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Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a prevalência de idosos com uma ingestão adequada de água e seus fatores associados. Estudo transversal de base populacional realizado em 2014 com idosos (≥ 60 anos) participantes do estudo "COMO VAI?". Investigou-se o número de copos de água ingeridos/dia pelos entrevistados, considerando-se adequada a ingestão de pelo menos oito copos/dia. As variáveis independentes foram características sociodemográficas, comportamentais e de saúde. A regressão de Poisson foi utilizada para a investigação das associações. Foram entrevistados 1.451 idosos, sendo observado que uma baixa percentagem, 12,6% (IC95% 10,8; 14,7) referiu consumo adequado de água. Maior percentagem de consumo adequado de água foi observada nos idosos mais jovens, com excesso de peso, que apresentaram cinco ou mais doenças e que eram mais dependentes quanto à capacidade funcional. A tendência decrescente de ingestão de água em relação à idade torna essencial o desenvolvimento de ações voltadas para essa população de maior risco acerca da importância de uma ingestão hídrica adequada e das possíveis consequências do seu consumo inadequado.
Abstract The scope of this study was to determine the percentage of elderly individuals receiving an adequate water intake and associated factors among non-institutionalized elderly individuals in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. It involved a cross-sectional, population-based study carried out in 2014 with elderly participants (≥ 60 years) of the "COMO VAI?" survey. The amount of water ingested per day of the interviewees was investigated, considering the intake of at least eight glasses per day to be adequate. The independent variables were sociodemographic, behavioral, and health characteristics, and Poisson Regression was used to investigate associations. A total of 1,451 elderly people were interviewed, with only 12.6% (95%CI 10.8; 14.7) drinking a sufficient amount. A higher percentage of the elderly with adequate water consumption was observed in younger elderly individuals, those overweight, those with five or more diseases, and those who were more impaired. A low percentage of the elderly with an adequate water intake was observed among the elderly adults in the study. The decreasing trend of water intake in relation to age highlights the importance of developing actions for the higher risk population to stress adequate water intake and the possible consequences of the lack of adequate consumption.
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Objective: The moisture content in the soil directly affects the yield and quality of Panax notoginseng, especially at the age of three years old. However, the suitable moisture for the growth of P. notoginseng is unknown. In this study, the effects of different soil moisture on the growth of P. notoginseng were studied. Methods: Four different water treatments (0.45 field capacity (FC), 0.60 FC, 0.70 FC, and 0.85 FC) were set up in Shilin County, Yunnan Province, China. The water consumption and daily dynamic of water consumption were determined daily (from April 21 to October 18, 2012), and the daily dynamic of water consumption under different weather conditions (sunny and rainy) was determined. The transpiration coefficient and water use efficiency were calculated through dry matter accumulation and total water consumption. Accumulation of saponins of roots of P. notoginseng were analyzed by HPLC after treated, and the soil moisture content suitable for the growth of P. notoginseng was estimated by regression fitting of the active ingredient accumulation and the soil moisture content. Results: The water consumption of 0.85 FC, 0.70 FC, 0.60 FC and 0.45 FC were 2.89, 3.68, 3.37 and 2.73 kg/plant per day, respectively. The water consumption of P. notoginseng from June to August was greater than other months. The daily dynamic of water consumption on sunny days and sunny days after rain showed a “double peak” feature, and it showed a “single peak” feature on rainy days. The water uses efficiency (WUE) of 0.85 FC, 0.70 FC, 0.60 FC and 0.45 FC were 2.51, 3.32, 4.59, 3.39 gDW/kg H
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@#Introduction: Obesity and overweight in adolescents and adults are associated with chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of high-intensity interval training and pre-meal water intake on the lipid profile of overweight and obese students. Methods: This was a pre-post experimental study. Twenty-seven overweight and obese students (mean BMI 26.0±3.1 kg/m2 and mean age 19.7±0.7 years) were divided randomly into three groups. The first group (n=9; BMI=26.6±3.6 kg/m2) received Plain Water Intake (PWI) intervention, whereby students received three bottles of plain water (600 mL) per mealtime (total 1.8 L/ day) and consumed ad libitum 30 to 45 minutes before mealtime (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The second group (n=9; BMI=25.9±2.4 kg/m2) received High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) intervention and underwent three exercise sessions per week (18 minutes/day; 70–85% of HRmax) that was introduced through a video recording. The last group (n=9; BMI= 25.7±3.4 kg/m2) received a combination of PWI+HIIT intervention. Nutritional status, nutrient intake, and lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] were assessed before and after the interventions. Data were analysed using paired sample t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The PWI group showed a significant increase in HDL-C, while the HIIT group showed a significant reduction in TC (p<0.05). On the other hand, the PWI+HIIT group showed significant improvements in lipid profile (TC, TG and HDL-C) (p<0.05). Conclusion: A combination of PWI+HIIT intervention may be effective in improving lipid profile.
