University of Kelaniya
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Browsing University of Kelaniya by Issue Date
Now showing 1 - 20 of 30
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Studies on the ecology of malaria in Sri lanka(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1984) WICKRAMASINGHE, MBThe present work incorporates studies on, the incidence of malaria in relation to rainfall, ecology of anopheline breeding in a riverine habitat and, the use of Aplcocheilus dayi, an indigenous fish for malaria control in Sri Lanka. Analysis of records for 1973 and 1974 for eight malarial districts showed an association between increased incidence of malaria and deficient rainfall. Seven species of anophelines - Anopheles varuna, Anopheles.vagus, A.. barbirostris A. annularis, A. nigerrimus, A. subpictus and A. culicifacies were found breeding in the margins of the Attanagalu Oya, the riverine habitat selected for ecological studies. A. culicifacies were not found in micro-habitats with emergent vegetation 12-15 cm in height. Anopheline breeding was directly related to the discharge rate of the river. However the colour, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total hardness, total alkalinity, free ammonia, albuminoid ammonia, chloride, total iron, bacteria and the plankton content of the Attanagalu Oya waters did not show a direct correlation with larval densities. Biological studies on A.dayi showed that the larger fish feed mainly on adult hemipterans, coleopterans and hymenopterans and on mosquito larvae. Female fish were observed to attain sexual maturity between 21 - 30 mm. Fluctuations of the gonadosomatic index indicated that they spawn more than once a year. Exposure of A.dayi to ambush, aldrex 25, endrex 20, actellic, propanex, azodrin 60, stam-F-34 and gramoxone showed that ambush was the most toxic of the pesticides tested. Large-scale field trials conducted in the Attanagalu Oya to determine the impact of A.dayi on anopheline breeding brought down the larval density by 86.9 percent, 71.1 percent , 86.6 percent and 81.5 percent within one week with fish stocked at 0.5, 0.9, 1.0 and 7.6 per square metre respectively. Reductions amounting to 94.4 percent and 88.9 percent were obtained at the end of two weeks with 0.5 and 7.6 fish per square metre respectively. The results are discussed in relation to the use of bio-environmental methods in an integrated approach for malaria control in Sri LankaItem Paule daru sankayawa pilibanda maupiya abhilasha ha apeksha; Sri lankawe gramiya ha nagarika paul asurin karana lada suwishesha adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1986) RATHNAYAKE, RLItem Chemical studies on some Myristica spp. and Curcuma longa(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1987) COORAY, NFThis thesis is comprised of two parts. Part I of the thesis deals firstly with chemistry of the phenolics of M.dactyloides seed kernel.A new arylalkanone, 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-9-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)nonan-1-one and five other ary]alkanones namely 1-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)tetradecan-1-one and malabaricone A-D were isolated for the first time from M.dactyloides seed kernel. Apart from 1-(2,6 dihydroxyphenyl)-tetradecan-1-one and malabaricone A, the other four compounds are reported for the first time from M.dactyloides. Oleic (27.7 percent) and myristic (18.1 percent) acids were found to be the major components in the fatty acids of M.dactyloides. Since the phenolics and fatty acids were found to be different to that of M. fragrans these two parameters could be used to detect the adulteration of nutmeg with M.dactyloides. Antibacterial studies revealed that except 1-(2,6-dihydroxy phenyl tetradecan-1-one other compounds at a level of 5 mg ml-l were effective against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. All compounds at the same concentration had no effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Secondly, variation of the yield and chemical composition of the nutmeg oil with agro-ecological conditions were studied during the major and minor harvesting seasons. Results showed that the physical parameters (optical rotation and refractive index) of the nutmeg oil from different agro-ecological zones were not significantly different. If the chemical composition of the oils are compared, it is found except in the zones of WM2 and WM!, there are no significant variation depending on