https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/7745 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:13:10 GMT 2026-04-08T23:13:10Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/7775 Enhancing Public Education and Addressing Policy Gaps for Radon Exposure and Lung Cancer Risk Mitigation in Sri Lanka Lochana, WVAS; Hettiarachchi, SN Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is a significant health risk attributable to its strong association with lung cancer. In Sri Lanka, public awareness of radon exposure and its health implications remains low, and there are minimal policies addressing this risk. This systematic review aimed to analyse public awareness, policy gaps, and mitigation strategies related to radon exposure and cancer risk, particularly in Sri Lanka. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched three electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for studies published since 2001, yielding 1,025 records. After screening, we included 51 articles, focussing on public awareness and policy frameworks in both developed and South Asian countries. The findings disclose significant gaps in both public knowledge and policy measures, highlighting the urgent necessity for targeted public education campaigns and development of comprehensive regulations for radon testing and mitigation. By addressing these issues, Sri Lanka can reduce the health risks associated with radon exposure and enhance its cancer prevention strategies. Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/7775 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/7774 Stress and Coping Strategies Assessment With Pss-10 Scale and the Brief Cope Scale Among Cancer Patients in a Hospital, Banke, Nepal Sapkota, Srijana; Sunar, Tulasa; Ghimire, Nisha; Khadka, Rekha Cancer patients often experience significant psychological distress throughout their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery phases. This study conducted at Sushil Koirala Prakhar Cancer Hospital in Khajura, Banke, Nepal, aimed to explore stress levels and coping strategies among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A hospitalbased cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Brief COPE scale. A total of 384 cancer patients participated in the study. Results indicated that a majority of patients reported moderate stress levels, with significant associations found between stress levels and marital status, place of residence, and occupation. Approach coping strategies were predominantly utilised by patients, highlighting active coping mechanisms such as emotional support, positive reframing, and humour. The findings underscore the need for tailored psychosocial interventions to mitigate stress and enhance coping strategies among cancer patients in similar settings. Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/7774 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/7773 Plankton Assemblage and Potential Indicator Species for Water Quality Assessment in Selected Wetlands in Colombo Perera, HDCS; Batugedara, BDIM; Kolambage, MTV; Senanayake, SAMAIK Wetlands are considered one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth. Plankton is an essential part of wetland biodiversity and vital to wetland functioning. Plankton is an ideal bioindicator for assessing wetlands' water quality and environmental status. This study was carried out to determine plankton assemblage and to identify potential indicator species for water quality assessment in selected wetlands in Colombo Ramsar Wetland City, including Nawala Wetland Park, Diyatha Uyana, Diayasaru Park, and Beddagana Wetland Park. Water and plankton samples were collected for four months (October 2022- February 2023). Both phytoplankton and zooplankton were studied. During the study period, 39 phytoplankton and 24 zooplankton species were reported. The identified phytoplankton species were categorised into three prominent families: Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and Cyanophyceae. Genus Melosira was recorded as the Most abundant species in all wetlands (more than 50%). Identified zooplankton were categorized into three main groups: Rotifera, Copepoda, and Ichthyoplankton. Rotifers were the dominant zooplankton group, and Keratella spp.; Brachionus spp. were dominant in all wetlands. Pediastrum spp., Chlorella sp., Closterium sp., Phacus sp., Euglena sp., Melosira spp., Microcystis spp., Navicula sp., Oscillatoria sp., Scenedesmus sp., and Synedra sp., Keratella spp., Brachionus spp., and Lecane spp. were identified as potential bioindicators for pollution. According to the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, phytoplankton diversity is higher than zooplankton diversity. Fourteen indicator species were observed, exhibiting varying levels of abundance. Most of them are indicators of pollution. Hence, it may be inferred that the population density of these species was relatively high, and the degree of contamination in the wetland was also found to be high. Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/7773 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/7772 The Impact of Employee Appreciation Approaches on Job Satisfaction: Empirical Evidence From Air Traffic Controllers of Sri Lanka to Enhance Human Performance Ranamukha, RDANC Understanding the dynamics of job satisfaction among Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) is imperative for ensuring the human performance, productivity, efficiency and safety of aviation operations. This study investigates the impact of various employee appreciation methods on the job satisfaction levels to enhance the performance of ATCs in Sri Lanka. Drawing upon existing literature and analysis of the data collected from the current employees, the research is aimed at filling a critical knowledge gap regarding the relationship between employee appreciation and job satisfaction within the ATC sector. The research problem centres on the need to comprehend how different forms of appreciation, ranging from verbal acknowledgements to tangible rewards, influence ATCs' job satisfaction. Through a structured survey utilizing a Likert scale, the study measured the effects of seven appreciation methods on job satisfaction, namely verbal expressions in one-on-one and public settings, electronic notes, written communications, tangible items, monetary bonuses, and the absence of gratitude. Key research questions addressed the specific impacts of each appreciation method on the job satisfaction of ATCs'. By analysing responses from ATCs in Sri Lanka, the study aimed to provide insights for supervisors and managers to tailor appreciation strategies effectively. The findings hold significance in enhancing the work environment, retaining talent, and promoting organisational productivity within the aviation industry. Acknowledging potential limitations such as participant biases and organisational policies, the research adopts measures to ensure data integrity and confidentiality. By leveraging a comprehensive approach to data collection and analysis, it enhanced the reliability and credibility of the findings of the study. Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/7772 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z