Mathematical modelling to interpret disease transmissions in Sri Lanka

By Naleen Ganegoda (e-mail : naleen_cg@yahoo.com)
Department of Mathematics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Most recent approach regarding mathematical modelling in Sri Lanka is developing a model for the transmission of Lymphatic Filariasis (Barawa). It will cover three major aspects as ;

• Measures to determine epidemiological situation of an endemic area
• Mathematical approaches to describe parasite dynamics
• Transmission and resurgence potential after Mass Drug Administration

The Anti-Filaria Campaign of Sri Lanka will provide data for this modelling work. Vector Control Research Centre of India has agreed to provide assistance after considering the project proposal in this regard. This institute is one of the main researching bodies where World Health Organisation frequently collaborates with them.

Mathematical modelling is an effective tool in analysing the transmission of diseases. It paves the way for predicting the future impacts based on many epidemiological and immunological facts. There are two types of models used namely deterministic and stochastic. Deterministic models usually based on fundamental characteristics relevant to the disease and numbers of susceptible and infected are important variables while in stochastic models individual characteristics are taken into account.

Mathematical modelling will add more momentum to country’s research interests and it provides an opportunity to use scientific findings in decision making of administrative bodies.

Use of biofuel in India - from jatropha plant and sugrcane molasses

Sri Lanka can also adopt recent policy initiative from India to use biofuels. India has approved a national biofuel policy that states that by 2017, transport fuels in India need to contain 20 per cent biofuel, according to T V Padma of scidev.net.

Two main types of biofuels are envisaged: alcohol from plant wastes, chiefly sugarcane molasses, and biodiesel — oil produced from non-edible oilseed crops such as jatropha curcas, which can be blended with diesel.

The policy supports increasing biodiesel plantations on community, government-owned and forest wastelands, but not on fertile, irrigated lands. The government estimates 13.4 million hectares of barren land are available for jatropha cultivation, which could potentially yield 15 million tonnes of oil each year.

Get inspiration from other science exhibitions around the world

Each year the Royal Society showcases the latest science and technology at an exhibition in London. We invite teams working at the cutting-edge of research around the UK to talk about their work to the public.

2005 Exhibition
2006 Exhibition

Singapore Science Centre has several exhibition halls with more than 850 interactive and non-interactive science exhibits. Check Eco-garden.

Article on Sci-Dev on Enquiry-based science education is the way forward

See fire-balls (Gini bola) with Mathematics !

By Naleen Ganegoda (email : naleen_cg@yahoo.com)
Department of Mathematics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

A procession (perahera) with fire-balls; Fire-balls with Mathematics. What…….?

You may aware that all fire-ball artists try to demonstrate circular motions using fire-balls. There are horizontal as well as vertical fire-ball displays. Whatever it is, main concern is to maintain a suitable speed to have a circle of fire.

Now, let us enter into Maths; . This is the basic equation that governs a circular motion. Here v – tangential velocity,  – angular velocity and r – radius.

How can we catch up these terms from a fire-ball motion? Let us consider a motion of one fire-ball. If we keep our eyes with the fire-ball, the speed of rotating our eyes corresponds with w. Watch artist’s hands too! If w is high, hands are too quick. Now for v, keep your eyes in a particular point at the fire circle and try to tackle the speed of the fire-ball, when it is passing through that point. That speed is corresponding to v.

To display a fire circle, artists should maintain v appropriately in a higher value. Then relevant w is decided according to the length of the rope or stick that attaches the fire-ball. r represents this length. So, fire-ball artists are good users of Maths!

Finally, think of this as well.

“Don’t choose a position closer to the centre, when you are in a Merry-go-round”

Why is that? Guess the trick with .

Incredible Irrational Numbers !

By Naleen Ganegoda (email: naleen_cg@yahoo.com)
Department of Mathematics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

In Mathematics world, irrational numbers play a controversial role. If a number cannot be written as a division of two integers, then it is called an irrational number. √2 is the most common example in this regard.

Now, what is the incredible aspect of these irrationals? It comes with decimal representation of irrationals. The decimal representation of an irrational number belongs to infinite decimal category. This reveals that numerically, an irrational number cannot be interpreted exactly. For an instance, √2 has its decimal representation as 1.4142135……, where there is no termination or pattern to understand the numerical value. So, can we tell exactly what the amount √2 comprises? No, we cannot. But, surprisingly we can draw a length of √2 units exactly. Just think of the diagonal of a rectangular bilateral triangle with sides other than to diagonal are of unit length. According to the Pythagoras Theorem, it is √2. What a strange moment! We cannot tell what √2 is, but we can draw it in a paper! Is it a magic cheating our eyes?


Try this magic with more and more irrationals. If you hunt more, you get more.

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Special report on Nanotechnology from New Scientist

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