the agro-ecological zones. Oils from WM1 (92.0 percent) contains more monterpenes than that of WM2 (78.9 percent). Part II of the study deals with the effect of maturity on some chemical constituents of turmeric rhizome. The variation of curcumins (I, II, III) content with maturity monitored by TLC-UV spectrophotometry and a technique based on TLC-UV densitometry developed during this study. The ratios of curcumins 1:11:111 in Sri Lankan turmeric was found to be approximately 9:3:4. Maturity did not affect this ratio. Advanced maturity resulted in a decline in curcumin content (percent w/w). Maximum curcumin per bush was attained about 9 month after planting. Curcumin content in mother rhizome was found to be slightly lower than that of fingers Essential oil content and composition varied significantly with maturity, sesquiterpenes (particularly turmerone and ar-turmerone) increased with maturity while monoterpenes (notably 1,8- cineole and alpha-phellandrene) declined in both mother sets and finger rhizomes. The optimum time for harvest to obtain maximum yield of essential oil was found to be 7.5 - 8.0 months.Item Bauddha ha batahira mano chikithsaka krama pilibanda adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1989) WIMALAWANSA, thera PARAGODAItem Some studies on the techniques available for aflatoxin analysis and their application(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1990) DAYANANDA, KRSeveral methods had been established for aflatoxin analysis. However, the choice of an appropriate technique depends on a number of factors such as the extent of aboratory facilities available, the matrix of food item, etc. It was concluded that (i) The AOAC (CB) method as modified by Roberts and using Sep-pak cartridge was the most appropriate for the food items considered here (ii). If the Pons method is used, the acetone/water mixture should be originally specified (70 : 30) and not changed to 85 :15 as given later by Pons (iii). Solvent extraction (n-hexane) as implied by the TPI G-70 report should not be practiced, even if it means the use of additional sol vent in the AOAC (CB) clean-up technique, because it leads to low recoveries. Results also sholwed that the HPLC (fluorescence) technique was most sensiti.ve (0.52-2 ng) and reproducible (coefficient of variation = 10 percent). The TLC densitometri.c (fluorescence) method was not far behind (sensitivity = 2.3 ng. CV = 10-20 percent). The TLC visual technique was least reproducible (CV = 20-40 percent) and its sensitivity was only 5 ppb. The range of aflatoxins in rubber seed lay most frequently bet"een 0-200 ppb. Rubber seed meal and oil was also analysed for aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxin in rubber seed oil (5-20 ppb) can be degraded by sunlight provided it is purified to remove a brown pigment. Nearly 150 samples of maize and a maize based product was analysed for aflatoxin using the AOAC (CB)/Roberts/HPLC technique. Resullts showed contamination levels were mainly in the region of 5-50 ppb. This is an important factor as maize is used as a raw material in infant and invalid food in this country. These techniques can be used when looking for aflatoxins at level above 5 ppb in spices also.Item Chemical and microbiological studies on some medicinal plants in Sri lanka(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1997) PERERA, TASChemical studies on six medicinal plants of Sri Lanka namely Kaempferia galanga, Hibiscus abelmoschus, Piper longum, Anamirta cocculus , Berberis aristata and Coscinium fenestratum are reported in this thesis, Antimicrobial studies on K. galanga, H. abelmoschus, P. longum and A. cocculus were carried out. The variation in the volatile oil contents in the rhizome and root of Kaempferia galanga(Zingiberaceae) with maturity as well as the percentage of the constituents present in each of these oils were determined by GC. The one year old rhizomes and two years old roots gave the highest yields of oil. The plants cultivated under coconut trees showed a higher rhizome oil content and lower root oil content than those grown in the open area. Major compounds of this oil were identified as ethyl cinnamate and ethyl p-methoxycinnamate. In rhizome oil the percentage of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate decreased with maturity while the percentage of ethyl cinnamate increased. In root oil the percentages of both compounds increased with maturity. Microbiological studies of this oil indicated that both these oils have shows