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Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo elaborar uma proposta para o reuso de água em um restaurante universitário no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, além de propor medidas para redução do seu consumo. Metodologia: Foi aplicado um formulário para quantificação do consumo de água nas etapas de pré-preparo de hortifrutigranjeiros e na higienização de pratos e talheres, em um período de 9 e 13 dias, respectivamente. Em seguida, foi estimado o volume, em litros, de água potável utilizado diariamente em cada etapa. Resultados: Na etapa de pré-preparo de hortifrutigranjeiros, calculouse que são utilizados 2.400 litros por dia; e na etapa de higienização de pratos e talheres, estimou-se o uso de 478 litros por dia. Desta forma, pôde-se calcular o volume total de 2.878 litros por dia que ficarão armazenados para o reuso com fins não potáveis, como por exemplo, a higienização do piso dos refeitórios do restaurante, o que representa 31,97% da quantidade necessária para limpeza de todo o restaurante universitário. Além disso, realizou-se a quantificação dos pontos de água para possível instalação de arejadores nas torneiras, no intuito de reduzir o consumo. Em seguida, elaborou-se o projeto do reservatório de água para reuso. Conclusão: Por fim, atestou-se a importância da proposta apresentada, tendo em vista a significativa quantidade de água com possibilidade de reuso que é desperdiçada diariamente, contribuindo-se assim com a preservação ambiental e diminuição dos custos do restaurante universitário. (AU)
Objective: The aim of the present study was to propose the reuse of water in a university restaurant in the state of Rio de Janeiro, as well as measures to reduce consumption. Methods: A form was applied to quantify water consumption during the pre-preparation of fresh produce and the sanitization of dishes and flatware, within a period of 9 and 13 days, respectively. Later, the volume of potable water used daily was estimated in liters. Results: The estimated volume of water used per day was 2.400 liters for pre-preparation of fresh produce and 478 liters of water per day for sanitization of dishes and flatware. Thus, a total volume of 2.878 liters of water per day for non-potable reuse was estimated, such as, for example, for the sanitization of the dining hall floor of the restaurant. In addition, the quantification of water points for possible installation of faucet aerators was made aiming to reduce consumption. Next, a project of the storage container for the reuse of water was developed. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the importance of the proposal is related to the significant quantity of daily wasted water that could be reused and thus, contribute to environmental preservation and decrease the water expenses of the university restaurant. (AU)
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Water , Water Recycling , Restaurants , Universities , Water Consumption (Environmental Health) , Gray Water , Water Reservoirs , Environmental ManagementABSTRACT
Abstract: Objective: We tested the effectiveness of the I prefer plain water educational strategy used to increase water consumption in elementary school children. Materials and methods: A community intervention trial was performed in eight public elementary schools in Mexico City. The schools were randomized into an intervention (IG) and a control (CG) group. Each school was provided water dispensers inside the classrooms. The IG received the educational strategy. The strategy was considered effective if the students increased their water consumption by ≥220 ml. Results: Water consumption in the IG increased 167 ml vs. 37 ml in CG (p < 0.001). The goal of the educational strategy for water consumption was achieved in 166/413 children in the IG and 95/364 children in the CG (p < 0.001). Conclusions: I prefer plain water, associated with free access to water inside the classrooms, proved to be effective to increase water consumption.
Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la estrategia Prefiero agua simple para incrementar el consumo de agua en niños de escuelas primarias públicas. Material y métodos: Ensayo de intervención comunitaria en ocho escuelas en la Ciudad de México. Las escuelas se aleatorizaron en grupo de intervención (GI) y de control (GC). Se instalaron dispensadores de agua dentro de las aulas. Implementamos la estrategia al GI. Consideramos efectiva la estrategia si los estudiantes incrementaron su consumo de agua en ≥220 ml. Resultados: El incremento global en el consumo de agua del GI fue de 167 ml vs. 37 ml en GC (p <0.001). La efectividad de la estrategia para el consumo de agua se logró en 166/413 niños del GI y en 95/364 niños del GC (p <0.001). Conclusiones: Prefiero agua simple, asociada con libre acceso al agua dentro de las aulas, demostró ser efectiva para incrementar el consumo de agua.
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Humans , Animals , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Child , Students , Drinking Water , Drinking , Health Promotion/methods , Carbonated Beverages/statistics & numerical data , Milk/statistics & numerical data , Sugar-Sweetened Beverages/statistics & numerical data , MexicoABSTRACT
Aims: To know the effect of chronic commercial sweeteners consumption in lymphocytes of Peyer’s patches. Study Design: A prospective, longitudinal, comparative and experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Nutrition Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine of Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx) between August 2018 and May 2019 and was approved by the Bioethics Committee. Materials and Methods: Two groups of male mice of different strains were used: 1) Balb/c and 2) CD1, both at 8 weeks-old age. The groups were divided into 4 subgroups: 1) Control (without sweetener), 2) Sucrose (table sugar, 41.66 mg/mL), and two groups of commercial sweeteners 3) Splenda® (sucralose 1.2%, with a concentration of 4.16 mg/mL), and 4) Svetia® (Steviol glycoside 0.025 g with a concentration of 4.16 mg/mL). The mice consumed the supplementation for 6 weeks. Also, were quantified plasma glucose, percentage of lymphocytes from Peyer’s patches, water and food consumption weekly. Results: Mice increased their body weight after 6 weeks of treatment. The animals of Control and Sucrose subgroups showed a significant body weight gain of 5 g compared with the Splenda® and Svetia® subgroups, which increased only 4 g. In the subgroup treated with Splenda®, the blood glucose was reduced significantly. Svetia® and Control groups consumed more water without sweetener. The differences in food consumption were between the subgroups, not between the strains. By the end, the percentage of lymphocytes from Peyer´s patches increased in the Sucrose subgroup but decreased significantly in other subgroups. Conclusion: The consumption of sweeteners may modify the lymphocyte population of Peyer's patches in the small intestine and this variation depends on the frequency of consumption the strain of the rodents and the type of sweetener.
