PURSE 1996

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High Ion Conducting 3D Network Poly(Ethylene Oxide)
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Perera, K. S.; Dissanayake, M. A. K. L.; Bandaranayake, P. W. S. K.
Studies of ionic conductivity in polymers complexed with divalent or trivalent cations are useful for understanding the parameters related to conductivity in polymers. In the present work a calcium salt has been selected since it is less hygroscopic than corresponding alkaline salts when dissolved in poly (ethylene oxide) network. The polycondensation between ex, ro - diol-poly (ethylene glycol), H(OCH2CH2).,OH with average MW 1000 and 3-chloro-2- chloromethyl-l-propane was done in the presence of excess KOH. The average molecular weight of the linear polycondensate determined by gel permeation chromatography was about 20,000. Cross-linking of linear polycondensate was done by free-radical polymerization using dibenzoyl peroxide as initiator to obtain a thin film of 3D network polymer. Membranes of 11 mm diameter were cut from the completely dried films. To prepare samples of different O/Ca ratio, calcium trifluoromethyl-sulphonate Ca(CF3S03h salt was dissolved in a small amount of acetonitrile and the membrane was put to absorb the whole solution. It was possible to prepare sample with O/Ca ratio from 8 to 100. Then the membranes were dried under vacuum at 90°C for one day. The electrical conductivity of membranes was measured under vacuum by a complex impedance technique in the temperature range from 90°C to room temperature. The maximum conductivity was obtained for O/Ca=25 which is about 2.0 x }O"4 S em" at 75°C and 1.0 x 10.5 S em" at room temperature. Polymers synthesized in this method have glass transition temperatures below room temperature and hence, give a very high ionic conductivity and have very good mechanical properties due to three dimensional link
Efect of Smoke Curing on some Foods in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Samarajeewa, U.; Wijeratne, M. C. P.; Rodrigo, M. C. P.; Karunaratne, G. D. D. P.
Foods are smoke cured for drying and to impart new organoleptic properties. The smoke produced during combustion and thermal decomposition of organic substances is a colloidal suspension of vapour, liquid droplets and solid particles. Chemically, the smoke contains organic acids, carbonyls, phenols and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). Some of the PAH are known carcinogens. Understanding of the presence and the mechanisms of contamination of foods by PAH is important from a health point of view and in processing offood. In Sri Lanka, copra and 'Maldive fish' are prepared by smoke curing. Eighty seven samples of coconut kernel products and twelve samples of 'Maldive fish' collected from the oil mills in the coconut triangle and markets in Kandy respectively were analyzed for PAH. The PAH from coconut samples were extracted in to hexane in Soxhlet and the 'Maldive fish' through dichloromethane using standard methods. The hexane extracts were purified by absorbing in to Sep-pak (Bond Elute LRC, Varian Inc.) cartridge and eluting with hexane-dichloromethane (3: 1). Estimation of PAH were done on Shimadzu model LC- 6A HPLC in reverse phase using a Chrompak Chrom Spher PAH glass cartridge, mobile phase of30 - 100% water:acetonitrile and a fluorescent detector. The mean total PAH concentrations observed in copra, coconut oil, copra meal and parings were 102 ± 184,359 ± 412, 68 ± 101 and 109 ± 164 mglkg respectively. More than 90% of the PAH detected were non-carcinogenic. Some of the sun-dried copra and desiccated coconuts did not contain PAR The concentrations ofPAH observed in Sri Lankan copra were much less than observed in copra in other countries of the region. The relatively low concentrations of PAH observed is probably associated with controlled combustion of shells practiced in 'Standard Ceylon Copra Kiln' which provides a relatively 'clean' supply of hot air. The distribution pattern of total PAH between oil and copra meal, compared to what is present in copra used to expel the oil indicate possible production of PAH during mechanical expulsion of oil in mills. The maldive fish contained mean total PAH concentration of 1083 ± 1332 mg/kg. The PAH concentrations in 'maldive fish' were 3 to 4 fold higher than what is reported in smoked salmon. However, the bulk of the PAH in 'maldive fish' were in the outer 2 mm crust which contained 60 to 90% of the PAH. The PAH in the innermost regions of the 'maldive fish' are probably either absorbed from smoke or produced due to heat. Both deposition and thermal generation ofPAH appear to occur in copra and 'maldive fish'. Preparation of regulatory limits for PAH in foods are still in an elementary stage. Germany has insisted on a regulatory limit of 25 mg/kg for total PAH and 5 mglkg for Benzo[ aJpyrene. In view of the concentrations observed in this study and else where it is more appropriate at this stage to classify food containing PAH to the following categories. Such a classification will enable the industries to reduce contamination by modification of smoke curing processes while meeting the day-to-day needs of the smoke cured foods.