antibacterial and antifungal activities. GC-MS studies showed that famesyl acetate was the major compound in the seed oil of Hibiscus abelmoschus (Malvaceae) grown in Sri Lanka. Previously unreported 2,3dihydrofamasene was identified by GC-MS from the oil. Although the seed oil showed antibacterial activity, it didn't show any antifungal activity. The piperine content in various parts of Piper longum (Piperaceae) plant, and its variation with maturity in the berries were studied by HPLC analysis. The results of this study shows piperine content in the local berries was lower than that reported for those from India. Further it was found that not only the berries but also roots, stems and leaves of local plant contain considerable amount of piperine. This study also indicates that the local berries gave the highest piperine content at the age of 2 months and the plants cultivated under coconut trees have higher piperine content than those from the open cultivation. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil of P.longum showed that it contained at least 76 compounds .Of these twenty were identified by mass spectral data.The compounds identified were alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, l-ethenyl-4 methoxybenzene,4 methyl-l-( I-methylethyl)-3-cyclohexen-l-ol,linalyl propanoate,3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-l-ol,2 undecanone,eugenol, l-ethenyl -1-methyl-2,4-bis (1 methylethyl) cyclohexane, caryophyllene,7, ll-dimethyl-3-methylene-l ,6,10-dodecatiene, 1, 1 ,4,8-tetramethyl-4,7, 10-cycloundecatriene, 3,7,II-trimethyl-l,6,10-dodecatrien-3-0l,caryophyllene oxide, methyl eicosonate, 8-heptadecene, tetradecanal, methyl hexadecanoate, hexadecanoic acid. The oil also showed marked antibacterial activity. Caseiniurn fenestraturn (Menispermaceae) is the plant which serves as the source of berberine in Sri Lanka in place of Berberis aristata (Berberidaceae) which is very rare in Sri Lanka but common in India. Berberine content in the two plants were- determined by HPLC. This study indicates that C. fenestraum has a higher berberine content than B. aristata found in Sri Lanka. Berberine content in the stem bark of commercial samples of C. fenestraurn purchased from the markets in Pettah was higher than those grown in Sri lanka. Tetrahydroberberine was characterised from the alkaloid of C. fenestrtum. Total alkaloid content in the leaves of A. cocclus (Menispermaceae) aws higher than in the stems. The triterpenoid 21-beta moretenone was charctersed from the stem and leaf extracts of A. cocclus. This is the first report of this compound from A. cocclus. Microbiological studies carried out on the stem and leaf extracts of A. cocclus showed that both extracts showed antibacterial activity but no antifungal activity.Item Watika prakaranaya hewath beheth guli kalka potha pilibanda nawa sanskaranayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1998) PONNAMPERUMA, AItem Mathdravya bhavithayata yomuweema ha niwaranaya kerehi balapana sanniwedana vidhi(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 1998) PALIHAWADANA, SItem Sri lankawe visha mathdrawyawalata ebbehi uwan punaruththapanaya kirima pilibanda samaja ha manovidyathmaka adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2000) KARUNANAYAKE, UPADKPItem Lama apayojanayata balapana samajamaya hethu sadhaka : Sri Lankawe lama apayojanaya ha ehi warthamana thathwayath, eya samajamaya getaluwak lesa wardenya weema pilibanda shethra adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2000) SILVA, WPItem Sri lankawe nishpadana karmantha shethrayehi sewa niyukthikainge saukya sanrakshanaya pilibanda adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2000) INDRANI, LNAItem Thanamalwila ashrayen Sri lankawe siya diwi nasa genima pilibandava samaja vidyathmaka vigrahayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2000) MENDIS, NJItem Gastrointestinal mobility in chronic alcoholics(University of Kelaniya: UK(MED)., 2001) FERDINANDIS, TGHCThe studies presented in this thesis attempt to extend the current understanding of the long-term effects of chronic alcoholism on gastrointestinal motility and the pathogenesis of alcohol related motility disturbances. Chapter 1 discusses the physiology of gastrointestinal motility and effects of alcohol on the gastrointestinal tract with special reference to the problem of alcoholism in Sri Lanka. Chapter 2 compares the results of ambulatory oesophageal manometry and pHmetry in 23 chronic alcoholics and 15 control