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RESUMEN Los habitantes del sector El Terrenal, del municipio de Boavita-Boyacá, al no contar con el servicio de acueducto, utilizan las aguas del río Chicamocha, para la preparación de sus alimentos, limpieza y aseo personal. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar bacterias y protozoos presentes en el cuerpo de agua del río Chicamocha, a través de un análisis cuantitativo de riesgo microbiológico (ACRM). Para el desarrollo del trabajo, se realizaron cuatro muestreos, de abril a junio de 2016, en los márgenes y centro del río y un quinto muestreo de agua tratada con la planta Opuntia ficus-indica (Tuno). Se realizó el método de recuento en placa, usándose medios selectivos y diferenciales para el aislamiento de Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Enterococcus y la técnica de MacMaster, para la determinación de parásitos gastrointestinales (PGI). Para el análisis de la información, se emplearon los estadísticos no paramétricos de Kruskall-Wallis y U-Mann Whitney. Se determinó que, al menos, un lugar de muestreo es estadísticamente diferente a otro para Enterococcus faecium (P= 0,000) y los ooquistes de Entamoeba histolytica (P= 0,000). Por el contrario, para Escherichia coli no se observaron diferencias significativas entre las zonas, pero sí al menos una fecha de muestreo fue estadísticamente diferente (P= 0,026) a otra. En el agua tratada, se observó una disminución de los ooquistes de E. histolytica y un aumento en el porcentaje de E. faecium (P= 0,035).
ABSTRACT The habitants of the El Terrenal sector of the municipality of Boavita-Boyacá, have no access to the aqueduct service, and use water of the Chicamocha River for preparation of food, housework and personal hygiene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of pathogenic bacteria and protozoa, present in the water body of the Chicamocha River, through a quantitative analysis of microbiological risk (ACRM). For the development of the work, four samples were conducted from April to June 2016, in the margins and center of the river, and a fifth sample of water treated with the plant Opuntia ficus-indica (Tuno). The method of plate count was performed, using selective and differential media for the isolation of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Enterococcus and the MacMaster technique for the determination of gastrointestinal parasites (PGI). For the analysis of the information the nonparametric statistics of Kruskall Wallis and U-Mann Whitney were used. It was determined that at least one sampling site is statistically different from another for Enterococcus faecium (P = 0.000) and the oocysts of Entamoeba histolytica (P = 0.000). In contrast, for Escherichia coli no significant differences were observed between the zones, but if at least one sampling date was statistically different (P =0.026) to another. In the treated water there was a decrease in the oocysts of E. histolytica and an increase in the percentage of E. faecium (P= 0,035).
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RESUMO Este artigo descreve e discute os métodos usados, as dificuldades encontradas e os resultados obtidos em um programa de racionalização do uso da água desenvolvido por um programa de pesquisa da Universidade Federal da Bahia. Na universidade, foi alcançada redução de até 49% no consumo per capita. No aeroporto e em um shopping center de Salvador foram identificados cenários de reduções ainda maiores. Pesquisa de opinião justifica a admissão de alternativas inovadoras de grande impacto. Em um conjunto de prédios do Governo do Estado da Bahia as reduções atingiram 55, 72 e 82% nos três prédios mais comprometidos com o projeto. Os resultados obtidos levaram o Governo do Estado a estender o projeto a todos os seus prédios administrativos e às escolas públicas estaduais.
ABSTRACT This article describes and discusses methods, results obtained and difficulties found in a water-use rationalization program developed by a research program at the Federal University of Bahia. At the University we obtained a reduction of up to 49% in per capita consumption. At the airport and in a shopping center in Salvador we identified other scenarios for further reductions. Opinion survey justifies the admission of innovating high-impact alternatives. In a set of buildings of the State Government of Bahia, reductions reached 55, 72 and 82% in the three buildings most committed to the project. The results led the State Government to extend the project to all its administrative buildings and public schools.