Women in Higher Education: Perspectives from the University of Peradeniya
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Liyanage, K.
This paper examines the differences between male and female participation and achievements in academic and non academic activities in the University of Peradeniya. The paper will focus on six areas a) the changing pattern of female student enrolment in subjects and fields of study,_b) gender-wise academic achievements, c) participation of female students in extra curricular activities, d) the various aspects to the residential life of female students, e) female representation in different levels of academic staff, their promotional prospects and the contribution made by them to academic activities, f) the problems faced by female students as well as female teachers.
Construction of an Improved Automatic Burette
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Tennakoon, D. T. B.; Bandara, H. M. N.; Chandrasena, W. D.; Ilangantilake, A. N.
We have previously described the construction of an automatic burette with the ability to detect the colour change at the end point. An ordinary burette modified for the purpose was used to control the addition of the titrant and the vohune was read visually. This instrument is now improved and the burette is replaced with a motor-driven plastic syringe. Once calibrated, the instrument is able to add and measure the vohune of the titrant with a high degree of accuracy. The process is fully computer controlled.
Factors Affecting the In-Situ conductivity of electronically conducting Polymers
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Vidanapathirana, K. P.; Senadeera, G. K. R.; Guanratne, L. M. W. K.; Kareem, A. M.; Dissanayake, M. A. K. L.
In recent years the discovery of doped organic polymers with high electronic conductivities has generated substantial research interest among physicists and chemists. Conjugated polymers such as polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyparaphenylene with doped derivatives reported to have conductivities larger than 1 S/cm. The films obtained in organic media exhibit superior characteristics in favour of their conductivity and mechanical properties. However, the use of organic solvent is costly and hazardous. Hence the use of water as a solvent for the polymerization is evidently advantageous. Therefore, in this study, investigations have been carried out to find the effect of pH of the electrolyte, effect of the size of the dopant ion, effect of the electrolyte concentration and the effect of the current density used in the polymerization on the in-situ conductivity of poly N methyl pyrrole in aqueous media. The polymerization current density has the largest influence on the conductivity. The conductivity increase with the decreasing current density. pH of the electrolyte also effects the conductivity. The films formed using higher acidic media seems to have high conductivity. As seen in the non aqueous media, the conductivity changes with the size of the anion and the concentration of electrolyte.
Histopathological Changes in the Nervous System of Goats Affected with Enterotoxaemia
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) De Silva, D. D. N.; Gunawardena, S. P. G. De S.
