Evidence Based National Framework for Undergraduate Nursing Education in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, nursing education is moving from diplomanursing certificate to a university bachelor degree. In thistransitional stage, the development of an evidence based nationallevel framework for undergraduate nursing education is acrucially important step to improve nursing education andnursing service in Sri Lanka. The overall purpose of this PhDresearch study was to develop an evidence-based nationalframework for undergraduate nursing education in Sri Lanka.MethodMy PhD research study has involved conducting criticalreviews of literature, two systematic reviews, developing a draftconceptual framework, testing its appropriateness and feasibilitywith key stakeholders via focus group discussions in Sri Lanka,and formulating the final national framework for nursingeducation in Sri Lanka.ResultsThe systematic reviews revealed that the evidence regardingthe effectiveness and appropriateness of undergraduate nursingcurricula is notably weak and direct transfer of the curriculummodel from one country to another is not appropriate withoutfirst assessing the cultural context of both countries. Theconceptual framework, which was developed using the finding ofsystematic reviews and literature reviews, consists of widelyrecognized nursing concepts in international and local contexts.However, some concepts cannot be directly applicable because ofcultural and economic impediments.DiscussionThis study identified several factors that shape the approachto nursing education in Sri Lanka. These factors include:Western influence; Sri Lanka’s cultural influence; the currenthealthcare system and demand for healthcare; nursing systemsand regulation; medical dominance; financial support; and SriLanka’s education system. All of these factors influence theconceptualization of nursing and educational strategies needed toeffectively and appropriately prepare nurses in Sri Lanka. Thisstudy proposes seven recommendations to support theimplementation of the study findings into practice in Sri Lanka

Organizational cynicism and employee performance: evidence from a Sri Lankan audit sector

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between organizational cynicism and employee performance at diverse hierarchical levels in big four audit firms in Sri Lanka. Research methodology: By adopting quantitative research methodology, questionnaires were used as a primary data collection method from audit trainees, audit supervisors, and audit managers in big 4 audit firms in Sri Lanka. This was conducted by deploying a convenient sampling technique, and regression models are used by applying SPSS. Results: The study found a significant negative relationship between organizational cynicism and employee performance at audit firms and that each dimension of organizational cynicism. Limitations: Organizational cynicism was analyzed based on employee perception, although there are other influencing factors for organizational cynicism. Contribution: This study's findings are expected to support audit supervisors in avoiding the discovered negative effect instead by lessening the degree of psychological contract violation and organizational politics. Keywords: Organizational cynicism, Employee performance, Audit firms, Affective cynicism, Cognitive cynicism, Behavioral cynicis

Computer simulation of transient stability analysis of power systems.

Determination of stability characteristics of a power system is considered as a substantial issue with the increasing complexity of power systems. Power system stability is defined as the behavior of the electrical power system under sudden or sequence of disturbances when it is operating in steady state. It could be a problem of voltage stability, frequency stability or rotor angle stability depending of the type of disturbance. Transient stability which is a sub section of rotor angle stability, is concerned with the condition in which the synchronous machines in the system remain in synchronism or \u27in-step\u27 with each other when the system is subjected to severe disturbances. In multi-machine power system, transient stability analysis is an indispensable tool in the areas of planning, design, operation and research. The nonlinear nature under disturbance is not linearised for the purpose of analyzing transient stability. Therefore, the theories and methodologies for transient stability analysis based on approximations and assumptions. This study is to prepare an educational software package to understand the transient stability behavior while understanding the theories and methodologies behind it. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2004 .J39. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-01, page: 0276. Adviser: G. R. G. Raju. Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2004

Valuing the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef: An Application of the Zonal Travel Cost Method

Hikkaduwa marine ecosystem is one of the major attractions among the recreationists for its fringing coral reef and the beach. However, a rapid degradation of the coral reef and the beach pollution are the main influences on the sustainable tourism. In this context, valuing the Hikkaduwa Marine National Park is important in order to draw the attention for the protection of the ecosystem. The objectives of this research were to estimate the economic values derived by the local visitors and to derive an optimal entrance fee. This research also aimed at investigating factors that influence visitation rates. Data collected from an onsite survey carried out among a sample of 231 visitors from 16 districts in Sri Lanka were analysed, using the Zonal Travel Cost Method to estimate the recreational value derived by the local visitors. The travel cost function showed that visitation rate is significantly and positively influenced by recreational experience and urban population fraction. The explanatory power of the estimated model was strong with an adjusted R2 value of 0.752. In the second stage, these significant explanatory variables were used to construct the demand curve. The estimated local recreational value of the park is around 380 times the income from the local visitors per year, which is worth about Rs. 1,300 per local visitor. As this site does not have a proper entrance fee, the calculated entrance fee which maximises the total revenue was around Rs.1,100. However, the current level of visitors will be reduced by more than 50%, if this entrance fee is imposed implying intragenerational equity issues. The outcomes of this research are useful in the management decision making for the protection of the Hikkaduwa coral reef and the surrounding environment.Keywords: Consumer surplus, Hikkaduwa coral reef, Tourism, Zonal Travel Cost Metho

The effect of calcium aluminates on the coke analogue gasification

The gasification rate in CO2 of the coke analogue containing calcium oxide was studied using analogues doped with alumina (corundum), calcium aluminates (CA6, CA, C3A) and lime minerals. The coke analogue is a laboratory material with simplified carbon structure that has a mineral component with a particle size, size distribution and mineral dispersion that can be controlled. The main focus of this study was to quantitatively assess the effect of calcium in the mineral on the analogue’s reactivity. The analogues were reacted with CO2 isothermally in the temperature range of 1173–1623 K. It was found that the reaction rate increased with increasing CaO activity/number of moles of Ca in the mineral. The relative reaction rates (from lowest to highest) of the analogues doped were alumina, CA6, CA, C3A and lime. The relative apparent activation energies of the gasification from lowest to highest was lime, C3A, CA, CA6 and alumina