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Resumo Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar o consumo de água e energia em quatro configurações do ciclo (número de pulsos na fase de condicionamento, tempo de secagem e valor de ajuste da profundidade do vácuo) para esterilização a vapor. Métodos: Estudo descritivo de quatro diferentes configurações de ciclo: na configuração A, os pulsos de vácuo da fase de condicionamento foram ajustados no total de três, com a profundidade de vácuo em 90 mbar e o ponto positivo de pressão em 1500 mbar. A fase de secagem foi ajustada em 45 minutos com a profundidade de vácuo em 90 mbar. Os consumos de água e energia foram medidos durante toda a fase de condicionamento e a cada 15 minutos durante a fase de secagem. Na configuração B, a profundidade de vácuo na fase de condicionamento foi de 150 mbar e os outros parâmetros foram idênticos aos da configuração A. Nas configurações C e D, o número de pulsos de vácuo foi ajustado no total de cinco, com o ponto positivo de pressão em 1500 mbar nas duas configurações e a profundidade de vácuo de 90 mbar e 150 mbar, respectivamente. Resultados: A água consumida durante a fase de secagem teve grande impacto sobre o consumo total de água durante todo o ciclo. Conclusão: Este estudo evidenciou que o aumento do tempo de secagem para solucionar pacotes molhados aumenta o consumo de água, um recurso natural escasso, que deve ser utilizado como última opção para obter pacotes secos ao fim do ciclo.
Resumen Objetivo: Este estudio tiene el objetivo de comparar el consumo de agua y energía en cuatro configuraciones del ciclo (número de pulsos en la fase de acondicionamiento, tiempo de secado y valor de ajuste de la profundidad del vacío) para esterilización a vapor. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de cuatro diferentes configuraciones de ciclo: en la configuración A, los pulsos de vacío de la fase de acondicionamiento se ajustaron en el total de tres, con la profundidad de vacío en 90 mbar y el punto positivo de presión en 1500 mbar. La fase de secado se ajustó en 45 minutos con la profundidad de vacío en 90 mbar. Los consumos de agua y energía fueron medidos durante toda la fase de acondicionamiento y cada 15 minutos durante la fase de secado. En la configuración B, la profundidad de vacío en la fase de acondicionamiento fue de 150 mbar y los otros parámetros fueron idénticos a los de la configuración A. En las configuraciones C y D, el número de pulsos de vacío se ajustó en el total de cinco, con el punto positivo de presión en 1500 mbar en las dos configuraciones y la profundidad de vacío de 90 mbar y 150 mbar, respectivamente. Resultados: El agua consumida durante la fase de secado tuvo un gran impacto en el consumo total de agua durante todo el ciclo. Conclusión: Este estudio evidenció que el aumento del tiempo de secado para solucionar paquetes mojados aumenta el consumo de agua, un recurso natural escaso, que debe ser utilizado como última opción para obtener paquetes secos al final del ciclo.
Abstract Objective: This study aims to compare water and power consumption in four cycle configurations (number of pulses in the conditioning phase, drying time, and vacuum depth set point) for steam sterilization. Methods: A descriptive study of four different cycle configurations: In configuration A, conditioning phase vacuum pulses were set to a total of three, with a lower vacuum set point of 90 mbar and a higher pressure set point of 1500 mbar. The drying phase was set for 45 minutes with a vacuum level of 90 mbar. Water and power consumption were measured during the entire conditioning phase, and every 15 minutes during the drying phase. In configuration B the conditioning phase vacuum set point was adjusted to 150 mbar and the other parameters were identical to configuration A. On configurations C and D, the quantity of vacuum pulses was set to five, with higher pressure adjusted to 1500 mbar in both configurations. The lower vacuum set point was adjusted to 90 mbar in configuration C and to 150 mbar in configuration D. Results: Water consumption at the drying phase had the most impact on the total water consumption for the entire cycle. Conclusion: This study shows that increasing drying time to solve wet packs will increase water consumption, a scarce natural resource, and should be the last option to achieve dry loads at the end of the cycle.
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Steam , Sterilization , Drinking , Equipment and Supplies, Hospital , Epidemiology, DescriptiveABSTRACT
RESUMEN El agua potable, como recurso limitado y escaso, debe ser estudiado desde diferentes perspectivas. Por una parte, inciden los agentes que prestan el servicio y, por otra, los consumidores. Por tal motivo, es imprescindible analizar el desempeño de quienes se encargan del suministro de agua y cómo se comporta la demanda de dicho recurso, para optimizar su gestión. En el siguiente trabajo, se describe, a grandes rasgos, cuáles son los actores involucrados en la prestación del servicio de agua en Colombia y se analiza el desempeño en la gestión de los últimos años. Además, se propone un modelo econométrico con datos de panel, donde las variables independientes, que explican el consumo, son la tarifa del servicio y el ingreso per cápita. Teniendo en cuenta estudios previos y la teoría económica, se observa que los planteamientos expuestos son consistentes. Asimismo, se percibe una mejora en los indicadores de gestión de agua en los últimos años.
SUMMARY Drinking water as a limited and scarce resource must be studied from different perspectives. On the one hand, the agents that provide the service and on the other the consumers. For this reason, it is essential to analyze the performance of water utilities and the behavior of the demand of this resource in order to optimize its management. The following work describes, in broad strokes, which are the actors involved in the provision of water service in Colombia and how their performance has been in the last years. In addition, an econometric model with panel data is proposed where the independent variables that explain consumption are the service tariff and per capita income. Considering previous studies and economic theory, it is observed that the exposed suppositions are consistent.