Enterotoxaemia caused by the toxins of Clostridium perfringens type D is an important disease of sheep and goats with a world wide distribution. The clinical manifestation of this condition is often associated with signs characteristic of nervous system disorders. Therefore, this investigation is aimed at studying the lesions in the nervous system of the goats affected with enterotoxaemia. Four Beetal goats with neurological manifestations, and belonging to the Nikaweratiya farm were included in this study. The animals aged between 2-4 years started showing neurological signs such as opisthotonus, ataxia, salivation, circling and nystagmus with a variable degree of paresis. Two of the animals were quadriplegic and showed excessive salivation, rapid breathing and hyperaesthesia. These severely affected animals succumbed to the condition within 36 hours after the onset of signs. Detailed necropsy and histopathological examinations were performed on the two dead animals and one animal which was sacrificed. Urine analysis and a toxicological study using intestinal contents for mouse inoculation were also performed. Necropsy revealed congestion and oedema of the lungs, hyperaemia 'and petechial haemorrhages in the small intestines and pulp like consistency of kidneys. Urine analysis revealed presence of glucose and protein. Presence of clostridial toxins in the intestines was demonstrated by the mouse inoculation test. Histological lesions were seen in the brain of all affected animals. These cerebral lesions were characterized by symmetrical focal areas of encephalomalacia. The early lesions showed oedema and the leakage of plasma and red blood cells from the veinules and capillaries in the affected areas. These lesions are characteristic of Enterotoxaemia and are useful in differentiating Enterotoxaemia from other neurological diseases in goats such as cerebrospinal nematodiasis and hypocalcaemia
Recovery of Sodium Hydroxide Form Embilipitiya Black Liquor by Electrodialysis
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Arulalanantham, M. E. I. N.; Shanthini, R.
A new type of electrodialyser unit to fractionate the Embilipitiya black liquor into sodium hydroxide, lignin and organic acids has been proposed and experimented in this work. Lignin deposition on and the consequent damage to the anode-side cellophane membrane that are generally associated with electrodialysis have been eliminated in the proposed unit. Also, bubbling of liquor in the anode compartment has been eliminated and erosion of anode electrode has been minimized. Even with the use of an ordinary membrane, such as cellophane, the cathode compartments of the proposed unit yield sodium hydroxide solutions of strength 0.1 M or more which has a good market value. Lignin which has a very high fuel value can easily be isolated from the end products of electrodialysis. Most importantly the polluting black liquor, upon electrodialysis followed by filtration, yields an almost colourless liquor with a pH of 6.1 and a TDS of 0.23 g/l which could be discharged on land for irrigation purposes as per the environmental standards of Sri Lanka. Thus an environmentally hazardous black liquor has been changed to an environmentally friendly liquor with valuable byproducts.
Recommendation of Rice Cultivars Based on Stability Analysis
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Thattil, R. O.; Marambe, B.; Abeynayake, N. R.; Abeysiriwardena, S. De Z.
Stability analysis was performed on yield data from the co-ordinated rice varietal trials, which were conducted at 13 locations using 34 cultivars (varieties). The data used in the analysis came from the trials conducted in 1993 Yala, 1993/94 Maha and 1994 Yala seasons. The stability parameters (Bi and Ai) and the variance components of the genotype x environment interaction were evaluated for each cultivar. Based on the results of the analysis general and specific recommendations can be made. In the 4 - 4'12month age group the varieties BG 1528, BG 1222 and BG 1959 performed consistently well in all locations and seasons and can be used for general recommendation. In the 3'12month age group BG 1639 and BG 94-1 can be recommended for general use throughout all locations, while in the 3 month group none of the varieties are suitable for general recommendation. Some varieties though not consistent in performance over all seasons and locations, performed well in I or 2 sites in I or more seasons. They are suitable specifically to these sites. Varieties BW 306-2 and AT 90-332 of the 4-4'12 age group can be recommended to Maha- Illuppallarna (in Yala) and Ambalantota (in Maha)respectively. The variety BW 326-3 (3'12 month) can be recommended to Paranthan, while BG 1492 (3 month) can be recommended to Labuduwa, and to Ambalantota and Paranthan in Yala.
Determination of Iron Status in a Rural Population in Sri Lanka: Prevalence of Anaemia and Oral manifestations
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Ranasinghe, A. W.; Cuncheer, S.