subjects. The study shows for the first time that chronic alcoholism changes the circadian oesophageal motility pattern. Motility disturbances, such as the failure to increase the percentage of peristaltic waves during the meal period were found to be related to alcoholic autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy was also found to be partly responsible for lower oesophageal sphincter hypertension in alcoholics. Changes in contraction amplitude and duration in the distal part of the oesophagus during meal and supine periods were also observed in alcoholics irrespective of the presence of alcoholic neuropathy. Chapter 3 studies the influence of meal consistency on gastric myoelectrical activity using iso-caloric (170 kcal) carbohydrate test meals of different consistency. According to the results obtained from 18 healthy subjects, the solid and the semisolid test meals are capable of increasing the power of the postprandial EGG, while the liquid meal failed to do so. In chapter 4 gastric myoelectrical activity was studied in 18 chronic alcoholics and 10 control subjects using a solid carbohydrate test meal (375kcal). Alcoholics with autonomic neuropathy showed a significantly lower incidence of normal 3cpm wave activity in the postprandial period. Irrespective of the presence of neuropathy, alcoholics failed to increase the power of the EGG following the test meal. In chapter 5, assessed mouth to caecum transit time and colonic transit time as a measure of intestinal motility in 18 alcoholics and 21 control subjects. Lactulose breath test showed a significantly shorter mouth to caecal transit time in alcoholics irrespective of whether they had diarrhoea or not. Rapid intestinal transit seems to have no association with the presence of alcoholic autonomic neuropathy. Assessment of colonic transit using the radiopaque marker ingestion technique failed to show any significant difference in the rate of marker excretion in the alcoholic group compared to the control group. Chronic alcoholism is associated with altered circadian oesophageal motor activity, disturbed postprandial gastric myoelectrical activity and rapid small intestinal transit. The presence of oesophageal motility disturbances and postprandial EGG disturbances together (in alcoholics subjected to both oesophageal manometry and electrogastrography) shows the ability of alcohol in interfering with motor functions of more than one organ at a time. Altered circadian oesophageal motility and postprandial EGG disturbances could partly be attributed to alcoholic autonomic neuropathy.Item Sri lankawe lama apachara wardanaya weema kerehi balape samaja pasubima pilibanda samaja vidyathmaka adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2001) SUBASINGHE, AWKWItem Upadeshanaya sandaha yomu wana paul getalu pilibanda samaja vidyathmaka vimarshanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2001) MALDENIYA, GGMVItem Sri lankawe lama weradikaruwan punaruththapanaya kirime wedasatahan pilibandava samaja vidyathmaka adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2001) ABAYASUNDARA, PItem Rekiya sandaha demaupiyan wideshagathaweema daruwange addhyapana (sadana) mattam kerehi wana balapema pilibanda adhayanayak(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2002) ARIYAWATHEE, PKItem Focus sentences in child language(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2002) RANASINGHE, CSThis work is based on a research I conducted for my M. phil in University of Kelaniya. The aim of this research is to provide an introduction to child language acquisition and analyses an important sentence structure, namely focus sentences (emphatic sentences with emphatic meaning) in Sinhala child language, based on some concepts of GB theory. This thesis consists of six chapters including a conclusion. Data collection is also provided at the end of the book. Because I selected four children covering the whole language acquisition period, there may be slight differences between the counterparts of words in my data collection. But I did not consider such morphological difference in this research. Only their syntactic context is concentrated upon.Chapter one consists of an approach to the study. Here I introduce briefly the aims, purpose, background, methodology of the study and justification. Second chapter deals with language acquisition. In this chapter I pay my special attention on linguistic theory and child language. As an approach to the study, here I discuss the principle of structure