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ABSTRACT In the past decades, desert rose has become a very popular ornamental plant, especially among collectors, due to its exotic and sculptural forms. However, it has been grown on a commercial scale only recently, and little is known about how to best manage it as a container-grown plant, or even which potting medium (substrate) to recommend. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between potting media and irrigation levels for growing desert rose as a potted ornamental plant. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a 6 x 2 factorial arrangement with six replications, six potting media and two irrigation levels. The mixes were characterized by measuring their physical properties, specifically the density and water retention capacity (WRC), as well as chemical properties, such as the pH and electrical conductivity (EC). After 210 days, plant growth and plant water consumption were evaluated and measured. A lower dry density for the vermiculite mixes was observed in comparison to that for the sand mixes. However, WRC ranged from 428 to 528 mL L-1 among the mixes, values considered close to ideal. In general, plant growth exhibited higher increases in mixes consisting of coconut fiber + sand or vermiculite, regardless of the irrigation level. Mixes of vermiculite + coconut fiber and sand + coconut fiber can be used to grow desert rose in pots, as long as irrigation is used to maintain the moisture content of the potting medium (mix) between 60-70% and 80-90% of the WRC.
RESUMO Na última década a rosa do deserto ganhou destaque no mercado de flores, principalmente entre colecionadores, devido às suas formas exóticas e esculturais; porém, o cultivo da espécie em escala comercial é bastante recente e pouco se sabe acerca do manejo da cultura, inclusive no que diz respeito à recomendação de substratos. Assim, objetiva-se nesse trabalho estudar a interação entre substratos e níveis de irrigação no desenvolvimento de rosa do deserto em vaso. Conduziu-se o experimento em casa de vegetação em esquema fatorial 6 x 2, com seis repetições, adotando-se seis substratos e dois níveis de irrigação. As misturas foram caracterizadas mensurando-se suas propriedades físicas (densidade e capacidade de retenção de água - CRA) e químicas (pH e condutividade elétrica - CE). Aos 210 dias de cultivo avaliou-se o crescimento das plantas; além do consumo de água pela cultura. Para as misturas compostas por vermiculita verificou-se menor densidade seca em relação às compostas por areia; no entanto, a CRA variou de 428 a 528 mL L-1 entre as misturas, valores próximos aos considerados ideais. De modo geral, o crescimento das plantas teve maiores incrementos nas misturas compostas por fibra de coco mais areia ou vermiculita, independente do nível de irrigação. As misturas vermiculita + fibra de coco e areia + fibra de coco podem ser empregadas para o cultivo em vaso de rosa do deserto, quando se mantiver os níveis de irrigação entre 60-70% e 80-90% da CRA das misturas.
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RESUMO Os problemas relacionados ao abastecimento de água têm sido amplamente discutidos em âmbito mundial. Essas dificuldades ocorrem por diversos motivos, por exemplo, como resultado do processo de urbanização, da gestão inapropriada dos recursos hídricos e da infraestrutura inadequada do sistema de abastecimento. Diante disso, o presente trabalho buscou, por meio do apontamento das aplicações dos princípios protetor-recebedor e usuário-poluidor-pagador, e da verificação da eficiência do sistema de cobrança de tarifas sobre o consumo de água, identificar as formas de atuação desses princípios na redução do consumo de água residencial no município de Curitiba. Para isso, procurou-se estabelecer a relação entre os valores cobrados e o volume consumido de água residencial mediante a análise de indicadores de consumo e de remuneração da população. Foram identificadas as aplicações do princípio protetor-recebedor na gestão de recursos hídricos e foi investigada a fundamentação do princípio usuário-poluidor-pagador, uma vez que esse princípio respalda a cobrança dos serviços de abastecimento público.
ABSTRACT Problems related to water supply have been widely discussed worldwide. These difficulties occur for many reasons, for example, as a result of the urbanization process, the inappropriate management of water resources and the inadequate supply system infrastructure. Therefore, this study aimed, through the appointment of applications of the protector-receiver and user-polluter-pays principles, and the checking of the efficiency of collection of fees on water consumption system, to identify the ways of action of these principles in reducing residential water consumption in the city of Curitiba. For this, it was necessary to establish the relationship between the charge and the residential consumption of water through the analysis of indicators of consumption and population income. The applications of the protector-receiver principle in water resources management have been identified, and the grounds of the user-polluter-pays principle were investigated, since this principle supports the collection of public water supply services.