The study was carried out using a randomly selected individuals from ten Grarna Sevaka divisions of Kadugannawa M 0 H division. A total of 339 patients were used in this study and a detailed questionnaire was administered to record socioeconomic and clinical data of the subjects. Intravenous blood was drawn to assess haemoglobin level, packed cell volume and the blood picture. The data analysis was done using a programme called EPI INFO Version 5. A total of 190 females and 149 of males were screened and their mean ages 49.2 + / - 14.1 and 46.5+ / - 15.6 years respectively. Only 2.7% of the patients were pure vegetarian and more than 85% of the patients consumed either fish. dry fish or chicken. However, around 50% of the group did not consume beef Only 8.3% of the patients gave a history of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, however, nearly 14% patients had menorrhgia Almost 50% of the study group had symptoms associated with anaemia. This high figure cannot be attributed purely to anaemia because some of these symptoms were common to anaemia as well as other disorders. e.g. angina. In contrast only 14% of the patients had signs of anaemia and females formed a higher percentage(78%) of this group compared to males(22%). Atrophy of the tongue was the commonest clinical abnormality(15%) followed by angular cheilitis(6.2%) and abnormalities like koilonychia and brittle nails were rare among the patients. Nearly 35.6% of the patients had a haemoglobin level less than 12 g/d1. however, when the cut-off point was lowered to 11 g/dl, the percentage of patients above this value rose to 81.9%. Even at this level nearly 20% of the population were anaemic which is a significant portion of the population and this data demonstrate the value of routine screening for anaemia in populations.
Role of Electrocadiography in Diagnosis of Canine Cardiac Arhythmias- a Case Report
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Jayasooriya, L. J. P. A. P.; Pakiarajah, P.; De Silva, D. D. N.; Wijekoon, M. P. A.; Fernando, P. R. I.; Kalupahana, R. S.
Electrocardiography is a useful diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine. An electrocardiogram (E.C.G.) is quickly and easily recorded and interpreted. Also the information obtained is reliable. It is essential in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. A 7-year-old female Dalmatian was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a history of gradual loss of appetite, polydipsia, a dry cough and with enlarged abdomen. On clinical examination rectal temperature was 101 "P. Heart rate and arterial pulse rate were 124 beats/min. The oral and ocular mucosae were pale. The other symptoms included congested lungs, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Abnormal heart sounds also were detected on auscultation. An electrocardiogram was recorded and a lead II rhythm strip recorded at a paper speed of 25 mmlsec and sensitivity of 1 cm = 1 mV, is presented in this report. Cardiac rhythm was irregular due to the occurrence of unifocal ventricular premature complexes (VPCs). VPCs were not associated with P waves and were characterized by bizarre QRS complexes with large amplitude. The major QRS deflection was negative. In addition to VPCs, P waves may have been replaced by baseline F waves suggesting the presence of atrial flutter. VPCs are mostly associated with cardiac abnormalities such as congestive heart failure, pericarditis, cardiomyopathy or myocarditis. Atrial flutter can be associated with chronic mitral valvular fibrosis, ruptured chordae tendinae, or ventricular pre-excitations. Subject showed a considerable improvement with digoxin therapy. But sudden death occurred after a week following hypothermia and dyspnoea. Necropsy revealed cardiomegaly, blood tinged pericardial fluid, left atrioventricular valvular endocardiosis and thinning of ventricular walls.
Chemical Variations of Uncaria Ellipitca
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Chandrasena, W. D.; Diyabalanage, T. K. K.; Wannigama, G. P.
Uncaria elliptica is a woody climber, widely distributed in South and South East Asia. The species collected in Thailand and the species collected in Malaysia show chemical variations. This investigation reports chemical variations of the species within Sri Lanka itself Samples of the species were collected from the Kanneliya (KN) and Udawattakelle (UK) forest reserves. The KN plant and the UK plant showed minor differences in their triterpenoid compositions. The alkaloids of the two plants showed more striking differences. The KN plant gave ajmalicine, incorporating one molecule of tryptamine and one molecule of secologanin. The UK plant gave no ajmalicine, but gave the roxburghines, incorporating two molecules of tryptamine and one molecule of secologanin. The roxburghines are unique to the genus and among its 34 species, are found only in Uncaria elliptica.
