http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/5707 2026-04-09T02:45:19Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/1553 Title: Prevalence and associated factors of soil transmitted helminthes infestation among preschool children of Vadamaradchi Educational Zone Authors: Karunaithas, R.; Murugananthan, A.; Kannathasan, S. Abstract: This cross sectional study was designed to find out the prevalence of soil transmitted helminth infestation and associated factors among preschool children of Vadamaraadchi Educational Zone in Jaffna district. One preschool was randomly selected from each division (3) of the educational zone, and all the children (n=103) of selected schools were included in the study. Faecal samples were collected and examined by direct wet smear, salt flotation and formal ether concentration techniques. Demographic, socio-economic and health related behavior data were obtained from the parents using interviewer administered questionnaire. Prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes was zero in this study. Majority of the fathers were fishermen (55%), whereas most of the mothers were housewives (86%). Sixty five percentage (65%) of fathers and 68% of mothers studied up to G.C.E O/L. Eighty nine (86%) parents were aware of worm infestation. Ninety nine (96%) stated that they cleaned their children after defecation. Among them, the majority always (88%) and a few (8%) sometimes washed their hands with soap and water after cleaning. Almost an equal proportion of children used water sealed toilets (48%) and open ground (47%) for defecation. Fifty two (50%) children always and 43 (42%) children sometimes used foot ware when they went out. Most of the children (96%) received antihelminthic drugs. Seventy two children (70%) received the drug within the last 3months. The study indicates, the reduction in the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes could be mainly due to anti-helminthic prophylaxis and practice of hand washing by the parents. A case control study has to be carried out to confirm the above conclusion. The majority (70%) received more frequent anti helminthic prophylaxis. As there are reports of anti helminthic resistance, further study is needed to find out the appropriate intervals at which anti-helminthic prophylaxis to be given. 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/1552 Title: A preliminary study on the toxic effects of an emerging detergent (Prinso) on rat skin Authors: Dayasiri, P. B. I. A. K.; Chandana, E. P. S. Abstract: Toxic effects of household detergents on human skin have been reported previously. Recently emerged detergent “PRINSO” is extensively gaining popularity in many areas of Sri Lanka. “PRINSO” is also sold under other trade names such as “Ever Light”, “Vihanga” and “Diamond Light”. The product contains 2 sachets, one containing pink crystals (potassium permanganate) and the other containing white crystals (oxalic acid). Several cases have been reported on deliberate intoxication of “PRINSO” in order to commit suicide. Nevertheless, effect of “PRINSO” exposure on mammalian skin has not been reported. These observations prompted us to study the effects of “PRINSO” exposure (short-term) on mammalian skin. Twenty eight rats were randomly selected. In all rats, 4 cm2 area of skin was shaved on dorsal area just behind the neck. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups in which each group consisted of seven rats. Each group was randomly assigned for the treatments of distilled water, “PRINSO” and other two detergents namely “TIDE” and “SUNLIGHT”. Each shaved skin patch of the rats was treated with 5 ml of respective detergent solutions. Lesions were appeared after two days in the subjects where “PRINSO” solution was applied. Lesions were completely cured after 12 to 20 days. There were no detectable lesions in the groups treated with distilled water, “TIDE” and “SUNLIGHT”. These data indicates the primary toxic effects of “PRINSO” exposure on rat skin. Therefore effects of “PRINSO” on human skin should be tested rigorously. 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/1551 Title: Some Cautions on the US Model of Assessment in Engineering and Science Authors: Hoole, D.; Hoole, S. R. H. Abstract: The US model of assessing students is increasingly widespread and is pushed through so called reform efforts. This model includes take-home exams, homework and group work where the independence of the student’s work cannot be authenticated and is bankrolled worldwide by agencies such as the World Bank and the ADB under US influence. This paper surveys the extensive literature on academic cheating dating from the 1960s, confirms through a survey that the prevalent situation is unchanged and explains how the model works in real life, to serve as a warning to systems that blindly emulate the US model of assessment. The particular applicability of these observations to science and engineering courses is noted. 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/1550 Title: Comparison of the Kinetic Properties of Crude and Purified Xylanase from Bacillus pumilus with Commercial Xylanase from Aspergillus niger Authors: Kapilan, R.; Arasaratnam, V. Abstract: Xylanases showing better stability at alkaline pH and higher temperatures have potential applications in several industrial processes. The objective of this study is to compare the kinetic properties and stability of crude and purified xylanase from Bacillus pumilus with commercial xylanase from Aspergillus niger. Bacillus pumilus which can grow and produce xylanase above 40oC and pH 9.0 was selected for this study. Crude, purified and commercial xylanases showed zero order kinetics for 10 minutes and highest activity was obtained at 60°C and pH 9.0. The optimum pH for crude, purified and commercial xylanases were 9.0, 9.0 and 7.0 respectively at 60°C and the Michaelis constant by Lineweaver-Burk Plot for xylan were 3.1, 2.3 and 0.03gL-1 under the respective optimized conditions. The half-life of the crude and purified xylanase was highest at pH 9.0 and 50°C while that for the commercial enzyme was at pH 7.0 and at 60°C. 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z