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RESUMO O consumo racional de água é assunto de grande importância e abrangência atualmente, pois está diretamente ligado à qualidade de vida da sociedade e ao crescimento econômico das cidades. Nesse contexto, equipamentos hidrossanitários economizadores de água são opções existentes para a redução do consumo em edificações. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de quantificar o impacto da troca de equipamentos convencionais por economizadores no consumo de água em uma instituição de ensino superior. Além da troca dos equipamentos, procurou-se analisar a influência de outras variáveis, como temperatura diária e número de alunos. Para a realização da pesquisa foram instalados hidrômetros em um dos edifícios da instituição, de modo a medir o consumo isolado em bacias sanitárias, torneiras de lavatórios, torneiras de limpeza, mictórios e bebedouros. O estudo foi dividido em etapas, com leituras antes das intervenções e após a substituição dos equipamentos convencionais por equipamentos economizadores de água (torneiras de lavatório e válvulas de descarga) e o ajuste de vazão dos bebedouros. Para a análise estatística, utilizou-se um modelo de regressão linear múltipla que contou com o consumo como variável resposta e as trocas dos equipamentos, o número de alunos e a temperatura diária como variáveis explicativas. Os resultados obtidos revelam que a troca das torneiras foi significativa para o consumo total diário na edificação, com redução de 12,34%. Em análise individual dos equipamentos hidrossanitários, a troca apresentou-se significativa para a diminuição do consumo de água de cada tipo de equipamento.
ABSTRACT Water conservation is a matter of great importance. It is directly linked to the quality of life of society and the economic growth of cities. In this context, water saving plumbing fixtures are an option for reduction of consumption in buildings. This study aims to assess whether the replacement of ordinary plumbing fixtures with water saving ones in a University campus has an influence on water consumption. Besides the replacement of the plumbing fixtures, the influence of other variables such as temperature and number of students is analysed. Water meters were installed in one of the campus buildings in order to measure the isolated consumption in toilets, taps, urinals and drinking fountains. The study was divided in two stages: metering before the intervention and after the replacement of ordinary equipment with water saving devices (lavatory taps and toilets) and adjust of drinking fountains flow. For statistical analysis, a multiple linear regression model was used with consumption as the dependent variable and plumbing fixture replacement, number of students and daily temperature as the explanatory variables. The results show that the replacement of taps was significant for the total daily water consumption in the building, with 19.77% of reduction. According to an individual analysis of the plumbing fixtures, the replacement proved to be significant for the reduction of water consumption.
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Patterns of water consumption among children and adolescents are not widely analyzed. The aim of the study is to assess predictors (including dietary habits, anthropometric and physical activity frequency) of water consumption in Mexican children and adolescents. The NutriRun is an International study started in 2011. Subjects' anthropometrics, health status and behaviours were assessed during the race Carrera Kinder Generación en Movimiento, which has taken place in Mexico City every April between 2011 and 2013. The analysis of factors associated with water consumption showed that, age (p-value 0.025), male gender (p-vale 0.011), to be overweight/obese (p-value 0.013) and beverages consumption (p-value 0.014) were significant predictors of water intake. Particularly, age, male gender and weight status were found to be in a positive relationship with water intake, while a higher level of beverages consumption was a predictor of lower levels of water intake. These findings might be taken into account in the development of public health policies targeting on increasing water consumption (which has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on health) among kids and their families(AU)
Los patrones de consumo de agua entre los niños y adolescentes no se han analizado ampliamente. El objetivo del estudio consiste en evaluar las tendencias y los factores predictivos (incluyendo hábitos dietéticos, antropométricos y frecuencia de la actividad física) de consumo de agua en niños y adolescentes mexicanos. El Nutri Run es un estudio internacional iniciado en 2011. La antropometría, el estado de salud y el comportamientos, fueron evaluados durante la Carrera Kinder Generación en Movimiento, que ha tenido lugar en la Ciudad de México cada mes de abril entre 2011 y 2013. El análisis de los factores asociados con el consumo de agua mostró que la edad (p-valor de 0,025), el sexo masculino (p-valor de 0,011), para estar en sobrepeso/obeso (p-valor de 0,013) y consumo de bebidas (p-valor de 0,014) fueron predictores significativos de la ingesta de agua. En particular, se encontró que la edad, el sexo masculino y el peso estaba en una relación positiva con la ingesta de agua, mientras que un mayor nivel de consumo de bebidas estaba un predictor de los niveles más bajos de consumo de agua. Estos resultados podrían ser tenidos en cuenta en el desarrollo de políticas de salud pública dirigidas a aumentar el consumo de agua (que se ha demostrado que tienen efectos beneficiosos sobre la salud) entre los niños y sus familias(AU)
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Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Drinking Water/administration & dosage , Nutrition Programs , Drinking , Feeding Behavior , Child Health , Nutritional Status , Diet, Food, and NutritionABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The irrigation water consumption of a soilless cucumber crop under greenhouse conditions in a humid tropical climate has been evaluated in this paper in order to improve the irrigation water and fertilizers management in these specific conditions. For this purpose, a field experiment was conducted. Two trials were carried out during the years 2011 and 2014 in an experimental farm located in Vinces (Ecuador). In each trial, the complete growing cycle of a cucumber crop grown under a greenhouse was evaluated. Crop development was monitored and a good fit to a sigmoidal Gompertz type growth function was reported. The daily water uptake of the crop was measured and related to the most relevant indoor climate variables. Two different combination methods, namely the Penman-Monteith equation and the Baille equation, were applied. However, the results obtained with these combination methods were not satisfactory due to the poor correlation between the climatic variables, especially the incoming radiation, and the crop's water uptake (WU). On contrary, a good correlation was reported between the crop's water uptake and the leaf area index (LAI), especially in the initial crop stages. However, when the crop is fully developed, the WU stabilizes and becomes independent from the LAI. A preliminary model to simulate the water uptake of the crop was adjusted using the data obtained in the first experiment and then validated with the data of the second experiment.