Controversies on the Aetiology of Endemic Goitre in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Areseculeratne, Y. M.; Reginald, G. J.; Hemawardana, D. M.; Weerasekara, G. A. B.; Tammita, A.
Endemic goitre is widely prevalent in the wet zone en Sri Lanka. The exact aetiology of endemic goitre has not been fully understood though iodine deficiency has been thought to be the commonest cause. This study involved the investigation of hundred and eleven euthyroid goitrous female patients with regard to their thyroid status. The gland was assessed according to the classification endorsed by the WHO and the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (lCCIDD), and categorised into 3 grades. The tests included measurement of total serum thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone levels and 2 and 24 hour iodine uptakes following the administration of a tracer dose of radioactive iodine. Thyroid hormone levels were found to be within the specified 'normal' ranges, but a trend was observed whereby an increase in goitre size was associated with a fall in total serum thyroxine levels, which was not significant, a rise in total triiodothyronine, being significant between grades 2 & 3 (p < 0.05), and a significant fall in serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels between grades 1 & 2 (p < 0.03), as well as between grades 2 & 3 (p < 0.05). The radioactive iodine uptakes at both 2 & 24 hours showed a rise with increase in the size of the gland, the uptakes between grades 2 & 3 were significant in both instances, (p < 0.01) and (p < 0.05) respectively. The biochemical picture seen in these patients is not in keeping with that seen in patients from areas en confirmed iodine deficiency.
Tends in Land and Property Market in Kandy City
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Nawfhal, A. S. M.
The city of Kandy is characterized by its uniqueness as a provincial and district capital and a cultural center. Land and property within the city has an added value for its specific characteristics, namely compactness as a result of its landlocked nature, accessibility, availability of infrastructure facilities, perception towards living standard based on educational and employment facilities. The value of land and property continue to increase depending on the location, infrastructure and perception. Nevertheless, the competition for land and property for commercial and housing has become more distinct than any other urban functions. The size of land continuously reduces as a result of land : house ratio continue to shrink. As a result, the land and property in this city may rise by folds. Unless a proper planning with strict guidelines to control haphazard development within this urban environment is implemented, the city will have severe problems in the future.
Wave Energy Harnessing Device - the Oscilating Water Column with the Projecting Side Walls
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Obeysekara, B. R. K.; Gunawardana, S. D. G. S. P.
The oscillating water column (OWC) device basically consists of vertical rectangular cylindrical chamber and a tunnel with self rectifying air turbine which is fixed to the upper part of the chamber. The lower bottom of the chamber is opened to facilitate the oscillations of the water column inside the chamber. The oscillations cause the air to force out and suck into the chamber through the tunnel, hence turn the self rectifying turbine. Also this model has two projecting side walls towards the incident wave direction. These side walls help to focus the waves and increase the amplitude of the incoming waves to the chamber. This research is directed to harness available sea wave energy round the clock and to construct an energy harnessing device with high efficiency of work considering the factors such as geometry of the harnessing device and physico - mechanical characteristics of sea waves. This study is intended for small scale power generating units to harness energy for the sea going vessels; for battery charging and for small scale electricity units. The wave energy harnessing units will also be useful to the fishing comunity. Design of the device is researched analytically and experimentally, Analytically we found that the efficiency of the system depends on the function of wave characteristics and geometric parameters of the system. Experiments will be designed as random experiments to make a non linear regression model to define more accurate efficiency relationship with geometrical parameters of the chamber, and the wave characteristics. The combination square methods is used to identify the random experiments in this regard.
A Survey of Aphids and their Natural Enemies on Economic and other Plants
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Wjeratne, M. A. P.; Edirisinghe, J. P.
Aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) are a group of insects that live on plants and feed on the plant sap. Thereby, they are able to transmit viral diseases in plants. Over 4000 species of aphids are known to be present in the world, of which 300 species are potential viral vectors. From neighbouring India, about 1000 species of aphids have been recorded and half of them are endemic to that country. About 72 species of aphids had been reported from Sri Lanka prior to this study and these had been collected either from a few economic crops or insect traps. The objectives of this study were to carry out a swvey to identifY the aphid species that are present in the country, record the host plants of these aphids and to identify the natural enemies of the aphid. The swvey was carried out in 25 selected areas that came under 6 agro-ecological regions of the country. In each area at several sites, the natural vegetation and the cultivated plants were closely examined for colonies of aphids. A few aphids were collected into 70% alcohol and were later slide mounted and identified. Aphid colonies were further examined for parasitized aphids and insects predatory on aphids. The plants on which aphids were present were examined for probable signs of viral infection. Over 1000 plant species were examined during the study and aphid were present only in 300 plant species belonging to 72 plant families. A total of 48 species of aphids in 28 genera were collected and identified. Aphid infested plants included vegetable and other food crops; weeds, grasses and non grass weeds, ornamental plants, medicinal plants and forest trees. Amongst them were 15 species of endemic plants. Vegetables and non-grass weeds harboured the largest number of aphid species. Among the aphids collected were 21 aphid species in 8 genera that had not been recorded from Sri Lanka previously. Among them were three rare species of aphids. Majority of the aphids collected were present on several species of plants (polyphagous), while about 15 aphid species were restricted to one or two plant species. Two of the 7 endemic species of aphids recorded for Sri Lanka were also collected during the survey. Among the aphids collected were 27 species of aphids that are well known potential viral vectors. Yet, only 40 species of plants infested by 12 species of aphids showed probable signs of viral infection. Natural enemies of aphids collected consisted of 21 species of predators (F Coccinellidae, Chrysomelidae, Syrphidae and Chrysopidae) and 4 species of parasitoids (F. Braconidae). These natural enemies were mostly associated with aphids on vegetables and non-grass weeds.
Monitoring of Beragala Landslide
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Dissanayake, A. K.; Edirisinghe, A. G. H. J.; Seniviratne, H. N.; Abayakoon, S. B. S.
Landslips occur in many parts of the world, specially in hilly or mountainous terrain. In Sri Lanka landslides.are a major natural hazard. Out of many active landslides in the island, Beragala earthslip is particularly significant because of the possible disruption of the transportation system in the southern part of the .central highlands. This paper describes the geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring carried out as a part of a major research project to study the behaviour of the Beragala landslide. The landslide is monitored using GPS method, extensometers and precise leveling of embedded markers. It is expected that interpretation of the results of this instrumentation would lead to the identification of the mechanism of the landslide and thereby enable the determination of suitable remedial measures if required.
A. Preliminary Study on Worm Burden in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Goats and Its Association with the Packed Cell Volume Hemoglobin concentration, Total Protein and Eggs Per Gram of Faeces
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Hewawickrama, A. K. B.; Rajapakse, R. P. V. J.; Horadagoda, N. U.
Parasitic gastro-enteritis has been recognized as one of the major constraints to the development of the goat industry in Sri Lanka. Although some of the parasites responsible for the disease have been identified, the purpose of this study was to quantify relative numbers of each species in order to determine their significance in the usefulness of eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces and packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) percentage in the blood as indicators of the worm burden particularly blood sucking nematodes. Young goats (age-<18 months) brought mainly from dry zone to the Colombo municipal abattoir between January to July of 1996 were selected for this Study. Samples of blood were collected into EDT A for the estimation of PCV and Hb% and faeces were obtained directly from the rectum for determination of EPG. The gastrointestinal tracts were collected at the time of slaughter and the parasites in the contents of the abomasum, small and large intestines were identified and counted separately. The abomasum and small intestines were subjected to pepsin digestion in order to determine the presence of histrophic larvae. Nine species of helminths were identified in 124 of the 125 animals examined. One animal was parasite free. The nematodes present included Trichostrongylus colubriformis (78.72%), Oesophagostomum columbianum and Venulosum (89.36%), Haemonchus contortus (65.0%), Strongyloides papillosus (5.21%) Trichostrongylus axei (40.0%), Trichuris ovis (50.0%) and Bunostomum phlebotomum (2%). Moniezia benedine, a cestode was revealed in eleven animals (11.7%). The pepsin digested contents of the abomasum revealed larvae only in 11 animals (11.7%) and small intestines did not reveal any larvae. There was no association between the EPG, PCV and Hb% and the total worm burden. Conversely, the PCV and Hb% appeared to have a close relationship with the number of adult Haemonchus contortus present in the abomasum This research is an on going project and further the results would be evaluated in the near future.