Empirical studies on the performance of banks: A systematic literature review for future research

This paper intends to review research on the performance of banks to identify gaps in the current body of knowledge to justify future research directions. We use a systematic literature review method and review 164 articles from refereed journals. Content analysis reveals that most of the studies are empirical focusing on two aspects i.e. financial performance and efficiency of banks. These studies consider the impact of particular events and contexts on performance and efficiency while testing research hypotheses. However, often there is a lack of a theoretical backing for these studies. We argue that the considered events and contexts affect the risk transformation process under the financial intermediation theory. The efficiency of banks reflects the risk transformation process and causes performance. On the other hand, traditional performance indicators were based on financial measures that do not reflect the components of the risk transformation process. A sound comprehensive risk-based composite measure is required to fill this gap

Design and Validation for Laser Based Scanning Reflectometer

The goal of this study was to design and validate laser based scanning reflectometer. This senor generates information indicative of spectral reflectance characteristic of the small spot. The information indicative of the spectral reflectance characteristic can be used to determine the object in the field. Light emitted from the optical source is modulated so that reflected light from the source can be discriminated from the reflected ambient light. The influence of detector location, source location and uniformity of reflectance across the swath width were characterized. Findings and conclusions./ The calibration constant was developed as a function of sensor height, incident angle, and detector area. Results of uncertainty analysis indicate that incident angle and detector area rapidly effect the measured reflectance. The second design with off-axis parabolic reflector is capable of achieving the design objectives. The average predicted reflectance values along the swath width were 50.26% and 42.97% for rBiosystems and Agricultural Engineerin

Common mental disorders among adult members of 'left-behind' international migrant worker families in Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND: Nearly one-in-ten Sri Lankans are employed abroad as International migrant workers (IMW). Very little is known about the mental health of adult members in families left-behind. This study aimed to explore the impact of economic migration on mental health (common mental disorders) of left-behind families in Sri Lanka. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using multistage sampling was conducted in six districts (representing 62% of outbound IMW population) of Sri Lanka. Spouses and non-spouse caregivers (those providing substantial care for children) from families of economic migrants were recruited. Adult mental health was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Demographic, socio-economic, migration-specific and health utilization information were gathered. RESULTS: A total of 410 IMW families were recruited (response rate: 95.1%). Both spouse and a non-spouse caregiver were recruited for 55 families with a total of 277 spouses and 188 caregivers included. Poor general health, current diagnosed illness and healthcare visit frequency was higher in the non-spouse caregiver group. Overall prevalence of common mental disorder (CMD; Depression, somatoform disorder, anxiety) was 20.7% (95%CI 16.9-24.3) with 14.4% (95%CI 10.3-18.6) among spouses and 29.8% (95%CI 23.2-36.4) among non-spouse caregivers. Prevalence of depression (25.5%; 95%CI 19.2-31.8) and somatoform disorder 11.7% (95%CI 7.0-16.3) was higher in non-spouse caregiver group. When adjusted for age and gender, non-returning IMW in family, primary education and low in-bound remittance frequency was associated with CMD for spouses while no education, poor general health and increased healthcare visits was significantly associated in the non-spouse caregiver group. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to explore specific mental health outcomes among adult left-behind family members of IMW through standardized diagnostic instruments in Sri Lanka and in South Asian region. Negative impact of economic migration is highlighted by the considerably high prevalence of CMD among adults in left-behind families. A policy framework that enables health protection whilst promoting migration for development remains a key challenge for labour-sending nations

EQ-5D-3L Derived Population Norms for Health Related Quality of Life in Sri Lanka

Background Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is an important outcome measure in health economic evaluation that guides health resource allocations. Population norms for HRQoL are an essential ingredient in health economics and in the evaluation of population health. The aim of this study was to produce EQ-5D-3L-derived population norms for Sri Lanka. Method A population sample (n =  780) was selected from four districts of Sri Lanka. A stratified cluster sampling approach with probability proportionate to size was employed. Twenty six clusters of 30 participants each were selected; each participant completed the EQ-5D-3L in a face-to-face interview. Utility weights for their EQ-5D-3L health states were assigned using the Sri Lankan EQ-5D-3L algorithm. The population norms are reported by age and socio-economic variables. Results The EQ-5D-3L was completed by 736 people, representing a 94% response rate. Sixty per cent of the sample reported being in full health. The percentage of people responding to any problems in the five EQ-5D-3L dimensions increased with age. The mean EQ-5D-3L weight was 0.85 (SD 0.008; 95%CI 0.84-0.87). The mean EQ-5D-3L weight was significantly associated with age, housing type, disease experience and religiosity. People above 70 years of age were 7.5 times more likely to report mobility problems and 3.7 times more likely to report pain/discomfort than those aged 18-29 years. Those with a tertiary education were five times less likely to report any HRQoL problems than those without a tertiary education. A person living in a shanty was 4.3 more likely to have problems in usual activities than a person living in a single house. Conclusion The population norms in Sri Lanka vary with socio-demographic characteristics. The socioeconomically disadvantaged have a lower HRQoL. The trends of population norms observed in this lower middle income country were generally similar to those previously reported in high income countries