RESUMO: Com o objetivo de melhorar a gestão da água de irrigação e fertilizantes em condições específicas, foi avaliado, neste trabalho, o consumo de água de irrigação de pepinos cultivados sem solo em casa de vegetação. Para avaliar este efeito, conduziu-se um experimento de campo. O trabalho de pesquisa foi composto de dois ensaios realizados durante os anos de 2011 e 2014 em Vinces (Equador), onde predomina o clima tropical. Em cada ensaio, avaliou-se o ciclo de crescimento completo da cultura do pepino cultivada em estufa.O desenvolvimento da cultura foi monitorado e um bom ajuste para a função de crescimento tipo sigmoidal Gompertz foi encontrado. A absorção de água diária da cultura foi medida e relacionada às variáveis climáticas mais relevantes. Com o objetivo de modelar o consumo de água das culturas, dois métodos de combinação diferentes, isto é, a equação de Penman-Monteith e a equação Baille, foram aplicadas. No entanto, os resultados obtidos com estes métodos de combinação não foram satisfatórios devido a fraca correlação entre as variáveis climáticas, especialmente, a radiação incidente e absorção de água pela cultura (WU). Por outro lado, foi encontrada uma boa correlação entre a captação de água da cultura e o índice de área foliar (LAI), especialmente, nos estágios iniciais da cultura. No entanto, quando a cultura está completamente desenvolvida, o WU estabiliza e torna-se independente do LAI. Um modelo preliminar para simular a absorção de água da cultura foi ajustado e utilizado e, os dados obtidos do primeiro experimento foram comparados com os dados do segundo.
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Aims: Understanding how customers engage with and view their water usage is crucial to the design of more effective water demand management policies and programmes. This paper presents the findings of a small-scale research project that sought to explore customer attitudes to the use of water and its conservation, particularly in the context of seasonal tariffs used during the summer peak usage months (May to August). Study Design: The study adopted a qualitative approach, implemented through a series of faceto- face semi-structured interviews. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted with domestic water users in Bishops Stortford, East Hertfordshire (UK). The research was carried out by staff from the School of Life and Medical Sciences at the University Hertfordshire. The study was conducted over a period of 6 weeks. Methodology: A series of 20 face-to-face semi-structured interviews were carried out with a predefined sample population. The selected customers were split into two equal sized groups depending on their relative water usage to reflect either an increase or a decrease in water usage [as a consequence of Affinity Water’s seasonal tariff trial]. Results and Discussion: The study highlights study participants as being disengaged from their water usage and the associated efforts to reduce their usage, so simply increasing water prices at seasonal peak usage times was not, on this occasion, an effective method to adopt to reduce domestic water usage. However, by subsequently exploring customer attitudes towards a selected range of alternative water conservation measures, such as the subsidisation of water efficient appliances, and rebates for reduced water usage, it is established that alternative water conservation measures may have the potential to more effectively encourage a reduction in water usage. However, as the findings of this study also serve to highlight, the issue of ‘institutional trust emerges as a key issue to consider when seeking reductions in water usage by increasing its unit cost, with accusation of profiteering looming large. Conclusion: It is suggested that a richer mix of policy responses demand management will be needed to convince domestic water users of the need to reduce their water usage.
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Aim: To explore the relation between water consumption and water use behaviour and attitudes, and devices applied in households in urban areas in India. Methodology and Study Site: This paper presents the results of a domestic water consumption survey carried out in Jaipur, India. A questionnaire containing over 60 questions was developed to collect information on households’ characteristics (e.g. family size, household type, and number of children), indoor and outdoor water use activities and their respective frequencies and durations. Information was also gathered on the volume of water used in each of these activities. Over 90 households of different types (standalone houses and apartments in a university campus and Jaipur city) participated in the survey. The survey results were analysed using cluster analysis and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results show that the per capita consumption varies considerably with household type and size. The average water consumption was 183 and 215 litres/person/day for standalone households and apartments, respectively. Water used in bathing and WC's represent the highest proportion of water consumption in both stand-alone houses and apartments. Over 40% of the households reported no use of showers. The per capita water consumption is inversely related to family size especially in stand-alone houses. Conclusion: The information pertaining to water use habits and the qualitative and quantitative analysis can be used as an input to a proposed domestic water efficiency tool (DoWET) which can generate optimal water efficient composite strategies keeping in view a range of sustainability indicators including water saving potential, cost and associated energy consumption of the water saving devices and fixtures available in India.