Design and construction of a Digital vote counter
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Gammampila, S. P.; Uduwawala, K. R.; Sivakumar, V.; Premaratne, K.; Kareem, M. A.
In the present conventional voting procedure, each voter is expected to draw a cross in the cage against the name or the symbol of the candidate of his choice in the ballet paper provided to him Strict roles on the validity of a poll card such as the fact that the cross should not touch the adjoining cages, leads to a large percentage of invalid votes especially in countries like ours. It is also well known that some voters cast more than one vote using various illegal techniques. In this work we have designed and constructed digital vote counter with the aim that some of these difficulties could be overcome. This counter mainly consists of a receiving unit, logic system, and a result output unit. Here on the ballet card there is a hole for each candidate or his assigned symbol and the hole is covered by a sticker. The voter is expected to remove the sticker corresponding to the candidate of his choice and insert the card into the machine. If more than one sticker is removed or if no sticker is removed the logic system counts it as a rejected vote. Once the data is logically stored they are directed into the out put of the logic system Then the relays function in accordance with data and relevant data is shown in the seven segment display. The voter is not allowed to vote more than once since the machine rejects the second attempt till he or she leaves the place. As the counting is done electronically the results will be accurate and they can be released within a short time. Therefore, the use of such a machine in voting would be convenient, reliable and economical.
Fodder Biomass Yield, Feeding Value and Palatabilty of Shrub Fodder Species Grown in Marginal Lands in the Mid Contry of Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Perera, A. N. F.
Marginal lands in the mid country region are steep, heavily eroded and highly acidic. In most of these lands the top soil is limited to a very thin layer or completely cb;ent. Therefore, this study was conducted' to evaluate the potential of different shrub species for fodder biomass production. feeding value and preference by ruminants. This will provide an opportunity to introduce a profitable livestock. production system to generate a successful income source for the resource poor farmers in the mid country region. Legumes; Gliricidia sepium, Calliandra calothyrsus, Erythrina verigeta, Desmodium ransonii, F1emingia macrophylla and non legumes ; Tithonia diversifolia, Morus alba were established in double raw hedges, 7 meters apart. Leaf dry matter yields (LDMY) were estimated for 100m. linear lengths, with a lopping cycle of 16 weeks for a period of 1 year. Highest LDMY was observed in E. Verigeta (276±23 kg. DMIyear) and the lowest was in D. ransonii (86±12 kg. DMIyear). G. sepium, L. leucocephala, C. calothyrsus and F. macrophylla produced a LDMY of 205±17, 188±18, 165±10 and lOO±15 kglyear, respectively. Tithonia diversifolia and M .alba yielded 146±22 and 143±16 kgIyear, respectively. The Crude Protein (CP) content of leguminous shrub species ranged from 210±21 gIkg (F. macrophylla) to 270±21 gIkg (c. calothyrsus). In non leguminous species, T. diversifolia had a higher CP content (180±26 g/kg) than M alba (120±32 . lY'kg). Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) in all fodder species were above 300±21 g/kg., and the highest . was in F. macrophylla (480±63 g/kg.), Lignin content was highly variable between species, from as low as 81±14 g/kg, (D. ransonii) to as high as 284±26 g/kg, (F. macrophyllay. The In Vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was above 500 gIkg. in all fodder species, except for F. macrophylla (466±124 g/kg.). The highest rapidly degradable fraction (a) was in G. sepium (42.0"10)and lowest in F macrophylla (24.4%). The potential degradability (a+b) was highest in T. diversifolia (79.4%). The highest soluble .fraction of nitrogen were in G. sepium and E. verigeta (59.1 % and 52.6%, respectively). All fodder species, except F. macrophyl/a and C. calothyrsus consist a potential degradable nitrogen (a+b), above 80%. The most preferred fodder species was M alba and the least preferred was F. macrophy/la (720 and 300 g. DMldIhead). This study suggest that the legwninous and non leguminous fodder species performed successfully in marginal lands and open an avenue for ruminant livestock production through providing quality fodder biomass for feeding.
