The study illustrates potential alternatives for the banned polythene bags and lunch sheets (PBLS) imposed in 2017 by the Sri Lankan government and explores the nature of PBLS in the market in Sri Lanka. Results reveal that the government, at present, has no laboratory facilities to test degradability of PBLS. Further, there are very few alternatives for the banned PBLS while the high price acts as the main limitation for its popularity.
Background: The presence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is described as an early symptom of prostate cancer in some patient guidelines; however, a statistical association has never been established. Methods: This study was conducted using a prospective electronic database at a single tertiary institution between January 2015 and November 2017. LUTS were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and prostate cancer was graded according to the International Society of UroPathologists (ISUP) grading system. The association between IPSS and Grade Group was tested using parametric one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc analysis using Tukey’s honestly significant difference (Tukey’s HSD). Results: A total of 611 men attended the One-Stop Prostate Clinic (OSPC) and IPSSs were available for 557 men. Overall, 46% had mild LUTS (IPSS: 1–7), 38% had moderate LUTS (IPSS: 8–19) and 16% had severe LUTS (IPSS: 20–35). Almost 85% proceeded to have transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) prostate biopsies, and clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPC) was detected in 37% with mild LUTS, 35% with moderate LUTS and 42% with severe LUTS. Correlation between histopathology and IPSSs was assessed in all 78.8% of men who had IPSS data available and underwent prostate biopsies. Conclusion: This large series did not establish any correlation between LUTS and prostate cancer in men undergoing investigation for the suspicion of prostate cancer. Level of evidence: Not applicable
Although plastics have made the workings of our lives easier, it has created many different environmental and social problems due to poor management practices. The problem of plastic waste has been exacerbated due to various regulations that have been introduced from time to time for the sustainable management of plastic waste. However, those are not properly implemented. The main objective of this study is to examine the best practices in Sri Lanka for the management of plastic waste, including shopping bags and lunch sheets (PBLS). Further, the study illustrated the prevailing and possible alternatives for polythene products in Sri Lanka and weaknesses in the identification of alternatives. The study was conducted in the Western Province covering three districts: Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara. Data collection was conducted through different structured questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews and a major workshop from a sample of 1314 respondents. Results revealed that 59% of households in the survey confirm that they were discouraged from switching to alternatives as a result of freely available low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags in the market. Also, 67% of the households and 74% of the supermarkets pointed out that, the current polythene bag usage was higher prior to the ban, due to the poor strength and quality of the bag. Further, the study reveals that ‘Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)’ has the potential to influence material management systems and prevent pollution and has been successfully tested in many countries around the world.
Among various inputs, seeds are inevitably critical for successful crop production, farm productivity, and profitability. Potato requires inputs intensively for its cultivation in comparison with other field crops. Only the seed accounts for more than 50% of the total cultivation cost due to the scarcity of locally produced quality seed potatoes at a reasonable price. One of the sustainable solutions to resolve this issue is to form viable Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in order to strengthen the production of quality seed potato in Sri Lanka. In light of this, the central objective of this study is to determine the prospects in initiating PPPs to improve the production of quality seed potato in Sri Lanka. Study adopts a normative approach. Two hundred and seventy six potato farmers were selected using multi-stage random sampling covering four DS Division in Badulla and Nuwara Eliya districts. Pre-tested structured questionnaire and focus groups were deployed to gather data. Further, key informant interviews with 35 entities of both public and private entities were conducted. ANOVA was carried out to assess the cost efficiency of different seed types. Study identified that, provision of quality inputs and dissemination of technical know-how are the two main aspects expected from the PPPs. Mini tuber and Generation Zero (G0) production should be limited only to public entity while, PPP should form for production of G1 and further continuation. Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) approach is an option for the government to outsource public projects to the private sector. This enhances the efficient resource allocation between both parties. Further, farmers could reduce total cost of production by 10% using locally produced pre-basic seeds. However, strategies should be aligned with the best possible manner in order to meet the requirement of many stakeholders.
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