance system in an eliminated country,despite its eliminated status.
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。