Antifertility Activity of Carica Papaya
(University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 1996-08-10) Nawarathnam, M.; Gunawardana, V. K.; Wimalasiri, W. R.; Pakiarajah, P.; Goonasekara, M. M.
There are widespread claims that certain plants have antifertility properties and the importance of plants as a source of antifertility drugs is well recognised (Farnsworth et al 1975). Such an agent would be useful particularly in the developing countries, since it would be cheaper. Also, a drug given in the form of a crude extract or semi-purified isolate would be more acceptable to rural people, in addition to being freely available. Carica papaya, the common papaw is a plant belonging to the family Caricacea. There are numerous reports from different parts of the world on the ethnomedical use of this plant as an anthelmintic, antibiotic, antipyretic and an insecticide. It has even been used as a substitute for tobacco in cigarettes. However, the most frequently cited uses of Carica papaya are on account of its activity on reproduction (Dhar et al 1978, Gopalakrishnan and Rajasekharasetty 1978). Oral administration of various parts of the plant, for example latex, fruit and seed, given as a water decoction is said to terminate pregnancy. In fact pregnant women in several countries such as Malaysia, India, Brazil and even in Sri Lanka are strictly prohibited from eating the fruit. There are also claims that the latex applied to the os uterus causes abortion. Despite these numerous reports the biological tests done on this plant are inadequate and inconclusive. Therefore the present work was undertaken to determine whether this plant has any activity which could cause termination of pregnancy. This investigation reports the potential antifertility activity of the seeds of Carica papaya. A bioassay routinely used in our laboratories to test plant extracts for antifertility activity was used in this study (Goonasekera et al 1995). An aqueous extract of sun-dried seed was prepared and yielded a dry weight equivalent of 40.6 g/kg when freeze dried. The dosage form was prepared by suspending the extract in distilled water, and the concentration was adjusted so that the maximum volume that could be administered to a rat did not exceed 0.2 ml. The rats used were of the Sprague-Dawley strain. The females were virgin rats 8-10 weeks of age and weighing 185-250 g. Their cyclicity was established by daily examination of vaginal smears. The males were less than 1 year of age, weighed 250-390 g and were proved fertile before use. The females were observed for two oestrus cycles and each female in proestrus was permitted access to a fertile male. Animals showing evidence of mating based on vaginal smears were divided into treated and control groups, each group consisting of ten rats. The extract was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.26 g/kg/day, for a period of ten days beginning on day 1 of pregnancy. The controls received distilled water. The vaginal smears and body weights were monitored daily. The females autopsied on day 16 revealed that although all rats were pregnant only three of the extract treated rats had normal foetuses. The mean number of foetuses in these three animals was 5.0 ± 2.6 compared to 9.5 ± 3.2 in the ten control rats. This difference was statistically significant. The number of implantation sites in the treated group was 8.25 ± 3.7 and that in the control group 9.7 ± 2.8. This difference was not statistically significant. The body weights of the rats in the control group showed a steady increase, but in the treated group although a gain in body weight was seen initially, this was not so after day 8 of pregnancy. The cessation of weight gain and the reduction in the number of normal foetuses suggest that the seeds of Carica papaya may have abortifacient activity in the rat. Further work aimed at determining the mode of action and the active ingredientls is continuing.

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