dependency, which was acquired by children at the very beginning of their acquisition process. Brief descriptions of the organization of grammar and structures of language are included. Third chapter dea1s with focus formations of child language and contains a description of Sinhala syntax. In this chapter I introduce three kinds of focus formations identified by me in my study. Forth chapter contains a description of gradua1 growth of focus sentences in child language. It also discusses some significant formations such as over generalization and extra element addition, related to child focus sentences. Chapter five analyses data on the basis of sub concepts of GB such as control theory, pro drop nature, alpha movement, theta criterion, binding theory and subjacency. Chapter six is the conclusion of the study. I expect this thesis would revea1 few factors which would be helpful in research on syntax in language acquisition.Item Saukkaya ha swasthathawa pilibanda bauddha igenweema(University of Kelaniya: UK(ML)., 2002) SADDHARATHANA, thera KANATHEGODAItem Age related changes of the lumber spine and a study of causes and predisposing factors from low backache(University of Kelaniya: UK(MED)., 2002) KARUNANAYAKE, ALChronic low backache is an important health problem amongst Sri Lankans. The present study was undertaken to [i) determine the causes and risk factors for low backache.[ii) to describe age related changes in the number of cartilage cells in lumbar discs, intima media thickness of lumbar arteries and atherosclerosis of abdominal aorta and lumbar artery openings. I. [iii) to determine the association between such changes in the lumbar arteries and in the abdominal aorta with the number of cartilage cells in lumbar discs. iv) to describe the gross anatomical features of lumbar arteries. Initially, a case control study was carried out among 459 cases (patients with low backache) and 502 controls. Data was collected using a pretested structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Poor posture (OR=128.2), lack of exercise (24.5), positive family history (OR=16.2), education to less than the sixth grade (OR=2.2), daily alcohol consumption (OR =3.4), BMI\>24.9 (OR=1.5) and monthly income of more than Rs.20,000 (OR=2.6) were found to be significant independent risk factors for low backache. Another case control study was done on 130 cases (patients with low backache) and 133 controls assessing postero-anterior and lateral radiographs of the lumbar-sacral spine. Disc space narrowing (OR=16.9) and an Antero Posterior ratio of lumbar vertebra less than 0.9 (OR =10.1) were found to be significantly associated with low backache. Vertebral osteophytes and spondylolisthesis were not significantly associated with low backache. A descriptive cross sectional study was done on 31 adult postmortem specimens. Histological sections of the fourth lumbar discs and fourth lumbar arteries were prepared. The number of cartilage cells in lumbar discs (r= -0.45) and Intima Media Thickness (IMT) of lumbar arteries (r=-0.74) had a significant negative association with age. When compared to individuals under 43 years (median age of sample), individuals over this age were 12.5 times more likely to have atherosclerotic changes in abdominal aorta and lumbar artery openings. IMT of lumbar arteries and atherosclerotic changes in lumbar arteries did not have a significant association with the number of cartilage cells in the intervertebral discs when age was taken into account. Dissections were done on 109 adult cadavers to describe gross anatomical features of lumbar arteries. First to the fourth pair of lumbar arteries arose from a common single stem in 12 percent of cadavers and passed anterior to the crura of the diaphragm in 17 percent. There were several variations in the gross anatomical features of lumbar arteries from what is described in the literature. According to results of the present study, risk factors for backache among Sri Lankans are similar to risk factors found in other countries. In this study vertebral osteophytes and spondylolisthesis were not significantly associated with low backache. The present study was able to identify a new cut off value for A/P ratio that had a significant association with low backache, and for the first time demonstrate an association between the number of cartilage cells in annulus fibrosus and age of the subject. Several gross anatomical variations of lumbar arteries found in this study have also not been documented previously.