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Objective: To validate the antidepressant effect of herb pair of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix by observing its interference effect in the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model of rats. Methods: After the interference of herb pair of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix in CUMS depression model of rats, those changes of rat body weight, sugar water consumption, and the opening activity behavior were observed. Results: After the interference of herb pair of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix in CUMS depression model of rats for two weeks, the test indexes of rat body weight, sugar water consumption, and the opening activity behavior were significantly increased in low-, mid-, and high-dose herb pair of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix groups. The effect of herb pair of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix on improving the behavior of rats with depression was proved. In addition, Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix could also improve the level of individual indicators in a certain degree. Conclusion: Herb pair of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix has the obvious antidepressant effect on rats and the antidepressant effect of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix separately is lower than it.
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Objective. Consumption of water may help promote health and prevent obesity in children by decreasing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. This study used evidence-based strategies to increase water consumption in Mexican-American and Mexican children. Materials and methods. In 2012, two schools in San Diego, USA and two other in Tlaltizapan, Mexico were recruited to Agua para Niños (Water for Kids), a program designed to promote water consumption among elementary grade students. Guided by operant psychology, the intervention focused on school and classroom activities to encourage water consumption. One control and one intervention school in each country were included. Results. Agua para Niños resulted in increases in observed water consumption and bottle possession among US and Mexican students. Teacher receptivity to the program was very positive in both countries. Conclusions. Agua para Niños yielded sufficiently positive behavioral changes to be used in a future fully randomized design, and to contribute to school nutrition policy changes.
Objetivo. Explorar cómo el consumo de agua proporciona salud y previene la obesidad en los niños al disminuir el consumo de bebidas endulzadas con azúcar, a partir del empleo de estrategias basadas en la evidencia para aumentar el consumo de agua en niños mexicanos y mexicano-estadounidenses. Material y métodos. En 2012, se eligieron dos escuelas en San Diego, EU y otras dos en Tlaltizapán, Morelos, México para implementar el programa Agua para Niños (Water for Kids), diseñado para promover el consumo de agua en los niños de nivel primaria. Bajo el enfoque de la psicología operante, la intervención se centró en las actividades escolares en general y dentro del aula para fomentar el consumo de agua. Resultados. Agua para Niños logró un aumento en el consumo de agua y la utilización personal de una botella con este líquido entre los estudiantes mexicano-estadounidenses y mexicanos. La receptividad del programa por parte de los maestros fue bastante positiva en ambos países. Conclusiones. Agua para Niños produjo cambios conductuales suficientemente positivos, lo que la hace una estrategia que puede utilizarse en futuros estudios aleatorizados que contribuyan a lograr cambios en las políticas escolares de nutrición.
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Humans , Male , Female , Child , School Health Services/organization & administration , Child Behavior , Drinking , Drinking Behavior , Health Promotion/methods , Reinforcement, Psychology , Water Supply , Beverages , Program Evaluation , California , Nutrition Policy , Pediatric Obesity/prevention & control , MexicoABSTRACT
Objetivo. Describir los conocimientos cotidianos acerca del consumo de agua simple en adultos "pequeños bebedores" y "grandes bebedores" de agua simple. Material y métodos. Estudio cualitativo realizado entre abril y agosto de 2010 en México. Se conformaron ocho grupos focales con informantes clave adultos de nivel socioeconómico bajo; la mitad de los grupos se conformaron con hombres y la mitad con mujeres. El análisis de datos fue realizado mediante: a) codificación y categorización de acuerdo con literatura revisada acerca de hidratación, y b) mapeo conceptual, reconociendo proposiciones y afirmaciones hechas por los participantes. Resultados. Pequeños y grandes bebedores tienen conocimientos cotidianos similares sobre el agua simple; utilizan los mismos ejes epistemológicos para explicar la ingesta de agua simple en función de lo que "el cuerpo necesite". Ambos grupos tienen la noción de que el agua simple y el refresco "pueden ser dañinos" si se beben en exceso. Conclusiones. El conocimiento cotidiano sobre el agua se relaciona con el refresco, bebida que sirve para comparación y como sustituto. Los conceptos sobre el agua y el refresco se construyen con base en la experiencia personal y en las nociones sobre el efecto de ambos en el cuerpo y en la mente. Estas representaciones se utilizan para valorar la ingesta de líquidos y pueden constituirse como barreras para el consumo de agua simple.
Objective. To describe and compare the everyday knowledge about plain water consumption among "small" and "big drinkers". Materials and methods. A qualitative study was conducted between April and August 2010 in Mexico. Eight focus groups with low socioeconomic status adults as key informants were conformed; half of the groups were conducted with men and half with women. Data analysis was conducted with: a) coding and categorization according to hydration literature review b) conceptual mapping, recognizing propositions and affirmations made by the participants. Results. Small and big drinkers have similar everyday knowledge about plain water intake. Both groups use the same epistemological axes to explain its intake: "what the body needs". Both groups have the notion that plain water and other beverages such as soda "may be harmful" if you drink them in excess. Conclusions. Everyday knowledge about water is related to soda and drinks used to substitute water intake. The characteristics of water and soda intake are constructed based on personal experience and insights on their effect on the body and mind. These representations can be used to assess fluid intake and may constitute barriers to the consumption of plain water.